… emáčiyapi
The English phrase "my name is" is expressed in Lakota as … emáčiyapi.
This phrase is used to identify oneself. In Lakota, you place your name at the beginning of the phrase, rather than saying 'My name is…' as a single unit.
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase … emáčiyapi literally translates to "… is my name."
Did you know?
- The word emáčiyapi is built from a root meaning 'to call'. Rather than 'being' a name, the phrase describes the act of how one is called by others.
- In traditional Lakota culture, a person's name is not just a label but a reflection of their spirit and destiny. Some names were given based on visions or specific deeds performed by the individual.
- A person might have multiple names throughout their life. For example, they might have a childhood name and a separate adult name acquired through a rite of passage.
Example sentences for Lakota are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my name is” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.