How to Say “I Love You, Mom” in Navajo

By Georgia Leonie • Updated October 3, 2026

ayóóʼánííshní, shimá

In Navajo, ayóóʼánííshní, shimá is the phrase used to say "I love you, mom".

This phrase is used to express deep affection and love for one's mother.

Did you know?

The Navajo language is an agglutinative language, meaning ayóóʼánííshní is a single complex word formed by adding multiple prefixes and suffixes to a root.
In Navajo culture, affection is often expressed through actions and providing care rather than through frequent verbal declarations like ayóóʼánííshní.
Navajo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch you use when saying ayóóʼánííshní can change the entire meaning of the words.

Example conversation

Brandon gives his mother a hug before leaving for school.

Brandon

Ayóóʼánííshní, shimá.
I love you, mom.
Amanda

Ayóóʼáníísh níyóóʼ, shééʼ.
I love you too, my son.
Brandon

Tóó ááníghááʼ.
I'll be back soon.
Amanda

Ááshááʼ, Brandon.
Take care, Brandon.

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About The Author

Georgia Leonie

Hello! I am Georgia, a dedicated enthusiast of the beautiful Navajo language. As an avid reader and language explorer, my love for the Navajo dialect has allowed me to create comprehensive guides providing riveting insights into the cultural and indigenous languages. My interests don't stop at languages though; as a keen traveler, I've immersed myself into the native cultures, which inevitably led to my exploration of the Navajo dialect. When I'm not exploring languages or new places, I enjoy spending time with animals, pottery and cooking. Examples of some of my work include, 'How to say 'You' in Navajo: Formal and Informal Ways' and 'How to say 'Girlfriend' in Navajo: A Comprehensive Guide'.

Georgia LeonieHelp 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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