सुवर्ण
suvárṇa/su.ʋɐ́ɾ.ɳɐ/
The Sanskrit word for golden is सुवर्ण (suvárṇa).
The term is an adjective meaning made of, or relating to, gold.
Meaning: made of, or relating to, gold (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word सुवर्ण is a compound of su- meaning good or excellent and varṇa meaning color, form or class. It literally translates to having a good color or excellent color to denote gold.
Which one should you use?
While सुवर्ण is a standard form, हिरण्य serves as a common alternative synonym for golden or gold, particularly in Vedic and classical Sanskrit texts.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form सुवर्ण must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
suvárṇa (su.ʋɐ́ɾ.ɳɐ). The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The component वर्ण (varṇa) means 'color' or 'form', but it is also used in Sanskrit to describe a social class or caste, showing how a single word can bridge the gap between aesthetics and social structure.
- In ancient texts, the term सुवर्ण was often used as a synonym for currency or coins, rather than just the color of the metal.
- The prefix सु- (su-) is a common Sanskrit building block used to elevate a noun to a 'superior' or 'excellent' status, much like how 'eu-' functions in Greek.
Examples in context
- सुवर्ण पात्रम् अस्ति।suvarṇa pātraṃ asti.It is a golden vessel.
- सुवर्ण हारः सुन्दरः अस्ति।suvarṇa hāraḥ sundaraḥ asti.The golden necklace is beautiful.
Example conversation
Ishan and Mira are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- इशान Ishanमीरा, एतद् सुवर्ण हारं पश्य।mīrā, etad suvarṇa hāraṃ paśya.Mira, look at this golden necklace.
- मीरा Miraअम, इदं सुवर्ण हारं बहु मनोहरम् अस्ति।ama, idaṃ suvarṇa hāraṃ bahu manoharam asti.Yes, this golden necklace is very charming.
- इशान Ishanकिं त्वं एतत् क्रेतुं इच्छसि?kiṃ tvaṃ etat kretuṃ icchasi?Do you want to buy this?
- मीरा Miraनाय, इदं बहु महँगं अस्ति।nāya, idaṃ bahu mahaṅgaṃ asti.No, this is very expensive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry सुवर्ण, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
