How to Say “Dances With Wolves” in Lakota

By Colin Robert • Updated October 6, 2026

Šuŋgmánitu Tȟáŋka Owáchi

The phrase "dances with wolves" is translated into Lakota as Šuŋgmánitu Tȟáŋka Owáchi.

This phrase refers to the name of a character and the title of a film concerning a soldier who lives among the Lakota people.

Did you know?

The term manítu used in the word for wolf refers to the 'wilderness' or 'spirit', reflecting a worldview where nature and spirituality are intertwined.
While Tȟáŋka means 'great' or 'large' in this phrase, it is also a core part of the name for the Great Spirit, Wakháŋ Tȟáŋka.
In Lakota, the word for 'wolf' šuŋgmánitu is a combination of the words for 'dog' šúŋka and 'wilderness' manítu, meaning 'wilderness dog'.

Example conversation

Ronald and Joyce are talking about movies in the living room.

Ronald

Šuŋgmánitu Tȟáŋka Owáchi wažiyé.
I watched Dances with Wolves.
Joyce

Tȟóka wauníyela he?
Was it a great story?
Ronald

Há, Šuŋgmánitu Tȟáŋka Owáchi waunǧáya.
Yes, I like Dances with Wolves.
Joyce

Wówačhačhiye.
I am glad.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries šuŋgmánitu, CC BY-SA 4.0.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏

About The Author

Colin Robert

Hello! I'm Colin, a language enthusiast. When I'm not helping others say "Taŋyáŋ yahípi" (All My Relations) in Lakota, or guiding them on saying "Ičúŋčiyapi" (My Name Is), I’m probably exploring the untouched landscapes, or daydreaming about "Wičhíyena" (Eagles) and "Oȟčéthi Šakówiŋ" (Mountain). My writings aim to bridge the gap between cultures while appreciating the beauty of indigenous languages. My adventurous spirit is as vast as "Maȟpíya" (Sky). Let’s savour this beautiful language journey together!

Colin RobertHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

0 Comments

Newest

Oldest Most Voted