पति
pati/pɐ́.ti/masculine
The Sanskrit word for husband is पति (pati). Wiktionary also lists स्वामिन् (svāmin) and नाथ (nātha).
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| पति | pati | /pɐ́.ti/ (Vedic) /pɐ.t̪i/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| स्वामिन् | svāmin | /sʋɑː.mín/ (Vedic) /s̪ʋɑː.min̪/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| नाथ | nātha | /nɑː.tʰɐ́/ (Vedic) /n̪ɑː.t̪ʰɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
In the context of marriage, पति is the standard term used to refer to a husband. Other terms in Sanskrit can be used to highlight specific aspects of the husband's role, such as being a provider or a protector.
What does it mean word for word?
The word पति literally means master, lord or protector.
Which one should you use?
While पति is the standard term for husband, स्वामिन् emphasizes the role of a master, owner or lord. Alternatively, नाथ is used when emphasizing the husband's role as a protector, lord or refuge.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a husband directly, the vocative case form पते (meaning "O husband!") is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /pɐ́.ti/.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit पति is a direct linguistic relative of the Latin word 'potis', which is the ancestor of the English word 'potent'.
- In ancient texts, these terms for husband often overlap with words used to describe deities or masters of the natural world.
- The word पति is so versatile that it functions as a suffix to denote the 'chief' of almost any entity, not just a household.
Examples in context
- मम पतिः कुशलः अस्ति।mama patiḥ kuśalaḥ asti.My husband is well.
- तस्य पतिः कुत्र वसति?tasya patiḥ kutra vasati?Where does her husband live?
- मम पतिः शिक्षकः अस्ति।mama patiḥ śikṣakaḥ asti.My husband is a teacher.
Example conversation
Ananya is introducing Ishan to a friend.
- इशान Ishanअनन्ये, एषः कः अस्ति?ananye, eṣaḥ kaḥ asti?Ananya, who is this?
- अनन्या Ananyaएषः मम पति इशानः अस्ति।eṣaḥ mama pati iśānaḥ asti.This is my husband, Ishan.
- इशान Ishanनमस्ते इशान!namaste iśāna!Hello Ishan!
- अनन्या Ananyaइशानः अपि त्वां नमति।iśānaḥ api tvāṃ namati.Ishan also greets you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “husband” translations and entries पति, स्वामिन्, नाथ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नाथ, पति, स्वामिन्, CC BY-SA 4.0.
