bilagáana
/pɪ̀lɑ̀kɑ̂ːnɑ̀/
The English phrase 'white person' is translated into Navajo as bilagáana.
bilagáana is a broad term used to refer to any person of European descent or anyone with light skin, regardless of their specific nationality.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bilagáana literally translates to 'his/her white person'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɪ̀lɑ̀kɑ̂ːnɑ̀/
Did you know?
- The word bilagáana is derived from the Spanish word americano.
- Navajo is a tonal language, meaning the pitch of the word bilagáana can change its meaning or indicate a grammatical shift.
- In some traditional contexts, bilagáana is used as a shorthand for the United States government or federal authority.
Examples in context
- Bilagáana nishłį́.I am a white person.
Example conversation
Sarah and Kyle are talking about their new neighbor.
- SarahBilagáana tʼáá áánígo yááł.The white person went that way.
- KyleÁáʼá, tʼáá áánígo yááł.Yes, he went that way.
- SarahYáatʼééh bilagáana tʼáá áánígo yááł.The white person really went that way.
- KyleHózhóóh tʼáá áánígo yááł.He definitely went that way.
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.
