haŋhépi-wí
The Lakota word for moon is haŋhépi-wí.
The term haŋhépi-wí refers to the natural satellite of the planet Earth.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Which one should you use?
While haŋhépi-wí is the standard term for the moon, the form haŋwí is often used as a more concise form or as a proper name.
Related words
When do people say it?
In Lakota cosmology, the moon is personified as a woman wí.
Did you know?
- In Lakota, the moon is not described by its 'phases' in the English sense, but rather as a being that is 'growing' or 'shrinking'.
- While the moon is personified as a woman wí, the sun is traditionally viewed as a masculine force in Lakota cosmology.
- The term wí is used in various other Lakota words related to light and brightness, showing that the moon is linguistically tied to the concept of luminosity.
Examples in context
- Haŋhépi-wí yaŋkáǧa.The moon is bright.
- Haŋhépi-wí okáǧa.The moon is big.
- Haŋhépi-wí tȟáŋka wašté.The great moon is beautiful.
Example conversation
Joyce and Darrell are looking at the night sky.
- JoyceHaŋhépi-wí waúŋyačha, Darrell.The moon is bright, Darrell.
- DarrellHé, tȟáŋka waúŋyačha.Yes, it is very bright.
- JoyceHaŋhépi-wí wačhí tȟáŋka.The moon has come out strong.
- DarrellIčáȟu waúŋyačha.It is truly bright.
