How to Say “Best Friend” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 2, 2026

ayóo ánshxóshí

ayóo ánshxóshí is the Navajo way to say 'best friend'.

The phrase is used to describe an especially close and trusted friend.

Meaning: an especially close and trusted friend (noun)

Did you know?

A 'best friend' may be called by a specific familial kinship term if the bond is strong enough to be considered family.
Because Navajo is a verb-heavy language, calling someone a 'best friend' describes the active process of the relationship.
The intensifier ayóó used in this phrase is the same word one would use to say they 'love' someone 'very much' or 'greatly'.

Example conversation

Jessica is introducing Kyle to someone.

Jessica

Kyle, shi ayóo ánshxóshí t'áá áání.
Kyle, he is my best friend.
Kyle

Yá'át'ééh, shį́į́dááʼ.
Hello, nice to meet you.
Jessica

Áníyééʼ t'áá áání.
He is very kind.
Kyle

Áádááʼ t'áá áání.
He is indeed.

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About The Author

Douglas Juan

Hello, I am Douglas, an absolute Navajo language enthusiast. My passion for this beautiful language, coupled with my love for sharing knowledge, has inspired me to write numerous guides on common phrases and words. I enjoy exploring words from "Angel" to "Yucca" and everything in between. In my leisure time, you'll often find me experimenting with traditional Navajo recipes, strolling amidst nature, or enjoying a robust cup of traditional Navajo tea. Apache is spoken not far from Navajo, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Apache here too. Haash yinilyeii (that's how I say 'that's me' in Navajo)!

Douglas JuanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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