dóoneʼé
/tôːnɛ̀ʔɛ́/
The English word "clans" is translated into Navajo as dóoneʼé.
dóoneʼé refers to groups of families who share a common ancestor.
How do you pronounce it?
/tôːnɛ̀ʔɛ́/
Did you know?
- The Navajo system is matrilineal, meaning a person's dóoneʼé is inherited solely from their mother.
- In Navajo culture, one's clan is not a surname, but a vital part of an identity that dictates social relationships and marriage rules. To introduce yourself, you name your clans rather than a family name.
- The clan system creates a strict taboo against marriage between members of the same dóoneʼé. Marriage within the same clan is viewed as incest, regardless of how many generations separate the couple.
Examples in context
- Dóoneʼé bee hólǫ́.They have clans.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing their family heritage.
- KyleDóoneʼé tʼaa łah.There are many clans.
- JessicaÁáʼyááʼ áshjéé dóó dóoneʼé.My father and the clans.
- KyleDóoneʼé tʼáá ákótʼʼé.The clans are all different.
- JessicaHaaʼaah.That is true.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dóoneʼé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
