Yucatec Mayan Dictionary and Phrasebook

/nava
1ictionary
&
cPhrasebook
M aya-E n g l is h
E n g l is h - M aya
John M ontgom
D ic tio n a r y & P h r a se b o o k s
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MAYA-EN GLISH
ENGLISH-MAYA
(Y u catec)
Dictionary & Phrasebook
J ohn M ontgomery
Turkish
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H ip p o c r e n e B o o r s , In c .
New York
Overview of Maya Grammar

S entence S tructure
V erb F orm s
Aspect
Pronominal Affixes
Set A
Set B
Set C
Incompletive Intransitives
Incompletive Transitives
Completive Intransitives
Completive lYansitives
Subjunctive Verbs
Passive Verbs
Irregular Verbs
Auxiliaries
Stative Verbs
Have Verbs
N
oun
P h rases
Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

Plurals
Demonstratives
Possessives
Re q uests
Q
u e s t io n s
P h rase M
arkers
is c o u r s e
u a n t if ie r s
u m e r ic a l
arkers
C l a s sifie r s
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42
43
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44
45
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46
46
47
47
Maya-English Dictionary
49
English-Maya Dictionary
87
Phrasebook
VI
23
23
24
24
25
25
26
27
27
30
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34
36
37
37
38
40
41
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M aya- E nglish / E n glish - M aya (Y u catec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook
INTRODUCTION
W h e n I lecture on Maya culture and Pre

columbian civilization someone almost always
asks m e what happened to the Maya people.
There seems to be a notion among segments of
the public that when the civilization vanished, so
did the Maya, erased along with their lost world
of jungle-shrouded pyramids.
N othing 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, Tabasco,
Vera Cruz, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatn.
Mayan is also spoken in the Central American
countries of Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
The present dictionary and phrasebook offer
a selection of the m ost com m on words and
useful phrases in what linguists generally call
Yucatec Maya, probably the largest group of
Mayan speakers. The book also includes a broad
range of items of interest to travelers, students,
and scholars. Spoken over virtually the entirety
of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatnthat
is, the Yucatn Peninsulaand isolated areas
of Belize, as w ell as neighboring El Petn in
Guatemala, Yucatec Maya constitutes the lan

guage generally referred to as Maya for histor
ical reasons. Actually Maya, both culturally and
linguistically, derives from a sixteenth-century
application of M ayathan or Mayataan,
meaning literally, Maya language (m aya +
t aan language). What early Europeans failed
to understand was that Maya referred to the
language spoken by the group of people with
whom they were then in contact, and that it bore
only an affinity with other languages spoken in
nearby areas. Each of these languages identifies
itself by its own singular name: Quiche, Tzotsil,
Tzeltal, and so on. It was linguists who perpetu
ated the name Mayan in reference to all of
these related groups.
Strictly speaking, then, Maya refers only to
Mayataan, the language linguists call Yucatec.
For clarity, this book will use Maya only for
that branch, while identifying others as Quiche
Maya, Cakchiquel Maya, and so on, with the
understanding that Mayan refers to the larger
language group. The main thing to remember is
that Maya means Yucatec, Mayan the language
group as a whole.
To my knowledge, this is the first combination
dictionary/phrasebook in Maya/English and Eng
lish/M aya ever published. (See M ethods o f
Learning Maya.) As such, it allows for the use of
Maya in most contexts where Spanish would nor
mally be used, although such opportunities are
rare for most travelers. Essentially, this book
offers Maya in a nutshell, distilling the essence
of the language and focusing on areas of general
interest. The goal is to present essential informa
tion about the language in the simplest, clearest,
M aya- E nglish / E n glish - M aya (Y u catec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook
and m ost useful way possible. While a complete

explanation of grammar lies outside the scope of
the presentation, I do discuss the basic rules
offering something of a refresher for those
who have experience with the language, making
intelligible why the language works the way it
does for beginners, and as a quick reference.
However, a number of complicated issues have
been omitted or greatly simplified in the interest
of ease o f use.
Each Maya word or phrase includes its pho
netic pronunciation, plus the Spanish equivalent,
since most communication in Mexico and Central
America takes place in that language. This book
assumes some prior knowledge of Spanish, so
these entries lack pronunciation guides.
Maya arises out of an incredibly rich cultural
tradition, one that holds a great deal of interest
for people from outside the Maya world. From
ancient pyramids to unique cuisine to personal
relationships, many different experiences make
this area one of the most interesting in Latin
America. It is hoped that the present dictionary
and phrasebook will help facilitate those experi
ences, and promote a more lasting appreciation
of Mayataanthe Maya language.
Introduction
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
MAYAN LANGUAGE GROUP
A n c ie n t a n d W r it te n M ayan
Archaeologists have found evidence of farming
villages on the Yucatn Peninsula dating back to
at least 1200 b . c . , and we know that even before
that date primitive hunter-gatherers foraged for
jungle and coastal resources. Whether these were
Mayan speakers remains uncertain. Linguists
argue that, based on sound changes among the
various branches of Mayan, there was a single
dominant language as early as 2000 B .C ., called
Proto-Mayan, which began to evolve into several
major divisions not long afterwards. Yucatec, or
Maya, emerged as a separate branch of this
larger language family by around 1000 b . c . Today
the Yucatecan branch includes Yucatec proper,
or Maya, as well as Lacandon, Itz, and Mopan.
Certainly Yucatec Maya has a continuous history
of at least three thousand years.
Mayan speakers created the high Precolumbian
civilization of the Classic Period, which flourished
from about a . d . 250 to 900. Whatever dialect they
spoke, they were responsible for perhaps the
greatest intellectual achievement of Native Amer
ican historythe invention of a fully developed
written script, or Maya hieroglyphic writing. While
scholars long have believed the glyphs record
predominantly a Cholan Maya language, speakers

of Yucatec Maya w ere writing in books made from
bark paper when Corts and his Spanish conquis
tadors arrived in the early sixteenth century, and
the closely related Itz Maya were still main
taining books as late as 1697. Clearly, Mayan
written in its own native systemhas a longer
history than either written English (eighth century
a . d . ) or Spanish (eleventh century a . d .) .
Following the Spanish conquest, a few Mayan
speakers wrote their language with European
characters, producing works of epic literature
and chronicles. The manuscripts known as
the books of Chilam Balam constitute some of the
best-known literature of the latter type, detailing
great epochs in Maya history. This series of doc
uments was widely published in both Spanish
and English translations. In more recent years,
epigraphers, or decipherers of hieroglyphs, have
reintroduced to native speakers the original
hieroglyphic system, a renaissance taken up with
alacrity by speakers of different branches of the
Mayan language group.
N ah u a tl a n d S pa n ish L o a n w o r d s
With the collapse of Classic Maya civilization in
the ninth and tenth centuries a .d ., widespread
cultural change took place throughout Pre
columbian America. Eventually the Aztec empire
em erged as the most powerful civilization in
Precolumbian history. Speakers of the Aztec
language, which is called Nahuatl, ranged far
down the coasts of Honduras and Panama. They
were mostly traders and merchants who brought
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y i c a t e c ) D ic tio n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
various social changes and introduced features of

material culture.
E ven before this a variety of peoples had
penetrated the Maya area from central Mexico
and elsewhere, establishing political control in
some cases over local populations. Overall, what
resulted were sundry borrowings from the
Mexican Nahuatl language (or one of its variants),
as well as intermarriage between these distinct
groups o f people.
Through Nahuatl new personal names were
introduced to the Maya, as w ell as words for
things and places (for exam ple, m asew al
Indian, Maya, from Nahuatl macehuali, free
commoner).
Spains conquest of the New World in the six
teenth century inevitably destroyed much of
Native American civilization, and although fero
ciously resistant, the Maya also succumbed. With
the wholesale introduction by the conquerors
of new foods, m ethods of cooking, clothing,
weapons, and social and political institutions, the
Maya were forced to adapt in different ways. They
did so not least by employing Spanish words for
things of which they had no experience, and even
for som e fam iliar things. Exam ples include
asu kaar, from the Spanish a z ca r sugar,
amigoh from the Spanish amigo friend, and
paapah, from the Spanish pap father.
Spanish continues to encroach on the Maya
world (and almost as importantly, English now
does so as well). Most Maya men have to be bilin
gual because of contacts beyond their villages,
and they can switch back and forth between
Spanish and their own language in the middle of
conversation, a process called code-shifting.
However, pronunciation of Spanish tends to be
A BriefHistory o f the Mayan Language Group
Mayanized by lengthening the vowels, changing

the location of accents, adding the characteristic
Maya singsong tonality and pitch, and substi
tuting Maya sounds for Spanish ones not found
in Maya. At the same time Maya speakers retain
traditional Spanish pronunciation for technical
terms. In particular, Spanish proper and personal
names remain a prominent feature of todays
spoken Maya.
M o d e r n M aya
Ancient Maya and Colonial Maya from the six
teenth and seventeenth centuries differ consider
ably from Modern Maya, and many terms and
conventions regularly used in the past have fallen
away. Moreover, because modem Maya for the
most part remains a spoken language as opposed
to a written one, and because speech constantly
changes and adapts, Maya lacks uniformity
among its several million speakers. There really
is no such thing as pure Maya or standard
Maya. The historical tendency of the Maya to
seek isolation and independence led to numerous
sub-dialects, and just about every Maya has his
or her own way of speaking. Regional variations
exist as well. Speakers of Maya can readily under
stand each other (although not necessarily other
branches of Mayan such as Quiche or Tzotsil), but
the situation poses some difficulty for speakers
of Maya as a foreign language. Changes in the
language from one village to another and from
one area to the next can be very confusing for
the beginner.
M aya- E n g l ish / E n glish - M aya (Y lca tec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook
METHODS OF
LEARNING MAYA
A s with any language, the process of learning

Maya may seem at first overwhelming. Unfa
miliar sounds can strike the ear of the beginner as
im possibly complex, especially when spoken
rapidly. Difficulty in distinguishing where one
word begins and another ends can hopelessly
confuse the student, even a vigilant one.
In contrast, like languages everywhere around
the world, Maya becomes far easier to learn when
the student listens and familiarizes his- or herself
w ith the sound of the language. Familiarity
breeds affinity, even endearment, with the spoken
language, while the minds inner ear and subcon
scious quietly absorb what we learn, often with
much greater depth than the conscious mind real
izes. The true seat of language belongs to the sub
con sciou s, w hich stores inform ation about
language very much like an automated dictionary
and grammar.
Anyone interested in learning Maya can choose
from several approaches, depending on what goal
he or she has in mind. An informal conversational
command of Maya for personal reasons probably
can best be achieved through total immersion.
On the other hand, a more scholarly interest
might require formal classroom instruction or
the use of language tapes. Certainly all serious
students will master spoken Maya most thor

oughly by availing themselves of every resource
that time and money allow.
T otal I m m e r sio n
To totally absorb the language, the student should
visit the Yucatn Peninsula and live among the
Maya for as extended a period as possible. Total
immersion involves living, eating, and sleeping
with a Maya family. Daily routine and habitual
exposure to the language immerses the student
in all things Maya. Such an approach probably
offers the quickest and most surefire way to learn
the language, but will probably cost more than
other methods. Generally students can simply
approach individual Maya or their families and
hire them as teachers. Language schools, usually
operated out of Mrida, often place students with
Maya families to supplement one-on-one instruc
tion through trained teachers.
O n e - o n - O n e F o rm al E d u c a t io n
Probably the second quickest (and second most
reliable) method involves the pairing of students
with a native Maya speaker who acts either as an
informal teacher or trained instructor. Usually
language academies offer this kind of instruction,
generally in Mrida but also elsewhere on the
peninsula. Virtually any Maya speaker willing to
teach will suffice, although professionally trained
teachers often prove more valuable for students
seeking academic knowledge of the language.
10
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
F o b m a l C l a ssr o o m I n s t r u c t io n
Highly efficient but more formally organized and
structured than either total immersion or one-onone contact with an instructor, formal classroom
instruction offers an extremely valuable resource,
especially when conducted by native speakers
or where native speakers serve as teacher assis
tants. A main disadvantage is that students may
not receive enough personal attention or may fail
to keep up with the classroom pace. Duke Uni
versity provides the best-known program, con
ducted for four weeks during the summer months
through the Institute of Latin American Studies.
The program offers an optional two-week field
school with one-on-one instruction and total
immersion, conducted on the Yucatn Peninsula.
L an g u ag e T apes/ C D s
Language tapes offer a key tool for anyone wanting
to learn Maya. They allow students to listen to and
learn Maya outside the classroom and without
live native speakers. With this method, personal
ized learning can take place in a variety of set
tings, for example, while driving an automobile or
in the privacy of the home. Currently only one
complete audio language course exists, Spoken
(Yucatec) Maya by Robert Blair and Refugio Vermont-Salas, which was produced in the 1960s. A
xeroxed transcription of the tapes can be ordered
separately from the University of Chicago Library
(Microfilm Collection of Manuscripts on Amer
ican Indian Cultural Anthropology, numbers
65-66, Series X). The tapes are available from the
Universitys language library.
Methods o f Learning Maya
11
I >l< T I O NIA NIKS
Dictionaries and grammars provide crucial

resources for any student, and students should
develop a reference library with as many pub
lished and privately printed resources as pos
sible. Gary Bevingtons M aya For Travelers and
Students: A Guide to Language and Culture in
Yucatan (University of Texas Press, Austin, 1995)
provides the most valuable and accessible com
pendium of modern Maya, including Maya-toEnglish and English-to-M aya d ictionaries.
Bevingtons volume also comes with a separate
language tape that provides introductory mate
rial, although the tape and dictionary are some
times packaged together. A Dictionary o f the
Maya Language As Spoken in Hocab, Yucatan,
compiled by Victoria Bricker, Eleuterio Poot
Yah, and Ofelia Dzul de Poot, offers another
extensive if academic resource (University of
Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 1998). Many addi
tional locally published dictionaries can be
found in bookstores in Mrida and other towns
on the peninsula, although these usually pro
vide Maya-to-Spanish entries.
The best approach that any student can take is
to combine the above resources into one system
atic course of study. Accordingly, anyone seriously
interested in learning Maya should live with
native speakers while undertaking one-on-one
instruction, and then should follow with formal
classroom instruction and the regular use of lan
guage tapes.
12
M aya - E nglish / E n g u s h -M aya (Y ucatec ) D ictionary & P hraserook
PRONUNCIATION AND
SPELLING GUIDE
IVlaya and other members of the Mayan language

family use letters from the Spanish alphabet, omit
ting ones for which Mayan has no sounds and
adding combinations of letters for the Mayan
sounds that Spanish lacks. However, at the time
of the Spanish conquest Spanish itself lacked
consistency or even rules for basic punctuation,
and a large degree of variation resulted. Modem
linguists transcribing Maya into English com
pounded the problem.
Worse, todays spelling conventions among
speakers of both Maya and Spanish vary tre
mendously. Spanish alone presents something
of a nightmare; consider alternative spellings of
cowvaca versus bacaor Jimnez versus
Ximnes. (Even English includes similar and
confusing spellings or pronunciations, as for
example cock, meaning rooster, versus the
appelative Coch or Koch).
The problem increases exponentially with
Maya, because certain sounds have no equivalent
either in Spanish or English. A survey of dictio
naries and maps turns up a confused array of
spellings, as in tsib, tz ib, and dzib for the word
writing.
Recently, native language academ ies have
introduced a uniform alphabet, a system taken up
13
by decipherers of Maya hieroglyphs and exem

plified in the massive Maya/Spanish dictionary
published in Mexico, known as the Cordemex.
Although often used inconsistently, the system
has an advantage of fairly wide acceptance. The
present dictionary follows the Cordemex with the
exception that it retains traditional spellings for
personal and place names used in the Maya area
and on maps (for example, Dzibalchaltun instead
of Tzibalchaltun), and it distinguishes long and
short vowels.
G lo ttal S t o p s
Like the click sounds made in certain African
languages, the glottal stop poses a distinct
problem for non-native speakers. In the alphabet
used to write Maya, represents the sound made
in stopping the breath which is similar to the
stoppage of air in English uh-oh or in button
when spoken rapidly. Pronounced simultaneously
with the vowel or consonant that it accompanies,
the glottal stop gives a characteristic pop to the
sound.
Glottal stops might pose little problem if they
carried no meaning, but the distinction between
kab (without the stop) and k ab (with the stop)
represents an important difference. The one
means bee, the other manual labor. This is
simar to the difference between sweet and sweat
in English. The glottal stop changes everything.
Any vowel can be glottalized, but Maya includes
only five glottalized consonants where the glottal
stop changes the meaning.
ch
14
tz
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h ra s e b o o k
linguists sometimes glottalize other consonants,

for exam ple b , but these make no difference
in meaning. The present dictionary ignores the
glottalization of consonants except the frve listed
above.
V ow els
Maya uses the same vowels as Spanish, but dis
tinguishes between long and short ones. Length
ening the vowel changes the meaning of a word.
The present book doubles long vowels when these
make a difference in meaning, for example k a
two versus kaa again. Short vowels should be
pronounced as follows:
A
E
I
0
U
The
The
The
The
The
sound of a in father
sound of a in fate
sound of ee in feet
sound of o in go
sound of o in who
Long vowels incorporate a system of tonality

that differentiates meaning. The present dictio
nary renders high-toned long vowels by adding an
accent over the first vowel, while it leaves lowtoned long vowels unmarkedfor example, a
(high tone) and aa (low tone).
C o n so n a n t s
Maya employs nineteen consonants, with all but
six consonants pronounced like their Spanish
Pronunciation and Spelling Guide
15
counterparts. Note that Maya lacks d ,f, or v. For

the most part r remains exceptionally rare.
B
Sounds like the b in bed but somewhat

softer between vowels; often weak or
unpronounced at the ends of words
CH The sound of ch in church
TZ
Sounds like ts in English lets or toots
TZ Like ts in English lets but with

breath-stream stopped at the same time
X
Sounds like English sh in shoe
Like Spanish or English w
Sounds like English y in yes
CH The sound of ch in church but with

H
16
Unlike h in Spanish, which is always

silent; instead, sounds like English h in
house; but unlike English it can occur
before other consonants, as in hmeen
shaman
S ynco pated V ow els

and C o n so n a n ts
In certain instances when adding suffixes to
verbs, Maya drops unglottalized short vowels in
the middle of words, not unlike English when
adding -ing to sicken or label, which results in
sickning and tabling. In a variation of this, long
vowels becom e shortened, depending on the
sounds that follow. In these instances aa becomes
a. Words with b and I at the end regularly drop
these consonants. However, in certain words the
final b and I and long vowels with an internal
glottal stop (for example ee) must be pronounced.
In addition, in normal to rapid speech native
speakers of Maya often ignore glottal stops.
Sounds like English hard c in caught

or cat
Sounds like English hard c but with

Like Spanish or English I but often weak

or ini pronounced at the ends of words
Like Spanish or English m
Like Spanish or English n
Like Spanish or English p
Like Spanish or English p but with the

S t r e ss a n d I n t o n a t io n
Like Spanish or English 5
Like Spanish or English t
Like Spanish or English t but with the

hreath-stream stopped at the same time
Modulation of tone and pitch gives Maya a

marked singsong quality best learned by imita
tion. This rhythmic, melifluous characteristic
makes Maya one of the most attractive Native
American languages spoken today. In general,
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Pronunciation and. Spelling Guide
17
three types of observations can be made regarding

pitch and tone:
1) Pitch rises toward the ends of words
2) Vowels last or second to last rise in pitch in
many words
3) The long vowels in some words, even
towards the beginning of the word, form a
peak in overall pitch
S pe l l in g C o n v e n t io n s U se d f o r
V o w els in P r o n u n c ia t io n G u id e s
In the Maya-English Dictionary, English-Maya
Dictionary, and Phrasebook sections of the pre
sent book, the pronunciation guides (given in
parentheses after individual Maya words and sen
tences) use the following conventions to repre
sent vowels.
a
= ah (pronounced as in the English

exclamatory expression ah!)
Example: sak (sahk)
aa
= aah (pronounced as ah but with vowel

elongated)
Example: saak (saahk)
ee
= eeh (pronounced as eh but with vowel

elongated)
Example: beel (beehl)
= eh (pronounced as eeh but with

initial raised in tone)
Example: keh (keh)
= ee (pronounced as in the English word

see)
Example: pik (peek)
ii
= eee (pronounced as ee but with vowel

elongated)
Example: piitz (peeetz)
= ee (pronounced as ee but with initial

raised in tone)
Example: pim (peem)
= oh (pronounced as in the English

exclamatory expression oh!)
Example: toh (toh)
oo
= ooh (pronounced as oh but with vowel

elongated)
Example: toon (toohn)
= oh (pronounced as ooh but with

Example: ton (tohn)
= o o (pronounced as in the English word

zoo)
Example: lu (loo)
ah = ah (pronounced as aah but with

Example: sal (sahl)
e
18
= eh (pronounced like ay in English pay)

Example: kex (kehsh)
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M a v a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h ra s e b o o k
Pronunciation and Spelling Guide
19
uu = ooo (pronounced as oo but with vowel

elongated)
Example: luuk (loook)
ABBREVIATIONS
u = oo (pronounced as oo but with initial

raised in tone)
Example: lub (loob)
adjective
adverb/adverbial
auxiliary
completive
conjunction
demonstrative
English
first person
imperative
incompletive
interrogative
intransitive
noun
participle
phrase
plural
preposition
pronoun
reflexive
second person
singular
Spanish
third person
transitive
verb
20
M a ja - E n glish / E n glish - M aya (Y uca tec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook
adj.
adv.
aux.
com.
conj.
dem.
Eng.
1st p.
imper.
incom.
inter.
in.
n.
par.
phr.
pi.
prep.
pron.
refl.
2nd p.
s.
Sp.
5rd p.
tr.
V.
21
OVERVIEW OF
MAYA GRAMMAR
S en ten ce S tructure
S entences with subjects only (intransitive): In
Maya the subject can either lead or follow the
verb or predicate, but most cOmm only in Maya
the subject follows the verb. Hence an intransi
tive sentence is either VERB-SUBJECT (VS) or
SUBJECT-VERB (SV).
English:
As fo r John, he is sleeping.
Maya:
either
Juanetan u wenel (SV)
or
t/ian u wenel Juan (VS)
S en ten ces w ith both ob ject and su bject
(Iransitive): As in intransitive sentences, the sub
ject in transitive sentences can either lead or
follow the verb, with the object placed after the
verb. In Maya, however, the subject most com
monly follows both the verb and object. Hence,
most transitive sentences are VERB-OBJECTSUBJECT (VOS).
English:
John saw Peter
Maya:
either
Juane tu yilah Pedro
or
Tu yilah Pedro Juan
(equivalent to saw Peter John)
23
Placing the subject before the verb highlights

the subject, with the highlighted subject often
presented as new information.
V erb F orm s
Verbs express action. Maya has three basic verb
forms (transitive, intransitive, and passive), plus
three aspects (completive, incompletive, and
subjunctive). For purposes of simplification the
discussion ignores both passive and subjunctive
forms. Overall, Maya includes four qualities that
need to be taken into consideration when forming
verbs: 1) transitive/intransitive; 2) completive/
incompletive; 3) singular/plural; and 4) first,
second, or third person. In addition, most verb
forms have three basic elements of construction:
1) a verb root that includes a postfix differenti
ating transitivity as well as aspect; 2) usually an
auxiliary verb; 5) and pronominal affixes (pre
fixes, suffixes, and infixes).
While sentence structure depends on the pres
ence of a subject or object, verbs incorporate
root words that must be inflected depending on
whether the verb is transitive (subject plus object)
or intransitive (subject only).
han
tin hanal
tin haantik
=
=
eat
I am eating (intransitive)
I am eating it (transitive)
indicate aspect depend on whether the action is

completed at the time of the utterance (comple
tive) o r ongoing (incompletive; resembles the
infinitive in English). For all intents and purposes
Maya lacks a future tense, but the future can
still be expressed through the use of the auxilhary
verb h eel will.
Completive: Can be thought of essentially as
past tense, in other words as afinished action.
tin haantah le waaho = I ate that tortilla
Incompletive: Indicates an action that either
was or is ongoing, not unlike the English infinitive
where the verb ends in -ing. Also used with verbs
where the activity is repetitive or habitual.
tin haantik waah = I was/am eating tortillas
P ronom inal Affixes

Pronouns differentiate person and number, as in
I/we said it (first person), you said it (second
person), and he/she/they said it (third person).
Maya incorporates three distinctive sets of pro
nouns: Set A, Set B, and Set C. These are attached
either to the verb stem or to another component
of the sentence.
Set A:
Aspect
Aspect can be thought of more or less as tense
in English or time relationships. Affixes that
24
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e r o o k
Pronouns from Set A, called the Ergative Set,

mark the subjects of transitive verbs and the pos
sessors of nouns. Ergative refers to the function
25
of the pronoun to indicate the agent or instrument

of an action (the subject).
When singular pronominal affixes from Set A
precede a root word beginning with a vowel, the
root takes w prefixed to it after the pronouns in or
a. However, if a word already begins with a vowel
and calls for the third-person pronoun u, the
third-person pronoun affix changes to y and the
initial vowel of the root is often dropped (both
with verbs and possessed nouns).
The following table lists the various pronouns

from Set B.
u baak
yotoch
*Technically not a pronoun but rather the completive

marker. Present when the pronoun marks the subject
and the verb is the last word in the sentence. Otherwise
the third-person singular has a silentmarker (f), oran
invisibleand unpronounced affix.
=
=
his/her bone
his/her house
The following table lists the various pronouns

from Set A in singular and plural forms. Note that
pronoun forms can both begin and end the root,
the latter indicated by .
1st person
Singular
Plural
in
k
ino on
keex
Plural
Ist person
-een
-oon
2nd person
-eech
-eex
3rd person
-ih*
-oob
Set C:
Pronouns from Set C use pronouns from Set B, but
combine these with the preposition ti, meaning
to (ti also means at, in, on, and with).
Singular
Plural
2nd person
aeex
Ist person
teen (to me)
toon
3rd person
uoob
2nd person
leech (to you)
teex
3rd person
leeti (to him/her)

tie (to him/her)
leetioob
tio ob(e)
Set B:
Also called the Absolutive Set, Set B consists
exclusively of pronominal affixes attached to the
end of the verb root (as opposed to those in Set A,
which can occur both at the beginning and end).
Set B pronouns occur with some incompletive
transitive constructions and with completive
intransitives to mark the subject.
26
Singular
Incompletive Intransitives
In addition to pronominal inflection, an incom
pletive intransitive verbal construction will take
Ihe suffix -vl, where v stands for a changeable
vowel and I provides the final consonant. When
27
the verb is simple, rather than complex, then

vowels used in the final -\l suffix reflect the same
vowel used in the root word. Otherwise v = a.
Incompletive intransitives also take an auxil
iary, a wide variety of which may be used. Two
variations of intransitive verbal constructions dis
tinguish this category: 1) Set A pronoun affix >
stem > suffix (relatively rare); and 2) auxiliary >
Set A pronoun > stem > suffix.
2nd Person:
1st Person:
Plural
Singular
k
> a
> han-al
> -eex
aux.
2nd p. s.
verb stem eat
. 2nd p. pi.
Set A + incom. in. suffix
Set A
k
> in
> han
aux.
1st p. s.
verb stem
Set A
eat
-al
> incom. in.
suffix
Singular
k
> a
> han-al
aux.
2nd p. s.
-verb stem eat
Set A
-+ incom. in. suffix
IVanslation: ka hanal you eat
'IVanslation: ka hanaleex you all eat
Translation: kin hanal I eat
ir d Person:
Singular
Plural
k
> in
aux.
1st p. s.
Set A
> han-al
verb stem eat
+ incom. in. suffix
> -oon
lstp.pl.
Set A
Translation: kin hanaloon w e eat
Translation: ku hanal he/she eats
Plural (alternate)
Plural
k
>
aux.
k
> u
aux.
3rd p. s.
Set A
han-al
> -ee x
verb stem eat
1st p. pi.
+ incom. in. suffix
Set A
Translation: k hanaleex we eat
28
k
> u
> han-al
aux.
3rd p. s.
verb stem eat
Set A
+ incom. in. suffix
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
> han-al
verb stem eat
+ incom. in. suffix
> -oob
3rd p. pi.
Set A
Translation: ku hanaloob they eat
29
Thus the inflectional paradigm of incompletive

intransitives may be characterized as:
Singular
Plural
kin hanal
ka hanal
ku hanal
=
=
=
I eat
you eat
he/she eats
kinhanaloon
k hanaleex
khanal
ka hanaleex
ku hanaloob
we eat
=
=
you all eat

they eat
Incom pletive Transitives

Verbs marked as incompletive transitives take the
suffix -ik plus an auxiliary verb, in addition to Set
A and Set B pronouns, where Set B pronouns can
be added to the end of the verbal construction or
to mark the object.
Ilural (alternate)
> hatz
verb stem
hit
k
> in
mix.
1st p . s.
Set A
> -ik
incom.tr.
suffix
> -o on
lstp .p l.
Set A
IVanslation: kin hatzikoon we hit it/him/her
2 n d P e rso n :
Singular
k
>a
mix.
2nd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
verb stem
hit
> -ik
incom. tr.
. suffix
IVanslation: ka hatzik you hit it/him/her
I'lural
k
>a
mix.
2nd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
verb stem
hit
> -ik
incom. tr.
suffix
> -eex
2nd p. pi.
Set A
IVanslation: ka hatzikeex you all hit it/him/her

1st P erso n :
Singular
k
> in
aux.
1st p. s.
Set A
> hatz
verb stem
hit
-ik
> incom. tr.
suffix
Translation: kin hatzik I hit it/him/her (period

ically in the present)
Plural
k
> hatz
> ik
aux.
verb stem incom. tr.
hit
suffix
k
> u
> hatz
aux.
3rd p. s.
verb stem
Set A
hit
> -ik
incom. tr.
suffix
'IVanslation: ku hatzik he/she hits it/him/her
Ilural
> -eex
1st p. pi.
Set A
IVanslation: k hatzikeex we hit it/him/her

30
f r d P erson :
Singular
k
> u
aux.
3rd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
verb stem
hit
> -ik
> -oob
incom. tr. 3rd p. pi.
suffix
Set A
'IVanslation: ku hatzikoob they hit it/him/her

31
To specify exactly who or what was hit in all of

the above examples, simply add a name or noun
phrase at the end, as in kin hatzik Juan (I hit
Juan) and ku hatzik le pako (She/he hits the
w all). You can also add the Set B pronouns
(except -i) to the end of these forms, except that
the singular/plural markers must not be doubled.
Examples of the latter include kin hatzikeech I
hit you, and ka hatzikeen you hit me.
The inflectional paradigm of incompletive
transitives may be characterized as:
Singular
Plural
kin hatzik
ka hatzik
ku hatzik
=
=
=
kin h atzikeex =
k hatzikoon
k hatzik
ka hatzikeex
=
ku hatzikoob
=
han
> -oon
verb stem 1st p. pi.
SetB
IVanslation: hanoon we ate
2nd Person:
Singular
han
> -eech
verb stem 2nd p. s.
Set B
I hit it
you hit it
he/she hit it
'IVanslation: haneech you ate
we hit it
Plural
you all hit it

they hit it
Com pletive Intransitives
han
> -eex
verb stem 2nd p. pi.
Set B
'translation: haneex you all ate
ir d Person:
Completive intransitive verbal constructions

require no auxiliary, but they take Set B pronouns
to mark the subject. All that completive intransi
tives require is the verb root and a Set B suffix.
Singular
1st Person:
IVanslation: hanih he/she ate
Singular
han
> -een
verb stem 1st p. s.
ate*
Set B
Translation: haneen I ate
32
Ilural
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
han
> -ih
verb stem 3rd p. s.
Set B
Plural
han
> -oob
verb stem 3rd p. pi.
Set B
'IVanslation: hanoob they ate
The inflectional paradigm of completive intransitives may be characterized as:
2nd Person:
Singular
haneen
haneech
hanih
=
=
=
I ate
you ate
he/she ate
I
mix.
Plural
hanoon
haneex
hanoob
=
=
=
we ate
you all ate
they ate
'iranslation: ta hatzah you hit it (in the past)
Singular
> a
2nd p. s.
S et A
> hatz
stem
hit
>
-ah
com.tr.
suffix
Ilural
Com pletive Transitives

Just as incompletive intransitives take the suffix
-al and incompletive transitives the suffix -ik, so
too completive transitives add the suffix -ah. They
also use the auxiliary t-, together with Set A pro
nouns, while Set B pronouns mark the object.
I
aux.
> a
2nd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
stem
hit
>-ah
com. tr.
suffix
> -eex
2nd p. pi.
Set A
Translation: ta hatzaheex you all hit it (in the
past)
1st Person:
frd Person:
Singular
t
aux.
> -in
1st p. s.
Set A
> hatz
stem
hit
> -ah
com.tr.
suffix
Singular
I
aux.
Translation: tin hatzah I hit it (in the past)
> u
3rd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
stem
hit
> -ah
com. tr.
suffix
iranslation: tu hatzah he/she hit it (in the past)

Plural
t
aux.
> hatz
stem
> -ah
com. tr.
hit
> -eex
1st p. pi.
Set A
Translation: t hatzaheex we hit it (in the past)
> -in
1st p. s.
Set A
> hatz'
stem
hit
t
aux.
> u
3rd p. s.
Set A
> hatz
stem
hit
> -ah
com.tr.
suffix
> -oob
3rdp.pl.
Set A
'IV-anslation: tu hatzaho oh they hit it (in the past)
Plural (alternate)
t
aux.
Plural
>-ah
> -oon
com. tr.
1st p. pi.
suffix
Set A
Translation: tin hatzahoon we hit it (in the past)

34
M a y s - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a v a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e r o o k
Overview o f Maya Grammar
35
The inflectional paradigm of completive intran

sitives may be characterized as:
Singular
tin hatzah
ta hatzah
tu hatzah
=
=
=
I hit it
you hit it
he/she hit it
Plural
th a tzaheex
= we hit it
tin hatza hoon
ta hatzaheex
= you all hit it
tu hatzahoob = they hit it
Subjunctive Verbs
Subjunctive verbs appear in the context of subjec
tive, doubtful, hypothetical, or grammatically
subordinate statements and are thought of as
expressing a mood of uncertainty. For simplifica
tion, the present dictionary and phrasebook
avoids subjunctive entries.
Subjunctive Transitive: Set A pronominal
affix followed by the transitive verb stem, with
Set B pronouns suffixed when required as object
pronouns.
Subjunctive Intransitive: Intransitive verb
stem followed by the suffix -vk, with v deter
mined by the vowel of the stem, followed in turn
by a Set B pronominal suffix except when third
person singular.
Subjunctive Passive: Transitive verb stem fol
lowed by the suffix -a ak, together with Set B
pronominal suffix.
3 6
M aya- E nglish / E nglish - M aya (Y uca tec ) D ictionary & P hrasehook
Passive Verbs
Verbs rendered in the passive voice indicate that
the subject o f the sentence undergoes the action
of the verb, without direct reference to an object,
as in the English example, the ball is carried.
For all intents and purposes the present dictio
nary and phrasebook avoids entries in the pas
sive voice.
Passive C om pletive: Transitive verb stem
marked by the suffix -ab, with-pronominal suffix
from Set B added as subject.
Passive Incompletive: Transitive verb stem
with the suffix -aal, prefixed by the optional aux
iliary tan and Set A pronominal affix in.
Irregu lar Verbs

Maya incorporates speciai classes of verbs that
must be conjugated in ways that differ from
the paradigms given above. For example, not
all incompletive intransitive verbs take the -v/
ending, although otherwise they are inflected
according to the regular pattern. Such verbs add a
suffix to the stem before adding any Set B pro
nouns, with the suffix commonly consisting of a
consonant followed by -ah (as in -nah). Excep
tions include the verbs bin go and taal come,
as in tin bin I am going, and taleen I came.
Another class of irregular verbs consists of
intransitives ending in -tal, w hich express a
meaning of becoming or the process of getting
to a particular state or condition. Examples
include sastal become light and nokoytal
37
becom e overcast. In the com pletive -chah

replaces the -tal suffix, and Set B pronouns are
added, as in kalchaheech you got drunk.
Auxiliaries
Auxiliaries consist of a wide variety of supple
mental elements that mark incompletive transi
tive, completive transitive, and intransitive verbs.
When verbs take auxiliaries, a Set A pronoun
always immediately follows the auxiliary form.
Sometimes auxiliaries contract or combine with
the following pronoun, not unlike the contraction
in English of words such as cant (for can not).
tan: Denotes activities as processes, like the pro
gressive -ing form in English. Sometimes, but not
always, contracts in the following ways:
tan in
tan a
tan u
tan k
=
=
=
-
tin
tan
tun
tank
Example: tin haantik waah Im eating tortillas

k: Kind of a default auxiliary of vague meaning
and origin. Common in questions that ask for
information. Also used in sentences describing
habitual or repeated action.
tuux ka bin
baa x ka w a alik
Juane ku konik si
3 8
=
=
=
where do you go?

what did you say?
John sells firewood
M aya- E n glish / E n glish - M aya (Y u catec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook
ina: The negative particle meaning no or not.

