Navajo Translator — Free English to Diné Bizaad Language Converter
Translate English to Navajo (Diné Bizaad) — the language of the Navajo Nation and the WWII Code Talkers. Free, no sign-up. Use respectfully.
Common Navajo Words
| English | Navajo | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Yá'át'ééh | YAH-ah-tay |
| Friend | Shik'is | shi-KIS |
| Mother | Shimá | shi-MAH |
| Father | Shizhé'é | shi-ZHEH-ay |
| Brother | Shínaaí | shi-NAH-eye |
| Sister | Shádí | shah-DEE |
| Sun | Jóhonaa'éí | JO-ho-nah-ay |
| Moon | Tł'éhonaa'éí | tlay-ho-nah-ay |
| Water | Tó | TOH |
| Earth | Nahasdzáán | nah-has-dzahn |
| Sky | Yá' | YAH |
| Wind | Níłch'i | NEEL-chih |
| Horse | Łį́į́' | LEEN |
| Sheep | Dibé | DI-bay |
| Eagle | Atsá | at-SAH |
| Beautiful | Hózhǫ́ | HO-zho |
| Thank you | Ahéhee' | ah-HEH-heh |
| Yes | Aoo' | AH-oh |
| No | Dooda | DOH-dah |
What Is the Navajo Language?
Navajo, known as Diné Bizaad ("the People's language"), is an Athabascan language spoken by the Navajo Nation people of the Four Corners region (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado). With approximately 170,000 speakers, it is the most widely spoken Indigenous language north of Mexico. Navajo is related to languages of Alaska and Canada through ancient migration.
The Linguistic Complexity of Navajo
Navajo is considered one of the most linguistically complex languages in the world. A single verb can encode what would be a full sentence in English — including object shape, direction, timing, and the speaker's relationship to the subject. Navajo is a tonal language: pitch changes meaning. It also uses consonants rare in European languages, including ejective and lateral fricatives — features that made it impossible for Japanese cryptanalysts to break in WWII.
The Navajo Code Talkers
During World War II, approximately 400 Navajo men were recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps to use their language as the basis for a military code. Because Navajo was unwritten at the time and its phonetic/tonal complexity made it opaque to outsiders, the Navajo code was never broken. The Code Talkers played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater.
Who Uses This Navajo Language Translator?
- Students and researchers of Indigenous North American languages
- Navajo descendants reconnecting with their heritage language
- Linguists and anthropologists documenting endangered languages
- Educators teaching about Indigenous history and language diversity
- Writers and filmmakers creating authentic depictions of Navajo culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Diné Bizaad mean?
Diné Bizaad means "the People's language". Diné is the Navajo people's name for themselves.
How many people speak Navajo?
Approximately 170,000, making it the most spoken Indigenous language north of Mexico.
Why is Navajo so linguistically complex?
Its verb system is extraordinarily elaborate; it is tonal and has uncommon consonants.
What were the Navajo Code Talkers?
Navajo men who used their language as an unbreakable military code in WWII.
Is Navajo an endangered language?
It is considered endangered; child speaker numbers have declined. Preservation is a priority of the Navajo Nation.
What language family is Navajo in?
Na-Dené family, Southern Athabascan branch, related to Apache and Alaskan languages.
Is this Navajo translator free?
Yes — completely free, no account required.