Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| प्रज्ञा | prajñā | /pɾɐd͡ʑ.ɲɑ́ː/ (Vedic) /pɾɐd͡ʑ.ɲɑː/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
|
| मनस् | manas | /mɐ́.nɐs/ (Vedic) /mɐ.n̪ɐs̪/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
neuter |
| क्रतु | kratu | /kɾɐ́.tu/ (Vedic) /kɾɐ.t̪u/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
The term intelligence in Sanskrit can refer to various aspects of the mind, ranging from sensory processing to high-level spiritual wisdom. While common forms denote the capacity of the mind, they are often used to distinguish between different types of mental faculties, such as sensory thought, volitional power or intuitive insight.
Which one should you use?
The forms used depend on the specific type of intelligence being described. प्रज्ञा is used in a philosophical or spiritual context to refer to higher wisdom, discernment or intuitive insight. In contrast, मनस् refers to the psychological aspect of the lower, sensory-driven mind or the faculty of thought. The form क्रतु describes intelligence in terms of mental power, will or the cognitive capacity used in ritual and decisive action.
How does it change in a sentence?
प्रज्ञा is a feminine noun. मनस् is a neuter noun. क्रतु is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of प्रज्ञा is /pɾɐdʑ.ɲɑ́ː/.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit word मनस् is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'mind'. Both words trace back to the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root 'men-', meaning 'to think'.
Examples in context
- ज्ञानं प्रज्ञां वर्धयति।jñānaṃ prajñāṃ vardhayati.Knowledge increases intelligence.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a difficult lesson.
- विवान Vivaanअनन्ये, एतत् कठिनम् अस्ति।ananye, etat kaṭhinam asti.Ananya, this is difficult.
- अनन्या Ananyaविवान, प्रज्ञायाः प्रयोगं कुरु।vivān, prajñāyāḥ prayogaṃ kuru.Vivan, use your intelligence.
- विवान Vivaanकिम् अहं शक्नोमि?kim ahaṃ śaknomi?Can I do it?
- अनन्या Ananyaआम्, त्वं समर्थः असि।ām, tvaṃ samarthaḥ asi.Yes, you are capable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intelligence” translations and entries प्रज्ञा, मनस्, क्रतु, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries क्रतु, प्रज्ञा, मनस्, CC BY-SA 4.0.
