How to Say “Run” in Navajo

By Dianne Suzanne • Updated October 3, 2026

yilwod

To run is yilwod in Navajo.

The verb yilwod describes the action of moving quickly on two feet.

Meaning: to move quickly on two feet (verb)

Did you know?

There is a cultural emphasis on 'running in beauty', where the physical act of moving is connected to the philosophy of Hózhó or balance and harmony.
Traditional Navajo culture features 'night runs' and ceremonial runs that are spiritual practices rather than just physical exercise.
Because Navajo is an agglutinative language, a single word for 'run' can be expanded with prefixes and suffixes to describe the entire context of the run.

Examples in context

Yilwod.
He is running.

Example conversation

Kyle and Sarah are watching a boy in a race.

Kyle

Hastiin yilwod.
The man is running.
Sarah

Áá', t'áá łéé'yą́.
Yes, he is going far.
Kyle

Yilwod t'áá átééh.
He is running quickly.
Sarah

Hózhǫ́, yee naashá.
Good, he is winning.

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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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