Numbers in Navajo: Complete Guide to Counting in Diné Bizaad

Learn to count from 1 to 100 in Navajo with pronunciation guides, cultural insights, and practical examples. Master the Navajo number system today.

Understanding the Navajo Number System

Learning numbers in Navajo Language opens a fascinating window into how the Diné people conceptualize quantity, mathematics, and the ordering of the world.

The Navajo number system is a decimal (base-10) system that shares structural similarities with English numbering but uses completely unique vocabulary and follows logical patterns that make learning systematic once you understand the rules.

Unlike some indigenous languages that use different counting bases (like base-20 systems), Navajo employs a straightforward base-10 system where numbers build logically from foundational terms.

Once you master the numbers one through ten and understand the simple patterns for forming larger numbers, you can count to any number in Navajo.

Numbers play crucial roles in Navajo culture beyond simple counting. They appear in sacred ceremonies, traditional stories, astronomical observations, trade and commerce, timekeeping, and daily communication.

The number four holds particular significance, representing the four sacred directions, four sacred mountains, and many other quaternary patterns in Navajo cosmology.

This comprehensive guide will teach you to count from one to one hundred and beyond in Navajo, with detailed pronunciation guidance, cultural context, practical examples, and memory aids to accelerate your learning.

Whether you’re studying Navajo language, teaching mathematics in bilingual contexts, or simply curious about indigenous number systems, this resource provides everything you need.

Navajo Numbers 1-10: The Foundation

The foundation of the Navajo number system rests on ten base numbers. Master these, and you’ll be able to construct any number in the language through logical patterns.

Complete Table of Numbers 1-10

English	Navajo	Pronunciation (IPA)	Phonetic Guide
1	Tʼááłáʼí	/tʼáːɬáʔí/	t’ah-LAH-ee
2	Naaki	/naːkɪ/	NAH-kee
3	Tááʼ	/táːʔ/	TAH
4	Dį́į́ʼ	/dĩ́ːʔ/	DEEN (nasalized)
5	Ashdlaʼ	/aʃdlaʔ/	ASH-dlah
6	Hastą́ą́	/hastą́ː/	hah-STAHN
7	Tsostsʼid	/tsostsʼid/	TSOS-ts’id
8	Tsebíí	/tsebíː/	tse-BEE
9	Náhástʼéí	/náhástʼéí/	NAH-hast-ay
10	Nezhná	/neʒná/	nezh-NAH

Deep Dive into Each Base Number

One – Tʼááłáʼí (t’ah-LAH-ee)

The number one in Navajo contains several challenging sounds for English speakers. The initial tʼ is an ejective consonant requiring a sharp burst of air.

The ł represents a lateral fricative (like Welsh “ll”), and the glottal stop (ʼ) creates a brief pause in airflow.

Culturally, one represents unity, wholeness, and the beginning. It’s used in phrases about individuality and singularity.

Two – Naaki (NAH-kee)

Two is one of the simpler Navajo numbers to pronounce for English speakers. The double vowel (aa) indicates length—hold the “ah” sound longer than a single vowel.

In Navajo culture, two represents duality, pairs, and balance. Many traditional stories and teachings involve paired concepts.

Three – Tááʼ (TAH)

Three is remarkably short, consisting of a long high-tone “ah” followed by a glottal stop. Don’t be deceived by its brevity—proper pronunciation requires attention to vowel length and the final glottal stop.

Three appears in various cultural contexts but less prominently than four.

Four – Dį́į́ʼ (DEEN)

Four is perhaps the most culturally significant number in Navajo tradition. The pronunciation includes a long, high-tone, nasalized vowel followed by a glottal stop.

The number four represents the four sacred directions (east, south, west, north), four sacred mountains, four original clans, and countless other quaternary patterns in Navajo cosmology. Many ceremonies involve fourfold repetition.

Five – Ashdlaʼ (ASH-dlah)

Five combines several sounds: ash (like English “ash”), the lateral fricative dl (air flowing around sides of tongue), and the vowel-glottal stop combination aʼ.

Five represents the hand with five fingers and often relates to manual counting methods.

Six – Hastą́ą́ (hah-STAHN)

Six features a long nasalized vowel at the end. The high tone on the final syllable is important for correct meaning.

Mathematically, six combines concepts of five plus one in some traditional explanations.

Seven – Tsostsʼid (TSOS-ts’id)

Seven presents pronunciation challenges with the ts sound repeated and an ejective tsʼ in the second syllable. Break it down: tsos + tsʼid.

Seven has various cultural associations and appears in traditional stories.

Eight – Tsebíí (tse-BEE)

Eight is relatively straightforward, with two clear syllables. The final vowel is long and high-tone.

Eight relates to doubling patterns (2×4) in some counting traditions.

Nine – Náhástʼéí (NAH-hast-ay)

Nine is one of the longer base numbers, with multiple syllables and an ejective consonant. Take time to practice each component separately before combining.

