Learning Sanskrit - Numbers (1) (English)

Sanskrit numbers (Cardinals)

 Introduction

This is Gabriel Pradīpaka. Another chance to enrich our Sanskrit knowledge. We have learnt lots of things so far, and now it is time to start to learn Sanskrit Numbers. Remember that there are two kind of Numbers: Cardinals and Ordinals. Cardinals are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.; and Ordinals are: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, etc.

This is a first approach to the study of the Sanskrit Numbers. We will not study Declension for the time being. I will only give a brief explanation. Declension, in a word, consists in transforming the end of a noun, substantive or adjective in order to show different cases (Nominative, Accusative, ...). When a word is in a crude form is denominated "prātipadika". For example: "Yoga, Saṁskṛta, Deva, Guru" (Yoga or union, Sanskrit, God, Guru) are prātipadika-s because there is no Declension applied to them. However, if you wish to express the following: "of Yoga, of Sanskrit, of God, of the Guru", you will have to transform (inflect) the final part of Yoga, Saṁskṛta, Deva and Guru words this way:

Yogasya, Saṁskṛtasya, Devasya, Guroḥ/unaḥ

I will explain completely Declension to you later, through another document. I will write the numbers only in their crude form (prātipadika) in this document. After you have learnt Declension in the future, I will publish a Numbers Appendix, which will deal with Number Declension. Be patient.

Prātipadika-s (crude forms of any words) are used in Compounds. When you build a compound, you generally decline the last word, not the rest. There are exceptions, of course. For example, if you have to translate "Yoga of Knowledge" into Sanskrit, you would write firstly:

Jñānayoga

"Jñāna" is knowledge, and "yoga" is Yoga (union or uniting). Well, to form that compound was very easy. However, it is just the crude form of the compound (no declensions). But, if you had to write "for Yoga of Knowledge", how will you insert "for"? Through Declension. You will have only to decline or transform the final part of "yoga" word. "Jñāna" word remains the same. It remains prātipadika. Thus:

Jñānayogāya

Numbers in their crude form (prātipadika) are used generally in compounds. There are several exceptions in which you will have to transform the crude form into a special form to be utilized in compounds (as "pañcan" --five--, which is changed into "pañca" when it is used in a compound).

And now, one example by using number two (dvi) in a compound. Note that I have utilized "dvi" in its crude form (prātipadika):

Dvipa

(lit. "drinking --pa-- twice --dvi--", the elephant)

But if you had to translate into Sanskrit "the three elephants", you must use Declension. On one hand, if you keep the words separately, you should decline both of them. On the other hand, if you are forming a compound, you should only decline the last word in the compound.

Remember that you are not actually learning how to decline now, it is just an informative example. If you are going to keep the words separately you should write:

Trayo dvipāḥ

Observe how the final "āḥ" indicates plural number of crude form "dvipa" (elephant). The next declension is in "trayaḥ", which changes into "trayo" due to a Sandhi or Combination rule that we will study on another document later. The original crude form "tri" (three) has been changed into "trayaḥ" in order to show Nominative case... Nevertheless, do not worry friend. It is just an example.

In turn, if you want to form a compound, simply join the two words together:

Tridvipāḥ

In this case, "tri" (three) remains prātipadika or crude form, and declension is only applied to the last word of the compound (dvipāḥ=elephants). It is enough for the time being. Let us start studying the numbers themselves right now.

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 Cardinals: 0-9

There are five columns. First column: Sanskrit numbers. Second column: Usual numbers (ours). Third column: Names of the Cardinals. Fourth column: Transliteration of the previous names. Fifth column: Comments.

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 Cardinals: 10-29

Let us keep learning Sanskrit Numbers. Observe attentively the position of the written accent.

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 Cardinals: 30-49

Twenty more numbers:

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 Cardinals: 50-69

Let us keep learning Sanskrit Numbers:

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 Cardinals: 70-99

Thirty more numbers up to 99:

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 Cardinals: 100 and beyond...

No comments included on the Table. The numbers are in their crude form (prātipadika). No declensions being applied to them.

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 Concluding remarks

The first part of this long document set has been finished. Numbers is composed of 2 web pages: "Numbers: Sanskrit Numbers (Cardinals)" and "Numbers: Sanskrit Numbers (Ordinals)". You have learnt how to write Cardinals. You should practice for a long time in order to fully understand the numbers. On "Numbers: Appendix 1 --Sanskrit Numbers-- (Examples)" you will have a chance to practice even more. And now, go to Numbers: Sanskrit Numbers (Ordinals) and keep studying.

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 Further Information

This document was conceived by Gabriel Pradīpaka, one of the two founders of this site, and spiritual guru conversant with Sanskrit language and Trika philosophy.

For further information about Sanskrit, Yoga and Indian Philosophy; or if you simply want to comment, ask a question or correct a mistake, feel free to contact us: This is our e-mail address.