tʼáá aaníí
The English word 'really' is translated into Navajo as tʼáá aaníí.
Use tʼáá aaníí as an adverb to mean 'actually' or 'really' when you are making a declarative statement of fact.
Meaning: actually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tʼáá aaníí is composed of elements that emphasize the totality or truth of a state, translating roughly to 'really', 'truly' or 'all of it'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between making a statement and expressing surprise. Use tʼáá aaníí when making a declarative statement to mean 'actually' or 'really'. In contrast, use the interjection tʼáásh aaníí to express surprise at new information or to request confirmation, similar to the English 'Really?' or 'Is that so?'
Related words
Did you know?
- The root of 'really' in Navajo contains a classifier and a 3rd person subject prefix, embedding the subject directly into the adverb.
- The word aaníí uses a 'neuter imperfective stem', a grammatical feature that describes a state of being that is ongoing or timeless rather than a completed action.
- The element tʼáá in tʼáá aaníí often implies a sense of 'totality' or 'completely' in other Navajo contexts, adding a layer of intensity to the word 'really'.
Examples in context
- Tʼáá aaníí deészee.It is actually quite expensive.
- Tʼáá aaníí ákótʼé.It is actually like that.
- Tʼáá aaníí deezná.It is actually very large.
Example conversation
Amanda and Tyler are talking about a surprise party.
- AmandaHastiin, tʼáá aaníí chʼahááh bee nishłį́.Tyler, I actually made a cake.
- TylerTʼáá aaníí? Ánííyááʼ!Really? That's great!
- AmandaTʼáá aaníí, tʼoolą́ą́ʼ tʼáií.Actually, it is a little small.
- TylerHózhǫ́ǫ́dáá, tʼáá aaníí tʼáá ííní.It's okay, it actually looks good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aaníí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
