ptégléška
The Lakota word for cow is ptégléška.
ptégléška is used to refer to an adult female of the species Bos taurus.
Meaning: adult female of species Bos taurus (noun)
Did you know?
- The root word pté refers to the American bison, meaning that the Lakota word for 'cow' is actually derived from the word for 'buffalo'.
- Because the bison was the center of their economy, Lakota has dozens of highly specific words for different types and ages of pté that English lacks.
- The Lakota language uses a complex system of nasalized vowels, meaning the pronunciation of pté depends on a specific airflow through the nose.
Example conversation
Curtis and Joyce are looking at animals in a field.
- CurtisPtégléška waúŋyaŋ.A cow is over there.
- JoyceHéčha ptégléška wauná?Where is the cow?
- CurtisIya, ptégléška waúŋyaŋ.Yes, the cow is there.
- JoyceTȟáŋka ptégléška waúŋyaŋ.The big cow is there.
