
Yucatec-Maya Language
Compiled by Molly Tun.
As John Montgomery mentions in the introduction of his Maya (Yucatec) Dictionary & Phrasebook it is a common misconception that the Maya civilization vanished long ago: “Nothing could be farther from the truth. Approximately ten million Native Americans still speak Mayan, one of the largest continuous blocks of indigenous people on the American continents. Some thirty to thirty-four separate ‘versions’ of Mayan are still spoken over large areas of Mexico, including the modern states of Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. Mayan is also spoken in the Central American countries of Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras” (1). Despite the prominent role the Maya language has in Mesoamerica, there are few materials available to help teach and promote the language. The following web-page is designed as a resource for those interested in learning more about the language and cosmovision of the Maya speakers of Yucatán. This reference page is a unique contribution in that it organizes vocabulary thematically and semantically (as opposed to the alphabetic organization of a dictionary), is tri-lingual (Maya, Spanish, English), can be searched digitally (use ctrl+F to search for any specific word you need) and provides audio samples to help promote both the written and oral production of Yucatec-Maya (Maya t’aan).
The terms compiled below were collected and organized by Molly Tun during the Yucatec Maya Summer Institute (of 2015) and draw from the Vocabulary & Grammar Worksheet Packet (Grant Armstrong), the Spoken Yucatec Maya materials (________) and knowledge of the many language instructors that taught the program: Fidencio, Gerónimo, Grant, Gregorio, Jael, Leydi, Marcelina, y María Jesús. For more information about the program, application instructions, and photos, please visit the following link: Yucatec Maya Summer Institute.
Wiki incubator of Maya Yucatec language
Recursos de Lengua Maya Yucateca.
NOUNS
Ba’alche’ob – Animales – Animals
Aalak’ – animal (mascota)
Maya | Spanish | English |
Miis | Gato | Cat |
Baj | Tuza | Gopher |
Peek’ | Perro | Dog |
Ch’o’ | Ratón | Mouse |
Kay | Pez | Fish |
Lu’ | Bagre | Catfish |
Tsíimin | Caballo | Horse |
Taman | Borrego | Lamb |
K’éek’en | Puerco | Pig |
Wakax | Vaca | Cow |
Báalam | Jaguar | Jaguar |
Koj | Puma | Puma |
Kéej | Venado | Deer |
Kaan | Serpiente | Snake |
Ochkaan | Boa | Boa constrictor |
Kaanxok | Tiburon | Shark |
Ooch | Zorrillo, zorro | Raccoon, fox, weasel |
T’u’ul | Conejo | Rabbit |
Áak | Tortuga | Turtle |
Muuch | Sapo, rana | Frog, toad |
Ku’uk | Ardilla | Squirrel |
Ma’ax | Mono | Monkey |
Chi’ik | Coati? | |
Áayin | Cocodrillo | Crocodile |
Juuj | Iguana | Iguana |
Tóolok | Lagartijo | Lizard |
Bab | Cangrejo | Crab |
Káamaroon | Camarón | Shrimp |
Chakat | Langosta | Lobster |
Weech | Armadillo | Armadillo |
Kitam | Jabalí | Wild boar |
Chak mo’ol | Jaguar | Jaguar |
Soots’ | Murciélago | Bat |
Chi’ik | Tejón | Badger |
Jaaleb | Tepezcuintle | Tepezcuintle |
Ch’íicho’ob – Aves – Birds
Maya | Español | English |
Xooch’ | Búho | Owl |
Tso’ | Pavo | Turkey |
Úulum | Pavo joven | Young turkey |
Kuuts | Pavo de monte | Wild Turkey |
xTuux | Turkey Hen | |
I’ | Halcón | Hawk |
Ts’unu’um | Colibrí | Hummingbird |
Ch’oom | Zopilote | Buzzard |
Beech | Codorniz | Quail |
T’uut’ | Loro | Parrot (male) |
Xt’uut’ | Cotorra | Parrot (female) |
Kaax | Pollo | Chicken |
Xkaax | Gallina | Hen |
T’eel | Gallo | Rooster |
Kuts ja’ | Pato, ganso | Duck, goose |
Úukum | Paloma | Dove |
Insectos/Gusanos – Insects/worms
Maya | Spanish | English |
Péepen | Mariposa | Butterfly |
Síinik | Hormiga | Ant |
Síina’an | Alacrán | Scorpion |
jMáas | Grillo | Cricket |
Xuux | Avispa | Wasp |
Ya’axkach | Mosca | Fly |
Uk’ | Piojo | Lice |
Ch’ik | Flea | |