As the last single digit, nine represents completion approaching a new cycle (ten).

Ten – Nezhná (nezh-NAH)

Ten completes the base numbers. The zh sound is like the “s” in “measure” or “pleasure.”

Ten represents completion of the first counting cycle and forms the basis for larger numbers.

Memory Aids for 1-10

Visual Association: Create mental images:

Tʼááłáʼí (1): A single tree standing alone
Naaki (2): A pair of moccasins
Tááʼ (3): Three sacred stones
Dį́į́ʼ (4): Four sacred mountains
Ashdlaʼ (5): Five fingers on a hand

Repetition Practice: Count from 1-10 repeatedly:

5 times slowly
5 times at normal speed
5 times quickly

Daily Application: Count everyday objects in Navajo:

Coffee cups: tʼááłáʼí, naaki, tááʼ…
Steps while walking: tʼááłáʼí, naaki, tááʼ…
People in a room: tʼááłáʼí, naaki, tááʼ…

Numbers 11-20: The Additive Pattern

Numbers eleven through nineteen follow a consistent additive pattern in Navajo, though it’s somewhat different from English. The construction literally means “[number] and in addition to it two [tens].”

Understanding the Pattern

The formula for 11-19 is: [Base number 1-9] + doo biʼáádéé + naaki

This literally translates as “[number] and/plus ten” where “doo biʼáádéé naaki” means “and in addition to it two [groups of five, which equals ten].”

While this might seem complex, it becomes automatic with practice.

Complete Table of Numbers 11-20

English	Navajo	Literal Translation	Pronunciation
11	Tʼááłáʼí doo biʼáádéé naaki	One and ten	t’ah-LAH-ee doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
12	Naaki doo biʼáádéé naaki	Two and ten	NAH-kee doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
13	Tááʼ doo biʼáádéé naaki	Three and ten	TAH doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
14	Dį́į́ʼ doo biʼáádéé naaki	Four and ten	DEEN doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
15	Ashdlaʼ doo biʼáádéé naaki	Five and ten	ASH-dlah doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
16	Hastą́ą́ doo biʼáádéé naaki	Six and ten	hah-STAHN doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
17	Tsostsʼid doo biʼáádéé naaki	Seven and ten	TSOS-ts’id doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
18	Tsebíí doo biʼáádéé naaki	Eight and ten	tse-BEE doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
19	Náhástʼéí doo biʼáádéé naaki	Nine and ten	NAH-hast-ay doh bee-AH-day NAH-kee
20	Naadiin	Twenty	NAH-deen

Shortened Colloquial Forms

In casual speech, numbers 11-19 are sometimes shortened or pronounced more rapidly, with the middle phrase “doo biʼáádéé” flowing together quickly. However, for learning purposes, practice the full form first.

Some speakers may use slightly different constructions for these numbers, reflecting regional variations or simplified forms used in daily conversation.

Practice Techniques

Pattern Recognition Exercise: Notice how the same phrase “doo biʼáádéé naaki” appears in all numbers 11-19. Practice saying this phrase until it becomes automatic.

Substitution Drill: Practice replacing the first number while keeping the pattern:

Tʼááłáʼí doo biʼáádéé naaki (11)
Naaki doo biʼáádéé naaki (12)
Tááʼ doo biʼáádéé naaki (13)
Continue through 19

Counting Practice: Count from 11-20 repeatedly, focusing on smooth transitions between numbers.

Counting by Tens: 20, 30, 40…100

The tens in Navajo follow a beautifully logical multiplicative pattern. Understanding this pattern allows you to quickly construct any multiple of ten.

The Pattern: Base Number + -diin Suffix

The formula for tens is: [Base number 2-9] + diin suffix = [that many] tens

For example:

Naaki (2) + diin = Naadiin (20) [two tens]
Tááʼ (3) + diin = Tádiin (30) [three tens]

Complete Table of Tens

English	Navajo	Construction	Pronunciation
10	Nezhná	Base number	nezh-NAH
20	Naadiin	Naaki + diin	NAH-deen
30	Tádiin	Tááʼ + diin	TAH-deen
40	Dííʼdiin	Dį́į́ʼ + diin	DEE-deen
50	Ashdladiin	Ashdlaʼ + diin	ASH-dlah-deen
60	Hastą́ądiin	Hastą́ą́ + diin	hah-STAHN-deen
70	Tsostsʼidiin	Tsostsʼid + diin	TSOS-ts’id-deen
80	Tsebídiin	Tsebíí + diin	tse-BEE-deen
90	Náhástʼédiin	Náhástʼéí + diin	NAH-hast-ay-deen
100	Neestą́diin	Special form	nay-STAHN-deen

Understanding the -diin Suffix

The suffix -diin essentially means “tens” or “groups of ten.” When you attach it to a base number, you’re indicating that many tens.

