भवते अपि
bhavate api
The Sanskrit phrase for "same to you" is भवते अपि (bhavate api).
This phrase is used to express the sentiment "I wish to you what you have just wished to me."
Meaning: I wish to you what you have just wished to me (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the dative singular form of bhavat (you) and the particle api (also/too), literally meaning "to you also".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
भवते अपि uses a polite and formal second-person pronoun, which makes it appropriate for addressing strangers, superiors or elders.
How do you pronounce it?
bhavate api
Did you know?
- The root of the polite pronoun भवत is related to the concept of 'being' or 'existence'. By using this form, the speaker is essentially addressing the other person's essence or nobility.
- Using भवते अपि with a close friend or sibling would likely be interpreted as sarcasm because the pronoun is so formally distanced.
- The particle api shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'by'. Both descend from a Proto-Indo-European root that originally meant 'on' or 'at'.
Examples in context
- भवते अपि शुभमस्तु।bhavate api śubhamastu.Same to you, may good things happen.
- भवते अपि विजयः भूयात्।bhavate api vijayaḥ bhūyāt.Same to you, may you have victory.
Example conversation
Ananya and Aditya greet each other on a festival day.
- अनन्या Ananyaशुभकामनाः आदित्य!śubhakamanāḥ āditya!Best wishes, Aditya!
- आदित्य Adityaभवते अपि शुभकामनाः!bhavate api śubhakamanāḥ!Same to you, Ananya!
- अनन्या Ananyaअद्य दिवसः मंगलमयः भवतु।adya divasaḥ maṅgalamayaḥ bhavatu.May today be an auspicious day.
- आदित्य Adityaआम्, भवते अपि।ām, bhavate api.Yes, same to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अपि, CC BY-SA 4.0.