xk’uuruch | Cucaracha | Cockroach |
Am | Araña | Spider |
Chiiwol | Tarantula | Tarantula |
Chimes | Milpies | Millipede |
Chapat | Cienpies | Centipede |
Turix, Tulix | Libélula | Dragonfly |
Sáak’ | Saltamonte, ? | Grasshopper, locust |
Kab | Abeja | Bee |
Lukum | Gusano | Worm |
Lukum kaan | Lombriz | Earthworm |
U kaanil (in) nak’ | Round worms (parasite) | |
xnook’ol | Caterpillar, worm | |
xiis, iisil | Slug | |
Ya’axkach | Mosca | Fly |
Chiwoj | Tarántula | Tarantula |
Otoch – Casa – House
Maya | Spanish | English |
Taanaj, naj, naajil, otoch | Casa | House |
Kool | Milpa | Cornfield |
Sóolar | Orchard | |
Kajtalil | Homestead | |
So’oy | Poultry house | |
Xk’alche’ | Corral, pigpen | |
Jo’ol naj, joonaj, makjoonaj | Puerta | Door |
Pak’ | Pared | Wall |
Tu’uk’ | Corner | |
Lo’che’, lóobche’ | Coa | Billhook, scythe |
Póop | Mat | |
K’áan | Hamaca | Hammock |
K’aanche’, kisi’ che’ | Silla | Chair |
K’amjo’ol, k’ampool | Almohada | Pillow |
K’anche’, mayakche’ | Wooden table, raised seed bed | |
Moliino | Molino | Grinder |
Ka’ | Metate | |
K’ooben | Hearth, kitchen | |
K’ooben k’áak’ | Hearthstone | |
K’aak’ | Fuego | Fire |
Máaben | Trunk, chest | |
Máaskab, taats’ | Machete | Machete |
Bajab | Martillo | Hammer |
Báat | Hacha | Axe |
Púuts’ | Aguja | Needle |
Kayche’ | Needle for making hammock | |
Ts’oon | Rifle | Shotgun |
Xootob | Cuchillo | Knife |
Xaak | Hamper | |
Xamach | Comal | Griddle |
Peten, péetxaak | Hanging basket, container | |
Báastidoor | Wooden frame for weaving hammocks | |
Xúux | Basket for harvesting corn | |
Ch’óoy | Cubeta | Bucket, pail |
Éetkajtal | Compañero de casa/cuarto | Roommate |
Kib | Vela | Candle |
Míis | Escoba | Broom |
Lek | Tortillero | Dry gourd for tortillas |
Jooch | Vaso | Glass |
Sáabukaan | Morral | Bag |
Tuunich | Piedra | Stone |
Suum | Soga | Rope |
Wíinkil – Cuerpo – Body Parts
Maya | Spanish | English |
Tin/ta/tu w/w/y-iknal | Mi/tu/su espacio personal | My/your/her personal space |
U wíinkil máak | Cuerpo humano | Human body |
U wíinkil ba’alche’ | Cuerpo animal | Animal body |
Pool, jo’ol | Cabeza | Head |
Xiikin | Oreja | Ear |
Táan jo’ol | Frente | Forehead |
Ni’ | Nariz | Nose |
No’och | Chin | |
Chi’ | Boca | Mouth |
Koj | Diente, pico | Tooth, beak |
Aak’ | Lengua | Tongue |
Ich | Ojo, cara | Eye, face |
Táan ich, u táan in wich | Cara, mi cara | Face, my face |
Kaal | Cuello | Neck |
U kaal in/a/u k’ab | Mi/tu/su muñeca (cuello de la mano) | My/your/her wrist (neck of the hand) |
U kaal in/a/u w/w/y-ook | Mi/tu/su tobillo (cuello del pie) | My/your/her ankle (neck of the foot) |
Keléembal | Hombro | Shoulder |
Pu’uch, paach | Espalda | Back |
Xiik’ | Axila | Armpit |
Tseem | Pecho | Chest |
Nak’ | Estómago | Stomach |
Tuuch | Ombligo | Bellybutton |
Kúuk | Codo | Elbow |
Píix | Rodilla | Knee |
K’ab | Mano, brazo | Hand, arm |
U yaan in/a/u k’ab | Mis/tus/sus dedos | My/your/her fingers |
Íichak | Uñas, ? | Fingernails, claws |
Keep, toon | Pene | Penis |
Peel/k’uul | Vagina (humana/ animal) | Vagina (human/animal) |
Tselek | Shin | |
Ook | Pie, pierna | Foot, leg |
K’i’ik'(el) | Sangre | Blood |
Tso’ots(el) | Cabello | Hair |
Ts’o’om(el) | Cerebro | Brain |
Chooch(el) | Intestines | Intestines |
Baak(el) | Hueso | Bone |
K’éewel | Piel, cuero | Skin, leather, (animal) hide |
Oot’el | Piel | Skin |
Nej | Cola | Tail |
Nej baak, baak nej | Tailbone | |
P’u’uk | Cachete | Cheek |
Máatsab | Pestaña | Eye lashes |
Néen ich (u néenil in wich) | Pupila | Pupil (my pupil) |
Paach ich | Eyelid | |
Sak ich (i sakil in wich) | Parte blanca del ojo | White part of (my) eye |
Iit | Ano | Anus |
P’u’uk iit | Nalgas | Butt cheek |
U muuk'(il) in/a/u k’ab | Strength/muscle of my/your/her hand | |
U muuk'(il) in/a/u w/w/y-ook | Strength/muscle of my/your/her foot | |
U bóoxel in/a/u chi’ | Mis/tus/sus labios | My/your/her lips |