Negative sentences endin -i, so that m a_______ V
almost always frames the verb stem.
ina + in
ina+ a
m a+ u
=
=
min
ma
mu
min woohli
muk ahoteeni
=
=
I dont know
she/he doesnt
recognize me
taak: Expresses desire. Never contracts with the

pronoun.
taak in kanik le
m ayat a ano
I want to learn
Maya
hoop/ h ok: An inceptive auxiliary meaning to

initiate or begin something. Can be used, along
with appropriate endings, as a regular verb. Hok
serves as an auxiliary variant in Quintana Roo.
hoopu hanal
she is beginning
to eat
k abet: An auxiliary that indicates necessity or

obligation.
k abet in antik le
nohoch mako
Ive got to help that

old man
39
yan: An auxiliary that expresses need or necessity,

but associated with volition and intention. Often
an expression of future time. In addition, yan has
a completed formyanhiused as an equivalent
to the English had to.
yan in antik le
nohoch m ako'
yanhi in antik le
nohoch m ako
Im going to help
the old man
I should help the
old man
I had to help the
old man
addition, nouns can be converted to stative verbs,

as with wttnik I am a man (wiinik = man,
person), and som e statives can be used to form
sentences all by themselves, for example k eeleen
cold/I am cold. Statives can also have associated
subjects:
k ohaan
k ohaan Juan
Jnane k o haan
=
=
=
sick
sick is John
John is sick
To speak about I, we, you, and so forth, simply

add the appropriate Set B pronoun:
tz ok: A terminative auxiliary that focuses atten
tion on the end or completion of something. Used
with incompletive verb forms although it focuses
on the end of something. Sometimes contracts
with the singular pronoun from Set A, and can be
used with k we.
tz in
tz a
tz u
tzok in hanal
tzok in k atik
Im done eating
Ive already asked
for it
S tative Verbs
Stative verbs express states of being, as in keeleen
I am cold. Not all verbs that express states func
tion as statives, but rather, statives function as the
equivalent of adjectives in English or Spanish. In
40
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g li s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
k ohaaneen
I am sick
H ave Verbs
Speakers of English use the word have to
inquire about things, as in do you have any
money? In Maya, as in Spanish, the speaker also
inquires about something by asking about its exis
tence in conjunction with the have verb yaan:
yaan teech taakin? do you have any money?
When the thing inquired about involves alienable
possession, as with things that can be disposed of
by sale, abandonment, or loss, yaan combines
with a C Set pronoun (yaan + tio ob).
N o u n P hrases
Noun phrases, consisting of the subject phrase
dominated by a noun, take additional elements
that modify the subject. Determinatives, which
41
consist of articles and elements that substitute

for articles, function as the most basic set of
noun modifiers, and include demonstratives
(this/that) and possessives (my/your). Other
modifiers include:
Prepositions and
P repositional Phrases
Locatives: Include the all-purpose preposition in
Maya, ti, and indicate general direction or loca
tion: to, from, in, on, at. When the article le or
pronominal affixes in, a, or u follow ti, typically in
their possessive function, the two contract: te, tin,
ta, and tu. In addition, Set C pronouns resemble
contractions of ti with Set B pronouns, as in teen
to me, teech to you, teex to you (plural),
to on to us, leeti to him/her, and leetio ob to
them. To express to him/her/it you use ti by
itself, marked with clause-final -e tacked on:
tie
tio ob(e)
=
=
to him/her
to them
Plurals
As with Spanish and English, plural forms in
Maya take a single suffix, in this case -o ob (che
tree, versus cheo ob trees). However, when
context makes it obvious that something involves
more than one thing, the plural marker may be
dropped (as in the imperative ak! turtle!when,
for example, sighting a bevy of turtles along the
beach). The word for tortilla (w aah ) never
takes the plural suffix, and as a rule, nouns are
rarely pluralized after numbers and quantifiers.
D em onstratives
Demonstratives emphasize a noun, as in the Eng
lish examples the tree, this tree, and that
tree. The most common Maya demonstrative
simply adds the determinative article le to the
beginning of the noun and the suffix -oat the end.
le cheo
le cheo obo
=
=
that tree
those trees
To say this or these simply add -ainstead of -o:

Other prepositional forms include:
yetel
utia a l
yokol
yanal
tu
chumuk
42
=
=
=
=
=
=
with
for
over, above
under
beside
in the middle
M a y a - E n g ijs h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
le chea
lecheo oba
=
=
this tree
these trees
To say a or an (as in English a tree or an

hour), add hun one before the noun together
with a numerical classifier (something that marks
the counting of or number of a particular class
of things, for example to mark animate versus
43
innanimate things). Indefinite plurals lack an

article.
hunkul che
cheo ob
=
=
a tree
trees
Possessives
Nouns take Set A pronouns to form the possessive,
and -il or -v/ may be added as an optional suffix,
where v stands for vowel and corresponds to
the vowel of the noun stem.
nah
in nahil
a nahileex
=
=
=
house
my house
your (pi.) house
Special rules apply to possessives. The -il/\t

suffix comes before any other suffix. In addition,
the plural suffix always precedes the -eex part,
as in nahilo beex your (pi.) houses. Lastly, only
one -oob suffix can be used, as in u nahiloob,
which serves to designate h is/h er h ouses,
their house, and their houses. Some nouns
are always possessed, for example, body parts
and family relatives: a n i your nose and a
taatah your father. Names or descriptive nouns
that possess something take u as prefix and
sometimes the -il/yl suffix, together with the
nam e of the possessor: u nahil Juan Johns
house. U can also be used to form the equiva
lent of English o f:
chumuk
=
u chumuk
=
u chumuk le kaaho =
44
middle
its middle
the middle of town
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e h o o k
R eq u ests
Korins that express requests, or imperatives, differ
for transitive and intransitive verbs. Transitives
include simply the verb stem, with all aspectual
suffixation stripped away. Sometimes e and h can
be added.
tasik
las ten humpel
siish a
hanteh
chupeh
=
=
=
=
bring (incom. t.)

bring me a (cup of)
hot water
eat it (from haantik)
fill it (from chupik)
Intransitives are formed by removing any aspec

tual suffix and adding the imperative suffix -en.
hanal
hanen
=
=
eat
eat!
Request forms of bin and taal become xen go and

kooten come. All command forms can be pluraiized by adding -eex: kooteneex you all come.
u e s t io n s
Questions in Maya generally incorporate words

that end in x and that occur at the beginning of a
sentence. The primary exception is the word
makalmak, meaning which?
baax
maxi
bix
tuux
=
=
=
=
what?
who?
how?
where?
45
The word kux serves to ask the sane question a

second time but about a different person or object.
ba a x taak a ukul?
kux teech?
what do you want

to drink?
and you?
Juan tun wenel

Juane tun wenel
=
=
John is sleeping
as for John, h e s
sleeping
Suffixes -ih and -e used as term inals:

Function like punctuation marks at the end of
verbs, and include -e after the preposition ti (tie
to him) and -ih after completive intransitives
(binih he went).
P h rase M arkers
Phrase markers bracket or sandwich a noun or a
noun and an adjective.
u a n t if ie r s
Le + -o or -a :
le peeko oba
le nukuch peeko obo
these dogs
those big dogs
M a + -i
m a in woohli
min woohli
I dont know
I dont know
D isc o u r se M arkers
Quantifiers consist of words used to express rela

tive amounts. They may or may not include a
plural marker, in w hich case the quantifier
appears redundant.
y a ab
y a a b h a
y a a bach
y a ab mak
y a abach mak(oob)
=
=
=
=
=
a lot, much
a lot of water
many
a lot of people
many people
Suffix -V:
Tacked onto the end of question words when
these are used alone:
baax
b a a xi
=
=
what?
what is it?
Suffix - e
Added to the subject to focus the subject when it
appears before a verb.
46
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
N u m e r ic a l C lassifiers
When counting something, numbers take special
suffixes called numerical classifiers. Classifiers
differ depending on what the speaker counts.
For example, -pel follows the number when
counting inanimate things, -tziit follows when
counting slender, long things, -kul follows when
counting trees, and -tul follows when counting
people or animals.
47
If hun one and kan four take the classifier

-pel, then the n in the stem word changes to m
(for example, humpel).
The use of numerical classifiers has declined
over the years, and many Maya speakers simply
use the -pel suffix with all inanimate objects,
rather than using -kul and -tztit.
MAYA-EN GLISH
DICTIONARY
A
ii (nil) Set A pron. second-person singular; second-person
plural together with suffix -eex
it a bit (AH-beet) n. grandchifd; nieto
niich (aahch) n. spur, goad, sting; espuela, ramal,
picadura
Bilk (aahk) n. grass;yierba
link (ahk) n. turtle; tortuga
itiikan (AH-kahn) n. snort, bellow, groan; bufido,
gemido
a k tu n (AHK-toon) n. cave; cueva
aak (ahk) n. tongue; vine; lengua-, bejuco
lak (ahk) adj. fresh, green (immalure);./reseo, verde
(immaduro)
riukab (AHR-ahb) n. night; noche
rtakabtal (ahk-AHB-tahf) in. v. to become night;
anochecer
aakal (AAHK-ah) n. fagoon, spring, swamp, tank,
reservoir; laguna, cinega, pantano, tanque, embalse
lak b ak (AHK bahk) n. fresh meat; carne fresco
aakn ai (AAHR-naht) n. green com; m az verde
aksa (AHK-sah) n. green com gruel, fresh maize
gruei; atole de m az tierno, atole nuevo
aat (aahl) n. son, daughter; weight; hijo, hija; peso
aalak (AAHL-ahk) n. pet, domestic animaf; animal
domstico
aalaktik (aahf-AHR-teek) tr. v. domesticate, grow;
criarlo, crecerlo
alkab (AHL-kahb) in. v. run, do something very fast;
correr, hacer algo de prisa
atkab m eyah (AHL-kahb MEHY-ah) in. v. phr. work
rapidly; trabajar muy rpido
aal kab (aahf kahb) n. finger; dedo
48
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
49
aalnook (AAHL-noohk) n. doll; mueca

aal ook (AAHL oohk) n. toe; dedo de pie
am igoh (ah-MEE-goh) n. friend; Sp. loanword; amigo
aanis (AAHN-ees) n. commercial cane liquor;
Sp. loanword; ans, aguardiente
aa n ta h (AAHN-tah) n. helper; ayudante
a n ta h (AHN-tah) in. v. help; ayudar
antik (AAHN-teek) tr. v. help; ayudarlo
aanyo (AAHN-yoh) n. year; Sp. loanword; ao
aasta (AAHS-tah) prep, until; Sp. loanword; hasta
aax (aahsh) n. wart; verruga
ayin (AAHY-een) n. crocodile, caiman, alligator;
cocodrilo, caimn
abal (AHB-ahl) n. plum; ciruela
ah al (AH-hahl) adj. awake; despierto
ah al (AH-hahl) in. v. awaken; despertarse
ah al (AH-hahl) tr. v. awaken; despertarlo
ak (ahk) adj. last; ltimo
ak (ahk) n. clitoris; clitoris
alux (AH-loosh) n. forest spirit, guardian of a cornfield;
duende del bosque, guardin de la milpa
am (ahm) n. spider; araa
asben/asbeen (AHS-behn/AHS-beh-ehn) adj.
secondhand, used; de medio uso
asu k aar (ah-SOO-kaahr) n. sugar; Sp. loanword; azcar
atan (AH-tahn) n. wife; esposa
aw al (AH-waht) n. shout; grito
ay (ahy) general expression of pain or disgust; ay, dios!
ayikal (ahy-EEK-ahl) adj. rich, wealthy; rico
aal(ik) (AH-AHL-[eek]) tr. v. say, tell; decir
B
baab (baahb) n. piece (continuous); pedazo (continuo)
bab (bahb) in. v. swim; nadar
baach (baahch) n. chachalaca (bird, Ortalis vetula)-,
pjaro que se llaman chachalaca
b aak (baahk) n. bone; horn; hueso; cuerno
b alam /balan (BAAH-lahm/BAH-lahn) n. jaguar;
jaguar, tigre
balche (BAAHL-cheh) n. fermented honey beer,
flavored with bark; balche
b aan d a (BAAHND-ah) n. area, place; banda, lugar
50
M a y a - E n g u s h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
liat (baht) n. ax, hatchet; hacha

haatz (baahtz) n. m onkey (howler); mono chilln,
saraguate
btaxal (BAHSH-ahl) in. v. joke, play; bromear, jugar
biiaxat (BAHSH-ahl) tr. v. amuse; entretener, divertir
bitaxal taa n (BAHSH-ahl TAAN) n. joke, pun;
chiste, retucano
biiaxtik (BASH-teek) tr. v. play, toy with; use;
jugarlo; usarlo
bab (BAHB) n. crab; cangrejo
Itabahkil (BAHB-ahk-eel) adj. crowded; inflamed;
slocked (well-); atestado; hinchado; bien surtido
bokal (BAHK-ahl) n. corncob; hueso del maz,
tusa (de maz)
bak (bahk) n. meat; carne
bakel lit (BAHK-ehl EEET) n. buttock, rump; nalga
l>at (baht) n. hall; (piedra de) granizo
baal (bah-ahl) n. thing; cosa
haalche (BAH-AHL-che) n. animal (wild); anim al
silvestre, bruta, bestia
l>aate/b aateel (BAH-AH-teh/ BAH-AH-teh-ehl) n.
light; problem; pelea; problema
baax (BAH-ahsh) inter, what?; qu?
baax kiin (BAH-ahsh KEEEN) inter, when (what day)?;
cundo (qu da)?
baax o orah (BAH-ahsh OOHB-ah) inter, w hen (what
hour)?; cundo (qu hora)?
baax te n (BAH-ahsh-tehn) inter, why?; por qu?
beech (beehch) n. quail; codorniz
beel (beehl) n. affair, matter; road; asunto; camino
beetik (BEEH-teek) tr. v. do, make; hacer
beey w ale (beehy WAHL-eh) adv. perhaps it is so!;
tal vez es posible!
behlaak (BEH-lah-ahk) adv. earlier today, today
(earlier); hoy anteriormente
behla(e) (beh-LAH-[eh]) n. nowadays, today; hoy
bekech (BEH-kehch) adj. slender, thin; delgado
beoorah (beh-OOH-rah) adv. immediately;
Sp. loanword; en seguido
beya (BEH-yah) adv. like this; as
beyo (BEH-yoh) adv. like that; as
bix (beesh) inter, how?; cmo?
bin (been) in. v. go; irse
51
bin k a akabtal (been kah AHK-ahb-tahl) n. dusk,

sunset; anochecer
bis(ik) (BEES-[eek]) tr. v. take; llevarlo
bolon (BOH-lohn) (hypothetical) n. nine; nueve
bonik (BOHN-eek) tr. v. paint; pintarlo
boch (boohch) n. shawl; rebozo, chal
book (boohk) n. odor, smell; olor
boon (boohn) n. dye, paint; tinta, pintura
boonol/boon (BOOHN-ohl/BOH-ohn) adj. painted;
pintado
box (bohsh) n. Ups; labios
box (bohsh) adj. black; negro
b oxha (BOHSH-hah) n. coffee; caf
boot(ik) (BOH-OHT-[eek]) tr. v. pay (for); pagarlo
boox (BOH-ohsh) n. buttocks; nalgas
booy (BOH-ohy) n. shade, shadow; sombra
b u lu k (BOO-look) (hypothetical) n. eleven; once
b u tik (BOOT-eek) tr. v. pack, stuff, fill; embutirlo,
llenarlo
b u u h (booo) n. owl; possible Sp. loanword; bho
(tecolote)
b u k in tik (boo-KEEN-teek) tr. v. dress, put on
clothes; vestirse, ponerlo ropa
b u u tz (boootz) n. smoke; humo
b u ul (BOO-ool) n. bean,frijol
CH
ch ak (chahk) re. rain; lluvia
chaam pal (chaahm-PAHL) n. baby, child; nio/nia, beb
chaanbeel (CHAAHN-beehl) adj. slow; despacio, lento
chab (chahb) n. anteater; oso hormiguero
cha(ik) (CHAH-[eek]) tr. v. allow, permit; permitirlo,
dejarlo
ch ak (chahk) adj. red; colorado, rojo
chakika t (chahk-EEK-aht) n. hurricane, cyclone;
huricn, cicln
chakm ool (chahk-MOH-OHL) n. jaguar (Felis onca)-,
jaguar, tigre
ch ak n u l (chahk-NOOL); adj. naked; desnudo
chakposeen (chahk-poh-SEH-ehn) adj. pink; rosado
chakxich (CHAHK-sheech) adj. blond; fair; gero
ch an (chahn) adj. little, small; pequeo, chico
52
cliiin cheel (CHAHN cheehl) n. redheaded child,

blond child; nio gero
cha (chah) tr. v. free, loosen, release, allow, let;
dejar libre, desatar, soltar, dejar, permitir
rlidan (chah-ahn) re. spectacle, show; espectculo
cheba (CHEHB-ah) n. beer; cerveza
ehcem (cheehm) n. canoe; boat; washtub; canoa;
barco; cuba de lavar
che (cheh) n. pole, stick; wood; tree; palo, vara;
madera; rbol
cheeh (cheh-eh) n. laughter; risa
clieeh (cheh-eh) in. v. laugh; rerse
cliich (cheech) adj. strong; tough;/krte; duro
chichan (CHEECH-ahn) adj. httle, small; pequeo, chico
vhichiik (CHEECH-eeek) n. hurricane, storm;
huracn, tempestad, temporal
chiich (cheeech) re. grandmother; abuela
cliiinah (CHEEE-nah) n. orange (sweet); naranja dulce
cliiinah p ah (CHEEE-nah PAH) re. orange (sour);
naranja agria
chiin w ol (CHEEEN wohl) re. tarantula; tarntula
chikoop (CHEE-koohp) re. bat (vampire); murcilago
de vampiro
chikin (CHEE-keen) re. west; oeste, occidente, poniente
rh ilankabil (chee-lahn-KAHB-eel) re. relative-,pariente
chiltal (CHEEL-tahl) in. v. he down; acostarse, echarse
(en el suelo)
chi (chee) n. edge; mouth, opening; orilla; boca
chiibal (CHEE-EE-bahl) in. v. bite; hurt; morder; doler
chiik (chee-eek) re. coatimundi (Nasua narica
yucatanica); coatimundi
chiikam (CHEE-EE-kahm) n. jicama (edible plant);
jicama
chokoh (CHOHK-oh) adj. hot; caliente
chokokuntik (choh-koh-ROON-teek) tr. v. heat;
calentarlo
chokotal (chohk-oh-TAHL) in. v. become hot;
calentarse
chokw il (CHOHK-weel) re. fever; calentura
chooch (choohch) re. intestines; intestinos, tripas
chow ak (CHOH-wahk) adj. long; largo
chow akil (CHOH-wahk-eel) n. length; largura,
longitud
chu k aan (CHOO-kah-ahn) adj. captured; capturado
53
chukbesik (CHOOK-beh-seek) tr. v. complete, finish;

completarlo, terminarlo
ch ukik (CHOOR-eek) tr. v. catch; attain; alcanzarlo;
pescarlo
chu k p achtik (chook-PACH-teek) tr. v. overtake,
pursue, catch up with someone; alcanzar, alcanzar
l que va adelante, alcanzar alguien
ch u n ch u m u k (choon-CHOO-mook) adj. fifty-fty;
mitad y mitad
ch u n p ah al (choon-PAH-hahl) in. v. get started;
empezarse, comenzar
ch upik (CHOOP-eek) tr. v. fill; llenarlo, hincharlo
ch u h (chooh) n. bottle gourd (legonaria siceraria),
canteen; calabaza para llevar agua, calabaza
vinatera
c h u k (chook) n. charcoal; carbn
ch u k aan (CHOOK-ah-ahn) adj. complete, finished;
completo, terminado
ch u m u k (CHOOM-ook) n. center, middle;
centro, medio
ch u m u k akab (CHOOM-ook AAHK-ahb) n.
midnight; media noche
ch u m u k kiin (CHOOM-ook KEEEN) n. noon;
media da
ch u u n (chooon) n. base, stem, trunk; beginning,
origin; raz, principio, tronco; origen
ch u u n ik (CHOOON-eek) tr. v. begin; empezarlo,
comenzarlo
ch u u p (chooop) adj. full, swollen; lleno, hinchado
ch uupul (CHOOOP-ool) adj. filled; hinchado
chuuy (choooy) in v. sew; costurar
ch eel (cheehl) adj. fair; blond; redheaded; gero;

rubio; pelirrojo
cheel (cheehl) n. magpie; urraca
cheeh (cheh-eh) adj. noisy, loud; ruidoso, bullicioso
cheen (CHEH-ehn) n. cistern, well; cisterna, pozo
chih aan (CHEE-hah-ahn) adj. old; viejo
chich (cheech) n. bird; ave, pjaro
chiih (cheeeh) tr. v. m ake old, age; hacer viejo
chiihil (CHEEE-eel) adj. grown; crecido
chilib (CHEEL-eeb) n. toothpick; twig; palillo de
dientes; ramita
chinik (CHEEN-eek) tr. v. throw; throw stones (at);
tirarlo; tirar piedras a
choom (choohm) n. vulture; buzzard; zopilote; busardo
chop (choohp) adj. blind; ciego
choy (chohy) n. bucket; cubeta, cubo
cho (choh) n. mouse; rat; ratn; rata
chu h u k (CHOO-hook) adj. sweet; dulce
chu h u k (CHOO-hook) n. candy; dulce
chukik (CHOOK-eek) tr. v. loosen; wrinkle; desatar;
arrugarse
chul chahtal (chool CHAH-lahl) in. v. become wet;
mojarse
chulik (CHOOL-eek) tr. v. moisten; drench; mojarlo;
remojarlo
ch u k (CHOOK) in. v. spy; espiar
chu u l (choool) adj. moist, wet; mojado
chuyul (CHOOY-ool) in. v. hang (fruit); colgarse
fruta
chuytal (CHOOY-tahl) tr. v. hang, suspend; colgarlo
chu (choo) n. epiphyte; espilladero, epfita
E
CH
chaik (CHAH-eek) tr. v. seize, take; use; agarrarlo,
llevarlo; usarlo
chak ik (CHAHK-eek) tr. v. cut with a blow; cortarlo
con un golpe
cham ak/chom ak (CHAH-mahk/CHOH-mahk) n.
coyote; fox; coyote; zorro
chaiik/chaik iik (CHAH-eeek/CHAH-eek EEEK)
tr. v. breathe; respirar
54
eek (eehk) n. star; estrella

ek (ehk) adj. dirty; black; sucio; negro
em el (EHM-ehl) in. v. descend; bajarse
ensik (EHN-seek) Ir. v. lower; bajarlo
et (eht) aux. v. equal; same; igual; mismo
eex (eehsh) n. pants; underwear; pantaln; calzn
eh ocheen (eh-HOHCH-eh-ehn) adj. dark; oscuro
eh (eh) n. file, edge-, Jilo
elel (ehl-ehl) in. v. bum; quemarse, arderse
55
eesik (EH-EHS-eek) tr. v. show; mostrarlo

eesk u bah (EH-EHSK oo BAH) refl. v. show oneself;
mostrarse
H
h (h) nominal honorific denoting masculine names, he
of; honorfico denotando nombres masculinos, l de
h aah (haah) adj. true; verdadero
h aah (haah) adv. yes; s
haahil (HAAH-eel) n. truth; verdad
hal (hahl) n. base; edge, side; raz; orilla
haaleb (HAAHL-ehb) n. paca, spotted cavy (kind of
rodent, cuniculus paca); tapescuintle
hanil (HAHN-eel) adj. clean, clear (of objects);
limpio
h aa n tik (HAAHN-teek) tr. v. eat; comerlo
haay (haahy) adj. thin (paper, clothes); papel o ropa
delgado
hay (hahy) adj. cloak, cape (article of clothing);
napkin; capa; servilleta
hach (hahch) adv. very; m uy
hach kaas u b in (HAHCH kaahs oo BEEN) adj.
dangerous; peligroso
hach yaab (HAHCH yah-ahb) adj. a lot, much;
enough, too much; mucho; bastante
h ach ik (HAHCH-eek) tr. v. chew; mascarlo
hahalkil/hoholkil (hah-hahl-KEEL/hoh-hohl-KEEL)
adj. slippery, smooth; liso, resbaloso
h ak olal (hah-KOHL-ahl) adj. surprising,
frightening; sorprendente, con susto
h an al (HAHN-ahl) n. food, meal; comida
h an al (HAHN-ahl) in. v. eat; comer
hatzik (HAHTZ-eek) tr. v. divide; diminish; leave; take
away; dividirlo, partirlo; disminuir; dejarlo; quitarlo
hatzkab kiin (hahtz-kahb KEEEN) adv. early;
morning; temprano; la maana
hatzik (HAHTZ-eek) tr. v. beat, hit, whip, strike;
golpearlo, azotarlo, pegarlo
hatzutz (HAHTZ-ootz) adj. beautiful, nice, very good;
hermoso, bonito, bello, m uy bien
hatzutzil (HAHTZ-ootz-eel) n. beauty; goodness;
belleza; bondad
56
huykin taan (hahy-KEEN-tah-ahn) adj. dried; seco

haykintik (hahy-KEEN-teek) tr. v. dry (in th e sun);
secarlo en el sol
lia (hah) n. lake; rain; w ater (in general); laguna;
lluvia; agua (en general)
liaab (hah-ahb) n. year; ao
haabil (u) (HAH-AHB-eel [oo]) n. age; edad
liaas (hah-ahs) n. banana; pltano
heban/hean /h eik (heh-BAHN/heh-AHN/heh-EEK)
adj. open; abierto
hcbik (heh-BEEK) tr. v. open; abrirlo
heeb (heehb) in. v. open; abrirse
heel (heehl) adj. different; other; diferente; otro
liclaan (HEH-lah-ahn) adj. different, distinct, strange;
diferente, distinto, extrao
hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn) adj. firm, seated, secured,
fixed, settled;,/irme, sentado, asegurado, fundado
he (heh) n. egg; huevo
heel(a)/(o ) (HEH-EHL-a/o ) dem. here/there it is!;
aqu/all est (a = close, o = further away)
heelel (hehehl-EHL) in. v. rest; descansar
lieele (HEH-EHL-eh) adv. indeed, yes, to be sure;
s, claro
hee m ax (heh-eh MAHSH) pron. whoever, anyone;
quien, cualquier persona
heesik u b a (HEH-EHS-eek oo bah) refl. v. rest
oneself; descansarse
he u b eetaale (heh ooh BEEH-tah-ahl-eh) adj.
possible (if); si se puede
hm een (ah-MEEHN) n. herbalist, shaman, curer;
yerbatero, curandero
hochik (HOHCH-eek) tr. v. harvest; cosecharlo
hom a (HOH-mah) n. gourd (large); calabaza/jicara
grande
hooch (hoohch) in. v. harvest; cosechar
hokol (HOHK-ohl) in. v. come out; go, leave;
manifestarse; salir
hool (hoohl) n. entrance; hole, opening; entrada;
hoyo, hueco
hol (hohl) adj. all; todo
hoykeep (HOHY-keehp) n. lazy man; hombre flojo
ho (HOH) n. five; cinco
ho kal (HOH kahl) (hypothetical) n. one hundred;
cien, ciento
57
ho lah u n (HOH LAH-hoon) (hypothetical) n. fifteen;

quince
hool (hoh-ohl) n. head; hair; cabeza; pelo
hoolheyak (HOH-ohl-HEH-yahk) n. yesterday; ayer
hoosik (HOH-OHS-eek) tr. v. take out; extract; sacarlo
h ta m an (ah-TAH-mahn) n. goat, kid; sheep; chivo,
cabro; borrego
hto o t (ah-TOOHT) n. mute person; persona muda
htzo (ah-tzoh) n. turkey (male); pavo (macho)
htzaak (ah-TZAAHK) n. male doctor, physician;
doctor, mdico
h tu u p (ah-TOOOP) n. brother (youngest); hermano
menor
h u ch i (HOOCH-ee) imper. scram! (to pigs, chickens,
etc.); vete! (a puercos, pollos, etc.)
h u ch (hooch) n. com dough; m az molido
h u ch bil (HOOCH-beel) adj. ground; molido
h uchik (HOOCH-eek) tr. v. grind; molerlo
h u ch k uum (HOOCH koo-oom) tr. v. grind
(lime-soaked com); moler nixtamal/masa
h u h u m pitil (HOO-hoom PEET-eel) adv. little by
little; poco a poco
h u m ch ak (HOOM chahk) n. thunder; trueno
h u m puli (hoom POO-lee) adv. completely, totally;
completamente, totalmente
h u m p el (hoom PEHL) adj., pron. a (thing), one
(thing); uri(a) (cosa)
h u m p it (HOOM peet) n. bit (a), little (a); un poco,
pocos
h u n (hoon) adj., n. single; one; solito, solo; uno
h u n b ak (HOON bahk) (hypothetical) n. four hundred;
cuatrocientos
h u n k u l (hoon-KOOL) adj., pron. a (tree), one (tree);
un(a) (rbol)
h u n kal (HOON kahl) (hypothetical) n. twenty;
veinte
h u n p ik (hoon PEEK) (hypothetical) n. eight thousand;
ocho mil
h u n t u l (hoon-TOOL) adj., pron. a (person or
animal), one (person or animal); un(a) (persona o
animal)
huntzit (hoon-TZEET) adj., pron. a (long thing),
one (long thing); un(a) (cosa larga)
58
liuuh (hoooh) n. iguana; lizard; iguana; lagartija

liuum (hooom) n. noise, sound; ruido, sonido
liu chabale (hoo CHAHB-ahl-eh) aux. v. may;
se puede, se perm ite
hu u biitaale (hooh oo BEEE-tah-AHL-eh) adj.
possible (it is); es posible
liuu n (hoo-oon) n. book; letter; paper; libro; carta;
papel
hw aach (ah-WAAHCH) n. Mexican (male); mexicno
liw ay (ah-wahy) n. wizard; brujo
I
ich (eech) n. eye; face; ojo; cara
ichil (EECH-eel) prep, in, inside, within; dentro
ichkil (EECH-keel) in. v. bathe; baarse
iib (eeeb) n. bean (lima),frijol de lima
icham (EECH-ahm) n. husband; marido, esposo
ichak (EE-chahk) n. fingernail, claw; ua
iik (eeek) n. chile, pepper; chile, aj
iik (eeek) n. air, wind; aire, viento
im (eeem) n. bosom, breast, teat; seno, pecho, teta
ipil (EEEP-eel) n. dress (native w om ans); hupil
iis (eees) n. yam, sweet potato; camote
iit (eeet) n. anus; bottom, base; ano; base
iitz (eeetz) n. sap, resin; rust; resina o leche de rbol;
oxidado
itzin (EETZ-een) n. brother (younger), sister
(younger); hermano/a menor
ileh (EEL-eh) imper. see it!; vlo!
ilik (EEL-eek) tr. v. see; verlo
ixbal (EESH-bahl) in. v. break out in a rash; tener
roncha
iin ah (EE-EE-nah) n. seed com; semilla para
sembrar maz
K
kaab (kaahb) n. bee; honey; earth; world; abeja; miel;
tierra; mundo
kaabal (KAAHB-ahl) adv. below; low; abajo; bajo
59
k aach aal (kaah-CHAH-ahl) adj. broken, busted; split;

fractured; quebrado; hendido; fracturado
k aah (kaah) n. place; town; lugar; pueblo, pobladon
kahsik (KAH-seek) tr. v. begin; comenzarlo
k aah tal (KAAH-tahl) n. place; ranch; lugar; rancho
k aah tal (KAAH-tahl) in. v. live, reside; vivir
kaal (kaahl) n. neck; throat; voice; cuello; garganta; voz
kaltal (KAHL-tahl) in. v. become drunk;
emborracharse
k aan (kaahn) n. snake; worm; culebra; gusano
k aanilha (kaahn-eel-HAH) n. eel; anguila
kap eh (KAH-peh) re. coffee; caf
kaax (kaahsh) n. chicken; pollo
kachlk (KAH-cheek) tr. v. to break, split, fracture (long
things); quebrar, hender, fracturar (cosas largas)
kalaan (KAH-lah-ahn) adj. drunk, intoxicated;
borracho
kaldo kaax (KAHL-doh KAAHSH) n. consum
(chicken); Sp. + Maya; caldo de pollo
k am pel (kahm-PEHL) adj., pron. four (inanimate
things); cuatro (cosas)
k an (kahn) n. four; cuatro
k an an tik (KAHN-ahn-teek) tr. v. care for (take care
of); cuidarlo
k anik (KAHN-eek) tr. v. ieam ; aprenderlo
k an kal (KAHN kahl) (hypothetical) n. eighty;
ochenta
k an lah u n (kahn LAH-hoon) (hypothetical) n.
fourteen; catorce
k an t u l (kahn-TOOL) adj., pron. four (people or
animals, animate things); cuatro (personas o
animales)
kaxtik (KAHSH-teek) tr. v. find; look for, seek; hallarlo,
buscarlo
kay (kahy) n. fish; pescado
k aab eh (KAH-AHB-eh) n. day after tomorrow;
la maana siguiente
k aac h (kah-ahch) adv. earlier, previously;
antiguamente, entonces
k aah (kah-ah) adv. again; otra vez, de nuevo
k aa h (kah-ah) conj. and; that; when; y; que; cuando
k a'ah (kah-ah) n. metate, saddle quern, grinding
stone; two; metate; dos
60
luiak at(e) (KAH-AH-kah-t[e]) adv. afterward; later;

soon; al rato; u n poco despus; ms tarde
kaan (kah-ahn) n . heaven; sky; cielo
kaanal (KAH-AHN-ahl) adj. up; above; high;
arriba; alto
Uuanal (KAH-AHN-ahl) adv. up; above; arriba
kaanal (KAH-AHN-ahl) prep, up; above; arriba
kuanal (KAH-AHN-ahl) in. v. tire; cansarse
kuan aan (KAH-AH-nah-ahn) adj. tired; cansado
kaan ch e (KAH-AHN-che) n. altar; raised seedbed;
altar; planto elevado
kaansah (KAH-AHN-sah) n. teacher; maestro
kuansik (KAH-AHN-seek) tr. v. teach; ensearlo
kaap u l (KAH-AH-pool) adv. twp times, twice;
dos veces
kaap el (KAH-AH-pehl) adj., pron. two (inanimate
things); dos (cosas)
kaat u l (KAH-AH-tool) adj., pron. two (people or
animals, animate things); dos (personas o animales)
ka b ak (KAH bahk) (hypothetical) n. eight hundred;
ochocientos
ka kal (KAH kahl) (hypothetical) re. forty; cuarenta
kechtik (KEHCH-teek) tr. v. deceive, fool, trick;
embaucarlo
keh (keh) n. deer; venison; venado; cam e de venado
kelem bal (KEH-lehm-bahl) n. shoulder; hombro
kcnsa bixi (kehn-sah BEE-shee) adv. who knows;
quien sabe
ketik (KEH-teek) tr. v. start (a fight); accept (a
proposition); comenzar (una pelea); aceptar
(una proposition)
kex (kehsh) conj. although; aunque
keel (keh-ehl) adj. cold (m e te o ro logi ca I); fro
kib (keeb) re. candle; candela, vela
kih (kee) re. agave; hemp; maguey; henequin
kiik (keeek) re. older sister; hermana mayor
kimil (KEE-meel) in. v. die; morir
kiiritz (KEEER-eetz) re. v. grime (around collar);
mugre
kiis (keees) n. flatulence; pedo
kiis (keees) in. v. break wind; echar pedos
kim en (KEE-melin) adj. dead; muerto
kinbesik (keen-BEH-seek) tr. v. hurt; herirlo
61
k inpahal (keen-PAH-habl) in. v. hurt (oneself); herirse

