ch'il
The Navajo word for trash is ch'il.
The term ch'il refers to things that are meant to be discarded or thrown away.
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
Did you know?
- In a traditional setting, 'trash' might not even be a concept, as everything used in daily life was historically intended to be biodegradable or repurposed. The very idea of 'discarding' is a relatively recent cultural shift.
- The word ch'il contains a glottalized consonant, meaning you must physically constrict your vocal cords to produce a sharp, popping sound that does not exist in English.
- Because Navajo is a verb-heavy language, many people will describe the 'state of being trash' rather than using a noun. They might use a phrase that translates closer to 'it is being discarded' to describe the objects.
Example conversation
Brandon and Amanda are cleaning the kitchen together.
- BrandonAmanda, ch'il t'aadii'níł bee naashá.Amanda, I am going to the trash can.
- AmandaÁáko, ch'il ádii'níł.Okay, take out the trash.
- BrandonT'áá ashį́į́ ch'il bee naashá.I'll just go with the trash.
- AmandaAhéhee', Brandon.Thank you, Brandon.
