[tlhIngan Hol] Klingon Word of the Day: yanwI'

[Steven Boozer]

Klingon word: yanwI'
Part of speech: noun
Definition: swordfighter
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(KGT 61):   There is also the verb {yan}, which means wield or manipulate (a sword). A swordfighter, then, would be a {yanwI'}, literally a "sword wielder"); the word for the specific type of sword may be, but need not be, included. It is thus proper to say {betleH yanwI'} (bat'leth wielder) or {betleH yan} (He/she wields a bat'leth).

(KGT 79):  ... in addition to saying {betleH yan} (He/she wields a bat'leth), one could say {betleH raQ} (He/she controls a bat'leth).

(KGT 60f):  The word {'etlh} is used for sword in general, but it really means blade of any kind... Another word normally translated sword, {yan}, is more specific, referring to swords (that is, weapons with long blades) only.

CULTURAL NOTES:

  "Tawi'Yan is a term in Klingonese meaning 'sword-bearer'. In a Klingon wedding the Tawi'Yan was their equivalent of Earth's best man. Alexander Rozhenko acted as the Tawi'Yan in his father Worf's wedding to Jadzia Dax in 2374." (DS9 "You are Cordially Invited"; cf. http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Tawi'Yan)

  The Yan-Isleth, or "Brotherhood of the Sword", is an elite Klingon division charged with protecting the chancellor, whom they guard at all times; i.e. it's his personal security force. (DS9 "Apocalypse Rising")

SEE:
yan  		wield,  use or manipulate a sword (v)
yan  		sword (n)
yanoy  		a known {bang pong} (n) [cf. KGT 201]
yan 'ISletlh  	Yan-Isleth (n)

- naH jajmeywIj betleH vIyanbe' 
   In my vegetable days, I did not wield a bat'leth. (KGT)

- chaHvaD nIb yan wIjwI' jan je 
  They don't know how to distinguish a sword from a plough! (PB)

- Qang QanmeH yan 'ISletlh Damuv 'e' wIvlu'. 
   You are chosen to serve on the Yan-Isleth and protect the chancellor. (MKE)

--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons