How to Say “Socks” in Navajo

By Douglas Juan • Updated October 16, 2026

yistłé

The Navajo word for socks is yistłé.

yistłé refers to clothing worn on the feet for the purpose of warmth or protection.

Did you know?

The term yistłé is actually a verb in form, meaning 'he/she/it has socks'.
In traditional Navajo culture, before the introduction of commercial socks, foot protection often involved leather wraps or moccasins.
Traditional Navajo footgear like moccasins use different linguistic roots than yistłé, as commercial socks were a later introduction to the culture.

Example conversation

Brandon and Amanda are getting ready to go outside in the winter.

Brandon

Yistłé bee łání.
Put on your socks.
Amanda

Tʼáá ááko.
I already did.
Brandon

Shiyistłé bee łíníł.
I am wearing my socks.
Amanda

Haaí, tʼáá łééʼ yááł.
Yes, it is very cold.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry yistłé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.

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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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