मकर
mákara/mɐ́.kɐ.ɾɐ/
The Sanskrit word for crocodile is मकर (mákara).
While the word can mean a crocodile, in Sanskrit literature मकर often refers to a mythological sea creature that is a hybrid of different animals.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to exactly two crocodiles, use the dual form मकरौ. If the crocodiles are the direct object of a verb, use the accusative plural form मकरान्.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced mákara. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In ancient texts, the मकर is often depicted as the 'vahana' or divine vehicle for the river goddess Ganga.
- In Indian astrology, the zodiac sign known as Capricorn is called मकर, meaning the word for 'crocodile' is used to describe the goat-fish constellation.
- The मकर appears in Buddhist art as a decorative motif, often shown swallowing or vomiting out other creatures to symbolize the cycle of life and death.
Examples in context
- नदीमध्ये एकः मकरः दृश्यते।nadīmadhye ekaḥ makaraḥ dṛśyate.A crocodile is seen in the river.
- मकरः विलम्बेन चलति।makaraḥ vilambena calati.The crocodile walks slowly.
Example conversation
Isha and Aryan are observing wildlife near a river.
- ईशा Ishaवयं किम् पश्यामः?vayaṃ kim paśyāmaḥ?What are we seeing?
- आर्यन Aryanपश्य, तत्र एकः मकरः अस्ति।paśya, tatra ekaḥ makaraḥ asti.Look, there is a crocodile.
- ईशा Ishaअहो, सः अतीव विशालः अस्ति!aho, saḥ atīva viśālaḥ asti!Oh, he is very large!
- आर्यन Aryanआम्, मकरः अति सुन्दरः दृश्यते।ām, makaraḥ ati sundaraḥ dṛśyate.Yes, the crocodile looks very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry मकर, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries मकर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
