Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| स्वर्ण | svarṇ | /sʋəɾɳ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| कनक | kanak | /kə.nək/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| जरी | jarī |
The terms provided in this guide describe gold as an adjective meaning "made of gold" or "golden." While स्वर्ण is a standard term for the element or the color, note that in everyday spoken Hindi, the word सोना is much more common.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the context: स्वर्ण (svarṇ) is used for the element or the color in formal settings, while कनक (kanak) is a poetic synonym. जरी (jarī) is a specialized term specifically referring to gold thread or gold-colored embroidery used in textiles. Additionally, स्वर्ण and जर can be used symbolically to refer to a coin.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
स्वर्ण is a formal or literary term often found in scientific, poetic or high-register contexts. कनक is a highly poetic and literary synonym primarily used in classical Hindi or Sanskrit-influenced poetry. सुवर्ण is also a formal term for gold.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
svarṇ (/sʋəɾɳ/)
Did you know?
- In classical poetry, the word कनक is often used as a double entendre to mean both 'gold' and ' Datura', a poisonous plant.
- The common word for the metal 'gold', सोना (sonā), is also the exact same word used for the verb 'to sleep'.
- The word सुवर्ण literally translates to 'beautiful color', combining the roots for 'good' and 'color'.
Example sentences for Hindi are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Amit and Anjali are looking at a museum exhibit.
- अमित Amitअंजलि, वह स्वर्ण मूर्ति देखो।Anjali, vah swarn murti dekho.Anjali, look at that gold statue.
- अंजलि Anjaliहाँ अमित, यह बहुत सुंदर है।Haan Amit, yeh bahut sundar hai.Yes Amit, it is very beautiful.
- अमित Amitक्या यह शुद्ध स्वर्ण है?Kya yeh shuddh swarn hai?Is it pure gold?
- अंजलि Anjaliशायद, यहाँ लिखा है कि यह असली है।Shayad, yahan likha hai ki yeh asli hai.Perhaps, it is written here that it is real.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gold” translations and entries स्वर्ण, कनक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
