yízhiʼ
The Navajo word for "name" is yízhiʼ.
The term yízhiʼ is used as a noun to refer to a word or phrase that identifies a specific person, place, class or thing.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Did you know?
- In some traditional contexts, speaking a person's true name aloud can be considered a powerful or even dangerous act. Caution is often exercised when addressing someone by their formal name.
- A person's name in Navajo culture is often tied to their identity within a specific clan system. Knowing a person's 'name' is often less important than knowing their kinship ties and clan affiliations.
- Because Navajo is a verb-heavy language, the way one 'names' something often involves describing what that thing is doing or how it exists in the world.
Example conversation
Kyle and Amanda are meeting for the first time.
- KyleYáʼátʼééh, díí yííʼ áko yízhiʼ Kyle.Hello, my name is Kyle.
- AmandaYáʼátʼééh, Kyle. Shíyááł Amanda.Hello, Kyle. I am Amanda.
- KyleAmanda yízhiʼ tʼáá jįʼ tʼééh.The name Amanda is very beautiful.
- AmandaAhéheeʼ, Kyle.Thank you, Kyle.
