bilagáana
/pɪ̀lɑ̀kɑ̂ːnɑ̀/
In Navajo, the phrase "white man" is translated as bilagáana.
The term is used to refer to a person of European descent.
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the prefix bi-, which means "his" or "her".
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis or to indicate a specific person, you can use the form bilagáána by lengthening the final syllable. Additionally, adding the suffix -łtsoí to the word results in Bilasáanałtsoí, which specifically signifies "male" or "man".
How do you pronounce it?
/pɪ̀lɑ̀kɑ̂ːnɑ̀/
Did you know?
- Although it translates to 'white man', the term bilagáana is actually a linguistic descendant of the Spanish word 'americano'.
- Because Navajo is a tonal language, the pitch used to say bilagáana is just as important for being understood as the letters themselves.
- In some contexts, bilagáana can refer not just to a person, but to the entire culture, laws or customs associated with Westerners.
Example conversation
Sarah and Justin are looking at a photograph.
- SarahKééshį́į́ nihílíí?Who is that person?
- JustinHastiin bilagáana éí.He is a white man.
- SarahÁkootʼéé bii éí?Is he related to you?
- JustinHaaí, tʼáá bilagáana éí.No, he is just a white man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bilagáana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bilagáana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
