How to Say “Chinle” in Navajo

By Trevor Fred • Updated October 6, 2026

Chʼíńlį́

Chʼíńlį́ is the Navajo name for Chinle, a town in Arizona that serves as the headquarters for the Navajo Nation.

Chʼíńlį́ is a proper noun referring specifically to the town of Chinle in Arizona.

Did you know?

The Navajo language is an 'Athabaskan' language, meaning it is a distant relative of languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in Alaska and Canada, far from Arizona.
The name Chʼíńlį́ translates to 'water emerges'. This refers to the natural springs found in the area, which are vital in the high desert landscape of Arizona.
The ʼ in Chʼíńlį́ represents an ejective consonant, a sound produced by closing the glottis and building pressure in the mouth. It creates a sharper, popping sound than the English 'ch'.

Examples in context

Chʼíńlį́ yáʼátʼéé.
Chinle is beautiful.

Example conversation

Two friends are planning a trip to Arizona.

Brandon

Chʼíńlį́ nihił yáákaah.
We are going to Chinle.
Sarah

Tʼáá íílah.
That is great.
Brandon

Chʼíńlį́ tʼáá ááshį́į́h.
My relative lives in Chinle.
Sarah

Shinááshááł.
I am excited.

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About The Author

Trevor Fred

Hózhǫǫgi doo shikisheeshłį́į́gi, Trevor yinishyé. A polymath with a passion for decoding cultures, I've spent my life enjoying the poetry of the Navajo language, and reveling in the synchrony of sounds that make this Indigenous language so enchanting. When I'm not engrossed in articulating the intricacies of Navajo, you'll find me exploring the wild, chasing the autumn colors, or cuddling my cats and my dog named 'hogan'. Internet, grab your boots, and come ride with me on a linguistic adventure through the Navajo landscapes!

Trevor FredHelp 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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