chahałheeł
The English word "dark" is translated into Navajo as chahałheeł.
chahałheeł is an adjective used to describe an environment or object that is characterized by an absolute or relative lack of light.
Meaning: having an absolute or relative lack of light (adj)
Did you know?
- Depending on the specific dialect or morphological analysis, the word can be interpreted as containing a directional component meaning 'up out'.
- The word chahałheeł incorporates a third person subject prefix, meaning the grammar itself assumes the darkness is a subject performing an action.
- Navajo is a verb-heavy language where many words that English treats as adjectives, like chahałheeł, actually function as verbs describing a state of being.
Examples in context
- Chahałheeł.It is dark.
Example conversation
Amanda and Kyle are walking outside at night.
- AmandaDíí kʼáád chahałheeł.It is dark tonight.
- KyleÁáʼáá, tʼáá ákoodi.Yes, it is very dark.
- AmandaDíní lą́ʼí bee tʼáá ákoo.Use the flashlight then.
- KyleÁą́ą́, díí yee tʼáá ákoo.Okay, I will use it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chahałheeł, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chahałheeł, CC BY-SA 4.0.
