pȟeží ȟóta
The Lakota word for the English adjective "sage" is pȟeží ȟóta.
This phrase is used to describe someone or something as being wise.
Meaning: wise (adj)
Did you know?
- While English uses 'sage' to mean both a wise person and a fragrant herb, Lakota uses entirely different roots for human wisdom and the sacred plant. Using a plant-based descriptor for a person's intellect would be a different linguistic concept entirely.
- The phonetic sound of the ȟ in ȟóta is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative, a sound produced deep in the throat that does not exist in English.
Example conversation
Wayne and Glenda are discussing who to ask for advice.
- WayneTaka pȟeží ȟóta wačhíya.I want to find a wise person.
- GlendaHúŋka tȟéya pȟeží ȟóta.That relative is wise.
- WayneWóȟniya k’atá wačhíya.I will go there for help.
- GlendaÍyaŋyáŋ kani wóuŋwačhíya.Go and speak with them.
