How to Say “Rice” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 2, 2026

alóós

The Navajo word for rice is alóós.

alóós refers to the seeds used as food.

Meaning: seeds used as food (noun)

Did you know?

The word alóós is a loanword from the Spanish 'arroz'.
Navajo is a tonal language, meaning the accent marks in alóós are not just for stress but change the actual pitch of the word.
While alóós is the specific term for rice, Navajo often categorizes plants by their use or growth habit rather than a single biological species.

Examples in context

Alóós yáʼátʼéé.
The rice is tasty.

Example conversation

Kyle and Sarah are deciding what to eat for dinner.

Kyle

Sarah, alóós dadił níná?
Sarah, do you have some rice?
Sarah

Áą́, alóós shimáá.
Yes, I have rice.
Kyle

Alóós biłááh łóóh.
Put the rice on top.
Sarah

Yáá, dadił níná.
Okay, I have it.

Sources

Wiktionary, “rice” translations and entries alóós, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries alóós, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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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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