chʼééh jiyáán
The Navajo word for watermelon is chʼééh jiyáán.
This noun refers specifically to the watermelon fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Did you know?
- The word jiyáán is a loanword derived from Spanish, reflecting the historical influence of Spanish settlers in the Southwest before English became dominant.
- The pronunciation of chʼééh jiyáán requires a glottal stop, which is the same sound found in the middle of the English word 'uh-oh'. Failing to make this sharp break in the vocal cords can change the meaning of the word entirely.
- While English treats 'watermelon' as a compound of 'water' and 'melon', the Navajo term does not mention 'water' at all.
Example conversation
Amanda and Kyle are looking at fruit at a market.
- AmandaChʼééh jiyáán nishłééh.I want a watermelon.
- KyleÁáʼá, tʼáá ákótʼééʼ.Yes, that's right.
- AmandaChʼééh jiyáán łichííʼį́.The watermelon is red.
- KyleHózhóóh.It looks good.
