naʼashǫ́ʼii
/nɑ̀ʔɑ̀ʃṍʔìː/
The Navajo word for "lizard" is naʼashǫ́ʼii.
naʼashǫ́ʼii is a noun used to refer to a lizard.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of a verb stem meaning "to be spread out" or "to be scattered" and a suffix, which describes the lizard's physical appearance or the way it moves.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɑ̀ʔɑ̀ʃṍʔìː/
Did you know?
- The Navajo language is an 'Athabaskan' language, meaning it is more closely related to languages in Alaska and Canada than to the Spanish spoken in the Southwest.
- The name naʼashǫ́ʼii describes a specific movement of the tail rather than the animal's species or appearance. It literally translates to 'the one that moves its tail here and there'.
- The tone of the word naʼashǫ́ʼii is essential for meaning, as changing the pitch can change the word entirely.
Examples in context
- Naʼashǫ́ʼii biniinaa.Because of the lizard.
Example conversation
Jessica and Kyle are walking outside in the desert.
- JessicaKyle, naʼashǫ́ʼii nihí yééʼ!Kyle, we saw a lizard!
- KyleÁá', tʼáá łééʼ yishłééh.Yes, it is very fast.
- JessicaNaʼashǫ́ʼii tʼáá ákǫ́ǫ́ʼ.The lizard is very small.
- KyleHózhǫ́ náééʼ.It is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lizard” translations and entries naʼashǫ́ʼii, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naʼashǫ́ʼii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
