azééʼ díchʼíiʼii
The Navajo word for pepper is azééʼ díchʼíiʼii.
azééʼ díchʼíiʼii is a noun used to refer to the spice pepper.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Did you know?
- The word azééʼ is part of a linguistic family that stretches all the way to Siberia, sharing an ancient ancestor with the Ket language.
- Navajo often uses descriptive phrases to name new items, and díchʼíiʼii focuses on the physical sensation of heat or burning.
- In Navajo culture, the use of spicy peppers is a relatively recent addition compared to traditional staples like corn, squash and beans.
Example conversation
Kyle and Sarah are seasoning food in the kitchen.
- KyleSarah, azééʼ díchʼíiʼii bee łóóʼ.Sarah, pass the pepper.
- SarahÁáʼHere it is.
- KyleAzééʼ díchʼíiʼii tʼáá díchʼíiʼ.This pepper is really hot.
- SarahÁáʼ, tʼáá áéí díchʼíiʼ.Yes, it is very spicy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azééʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