Notice how some numbers undergo slight modifications when -diin is added:

Naaki (2) becomes Naadiin (not Naakidiin)
Tááʼ (3) becomes Tádiin (shortened vowel)
Dį́į́ʼ (4) becomes Dííʼdiin (modification of vowel length)

These modifications follow Navajo phonological rules and become natural with practice.

Special Case: One Hundred

One hundred (Neestą́diin) doesn’t follow the exact same pattern as the other tens. It’s a special compound that means “one hundred” rather than “ten tens.”

For numbers beyond 100, larger number words exist, which we’ll explore in the next section.

Counting by Tens Practice

Skip Counting: Practice counting by tens from 10 to 100:

Nezhná (10)
Naadiin (20)
Tádiin (30)
Continue to Neestą́diin (100)

Backwards Counting: Count backwards from 100 to 10 by tens to reinforce learning.

Random Recognition: Have someone call out a ten (30, 70, etc.) and you respond in Navajo, or vice versa.

Composite Numbers: 21-99

Once you know the base numbers (1-10) and the tens (20, 30, etc.), forming composite numbers is straightforward using a simple additive pattern.

The Pattern: Tens + Units

The formula for composite numbers is: [Tens number] + [Units number]

For example:

21 = Naadiin tʼááłáʼí (Twenty one)
35 = Tádiin ashdlaʼ (Thirty five)
48 = Dííʼdiin tsebíí (Forty eight)

Examples Across the Range

Twenties (21-29):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
21	Naadiin tʼááłáʼí	NAH-deen t’ah-LAH-ee
22	Naadiin naaki	NAH-deen NAH-kee
25	Naadiin ashdlaʼ	NAH-deen ASH-dlah
29	Naadiin náhástʼéí	NAH-deen NAH-hast-ay

Thirties (31-39):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
31	Tádiin tʼááłáʼí	TAH-deen t’ah-LAH-ee
33	Tádiin tááʼ	TAH-deen TAH
37	Tádiin tsostsʼid	TAH-deen TSOS-ts’id

Forties (41-49):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
44	Dííʼdiin dį́į́ʼ	DEE-deen DEEN
45	Dííʼdiin ashdlaʼ	DEE-deen ASH-dlah
48	Dííʼdiin tsebíí	DEE-deen tse-BEE

Fifties (51-59):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
50	Ashdladiin	ASH-dlah-deen
55	Ashdladiin ashdlaʼ	ASH-dlah-deen ASH-dlah
59	Ashdladiin náhástʼéí	ASH-dlah-deen NAH-hast-ay

Sixties (61-69):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
63	Hastą́ądiin tááʼ	hah-STAHN-deen TAH
66	Hastą́ądiin hastą́ą́	hah-STAHN-deen hah-STAHN

Seventies (71-79):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
70	Tsostsʼidiin	TSOS-ts’id-deen
77	Tsostsʼidiin tsostsʼid	TSOS-ts’id-deen TSOS-ts’id

Eighties (81-89):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
82	Tsebídiin naaki	tse-BEE-deen NAH-kee
88	Tsebídiin tsebíí	tse-BEE-deen tse-BEE

Nineties (91-99):

English	Navajo	Pronunciation
95	Náhástʼédiin ashdlaʼ	NAH-hast-ay-deen ASH-dlah
99	Náhástʼédiin náhástʼéí	NAH-hast-ay-deen NAH-hast-ay

Pattern Practice

The beauty of this system is its consistency. Once you know:

Numbers 1-10
The tens (20-90)

You can construct any number from 1-99 simply by combining them.

Exercise: Random Number Generation Practice by having someone give you random two-digit numbers to translate:

47 = Dííʼdiin tsostsʼid
83 = Tsebídiin tááʼ
56 = Ashdladiin hastą́ą́

Exercise: Counting by Different Intervals Count by 5s, 2s, or 3s in Navajo to practice various number combinations.

Higher Numbers: Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond

The Navajo number system extends logically beyond one hundred, allowing speakers to express any quantity, no matter how large.

Hundreds

One Hundred: Neestą́diin (nay-STAHN-deen)

For multiples of one hundred, Navajo uses multiplicative construction:

100 = Neestą́diin
200 = Naaki neestą́diin (Two hundred)
300 = Tááʼ neestą́diin (Three hundred)
400 = Dį́į́ʼ neestą́diin (Four hundred)
500 = Ashdlaʼ neestą́diin (Five hundred)

Composite Hundreds (101-199, etc.):

For numbers like 150, 237, or 489, combine hundreds with tens and units:

150 = Neestą́diin ashdladiin (One hundred fifty)
237 = Naaki neestą́diin tádiin tsostsʼid (Two hundred thirty-seven)
489 = Dį́į́ʼ neestą́diin tsebídiin náhástʼéí (Four hundred eighty-nine)

Thousands

One Thousand: Mííl (meel)

The word for thousand is mííl, borrowed and adapted from Spanish “mil” (thousand), showing historical language contact and trade relationships.

