Dhātu √bhū — To Be, To Become (भवति)
धातु √भू — होना (भवति)
The Foundational Verb of Sanskrit Grammar · Class 6-8
Key Points to Remember
- ▸√bhū = to be/become; the model verb of Sanskrit grammar (bhvādi = "beginning with bhū")
- ▸bhavati (3rd sg.) | bhavāmi (1st sg.) — same endings as √gam, √paṭh, √vad
- ▸"Katham bhavati?" = How are you? — the Sanskrit greeting
- ▸√as (asti) = static existence; √bhū (bhavati) = becoming/change
Grammar Explained
√bhū is called the "model verb" of Sanskrit grammar — Pāṇini used it to name class 1 verbs (bhvādi gaṇa = "beginning with bhū"). It means "to become" or "to exist." Unlike √as (also "to be"), √bhū emphasises becoming or coming into existence.
| Person | Singular | Dual | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prathama (3rd) | भवति (bhavati) | भवतः (bhavataḥ) | भवन्ति (bhavanti) |
| Madhyama (2nd) | भवसि (bhavasi) | भवथः (bhavathaḥ) | भवथ (bhavatha) |
| Uttama (1st) | भवामि (bhavāmi) | भवावः (bhavāvaḥ) | भवामः (bhavāmaḥ) |
Example Sentences
छात्रः ज्ञानवान् भवति।
Chātraḥ jñānavān bhavati.
The student becomes knowledgeable.
विद्या विनयम् भवति।
Vidyā vinayam janayati.
Knowledge becomes humility.
कथम् भवति? (How are you? — lit.)
Katham bhavati?
How are you? / How does it go? (Colloquial greeting in Sanskrit)
Exercises (2)
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in √bhū forms
1. "How are you?" in Sanskrit: कथम् _______ ?
Show answer
भवति (bhavati) — lit. "how does it become/go?"
2. Students become wise: छात्राः ज्ञानिनः _______ ।
Show answer
भवन्ति (bhavanti)
3. I become happy: अहम् सुखी _______ ।
Show answer
भवामि (bhavāmi)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Compare √as and √bhū
1. √bhū is used when you want to express:
Show answer
becoming or change (becomes)
2. Class 1 verbs in Sanskrit are named "bhvādi" because:
Show answer
Pāṇini listed bhū first
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