até
The Lakota word for dad is até.
até is used as an informal way to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Did you know?
- Because Lakota is a polysynthetic language, a single word incorporating até can function as an entire sentence, such as 'my father is coming'.
- In Lakota culture, the term até often extends beyond biological fathers to include uncles and other male elders of the same generation.
- The term até is viewed not merely as a label for a relative but as a expression of a profound social responsibility toward the children.
Example conversation
Darrell is talking to Winona about their father.
- DarrellAté hýa kȟá.Dad is coming.
- WinonaAté waúŋyačha?Is dad laughing?
- DarrellHá, até waúŋyačha.Yes, dad is laughing.
- WinonaAté waúŋyačha tȟa.Dad is always laughing.