Multiples of thousand follow the same multiplicative pattern:

1,000 = Mííl
2,000 = Naaki mííl (Two thousand)
5,000 = Ashdlaʼ mííl (Five thousand)
10,000 = Nezhná mííl (Ten thousand)

Composite Thousands:

1,500 = Mííl ashdlaʼ neestą́diin (One thousand five hundred)
3,247 = Tááʼ mííl naaki neestą́diin dííʼdiin tsostsʼid (Three thousand two hundred forty-seven)

Millions and Beyond

Million: Míiltsoh (MEEL-tsoh) Literally “big thousand”

Billion: Bilyóón (bil-YOHN) Borrowed from English/Spanish

For extremely large numbers, Navajo employs borrowed terms from English or Spanish, adapted to Navajo phonology. Traditional contexts rarely required such large numbers, but modern contexts (population statistics, money, distances) necessitate these terms.

Practical Examples with Large Numbers

Years:

2025 = Naaki mííl naadiin ashdlaʼ (Two thousand twenty-five)
1950 = Tʼááłáʼí mííl náhástʼédiin ashdladiin (One thousand nine hundred fifty)

Prices:

$250 = Naaki neestą́diin ashdladiin dollars
$1,800 = Tʼááłáʼí mííl tsebídiin neestą́diin dollars

Population:

173,000 people = Neestą́diin tsostsʼidiin tááʼ mííl people

Historical Note on Large Numbers

Traditional Navajo culture didn’t require counting into millions for most purposes. Quantities like livestock numbers, community sizes, or trade goods were typically in the hundreds or low thousands.

The adoption of Spanish-derived “mííl” and English-derived terms for larger numbers reflects cultural contact and linguistic borrowing—common processes in all living languages.

Comprehensive Pronunciation Guide

Mastering Navajo number pronunciation requires understanding sounds that don’t exist in English. This section provides detailed guidance for the most challenging aspects.

Key Sound Features in Navajo Numbers

Ejective Consonants (tʼ, tsʼ, kʼ):

These consonants are produced with a sharp burst of air created by building pressure and releasing it quickly. They appear in several numbers:

Tʼááłáʼí (1)
Tááʼ (3)
Dį́į́ʼ (4)
Ashdlaʼ (5)
Tsostsʼid (7)
Náhástʼéí (9)

How to practice ejectives:

Say “top” repeatedly
Feel the burst of air on “t”
Make that burst sharper and more forceful
That’s an ejective tʼ

Lateral Fricatives (ł, dl):

The ł sound appears in tʼááłáʼí (1) and is pronounced by placing your tongue as if to say “l” but blowing air around the sides rather than down the center. It sounds somewhat like “thl” or Welsh “ll.”

The dl combination in ashdlaʼ (5) combines a stop with lateral release.

Nasal Vowels (ą, į, ę, ǫ):

Nasal vowels are produced with air flowing through both mouth and nose:

Dį́į́ʼ (4): long nasalized “ee”
Hastą́ą́ (6): nasal “ah”
Nezhná (10): nasal final “ah”

How to practice nasal vowels:

Say “ah” normally
Now say “ah” while pinching your nose closed
You should hear/feel the difference
Now say “ah” without pinching but with that nasal quality
That’s a nasal vowel

High Tone (marked with ´):

Navajo is a tonal language where pitch changes meaning. Acute accents mark high tone:

Dį́į́ʼ (not dįįʼ)
Hastą́ą́ (not hastąą)

The pitch should be noticeably higher on marked syllables.

Glottal Stops (ʼ):

The apostrophe represents a complete closure of the glottis (throat), stopping airflow briefly:

Tʼááłáʼí: glottal stop at the end
Tááʼ: ends with glottal stop
Dį́į́ʼ: ends with glottal stop

Think of the pause in “uh-oh”—that’s a glottal stop.

Number-by-Number Pronunciation Tips

1 – Tʼááłáʼí:

Ejective tʼ (sharp burst)
Long high-tone áá (hold for 2 beats)
Lateral ł (air around tongue sides)
Short a
Glottal stop ʼ
High-tone í

Break it into: tʼ-AA-lah-ee

2 – Naaki:

Simple “NAH”
Long aa (2 beats)
Short “kee”

This is one of the easiest—just make sure the first syllable’s vowel is long.

3 – Tááʼ:

High-tone long TAA (2 beats, higher pitch)
Glottal stop at the end

Common mistake: Saying “tah” without length or glottal stop. Should be TAA-[stop].

4 – Dį́į́ʼ:

Nasalized high-tone long EE (through nose and mouth)
Glottal stop

This is challenging because it combines nasal, tone, length, and glottal stop. Practice: DEEN-[stop] with nasal quality.

5 – Ashdlaʼ:

ASH (like English “ash”)
dl (lateral release d)
ah
Glottal stop

Break it: ASH-dlah-[stop]

6 – Hastą́ą́:

hah (short)
STAHN (long, high-tone, nasalized)

The final syllable is crucial—long, nasal, high-pitched.

