hakʼaz
/hɑ̀kʼɑ̀z/
The Navajo word for cold (adjective) is hakʼaz. Wiktionary also lists sikʼaz.
Meaning: having a low temperature (adj)
Ways to say it
| Navajo | IPA |
|---|---|
| hakʼaz | /hɑ̀kʼɑ̀z/ |
| sikʼaz |
Both hakʼaz and sikʼaz are used to describe something having a low temperature. You may also encounter the related noun dikos, which refers to a cold as an illness, such as the flu or a catarrh.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/hɑ̀kʼɑ̀z/
Did you know?
- The word hakʼaz is built from two parts: the prefix ha-, meaning 'area' or 'space', and a root for 'cold'.
- Navajo uses a 'classifier' system in words like sikʼaz to categorize the type of subject that is experiencing the cold.
- The word hakʼaz uses a glottal stop, a sharp catch in the throat, which is essential for the correct pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Hakʼaz.It is cold.
Example conversation
Sarah and Justin are talking about the winter weather.
- SarahHooló hakʼaz.The weather is cold.
- JustinÁáʼYes, it is.
- SarahDíí tʼáá hakʼaz.It is very cold today.
- JustinKʼad tʼáá łééh.Now it is just right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cold” translations and entries hakʼaz, sikʼaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hakʼaz, sikʼaz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
