čhaŋtéwašte
The Lakota word for happy is čhaŋtéwašte.
čhaŋtéwašte is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is contented or joyous.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of čhaŋté, meaning heart and wašte, meaning good, literally translating to good heart.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective čhaŋtéwašte is invariant, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject it describes.
Did you know?
- In traditional Lakota thought, a 'good heart' is linked to the concept of generosity and kinship, meaning 'happiness' is often tied to one's relationship with the community.
- In many Indigenous linguistic traditions, including Lakota, the heart is considered the center of wisdom rather than just the center of feeling.
- The word wašte meaning 'good' can also be used as a standalone exclamation of approval or agreement, similar to saying 'great' in English.
Examples in context
- Čhaŋtéwašte kȟá.I am happy.
Example conversation
Curtis and Winona are greeting each other at a family gathering.
- CurtisHáu Winona, čhaŋtéwašte yaun yaun?Hello Winona, are you very happy?
- WinonaHán, čhaŋtéwašte waun!Yes, I am very happy!
- CurtisWaučhila tȟé čhaŋtéwašte čhaŋté.It is good that you are happy.
- WinonaWašté, Curtis.Thank you, Curtis.
