łeejin
The English word coal is łeejin in Navajo. Wiktionary also lists tsékǫʼ.
Meaning: uncountable: carbon rock (noun)
Ways to say it
| Navajo |
|---|
| łeejin |
| tsékǫʼ |
łeejin is the specific term used for the carbon-based fuel known as coal.
What does it mean word for word?
The word łeejin literally means coal.
Which one should you use?
While łeejin specifically refers to coal, the form tsékǫʼ is a more general term that refers to a stone or rock.
Did you know?
- The word tsékǫʼ for coal is a poetic combination of 'rock' and 'fire', effectively describing the object as 'fire-rock'.
- In the Navajo language, the concept of 'black' in łeejin is used as a suffix to modify the root for soil.
- The root tsé for rock appears in many other Navajo words, showing how the language builds complex ideas from basic elemental terms.
Examples in context
- Łeejin dóó tsékǫʼ.Coal and rock.
Example conversation
Michelle and Justin are preparing a fire for warmth.
- MichelleŁeejin łóóʼóóʼąąʼ tʼáá ááko.Put some black coal in there.
- JustinTʼáá ááko, Michelle.I'll put it in, Michelle.
- MichelleŁeejin tʼáá átʼééʼ.The coal is really burning.
- JustinÁádóó tʼáá łééh.Now it is very hot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coal” translations and entries łeejin, tsékǫʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tsékǫʼ, łeejin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