kinsik (KEEN-seek) tr. v. kill; matarlo
kisin (KEES-een) n. devil; diablo
kltam (REE-tahm) n. boar; collared peccary (Pcari
tajacu)-, jabal; coche del monte
ki (kee) adj. tasty; sabroso
kiichpam (KEE-EECH-pahm) adj. good-looking,
pretty; hermoso, guapo, bonito
kiim ak ol (KEE-EE-mahk OHL) adj. content,
happy; contento
koh (koh) n. beak; tooth; puma; pico; diente; pum a
konik (ROHN-eek) tr. v. sell; venderlo
koch (kohch) adj. broad, wide; ancho
kok (kohk) adj. deaf; sordo
kool (koohl) n. personal cornfield (milpa); milpa
kolik (ROHL-eek) tr. v. pull; jalarlo
koolnal (ROOHL-nahl) n. farmer, milpa tiller;
campesino, milpero
kom (kohm) adj. narrow; short; estrecho; corto
koonol (ROOHN-ohl) n. vendor (male), salesman;
vendedor
koos (koohs) n. falcon; halcn
kopik (ROH-peek) tr. v. coil (rope), roll, twist, screw;
enrollar soga
kooh (koh-oh) adj. expensive; caro
koolel (ROH-ohl-EHL) n. woman; mujer
koo ten (KOH-OH-tehn) imper. come!; ven!
ko'ox (koh-osh) imper. lets go!; vmanos! (vamos)
k u ch ik (ROOCH-eek) tr. v. carry (on the back);
cargarlo (en la espalda), llevarlo
kulaan (koo-LAH-ahn) adj. seated; sentado
kultal (ROOL-tahl) in. v. sit down; sentarse
k u p ahtal (koo PAH-tahl) in. v. can (able to);
se puede
k u u ch (koooch) n. burden, load; obligation; carga;
obligacin
k u k (kook) n. elbow; codo
k u u tz (koootz) n. wild oscelated turkey (Agriocharis
ocellata); pavo del monte
k u x aan (ROO-shah-ahn) adj. alive, living; vivo
k u x tal (KOOSH-tahl) n. life; vida
k u u k (ROO-ook) n. squirrel; ardilla
62
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h ra s e b o o k
K
kaab /k aa (ka a h b /k aah) n. broth; juice; caldo; jugo
kaaba (RAAHB-ah) n. name; nombre
U'aab china (k aahb CHEE-nah) n. orange juice;
jugo de naranja
k'ah (kah) adj. bitter; amargo
kak (kahk) n. ftre-,fuego
kualal (RAAHL-ahl) adj. closed, locked; cerrado
ka n (kahn) n. hammock; hamaca
kan ch e (KAHN-cheh) n. stool; banqueta para
sentarse
kaas (kaahs) adj. bad; malo
kaas (kaahs) n. evil; mal, maldad
kaas w ayak (kaahs WAHY-ahk) . nightmare;
m al sueo, pesadilla
kiat (kaht) in. v. (I) want; quiero
k'aatal (RAAH-tahl) adj. crossed; cruzado
k'atik (RAHT-eek) tr. v. ask for; pedirlo, preguntarlo
k'ax (kahsh) adj. angry; hateful; enojado; odioso
kax (kahsh) n. brush, weed, forest, jungle;
monte, bosque
kaay (kaahy) n. music, song; cancin
kaay (kaahy) in. v. sing; cantar
kab (kahb) n. arm; hand; branch; brazo; mano; rama
kab et (RAHB-et) adj. necessary; necesario
kahol (RAH-ohl) tr. v. know (someone); conocerlo
kaholtik (RAH-ohl-TEER) tr. v. recognize;
reconocerlo
kalik (KAHL-eek) tr. v. close; cerrarlo
kam ik (RAHM-eek) tr. v. receive; recibir
kan (kahn) adj. ripe; yellow; maduro; amarillo
kas (kahs) n. somewhat; de una parte, un poquito
kas keel (KAHS keh-ehl) adj. cool; medio Jrio
kas kfilkab (kahs REEL-kahb) adj. muggy;
medio sudando, hmedo
kat (kaht) n. clay; barro
kaxab n ak (RAHSH-ahb nahk) n. belt, strap;
cinturn, faja
kaxik (RAHSH-eek) tr. v. tie; amarrarlo
kaam (RAH-ahm) adj. harsh; strong; recio; fuerte
kaan aan (RAH-AH-nah-ahn) adj. important,
necessary; importante, necesario
k'aatik (RAH-AH-teek) tr. v. grill, roast; asarlo
M aya-English Dictionary
63
k aTail (KAH-beel) adj. grilled, roasted; asado

k 'abil b ak (RAH-beel BAHR) adj. grilled (meat);
(came) asada
k eb an (KEH-bahn) adj. wrong, sin; pecado
k eken (REH-kehn) n. pig; puerco
k ew el (REH-wehl) n. hide, leather, skin; piel,
pellejo, cuero
k eexel (REEHSH-ehl) adj. changed, exchanged,
substituted; cambiado, trocado
kexik (REHSH-eek) tr. v. change; exchange;
substitute; cambiarlo, trocarlo
k eyem (KEH-yehm) n. gruel, posol; pozole
k eyik (REHY-eek) Ir. v. reprimand, scold; reprenderlo,
reirlo
kilkab (REEL-kahb) adj. hot (weather), humid
(weather); perspiration; (hace) calor, hmedo; sudor
k iin (keeen) n. day; sun; time; da; sol; tiempo
kinal (REE-nahl) adj. heated up; hot; lukewarm;
tepid; calientado; tibio
k in an (in) hool (REEN-ahn een HOH-OHL) n. phr.
headache; dolor de cabeza
kiwi (REE-wee) n. annatto (red food dye); achiote
kiik (kee-eek) n. blood; sangre
k iin am (REE-EE-nahm) n. pain; dolor
kiix (REE-eesh) n. thorn; espina
kiix pech ooch (REE-EESH pehch OOHCH) n.
porcupine; cuerpo espin
kohaan (ROH-hah-ahn) adj. sick; enfermo
kohaanil (koh-HAH-AHN-eel) n. illness; enfermedad
kohaan tal (koh-HAH-AHN-tahl) in. v. ill (to
become); enfermarse
ko nooch (ROH noh-ohch) n. chin (literally double
chin); barbilla
kooben (ROOH-behn) n. hearth; kitchen;/o^ra; cocina
kol (kohl) n. broth; stew; caldo; guiso
kosik (ROHS-eek) tr. v. cut with scissors; cortarlo
con tijera
koxol (ROHSH-ohl) n. mosquito; mosquito, mosco
k oox (ROH-ohsh) adj. wild; bravo, salvaje, cimarrn
kubik (ROOB-eek) tr. v. deliver; entregarlo
ku bul (ROOB-ool) n. oriole; oriol
k u ch u l (ROOCH-ool) in. v. arrive; llegar
k uhoob (ROO-hoh-ohb) pi. n. gods, saints; dioses,
santos
64
ku h i (ROOL-oo) n. raccoon; mapache

k u m (koom) n. pumpkin, squash; calabaza
kuutz (koootz) n. m arijuana; tobacco; marijuana;
tabaco
kuxu (ROO-shoo) n. annatto (red food dye); achiote
ku (koo) n. nest; nido
kuukum (koo-ook-OOM) n. feathers; plum as
L
Ia h (lah) adj. all; todo
lak (lahk) adj. other; otro
lak (lahk) n. parent; relative; spouse; pariente,
miembro de familia; esposo
laktzil (LAHR-tzeel) n. true sibling; hennano(a)
verdadero(a)
lal (lahl) n. nettle; ortiga, chichicasta
layli(e) (lahy-LEE-[eh]) adv. always; siempre
lahkaa (LAH-kah-ah) (hypothetical) n. twelve; doce
lahun (LAH-hoon) (hypothetical) n. ten; diez
lah u n kal (LAH-hoon KAHL) (hypothetical) n. two
hundred; doscientos
lakin (LAH-keen) n. east; este, oriente
le b eetik (leh BEEEH-teek) adv. therefore; por eso
le k aa pelil (leh kah-ah PEEH-leel) adj.,prep.
possibly; posible
lela (LEH-lah) pron. this (one); ste, sta
lelo (LEH-loh) pron. that (one); se, sa
le (leh) n. leaf; hoja
likil (LEEER-eel) in. v. arise, rise; levantarse
liisik (LEE-EES-eek) tr. v. raise; levantarlo
liisik u b a (LEE-EES-eek oo BAH) refl. v. ready
(oneself); prepararse
lisik (LEE-seek) tr. v. make ready, prepare; alistarlo,
prepararlo
loob (loohb) n. accident, misfortune; injury, wound;
accidente, infortunio; dao, herrida
lob (lohb) n. digging stick; coa
loobil (LOOHB-eel) n. wound; blow; herida; golpe
lool (loohl) n. flower, rose; flor, rosa
loxik (LOHSH-eek) tr. v. punch (with fist); pegarlo con
puo cerado
lubul (LOOB-ool) in. v. fall; caerse
65
lu u ch (loooch) re. gourd (from a tree); jicara, calabaza

de rbol
lu k u m (LOOK-00111) adj. fine, nice, delicate; //>io,
bueno, delicado
lu k ul (LOOK-ool) in. v. leave; quitarse
lu u k (loook) in. v. swallow; tragar
lub (loob) n. league (measure); legua
lu (loo) n. catfish; bagre
luum (loo-oom) n. dirt, earth, soil; suelo, tierra
M
m ak (mahk) n. man, person; hombre, persona
m ak alm ak (MAHK-ahl-MAHK) inter, which?;
cul?
m ak an (MAH-kahn) n. arbor, bower; enramada
m aam (maahm) n. mother; madre
m an (mahn) in. v. pass by; pasar
m asew al (mah-SEH-wahl) n. Indian, inferior;
indgena, mazehual, inferior
m askab (MAHS-kahb) n. iron; machete; hierro-,
machete
m askabil x am ach (mahs-KAHB-eel SHAH-mahch)
n. griddle (iron); comal de hierro
m ax (mahsh) pron. who; quien
m axi (mahsh-EE) inter, who?; quin?
m achik (MAHCH-eek) tr. v. grab, grasp; agarrarlo
m ach (mahch) tr. v. flatten (something); allanar,
aplanar, aplastar
m a h a n tik (MAH-hahn-teek) tr. v. lend, loan;
prestarlo
m ah an (MAH-hahn) adj. borrowed; prestado
m a h an yuum (MAH-hahn YOOOM) n. stepfather
(borrowed father); padrastro
m ak an tik (MAH-kahn-TEEK) tr. v. make (by hand);
prepare; hacerlo a mano; prepararlo
m aldisyontik (MAHL-dees-yohn-TEEK) tr. v. curse;
(Sp. + Maya) maldecirlo
m a n ik (MAHN-eek) tr. v. buy; comprarlo
m ansik (MAHN-seek) tr. v. pass; pasarlo
m a (m ah) adv. no, not; no
m aa k aal (MAH-AH kaahl) adj. hoarse; ronco
66
maalob (mah-AHL-ohb) adj. good, OK, well; bien,

bueno, adecuado
maa ta an (MAH-AH taahn) adv. wont; no
m aa tech (MAH-AH tehch) adv. never; jams
m aax (mah-ahsh) n. monkey; mono
ma koohi (MAH koh-oh-hee) adj. cheap; barato
m a teeni (mah TEEHN-ee) adv. not me; yo no
ma tu p ah tal (m ah too PAH-tahl) in. v. cannot;
no se puede
ma u chaTjal (m ah 00 CHAH-bahl) aux. v. m ay not;
no se permite
ma yaabi (MAH y ah -ah-bee) adj. little, not much;
no mucho, poco
m ekik (MEH-k-eek) tr. v. embrace; abrazarlo
m eerech (MEEHR-ehch) n. lizard (species of);
lagartija (una especie)
inehen (MEH-hehn) adj. little, small; pequeo, chico
inentik (MEHN-teek) tr. v. make; hacerlo
ineyah (MEH-yah) n. work; trabajo
ineyah (MEH-yah) in. v. work; trabajar
ineex (meh-ehsh) n. beard, moustache; barba, bigote
iniis (meees) n. cat; gato
inis (mees) n. broom; escoba
inistik (MEES-teek) tr. v. sweep; barrerlo
ininaan (MEE-nah-ahn) adv. there isnt/there arent;
no hay
mix b aal (meesh BAH-ahl) pron. nothing; nada
mix b ikin (meesh BEE-keen) adv. never; nunca
mix m ak (MEESH m ahk) pron. no one; ninguno,
nadie
mix t a n u b eetaale (meesh TAHN 00 beeh-tahAHL-eh) adj. not possible; no es posible
mix tu ux (MEESH too-oosh) re. nowhere; en ninguna
parte
m ootz (moohtz) n. root; raz
m o (moh) n. macaw; guacanmyo
m ukik (MOOK-eek) tr. v. bury; enterrarlo, sepultarlo
m u(n)yal (MOO[N]-yahl) re. cloud; nube
m u t (moot) re. bird; ave, pjaro
m uuch (moooch) n. frog, toad; rana, sapo
m u u k (moook) adj. iotce{\i\;juerte
m u u k (moook) re. strength;/'rsc;
m uul (moool) re. hill; pyramid; cerro; pirmide
m uxbil (MOOSH-beel) adj. ground (into meal); molido
67
N
n a ch (nahch) adj. distant; lejos
nachil (NAHCH-eel) n. distance; distancia
n aap u l (NAAH-pool) adv. direct, directly; directo,
inmediato
n aa p u la k (naah-POOL-ahk) adv. immediately, right
away; en seguido
n aatz (naahtz) adj. near; cerca
n aatzal (NAAHTZ-ahl) in. v. approach; acercar
n aatzik (NAAHTZ-eek) tr. v. approach; acercarlo
nay (nahy) in. v. dream; soar
n a h (nah) n. house; casa
n ah il (NAH-eel) n. building, home; edificio, casa
n a h (nah) n. mother; madre
n a k (nahk) n. abdomen, stomach, belly; barriga,
panza, estmago
n a k (nahk) tr. v. abandon; abandonar
n al (nahl) n. com (ear of); elote
n ap tzah (NAHP-tzah) tr. v. become accustomed to;
acostumbrarlo, habituarlo
n aakal (NAH-AHK-ahl) tr. v. climb; subir
n aatik (NAH-AH-teek) tr. v. understand; entenderlo.
comprenderlo
n e n (nehn) n. mirror; espejo
n eek (neehk) n. seed; semilla, pepita
n eh (neh) n. tail; cola, rabo
nix (neesh) n. incline, slope; cuesta, ladera,
inclinacin
niixil (NEEESH-eel) adj. tilted; inclinado
n ik te (NEER-teh) n. flower, frangipani;JZor,
Jrangipaniero
nixik (NEESH-eek) tr. v. tilt; inclinarlo
ni (nee) n. nose; nariz
n o hoch (NOH-hohch) adj. big, large; old; gran,
grande; viejo
nohochil (noh-hoh-CHEEL) n. size; tamao
n ohoch koolel (NOH-hoch koh-ohl-EHL) n. old
woman; vieja
n ohoch taat(ah ) (NOH-hohch TAAHT-[ah]) n.
grandfather; abuelo
n ohoch w inik (NOH-hoch WEEN-eek) n. old man;
viejo
nohol (NOH-hohl) n. south; sur
68
M a y a - E n g u s h /E n g ljs h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
nokol (NOHK-ohl) n. w orm ; gusano

noohoch(il) (NOOH-hohch- [EEL]) n. boss; jefe
nokoy (NOHK-ohy) adj. cloudy, overcast; nublado
nokoytal (NOHK-ohy-tahl) in. v. overcast
(to become); nublarse
nook (noohk) n. clothes, clothing; dress; ropa; Jalda
nooh (noh-oh) n. right side; lado derecho
nu k u ch (NOO-kooch) adj. larg e (pi.), big (pi.); grandes
n uuk b esah (noook-BEH-sah) tr. v. adjust; ajustar,
arreglar, componer
nukik (NOOK-eek) tr. v. answer; contestarlo,
responderlo
n u u k ta k (NOOK-tahk) adj. big; grande
n u u m (nooom) adj. ignorant, stupid; lazy; estpido;
perezoso
nuxiib (NOO-sheeeb) adj. old man; hombre viejo,
anciano
nuu k u l (NOO-OOK-ool) n. reason; explanation;
utensil, tool; razn; explicacin; instrumento,
herramiento, utensilio
O
och k aan (OHCH kaahn) n. boa constrictor; culebra
tipo de boa
oheltik (oh-HEHL-teek) tr. v. understand, notice,
know; reconocerlo, notar
okaan kiin (oh-KAH-AHN keeen) n. evening; tarde
oklik (OHK-leek) tr. v. steal; hurtarlo, robarlo
okol (OHR-ohl) in. v. enter; entrar
okom (OHK-ohm) n. pillar, post; pilar, horcn, poste
oksik (OR-seek) tr. v. introduce, insert; introducirlo,
meterlo
okol (OHK-ohl) in. v. cry, weep; llorar
okot (OH-koht) in. v. dance; bailar
ooch (oohch) n. fox; weasel; zorro; comadreja
oohel (OOH-hehl) tr. v. know; saberlo, conocerlo
ook (oohk) n. foot; pie
ookol (OOHK-ohl) in. v. steal; hurtar, robar
ookolbil (OOHR-ohl-BEEL) adj. stolen; robado,
hurtado
okot (OH-koht) n. dance; baile
09
ol (ohl) re. heart; will; energy; spirit; corazn; ganas;

energa; espritu
o on (oohn) n . avocado\ aguacate
op (ohp) n. soursop (custard apple); anona
o op (oohp) n. toast; tostada
otzil (OHTZ-eel) adj. poor; pobre
ox (ohsh) re. three; tres
ox kal (OHSH kaahl) (hypotlietical) n. sixty;
sesenta
ox lahun (ohsh LAH-hoon) (hypothetical) n.
thirteen; trece
oxpul (OHSH-pool) adv. three times; tres veces
oxpel (OHSH-pehl) adj., pron. three (inanimate
things); tres (cosas)
oxtul (OHSH-tool) adj., pron. three (people or
animals, animate things); tres (personas o animales)
otoch (oh-tohch) n. home; hogar
oxoontik (OHSH-oh-ohn-TEEK) tr. v. shell com;
desgranarlo
ooch (OH-ohch) n. tortilla, food; tortilla, comida
P
p aach (paahch) n. back; espalda, lomo
p a h ta l (PAAH-tahl) adj. be able to; poder
p a k (pahk) in. v. clear, weed; chapear, desherbar
pak tik (PAAHK-teek) tr. v. cut brush, weed;
chapearlo, desherbarlo
p ak am (PAAHK-ahm) n. cactus (prickly pear);
nopal, tuna
paal (paahl); n. infant, child, minor; son; nio(a),
menor, hijo
p a n ik (PAHN-eek) tr. v. dig, scrape; cavarlo
p ap (pahp) adj. hot, spicy; picante
p a a p ah (PAAH-pah) n. father; Sp. loanword; pap,
padre
paapil (PAAHP-eel) adj. biting; sharp; picante
p a ta l (PAHT-ahl) adj. be able (to be able to); poder
payooch (PAHY-oohch) n. skunk; zorillo
p aytik (PAHY-teek) tr. v. pull; jalarlo
p a h (pah) adj. acidic, sour; cido, grio
p ak teh (PAHK-teh) imper. look at it!; mrelo!
p ak tik (PAHK-teek) lr. v. look (at); mirarlo
70
M a y a - E n g u s h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
pak (pahk) n. masonry, w all (of masonry);

rnamposteria
Imkal (PAHK-ahl) n. citru s fruit, sour orange tree;
ctricos, naranja agria; naranjo agrio
pakach (PAHK-ahch) in. v. make tortillas; tortear
pakachtik (PAHK-ahch-teek) tr. v. make tortillas,
pound; tortearlo, machacarlo
pakal (PAHK-ahl) n. plant;planta
pakal (PAHR-ahl) in. v. sow, plant; sembrar
pukaan (PAHK-ah-ahn) par. sown; sembrado
pakik (PAHK-eek) tr. v. sow, plant; sembrarlo
pak'il n a h (pahk-eel NAH) n. stone house; casa
de piedra
payik (PAHY-eek) tr. v. cali; llamar
paykab (PAHY-kahb) in. v. wave, signal (by hand);
sealar, seal
pay w akax (pahy WAHK-ahsh) rt. bullfight; torear,
corrida de toros
paat (pah-aht) in. v. wait; esperar
paatik (PAH-AHT-eek) tr. v. expect, wait for; esperarlo
paik (PAH-eek) tr. v. break; romperlo, quebrarlo
pechech (PEH-chehch) n. spindle; winch; malacate;
huso
peech (peehch) re. tick (insect); garrapata
pek (pehk) re. movement; movimiento
pek (pehk) in. v. move; throb; wiggle; moverse;
palpitarse; menearse
peksik (PEHK-seek) tr. v. move, shake; moverlo,
sacudirlo
peek (peehk) re. dog; perro
pepem (PEHP-ehm) re. butterfly; mariposa
peetz (peehtz) re. snare, trap; trampa
pekaan (PEH-KAH-ahn) adj. flat; lying (on the
ground); llano; tirado/hechado en el suelo
petzik (PEHTZ-eek) tr. v. crush, smash; detain;
apretar, destrozar; detener
pibil kaax (PEEB-eel kaahsh) re. chicken (baked);
polio pibil
pibil keken (PEEB-eel keh-kehn) re. pork (baked,
roasted); conchinita pibil
pichi (PEECH-ee) re. guava; guayaba
pich (peech) re. thrush (bird); tordo (cantor),
zorzal (ave)
Mava-Engtish D ictionary
pib (peeb) n. cooking pit (bar-b-que pit); barbacoa,

homo, pib
pim (peem) adj. thick; grueso, gordo
piitoh (PEEE-toh) n. flute, whistle; Sp. loanword;
pito, flauta
piitor(l)eeyaal (PEEE-to-r[l|eeh-yaahl) n. toucan;
Sp. loanword; pitoreal
piitz (peeetz) n. cotton (combed); algodn desmotado
pix (peesh) n. case; cover; knee; caja, tapa, vaina;
rodilla
p ik (peek) n. bedbug; chinche
pitik (PEE-teek) tr. v. disrobe; scoop up excrement;
desnudarse, quitar la ropa; sacar excremento
con cuchara
pixaan (PEESH-aahn) n. soul, spirit; alma, espritu
pokbil (POHK-beel) adj. roasted; toasted; asado;
tostado
pok chuk (POHK chook) n. grilled (meat); asado (carne)
polok (POHL-ohk) adj. fat, thick; gordo, grueso
pool (poohl) n. head; cabeza
poolkil (POOHL-keel) n. thickness; gordura
poos (poohs) adj. faded, pale, palid; hollow;
descolorido, plido, desteido; waco
popoxkan (poh-pohsh-KAHN) n. ant (biting); hormiga
que muerde
potik (POHT-eek) tr. v. pass through, penetrate;
transpasarlo, penetrarlo
p u ch ik (POOCH-eek) in. v. mash, crush, bruise;
magullar, despachurrar, moler
p u h (poo) n. pus; pus, materia de llaga
puksiikal (POOK-see-eek-ahl) n. heart; corazn
p u u k (poook) adj. cloudy (liquid); muddy; turbio
p u u k (poook) adj. scrambled; revueltos
p uul (poool) adv. all at once; todo una vez
p u u t (pooot) n. papaya; papaya
putz (pootz) n. needle; aguja
putzul (POOTZ-ool) in. v. escape, get away;
escaparse
P
paak (paahk) n. tomato; jitomate, tomate
patal (PAAH-tahl) in. v. remain, stay; quedarse
72
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic tio n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
patik (PAHT-eek) tr. v. leave; dejarlo

peekaan (peeh-KAH-AHN) par. hated (with agent);
aborrecido, abominado
pektik (PEHK-teek) tr. v. hate, dislike, detest; odiarlo
pisik (PEES-eek) tr. v. m easure, weigh; medirlo,
pesarlo
pisikan (PEES-eek-ahn) n. land, mecate (unit of 20 x
20 m; unit of land); mecate
pok (pohk) n. hat; sombrero
poaal (POH-ah-ahl) adj. washed; lavado
poik (POH-eek) tr. v. wash; lavarlo
pu chik (POOCH-eek) tr. v. beat (with a stick), flail,
thresh; golpearlo con palo, desgranar
pu uch (poooch) in. v. beat, flail (grain or fruit),
thresh; batear, desgranar
pu u h u l (POOO-hool) adj. angered, frightened,
bothered; enojado, espantado, molestado
pu uhsik (POO-OO-seek) tr. v. bother, scare;
alborotarlo, molestarlo, espantarlo
puukil iit (POO-OOK-eel EEET) n. buttock, rump;
nalga
s
sabin (SAAH-been) n. weasel; comadreja
sab u k aan (SAH-boo-kaahn) n. bag, sack; bolsa,
morral
saahkil (SAAHK-eel) n. fear; miedo, temor
saak (saahk) n. itch/itching; comezn
sak (sahk) n. cigar; locust; cigarra; langosta de
tierra, saltamontes
sal (sahl) adj. light (weight); ligero, no pesado
sam (sam) adv. already; ya, listo
sam al (SAH-mahl) n. tomorrow; maana
saam pol (SAAHM-pohl) n. tayra (Tayra barbara)-,
oso colmenero, perico ligero
sansam al (SAHN-sah-mahl) adv. daily; diario,
cada da
sas (sahs); adj. clear; claro
sasil (SAHS-eel) n. light; luz
sastal (SAHS-tahl) in. v. dawn; light (to become);
amanecer
Maya-English D ictionary
75
saatal (SAAH-tahl) adj. lost; perdido

sabak (SAH-bahk) n. soot; tizne
sa h ah k uns (SAH-hah-koons) tr. v. frighten, scare;
asustarlo, espantarlo
sahkab/saskab (SAHK-ahb/SAHS-kahb) n. white earth
(used in mortar); roca calcrea deleznable, sascab
sak (sahk) adj. white; bianco
sak an (SAHK-ahn) n. com dough; masa
sak bok (SAHK bohk) n. heron (white); garza blanca
saksa (SAHK-sah) n. atole (com gruel); commeal
beverage; atole; atole con cscara
sam (sahm) adv. rather, slightly; apenas, un poco
satp ah al (saht-PAH-hahl) in. v. disappear, get lost;
desaparecerse
satik (SAHT-eek) tr. v. lose; perderlo
satzik (SAHTZ-eek) tr. v. extend, stretch; estirarlo
sayab (SAHY-ahb) n. fountain, spring, source; fuente,
ojo de agua
sayap h a (SAHY-ahp HA) n. well, spring; pozo,
ojo de agua
sa (sah) n. atole (com gruel); commeal beverage; atole
seb (sehb) adv. quickly; rpido
seb (sehb) in. v. hurry; estar de prisa
sebak (SEHB-ahk) adj. quick; rpido
seb u m eyah (SEHB ooh MEHY-ah) adj. diligent;
diligente
sekuntik (SEH-koon-teek) in. v. hurry; estar de prisa
sen (sehn) adv. very (evaluates quantity); -simo, mucho
senbesah (sehn-BEH-sah) tr. v. adom; adornar,
ornamentar
sen m a'alob (sehn MAH-AHL-ohb) adj. super, very
good; buensimo
sen utz (SEHN ootz) adj. very nice; buensimo, m uy bien
seen (seh-ehn) n. cold, catarrh; catarro
seen ik (SEH-EHN-eek) tr. v. cough (dry); toser
sihbil (SEEB-eel) n. gift, present; regalo
sihik (SEE-heek) tr. v. give (as a gift); regalarlo
sihil (SEE-heel) in. v. bom (to be); nacer
sim (seem) n. mucus; moco
sinaa n (see-NAH-AHN) n. scorpion; escorpion
sinik (SEEN-eek) n. ant; hormiga
siip/siip(il) (SEEEP/SEE-EEP-[eel]) n. error, fault; sin;
error, yerro, culpa, pecado
74
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se b o o k
sis (sees) adj. cold, cool;./ho

siskuntik (SEES-koon-teek) tr. v. freeze; enfriarlo
slit (seeet) n. reed, straw; popote
slit (seet) in. v. bounce, jump; saltar, brincar
sikil (SEEK-eel) n. pumpkin seeds, squash seeds;
pepitas de calabaza
n1 (see) n. firewood; lea
sohol (SOH-hohl) n. debris (from plants), trash; basura
de hojas secas, basura
srtol (sohl) n. bark (tree); husk, shell; corteza;
carapacho, cscara
sootz (soohtz) n. bat; murcilago
soosook (SOH-OH-soh-ok) adj. tangled (in several
places); bagasse (short fiber residue of henequin);
enredado; bagazo
soosook (SOH-OH-soh-ok) n. bagasse (short fiber
residue of henequin); bagazo
suhuy (SOO-hooy) adj. intact; virgin; intacto; virgen
suhuy kax (SOO-hooy KAHSH) n. virgin forest;
monte virgen (nunca labrada)
suhuy paal (SOO-hooy paahl) n. maiden; muchacha
sukuu n (SOO-koo-oon) n. older brother; hermano
mayor
supaan (SOO-pah-ahn) adj. blocked (with poles);
cerrado (con palos)
supik (SOOP-eek) tr. v. block (a road); close; fence in
(with poles or posts); tapar (un camino); cerrarlo;
cercar con postes o palos
sutik (SOO-teek) tr. v. retum ; devolverlo
su u k (soook) adj. tame; accustomed; manso;
acostumbrado
sukin bah (SOO-keen BAH) in. v. abstain;
abstenerse
suum (sooom) n. lasso, rope; lazo, soga
suut (sooot) in. v. return; regresar
sulak (SOO-lahk) adj. ashamed, embarrassed;
avergenzada
sutal (SOO-tahl) n. dignity; dignidad
suuk (soo-ook) n. grass, hay; zacate
suu tal (SOO-OO-tahl) n. em barrassment, shame;
vergenza
suu tal (SOO-OO-tahl) in. v. be returned; thicken,
become dense; devolver; espesar
75
T
ta ah a l (TAAH-hahl) adj. sliced; rabinado
ta a k (taahk) aspect marker anxious; ansioso
ta a k (taahk) in. v. want; querer, tener ganas
ta ak in (TAAH-keen) n. gold; money; oro; dinero
ta a k in al (TAAH-keen-ahl) adj. rich; rico
taal (taahl) in. v. come; venir
ta am (taahm) adj. deep; low; profundo; hondo
t am a n (TAHM-ahn) n. liver; hgado
t a n (tahn) n. frontafrente
t a n (tahn) prep, before; delante, enfrente
tan il (TAHN-eel) prep, in front of; enfrente de
taasik (TAAHS-eek) tr. v. bring; traerlo
ta at(ah ) (TAAHT-[ah]) n. father; padre
t ax (tahsh) adj. flat, smooth; llano, plano
ta h (tah) in. v. mature, ripen; cook (as in beans);
madurarse, sazonarse
ta h al (TAH-hahl) in. v. bake; boil; cook; cocer por
homo; hervir; cocer
tah al (TAH-hahl) tr. v. bake; boil; cook; cocerlo por
homo; hervirlo, cocerlo
tah ik (tah-eek) tr. v. slice; rabanar
ta k (tahk) prep, until; from; hasta; de, desde
ta k dom ingo (tahk doh-MEENG-goh) prep, until
Sunday; hasta el domingo
tak an (TAH-kahn) adj. cooked; mature, ripe; cocido;
maduro
ta m an (TAH-mahn) n. cotton; algodn
tam ax chi (TAH-mahsh CHEE) n. omen,
prognostication; agero
tanili (tahn-eel-EE) adv. already; ya, desde entonces,
antes de ahora
ta (tah) n. excrement, droppings; excremento, mierda
ta ab (tah-ahb) re. salt; sal
taabik (TAH-AHB-eek) tr. v. salt; salar
taakik (TAH-AHK-eek) tr. v. care for (take care ol),
protect, hide, keep; cuidarlo, esconderlo, guardarlo
taan (tah-ahn) re. lime (calcium carbonate,
whitewash); cal
ta aytak (TAH-AHY-tahck) prep, almost, about to, on
the verge of; ya mero, inminente, casi
taik u bah (TAH-eek oo bah) refl. humiliate oneself;
defecate on oneself; defecarse
76
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
leech (teehch) 2nd p. s. pron. you; t

leen (teehn) 1st p. s. pron. I; m e ; jo; m e
ten (tehn) prep. phr. to m e (contraction of ti and teen);
a mi
le (teh) adv. here; all
leela (TEH-EH-lah) adv. rig h t here; all
leelo (TEH-EH-loh) adv. rig h t there; all
llliil (TEE-heel) in. v. dry; secarse
lilisik (TEE-seek) tr. v. dry; secarlo
IIII (teet) in. v. shake; sacudirse
lilik (TEET-eek) tr. v. shake; sacudirlo
likin (TEE-keen) adj. dry; seco
lin tzel (TEEN tzehl) prep. phr. beside me (to my
side); al lado de m
Ii (tee) prep, in, on, with, to; en, con, a
I ial (TEE-ahl) in. v. belonging to; for; suyo; para
(li) nooh ([tee] NOH-oh) re. phr. right (to the);
a la derecha
li teex (tee TEH-EHSH) prep, to you all; a ustedes
Ioh (toh) adj. direct, straight; derecho, recto, directo
lohol (TOH-hohl) re. price, value;precio
Iok (tohk) in. v. burn; quemar
lokik (TOHR-eek) tr. v. lean; inclinar
tok tu u n ich (tohk TOOON-eech) re. flint, hard stone;
pedernal, piedra dura
lokik (TOHK-eek) tr. v. bum ; quemarlo
lolok (TOH-lohk) re. small lizard; lagartija pequea
loon (toohn) re. penis; pene, picha, verga
lotkok (TOHT-kohk) re. deaf-mute; sordomudo
loik (TOH-eek) tr. v. cover, wrap; cubrirlo
loon (toh-ohn) lstp. pi. pron. us, we; nosotros
luklik (TOOK-leek) tr. v. think; pensarlo
lulakal (too-LAHK-ahl) adj. all; todo
lum en (TOO-mehn) conj. because; by; porque; por
lu nkuluch (toon-koo-loo-CHOO) re. owl; tecolote,
bho; spelled alternatively tu n k u ru ch
(tu) p aach ([too] paahch) prep, behind; detrs de
tupik (TOO-peek) tr. v. extinguish, put out (fire, light);
kill; apagarlo; matarlo
lus beel (TOOS beehl) re. errand; encargo
Ius beel (TOOS beehl) tr. v. commission; comisionarlo
lusbeltik (toos-BEHL-teek) tr. v. order; mandarlo,
ordenarlo
77
tusik (TOOS-eek) tr. v. lie (to someone), deceive

