How to Say “Love” in Apache

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 1, 2026

bił daʼzhǫ́

The English phrase "love" is translated into Apache as bił daʼzhǫ́.

The term bił daʼzhǫ́ is used to express the concept of strong affection as a noun.

Meaning: strong affection (noun)

Did you know?

The Apache language is part of the Athabaskan family, meaning it is distantly related to languages spoken in Alaska and Canada rather than neighboring Southwestern languages.
The phrase bił daʼzhǫ́ is not just a single concept but is structurally composed of elements that relate to the internal state of one's 'inside' or 'heart'.
In many Apache dialects, the way you express affection is deeply tied to the listener's social relationship and respect, not just the warmth of the feeling.

Example conversation

Michael and Jessica are talking about their grandparents.

Michael

Kʼaaʼtʼééh bił daʼzhǫ́.
Their love is deep.
Jessica

Ááʼáá dah.
Yes, it is.
Michael

Tʼáá ííní bił daʼzhǫ́.
Their love is very strong.
Jessica

Sháá kʼoodąą́.
I agree.

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About The Author

Douglas Juan

Hello, I am Douglas, an absolute Navajo language enthusiast. My passion for this beautiful language, coupled with my love for sharing knowledge, has inspired me to write numerous guides on common phrases and words. I enjoy exploring words from "Angel" to "Yucca" and everything in between. In my leisure time, you'll often find me experimenting with traditional Navajo recipes, strolling amidst nature, or enjoying a robust cup of traditional Navajo tea. Apache is spoken not far from Navajo, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Apache here too. Haash yinilyeii (that's how I say 'that's me' in Navajo)!

Douglas JuanHelp 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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