PĀLI FOR BEGINNERS

Dr. ANKUR BARUA

MBBS, MD (Community Medicine), MBAIT, MBuddStud (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong, 2009

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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

Buddhist Door, Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Hong Kong

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: [email protected]
Mobile: +91-9434485543 (India), +852-96195078 (Hong Kong)

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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

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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 Pāli 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.

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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

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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])

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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) Pullińga = Masculine

(2) Itthilińga = Feminine

(3) Napuŋsakalińga = Neuter

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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!

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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.

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 EXAMPLES OF NOUNS CORRESPONSING TO THEIR DECLENSIONS

STEM ENDING FORM NOUN EXAMPLE

a nara Gonā pāsāņe tițțhanti

i aggi Dīpayo girimhi vasanti

MASCULINE ī pakkhī Mantī hatthinaŋ āruhissati

u garu Garu mayhaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

ū vidū Viduno kulavato gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

ā vanitā Vanitāyao nāvāhi gańgāyaŋ gacchantu

i bhūmi Yuvatīnaŋ pitaro ațaviyā āgamma bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

FEMININE
ī ārī āriyo sakhīhi saha vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

u dhenu/ mātu Dāsiyā mātā dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

a nayana Dhanavanto bhātarānaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

NEUTER i atthi Mayaŋ gāviyā khīraŋ, khīramha dadhiŋ, dadhimhā sappiñ ca labhāma

u cakkhu 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

STEM ENDING FORM NOUN EXAMPLE OF PRONOUNS

a nara So gonā imasmiŋ pāsāņe tițțhanti

i aggi Ime dīpayo tasmiŋ girismiŋ vasanti
MASCULINE ī pakkhī Mantī yaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati?
u garu Garu mayhaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi
ū vidū Yo viduno taŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu?
ā vanitā Aññāyo vanitāyao nāvāhi itarāyaŋ gańgāyaŋ gacchantu
i bhūmi Katāmānāŋ Yuvatīnaŋ pitaro aparāya ațaviyā āgamma bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu
FEMININE
ī ārī Āriyo sabbāhi sakhīhi saha aññataraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti
u dhenu/ mātu Tassā dāsiyā mātā sabbaŋ dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

a nayana Dhanavanto tassa ubhayānaŋ bhātarānaŋ imaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

NEUTER i atthi Mayaŋ sabbābhi gāvībhi khīraŋ labhāma

u cakkhu 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”.

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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

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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).

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 EXAMPLES OF SOME COMMON ADJECTIVES

CATEGORY ADJECTIVES MEANING EXAMPLE

Gambhīra Deep Kumāriyo gambhīraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

Uttāna Shallow Yuvatīyo uttāna vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

Vitthata Wide / Broad Vanitāyo nāvāhi vitthatayaŋ gańgāyaŋ gacchantu

Khuddaka Small Kassako khuddake gehe vasati

Mahanta Big / Large Vāņijo mahante vihāre vasati

Dīgha Long Dāsiyā mātā dhenuŋ dīghayā rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

Rassa Short / Dwarf Dhenu rassaŋ tinaŋ bhuñjati

Dimension & Quantity
Ucca High / Tall Dīpayo uccamhi girimhi vasanti

Nīca Low / Vulgar Mañcassa nīce sunakho sayati

Majjhima Medium Majjhimo bhātā pāto pāțhasālāŋ gacchati

Appaka Few / Little Dhanavanto appakaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

Bahu / Bahuka Many / Much Vānaro pāsāņe nisiditvā bahukā ambā khadati

Santika Near Yuvatīyo santikaŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

Vidūra Far Suriyo girismā vidūre pācine ākāse udeti

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 EXAMPLES OF SOME COMMON ADJECTIVES (continued)

CATEGORY ADJECTIVES MEANING EXAMPLE

Seta White Setayo gavīyo pāsāņe tițțhanti

Nīla Blue Nīle ākāse setā pakkhino uddenti

Colour Ratta Red Mātā rattaŋ dhenuŋ rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

Kāļa Black Kāļo gono khette tinaŋ bhuñjati

Pīta Yellow Pītayo dīpayo girimhi vasanti

Khara Rough / Course Gonā khare pāsāņe tițțhanti

Mudu Soft Pitaro muduŋ odanaŋ bhuñjiŋsu

Bāla Foolish / Young Dhaņavā bālānaŋ bhātarānaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchati

Paņdita Wise Paņdito Garu susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

Balavantu Powerful Mantī balavantaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati

Texture & Quality Dubbala Feeble Yuvatīyā dubbalo pitaro mañce sayiŋsu

Surūpa / Dassanīya Beautiful / Handsome Surūpāyo Vanitāyo nāvāhi gańgāyaŋ gacchantu

