कनिष्ठिका
kanishthika
The Sanskrit word for little finger is कनिष्ठिका (kanishthika).
The term refers to the outermost and smallest finger of the hand.
Meaning: outermost and smallest finger of the hand (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal term for the little finger is kanishṭikāṅguli.
How do you pronounce it?
kanishthika
Did you know?
- In Sanskrit, the ring finger is called anamikā, which means 'the nameless one'. This creates a unique contrast with kanishṭikā, as the little finger has a defined identity while its neighbor remains nameless.
- The word kanishṭikā shares a root with the term for 'youngest sibling'. This conceptualizes the fingers of the hand as a family unit with the little finger as the baby of the group.
- In many ancient Indian traditions, the 'little finger' is the specific finger used to perform certain symbolic gestures or 'mudras' in classical dance.
Examples in context
- कनिष्ठिका अति लघ्वी अस्ति।kaṇiṣṭhikā ati laghvī asti.The little finger is very small.
- मम कनिष्ठिका रक्तवर्णा अस्ति।mama kaṇiṣṭhikā raktavarṇā asti.My little finger is red.
Example conversation
Ananya is showing Aryan her hand.
- आर्यन Aryanएषा का अङ्गुली अस्ति?eṣā kā aṅgulī asti?Which finger is this?
- अनन्या Ananyaएषा मम कनिष्ठिका अस्ति।eṣā mama kaniṣṭhikā asti.This is my little finger.
- आर्यन Aryanकनिष्ठिका तु अतिलघ्वी अस्ति।kaniṣṭhikā tu atilaghvī asti.The little finger is indeed very small.
- अनन्या Ananyaआम्, आर्यन, सा लघ्वी अस्ति।ām, āryan, sā laghvī asti.Yes, Aryan, it is small.
