sitsilí
The English phrase "little brother" is translated into Navajo as sitsilí.
The term refers to a male sibling who is younger than the person speaking.
Did you know?
- The Navajo language often uses kinship terms to address people who are not biologically related, meaning you might call a younger male friend sitsilí.
- In Navajo, kinship terms like sitsilí are highly dependent on the speaker's gender, meaning a sister and a brother would use different words to refer to the same person.
- Navajo kinship systems often prioritize the maternal line, so the way one refers to a 'little brother' can shift based on whether the relationship is through the mother or father.
Example conversation
Jessica is introducing her sibling to Brandon.
- JessicaSitsilí éí tʼáá áání.My little brother is very small.
- BrandonÁáá, tʼáá áání.Oh, he is very small.
- JessicaSitsilí éí biniyááł.My little brother is the youngest.
- BrandonHózhóóni bitsʼááł.He is cute.
