स्तन
stana/stɐ́.nɐ/masculine
The English word 'breast' can be translated into Sanskrit using the masculine noun स्तन (stana). Wiktionary also lists कुच (kuca).
Meaning: milk-producing organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| स्तन | stana | /stɐ́.nɐ/ (Vedic) /s̪t̪ɐ.n̪ɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| कुच | kuca | /ku.t͡ɕɐ/ (Vedic) /ku.t͡ɕɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
The terms refer to the milk-producing organ. In the context of Ayurveda, the term is used in compound words such as stanyanadi to refer to the breast channel.
Which one should you use?
The phrase has two forms: कुच (kuca) and the masculine noun स्तन (stana).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun स्तन (stana) is masculine. Its nominative plural form is स्तनाः (stanāḥ).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /stɐ́.nɐ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In the classical poetry of Kalidasa and other Sanskrit authors, the word कुच is frequently used as a metaphor for the peaks of mountains.
- Despite being a common noun, the Sanskrit स्तन (stana) is grammatically masculine, which can be counterintuitive to those used to feminine associations.
Examples in context
- स्तनस्य आकारः परिवर्तनं प्राप्तवान्।stanasya ākāraḥ parivartanaṃ prāptavān.The shape of the breast has changed.
Example conversation
A doctor and a father are discussing infant feeding.
- ईशा Ishaकिं बालकः स्तनदुग्धं पिबति?kiṃ bālakaḥ stanadugdhaṃ pibati?Is the baby drinking breast milk?
- आर्यन Aryanआम्, सः स्तनतः पिबति।ām, saḥ stanataḥ pibati.Yes, he drinks from the breast.
- ईशा Ishaएतत् बालकस्य स्वास्थ्याय उत्तमम्।etat bālakasya svāsthyāya uttamam.This is best for the baby's health.
- आर्यन Aryanधन्यवादः, वैद्य।dhanyavādaḥ, vaidya.Thank you, doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast” translations and entries स्तन, कुच, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries कुच, स्तन, CC BY-SA 4.0.
