How to Say “Go to Sleep” in Navajo

By Georgia Leonie • Updated October 2, 2026

iilwosh

The English phrase "go to sleep" is translated into Navajo as iilwosh.

iilwosh is used to describe the act of beginning to sleep or entering a state of slumber.

Did you know?

Navajo is an Athabaskan language, meaning it shares deep historical roots with languages in Siberia and Alaska, even though it is spoken in the American Southwest.
There are specific cultural taboos in Navajo regarding talking about certain types of dreams immediately after one has woken from sleep.
Navajo has different ways of describing sleep depending on whether the slumber is peaceful or caused by exhaustion and illness.

Example conversation

Amanda and Justin are getting ready for bed.

Amanda

Tʼáá ákótʼééʼ iilwosh.
Go to sleep right now.
Justin

Tʼáá ááko, tʼáá ááko.
Okay, okay.
Amanda

Yáʼátʼééh.
Good night.
Justin

Yáʼátʼééh, Amanda.
Good night, Amanda.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏

About The Author

Georgia Leonie

Hello! I am Georgia, a dedicated enthusiast of the beautiful Navajo language. As an avid reader and language explorer, my love for the Navajo dialect has allowed me to create comprehensive guides providing riveting insights into the cultural and indigenous languages. My interests don't stop at languages though; as a keen traveler, I've immersed myself into the native cultures, which inevitably led to my exploration of the Navajo dialect. When I'm not exploring languages or new places, I enjoy spending time with animals, pottery and cooking. Examples of some of my work include, 'How to say 'You' in Navajo: Formal and Informal Ways' and 'How to say 'Girlfriend' in Navajo: A Comprehensive Guide'.

Georgia LeonieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

0 Comments

Newest

Oldest Most Voted