7 – Tsostsʼid:

TSOS (ts blend, long o)
TSʼID (ejective ts, short id)

Two syllables, both beginning with ts sounds. The second has ejective quality.

8 – Tsebíí:

tse (like “tse-tse fly”)
BEE (long, high-tone)

Simple two syllables, emphasis on second.

9 – Náhástʼéí:

NAH (high-tone)
hast (middle syllable)
ʼéí (glottal stop plus high-tone ay)

Three syllables with high tones on first and last.

10 – Nezhná:

nezh (zh like “measure”)
NAH (emphasis)

The zh sound is key here—soft, voiced fricative.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Isolated Sound Practice Spend 5 minutes each on:

Ejective consonants (tʼ, tsʼ)
Lateral fricatives (ł, dl)
Nasal vowels (ą, į)
Glottal stops

Exercise 2: Slow Repetition Say each number 1-10 slowly, 5 times each, focusing on accuracy over speed.

Exercise 3: Speed Building Once you can say each number slowly and correctly, gradually increase speed while maintaining accuracy.

Exercise 4: Recording and Comparison Record yourself counting 1-10 and compare to native speaker recordings. Identify specific sounds needing more work.

Cultural Significance of Numbers

Numbers in Navajo culture carry meanings beyond mere quantity. Understanding these cultural dimensions enriches your appreciation of the language.

The Sacred Number Four

Four holds supreme significance in Navajo (Diné) culture and cosmology:

Four Sacred Directions:

East (Haʼaʼaah) – associated with dawn, white, thinking
South (Shádí’ááh) – associated with blue, planning
West (Eʼeʼaah) – associated with yellow, life
North (Náhookǫs) – associated with black, death and renewal

Four Sacred Mountains: These mountains mark the boundaries of traditional Diné homeland:

Sisnaajinį́ (Blanca Peak) – East
Tsoodził (Mount Taylor) – South
Dookʼoʼoosłííd (San Francisco Peaks) – West
Dibé Ntsaa (Hesperus Mountain) – North

Four Seasons: The year divides into four seasons, each with its own activities, ceremonies, and significance.

Four Original Clans: Traditional Navajo society traces descent through four original clans, though many more exist today.

Ceremonial Usage: Many ceremonies involve fourfold repetition:

Songs sung four times
Rituals performed in four directions
Prayers repeated four times
Four days of ceremonial activity

The number four appears throughout Navajo creation stories, healing ceremonies, and daily prayers, making dį́į́ʼ more than just a number—it’s a organizing principle of Navajo understanding of the universe.

Other Culturally Significant Numbers

One (Tʼááłáʼí): Represents unity, the Creator, wholeness, and individual identity. In ceremonies, one often symbolizes the beginning or source.

Two (Naaki): Symbolizes duality, balance, and pairing. Male and female, earth and sky, day and night—many dualities structure Navajo thought.

Seven (Tsostsʼid): Has special significance in some ceremonial contexts, though less prominent than four.

Twelve: Corresponds to lunar months in the traditional calendar, connecting numbers to timekeeping.

Numbers in Traditional Stories

Traditional Navajo stories (usually told only in winter) often feature numbers, especially four, as organizing elements:

Characters might attempt something four times before succeeding
Journey might involve four stopping places
Heroes might receive four gifts or face four challenges

These patterns aren’t arbitrary but reflect the sacred geometry of Navajo cosmology.

Numbers in Ceremonies and Healing

Numbers structure ceremonial life:

Blessingway: The foundational Navajo ceremony involves specific numerical patterns in songs, prayers, and ritual actions.

Enemyway: This ceremony for warriors returning from war involves three nights of ritual activity, leading to restoration on the fourth day.

Nightway (Yéi̜i̜ bi̜ cheii): This nine-night ceremony heals illness and restores harmony.

The duration, repetition, and structure of ceremonies follow precise numerical patterns that have been maintained for generations.

Counting in Daily Life

Beyond ceremonial contexts, numbers appear throughout daily Navajo life:

Livestock Counting: Historically, Navajo people counted sheep, horses, and other livestock using traditional numbers.

Trade and Commerce: Numbers facilitated trade both within Navajo society and with neighboring peoples.

Time Reckoning: Numbers helped track days, months, seasons, and years.

Resource Management: Counting water sources, food stores, and community resources.

Educational Significance

Teaching Navajo numbers serves multiple purposes:

Language Preservation: Numbers are fundamental vocabulary that helps maintain linguistic vitality.

Mathematical Concepts: Navajo numbers provide a culturally grounded way to teach mathematical concepts to Navajo children.

Cultural Connection: Learning to count in Navajo connects young people to traditional knowledge and identity.

Cognitive Benefits: Bilingual number knowledge enhances cognitive flexibility and mathematical thinking.

Practical Usage and Examples

Understanding how to use Navajo numbers in real contexts makes learning more meaningful and useful.

