dootłʼizh
/tòːt͡ɬʼɪ̀ʒ/
The English word blue is translated into Navajo as dootłʼizh.
dootłʼizh is used to describe something that is blue-coloured. It also functions as a noun meaning the colour blue.
Meaning: blue-coloured (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form dadootłʼizh is used specifically when describing three or more objects as being blue.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form changes from dootłʼizh to dadootłʼizh when describing three or more objects.
How do you pronounce it?
/tòːtɬʼɪ̀ʒ/
Did you know?
- The association between dootłʼizh and the dime coin dates back to the green-colored fractional currency notes used during the American Civil War.
- A dime is referred to in Navajo as a dootłʼizh, literally calling the coin 'blue' or 'green'.
- The Navajo word dootłʼizh doesn't just describe a color but is actually a verb form describing the state of being blue or green.
Examples in context
- Łóóʼ dootłʼizhThe (one or two) fish is/are blue.This sentence is useful for describing one or two fish using dootłʼizh.
- Łóóʼ dadootłʼizhThe (three or more) fish are blue.This sentence is useful for describing three or more fish using dootłʼizh.
Example conversation
Justin and Michelle are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- JustinTʼáá dootłʼizh bííʼyą́?Is it completely blue?
- MichelleÁą́ dínééʼ dootłʼizh.It is a blue color.
- JustinTʼáá áádishłééh.I really like it.
- MichelleDootłʼizh tʼáá áání.It truly is blue.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blue” translations and entries dootłʼizh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dootłʼizh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
