tȟašúŋke
The Lakota word for horse is tȟašúŋke. Wiktionary also lists šúŋkawakȟáŋ.
Meaning: members of the species ''Equus ferus'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| Lakota |
|---|
| tȟašúŋke |
| šúŋkawakȟáŋ |
The word refers to members of the species Equus ferus.
What does it mean word for word?
The honorific term šúŋkawakȟáŋ is composed of šúŋka, meaning dog and wakȟáŋ, meaning holy or sacred.
Which one should you use?
While tȟašúŋke is the standard word for horse, šúŋkawakȟáŋ is used to show reverence for the animal.
When do people say it?
The term šúŋkawakȟáŋ literally translates to 'holy dog' and is used as a respectful way to acknowledge the animal.
Did you know?
- Because horses were introduced to the Great Plains by Europeans, the Lakota initially described them as 'holy dogs' šúŋkawakȟáŋ to categorize this new, powerful animal.
- The standard word for horse, tȟašúŋke, reveals a fascinating connection to the word for dog, šúŋka, by literally meaning 'its dog'.
- The transition from calling a horse a 'dog' to a 'horse' mirrors the rapid transformation of Lakota society into a horse-based culture in the 18th century.
Example sentences for Lakota are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Glenda and Wayne are looking at animals on a farm.
- GlendaTȟašúŋke waunčhéya.I want a horse.
- WayneTȟašúŋke héčal tȟókaheya.The horse is very fast.
- GlendaTȟašúŋke waunú?Do you have a horse?
- WayneHán, tȟašúŋke waunú.Yes, I have a horse.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries tȟašúŋke, šúŋkawakȟáŋ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tȟašúŋke, šúŋkawakȟáŋ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
