काल
kālá/kɑː.lɐ́/
The Sanskrit word for time is काल (kālá).
काल is used to refer to time as a continuous concept, a specific period or an era. It is also used in various descriptive phrases, such as Dina Kaala to mean the period of the day, Sandhya Kaalam for the time of sunset or evening and Pradosha Kaalam to signify the evening twilight period. Additionally, Laghu Samayam can be used to indicate a short time duration.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While काल refers to the abstract concept of time or an era, समय is often used to refer to a specific moment or a particular time of day.
How does it change in a sentence?
In some contexts, the word Tatah is used to signify 'then' or 'at that moment'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of काल is kālá. It consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In Sanskrit, काल can mean both 'time' and 'death'. This duality reflects the idea that time eventually consumes all things.
- In Indian philosophy, काल is not just a measurement but is sometimes personified as a deity who governs the destiny of the universe.
Examples in context
- कस्मिन् काले कार्यं समाप्तं भविष्यति?kasmin kāle kāryaṃ samāptaṃ bhaviṣyati?At what time will the work be finished?
- अयं कालः अस्माकं कृते अत्युत्तमः अस्ति।ayaṃ kālaḥ asmākaṃ kṛte atyuttamaḥ asti.This time is excellent for us.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing when to start their study session.
- आदित्य Adityaईशे, अध्ययनस्य कालः किम्?īśe, adhyayanasya kālaḥ kim?Isha, what is the time for studying?
- ईशा Ishaआदित्य, अधुना एव कालः अस्ति।āditya, adhunā eva kālaḥ asti.Aditya, now is the time.
- आदित्य Adityaकिं एषः कालः उचितः अस्ति?kiṃ eṣaḥ kālaḥ ucitaḥ asti?Is this time appropriate?
- ईशा Ishaआम्, एषः कालः उत्तमः अस्ति।ām, eṣaḥ kālaḥ uttamaḥ asti.Yes, this time is best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry काल, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries काल, CC BY-SA 4.0.
