दान
dā́na/dɑ́ː.nɐ/
Generosity in Sanskrit is दान (dā́na).
दान refers to the trait of being willing to donate. It can mean a charity, an alms or a gift. In religious or ritual contexts, it specifically refers to the act of giving alms or donations to priests or those in need to earn merit. The word stems from the Sanskrit root da, which means to give.
Meaning: trait of being willing to donate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
दान literally means giving, donation or the act of giving.
How does it change in a sentence?
While दान refers to the act of giving, you can use the form दानशीलता to express generosity specifically as a character trait or quality.
How do you pronounce it?
dā́na (/dɑ́ː.nɐ/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain classical contexts, दान can refer specifically to the 'gift of knowledge' known as vidyā-dāna, where teaching a student for free is considered the highest form of generosity.
- The root of दान is actually connected to the ancient act of cutting or reaping. This suggests that, in the linguistic mind, the act of giving is conceptually linked to the act of dividing or distributing what has been harvested.
- In ancient Indian tradition, दान was not just a kindness but a spiritual tool used to earn 'punya' or spiritual merit. This transformed the act of generosity into a ritual necessity for a better rebirth.
Examples in context
- दानं विप्रस्य भूषणम्।Generosity is the ornament of the learned.
- तेषां दानं प्रशंसनीयम् अस्ति।teṣāṃ dānaṃ praśaṃsaniyaṃ asti.Their generosity is praiseworthy.
- दानं पुण्यानुभवं ददाति।dānaṃ puṇyānubhavaṃ dadāti.Generosity brings the experience of merit.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a helpful person.
- विवान Vivaanविवानः अतीव उदारः अस्ति।vivānaḥ atīva udāraḥ asti.Vivan is very generous.
- ईशा Ishaतस्य दानं वास्तवमेव प्रशंसनीयम्।tasya dānam vāstavameva praśaṃsanīyam.His generosity is truly praiseworthy.
- विवान Vivaanसः सर्वदा अन्येभ्यः साहाय्यं करोति।saḥ sarvadā anyebhyaḥ sāhāyyaṃ karoti.He always helps others.
- ईशा Ishaअतः दानः उत्तमः धर्मः।ataḥ dānaḥ uttamaḥ dharmaḥ.Therefore, generosity is the highest virtue.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry दान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries दान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
