आश्चर्यम्
aashcharyam
The Sanskrit word for 'surprise' is आश्चर्यम् (aashcharyam).
आश्चर्यम् is a noun used to describe the feeling that something unexpected has happened.
Meaning: feeling that something unexpected has happened (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is aashcharyam.
Did you know?
- The root of आश्चर्यम् involves the concept of 'shaking' or 'trembling', suggesting that a true surprise is something that physically rattles the observer.
- In classical Indian aesthetics, आश्चर्यम् is one of the key components used to evoke the 'adbhuta' rasa, which is the emotional essence of wonder and the marvelous.
- While English uses 'surprise' for both good and bad news, the Sanskrit context often requires different adjectives to clarify if the surprise is 'aashcharya' (wonder) or 'bhaya' (fearful shock).
Examples in context
- आश्चर्यं!Surprise!
- अद्भुतं!Wonder or marvel
- हा!Aha!
Example conversation
Kavya tells Vivan about a sudden guest.
- काव्या Kavyaविवान, पश्य! अतिथिः आगतः!vivāna, paśya! atithiḥ āgataḥ!Vivan, look! A guest has arrived!
- विवान Vivaanकिम्? एतत् तु आश्चर्यम् अस्ति।kim? etat tu āścaryam asti.What? This is indeed a surprise.
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, सः अकस्मात् आगतः।ām, saḥ akasmāt āgataḥ.Yes, he came unexpectedly.
- विवान Vivaanअहं अतीव प्रसन्नः अस्मि।ahaṃ atīva prasannaḥ asmi.I am very happy.
