yáʼátʼééh
/jɑ́ʔɑ́tʼéːh/
Hello in Navajo is yáʼátʼééh.
The standard way to say hello in Navajo is yáʼátʼééh.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word yáʼátʼééh literally translates to 'it is good'.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɑ́ʔɑ́tʼéːh/
Did you know?
- The Navajo language was famously used as an unbreakable code during World War II. The complexity of its grammar and the rarity of its speakers made it a perfect tool for secure military communication.
- While yáʼátʼééh is the general greeting, Navajo culture traditionally emphasizes kinship. When meeting someone, it is common to identify your relationship to them or your clan before simply saying 'hello'.
- In Navajo, greetings are deeply tied to the concept of 'Hózhó', which represents balance, harmony and beauty. Saying yáʼátʼééh is not just a social formality but an acknowledgement of a positive state of being.
Examples in context
- Yáʼátʼééh!Hello!This example shows the use of yáʼátʼééh as an exclamation.Tatoeba #7262543 by azraelgnosis, translation #373330 by CK
- Yáʼátʼééh.Hello.Tatoeba #7262553 by azraelgnosis, translation #1858850 by LanguageExpert
- Yáʼátʼééh shimá.Hello, Mother.This example shows how to use yáʼátʼééh when addressing a family member.Tatoeba #7262549 by azraelgnosis, translation #7262550 by azraelgnosis
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tyler and Jessica meet at a community center.
- TylerYáʼátʼééh, Jessica!Hello, Jessica!
- JessicaYáʼátʼééh, Tyler!Hello, Tyler!
- TylerHaash yáałtį́?How are you?
- JessicaYáʼátʼééh, t'áá ákóós.I am doing well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries yáʼátʼééh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
