dínóoʼį́į́ʼ
The Navajo word for 'look' is dínóoʼį́į́ʼ.
This verb is used to express the act of trying to see.
Meaning: to try to see (verb)
Did you know?
- The Navajo language uses a complex system of 'classifying verbs' where the verb for 'look' or 'handle' changes based on the physical shape of the object being looked at.
- Navajo is an athabaskan language, meaning dínóoʼį́į́ʼ is a distant relative of languages spoken by indigenous peoples in Alaska and Canada.
- In many Navajo-speaking communities, eye contact and the way one 'looks' at others is deeply tied to cultural respect and social hierarchy.
Example conversation
Tyler and Michelle are looking at a bird in a tree.
- TylerDínóoʼį́į́ʼ, Michelle!Look, Michelle!
- MichelleÁáʼá, tʼáá łééh.Oh, there is only one.
- TylerTʼáá áánííh, haai?It's very beautiful, right?
- MichelleÁá, tʼáá áánííh.Yes, it is very beautiful.
