yáʼátʼééh
/jɑ́ʔɑ́tʼéːh/
In Navajo, the phrase for welcome can be expressed as yáʼátʼééh. Wiktionary also lists wóshdę́ę́ʼ.
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
Ways to say it
| Navajo | IPA |
|---|---|
| yáʼátʼééh | /jɑ́ʔɑ́tʼéːh/ |
| wóshdę́ę́ʼ | /wóʃtẽ́ːʔ/ |
The term is used as a greeting upon someone's arrival.
What does it mean word for word?
The word yáʼátʼééh literally means it is good.
Which one should you use?
yáʼátʼééh is a general greeting of wellness, whereas wóshdę́ę́ʼ specifically refers to the fact that you have arrived.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɑ́ʔɑ́tʼéːh/
Did you know?
- In Navajo culture, greetings are often accompanied by a gentle avoidance of direct eye contact as a sign of respect.
- Because Navajo is a tonal language, the meaning of 'good' in yáʼátʼééh can change entirely if the pitch of the syllables is misplaced.
- Navajo greetings often lead into a deeper exchange about one's family and clan, rather than a brief 'welcome' and a move to the main topic.
Example sentences for Navajo are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Brandon arrives at Michelle's home for a visit.
- MichelleYáʼátʼééh, Brandon!Welcome, Brandon!
- BrandonYáʼátʼééh, Michelle.Hello, Michelle.
- MichelleHózhóóhgo nááh dóó.Come in with peace.
- BrandonAhéheeʼ.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “welcome” translations and entries yáʼátʼééh, wóshdę́ę́ʼ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
