Wakan Meaning in English

word

US

ˈwɑːkən

WAA-kuhn

UK

ˈwækən

WAK-uhn

Definition

'Wakan' is a Lakota word meaning sacred, holy, or spiritual, especially within the traditions and worldview of the Lakota (Sioux) people.

Usage & Nuances

'Wakan' is not commonly used in everyday English outside discussions about Lakota culture, spirituality, or Native American studies. It is an important term in Lakota beliefs, often found in phrases like 'Wakan Tanka' (the Great Mystery or Great Spirit). Do not confuse with similar-sounding English words.

• Spanish: sagrado (del pueblo lakota) - espiritual (en la tradición lakota)
• Portuguese (BR): sagrado (dos lakota) - espiritual (tradição lakota)
• Portuguese (PT): sagrado (dos lakota) - espiritual (tradição lakota)
• Chinese (Simplified): 神聖的（拉科塔族語） - 靈性的（拉科塔傳統）
• Chinese (Traditional): 神聖的（拉科塔族語） - 靈性的（拉科塔傳統）
• Hindi: पवित्र (लकोटा परंपरा में) - आध्यात्मिक (लकोटा परंपरा में)
• Arabic: مقدس (في تقاليد لاكوتا) - روحي (في تقاليد لاكوتا)
• Bengali: ওয়াকান (পবিত্র/পবিত্রতা) - পবিত্র - পবিত্রতা
• Russian: вакан (сакральный) - священный - святыня
• Japanese: ワカン（神聖、聖なる）
• Vietnamese: wakan (thiêng liêng) - thiêng liêng
• Korean: 와칸 (신성함) - 신성한
• Turkish: wakan (kutsal) - kutsal
• Urdu: واکان (مقدس) - مقدس
• Indonesian: wakan (suci) - suci

Example Sentences

Many Lakota ceremonies are considered wakan.

basic

The elders talk about the wakan power in nature.

basic

The word wakan means 'sacred' in Lakota.

basic

He described the mountain as a place of wakan energy and peace.

natural

People seek out wakan places for reflection or healing.

natural

The concept of wakan is deeply rooted in Lakota belief – it's about seeing the sacred in everything.

natural