naatsédlózii
The English word "roadrunner" is naatsédlózii in Navajo.
naatsédlózii is a noun used to refer to the fast-running bird of the genus Geococcyx.
Meaning: fast-running bird in the genus Geococcyx (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of elements meaning to move or run quickly and a suffix indicating a characteristic or agent, translating literally to "the one that runs/moves quickly".
Did you know?
- In Navajo culture, the naatsédlózii is often viewed as a clever trickster figure and a protector who fights against the rattle-snake.
- The components naatsé and dlóz are so archaic that they are considered mysteries even to many modern native speakers.
- The term naatsédlózii is built from roots that remain a mystery to even many native speakers, making its exact linguistic origin a subject of debate among scholars.
Examples in context
- Naatsédlózii yáʼátʼéé.The roadrunner is beautiful.
Example conversation
Kyle and Amanda are walking on a trail.
- KyleNaatsédlózii yáá.Look, a roadrunner!
- AmandaÁá, naatsédlózii tʼáá átsʼééʼ ditsʼaʼ.Yes, the roadrunner is very fast.
- KyleNaatsédlózii bee naatʼá.The roadrunner is running away.
- AmandaDitsʼaʼ tʼáá átsʼééʼ.It is truly fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roadrunner” translations and entries naatsédlózii, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naatsédlózii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