(someone); mentirle, engaarlo
tu u c h a (TOOOCH-ah) re. monkey; mono
tu u k u l (TOOOK-ool) n. thought, reason; razn,
pensamiento
tu u k u l (TOOOR-ool) in. v. think; pensar
tu m b en (TOOM-behn) adj. fresh, new;fresco, nuevo
t u n (toon) adv. then; entonces
tu u n ich (TOOON-eech) n. rock, stone; piedra
tu u n k u y (TOOON-kooy) n. heel; tacn, taln
t u n k ul (TOON-kool) n. drum (horizontal); tambor
horizontl
tu u s (tooos) n. falsehood; mentira
tu u s (tooos) in. v. lie; mentir
tuus (tooos) tr. v. deceive-, Jingir, engaar
t u x tik (TOOSH-teek) tr. v. send; enviarlo
tu 'u b (too-oob) in. v. forget; olvidar
tu ubsik (TOO-OOB-seek) tr. v. forget; olvidarlo
tu ubul (TOO-OOB-ool) in. v. forget; olvidarse
tu ux (too-oosh) inter, where?; dnde?
T
taah am (TAAH-hahm) n. callus, corn (on the body);
callo
taa n (taahn) re. language, speech, tongue; word;
idioma, lengua; palabra
taan (taahn) in. v. speak; hablar, decir
tabik (TAHB-eek) tr. v. ignite, light; encenderlo,
incendiarlo
tan ik (TAHN-eek) tr. v. say; hablarlo, llamarlo
teel (teehl) re. comb (cocks); rooster; cresta del ave;
gallo
tiinil (TEEEN-eel) adj. extended; tense, stiff; tenso,
tieso
tokik (TOHR-eek) tr. v. cut (as in cutting fruit or
leaves off a stem); gather; uproot; cortarlo (como de
cosecharfruta o cortar hojas de un palo); recoger,
bajarlo; arrancarlo
ton (tohn) re. calf (of the leg); pantorilla de la pierna
toxik (TOSH-eek) tr. v. distribute, share; repartirlo,
distribuirlo
tool (toh-ohl) re. spine; espinazo
78
M a y a- E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
tubik (TOOB-eek) tr. v. sink, submerge; hundirlo,

sumirlo
tu u b u l/tubukbal (TOOO-bool/TOO-book-bahl)
adj. submerged, sunken; hundido, sumido
tu u p (tooop) n. little finger; dedo meique
tuul (TOO-ool) re. rabbit; conejo
TZ
tzaatz (tzaahtz) re. fat, grease; unto, lo gordo de la carne
tzak aan (tzah-RAAHN) re. rattlesnake; culebra tipo
de cascabel
tzahbil (TZAHB-eel) adj. fried;frit
tzahik (TZAH-heek) tr. v. fry;/rerlo
tzakbesah (tzahk-BEH-sah) tr. v. add; agregar, aadir,
sumar
tzayneh (TZAHY-neh) tr. v. follow; seguirlo
tzel (tzehl) re. side; lado
tzeentik (TZEEHN-teek) tr. v. feed; rear, nourish,
support; darle la comida; criar, mantener, apoyar
tzimin (TZEE-meen) re. horse; caballo
Izikbal (TZEER-bahl) tr. v. chat; platicar
tzikbatik (TZEER-baht-eek) tr. v. chat, discuss,
recount, tell; show; platicarlo, recontarlo; mostrarlo
tzolik (TZOHL-eek) tr. v. explain; put in order;
explicarlo; ordenarlo
tzootz (tzoh-ohtz) re. hair; pelo
tzub (tzoob) re. agouti (Dasyprocta punctata); agut
TZ?
tzaak (tzaahk) n. medicine; medicina
tzaak seen (tzaahk SEH-ehn) re. cold medicine;
medicina para catarro
tzakik (TZAHR-eek) tr. v. heal; curarlo
tzaay (TZAH-ahy) re. fang; colmillo
tzib (tzeeb) re. writing; escritura
tzib (tzeeb) in. v. write; escribir
tz'iboltik (TZEEB-ohl-teek) tr. v. imagine; wish,
desire; imaginarlo; desearlo
tzibtik (TZEEB-teek) tr. v. write; escribirlo
79
tzik (tzeek) tr. v. give; place, put; darlo; ponerlo

tzih kab (TZEE kahb) n. left hand; mano izquierdo
tzis (tzees) in. v. copulate (dirty or crude
connotation); copular
tzikaan (tzee-KAH-ahn) adj. shaven; afeitado
tzikik (TZEEK-eek) tr. v. shave; afeitarlo
tzokaan (TZOHK-ah-ahn) adj. done, ended, finished;
hecho, terminado, acab
tzokaan beel (TZOHK-ah-ahn beehl) in. v. married
(to be); ser casado
tzonik (TZOHN-eek) tr. v. shoot; hunt; dispararlo,
tirarlo; cazar
tzon n al (TZOHN nahl) n. hunter; cazador
tzonoot (TZOH-noh-oht) n. sinkhole; cenote
tzook (tzoohk) n. end, the last; leftover; elfin,
el ltimo; sobrante
tzoon (tzoohn) n. firearm, gun, shotgun; arma de
fuego, escopeta
tzoyaan (tzoy-AH-AHN) adj. skinny;^aco
tzookol beel (tzoh-OHK-ohl BEEHL) in. v. marry;
casarse
tzooksik (TZOH-OHK-seek) tr. v. finish; terminarlo
tzoom (tzoh-ohm) n. brains; marrow; pith; sesos;
medula
tzu n u u n (TZOO-noo-oon) n. hummingbird; colibr
tzu u l (tzoool) n. foreigner, stranger; w hite m an/
woman; extranjero; ladino
tzuutz (TZOO-ootz) in. v. kiss; smoke; suck; besar;
fum ar; chupar
tzuutzik (TZOO-ootz-eek) tr. v. kiss; smoke; suck;
besar;fumarlo; chupar
tzu uy (TZOO-ooy) adj. hard, leathery, tough;
correoso, duro
tzuuy pool (TZOO-OOY poohl) adj. dumb, stupid;
estpido, tonto
u
u hatzil chak (oo HAHTZ-eel CHAHK) n. lightning,
lightning bolt; relmpago, rayo, rayo de cielo
u hool n ah (oo HOH-OHL nah) n. roof; techo
u k (ook) (hypothetical) n. seven; siete
uk (ook) n. louse; piojo
80
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g l is h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
ukah (OO-kah) adj. thirsty; tener sed

ukul (OOK-ool) in. v. breakfast; drink; have;
desayunar; tomar
u pool n ah (oo POOHL nah) n. roof; techo
us (oos) n. gnat; zancudito, jejn
ustik (OOS-teek) tr. v. blow (with mouth); soplar algo
con la boca
u ta kaax (0 0 tah KAAHSH) n. droppings (chicken);
excremento de pollo
u ta m iis (oo tah MEEES) n. droppings (cat);
excremento de gato
u ta m iis (ooh tah MEES) n. sweepings; basura
barrida
utz (ootz) adj. good, just; bueno, justo
utzkintik (ootz-KEEN-teek) Ir. v. improve, repair;
mejorarlo, repararlo
u ch b en (OOCH-behn) adj. old, ancient; antiguo
u chih (OOCH-ee) adv. long ago; anteriormente
u ch u l (OOCH-ool) in. v. happen; pasar, suceder
ulum (OO-loom) n. turkey (domesticated); pavo
urich (OOft-eech) n. snail (land); caracol de tierra
u yaal kab (oo YAAHL kahb) n. his/her nger;
dedo de el/ella
u yeh (oo yeh) n. blade; poinl^/i/o, afilado; punto
u yeh kuchiiyoh (oo yeh koo-CHEEE-yoh) n. his knife
blade; Sp. + Way-, filo de cuchillo
u yeel toon (oo yeh-ehl-TOOHN) n. testicles; cojones,
testculos
u uyik (OO-OOY-eek) tr. v. feel; hear, listen; perceive;
sentirlo; orlo, escucharlo; percibirlo
w
w aach (waahch) n. soldier; soldado
w aah (waah) n. bread, tortilla; pan, tortilla
w ah (wah) inter, if; si, en caso de
w ah . . . w ah (wah . . . wah) inter, either . . . or;
o ... o
w ah b aax (wah BAH-ahsh) n. something; algo
w ah m ax (wah MAHSH) n. someone; alguien
w ah tu ux (wah TOO-oosh) n. somewhere;
algn lugar
81
w aakal (WAAHK-ahl) adj. burst; exploded; reventado

w ayhel (WAAHY-hehl) n. animal counterpart, spirit
substitute; nahual, espritu
w ach ik (WAHCH-eek) tr. v. untie; desatarlo, soltarlo
w ak (wahk) (hypothetical) n. six; seis
w ak (wahk) tr. v. offer, expose; ofrecer, exponer
w akax (WAHK-ahsh) n. bull; cattle; cow; ox; toro;
ganado; vaca; buey
w akik (WAHK-eek) n. net hammock; hamaca de red
w akik (WAHK-eek) tr. v. weave; tejer
w ale (WAH-leh) adv. maybe, perhaps; tal vez, quiz
w atzik (WAHTZ-eek) tr. v. bend ears of com;
doblar el maz
w axak (WAH-shahk) (hypothetical) n. eight; ocho
w ayak (WAHY-ahk) n. dream; sueo
w ayak (WAHY-ahk) in. v. dream; soar
w aye (WAH-yeh) adv. here; aqu
w ayile (wahy-EEL-eh) n. phr. local, native; es de aqu
w aak (wah-ahk) tr. v. offered; ofrecido
w aak u bah (WAH-AHK oo bah) refl. v. stand; pararse
w aal (wah-ahl) in. v. stop; stand up; pararse;
ponerse de pie
w aalen (WAH-AHL-ehn) imper. stop!; alto! prale!
w aaltal (WAH-AHL-tahl) imper. stand up!; pongase
de pie!
w abal (WAH-bahl) adj. walking (on foot); still (not
moving); stopped; de pie; inmvil; parado
w eech (WEEHCH) n. armadillo; armadillo
w eehel/w eekel (WEEH-hehl/WEEH-kehl) adj. spilled;
derramado
w ekik (WEH-keek) tr. v. spill; derremarlo
w ekik ha (WEH-keek HAH) tr. v. spill (water);
derramar agua
w enel (WEHN-ehl) in. v. sleep; dormir
w iinik (WEEEN-eek) n. man, person; hombre, persona
w inkil (WEENK-eel) n. body; cuerpo
wiix (weeesh) n. urine; orina
wiix (weeesh) in. v. urinate; orinar
wiih (WEE-ee) adj. hungry; tener hambre
wolis (WOHL-ees) adj. roimd; redondo
w ol a kab (wohl AH kahb) n. fist; puo
w utzik (WOOTZ-eek); tr. v. bend, fold; plegarlo,
doblarlo
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X
x (eesh) nominal honorific denoting feminine names,
she of; honorfico denotando nombres femeninos,
ella d e ___
xiache (SHAHCH-eh ) n. comb; peine
xiachtik (SHAHCH-teek) tr. v. brush (ones hair);
comb; peinarse (el pelo)
xaak (shaahk) n. basket (small); canasta pequea
xantal (SHAHN-tahl) in. v. stick around; delay, tarry;
tardarse, demorarse
xam ach (SHAH-mahch) n. griddle (for tortillas); comal
xam an (SHAH-mahn) n. north; norte
xam an k aan (shah-mahn KAH-AHN) n. north wind;
cierzo, viento del norte
xan (shahn) adv. also; tambin
xanab (SHAH-nahb) n. footwear, sandal, shoe; zapato,
guarache
xanal (SHAHN-ahl) in. v. late (to be); tardarse
xaak tik (SHAH-AHK-teek) tr. v. mix up, jumble;
mezclarlo, revolverlo
xaan (shah-ahn) n. palm thatch; palmo para techo,
guano
xaanil n ah (SHAH-AHN-eel NAH) n. thatched house;
casa de paja
xaanil pook (SHAH-AHN-eel POOHK) n. straw hat;
sombrero de paja
xch u p (eesh-CHOOP) n. woman; mujer
xchupal (eesh-CHOOP-ahl) n. girl; muchacha, nia
xch upul xib (eesh-CHOOP-ool SHEEB) n. gay
m an (homosexual); homosexual; maricn
(derogatory), waco
xeen (sheehn) imper. go!; vaya!
xeen teelo (sheehn TEH-EH-loh) imper. beat it!,
scram!; vyate!
xet (sheht) n. bit, piece, portion; pedazo
xeh (sheh) n. vomit; vmito
xeh (sheh) in. v. vomit; vomitar
xiib (sheeeb) n. male, man; varn, macho, hombre
xiibil (sheeeb-eel) n. penis; pene
xiibil tzootz (sheeeb-eel TZOH-OHTZ) n. m ans
hairstyle; pelo de macho
xiich (sheeech) n. tendon, sinew; nerve; tendn; nervio
xiik (sheeek) n. armpit; wing; sobaco; ala
83
xim bal (SHEEM-bahl) in. v. go, walk; andar, caminar

xim batik (SHEEM-BAHT-eek) tr. v. visit; visitarlo
xiw (sheew) n. herb (medicinal); hierba (medicinal)
xikik (SHEEK-eek) tr. v. break; crack; reventarlo,
quebrarlo, romperlo
xikin (SHEE-keen) n. ear; oreja
xikin kaak (shee-keen KAAHK) re. spark; chispa
xiik (shee-eek) in. v. might go; vaya
xiim (shee-eem) n. com; m az
xiipal (SHEE-EE-pahl) n. boy, youth; muchacho, joven
x kaax (EESH-kaahsh) n. hen; gallina
xkoonol (eesh-KOOH-nohl) n. vendor (female),
saleswoman; vendedora
xkan h o ol (eesh-RAHN-hoh-ohl) n. folded cloth
used as pillow; almohada de tela doblada
xm a (EESH-mah) prep, lacking, without; faltando, sin
xm a nook (EESH-mah nook) adj. naked; desnudo
x n u u k (eesh-NOOOK) ti. old woman; vieja
xok (shohk) tr. v. count; contar
xokik (SHOHK-eek) tr. v. count, read, study; contarlo
xook (shoohk) tr. v. read; leer
xotik (SHOH-teek) tr. v. cut, slice; cortarlo
xotik si (SHOH-teek see) tr. v. cut firewood; cortar lea
xtab ay/xtabay (eesh-TAH-bahy/eesh-TAH-bahy)
n. female demon, female ghost; duende feminino,
demonio feminino, maligno feminino
xtu u p (eesh-TOOOP) n. sister (youngest); last female
child in family; hermana menor; ltima nia
del fam ilia
xtu u t (eesh-TOOOT) re. parrot; loro, perico
xtzaa k (eesh-TZAAHK) re. female doctor, physician;
doctora, mdica
x u n a n (SHOO-nahn) re. foreigner (female), stranger,
w om an (foreign); lady; white woman; extranjera;
ladina
x u k u m (eesh-OO-koom) re. mourning dove; palorrui
xuul (shoool) re. end; cabo, fin
xul (shool) re. stick (for planting), seeder; coa,
sembrador
x u u lab (SHOOO-lahb) re. ant (army); hormiga soldado
x u u n (shooon) re. dear (what a husband calls his wife);
cario
x u u p ul (SHOOO-pool) adj. consumed, used up;
se gast
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(shooosh) re. wasp; avispa

xiiux (shoosh) re. basket (large); canasta grande
xuuxub (SHOOO-shoob) in. v. w histle; chiflar, silbar
xuuk (shoo-ook) re. landm ark, marker stones; comer
of eye; mojn, mojones; rincn del ojo
xuupi (SHOO-OO-pee) adj. u sed up; gastado
xuupi (SHOO-OO-pee) par. u sed up; se gast
xw aach (eesh-WAAHCH) re. Mexican (female);
mexicna
xway (eesh-WAHY) re. witch; bruja
xyaaxkach (eesh-YAH-AHSH-kahch) n. housefly;
mosca
xiiux
Y
ynah (yaah) re. hurt, pain; dolor
y aakuntik (yaah-ROON-teek) tr. v. love; amarlo
yaan (yaahn) adv. there is/there are; hay
yaan (yaahn) in. v. have; tener
yianal (YAH-nahl) adv. below, beneath; abajo,
debajo de
yitanal xiik (YAH-nahl SHEEEK) re. armpit; sobaco
yiax (yahsh) prep, first; prior; primero; previo
yiaxil (YAHSH-eel) adj. first; primero
yah (yah) adj. difficult, hard; painful; difcil, duro;
doloroso
ya (yah) re. sapote; zapote
yaab (yah-ahb) adj. lot (a), much, many; mucho(s)
yaaboob (YAH-AHB-oh-ohb) phr. they are many;
son muchos
yaakach (YAH-AH-kahch) adj. many; muchos
yaax (yah-ahsh) adj. blue; green; azul; verde
yeeb (yeehb) re. mist; fog; dew; neblina, roco
ytfetel (YEH-tehl) prep, with; together; core; juntos
yeex koolel (yeehsh KOH-OHL-ehl) n. underpants;
pantaletas, calzones
yih (yeeh) adj. ripe (for the picking); sazonado
yihtal (YEEH-tahl) tr. v. ripen; sazonarse
yon (YOHN) re. foam; espuma
yoom (yoh-ohm) adj. pregnant; embarazada
yoom chahtal (yoh-ohm-CHAH-tahl) in. v. pregnant
(to become); embarazarse
85
yuntzil (YOON-tzeel) pi. n. forest spirit, invisible

spirits; dueo del monte, espritus invisibles
yuuk (yoook) n. deer (small); fawn; venado pequeo;
cervato
yultik (YOOL-teek) tr. v. polish, rub; bruirlo,
frotarlo
yuum (yooom) n. father; gentleman; lord; man; god;
owner; padre; caballero; seor; hombre; dios; dueo
ENGLISH-MAYA
DICTIONARY
i (long thing) adj. huntzit (hoon-TZEET); una)

(cosa larga)
a (person or anim al) adj. huntul (lioon-TOOL);
un(a) (persona o animal)
a (thing) adj. hum pel (hoom-PEHL); un(a) (cosa)
a (tree) adj. hunkul (hoon-KOOL); un(a) (rbol)
ab andon tr. v. nak (nahk); abandonar
abdom en n. nak (nahk); barriga, panza, estmago
ability n. pat (paht); habilidad, capacidad
able, to b e able to adj. patal (PAH-tahl); poder
about to prep, taaytak (TA H-AH Y-tahek); y a mero,
inminente
above adv., prep, kaanal (KAH-AHN-ahl); arriba
abstain in. v. sukin bah (SOO-keen BAH);
abstenerse
accept (a proposition) tr. v. ketik (KEH-teek); aceptar
(una proposicin)
accident n. loob (loohb); accidente
accustom ed adj. suuk (soook); acostumbrado
accustom ed to (becom e) tr. v. naptzah (NAHP-tzah);
achiote (red food dye; an n atto ) n. kiwi (KEE-wee),
kuxu (KOO-shoo); achiote
acidic adj. pah (pah); cido
add tr. v. tzakbesah (tzahk-BEH-sah); agregar,
aadir, sumar
adjust tr. v. nuukbesah (noook-BEH-sah); ajustar,
arreglar, componer
adorn tr. v. senbesah (sehn-BEH-sah); adornar,
ornamentar
affair n. beel (beehl); asunto
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87
afterw ard adv. kaakat(e) (KAH-AH-kah-t[e]);

al rato, un poco despus, ms tarde
again adv. kaah (kah-ah); otra vez, de nuevo
agave n. kih (kee); maguey
age n. (u) haabil ([oo] HAH-AHB-eel); edad
age in. v. chiih (cheeeh); hacer viejo
agouti (D asyprocta p u n cta ta ) n. tzub (tzoob); agut
air n. iik (eeek); aire
alive adj. kuxaan (KOO-shah-ahn); vivo
all adj. hol (hohl), lah (lah), tulakal (too-LAHRahl); todo
alligator n. ayin (AAHY-een); cocodrilo
allow tr. v. cha (chah), cha(ik) (CHAH-[eek]); dejar,
permitir
alm ost adv. asab (AH-sahb); casi, por poco
alm ost prep, taaytak (TAH-AHY-tahck); ya mero,
inminente, casi
a lot adj. hach yaab (HAHCH yah-ahb); mucho
already adv. sam (sahm);ya, listo
already adv. tanil (tahn-eel-EE);ya, desde entonces,
antes de ahora
also adv. xan (shahn); tambin
altar n. kaanche (KAH-AHN-cheh), tem (tehm); altar
although conj. kex (kehsh); aunque
always adv. layli(e) (lahy-LEE-[eh]); siempre
am use tr. v. baxal (BAHSH-ahl); entretener, divertir
ancient adj. uchben (OOCH-behn); antiguo
an d conj. kaah (kah-ah), yetel (VEil-Lehl); j
angered adj. puuhul (POOO-hool); enojado
angry adj. kax (kahsh); enojado
anim al (dom estic) n. aalak (AAHL-ahk); animal
domstico
anim al (wild) n. baalche (BAH-AHL-che); animal
silvestre
anim al cou n terp art n. wayhel (WAAHY-hehl);
nahual, espritu
an n atto (red food dye; also achiote) n. kiwi
(KEE-wee), kuxu (ROO-shoo); achiote
answ er tr. v. nukik (NOOK-eek); contestarlo,
responderlo
an t n. sinik (SEEN-eek); hormiga
an t (arm y) n. xuulab (SHOOO-lahb); hormiga soldado
an t (biting) n. popoxkan (poh-pohsh-KAHN); hormiga
que muerde
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an te a te r n. chab (chahb); oso hormiguero

anus n. iit (eeet); ano
anxious aspect m arker taak (taahk); ansioso
anyone pron. h ee max (heh-eh MAHSH); cualquier
persona
approach in. v. naatzal (NAA \ iTZ-ah l); acercar
appro ach tr. v. naatzik (NAAHTZ-eek); acercarlo
arb o r n. m akan (MAHK-ahn);enramada
are a n. baanda (BAAHND-ah); banda
arise in. v. likil (LEEK-eel); levantarse
arm n. kab (kahb); brazo
arm adillo n. weech (WE E HCII); armadillo
arm pit n. xiik (sheeek); sobaco
arrive in. v. kuchul (KOOCH-ool); llegar
asham ed adj. sulak (SOO-lahk); avergenzada
ask for tr. v. katik (KAHT-eek); pedirlo, preguntarlo
at prep, ti (tee); en
atole (co m gruel) n. sa (sah), saksa (SAHR-sah);
atole; atole con cscara
attain tr. v. chukik (CHOOR-eek); alcanzarlo,
conseguir
avocado n. oon (oohn); aguacate
aw ake n. ahal (AH-hahl); despierto
aw aken in. v. ahal (AH-hahl); despertarse
aw aken tr. v. ahal (AH-hahl); despertarlo
ax n. bat (baht); hacha
B
baby n. chaampal (chaahm-PAHL); nio/nia, beb
back n. paach (paahch); espalda, lomo
bad adj. kaas (kaahs); malo
bag n. sabukaan (SAAH-boo-kaahn); bolsa, morral
bagasse (short fiber residue of heneq u in ) n.
soosook (SOH-OH-soh-ohk) bagazo
bake in. v. tahal (TAH-hahl); cocer por horno
bake tr. v. tahal (TAH-hahl); cocer por horno
ban an a n. haas (hah-ahs); pltano
bar-b-que p it n. pib (peeb); barbacoa, hom o
bark (tree) n. sol (sohl); corteza
base n. chuun (chooon), hal (hahl), iit (eeet); raz,
principio; base
English-Mava Dictionary
89
basket (sm all) n. xaak (shaahk); canasta pequea

basket (large) n. xux (shoosh); canasta grande
bat n. sootz (soohtz); murcilago
bathe in. v. ichkil (EECH-keel); baarse
bat (vam pire) n. chikoop (CHEE-koohp); murcilago
de vampiro
be able to adj. patal (PAH-tahl); poder
beak n. koh (koh); pico
bean n. buul (boo-oo]);/riyo/
bean (lima) n. iib (eeeb),frijol de lima
beard n. m eex (meh-ehsh); barba
beat tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); golpearlo, azotarlo,
pegarlo
b eat in. v. puuch (poooch); batear
beat it! imper. xeen teelo (sheehn-TEH-EH-loh);
vyate!
beat (w ith a stick) tr. v. puchik (POOCH-eek);
golpearlo con palo
beautiful adj. hatzutz (HAHTZ-ootz); hermoso,
bonito, bello
b eau ty n. hatzutzil (HAHTZ-ootz-eel); belleza
because conj. turnen (TOO-mehn); porque
becom e accustom ed to tr. v. naptzah (NAHP-tzah);
bedbug n. pik (peek); chinche
bee n. kaab (kaahb); abeja
b eer n. cheba (CHEHB-ah); cerveza
b eer (ferm ented honey) n. balche (BAHL-cheh);
balche
before prep, tan (tahn); delante, enfrente
begin tr. v. chuunik (CHOOON-eek), kahsik (KAHseek); empezarlo, comenzarlo
beginning n. chuun (chooon); raz, principio, origen
behind prep, (tu) paach ([too] paahch); detrs de
belly n. nak (nahk); barriga, panza, estmago
belonging to in. v. tial (TEE-ahl); suyo
below adv. kaabal (KAAHB-ahl), yanal (YAAH-nahl);
abajo
belt n. kaxab nak (KAHSH-ahb nahk); cinturn
bend tr. v. wutzik (WOOTZ-eek); plegarlo
bend (ears of com ) tr v. watzik (WAHTZ-eek);
doblar el maz
ben eath adv. yanal (YAH-nahl); debajo de
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beside m e (to my side) prep. phr. tin tzel (TEEN

tzehl); al lado de m
big adj. nohoch (NOH-hohch), nuuktak (NOOOK-tahk);
gran, grande
big (pi.) adj. nukuch (NOO-kooch); grandes
bird ti. chich (cheech), m ut (moot); ave, pjaro
bird (chachalaca) n. bach (bahch); pjaro que se
llaman chachalaca
bit n. xet (sheht); pedazo
bit (a) n. hum pit (HOOM peet); un poco
bite in. v. chiibal (CHEE-EE-bahl); morder
biting adj. paapil (PAAHP-eel); picante
bitter adj. kah (kah); amargo
black adj. box (bohsh); ek (ehk); negro
blade n. u yeh (oo yeh);.//o, afilado
blind adj. chop (choohp); ciego
block (a road) tr. v. supik (SOOP-eek); tapar
(un camino)
blocked (w ith poles) adj. supa an (SOO-pah-ahn);
cerrado (con palos)
blond adj. chakxich (CHAHK-sheech), chel (chehl);
gero
blond child n. chan chel (CHAHN chehl); nio gero
blood n. kiik (kee-eek); sangre
blow ti. loobil (LOOHB-eel); golpe
blow (w ith m outh) tr. v. ustik (OOS-teek); soplar algo
con la boca
blue adj. yaax (yah-ahsh); azul
blue jay n. chel (chehl); arredajo
boa constrictor n. och kaan (OHCH kaahn); culebra
tipo de boa
boar n. kitam (KEE-tahm);/a>aZ, puerco del monte
(Pcari tajacu)
boat n. cheem (cheehm); barco
body n. winkil (WEENK-eel); cuerpo
boil in. v. tahal (TAH-hahl); hervir
boil tr. v. tahal (TAH-hahl); hervir
bone ti. bak (bahk); hueso
book n. huun (hoo-oon); libro
b o m (to be) in. v. sihil (SEE-heel); nacer
borrow ed adj. m ahan (MAH-hahn); prestado
bosom n. iim (eeem); seno, pecho
boss ti. noohoch-(il) (NOOH-hoch-[EEL]); jefe
91
b o th e r tr. v. puuhsik (POO-OO-seek); alborotarlo,

molestarlo
b o th ered adj. puuhul (POOO-hool); molestado
bottle gourd (Legonaria siceraria) n. chuh (chooh);
calabaza para llevar agua, calabaza vinatera
b ottom n. iit (eeet); base
bounce in. v. sit (seet); saltar, brincar
bow er n. m akan (MAH-kahn); enramada
boy n. pal (pahl); xiipal (SHEE-EE-pahl); nio;
muchacho
brains n. tzoom (TZOH-ohm); sesos
b ran ch n. kab (kahb); rama
b rea d n. w aah (waah); pan
b reak tr. v. paik (PAH-eek); xikik (SHEEK-eek);
romperlo, quebrarlo; reventarlo
breakfast (to have) in. v. ukul (OOR-ool); desayunar
b rea k (long things) tr. v. kachik (RAH-cheek); quebrar
cosas largas
b rea k o u t (in a rash) tr. v. ixbal (EESH-bahl); tener
roncha
b reak w ind in. v. kiis (keees); echar pedos
b reast n. iim (eeem); seno, pecho
b reath e tr. v. chaiik/c h aik iik (CHAH-eeekV
CHAH-eek EEER); respirar
b ring tr. v. chaik (CHAH-eek); taasik (TAAHS-eek);
traerlo
b road adj. koch (kohch); ancho
b roken adj. kaachaal (kaah-CHAH-ahl); quebrado
broom n. miis (mees); escoba
broth n. kaab/kaa' (kaahb/kaah), kol (kohl); caldo
b ro th er (older) n. sukuun (SOO-koo-oon); hermano
mayor
b ro th er (tru e sibling) n. laktzil (LAHR-tzeel);
hermano verdadero
b ro th er (younger) n. itzin (EETZ-een); hermano
menor
b ro th er (youngest) n. htuup (ah-TOOOP); hermano
menor
bruise in. v. puchik (POOCH-eek); magullar
brush n. kax (kahsh);yerba, monte, bosque
b rush (ones hair) tr. v. xachtik (SHAHCH-teek);
peinarse (el pelo)
bucket n. choy (chohy); cubeta, cubo
building n. nahil (NAH-eel); edificio
92
M aya - E n g l ish / E n g u s h - M a ya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
bull n. wakax (WAHR-ahsh); toro

bullfight n. pay wakax (pahy WAHR-ahsh); torear,
corrida de toros
bu rd en n. kuuch (koooch); carga
b u m in. v. elel (ehl-ehl), tok (tohk); quemarse, arderse
b u rn tr. v. tokik (TOHR-eek); quemarlo
burst in. v. w aakal (WAAHR-ahl); reventar
burst tr. v. xikik (SHEER-eek); reventarlo
bury tr. v. mukik (MOOR-eek); enterrarlo, sepultarlo
busted adj. kaachaal (kaah-CHAH-ahl); quebrado
butterfly n. pepem (PEHP-ehm); mariposa
bu tto ck n. bakel iit (BAHR-ehl EEET); pu ukil iit
(POO-OOR-eel EEET); nalga
buy tr. v. manik (MAHN-eek); comprarlo
buzzard n. choom (choohm); busardo
by conj. turnen (TOO-mehn); por
c
cactus (prickly pear) n. pakam (PAHK-ahm);
nopal, tuna
caim an n. ayin (AHY-een); caimn
calf (of the leg) n. ton (toohn); pantorilla de
la pierna
call tr. v. pay (pahy); llamar
callus n. taaham (TAAH-hahm); callo
can in. v. ku pahtal (koo PAH-tahl); se puede
candle n. kib (keeb); candela, vela
candy n. chuhuk (CHOO-hook); dulce
cane liquor (com m ercial) n. aanis (AAHN-ees);
Sp. loanword; ans, aguardiente
cannot in. v. m a tu pahtal (mah too PAH-tahl);
no se puede
canoe n. chem (chehm); canoa
can teen (bottle gourd) n. chuh (chooh); calabaza
para llevar agua, calabaza vinatera
cape (article of clothing) adj. hay (hahy); capa
cap tu red adj. chukaan (CHOO-kah-ahn); capturado
care for (take care of) tr. v. kanantik (RAHN-ahnteek), taakik (TAH-AHR-eek); cuidarlo, guardarlo
carry (on th e back) tr. v. kuchik (ROOCH-eek);
cargarlo (en la espalda), llevarlo
case n. pix (peesh); caja, vaina
95
cat n. miis (meees); gato

ca ta rrh n. seen (seh-ehn); catarro
catch tr. v. chukik (CHOOK-eek); alcanzarlo, pescarlo
catch up (w ith som eone) tr. v. chukpachtik (chookPACH-teek); alcanzar alguien
cat droppings n. u ta mis (oo tah MEES); excremento
de gato
catfish n. hi (loo); bagre
cattle n. wakax (WAHK-ahsh); ganado
cave n. aktun (AHK-toon); cueva
cavy (spotted) (rodent, Cuniculus paca) n. haaleb
(HAAHL-ehb); tapescuintle
cen ter n. chumuk (CHOOM-ook); centro
change tr. v. kexik (KEHSH-eek); cambiarlo
changed adj. keexel (KEEHSH-ehl); cambiado,
trocado
charcoal n. chuk (chook); carbn
ch a t tr. v. tzikbal (TZEEK-bal), tzikbatik (TZEEKbaht-eek); platicar, platicarlo
cheap adj. m a koohi (MAH koh-oh-hee); barato
chew tr. v. hachik (HAHCH-eek); mascarlo
chicken n. kaax (kaahsh);polio
chicken (baked) n. pibil kaax (PEEB-eel kaahsh);
polio pibil
chicken droppings n. u ta kaax (OO tah KAAHSH);
excremento de pollo
chicken (fried) n. tzahbil kaax (TZAHB-eel KAAHSH);
polio frito
child n. chaampal (chaahm-PAHL), paal (paahl);
nio(a), beb, menor
chile n. iik (eeek); chile, aj
chin n. ko nooch (KOH noh-ohch); barbilla
chocolate n. chukwa (CHOOK-wah); chocolate
cigar n. sak (sahk); cigarra
cigarette n. chamal (CHAHM-ahl); cigarro, cigarrillo
cistern n. cheen (CHEH-ehn); cisterna
citrus fruit n. pakal (PAHK-ahl); ctricos
claw n. ichak (EE-chahk); ua
clean adj. hanil (HAHN-eel); sak (sahk); limpio
clean tr. v. mistik (MEES-teek), utzkintik (OOTZ-keenteek); limpiarlo
clear adj. sas (sahs); claro
clear tr v. pak (pahk); chapear, desherbar
94
M a y a- E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
clear (of objects) adj. hanil (HAHN-eel); limpio

