kéyah
/kʰɛ́jɑ̀h/
The Navajo word for the Earth (as the planet) is kéyah.
kéyah is used to refer to the Earth as a place, territory or a country.
Meaning: third planet of the Solar System (name)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, kéyah means land, territory or a country.
Which one should you use?
While kéyah refers to the Earth as a place or territory, the word niʼ is used for the physical substance of rock, dirt or ground. The word niʼ can also refer to an electrical connection.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kʰɛ́jɑ̀h/
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest that kéyah might be constructed from the words for 'foot' and 'under', implying a concept of 'land under one's feet'.
Example conversation
Sarah and Brandon are looking at a model of the solar system.
- SarahKéyah t'áá áání.Here is the Earth.
- BrandonÁá kʼééʼ dínééʼ tʼáá áání.That is where the people are.
- SarahKéyah łahjí t'áá áání.There is only one Earth.
- BrandonHózhóóníní.It is beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kéyah, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kéyah, CC BY-SA 4.0.
