शय्या
śayyā/ɕɐj.jɑː/feminine
The Sanskrit word for "bed" is शय्या (śayyā).
The primary term for a bed as a piece of furniture is शय्या.
Meaning: piece of furniture (noun)
Which one should you use?
While शय्या is the standard term, शय्यः is used specifically to denote a sleeping bed or couch. Additionally, आसनम् can be used to refer to a bed in a more general sense, though it more commonly refers to a seat or chair in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
शय्या is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
śayyā (/ɕɐj.jɑː/)
Did you know?
- In traditional Ayurvedic texts, the शय्या is not just furniture but a tool for healing. Specific materials and orientations of the bed are prescribed as part of the medical treatment for a patient.
- While शय्या refers to a bed, the Sanskrit language possesses a vast vocabulary for different types of reclining surfaces, distinguishing between those used for sleep, lounging and royal audiences.
- In Sanskrit, the noun शय्या is derived from the verbal root 'śī', meaning 'to lie down', showing how the language builds objects directly from physical actions.
Examples in context
- एषा शय्या सुन्दरा अस्ति।eṣā śayyā sundarā asti.This bed is beautiful.
- मम शय्या अत्र अस्ति।mama śayyā atra asti.My bed is here.
Example conversation
Vivan and Kavya are arranging a guest room.
- विवान Vivaanकिं शय्या अत्र अस्ति?kiṃ śayyā atra asti?Is the bed here?
- काव्या Kavyaन, शय्या तत्र अस्ति।na, śayyā tatra asti.No, the bed is there.
- विवान Vivaanइदानीं शय्यां आनयतु।idānīṃ śayyāṃ ānayatu.Now bring the bed.
- काव्या Kavyaअहं शय्यां आनयामि।ahaṃ śayyāṃ ānayāmi.I am bringing the bed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bed” translations and entries शय्या, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
