How to Say “Butterfly” in Navajo

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kʼaalógii
/kʼɑ̀ːlókìː/
The Navajo word for butterfly is kʼaalógii.
kʼaalógii refers to the insect known as a butterfly.
Meaning: insect (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

/kʼɑ̀ːlókìː/

Did you know?

  • In many Diné (Navajo) traditions, butterflies are seen as messengers or symbols of transformation, rather than just being viewed as simple insects.
  • While English 'butterfly' comes from the appearance of the wings or a folk belief about stealing butter, kʼaalógii is a distinct term with no relationship to food or liquids.
  • The word kʼaalógii contains a glottalized 'k', a sound produced by a closure of the vocal folds that does not exist in standard English.

Examples in context

  • Kʼaalógii hayaʼ bitʼáʼígíí.
    The butterfly's wings are beautiful.

Example conversation

Justin and Michelle are looking at a garden.

  1. Justin

    Halaʼááł, kʼaalógii!
    Look, a butterfly!
  2. Michelle

    Tʼáá íiyisááł.
    It is very beautiful.
  3. Justin

    Kʼaalógii tʼáá áádááł.
    The butterfly is very colorful.
  4. Michelle

    Yááʼááh tʼáá łééʼ.
    It is flying away.

Sources

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Douglas Juan
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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