tȟokȟá šni yaún he?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Lakota as tȟokȟá šni yaún he?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
Did you know?
- In some Lakota communities, it is common to avoid direct eye contact while exchanging these initial greetings as a sign of humility and respect.
- Lakota is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single complex word can often convey an entire sentence's worth of meaning that would require many words in English.
- While English speakers use 'how are you?' as a polite 'filler' without expecting a real answer, a Lakota speaker may treat the question as an opening for a genuine check-in on your spiritual or physical health.
Example conversation
Glenda and Darrell meet on the street.
- GlendaHau, Darrell. Tȟokȟá šni yaún he?Hello, Darrell. How are you?
- DarrellYaun tȟéya. Glenda, tȟokȟá šni yaún he?I am well. Glenda, how are you?
- GlendaYaun tȟéya, wačhíyašni.I am well, thank you.
- DarrellWašté tȟéčha.That is good.
