American Languages
In the Lakota Sioux language, the word tȟó is used for both blue and green, though the word tȟózi (a mixture of the words tȟó meaning "blue (green)," and zí meaning "yellow") has become common (zítȟo can also be used). This is in line with common practice of using zíša/šázi for Orange (šá meaning "red"), and šátȟo/tȟóša for "purple/violet."
Single words for blue/green are also found in Mayan languages; for example in the Yukatek Maya language blue/green is yax.
Tupian languages did not originally differ between the two colors, though they may now as a result of interference of Spanish (in the case of Guaraní) or Portuguese (in the case of Nheengatu). The Tupi word obý meant both as does the Guaraní hovy .
The Yebamasa of the Rio Piraparana region in Vaupés Department, southeastern Colombia, use the term sumese for blue/green. The letter "u" is pronounced like the German "ü".
Read more about this topic: Distinguishing Blue From Green In Language
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