How to Say “My” in Lakota

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mitȟáwa
The English phrase "my" is translated as mitȟáwa in Lakota.
mitȟáwa is a determiner used to indicate that something belongs to the speaker.
Meaning: belonging to me (det)

Did you know?

  • Using a standard possessive for something that should be 'inalienable', like a limb, can sound to a native speaker as if the object is a disconnected tool rather than a part of your being.
  • The word mitȟáwa contains a glottalized sound produced by a specific vocal cord movement that does not exist in any English possessive word.
  • If you were to use a possessive form for a family member that emphasizes ownership rather than relation, it could sound possessive or even rude.

Example conversation

Wayne and Joyce are looking at some personal belongings.

  1. Wayne

    Mitȟáwa kȟáŋǧi.
    This is my shirt.
  2. Joyce

    Héčha, tȟuŋká waŋyáŋka.
    No, it is over there.
  3. Wayne

    Mitȟáwa tȟuŋká waŋyáŋka.
    My shirt is over there.
  4. Joyce

    Háŋčha, tȟáwa.
    Yes, it is.
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Colin Robert
Colin RobertHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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