(de objetos)
climb tr. v. n aakal (NAH-AHK-ahl); subir
clitoris n. ak (ahk); clitoris
cloak adj. hay (hahy); capa
close tr. v. kalik (KAHL-eek), supik (SOOP-eek);
cerrarlo
closed adj. kaalal (KAAHL-ahl); cerrado
clothes, clothing n. nook (noohk); ropa
cloud n. mu(n)yal (MOO[N]-yahl); nube
cloudy adj. nokoy (NOHK-ohy); nublado
cloudy (liquid) adj. puuk (poook); turbio
coatim undi (N asua n arica yu ca ta n ica ) n. chiik
(chee-eek); coatimundi
cob n. bakal (BAHK-ahl); hueso del maz, elote
coffee n. boxha (BOHSH-hah), kaapeh (KAAH-peh);
caf
coil tr. v. toik (TOH-eek); rollarlo
coil (rope) tr. v. kopik (KOH-peek); enrollar soga
cold adj. sus (sees)\fro
cold n. seen (seh-ehn); catarro
cold m edicine n. tzaak seen (tzaahk SEH-ehn);
cold (m eteorological) adj. keel (keh-ehl);,/h'o
com b n. xache (SHAHCH-eh); peine
com b (cocks) n. teel (teehl); cresta del ave
com b tr. v. xachlik (SHAHCI I-teek); peinarse
(el pelo)
come! imp. kooten (KOH-OH-tehn); vengase!
com e in. v. taal (taahl); venir
com e o ut in. v. hokol (HOHK-ohl); manifestarse
com m ission tr. v. tus beel (TOOS beehl); comisionarlo
com plete adj. chukaan (CHOOK-ah-ahn);
completo
com plete tr. v. chukbesik (CHOOK-beh-seek);
completarlo, terminarlo
com pletely adv. hum puli (hoom POO-lee);
completamente
consum (chicken) n. kaldo kaax (KAHL-doh
KAAHSH); Sp. + Maya; caldo de pollo
consum ed adj. xuupul (SHOOO-pool); gastarse
co ntent adj. kiimak ol (KEE-EE-mahk OHL);
contento
convenient adj. ki (kee); conveniente
95
cook in. v., tr. v. tahal (TAlI-hahl); cocer

cook (as in beans) in. v. tah (tah); madurarse, sazonarse
cooked adj. takan (TAH-kahn); cocido
cooking pit (bar-b-que pit) n. pib (peeb); barbacoa,
homo, pib
cool adj. kas keel (KAHS keh-ehl), sis (sees); medio
frio;frio
copulate in. v. tzis (tzees); copular
co m n. xiim (shee-eem); maz
co m (dough) n. sakan (SAHK-ahn); masa
co m (ear oi) n. nal (nahl); elote
corner (of eye) n. xuuk (SHOO-ook); rincn del ojo
cornfield (personal) n. kool (koohl); milpa
co m m eal n. sakan (SAHK-ahn); masa de maz
co m m eal beverage n. sa (sah), saksa (SAHK-sah);
atole, atole con cscara
co m (on th e body) n. taaham (TAAH-hahm); callo
cotton n. taman (TAH-mahn); algodn
cotton (com bed) n. piitz (peeetz); algodn desmotado
cough (dry) tr. v. seen (seh-ehn); toser
count tr. v. xok (shohk); xokik (SHOHK-eek); contar;
contarlo
cover n. pix (peesh); tapa, vaina
cover tr. v. toik (TOH-eek); cubrirlo
cow n. wakax (WAHK-ash); vaca
coyote n. cham ak/chomak (CHAHM-ahk/
CHOHM-ahk); coyote
crab n. bab (BAHB); cangrejo
crack tr. v. xikik (SHEEK-eek); quebrarlo, romperlo
crocodile n. ayin (AHY-een); cocodrilo
crossed adj. kaatal (KAAH-tahl); cruzado
crow ded adj. babahkil (BAHB-ahk-eel); atestado
cm sh in. v. puchik (POOHCH-eek); despachurrar
cm sh tr. v. petzik (PEHTZ-eek); apretar
cry in. v. okol (OHK-ohl); llorar
cu rer n. hm een (ah-MEEHN); curandero
curse tr. v. maldisyontik (MAHL-dees-yohn-TEEK);
Sp. + Maya; maldecirlo
custard apple (soursop) n. op (ohp); anona
cut tr. v. xotik (SHOH-teek); cortarlo
cut (as in cutting fruit or leaves off a stem ) tr. v. tokik
(TOHK-eek); cortarlo
cu t b ru sh tr. v. paktik (PAHK-teek); chapearlo
96
cut firewood tr. v. xotik si (SHOH-teek see);

cortar lea
cut w ith a blow tr. v. chakik (CHAHK-eek); cortarlo
con un golpe
cut w ith scissors tr. v. kosik (KOHS-eek); cortarlo
con tijera
cyclone n. chak-ikat (chahk-EEK-aht); huricn; cicln
D
daily adv. sansamal (SAHN-sah-mahl); diario,
cada da
dance n. okot (OH-koht); baile.
dance in. v. okot (OH-koht); bailar
dangerous adj. hach kaas u bin (HAHCH kaahs oo
BEEN); peligroso
d ark adj. ehocheen (eh-HOHCH-eh-ehn); oscuro
daw n n. sastal (SAHS-tahl); amanecer
day ti. kiin (keeen); da
day after tom orrow n. kaabeh (KAH-AHB-eh);
la maana siguiente
dead adj. kimen (KEE-mehn); muerto
deaf adj. kok (kohk); sordo
deaf-m ute n. totkok (TOHT-kohk); sordomudo
d ear (w hat a husband calls his wife) n. xuun
(shooon); cario
debris (from plants) n. sohol (SOH-hohl); basura,
basura de hojas secas
deceive tr. v. kechtik (KEHCH-teek); tusik (TOOS-eek);
tuus (tooos); embaucarlo; engaarlo; fingir, engaar
deep adj. taam (taahm); profundo, hondo
deer n. keh (keh); venado
deer (small) n. yuuk (yoook); venado pequeo
delay in. v. xantal (SHAHN-tahl); demorarse
delicate adj. lukum (LOOH-koom); delicado
deliver tr. v. kubik (KOOB-eek); entregarlo
dem on (female) n. xtabay/xtabay (eesh-TAH-bahy/
eesh-TAH-bahy); duende feminino, demonio
feminino, maligno feminino
dense (becom e) in. v. suutal (SOO-OO-tahl); espesar
descend in. v. emel (EHM-ehl); bajarse
desire tr. v. tziboltik (TZEEB-ohl-teek); desearlo
d etain tr. v. petzik (PEHTZ-eek); detener
97
detest tr. v. pektik (PEHK-teek); odiarlo

devil n. kisin (KEES-een); diablo
dew n. yeeb (yeehb); roco
die in. v. kfimil (KEE-meel); morir
different adj. heel (heehl); helaan (HEH-lah-ahn);
diferente
difficult adj. yah (yah); difcil
dig tr. v. panik (PAHN-eek); cavarlo
digging stick n. lob (lohb); coa
dignity n. sutal (SOO-tahl); dignidad
diligent adj. seb u meyah (SEHB ooh MEHY-ah);
diligente
dim inish tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); disminuir
d inner n. ooch (OH-ohch); comida
d irect adj. toh (toh); derecho, recto, directo
d irect/directly adv. naapul (NAAH-pool); directo,
inmediato
dirt n. luum (loo-oom); suelo, tierra
dirty adj. ek (ehk); sucio
d isap p ear in. v. satpahal (saht-PAH-hahl);
desaparecerse
discuss tr. v. tzikbatik (TZEEK-baht-eek); platicarlo
dislike tr. v. pektik (PEHK-teek); odiarlo
disrobe tr. v. pitik (PEE-teek); desnudarse, quitar
la ropa
distance n. nachil (NAHCH-eel); distancia
distant adj. nach (nahch); lejos
distinct adj. helaan (HEH-lah-ahn); distinto
distribute tr. v. toxik (TOHSH-eek); repartirlo,
distribuirlo
divide tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); dividirlo, partirlo
do tr. v. betik (BEH-teek); hacer
doctor (fem ale) n. xtzaak (eesh-TZAAHK); doctora,
mdica
doctor (m ale) n. htzaak (ah-TZAAHK); doctor, mdico
dog n. peek (peehk); perro
doll n. aalnook (AAHL-noohk); mueca
dom estic anim al n. aalak (AAHL-ahk); mascota,
animal domstico
dom esticate tr. v. aalaktik (aahl-AHK-teek); criarlo,
crecerlo
done adj. tzokaan (TZOllK-ah-ahn); hecho,
terminado, acab
98
dove (m ourning) n. xukum (eesh-OO-koom);

paloma
d ream n. wayak (WAHY-ahk); sueo
d ream in. v. nay (nahy); wayak (WAHY-ahk); soar
d ren ch tr. v. chulik (CHOOL-eek); remojarlo
dress n. nook (noohk); ropa
dress (native w om ans) n. iipil (EEEP-eel); hupil
dress (put on clothes) tr. v. bukintik (boo-KEENteek); vestirse, ponerlo ropa
dried adj. haykintaan (hahy-KEEN-tah-ahn); seco
drink in. v. ukul (OOK-ool); beber, tomar
droppings (cat) n. u ta mis (oo tah MEES);
excremento de gato
droppings (chicken) n. u ta kaax-(00 tah KAAHSH);
excremento de pollo
d ru m (horizontal) n. tunkul (TOON-kool); tambor
horizontal
d ru n k adj. kalaan (KAH-lah-ahn); borracho
d ru n k (to becom e) in. v. kaltal (KAHL-tahl);
emborracharse
dry adj. tikin (TEE-keen); seco
dry in. v. tihil (TEE-heel); secarse
dry tr. v. tihsik (TEE-seek); secarlo
dry (in th e sun) tr. v. haykintik (hahy-KEEN-teek);
secarlo (en el sol)
dum b adj. tzuuy pool (TZOO-OOY poohl); estpido,
tonto
dusk n. bin ka akabtal (been kah AHK-ahb-tahl);
anochecer
dye n. bon (bohn); tinta, pintura
E
eagle n. m en (mehn); aguila
e a r n. xikin (SHEE-keen); oreja
earlier adv. kaach (kah-ahch); antiguamente,
entonces
earlier today adv. behlaak (BEH-lah-ahk); hoy
anteriormente
early adv. hatzkab kiin (hahtz-kahb KEEEN);
temprano, la maana
earth n. kaab (kaahb), luum (loo-oom); tierra; mundo
99
earth (white, used in m ortar) n. sahkab/saskab

(SAHK-ahb/SAHS-kahb); roca calcrea deleznable,
sascab
east n. lakin (LAH-keen); este, oriente
eat in. v. hanal (HAHN-ahl); comer
eat tr. v. haantik (HAAIIN-teek); comerlo
edge n. chi (chee); eh (eh); hal (hahl); orilla; jilo
eel n. kaanilha (kaahn-eel-HAH); anguila
egg n. he (heh); huevo
eight n. waxak (WAH-shahk) (hypothetical); ocho
eight h u n d red re. ka bak (KAH bahk ) (hypothetical);
ochocientos
eight thousand n. hun pik (hoon PEEK)
(hypothetical); ocho mil
eighty n. kan kal (KAHN kahl) (hypothetical);
ochenta
e ith e r . . . o r inter, wah . . . wah (wah . . . wah);
o ... o
elbow n. kuk (kook); codo
eleven n. buluk (BOO-look) (hypothetical); once
em barrassed adj. sulak (SOO-lahk); avergenzada
em barrassm ent n. suutal (SOO-OO-tahl); vergenza
em brace tr. v. m ekik (MEH-keek); abrazarlo
en d n. tzook (tzoohk), xuul (shoool); elfin; cabo, fin
end ed adj. tzokaan (TZOHK-ah-ahn); terminado,
acab
energy n. ol (ohl); energa
enough adj. hach yaab (HAHCH yah-ahb); bastante
en ter in. v. okol (OHK-ohl); entrar
en tran ce n. hool (hoohl); entrada
equal aux. v. et (eht); igual, mismo
e rran d n. tus beel (TOOS beehl); encargo
error n. siip/siip(il) (SEEEP/SEE-EEP-[eel]); error, yerro
escape in. v. putzul (POOTZ-ool); escaparse
evening n. okaan kiin (oh-KAH-AHN keeen); tarde
evil n. kaas (kaahs); mal, maldad
exchange tr. v. kexik (KEHSH-eek); cambiarlo
exchanged adj. keexel (KEEHSH-ehl); trocar
excrem ent n. ta (tah); mierda, excremento, estircol
expect tr. v. paatik (PAH-AHT-eek); esperarlo
expensive adj. kooh (koh-oh); caro
explain tr. v. tzolik (TZOHL-eek); explicarlo, ordenarlo
explanation n. nuukul (NOO-OOK-ool); explicacin
explode tr. v. xikik (SHEE-keek); reventarlo
100
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
exploded in. v. waakal (WAAHK-ahl); reventado

expose tr. v. wak (wahk); exponer
ex ten d tr. v. satzik (SAHTZ-eek); estirarlo
extended adj. tiinil (TEEEN-eel); tenso, tieso
extinguish tr. v. tupik (TOO-peek); apagarlo, matarlo
ex tract tr. v. hoosik (HOH-OHS-eek); sacarlo
eye n. ich (eech); ojo
F
face n. ich (eech); cara
faded adj. poos (poohs); descolorido, plido, desteido
fair adj. chakxich (CHAHK-sheech); gero
fair com plexioned adj. chel (chehl); gero
falcon n. koos (koohs); halcn
fall in. v. lubul (LOOB-ool); caerse
falsehood n. tuus (tooos); mentira
fang n. tzaay (TZAH-ahy); colmillo
farm n. kol (kohl); milpa
farm er/i. koolnal (KOOHL-nahl); milpero
fat adj. polok (POHL-ohk); gordo
fat n. tzaatz (tzaahtz); unto, lo gordo de la came
fath er n. taat(ah) (TAAHT-[ah]), yuum (yooom),
paapah (PAAH-pah); Sp. loanword; pap, padre
fault n. kuch (kooch); siip/siip(il) (SEEEP/
SEE-EEP-[eel]); culpa
faw n n. yuuk (yoook); venado pequeo; cervato
fear n. saahkil (SAAHK-eel); miedo, temor
feathers n. kuukum (koo-ook-OOM); plumas
feed tr. v. tzeentik (TZEEIiN-teek); darle la comida
feel tr. v. uuyik (OO-OOY-eek); sentirlo
fence in (w ith poles or posts) tr. v. supik (SOOPeek); cercar con postes o palos
fever re. chokwil (CHOHK-weel); calentura
field re. kol (kohl); milpa
fifteen re. ho lahun (HOH LAH-hoon) (hypothetical);
quince
fifty-fifty adj. chunchumuk (choon-CHOO-mook);
mitad y mitad
fight re. bateel (BAH-teh-ehl); pelea, problema
fight tr. v. bateel (BAH-teh-ehl); pelear
file n. eh (eh)\filo
101
fill tr. v. butik (BOOT-eek), chupik (CHOOP-eek);

llenarlo
filled adj. chuupul (CHOOOP-ool); hinchado
find tr. v. kaxtik (KAHSH-teek); hallarlo
find out tr. v. oheltik (oh-HEHL-teek); reconocerlo,
enterarse de
fine adj. lukum (1.OO K-oom);fino
finger n. aal kab (aahl kahb), u yaal kab (oo YAAHL
k ahb); dedo
finger (little) n. tuup (tooop); dedo meique
fingernail n. ichak (EE-chahk); ua
finish tr. v. chukbesik (CHOOR-beh-seek), tzooksik
(TZOH-OHR-seek); completarlo, terminarlo
finished adj. chukaan (CHOOR-ah-ahn), tzokaan
(TZOHK-ah-ahn); terminado
fire n. kak (\Cnh\C)-, fuego
firearm n. tzoon (tzoohn); arma de Juego
firewood n. si (see); lea
firm adj. hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn);^rm e, asentado,
fundado
first adj. yaxil (YAHSH-eel); primero
first prep, yax (yahsh); primero
fish n. kay (kahy); pescado
fist n. wol a kab (wohl AH kahb); puo
five n. ho (hoh); cinco
fixed adj. hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn);7irme, asentado,
fundado
flail tr. v. puchik (POOCH-eek); desgranar
flail (grain or fruit) in. v. puuch (poooch); batear
flat adj. pekaan (PEH-RAH-ahn), tax (tahsh);
llano, plano
flatten tr. v. m ach (mahch); allanar, aplanar, aplastar
flatten tr. v. pakachtik (PAHR-ahch-teek); hacerlo
flatulence n. kiis (keees); pedo
flint n. tok tuunich (tohk TOOON-eech); pedernal
flour (com ) n. sakan (SAHR-ahn); harina de m az
flow er n. lool (loohl);./7or
flow er (frangipani) n. nikte (NEER-teh) \flor
flute n. piito (PEEE-toh); Sp. loanword; pito, flauta
fly (house) n. xyaaxkach (eesh-YAH-AHSH-kahch);
mosca
foam n. yon (yohn); espuma
fog n. yeeb (yeehb); neblina
fold tr. v. wutzik (WOOTZ-eek); doblarlo
102
follow tr. v. tzayneh (TZAHY-neh); seguirlo

food n. hanal (HAHN-ahl); comida
fool tr. v. kechtik (REHCH-teek); embaucarlo
loot n. ook (oohk); pie
footw ear n. xanab (SHAH-nahb); zapato, guarache
lor in. v. tial (TEE-ahl); para
forceful adj. muuk (moook^fuerte
foreigner n. tzuul (tzoool); extranjero, ladino
foreigner (female) n. xunan (SHOO-nahn);
extranjera, ladina
forest n. kax (kahsh); selva, monte, bosque
forest spirit n. yuntzil (yoon-TZEEL); dueo del monte
forest (virgin) n. suhuy kax (SOO-hooy KAHSH);
forget in. v. tuub (too-oob), tuubul (TOO-OOB-ool);
olvidar; olvidarse
forget tr. v. tuubsik (TOO-OOB-seek); olvidarlo
forty n. ka kal (RAH kahl) (hypothetical); cuarenta
fountain n. sayab (SAHY-ahb);./werate
four n. kan (kahn); cuatro
four h u n d red n. hun bak (HOON bahk) (hypothetical);
cuatrocientos
four (inanim ate things) adj., pron. kampel (kahmPEHL); cuatro (cosas)
four (people or anim als, an im ate things) adj., pron.
kantul (kahn-TOOL); cuatro (personas o
animales)
fourteen n. kan lahun (kahn LAH-hoon)
(hypothetical); catorce
fox n. cham ak/chomak (CHAH-mahk/CHOH-mahk);
ooch (oohch); zorro
fracture (long things) tr. v. kachik (RAH-cheek);
fracturar (cosas largas)
fractured adj. kaachaal (kaah-CHAH-ahl)\fracturado
frangipani (flower) n. nikte (NEER-teh);
frangipaniero
free tr. v. cha (chah); dejar libre
freeze tr. v. siskuntik (SEES-koon-teek) enfriarlo
fresh adj. aak (aahk), tumben (TOOM-behn);
fresco, nuevo
fresh m eat n. aak bak (AAHR bahV.');fresco
fried adj. tzahbil (TZAHB-eel);./no
friend n. amigoh (ah-MEE-goh); Sp. loanword;
amigo
103
frighten tr. v. sahahkuns (SAH-hah-koons);

asustarlo, espantarlo
frightened adj. puuhul (POOO-hool); espantado
M ghtening adj. hakolal (hah-ROOL-ahl); con susto
frog n. m uuch (moooch); rana
from prep, tak (tahk); de, desde
front n. tan (tahn); frente
front of (in) prep, tanil (TAHN-eel); enfrente de
fruit n. chuhuk (C11OOH-h ook);fruta
fry tr. v. tzahik (TZAH-he ek);frerlo
full adj. chuup (chooop); lleno
G
gath er tr. v. tokik (TOHK-eek); recoger, bajarlo
gay (hom osexual) n. xchupul xib (eesh-CHOOPool
SHEEB); maricn (derogatory), waco
gentlem an n. yuum (yooom); caballero, seor
get aw ay in. v. putzul (POOTZ-ool); escaparse
get d ru n k in. v. kaltal (KAHL-tahl); emborracharse
get lost in. v. satpahal (saht-PAH-hahl); desaparecerse
get started in. v. chunpahal (choon-PAH-hahl);
empezarse, comenzar
get u p in/on tr. v. naakal (NAH-AHR-ahl); subir
ghost (fem ale) n. xtabay/xtabay (eesh-TAH-bahy/
eesh-TAH-bahy); duende feminino, demonio
feminino, maligno feminino
gift ti. sihbil (SEEB-eel); regalo
girl n. xchupal (eesh-CHOOP-ahl); muchacha, nia
give tr. v. tznk (tzeek); darlo, ponerlo
give (as a gift) Ir. v. shik (SEE-heek); regalarlo
g n at n. us (oos); zancudito, jejn
go in. v. hokol (HOHR-ohl), bin (been), ximbal
(SHEEM-bahl); salir, irse, andar
go! imper. xeen (sheehn); vaya!
goad n. aach (aahch); ramal
goat n. htam an (ah-TAH-mahn); chivo, cabro
god n. yuum (yooom); dios
gods pl. n. kuhoob (ROO-hoh-ohb); dioses
gold n. taakin (TAAH-keen); oro
go (m ight) in. v. xiik (shee-eek); vaya
good adj. m aalob (mah-AHL-ohb), utz (ootz);
bien, bueno
104
good-looking adj. kiichpam (REE-EECH-pahm);

hermoso, guapo
goodness n. hatzutzil (HAHTZ-ootz-eel); bondad
good (very) adj. hatzutz (HAHTZ-ootz), sen m aalob
(sehn MAH-AHL-ohb); m uy bien, buensimo
go o ut in. v. hokol (HOHR-ohl); manifestarse
gourd (bottle) (Legonaria siceraria) n. chuh
(chooh); calabaza para llevar agua, calabaza
vinatera
gourd (from a tree) n. luuch (loooch); jicara, calabaza
de rbol
gourd (large) n. hom a (HOH-mali); calabaza/jicara
grande
grab tr. v. machik (MAHCH-eek); agarrarlo
g randchild n. abil (AH-beel); nieto
g ran d fath er n. nohoch taat(ah) (NOH-hohch TAAHT[ah]); abuelo
g ran d fath er (aged) n. mam (malln); abuelo viejo
g ran d m o th er n. chiich (cheeech); abuela
grasp tr. v. machik (MAHCH-eek); asirlo
grass n. suuk (soo-ook); zacate
grease n. tzaatz (tzaahtz); unto, lo gordo de la came
green adj. yaax (yah-ahsh); verde
green co m n. aknal (AHR-nahl); m az verde
green co m gruel n. aksa (AHR-sah); atole de m az
tierno, atole nuevo
green (im m ature) adj. ak (ahk);/r<seo, verde
(immaduro)
griddle (for tortillas) n. xamach (SHAH-mahch); comal
griddle (iron) n. maskabil xamach (mahs-RAHB-eel
SHAH-mahch); comal de hierro
grill tr. v. kaatik (RAH-AH-teek); asarlo
grilled adj. kabil (RAHB-eel); asado
grilled (m eat) n. kabil bak (RAHB-eel BAHR),
pok chuk (POHR chook); carne asada
grim e (around collar) in. v. kiiritz (REEER-eetz);
mugre
grind in. v. puchik (POOCH-eek); moler
grind tr. v. huchik (HOOCH-eek); molerlo
grinding stone n. kaah (kah-ah); metate
grind (lim e-soaked com ) tr. v. huch kuum (HOOCH
koo-oom); moler nixtamal/masa
ground adj. huchbil (HOOCH-beel); molido
ground (into m eal) adj. muxbil (MOOSH-beel); molido
grow tr. v. aalaktik (aahl-AHR-teek); criarlo, crecerlo
105
grow n in. v. chiihil (CHEEE-heel); crecer

gruel n. keyem (KEH-yehm); pozole
gruel (com ) n. saksa (SAHK-sah), sa (sah); atole,
atole con cscara
guava n. pichi (PE ECI J-ee); guayaba
g u n n. tzoon (tzoohn); escopeta
H
hail n. bat (baht); granizo
h air n. hool (hoh-ohl), tzootz (tzoh-ohtz), u tzotze a
hool (OO tzoh-tzeh ah HOH-ohl); pelo
hairstyle (m ans) n. xiibil tzootz (sheeeb-eel TZOHOHTZ); pelo de macho
h alfarf/ chumuk (CHOO-mook); medio
ham m ock n. kan (kahn); hamaca
ham m ock (net) n. wakik (WAHR-eek); hamaca de red
h a n d n. kab (kahb); mano
h and (left) n. tzih kab (TZEE kahb); mano izquierdo
h an g tr. v. chuytal (CHOOY-tahl); colgarlo
han g (fruit) in. v. chuyul (CHOOY-ool); colgarse
fin ta
han g (up) tr. v. sinik (SEEN-eek); guindarlo, colgarlo
h ap p en in. v. uchul (OOCH-ool); pasar, suceder
h appy adj. kiimak ol (KEE-EE-mahk OHL); contento
h a rd adj. tzuuy (TZOO-ooy); yah (yah); duro
h arsh adj. kaam (KAH-ahm); recio, fuerte
harvest in. v. hooch (hoohch); cosechar
harvest tr. v. hochik (HOHCH-eek); cosecharlo
h a t n. pok (pohk); sombrero
h atch et n. bat (baht); hacha
h ate tr. v. pektik (PEHR-teek); odiarlo
h ated par. (with agent) peekaan (peeh-KAH-AHN);
aborrecido, abominado
hateful adj. kax (kahsh); odioso
h a t (straw ) n. xaanil pook (SHAH-AHN-eel POOHK);
sombrero de paja
have in. v. ukul (OO-kool); yaan (yaahn); tener
hay n. suuk (SOO-ook); zacate
h ead n. hool (hoh-ohl); pool (poohl); cabeza
h ead ache n. kinan (in) hool (KEEN-ahn een HOHOHL); dolor de cabeza
h eal tr. v. tzakik (TZAHK-eek); curarlo
1 0 6
hear tr. v. u uyik (OO-OOY-eek); orlo

h eart n. ol (ohl); puksiikal (POOR-see-eek-ahl);
corazn
h earth n. kooben (KOOH-b ehn);/o# ra
lieat tr. v. chokokuntik (choh-koh- ROON-teek);
calentarlo
h eated u p adj. kinal (REE-nahl); callentado
heaven n. kaan (kah-ahn); cielo
heavy adj. al (ah); pesado
lieel n. tuunkuy (TOOON-kooy); tacn, taln
help in. v. antah (AHN-tah); ayudar
help tr. v. antik (AHN-teek); ayudarlo
helper n. aantah (AAHN-tah); ayudante
hem p (sisal) n. kih (kee); henequn, maguey
hen n. xkaax (EESH-kaahsh); gallina
herbalist n. hm een (ah-MEEHN); curandero, yerbatero
herb (m edicinal) n. xiw (sheew); hierba (medicinal)
h ere adv. te (teh); waye (WAH-yeh); aqu
h ere /th ere it is dern. h eel(a)/(o) (HEHEHL-[ah]/
[oh]); aqu/all est (a = close, o = further away)
h ero n (w hite) n. sak bok (SAHR bolik); garza blanca
hide tr. v. taakik (TAH-AHR-eek); esconderlo
hide (skin) n. kewel (REH-wehl); piel, pellejo, cuero
high adj. kaanal (RAH-AHN-ahl); arriba, alto
hill n. muul (moool); cerro
hit tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); golpearlo, pegarlo
h oarse adj. m aa kaal (MAH-AH kaahl); ronco
hole n. hool (hoohl); hoyo, hueco
hollow adj. poos (poohs); waco
hom e n. nahil (NAH-eel); otoch (oh-tohch); casa; hogar
hom osexual (m an) n. xchupul xib (eesh-CHOOPool SHEEB); maricn (derogatory), waco
honey n. kaab (kaahb); miel
h o rn n. bak (bahk); cuerno
horse n. tzimin (TZEE-meen); caballo
h ot adj. chokoh (CHOHR-oh); kiinal (REE-nahl);
caliente
h ot (becom e) in. v. chokotal (chohk-oh-TAHL);
callentarse
hot (spicy) adj. pap (pahp); picante
hot (w eather) adj. kilkab (REEL-kahb); (hace) calor
house n. nah (nah); casa
how? inter, bix (beesh); como?
1 0 7
h u m id (w eather) adj. kilkab (KEEL-kahb); hmido

hum iliate oneself refl. taik u bah (TAH-eek oo bah);
defecarse (literally, defecate on oneself)
hum m ingbird re. tzunuun (TZOO-noo-oon); colibr
hungry adj. wiih (WEE-ee); tener hambre
h u n t tr. v. tzonik TZOHN-eek); cazar
h u n te r n. tzon nal (TZOHN nahl); tzonero (tzohnER-oh); cazador
h u rrican e re. chakikat (chahk-EEK-aht); chichiik
(CHEECH-eeek); huricn, cicln
h u rry in. v. seb (sehb); sekuntik (SEH-koon-teek);
rpido; estar de prisa
h u rt n. yaah (yaah); dolor
h u rt in. v. chiibal (CHEE-EE-bahl); doler
h u rt tr. v. kinbesik (keen-BEH-seek); herirlo
h u rt (oneself) in. v. kinpahal (keen-PAH-hahl); herirse
h u sband n. iicham (EEECH-ahm); marido, esposo
husk n. sol (sohl); carapacho
I
1 1st p. s. pron. teen (teehn); yo
if inter, w ah (wah); si, en caso de
ignite tr. v. tabik (TAHB-eek); encenderlo, incendiarlo
ignorant adj. nuum (nooom); estpido
iguana n. huuh (hoooh); iguana
illness n. kohaanil (koh-HAH-AHN-eel); enfermedad
ill (to becom e) in. v. kohaantal (koh-HAH-AHNtahl); enfermarse
im agine tr. v. tziboltik (TZEEB-ohl-teek);
imaginarlo
im m ediately adv. beoritasa (BEH-oh-ree-TAH-sah),
naapulak (naah-POOL-ahk); ere seguido
im p o rtant adj. kaanaan (RAH-AH-nah-ahn);
importante
im prove tr. v. utzkiintik (ootz-KEEN-teek); mejorarlo
in prep, ti (tee); ichil (EECH-eel); en; dentro
incline n. nix (neesh); inclinacin
indeed adv. heele (HEH-EHL-eh); s, claro
Indian re. masewal (mah-SEH-wahl); indgena,
mazehual; inferior
infant re. paal (paaahl); nio(a), nene
1 0 8
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
inferior n. masewal (mah-SEH-wahl); inferior;

indgena, mazehual
injury n. loob (loohb); dao, herrida
insert tr. v. oksik (OHK-seek); introducirlo, meterlo
inside prep, ichil (EECH-eel); dentro
in tact adj. suhuy (SOO-hooy); intacto; virgen
intestines re. chooch (choohch); intestinos, tripas
intoxicated adj. kalaan (KAH-lah-ahn); bonacho
introduce tr. v. oksik (OR-seek); introducirlo, entrar,
hacerlo
iron re. maskab (MAHS-kahb); hierro
iron griddle re. maskabil xamach (mahs-KAHB-eel
SHAH-mahch); comal de hierro
tch/itching re. saak (saahk); comezn
J
jag u ar re. balam (BAH-lahm); chakmool (chahkMOH-OHL); koh (koh); jaguar, tigre
jay re. chel (chehl); arredajo
jicam a (edible plant) re. chiikam (CHEE-EER-ahm);
jicama
joke in. v. baxal (BAHSH-ahl); bromear
juice re. kaab/kaa (kaah b/kaah); jugo
jum ble tr. v. xaaktik (SHAH-AHR-teek); mezclarlo,
revolverlo
jum p in. v. sit (seet); brincar
jungle n. kax (kahsh); selva, monte, bosque
just adj. utz (ootz); justo
K
keep tr. v. taakik (TAH-AHR-eek); guardarlo
kill tr. v. kmsik (REENS-eek); tupik (TOO-peek);
matarlo
kiss in. v. tzuutz (TZOO-ootz); besar
kiss tr. v. tzuutzik (TZOO-ootz-eek); besar
kitchen re. kooben (ROOH-behn); cocina
knee re. pix (peesh); rodilla
knife blade (his) n. u yeh kuchiiyoh (oo yeh kooCHEEE-yoh); Sp. + Maya;filo de cuchillo
1 0 9
know tr. v. kanik (KAHN-eek), oohel (OOH-hehl),

oheltik (oh-HEHL-teek); saberlo, conocerlo;
reconocerlo, notar
k now (som eone) tr. v. kahol (KAH-hohl); conocerlo
L
lacking prep, xm a (EESH-mah),faltando
lady n. xunan (SHOO-nahn); dama
lagoon n. aakal (AAHK-ahl); lagaa
lake n. ha (hah); laguna
lan d m ark n. xuuk (SHOO-ook); mojn
lan d (unit of 20 x 20 m ) n. pisikan (PEES-eek-ahn);
mecate
language n. taan (taahn); idioma, lengua
large adj. nohoch (NOH-hohch); gran, grande
large (pl.) adj. nukuch (NOO-kooch); grandes
lasso n. suum (sooom); lazo
last (the) n. tzook (tzoohk); el ltimo
la ter adv. kaakat(e) (KAH-AH-kah-t[e]); al rato,
un poco despus, ms tarde
late (to be) in. v. xanal (SHAHN-ahl); tardarse
lau g h in. v. cheeh (cheh-eh); rerse
lau g h ter n. cheeh (cheh-eh); risa
lazy adj. nuuni (nooohm); perezoso
lazy m an adj. hoykeep (HOHY-keehp); hombre flojo
le af n. le (leh); hoja
league (m easure) n. lub (loob); legua
le an tr. v. tokik (TOHK-eek); inclinar
le a m tr. v. kanik (KAHN-eek); aprenderlo
le ath e rn , kewel (KEH-wehl); cuero
leathery adj. tzu uy (TZOO-ooy); correoso
leave in. v. hokol (HOHK-ohl), lukul (LOOK-ool);
salir; quitarse
leave tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek), patik (PAHT-eek);
dejarlo
left adj. tzik (tzeek); izquierdo
left h an d n. tzih kab (TZEE kahb); mano izquierdo
leftovers n. tzook (tzoohk); sobrante
len d tr. v. m ahantik (MAH-hahn-teek); prestarlo
len g th re. chowaki] (CHOH-wahk-eel); largura,
longitud
let tr. v. cha (chah); permitir
1 1 0
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
lets go! imper. koox (koh-ohsh); vmanos! (vamos)

letter re. huun (hoo-oon); carta
lie in. v. tuus (tooos); mentir
lie d ow n in. v. chiltal (CHEEL-tahl); acostarse, echarse
(en el suelo)
lie (on th e floor) in. v. chiltal (CHEEL-tahl); echarse
(en el suelo)
lie (to som eone) tr. v. tusik (TOOS-eek); mentirle a uno
life in. v. kuxtal (KOOSH-tahl); viva
light re. sasil (SAHS-eel); luz
light tr. v. tabik (TAH-beek); encenderlo, incendiarlo
lightning n. u hatzil chak (oo HAHTZ-eel CHAHK);
relmpago, rayo, rayo de cielo
lightning bolt re. u hatzil chak (os HAHTZ-eel
CHAHK); rayo de cielo
light (to becom e) in. v. sastal (SAHS-tahl); amanecer
light (weight) adj. sal (sahl); ligero, no pesado
like (it, I) adj. utz tin wich (ootz teen WEECH);
me gusta
like th a t adv. beyo (BEH-yoh); as
like this adv. beya (BEH-yah); as
lim a b ean re. iib (eeeb)\frijol lima, ibes
lim e (calcium carbonate, w hitew ash) re. taan
(tah-ahn); cal
lips re. box (bohsh); labios
listen tr. v. uuyik (OO-OOY-eek); escucharlo
little adj. chan (chahn), m ehen (MEH-hehn);
m a yaabi (MAH yah-ah-bee); pequeo, chico;
no mucho, poco
little (a) adj. chichan (CHEE-chahn); poco
little (a) re. hum pit (HOOM-peet); un poco, pocos
little by litte adv. huhum pitil (HOO-hoom-PEETeel); poco a poco
live in. v. kaahtal (KAAH-tahl); vivir
liver re. tam an (TAHM-ahn); hgado
living adj. kuxaan (KOO-shah-ahn); viviente
lizard re. huuh (hoooh); lagartija
lizard (small) n. tolok (TOH-lohk); lagartija
pequea
lizard (species o) re. m eerech (MEEHR-ehch);
lagartija (una especie)
load re. kuuch (koooch); cargo
loan tr. v. mahantik (MAH-hahn-teek); prestarlo
n i
local re. phr. wayile (wahy-EEL-eh); es de aqu

locked adj. kaalal (KAAHL-ahl); cerrado
locust n. sak (sahk); langosta de tierra, saltamontes
long adj. chowak (CHOH-wahk); largo
long ago adv. uchih (OOCH-ee); anteriormente
look (at) tr. v. paktik (PAHK-teek); mirarlo
look at it! imper. pakteh (PAHR-teh); /mrelo!
look for tr. v. kaxtik (RAHSH-teek); buscarlo
loosen tr. v. cha (chah), chukik (CHOOR-eek); desatar
lord re. yuuni (yooom); seor
lose tr. v. satik (SAHT-eek); perderlo
lost adj. saatal (SAAH-tahl); perdido
lost (get) in. v. satpahal (saht-PAH-hahl); desaparecerse
lot (a) adj. yaab (yah-ahb); muchos
loud adj. cheeh (cheh-eh); bullicioso
louse re. uk (ook); piojo
love tr. v. yaakuntik (yaah-ROON-teek); amarlo
low adj. kaabal (KAAHB-ahl); taam (taahm); bajo;
profundo, hondo
low er tr. v. ensik (EHN-seek); bajarlo
lying (on th e ground) adj. pekaan (PEH-RAH-ahn);
tirado/hechado en el suelo
M
m acaw re. mo (moh); guacamayo
m ach ete re. maskab (MAHS-kahb); machete
m aiden n. suhuy pal (SOO-hooy pahl); muchacha
m ak e tr. v. mentik (MEHN-teek); hacerlo
m ak e (by b and) tr. v. makantik (MAH-kahn-TEER);
hacerlo a mano
m ak e ready tr. v. lisik (LEE-seek); alistarlo
m ak e tortillas in. v. pakach (PAHR-ahch); tortear
m ak e tortillas tr. v. pakachtik (PAHR-ahch-teek);
tortearlo
m ale re. xiib (sheeeb); varn, macho
m an re. m ak (mahk); winik (WEEN-eek); xiib
(sheeeb); yuum (yooom); hombre; varn, macho
m a n (lazy) re. hoykeep (HOHY-keehp); hombre flojo
m an (old) re. nuxiib (NOO-sheeeb); nohoch winik
(NOH-hoch WEEN-eek); hombre viejo,
anciano; viejo
112
m an s hairstyle re. xiibil tzootz (sheeeb-eel TZOHOHTZ); pelo de macho

