How to Say “Animals” in Navajo

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naaldlooshii
/nɑ̀ːlt͡lòːʃìː/
The English word "animals" is translated into Navajo as naaldlooshii.
naaldlooshii is used to refer to living creatures that are not human.

How do you pronounce it?

/nɑ̀ːltlòːʃìː/

Did you know?

  • The term naaldlooshii can be used to refer to skinwalkers, legendary beings who can transform into animals.
  • The word naaldlooshii is built from a verb phrase meaning 'it is trotting about', rather than a noun meaning 'animal'.
  • Navajo linguistic structure often prioritizes what a being is doing over what a being is, making 'animals' a collection of active processes.

Example conversation

Justin and Jessica are visiting a wildlife sanctuary.

  1. Justin

    Naaldlooshii t'áá áání?
    What do the animals say?
  2. Jessica

    T'áá ákooda'ą́.
    They just make noise.
  3. Justin

    Naaldlooshii łéé' yee naasháá.
    I want to walk with the animals.
  4. Jessica

    Hastiin, t'áá áání.
    Man, you are just talking.

Sources

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Georgia Leonie
Georgia LeonieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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