chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí
The English word "ugly" is translated into Navajo as chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí.
chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí is an adjective used to describe something that is displeasing to the eye or not aesthetically pleasing.
Meaning: displeasing to the eye, not aesthetically pleasing (adj)
Did you know?
- In Navajo culture, beauty is often tied to the concept of Hózhó, which encompasses balance and harmony. Therefore, chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí describes a state of disharmony rather than just a lack of prettiness.
- In Navajo, you can turn a simple word into an intense version of itself by inserting an 'emphatic infix' into the middle of the word.
- The word chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí is derived from a root meaning 'to ruin'. In Navajo, the concept of being 'ugly' is fundamentally linked to the idea of being spoiled or ruined.
Example conversation
Sarah and Justin are looking at a piece of art.
- SarahDíí tʼáá chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí.This is very ugly.
- JustinYááʼ, áádóó hólǫ́.Yes, it is strange.
- SarahDíí chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí tʼáá ályaaʼ.This ugly thing is too much.
- JustinKʼad tʼáá ákótʼé.Now it is just like that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chxǫ́ǫ́ʼí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