U xa’ay in/a/u chi’ | Where my/your/her lips split up | |
Xaaw | Bird’s clawed foot | |
Mooch’ | Upper part of bird’s foot | |
Chíim | Crop of a bird | |
T’eel | Crest (e.g. rooster’s) | |
Tsuum | Tuft of hair/feathers on chest of mature turkey/bird | |
K’u’uk’um(el) | Pluma | Feather |
Me’ex | Bigote | Facial hair, whiskers |
Mo’ol | Paw | |
Chuchu | Senos | Breast |
Tuunkuy | Talon del pie | Heel |
Láak’tsilo’ob – Familia – Family
Maya | Spanish | English |
Nuxib, nuxi’ | Viejo | Old man |
Xnuuk | Vieja | Old woman |
Táankéelem | Joven (hombre) | Young (man) |
Lóok’ bayem | Joven (mujer) | Young (woman) |
Láak’tsil(o’ob) | Parientes, familia | Relatives, family |
Taatatsile’ex | Padres | Parents |
Nool | Abuelo | Grandfather |
Chiich | Abuela | Grandmother |
Ka’a nool | Bisabuelo | Great grandfather |
Ka’a chiich | Bisabuela | Great grandmother |
Yuum, Taat, taataj, Papaj, paapaj | Padre | Father |
(Ki’ichpam) Na’, Maam, mamaj, maamaj | Madre | Mother |
Ts’ée yuum | Tiiyo | Uncle |
Ts’ée na’ | Tiiya | Aunt |
Kiik | Hermana mayor | Older sister |
Suku’un | Hermano mayor | Older brother |
Íits’in | Hermanito/a | Little brother/sister |
Láak’ | Hermano/a | Sibling |
Priimo/a | Primo/a | Cousin |
Aal, iijoj, iijaj | Hijo | Child (my child: in waal/in paal) |
Chaampal | Baby, infant, toddler | |
Jsob, xsob | Sobrino, sobrina | Nephew, niece |
Áabil | Nieto/a | Grandchild |
Ilib | Yerna | Daughter-in-law |
Ja’an | Yerno | Son-in-law |
Ícham | Esposo | Husband |
Atan | Esposa | Wife |
Áamiigoj | Amigo | Friend |
Noobyo/a | Novio/a | Boyfriend, girlfriend |
Éetnúup | Marido/a | Spouse |
Éetxiibil, in wéetxiib | Amigo | Male friend |
Éetxch’úupil | Amiga | Female friend |
Éetbak’el | Same family, blood relative | |
Búuk – Vestimiento – Clothing
Maya | Español | English |
Nook’ | Ropa | Clothes |
Nook’, kóoton | Camisa | Shirt |
Iipil | Huipil | Huipil |
U nook’ xch’up | Vestido | Dress |
Eex | Pantalones | Pants |
Xanab | Zapatos | Shoes |
P’óok | Sombrero | Hat |
Bóoch, bóoch’a’ | Rebozo | Shawl |
Kuul eex | Calzoncillo | Underwear, bikini |
Xts’ipit | Anillo | Ring |
Tuup | Arete | Earing |
Xáache | Peine | Comb |
K’aap | Pulsera | Bracelet |
Janal – Comida – Food
Maya | Spanish | English |
Kaab | Miel | Honey |
Kakaj | Cocoa | Cocoa |
Chukwa | Chocolate | Chocolate |
Bu’ul | Frijol | Beans |
Iib | Soya | Soy beans |
K’áaj | Pinole | |
Xtáan chukwa’ | Ground cocoa with corn, pepper (thick broth for parboiling chicken?) | |
K’óol, boox k’óol | Relleno | |
Sikil | Gourd seeds | |
Kuxum | Champiñon | Mushroom |
Bak’ | Carne | Meat |
Kuxum nal | Decomposed corn cooked underground, then toasted | |
Bu’ulil k’éek’en | Frijol con puerco | Beans and pork |
Píibil | Horneado | Baked |
Chaakbil | Hervido | Boiled |
Póokbil | Tostado | Toasted |
Tsaajbil ? | Fried | |
Kiwi’, k’uxub | Achiote | |
Chaay | Chaya | |
Kij | Agave | |
Waaj | Tortilla, pan | Tortilla, bread |
Piim | Tortilla gruesa | Thick tortilla |
Tuuti(l) waaj | Tortilla ceremonial | Ceremonial tortilla |
Sak pet | Tortilla delgada | Thin tortilla |
Waaji(l) chooch | Tortilla con tripas | Tortillas with tripe |
Chaakbi(l) waaj | Steamed tortilla | |
P’ich ich, p’iru ich | ||
Chaayil waaj | ||
Kuren | Makal bread | |
Uul, sá | Atole | |
Boox ja’ | Café (agua negra) | Coffee (black water) |
K’eyem | Pozole | |
Sikil sa’ | Atole con pepita | |
Iisi(l) sa’ | Atole con camote | |
Chi’ikam | Jícama | Jicama |
Makal | Ñame | |
Ts’íin | Yuca | Yucca |
K’u’um | Nixtamal | Stew corn mix |
Ta’ab | Sal | Salt |
Ta’an | Cal | Limestone |
Ich/Pak’al – Fruta/Verdura – Fruits/Vegetables
Maya | Español | English |
Ixi’im | Elote, maiz | Corn |
Iis | Camote | Sweet Potato |
K’úum | Calabaza | Pumpkin, squash |
Ts’ool | Calabaza verde, pequeña | Small green squash |
Leek, joma’ | Gourd | |
Oon | Aguacate | Avocado |
Ja’as | Plátano | Banana |
