How to Say “Grey” in Lakota

By Colin Robert • Updated October 3, 2026

ȟóta

The Lakota word for grey is ȟóta.

ȟóta is used to describe the color that is a mix of black and white.

Did you know?

The phoneme ȟ in ȟóta is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative, a sound produced deep in the throat that does not exist in English.
In Lakota, colors are often described by the specific material they resemble, meaning ȟóta is closely tied to the appearance of ash or smoke.
The word ȟóta can be used to describe a state of being 'faded' or 'washed out', extending the color meaning to a lack of vibrancy.

Example conversation

Glenda and Darrell are looking at some clothes.

Glenda

Híȟóta tȟúŋka.
The shirt is grey.
Darrell

Tȟúŋka ȟóta waúŋyała.
The grey shirt is small.
Glenda

Héya, ȟóta tȟúŋka kȟáŋčha.
Yes, the grey shirt is nice.
Darrell

Kȟáŋčha hél.
It is very nice.

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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.

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