ayóóʼóshʼní
The English phrase love is translated into Navajo as ayóóʼóshʼní.
The word ayóóʼóshʼní is a noun used to express the concept of strong affection.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ayóóʼóshʼní is the noun meaning 'love', the related form ayóóʼáyóʼní is used as a verb to mean 'to love' or 'to have a strong affection for'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ayóóʼáyóʼní serves as the verb meaning 'to love'.
Did you know?
- In many Navajo storytelling traditions, the concept of love is intertwined with the concept of 'walking in beauty'. To love someone is often framed as helping them maintain their balance and harmony within the world.
- Navajo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch you use when saying parts of ayóóʼóshʼní can change the entire meaning of the word. A slight slip in tone could turn a beautiful sentiment into something nonsensical or even offensive.
- In Navajo culture, expressing 'love' is often deeply tied to concepts of way of life and respect rather than just a sudden emotion. To show affection, one might focus on how a person behaves or the way they carry themselves in the community.
Example conversation
Justin and Michelle are talking about their family.
- JustinAyóóʼóshʼní shíyááʼ.I have a strong love for my family.
- MichelleDááʼááʼ shíkééʼ ayóóʼóshʼní.And I have a strong love for my grandchildren.
- JustinTʼáá áłó ayóóʼóshʼní.That love is truly great.
- MichelleHózhǫ́ǫ́ bee łichííʼ.It guides me with beauty.
