tʼáá ná hazʼą́ą dooleeł
The Navajo phrase for "good luck" is tʼáá ná hazʼą́ą dooleeł.
This phrase is used to wish fortune upon someone or to provide encouragement.
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "it will be a good thing" or "it will be a good event."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dooleeł is in the future tense, which indicates that the speaker expects a good outcome to happen.
Did you know?
- The word 'luck' does not have a direct, one-to-one equivalent in Navajo like it does in English. Instead, concepts of 'luck' are often tied to 'hózhó', a complex philosophy involving balance, beauty, and cosmic order.
- In Navajo culture, many people prefer to avoid directly naming a specific positive outcome to avoid attracting bad spirits or changing one's luck. Instead of saying 'good luck', one might focus on the person's strength or the stability of the path ahead.
- The glottal stop indicated by the marks in hazʼą́ą requires a sudden closure of the vocal cords. To a beginner, these marks look like spelling errors, but they are essential for the word's meaning and rhythm.
Example conversation
Kyle is leaving for a job interview.
- KyleShiʼááł, tʼáá ná hazʼą́ą dooleeł!My friend, good luck!
- SarahAhéheeʼ, Kyle.Thank you, Kyle.
- KyleYáʼátʼééh níyáł!It will be good for you!
- SarahTʼáá áásháá.I hope so.
