ádin
/ʔɑ́tɪ̀n/
The Navajo word for zero is ádin. Wiktionary also lists názbąs.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Ways to say it
| Navajo | IPA |
|---|---|
| ádin | /ʔɑ́tɪ̀n/ |
| názbąs | /nɑ́zpɑ̃̀s/ |
ádin is used as a cardinal number to denote the quantity of nothing (zero).
Which one should you use?
ádin is the form used as a cardinal number to denote the quantity zero, whereas názbąs is used in different grammatical contexts or specific counting structures.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔɑ́tɪ̀n/
Did you know?
- The word ádin is actually derived from a verb root meaning 'to disappear'.
- Navajo numbers often function more like verbs than static nouns found in English.
- Navajo is a polysynthetic language, meaning words like ádin are constructed from multiple small building blocks including thematic prefixes and classifiers.
Examples in context
- Ádin.Zero.
Example conversation
Michelle and Brandon are counting their remaining apples.
- MichelleDootłʼizhił biko hádáátʼé?How many apples are left?
- BrandonÁdin bee nishłį́.I have zero.
- MichelleÁádóó tʼáá ádin?So, exactly zero?
- BrandonÁáshį́į́h, ádin.Yes, zero.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero” translations and entries ádin, názbąs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries názbąs, ádin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
