एतत् संस्कृते कथं वक्तव्यम्
etat saṃskṛte kathaṃ vaktavyam
To ask "how to say this in Sanskrit" in Sanskrit, use एतत् संस्कृते कथं वक्तव्यम् (etat saṃskṛte kathaṃ vaktavyam).
This phrase is used when you want to ask for the translation of a specific word or phrase into the Sanskrit language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: etat (this), saṃskṛte (in Sanskrit), kathaṃ (how) and vaktavyam (to be said or should be said).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vaktavyam is a gerundive, which is a verbal adjective used to express necessity or obligation, meaning that something "must be said" or "should be said".
How do you pronounce it?
etat saṃskṛte kathaṃ vaktavyam
Did you know?
- Sanskrit is a 'phonetic' language where the alphabet is organized by the physical part of the mouth used to make the sound, from the throat to the lips.
- While the phrase uses vaktavyam to mean 'should be said', the root vac is a distant relative of the English word 'voice'.
- The word saṃskṛta literally means 'refined' or 'perfected', reflecting the language's historical role as a polished, sophisticated medium for ritual and philosophy.
Example conversation
Kavya is asking Vivan for help with her Sanskrit studies.
- काव्या Kavyaएतत् संस्कृते कथं वक्तव्यम्?etat saṃskṛte kathaṃ vaktavyam?How to say this in Sanskrit?
- विवान Vivaanतस्य अर्थः 'पुष्पम्' इति अस्ति।tasya arthaḥ 'puṣpam' iti asti.Its meaning is 'flower'.
- काव्या Kavyaधन्यवादः, विवान!dhanyavādaḥ, vivāna!Thank you, Vivan!
- विवान Vivaanस्वागतम्, काव्या।svāgatam, kāvyā.You're welcome, Kavya.
