haashįį nítʼééʼ?
The English phrase "how are you doing?" is translated into Navajo as haashįį nítʼééʼ?
haashįį nítʼééʼ? is a common greeting used to inquire about a person's current well-being or their state of mind.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How is it (for you)?" or "How is it being?"
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the second person singular pronoun nítʼééʼ (it is for you) to address a single person.
Did you know?
- The sound represented by the hook in nítʼééʼ is a glottal stop, a sharp closure of the vocal cords that sounds like the catch in the middle of the English expression 'uh-oh'.
- In Navajo culture, many greetings focus on the state of being or the environment rather than a direct question to the individual. This reflects a worldview where a person is seen as part of a larger, interconnected reality.
- While haashįį nítʼééʼ? asks about state of mind, Navajo has distinct ways of greeting people based on whether you are asking about their physical health or their spiritual harmony.
Example conversation
Michelle and Brandon meet at a local market.
- MichelleYáʼátʼééh Brandon, haashįį nítʼééʼ?Hello Brandon, how are you doing?
- BrandonYáʼátʼééh Michelle, tʼaadaatʼééʼ.Hello Michelle, I am doing alright.
- MichelleShíʼyááʼ shį́į́h.I am glad to hear that.
- BrandonAhéheeʼ.Thank you.
