शून्य
śūnyá/ɕuːn.jɐ́/
The Sanskrit word for "empty" is शून्य (śūnyá).
शून्य is an adjective meaning devoid of content.
Meaning: devoid of content (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word शून्यता is used in philosophical and academic discussions to emphasize the concept of emptiness.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced śūnyá (/ɕuːn.jɐ́/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word शून्य is the root of the mathematical concept of 'zero' as it is understood in many Eastern traditions.
- In some Indian artistic traditions, the concept of शून्य is linked to the 'bindu', the single dot that represents the seed of the entire universe.
- Because of their shared ancient roots, शून्य is related to the Latin word 'cavus', which means 'hollow' or 'cave'.
Examples in context
- हस्तः शून्यः अस्ति ।hastaḥ śūnyaḥ asti.The hand is empty.
- मम हस्तः शून्यः अस्ति ।mama hastaḥ śūnyaḥ asti.My hand is empty.
Example conversation
Isha and Aditya are looking at a water jug.
- ईशा Ishaआदित्य, जलपात्रं शून्यम् अस्ति।Āditya, jalapātraṃ śūnyam asti.Aditya, the water jug is empty.
- आदित्य Adityaअहं अधुना जलं आनयामि।ahaṃ adhunā jalaṃ ānayāmi.I will bring water now.
- ईशा Ishaशीघ्रं आनय, मह्यं पिपासा अस्ति।śīghraṃ ānaya, mahyaṃ pipāsā asti.Bring it quickly, I am thirsty.
- आदित्य Adityaअस्तु, प्रतीक्षां कुरु।astu, pratīkṣāṃ kuru.Alright, please wait.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry शून्य, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries शून्य, CC BY-SA 4.0.
