mní
The Lakota word for water is mní.
mní is used to refer to the inorganic compound H₂O.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Did you know?
- Certain Lakota customs involve speaking to mní or offering prayers to it, treating the water as an entity capable of hearing.
- Because Lakota is a polysynthetic language, mní can be combined with other roots to create complex words that describe specific types of water sources.
- The phrase Mní Wičóni means 'Water is Life' and is used as a powerful spiritual and political slogan for environmental protection.
Examples in context
- Mní etáŋ mak’ú wo.Give me some water.This sentence is useful for asking to be given mní.
- Mní yanpi tȟaŋka.I want a lot of water.
Example conversation
Curtis and Glenda are hiking on a warm day.
- CurtisGlenda, mní iýaŋya?Glenda, do you have water?
- GlendaHé, mní iýaŋya.Yes, I have water.
- CurtisMní yauní.I want some water.
- GlendaHóčha, mní t’éya.Here, take this water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries mní, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
