Pali for beginners

PĀLI FOR BEGINNERS

Dr. ANKUR BARUA MBBS, MD (Community Medicine), MBAIT, MBuddStud (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong, 2009

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Background: The author had graduated with distinction from the University of Hong Kong (MBuddStud, 2009). He had also completed two other Master Degrees, one from Sikkim Manipal University (MBAIT, 2007) while the other from Manipal University (MBBS-2000, MD in Community Medicine - 2003) and presently working in professional field.

First Publication on 26th August 2009

Copyright © Ankur Barua

Address for communication: Dr. ANKUR BARUA Block – EE, No.-80, Flat No.-2A, Salt Lake City, Sector-2, Kolkata - 700091, West Bengal, INDIA. Email:

ankurbarua26@yahoo.com

Mobile: +91-9434485543 (India), +852-96195078 (Hong Kong)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Contents Items

Page No.

Acknowledgements

04

Preface

05

Pāli Alphabets

06

Pronunciation of Pāli Alphabets

08

Pāli Nouns, Pronouns and Adjectives

11

Declension of Nouns

22

Declension of Pronouns

54

Declension of Numerals

66

Pāli Verbs and Their Uses

72

Derivation of Pāli Verbs According to the Tenses and Voices in Third Person Singular Number

76

Pāli Indeclinables

81

Pāli Phrases From Texts

87

References

95

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Acknowledgements

I wish to express my sincere gratitude and indebtedness to Ven. Dr. Aniruddha, Visiting Professor of Buddhist Studies at the Centre of Buddhist Studies in the University of Hong Kong for his constant encouragement, constructive criticism, personal attention and valuable guidance throughout this work.

I acknowledge gratefully Ven. Dr. Jing Yin, Professor of Buddhist Studies and Director of the Centre of Buddhist Studies in the University of Hong Kong for his kind support, encouragement and timely advice during the compilation of this text book.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my beloved father Dr. Dipak Kumar Barua, who was the earlier Dean of the Faculty Council for Postgraduate Studies in Education, Journalism & Library Science in the University of Calcutta (1987-1991) and the Director of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda (1996-1999) for his technical guidance and valuable advice on various aspects of the PÄ li language.

I would also like to convey my sincere thanks to my beloved mother Mrs. Dipa Barua and Ms. Mary Anne Basilio for their constant assistance, keen interest and support during this study.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Preface

The orgin of the Pāli language is rooted in the Prakrits, the vernacular languages, used in northern India during the Middle period of Indian linguistic evolution. Though Pāli is closely related to Sanskrit, but its grammar and structure are simpler. The Traditional Theravadins regard Pāli as the language in which the Buddha (historical – Sakyamuni Buddha) had given his discourses. However, in the opinion of leading linguistic scholars, Pāli was probably a synthetic language created from several vernaculars to make the Buddhist texts comprehensible to Buddhist monks living in different parts of northern India. Pāli language was also used to preserve the Buddhist canon of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which is regarded as the oldest complete collection of Buddhist texts surviving in an Indian language. As Theravada Buddhism spread to other parts of southern Asia, Pāli as the language of the Buddhist texts spread along with it. Thus, Pāli became a sacred language in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Pāli has been used almost exclusively for Buddhist teachings, although many other religious and literary works related to Buddhism were also written in Pāli. This book is designed to provide the basics of Pāli grammar and vocabulary to enable the reader to understand the discourses of the Buddha in original form.

Dr. Ankur Barua

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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PĀLI ALPHABETS

The Pāli Alphabet consists of 41 letters, 8 vowels and 33 consonants: 8 Vowels (Sara):

a, aa, i, ii, u, uu, e, o.

33 Consonants (Vya~njana) a) Gutturals [ka.n.thaja]:

k, kh, g, gh, 'n

(ka group [ka vagga]) b) Palatals [taaluja]:

c, ch, j, jh, ~n

(ca group [ca vagga]) c) Cerebrals [mu.dhaja]:

.t, .th, .d, .dh, .n

(.ta group [.t vagga]) d) Dentals [dantaja]:

t, th, d, dh, n

(ta group [ta vagga]) e) Labials [o.t.thaja]:

p, ph, b, bh, m

(pa group [pa vagga])

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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The following consonants are known as semi-vowels:

Palatal [taaluja]:

y

Cerebral [mu.dhaja]:

r

Dental [dantaja]:

l

Dental and Labial [danta o.t.thaja]:

v

The special consonants: Dental (sibilant) [dantaja]:

s

Aspirate [kan.thaja]:

h

Cerebral [mu.dhaja]:

.l

Niggahita:

.m

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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PRONUNCIATION OF PĀLI ALPHABETS Pāli is a phonetic language and each alphabet has its own characteristic sound.

Pāli Vowels: 8 Vowels (Sara): a, aa, i, ii, u, uu, e, o a

is pronounced like

‘u’

in but

aa

is pronounced like

‘a’

in art

i

is pronounced like

‘I'

in pin

ii

is pronounced like

‘I’

in machine

u

is pronounced like

‘u’

in put

uu

is pronounced like

‘u’

in rule

e

is pronounced like

‘e’

in ten

ee

is pronounced like

‘a’

in fate

o

is pronounced like

‘o’

in hot

oo

is pronounced like

‘o’

in note

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Pāli Consonants 33 Consonants (Vya~njana) k

is pronounced like

‘k’

in key

g

is pronounced like

‘g’

in get

'n

is pronounced like

‘ng’

in ring

c

is pronounced like

‘ch’

in rich

j

is pronounced like

‘j’

in jug

~n

is pronounced like

‘gn’

in signor

.t

is pronounced like

‘t’

in not

.d

is pronounced like

‘d’

in hid

.n

is pronounced like

‘n’

in hint

p

is pronounced like

‘p’

in lip

b

is pronounced like

‘b’

in rib

m

is pronounced like

‘m’

in him

y

is pronounced like

‘y’

in yard

r

is pronounced like

‘r’

in rat

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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l

is pronounced like

‘l’

in sell

v

is pronounced like

‘v’

in vile

s

is pronounced like

‘s’

in sit

h

is pronounced like

‘h’

in hut

.l

is pronounced like

‘l’

in felt

.m

is pronounced like

‘ng’

in sing

The vowels " e " and " o " are always long, except when followed by a double consonant; e.g., ettha, o.t.tha.

The fifth consonant of each group is called a "nasal".

There is no difference between the pronunciation of " 'n " and ".m". The former never stands at the end, but is always followed by a consonant of its group.

The dentals " t " and " d " are pronounced with the tip of the tongue placed against the front upper teeth.

The aspirates " kh ", " gh ", ".th ", ".dh ", " th ", " dh ", " ph ", " bh ", are pronounced with " h " sound immediately following; e.g., in blockhead, pighead, cat-head, log-head, etc., where the " h " in each is combined with the preceding consonant in pronunciation.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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PĀLI NOUNS, PRONOUNS AND ADJECTIVES

In English there are 8 parts of speech. They are all found in Pāli, but the Pāli Grammararians do not classify them in the same way. Their general classification is: (1) Nāma

=

Noun / Pronoun / Adjective

(2) Ākhyāta

=

Verb

(3) Upasagga

=

Prefix

(4) Nipāta

=

Indeclinable Particle (conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs, present participle, past participle, future passive participle)

Pronouns and adjectives are included in the first group with the nouns. Adjectives are treated as nouns because they are declined like nouns.

Conjunctions, prepositions, adverbs and all other indeclinables are included in the fourth group.

Gender, Number and Case for all pronouns and adjectives should be in agreement with the corresponding noun.

There are in Pāli as in English three GENDERS and two NUMBERS. These are – GENDER:

(1) Pullioga

=

Masculine

(2) Itthilioga

=

Feminine

(3) Napuŋsakalioga

=

Neuter

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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NUMBER:

(1) Ekavacana

=

Singular

(2) Bahuvacana

=

Pleural

InPāli, there are eight CASES namely: (1) Pațhamā

=

Nominative

=

Subject

(2) Dutiyā

=

Accusative

=

Object (To / Towards the motion of movement)

(3) (A) Tatiyā

=

Ablative of Agent

=

By / With / Through

(B) Karaņa

=

Ablative of Instrument

=

By / With / Through

(4) Catutthī

=

Dative

=

For

(5) Pañcamī

=

Ablative of Separation

=

From

(6) Chațțhī

=

Possessive or Genetive

=

Of

(7) Sattamī

=

Locative

=

In / On / At / Upon

(8) Ālapana

=

Vocative

=

Oh!

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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The Ablative in English is here divided into Tatiyā, Karaņa and Pañchamī. But, as tatiyā and Karaņa always have similar forms both of them are shown under “instrumental”. Where only the “Ablative” is given then it must be understand that all the three forms of the Ablative are included.

Nouns which denote males are masculine, those which denote females are feminine, but nouns which denote inanimate things and qualities are not always neuter, e.g., rukkha (tree), canda (moon) are masculine. Nadī (river), latā (vine), pañña (wisdom) are feminine. Dhana (wealth), citta (mind) are neuter. Two words denoting the same thing may be, sometimes, in different genders; pāsāņa and silā are both synonymopus for a stone, but the former is masculine and the latter is feminine. One word, without changing its form, may possess two or more genders e.g., geha (house) is masculine and neuter while kucchi (belly) is masculine and feminine. Noun (subject) and verb in a sentence should be in agreement in terms of “person” and “number”.

Therefore, it should be remembered that gender in Pāli is a grammatical distinction existing in words it is called GRAMMATICAL GENDER. All the Nouns, Pronouns and Adjectives are declined according to their corresponding Gender, Number, Case and the stem ending form.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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EXAMPLES OF NOUNS CORRESPONSING TO THEIR DECLENSIONS

MASCULINE

STEM ENDING FORM

NOUN

EXAMPLE

a

nara

Gonā pāsāņe tițțhanti

i

aggi

Dīpayo girimhi vasanti

ī

pakkhī

u

garu

Garu mayhaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

ū

vidū

Viduno kulavato gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

ā

vanitā

Vanitāyao nāvāhi gaogāyaŋ gacchantu

i

bhūmi

Yuvatīnaŋ pitaro ațaviyā āgamma bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

ī

ārī

āriyo sakhīhi saha vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

u

dhenu/ mātu

Dāsiyā mātā dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

a

nayana

i

atthi

u

cakkhu

Mantī hatthinaŋ āruhissati

FEMININE

NEUTER

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Dhanavanto bhātarānaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti Mayaŋ gāviyā khīraŋ, khīramha dadhiŋ, dadhimhā sappiñ ca labhāma Amhākaŋ pitaro tadā vanamhā madhuŋ āharitvā dadhina saha bhuñjiŋsu

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PRONOUNS Pronouns in Pāli are also treated as Adjectives and they should be declined using the same Gender, Number and Case as the corresponding Noun.