Counting Objects

Counting People:

Tʼááłáʼí hastiin – One man
Naaki asdzą́ą́ – Two women
Tááʼ aweʼé – Three babies
Dį́į́ʼ ashkii – Four boys

Counting Animals:

Ashdlaʼ dibé – Five sheep
Hastą́ą́ łį́į́ʼ – Six horses
Tsostsʼid mósí – Seven cats
Tsebíí łééchaʼí – Eight dogs

Counting Household Items:

Náhástʼéí atsįʼ – Nine baskets
Nezhná tsiyaa – Ten beads
Naadiin tʼááłáʼí bits’ąąʼ – Twenty-one knives

Telling Time

Hours:

Nezhná yiskąągo – At ten o’clock
Naaki yiskąągo – At two o’clock
Tsebíí yiskąągo bííhgo – Around eight o’clock

Minutes:

Naadiin táʼ – Twenty minutes
Tádiin ashdlaʼ – Thirty-five minutes

Expressing Duration:

Dį́į́ʼ jį́ – Four days
Naaki yikááʼ – Two weeks
Tááʼ dashiną́ą́ – Three years

Money and Prices

Dollar Amounts:

Tʼááłáʼí béeso – One dollar
Ashdlaʼ béeso – Five dollars
Naadiin béeso – Twenty dollars
Neestą́diin béeso – One hundred dollars

Prices:

Díí baa áhólníih naaki béeso – This costs two dollars
Naaki neestą́diin ashdladiin béeso – Two hundred fifty dollars

Phone Numbers

Phone numbers are read digit by digit:

505-867-5309 would be: ashdlaʼ-łá-ashdlaʼ, tsebíí-hastą́ą́-tsostsʼid, ashdlaʼ-tááʼ-łá-náhástʼéí

Addresses and Locations

House Numbers:

Kin tʼááłáʼí neestą́diin – House 100
Kin naaki neestą́diin tádiin ashdlaʼ – House 235

Mile Markers:

Tʼááłá hastą́ą́ – Mile six
Tʼááłá naaki neestą́diin – Mile twenty

Dates

Years:

Naaki mííl naadiin ashdlaʼ (2025)
Tʼááłáʼí mííl náhástʼédiin ashdladiin (1950)

Days of the Month:

Łahgo tʼááłáʼí – The first (day)
Łahgo tsebíí – The eighth (day)
Łahgo naadiin hastą́ą́ – The twenty-sixth (day)

Age

Stating Your Age:

Naadiin náhástʼéí náshdį́į́ – I am twenty-nine years old
Hastą́ą́ náshdį́į́ – I am six years old

Measurements

Distance:

Dį́į́ʼ máíl – Four miles
Tádiin kiloméétah – Thirty kilometers

Weight:

Ashdlaʼ pounds – Five pounds
Nezhná naʼníłkid – Ten pounds

Quantity:

Naaki cups – Two cups
Tááʼ gallons – Three gallons

Recipes and Cooking

Ingredient Amounts:

Tʼááłáʼí cup flour – One cup flour
Naaki eggs – Two eggs
Tááʼ tablespoons – Three tablespoons

Sports Scores

Final Scores:

Tádiin tááʼ bik’ehgo naadiin tsostsʼid – Thirty-three to twenty-seven
Ashdladiin bik’ehgo dííʼdiin ashdlaʼ – Fifty to forty-five

Classroom and Academic Use

Grade Levels:

Náhástʼéí grade – Ninth grade
Nezhná naaki grade – Twelfth grade

Test Scores:

Náhástʼédiin ashdladiin percent – Ninety-five percent
Tsebídiin tsebíí out of neestą́diin – Eighty-eight out of one hundred

Page Numbers:

Naaltsoos bąą tsebíí – Page eight
Naaltsoos bąą ashdlaʼ neestą́diin – Page five hundred

Tips for Learning Navajo Numbers

Effective strategies can accelerate your mastery of Navajo numbers and make learning more enjoyable.

Start with the Foundation

Master 1-10 First: Don’t move forward until you can confidently count from one to ten without hesitation. These base numbers are the building blocks for everything else.

Daily Practice: Count to ten in Navajo at least five times daily:

When you wake up
During your commute
At lunch
In the evening
Before bed

Use Visual Aids

Number Cards: Create flashcards with the numeral on one side and Navajo word on the other. Include pronunciation guides.

Number Chart: Post a chart of Navajo numbers 1-100 somewhere you’ll see it daily (bathroom mirror, refrigerator, desk).

Color Coding: Use colors to highlight patterns:

Base numbers (1-10) in one color
Tens (20, 30, 40) in another
The -diin suffix in a third color

Leverage Patterns

Recognize the System: Once you understand that:

11-19 use “[number] doo biʼáádéé naaki”
20-90 use “[number] + diin”
Composite numbers combine tens + units

You can construct any number rather than memorizing each one individually.

Pattern Practice: Practice saying all the twenties (21-29), then all the thirties (31-39), focusing on how only the units digit changes while the tens stay constant.

