amá yázhí
/ʔɑ̀mɑ́ jɑ́ʒɪ́/
The Navajo word for aunt is amá yázhí.
amá yázhí is a noun used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase amá yázhí literally translates to 'little mother'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔɑ̀mɑ́ jɑ́ʒɪ́/
Did you know?
- Because the phrase means 'little mother', it emphasizes a hierarchy of care and guidance within the Navajo matrilineal society.
- The root of amá can be traced back to the Proto-Athabaskan stem *-(h)aˑn, connecting the word to a vast family of related languages across North America.
- In Navajo, the word yázhí can be used as a term of endearment for children, which adds a layer of affection to the title amá yázhí.
Example conversation
Tyler is asking Amanda about her family visiting.
- TylerAmá yázhí łaaʼááʼdááʼ?Is your aunt here?
- AmandaÁéí, amá yázhí tʼáá áání.Yes, my aunt is talking.
- TylerDí ííyis hólǫ́.She is very happy.
- AmandaÁáʼá, tʼaaí áání.Yes, she is just talking.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amá yázhí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amá, amá yázhí, yázhí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
