चित्रकः
chitrakaḥ
The English word for cheetah is चित्रकः (chitrakaḥ) in Sanskrit.
चित्रकः is a noun used to refer to the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).
Meaning: Acinonyx jubatus (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from a root meaning 'bright', 'variegated' or 'spotted', literally translating to 'spotted one'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While चित्रकः is the singular masculine form, the dual form used to refer to exactly two cheetahs is चित्रकौ.
How do you pronounce it?
chitrakaḥ
Did you know?
- The word चित्रकः shares a root with the Sanskrit word for 'picture' or 'painting', चित्रम्. This suggests that ancient speakers viewed the cheetah's spots as a form of natural art.
- In ancient Vedic contexts, words derived from 'citra' often describe the variegated patterns of the heavens or the cosmos.
- The root of चित्रकः also describes things that are 'variegated' or 'multicolored'. This same root is used to describe a 'bright' or 'wonderful' performance in classical drama.
Examples in context
- चित्रकः अतिवेगेन धावति।citrakaḥ ativegena dhāvati.The cheetah runs very fast.
- वने एकः चित्रकः अस्ति।vane ekaḥ citrakaḥ asti.There is a cheetah in the forest.
- चित्रकः सुन्दरो वन्यप्राणिः अस्ति।citrakaḥ sundaro vanyaprāṇiḥ asti.The cheetah is a beautiful wild animal.
Example conversation
Ishaan and Meera are at a zoo.
- इशान Ishanमीरा, तत्र चित्रकः पश्य।mīrā, tatra citrakaḥ paśya.Meera, look at the cheetah over there.
- मीरा Miraआम्, चित्रकः कियत् तीव्रं धावति!ām, citrakaḥ kiyat tīvraṃ dhāvati!Yes, how fast the cheetah runs!
- इशान Ishanसः वनस्य तीव्रतमः पशुः अस्ति।saḥ vanasya tīvratamaḥ paśuḥ asti.He is the fastest animal of the forest.
- मीरा Miraसत्यम्, चित्रकः अतीव अद्भुतः अस्ति।satyam, citrakaḥ atīva adbhutaḥ asti.True, the cheetah is very amazing.
