Dhātu √as — To Be (अस्ति, सन्ति)
धातु √अस् — होना (अस्ति)
The Verb "To Be" in Sanskrit · Essential for All Sentences · Class 6-8
Key Points to Remember
- ▸√as = to be; most essential verb in Sanskrit
- ▸asti (he/she/it is) | santi (they are) | asmi (I am) | asi (you are)
- ▸Often omitted in Sanskrit sentences but never in questions
- ▸Hindi "hai" (है) = asti | "hain" (हैं) = santi — direct descendants
Grammar Explained
√as (to be) is the most essential Sanskrit verb. Like English "am/is/are", it agrees with the subject in number. In Sanskrit, the verb "to be" is often omitted in simple statements, but present when needed for clarity.
| Person | Singular | Dual | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prathama (3rd) | अस्ति (asti) | स्तः (staḥ) | सन्ति (santi) |
| Madhyama (2nd) | असि (asi) | स्थः (sthaḥ) | स्थ (stha) |
| Uttama (1st) | अस्मि (asmi) | स्वः (svaḥ) | स्मः (smaḥ) |
Example Sentences
एषः बालकः अस्ति।
Eṣaḥ bālakaḥ asti.
This is a boy.
वने बहवः पशवः सन्ति।
Vane bahavaḥ paśavaḥ santi.
There are many animals in the forest.
अहम् छात्रः अस्मि।
Aham chātraḥ asmi.
I am a student.
त्वम् कः असि?
Tvam kaḥ asi?
Who are you?
Exercises (2)
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the correct form of √as
1. अहम् छात्रः _______ (I am a student).
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अस्मि (asmi)
2. वने पशवः _______ (there are animals in the forest).
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सन्ति (santi)
3. त्वम् कः _______ ? (Who are you?)
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असि (asi)
4. एषः राजा _______ (this is a king).
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अस्ति (asti)
Exercise 2: Translation
Translate into Sanskrit
1. There is a book here. (पुस्तक, neut.)
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अत्र पुस्तकम् अस्ति।
2. Students are in the school.
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विद्यालये छात्राः सन्ति।
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