xoxouhqui
The English word blue is translated into Nahuatl as xoxouhqui.
The term xoxouhqui is used to describe the color blue. In many Nahuatl dialects, this single adjective is used to describe both blue and green objects, as these two colors are often treated as a single category.
Meaning: blue-coloured (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, xoxouhqui means green-colored.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective xoxouhqui is used to describe both blue and green objects in many Nahuatl dialects, as the distinction between these two colors is often treated as a single category.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Nahuatl contexts, the concept of 'blue-green' is tied to the center of the universe and the concept of fertility.
- In the Aztec world, xoxouhqui was associated with the preciousness of quetzal feathers, which appear both green and blue depending on the light.
- Modern Nahuatl speakers influenced by Spanish now often use the loanword azul to specifically mean 'blue' while reserving xoxouhqui for 'green'.
Examples in context
- Xoxouhqui in atl.The water is blue.
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are looking at the sky.
- JuanNilhuia, ¿ca xoxouhqui in ilhuicatl?Tell me, is the sky blue?
- MariaQuema, xoxouhqui ca.Yes, it is blue.
- JuanTlen otlacuilix xoxouhqui quinequi Maria?What blue ink does Maria want?
- MariaXoxouhqui tlamachtiliani quinequi.She wants teacher's blue.
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