Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| सर्प | sarpa | /sɐɾ.pɐ́/ (Vedic) /s̪ɐɾ.pɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| नाग | nāga | /nɑː.ɡɐ́/ (Vedic) /n̪ɑː.ɡɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| उरङ्ग | uraṅga | /u.ɾɐ́ŋ.ɡɐ/ (Vedic) /u.ɾɐŋ.ɡɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
| अहि | áhi | /ɐ́.ɦi/ (Vedic) /ɐ.ɦi/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
masculine |
The term सर्प is a general noun used to describe a legless reptile. It is derived from the Sanskrit root srp, which means "to creep".
What does it mean word for word?
The word उरङ्ग (uraṅga) is a descriptive term that literally means "chest-moving" or "creeping on the belly", formed by combining ura (chest/belly) and ga (going/moving).
Which one should you use?
While सर्प is a general term for any snake, नाग (nāga) often refers specifically to a cobra or a divine/mythological serpent. The term अहि (áhi) is typically used in poetic or archaic contexts to denote a serpent, often carrying the connotation of a predator or a mythical foe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun सर्प is सर्पाः (sarpāḥ).
How do you pronounce it?
The word सर्प is pronounced /sɐɾ.pɐ́/ (sarpa). It has 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
In Hindu mythology, नाग refers to mythical serpent-like beings that possess divine attributes.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit word सर्प is a linguistic relative of the English word 'serpent'. Both descend from the same ancient root meaning 'to crawl' or 'creep'.
- In ancient Vedic texts, अहि is not just a snake but often represents a cosmic serpent or a celestial foe that battles the gods.
Examples in context
- वने एकः सर्पः वसति।vane ekaḥ sarpaḥ vasati.A snake lives in the forest.
- मार्गे सर्पः अस्ति।mārge sarpaḥ asti.There is a snake on the path.
Example conversation
Ishaan and Kavya are walking in a garden.
- इशान Ishanकाव्या, तत्र पश्य!Kāvyā, tatra paśya!Kavya, look there!
- काव्या Kavyaकिम् अस्ति तत्र?kim asti tatra?What is there?
- इशान Ishanएकः कृष्णः सर्पः अस्ति।ekaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ sarpaḥ asti.There is a black snake.
- काव्या Kavyaशीघ्रं चल, अत्र आगच्छ!śīghraṃ cala, atra āgaccha!Move quickly, come here!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snake” translations and entries सर्प, नाग, उरङ्ग, अहि, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अहि, नाग, सर्प, CC BY-SA 4.0.
