How to Say “Gallup” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 6, 2026

Naʼnízhoozhí

Gallup is a city in New Mexico, United States, referred to in Navajo as Naʼnízhoozhí.

The phrase is used to name the specific city of Gallup in New Mexico.

Did you know?

While 'Gallup' is a person's name in English, Naʼnízhoozhí is a descriptive phrase that describes the physical layout of a bridge's planks.
The name Naʼnízhoozhí captures a moment in history when the Santa Fe Railway interacted with local river crossings, turning a man-made bridge into a permanent place name.
The suffix -í in Naʼnízhoozhí is a nominalizer, which transforms a descriptive action of things lying side by side into a proper noun.

Examples in context

Naʼnízhoozhígóó deekai.
We’re about to go to Gallup.
This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to travel to Naʼnízhoozhí.
Tatoeba #7269782 by azraelgnosis, translation #7269783 by azraelgnosis
Naʼnízhoozhí éí New Mexico dįį́ʼ.
Gallup is in New Mexico.
Naʼnízhoozhí yáʼátééʼ.
Gallup is nice.

Example conversation

Justin and Michelle are discussing where to go for shopping.

Justin

Naʼnízhoozhí tʼáá áéí kǫʼ.
Let's go to Gallup.
Michelle

Tʼáá ákóógo?
All the way there?
Justin

Áá', Naʼnízhoozhí tʼáá áéí.
Yes, that's the place, Gallup.
Michelle

Hááłtah, tʼáá áéí.
Alright, let's go.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Naʼnízhoozhí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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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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