tókša akhé
To say "see you later" in Lakota, use tókša akhé.
tókša akhé is a common way to say goodbye when you expect to see a person again at a later time.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tókša, meaning "later" or "afterwards" and akhé, a particle often used for emphasis or to complete the temporal sense of "later" in this context.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to multiple people, you can use kiŋ héčhaŋ for the plural. The word héčhaŋ specifically means "later".
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'goodbye', which is a contraction of a religious blessing, tókša akhé is a literal statement of expectation for a future meeting.
- In traditional Lakota social structures, the way you say goodbye can change depending on the relative status or kinship role of the person you are addressing.
- The particle akhé acts almost like a musical note, shaping the emotional 'mood' of the goodbye more than its literal meaning.
Examples in context
- Tókša akhé.See you later.
- Tókša akhé, kinsá.See you later, friend.
- Tókša akhé, nitaun.See you later, my child.
Example conversation
Winona and Ronald are leaving a community gathering.
- WinonaTókša akhé, Ronald.See you later, Ronald.
- RonaldTókša akhé, Winona.See you later, Winona.
- WinonaŠní tȟówa!Take care!
- RonaldHau, tókša akhé.Yes, see you later.
