How to Say “Pencil” in Navajo

By Dianne Suzanne • Updated October 3, 2026

béésh bee akʼeʼelchíhí

The English word "pencil" is béésh bee akʼeʼelchíhí in Navajo.

This noun refers to a graphite writing instrument.

Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of béésh (metal), bee (with/by means of) and akʼeʼelchíhí (the thing used for writing/marking).

Did you know?

Navajo treats graphite as a type of metal (béésh), even though it is a form of carbon.
The term béésh is used for 'metal' because early metal tools introduced to the Navajo were often knives.
The word béésh descends from Proto-Athabaskan, linking the Navajo 'pencil' to ancestral languages spoken thousands of miles away.

Example conversation

Sarah and Kyle are preparing for a class.

Sarah

Kyle, béésh bee akʼeʼelchíhí hólǫ́?
Kyle, do you have a pencil?
Kyle

Ááʼ
Yes.
Sarah

Béésh bee akʼeʼelchíhí tʼáá ákoo nishłééh.
I need a pencil too.
Kyle

Shił hózhǫ́, tʼáá ákoo kʼad.
I have one, here it is.

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About The Author

Dianne Suzanne

Hello, I'm Dianne! When I'm not exploring the compelling world of Navajo language and sharing my findings with you all, I'm either sunkissed over a game of baseball or lost in a thrilling novel. My passion for linguistics and culture led me to author comprehensive guides on how to express various phrases in Navajo. I believe language bridges deep gulfs of understanding and I'm here to build that bridge for you. Apart from this, I also cherish the wilderness, where I often wander, searching for the secrets within the language of nature. Yá'át'ééh - welcome to my lens into the enchanting world of words!

Dianne SuzanneHelp 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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