How to Say “Happy” in Navajo

By Trevor Fred • Updated October 2, 2026

baa hózhǫ́

The Navajo word for happy is baa hózhǫ́.

baa hózhǫ́ is used as an adjective to describe a state of being contented or joyous.

Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)

Did you know?

The term hózhǫ́ can be used to describe not only a person but also a place, a song or a traditional weaving that is in harmony.
The concept of hózhǫ́ is so central to the culture that it is the goal of many traditional Navajo healing ceremonies.
The high tone in hózhǫ́ is a linguistic fossil, resulting from the historical deletion of the prefix ni-.

Example conversation

Jessica and Kyle are talking about their new home.

Jessica

Baa hózhǫ́ níyááł, Kyle?
Are you happy, Kyle?
Kyle

Ááʼá, baa hózhǫ́ nishłį́.
Yes, I am happy.
Jessica

Shí díí baa hózhǫ́ nishłį́.
I am happy too.
Kyle

T'áá ákóóshį́į́h.
That is how it is.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries baa, hózhǫ́, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Trevor Fred

Hózhǫǫgi doo shikisheeshłį́į́gi, Trevor yinishyé. A polymath with a passion for decoding cultures, I've spent my life enjoying the poetry of the Navajo language, and reveling in the synchrony of sounds that make this Indigenous language so enchanting. When I'm not engrossed in articulating the intricacies of Navajo, you'll find me exploring the wild, chasing the autumn colors, or cuddling my cats and my dog named 'hogan'. Internet, grab your boots, and come ride with me on a linguistic adventure through the Navajo landscapes!

Trevor FredHelp 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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