agwos
The English word "shoulder" is agwos in Navajo.
agwos is used to refer to the anatomical joint located between the arm and the torso.
Meaning: joint between arm and torso (noun)
Did you know?
- In Navajo, body parts like agwos are often treated as living entities in certain ceremonial contexts or stories, rather than just inanimate anatomical components.
- Because Navajo is a verb-heavy language, a speaker might describe a 'broad shoulder' by using a verb that describes how the shoulder 'is behaving' or 'exists' in that state.
- A single complex Navajo verb can incorporate the entire concept of 'carrying something on the shoulder', effectively turning the noun agwos into a piece of an action word.
Example conversation
Justin tells Amanda that he is sore from exercise.
- AmandaKoʼaałghą́ą́ʼ agwos yishą́ą́.My shoulder hurts from the workout.
- JustinDoo ayóó yishą́ą́́?Does it hurt a lot?
- AmandaÁádóó agwos yishą́ą́.Yes, my shoulder still hurts.
- JustinHózhǫ́ą́ł.I hope it feels better.
