पात्र
pā́tra/pɑ́ːt.ɾɐ/
The Sanskrit word for vessel is पात्र (pā́tra).
As a noun, पात्र refers to a vessel, container, pot or any kind of receptacle. Depending on the context, it can also function as an adjective meaning 'worthy', 'fit' or 'competent'.
Meaning: craft (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, पात्र refers to a vessel, container or pot.
How does it change in a sentence?
While पात्र is the base form, when referring specifically to a physical object in many contexts, the neuter form पात्रम् (pātram) is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pɑ́ːt.ɾɐ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In Sanskrit drama and literature, the word पात्र is used to refer to a 'character' in a play. This usage treats the person as a 'vessel' for the role they embody.
- The word पात्र is a distant relative of the Latin 'pōculum' and the Mycenaean Greek 'patera'. All these words descend from an ancient root meaning 'to drink'.
- Certain Buddhist traditions use the word पात्र specifically to refer to the alms bowl. This object is treated with extreme reverence as the essential vessel for a monk's survival.
Examples in context
- एतत् पात्रं सुन्दरम् अस्ति।etat pātraṃ sundaram asti.This vessel is beautiful.
- मम पात्रं तत्र अस्ति।mama pātraṃ tatra asti.My vessel is there.
Example conversation
Ananya and Ishan are looking at kitchen supplies.
- अनन्या Ananyaइशान, किं एतत् पात्रम्?Iṣāna, kiṃ etat pātram?Ishan, is this a vessel?
- इशान Ishanआम्, एतत् नवीनं पात्रम् अस्ति।Ām, etat navīnaṃ pātram asti.Yes, this is a new vessel.
- अनन्या Ananyaएतत् पात्रं राजते।Etat pātraṃ rājate.This vessel looks bright.
- इशान Ishanतव पात्रं सुन्दरं वर्तते।Tava pātraṃ sundaraṃ vartate.Your vessel is beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry पात्र, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries पात्र, CC BY-SA 4.0.
