łį́į́ʼ
/ɬĩ́ːʔ/
The English word horse is łį́į́ʼ in Navajo.
łį́į́ʼ is a noun used to refer to members of the species Equus ferus.
Meaning: members of the species ''Equus ferus'' (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɬĩ́ːʔ/
Did you know?
- The modern Navajo word for 'dog' is łééchąąʼí, which translates literally to 'shit pet'.
- In Navajo, the concept of a 'pet' is embedded in the word łį́į́ʼ, showing that the horse was viewed as a companion rather than just livestock.
Examples in context
- Łį́į́ʼ deenaatʼą́ą́ʼ.The horse is beautiful.
- Łį́į́ʼ bił naash.He rides the horse.
Example conversation
Michelle and Justin are looking at animals in a field.
- MichelleŁį́į́ʼ nihígo.Look at the horse.
- JustinÁáʼí, łį́į́ʼ tʼáá łééchą́ą́ʼ.Yes, the horse is very big.
- MichelleTʼáá łééʼ łį́į́ʼ bee náníłtsooí.I want to ride a horse.
- JustinDoo tʼáá átʼééł góóʼ.That might not happen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries łį́į́ʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries łį́į́ʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
