abe' yistiní
The English phrase "ice cream" is translated into Navajo as abe' yistiní.
abe' yistiní is used to refer to the dessert known as ice cream.
Meaning: dessert (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of abe' (ice) and yistiní (it is sweet/it is a sweet thing).
Did you know?
- In Navajo culture, the concept of sweetness, represented by the word yistiní, is often used to describe things that are pleasant or desirable, not just culinary sugar content.
- While abe' yistiní is the literal translation for ice cream, many Navajo speakers may use the English word 'ice cream' in casual conversation due to the global nature of the product.
- Because Navajo is an extremely descriptive language, many modern foods are named by their physical sensations or tastes rather than a single noun. For ice cream, the name literally describes the object as 'it is sweet ice'.
Example conversation
Sarah and Brandon are deciding on a dessert at a restaurant.
- SarahDoo láníi bee nitsékees?What are you thinking about?
- BrandonAbe' yistiní nilí.I want ice cream.
- SarahShił abee łání.I like it too.
- BrandonAbe' yistiní t'áá áánígo bee łááshdlí.Let's just get some ice cream.