Multi-Sensory Learning

Say It Aloud: Always pronounce numbers as you learn them. Don’t just read silently.

Write Them Down: Practice writing both the Navajo words and the numerals, reinforcing visual-motor memory.

Listen Repeatedly: Find recordings of native speakers counting and listen during commutes, exercise, or downtime.

Physical Movement: Associate numbers with physical movements (clapping, stepping, gesturing) to engage kinesthetic memory.

Real-World Application

Count Everything:

Steps while walking
Items in your shopping cart
Cars passing by
People in a room
Anything countable!

Tell Time in Navajo: Check the clock and state the time in Navajo throughout your day.

Calculate in Navajo: Do simple math problems using Navajo numbers:

Tááʼ dóó naaki = ashdlaʼ (3 + 2 = 5)
Nezhná bits’ą́ą́dóó tsebíí = naaki (10 – 8 = 2)

Use Technology

Language Apps: Several apps include Navajo language learning, including numbers:

Duolingo Navajo
Navajo Word of the Day apps
YouTube channels with Navajo lessons

Record Yourself: Use your phone to record yourself counting and compare to native speaker pronunciation.

Digital Flashcards: Apps like Anki allow you to create digital flashcard decks with spaced repetition for optimal learning.

Learn with Others

Study Groups: Find other Navajo language learners and practice together.

Language Partners: If possible, find a Navajo speaker willing to practice numbers with you.

Online Communities: Join Navajo language learning groups on social media platforms for support and resources.

Focus on Difficult Sounds

Identify Your Challenges: Most English speakers struggle with:

Ejective consonants (tʼ, tsʼ)
Lateral fricatives (ł)
Nasal vowels (ą, į)
Glottal stops (ʼ)
Tones

Targeted Practice: Spend extra time on numbers containing your personal challenging sounds.

Be Patient and Consistent

Regular Short Sessions: 15-20 minutes daily is more effective than occasional long sessions.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge improvements, even small ones. Learning a tonal language with unfamiliar sounds takes time.

Accept Mistakes: Errors are part of learning. Each mistake teaches you something.

Cultural Context

Learn Why Numbers Matter: Understanding the cultural significance of numbers (especially four) makes them more memorable and meaningful.

Connect to Ceremonies: If appropriate and you have access, learning how numbers function in ceremonial contexts deepens understanding.

Respect the Language: Approach Navajo with respect as a living language of a living culture, not just as an academic exercise.

FAQs About Navajo Numbers

Is the Navajo number system base-10 or base-20?

The Navajo number system is base-10 (decimal), like English. Numbers build on groups of ten, as seen in the -diin suffix for tens. Some other Native American languages use base-20 (vigesimal) systems, but Navajo is consistently decimal.

Why do some Navajo numbers sound long and complicated?

Numbers like eleven through nineteen use a descriptive phrase meaning “[number] and in addition to it ten,” which sounds long compared to English “eleven, twelve.” This reflects Navajo’s tendency toward descriptive, transparent word formation rather than borrowed or abbreviated terms.

Are there different words for counting different types of objects?

Unlike some languages (Japanese, for example), Navajo uses the same number words regardless of what you’re counting. However, the grammatical structure of sentences might differ based on whether you’re counting animate beings, inanimate objects, or abstract quantities.

Can I use Spanish or English numbers when speaking Navajo?

In casual modern speech, some Navajo speakers do code-switch and use English numbers, especially for large numbers, prices, or technical contexts. However, traditional Navajo numbers exist for all quantities, and using them preserves linguistic heritage.

How old is the Navajo number system?

The core Navajo number system is ancient, though the word for “thousand” (mííl) is borrowed from Spanish, indicating it was adopted during the period of Spanish colonization (roughly 1600s-1800s). Terms for even larger numbers may be more recent adaptations.

Do all Navajo speakers use the same number words?

There’s general consistency across the Navajo Nation, though some minor regional pronunciation variations exist. The written forms taught here are standard and widely recognized.

Is it rude to make mistakes in Navajo numbers?

No. Navajo speakers generally appreciate sincere efforts to learn their language. Making mistakes is expected and natural when learning any language, especially one with sounds unfamiliar to English speakers.

How important is getting the tone exactly right?

Tone is phonemic in Navajo, meaning it can change word meanings. However, context usually makes meaning clear even if tone isn’t perfect. As you progress, work on improving tonal accuracy, but don’t let it prevent you from practicing.

What’s the best age to learn Navajo numbers?

Any age! Children can learn alongside English numbers, and adults can certainly master Navajo numbers with consistent practice. Bilingual number knowledge benefits cognitive development at any age.

Are there Navajo number songs or rhymes?

Yes! Some Navajo educators have created counting songs and rhymes to help children learn numbers in a fun, memorable way. These can be found in language learning resources and educational programs.

How long does it take to memorize numbers 1-100?

