shash
[ʃaʃ]
The English word bear is translated into Apache as shash. Wiktionary also lists tsét'soyé.
Meaning: large mammal of family Ursidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Apache | IPA |
|---|---|
| shash | [ʃaʃ] (narrow) |
| tsét'soyé |
This noun refers to the large mammal of the family Ursidae.
Which one should you use?
The forms tsét'soyé and shash are both used for bear.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western Apache, the term ga’ii is used for bear.
Did you know?
- The Apache word tsét'soyé is structured more like a short descriptive sentence than a single name, which is a common trait of the broader Athabaskan language family.
- The specific root for shash in Proto-Athabaskan did not just mean 'bear' in general, but referred specifically to the 'black bear'.
- In traditional Apache belief, bears are often seen as supernatural beings, meaning that using the word shash in certain contexts can be an act of spiritual respect rather than a simple label.
Examples in context
- Shash bił nahii.A bear is near.
- Shash tʼá łee.There is a bear.
Example conversation
James and Mary are hiking in the woods.
- JamesShash koo'shį́!A bear is here!
- MaryTéé nishł'ééh.I am scared.
- JamesShash łidii, nishł'ééh.That is a bear, I'm scared.
- MaryTéé nishł'ééh, nąą góshį́.I'm scared, let's go away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bear” translations and entries shash, tsét'soyé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries shash, CC BY-SA 4.0.
