notlazohtlaliz
The English phrase "my love" is translated into Nahuatl as notlazohtlaliz.
notlazohtlaliz is a term of endearment used to address someone whom the speaker loves.
Did you know?
- Ancient Nahuatl poetry used the word xochitl meaning 'flower' as a common shorthand for love and beauty. Calling someone a 'flower' was often more common than using a formal term like notlazohtlaliz.
- The concept of 'preciousness' embedded in the word means that calling someone 'my love' is etymologically similar to calling them 'my treasure'.
- Because Nahuatl is a language of intense nuance, choosing between different types of 'love' words can change the social status of the people speaking.
Example conversation
A couple is greeting each other at home.
- XicoténcatlPialli, notlazohtlaliz.Hello, my love.
- CitlaliPialli, Xicoténcatl.Hello, Xicoténcatl.
- Xicoténcatl¿Cualli tica, Citlali?Are you doing well, Citlali?
- CitlaliCualli nica, tlazohtla.I am well, dear.
