tseekʼi nástánii
The Navajo word for squirrel is tseekʼi nástánii. If unsure, use tseekʼi nástánii. Wiktionary also lists hazéí.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Navajo |
|---|
| tseekʼi nástánii |
| hazéí |
The term refers to the rodent known as a squirrel.
Did you know?
- The descriptive name tseekʼi nástánii literally describes the way a squirrel's tail behaves, translating roughly to 'it bends back on its rump'.
- While tseekʼi nástánii is the descriptive name, the word hazéí is also used, though its origin is a mystery to linguists.
- In Navajo, many animal names are not just names but are short sentences that describe a specific characteristic of that animal.
Examples in context
- Tseekʼi nástánii yáʼátʼéé'.The squirrel is good.
Example conversation
Michelle and Brandon are walking in the woods.
- MichelleBrandon, tseekʼi nástánii nihíláá!Brandon, look at the squirrel!
- BrandonÁáʼá, tseekʼi nástánii tʼáá aheesh.Oh, the squirrel is very fast.
- MichelleTseekʼi nástánii tʼáá ááshą́ą́ʼ.The squirrel is just jumping.
- BrandonHózhóóh tseekʼi nástánii.The squirrel is cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squirrel” translations and entries tseekʼi nástánii, hazéí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hazéí, tseekʼi nástánii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
