sǫʼ
/sõ̀ʔ/
The Navajo word for star is sǫʼ.
sǫʼ is used in an astronomical context to refer to a luminous celestial body made of plasma.
Meaning: (astronomy) a luminous celestial body made of plasma (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/sõ̀ʔ/
Did you know?
- Certain stars are identified in Navajo tradition as the 'Star People', who are believed to have played a role in the creation of the world.
- The Navajo word sǫʼ is rooted in a term meaning 'to glitter'. This emphasizes the twinkling quality of the light rather than the physical object of the star.
- In Navajo culture, stars are often viewed as living entities or guides rather than mere distant balls of gas.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Justin and Amanda are looking at the night sky.
- JustinSǫʼ łání yááʼ!A big star appeared!
- AmandaTʼáá áání sǫʼ tʼééʼ.That star is very bright.
- JustinSǫʼ łichííʼ tʼáá áání.The red star is very bright.
- AmandaÁáʼíyééʼ, tʼáá áání.Yes, it is very bright.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “star” translations and entries sǫʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sǫʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
