iiníʼ
iiníʼ is the Navajo word for thunder.
The word refers to the deep, rumbling noise produced during a storm.
Meaning: deep, rumbling noise (noun)
Did you know?
- In Navajo tradition, thunder is often associated with the 'Thunder People', powerful beings who control the weather and rain.
- While English uses 'thunder' as a noun, many Navajo descriptions of storm sounds incorporate verbal roots that focus on the action of the sound rolling or vibrating.
- The sound of iiníʼ involves a high tone and a glottal stop, which is a sudden closure of the vocal cords that doesn't exist in standard English words.
Examples in context
- Díí iiníʼ.This is thunder.
- Iiníʼ biniiyé deezʼá.He is afraid because of the thunder.
Example conversation
Kyle and Michelle are watching a storm from a window.
- KyleIiníʼ tʼáá áání.The thunder is rumbling a lot.
- MichelleÁáʼ áání.It really is.
- KyleIiníʼ yee łichíh.The thunder is loud.
- MichelleDááʼ nilááʼ.It is scary.
