How to Say “The End” in Navajo

By Georgia Leonie • Updated September 30, 2026

ałtso

The English phrase "the end" is translated into Navajo as ałtso.

This phrase is used to signify the end of a story or a film.

Meaning: end of a story or film (phrase)

Did you know?

The root of ałtso shares a linguistic connection with other Athabaskan languages, which originated in Alaska and Canada before the Navajo migrated south.
The word ałtso is built from a root meaning 'to be big'. In this context, it describes the story having reached its largest or fullest extent.
While ałtso marks the end of a narrative, Navajo has different terms for the end of a physical object or the end of a time period.

Example conversation

Tyler finishes reading a story to Sarah.

Tyler

Áłtso.
The end.
Sarah

Hózhǫ́ǫ́ ałtso.
It was a good end.
Tyler

Haaí, áłtso.
Yes, it is the end.
Sarah

Áádááł t'áá áłtso.
Now it is truly the end.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries ałtso, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Georgia Leonie

Hello! I am Georgia, a dedicated enthusiast of the beautiful Navajo language. As an avid reader and language explorer, my love for the Navajo dialect has allowed me to create comprehensive guides providing riveting insights into the cultural and indigenous languages. My interests don't stop at languages though; as a keen traveler, I've immersed myself into the native cultures, which inevitably led to my exploration of the Navajo dialect. When I'm not exploring languages or new places, I enjoy spending time with animals, pottery and cooking. Examples of some of my work include, 'How to say 'You' in Navajo: Formal and Informal Ways' and 'How to say 'Girlfriend' in Navajo: A Comprehensive Guide'.

Georgia LeonieHelp 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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