chʼį́įdii
/t͡ʃʼĩ̂ː.tìː/
The Navajo word for ghost is chʼį́įdii.
chʼį́įdii is a noun used to describe a spirit that appears after death.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from a verb stem meaning 'to go' or 'to pass away', combined with a suffix that denotes a person or entity, literally meaning 'one who has gone/passed away'.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃʼĩ̂ː.tìː/
Did you know?
- In traditional Navajo culture, chʼį́įdii are often viewed as dangerous entities that can cause illness if a living person dwells on them too much.
- In Navajo culture, the term for a ghost is often avoided in casual conversation to prevent attracting unwanted spiritual attention.
- While the literal translation suggests someone who has 'passed away', the root of chʼį́įdii is actually associated with being 'evil' or 'nasty'.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Michelle and Brandon are exploring an old building.
- MichelleBrandon, chʼį́įdii tʼáá ááłáá díí kʼáád?Brandon, is there a ghost in here?
- BrandonDooláá, chʼį́įdii tʼáá ááłáá.No, there are no ghosts.
- MichelleHoolʼį́įdii, chʼį́įdii bee náágóósiʼ!Listen, a ghost is following me!
- BrandonTʼáá áání, níyoloo.You are just imagining it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries chʼį́įdii, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chʼį́įdii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