Abal | Ciruela | Plum |
Ya’ | Zapote | |
Chi’ikam | Jícama | |
Óop | Anona | Soursop, Annona |
Iik | Chile | Hot pepper |
Wayam | Huaya | Huaya |
Luuch | Jícara | Jicara |
Chakal ja’as | Mamey | Mamey |
Ook | Mango | Mango |
Chi’ | Nance | Nance |
Puut | Papaya | Papaya |
Pichi’ | Guayaba | Guayaba |
Su’uts | Limón | Lemon |
P’aak | Tomate | Tomato |
Plantas – Plants
Maya | Español | English |
Nal | Maiz (mazorca) | Corn (cob) |
I’inaj | Seeds (for next planting) | |
Neek’ | Seed (in general) | |
Ka’ | Whitesh pumpkin (for seeds) | |
Xtóop’ | Big seeds from ka’ | |
Che’eche’ | Maiz crudo | Raw corn |
Lool | Flor | Flower |
Nikte’ | Flor (en el árbol) | Flower (on tree) |
Xíiw | Herb | |
Xa’an | Palm leaf | |
Che’ | Tree/wood | |
Báalche’ | Large tree whose bark is used in the ceremonial drink of the same name | |
xYa’axche’ | Ceiba pentandra | |
xKi’che’ | Small tree used for construction, charcoal, firewood, and good luck | |
xPomolche’ | Incense tree | |
Su’uk | Pasto, césped | Grass |
Aak’/áak | Viña (i.e. lengua) | Vine (i.e. tongue) |
Le’ | Hoja | Leaf |
Moots | Raíz | Root |
Ya’ax che’ | Ceiba | Ceiba tree |
VERBS
Transitive Verbs: ik (aj), tik (taj), sik (saj)
Maya | Spanish | English |
Ajsik | Levantar a alguien | To wake someone up |
A’alik | Decir algo | To say something |
Áantik | Ayudar con algo | To help with something |
Báaxtik | Jugar (con un juguete) | To play (with toy) |
Beetik | Hacer algo | To do something |
Bisik | Llevar algo | To carry something |
Bo’otik | Pagar algo | To pay for something |
Chakik | Cocinar, hervir algo | To cook, to boil something |
Cha’antik | Mirar (la tele, la película) | To watch (movie, play) |
Chi’ik | Morder algo | To bite something |
Chujik | Quemar algo | To burn something |
Chukik | Pescar algo | To fish something |
Chuyik | Bordar, Costurar algo | To sew, stitch algo |
Ch’áaik | Tomar algo | To take something |
Éensik | Bajar algo | To lower something |
Ilik | Ver algo | To see something |
Japik | Abrir (la boca) | To open (mouth) |
Jaantik | Comer algo | To eat something |
Je’ik | Abrir (la puerta) | To open (door) |
Kanik | Aprender algo | To learn something, to be affected by a disease that affects a person only once |
Ka’ansik | Enseñar algo | To teach something |
Ka’atik | Rostizar algo | To roast something |
Kíinsik | Matar algo | To kill something |
Konik | Vender algo | To sell something |
K’alik | Cerrar algo | To close something |
K’áatik | Querer algo | To want something |
Kaxtik | Encontrar algo | To find something |
K’ayik | Cantar una canción | To sing a song |
K’osik | Cortar algo con tijeras | To cut something with scissors |
Lokik ? | Hervir algo | To boil something |
Lúubsik | To knock something down | |
Luk’ik | Tragar algo | To swallow something |
Machik | To grasp, seize, touch something | |
Manik | Comprar algo | To buy something |
Máansik | Manejar algo | To drive something |
Mee(n)tik | Hacer algo | To do something |
Meyajtik | Trabajar para alguien/algo | To work for someone/thing |
Mukik | Enterrar a alguien/algo | To bury someone/thing |
Na’aksik | Levantar algo | To raise something |
Na’atik | Entender, adivinar algo | To understand, guess something |
Pak’achtik | Hacer tortillas | To make tortillas |
Pak’ik | Sembrar algo | To plant something |
Páak’tik, pa’atik | Esperar a alguien | To wait for someone |
Paxik | Tocar un instrumento | To play an instrument |
P’atik | Abandonar/dejar atrás a alguien | To leave behind, abandon someone |
P’o’ik | Lavar algo | To wash something |
Taasik | Traer algo | To bring something |
Ta’ik | To defecate ? | |
Tuukultik | Pensar en algo | To think about something |
Tupik | Apagar algo/fuego | To turn off, put out (fire) |
Tusik | Mentir sobre algo | To lie about (something) |
T’abik | Prender (fuego) | To turn on, kindle (fire) |
