beʼesdzáán
The Navajo word for wife is beʼesdzáán.
beʼesdzáán is the standard term used to refer to a female partner within the context of a marriage.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, beʼesdzáán translates to 'elder woman'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, beʼesdzáán does not change its form to indicate plurality. To express the concept of multiple wives, you must rely on the surrounding context or use a separate number particle.
Did you know?
- The Navajo concept of marriage is historically matrilineal, meaning the beʼesdzáán and her family hold the primary role in determining the home and clan of the children.
- Because Navajo is a tonal language, the meaning of beʼesdzáán can be altered if the pitch or inflection is shifted incorrectly, potentially confusing the listener.
- Navajo is a polysynthetic language, meaning that while beʼesdzáán is a standalone noun, other words for family members are often built from complex roots that describe actions or states of being.
Examples in context
- Beʼesdzáán bił bee yáʼátʼééh.He is happy with his wife.
Example conversation
Michelle and Kyle are talking about their family members.
- MichelleShíʼbeʼesdzáán tʼáá áání.My wife is very quiet.
- KyleDááshíį́ʼ beʼesdzáán áání?Is your brother's wife quiet?
- MichelleÁáʼíní, tʼáá áání.Yes, she is very quiet.
- KyleTʼáá áání.She really is.
