किन्तु
kintu
The Sanskrit word for "but" is किन्तु (kintu).
किन्तु joins two clauses that contrast with each other. परन्तु (parantu) is used the same way.
Meaning: introducing a contrast (conj)
How do you pronounce it?
kintu
Did you know?
- While किन्तु is used for 'but', Sanskrit often expresses this contrast by simply placing two opposing ideas side by side without any conjunction at all.
- Sanskrit poets often use words meaning 'but' to create 'vyatireka', a poetic device where a contrast is highlighted to deepen the emotional impact of a verse.
- Hindi uses किन्तु and परन्तु for "but" to this day, both borrowed straight from Sanskrit.
Examples in context
- अहं खादितुं इच्छामि किन्तु न शक्नोमि।ahaṃ khādituṃ icchāmi kintu na śaknomi.I want to eat, but I cannot.
Example conversation
Aditya and Mira are discussing a movie.
- आदित्य Adityaकिं त्वं चलच्चित्रं पश्यसि?kiṃ tvaṃ calaccitraṃ paśyasi?Are you watching the movie?
- मीरा Miraपश्यामि किन्तु कथा मन्दा अस्ति।paśyāmi kintu kathā mandā asti.I am watching, but the story is slow.
- आदित्य Adityaकिं तव मित्रं तत्र अस्ति?kiṃ tava mitraṃ tatra asti?Is your friend there?
- मीरा Miraन, सः गृहे अस्ति।na, saḥ gṛhe asti.No, he is at home.
