How to Say “Heart” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 2, 2026

ajéí

/ʔɑ̀t͡ʃɛ́ɪ́/

The Navajo word for heart is ajéí.

ajéí refers to the physical organ in the body.

Meaning: an organ (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

/ʔɑ̀tʃɛ́ɪ́/

Did you know?

While ajéí is the physical organ, the concept of 'heart' as the center of emotion is often expressed through the word for 'mind' or 'thought' in Navajo.
In Navajo culture, the heart is often conceptually linked to the 'breath' and the 'wind' that gives life to a person.
The root of ajéí can be traced back to Proto-Athabaskan origins, connecting it to a vast family of languages across North America and Siberia.

Example conversation

Tyler and Sarah are talking about how the body works.

Tyler

Ajéí ádleeh?
What does the heart do?
Sarah

Ajéí t'áá áání.
The heart beats.
Tyler

T'áá áání?
It just beats?
Sarah

Áá', ajéí t'áá áání.
Yes, the heart beats.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ajéí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajéí, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Douglas Juan

Hello, I am Douglas, an absolute Navajo language enthusiast. My passion for this beautiful language, coupled with my love for sharing knowledge, has inspired me to write numerous guides on common phrases and words. I enjoy exploring words from "Angel" to "Yucca" and everything in between. In my leisure time, you'll often find me experimenting with traditional Navajo recipes, strolling amidst nature, or enjoying a robust cup of traditional Navajo tea. Apache is spoken not far from Navajo, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Apache here too. Haash yinilyeii (that's how I say 'that's me' in Navajo)!

Douglas JuanHelp 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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