dibé
/tɪ̀pɛ́/
The Navajo word for sheep is dibé.
dibé is a noun used to refer to the animal sheep.
Meaning: animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/tɪ̀pɛ́/
Did you know?
- Navajo speakers often use specific kinship-like terms of affection when referring to their dibé, treating the animals as part of the extended family unit.
- Historically, the introduction of sheep by the Spanish transformed Navajo society so deeply that the word for sheep became synonymous with the very concept of prosperity.
- Because sheep are so vital, there are specific Navajo verbs used solely for the act of herding or caring for 'dibé' that do not apply to other animals.
Examples in context
- Dibé.A sheep.
- T'áá ákwíí dibé.It is just a sheep.
Example conversation
Brandon and Michelle are visiting a farm.
- BrandonDibé bee nitsékees.He is thinking about the sheep.
- MichelleÁnííyééyááł dibé t'áá łéé'.There is only one sheep over there.
- BrandonDibé t'áá íįh.The sheep is just right there.
- MichelleHaaí, dibé yá.Yes, it is a sheep.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sheep” translations and entries dibé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
