owáŋyaŋg wašté
The English phrase handsome is translated into Lakota as owáŋyaŋg wašté.
The phrase owáŋyaŋg wašté is used specifically to describe a man as being attractive or handsome.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word wašté can mean 'good' or 'fine' in many different contexts, but when combined as owáŋyaŋg wašté, it specifically refers to a handsome man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective wašté is used to express that someone or something is good, fine or attractive.
Did you know?
- Because wašté carries the connotation of being 'good', calling a man 'handsome' in Lakota subtly implies he possesses good character as well.
- The word wašté is often used in greetings to wish someone well, showing its deep connection to the idea of 'goodness' in daily life.
- Unlike English, where 'handsome' is almost exclusively for men, the root wašté can be used to describe the beauty of the land and nature.
Example conversation
Winona and Darrell are looking at an old family photo.
- DarrellHéča tȟókahe owáŋyaŋg wašté!Your grandfather was so handsome!
- WinonaHáŋ, owáŋyaŋg wašté tȟáŋka.Yes, he was a very handsome man.
- DarrellTȟóŋya tȟatȟáŋka wašté.He looks like a good man.
- WinonaOwáŋyaŋg wašté iyáȟi.He was just handsome.
