नाग
nāga/nɑː.ɡɐ́/masculine
The Sanskrit word for dragon is नाग (nāga). Wiktionary also lists उरङ्ग (uraṅga).
Meaning: mythical creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| नाग | nāga | /nɑː.ɡɐ́/ (Vedic) /n̪ɑː.ɡɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| उरङ्ग | uraṅga | /u.ɾɐ́ŋ.ɡɐ/ (Vedic) /u.ɾɐŋ.ɡɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
In Sanskrit, the concept of a dragon is represented by terms for mythical serpent-like creatures. The word नाग refers to a serpent or cobra, which serves as the primary mythological basis for the 'dragon' concept in this context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word नाग literally refers to a serpent or a cobra.
Which one should you use?
While नाग is the most common term for a serpent-like mythical creature, उरङ्ग is a more descriptive, literary term used in poetry.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both नाग and उरङ्ग are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /nɑː.ɡɐ́/. It has two syllables: nā-ga.
Did you know?
- In Indian culture, नाग are not just monsters but a divine race of semi-divine beings who can shift between human and serpent forms.
- Unlike European dragons, the नाग are frequently associated with water, rain and fertility rather than fire.
- The same word नाग can also mean 'elephant' in Sanskrit, so the context tells you whether a serpent or an elephant is meant.
Example sentences for Sanskrit are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a fantasy book.
- विवान Vivaanमीरा, एतम् पश्य, अत्र नागः अस्ति।mīrā, etam paśya, atra nāgaḥ asti.Mira, look at this, there is a dragon here.
- मीरा Miraकिम् एषः नागः अग्निं वहति?kim eṣaḥ nāgaḥ agniṃ vahati?Does this dragon breathe fire?
- विवान Vivaanआम्, एषः महान् नागः अस्ति।ām, eṣaḥ mahān nāgaḥ asti.Yes, this is a great dragon.
- मीरा Miraएतत् चित्रं सुन्दरम् अस्ति।etat citraṃ sundaram asti.This picture is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dragon” translations and entries नाग, उरङ्ग, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नाग, CC BY-SA 4.0.
