What does WADO mean in Cherokee?
John Kim
Updated on May 25, 2026
Wa do (or Wado) is the English phonetic spelling of 'thank you' in Cherokee. Although many people still have antiquated and inaccurate images of the American Thanksgiving with pilgrims and Natives gathered around a large dinner table, I know it is a traditional time of thanks for many of our Tribal Nations.
How do you say goodbye in Cherokee?
CHEROKEE WORD OF THE WEEK: 'TIL WE MEET AGAINThere is no word for “goodbye” in Cherokee. Instead, we say “donadagohvi” which means, “'til we meet again.”