Two personal pronouns like “Amha” and “Tumha” are declined separately because of their frequent usage. These are of the common gender and have no vocative form. We need to keep in mind that “te”, “me”, “vo” and “no” should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. They can also sometimes be used as adjectives while qualifying the nouns.

Example: Ayaŋ sīho tamhā vanamhā nikkhamma imasmiŋ magge țhatvā ekaŋ itthiŋ māresi.

EXAMPLES OF PRONOUNS CORRESPONSING TO THE DECLENSIONS OF NOUNS

MASCULINE

FEMININE

NEUTER

STEM ENDING FORM

NOUN

a

nara

So gonā imasmiŋ pāsāņe tițțhanti

i

aggi

Ime dīpayo tasmiŋ girismiŋ vasanti

ī

pakkhī

u

garu

Garu mayhaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

ū

vidū

Yo viduno taŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu?

ā

vanitā

Aññāyo vanitāyao nāvāhi itarāyaŋ gaogāyaŋ gacchantu

i

bhūmi

Katāmānāŋ Yuvatīnaŋ pitaro aparāya ațaviyā āgamma bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

ī

ārī

u

dhenu/ mātu

a

nayana

i

atthi

u

cakkhu

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

EXAMPLE OF PRONOUNS

Mantī yaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati?

Āriyo sabbāhi sakhīhi saha aññataraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti Tassā dāsiyā mātā sabbaŋ dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi Dhanavanto tassa ubhayānaŋ bhātarānaŋ imaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti Mayaŋ sabbābhi gāvībhi khīraŋ labhāma Amhākaŋ sabbo pitaro tadā vanamhā madhuŋ āharitvā pivatiŋsu

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ADJECTIVES Adjectives add special quality and qualify the Nouns. They are declined by using the same Gender, Number and Case as their cprresponding Noun.

In a given sentence, the Adjectives should be in agreement with the corresponding Noun in terms of Gender, Number and Case. Ordinary adjectives are “seta” (white), “rassa” (short), “mahanta” (big) and so on.

Example: Ratto goņo rassāni tiņāni khādati Setā kaññā nīlam vatthaŋ paridahati

NOUNS USED AS ADJECTIVES The declension of verbal and pronominal adjectives and those ending in “vantu” and “mantu” are different from the other adjectives that qualify the nouns. Adjectival Nouns ending in “vantu” and “mantu” are differently declined from the above masculine nouns ending in “u”. They are often used as adjectives, but they become substantives when they stand alone in the place of the person or the thing they qualify. These are declined in all genders. In the feminine, they change their final vowel, e.g., guņavatī, sīlavatī, guavantī, sīlavantī. Those ending in “mantu” should be declined as “cakkhumā”, “cakkhumanto”, “cakkhumatā” and so on.

As the adjectives qualify nouns, which are of different genders and numbers, they must agree with their substantives in gender, number and case. All adjectives are declined like nouns in various genders, numbers and cases according to their stem endings. For example, “dīgha”, “rassa” and others, which are ending in “a” of the above list are declined in the masculine like “nara”, and in the neuter like “nayana”. In the feminine, they lengthen their last vowel and are declined like “vanitā”. For example, “setā kaññā rattaŋ vatthaŋ paridahati” which means that “a fair girl wears a red cloth”. Here, “setā” (white / fair) is the adjective of “kaññā”(girl) in feminine gender, singular number and nominative case; so “setā has to be declined like “kaññā” using the same gender, number and case. Also, “rattaŋ”(red) is the adjective of “vatthaŋ”(cloth) in neuter gender, singular number and accusative case; so “rattaŋ” has to be declined like “vatthaŋ” using the same gender, number and case.

Those ending in “u” such as “bahu” and “mudu” are declined like “garu”, “dhenu” and “cakkhu”. Sometimes these, ending in “u”, add “kā” in their feminine stem and then they are declined like “vanitā” e.g., “mudu” = “mudukā, “bahu” = “bahukā”.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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The words ending in “ī”, like “mālī” (one who has a garland), take “ini” instead of “ī” while forming feminine stems e.g., “mālī” = “mālinī”. Here, “mālinī” and such others are declined as “ārī”.

PRONOUNS USED AS ADJECTIVES Pronouns can stand alone and replace nouns as substantives and they are also sometimes used as adjectives to qualify nouns in a sentence. When they are used as Adjectives they should be declined using the same Gender, Number and Case as the corresponding Noun.

Example: Sabbesaŋ nattāro paññavanto na bhavanti.

Aparo aññissaŋ vāpiyaŋ nahātvā pubbāya disāya nagaraŋ pāvisi.

PARTICIPLES USED AS ADJECTIVES Participles are also sometimes used as adjectives to qualify nouns in a sentence. But unlike normal adjectives, which are derived from nouns, Participles are adjectives made out of a verb roots. There are Present Prticiples, Past Participles and Future Passive Participles which are used as adjectives. As they are used as Adjectives, they are also declined using the same Gender, Number and Case as the corresponding Noun.

Example: (a) Tițțhanto goņo tiņaŋ khādati, (b) Rukkhato otiņņā pakkhī, (c) Tumhehi dānāni dātabbāni honti

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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Example of Present Participle used as Adjective:

Gāmaŋ gacchanto dārako ekaŋ goņaŋ disvā bhāyi.

Example of Past Participle used as Adjective:

Hīyo araññaŋ gato so puriso ahinā dațțho mari.

Example of Future Passive Participle used as Adjective: Dāsena harīyamāno asso vāņijānaŋ vikkiņitabbo hoti.

NUMERICALS USED AS ADJECTIVES Numerical are often used as adjectives in qualifying nouns. In most of the time numericals are used in pleural form and they agree in terms of cases with the corresponding nouns. There are a few exceptions like “Eka” (one), “Ti” (three) and “Catu” (four) which are declined according to different genders.

Example: (a) Ayaŋ sīho tamhā vanamhā nikkhamma imasmiŋ magge țhatvā ekaŋ itthiŋ māresi. (b) Gacchantesu dasasu purisesu sattamo vāņijo hoti.

Ordinal numerical are used as adjectives for qualifying nouns in a sentence.

Example: Dvinnaŋ dhanavantānaŋ dutiyo tiŋsatiyā yācakānaŋ dānaŋ adāsi.

GENETIVE CASE (SINGULAR NUMBER) USED AS ADJECTIVES Genetive Singulars are also can be used as adjectives in qualifying nouns. These are exceptions and do not follow the general rule of nouns and adjectives. Here, the adjectives do not agree with their corresponding nouns in terms of gender, number and case.

Example: Rajassa putto (son of the King).

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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EXAMPLES OF SOME COMMON ADJECTIVES CATEGORY

ADJECTIVES

MEANING

EXAMPLE

Gambhīra

Deep

Uttāna

Shallow

Vitthata

Wide / Broad

Khuddaka

Small

Kassako khuddake gehe vasati

Mahanta

Big / Large

Vāņijo mahante vihāre vasati

Dīgha

Long

Rassa

Short / Dwarf

Ucca

High / Tall

Dīpayo uccamhi girimhi vasanti

Nīca

Low / Vulgar

Mañcassa nīce sunakho sayati

Majjhima

Medium

Appaka

Few / Little

Dhanavanto appakaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

Bahu / Bahuka

Many / Much

Vānaro pāsāņe nisiditvā bahukā ambā khadati

Santika

Near

Vidūra

Far

Kumāriyo gambhīraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti Yuvatīyo uttāna vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti Vanitāyo nāvāhi vitthatayaŋ gaogāyaŋ gacchantu

Dāsiyā mātā dhenuŋ dīghayā rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi Dhenu rassaŋ tinaŋ bhuñjati

Dimension & Quantity

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Majjhimo bhātā pāto pāțhasālāŋ gacchati

Yuvatīyo santikaŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti Suriyo girismā vidūre pācine ākāse udeti

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EXAMPLES OF SOME COMMON ADJECTIVES (continued) CATEGORY

Colour

Texture & Quality

ADJECTIVES

MEANING

Seta

White

Nīla

Blue

Nīle ākāse setā pakkhino uddenti

Ratta

Red

Mātā rattaŋ dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

Kāļa

Black

Pīta

Yellow

Pītayo dīpayo girimhi vasanti

Khara

Rough / Course

Gonā khare pāsāņe tițțhanti

Mudu

Soft

Bāla

Foolish / Young

Paņdita

Wise

Paņdito Garu susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

Balavantu

Powerful

Mantī balavantaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati

Dubbala

Feeble

Yuvatīyā dubbalo pitaro mañce sayiŋsu

Surūpa / Dassanīya

Beautiful / Handsome

Āma

Unripe

Pakka

Ripe

Dahara

Young

Mahallaka

Elderly / Old

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

EXAMPLE Setayo gavīyo pāsāņe tițțhanti

Kāļo gono khette tinaŋ bhuñjati

Pitaro muduŋ odanaŋ bhuñjiŋsu Dhaņavā bālānaŋ bhātarānaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchati

Surūpāyo Vanitāyo nāvāhi gaogāyaŋ gacchantu Sushu pasane nisiditvā amani phalāni khadati Vānaro pakkani ambe bhuñjati Daharāya Yuvatīyā pitaro odanaŋ bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu Mahallakā Viduno mahantaŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

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EXAMPLES OF ADJECTIVES CORRESPONSING TO THE DECLENSIONS OF NOUNS

MASCULINE

STEM ENDING FORM

NOUN

EXAMPLE OF ADJECTIVES

a

nara

Setā gavīyo khare pāsāņe tițțhanti

i

aggi

Pītayo dīpayo uccamhi girimhi vasanti

ī

pakkhī

u

garu

Paņdito Garu surūpaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

ū

vidū

Surūpā mahallakā Viduno mahantaŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

ā

vanitā

Surūpāyo Vanitāyo nāvāhi vitthatayaŋ gaogāyaŋ gacchantu

i

bhūmi

Daharāya Yuvatīyā dubbalo pitaro muduŋ odanaŋ bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

ī

ārī

u

dhenu/ mātu

a

nayana

i

atthi

Setayā gāviyā khīraŋ ca sappiñ ca labhāma

u

cakkhu

Mahallakā pitaro setaŋ dadhiŋ bhuñjiŋsu

Mahallako mantī balavantaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati

FEMININE

NEUTER

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Āriyo santikaŋ gambhīraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti Mahallikāya Dāsiyā mātā rattaŋ dhenuŋ dīghayā rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi Dhanavanto bālānaŋ bhātarānaŋ appakaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

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DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘a’ DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR (suffix)

PLEURAL (suffix)

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

o

ā

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

ŋ

e

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

ena

ebhi / ehi

DATIVE

For / to

āya / ssa

ānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

ā / mhā / smā

ebhi / ehi

GENETIVE

Of

ssa

ānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

e / mhi / smiŋ

esu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

a/ā

ā

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Vocative Pleural form (oh!)

