tazhii
The Navajo word for the bird known as turkey is tazhii.
tazhii is the noun used to refer to birds in the genus Meleagris.
Meaning: bird in the genus Meleagris (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word tazhii refers specifically to the bird, whereas Bichʼah Łichíiʼii Bikéyah is used to name the country of Turkey located at the intersection of Europe and Asia.
Related words
Did you know?
- In many Navajo-speaking communities, the bird is not just a food source but a sacred entity featured in specific ceremonial stories.
- The sounds in tazhii belong to the Athabaskan family, making it a distant relative to languages spoken in Alaska and Canada.
- In Navajo weaving patterns, the bird 'tazhii' is sometimes represented through abstract geometric symbols rather than a literal drawing.
Examples in context
- Tazhii yiná'íí.The turkey is walking.
Example conversation
Amanda and Justin are looking at farm animals.
- AmandaJustin, tazhii łee' nilí.Justin, look at that turkey.
- JustinTʼáá áání.It really is.
- AmandaTazhii tʼáá łéí.The turkey is very big.
- JustinHózhóóh.It is beautiful.
