Cuneiform Sign Ni2

It can mean “self” or “fear”; the surrounding word decides. In a reflexive phrase such as ni₂-zu (“yourself”), it has the self value. In other contexts, it carries the fear value.

A following sign can change a compound: ni₂ RI means “to frighten,” while ni₂ GAL refers to “awe-inspiring radiance.”

Proto-cuneiform period material includes a sign conventionally labelled NI₂, but early labels do not map one-to-one onto later signs. In Early Dynastic IIIa writing, the Fara group of early Sumerian texts kept NI₂ and IM distinct; at Abu Salabikh, another early text tradition, the distinction had weakened. Babylonian lexical lists preserve both values, matching fear with Akkadian puluḫtu and self with ramānu. Akkadian was another ancient Mesopotamian language. The sign appears in written words and ritual lines, including an incantation.

Why is there a 2 in NI₂?

The subscript distinguishes this sign from other signs read ni. It is part of the scholarly sign name, not a count or a reading instruction.

What should I read if someone sends 𒉎 alone?

Treat it as a cuneiform reference; alone, it has no settled translation. If the sender means one of its Sumerian values, surrounding signs or an explanation are needed to identify which one.