भवान् कथम् अस्ति?
bhavān katham asti?
In Sanskrit, the phrase "how are you?" is expressed as भवान् कथम् अस्ति? (bhavān katham asti?)
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being or health.
Which one should you use?
The form भवान् कथम् अस्ति? is a polite and respectful way to ask the question compared to using the more intimate tvam (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a woman, you must change the subject from the masculine bhavān to the feminine भवती in the phrase भवती कथम् अस्ति?
How do you pronounce it?
bhavān katham asti?
When do people say it?
A standard response to this question is कुशलः अस्मि (kuśalaḥ asmi), which means "I am well".
Did you know?
- In addition to English 'is', the Sanskrit अस्ति is also a cognate of the Latin 'est' and the Ancient Greek 'estí'.
- When you answer 'I am well' using कुशलः, you are not just describing physical health, but rather a state of mental or spiritual competence.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet on the street.
- ईशा Ishaनमस्ते इशान, भवान् कथम् अस्ति?namaste ishan, bhavān katham asti?Hello Ishan, how are you?
- इशान Ishanअहं कुशली अस्मि। भवती कथम् अस्ति?ahaṃ kuśalī asmi. bhavatī katham asti?I am well. How are you?
- ईशा Ishaअहम् अपि कुशलिनी अस्मि।aham api kuśalinī asmi.I am also well.
- इशान Ishanएतत् श्रुत्वा प्रसन्नता अभवत्।etat śrutvā prasannatā abhavat.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अस्ति, कथम्, CC BY-SA 4.0.
