अधुना
adhunā́/ɐ.dʱu.nɑ́ː/
The English word "now" is translated into Sanskrit as अधुना (adhunā́). Wiktionary also lists नु (nu) and एतत्कालम् (etatkālam).
Meaning: at the present time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| अधुना | adhunā́ | /ɐ.dʱu.nɑ́ː/ (Vedic) /ɐ.d̪ʱu.n̪ɑː/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| नु | nu | /nú/ (Vedic) /n̪u/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| एतत्कालम् | etatkālam | /ɐi̯.tɐt.kɑː.lɐm/ (Vedic) /eː.t̪ɐt̪.kɑː.l̪ɐm/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| इदानीम् | idā́nīm | /i.dɑ́ː.niːm/ (Vedic) /i.d̪ɑː.n̪iːm/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
| इदा | idā́ |
All the forms provided are used to describe the present time as an adverb.
What does it mean word for word?
The word अधुना is an adverbial form derived from a root meaning "this" or "this time".
Which one should you use?
अधुना is the general adverb for "now". इदानीम् is often used to emphasize a specific moment or a transition to the present state, such as "now, at this very moment". एतत्कालम् is a more precise way to say "at this time", literally translating to "this time".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is adhunā́. It has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ɐ.dʱu.nɑ́ː/.
Did you know?
- Sanskrit uses the word कालम् within एतत्कालम् to express time. This same root is found in many modern Indian languages to describe both time and fate.
Examples in context
- अधुनावगच्छामः।Now we understand.This sentence shows how to use अधुना to indicate the present state of understanding.Tatoeba #4156148 by richke, translation #4156151 by richke
- अधुना अहम् कार्यं करोमि।adhunā aham kāryam karomi.I am working now.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans at home.
- आदित्य Adityaअधुना किम् इच्छसि?adhunā kim icchasi?What do you want now?
- ईशा Ishaअहं जलं पिबामि।ahaṃ jalaṃ pibāmiI am drinking water.
- आदित्य Adityaतर्हि अधुना चलामः।tarhi adhunā calāmaḥThen let's go now.
- ईशा Ishaआम्, चलामः।ām, calāmaḥYes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries अधुना, नु, एतत्कालम्, इदानीम्, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अधुना, इदानीम्, एतत्कालम्, नु, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
