ilhuicatl
The English word 'sky' is translated into Nahuatl as ilhuicatl. Wiktionary also lists iluikatl.
Meaning: atmosphere above a given point, especially as visible from the surface of the Earth as the place where the sun, moon, stars, and clouds are seen (noun)
Ways to say it
| Nahuatl |
|---|
| ilhuicatl |
| iluikatl |
The term refers to the atmosphere above a given point, specifically the visible expanse where one sees the sun, moon, stars and clouds.
Did you know?
- In Aztec cosmology, the ilhuicatl was divided into thirteen distinct layers or heavens, each ruled by different deities.
- The ancient Nahua believed the ilhuicatl was held up by four great pillars or deities to prevent it from falling onto the earth.
- In ancient poetic Nahuatl, the sky is sometimes described as a 'turquoise' expanse, linking the color of the stone to the color of the heavens.
Example sentences for Nahuatl are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Maria and Juan are looking up at the stars.
- MariaKua kiititlanilhuicatl, Juan.Look at the sky, Juan.
- JuanQuia, Maria. In ilhuicatl cualli.Yes, Maria. The sky is beautiful.
- MariaNiquitta citlaltin in ilhuicatl.I see stars in the sky.
- JuanXinequiza itechilhuicatl.I like the sky.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sky” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
