shikʼis
The Navajo phrase for "my friend" is shikʼis.
shikʼis is used to refer to a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the construction shikʼis, the prefix shi- is the first-person singular possessive prefix used for inanimate objects or certain relationships, but in this specific construction, it functions to denote 'my friend'.
Did you know?
- The structure of shikʼis reflects the Athabaskan language family, which is more closely related to languages in Canada and Alaska than to the neighboring Pueblo languages.
- Navajo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying shikʼis can change the meaning or emotional nuance of the phrase.
- In Navajo culture, the concept of 'friend' is often tied to reciprocal obligations and kinship, meaning shikʼis implies a duty of mutual support rather than just a casual social acquaintance.
Examples in context
- Shikʼis.My friend.
- Shikʼis éí deezʼą́.My friend is coming.
Example conversation
Justin greets Sarah at a community event.
- JustinYáʼátʼééh, shikʼis Sarah.Hello, my friend Sarah.
- SarahYáʼátʼééh, Justin.Hello, Justin.
- JustinKʼad tʼáá áéí shikʼis.Now this is my friend.
- SarahTʼáá ákótʼé.That's right.
