C1 morphology 4 دقيقة للقراءة

Sanskrit Roots:

Mastering Sanskrit roots allows you to decode thousands of complex Hindi words by recognizing their component parts.

The Rule in 30 Seconds

  • Roots are the building blocks of formal Hindi.
  • Prefix + Root + Suffix = New Word.
  • Used in news, formal speech, and documents.
  • Avoid mixing with slang or heavy Urdu.

Quick Reference

Prefix (Upsarg) Meaning Root Example Resulting Word
Pra- Forward / Excess Gati (Motion) Pragati (Progress)
Vi- Distinct / Special Desh (Country) Videsh (Foreign country)
Anu- Following / According Saar (Essence) Anusaar (According to)
Swa- Self Rajya (Rule) Swarajya (Self-rule)
Dur- Bad / Difficult Bhagya (Luck) Durbhagya (Misfortune)
Aa- Towards / Full Jeevan (Life) Aajeevan (Lifelong)

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 8
1

सरकार ने इस योजना के लिए **अनुमति** दी है।

The government has given permission for this scheme.

2

शिक्षा का **उद्देश्य** केवल नौकरी पाना नहीं है।

The objective of education is not just to get a job.

3

हिमालय भारत के उत्तर में स्थित है।

The Himalayas are situated in the north of India.

🎯

Guessing Game

If you see a long word you don't know, cover the beginning and end. The middle 2-3 letters are usually the root meaning. If you see `Ashikshit`, remove `A-` (not) and `-it` (ed/adj). You are left with `Shiksha` (Education). Boom: Uneducated.

💬

The 'Shuddh' Factor

Using too many Tatsam words in a casual setting might make people think you are angry, sarcastic, or rehearsing a speech. Context is everything!

The Rule in 30 Seconds

  • Roots are the building blocks of formal Hindi.
  • Prefix + Root + Suffix = New Word.
  • Used in news, formal speech, and documents.
  • Avoid mixing with slang or heavy Urdu.

Overview

Ready to sound like a news anchor or a wise sage from a mythological TV show? Welcome to the world of Sanskrit Roots in Hindi! At the C1 level, you've probably noticed that Hindi has a split personality. On the street, you order chai with everyday words. But open a newspaper, watch a formal speech, or read a government document, and suddenly it feels like a different language. That's the power of Tatsam words—words borrowed directly from Sanskrit without changing a bit. Understanding the roots (morphology) behind these words is like having a master key to the entire Hindi dictionary. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary; it's about seeing the matrix. You'll stop seeing big, scary words and start seeing simple LEGO blocks joined together. Let's crack this code.

How This Grammar Works

Think of Sanskrit roots as the "source code" of high-level Hindi. Most formal Hindi vocabulary is built by taking a root (a core meaning) and sticking things onto it. You have three main players here: the Root (Dhatu), the Prefix (Upsarg), and the Suffix (Pratyaya). For example, take the root Jna (to know). Add A- (ignorant of), you get Ajna. Add Vi- (special/distinct), you get Vigyan (science). Add -ani (one who knows), you get Gyani. Instead of memorizing three separate words, you just remember one root and a few rules. It’s efficient, logical, and honestly, pretty cool once you get the hang of it.

Formation Pattern

  1. 1Creating or decoding these words usually follows a standard assembly line. Here is your cheat sheet:
  2. 2Identify the Core Root: This is the anchor. E.g., Vad (to speak/debate).
  3. 3Check for Prefixes: These come at the front to change direction. Sam- (together) + Vad = Samvad (Dialogue).
  4. 4Check for Suffixes: These come at the end to change part of speech. Vad + -ak (doer) = Vadak (Speaker/Player).
  5. 5Sandhi (The Glue): Sometimes, when letters crash into each other, they morph. Sat (truth) + Guna (quality) becomes Sadguna (virtue). The t softens into a d.

When To Use It

Use this "Sanskritized" Hindi (Shuddh Hindi) when you want to be precise, formal, or respectful. It is the gold standard for:

  • Professional settings: Job interviews, presentations, or emails to superiors.
  • Academic writing: Essays, reports, and literary analysis.
  • News and Media: Understanding political speeches or reading editorials.
  • Expressing abstract concepts: Philosophy, science, and law rely heavily on these roots.

When Not To Use It

Don't drop a heavy Tatsam word like Loh-path-gamini (train) when you just want to buy a ticket! You'll get stared at. Avoid over-using these roots in:

  • Casual chats: Talking to friends, family, or shopkeepers.
  • Emotional outbursts: Slang and simple words hit harder here.
  • Simple instructions: Tell the taxi driver Ruko (stop), not Pratiksha kijiye (please await).

