daʼadłą́
The Navajo verb for 'drink' is daʼadłą́.
daʼadłą́ is used to describe the action of consuming liquid through the mouth.
Meaning: consume liquid through the mouth (verb)
Did you know?
- Navajo uses a complex system of prefixes that can turn a simple verb like 'drink' into a phrase describing who is drinking, what is being drunk, and how it is being held.
- While English uses 'drink' as a general verb, Navajo verbs for consuming liquids often change based on the container's shape, such as whether the liquid is in a bowl or a cup.
- Because Navajo is an Athabaskan language, the verb 'daʼadłą́' is built upon a complex stem that acts more like a mathematical formula than a simple word.
Example conversation
Michelle and Tyler are at the dining table.
- MichelleTó daʼadłą́, Tyler.Drink some water, Tyler.
- TylerÁnííł, tʼáá áéí.Thank you, I will.
- MichelleDoo yáʼátʼééh daʼadłą́?Are you not drinking much?
- TylerTʼáá ááshį́į́.I'm just sipping.