T’anik | Hablar algo | To speak something |
Taakuntik | Amar a alguien/algo | To love someone/thing |
Tsajik | Freír algo | To fry something |
Tsolik | Explicar algo | To explain something |
Ts’aakik | Curar algo | To cure something |
Ts’áaik, ts’ajik | Dar algo | To give something |
Ts’íibtik | Escribir algo | To write something |
Ts’onik | Disparar, cazar algo | To shoot, hunt something |
Ts’u’uts’ik | Chupar, besar a alguien/algo | To suck, kiss someone/thing |
Uk’ik | Tomar algo | To drink something |
U’uyik | Escuchar, oír, tocar, sentir, oler, algo | To listen, hear, feel, sense, smell, touch something |
Xokik | Leer algo | To read |
Xotik | Cortar algo con cuchillo | To cut something with a knife |
Intransitive Verbs
Maya | Spanish | English |
Ajal | Levantar | To wake up |
Bin | Ir | To go |
Che’ej | Reírse | To laugh |
Chuuk | Pescar | To fish |
Chuuy | Bordar | To sew |
Chúumul | Empezar | To begin |
Éemel | Bajar | To descend |
Jaanal | Comer | To eat |
Je’elel | Descansar | To rest |
Jóok’ol | Salir | To go out |
Jo’op’ol | Empezar | To begin |
Káajal | Empezar | To begin |
Kíimil | Morir | To die |
Kóojol | Llegar | To arrive |
K’a’ajal | Recordar | To remember |
K’uchul | Llegar | To arrive |
Léekel | Empezar | To begin |
Luk’ul | Irse | To leave |
Lúubul | Caerse | To fall |
Máanal | Cruzar, pasar | To cross (pass by) |
Na’akal | To go up | |
Ookol | Entrar | To enter |
Paax | Tocar (música) | To play (music) |
Pak’ach | Hacer en forma de tortilla | To make into tortilla shape |
Póokik ? | Tostar | To toast |
Síijil | Nacer | To be born |
Taal | Ser de | To come from |
Tuukul | Pensar | To think |
Tu’ubul | Olvidar | To forget |
Ts’aak | Curar | To cure |
Ts’o’okol | Terminar | To finish |
Úuchul | Ocurrir | To happen |
Weenel | Dormir | To sleep |
Verbal Nouns
Maya | Spanish | English |
Áalkab | Correr | To run |
Báab | Nadar | To swim |
Báaxal | Jugar | To play |
Baanyo | Hacer popó | To poop |
Kaambal | Aprender | To learn |
K’aay | Cantar | To sing |
Maan | Comprar | To shop |
Miis | Borrer | To sweep |
Náay | Soñar | To dream |
Núuk | Contestar | To answer |
Oojel | Saber (algo) | To know (something) |
Paakat | Mirar | To watch |
Páak | Esperar | To wait |
Suut | Regresar | To return |
Táankab | Usar el baño | To use the bathroom |
Tojol | Costar | To cost (money) |
T’aan | Hablar | To speak |
Tsikbal | Charlar | To chat |
Ts’íib | Escribir, pintar | To write, paint |
Uk’ul | Tomar | To drink |
Wayak’ | Soñar | To dream |
Wiix | Orinar | To urinate |
Xáacheb | Peinar | To comb |
Xik’nal | Volar | To fly |
Xíimbal | Caminar, visitar | To walk, visit |
Xook | Estudiar | To study |
Yaakunaj | Amar | To love |
Yéey | Escoger | To pick/choose |
Positional and Inchoative Verbs: tal, laj(ij), chaj(ij)
Maya | Spanish | English |
Áak’abtal | To get dark, to become night | |
Aktal | To settle, form puddles, seat firmly | |
Béeytal | Poder | To be able to |
Eets’tal | To sit, settle in a place | |
Chi(l)tal | Acostarse | To lie down |
Chintal | To bow, gravel | |
Jaytal | To stretch out, scatter, disseminate | |
Jottal | To bend over to the ground | |
Juptal | To sink | |
Kots’tal | To roll up, curl up, coil up | |
Ku(l)tal | To sit down | |
Kuxtal | To live | |
K’attal | To lie athwart, block, cross | |
K’ebtal | Aprender | To learn |
Mettal | To bend, arch | |
Mot’tal | To stoop, squat, crouch, cower | |
Multal | To pile up, gather | |
Naktal | To lean against | |
Nojochtal | Crecer | To grow |
Pachtal | To hang, dangle, swoon | |
Páajt | Poder | To be able to |
Pojtal | To sink (into hammock) | |
P’ittal | To jump, protrude | |
P’oltal | To swell up | |
Sop’tal | To coil up, pile up (rope, thread, cloth, paper) | |
Tuk’tal | To buldge, knot | |
Ts’uktal | To sit cross-legged | |
Utsal | To improve, repair, get better | |
Wa’a(l)tal | To stand | |
Woltal | To ball up, buldge | |