Common Mistakes

  • The "Khichdi" Effect: Mixing heavy Urdu/Persian words with heavy Sanskrit words in the same sentence. While everyday Hindi is a mix, formal Hindi usually picks a lane. Don't say Mera aatmsamman (Sanskrit: self-respect) is hurt because of your beizzati (Urdu: insult). Stick to one register if you can.
  • Wrong Suffix usage: Adding English suffixes to Sanskrit roots. Vigyan-ist isn't a word; it's Vigyanik (Scientist).
  • Ignoring Sandhi: Pronouncing every letter separately when they should blend. It's Swagat (Welcome), not Su-aagat.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Compare this with Tadbhav words. Tadbhav words are Sanskrit words that got lazy over centuries.

  • Tatsam (Root based): Surya (Sun), Hasta (Hand), Karya (Work).
  • Tadbhav (Evolved): Suraj (Sun), Haath (Hand), Kaam (Work).

The Tatsam versions are rigid and preserve the root structure. The Tadbhav versions are smoothed out for easy speaking.

Quick FAQ

Q. Do I really need this for C1?

A. Absolutely. You can survive without it, but you can't thrive professionally or academically without recognizing these roots.

Q. Are these roots same as in modern Sanskrit?

A. Yes! If you learn Hindi Tatsam words, you are accidentally learning a bit of Sanskrit too. Two for the price of one!

Q. How do I memorize them all?

A. Don't. Learn the top 20 prefixes and suffixes. They account for 80% of the complex words you'll see. It's the 80/20 rule in action.

Reference Table

Prefix (Upsarg) Meaning Root Example Resulting Word
Pra- Forward / Excess Gati (Motion) Pragati (Progress)
Vi- Distinct / Special Desh (Country) Videsh (Foreign country)
Anu- Following / According Saar (Essence) Anusaar (According to)
Swa- Self Rajya (Rule) Swarajya (Self-rule)
Dur- Bad / Difficult Bhagya (Luck) Durbhagya (Misfortune)
Aa- Towards / Full Jeevan (Life) Aajeevan (Lifelong)
🎯

Guessing Game

If you see a long word you don't know, cover the beginning and end. The middle 2-3 letters are usually the root meaning. If you see `Ashikshit`, remove `A-` (not) and `-it` (ed/adj). You are left with `Shiksha` (Education). Boom: Uneducated.

💬

The 'Shuddh' Factor

Using too many Tatsam words in a casual setting might make people think you are angry, sarcastic, or rehearsing a speech. Context is everything!

💡

Negative Prefixes

The prefix `Nir-` or `Ni-` almost always means 'without'. `Nirjal` (waterless), `Nirbal` (powerless). It's a quick win for vocabulary.

⚠️

False Friends

Some words look like roots but are just distinct words. Not every 'Pra' is a prefix (e.g., `Pratigya` - promise). Don't force a break where there isn't one.

أمثلة

8
#1 Basic

सरकार ने इस योजना के लिए **अनुमति** दी है।

Focus: अनुमति

The government has given permission for this scheme.

Root `Mati` (mind/opinion) + `Anu` (following) = Permission.

#2 Basic

शिक्षा का **उद्देश्य** केवल नौकरी पाना नहीं है।

Focus: उद्देश्य

The objective of education is not just to get a job.

`Ud` (up) + `Dish` (direction) = Objective/Purpose.

#3 Edge Case (Sandhi)

हिमालय भारत के उत्तर में स्थित है।

Focus: हिमालय

The Himalayas are situated in the north of India.

`Him` (Snow) + `Aalaya` (Abode) combines vowels to form `Himalaya`.

#4 Edge Case (Double Prefix)

हमें पर्यावरण का **संरक्षण** करना चाहिए।

Focus: संरक्षण

We must do conservation of the environment.

`Sam` (complete) + `Rakshan` (protection) = Conservation.

#5 Formal / Literary

कवि की **कल्पनाशक्ति** अद्वितीय है।

Focus: कल्पनाशक्ति

The poet's power of imagination is unique.

Compound word: `Kalpana` (imagination) + `Shakti` (power).

#6 Mistake Correction

यह कार्य बहुत **कठिनतापूर्ण** है। (✗) -> यह कार्य बहुत **कठिन** है। (✓)

Focus: कठिन

This task is very difficult.

`Kathinta` implies the noun 'difficulty'. `Kathintapurna` is redundant and awkward. Stick to simple adjectives or nouns.

#7 Mistake Correction

उसने मुझे **अपमान** किया। (✗) -> उसने मेरा **अपमान** किया। (✓)

Focus: अपमान

He insulted me.

`Apmaan` is a noun. You do someone's insult (object), you don't 'insult' (verb) someone directly with this word structure.

#8 Advanced Abstract

लोकतंत्र में **अभिव्यक्ति** की स्वतंत्रता मौलिक अधिकार है।

Focus: अभिव्यक्ति

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in a democracy.

`Abhi` (towards) + `Vyakti` (manifestation) = Expression.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the correct prefix to complete the word meaning 'Defeat'. Root: 'Jay' (Victory).

राजा की ___जय हुई। (The king suffered defeat.)

