How to Say “Paper” in Navajo

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naaltsoos
/nɑ̀ːlt͡sʰòːs/
The Navajo word for paper is naaltsoos.
naaltsoos is used as a noun to refer to paper or a sheet of material.
Meaning: sheet material (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

/nɑ̀ːltsʰòːs/

Did you know?

  • In Navajo, the word for 'paper' is structurally a verb that describes the act of carrying or possessing a flat, flexible object.
  • Unlike English, where 'paper' comes from 'papyrus', the Navajo word naaltsoos is built from internal logic regarding how a person interacts with a sheet of material.
  • Navajo linguistic logic often defines objects by how they are used or handled, rather than what they are made of.

Example conversation

Amanda and Tyler are organizing a desk.

  1. Amanda

    Naaltsoos bee łigáá.
    Write with the paper.
  2. Tyler

    Tʼáá áání naaltsoos.
    The paper is too small.
  3. Amanda

    Dááshónna naaltsoos bee łigáá.
    Use the paper on the table.
  4. Tyler

    Hózhǫ́, naaltsoos tʼáá áání.
    Okay, this paper is fine.

Sources

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Georgia Leonie
Georgia LeonieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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