वानर
vānara/ʋɑː.n̪ɐ.ɾɐ/masculine
The English word monkey is translated into Sanskrit as वानर (vānara) or कपि.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| वानर | vānara | /ʋɑː.n̪ɐ.ɾɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) | masculine |
| कपि | kapi | /kɐ.pí/ (Vedic) /kɐ.pi/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
In Sanskrit, the word for monkey depends on the context. वानर is specifically used in the Ramayana to describe the anthropomorphic monkey warriors, such as Hanuman. कपि serves as a more general term that can refer to a monkey or an ape.
Which one should you use?
While vānara often refers to forest-dwelling primates in a mythological context, kapi is a more general term for a monkey or ape.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both वानर and कपि are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The three-syllable word vānara is pronounced /ʋɑː.n̪ɐ.ɾɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word वानर may be a clever linguistic pun, combining the words for 'forest' and 'man' to describe a creature that is half-human.
Examples in context
- वनस्य वानरः शीघ्रं धावति।vanasya vānaraḥ śīghraṃ dhāvati.The forest's monkey runs quickly.
- एषः वानरः फलम् खादति।eṣaḥ vānaraḥ phalam khādati.This monkey eats fruit.
- वृक्षे एकः वानरः वसति।vṛkṣe ekaḥ vānaraḥ vasati.A monkey lives in the tree.
Example conversation
Kavya and Aryan are visiting a zoo.
- काव्या Kavyaपश्य, तत्र वानरः अस्ति!paśya, tatra vānaraḥ asti!Look, there is a monkey there!
- आर्यन Aryanआम्, सः अतीव चपलः अस्ति।ām, saḥ atīva capalaḥ asti.Yes, he is very active.
- काव्या Kavyaवानरः किं करोति?vānaraḥ kiṃ karoti?What is the monkey doing?
- आर्यन Aryanसः क्रीडति।saḥ krīḍati.He is playing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries वानर, कपि, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries कपि, वानर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
