łį́į́ʼ
The English word horse is łį́į́ʼ in Apache. Wiktionary also lists chelee.
Meaning: members of the species ''Equus ferus'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| Apache |
|---|
| łį́į́ʼ |
| chelee |
The term is used to refer to members of the species Equus ferus.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Among Western Apaches, the word for horse is often pronounced as tsiłaa or tsiłang.
Did you know?
- In some historical contexts, the introduction of the horse changed the very way Apache speakers used verbs of movement, as they began to describe riding rather than walking.
- In many Apache dialects, the word for 'horse' is closely linked to the concept of wealth and status, as horses were central to the economy and warfare after the Spanish arrival.
- The word łį́į́ʼ utilizes a lateral fricative, a 'hissing' L-sound that does not exist in standard English.
Example sentences for Apache are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Mary and James are looking at animals in a field.
- MaryŁį́į́ʼ bee tʼááshįįʼ.The horse is over here.
- JamesŁį́į́ʼ tʼáá łéʼéʼ.That horse is very fast.
- MaryÁáʼ náníłį́į́ʼ.It is a good horse.
- JamesÁáʼ tʼaaʼ łéʼéʼ.It really is fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries łį́į́ʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
