łizhin
/ɬɪ̀ʒɪ̀n/
The Navajo word for black is łizhin.
The word łizhin is used as an adjective to describe something that is absorbing all light.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form łizhin is used to describe one or two objects, while the form daalzhin is used when describing three or more objects.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its form based on the number of objects being described. Use łizhin for one or two objects, but switch to daalzhin for a group of three or more.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɬɪ̀ʒɪ̀n/
Did you know?
- Navajo colors are often tied to a directional and spiritual system where black is associated with the West and the night.
- The word łizhin incorporates a 'ni-modal' subject prefix, which technically embeds the concept of a third person subject into the color itself.
Examples in context
- Mósí łizhinThe (one or two) cat is black.This sentence is useful for describing one or two cats using łizhin.
- Mósí daalzhinThe (three or more) cats are black.This sentence is useful for describing three or more cats using daalzhin.
- Shił dootłʼizhThe hair is black.
Example conversation
Jessica and Kyle are looking at a piece of clothing.
- JessicaŁizhin tʼáá ákótʼééh?Is it completely black?
- KyleÁáʼ, łizhin tʼáá ákótʼééh.Yes, it is completely black.
- JessicaTʼáá łizhin łééʼ yíʼááł.I want the black one.
- KyleŁizhin tʼáá ákótʼééh tʼééʼ łééʼ.That one is definitely black.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries łizhin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries łizhin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
