čhuŋkši
The English phrase "little sister" is translated to Lakota as čhuŋkši.
The term is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the person speaking.
Did you know?
- The word čhuŋkši is gender-neutral and can be used for both a little brother and a little sister.
- Lakota kinship is often described as 'classificatory', meaning a person might call their mother's younger sisters 'little sister' or even 'mother' depending on the social context and clan rules.
- The Lakota language uses different kinship terms for siblings depending on whether they share the same mother or father.
Example conversation
Joyce is introducing her sibling to Wayne.
- JoyceČhuŋkši ná čhuŋkši.This is my little sister.
- WayneHáu, tȟȟáŋkačha čhuŋkši.Hello, little sister.
- JoyceČhuŋkši tȟatȟáŋkačha.My little sister is small.
- WayneWašté čhuŋkši.She is a good little sister.
