kwáʼásiní
Navajo
Etymology
kwá- (progressive mode marker) + ʼá- (thematic) + ł- (classifier) + -zin (neuter stem) (from -ZĮĮD (concerned with the mind, thinking, wanting)) + -í (nominalizer)
Noun
kwáʼásiní
- (vocative) relatives, loved ones, friends; especially, the deceased, those who have passed on
Usage notes
Although it is often used in public by orators when addressing an audience, it disturbs a lot of people and it should be avoided except when used to refer to loved ones who have passed on. Use shikʼéí dóó shidineʼé or ałtah áásįįłgóó to address an audience.
Synonyms
- kwáʼásįįł