Here, Instrumental Pleural form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative Pleural form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “nara” meaning “man”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Naro

Narā

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Naraŋ

Nare

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Narena

Narebhi / narehi

DATIVE

For / to

(Narāya /) narassa

Narānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Narā / naramhā / narasmā

Narebhi / narehi

GENETIVE

Of

Narassa

Narānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Nare / naremhi / narasmiŋ

Naresu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Nara / narā

Narā

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Vocative Pleural form (oh!)

Here, Instrumental Pleural form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative Pleural form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 23

Some of the stems similarly declined like “nara” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Purisa

Man

Buddha

The Enlightened One

Dāsa

Slave

Manussa

Human being

Dhamma

Doctrine

Assa

Horse

Hattha

Hand

Saogha

The community

Bhūpala

King

Pāda

Leg / foot

Āloka

Light

Gona

Ox

Kāya

Body

Loka

World

Kassaka

Farmer

Rukkha

Tree

Ākāsa

Sky

Sunakha

Dog

Pāsāņa

Rock / stone

Suriya

Sun

Lekhaka

Clerk / Writer

Gāma

Village

Canda

Moon

Varāha

Pig

Magga

Path

Vihāra

Monastery

Deva

God / deity

Putta

Son

Dīpa

Island / lamp

Sakuņa

Bird

Āra / Kumāra

Boy

Mañca

Bed

Vānara

Monkey

Vāņija

Merchant

Āharā

Food

Aja

Goat

Cora

Thief

Sīha

Lion

Kāka

Crow

Mitta

Friend

Miga

Deer

Ārāma

Garden / Park

Geha

House

Hattha

Hand

Magga

Path

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 24

Some of the stems similarly declined like “nara” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Amba

Mango

Ghața

Water-pot

Āpaņa

Market

Vyaggha

Tiger

Vajja

Doctor / Physician

Vihāra

Monastery

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 25

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘i’ (Declension of “aggi” meaning “fire”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Aggi

(Aggi /) aggayo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Aggiŋ

(Aggī /) aggayo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Agginā

Aggībhi / aggīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Aggino / aggissa

Aggīnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Agginā / aggimhā / aggismā

Aggībhi / aggīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Aggino / aggissa

Aggīnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Aggimhi / aggismiŋ

Aggīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Aggi

(Aggi /) aggayo

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 26

Some of the stems similarly declined like “aggi” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Muni

Monk

Kapi

Monkey

Kavi

Poet

Ahi

Serpent

Isi

Sage / hermit

Dīpī

Leopard

Ari

Enemy

Ravi

Sun

Bhūpati

King

Giri

Mountain

Pati

Husband / master

Mani

Gem

Bodhi

Bo-tree

Yațțhi

Stick

Gahapati

Householder

Nidhi

Hidden treasure

Adhipati

Lord

Asi

Sword

Atithi

Guest

Rāsi

Heap

Vyādhi

Sickness

Pāni

Hand

Udadhi

Ocean

Kucchi

Belly

Vīhi

Paddy

Muțțhi

Fist / hammer

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 27

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘ī’ (Declension of “pakkhī” meaning “bird”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Pakkhī

(Pakkhī) / Pakkhino

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Pakkhiŋ / (Pakkhinaŋ)

(Pakkhī) / Pakkhino

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Pakkhinā

Pakkhībhi / Pakkhīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Pakkhino / Pakkhissa

Pakkhīnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Pakkhinā / Pakkhimhā / Pakkhismā

Pakkhībhi / Pakkhīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Pakkhino / Pakkhissa

Pakkhīnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Pakkhini / Pakkhimhi / Pakkhismiŋ

Pakkhīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Pakkhī

(Pakkhī) / Pakkhino

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 28

Some of the stems similarly declined like “pakkhī” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Hatthī

Elephant

Mantī

Minister

Sāmi

Lord

Karī

Elephant

Kuțțhī

Leopard

Sikhī

Peacock

Dāțhī

Tusker

Balī

Powerful person

Bhogī

Serpent

Sasī

Moon

Pāpakārī

Evil-doer

Bhāgī

Sharer

Sețțhī

Millionaire

Sārathī

Charioteer

Dīghajīvī

Possessor of a long life

Chattī

Possessor of an umbrella

Sukhī

Receiver of comfort / Happy person

Gaņī

One who has a following

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 29

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “garu” meaning “teacher”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Garu

(Garū /) garavo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Garuŋ

(Garū /) garavo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Garunā

Garūbhi / garūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Garuno / garussa

Garūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Garunā

Garūbhi / garūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Garuno / garussa

Garūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Garumhi / garusmiŋ

Garūsu (Garū /) garavo

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Garu (also “Bhikkhave” – Oh monks!)

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 30

Some of the stems similarly declined like “garu” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Bhikkhu

Monk

Bāhu

Arm

Bandhu

Relation

Sīndhu

Sea

Taru

Tree

Pharasu

Axe

Pasu

Beast

Kațacchu

Spoon

Ākhu

Rat

Sattu

Enemy

Ucchu

Sugar-cane

Setu

Bridge

Velu

Bamboo

Ketu

Banner

Susu

Young one

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 31

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “bhatu” meaning “brother” and here, “pitu” meaning “father” is also similarly declined) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Bhāta

Bhātaro

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Bhātaraŋ

Bhātare / bhātaro

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Bhātarā

Bhātarebhi / bhātarehi / bhātūbhi / bhātūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Bhātu / bhātuno / bhātussa

Bhātarānaŋ / bhātānaŋ / bhātūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Bhātarā

Bhātarebhi / bhātarehi / bhātūbhi / bhātūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Bhātu / bhātuno / bhātussa

Bhātarānaŋ / bhātānaŋ / bhātūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Bhātari

Bhātaresu / bhātusu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Bhāta / bhātā

Bhātaro

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 32

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “nattu” meaning “grandson”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Nātta

Nattāro

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Nattāraŋ

Nattāre / nattāro

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Nattārā

Nattārebhi / nattārehi

DATIVE

For / to

Nattu / nattuno / nattussa

Nattārānaŋ /nattānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Nattārā

Nattārebhi / nattārehi

GENETIVE

Of

Nattu / nattuno / nattussa

Nattārānaŋ /nattānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Nattari

Nattāresu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Natta / nattā

Nattāro

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 33

Some of the stems similarly declined like “nattu” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Satthu

Teacher / advisor

Netu

Leader

Kattu

Maker / doer

Vatu

Sayer

Bhattu

Husband

Jetu

Victor

Gantu

Goer

Vinetu

Instructor

Sotu

Hearer

Viññātu

Knower

Datu

Giver

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Page 34

DECLENSION OF ADJECTIVAL NOUNS Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems ending in ‘ū’ (Declension of “vidū” meaning “wise man / knower”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Vidū

(Vidū /) viduno

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Viduŋ

(Vidū /) viduno

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Vidunā

Vidūbhi / bidūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Viduno / vidussa

Vidūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Vidunā

Vidūbhi / bidūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Viduno / vidussa

Vidūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Vidumhi / vidusmiŋ

Vidūsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Vidū

(Vidū /) viduno

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 35

Some of the Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems similarly declined like “vidū” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Pabhū

Over-lord

Vadaññū

Charitable person

Sabbaññu

The Omniscient One

Viññu

Wise man

Atthaññu

Knower of meaning

Mattaññu

Temperate / one who knows the measure

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Page 36

DECLENSION OF ADJECTIVAL NOUNS Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems ending in ‘vantu’ or ‘mantu ’ (Declension of “guņavantu” meaning “virtuous”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Guņavā

Guņavanto (/ guņavantā)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Guņavantaŋ

Guņavante

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Guņavatā / guņavantena

Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ

DATIVE

For / to

Guņavato / guņavantassa

Guņavatan / guņavantānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Guņavatā / guņavantamhā / guņavantasmā

Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ

GENETIVE

Of

Guņavatā / guņavantena

Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Guņavati / guoavante / guņavantamhi / guņavantasmiŋ

Guoavantesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

(Guņavaŋ / guņava /) guņavā

Guņavanto (/ guņavantā)

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!)

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) except for a few extra forms in singular number Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 37

Some of the Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems similarly declined like “vantu” or “mantu” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Dhanavantu

Rich

Kulavantu

Of high caste

Balavantu

Powerful

Phalavantu

Fruitful

Bhānumantu

Sun

Himavantu

The Himalaya / Possessor of ice

Bhagavantu

The Exalted One / Fortunate

Cakkhumantu

Possessor of eyes

Paññavantu

Wise

Satimantu

Mindful

Yasavantu

Famous

Sīlavantu

Virtuous / Observant of percepts

Buddhimantu

Intelligent

Bandhumantu

With many relations

Puññavantu

Fortunate

Those ending in “mantu” should be declined as: Cakkhumā, Cakkhumanto, Cakkhumatā and so on

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 38

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Neuter Gender Noun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “nayana” meaning “eye”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Nayanaŋ

(Nayanā /) nayanāni

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Nayanaŋ

(Nayane/) nayanāni

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Nayanena

Nayanebhi / nayanehi

DATIVE

For / to

Nayanāya / nayanassa

Nayanānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Nayanā / nayanamhā / nayanasmā

Nayanebhi / nayanehi

GENETIVE

Of

Nayanassa

Nayanānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Nayane / nayanamhi / nayanasmiŋ

Nayanesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Nayana / nayanā

Nayanāni

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Accusative form (to – Object; i.e., towards direction of motion) an all other forms are similar to masculine form ending in “a” like “nara”. The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) except for a few extra forms in singular number Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 39

Some of the stems similarly declined like “nayana” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Dhana

Wealth

Paduma

Lotus

Sukha

Comfort

Phala

Fruit

Paņņa

Leaf

Dukkha

Pain / trouble

Dāna

Alms/ charity

Susāna

Cemetery

Mūla

Root / money

Sīla

Percept / virtue

Āyudha

Weapon

Kula

Family / caste

Puñña

Merit / good action

Amata

Ambrosia

Kūla

Bank of river

Pāpa

Sin

Tiņa

Grass

Bala

Power / strength

Rūpa

Form / image

Udaka

Water

Vana

Forest

Sota

Ear

Jala

Water

Puppha

Flower

Ghāna

Nose

Pulina

Sand

Citta

Mind

pīțha

Chair

Sopāņa

Stair

Chatta

Umbrella

Vadana

Face / mouth

Hadaya

Heart

Aņda

Egg

Locana

Eye

Arañña

Forest

Kāraņa

reason

Maraņa

Death

Vattha

Cloth

Ñāņa

Wisdom

Cetiya

Shrine

Suvaņņa

Gold

Khīra

Milk

Nagara

City

Khetta

Field

Vattha

Cloth

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 40

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Neuter Gender Noun Stems ending in ‘i’ (Declension of “atthi” meaning “bone”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Ațțhi

