daalkizhígíí
In Navajo, the English word 'colors' is expressed as daalkizhígíí.
The term refers to the visual property of an object that is perceived by the eye.
Did you know?
- The color blue is often used interchangeably with green in traditional Navajo descriptions, as both fall under the same conceptual category.
- In Navajo cosmology, the color white is associated with the East and the beginning of the day.
- Because Navajo is an Athabaskan language, many words for physical properties, including 'colors', are structured as complex verbs rather than simple nouns.
Example conversation
Tyler and Sarah are looking at a painting.
- TylerSarah, daalkizhígíí tʼáá átʼé.Sarah, the colors are just right.
- SarahÁáʼá, tʼáá áání.Yes, they are very beautiful.
- TylerKéyah daalkizhígíí łání.The colors of the land are light.
- SarahTʼaaí lą́ʼ ałtah.They are just a little light.
