łikizh

Navajo

Etymology

łi- (adjectival) + -∅- (ni-modal 3rd person subject prefix) + -∅- (classifier) + -kizh (neuter imperfective stem of root -KIIZH, “to be spotted”).

The łi- prefix appears to have originated historically from the -ł- classifier. When this prefix appears immediately in pre-stem position, it takes the shape of a l- classifier.

Verb

łikizh

1. he/she/it is spotted, has spots

Usage notes

This is a neuter verb that uses only the imperfective mode.

Conjugation

Paradigm: Neuter imperfective (ni).

IMPERFECTIVE	singular	duoplural	plural
1st person	łinishkizh	łiniikizh	dałiniikizh
2nd person	łiníkizh	łinohkizh	dałinohkizh
3rd person	łikizh		daalkizh
4th person	jilkizh		dajilkizh

Derived terms

• náshdóí łikizhígíí (“ocelot”)