Week 17: The Verb “To Be”
This week is designed as a 60-minute self-study lesson. Read aloud first, then translate.
Aim of the Week
Recognise The verb “to be” as it appears in Sanskrit reading.
Core Pattern
Verbs carry person, number, and time. In reading, first identify the verb form and then ask who or what it belongs to.
Translation Practice
- धर्मः अस्ति।
dharmaḥ asti. - जनाः सन्ति।
janāḥ santi. - अहम् अस्मि।
aham asmi. - वयम् स्मः।
vayam smaḥ.
Answer key
- Dharma exists.
- People are / exist.
- I am.
- We are.
Recitation Guidance
Give the verb a slight emphasis in each sentence. Sanskrit meaning often becomes clearer when the verb is heard distinctly.
Vocabulary
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अस्ति | asti | is |
| सन्ति | santi | are |
| अस्मि | asmi | I am |
| स्मः | smaḥ | we are |
| जनाः | janāḥ | people |
Self-Check
- Can you recognise the time of the verb?
- Can you identify whether the verb means “I,” “you,” “he/she/it,” or “they”?