पूर्व
pūrva/púːɾ.ʋɐ/
In Sanskrit, the word for the compass point 'east' is पूर्व (pūrva). If unsure, use पूर्व. Wiktionary also lists पूर्वा (pūrvā).
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| पूर्व | pūrva | /púːɾ.ʋɐ/ (Vedic) /puːɾ.ʋɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
|
| पूर्वा | pūrvā | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
Etymologically, पूर्व is rooted in the concept of 'before', 'earlier' or 'former', which refers to the direction where the day begins.
Which one should you use?
The form पूर्व is used as a standalone noun or when modifying masculine or neuter nouns, while पूर्वा is the feminine form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the gender of the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form पूर्वा when modifying a feminine noun, such as pūrvā diśā (the eastern direction). Use the form पूर्व when modifying a masculine or neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /púːɾ.ʋɐ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word पूर्व is used in Sanskrit to describe ancestors, as they are the 'former' ones who came before.
- In ancient Indian Vastu Shastra, the 'east' is considered the most auspicious direction for the main entrance of a home to invite positive energy.
- The Russian word пе́рвый, meaning 'first', is a cognate of पूर्व, sharing a common ancestor from Proto-Indo-European.
Examples in context
- सूर्यः पूर्वतः उदयति।sūryaḥ pūrvataḥ udayati.The sun rises in the east.
- तस्य गृहं पूर्वदिशि वर्तते।tasya gṛhaṃ pūrvadiśi vartate.His house is in the east.
Example conversation
Aditya and Mira are looking at a map.
- आदित्य Adityaमीरे, पूर्वदिशा कुत्र अस्ति?mīre, pūrvadiśā kutra asti?Mira, where is the east direction?
- मीरा Miraआदित्य, एषा पूर्वा दिक्।āditya, eṣā pūrvā dik.Aditya, this is east.
- आदित्य Adityaअतः वयं पूर्वां दिशं गच्छामः।ataḥ vayaṃ pūrvāṃ diśaṃ gacchāmaḥ.Therefore, we are going east.
- मीरा Miraआम्, तत्रैव गच्छामः।ām, tatraiva gacchāmaḥ.Yes, let's go there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “east” translations and entries पूर्व, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries पूर्व, CC BY-SA 4.0.
