-BAʼ

Etymology 1

Probably from Proto-Athabaskan *wa’ (to be gray). Cognate with Ahtna baa, Lower Tanana bo.

Root

-BAʼ

  1. to be gray
Theme Category Bases Transitive bases (O + ł)
łi + ∅ adjectival

S is gray (neuter impf.)

d

S is gray (neuter perf.)

S becomes —

S makes O —

ádiilbááh (+d refl.)
motion

gray S moves

Stem set

Aspect Imperfective Perfective Future Iterative Optative
Transitional -bááh -baʼ -bah -bah -bááh
Transitional -bééh -baʼ -bééł -bééh -bééh
Neuter -bá -bá

See also Appendix: Roots and stems derivation.

Antonyms

Colors:

Derived terms

Etymology 2

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Root

-BAʼ

  1. to be kind, generous, helpful
Theme Category Bases Transitive bases (O + ł)
ji + ∅ adjectival

S is kind

hojoobaʼ
ji + ∅/l adjectival

there is poverty

  • hojoobáʼí (NEUT)
  • hojoolbaʼ (refl.)

Stem set

Aspect Imperfective Perfective Future Iterative Optative
Momentaneous -baah -baʼ -baał -baah -baah
Neuter -baʼ
Neuter -báʼí

See also Appendix: Roots and stems derivation.

Derived terms
Navajo terms belonging to the root -BAʼ (be kind)