How to Say “Dream” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 3, 2026

nayeestʼeeʼ

The Navajo word for dream is nayeestʼeeʼ.

nayeestʼeeʼ is used to refer to imaginary events seen while sleeping.

Meaning: imaginary events seen while sleeping (noun)

Did you know?

There is a strong cultural tradition of avoiding the detailed retelling of a nayeestʼeeʼ to others, as doing so might bring the events of the dream into reality.
The Navajo language is an Athabaskan language, meaning it shares deep ancestral roots with languages spoken in Alaska and Canada, far from the American Southwest.
In many Navajo storytelling traditions, what is perceived in a dream is often treated as a direct communication from the spirit world rather than a hallucination.

Example conversation

Jessica and Brandon are talking over breakfast.

Jessica

Nayeestʼeeʼ tʼáá áádááʼ.
I had a very strange dream.
Brandon

Ááko nayeestʼeeʼ tʼáá áádááʼ?
Was the dream really strange?
Jessica

Ááʼó, tʼáá áádááʼ.
Yes, it was very strange.
Brandon

Nayeestʼeeʼ tʼáá ííní.
It is a good dream.

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About The Author

Douglas Juan

Hello, I am Douglas, an absolute Navajo language enthusiast. My passion for this beautiful language, coupled with my love for sharing knowledge, has inspired me to write numerous guides on common phrases and words. I enjoy exploring words from "Angel" to "Yucca" and everything in between. In my leisure time, you'll often find me experimenting with traditional Navajo recipes, strolling amidst nature, or enjoying a robust cup of traditional Navajo tea. Apache is spoken not far from Navajo, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Apache here too. Haash yinilyeii (that's how I say 'that's me' in Navajo)!

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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