How to Say “Crazy” in Navajo

By Trevor Fred • Updated October 2, 2026

dighin

The Navajo word for "crazy" is dighin.

dighin is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is insane or demented.

Meaning: insane, demented (adj)

Did you know?

Traditional Navajo healers use complex 'sing' ceremonies to treat someone who is dighin, aiming to restore the person to 'Hózhó', which means balance and beauty.
Navajo linguistic structures often favor verbs or processes over static adjectives, meaning 'crazy' is frequently expressed as an action occurring to a person.
In Navajo culture, the state of being dighin is often attributed to the influence of external spirits or a breach of taboo rather than a biological malfunction of the brain.

Example conversation

Sarah and Tyler are talking about a strange person they saw.

Sarah

Hastiin dighin t'áá áshjéé'.
That man is completely crazy.
Tyler

Áádóó, t'áá ákót'é.
Yes, it is just like that.
Sarah

Dighin bee nitsáhákees.
His way of thinking is insane.
Tyler

Shił dighááł.
It is strange to me.

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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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