कण्ठ
kaṇṭhá/kɐɳ.ʈʰɐ́/
The Sanskrit word for neck is कण्ठ (kaṇṭhá).
कण्ठ is a term for the neck, but it often refers specifically to the throat or the vocal apparatus. This connection to the throat is also seen in the compound form कण्ठस्थ, which means 'memorized' (literally 'held in the throat').
Meaning: part of body connecting the head and the trunk (noun)
Which one should you use?
While कण्ठ is the standard term, Griva is a formal term used to denote the neck. Additionally, Skandha can be used in certain contexts to represent the neck, although it primarily refers to the shoulder.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kɐɳ.ʈʰɐ́/. It has two syllables: kaṇ-ṭhá.
Did you know?
- Despite its Sanskrit roots, कण्ठ actually originates from the Dravidian language family rather than the Indo-European family.
- In ancient Indian music and linguistics, कण्ठ is used to categorize a specific group of sounds produced in the throat, known as gutturals.
- The term कण्ठ is frequently used in Sanskrit literature to describe the 'golden neck' or 'swan-like neck' of deities and heroes as a mark of beauty.
Examples in context
- कण्ठः श्वेतः अस्ति।kaṇṭhaḥ śvetaḥ asti.The neck is white.
- तस्य कण्ठः पीडितः अस्ति।tasya kaṇṭhaḥ pīḍitaḥ asti.His neck is sore.
Example conversation
Kavya is helping Vivan put on a scarf.
- काव्या Kavyaविवान, किं कण्ठः शीतः अस्ति?vivāna, kiṃ kaṇṭhaḥ śītaḥ asti?Vivan, is your neck cold?
- विवान Vivaanआम्, काव्ये, मम कण्ठः शीतः अस्ति।ām, kāvye, mama kaṇṭhaḥ śītaḥ asti.Yes, Kavya, my neck is cold.
- काव्या Kavyaअतः एतद् वस्त्रं धारय।ataḥ etad vastraṃ dhāraya.So, wear this cloth.
- विवान Vivaanधन्यवादः, एतत् उत्तमम् अस्ति।dhanyavādaḥ, etat uttamam asti.Thank you, this is good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry कण्ठ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries कण्ठ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
