भक्त
bhakta/bʱɐk.tɐ́/
The Sanskrit word for loyal is भक्त (bhakta) or निष्ठावान्.
Meaning: firm in allegiance to a person or institution (adj)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| भक्त | bhakta | /bʱɐk.tɐ́/ (Vedic) /bʱɐk.t̪ɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| निष्ठावान् | niṣṭhāvān |
The word describes someone who is firm in their allegiance to a person or institution.
What does it mean word for word?
The term भक्त literally means a devotee or one who is devoted.
Which one should you use?
Use भक्त when describing loyalty in the context of devotion, such as a devotee to a deity or a follower of a person. Use निष्ठावान् when describing loyalty in terms of steadfastness, adherence to principles or constancy in a duty.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the nominative singular masculine case, भक्त becomes भक्तः. The masculine plural nominative form of भक्त is भक्ताः.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of भक्त is /bʱɐk.tɐ́/.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit भक्त shares a common ancestor with the Persian word بخت (baxt), which relates to fate or fortune.
- The word भक्त is etymologically linked to the idea of a 'portion' or 'share'.
- In the context of ancient Indian ethics, निष्ठावान् loyalty was often tied to 'Dharma', meaning loyalty to a person was only virtuous if it aligned with cosmic order.
Examples in context
- सः एकः भक्तः अस्ति।saḥ ekaḥ bhaktaḥ asti.He is a loyal person.
Example conversation
Isha and Ishan are talking about a faithful companion.
- ईशा Ishaकिं तव मित्रं भक्तः अस्ति?kiṃ tava mitraṃ bhaktaḥ asti?Is your friend loyal?
- इशान Ishanआम्, सः अतीव भक्तः अस्ति।ām, saḥ atīva bhaktaḥ asti.Yes, he is very loyal.
- ईशा Ishaएषः उत्तमः गुणः अस्ति।eṣaḥ uttamaḥ guṇaḥ asti.That is a great quality.
- इशान Ishanसत्यम्, ईशे।satyam, īśe.That is true, Isha.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loyal” translations and entries भक्त, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries भक्त, CC BY-SA 4.0.
