áłtsʼíísí
The Navajo word for little is áłtsʼíísí.
The adjective áłtsʼíísí is used to describe something that is small in size.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Did you know?
- In Navajo, the concept of 'small' is often expressed through classifiers that change depending on whether the object is round, long, or flat.
- Navajo often uses different words for 'small' depending on whether the size is considered cute, insignificant, or physically tiny.
- Navajo uses a complex system of prefixes and suffixes to modify size, meaning a single word like áłtsʼíísí contains grammatical information about the subject and its state.
Example conversation
Jessica and Justin are looking at a new puppy.
- JessicaNizhónígo áłtsʼíísí tʼáá áłtsʼíísí.The little puppy is so small.
- JustinÁá', tʼáá áłtsʼíísí.Yes, it is very little.
- JessicaÁłtsʼíísí łóóʼyááʼ tʼáá áłtsʼíísí.The little dog is so tiny.
- JustinHózhóóh.It is cute.
