tonalli
In Nahuatl, the English word spirit is expressed as tonalli.
Tonalli is a formal way to express spirit, referring to an individual's personal and innate essence or life force.
Meaning: soul (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tonalli is derived from the root for 'sun' or 'heat', reflecting the belief that the soul is a vital, solar-related heat within a person.
Which one should you use?
While tonalli refers to an individual's personal essence or life force, the term ihiyotl is a formal term referring to the essence of life and cosmic energy.
Did you know?
- The tonalli was believed to be concentrated in the head, specifically the fontanel, making the crown of the head a spiritually vulnerable area.
- The term tonalli is closely related to the word for 'day' (tonalli), implying that a person's spirit is tied to the specific day they were born.
- In ancient Nahuatl thought, tonalli was not just an abstract idea but something that could actually be lost or stolen, leaving a person physically weakened or ill.
Examples in context
- Kuali teyolia.A good spirit.
- In tonalli nican.The soul is here.
- Mo tonalli cualli.Your soul is good.
Example conversation
Juan and Yolanda are discussing spiritual health.
- JuanQuen tonalli mochiuh?How is your spirit doing?
- YolandaNoi tonalli cualli, Juan.My spirit is good, Juan.
- JuanIn tonalli chicahuac.The spirit is strong.
- YolandaQuen tlein tlein tonalli.That is what the spirit is.
