How to Say “Hair” in Cherokee

By Jerome Philip • Updated October 3, 2026

ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ

ustiyegv

The Cherokee word for hair is ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ (ustiyegv).

ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ is used to refer to the mass of hair filaments found on a human head.

Meaning: mass of such filaments on the human head (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

ustiyegv

Did you know?

Cherokee has distinct words to differentiate between the hair on a person's head and the hair on their body or arms.
The syllables in ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ are represented by a unique syllabary invented by Sequoyah, rather than an alphabet of individual letters.
In traditional contexts, phrases regarding hair can carry spiritual significance related to strength and identity, reflecting deeper cultural values.

Example conversation

Two people are talking about a new haircut.

A

ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ ᏓᏓᏅᏓᏓᏅᏓ.
us-ti-bye-gv da-da-nv-da-da-nv-da.
Your hair is long.
B

ᎭᏓᏅᏓᏓᏅᏓ.
ha-da-nv-da-da-nv-da.
It is long.
A

ᎤᏍᏘᏰᎬ ᏓᏓᏅᏓᏓᏅᏓ ᎢོᏓᏓᏅᏓ.
us-ti-bye-gv da-da-nv-da-da-nv-da i-da-da-nv-da.
The hair is too long.
B

ᎥᎥ, ᏓᏓᏅᏓᏓᏅᏓ.
v-v, da-da-nv-da-da-nv-da.
Yes, it is long.

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About The Author

Jerome Philip

Osiyo! I'm Jerome, a lover of languages. During my hiking adventures in the Smoky Mountains, I ponder on the beautiful nuances of culture. The rustling leaves teach me new words, the soaring birds inspire me to pen comprehensive guides that explore the depths of language. Horse riding and watching the dance of the stars at night are my ways of communion with nature. My love for Cherokee led me to its neighbor Mohawk, and I now write guides on how to say things in Mohawk as well. (I never get tired of learning!) Join me on this linguistic journey steeped in beauty.

Jerome PhilipHelp 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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