kȟéya
The Lakota word for turtle is kȟéya.
kȟéya is a noun used to refer to a turtle, which is a land or marine reptile characterized by having a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word kȟéya in a traditional storytelling context, you might be referring to the very earth itself, as the turtle's shell is often compared to the structure of the world.
- The sound ȟ in kȟéya is produced similarly to the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch' or the German 'Bach', rather than the English 'h'.
- In certain ceremonial contexts, the turtle is treated as a personified entity, meaning you might speak of kȟéya with the respect one would give a respected elder.
Examples in context
- Kȟéya kȟá un!Look, a turtle!
Example conversation
Rose and Curtis are walking by a pond.
- RoseCurtis, kȟéya waunǧila waunǧila!Curtis, look at the slow turtle!
- CurtisTȟuŋkyaŋya kȟéya waunǧila.That turtle is really slow.
- RoseKȟéya hiyačha wačhíyuŋ.I see another turtle.
- CurtisHáŋ kȟéya waunǧila.That is a slow turtle.
