gad
/kàt/
The English word "cedar" is translated to Navajo as gad.
gad refers to a coniferous tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family.
Meaning: coniferous tree in family Cupressaceae (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/kàt/
Did you know?
- Because Navajo is a tonal language, the specific pitch used when saying gad can distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.
- In Navajo culture, gad is often used in traditional ceremonies for its purifying properties, where the smoke from burning cedar is believed to cleanse a space.
- The term gad encompasses several species of conifers that English might separate into 'cedar' and 'juniper' depending on the botanical classification.
Examples in context
- Gad.It is a cedar.
Example conversation
Brandon and Amanda are looking at trees in a forest.
- BrandonHózhóóh, gad bíí'ááł?Look, is that a cedar tree?
- AmandaÁá, gad t'áá áánígo t'áá áánígo hólǫ́.Yes, there is just one cedar tree.
- BrandonGad t'áá áánígo hólǫ́ t'áá áánígo.It is a very beautiful cedar.
- AmandaÁá, t'áá áánígo hólǫ́.Yes, it is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