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: परा (Para)

`Jay` is victory. `Para` reverses the meaning to 'defeat' (Parajay). `Vijay` would mean special victory.

Select the correct suffix to turn 'Rashtra' (Nation) into 'National'.

यह एक ___ मुद्दा है। (This is a national issue.)

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: राष्ट्रीय (Rashtriya)

The suffix `-iya` turns a noun into an adjective. `Rashtravadi` is a nationalist (person).

Form a word meaning 'Innovation' using 'Nav' (New).

कंपनी को ___ की आवश्यकता है। (The company needs innovation.)

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: नवाचार (Navachar)

`Nav` (New) + `Achar` (Behavior/Practice) = Innovation. `Naveen` is just 'new'.

🎉 النتيجة: /3

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Everyday vs. Formal (Tadbhav vs. Tatsam)

Casual (Tadbhav)
Haath (हाथ) Hand
Suraj (सूरज) Sun
Ghar (घर) Home
Formal (Tatsam)
Hast (हस्त) Hand
Surya (सूर्य) Sun
Griha (गृह) Home

Decoding a Long Word

1

Is the word very long?

YES ↓
NO
Likely simple vocabulary
2

Can you spot a prefix (Pra, Vi, Anu)?

YES ↓
NO
Check for compound words
3

Identify the suffix (-ta, -tva, -iya)

YES ↓
NO
Might just be Root + Prefix
4

Isolate the middle part (Root)

YES ↓
NO
Try breaking it elsewhere

Common Prefixes Toolkit

👍

Positives

  • • Su- (Good)
  • • Sat- (True)
  • • Swa- (Self)
👎

Negatives

  • • A- (Not)
  • • Dur- (Bad)
  • • Nir- (Without)
➡️

Directional

  • • Prati- (Against/Each)
  • • Up- (Sub/Near)
  • • Pari- (Around)

الأسئلة الشائعة

21 أسئلة

Tatsam words are identical to Sanskrit (e.g., Agni). Tadbhav words evolved from Sanskrit but changed over time to be easier to say (e.g., Aag). Use Tatsam for formal writing and Tadbhav for speaking.

Look for complex compound letters (like ksh, tr, gy), the letter Ri (ऋ), or prefixes like Pra- and Vi-. If it sounds 'heavy' or 'pure', it's likely Tatsam.

In casual speech (Hindustani), yes. But in formal writing, try to match the origin. Sugandhit (Sanskrit) sounds better with Pushp (Sanskrit flower) than with Phool (Hindi/General).

It usually means distinct, special, or separation. Videsh (Foreign country), Vishesh (Special), Viyog (Separation). It adds a layer of specificity.

Sandhi is the blending of sounds at the meeting point of two words or parts. For example, Vidya + Alaya = Vidyalaya. The two a sounds merge into one long aa.

Usually, yes. It means 'following' or 'atomic/small'. Anubhav (Experience - feeling that follows), Anu (Atom).

The most common prefixes are A- (before consonants) and An- (before vowels). Satya (Truth) -> Asatya (Untruth). Upyogi (Useful) -> Anupyogi (Useless).

It turns a noun or adjective into an abstract noun, similar to '-ness' in English. Mitra (Friend) -> Mitratva (Friendship/Friendliness).

Formal news aims to be understood across regions. Since many Indian languages share Sanskrit roots, using Tatsam words actually makes the news intelligible to Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati speakers too!

The root is Drish. In words, it often appears as Darsh. Darshan (Sight/Visit), Pradarshan (Exhibition), Drishti (Vision).

Yes, mostly. Suprabhat (Good morning), Swagat (Su+Aagat - Good arrival/Welcome). It opposes Dur- (Bad).

It is the verb root. Padh (read), Likh (write). In Tatsam, these often appear in their Sanskrit forms like Path and Likh.

Common suffixes are -ik, -iya, and -mya. Samaj (Society) -> Samajik (Social). Bharat (India) -> Bharatiya (Indian).

Yes. Generally, abstract nouns ending in -ta are feminine (Manavta - Humanity). Nouns ending in -tva are often masculine (Vyaktitva - Personality).

No, that sounds very odd (hinglish). Don't say Un-saphalt for unsuccessful. Stick to Asaphal.

The prefix Swa- or Aatma-. Swabhiman (Self-respect), Aatmakatha (Autobiography).

It's a compound word. Manas (Mind) + Vigyan (Science) = Psychology. Sandhi changes Manas to Mano.

Use Sah- (Together/With). Sahkarmi (Co-worker), Sahyog (Cooperation).

-Dhari. Satta-dhari (Power-holder/Incumbent), Chakra-dhari (Wheel-holder/Krishna).

In pure Sanskrit, yes (Yoga). In Hindi, no (Yog). However, in singing or poetry, the 'a' might be slightly pronounced.

It means 'Each', 'Every', or 'Counter'. Pratidin (Everyday), Pratikriya (Reaction/Counter-action).

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