Āma Unripe Sushu pasane nisiditvā amani phalāni khadati

Pakka Ripe Vānaro pakkani ambe bhuñjati

Dahara Young Daharāya Yuvatīyā pitaro odanaŋ bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

Mahallaka Elderly / Old Mahallakā Viduno mahantaŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

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 EXAMPLES OF ADJECTIVES CORRESPONSING TO THE DECLENSIONS OF NOUNS

STEM ENDING FORM NOUN EXAMPLE OF ADJECTIVES

a nara Setā gavīyo khare pāsāņe tițțhanti

i aggi Pītayo dīpayo uccamhi girimhi vasanti

MASCULINE ī pakkhī Mahallako mantī balavantaŋ hatthinaŋ āruhissati

u garu Paņdito Garu surūpaŋ susūnaŋ ucchavo adadi

ū vidū Surūpā mahallakā Viduno mahantaŋ gehaŋ gacchiŋsu

ā vanitā Surūpāyo Vanitāyo nāvāhi vitthatayaŋ gańgāyaŋ gacchantu

i bhūmi Daharāya Yuvatīyā dubbalo pitaro muduŋ odanaŋ bhuñjitvā sayiŋsu

FEMININE
ī ārī Āriyo santikaŋ gambhīraŋ vāpiŋ gantvā nahāyissanti

u dhenu/ mātu Mahallikāya Dāsiyā mātā rattaŋ dhenuŋ dīghayā rajjuyā bandhitvā ānesi

a nayana Dhanavanto bālānaŋ bhātarānaŋ appakaŋ dhanaŋ dātuŋ na icchanti

NEUTER i atthi Setayā gāviyā khīraŋ ca sappiñ ca labhāma

u cakkhu Mahallakā pitaro setaŋ dadhiŋ bhuñjiŋsu

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 DECLENSION OF NOUNS
Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘a’

DECLENSION ACCORDING TO SINGULAR PLEURAL

PREPOSITION
VARIOUS CASES (suffix) (suffix)

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject o ā

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) ŋ e
(Towards direction of action)

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)

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 DECLENSION OF NOUNS
Masculine Noun Stems ending in ‘a’

(Declension of “nara” meaning “man”)

DECLENSION ACCORDING TO
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Naro Narā

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Naraŋ Nare
(Towards direction of action)

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)

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 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 Sańgha 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

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 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Aggi (Aggi /) aggayo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Aggiŋ (Aggī /) aggayo
(Towards direction of action)

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 Yaţţhi Stick

Gahapati Householder Nidhi Hidden treasure

Adhipati Lord Asi Sword

Atithi Guest Rāsi Heap

Vyādhi Sickness Pāni Hand

Udadhi Ocean Kucchi Belly

Vīhi Paddy Muţţhi 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Pakkhī (Pakkhī) / Pakkhino

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Pakkhiŋ / (Pakkhinaŋ) (Pakkhī) / Pakkhino
(Towards direction of action)

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

Receiver of comfort / Happy

Sukhī Gaņī One who has a following
person

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Garu (Garū /) garavo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Garuŋ (Garū /) garavo
(Towards direction of action)

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 Kaţacchu 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Bhāta Bhātaro

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Bhātaraŋ Bhātare / bhātaro
(Towards direction of action)

Bhātarebhi / bhātarehi / bhātūbhi /

INSTRUMENTAL By / with / through Bhātarā
bhātūhi

DATIVE For / to Bhātu / bhātuno / bhātussa Bhātarānaŋ / bhātānaŋ / bhātūnaŋ

Bhātarebhi / bhātarehi / bhātūbhi /

ABLATIVE From Bhātarā
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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Nātta Nattāro

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Nattāraŋ Nattāre / nattāro
(Towards direction of action)

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 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 Page 34

 DECLENSION OF ADJECTIVAL NOUNS
Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems ending in ‘ū’

(Declension of “vidū” meaning “wise man / knower”)

DECLENSION ACCORDING TO
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Vidū (Vidū /) viduno

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Viduŋ (Vidū /) viduno
(Towards direction of action)

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 PĀLI NOUN STEMS MEANING

Pabhū Over-lord Vadaññū Charitable person

Sabbaññu The Omniscient One Viññu Wise man

Temperate / one who

Atthaññu Knower of meaning Mattaññu
knows the measure

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 36

 DECLENSION OF ADJECTIVAL NOUNS
Masculine Adjectival Noun Stems ending in ‘vantu’ or ‘mantu ’

(Declension of “guņavantu” meaning “virtuous”)

DECLENSION ACCORDING TO
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Guņavā Guņavanto (/ guņavantā)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Guņavantaŋ Guņavante
(Towards direction of action)

INSTRUMENTAL By / with / through Guņavatā / guņavantena Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ

DATIVE For / to Guņavato / guņavantassa Guņavatan / guņavantānaŋ

Guņavatā / guņavantamhā /
ABLATIVE From Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ
guņavantasmā

