Akkadian phrases

Learn Akkadian: Ancient Phrases, Vocabulary & Culture

Native Tongue – Exploring the Language of Akkad

Basic Akkadian Greetings & Phrases

Shulmu – Health, Hello (informal)

Shulumma Heemeen – May you have good health (formal greeting)

Ana shamash? – What’s your name?

Enu [name]-im – My name is ...

Shumu – Name

Minu ittu? – Where are you from?

Babyloni ittu – I am from Babylon

Alupu intil? – Where do you live?

Akkad intil – I live in Akkad

Famous Akkadian Expressions

“Ištar ekallim šarrūt.” – Ištar is the queen of the heavens.

“Ninurta ilāni rabu.” – Ninurta is the great god.

“Ereshkigal šu nadîr.” – Ereshkigal holds the key to the underworld.

“Nin-ĝir-su ul īnāṭ.” – Ningirsu, the hero of Girsu.

“Nam-šub šarru.” – The farmer serves the king.

Common Akkadian Vocabulary

• Ilû – God
• Šarru – King
• Kišû – Earth
• Māru – Son
• Nin – Lady
• Rābû – Great
• Enūma – When
• Šu – Hand
• Alpu – Slave
• Gimillu – Worker
• Zamāru – Song
• Kussû – Throne

The Legacy of the Akkadians

The Akkadians were among the first to form an empire in Mesopotamia. Their innovations in administration, law, and military organization influenced subsequent civilizations.

The Akkadian language, through its cuneiform script, became the lingua franca of the region for centuries and contributed significantly to the development of writing systems.

Note: Akkadian is an extinct language, and our understanding comes from extensive archaeological studies.

Quick Quiz

1. What does "Ilû" mean?

King
God
Hand

2. Translate "Shulmu".

Hello / Health
Earth
Worker