उपकरण
upakaraṇa/u.pɐ.kɐ.ɾɐ.ɳɐ/neuter
The Sanskrit word for "equipment" is उपकरण (upakaraṇa).
उपकरण refers to whatever is used in equipping.
Meaning: whatever is used in equipping (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix upa- (meaning near or towards) and the root kṛ (meaning to do or make), literally translating to "something made to be near or available for use".
Which one should you use?
While उपकरण is a general term for equipment, other specific terms exist: साधनम् refers to means or instruments used for accomplishing a particular purpose and यन्त्रम् refers specifically to machinery or mechanical devices.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun उपकरण is neuter. In the nominative singular case, it often takes the ending -am to become उपकरणम् in sandhi-compliant Sanskrit.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /u.pɐ.kɐ.ɾɐ.ɳɐ/. It has 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The root kṛ found in उपकरण is a cognate of the English word 'create', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to make'.
- The prefix upa- in उपकरण is used in many Sanskrit words to denote proximity, such as in उपनिषद् (Upanishad), meaning 'sitting down near' a teacher.
- In ancient Indian dramaturgy, उपकरण refers specifically to the 'equipment' of a play, which includes the stage decorations, costumes and props used to create the setting.
Examples in context
- अत्र नवीनं उपकरणं वर्तते।atra navīnaṃ upakaraṇaṃ vartate.There is new equipment here.
Example conversation
Aditya and Ananya are preparing for a science experiment.
- आदित्य Adityaअनन्ये, उपकरणं सिद्धम् अस्ति किम्?Ananye, upakaraṇaṃ siddham asti kim?Ananya, is the equipment ready?
- अनन्या Ananyaआदित्य, उपकरणं तत्र अस्ति।Āditya, upakaraṇaṃ tatra asti.Aditya, the equipment is there.
- आदित्य Adityaधन्यवादः, अहं गृह्णामि।dhanyavādaḥ, ahaṃ gṛhṇāmi.Thank you, I will take it.
- अनन्या Ananyaसावधानः भवतु।sāvadhānaḥ bhavatu.Please be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “equipment” translations and entries उपकरण, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