(Ațțhī ) ațțhīni

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Ațțhiŋ

Ațțhī / ațțhīni

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Ațțhinā

Ațțhībhi / ațțhīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Ațțhino / ațțhissa

Ațțhīnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Ațțhinā / ațțhimhā / ațțhismā

Ațțhībhi / ațțhīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Ațțhino / ațțhissa

Ațțhīnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Ațțhini / ațțhimhi / ațțhismiŋ

Ațțhisu / ațțhīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Ațțhi

(Ațțhī ) ațțhīni

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Accusative form (to – Object; i.e., towards direction of motion) an all other forms are similar to masculine form ending in “i” like “muni”. The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) except for a few extra forms in singular number Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 41

Some of the stems similarly declined like “atthi” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Vāri

Water

Dadhi

Curd

Akkhi

Eye

Acci

Flame

Sappi

Ghee

Satthi

Thigh

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 42

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Neuter Gender Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “cakkhu” meaning “eye”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Cakkhu

(Cakkhū /) cakkhūni

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Cakkhuŋ

(Cakkhū /) cakkhūni

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Cakkhunā

Cakkhūbhi / cakkhūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Cakkhuno / cakkhussa

Cakkhūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Cakkhunā

Cakkhūbhi / cakkhūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Cakkhuno / cakkhussa

Cakkhūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Cakkhumhi / cakkhusmiŋ

Cakkhūsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Cakkhu

(Cakkhū /) cakkhūni

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Accusative form (to – Object; i.e., towards direction of motion) an all other forms are similar to masculine form ending in “u” like “garu”. The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) except for a few extra forms in singular number Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 43

Some of the stems similarly declined like “cakkhu” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Āyu

Age

Ambu

Water

Dhanu

Bow

Tipu

Lead

Madhu

Honey

Vasu

Wealth

Assu

Tear

Vapu

Body

Jānu / jaņņu

Knee

Vatthu

Ground / base

Dāru

Firewood

Jatu

Sealing wax

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 44

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Feminine Noun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “vanitā” meaning “woman”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Vanitā

Vanitā / vanitāyo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

vanitaŋ

Vanitā / vanitāyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Vanitāya

Vanitābhi / vanitāhi

DATIVE

For / to

Vanitāya

Vanitānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Vanitāya

Vanitābhi / vanitāhi

GENETIVE

Of

Vanitāya

Vanitānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Vanitāyaŋ / vanitāya

Vanitāsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Vanite

Vanitā / vanitāyo

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Vocative Pleural form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) except for a few extra forms in singular number Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 45

Some of the stems similarly declined like “vanitā” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Kañña

Girl

Parisā

Following / retinue

Laokā

Ceylon

Gaogā

River

Sālā

Hall

Sākhā

Branch

Nāvā

Ship

Gīvā

Neck

Pipāsā

Thirst

Ammā

Mother

Jivhā

Tongue

Sakkharā

Gravel

Disā

Direction

Nāsā

Nose

Khudā

Hunger

Senā

Army / multitude

Jaoghā

Calf of the leg shank

Devatā

Deity

Bhariyā

Wife

Guhā

Cave

Niddā

Sleep

Vasudhā

Earth

Chāyā

Shadow / shade

Dolā

Palanquin

Vācā

Word

Tulā

Scale / balance

Pūjā

Offering

Sabhā

Society

Silā

Stone

Godhā

Iguana

Dārikā

Girl

Vālukā

Sand

Latā

Creeper

Mañjūsā

Box

Kathā

Speech

Mālā

Garland

Paññā

Wisdom

Surā

Liquor / intoxicant

Vaļavā

Mare

Visikhā

Street

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 46

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Feminine Noun Stems ending in ‘i’ (Declension of “bhūmi” meaning “earth or ground or floor”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Bhūmi

(Bhūmi /) bhūmiyo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Bhūmiŋ

(Bhūmī /) bhūmiyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Bhūmiyā / bhūmyā

Bhūmībhi / bhūmīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Bhūmiyā

Bhūmīnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Bhūmiyā / bhūmyā

Bhūmībhi / bhūmīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Bhūmiyā

Bhūmīnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Bhūmiyaŋ / bhūmiyā

Bhūmīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Bhūmi

(Bhūmi /) bhūmiyo

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Accusative Pleural form (to - object, towards direction of motion) Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 47

Some of the stems similarly declined like “bhūmi” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Ratti

Night

Aoguli

Finger

Ațavi

Forest

Patti

Infantry

Doņi

Boat

Vuțțhi

Rain

Asani

Thunder-bolt

Yațțhi

Walking stick

Kitti

Fame

Nāli

Corn-measure

Yuvati

Maiden / damsel

Dundubhi

Drum

Sati

Memory

Dhūli

Dust

Mati

Wisdom

Vuddhi

Increase / progress

Khanti

Patience

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 48

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Feminine Noun Stems ending in ‘ī’ (Declension of “ārī” meaning “young girl”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

ārī

(ārī /) āriyo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

āriŋ

(ārī /) āriyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

āriyā

ārībhi / ārīhi

DATIVE

For / to

āriyā

ārīnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

āriyā

ārībhi / ārīhi

GENETIVE

Of

āriyā

ārīnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

āriyaŋ / āriyā

ārīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

ārī

(ārī /) āriyo

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Accusative Pleural form (to - object, towards direction of motion) Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 49

Some of the stems similarly declined like “ārī” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Nārī

Woman

Itthī

Woman

taruņī

Young woman

Sakhī

Female-friend

Rājinī

Queen

Kukkuți

Hen

Devī

Goddess / Queen

Kākī

Female crow

Brāhmaņi

Brahmin woman

Nadī

River

Bhaginī

Sister

Vāpī

Tank

Dāsī

Female-slave

Kadalī

Plantain

Migī

Female deer

Gāvī

Cow

Sīhī

Lioness

Mahī

Earth / river of that name

Sakunī

Female-bird

Hatthinī

Female elephant

Pokkharaņī

Pond

Matulānī

Aunt

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 50

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Female Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “dhenu” meaning “cow”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Dhenu

(Dhenū /) dhenuyo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Dhenuŋ

(Dhenū /) dhenuyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Dhenuyā

Dhenūbhi / dhenūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Dhenuyā

Dhenūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Dhenuyā

Dhenūbhi / dhenūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Dhenuyā

Dhenūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Dhenuyaŋ / dhenuyā

Dhenūsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Dhenu

(Dhenū /) dhenuyo

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Accusative Pleural form (to - object, towards direction of motion) Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 51

Some of the stems similarly declined like “dhenu” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Yāgu

Rice-gruel

Daddu

Eczema

Kāsu

Pit

Kacchu

Itch

Vijju

Lightening

Kaņeru

Female elephant

Rajju

Rope

Dhātu

Element

Sassu

Mother-in-law

Sasura

Father-in-law

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 52

DECLENSION OF NOUNS Feminine Noun Stems ending in ‘u’ (Declension of “mātu” meaning “mother”) (Declension of “dhītu” & “duhitu” meaning “daughter” are similar) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Mātā

Mātaro

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Mātaraŋ

Mātaro (/ mātare)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Mātarā / mātuyā

Mātarebhi / mātarehi / mātūbhi / mātūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Mātuyā

Mātarānaŋ / mātānaŋ / mātūnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Mātarā / mātuyā

Mātarebhi / mātarehi / mātūbhi / mātūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Mātuyā

Mātarānaŋ / mātānaŋ / mātūnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Mātari

Mātaresu / mātusu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

Māta / mātā / māte

Mātaro

Here, Nominative form (subject) is similar to Vocative form (oh!) and Nominative Pleural form (subject) is similar to Accusative Pleural form Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 53

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Personal Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “amha” meaning “myself”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

Ahaŋ

Mayaŋ / amhe

(I)

(we)

To (Towards direction of action)

Maŋ / mamaŋ

Amhe / amhākaŋ / no

(me)

(us)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Mayā / me

Amhebhi / amhehi

DATIVE

For / to

Mama / mayhaŋ / me/ mamaŋ

Amhaŋ / amhākaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Mayā

Amhebhi / amhehi

GENETIVE

Of

Mama / mayhaŋ / me/ mamaŋ

Amhaŋ / amhākaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Mayi

Amhesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 54

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Personal Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “tumha” meaning “yourself”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

Tvaŋ (/tuvaŋ)

Tumhe

(thou / you)

(you all)

To (Towards direction of action)

Taŋ / tavaŋ / tuvaŋ

(Tumhe /) tumhākaŋ / vo

(thee / to you)

(to you all)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Tvayā / tayā / te

Tumhebhi / tumhehi / vo

DATIVE

For / to

Tava / tuyhaŋ / te

Tumhaŋ / tumhakaŋ / vo

ABLATIVE

From

Tvayā / tayā

Tumhebhi / tumhehi

GENETIVE

Of

Tava / tuyhaŋ / te

Tumhaŋ / tumhakaŋ / vo

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Tvayi / tayi

Tumhesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 55

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Masculine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ya” meaning “which” or “who”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Yo

Ye

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Yaŋ

Ye

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Yena

Yebhi / yehi

DATIVE

For / to

Yassa

Yesaŋ / yesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Yamhā / yasmā

Yebhi / yehi

GENETIVE

Of

Yassa

Yesaŋ / yesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Yamhi / yasmiŋ

Yesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 56

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Neuter Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ya” meaning “which” or “who”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Yaŋ

(Ye /) yāni

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Yaŋ

(Ye /) yāni

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Yena

Yebhi / yehi

DATIVE

For / to

Yassa

Yesaŋ / yesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Yamhā / yasmā

Yebhi / yehi

GENETIVE

Of

Yassa

Yesaŋ / yesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Yamhi / yasmiŋ

Yesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 57

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Feminine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ya” meaning “which” or “who”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Yā

(Yā /) yāyo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Yaŋ

(Yā /) yāyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Yāya

Yābhi / yāhi

DATIVE

For / to

(Yassā /) yāya

Yāsaŋ / yāsānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Yāya

Yābhi / yāhi

GENETIVE

Of

(Yassā /) yāya

Yāsaŋ / yāsānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Yassaŋ / yāyaŋ

Yāsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 58

Some of the stems similarly declined like “ya” are – PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

PĀLI NOUN STEMS

MEANING

Sabba

All

Ubhaya

Both

Pubba

Former / eastern

Apara

Other / western

Añña

Other / another

Itara

The other

Aññatara

Certain

Para

Other / the latter

Katara

Which (of the two)