With consistent daily practice, most learners can confidently count to 100 in Navajo within 2-4 weeks. Mastery of pronunciation might take longer, but functional use comes relatively quickly.

Do I need to learn to write Navajo to learn the numbers?

Not necessarily. You can learn to speak and understand Navajo numbers without reading or writing them. However, seeing written forms helps many learners, and written practice reinforces memory.

Are there Navajo words for mathematical operations?

Yes. Navajo has words for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, along with mathematical concepts. The language is fully capable of expressing complex mathematical ideas.

Can I use Navajo numbers in professional settings?

Absolutely. Some Navajo teachers, healthcare providers, and businesspeople use Navajo numbers when working with Navajo-speaking clients or in bilingual environments. It shows respect and facilitates communication.

Where can I hear native speakers using numbers?

Navajo language radio programs, online videos, language classes, and conversations with native speakers all provide opportunities to hear authentic number usage. Many resources are now available online.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Essential Points About Navajo Numbers

Systematic and Logical: The Navajo number system is highly regular and logical. Once you understand the patterns, you can construct any number.

Base-10 Structure: Like English, Navajo uses a decimal system where numbers build on multiples of ten.

Three Key Patterns:

Numbers 1-10 are base vocabulary to memorize
Numbers 11-19 use “[number] doo biʼáádéé naaki”
Tens use “[base number] + diin suffix”
Composite numbers combine tens + units

Pronunciation Challenges: Navajo contains sounds unfamiliar to English speakers (ejectives, nasal vowels, lateral fricatives, glottal stops, tones), but these can be mastered with practice.

Cultural Significance: Numbers, especially four, carry deep cultural meaning in Navajo cosmology, ceremonies, and worldview.

Quick Reference Numbers 1-10

Tʼááłáʼí (t’ah-LAH-ee)
Naaki (NAH-kee)
Tááʼ (TAH)
Dį́į́ʼ (DEEN)
Ashdlaʼ (ASH-dlah)
Hastą́ą́ (hah-STAHN)
Tsostsʼid (TSOS-ts’id)
Tsebíí (tse-BEE)
Náhástʼéí (NAH-hast-ay)
Nezhná (nezh-NAH)

Key Tens

20: Naadiin (NAH-deen)
30: Tádiin (TAH-deen)
40: Dííʼdiin (DEE-deen)
50: Ashdladiin (ASH-dlah-deen)
100: Neestą́diin (nay-STAHN-deen)

Learning Strategies That Work

Master 1-10 first before moving forward
Practice daily for 10-15 minutes
Use real-world application by counting everyday objects
Focus on patterns rather than memorizing each number individually
Work on pronunciation of challenging sounds
Be patient and consistent with your practice

Moving Forward

Learning Navajo numbers is an excellent foundation for broader Navajo language study. These numbers will appear in conversations about time, age, money, quantities, and countless other contexts.

By mastering Navajo numbers, you’ve taken an important step in:

Language preservation and revitalization
Cultural appreciation and understanding
Cognitive flexibility and bilingual thinking
Connection with Navajo speakers and communities

Take Action: Practice and Continue Learning

Today’s Practice:

Count from 1-10 five times
Practice saying your age in Navajo
Count ten objects around you in Navajo

This Week:

Master numbers 1-20
Practice the tens (20, 30, 40, etc.)
Try creating five composite numbers (like 37, 52, 84)

This Month:

Confidently count to 100
Tell time in Navajo
Use Navajo numbers in daily life

Resources for Continued Learning

Online Resources:

Navajo Language Renaissance programs
Tribal college language courses
YouTube channels with Navajo lessons
Duolingo Navajo course

Books:

Navajo language dictionaries
Children’s counting books in Navajo
Language learning textbooks

Community:

Local Navajo language classes
Online learning communities
Language exchange partners
Cultural centers on Navajo Nation

Share This Resource

Help preserve Navajo language by sharing this guide with:

Educators teaching Navajo students
Language learners and enthusiasts
Families wanting to pass on heritage language
Anyone interested in indigenous languages

Support Language Preservation

Consider supporting Navajo language revitalization by:

Donating to language programs
Purchasing materials from Navajo educators
- Attending or supporting cultural events
Using Navajo numbers in appropriate contexts

Final Thoughts

Every person who learns to count in Navajo contributes to keeping this beautiful, ancient language alive for future generations.

Your effort to learn these numbers honors Navajo culture and helps ensure that Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) continues to thrive.

As you practice counting from tʼááłáʼí (one) to neestą́diin (one hundred) and beyond, remember that you’re not just learning vocabulary—you’re connecting with centuries of indigenous knowledge, participating in cultural preservation, and joining a community of language learners and speakers committed to linguistic diversity.

Ahéheeʼ (thank you) for your interest in Navajo numbers. May your counting practice be consistent, your pronunciation improve daily, and your appreciation for Navajo language and culture grow with each number you master.

Tʼááłáʼí, naaki, tááʼ, dį́į́ʼ… keep counting!

Source: Navajo Language Guide