tóbikʼázhóozhí biiʼ hazʼánígi
The Navajo word for "bathroom" is tóbikʼázhóozhí biiʼ hazʼánígi.
This term refers specifically to a room that contains a bathtub.
Meaning: a room with a bathtub (noun)
Did you know?
- The complex structure of tóbikʼázhóozhí biiʼ hazʼánígi is an example of how Navajo creates new words for modern objects by combining ancient roots for water and containment.
- If you were to change the pitch of the word tó, you could actually change its meaning from 'water' to something else entirely. The meaning of the 'bathroom' phrase is therefore strictly dependent on correct tonal application.
- Navajo uses a complex system of noun classifiers that allows a speaker to describe the shape or physical nature of an object within the word itself.
Example conversation
Amanda and Justin are at home.
- AmandaJustin, tóbikʼázhóozhí biiʼ hazʼánígi bee łichíː?Justin, are you in the bathroom?
- JustinÁáʼ, tóbikʼázhóozhí biiʼ hazʼánígi bee łichíː.Yes, I am in the bathroom.
- AmandaÁádááʼ, tʼáá áájiʼ nitsáá?Okay, is it clean?
- JustinÁáʼ, tʼáá áájiʼ nitsáá.Yes, it is very clean.