Katama

Which (of the many)

Ka (kiŋ)

Who / which

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 59

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Masculine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ta” meaning “that”) (Declension of “eta” meaning “this” or “that” is similar) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

So (he)

Te (they)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Taŋ / Naŋ (him)

Te / Ne (them)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Tena

Tebhi / Tehi

DATIVE

For / to

Tassa

Tesaŋ / Tesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Tamhā / Tasmā

Tebhi / Tehi

GENETIVE

Of

Tassa

Tesaŋ / Tesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Tamhi / Tasmiŋ

Tesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 60

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Neuter Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ta” meaning “that”) (Declension of “eta” meaning “this” or “that” is similar) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Taŋ (it)

Te / Tāni (those things)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Taŋ (it)

Te / Tāni (those things)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Tena

Tebhi / Tehi

DATIVE

For / to

Tassa

Tesaŋ / Tesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Tamhā / Tasmā

Tebhi / Tehi

GENETIVE

Of

Tassa

Tesaŋ / Tesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Tamhi / Tasmiŋ

Tesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 61

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Feminine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ta” meaning “that”) (Declension of “eta” meaning “this” or “that” is similar) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Sā (she)

Tā / Tāyo (those women)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Taŋ / Naŋ (her)

Tā / Tāyo (them)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Tāya

Tābhi / Tāhi

DATIVE

For / to

Tassā / Tāyo

Tāsaŋ / Tāsānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Tāya

Tābhi / Tāhi

GENETIVE

Of

Tassā / Tāyo

Tāsaŋ / Tāsānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Tassaŋ / Tāyaŋ

Tāsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 62

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Masculine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ima” meaning “this”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Ayaŋ (this)

Ime (these)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Imaŋ

Ime

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Anena / Iminā

Ebhi / Ehi / Imebhi / Imehi

DATIVE

For / to

Assa / Imassa

Esaŋ / Esānaŋ / Imesaŋ / Imesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Asmā / Imamhā / Imasmā

Ebhi / Ehi / Imebhi / Imehi

GENETIVE

Of

Assa / Imassa

Esaŋ / Esānaŋ / Imesaŋ / Imesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Asmiŋ / Imamhi / Imasmiŋ

Esu / Imesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 63

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Neuter Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ima” meaning “this”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Idaŋ / Imaŋ (this thing)

Ime / Imāni (these things)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Idaŋ / Imaŋ (this thing)

Ime / Imāni (these things)

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Anena / Iminā

Ebhi / Ehi / Imebhi / Imehi

DATIVE

For / to

Assa / Imassa

Esaŋ / Esānaŋ / Imesaŋ / Imesānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Asmā / Imamhā / Imasmā

Ebhi / Ehi / Imebhi / Imehi

GENETIVE

Of

Assa / Imassa

Esaŋ / Esānaŋ / Imesaŋ / Imesānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Asmiŋ / Imamhi / Imasmiŋ

Esu / Imesu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 64

DECLENSION OF PRONOUNS Feminine Pronoun Stems ending in ‘a’ (Declension of “ima” meaning “this”) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

SINGULAR

PLEURAL

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Ayaŋ (this woman)

Imā / Imāyo (these women)

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Imaŋ

imā / Imāyo

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Imāya

Imābhi / Imāhi

DATIVE

For / to

Assā / Asssāya / Imissā / Imissāya / Imāya

Āsaŋ / Āsānaŋ / Imāsaŋ / Imāsānaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Imāya

Imābhi / Imāhi

GENETIVE

Of

Assā / Asssāya / Imissā / Imissāya / Imāya

Āsaŋ / Āsānaŋ / Imāsaŋ / Imāsānaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Assaŋ / Imissaŋ / Imāyaŋ

Imāsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

Here, Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 65

DECLENSION OF NUMERALS (Declension of “eka” meaning “one”, which is declined like relative pronoun “ya” in three genders, singular form) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

MASCULINE

NEUTER

FEMININE

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Eko

Ekaŋ

Ekā

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Ekaŋ

Ekaŋ

Ekaŋ

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Ekena

Ekena

Ekāya

DATIVE

For / to

Ekassa

Ekassa

Ekassā / Ekāya

ABLATIVE

From

Ekamhā / Ekasmā

Ekamhā / Ekasmā

Ekāya

GENETIVE

Of

Ekassa

Ekassa

Ekassā / Ekāya

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Ekamhi / Ekasmiŋ

Ekamhi / Ekasmiŋ

Ekassaŋ / Ekāyaŋ

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

NA

Here, Nominative form is similar to Accusative form and Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of) Among the Numerals, only “Eka”, “Ti” and “Catu” are declined differently in all genders. Here, “Eka” is singular but “Ti” and “Catu” are pleural.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 66

DECLENSION OF NUMERALS (Declension of “ti” meaning “three” in three genders and in pleural form) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

MASCULINE

NEUTER

FEMININE

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Tayo

Tīni

Tisso

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Tayo

Tīni

Tisso

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Tībhi / Tīhi

Tībhi / Tīhi

Tībhi / Tīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Tinnaŋ / Tinnannaŋ

Tinnaŋ / Tinnannaŋ

Tissannaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Tībhi / Tīhi

Tībhi / Tīhi

Tībhi / Tīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Tinnaŋ / Tinnannaŋ

Tinnaŋ / Tinnannaŋ

Tissannaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Tīsu

Tīsu

Tīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

NA

Here, Nominative form is similar to Accusative form and Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Among the Numerals, only “Eka”, “Ti” and “Catu” are declined differently in all genders. Here, “Eka” is singular but “Ti” and “Catu” are pleural.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 67

DECLENSION OF NUMERALS (Declension of “catu” meaning “four” in three genders and in pleural form) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

MASCULINE

NEUTER

FEMININE

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Cattāro / Caturo

Cattāri

Catasso

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Cattāro / Caturo

Cattāri

Catasso

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Catūbhi / Catūhi

Catūbhi / Catūhi

Catūbhi / Catūhi

DATIVE

For / to

Catunnaŋ

Catunnaŋ

Catassannaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Catūbhi / Catūhi

Catūbhi / Catūhi

Catūbhi / Catūhi

GENETIVE

Of

Catunnaŋ

Catunnaŋ

Catassannaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Catusu

Catusu

Catusu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

NA

Here, Nominative form is similar to Accusative form and Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Among the Numerals, only “Eka”, “Ti” and “Catu” are declined differently in all genders. Here, “Eka” is singular but “Ti” and “Catu” are pleural.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 68

DECLENSION OF NUMERALS (Declension of “dvi” meaning “two” which is common to all genders and in pleural form) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

MASCULINE

NEUTER

FEMININE

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Dve / Duve

Dve / Duve

Dve / Duve

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Dve / Duve

Dve / Duve

Dve / Duve

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

DATIVE

For / to

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

Dvībhi / Dvīhi

GENETIVE

Of

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

Dvinnaŋ / Duvinnaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Dvīsu

Dvīsu

Dvīsu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

NA

Here, Nominative form is similar to Accusative form and Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 69

DECLENSION OF NUMERALS (Declension of “pañca” meaning “five” which is common to all genders and in pleural form) DECLENSION ACCORDING TO VARIOUS CASES

PREPOSITION

MASCULINE

NEUTER

FEMININE

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT)

Subject

Pañca

Pañca

Pañca

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)

To (Towards direction of action)

Pañca

Pañca

Pañca

INSTRUMENTAL

By / with / through

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

DATIVE

For / to

Pañcanaŋ

Pañcanaŋ

Pañcanaŋ

ABLATIVE

From

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

Pañcabhi / Pañcahi

GENETIVE

Of

Pañcanaŋ

Pañcanaŋ

Pañcanaŋ

LOCATIVE

In / on / at / upon

Pañcasu

Pañcasu

Pañcasu

VOCATIVE

Oh!

NA

NA

NA

Here, Nominative form is similar to Accusative form and Instrumental form (by / with / through) is similar to Ablative form (from) Here, Dative form (for / to) is similar to Genetive form (of). The Nominative Pleural form is similar to the Accusative Pleural form.

Among the Numerals, from “Cha” (6) to “Ațțhādasa” (18) are all declined like “Pañca”, which are similar in all genders and in pleural form.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 70

OTHER RULES ASSOCIATED WITH DECLENSION OF NUMERALS

(1) Numerals are more often used as adjectives. Hence, they are to be derived according to the number, gender and case of the

corresponding noun which they qualify.

(2) Among the numerals, “Eka” (one) has only SINGULAR form. However, the pleural form is often used to express the meaning “some”.

For example., “eke manussā” means “some people”. The stems “eka”, “ti” and “catu” are declined in three different genders where “eka” is declined as SINGULAR, but “ti” and “catu” are declined as PLEURAL. (3) The stem “dvi” and those from “pañca” to “ațțhādasa” are SAME IN ALL GENDERS and they are declined in PLEURAL and similar to

“pañca”.

(4) The numerals from “vīsati” (20) to “Navuti” (90) and “Koti” (100,000 = 100 lakhs) are all declined as FEMININE and in SINGULAR

from.

(5) Tems “sata” (100), “sahassa” (1000) and the compounds ending with them in multiples of ten are declined as NEUTER from like

“nayana”. Stems from “sata” to “koti” are all declined as SINGULAR except on the occasion when they are expressed as separate entities in quantifications. For example, “cattāri satāni” meaning “four quantities of hundred”.

(6) The numerals like “vīsati” and others whose stem ends in “i” are declined as “bhumi”. Here, “vīsati” itself has another form ending in

“ā” i.e., “vīsā”, which is to be declined like “vanitā”.

(7) The numerals like “timsā” and others whose stem ends in “ā” are declined as “vanitā”.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 71

PĀLI VERBS AND THEIR USES Conjugations of verbs: There are three tenses, two voices, two numbers and three persons in the conjugation of Pāli verbs. The third person in English is equivalent to the first person in Pāli. The numbers are similar to those of the English nouns like “singular” and “pleural”. There is no attempt to conjugate the continuous, perfect and Perfect Continuos Tenses in Pāli. Therefore, only the indefinite forms are used in place of continuous forms in Pāli. Details are as follows: TENSES (1) Vattamānakāla

=

Present Tense

(2) Atītakāla

=

Past Tense

(3) Anāgatakāla

=

Future Tense

(1) Kattukāraka

=

Active Voice

(2) Kammakāraka

=

Passive Voice

(1) Pațhamapurisa

=

Third Person

(2) Majjhimapurisa

=

Second Person

(3) Uttamapurisa

=

First Person

(1) Ekavacana

=

Singular

(2) Bahuvacana

=

Pleural

VOICE

PERSON

NUMBER

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 72

There are seven different conjugations in Pāli. They are called dhātugaņas (groups of roots). The verbal root with the conjugation forms the “verbal base”. The “verbal base” with the suffix forms the different tenses in Pāli grammer.

