How to Say “Necklace” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated September 30, 2026

yooʼ

The English word necklace is yooʼ in Navajo.

yooʼ is used to refer to jewelry.

Meaning: jewelry (noun)

Did you know?

Turquoise, a common component in yooʼ, is often viewed as a living substance that possesses its own energy and connection to the sky.
Navajo jewelry is heavily influenced by Spanish colonial silver-smithing. Before the arrival of the Spanish, Navajo people primarily used stone and shell for their yooʼ.
In traditional Navajo culture, wearing certain types of yooʼ is not just a fashion choice but is often tied to a person's ceremonial role and spiritual protection.

Examples in context

Yooʼ bee naasʼíí.
She is wearing a necklace.

Example conversation

Amanda is showing Brandon a piece of jewelry.

Amanda

Yooʼ nihíyááł.
Look at the necklace.
Brandon

Tʼáá ááníghááʼ.
It is very beautiful.
Amanda

Yooʼ tʼáá ánínísh.
I made the necklace.
Brandon

Hózhóóh.
It is wonderful.

Sources

Wiktionary, “necklace” translations and entries yooʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.

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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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