shí
The phrase 'I am' in Navajo is expressed by shí.
This phrase is used to identify oneself or to state one's own condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Navajo, shí means 'I'. Unlike English, the actual verb 'to be' is often implied by context or incorporated into the verb itself rather than being a separate, standalone word. For example, to state your name, you use a specific construction with shí and the verb yinishyé (to be called) to say 'I am called…'.
Did you know?
- In traditional Navajo culture, identifying oneself using shí often involves mentioning one's clan. To say 'I am' is not just about an individual, but about stating the maternal clan and paternal clan to establish a kinship connection.
- The word shí belongs to a family of languages that includes the Athabaskan languages of Alaska and Canada. This means the word for 'I' has distant relatives thousands of miles away in the far north.
- Navajo grammar does not have a direct equivalent to the English verb 'to be' as a copula. Instead of saying 'I am [adjective]', the adjective itself functions as the verb.
Examples in context
- Shí éí Kii yinishyé.I am called Kii. / My name is Kii.This sentence shows how to use shí within the construction to say 'I am called [name]'.
- Shi éí Sarah yinishyé.I am Sarah
- Yá’át’ééh, Alex yinishyé.Hello, I am Alex
Example conversation
Justin and Amanda are introducing themselves to each other.
- JustinShí éí Justin.I am Justin.
- AmandaKóó, shí éí Amanda.Hello, I am Amanda.
- JustinÁádóó, t'áá áánííníí.Then, I am just joking.
- AmandaHááshí?What did you say?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry shí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
