Chʼéédidéeshhoshísh?
Chʼéédidéeshhoshísh? is the Navajo phrase for "can I go to the bathroom?"
This phrase is a polite request used when asking for permission to use the restroom.
Did you know?
- Navajo is an agglutinative language, meaning this single word chʼéédidéeshhoshísh is constructed from several distinct pieces of meaning that would require an entire sentence in English.
- In Navajo culture, expressing a physiological need like using the bathroom is often handled with extreme indirectness to maintain social harmony and politeness.
- Navajo uses many glottal stops and lateral fricatives, sounds that require specific tongue positions English speakers rarely use.
Example conversation
Jessica is in a class and asks Tyler, the teacher, for a break.
- JessicaTyler, chʼéédidéeshhoshísh?Tyler, can I go to the bathroom?
- TylerÁáʼ, áádááʼ.Yes, go ahead.
- JessicaAhéheeʼ.Thank you.
- TylerHózhóóh.You're welcome.
