पर्ण
parṇá/pɐɾ.ɳɐ́/neuter
The English word leaf is translated into Sanskrit as पर्ण (parṇá).
The term refers to the part of a plant. A common synonym for this is पत्र. In more specific formal contexts, the term Pallavaḥ is used to refer specifically to a tender leaf or a leaf bud.
Meaning: part of a plant (noun)
Which one should you use?
While पर्ण is the standard term, पर्णिका is a diminutive form used to describe a small leaf. Additionally, Pallavaḥ is used when the focus is on a leaf bud or a young, tender leaf.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word पर्ण is a neuter noun. Its plural form is पर्णानि.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /pɐɾ.ɳɐ́/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word पत्र is often used as a synonym for 'leaf' but also functions as the standard word for a 'letter' or 'document'.
- Ancient Indian manuscripts were traditionally written on dried palm leaves, making the पर्ण the primary medium for literature before paper.
- If you look at the ancient roots of the word, 'leaf' is actually related to the concept of 'wings' or 'feathers'.
Examples in context
- एतत् हरितं पर्णम् अस्ति।etat haritam parṇam asti.This is a green leaf.
- वृक्षात् एकं पर्णम् अपतत्।vṛkṣāt ekaṃ parṇam apatat.A leaf fell from the tree.
- पर्णं वायुना कम्पते।parṇaṃ vāyunā kampate.The leaf trembles in the wind.
Example conversation
Aditya and Kavya are looking at a plant in a garden.
- आदित्य Adityaकाव्ये, इदं पर्णं पश्य।Kāvye, idam parṇam paśya.Kavya, look at this leaf.
- काव्या Kavyaपर्णं अति सुंदरम् अस्ति।parṇam ati sundaram asti.The leaf is very beautiful.
- आदित्य Adityaकिं तव समीपे अन्यं पर्णं अस्ति?kiṃ tava samīpe anyaṃ parṇam asti?Do you have another leaf with you?
- काव्या Kavyaन, मम समीपे नास्ति।na, mama samīpe nāsti.No, I do not have one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leaf” translations and entries पर्ण, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries पर्ण, CC BY-SA 4.0.