Xaktal | To bend over, fall on hands and knees | |
Xit’ta | To open, come out, appear |
OTHER
Question Words
Maya | Spanish | English |
Bix | Cómo | How? |
Tu’ux | Dónde | Where? |
Ba’ax | Qué | What? |
Máax | Quién | Who? |
Bajux | Cuánto | How much? |
Kux | y… | And…? |
Ba’axten | Por qué | Why? |
Jayp’éel | Cuántos | How many? |
Buka’aj | De qué tamaño? | What size? |
Ba’ax k’íin | Cuando? Qué día? | When? Which day? |
Ba’axo’olal | Por qué razón/motivo? | For what reason? |
.. Wáaj.. | .. o.. ? | .. or .. ? |
Boonil – Colores – Colors
Maya | Spanish | English |
Boox (éek’) | Negro | Black |
K’ank’an, k’an | Amarrillo | Yellow |
Chak | Rojo | Red |
Chakk’an | Orange | |
Ya’ax | Verde | Green |
Cho’ooj | Azul | Blue |
Chukwa’ | Café | Brown |
Sam(al) cho’ooj | Azul cielo ? | Light blue |
Sam(al) chak | Rosado | Pink |
Adjetivos – Adjectives
Maya | Spanish | English |
Ayik’al | Rico/a | Wealthy |
Óotsil | Pobre | Poor |
Jaaj, má jaaji’ | Cierto, falso | True, false |
Túumben | Nuevo | New |
Laab, la’ | Old, worn out (clothes) | |
Úuchben | Antiguo/a | Old, ancient |
Xlá | Old, worn, broken (things) | |
Ch’ujuk | Dulce | Sweet |
Ch’óoch’ | Salado/a | Salty |
K’áaj | Amargo/a | Bitter |
Paj, su’uts’ | Agrio/a | Sour |
Páap | Picante | Spicy |
K’íilkab | Sweaty | |
Ke’el | Frío/a | Cold |
Chokoj | Caliente | Hot |
Ch’uul | Mojado/a | Wet |
Tikin | Seco/a | Dry |
Nojoch | Grande (singluar) | Big (singular), old |
Nuuk, nukuch | Grande (plural) | Big (plural) |
Chan, chichan, mejen | Pequeño/a | Small, little |
Kóom | Corto/a | Short (length) |
Kaabal, kaambal | Bajo/a | Short (height) |
Ka’anal | Alto/a | Tall |
Chowok | Long (height) | |
Baach, bek’ech | Delgado/a | Skinny, thin |
Polok | Gordo/a | Fat |
Al (in aalil) | Pesado/a | Heavy (my weight) |
Sáal | Ligero/a | Light (not heavy) |
Chambéel | Lento/a | Slow |
Séeb | Rápido/a | Fast |
K’omoj | Apestoso/a | Smelly, stinky |
Tso’otsil | Hairy | |
Ki’ichkelem | Guapo/a | Handsome |
Ki’ichpam | Bonito/a | Beautiful |
Boka’an | Reeking | |
Tóoka’an | Quemado/a | Burned |
Ts’oka’an | Terminado/a | Finished |
K’oja’an | Enfermo/a | Sick |
Ka’ana’an | Cansado/a | Tired |
Je’an | Abierto/a | Open |
K’ala’an | Cerrado/a | Closed |
Kimen | Muerto/a | Dead |
Kuxa’an | Vivo/a | Alive |
Uk’aj | Con sed | Thirsty |
Wi’ij | Con hambre | Hungry |
Ya’ab | Mucho | A lot of |
Chen jump’íit | Poco | A little of |
Tuláakal | Todo | All |
Mixba’al | Nada | Nothing |
Nahil Xook – Escuela – School
Maya | Spanish | English |
Bix u juum? | Cómo suena? | How is it pronounced? |
Bix u xo’okol? | Cómo se lee? | How is it read? |
A’al tu ka’atéen | Repite | Say it again |
Xok tu ka’atéen | Leelo otra vez | Read it again |
Bix u ts’íibta’al? | Cómo se escribe? | How is it written? |
Yéetel __ wáaj yéetel __? | Es __ o __ ? | Is it __ or __? |
Ba’ax u k’áat u ya’alej? | Que quiere decir? | What does it mean? |
Ma’ tin na’ataji’ | No entendí | I don’t understand |
Ba’ax kin in beetaj? | Qué voy a hacer? | What am I going to do? |
Bix kin in beetil? | Cómo lo voy a hacer? | How do I do it? |
Máax yéetel kin in beetej? | Con quién lo voy a hacer? | With whom will I do it? |
Máax yéetel kin meyaj? | Con quién voy a trabajar? | With whom will I work? |
Escríbelo en la pizarra | Ts’íibt te’ pizarrao’ | Write it on the blackboard |
U’uye’ex le t’aana’ | Escucha esta palabra | Listen to this word |
U’uye’ex le tsikbala’ | Escucha este diálogo | Listen to this dialogue |
Ka’a’ale’ex le t’aana’ | You all say the word again | Everyone say the word again |
Éetxookil | Compañero de clase | Classmate |
Ju’un | Papel, cuaderno | Paper, notebook |
Lugares – Places
Maya | Spanish | English |
Naajil ki’ichkelem yuum | Iglesia | Church |
Naajil xook | Escuela | School |
K’íiwik | Mercado, plaza, centro | Market, square, plaza |
Kaaj | Pueblo | Town |