GENETIVE Of Guņavatā / guņavantena Guņavantebhi / guņavantānaŋ

Guņavati / guńavante / guņavantamhi

LOCATIVE In / on / at / upon Guńavantesu
/ guņavantasmiŋ

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Nayanaŋ (Nayanā /) nayanāni

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Nayanaŋ (Nayane/) nayanāni
(Towards direction of action)

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

pīţha 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Ațțhi (Ațțhī ) ațțhīni

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Ațțhiŋ Ațțhī / ațțhīni
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Cakkhu (Cakkhū /) cakkhūni

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Cakkhuŋ (Cakkhū /) cakkhūni
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Vanitā Vanitā / vanitāyo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) vanitaŋ Vanitā / vanitāyo
(Towards direction of action)

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 Lańkā Ceylon

Gańgā 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 Jańghā 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Bhūmi (Bhūmi /) bhūmiyo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Bhūmiŋ (Bhūmī /) bhūmiyo
(Towards direction of action)

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 Ańguli 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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject ārī (ārī /) āriyo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) āriŋ (ārī /) āriyo
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Dhenu (Dhenū /) dhenuyo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Dhenuŋ (Dhenū /) dhenuyo
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Mātā Mātaro

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Mātaraŋ Mātaro (/ mātare)
(Towards direction of action)

Mātarebhi / mātarehi /
INSTRUMENTAL By / with / through Mātarā / mātuyā
mātūbhi / mātūhi

DATIVE For / to Mātuyā Mātarānaŋ / mātānaŋ / mātūnaŋ

Mātarebhi / mātarehi /
ABLATIVE From Mātarā / mātuyā
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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

Ahaŋ Mayaŋ / amhe

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject
(I) (we)

To Maŋ / mamaŋ Amhe / amhākaŋ / no

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)
(Towards direction of action) (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

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

Tvaŋ (/tuvaŋ) Tumhe

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject
(thou / you) (you all)

To Taŋ / tavaŋ / tuvaŋ (Tumhe /) tumhākaŋ / vo

ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT)
(Towards direction of action) (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

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Yo Ye

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Yaŋ Ye
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Yaŋ (Ye /) yāni

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Yaŋ (Ye /) yāni
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Yā (Yā /) yāyo

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Yaŋ (Yā /) yāyo
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject So (he) Te (they)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Taŋ / Naŋ (him) Te / Ne (them)
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Taŋ (it) Te / Tāni (those things)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Taŋ (it) Te / Tāni (those things)
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Sā (she) Tā / Tāyo (those women)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Taŋ / Naŋ (her) Tā / Tāyo (them)
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Ayaŋ (this) Ime (these)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Imaŋ Ime
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Idaŋ / Imaŋ (this thing) Ime / Imāni (these things)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Idaŋ / Imaŋ (this thing) Ime / Imāni (these things)
(Towards direction of action)

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
PREPOSITION SINGULAR PLEURAL
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Ayaŋ (this woman) Imā / Imāyo (these women)

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) Imaŋ imā / Imāyo
(Towards direction of action)

INSTRUMENTAL By / with / through Imāya Imābhi / Imāhi

Assā / Asssāya / Imissā /

DATIVE For / to Āsaŋ / Āsānaŋ / Imāsaŋ / Imāsānaŋ
Imissāya / Imāya

ABLATIVE From Imāya Imābhi / Imāhi

Assā / Asssāya / Imissā /

GENETIVE Of Āsaŋ / Āsānaŋ / Imāsaŋ / Imāsānaŋ
Imissāya / Imāya

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
PREPOSITION MASCULINE NEUTER FEMININE
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Eko Ekaŋ Ekā

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) (Towards direction of Ekaŋ Ekaŋ Ekaŋ
action)

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
PREPOSITION MASCULINE NEUTER FEMININE
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Tayo Tīni Tisso

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) (Towards direction Tayo Tīni Tisso
of action)

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
PREPOSITION MASCULINE NEUTER FEMININE
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Cattāro / Caturo Cattāri Catasso

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) (Towards direction Cattāro / Caturo Cattāri Catasso
of action)

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
PREPOSITION MASCULINE NEUTER FEMININE
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Dve / Duve Dve / Duve Dve / Duve

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) (Towards direction Dve / Duve Dve / Duve Dve / Duve
of action)

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
PREPOSITION MASCULINE NEUTER FEMININE
VARIOUS CASES

NOMINATIVE (SUBJECT) Subject Pañca Pañca Pañca

To
ACCUSATIVE (OBJECT) (Towards direction Pañca Pañca Pañca
of action)

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

VOICE
(1) Kattukāraka = Active Voice
(2) Kammakāraka = Passive Voice

PERSON
(1) Pațhamapurisa = Third Person
(2) Majjhimapurisa = Second Person
(3) Uttamapurisa = First Person

