त्वम्
tvam
The English word 'you' is translated into Sanskrit as त्वम् (tvam).
त्वम् is a subject pronoun used to address the person being spoken to.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Which one should you use?
त्वम् is strictly singular and cannot be used to address a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use the default form त्वम् when 'you' is the subject of the sentence (nominative case). If 'you' is the direct object of a verb, the form changes to त्वाम् (accusative case). If you need to indicate the agent of an action, use the form त्वया to mean 'by you' or 'with you' (instrumental case).
How do you pronounce it?
tvam
Did you know?
- In ancient Indian philosophy, the phrase तत् त्वम् असि meaning 'that thou art' expresses the idea that the individual soul is identical to the ultimate reality.
- In some contexts, addressing someone with त्वम् could be seen as a grave insult or a sign of extreme contempt if the speaker intended to show a lack of respect for the other person's status.
- In classical Sanskrit, the word त्वम् is often dropped from a sentence entirely because the verb ending already tells the listener that 'you' is the subject.
Examples in context
- तत् त्वम् असि ।That is you.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of त्वम् as a subject.Tatoeba #2434410 by dochash, translation #2226901 by dochash
- त्वम् अत्र आगच्छ ।tvam atra āgaccha.You come here.
Example conversation
Aditya and Isha are talking about their studies.
- आदित्य Adityaत्वम् किं पठसि?tvam kiṃ paṭhasi?What are you reading?
- ईशा Ishaअहं पुस्तकं पठामि ।ahaṃ pustakaṃ paṭhāmi.I am reading a book.
- आदित्य Adityaत्वम् कुशलः असि किम्?tvam kuśalaḥ asi kim?Are you doing well?
- ईशा Ishaआम्, अहं कुशलिनी अस्मि ।ām, ahaṃ kuśalinī asmi.Yes, I am doing well.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
