łitso
/ɬɪ̀t͡sʰò/
The English phrase "yellow" is translated into Navajo as łitso.
łitso is an adjective used to describe something that has yellow as its color.
Meaning: having yellow as its color (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the number of subjects being described. Use łitso when the subject is singular or dual (one or two). However, the adjective changes to daaltso when describing three or more subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɬɪ̀tsʰò/
When do people say it?
In Navajo ceremonies, yellow corn pollen is a sacred substance known as dootłʼizhígíí.
Did you know?
- The use of łitso for a nickel coin dates back to the American Civil War when fractional currency notes for that denomination were yellowish.
- The term łitso is built from a root meaning 'to be yellow', treating a color as an active state or process.
- The specific sounds in łitso include a voiceless lateral fricative, which is a sound not found in standard English.
Examples in context
- Tsídii łitsoThe (one or two) bird is yellow.This sentence shows how to use łitso for a singular or dual subject.
- Tsídii daaltsoThe (three or more) birds are yellow.This sentence shows how to use the plural form when describing three or more birds.
- Tłʼish łitso.The sunflower is yellow.
Example conversation
Jessica and Tyler are looking at a box of crayons.
- JessicaŁitso tʼáá ááníThe yellow one is just right.
- TylerÁá', łitso tʼáá ááníYes, the yellow one is just right.
- JessicaDoo łitso nííIt is not yellow.
- TylerHózhǫ́ łitsoYellow is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yellow” translations and entries łitso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries łitso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