m any adj. yaab (yah-ahb); yaakach (YAH-AH-kahch);
muchos
m any (there are) adj. yaaboob (YAH-AHB-oh-ohb);
son muchos
m ariju an a re. kuutz (koootz); marijuana
m a rk er stones re. xuuk (shoo-ook); mojn
m arried (to be) in. v. tzokaan beel (TZOHR-ah-ahn
beehl); ser casado
m arro w re. tzoom (tzoh-ohm); medula
m arry in. v. tzookol beel (tzoh-OHK-ohl BEEHL);
casarse
m ash in. v. puchik (POOCH-eek); magullar
m asonry re. pak (pahk); manipostera
m a tte r n. beel (beehl); asunto
m atu re adj. takan (TAH-kahn); cocido; maduro
m a tu re in. v. tah (tah); madurarse
m ay aux. v. hu chabale (hoo CHAHB-ahl-eh);
se puede, se permite
m aybe adv. wale (WAH-leh); tal vez, quiz
m ay n o t aux. v. m a u chabal (mah oo CHAHB-ahl);
no se permite
m e 1st p. s. pron. teen (teehn); me
m eal re. hanal (HAHN-ahl), ooch (oh-ohch); comida
m easu re tr. v. pisik (PEES-eek); medirlo
m eat re. bak (bahk); came
m ecate (unit of land) re. pisikan (PEES-eek-ahn);
mecate
m edicine re. tzaak (tzaahk); medicina
m edicine (for colds) re. tzaak seen (tzaahk SEH-ehn);
m etate re. kaah (kah-ah); metate
M exican (fem ale) re. xwaach (eesh-WAAHCH);
mexicna
M exican (m ale) re. hwaach (ah-WAAHCH); mexicno
m iddle re. chumuk (CHOOM-ook); centro, medio
m idnight re. chum uk akab (CHOOM-ook AHRahb); media noche
m ill re. huch (hooch); molino
m ilpa (personal cornfield) re. kool (koohl); milpa
m ilpa tiller re. koolnal (ROOHL-nahl); milpero
m in o r re. paal (paahl); menor
113
mirror n. nen (nehn); espejo

misfortune n. loob (loohb); desgracia
m ist n. yeeb (yeehb); neblina
m ix up tr. v. xaaktik (SHAH-AHK-teek); mezclarlo,
revolverlo
m oist adj. chuul (choool); mojado
moisten tr. v. chulik (CHOOL-eek); mojarlo
money n. taakin (TAAH-keen); dinero
m onkey n. tuucha (TOOOCH-ah); mono
monkey (general) n. m aax (mah-ahsh); mono
monkey (how ler) n. baatz (baahtz); mono aullador,
saraguate
m onkey (spider) n. chuw en (CHOO-wehn); mono,
saraguate
m orning adv. hatzkab kiin (hahtz-kahb KEEEN);
la maana
m osquito n. koxol (KOHSH-ohl); mosquito, mosco
m o th er n. nah (nah); madre
m ouse n. cho (choh); ratn
m oustache n. m eex (meh-ehsh); bigote
m o u th n. chi (chee); boca
m ove in. v. pek (pehk); moverse
m ove tr. v. peksik (PEHK-seek); moverlo
m ovem ent n. pek (pehk); movimiento
m u ch adj. hach yaab (hahch YAH-ahb); yaab
(yah-ahb); mucho; muchos
m u ch (not) adj. m a yaabi (mah YAH-AHB-ee);
no mucho
m ucus n. sum (seem); moco
m u d d y adj. puuk (poook); turbio
m uggy adj. kas kiilkab (kahs KEEL-kahb); medio
sudando, hmedo
m usic n. kaay (kaahy); msica
m u te person n. htoot (ah-TOOHT); persona muda
N
n a k e d adj. chaknul (chahk-NOOL); xma nook
(EESH-mah nook); desnudo
n am e n. kaba (KAH-bah); nombre
n a p k in adj. hay (hahy); servilleta
n a rro w adj. kom (kohm); estrecho
1 1 4
native n. phr. wayile (wahy-EEL-eh); es de a q u

n ea r adj. naatz (naahtz); cerca
necessary adj. kabet (KAHB-eht), kaanaan
(KAH-AH-nah-ahn); necesario
necessity n. nukul (NOOK-ool); necesidad
neck n. kaal (kaahl); cuello
n eedle n. putz (pootz); aguja
nerve n. xiich (sheeech); nervio
nest n. ku (koo); nido
nettle n. lal (lahl); ortiga, chichicasta
n ever adv. m aa tech (MAH-AH tehch); mix bikin
(meesh BEE-keen); jams; nunca
new adj. tumben (TOOM-behn); nuevo
nice adj. hatzutz (HAHTZ-ootz); k i.(kee); lukum
(LOO-koom); hermoso, bonito, bello; bueno
nice (very) adj. sen utz (SEHN ootz); buenisimo,
m uy bien
night n. akab (AHK-ahb); noche
nig h t (to becom e) in. v. akabtal (ahk-AHB-tahl);
anocher
n ightm are n. kaas wayak (kaahs WAHY-ahk);
m al sueo, pesadilla
nine n. bolon (BOH-lohn) (hypothetical); nueve
no adv. m a (mah); no
noise n. huum (hooom); ruido
noisy adj. cheeh (cheh-eh); ruidoso, bullicioso
noon n. chum uk kiin (CHOOM-ook KEEEN);
media da
no onepron. mix mak (MEESH mahk); ninguno, nadie
no rth n. xaman (SHAH-mahn); norte
no rth w ind n. xaman kaan (shah-mahn KAH-AHN);
cierzo, viento del norte
nose n. ni (nee); nariz
not adv. m a (mah); no
nothing pron. mix baal (meesh BAH-ahl); nada
notice tr. v. oheltik (oh-HEHL-teek); notar
not m e adv. m a teeni (mah TEEHN-ee);yo no
not m uch adj. m a yaabi (MAH yah-ah-bee);
no mucho, poco
not possible adj. mix tan u beetaale (meesh TAHN
oo beeh-tah-AHL-eh); no es posible
nourish tr. v. tzeentik (TZEEHN-teek); darle la
comida, criar
11 5
nowadays n. behla(e) (beh-LAH-[eh]); hoy

nowhere n. mix tuux (MEESH too-oosh); en ninguna
parte
o
obligation n. kuuch (koooch); obligacin, carga
odor n. cheeh (CHEH-eh), book (boohk); olor
offer tr. v. wak (wahk); ofrecer
offered tr. v. waak (wah-ahk); ofrecido
OK adj. m aalob (mah-AHL-ohb); bien
old adj. chihaan (CHEE-hah-ahn); nohoch
(NOH-hoch); nuxib (NOOH-sheeb); uchben
(OOCH-behn); viejo; anciano; antiguo
old m an n. nohoch winik (NOH-hoch WEEN-eek),
nuxiib (NOOH-sheeeb); viejo, anciano
old (to m ake) in. v. chiih (cheeeh); hacer viejo
old w om an n. nohoch koolel (NOH-hoch koh-ohlEHL), xnuuk (eesh-NOOOK); vieja
om en n. tamax chi (TAH-mahsh CHEE); agero
on prep, ti (tee); en
one n. hun (hoon); uno
one h u n d red n. ho kal (HOH kahl) (hypothetical);
cien, ciento
one (inanim ate thing) adj., pron. hum pel (hoomPEHL); un(a) (cosa)
one (long thing) adj., pron. huntzit (hoon-TZEET);
un(a) (cosa larga)
one (person o r anim al, anim ate thing) adj., pron.
huntul (hoon-TOOL); uri(a) (persona o animal)
one (tree) adj., pron. hunkul (hoon-KOOL); un(a)
(rbol)
open in. v. heeb (heehb); abrirse
open tr. v. hebik (heh-BEEK); abrirlo
o p en ed adj. heban/hean/heik (heh-BAHN/heh-AHN/
heh -EEK); abierto
o p en in g n. chi (chee); hool (hoohl); boca; hoyo, hueco
or inter, w ah (wah); o
oran g e juice n. kaab china (kaahb CHEE-nah); jugo
de naranja
o ran g e (sour) n. chiinah pah (CHEEE-nah PAH);
naranja agria
1 1 6
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
orange (sweet) n. chiinah (CHEEE-nah); naranja dulce

orange (tree, sour) n. pakal (PAHK-ahl); naranjo
order tr. v. tusbeltik (toos-BEHL-teek); inandarlo,
ordenarlo
o rder (put in) tr. v. tzolik (TZOHL-eek); ordenarlo
origin n. chuun (chooon); origen, raz, principio
oriole n. kubul (KOOB-ool); oriol
o th er adj. lak (lahk); heel (heehl); otro
overcast adj. nokoy (NOHK-ohy); nublado
overcast (to becom e) in. v. nokoytal (NOHK-ohytahl); nublarse
overtake tr. v. chukpachtik (chook-PAHCH-teek);
alcanzar
owl n. buuh (booo); tunkuluch (toon-koo-loo-CHOO);
ecolote, bho
ow ner n. yuum (yooom); dueo
ox n. wakax (WAHK-ahsh); buey
P
p aca (rodent, spotted cavy, C uniculm paca) n. haaleb
(HAAHL-ehb); tapescuintle
pack tr. v. butik (BOOT-eek); embutirlo
pain n. kiinam (KEE-EE-nahm), yaah (yaah); dolor
pain (general expression of) dem. ay (ahy); ay, dios!
painful adj. yah (yah); doloroso
p ain t n. bon (bohn); pintura
p ain t tr. v. bonik (BOHN-eek); pintarlo
p ainted adj. boonol/boon (BOOHN-ohl/boh-ohn);
pintado
pale adj. poos (poohs); descolorido, plido, desteido
palm th atch n. xaan (shah-ahn); palmo para techo,
guano
p ants n. eex (eehsh); pantalon
p apaya n. puut (pooot); papaya
p ap e r n. huun (hoo-oon); papel
p aren t n. lak (lahk); pariente
p arro t n. xtuut (eesh-TOOOT); loro, perico
pass tr. v. mansik (MAHN-seek); pasarlo
pass by in. v. m an (mahn); pasar
pass th ro u g h tr. v. potik (POHT-eek); transpasarlo
pay (for) tr. v. bootik (BOH-OHT-eek); pagarlo
1 1 7
peccary (collared) (javalina, Pcari tajacu) n. kitam

(K E E -tam jabal, coche del monte
penetrate tr. v. potik (POHT-eek); penetrarlo
penis n. toon (toohn); xiibil (sheeeb-eel); pene, picha
pepper n. iik (eeek); chile, aj
perceive tr. v. uuyik (OO-OOY-eek); percibirlo
perhaps adv. wale (WAH-leh); tal vez, quiz
perhaps (it is so) adv. beey wale (beehy WAHL-eh);
tal vez es posible!
perm it tr. v. cha(ik) (CHAIl-[eek]); permitirlo, dejarlo
person n. m ak (mahk); winik (WEEN-eek);
persona
perspiration adj. kilkab (KEEL-kahb); sudor
p et n. aalak (AAHL-ahk); animal domstico, mascota
physician (fem ale) n. xtzaak (eesh-TZAAHK);
doctora, mdica
physician (m ale) n. htz'aak (ah-TZAAHK); doctor,
mdico
piece n. xet (sheht); pedazo
piece (continuous) n. baab (baahb); pedazo (continuo)
pig n. aak (aahk); keken (KEH-kehn); puerco
pillar n. okom (OHK-ohm); pilar, horcn
pillow (folded cloth used as) n. xkanhool (eeshKAAHN-hoh-ohl); almohada
p ink adj. chakposeen (chahk-poh-SEH-ehn); rosada
pit (for cooking) n. piib (peeb); barbacoa, hom o
place n. baanda (BAAHND-ah); kaah (kaah), kaahtal
(KAAH-tahl); parte; lugar
place tr. v. tzik (tzeek); ponerlo
p lan t n. pakal (PAHK-ahl); planta
p lan t in. v. pakal (PAHK-ahl); plantar, sembrar
plant tr. v. pakik (PAHK-eek); sembrarlo
play in. v. baxal (BASI I-ahl); jugar
play tr. v. baxtik (BASH-teek); jugarlo
plu m (wild) n. abal (AHB-ahl); ciruela
point n. u yeh (oo yeh); punto
pole n. che (cheh); palo, vara
polish tr. v. yultik (YOOL-teek); bruirlo
poor adj. otzil (OHTZ-eel); pobre
Pope n. papah (PAH-pah); el Papa
p o rcu p in e n. kiix pech ooch (KEE-EESH pehch
OOHCH); cuerpo espn
po rk (b aked, roasted) n. pibil keken (PEEB-eel
keh-kehn); conchinita pibil
1 1 8
M a y a - E n g lis h / E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic tio n a r y
& P h raseb o ok
portion n. xet (sheht); pedazo

posol (co m gm el) n. keyem (KEH-yehm); pozole
possible adv. beytzabile (BEHY-tzahb-EEL-eh);
posible
possible (il) adj. he u beetaale (heh oo BEEH-tahahl-eh); si se puede
possible (it is) adj. hu u biitaale (hooh oo BEEEtah-AHL-eh); es posible
possible (not) adj. mix tan u beetaale (meesh
TAHN oo BEEH-tah-AHL-eh); no es posible
possibly adj., prep, le kaa pelil (leh kah-ah
PEH-leel); posible
post n. okom (OHK-ohm); poste
pound tr. v. pakachtik (pahk-AHCH-teek);
machacarlo
p regnant adj. yoom (yoh-ohm); embarazada
p regnant (to becom e) in. v. yoomchahtal (yoh-ohmCHAH-tahl); embarazarse
prep are tr. v. Iisik (LEE-seek); m akantik (mahKAHN-teek); prepararlo
present n. sihbil (SEEB-eel); regalo
pretty adj. kiichpam (KEE-EECH-pahm); bonito
previously adv. kaach (kah-ahch); antiguamente,
entonces
p rice n. tohol (TOH-hohl); precio
prickly p ea r cactus n. pakam (PAHK-ahm);
nopal, tuna
prio r prep, yax (yahsh); previo
p ro b lem s, bateel (BAH-teh-ehl),pelea,problema
prognostication n. tamax chi (TAH-mahsh CHEE);
agero
p rotect tr. v. taakik (TAH-AHK-eek); cuidarlo,
guardarlo
pull tr. v. kolik (KOHL-eek); paytik (PAHY-teek);
jalarlo
p u m a n. koh (koh); puma
p u m pkin n. kum (koom); calabaza
p u m pkin seeds n. sikil (SEEK-eel); pepita de calabaza
p u n ch (w ith fist) tr. v. loxik (LOHSH-eek); pegarlo con
puo cerado
p u rsu e tr. v. chukpachtik (chook-PAHCH-teek);
alcanzar al que va adelante
pus n. puh (poo); pus, materia de llaga
p u t tr. v. tzik (tzeek); ponerlo
1 1 9
put in order tr. v. tzolik (TZOHL-eek); ordenarlo

p u t on (clothes) tr. v. bukintik (boo-KEEN-teek);
vestirse, ponerlo ropa
p u t o u t (Are, light) tr. v. tupik (TOO-peek); apagarlo
pyram id n. muul (moool); pirmide
Q
quail n. beech (beehch); codorniz
q u eer (hom osexual) n. xchupul xib (eeshCHOOP-ool SHEEB); maricn (derogatory), waco
q u ern an d grindstone n. kabka (KAHB-kah); metate
y mano
quick adj. sebak (SEHB-ahk); rpido
quickly adv. seb (sehb); rpido
R
rabbit n. tuul (TOO-ool); conejo
raccoon n. kulu (KOOL-oo); mapache
rain n. chak (chahk), ha (hall); lluvia
raise tr. v. liisik (LEE-EES-eek); levantarlo
ranch n. kaahtal (KAAH-tahl); rancho
rapidly (work) adj. alkab meyah (AHL-kahb
MEHY-ah); trabajar m uy rpido
ra t n. cho (choh); rata
rath e r adv. sam (sahm); apenas
rattlesnake n. tzakaan (tzah-KAAHN); culebra tipo
de cascabel
read tr. v. xook (shoohk); xokik (SHOHK-eek); leer;
contarlo
ready (oneseli) refl. v. liisik u ba (LEE-EES-eek
oo
BAH); prepararse
ready (m ake) tr. v. lisik (LEE-seek); alistarlo
re a r tr. v. tzeentik (TZEEHN-teek); criar
reason n. nuukul (NOO-OOK-ool), tuukul (TOOOKool); razn
receive tr. v. kamik (KAHM-eek); recibir
recognize tr. v. kaholtik (KAH-ohl-TEEK);
reconocerlo
reco u n t tr. v. tzikbatik (TZEEK-bah-TEEK); recontarlo
red adj. chak (chahk); colorado, rojo
120
M ay a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
red food dye (annatto) n. kiwi (KEE-wee); ku x u

(KOO-shoo); achiote
red h ead ed adj. cheel (cheehl); rubio
red h ead ed child n. chan cheel (CHAHN cheehl);
nio gero
reed n. siit (seeet); popote
relative n. lak (lahk), chilankabil (chee-lahnKAHB-eel); miembro de fam ilia, pariente
release tr. v. cha (chah); soltar
rem ain in. v. patal (PAH-tahl); quedarse
rep air tr. v. utzkintik (ootz-KEEN-teek); repararlo
rep rim an d tr. v. keyik (KEHY-eek); reprenderlo,
reirlo
reservoir n. aakal (AAHK-ahl); embalse
reside in. v. kaahtal (KAAH-tahl); vivir
resin n. iitz (eeetz); resina o leche de rbol
rest in. v. heelel (heh-ehl-EHL); descansar
rest oneself refl. v. heesik u ba (HEH-EHS-eek oo bah);
descansarse
retu rn in. v. suut (sooot); regresar
retu rn tr. v. sutik (SOO-teek); devolverlo
retu rn ed (to be) in. v. suutal (SOO-OO-tahl); devolver
rich adj. ayikal (ahy-EEK-ahl), taakinal (TAAI I-keenahl); rico
right aw ay adv. naapulak (naah-POOL-ahk); en seguido
right h ere adv. teela (TEH-EH-lah); all
right side n. nooh (noh-oh); lado derecho
right th e re adv. teelo (TEH-EH-loh); all
right (to the) n. phr. (ti) nooh ([tee] NOH-oh);
a la derecha
ripe adj. kan (kahn), takan (TAH-kahn); maduro
ripe (for th e picking) adj. yih (yeeh); sazonado
rip en in. v. tah (tah); madurarse, sazonarse
ripen tr. v. yihtal (YEEH-tahl); sazonarse
rise in. v. likil (LEEK-eel); levantarse
road n. beel (beehl); camino
roast tr. v. kaatik (KAH-AH-teek); asarlo
roasted adj. kabil (KAH-beel), pokbil (POHK-beel);
asado
rock n. tuunich (TOOON-eech); piedra
roll tr. v. kopik (KOH-peek); enrollar
roll up tr. v. toik (TOH-eek); enrollarlo
roof n. u hool nah (oo HOH-OHL nah), u pool nah
(oo POOHL nah); techo
rooster n. teel (teehl); gallo

root n. mootz (moohtz); raz
rope n. suum (sooom); soga
rose n. lool (loohl); rosa
ro u n d adj. wolis (WOHL-ees); redondo
rub tr. v. yultik (YOOL-teek)Jrotor/o
ru m p n. bakel iit (BAHK-ehl EEET), puukil iit
(POO-OOK-eel EEET); nalga
ru n in. v. alkab (AHL-kahb); correr
ru st n. itz (eetz); oxidado
s
sack n. sabukaan (SAAH-boo-kaahn); bolsa, morral
saddle quern n. kaah (kah-ah); metate
saints pi. n. kuhoob (KOO-hoh-ohb); santos
salesm an n. koonol (ROOHN-ohl); vendedor
salesw om an n. xkoonol (eesh-ROOHN-ohl); vendedora
salt n. taab (tah-ahb); sal
salt tr. v. taabik (TAH-AHB-eek); salar
sam e aux. v. et (eht); mismo
sandal n. xanab (SHAH-nahb); guarache
sap n. iitz (eeetz); resina o leche de rbol
sapote n. ya (yah); zapote
say tr. v. aalik (AH-AHL-[eek]); tanik (TAHN-eek);
decirlo; hablarlo, llamarlo
scare tr. v. puuhsik (POO-OO-seek), sahahkuns
(SAH-hah-koons); espantarlo
scold tr. v. keyik (KEHY-eek); regaarlo
scoop u p (excrem ent) tr. v. pitik (PEE-teek); sacar
excremento con cuchara
scorpion n. sinaan (see-NAH-AHN); escorpion
scram! imper. xeen teelo (sheehn-TEH-EH-loh);
vyate!
scram! (to pigs, chickens, etc.) imper. huchi
(HOOCH-ee); vete! (a puercos, pollos, etc.)
scram bled adj. puuk (poook); revueltos
scrape tr. v. panik (PAHN-eek); cavarlo
screw tr. v. kopik (KOH-peek); atornillar
seated adj. hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn), kulaan
(koo-LAH-ahn); sentado,
seco n d h an d adj. asben/asbeen (AHS-behn/
AHS-beh-ehn); de medio uso
1 2 2
M aya- E n g l i s h / E n g u s h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
secured adj. hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn); asegurado

see tr. v. ilik (EEL-eek); verlo
seed n. iinah (EE-EE-nah); neek (neehk);semilla
para sembrar maz; semilla, pepita
seedbed (raised) n. kaanche (KAH-AHN-che);
planto elevado
seeder (stick for planting) n. xul (shool); coa,
sembrador
seeds (pum pkin/squash) n. siki] (SEER-eei); pepita
de calabaza
see it! imper. ileh (EEL-eh); vlo!
seek tr. v. kaxtik (KAHSH-teek); buscarlo
seize tr. v. chaik (CHAH-eek); agarrarlo, llevarlo
sell tr. v. konik (KOHN-eek); venderlo
send tr. v. tuxtik (TOOSH-teek); gaviarlo
settled adj. hetzaan (HEHTZ-ah-ahn);//rm,
asentado, Jurtdado
seven n. uk (ook) (hypothetical); siete
sew in. v. chuuy (choooy); costurar
shade n. booy (BOH-ohy); sombra
shadow n. booy (BOH-ohy); sombra
shake in. v. tut (teet); sacudirse
shake tr. v. peksik (PEHK-seek), titik (TEET-eek);
sacudirlo
sham an n. hm een (ah-MEEN); curandero
sham e n. suutal (SOO-OO-tahl); vergenza
share tr. v. toxik (TOHSH-eek); repartirlo, distribuirlo
sharpness adj. paapil (PAAHP-eel);picante
shave tr. v. tzikik (TZEEK-eek); afeitarlo
shaven adj. tzikaan (tzee-KAH-ahn); afeitado
shaw l n. booch (boohch); rebozo
sheep n. htaman (ah-TAH-mahn); borrego
shell n. sol (sohl); cscara
shell co m tr. v. oxoontik (OHSH-oh-ohn-TEEK);
desgranarlo
shoe n. xanab (SHAH-nahb); zapato
shoot tr. v. tzonik (TZOHN-eek); dispararlo, tirarlo
short adj. koom (koohm); corto
shotgun n. tzoon (tzoohn); escopeta
shoulder n. kelembal (KEH-lehm-bahl); hombro
shout n. awat (AH-waht); grito
show n. chaan (chah-ahn); espectculo
show tr. v. eesik (EH-EIIS-eek), tzikbatik (tzeek-bahTEEK); mostrarlo
12 3
show oneself refl. v. eesk u bah (EH-EHSK oo BAH);

mostrarse
sibling (true) n. laktzil (LAHK-tzeel); hermano(a)
verdadero(a)
sick adj. k'ohaan (KOH-hah-ahn); enfermo
side n. hal (hahl); tzel (tzehl); orilla; lado
signal (by hand) in. v. paykab (PAHY-kahb); sealar,
seal
sin n. keban (KEH-bahn), siip/siip(il) (SEEEP/
SEE-EEP-[eel]); pecado
sinew n. xiich (sheeech); tendn
sing in. v. kaay (kaahy); cantar
single adj. him (hoon); solito, solo
sink tr. v. tubik (toob-EER); hundirlo
sinkhole n. tzonoot (TZOH-noh-oht); cenote
sister (older) n. kiik (keeek); hermana mayor
sister (true sibling) n. laktzil (LAHK-tzeel);
hermana verdadera
sister (younger) n. itzin (EETZ-een); hermana
sister (youngest) n. xtuup (eesh-TOOOP); last female
child in family; hermana menor; ltima nia de
la fam ilia
sit in. v. kulal (KOOH-lahl); sentar
sit dow n in. v. kultal (ROOL-tahl); sentarse
six ti. wak (wahk) (hypothetical); seis
sixty n. ox kal (OHSH kaahl) (hypothetical); sesenta
size t. nohochil (noh-hoh-CHEEL); tamao
skin n. kewel (REH-wehl); piel
skinny adj. tzoyaan (tzoy-AH-AHN) \flaco
skunk n. payooch (PAHY-oohch); zorillo
sky n. kaan (kah-ahn); cielo
slab (of stone) n. hayam (HAHY-ahm); laja
sleep in. v. wenel (WEHN-ehl); dormir
slender adj. bekech (BEH-kehch); delgado
slice tr. v. tah (tah); rabanar
sliced adj. taahal (TAAH-hahl); rabinado
slighdy adv. sam (sahm); un poco
slippery adj. hahalkil (hah-hahl-KEEL); liso, resbaloso
slope n. nx (neesh); cuesta, ladera, inclinacin
slow adj. chaanbeel (CHAAHN-beehl); despacio, lento
sm all adj. chan (chahn), chichan (CHEE-chahn),
m ehen (MEH-hen); pequeo, chico
sm allest p a r t n. tuup (tooop); parte ms pequeo,
el m enor
1 2 4
M aya - E n g l is h / E n g l ish - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
sm ash tr. v. petzik (PEHTZ-eek); destrozar

smell n. bok (bohk); olor
smell tr. v. uyik (OO-yeek); olerlo, sentir olor
sm oke n. buutz (boootz); humo
sm oke in. v. tzuutz (TZ0 0 -ootz);^?7Mr
sm oke tr. v. tzuutzik (TZOO-ootz-EEK) ;fum arlo
sm ooth adj. hoholkil (hoh-hohl-KEEL); tax (tahsh);
liso; llano, plano
snail (land) n. urich (OOR-eech); caracol de tierra
snake n. kaan (kaahn); culebra
snare n. peetz (peehtz); trampa
soil ti. luum (loo-oom); tierra
soldier n. waach (waahch); soldado
som eone n. wah max (wah MAHSH); alguien
som ething n. wah baax (wah BAH-ahsh); algo
som ew hat n. kaas (kaahs); de una parte, un poquito
som ew here n. wah tuux (wah TOO-oosh);
algn lugar
son n. paal (paahl); hijo
song n. kaay (kaahy); cancin
soon adv. kaakat(e) (RAH-AH-kah-t[e]); al rato,
un poco despus, ms tarde
soot ti. sabak (SAH-bahk); tizne
soul ti. pixaan (PEESH-aahn); alma
sound n. huum (hooom); sonido
sour adj. pah (pah); agrio
source n. sayab (SA11Y-ah\j)\fuente, ojo de agua
sour orange n. pakal (PAHR-ahl); naranja agria
sour orange (tree) n. pakal (PAHR-ahl);
naranjo agrio
soursop (custard apple) n. op (ohp); anona
south n. nohol (NOH-hohl); sur
sow in. v. pakal (PAHR-ahl); sembrar
sow tr. v. pakik (PAHR-eek); sembrarlo
sow n par. pakaan (PAHR-ah-ahn); sembrado
spark n. xikin kaak (shee-keen RAAHR); chispa
speak in. v. taan (taahn); hablar, decir
spectacle n. chaan (chah-ahn); espectculo
speech n. taan (taahn); idioma, lengua
spicy adj. pap (pahp); picante
spider n. am (ahm); araa
spill tr. v. wekik (WEH-keek); derremarlo
spilled adj. weehel/weekel (WEEH-hehl/WEEH-kehl);
derramado
125
spill (w ater) tr. v. wekik ha (WEH-keek HAH);

derramar agua
spindle n. pechech (PEH-chehch); huso
spine re. tool (toh-ohl); espinazo
spirit n. ik (eek), ol (oohl), pixaan (PEESH-aahn);
espritu
spirit substitute re. wayhel (WAHY-hehl); nahual,
espritu
split adj. kaachaal (kaah-CHAH-ahl); hendido
split (long things) tr. v. kachik (KAH-cheek); hender
(cosas largas)
spouse n. lak (lahk); esposo
spring n. aakal (AAHR-ahl), sayab (SAHY-ahb), sayap
ha (SAHY-ahp HAH); cinega, ojo de agua
sp u r n. aach (aahch); espuela
spy tr. v. chuk (CHOOR); espiar
squash n. kum (koom); calabaza
squash seeds n. sikil (SEER-eel); pepita de calabaza
squirrel n. kuuk (ROO-ook); ardilla
stan d refl. v. w aak u ba (WAH-AHK oo bah); pararse
stand up! imper. w aaltal (WAH-AHL-tahl); pongase
de pie!
stand up in. v. waal (wah-ahl); pararse, ponerse de pie
star n. eek (eehk); estrella
start (a fight) tr. v. ketik (KEH-teek); empezar una pelea
started (to get) in. v. chunpahal (choon-PAH-hahl);
empezarse, comenzar
stay in. v. patal (PAAH-tahl); quedarse
stay h ere imper. paten waye (PAH-tehn WAH-yeh);
qudase aqu
steal in. v. ookol (OOHK-ohl); hurtar, robar
steal tr. v. oklik (OHK-leek); hurtarlo, robarlo
stem n. chun (choon); raz, principio, tronco
stepfather n. m ahan yuum (MAH-hahn YOOOM);
padrastro
stew n. kol (kohl); guiso
stick n. che (cheh); palo, vara
stick aro u nd in. v. xantal (SHAHN-tahl); tardarse
stick (for digging) n. lob (lohb); coa
stick (for planting) re. xul (shool); coa, sembrador
stiff adj. tiinil (TEEEN-eel); tieso
still (not m oving) adj. w abal (WAH-bahl); inmvil
sting re. aach (aahch); picadura
126
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g u s h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
stocked (well-) adj. babahkil (BAHJJ-ah-keel);

bien surtido
stolen adj. ookolbil (OOHK-ohl-BEEL); robado, hurtado
stom ach re. nak (nahk); estmago, barriga, panza
stone n. tuunich (TOOON-eech);/wefra
stone (crushed lim estone) n. sahkab (SAJH-kah b),
saskab (SAHS-kahb); roca calcrea deleznable,
sascab
stone (hard) n. tok tuunich (tohk TOOON-eech);
pedernal, piedra dura
stone house re. pakil nah (pahk-eel NAH); casa
de piedra
stones (for m arking land) pi. n. xuuk (SHOO-ook);
mojones
stool re. kanche (KAHN-cheh); banqueta para sentarse
stop! imper. waalen (WAH-AHL-ehn); alto!, prate!
stop in. v. w aal (wah-ahl); pararse
stopped adj. wabal (WAH-bahl); parado
storm re. chichiik (CHEECH-eeek); tempestad,
temporal, huracn
straight adj. toh (toh); derecho, recto, directo
strange adj. helaan (HEH-lah-ahn); extrao
stran g er re. tzuul (tzoool); extranjero, ladino
stran g er (female) re. xunan (SHOO-nahn);
extranjera, ladina
strap re. kaxab nak (kahsh-AHB nahk);/a;'a
straw re. siit (seeet); popote
straw h at re. xaanil pook (SHAH-AHN-eel POOHK);
sombrero de paja
strength re. m uuk (moook);fuerza
stretch tr. v. satzik (SAHTZ-eek); estirarlo
strike tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); g/pear/o, pegarlo
strong adj. chich (cheech); kaam (KAH-ahm);
fuerte; recio
study tr. v. xokik (SHOHK-eek); contarlo
stuff tr. v. butik (BOOT-eek); llenarlo
stupid adj. nuum (nooom), tzu uy pool (TZOO-OOY
poohl); estpido, tonto
subm erge tr. v. tubik (TOOB-eek); sumirlo
subm erged adj. tuubul/tubukbal (TOOO-bool/TOObook-bahl); hundido, sumido
substitute tr. v. kexik (REHSH-eek); trocarlo
substituted adj. keexel (KEEHSH-ehl); trocado
127
suck in. v. tzu utz (tzoo-ootz); chupar

suck tr. v. tzuutzik (tzoo-ootz-EEK); chuparlo
sugar re. asukaar (ah-SOO-kaahr); Sp. loanword; azcar
sun re. kiin (keeen);so/
sunken adj. tuubul/tubukbal (TOOO-bool/
TOO-book-bahl); hundido, sumido
sunset re. bin ka akabtal (been kah ahk-AHB-tahl);
anochecer
super adj. sen m aalob (sehn MAH-AHL-ohb);
buensimo
support tr. v. tzeentik (TZEEHN-teek); mantener, apoyar
sure (to be) adv. heele (HEH-EHL-eh); s, claro
surprising adj. hak.olal (hahk-OHL-ahl);
sorprendent
suspend tr. v. chuytal (CHOOY-tahl); colgarlo
suspended (to be) refl. v. chuyul (CHOOY-ool);
suspenderse
sw allow in. v. luuk (loook); tragar
sw am p n. aakal (AAHR-ahi); pantano
sw eep tr. v. mistik (MEES-teek); barrerlo
sw eepings n. u ta mus (oo tah MEES); basura
barrida
sw eet adj. chuhuk (CHOO-hook); dulce
sw eet potato n. iis (eees); camote
sw im in. v. bab (bahb); nadar
sw ollen adj. chuup (chooop); hinchado
T
tail re. neh (neh); cola, rabo
tak e tr. v. bisik (BEES-eek); chaik (CHAH-eek);
llevarlo
tak e aw ay tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); quitarlo
tak e care of (care for) tr. v. kanantik (KAHN-ahnTEEK); cuidarlo
take out tr. v. hoosik (HOH-OHS-eek); sacarlo
tam e adj. suuk (soook); numso
tangled (in several places) adj. soosook (SOH-OHsoh-ok); enredado
ta n k re. aakal (AAHK-ahl); tanque
ta ra n tu la re. chiin wol (CHEEEN wohl); tarntula
1 2 8
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g l is h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
tarry in. v. xantai (SHAHN-tahl); tardarse, demorarse

tasty adj. ki (kee); sabroso
tayra (anim al, Tayra ba rb a ra) n. saampol (SAAHMpohi); oso colmenero, perico ligero
teach tr. v. kaansik (KAI l-AI IN-seek); ensmarlo
te ac h er re. kaansah (KAH-AHN-sah); maestro
teat re. iim (eeem); teta
tell tr. v. aal(ik) (AH-AHL-[eek]);tzikbatik(fIZEEKbah-TEEK); decir
ten re. lahun (LAH-hoon) (hypothetical); diez
tendon re. xiich (sheeech); tendn,
tense adj. tiinil (TEEEN-eel); tenso
testicles re. u yeel toon (oo yeh-ehl TOOHN); cojones,
testculos
th a n k you phr. dios bootik; (DEE-yohs boh-ohTEEK); Sp. + Maya; gracias!
th a t conj. kaah (kah-ah); que
th atch ed house re. xaanil nah (SHAH-AHN-eel NAH);
casa de paja
th atch palm re. xaan (shah-ahn); palmo para techo,
guano
th a t (one) pron. lelo (LEH-loh); se, sa
th en adv. tun (toon); entonces
th ere is/there are adv. yaan (yaahn); hay
th ere isnt/th ere aren t adv. m inaan (MEE-nah-ahn);
no hay
therefore adv. le beetik (leh BEEH-teek); por eso
th ere/h ere it is! dem. heel(a)/(o) (HEH-EHL-a/o )
aqu/all est!
thick adj. pim (peem); polok (POHL-ohk); grueso,
gordo
thicken in. v. suutal (SOO-OO-tahl); espesar
thickness re. poolkil (POOHL-keel); gordura
th in adj. bekech (BEHR-ehch); delgado
th in (paper, clothes) adj. haay (haahy); papel o ropa
delgado
th in g re. baal (bah-ahl); cosa
th in k in. v. tuukul (TOOOHR-ool); pensar
th in k tr. v. tuklik (TOOK-leek); pensarlo
thirsty adj. ukah (OORah); tener sed
th irteen re. ox lahun (ohsh LAH-hoon)
(hypothetical); trece
English-Maya D ictionary
129
this (one) pron. lela (LEH-lah); ste, sta

