वृक्षमर्कटिका
vṛkṣamarkaṭikāfeminine
In Sanskrit, the word for "squirrel" is वृक्षमर्कटिका (vṛkṣamarkaṭikā). Wiktionary also lists वृक्षशायिका (vṛkṣaśāyikā).
Meaning: rodent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| वृक्षमर्कटिका | vṛkṣamarkaṭikā | feminine | |
| वृक्षशायिका | vṛkṣaśāyikā | /ʋr̩k.ʂɐ.ɕɑː.ji.kɑː/ (Vedic) /ʋr̩k.ʂɐ.ɕɑː.ji.kɑː/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
feminine |
Both provided forms are feminine nouns used to describe a squirrel, a type of rodent.
What does it mean word for word?
The form वृक्षमर्कटिका is a compound built from vṛkṣa (tree), markaṭa (monkey) and the diminutive suffix -ikā, which literally translates to "little tree-monkey". The form वृक्षशायिका combines vṛkṣa (tree) and śāyika (one who dwells or rests), literally meaning "one who rests in trees".
How does it change in a sentence?
Both वृक्षमर्कटिका and वृक्षशायिका are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
vṛkṣamarkaṭikā
Did you know?
- In the ancient Indian epic 'Ramayana', squirrels are celebrated for their devotion and hard work in helping build a bridge to Lanka. This makes the animal a symbol of selfless contribution in Indian culture.
- The word वृक्षशायिका is a 'Tatpuruṣa' compound, which is a type of Sanskrit construction where the second word is the primary focus. In this case, the focus is on the 'lier' or resident rather than the tree itself.
- The term वृक्षशायिका focuses on the animal's habit of resting, rather than its physical appearance or species.
Examples in context
- वृक्षमर्कटिका अति चञ्चला अस्ति।vṛkṣamarkaṭikā ati cañcalā asti.The squirrel is very restless.
- वने एका वृक्षमर्कटिका धावति।vane ekā vṛkṣamarkaṭikā dhāvati.A squirrel runs in the forest.
Example conversation
Vivan and Kavya are walking in a park.
- विवान Vivaanकाव्या, तत्र वृक्षमर्कटिकां पश्यतु।kāvyā, tatra vṛkṣamarkaṭikāṃ paśyatu.Kavya, look at the squirrel there.
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, सा अति लघु अस्ति।ām, sā ati laghu asti.Yes, she is very small.
- विवान Vivaanकिं वृक्षमर्कटिका क्षीरं पिबति?kiṃ vṛkṣamarkaṭikā kṣīraṃ pibati?Does the squirrel drink milk?
- काव्या Kavyaन, सा केवलं फलानि खादति।na, sā kevalaṃ phalāni khādati.No, she only eats fruits.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squirrel” translations and entries वृक्षशायिका, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries वृक्षशायिका, CC BY-SA 4.0.
