संगणक
saṃgaṇaka/sɐŋ.ɡɐ.ɳɐ.kɐ/masculine
The English word "computer" is translated into Sanskrit as संगणक (saṃgaṇaka). Wiktionary also lists अभिकलित्र (abhikalitra).
Meaning: programmable electronic device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| संगणक | saṃgaṇaka | /sɐŋ.ɡɐ.ɳɐ.kɐ/ (Vedic) /s̪ɐŋ.ɡɐ.ɳɐ.kɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| अभिकलित्र | abhikalitra | masculine |
Both provided forms refer to a programmable electronic device. संगणक is the standard technical term used to describe a computer.
What does it mean word for word?
The word संगणक is derived from the root gaṇ, meaning "to count" or "to calculate", combined with the prefix sam, meaning "together" or "completely". Literally, it means "one who calculates or computes".
Which one should you use?
While संगणक is the standard technical term, अभिकलित्र is a more modern and specialized term often found in technical or academic Sanskrit contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the accusative case, which is used when the computer is the direct object of a sentence, the form संगणक takes the ending –म् and becomes संगणकम्.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is saṃgaṇaka. It consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In Sanskrit, the root gaṇ creates a conceptual link between a computer, a mathematician, and a military troop. This is because a gaṇa originally referred to a grouped collection of people or entities.
- The term संगणक functions as a noun of agency, meaning 'the one who computes'. This mirrors how ancient Sanskrit named human professionals, effectively treating the computer as a digital employee.
- The word संगणक is a result of 'Sandhi', a complex system of phonetic rules where the prefix sam and the root merge to create a seamless new sound.
Examples in context
- मम संगणकः कार्यं करोति।mama saṅgaṇakaḥ kāryaṃ karoti.My computer is working.
- एषः नवीनः संगणकः अस्ति।eṣaḥ navīnaḥ saṅgaṇakaḥ asti.This is a new computer.
- किं भवान् संगणकस्य उपयोगं करोति?kiṃ bhavān saṅgaṇakasya upayogaṃ karoti?Do you use a computer?
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a classroom.
- ईशा Ishaविवान, तव संगणकः कुत्र अस्ति?vivāna, tava saṅgaṇakaḥ kutra asti?Vivian, where is your computer?
- विवान Vivaanमम संगणकः उत्पीठिकायां अस्ति।mama saṅgaṇakaḥ utpīṭhikāyāṃ asti.My computer is on the table.
- ईशा Ishaकिं अहं तस्य उपयोगं कर्तुं शक्नोमि?kiṃ ahaṃ tasya upayogaṃ kartuṃ śaknomi?May I use it?
- विवान Vivaanआम्, अवश्यम् इदाङ्गतं गृह्णातु।ām, avaśyam idāṅgataṃ gṛhṇātu.Yes, certainly, please take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer” translations and entries संगणक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