Each dhātugaņa has one or more different conjugational signs, which come between the root and the verbal termination.

The seven conjugations and their signs are: 1st conjugation = Bhuvādigaņa → “a” 2nd conjugation = Rudhādigaņa → “m -a” 3rd conjugation = Divādigaņa → “ya” 4th conjugation = Svādigaņa → “ņo” / “ņu” / “uņā” 5th conjugation = Kiyādigaņa → “ņā” 6th conjugation = Tanādigaņa → “o” / “yira” 7th conjugation = Curādigaņa → “e” / “aya” A great number of roots are included in the first and the seventh group. The roots “paca” and “bhū” given above, belong to the first conjugation. The last vowel of “paca” is dropped before the conjugational sign “a”.

The monosyllabic roots like “bhū” do not drop their vowel. It is “guņated” or strengthened before the conjugational sign: (1) If “i” / “ī” is strengthened, then it becomes “e” (2) If “u” / “ū” is strengthened, then it becomes “o”

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Example, (nī + a) → (ne +a) Example, (bhū + a) → (bho +a)

Page 73

Then these forms undergo further change in the following manner to form the verbal base: (1) Then “e” followed by “a” is further changed into “ay”

Example, (ne + a) → (naya)

(2) Then “o” followed by “a” is further changed into “av”

Example, (bho + a) → (bhava)

The “verbal root” with its conjugational sign thus forms what is called the “verbal base”. In the first example, “nī” is the verbal root and “naya” is the verbal base. In the second example, “bhū” is the verbal root and “bhava” is the verbal base.

The seventh conjugation The special feature of the first conjugation is that the last vowel of the base is lengthened before the First Personal endings. The same rule is applied for the bases ending with “a” of the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th conjugations, in addition to their special features.

The bases of the seventh conjugation are of two kinds as it has two conjugational signs, eg., from the root “pāla” two bases “pāle” and “pālaya” are formed. They are derived in the present tense 3rd person singular as “pāleti” and “pālayati” respectively.

The conjugational sign “ņa” of the fifth group is shortened in the 3rd person pleural, eg., “vikkiņanti”, where the singular form is “vikkiņāti”.

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 74

DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THREE TENSES (VERB ROOT + CONJUGATION SIGN = VERBAL BASE) (VERBAL BASE + SUFFIX = DERIVATION IN PERSON AND NUMBER)

(A)

PRESENT TENSE SUFFIXES THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

(B)

SINGULAR (so) ti (tvaŋ) si (ahaŋ) mi

PLEURAL (te) (tumhe) (mayaŋ)

anti tha ma

PAST TENSE SUFFIXES THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

SINGULAR (so) i (tvaŋ) o (ahaŋ) iŋ

PLEURAL (te) iŋsu (tumhe) ittha (mayaŋ) imha / imhā

SINGULAR (so) issati (tvaŋ) issasi (ahaŋ) issāmi

PLEURAL (te) issanti (tumhe) issatha (mayaŋ) issāma

(C) FUTURE TENSE SUFFIXES THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 75

EXAMPLE: DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERB “HO” MEANING (TO BE) IN THREE TENSES (VERB ROOT : “Hū”, VERBAL BASE: “Ho”, ENGLISH MEANING : “To Be”)

(A)

PRESENT TENSE THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

(B)

PLEURAL Honti Hotha Homa

SINGULAR Ahosi Ahosi Ahosiŋ

PLEURAL Ahesuŋ Ahuvattha Ahosimha / Ahosimhā

SINGULAR Hessati Hessasi Hessāmi

PLEURAL Hessanti Hessatha Hessāma

PAST TENSE THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

(C)

SINGULAR Hoti Hosi Homi

FUTURE TENSE THRID PERSON SECOND PERSON FIRST PERSON

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 76

DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS ACCORDING TO TENSES AND VOICES IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN TENSES AND VOICES

PĀLI SUFFIX (3rd person singular)

Present Tense

ti

Past Tense

i, ā

Future Tense Imperative

EXECUTION OF AN ACTION IN ENGLISH

EXAMPLES

Executes an action at present

Narā suriyaŋ passanti

Already executed (did) an action in past

Muni mañcesu nisīdi

issati

Will execute (do) an action in future

Sețțhī pakkhino passissati

(i)tu

To express command, prayer, advice or wish

Vanitā nāvāhi gaogāyaŋ gacchatu

Obtative (Potential)

eyya

To express a probability and is used in conditional / hypothetical sentences in which Sace so paceyya, ahaŋ pi pacessāmi one statement depends upon the other.

Absolutive (indeclinable Past participles)

tvā, tvāna, tūna, ya

Infinitive

Having executed an action in the past

Brāhmaņi nadiyaŋ nahātvā gehaŋ agami

(i)tum

For the reason to execute (do) an action

Yuvatiyo padumāni ocinituŋ nadiŋ gacchanti

Present Participle (Active) (used as adverbs)

nta / māna

Complements to the execution of an action Gāmaŋ gacchanto dārako ekaŋ goņaŋ at present disvā bhāyi.

Past Participle (Passive) (used as adverbs)

ta / to

Complements to the execution of an action in Hīyo araññaŋ gato puriso ahinā past dațțho mari

Future Passive Participle (used as adverbs)

tabba / anīya

Complements to the execution of an action in Purisehi khettāni kasitabbāni, vanitāhi future (should be executed) tesaŋ bhattaŋ pacitabbaŋ

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 77

DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES Sl. No.

Verb Root (Pāli)

Verbal Base (Pāli)

Meaning

Suffix

1 2 3

Car Kŗ/ Kar Sŗ / Smŗ/ Sar

Pres

Past

Future

Imper

Opt

Absol

infinit

Pres P.

Past P.

(i)tuŋ

nta / māna

ta / to

ti

i, ā

issati

tu

eyya

tvā, tvāna, tūna, ya

Future Pass P. tabba / anīya Caritabba/ Cintabba / Caranīya Kātabba, Karanīya

Cara

To wander

Carati

Cari/ Acari

Carissati

Caratu

Care/ Careyya

Caritvā

Carituŋ

Caranta/ Caramāna

Carita/ Cinna

Karo

To do

Karoti

Kari, Akāsi

Karissati

Karotu

Kare, Kareyya

Karitvā, Katvā

Karituŋ/ Katuŋ

Karonta

Kata

Sara

To remember

Sarati

Sari

Sarissati

Saratu

Sareyya

Saritvā

Sarituŋ

Saranta

Sarata

Saritabba/ Saraņīya

Noun

a/ na Cara/ Caraņa Kamma/ Karaņa Savana/ Saraņa/ Sota Dhāraka/ Dhara/ Dhāra/ Dharaņa Tara/ Taraņa

4

Dhŗ/ Dhar

Dhāre

To hold

Dhāreti

Dhāresi

Dhārissati

Dhāretu

Dhāreyya

Dhāretvā

Dhārituŋ

Dhārenta

Dhārita

Dhāritabba/ Dhāranīya

5

Tŗ/ Tar

Tara

To cross

Tarati

Tari

Tarissati

Taritu

Tareyya

Taritvā

Tarituŋ

Taranta/ Taramāna

Tarita/ Tinna

Taritabba/ Taranīya

6

Vŗ/ Var

Vara

To choose

Varati

Vari

Varissati

Varatu

Vareyya

Varetvā

Varituŋ

Varenta

Varita

Varitabba/ Varanīya

Varaņa

7

Dā

Dadā

To give

Dadāti/ Deti

Dadi/ Adadi

Dadissati/ Dassati

Dadetu

Dade/ Dadeyya

Daditvā/ Datvā

Dadituŋ/ Datuŋ

Dadanta

Dinna/ Dațțha

Databba

Dana

8

Lap

Lapa

To talk

Lapati

Lapi

Lapissati

Lapetu

Lapeyya

Lapitvā

Lapituŋ

Lapanta

Lapita

Lapitabba/ lapanīya

Lapana

9

Hŗ/ Har

Hara

To carry

Harati

Hari

Harissati

Haritu

Hareyya

Haritvā

Harituŋ

Haranta/ Haramāna

Hața

Haritabba/ Haranīya

Hara/ Haraņa

10

Labh

Labha

To get

Labhati

Labhi

Labhissati/ Lacchati

Labhatu

Labha/ Labheyya

Labhitvā/ Laddhā/ Laddhāna

Labhituŋ/ Laddhuŋ

Labhanta/ Laddha

Laddha

Laddhabba/ Labhanīya

Lābha

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 78

DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES (continued) Sl. No.

Verb Root (Pāli)

Verbal Base (Pāli)

Meaning

Suffix

Pres

Past

Future

Imper

Opt

Absol

infinit

Pres P.

Past P.

(i)tuŋ

nta / māna

ta / to

ti

i, ā

issati

tu

eyya

tvā, tvāna, tūna, ya

Future Pass P. tabba / anīya

Noun

a/ na

11

Kşip

Khipa

To throw

Khipati

Khipi

Khipissati

Khipatu

Khipa/ Khipeyya

Khipitvā

Khipituŋ

Khipanta/ Khipamāna

Khipita/ Khitta

Khipitabba/ Khipanīya

Khipa/ Khipana

12

Kram/ Kam

Kama

To go

Kamati

Kami

Kamissati

Kamatu

Kameyya

Kamitvā/ Kammya

Kamituŋ

Kamanta

Kanta

Kamitabba/ Kantabba

Kama

13

Muc

Muñca

To remove

Muñcati

Muñci

Muñcissati

Muñcatu

Muñcayya/ Muñce

Muñcitva

Muñcituŋ

Muñcanta

Mutta/ Muñcita

Muñcitabba

Muñcana/ Mocana/ Mokkha

14

Cit

Cinte

To think

Cinteti

Cintesi

Cintissati

Cintetu

Cinteyya

Cintetvā/ Cintiya

Cintetuŋ

Cintenta/ Cintayamāna

Cintita

Cintetabba/ Cintanīya

Cintā/ Cintaka/ Cintana

15

Vid

Vide

To feel

Vedeti

Vedesi

Vedissati

Vedetu

Vedeyya

Vedetvā

Vedituŋ

Vedenta/ Vediyamāna

Vedita

Veditabba/ Vedanīya

Veda/ Vedaka/ Vedayita

16

Vid

Vinda

To know

Vindati

Vindi

Vindissati

Vindatu

Vindeyya

Vinditvā

Vindituŋ

Vindanta/ Vindamāna

Vindita

Vinditabba/ Vindanīya

Vindaka

Bhavitva

Bhavituŋ

Bhavanta

Bhuta

Hutva

Hotuŋ

Honta

-

17

Bhū

Bhava

To be

Bhavati

Bhavi

Bhavissati

Bhavatu

Bhaveyya/ Bhave

18

Hū

Ho

To be

Hoti

Ahosi

Hessati

Hotu

Huyeyya

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Bhavetabba/ Bhabba/ Bhavanīya

Hotabba

Bhava/ Bhavana Hota / Hona

Page 79

DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES (continued) Sl. No.

