wakíŋyaŋ
/ˈwa.kĩ.jã/
The Lakota word for lightning is wakíŋyaŋ.
The term wakíŋyaŋ refers to the discharge of lightning. It is also understood to mean 'thunder-being'.
Meaning: discharge (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈwa.kĩ.jã/.
Did you know?
- Lakota tradition often associates the wakíŋyaŋ with the eagle, as both possess the power of flight and a connection to the upper world.
- The word wakíŋyaŋ describes lightning as 'the flying one' because it is rooted in the verb kiŋyáŋ, which means 'to fly'.
- The structure of wakíŋyaŋ uses the prefix 'wa-', which can turn a verb into a noun describing a person or thing that performs an action.
Example conversation
Winona and Ronald are watching a storm from a window.
- WinonaWakíŋyaŋ kta!There is lightning!
- RonaldHéya, tȟúŋka wakíŋyaŋ.Yes, strong lightning.
- WinonaKíŋ waȟíyaŋya.It flashed just now.
- RonaldLet's go inside, Winona.Let's go inside, Winona.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry wakíŋyaŋ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wakíŋyaŋ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
