व्याघ्र
vyāghra/ʋi.jɑːɡʱ.ɾɐ́/masculine
The English word "tiger" is translated into Sanskrit as व्याघ्र (vyāghra).
व्याघ्र refers to the mammal Panthera tigris.
Meaning: The mammal Panthera tigris (noun)
Which one should you use?
While व्याघ्र is the standard term, शार्दुलः is also a common synonym used to refer to a tiger.
How does it change in a sentence?
The nominative singular form is व्याघ्रः, and the genitive singular form, which translates to "of the tiger", is व्याघ्रस्य.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ʋi.jɑːɡʱ.ɾɐ́/ in three syllables. The romanization is vyāghra.
Did you know?
- In Hindu iconography, the goddess Durga is often depicted riding a व्याघ्र, symbolizing her mastery over unlimited power and willpower.
Examples in context
- व्याघ्रः वनं गच्छति।vyāghraḥ vanaṃ gacchati.The tiger goes to the forest.
- एषः व्याघ्रः बलवान् अस्ति।eṣaḥ vyāghraḥ balavān asti.This tiger is strong.
- व्याघ्रः शीघ्रं धावति।vyāghraḥ śīghraṃ dhāvati.The tiger runs fast.
Example conversation
Ishaan and Meera are looking at a picture book of animals.
- इशान Ishanमीरा, अयं कः पशुः अस्ति?mīrā, ayaṃ kaḥ paśuḥ asti?Meera, what animal is this?
- मीरा Miraअयं व्याघ्रः अस्ति।ayaṃ vyāghraḥ asti.This is a tiger.
- इशान Ishanकिं व्याघ्रः भयंकरः अस्ति?kiṃ vyāghraḥ bhayaṅkaraḥ asti?Is the tiger scary?
- मीरा Miraआम्, सः अतीव भयंकरः अस्ति।ām, saḥ atīva bhayaṅkaraḥ asti.Yes, he is very scary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiger” translations and entries व्याघ्र, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries व्याघ्र, CC BY-SA 4.0.
