मक्का
makkā
The English word "corn" is translated into Sanskrit as मक्का (makkā).
मक्का refers to a tall cereal plant that produces large ears of yellow or white kernels.
How do you pronounce it?
makkā
Did you know?
- Maize reached the Indian subcontinent only after the 16th century, so मक्का is a modern borrowing and has no classical Sanskrit history.
- In classical Sanskrit literature, the word for grain is धान्य (dhānya). This term is much broader than 'corn' and can refer to any type of cereal staple.
- Ancient Sanskrit poets used the word शस्य (śasya) to describe lush, golden fields. While it translates to 'grain' or 'corn', these poetic metaphors historically referred to native cereals rather than maize.
Example conversation
Meera and Vivan are at a vegetable market.
- मीरा Miraविवान, पश्य मक्का अस्ति!vivān, paśya makkā asti!Vivan, look, there is corn!
- विवान Vivaanअहो! मक्का बहु सुन्दरं अस्ति।aho! makkā bahu sundaraṃ asti.Wow! The corn is very beautiful.
- मीरा Miraकिं वयं मक्का क्रेमः?kiṃ vayaṃ makkā kremaḥ?Shall we buy corn?
- विवान Vivaanआम्, वयं मक्का क्रेमः।ām, vayaṃ makkā kremaḥ.Yes, we will buy corn.
