ayóó ánííshní
To say "I like you" in Navajo, use ayóó ánííshní.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
Did you know?
- Unlike English, Navajo does not have a single, dedicated word for 'love' that is used in all contexts, so ayóó ánííshní often fills that role.
- In traditional Navajo social etiquette, expressing direct affection can be quite powerful and is often accompanied by a respectful distance in physical posture.
- While English uses 'like' to describe both a person and an object, Navajo verb structures often change based on whether the object of affection is animate or inanimate.
Examples in context
- Ayóó ánííshní.I like you.
- Shí ayóó ánííshní.I like you (emphatic).
Example conversation
Amanda and Justin are talking after a first date.
- AmandaJustin, ayóó ánííshní.Justin, I like you.
- JustinAyóó ááníshníh lą́ááʼ.I like you too.
- AmandaShísh łééʼ ayóó ánííshní.I really like you.
- JustinYáʼátʼééh, shíł łání.That is good, my dear.
