ahéheeʼ
/ʔɑ̀hɛ́hèːʔ/
The English phrase "thank you" is expressed in Navajo as ahéheeʼ.
ahéheeʼ is an expression of gratitude.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔɑ̀hɛ́hèːʔ/
Did you know?
- During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers used their language to create an unbreakable code. While ahéheeʼ is a simple phrase, the linguistic structure it belongs to was vital to the Allied victory in the Pacific.
- In many traditional Navajo interactions, gratitude is expressed through a reciprocal action or a gift rather than by saying ahéheeʼ. This reflects a cultural value of maintaining balance and harmony known as Hózhó.
- The tone and length of the vowels in ahéheeʼ can change the intensity of your gratitude, much like musical pitch.
Examples in context
- Ahéheeʼ shikʼéí dóó shidineʼéAudio: (file) Thank you to my friends/family and my people.This sentence shows how to express thanks to friends, family and one's people using ahéheeʼ.
- Bimá sání dóó bicheii ahéheeʼ bidiníAudio: (file) Tell his grandma and grandpa thank you.This sentence demonstrates the use of ahéheeʼ when relaying thanks to others.
- Yáʼátʼééh abiní dóó ahéheeʼ.Good morning and thank you.This sentence shows how to combine a morning greeting with ahéheeʼ.Tatoeba #7265252 by azraelgnosis, translation #7265253 by azraelgnosis
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Michelle hands Brandon a glass of water.
- BrandonAhéheeʼ, Michelle.Thank you, Michelle.
- MichelleÁádóleéʼ.You're welcome.
- BrandonTʼáá áání.It's just right.
- MichelleYáʼátʼééh.It's good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries ahéheeʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
