Naashtʼézhí bizaad
Naashtʼézhí bizaad is the Navajo way to say Zuni (the language).
The term is used to refer to the Zuni language. When referring to the Native American tribe in a plural sense, the form Naashtʼézhí is used.
Meaning: language (name)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the formal phrase Zuni bizaad to mean the Zuni language. To refer specifically to the Zuni people in a formal context, the phrase Zuni dine'é is used.
Related words
Did you know?
- The term dine'é in Zuni dine'é specifically denotes 'the people', and in Navajo, this root is used as a general term for human beings with a sacred connotation.
- In Navajo, the word for 'language' saad is the same word used for a single 'word', reflecting a holistic view of speech.
- The word bizaad contains a possessive prefix bi-, meaning the language is literally described as 'their word'.
Examples in context
- Naashtʼézhí bizaad yáʼátʼééh.Zuni language is good.
Example conversation
Brandon and Amanda are talking about their language classes.
- BrandonNaashtʼézhí bizaad yishání.I am learning the Zuni language.
- AmandaTʼáá ááʼlaʼníí?Really?
- BrandonÁáʼko Naashtʼézhí bizaad tʼáá áání.Some people speak the Zuni language.
- AmandaDí ííyís hózhoóh.That is very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zuni” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bizaad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