Verb Root (Pāli)

Verbal Base (Pāli)

Meaning

Pres

Suffix

Past

Future

Imper

Opt

Absol

infinit

Pres P.

Past P.

(i)tuŋ

nta / māna

ta / to

ti

i, ā

Issati

tu

eyya

tvā, tvāna, tūna, ya

Future Pass P. tabba / anīya

Noun

a/ na

19

Sthā/ Țha

Țhāpe

To keep

Țhapeti

Țhapesi

Țhapissati

Țhapetu

Țhapeyya

Țhapetvā

Țhapituŋ

Țhapenta

Țhapita

Țhapitabba/ Țhapanīya

Țhapana

20

Jhe

Jhāya

To meditate

Jhāyati

Jhāyi

Jhāyissati

Jhāyatu

Jhāyeyya

Jhāyitvā

Jhāyituŋ

Jhāyanta

Jhayita

Jhayitabba/ jhayanīya

Jhāyana/ Jhana/ Jhāyī

21

Jñā / Ñā

Jānā

To know

Jānāti

Jāni

Jānissati

Jānātu

Jāneyya

Jānitvā/ Ñatvā

Jānituŋ/ Ñatuŋ

Jānanta/ Jānamāna

Ñāta

Jānitabba/ Jānānīya

Jānana/ Jānanaka

22

Mŗ/ Mar

Mara

To die

Marati

Mari

Marissati

Maratu

Mareyya

Maritvā

Marituŋ

Maranta/ Maramāna

Mata

Maritabba/ Maranīya

Mara/ Maraņa

Dassetuŋ

Dassanta

Dassita

Dassesitabba/ Dassanīya/

Dasa/ Dassana/ Dassī/ Dassāvi

23

Dŗś

Dasse

To see

Dasseti

Dassesi

Dassissati

Dassetu

Dassaneyya

Dassetvā/ Dassiya

24

Dŗś

Passa

To see

Passati

Passi

Passissati

Passatu

Passeyya

Passitvā/ Disvā

Passituŋ

Santa/ Passamāna

Dițțha

Passitabba/ Passanīya

Disva/ Dassana

25

Vac

Vāce

To teach

Vāceti

Vācesi

Vācissati

Vācetu

Vāceyya

Vācetvā

Vācetuŋ

Vācenta

Vācita

Vācetabba/ Vacanīya

Vācā/ Vācana

26

Țhā

Tițțha

To stand

Tițțhati

Tițțhi/ Ațțhāsi

Țhassati

Tițțhatu

Tițțheyya

Țhatvā

Tițțhitum

Tițțhanta/ Tițțhamāna

Țhita

Tițțhitabba/ Tițțhanīya

Tittha/ Titthiya/ Tithi

27

Vad

Vada

To blow

Vadati

Vadi

Vadissati

Vadatu

Vadeyya

Vaditvā/ Vatvā

Vaditum

Vadanta/ Vadamāna

Vutta

Vattabba/ Vadanīya

Vadda/ Vadana

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 80

PĀLI INDECLINABLES PĀLI CONJUNCTIONS (indeclinables) (1) Conjunction for Instrumental case to show association with living beings is often used as “saha” or “saddhim” in Pāli.

(2) Conjunction “and” is used as “ca” / “api” / “pi” in Pāli.

(3) Conjugation “or” is used as “vā” in Pāli.

ENGLISH CONJUNCTIONS

PĀLI CONJUNCTIONS

WITH

Saha / Saddhim

AND

Ca / Api / Pi

OR

Vā / Athavā

IF

Sace / Yadi / Ce

BUT

Tathā pi

NEITHER - NOR

Vā - na

EITHER - OR

Vā

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 81

PĀLI ADVERBS OF TIME (Indeclinables) (1) Adverbs are like adjectives, but they qualify the verbs instead of nouns.

(2) When adverbs qualify the verbs in terms of time and place they are used as indeclinables.

ENGLISH ADVERBS

PĀLI ADVERBS

ENGLISH ADVERBS

PĀLI ADVERBS

WHEN?

Kadā

ONCE / ONE DAY

Ekadā

WHEN / WHENEVER

Yadā

AFTERWARDS

Pacchā

THEN

Tadā

FORMERLY / IN FORMER DAYS

Pūra

EVER / ALWAYS

Sadā

NOW

Idāni

IN THE MORNING

Pāto

TODAY

Ajja

IN THE EVENING

Sāyam

TOMORROW

Suve

DAY AFTER TOMORROW

Parasuve

YESTERDAY

Hīyo

DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY

Parahīyo

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Page 82

PĀLI ADVERBS OF PLACE (Indeclinables)

(3)

ENGLISH ADVERBS

PĀLI ADVERBS

ENGLISH ADVERBS

PĀLI ADVERBS

THERE

Tattha / tatra

INSIDE

Anto

HERE

Ettha / idha

IN ONE PLACE

Ekattha

EVERYWHERE

Sabbattha

BETWEEN

Antarā

UP / OVER THERE

Upari

FROM THERE

Tato

WHERE?

Kattha / kuhim

FROM WHERE?

Kuto

ACROSS

tiriyam

An Accusative Singular / Instrumental Singular can sometimes be used as an adverb.

Example: (a) sukhaŋ supati – sleep well (b) sukhena supati – sleep well

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

(an accusative singular used as an adverb) (an instrumental singular used as an adverb)

Page 83

PĀLI PARTICIPLES (Indeclinables) (1) Participles are adjectives made out of “verb roots” (2) Participles named “avyaya” in Pāli, consist of adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, indeclinable past participles ending in “tvā”, “tvāna”, “tūna” and “ya” and infinitives.

ENGLISH PARTICIPLES

PĀLI PARTICIPLES

ENGLISH PARTICIPLES

PĀLI PARTICIPLES

YES

Āma

OR

Vā / Athavā

THUS / YES

Evam

AGAIN

Puna

CERTAINLY

Addhā

IN THAT WAY

Tathā

ONCE

Sakim

TILL THEN / SO LONG

Yāva (/ Tāva)

SLOWLY

Sanikam

SEPARATELY

Nānā

QUICKLY / SOON

Sīgham

WITHOUT

Vinā

BEFORE / IN FRONT OF

Purato

HOW?

Katham

NOT

Na / No

WHY?

Kasmā

IS NOT / HAS NOT

Natthi

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OTHER PĀLI INDECLINABLES (Addition of Suffix “to” in the sense of “Ablative of Separation”)

(1) Suffix “to” is sometimes added to the nominal base to denote the ablative of separation.

(2) There is no distinction between the singular and pleural form.

(3) These are included as indeclinables.

PĀLI INDECLINABLES

ENGLISH MEANING

Rukkhato

From the tree / trees

Gāmato

From the village / villages

Purisato

From the man / men

Tato

From there / therefore

Kuto

From where?

Sabbato

From everywhere

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

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SPECIAL PĀLI PARTICLES (indeclinables) Special Pāli Particle

Meaning

Type of Particle

“ma” as prohibitive particle

No

“vina” / “saddhiŋ”

With / Without

“namo”

Pray

Aññatra

Except

Example

English Meaning

Prohibitive Particle

Ma gaccho / Ma gacchi

Don’t go

Instrumental Form to be used

Na sakka tena vina tena saddhiŋ

Unable without him or with him

Coupled with Dative Namo Buddhaya Form of Noun (for) Coupled with Ablative Form of Noun (form)

Aññatra paccayā natthi viññānassa sambhavo Kiñcāpi so kammaŋ karoti

Kiñcāpi

Even if

The meaning of the papakaŋ kayena, vacaya, following sentence chetasava abhabbo tassa is emphasized paticchayati

Alaŋ

Enough

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

Emphesizing quantity

Nālaŋ (na_alaŋ) dārabharaņāya

My prayers for the Buddha There is no arising of consciousness without a condition Even if he does evil work, it is not suitable for covering up by body, by word, by mind Unfit for keeping up a family

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS Sl. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

1

Tassa evaŋ hoti

This idea comes to him

2

Tassa etadahosi

This idea came to him

3

Tassa evamassa

This idea would come to him

4

Muhuttam āgamehi

Wait (for) a moment

5

Nālaŋ dārabharaņāya

Unfit for keeping up a family

6

Mamaccayena

After me

7

Samahite citte (locative absolutive)

In the concentrated mind

8

Upamā maŋ pațibhāti

A simile came to me

9

Nāti dūre nāccāsanne

Neither too far not too near

10

Kālaŋ karoti

Dies

11

Appaŋ vā bahuŋ vā

A little or a lot / Less or more

12

Rattindivaŋ

Day and night

13

Khaņe khaņe

Moment by moment

14

Saddhaŋ patilabhati

Gains faith

15

Sato Sampajāno

Being mindful and aware

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Sl. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

16

Kāyena vācāya manasā

By body, by speech, by mind

17

Purato pacchato

In front and behind

18

Bhagavato sutvā

Having heard (words) of the Blessed One

19

Svātanāya bhattaŋ

Meal for tomorrow

20

Pattacīvaŋ ādāya

Having taken bowl and robe

21

Bhagavantaŋ etadavoca (2 objects for verb avoca)

Said this to the Blessed One

22

Thoka thokaŋ

Little by little

23

Sīhaseyyaŋ kappesi

Made a lion’s posture (The Buddha’s sleeping posture)

24

Dakkhiņena passena

On the right hand side

25

Pițțhi me āgilāyati tamahaŋ āyamissāmi

My back hurts and because of this, I shall lie down

26

Neva sumano hoti, no dummano

Neither happy nor sad

27

Manasā dhammaŋ viññāya

Having cognized mind-objects with mind

28

Adhivāsesi tunhī bhāvena

Accepted by being silent

29

Pubbaņhasamayaŋ

In the morning

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Sl. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

30

Sayaņhasamayaŋ

In the evening

31

Uțțhaya asanā

Having got up from the seat

32

Uțțhāyāsanā pakkāmi

Having stood up from the seat, (he) went off

33

Accayanti ahorattā

Time passes by day and night very quickly

34

Nati dure nāccha sanne

Not too far away not too close

35

Gamanāgamana sampañña

Easy for going out and coming back

36

Ma bhayi

Don’t fear

37

Appamayu manussanaŋ

Span of life of human beings is little

38

Vassasataŋ appaŋwa bhīo

Lives hundred years less or more

39

Bhagavato suttvā (vacanaŋ)

Having heard the words of the Buddha

40

Accaya bhante accagama

The translation (of rule) went over me

41

Kalo ghasati bhutani

Time eats / devours living beings

42

Ajjhokāse chankamati

In the open air, walks to-and-fro

43

Dhammaŋ pariyapunanti

Memorize / learn by heart the Dhamma

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Sl. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

44

Bhagavati parinibbhute (locative absolutive)

When the Buddha entered into Parinibbana

45

Achira pakkantassa Bhagavato (genetive absolutive)

Immediately after the Buddha’s departure

46

Bhikkhu amantesi

(The Buddha) addressed the monks

47

Namo tassa Bhagavato (“namo” – indeclinable in Dative Case)

My bow down to the Buddha

48

Namo te Buddha veera atthu

May my bow down be with you, Oh Buddha, the Hero!

