How to Say “Wake Up” in Navajo

By Gertrude Faith • Updated October 7, 2026

chʼééh dighááh

The English phrase "wake up" is translated into Navajo as chʼééh dighááh.

This verb is used to describe the act of becoming awake.

Meaning: to (become) awake (verb)

Did you know?

The word dighááh is built from a root that originally means 'to go' or 'to walk'. In Navajo, the concept of 'waking up' is framed as the process of 'going into' a state of being.

Example conversation

Sarah is waking Brandon up in the morning.

Brandon

Dighááh, Brandon.
Wake up, Brandon.
Sarah

Yáʼátʼééh, Sarah.
Good morning, Sarah.
Brandon

Chʼééh dighááh, tʼáá áéí.
Just wake up already.
Sarah

Áshį́į́h, dighááh dighááh.
I'm coming, I'm awake, I'm awake.

Sources

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

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About The Author

Gertrude Faith

Hi, I'm Gertrude! A linguaphile with an amiable obsession for the Navajo language. My love for sharing this rich cultural heritage inspires my dedication to writing extensive guides—providing delicate, all-encompassing translations. When I'm not engrossed in my work, I spend my time exploring the trails of the Four Corners, sipping on Navajo tea, and learning more about native folklore. Ahéhee' (thank you) for joining me on this linguistic journey!

Gertrude FaithHelp 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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