tȟó
The Lakota word for blue is tȟó.
The word tȟó is used to describe something that is blue-coloured. This term covers the general color blue, though there are specific terms for light blue and dark blue in the language.
Meaning: blue-coloured (adj)
Did you know?
- The word tȟó is not just a color but also the primary Lakota word for 'water'.
- While English speakers use 'blue' to describe a feeling of sadness, using tȟó to describe a person's mood would likely result in a complete misunderstanding.
- While English separates 'blue' and 'green' strictly, some Lakota speakers traditionally use a broader category that groups these colors together, similar to the 'grue' concept in linguistic study.
Example conversation
Wayne and Winona are looking at a piece of clothing.
- WayneTȟó šupa waunčala.The blue shirt is beautiful.
- WinonaHíya, tȟó kȟé.Yes, it is very blue.
- WayneWaunčala tȟó šupa.The blue shirt is nice.
- WinonaTȟó šupa tȟáta kȟé.The blue shirt is like the sky.
