सेतु
setu/sɐ́i̯.tu/masculine
The Sanskrit word for "bridge" is सेतु (setu).
सेतु refers to a construction or a natural feature that spans a divide. It is a formal term frequently associated with spanning a body of water.
Meaning: construction or natural feature that spans a divide (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
सेतु is a masculine noun. The nominative singular form is सेतुः. When the bridge is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative singular form सेतुम्. Additionally, the compound word सेतुबन्ध can refer to the act of building a bridge or the connection formed by a bridge.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /sɐ́i̯.tu/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The root of the word is linked to the Sanskrit verb 'si', which relates to the act of sewing or binding, suggesting a bridge is a 'stitch' across a gap.
- In Sanskrit, the word सेतु can refer to both a bridge and a dam, as both serve the purpose of spanning or blocking water.
- The word सेतु is central to the Ramayana, where the 'Setu Bandhanam' describes the miraculous construction of a bridge to Lanka.
Examples in context
- एषः सेतुः अतीव दीर्घः अस्ति।eṣaḥ setuḥ atīva dīrghaḥ asti.This bridge is very long.
Example conversation
Vivan and Kavya are walking towards a river.
- विवान Vivaanकाव्ये, पश्य, तत्र सेतुः अस्ति।Kāvye, paśya, tatra setuḥ asti.Kavya, look, there is a bridge there.
- काव्या Kavyaआम् विवान, सेतुः सुन्दरः अस्ति।ām Vivān, setuḥ sundaraḥ asti.Yes Vivan, the bridge is beautiful.
- विवान Vivaanकिं वयं सेतुं गच्छामः?kiṃ vayaṃ setuṃ gacchāmaḥ?Shall we go to the bridge?
- काव्या Kavyaअस्तु, चलतु।astu, calatu.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bridge” translations and entries सेतु, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries सेतु, CC BY-SA 4.0.
