hataałii
/hɑ̀tʰɑ̀ːɬìː/
The Navajo word for medicine man is hataałii.
The term refers to a shamanistic healer.
Meaning: shamanistic healer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word hataałii literally means singer. This is because the healing ceremonies are centered around sacred songs.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɑ̀tʰɑ̀ːɬìː/
Did you know?
- A hataałii often uses intricate sand paintings during ceremonies, which are destroyed immediately after the ritual to release the healing power.
- In Navajo culture, the 'medicine' provided by a hataałii is often not a physical substance but the restoration of 'Hózhó', a concept encompassing balance, beauty and harmony.
- A hataałii is not just a healer but a master of complex oral archives, sometimes memorizing dozens of ceremonies that can last several days and include hundreds of precise songs.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Kyle and Amanda are discussing a family member's health.
- KyleHataałii nihił yááł?Is there a medicine man with us?
- AmandaÁáʼ, hataałii tʼaadílíí biiʼąą́.Yes, a medicine man is coming.
- KyleTʼáá áánííh hataałii.The medicine man is very skilled.
- AmandaÁádááł, hataałii bee nááshááł.True, I was healed by the medicine man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medicine man” translations and entries hataałii, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
