Cualli yohualli
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Nahuatl as Cualli yohualli.
Cualli yohualli is used as a farewell when parting from someone at night, rather than a greeting upon arrival.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cualli (good) and yohualli (night).
Did you know?
- Ancient Nahuatl speakers used highly formalized 'difrasismos', where two words are paired to create a third, metaphorical meaning, though Cualli yohualli is a direct expression.
- The sounds in Cualli yohualli are part of a phonology that includes the 'tl' sound, a voiceless alveolar lateral affricate that does not exist in English.
- While cualli means 'good', it is also used to describe things that are 'ripe' or 'ready', suggesting a state of completion or perfection.
Example conversation
Citlali and Cuauhtémoc are saying goodbye at the end of the day.
- CitlaliCualli yohualli, Cuauhtémoc.Good night, Cuauhtémoc.
- CuauhtémocCualli yohualli, Citlali.Good night, Citlali.
- CitlaliTinechpahuizque mani.We will see each other tomorrow.
- CuauhtémocHuemahui.Goodbye.
