tàhtli
The English word "dad" is translated to Nahuatl as tàhtli.
The term is used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Did you know?
- Historically, Nahuatl uses a system of 'reverential' speech. When speaking about a father or a person of high status, specific suffixes are added to the sentence to show deep respect, moving beyond just the word tàhtli itself.
- The phonetic structure of tàhtli contains a lateral affricate, a sound that is quite rare in English and requires specific tongue placement against the teeth.
- In traditional Nahuatl culture, the concept of a 'father' often encompasses the extended paternal kinship group, not just the individual male parent.
Example conversation
Yolanda and Juan are talking at home.
- YolandaJuan, ¿amo tàhtli tàhtla?Juan, is dad saying something?
- JuanAmo, no tàhtli tlazyaui.No, my dad is sleeping.
- YolandaNi-quinequi tàhtli.I want dad.
- JuanXipilhuia tàhtli.Wake up dad.
