How to Say “Buffalo” in Navajo

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ayání
The Navajo word for buffalo is ayání.
The term refers to a bovid of the Bubalina subtribe.
Meaning: bovid of the Bubalina subtribe (noun)

Did you know?

  • Navajo culture views the buffalo as a symbol of abundance and generosity due to the vast number of tools and foods a single animal provides.
  • If the etymology is correct, the word ayání literally describes the animal as something that 'eats'.
  • The term ayání refers to a creature that is not native to the Navajo homeland but holds significant historical and spiritual importance.

Examples in context

  • Ayání éí bighałtʼįʼ.
    The buffalo is large.
  • Ayání yáʼátʼééʼ.
    The buffalo is good.

Example conversation

Sarah and Tyler are looking at a picture in a book.

  1. Sarah

    Ayání tʼáá ááki.
    The buffalo is very strong.
  2. Tyler

    Hózhǫ́ą́ą́.
    It is beautiful.
  3. Sarah

    Ayání bee hólǫ́.
    There are buffaloes here.
  4. Tyler

    Doo tʼáá ááki doo.
    They are not that strong.

Sources

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Dianne Suzanne
Dianne SuzanneHelp 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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