th o rn n. kiix (KEE-eesh); espina
th o u g h t n. tunkul (TOOOK-ool); pensamiento
th ree n. ox (ohsh); tres
th ree (inanim ate things) adj., pron. oxpel
(OHSH-pelil); tres (cosas)
th ree (people o r anim als, anim ate things) adj., pron.
oxtul (OHSH-tool); tres (personas o animales)
th ree tim es adv. oxpuul (OHSH-poool); tres veces
th resh in. v. puuch (poooch); desgranar
th resh tr. v. p uchik (POOCH-eek); desgranar
th ro at n. kaal (kaahl); garganta
throb in. v. pek (pehk); palpitarse, moverse
th ro w tr. v. chinik (CHEEN-eek); tirar
th ro w stones (at) tr. v. chinik (CHEEN-eek); tirar
piedras a
th ru sh (bird) n. pich (peech); tordo (cantor),
zorzal (ave)
th u n d e r n. hum chak (HOOM chahk); trueno
tick (insect) n. peech (peehch); garrapata
tie tr. v. kaxik (KAHSH-eek); amarrarlo
tilt tr. v. nixik (NEESH-eek); inclinarlo
tilted adj. niixil (NEEESH-eel); inclinado
tim e n. kiin (keeen); tiempo
tire rejl. v. kaanal (KAH-AH-nahl); cansarse
tired adj. kaanaan (KAH-AH-nah-ahn); cansado
to prep, ti (tee); a
to ad n. m uuch (moooch); sapo
toast adj. oop (oohp); tostada
toasted adj. pokbil (POHK-beel); tostado
tobacco n. kuutz (koootz); tabaco
to b e sure adv. heele (HEH-EHL-eh); s, claro
today n. behla(e) (BEH-lah-[eh]); hoy
today (earlier) n. behlaak (beh-LAH-AHK); hoy
anteriormente
toe n. aal ook (AAHL oohk); dedo de pie
to g eth er prep, yetel (YEH-tehl); con, juntos
tom ato n. paak (paahk); jitomate, tomate
to m e prep. phr. ten (tehn) (contraction of ti and teen);
a mi
tom orrow n. samal (SAH-mahl); maana
tom orrow (day alter) n. kaabeh (KAH-AH-beh); la
maana siguiente
130
M ay a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
tongue n. ak (ahk); lengua

tongue (language) n. taan (taahn); idioma, lengua
tool n. nuukul (NOO-OOK-ool^/ra-sfrwramio,
herramiento, utensilio
too m uch adj. hach yaab (HAHCH yah-ahb); mucho,
bastante
tooth n. koh (koh); diente
toothpick n. chilib (CHEEL-eeb); palillo de dientes
tortilla n. waah (waah); tortilla
totally adv. hum puli (hoom POO-lee); totalmente
toucan n. piitor(l)eeyaal (PEEE-toh-rpjeeh-yaahl);
Sp. loanword; pitoreal
tough adj. chich (cheech); tzuuy (TZOO-ooy);
duro, correoso
tow n n. kaah (kaah); pueblo, poblacion
to you prep, h ele (HEH-leh); a ti/a usted
to you all prep, ti teex (tee TEH-ESH); a ustedes
trap n. peetz (peehtz); trampa
trash n. sohol (SOH-hohl); basura
tree n. che (cheh); rbol
trick tr. v. kechtik (KEHCH-teek); embaucarlo
tru e adj. haah (haah); verdadero
tru n k n. chuun (chooon); tronco
tru th n. haahil (HAAH-eel); verdd
turkey (dom esticated) n. ulum (OO-loom); pavo
turkey (oscelated, wild, A griocharis ocellata) n.
kuutz (koootz); pavo del monte
tu rtle n. ak (ahk); tortuga
tw elve n. lahkaa (LAH-kah-ah) (hypothetical); doce
tw enty n. hun kal (HOON kahl) (hypothetical);
veinte
tw ice adv. kaapul (KAH-AH-pool); dos veces
tw ig a. chilib (CHEEL-eeb); ramita
twins/?/, n. kuhob (KOO-hohb) ;gemelos
tw ist tr. v. kopik (KOH-peek); torcer
two n. kaah (kah-ah); dos
tw o h u n d red n. lahun kal (LAH-hoon KAHL)
(hypothetical); doscientos
two (inanim ate things) adj., pron. kaapel
(KAH-AH-pehl); dos (cosas)
two (people or animals, a n im ate things) adj, pron.
kaatul (KAH-AH-tool); dos (personas o animales)
two tim es adv. kaapul (KAH-AH-pool); dos veces
131
u
u n d erstan d tr. v. naatik (NAH-AH-teek); oheltik
(oh-HEHL-teek); entenderlo, comprenderlo;
reconocerlo, notar
u n d erw ear n. eex (eehsh); calzn
untidy adj. loob (loohb); desordenado
u ntie tr. v. wachLk. (WAHCH-eek); desatarlo, soltarlo
until prep, aasta (AAHS-tah), tak (tahk); Sp. loanword;
hasta
until Sunday prep, tak domingo (tahk doli-MEENgoh); Sp. + Maya; hasta el domingo
up adj., adv., prep, kaanal (KAH-AHN-ahl); arriba
uproot tr. v. tokik (TOHK-eek); arrancarlo
u rin ate in. v. wiix (weeesh); orinar
u rin e n. wiix (weeesh); orina
us 1st p. pi. pron. toon (toh-ohn); nosotros
use tr. v. baxtik (BASH-teek), chaik (CHAH-eek);
usarlo
used (secondhand) adv. asben/asbeen (AHSbehn/AHS-beh-ehn); de medio uso
used up adj. xuupul (SHOOO-pool); xuupi (SHOOOO-pee); gastarse; gastado
used up par. xuupi (SHOO-OO-pee); se gast
useless in. v. nuum (nooom); intil
utensil n. nuukul (NOO-OOK-ool); utensilio
V
value n. tohol (TOH-hohl); valor
vendor (fem ale) n. xkoonol (eesh-KOOH-nohl);
vendedora
vendor (m ale) n. koonol (KOOHN-ohl); vendedor
venison n. keh (keh); came de venado
verge o f (on th e ) prep, taaytak (TAH-AHY-tahk);
ya mero, inminente, casi
very adv. hach (hahch); muy
very (evaluates quantity) adv. sen (sehn); -isimo, mucho
vine n. aak (aahk); bejuco
virgin n. suhuy (SOO-hooy); virgen
virgin forest n. suhuy kax (SOO-hooy KAHSH);
visit tr. v. ximbatik (SHEEM-BAHT-eek); visitarlo
1 5 2
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a h ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
voice n. kaal (kaahl);oz

vomit n. xeh (sheh); vmito
vomit in. v. xeh (shell); vomitar
vulture n. choom (ctloohm ), kuch (kooch); zopilote
w
w ait in. v. paat (pah-aht); esperar
w ait for tr. v. paatik (PAH-AHT-eek); esperarlo
w alk in. v. ximbal (SHEEM-bahl); caminar
w alking (on foot) adj. w a bal (WAH-bahl); de pie
wall (of m asom y) n. p ak (pahk); pared de
mamposteria
w ant in. v. kat (kaht); taak (taahk); quiero (1 want);
querer, tener ganas
w arm (luke) adj. kinal (KEE-nahl); tibio
w art n. aax (aahsh); verruga
w ash tr. v. poik (POH-eek); lavarlo
w ashed adj. poaal (POH-ah-ahl); lavado
w ashtub n. cheem (cheehm); cuba de lavar
wasp n. xuux (shooosh); avispa
w ater n. ha (hah); agua
wave in. v. paykab (PAHY-kahb); sealar, seal
waylay tr. v. chuktik (CHOOK-teek); acecharlo
we 1st p. pi. pron. toon (TOH-ohn); nosotros
w ealthy adj. ayikal (ahy-EEK-ahl); rico
weasel n. ooch (oohch), sabin (SAH-been); comadreja
w eave tr. v. wakik (WAHK-eek); tejer
w eed n. kax (kahsh); yerba
w eed in. v. pak (pahk); desherbar
w eed tr. v. paktik (PAHR-teek); desherbarlo
w eep in. v. okol (OHK-ohl); llorar
w eigh tr. v. pisik (PEES-eek); pesarlo
w eight n. aal (aahl); peso
w ell adv. m aalob (mah-AHL-ohb); adecuado, bueno
well n. cheen (cheh-ehn), sayap ha (SAHY-ahp HA);
pozo, cisterna
w est n. chikin (CHEE-keen); oeste, occidente, poniente
w et adj. chuul (choool); mojado
w et (to becom e) in. v. chu l chahtal (chool CHAHtahl); mojarse
w hat? inter, baax (bah-ahsh); qu?
w hen conj. kaah (kah-ah); cuando
1 3 3
w h en (w hat day) ? inter, baax kiin (BAH-ahsh

REEEN); cundo?
w h en (w hat hour)? inter, baax oorah (BAH-ahsh
OOHB-ah); cundo?
w here? inter, tuux (too-oosh); dnde?
w hich? inter, makahnak (MAHK-ahl-MAHR);
cul?
w hip tr. v. hatzik (HAHTZ-eek); azotarlo
w histle n. piito (PEEE-toh); Sp. loanword; pito
w histle in. v. xuuxub (SHOOO-shoob); chiflar; silbar
w hite adj. sak (sahk); bianco
w hite earth (used in m ortar) n. sahkab (SAHR-ahb);
roca calcrea deleznable, sascab
w hite m an/w om an n. tzuul (tzoool); extranjero,
ladino
w hite w om an n. xunan (SHOO-nahn); extranjera,
ladina
who? inter, maxi (mahsh-EE); quin?
w ho pron. max (mahsh); quien
w hoever pron. hee max (heh-eh MAHSH); quien
w ho know s adv. kensa bixi (kehn-sah BEE-shee);
quien sabe
why? inter, baax ten (BAH-ahsh-tehn); por qu?
w ide adj. koch (kohch); ancho
wife n. atan (AH-tahn); esposa
w iggle in. v. pek (pehk); menearse
wild adj. koox (KOH-ohsh); bravo, salvaje, cimarrn
wild (anim al) adj. baalche (BAH-AHL-cheh); animal
silvestre
will n. ol (ohl); ganas
w inch n. pechech (PEH-chehch); malacate
w ind n. iik (eeek); viento, aire
w ing n. xiik (sheeek); ala
wish tr. v. tziboltik (TZEEB-ohl-teek); desearlo
w itch n. xway (eesh-WAHY); bruja
w ith prep, ti (tee); yetel (YEH-tehl); en; con
w ithin prep, ichil (EECH-eel); dentro
w ithout adv.,prep, m a (mah); xm a (eesh-MAH); sin
wizard n. hw ay (ah-wahy); brujo
w om an n. koolel (ROH-ohl-EHL); x chup (eeshCHOOP); m ujer
w om an (foreign) n. xunan (SHOO-nahn); mujer
extranjera
1 3 4
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M a y a (Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
w om an (old) n. nohoch. koolel (NOH-hoch knh-nhlEHL), xnuuk (eesh-NOOCK); v ja

w om an (white) n. xunan (SHOO-nahji); mujer blanca
w ont adv. m aa taan (MLAH-AH taahn); no
w ood n. che (cheh); madera
w ord n. taan (taahn); palabra
w ork n. meyah (MEH-yah); trabajo
w ork in. v. meyah (MEH-yah); trabajar
w ork (rapidly) adj. alkab rrieyah (A/VI IL-kahl)
MEHY-ah); trabajar m u y rpido
w orld n. kaab (kaahb); mundo
w orm n. kaan (kaahn), nokol (NOHK-ohl); gusano
w ound n. loob (loohb), loobil (LOOHB-eel); herrida,
dao
w rap tr. v. toik (TOH-eek); envolverlo
w rinkle tr. v. chukik (CHOOR-eek); arrugarse
w rite in. v. tzib (tzeeb); escribir
w rite tr. v. tzibtik (TZEEB-teek); escribirlo
w riting n. tzib (tzeeb); escritura
w rong adj. keban (REH-bahn); pecado
Y
yam n. iis (eees); camote
year n. aanyo (AAHN-yoh), haab (hah-ahb);
Sp. loanword; ao
yell in. v. awat (AH-waht); gritar, dar gritos
yellow adj. kan (kahn); amarillo
yes adv. haah (haah), h eele (HEH-EHL-eh); si
yesterday n. hoolheyak (HOH-ohl-HEH-yahk); ayer
you pron. teech (teehch); t/usted
youth n. xiipal (SHEE-EE-pahi); joven
1 3 5
PHRASEBOOK CONTENTS
C om m on W o r d s a n d P h r a s e s
G r e e t i n g s a n d P o l i t e E x p r e s s io n s
N a m e s o f P e o p le a n d T h in g s
T im e
A ge and S ta tu s
P e r s o n a l R e la tio n s h ip s
L o d g in g
R e s t a u r a n t S e r v ic e , F o o d , a n d D r in k
Restaurant Service
Maya Cuisine
Food
Drink
S h o p p in g
Clothing
Toiletry
Books and Stationery
T r a n s p o r ta tio n a n d T r a v e l
Directions
H e a l t h a n d P e r s o n a l H y g ie n e
Useful Phrases
W ork
Useful Phrases
E n t e r t a in m e n t
W e a th e r an d N a tu r a l P henom ena
Useful Phrases
N u m rers
P h ra sebook
158
145
147
150
154
157
161
163
165
167
170
174
177
179
180
180
181
184
185
188
191
194
196
198
201
203
137
COMMON WORDS AND PHRASES

C ommon W
ords and
h r a ses
Who?
Maxi?
(MAH-shee)
Quin?
What? Huh?
Bixi?
(BEESII-ee>
Cmo?
Where?
Tuux?
(too-oosh)
Dnde?
How?
Bix?
(beesh)
Cmo?
When (what day)?
Baax kiin?
(BAH-ahsh KEEEN)
Cundo?
When (what hour)?
Baax oorah?
(BAH-ahsh OOHR-ah)
Cundo?
Why? What for?
Baaxten?
(bah-ahsh-TEHN)
Por qu?
138
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k

Which?
Makalmak?
(MiAHK-ahl-MAHK)
Cul?
How many ?
Hay tiiul?
(HAIIY tool)
Cuntos?
How much does it cost?
Batiux u tohol?
(BAH-hoosh oo TOH-hohl)
Cunto cuesta? Cal es su precio?
An!
(ahn)
Ah!
no, not, without
ma"
(mah)
no, ni, sin
never
maa tech
(MAH-AH tehch)
no por puesto
Not me.
Ma teni.
(mah TEHN-ee)
Yo no.
P hrasebook
139
I m r t l 'i n i : i v n ] ;i iK fii 1 1n j i 1 n i
Whats that?
Baax lelo?
(bah-ahsh LEH-loh)
Qu es?
Perfect!
Hach beyo!
(hahch BEH-yoh)
;Perfecto!
What is it?
Baaxi?
(BAH-AHSH-ee}
Qu es eso ?
white person
tzuul
(tzoool)
gringo
I dont know.
Main woohli\
(mah-een WOOHL-ee)
No lo s.
I am a man.
Wiinken.
(WEENK-ehn)
Soy hombre.
Speak slowly.
Taneh chaambeel.
(TAHN-eh chaahm-BEEHL)
Habla despacio.
I am a woman.
Xchupen.
(eesh-CHOOP-ehn)
Soyr mujer.
What does that expression mean?

Baax u kaat u yaalik?
(BAH-AHSH ooh RAAHT ooh YAHAHL-eek)
Qu significa este dicho?
Watch out! Be careful!

Kanant a bah (eex)!
(KAHN-ahnt ah bah-[EH-ehsh])
Ten cuidado!
I dont understand it.

Ma tin naatik.
(mah teen NAH-AHT-eek)
No entiendo.
a little (quantity)
hum piit
(HOOM-peet)
un poquito
140
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D ic ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
*m
May I take a picture here?

Hu chabal in mentik humpel pootooh
w aye?
(hooh CHAH-bahl een MEHN-teek hoomPEHL pooh-tooh WAH-yeh)
Puedo tomar una foto aqu?
See you tomorrow/until tomorrow.
Tak samal.
(tahk SAHM-ahl)
Hasta maana.
Phrasebook
141

Good luck. (Literally, May it go well with you.)
Ka xiik teech utzil.
(kah SHEE-EEK teehch ootz-EEL)
Que le vaya bien.
You too.
Bey xan leech.
(BEHY shahn TEEHCH)
Usted tambin.
GREETINGS AND POLITE EXPRESSIONS

G r e e t in g s
and
o l it e
E x p r e s s io n s
The Maya generally lack words equivalent to the

greetings and polite expressions found in Eng
lish. Hello, how are you?, please, thank
you, and even the simple affirmation of yes all
lack counterparts in Maya. Rather, in situations
that call for these types of expressions, the Maya
equivalent becomes a formulaic and metaphoric
response, as in the use of dios bootik (God pays
it) for thank you.
Hello.
Oola.
(OOH-lah)
Hola.
How are you? (General greeting. Literally, How
are things with you?)
Bix a beel(eex)?
(BEESH ah beehl -[EH-ehsh])
Qu tal?
Whats going on? (General greeting. Literally,
Where do you go?)
Tuux ka bin?
(too-oosh KAH been)
Qu pasa?
How are you? (General greeting. Literally, What
do you say?)
Baax ka waalik?
(bah-ahsh kah WAH-AHL-eek)
Qu tal?
142
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se b o o k
Phrasebook
143
Fine, OR.
Maalob.
(mah-ah-LOHB)
Bien.
Yes! (Literally, Like that!)
(It is) nothing.

Mixbaal.
(meesh-BAH-AHL)
Nada.
Yes! (Literally, Like this!)

Beya!
So-so.
Where are you from? (Literally, What is your

town?)
T\iux a kaahal?
TOO-OOSH ah KAAH-hahl)
Cul es su pueblo?
Chen beya.
(chehn BEHY-ah)
Bastante bien.
Thank you. (Literally, God pays it, from Sp.
dios le pagar, God will pay you.)
Dios bootik.
(DEE-ohs BOH-OH-teek)
Gracias.
Beyo!
(BEHY-oh)
AsfEso!
(B E H Y -ah )
As! Eso!
Where did you start traveling from? (Literally,

Where did you flee from?/ Where did you
come from?)
1 \ i ux lukech?
(TOOH-OOSH look-EHCH)
De dnde veni?
No, God pays it to/for you (response to being

thanked).
Ma, dios bootik teech.
(mah, DEE-ohs BOH-OH-teek teehch)
No, gracias a usted.
Where do you come from?

Tuux a taal?
(TOOH-OOSH ah TAAHL)
De dnde viene usted?
Surely! (Literally, Thats the way it will be.)

Heele!
(HEH-EH-leh)
Es cierto!
What day do you go?

Baax kiin a bin?
(BAH-AHSH keeen AH been)
A qu da se va?
Yes, true.
Haah.
(haah)
Si. Cierto. Ciertamiente.
When will you return?

Baax kiin a suut?
(BAH-AHSH keeen ah SOOOT)
Cundo regresa?
1 4 4
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M a y a (T u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a h t & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
145
NAMES OF PEOPLE AND THINGS

May I approach?
Ka pahtal in natzik imbah?
(kah PAAHf-ahl een NAHTZ-eek eem-BAI 1)
Puedo cercarme?
Good-bye. (Literally, May it go to you.)
Tak samal.
(tahk SAAHM-ahl)
A usted(es). . . (singular/plural)
Good luck. (Literally, May you go well.)
Ka xiik teex hatzutzil.
(kah SHEE-eek teh-ehsh HAHTZ-ootz-eel)
Que le vaya muy bien./Buena suerte.
Likewise. (Literally, To you.)
Bey xan teech.
(behy SHAHN teehch)
Lo mismo a usted.
May God protect you.
Kaah dios kalanteech.
(Kah-ah DEE-ohs kah-lahn-TEEHCH)
Que dios le proteja.
am es
of P
eo ple and
h in g s
Speakers o f Maya generally address each other

or their acquaintances by first name, 'which often
derives from Spanish. However, many names of
tourists or non-M aya have no equivalent in
Spanish, and travelers may find it easiest to adopt
a Spanish nam e for convenience. Many Maya
names actually represent nicknames, often in
reference to a feature or characteristic of the
individual.
the Maya
le m aayaoobo
(leh MAAH-yah-oh-ohb-oh)
los mayas
Whats your name?
Baax a kaaba?/Bix a kaaba?
(BAH-AHSH ah KAAHB-ah/BEESH ah
RAAHB-ah)
Cmo se llama usted?
John is my name.
Hwaan in kaaba.
(WHAAHN een RAAHB-ah)
Juan es mi nombre.
What is that called?
Bix u kaaba lelo?
(BEESH ooh RAAHB-ah LEH-loh)
Cmo se llama se?
1 4 6
Phrasebook
147
Does it have a Maya name also?

Yaan humpel kaaba ich maayah
bey xan?
(yaahn HOOM-pehl KAAHB-ah eech
MAAH-yah behy SHAHN)
Hay un nombre maya tambin?
What does that expression mean?

Baax 11 kat u yaalik le taano?
(BIK-AHSH oo kaht oo YAH-AHL-eek
leh T AAHN-oh)
Qu quiere decir ese dicho?
Isnt there any Maya word?

Minaan taan ich maayah?
(MEEN-ah-ahn taahn eech maah-YAH)
No hay una palabra en maya?
How i s _________ said in Maya?
B ix _________ u yaalaal ich maayah?
(beesh_________ oo YAH-AHL-ah-ahl
eech maah-YAH)
Cmo se dice_________ en maya?
Can_________ be said in Maya?
Hu beetaa l_________ u yalaal ich
maayah?
(hoo beeht-ah-a l_________ oo
YAHL-ahahl eech maah-YAH)
Se puede decir_________ en maya?
Which expression is better,_________ or
Baax taan u maasil utz,
wah
______ ?
(BAH-AHSH taahn oo MAAHS-eel OOTZ,
wah
-)
Cul dicho es mejor.
o
148
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
149
TIME
T
TIME
im e
Many Spanish loanwords have made their way

into Maya as expressions of time, including dyae
for da (day) and anyo for ao (year). Maya uses
Spanish forms for all of the days of the week and
months of the year as well, but these can take the
Maya suffix -ak to indicate the previous day or
month (for example, sbadoak last Saturday).
today
behlae
(BEH-lah-eh)
hoy
yesterday
hoolheyak
(HOH-OHL-heh-yahk)
ayer
tomorrow
samal
(SAH-mahl)
maana
Ihe day after the day after tomorrow

oxfeeh
(OHSH-beh)
el da despus del da despus de maana
now (Sp. +- Maya)
beoora
(beh-OOHR-ah)
ahora
right away, j ust now
beooriita
(beh-oohr-EEET-ah)
a h o rita
all the time, all day

lah kiinil
(lah REEEN-eel)
todo el tiempo, todo el da
morning
haatzkab kiin
(hah-ahtz-kahb REEEN)
maana
every day (also means over and over, regularly)

sansamal
(sahn-SAHM-ahl)
cada da
dusk
the day after tomorrow

kaabeh
(KAH-AH-beh)
el da despus de maana
night
1 5 0
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
aakabtal
(ahk-AHB-tahl)
anochecer
akab
(AHK-ahb)
noche
Phrasebook
151
TIME
TIME
last night
abak
(AH-bahk)
la noche pasada
until tomorrow
tak sam al
(tahk SAH-mahl)
hasta maana
last year
anyoak (from Spanish ao)
(ahn-YOH-ahk)
el ao pasado
until another day

tu lak kiin
(too LAHK keeen)
hasta un otro da
late (in the day)

kakat(e)
(KAH-kaht- [e])
al rato, un poco despus, ms tarde
What day? When?

Baax kiin?
(BAH-AHSH keeen)
Cul da? Cundo?
long ago
uchih
(OOCH-ee)
anteriormente
What time (what hour)? (Sp. + Maya)

Baax oorah?
(BAH-AHSH oohr-ah)
Cul tiempo?
early
What time (generally)? (Sp. + Maya)

Baax tyempoh?
(BAH-AHSH TYEHM-poh)
Cul tiempo?
hatzkah kiin
(hahtz-kahb KEEEN)
temprano, la maana
earlier
kaachih
(KAH-AH-chee)
antes
tomorrow (see you tomorrow)
samal
(SAH-mahl)
maana
152
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h ra s e b o o k
Phrasebook
153
AGE AMD STATUS
AGE AND STATUS

A
ge and
S tatus
Maya speakers show respect to elders by referring

to them as large or great (nohoch). Otherwise
the Maya refer to individuals by name.
gentleman
yuum
(yooom)
caballero, seor
lady
xunan
(SHOO-nahn)
dama
grandfather (literally, great father, great man )

nohoch taat(ah)
(TiOH-hohch TAAHT-[ah])
abuelo
old people (in general) (literally, the great
people)
le nukuch makoobo
(leh noo-kooch MAHK-oh-ohb-oh)
viejos (gente grande)
American/European tourists (literally, white
odors)
sak bokoob
(sahk BOHK-oh-ohb)
olores blancos, gringos
his/her age
u haabil
(oo HAH-AHB-eel)
el edad de l/ella
black people (African-Americans)

boxoob
(BOHSH-oh-ohb)
negros
old man
nohoch mako
(noh-hohch MAH-koh)
viejo
male (foreigner)
tzuul
(tzoool)
hombre, extranjero
nohoch wiinik
(noh-hohch-WEEN-eek)
viejo
old woman
nohoch koolel
(noh-hohch KOH-OHL-ehl)
vieja
154
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
female (foreigner)
xunan
(SHOO-nahn)
mujer, extranjera
his lady (wife of a white man)
u xunan
(oo SHOO-nahn)
su mujer (esposa de un extranjero)
Phrasebook
155
AGE AND STATUS

How old are you?
Haypel a haabil?
(HAHY-pehl ah HAH-AHB-eel)
or
Hay pel aanyos yaan teech?
(HAHY pehl AAHN-yohs yaahn TEEHCH)
cCuntos aos tiene?
girl, young woman
xchupal
(eesh-CHOOP-ahl)
muchacha
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
P
erso nal
e l a t io n s h ip s
Except for the terms for siblings, relationship

terms tend to be exclusively Spanish or a Mayanization of Spanish. For example, the Maya gener
ally express the concept of family or relative
by the term pamiilyah, a Mayanization of Spanish
familia. More distant relatives are referred to by
nam e. Nationality terms are also exclusively
Spanish loanwords, modified by the more or less
lilting accent and emphasis of the Maya language
and by differences of tone and stress.
mother
na
(nah)
madre
father
taat(ah)
(TAAHT-[ah])
padre
wife
atan
(AH-tahn)
esposa
my wife
in watan
(een WAH-tahn)
m i esposa
your wife
a watan
(ah WAH-tahn)
su esposa
1 5 6
Phrasebook
157
Johns wife
u yatan Juan
(oo YAH-tahn WHAAHN)
la esposa de Juan
grandfather (great father)
nohoch taat(ah)
(NOH-hohch TAAHT-[ah])
abuelo
grandmother
chiich
(cheeech)
abuela
son/daughter
paal
(paahl)
hijo/a
children
paaloob
(PAAHL-oh-ohb)
hijos
twins
kuhob
(ROO-hohb)
gemelos
elder sister
kiik
(keeek)
hermana mayor
158
elder broth er
sukuun
(SOO-kooh-oon)
heimano mayor
younger brother/sister
iitzin
(EETZ-een)
hermano/hertnana menor
true sibling
laktzil
(LAHK-tzeel)
hermano(a) verdadero(a)
relative (aunt, uncle, cousin)
lak
(lahk)
miembro de familia
all my relatives
tulakal in laktziloob
(tooh-LAHI-ahl een lahk-tzeel-OHOHB)
toda mi familia
she/he doesnt recognize me
ma tu kaholtikeni
(mah too kah-ohl-tee-KEHN-ee)
ella/l no me conoce
my younger stepbrother/sister
in mahan iitzin
(een MAH-hahn EETZ-een)
mi hermanastro/a
Phrasebook
159
LODGING
my stepmother
in mahan maamah
(een MAH-hahn maah-MAH)
mi madrastra
friend (Sp.)
amigoh
(ah-MEE-goh)
a m igo
Im getting married.
Tn tzookol in beel.
(toon TZOH-OHR-ohl een beehl)
Voy a casarme.
o d g in g
Lodging on th e Yucatn Peninsula ranges from

posh tourist re sorts to campsites on the beaches.
However, accommodations off the beaten path in
the many Maya villages remain nearly nonexis
tent, and often the traveler must Fmd a local family
to stay with or find a place to hang a hammock in
the schoolhouse or community buildings (always
ask permission). Services and amenities at public
hotels, motels, and hostels vary widely depending
on the quality and on the price the traveler is
willing to pay for a room. Often Maya families will
rent unused thatch huts for slinging hammocks,
and a variety of establishments exclusively fea
ture these types of shacks for the budget traveler.
Can I spend the night in this town?
Hu beetaal in patal ti le kaahala?
(hoo beeh-TAH-AHL een PAHT-ahl tee
leh KAAH-HAHL-ah)
Puedo quedarme en esta pueblo por la
noche?
Where can I hang my hammock?
Tiiux yaan in chuyik in kan?
(TOO-OOSH yaahn een CHOOY-eek een
KAHN)
Dnde puedo colgar mi hamaca?
Can I hang my hammock here?
Ku patal in chuyik in kan w aye?
(koo PAAHT-ahl een CHOOY-eek een
kahn WAHY-eh)
Puedo colgar mi hamaca aqu?
1 6 0
M a y a - E n g l is h / E n g u s h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
161
LODGING
Do you want to hang your hammock here?
A kat wah ch uyik in kan waye?
(ah KAHT wah CHOOY-eek een kahn
WAHY-eh)
Quiere colgar su hamaca aqu?
I stayed here.
Paten waye.
(PAH-tehn WAH-yeh)
Me qued aqu.
Are you awake yet?
Ahal nahech?
(AH-hahI NAH-hehch)
Est usted despierto?
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
R
estaurant
ood
and
S e r v ic e ,
r in k
Opportunities to show off your knowledge o

Maya rarely arise in fast-paced tourist destina
tions on the Yucatn Peninsula such as Cancn or
Mrida, except when dealing with service per
sonnel and guides. These jobs are some of the
only ones generally open to Maya speakers. By
far, many more occasions open up along country
roads and in small villages, where a stop at a
com edor (small restaurant) or food stall w ill
reward your effort at communicating in Maya.
R estaurant Service
The man is snoring.
Tn nok le mako.
(toon NOHK leh MAHK-oh)
El hombre est roncando.
Its noisy.
Yaan yaab huum.
(YAAHN yahahb HOOOM)
Hace mucho ruido.
breakfast
ukul
(OOK-ool)
desayuno
dinner, food
ooch
(oh-ohch)
cena, comida
meal
hanal, hanlil, ooch
(HAHN-ahl, HAHN-leel, OH-ohch)
comida
eat, eating
hanal (in.), haantik (tr.)
(HAHN-ahl, HAAHN-teek)
comer, comerlo
162
M aya - E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se h o o k
Phrasebook
165
RESTAURANT SERVICE, FOOD, AND DRINK

Lets go eat.
Koox hanal.
(kohohsh HAHN-ahl)
Vamos a comer.
What do you want to eat?
Baax tak a haantik?
(BAH-AHSH tahk ah HAAHN-teek)
Qu quiere comer?
And you?
Kux teech?
(ROOSH teehch)
Y usted?
Give m e _________ .
Tza te e n _____
(TZAH teehn)
Por favor, dme _
Ive already asked for it.
Tzook in kaatik.
(TZOH-OHR een KAHT-eek)
Ya orden./Ya lo ped.
Im very hungry.
Hach wiiheen.
(HAHCH WEE-EE-heehn)
Tengo mucho hambre.
Are you hungry?
Wiiheech?
(WEE-EE-heehch)
Tiene hambre?
1 6 4
RESTAURANT SERVICE, FOOD, AND DRINK

Please bring me a (cup of) coffee.
Tias teen humpel boxha/kaapeh.
(TAI IS teehn HOOMP-el bohshHAH/RAAH-peh)
Por favor, tragame un caf.
Do you want to eat now?
Kaat a hanal beyoorah?
(KAAHT ah HAHN-ahl behy-OOHR-ah)
Quiere usted comer ahora?
Have you got any _
Yaan teech
(YAAHN teehch _
Tiene usted___
. today?
_behlae?
___ BEIf-lah-eh)
. hoy?
There isnt any _

Minaan
(MEE-nah-ahn)
No h a y________
Please bring me (a ).
Tas teen (hump e l) _____
(TAHS teehn hoom-PEHL
Por favor, tragame _ _ _ _ _
The
are fresh.
Hach ak l e _________ o
(HAHCH ahk le h _____
oh)
L os_________ estnfrescos(as).
Id like some _
In kat
(EEN kaht _
Quiero algo de _
Phrasebook
165
RESTAURANT SERVICE, IM 'IM l ! " ! '

Would you like (som e)___
A k at_________ ?
(ah RAHT________
Quiere usted algo d e .
Anything else?
U maasil?
(oo MAAHS-eel)
Algo ms?
Just a little (more). (Sp. + Maya)

Chen humpiit (maas).
(CHEHN HOOM-peet [maahs])
Solo unpoco (ms).
Do you want anything else?

A kat wah u maasil?
(ah RAHT wah oo MAAHS-eel)
Quiere algo ms?
Thats enough/too much.

Yaab.
(yah-ahb)
Es suficiente./Es demasiado.
Thats all.
Cheen lelo.
(chehehn LEH-loh)
Es todo.
Please fill it up.

Chupeh.
(CHOOP-eh)
Llnalo, porfavor.
Im done eating.
Tzook in hanal.
(TZOH-OHR een HAHN-ahl)
Ya termin de comer.
very tasty
hach ki
(hahch KEE)
muy sabroso
I like it/pts] good to my eye.
Utz tin wich.
(ootz teen WEECH)
Me gusta.
My meal is burned.
Eelel in wooch.
(EEHL-ehl een WOH-OCH)
Est quemado mi comida.
1 6 6
RESTAURANT SERVICE, FOOD, AND DRINIC
M aya- E n g l i s h / E n g l is h - M a y ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Take it away (please).

