ndikʼąʼ
In Navajo, the word for cotton can refer to either the fabric or the plant depending on the form used. ndikʼąʼ. Wiktionary also lists naakʼaʼatʼą́hí.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Ways to say it
| Navajo |
|---|
| ndikʼąʼ |
| naakʼaʼatʼą́hí |
Which one should you use?
ndikʼąʼ refers specifically to the material or fabric made of cotton. In contrast, naakʼaʼatʼą́hí refers to the cotton plant itself or the cotton boll rather than the processed fabric.
Did you know?
- The word ndikʼąʼ is etymologically linked to the idea of 'burning', suggesting a possible historical connection to the way certain materials react to fire or the way the color of cotton appears in certain contexts.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Jessica and Brandon are looking at fabric for a project.
- JessicaNdikʼąʼ tʼáá ákootʼééh, Brandon.This cotton is just right, Brandon.
- BrandonÁáʼí, tʼáá łééchxíní.Yes, it is very smooth.
- JessicaNdikʼąʼ bee naʼashjéʼ níłchíní?Do you want a cotton shirt?
- BrandonÁą́h, tʼáá łééʼ.Yes, definitely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cotton” translations and entries ndikʼąʼ, naakʼaʼatʼą́hí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ndikʼąʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