49

Luddho / Kuddho / Mulho ațțhaŋ na janati

One who is greedy / angry/ deluded, does not understand the meaning

50

Evaŋ me sutaŋ

This is heard by me

51

Ahaŋ evaŋ suniŋ

I hear this

52

Svākkhāto Bhagavatā Dhammo (hoti)

Well explained is the Dhamma by the Blessed One

53

Sandițțhīko akāliko ephipassiko

Which is to be seen here and now

54

Nātthi raga samo aggi

There is no anger like fire (lobha , dosa, moha)

55

Nātthi kali samo dosa

There is no darkness like hatred

56

Nātthi khanda samā dukkha

There is no other suffering like aggregates

57

Ayaŋhi araha loke

I am the Arahant in the wold

58

Chavi vanno parisuddho

Skin colour is pure

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Text No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

59

Mettāya bhikkhave etovimuttiyā bhāvitāya

When “mettā”, the unlimited friendliness is cultivated for liberation of mind

60

Sukhaŋ supati, sukhaŋ pațibhujjhati

Easily sleeps, wakes up easily

61

Tuvațaŋ cittaŋ samādhiyati

Quickly the mind is concentrated

62

Mukhavaņņo vippasīdati

The face becomes beautiful and bright

63

Asammūļho kālaŋ karoti

(He) dies without any confusion of mind

64

Ekacce moghapurisā dhammaŋ pariyāpuņanti

Some stupid persons learn by heart the Doctrine

65

Te taŋ dhammaŋ pariyāpuņitvā tesaŋ dhammānaŋ Having learnt the Doctrine by heart, they do not examine the meaning of the paññāya atthaŋ na upaparikkhanti

“Dhamma” with wisdom

66

Duggahītattā dhammānaŋ

Ill-taking of the Doctrines (Doctrines were taken in a wrong way)

67

Duggahītattā alagaddassa

Ill-taking of the snake (Snake was taken in a wrong way)

68

Arahaŋ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraņasampanno

69

Sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadhammasārathi

70

Satthā devamanussānaŋ buddho bhagavā

71

So taŋ dhammaŋ sutvā Tathāgate saddhaŋ pațilabhati

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

The Worthy One, the perfectly Enlightened One, the One endowed with knowledge and conduct The Well-gone, the Knower of the world, the Unique One, the Trainer of the untrained The Teacher for both gods and men, the Enlightened and Blessed One Having listened to the “Dhamma”, he gets faith in the Tathāgata, the one who has relaized the truth

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Text. No. 72 73

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

Bhogā sammā paribhuñjamānā paribhogaŋ gacchanti, na When wealth is rightly / properly utilized / enjoyed and consumed, they parikkhayaŋ would go without any exhaustion Udakaŋ sammāparibhuñjamānaŋ paribhogaŋ gaccheyya, no If water is rightly / properly utilized / enjoyed and consumed, it would parikkhayaŋ go without any exhaustion

74

Indriyāni parisuddho chavivaņņo pariyodāto

75

Sabbaŋjaho taņhakkhaye vimutto

76

Na me ācariyo atthi Sadevakasmiŋ lokasmiŋ

sadiso me na vijjati natthi me pațipuggalo

One who has abandoned everything and is liberated when craving was exhausted I do not have any teacher; there is nobody to be found as equal to me.

In the world with gods, there is no rival for me.

77

Ahaŋ hi arahā loke

ahaŋ satthā anuttaro

I am an arahant in the world, I am a unique teacher

78

Ekomhi sammāsambuddho sītibhūtosmi nibbuto

I am the one perfectly Enlightened One, I am the one whose life is cooled down

79

Dhammacakkaŋ pavattetuŋ gacchāmi Kāsinaŋ puraŋ

To set the wheel of law on motion, I go to the city of Kasi

80

Andhabhūtasmiŋ lokasmiŋ

I shall beat the drum of immortality in the blind world

81

Bahudeva rattiŋ ajjhokāse vītināmetvā vihāraŋ pāvisi

Having spent most of the time at night in open air, (he) entered the residence

82

Rattiyā paccūsasamayaŋ paccuțțhāya

Having got up at dawn of night / in the early morning

83

Sarena abhāsi

Recited with intonation

84

Sarabhaññapariyosāne abbhanumodi

At the end of the recital with intonation (he) appreciated (it)

85

Suggahītāni kho te

Well taken by you

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua

āhañchaŋ amatadundubhinti

Faculties are very clear, skin colour is perfectly pure white

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Text. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

86

(You) have well applied in the mind, you have retained all (your learnings); Sumanasikatāni sūpadhāritāni, kalyāņiyāpi’si vācāya (You) are endowed with very good way of speaking with a flow. samannāgato, vissațțhāya anelagalāya atthassa viññāpaniyā (You) make the meaning of the words very dictinct and clear.

87

Kissa pana tvaŋ evaŋ ciraŋ akāsī’ti

For what reason you are thus delayed

88

Sabbabhūtesu karohi khemataŋ

Do good in reference to all living beings

89

Sace musā ņa bhaņasi Sace adinnaŋ nādiyasi

If you do not tell lies, if you do not harass living beings.

If you do not take what is not given (and) remain faithful and generous.

90

Abhikkantaŋ bho Gotama

Excellent master Gotama (the Buddha)

91

Nikkujjitaŋ vā ukkujjeyya

If (something) is turned upside down, (he) should make it upright

92

Pațicchannaŋ vā vivareyya

If (some things) is kept covered, (he) should open them up

93

Mūļhassa vā maggaŋ ācikkheyya

If a person is confused, (he) should tell the right way

94

Andhakāre vā telapajjotaŋ dhāreyya cakkhumanto rūpāni (He) should hold an oil-lamp in the darkness for those who have eyes to dakkhintīti see the visual objects

95

Kiñci kukkuccaŋn, koci vippațisāroti

96 97

sace pāņaŋ na himsasi saddahāno amaccharī

Any worry, any remorse

Yo dhammaŋ passati so maŋ passati, yo maŋ passati so Whoever sees the Dhamma, sees me; whoever sees me, sees the Dhamma dhammaŋ passati Dhammaŋ hi passanto maŋ passati , maŋ passanto Seeing the Dhamma you certainly see me and seeing me, you see the dhammaŋ passatīti Dhamma

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PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued) Text. No.

PĀLI PHRASE

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

98

Somanassa domanassānaŋ atthagamā

Disappearance of pleasure and pain

99

Adukkhamasukhaŋ

With neither ease nor unease

100

Upekhā satipārisuddhiŋ

With equanimity mindfulness and clarity

101

102

103

104

105

106 107

The step to immortality is mindfulness / diligence. The step to death is Appamādo amatapadaŋ pamādo maccuno padaŋ undmindfulness.

Appamattā na mīyanti ye pamattā yathā matā Those who are mindful do not die. Those who are unmindful are just like dead.

Avoid all evil actions. Cultivate good actions.

Sabbapāpassa akaraņaŋ kusalassa upasampadā Purification of one’s own mind takes place in two stages – sila and Sacittapariyopadapanaŋ etaŋ Buddhānasāsanaŋ Samadhi. This is the Doctrine of the Buddha.

Victory breeds hatred. The vanquished / defeated one sleeps with Jayaŋ varaŋ pasavati dukkhaŋ seti parājito pain. One, who has completely calmed down the mind, sleeps well. He Upasanto sukhaŋ seti hitvā jayaparājayaŋ does not have any meaning of victory or defeat.

There is no fire like passion / lust. There is no bad thing like anger.

Natthi rāgasamo aggi natthi dosasamo kali There are no sufferings equal to the five aggregates. There is no Natthi khandhasamā dukkhā natthi santiparaŋ sukhaŋ happiness beyond peace.

One should conquer anger by non-anger. One should conquer the bad Akkodhena jine kodaŋ asādhuŋ sādhunā jine person by being good.

Jine kadariyaŋ dārena saccena alikavādinaŋ One should conquer miserliness by giving something to others. One should conquer the liars by telling the truth.

Seyyathāpi uppalaŋ vā padumaŋ vā puņdarīkaŋ vā udake Just as blue water-lillies or red lotuses or white lotuses born inside jātaŋ udake saŋvaddhaŋ udakaŋ accuggamma țhāti water and grown up inside water, stands up above water untouched anuPālittaŋ udakena by the water Loke jāto loke saŋvaddho lokaŋ abhibhuyya viharāmi I was born in the world, grown up in the world, I live having overcome anuPālitto lokena the world / being untouched by the world

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References

1. Collins, S. 2006. Pāli Grammar for Students. Silkworm Books. (ISBN 978-974-9511-13-8).

2. Gair, J., Karunatilleke, W.S. 1998. A New Course in Reading Pāli: Entering the Word of the Buddha. Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

(ISBN 81-208-1440-1).

3. Buddhadatta, A.P. 2006. The New Pāli Course: Parts I & II. Dehiwala, Sri Lanka: Buddhist Cultural Centre.

4. Bodhi, B. 2009. A Course in the Pāli Language. Lafayette, NJ, USA: Bodhi Monastery.

5. Bullitt, J.T. 2009. A Guide to Learning the Pāli Language. Electronic source: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bullitt/learningPāli.html.

6. Warder, A.K. 1991. Introduction to Pāli. London: Pāli Text Society.

7. De Silva, L. 1994. Pāli Primer. Igatpuri, India: Vipassana Research Institute.

8. Johansson, Rune E.A. 1998. Pāli Buddhist Texts: An Introductory Reader and Grammar. Scandinavian Institute of Asian Studies Monograph Series, No. 14. London: Routledge/Curzon.

9. Muller, E. 1986. Pāli Language. Delhi: Bharatiya Book Corporation.

10. Vidyabhushan, N.C., Ghose, M.K. 1982. A Pāli Grammar. Calcutta: Kiron Moy Ghose.

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