híŋhaŋni wašté
The English phrase "good morning" is translated into Lakota as híŋhaŋni wašté.
This phrase is used when you see someone for the first time in the morning.
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of híŋhaŋni (morning) and wašté (good).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word wašté means "good" and can be used in other greetings, such as philá wašté (good night).
Did you know?
- The concept of 'morning' in traditional Lakota thought is often tied to the direction of the rising sun, which is considered a sacred point of origin.
- While híŋhaŋni wašté is the literal translation, Lakota speakers often prioritize kinship terms and specific relational greetings over generic time-of-day phrases.
- Because Lakota is an endangered language, using phrases like híŋhaŋni wašté is often viewed as an act of cultural revitalization and resistance.
Example conversation
Winona and Darrell meet in the kitchen for breakfast.
- WinonaHíŋhaŋni wašté, Darrell.Good morning, Darrell.
- DarrellHíŋhaŋni wašté, Winona.Good morning, Winona.
- WinonaKȟéya wašté?Are you doing well?
- DarrellHó, wašté.Yes, I am well.