Noj/nojoch kaaj | Ciudad | Big town (city) |
Beel | Camino | Road |
Múul | Man-made mound | |
Koonol | Tienda | Store |
Lu’umil | Country | |
K’áax | Bush, brush, jungle, forest | |
Nukuch k’áax | High forest (5-6 m) | |
Ts’ono’ot | Cenote | Cenote |
Áaktun | Cueva | Cave |
Sajkab | Cave resulting from quarrying “white earth” | |
Cháaltun | Stone slab | |
Ch’e’en | Pozo | Well |
Jáal ja’il | Shore | |
Jáal k’áa’náab | Sea shore | |
Pu’uk | Colina | Hill |
Wits | Montaña | Mountain |
Mayab | Yucatan, flat, plains | |
Ho’, Jo’ | Mérida | Merida |
Sakí | Valladolid | Valladolid |
U ti’itsil ka’an – Puntos cardinales – Cardinal Directions
Maya | Español | English |
Xaman | Norte | North |
Noojol | Sur | South |
Lak’in | Este | East |
Chik’in | Oeste | West |
Xaman lak’in | Noreste | Northeast |
Xaman chik’in | Noroeste | Northwest |
Noojol lak’in | Sureste | Southeast |
Noojol chik’in | Suroeste | Southwest |
Te’élo’ | Allá | There |
Te’éla’, waye’ | Aquí | Here |
Tséel | Al lado de | Next to |
Paachil | Atrás de | Behind |
Naats’ | Cerca de | Near |
Yáanal | Debajo de | Below |
Yóokol | Encima de | On |
Ichil | Dentro de | Inside |
Tu chúumuk | En medio de | In between |
Táankab | Fuera de | Outside of |
Xno’oj | Derecha | Right |
Xts’iik | Izquierda | Left |
Akt’aan | Enfrente de | In front of |
Náach | Lejos | Far |
Tiempo
Maya | Español | English |
Ja’ab | Año | Year |
Winal | Mes | Month |
Jo’olji’ak | Ayer | Yesterday |
Bejla’e’ | Hoy | Today |
Sáamal | Mañana | Tomorrow |
Ka’abej | Pasado mañana | The day after tomorrow |
Chúumuk ka’an | Mediodía | Midday |
Áak’ab | Noche | Night |
Emel kab | Tarde | Afternoon |
Xook k’iin | Reloj | Watch |
Be’oora’e’ | Ahora | Now |
Ku ts’o’okole’ | Después | Later |
Personality Traits
Maya | Spanish | English |
Jach yaan u na’at | Entiende mucho (es inteligente) | S/he understands a lot (is intelligent) |
Jach inteligeente | Es inteligente | S/he is intelligent |
Mina’an u na’at | No entiende nada (no es inteligente) | S/he doesn’t understand anything (is not intelligent) |
Tsíimin | Caballo (estúpido) | Horse (stupid) |
No’ol | Dumb, aloof, clumsy | |
Chan no ólech | ||
Jach utsil máak | Es muy buena persona | S/he is a very good person |
Uts u moodos | S/he has good manners, is polite, is nice | |
K’aas u moodos | S/he is not polite | |
Sa’ak’óol | Diligent, hard worker | |
Ma’ak’óol | Perezoso | Lazy |
Sii(j)óol | Generoso | Generous |
Ts’u’ut | Tacaño | |
Jach tráankilo | Tranquilo | Laid-back |
Ko’ | Travieso | Troublesome |
Ya’ab u meyaj | Alguien que trabaja mucho | Someone who works a lot |
Yaj u yóol | Triste, deprimido | Sad, depressed (his/her state of mind hurts) |
Lúuba’an u yóol | His/her state of mind/mood is fallen | |
Mina’an u yóol | His/her state of mind/mood is lacking | |
Ook’on óol | Tristeza | Sadness |
Ya’ab u t’aan | Hablador(a) | Talkative |
Jach séeb u t’aan | Eloquent, articulate | |
Séeb u p’u’jul, Séeb u ts’íik | Enojón | |
Jach ts’íik sen ts’íik | Agresivo, feróz | Agressive, fierce |
Ts’íik u yich | S/he is impolite | |
Ya’ab u che’ej, séeb u che’ej | Muy feliz | Very happy |
Jach chi’ik | Payaso, se ríe mucho | Clown, laughs a lot |
Ya’ab chiistes u yoojel | S/he knows a lot of jokes | |
Séeb u meetik u che’ej máak | S/he makes people laugh a lot | |
Ma’atech u tuus | Honesto/a (nunca miente) | Honest (never lies) |
Ya’ab u tuus | Mentiroso/a | Liar (lies a lot) |
Jach u yoojel tuus | Mentiroso/a | Liar |
K’asan | Mean | |
Jach yaan páasyensa | Patient | |
Jach mina’an páasyensya | Impatient | |
Teerko | Terco | Stubborn |
Mun yu’ubik t’aan | Stubborn (does not listen) | |
Ku lúubul uts ten | Me cae bien | I like him/her (his/her personality) |
Uts u lúubul ten | Me cae bien | I like him/her (his/her personality) |
Mun makik u chi’ | Noisy (does not close mouth) | |
Jach edukaado | Polite | |
