How to Say “Sleepy” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated September 30, 2026

bił nízin

The Navajo word for "sleepy" is bił nízin.

Use bił nízin to describe the sensation of feeling the need for sleep.

Meaning: feeling the need for sleep (adj)

Did you know?

The Navajo expression bił nízin literally translates to 'by means of it he/she thinks', making the sensation of sleepiness a cognitive process rather than a physical one.
In Navajo, the concept of being 'sleepy' is expressed through a verb structure rather than a static adjective.

Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.

Example conversation

Michelle and Tyler are watching a late movie.

Michelle

Tyler, bił nízin?
Tyler, are you sleepy?
Tyler

Ááá, bił nízin.
Yes, I am sleepy.
Michelle

Háyááł bił nízin.
You are sleepy now.
Tyler

Yáá, tʼáá áéí.
Yes, that's right.

Sources

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