How to Say “Big Brother” in Navajo

By Georgia Leonie • Updated October 3, 2026

áni

The Navajo phrase for big brother is áni.

The term áni is used to refer to a male sibling who is older than the person speaking.

Did you know?

In Navajo culture, áni is often used as a term of respect for any older male relative or close family friend, not just biological brothers.
While English uses 'big brother' to mean an older brother, the Navajo relationship terms are part of a system that can change depending on the speaker's gender and the relative age of the person being addressed.
In Navajo kinship, the term for 'big brother' is not just a label for a sibling, but a fundamental component of the complex 'clanship' system used to determine social relations.

Example conversation

Kyle is introducing his family to Amanda.

Kyle

Áni t'áá áání.
This is my big brother.
Amanda

Yá'át'ééh.
Hello.
Kyle

Áni t'áá áání, t'áá k'ad t'áá áání.
He is my big brother, he is here now.
Amanda

T'áá ání yéé'.
Your big brother is nice.

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About The Author

Georgia Leonie

Hello! I am Georgia, a dedicated enthusiast of the beautiful Navajo language. As an avid reader and language explorer, my love for the Navajo dialect has allowed me to create comprehensive guides providing riveting insights into the cultural and indigenous languages. My interests don't stop at languages though; as a keen traveler, I've immersed myself into the native cultures, which inevitably led to my exploration of the Navajo dialect. When I'm not exploring languages or new places, I enjoy spending time with animals, pottery and cooking. Examples of some of my work include, 'How to say 'You' in Navajo: Formal and Informal Ways' and 'How to say 'Girlfriend' in Navajo: A Comprehensive Guide'.

Georgia LeonieHelp 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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