देव
deva/dɐi̯.ʋɐ́/masculine
In Sanskrit, the word for God is देव (deva) and the default form is देव. Wiktionary also lists सुर (sura) and भग (bhaga).
Meaning: deity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| देव | deva | /dɐi̯.ʋɐ́/ (Vedic) /d̪eː.ʋɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| सुर | sura | /su.ɾɐ/ (Vedic) /s̪u.ɾɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| भग | bhaga | /bʱɐ́.ɡɐ/ (Vedic) /bʱɐ.ɡɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
neuter |
The terms in Sanskrit describe different facets of divinity, ranging from general celestial beings to the supreme controller of the universe.
What does it mean word for word?
The root of देव is related to the concept of 'shining' or 'illuminating', implying a being of light.
Which one should you use?
Conversely, the term असुर is the linguistic antonym to सुर and is used to denote a demon or a non-divine being. The neuter form भग is also available for use.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard noun for a God is देव, but the form देवता is often used to refer to a specific deity or the quality of being divine.
How do you pronounce it?
deva is pronounced /dɐi̯.ʋɐ́/.
Did you know?
- The Persian word 'dēv', which can mean a demon or spirit, is actually a linguistic cognate of the Sanskrit 'deva'.
- The term भग describes a god not just as a being, but as one who 'divides' or 'distributes' portions of wealth or fate.
Examples in context
- अयं देवः अस्ति।ayaṃ devaḥ asti.This is a god.
- पुत्रः देवं पश्यति।putraḥ devaṃ paśyati.The son sees the god.
Example conversation
Vivian and Isha are looking at an ancient statue in a temple.
- विवान Vivaanकिं एषः देवः?kiṃ eṣaḥ devaḥ?Is this a god?
- ईशा Ishaआम्, एषः देवः अस्ति।ām, eṣaḥ devaḥ asti.Yes, this is a god.
- विवान Vivaanईशा, तस्य रूपं सुन्दरम्।īśā, tasya rūpaṃ sundaram.Isha, his form is beautiful.
- ईशा Ishaविवान, सत्यम् अस्ति।vivāna, satyam asti.Vivian, that is true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God” translations and entries देव, सुर, भग, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries देव, भग, सुर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
