hastiin
/hɑ̀stʰìːn/
The Navajo word for husband is hastiin.
The term hastiin refers to a male partner in marriage, but it is also the general word used to mean man.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, hastiin does not change its form to indicate plurality. You must use context or accompanying numbers to show if you are referring to one man or multiple men.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɑ̀stʰìːn/
Did you know?
- The Navajo concept of kinship is matrilineal, meaning ancestral descent and clan membership are traced through the mother rather than the hastiin.
- The word hastiin is an irregular form that stems from a root meaning 'to be old' or 'to be decrepit'.
- In traditional Navajo society, the husband often moves into the wife's family home after marriage.
Example conversation
Michelle is introducing Brandon to a friend.
- BrandonShíyáás Brandon.My name is Brandon.
- MichelleHastiin níhees, Brandon?Is he the husband, Brandon?
- BrandonÁáí, shí hastiin níhees.Yes, he is my husband.
- MichelleYá'át'ééh, Brandon.Hello, Brandon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hastiin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hastiin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
