níyol
/nɪ̀jòl/
The English word 'wind' (movement of air) is translated into Navajo as níyol or níłchʼi.
Meaning: movement of air (noun)
Ways to say it
| Navajo | IPA |
|---|---|
| níyol | /nɪ̀jòl/ |
| níłchʼi | /nɪ́ɬt͡ʃʼɪ̀/ |
How do you pronounce it?
/nɪ̀jòl/
Did you know?
- In traditional Navajo cosmology, the 'Holy Wind' is considered the breath of life and the source of all thought and communication.
- The word níłchʼi originates from the Proto-Athabaskan root *tšʼʷəy, linking the Navajo word to ancient languages spoken across Siberia and Alaska.
- Navajo culture often views the wind as a living entity with its own agency, which is reflected in the way níłchʼi is derived from a verb of motion.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Michelle and Brandon are standing outside on a breezy day.
- MichelleNíyol tʼáá ííníyá, Brandon.The wind is very strong, Brandon.
- BrandonÁáá, tʼáá áání.Yeah, it really is.
- MichelleNíyol yee łichíį́ʼ.The wind is blowing cold.
- BrandonShíyá kʼasááł.I am getting cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wind” translations and entries níyol, níłchʼi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries níyol, níłchʼi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
