Ghaajiʼ
October in Navajo is Ghaajiʼ.
The word refers to the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar.
Meaning: tenth month of the Gregorian calendar (name)
Which one should you use?
While Ghaajiʼ is the standard term, Ha'éétą́jįʼ Bahaneʼ is used in formal contexts.
Did you know?
- When talking about things that happened in Ghaajiʼ, a Navajo speaker might use different verb forms depending on whether they actually witnessed the event or just heard a story about it. This distinction of 'evidence' is built directly into the grammar.
- If you change the pitch or tone when saying Ghaajiʼ, you could accidentally say an entirely different word. Because Navajo is a tonal language, the melody of your voice is just as important as the consonants and vowels.
- The symbol ʼ at the end of Ghaajiʼ is not a punctuation mark but a consonant that creates a sharp catch in the throat.
Example conversation
Kyle and Amanda are discussing their travel plans.
- KyleGhaajiʼ tʼáá łáʼígo yáʼátʼééh.October is the only good time.
- AmandaÁákʼelgo Ghaajiʼ tʼáá łáʼígo yáʼátʼééh?Is October really the only good time?
- KyleÁá', tʼáá Ghaajiʼ yáʼátʼééh.Yes, only October is good.
- AmandaHái, Ghaajiʼ tʼáá łáʼígo yáʼátʼééh.Okay, October is the only good time.
