How To Say Turkey in Navajo

Have you ever wanted to learn how to say basic words and phrases in the Navajo language? Knowing how to say simple things like “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with Navajo speakers. One fun word you may want to learn is how to say “turkey” in Navajo.

The Navajo language, also known as Diné bizaad, is a Native American language spoken throughout the Navajo Nation and other areas of the American Southwest. It is the most widely spoken Native American language in the United States today. Learning a few key Navajo words and phrases can be a great way to get an introduction to this fascinating language.

So if you want to know how to say “turkey” in Navajo, here is a quick guide:

The Navajo Word for Turkey

The most common Navajo word for “turkey” is:

tązhii

This pronunciation can be broken down as:

• tah – like the English word “top”
• zhee – like the English word “she”

So put together, it is pronounced “tah-zhee”

Here are a few examples of how to use this Navajo word

• Tązhii bitsį’ yishą́. (I eat turkey.)
• Ni-dah-than-zie (No turkey.)

Additional Vocabulary

Along with the basic word for turkey, here are some other useful Navajo vocabulary words related to turkeys:

• Tązhii: Turkeys (plural form)
• Ne-da-tazi-thin: No turkey ice (meaning turkey isn’t frozen)
• Tązhii bitsį’: Turkey meat
• Béégashii bitsį’: Beef

The phrase béégashii bitsį’ (beef) uses the same word bitsį’ (meat) as tązhii bitsį’ (turkey meat). This shows how vocabulary can be combined in Navajo.

Learning More Navajo

The Navajo word for turkey is a great starter word, but there are many other everyday Navajo words and phrases you can learn. Here are some tips for continuing to grow your Navajo vocabulary:

• Use free online Navajo dictionaries like NavajoWOTD to look up common words.
• Study word lists organized by theme, like colors, numbers, days of the week, etc.
• Listen to recordings of native Navajo speakers to pick up pronunciation.
• Learn simple conversational phrases for meeting/greeting people.
• Practice writing out words using the Navajo alphabet.
• Use flashcard apps to memorize new vocabulary.
• Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible by reading Navajo books/websites.

Learning a new language takes time and dedication, but can be incredibly rewarding. Even starting with basic words like knowing how to say “turkey” in Navajo can open the door to discovering a beautiful Native American language and culture. So next Thanksgiving when you sit down to eat turkey, surprise your family by saying “tązhii”!