भोः
bhoḥ
The Sanskrit word for 'hey' is भोः (bhoḥ).
भोः is used to get someone's attention, similar to 'Hey!' or 'O!' in English and is typically used in informal or familiar settings.
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
भोः (bhoḥ) is an indeclinable word used to call someone, so its form does not change. Before some sounds it is written भो.
How do you pronounce it?
bhoḥ
Did you know?
- The word भोः is derived from an earlier, undocumented form भव॑स्, which relates to the concept of existence or being.
- In ancient Sanskrit texts, the use of भोः can signal a social hierarchy, as it was often used by a superior to call a subordinate or between equals, but rarely by a student to a teacher.
- In ancient Sanskrit plays, using a single vocative like भो can signal a sudden change in a character's emotional state or urgency.
Examples in context
- भोः, कुत्र त्वं गच्छसि?bhoḥ, kutra tvaṃ gacchasi?Hey, where are you going?
- भोः, मम सहायतां कुरु।bhoḥ, mama sahāyatāṃ kuru.Hey, help me.
- भोः, अद्य खलु मेलिष्यामः।bhoḥ, adya khalu meliṣyāmaḥ.Hey, we will surely meet today.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on a street.
- आदित्य Adityaभोः मीरे!bhoḥ mīre!Hey Mira!
- मीरा Miraनमस्ते आदित्य!namaste āditya!Hello Aditya!
- आदित्य Adityaत्वं कथम् असि?tvaṃ katham asi?How are you?
- मीरा Miraअहं कुशली अस्मि।ahaṃ kuśalī asmi.I am doing well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries भोः, CC BY-SA 4.0.
