yázhí
The Navajo word for "small" is yázhí.
The word yázhí means "small" or "little." It is frequently used as a component in names or descriptions to denote smallness, often appearing in contexts of affection or to describe physical size.
Meaning: not large (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective yázhí is invariant, meaning it does not change its form based on the number or the gender of the noun it is modifying.
Did you know?
- Navajo often uses specific words for 'small' depending on the shape of the object, but yázhí serves as the general term for smallness.
- The word yázhí can be used to create diminutive forms of animals, turning a standard animal name into a 'baby' version of that creature.
- Using yázhí to describe something can imply a sense of preciousness or value rather than just a lack of physical scale.
Example conversation
Jessica and Kyle are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- JessicaDitsʼaʼ yázhí.It is a small ring.
- KyleÁáʼá, tʼáá yázhí.Yes, it is very small.
- JessicaNihił tʼaagi yázhí.It is small for us.
- KyleHózhó, tʼáá yázhí.It's okay, it's just small.
