ayą́
/ʔɑ̀jɑ̃́/
The English phrase "eat" is translated to Navajo as ayą́.
ayą́ is a verb used to describe the act of eating a meal.
Meaning: eat a meal (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔɑ̀jɑ̃́/
Did you know?
- Because Navajo uses classifiers, the way you say 'eat' can change depending on the physical properties or the shape of the food being consumed.
- The root of ayą́ involves a stem that indicates the action is ongoing or durative, rather than a completed single event.
- Depending on the region and dialect, the nasalization in the pronunciation of ayą́ can vary, reflecting the diverse geography of the Navajo Nation.
Example conversation
Justin and Jessica are sitting down for dinner.
- JustinAyą́, Jessica.Eat, Jessica.
- JessicaÁákóhóósh.I am hungry.
- JustinYáá'ááł.It is ready.
- JessicaAyą́yááł.I will eat now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ayą́, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayą́, CC BY-SA 4.0.