Ku máan u k’abil | Exagera mucho | Exaggerates a lot |
Ya’ab u áamigos | Tiene muchos a migos | Has a lot of friends |
K’uxóol | Bad-tempered | |
K’uux | Enojado | Angry |
Éetlu’umil | From the same region | |
Éetichil | Similar face | |
Éetbaakel | Same height | |
Éetk’iinil | Same age |
Profesiones – Professions
Maya | Spanish | English |
Éetmeyaj | Compañero de trabajo | Co-worker |
Meenwaaj | Panadero | Baker |
Meenjanal | Cocinero | Cook |
Tupk’aak’ | Bombero | Firefighter |
Ts’oonáal | Cazador | Hunter |
Ka’ansaj | Maestro | Teacher |
Kolnáal | Milpero | Corn farmer |
Póolche’ | Artesano | Artisan |
K’axnaj | Constructor de casas | Construction worker |
Xoknáal | Estudiante | Student |
Konwaaj | Vendedor de waaj (tortilla) | Tortilla seller |
Meyajk’at | Artesano de barro | Ceramics artisan |
P’o’onook’ | Lavendero | Washer |
Konnitke’ | Florista | Florist |
Polis | Policía | Police Officer |
Xaantaj | Ayudante | Assistant |
Óok’atnáal | Bailarin | Dancer |
Kabnáal | Apicultor | Bee keeper |
K’osnáal | Peluquero/a | Hair cutter |
Wakaxnáal | Ganadero | Cattle herder |
Kananpaal | Niñero | Nanny |
T’oxjaanal | Mesero | Waiter/waitress |
Meen | Sacerdote | Priest |
Yoot’, páats | Masajista | Message Therapist |
Utskinajbak | Huesero | Chiropractor |
K’ampaal | Partera | Midwife |
Lu’um/Kaab – Planeta Tierra – Earth
Maya | Español | English |
Cháak | Lluvia | Rain |
K’iibal cháak | Trueno (sonido) | Thunder (sound) |
U lets’bal cháak | Lightening (in the air) | |
U yóol u ts’oon cháak | Lightening strike (hits the ground) | |
K’áaxa(l) cháak, ja’ cháak | Llover | To rain |
Tóos ja’, tóosa’ | Sprinkle ? | |
K’iin | Día, sol | Day, sun |
Áak’ab | Noche | Night |
Píik’il sáastaj | Dawn | |
Túubul k’iin, bin k’iin, u t’u’ubul k’iin | Become afternoon | |
Ja’atskab k’iin, sáastal | Dawn, early morning | |
Áak’abtal | Become night (sun is not out) | |
U chíinil k’iin | Atardecer | Become evening (sun is still out) |
Chúunk’iin | Early in the afternoon | |
Yáax k’iin | Spring | |
Ja’ja’íl | Rainy season | |
Ku beetik k’iin | Refers to dry season | |
Chokoj k’iin | Día/sun caliente | Hot sun/day |
Nookoy, yeeb | Neblina, nieve | Foggy, snow |
Múuyal, múun yal | Nube | Cloud |
Iik’ | Viento | Wind |
K’íllkab | Sudor | Sweat |
Síis | Frío | Cold |
Ka’an | Cielo | Sky |
Eek’ | Estrella | Star |
Uj | Luna | Moon |
Chéel | Arco iris | Rainbow |
Expresiones comunes – Common expressions
Maya | Español | English |
Wi’ijech wáaj? [Bey, wi’ijen/ma’ wi’ijeni’] | Tienes hambre? [Sí, tengo hambre/No tengo hambre] | Are you hungry? [Yes, I’m hungry/ I’m not hungry |
Bix a beel? [Chéen beya’, ma’alob] | Cómo estás? (cómo está tu camino?) [Bien] | How are you? (How’s your path?) [Good] |
Ba’ax ka wa’alik? [Mix ba’al. Kux tech?] | Qué dices? (qué hay de nuevo?) [Nada, y tú?] | What do you say? (What’s up?) [Nothing, and with you?] |
Bix yanikech? [Ma’alob/Ma’ ma’alobi’] | Cómo estás? [Bien/Mal] | How are you? [Good/Bad] |
Ba’ax ka beetik? [Táan in chan __] | Qué haces? [Sólo estoy __] | What are you doing? [I’m just __] |
Ba’ax túun? [Chen beya’] | ||
Tu’ux ka chéen bin beya’? [Táan in chan bin __] | ||
Tu’ux ka chéen máan beya’ [Táan in chan máan xíimbal] | ||
Tak ook’in [Beyo’/Bey túuno’] | ||
Tak ka’aka’ate [Ma’alob] | Hasta luego [Muy bien] | See you later [Sounds good] |
Tak sáamal [Ma’alob, tak sáamal] | Hasta mañana [Está bien, hasta mañana] | See you tomorrow [Okay, see you tomorrow] |
Tak ka’abej [Ma’alob túun] | Hasta pasado mañana [Está bien] | See you the day after tomorrow [Okay] |
Pa’atik in bin [Ma’alob túun, bey xan teen] | Ya me voy [Está bien, yo también] | I have to go now [Okay, me too] |
Pa’atik túun in chan bin [Xi’ikech yéetel utsil] | ||
Xi’ikech yéetel uts [Ma’alob, bey xan teech] | ||
Je’el k ilikbáaj tuláak’ k’iine’ [Ma’alob] | ||
Je’elsabáaj [Bey xan teech] | ||
Featured image by Travis.