chaha'oh
The Navajo word for shadow is chaha'oh.
The term chaha'oh refers to an area that is protected or shielded by an obstacle, such as the shadow cast by an object.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Did you know?
- During traditional healing, it is believed that a medicine person has the power to detach or manipulate a person's shadow.
- Navajo verbs change based on whether the 'shadow' is being cast by a living being or an inanimate object.
- A chaha'oh can refer to a spot sheltered from the wind or rain, even if there is no actual darkness involved.
Example conversation
Kyle and Michelle are walking outside on a sunny day.
- KyleTʼáá áání níyá chaha'oh.Your shadow is very small.
- MichelleÁádááł tʼáá áání.It is very short.
- KyleChaha'oh tʼáá áání łááʼí.The shadow is too small.
- MichelleHózhǫ́ǫ́It is good.
