आर्द्रक
ārdraka/ɑːɾ.dɾɐ.kɐ/neuter
The English word "ginger" is translated into Sanskrit as आर्द्रक (ārdraka).
The term refers to the spice ginger.
Meaning: spice (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root meaning "moist" or "wet", referring to the fresh, succulent nature of the rhizome.
How does it change in a sentence?
While आर्द्रक is the neuter form, in Sanskrit prose the nominative singular case often takes the ending आर्द्रकम्.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑːɾ.dɾɐ.kɐ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Ancient Indian texts distinguish between आर्द्रक, which refers to fresh ginger, and शुंठी, which refers to the dried form of the root.
- In Ayurvedic tradition, आर्द्रक is considered a 'heating' substance, used to balance the 'Kapha' energy in the body.
- In ancient Sanskrit texts, आर्द्रक is frequently categorized as a 'medicine' rather than just a food item, often listed in the 'Sushruta Samhita' for its digestive properties.
Examples in context
- मम गृहे आर्द्रकम् अस्ति।mama gṛhe ārdrakam asti.There is ginger in my house.
- किं भवान् आर्द्रकम् इच्छति?kiṃ bhavān ārdrakam icchati?Do you want ginger?
Example conversation
Aryan and Ananya are in the kitchen preparing tea.
- आर्यन Aryanअनन्ये, कुत्र आर्द्रकम् अस्ति?ananye, kutra ārdrakam asti?Ananya, where is the ginger?
- अनन्या Ananyaआर्द्रकम् तत्र पेटिकयाम् अस्ति।ārdrakam tatra peṭikayām asti.The ginger is there in the box.
- आर्यन Aryanकिञ्चित् आर्द्रकं दातुं शक्नोषि?kiñcit ārdrakaṃ dātuṃ śaknoṣi?Can you give me some ginger?
- अनन्या Ananyaआम्, पश्य आर्यन!ām, paśya āryana!Yes, look Aryan!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ginger” translations and entries आर्द्रक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
