dzaanééz
/t͡sɑ̀ːnéːz/
The Navajo word for donkey is dzaanééz.
dzaanééz refers to the domestic animal known as a donkey or an ass.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/tsɑ̀ːnéːz/
Did you know?
- Donkeys were introduced to the Navajo by Spanish settlers, meaning dzaanééz describes a non-native species brought to the Americas.
- The word dzaanééz is a descriptive compound that literally translates to 'long ears'.
- In Navajo culture, donkeys were historically essential for transporting goods across the rugged terrain of the Four Corners region.
Examples in context
- Dzaanééz yáʼátʼéé.The donkey is good.
- Dzaanééz łį́į́ʼ.The donkey is small.
Example conversation
Amanda and Justin are visiting a farm.
- AmandaDzaanééz łigai bee ayóó góneé.The white donkey is very large.
- JustinÁádóó dzaanééz t'áá łóóh.But the donkey is very slow.
- AmandaDzaanééz bee tʼáá áání.The donkey is just standing there.
- JustinDíí dzaanééz bee nááshá.I will ride this donkey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dzaanééz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dzaanééz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