Biseh.
(BEES-eh)
Tmalo, por favor.
Good eating! (Bon appetit!)
Hach ki a hanal!
(hahch kee ah HAHN-ahl)
Buen provecho!
Maya Cuisine
Many of the modem worlds favorite foods origi
nated in the New World among Native American
civilizations, long before Columbus and the first
European explorers reached America. How would
Phrasebook
167
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
inningMTTiTiTTE
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
com mush, posol

keyem
(KEH-yehm)
pozole
fried chicken
tzahbil kaax
(TZAHB-eel KAAHSH)
pollo frito
gravy, thick sauce

kol
(kohl)
salsa
pit bar-b-que pork

pibil k eken
(PEEB-eel KEH-kehn)
cochinita pibil
chili black sauce

box kol
(bohsh-KOHL)
salsa negra con chili
DRIMK
pit bar-b-que chicken

pibil kaax
(PEEB-eel KAAHSH)
polio pibil
the rest of the world fare without com, beans,

tom atoes, potatoes, chili, squash, chocolate,
peanuts, vanilla, and other food plants first
dom esticated in North and South America?
Imagine pizza without tomato sauce, to give only
one example.
The Maya them selves evolved a distinctive
cuisine from many of the New Worlds domesti
cates, inventing specialty dishes that today can be
found in the restaurants of Mrida and Cancn as
well as other locations on the Yucatn Peninsula.
Black beans, chili, tortillas, and boiled maize
products have become all-important to the Maya
diet. Most famous of all is the Maya pit bar-bque, cooked in an underground cavity called a
piib, which features pork and chicken baked in
banana leaves and marinated in sour orange juice,
garlic, and red achiote sauce. However, the Mayas
diet rarely includes meat other than chicken,
largely for economic reasons and because of a
decline in wild game due to loss of forest habitat.
Similarly, the Maya consume few dairy products,
and they derive most of what they drink from
ground maize in the form of sa (atole, or cooked
com gruel) and k eyem (pozole, or uncooked com
gruel). Of course, soft drinks (Coca Cola or other
sodas) can be found everywhere.
1 6 8
K M
roast pork
pok chuk
(POHK chook)
cam e de chochinito asado
grilled iish in annatto marinade (marinade based
around a red food dye)
tikin xik
(TEE-keen sheek)
pescado a la parilla
Maya egg rolls (crumbled hard-boiled eggs
wrapped in tortilla and dipped in pumpkin
seed sauce)
papa tzules
(PAH-pah TZOOL-ehs)
rollo relleno de huevos duras con salsa
de calabaza
Phrasebook
169
RESTAURANT SERVICE, W H 'M i l 'l
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
black bean sauce

kobil buul
(ROHB-eel BOO-OOL)
salsa de frijoles negro
Mtter
eggs Motul-style (named after the town of Motul

in the state of Yucatn)
u heil Motul
(00 HEH-eel moh-TOOL)
huevos motuleos
chicken
kaax
(kaahsh)
polio
chili
iik
(eeek)
chile
honey beer (fermented from honey and flavored

with tree bark)
balche
(BAHL-cheh)
balche
kah
(kah)
amargo
corn
(i)xiim
([ee]-shee-eem)
maz
Food
avocado
oon
(oohn)
aguacate
eggs
banana
haas
(hah-ahs)
pltano
fish
beans
buul
(boo-ool)
frijoles
guava
pichi
(PEECH-ee)
guava
beef
honey
kaab
(kaahb)
miel
u bake l wakax
(ooh BAHK-ehl wah-KAHSH)
carne de res
170
M u a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M a y a (Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
heoob
(HEH-oh-ohb)
huevos, blanquillos
kay
(kahy)
pescado
Phrasebook
RESTAURANT SERVICE, U ' l ' l ' M H ' l
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
hot sauce (literally dogs nose)

xni peek
(SHNEE peehk)
salsa picante
pumpkin
meat
salt
kum
(kooin)
calabaza
bak
(bahk)
carne
taab/taabik
(tah-ahb/TAH-AHB-eek)
sal
meat (fresh)
ak bak
(AHK bahk)
came fresca
sour
orange (sweet)
chiinah
(CHEEE-nah)
naranja dulce
sour orange tree/sour orange

paltal
(PAHK-ahl)
naranjo/a agrio(a)
paca (Cuniculus paca)

haleb
(HAHL-ehb)
tapescuintle
spicy, hot
pap
(pahp)
picante, caliente
papaya
puut
(pooot)
papaya
squash
kum
(koom)
calabaza
peccary (collared) (Pcari tajacu)

kitam
(REE-tahm)
jabal, coche del monte
sugar
172
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g l i s h - M ava ( Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
pah
(pah)
agria
asukaar (Sp.)
(ah-SOO-kaahr)
azcar
Phrasebook
173
RESTAURANT SERVICE, U ' I ' l ' M l ' l

sweet orange (common orange)
chiinah pah
(CHEEE-nah PAH)
naranja dulce
sweet stuff (sugar, etc.)
chuhuk
(CHOO-hook)
dulce
tomato
paak
(paahk)
tomate
tortilla, bread
waah
(waah)
tortilla
tortilla chips
tzahbil waah
(TZAHB-eel waah)
chips (de tortilla)
venison
keh
(keh)
venado
D rink
For the most part what the Maya drink when
thirsty is some kind of maize gruel, usually atole
(sa), which is a cooked gruel, or pozole (k eyem),
which is uncooked. They also rely heavily on
174
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
drinking some type of soft drink (Kooka, or Coca
Cola). Beer and commercial cane liquor play a
large role in everyday life, and the latter serves
as an indispensible item used in religious ritual,
especially as an offering to the gods. As always,
whenever traveling in Latin American countries,
avoid fresh or tap water or any products that con
tain water that may be contaminated.
Pm thirsty.
Hach ukahen.
(hahch oo-KAH-hehn)
Tengo sed.
Are you thirsty?
Ukaheech (wah)?
(oo-KAH-eehch [wah])
Tiene usted sed?
water
ha
(HAH)
agua
cold water
sis ha
(sees HAH)
agua fra
hot water
chokoh ha
(CHOH-koh HA)
agua caliente
com gruel
sa
(SAH)
atole
Phrasebook
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M a y a (V u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
175
RESTAURANT SERVICE,
, AND DRINK
com gruel made from fresh maize (green com)

ak sa
(AHK sah)
atole de maz tierno, atole nuevo

com mush drink, uncooked maize gruel, posol
keyem
(KEH-yehm)
pozole
orange juice
kaab chiina
(kaahb CHEEE-nah)
jugo de naranja
beer
seerbeesah
(seehr-BEEH-sah)
cerveza
get drunk
kaltal
(KAHL-tahl)
emborracharse
Is there Coca Cola? How much for the Coca Cola?
Yaan hum pel Kooka?
(yaahn hoom-pehl KOOHK-ah)
Hay refrescos? Hay Coca Cola? Cunto
cuesta?
SHOPPING
Sh o p p in g
For the most part, situations on the Yucatn Penin
sula where people speak Maya and that involve
shopping in the Western sense are extremely
rare. Apart from encounters with small village
stores and itinerant vendors who approach tourists
on the street, the chance to use Maya when buying
something will arise only occasionally, and usu
ally only in the larger towns and cities. Some shop
employees at tourist centers may speak Maya, but
for the most part such em ployees will speak
Spanish or even English. rIVy out your Maya in
these situations and after a moment of awkward
ness while your listener adjusts to your accent,
you will no doubt be very well received.
When asking for a certain number of items,
bear in mind that, in Maya, counted objects take
numerical classifiers depending on the type of
object in question. For example, with inanimate
objects you use the classifier -pel, with long
things -tziit, and with people and animals -tul.
Where do they se ll_________ ?
Tux ku koo n o l___________?
(TOO-OOSH koo ROH-OHN-ohl
______ )
Dnde se vende_________ ?
Im looking for (a )_________ .
Tin kaxtik (hump e l) ___________.
(teen KAHSH-teek [hoom-PEIlL]
______ )
Estoy buscando_________ .
176
M aya- E n g u s h / E n g l is h - M aya (Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se b o o k
Phrasebook
1 7 7
SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Where i s _________?
Tux yaan_________ ?
(TOO-OOSHyaahn_________)
Dnde est_________ ?
Something else? (Sp. + Maya)
How many?
Hay tul?
(HAHYtool)
Cuntos?
Clothing
How much does it cost?

Bahux u tohol?
(BAH-hoosh oo TOH-hohl)
Cunto cuesta?Cul es su precio?
price
tohol
(TOH-hohl)
precio
Please give m e _________ .
Tzah te e n _________ ,
(TZAH teehn)
Por favor, dm e_________.
(very) too expensive
hach kooh
(hahch ROH-OH)
(muy) demasiado caro
Is that all?
Chen lelo?
(chehn LEH-loh)
Es todo?
178
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g u s h - M a y a (Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
U maasii?
(oo MAAHS-eel)
Algo ms?
dress
nook
(rioolik)
ropa
dress (native womans)
iipil
(EEEP-eel)
Imipil
hat
pok
(pohk)
sombrero
hat (straw)
xaanil pook
(SHAH-AHN-eel POOHR)
sombrero de paja
pants
eex
(eehsh)
pantaln
shawl
hooch
(boohch)
rebozo
Phrasebook
179
TRANSPORTATION
SHOPPING
underwear
eex
(eehsh)
calzn
Toiletry
comb
xache
(SHAHCH-eh)
peine
Books an d S tation ery

book, paper
huun
(hoo-oon)
libro
r a n s p o r t a t io n a n d
frrrnrro^
rayel
The Yucatn Peninsula abounds in public trans

portation, ranging from long-distance buses con
necting to other parts of the country to colectivos
or m inibuses on shorter local runs. Yucatn
boasts two international airports, one at Mrida
and the other at Cancn, as well as rail trans
portation up the west coast of Yucatn from the
interior of the country. Most frequently, the Maya
use buses and colectivos, and the most common
of all means of transportation, walking. Some
Maya own livestock such as horses, mules, or
burros. The Maya refer to all of these forms of
transportation almost exclusively in Spanish,
varying the pronunciation of words in terms of
the distinctive Maya accent and emphasis on
stress and tonality.
Note that some of the following examples take
k where action is habitual or t where action is
ongoing or progressive. For example, tin bin
means I am going (right now) whereas kin bin
means I go (everyday, etc.).
Where are you going?
TYiux ka bin?
(too-oosh KAH been)
Adonde va?
Where are you going? (pi.)
Tuux ka bineex?
(too-oosh KAH been-EH-ehsh)
Adonde van?
1 8 0
MAYA-ENGLISH/ENGLISH-MAYA (YUCATEC) DICTIONARY & PHRASEBOOK
Phrasebook
181
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

me too
beyxan teen
(BEHY-shahn teehn)
y o tam bin
Do you want to get in/on?

A kat naakal (eex)?
(AH kaht NAH-AHK-ahl-[eh-ehsh])
Quiere subirse? (sg.)/Quieren subirse
ustedes? (pi.)
Im only going to _________ .
Chen ti_________ kin bin.
(CHEHN tee _________ KEEN been)
Me voy slo h asta_________ .
we are approaching
tan k natzik k bah
(tahn k nahtz-eek k BAH)
estamos acercndole
Where do you get out?
Tux ka w em el(eex)?
(TOO-OOSH kah WEEHM-ehl-[eh-ehsh])
Dnde se baja?
there
TVhere does this road/highway go?

Tux ku bin le beha/u caareteeiali?
(TOO-OOSH koo been leh EEH-hah/
oo caah-reh-TEEH-rah)
Por dnde va ste camino/carretera?
lets go
kooneex
(KOH-ohn-EH-ehsh)
vamos
Im looking for_________ to photograph.
Tin kaxtik_________ utiaal in m eent
pootoohs.
(teen KAHSH-teek_________ oo-tee-AHAHL een meehnt pooh-toohs)
Estoy buscando_________ para tomar
fotos.
May I take a picture here/of you/of you all?
Hu chabal in m eent humpel pootooh
waye ti/teech/teex?
(hoo CHAHB-ahl een meehnt hoomPEHL pooh-tooh WAHY-eh
tee/teehch/teh-ehsh)
Puedo tomar una foto aqu/de usted/
de ustedes?
teelo
(TEH-EH-loh)
all
Are there any_________ around here?

Yaan_________ w aye?
(yaahn_________ WAHY-eh)
Hay algunos_________ cerca de aqu?
teela (waye)
(TEH-EH-lah [wahy-eh])
aqu
Where can you see them?

Tux ku yilaal oob?
(TOO-OOHSH koo YEEL-ah-ahl oh-ohb)
Dnde se puede verlos?
here
182
TRANSPORTATION AND TU M EL
M a y a - E n g l i s h / E n g l i s h - M ata ( Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
183
HEALTH AND PERSONAL HYGIENE
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

Just wait here a bit.
Paateh waye hum piit.
(PAH-AH-teh WAHY-eh hoom-PEET)
Esprate aqu un poco.
all over the world
yokol le kaabo
(YOHK-ohl leh RAAHB-oh)
en todo el mundo
D irections
0 3 .S t
lakin
(LAH-keen)
este, oriente
north
xaman
(SHAH-mahn)
norte
south
nohol
(NOH-hohl)
sur
west
chikin
(CHEE-keen)
oeste, occidente, poniente
184
M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y .i ( Y u c a te c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
ealth a n d
erso n al
y g ie in e
Health services on the Yucatn Peninsula consist

for the most part of health clinics and doctors in
private practice. Hospitals can be found in the
larger cities. Most doctors and nurses tend to be
non-Maya because of educational and economic
factors, although the situation has been changing
in more recent years. Services in most types of
health facilities will generally be conducted in
Spanish. Maya villages have their folk-healers, or
curanderos (Spanish), who treat problems with
ritual performances and a variety of herbal and
mineral remedies.
In general, avoid fresh water or products made
of water of any type, unless the product has
undergone pasteurization. Be extremely wary of
fresh vegetables that may have been washed or
rinsed in water. Water may be safe in the larger
tourist hotels, but never count on it. It is better to
refrain from drinking fresh tap water, or water
from rivers or streams. Drink only purified bottled
water and ice.
As anywhere in the world, avoid uncooked or
undercooked meats, especially poultry. For the
most part, no specific vaccinations are recom
mended for Mexico, but bear in mind that malaria
still lurks in some areas of the Maya world, espe
cially the jungles. Exercise caution when con
suming shellfish, which can spoil quickly in the
tropical climate.
If you suspect any illness more serious than the
flu or a cold, seek professional m edical help
immediately. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to
dehydration, and probably indicates the presence
of parasites, most likely in the form of amebic
dysentery. Other serious problems can include
Phrasebook
185

food poisoning, severe sunburn (especially in
beach areas and the Maya ruins), and forms of
hepatitis. Because of the intense sunlight in
Yucatn, keep yourself hydrated and maintain a
steady salt intake. Remember that traveling in
itself can deplete your energies.
cold medicine
tzaak seen
(tzaahk SEH-ehn)
corn (on foot)
taaharn
(TAAH-hahm)
callo
cough (dry)
seen
(seh-ehn)
toser
doctor, physician
htzaak/xtzaak
(ah-TZAAHK/eesh-TZAAHK)
doctor, mdico(a)
fin g er

headache
kiinam pool
(KEE-EE-nahm poohl)
dolor de cabeza
illness
kohaanil
(KOH-hah-ahn-EEL)
enfermedad
injury, wound, accident
loob
(loohb)
dao, herida, accidente
medicine
tzaak
(tzaahk)
medicina
needle
putz
(pootz)
aguja
pam
yaah
(yaah)
dolor
u yaal a kab
(oo YAAHL ah KAHB)
tu dedo del mano
foot, leg
ook
(oohk)
pie, pierna
186
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g l js h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
penis
toon
(toohn)
pene
Phrasebook
187

pregnant
yoom
(yoh-ohm)
embarazada
sick
----------------------------------- -------- 1
I am sick.
Kohaaneen.
(KOH-hah-ahn-eeha)
Estoy enfermo(a).
kohaan
(KOH-ah-ahn)
enfermo
Im recovering from illness.

Tin chaik in wool.
(teen CHAH-eek een WOOHL)
Estoy recuperando.
u yaal a wook
(ooh YAAHL ah woohk)
tu dedo del pie
Im very tired.
Hach kanaaneen.
(hach kah-nah-AHN-eehn)
Estoy muy cansado(a).
xeh
(sheh)
vmito, vomitar
inside me
ichil ti teen
(EECH-eel tee TEEHN)
dentro de mi
aax
(aahsh)
verruga
Im going to take a bath.

Tin bin ichkiil.
(TEEN been EECH-keel)
Voy a baarme.
toe
vomit
wart
weight
aal
(aahl)
peso
Useful Phrases
John is sick.
Kohaan Juan.
(KOH-hah-ahn WHAAHN)
Juan est enfermo.
188
My throat is sore.
Ma kal in kaal.
(MAH kahl een KAAHL)
Tengo dolor de garganta.
Im cold.
Keeleen.
(KEH-EHL-eehn)
Tengofro.
Phrasebook
1 8 9
HEALTH
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Im hurt.
Kiimpaheen.
(keeeem-PAH-heehn)
Sc me herido.
I have a stomachache.
Hach yah in nak.
(hahch yah een NAHK)
Me duele la barriga.
The lady is pregnant.
Yoom le koolelo.
(yoh-ohm leh KOH-oh-LEH-Loh)
La mujer est embarazada.
Do you have a cold?
Yaan teech seen?
(yaahn teehch SEH-ehn)
Tiene catarro?
WORK
W OBK
As the most common occupation among the Maya
of the Yucatn Peninsula, farming meets the basic
needs of the Maya family and supplies its staples.
Almost every Maya owns and works a cornfield
either by himself or with other family members or
friends. Generally confined to a small plot of land,
called a milpa (singular) in Spanish and kool in
Maya, the farmer (milpero or koolnal) clears
away the jungle brush during the dry season by
burning it off. He then plants his triumvirate of
agricultural producecom, beans, and squash
by jabbing the soil with a digging stick (lob)
and dropping seeds inside the hole. He does this
in time for the growing season, which coincides
with the summer rains.
Probably the second most common occupa
tion among the Maya is the selling of Maya arts
and crafts, which provides a mainstay for local
economies. Generally, the Maya occupy lesser
positions in the hotel and tourist industries,
working for the most part as bellhops, maids,
maintenance workers, and in other service posi
tions. However, many guides at local tourist
attractions tend to be bilingual in Maya and
Spanish.
bean
buul
(BOO-ool)
frijol
bean (lima)
iib
(eeeb)
frijol de lima
1 9 0
M a y a - E n g u s h / E n g u s h - M ay a (Y u c a t e c ) D i c t i o n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
191
WORK
WORK
brush, weed, forest, jungle

kax
(kahsh)
yerba, monte, bosque
com
xiim
(shee-eem)
maz
com (ear of)
nal
(nahl)
elote
diligent
utz u meyah
(OOTZ oo MEH-yah)
diligente
kak
(kahk)
Juego
harvest (in.)
hooch
(hoohch)
cosechar
harvest (tr.)
hochik
(HOHCH-eek)
cosecharlo
knife blade (his) (Maya + Sp.)
u yeh kuchiiyoh
(oo yeh koo-CHEEE-yoh)
Jilo de cuchillo
192
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g l i s h - M a y a ( Y u c a t e c ) D i c t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
seed (for sowing maize)

iinah
(EE-EE-nah)
semilla para sembrar maz
seed (in general)
neek
(neehk)
semilla, pepita
seedbed (raised)
kaanche
(KAH-AHN-cheh)
planto elevado
seeder (stick for planting)
xul
(shool)
coa, sembrador
seeds (pumpkin/squash)
sikil
(SEER-eel)
pepita de calabaza
squash
kum
(koom)
calabaza
squash seeds
sikil
(SEER-eel)
pepita de calabaza
Phrasebook
193
Useful Phrases
He works quickly.
Aalkab u meyah.
(AHL-kahb oo MEHY-ah)
lYabaja muy de prisa.
I want to visit a milpa. (Literally, I want to take a
walk to the milpa.)
Tak in xiimbal ich kool.
(tahk een SHEEM-bahl eech KOOHL)
Quiero visitar una milpa.
Can you show me your milpa?
Heel beetaal a w eesik teen a koole?
(hehehl BEEHT-AH-ahl ah WEH-ehs-eek
teehn ah KOOHL-eh)
Puede ensearme su milpa?
I am done/ready.
Tzookeen.
(TZOH-OHK-eehn)
Estoy terminadoAisto, se cab.
Im going hunting.
Tin bin tzoon.
(Teen been TZOOHN)
Voy a cazar.
cut firewood
xotik si
(SHOH-teek SEE)
cortar lea
When do you bum the field?

Baax kiin a tokik le koolo?
(BAH-AHSH keen ah TOHK-eek leh
KOHL-oh)
Cundo va a quemar la milpa?
When do you plant?
Baax kiin a pakal?
(BAH-AHSH keen ah PAHK-ahl)
Cundo va a sembrar la milpa?
You cant carry that.
Lelo ma tu pahtal kuchik.
(LEH-loh mah too PAH-tahl ROOCH-eek)
Eso no lo puede cargar.
194
Phrasebook
195
NTERTAINMENT
E n t e r t a in m e n t
The sport of choice throughout Latin America is
soccer (ftbol), and this is no less true in the Maya
areas. Soccer terms in use among the Maya are
usually borrowed or derived from Spanish. How
ever, as North American games such as baseball
and basketball increase in popularity, the Maya
have been adopting native terms to express the
necessary vocabulary.
Do you want to play_________ ?
Ak a t_________ baxtik?
(AHK-aht_________ BAAHSH-teek)
Usted quiere ju g a r_________ ?
Ive got to look for it.
Yaan in kaxtik.
(Yaahn een KAHSH-teek)
Debo buscarlo.
ENTERTAINMENT
I am running.
Kin waalkab.
(keen WAHL-kahb)
Corro.
to beat (in a game)
puuch
(poooch)
balear
hit with a stick (baseball)
p uchik
(POOCH-eek)
golpear con palo
to pitch
chiin
(cheeen)
tirar
catch
John won. (Sp. derivative)

Ganarnah Juan.
(gah-NAHR-nah WHAAHN)
Juan gan.
I lost. (Sp. derivative)
Perdemaheen.
(pehr-dehr-NAH-heehn)
Yo perd.
chukik
(CHOOR-eek)
alcanzarlo
Do you want to dance with me?
Akat wah okot tin w eehel?
(ahk-aht WAH ohk-oht teen
WEH-eh-hehl)
Usted quiere bailar conmigo?
run
alkab
(AHL-kahb)
correr
1 9 6
M ay a - E n g u s h / E n g u s h - M ay a ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k
Phrasebook
1 9 7
WEATHER AND NATURAL PHENOMENA

W
N
eather a nd
atural
henom ena
Because it lies within the tropics at almost sea

level, the whole of the Yucatn Peninsula experi
ences only two seasonswet and dry. Generally
beginning towards the end of February and
ending in late May or early June, the dry season
can turn the country into a veritable desert.
Cactus often clings to the crest of overgrown and
ruined buildings of the ancient past, while vege
tation diminishes in height toward the drier north
until it becomes essentially scrub foresta far cry
from the true rain forests along the peninsulas
southern base. From June to January, storms sub
ject the peninsula to frequent and often torrential
downpours.
As a tropical region that defines the western
limit of the Caribbean basin, the Yucatn Peninsula
experiences regular hurricanes and other pow
erful storms that rage from out at sea to the
east. Much less frequently, earthquakes rock the
country, although earthquakes tend to center in the
more volcanic areas of Guatemala to the south.
cloud
m u(n)yal
(MOO[N]-yahl)
nube
cloudy
nokoy
(NOHK-ohy)
nublado
198

cold
keel
(keh-ehl)
fro
dark (fairly)
eehocheen
(EH-ho-CHEH-ehn)
medio oscuro
earth tremor (Literally, The earth is shaking.)
tun kiilbal luum
(toon KEEL-bahl loo-oom)
tiembla de tierra
great wind (literally, hard wind)
chich iik
(CHEECH eeek)
viento grande/Juerte
hot, humid
kiilkab
(KEEL-kahb)
hace calor, hmedo
hurricane, cyclone
chak ikal
(chahk EER-ahl)
huracn
morning star, Venus
xnuk ek
(EESH-nook EHK)
estrella de la maana, Venus
Phrasebook
199
muggy
kas kiilkab
(kahs REEL-kahb)
medio hmedo
warm, hot
chokoh
(CHOHK-oh)
tibio, caliente
north wind
xaman kaan
(SHAH-mahn KAH-ahn)
viento del norte
wind
rain
Useful Phrases
iik
(eeek)
viento, aire
chak/ha
(chahk/hah)
lluvia
Its not hot.

Ma chokohi.
(mah chohk-OH-hee)
No hace calor.
eek
(eehk)
estrella
I am cold.
Keeleen.
(REH-EHL-eehn)
Tengofro.
chichiik
(CHEECH-eeek)
tempestad, temporal, huracn
become dark
ehocheental
(EH-hoh-CHEH-EHN-tahl)
oscurecer
kiin
(keeen)
sol
Its getting dark.

Tn yehoeheental.
(toon YEH-ho-CHEH-ehn-tahl)
Se oscurece.
star
storm
sun
sunset
bin ka akabtal
(been kah ahk-AHB-tahl)
anochecer
2 0 0
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M aya (Y u cA rE C ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se b o o k
Its raining.
Tun kaxal ha.
(toon RAHSH-ahl HAH)
Est lloviendo.
Phrasebook
201

It rained yesterday.
Kax ha hoolheyak.
(KAHSH hah hoh-ohl-HEH-yahk)
Ayer llova.
The sky is clear (of objects).
Hanil le kaano.
(HAHN-eel leh KAH-AHN-oh)
Est despejado el cielo.
The wind is strong.
Tah kaan iik.
(tah KAH-AHN eeek)
El viento es muy fuerte.
The sky is changing.
Tn keex le kaano.
(toon KEEHSH leh KAH-AHN-oh)
Est cambiando el tiempo.
The north wind is coming.
Tn taal le xaman kaano.
(toon taahl leh SHAHM-ahn KAH-ahn-oh)
Viene el viento del norte.
02
NUMBERS
N
um bers
one n. hun (hoon); uno

one (person or anim al) adj., pron. huntul
(hoon-TOOL); uri(a) (persona o animal)
one (inanimate thing) adj., pron. humpel
(hoomp-EHL); un(a) (cosa)
one (long thing) adj., pron. huntziit (hoonTZEET); un(a) (cosa larga)
one (tree) adj., pron. hunkul (hoon-KOOL);
una) (rbol)
two n. kaah (kah-ah); dos
two (persons or animals) adj., pron. kaatul
(KAH-AH-tool); dos {personas o animales)
two (inanimate things) adj., pron. kaapel
(KAH-AHP-ehl); dos cosas
two times adv. kaapul (KAH-AH-pool);
dos veces
three n. ox (ohsh); tres
three (persons or animals) adj., pron. oxti
(OHSH-tool); tres (cosas)
three (inanimate things) adj., pron. oxpel
(OHSHP-ehl); tres (personas o animales)
three times adv. oxpuul (OHSH-poool);
tres veces
four n. kan (kahn); cuatro
four (persons or animals) adj., pron. kantul
(kahn-TOOL); cuatro (personas o animales)
four (inanimate things) n. kampel (kahmPEHL); cuatro (cosas)
five n. ho (hoh); cinco
(Numbers above five hypothetical only; actual
words unknown. Maya speakers use Spanish
numbers.)
M aya- E n g l is h / E n g l is h - M aya ( Y u c a t e c ) D ic t io n a r y & P h r a se r o o k
Phrasebook
2 0 3
NUMBERS
six re. wak (wahk); seis
seven re. uk (ook); siete
eight re. waxak (WAH-shahk); ocho
nine re. bolon (BOH-lohn); nueve
ten re. lahun (LAH-hoon); diez
eleven re. buluk (BOO-Look); once
twelve re. lahkaa (LAH-kah-ah); doce
thirteen n. ox lahun (ohsh LAH-hoon); trece
fourteen n. kan lahun (kahn LAH-hoon); catorce
fifteen re. ho lahun (HOH LAH-hoon); quince
twenty re. hun kal (HOON kahl); veinte
forty re. ka kal (KAH kahl); cuarenta
sixty re. ox kal (OHSH kahl); sesenta
eighty re. kan kal (KAHN kalil); ochenta
one hundred re. ho kal (HOH kahl);
cien, ciento
two hundred re. lahun kal (LAH-hoon KAHL);
doscientos
four hundred re. hun bak (HOON bahk);
cuatrocientos
eight hundred n. ka bak (KAH bahk);
ochocientos
eight thousand re. hun pik (hoon PEEK);
ocho mil
Oth er Maya-ln terest Titles Jrom

Hippecrene Books
Dictionary of Maya Hieroglyphs
John Montgomery
Presented with the meticulousness of one

who has mastered Maya epigraphy.
Archaeology Magazine
This authoritative work is the first visual dictionary
of Maya glyphs published sinc the scripts com
plete decipherment, offering a much-needed, com
prehensive catalog of 1,200 secured glyphs. Each
entry includes the illustrated glyph, its phonetic
transcription, Mayan equivalent, part of speech,
and meaning. Multiple indices cross-reference the
glyphs with their English and Spanish translations,
subject, visual components, T-numbers, and other
criteria. Glyph illustrations drawn by the author.
1,200 entries 416 pages b/w line drawings
6 x 9 * 0-7818-0862-6 $19.95pb (337)
How to Read Maya Hieroglyphs

John Montgomery
Anyone with even a passing interest in the
Maya and their hieroglyphic system of
writing will find Montgomerys book valu
able. The hundreds of excellent drawings
add immeasurably to the books success.
CHOICE
This complete outline of the hieroglyphic script of
the ancient Maya serves as both an introduction to
the script and a convenient reference to its basic fea
tures and symbols. It presents the scripts content
and grammatical structure, individual signs and
2 0 4
their meanings, and explanations of the sophisti

cated Maya calendrical and mathematical systems.
Glyph illustrations by the author, diagrams, maps,
and photographs accompany the text.
250 pages b/w line drawings, 8-page color insert
6 x 9 * 0-7818-1020-5 $19.95pb (334)
Tikal: An Illustrated History of the
Ancient Maya Capital
John Montgomery
Tikal, Guatemala, was once among the most pow
erful Maya city-states, and today its ruins fascinate
scholars and tourists alike. This volume recounts
Tikals rise from prehistoric obscurity to unparal
leled success at the height of Maya civilization, as
well as its spectacular collapse and abandonment.
Through the many hieroglyphic inscriptions, grave
gifts from tombs, and a rich architectural and
artistic legacy, the book recreates the political, eco
nomic, and social life of the city and of the Maya
in general.
274 pages 6 x 9 50 b/w photos/illus./maps
0-7818-0853-7 $14.95pb (101)
Mayan Cooking: Recipes from the
Sun Kingdoms of Mexico
Cherry Hamman
The inspiration for this cookbook is the small vil
lage of Acabchen, a remote Maya pueblo where vil
lagers still follow the customs of their ancestors.
The book contains more than 150 recipes, including
some that date back several centuries, as well as
contemporary creations that represent Maya inge
nuity and imagination in borrowing new foods and
culinary ideas.
275 pages b/w charcoal drawings 5Vi x 8Vi
0-7818-0580-5 $24.95hc (680)
Indigenous Languages o f
North and Central America
Nahuatl-English/English-Nahuatl (Aztec)
Concise Dictionary
Fermin Herrera
Also known as Aztec or Mexican, today Nahuatl is
spoken by more than 1.5 million people in Mexico
and Central America. This dictionary includes both
classical and modem Nahuatl words, a synopsis of
Nahuatl pronunciation, a comprehensive grammar
section, and an index of common Nahuatl phrases
and words.
9,500 entries 410 pages * 4 x 6 *
0-7818-1011-6 $14.95pb (197)
Zapotec-English/English-Zapotec (Isthmus)
Concise Dictionary
A. Scott Britton
Isthmus Zapotee, one of at least six known varieties
of Zapotee, claims the largest number of speakers in
the Zapotecean family. It is spoken in Oaxaca, in
Mexicos Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and in the states
capital city, Oaxaca de Jurez. This is the first
dictionary of Isthmus Zapotee to be published in
English. In addition to over 5,000 entrieswith
etymological notes given when entry words derive
from Spanishthe dictionary contains detailed yet
concise sections covering spelling and pronuncia
tion, as well as the major points of Isthmus Zapotee
grammar.
5,000 entries 250 pages * 4 x 6 *
0-7818-1010-8 $14.95pb (217)
Navajo-English Dictionary
Leone Wall & William Morgan
Spanish and Latin American Titles
This guide to the Navajo language, which is now

spoken by more than 200,000 people in the South
western United States, is ideal for students, anthro
pologists, and Dineh. A detailed section on how
to pronounce Navajo words accompanies the
more than 9,000 entries included in this (one-way)
dictionary.
9,000 entries 166 pages 5Vz x 8 V2
0-7818-0247-4 $11.95pb (223)
Spanish-English/English -Spanish
Compact Dictionary
(Latin American)
3,800 entries 200 pages 3 Vs x 4%
0-7818-1041-8 $8.95pb (649)
Colloquial Navajo: A Dictionary

Robert W. Young & William Morgan
A useful reference, this book addresses the inade
quacy of literal translation when working with
idioms by offering interpretations based on the gen
eral meaning of a phrase rather than the individual
words that comprise the expressions.
10,000 entries 461 pages 5 x 7
0-7818-0278-4 $16.95pb (282)
Yoeme-English/English-Yoeme
Standard Dictionary
Felipe S. Molina, Herminia Valenzuela,
David L. Shaul
This unique guide to one of the indigenous lan
guages o f the Southwestern United States and
Mexico is the first dictionary of Yoeme ever pub
lished. It includes over 8,000 entries with informa
tive facts about the Yaqui culture. It also features an
introduction to the Yoeme alphabet and spelling, a
concise guide to Yoeme word and sentence struc
ture and sentence complexity.
8,000 entries 351 pages 5'A x 8 V2
0-7818-0633-X $16.95pb (713)
Emergency Spanish Phrasebook

80 pages A'h x
0-7818-0977-0 $5.95pb (460)
Spanish-English/English-Spanish
Dictionary & Phrasebook
(Latin American)
2,000 entries 250 pages 3% x 7
0-7 818-0773-5 *$11,95pb (261)
Practical Dictionary
35,000 entries 338 pages * 5 x 8 *
0-7818-0179-6 $9.95pb (211)
Hippocrene Childrens Illustrated

Spanish Dictionary
English-Spanish/Spanish-English
500 entries 94 pages 8i/2 x 11
0-7818-0889-8 $11.95pb (181)
Concise Dictionary
(Latin American)
8,000 entries 500 pages 4 x. 6
0-7818-0261-X $12.95pb (258)
*"'95
<Maya
(Y ucatec)
'Dictionary s? ^Phrasebook
M aya-E nglish
E ng lish -M aya
ucatec Maya, the most widely spoken Mayan lan

guage, can be heard throaghout Mexicos Yucatan
Peninsula, in Belize, and in parts of Guatemala. This uniqu
guide is the perfect reference for visitors to the rain
forests, beaches, and spectacular archaeological sites of the
Maya regions.
2,700 total dictionary entries

Spanish equivalents for all entries
Phonetic pronunciation for all Maya words
and phrases
Basic Maya grammar
Practical cultural information
Ideal for travelers, linguists, and anthropologists
is the author of How to Read Maya
Hieroglyphs, an introduction to the hieroglyphic writing
system, Dictionary of Maya Hieroglyphs, a fully illustrated
glyph dictionary, and Tikal: An Illustrated History, a political
history of the ancient Maya capital. All are published bv
Hippocrene Books.
J o h n M o n tg o m er y
Cover photograph courtesy o f

Galen R . Frysinger.
Chichen Itza, M exico,
Cover design by Susan A . Ahlquist.
H ippo c r e n e B o o k s , I n c .
171 M a d i s o n A v e n u e
N e w Y o r k , N e w Y o r k 10016
www.hippocrenebooks.com

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Overview of Maya Grammar

Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

M aya- E nglish / E n glish - M aya (Y u catec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook

W h e n I lecture on Maya culture and Pre

Guatemala, Yucatec Maya constitutes the lan

M aya- E nglish / E n glish - M aya (Y u catec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook

and m ost useful way possible. While a complete

predominantly a Cholan Maya language, speakers

M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g u s h - M a y a ( Y i c a t e c ) D ic tio n a r y & P h r a s e b o o k

various social changes and introduced features of

A BriefHistory o f the Mayan Language Group

Mayanized by lengthening the vowels, changing

M aya- E n g l ish / E n glish - M aya (Y lca tec ) D ictionary & P hrasebook

A s with any language, the process of learning

students will master spoken Maya most thor

Methods o f Learning Maya

I >l< T I O NIA NIKS

Dictionaries and grammars provide crucial

M aya - E nglish / E n g u s h -M aya (Y ucatec ) D ictionary & P hraserook

IVlaya and other members of the Mayan language

by decipherers of Maya hieroglyphs and exem

M a y a - E n g lis h /E n g lis h - M a y a ( Y u c a te c ) D i c ti o n a r y & P h ra s e b o o k

linguists sometimes glottalize other consonants,

Long vowels incorporate a system of tonality

Pronunciation and Spelling Guide

counterparts. Note that Maya lacks d ,f, or v. For

Sounds like the b in bed but somewhat

CH The sound of ch in church

Sounds like ts in English lets or toots

TZ Like ts in English lets but with

Sounds like English sh in shoe

Like Spanish or English w

Sounds like English y in yes

CH The sound of ch in church but with

Unlike h in Spanish, which is always

S ynco pated V ow els

Sounds like English hard c in caught

Sounds like English hard c but with

Like Spanish or English I but often weak

Like Spanish or English m

Like Spanish or English n

Like Spanish or English p

Like Spanish or English p but with the

Like Spanish or English 5

Like Spanish or English t

Like Spanish or English t but with the

Modulation of tone and pitch gives Maya a

Pronunciation and. Spelling Guide

three types of observations can be made regarding

= ah (pronounced as in the English

= aah (pronounced as ah but with vowel

= eeh (pronounced as eh but with vowel

= eh (pronounced as eeh but with

= ee (pronounced as in the English word

= eee (pronounced as ee but with vowel

= ee (pronounced as ee but with initial

= oh (pronounced as in the English

= ooh (pronounced as oh but with vowel

= oh (pronounced as ooh but with

= o o (pronounced as in the English word

ah = ah (pronounced as aah but with

= eh (pronounced like ay in English pay)

Pronunciation and Spelling Guide