NUMBER
(1) Ekavacana = Singular
(2) Bahuvacana = Pleural

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” Example, (nī + a) → (ne +a)

(2) If “u” / “ū” is strengthened, then it becomes “o” Example, (bhū + a) → (bho +a)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua 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

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON (so) ti (te) anti
SECOND PERSON (tvaŋ) si (tumhe) tha
FIRST PERSON (ahaŋ) mi (mayaŋ) ma

(B) PAST TENSE SUFFIXES

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON (so) i (te) iŋsu
SECOND PERSON (tvaŋ) o (tumhe) ittha
FIRST PERSON (ahaŋ) iŋ (mayaŋ) imha / imhā

(C) FUTURE TENSE SUFFIXES

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON (so) issati (te) issanti
SECOND PERSON (tvaŋ) issasi (tumhe) issatha
FIRST PERSON (ahaŋ) issāmi (mayaŋ) issāma

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

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON Hoti Honti
SECOND PERSON Hosi Hotha
FIRST PERSON Homi Homa

(B) PAST TENSE

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON Ahosi Ahesuŋ
SECOND PERSON Ahosi Ahuvattha
FIRST PERSON Ahosiŋ Ahosimha / Ahosimhā

(C) FUTURE TENSE

SINGULAR PLEURAL
THRID PERSON Hessati Hessanti
SECOND PERSON Hessasi Hessatha
FIRST PERSON Hessāmi Hessāma

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 PĀLI SUFFIX
EXECUTION OF AN ACTION IN ENGLISH EXAMPLES
IN TENSES AND VOICES (3rd person singular)

Present Tense ti Executes an action at present Narā suriyaŋ passanti

Past Tense i, ā Already executed (did) an action in past Muni mañcesu nisīdi

Future Tense issati Will execute (do) an action in future Sețțhī pakkhino passissati

Imperative (i)tu To express command, prayer, advice or wish Vanitā nāvāhi gańgāyaŋ gacchatu

To express a probability and is used in

Obtative (Potential) eyya conditional / hypothetical sentences in which Sace so paceyya, ahaŋ pi pacessāmi
one statement depends upon the other.

tvā, tvāna,
Absolutive (indeclinable Brāhmaņi nadiyaŋ nahātvā gehaŋ
tūna, Having executed an action in the past
Past participles) agami
ya

Yuvatiyo padumāni ocinituŋ nadiŋ

Infinitive (i)tum For the reason to execute (do) an action
gacchanti

Present Participle (Active) nta / Complements to the execution of an action Gāmaŋ gacchanto dārako ekaŋ goņaŋ
(used as adverbs) māna at present disvā bhāyi.

Past Participle (Passive) ta / Complements to the execution of an action in Hīyo araññaŋ gato puriso ahinā
(used as adverbs) to past dațțho mari

Future Passive Participle tabba / Complements to the execution of an action in Purisehi khettāni kasitabbāni, vanitāhi
(used as adverbs) future (should be executed) tesaŋ bhattaŋ pacitabbaŋ
anīya

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 77

 DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES
Verb Verbal
Sl. Future
Root Base Meaning Pres Past Future Imper Opt Absol infinit Pres P. Past P. Noun
No. Pass P.
(Pāli) (Pāli)
tvā,
tvāna, nta / ta / tabba / a/
Suffix ti i, ā issati tu eyya (i)tuŋ
tūna, māna to anīya na
ya
Caritabba/
Cari/ Care/ Caranta/ Carita/ Cara/
1 Car Cara To wander Carati Carissati Caratu Caritvā Carituŋ Cintabba /
Acari Careyya Caramāna Cinna Caraņa
Caranīya
Kŗ/ Kari, Kare, Karitvā, Karituŋ/ Kātabba, Kamma/
2 Karo To do Karoti Karissati Karotu Karonta Kata
Kar Akāsi Kareyya Katvā Katuŋ Karanīya Karaņa
Sŗ / Savana/
To Saritabba/
3 Smŗ/ Sara Sarati Sari Sarissati Saratu Sareyya Saritvā Sarituŋ Saranta Sarata Saraņa/
remember Saraņīya
Sar Sota
Dhāraka/
Dhŗ/ Dhāritabba/ Dhara/
4 Dhāre To hold Dhāreti Dhāresi Dhārissati Dhāretu Dhāreyya Dhāretvā Dhārituŋ Dhārenta Dhārita
Dhar Dhāranīya Dhāra/
Dharaņa
Tŗ/ Taranta/ Tarita/ Taritabba/ Tara/
5 Tara To cross Tarati Tari Tarissati Taritu Tareyya Taritvā Tarituŋ
Tar Taramāna Tinna Taranīya Taraņa
Vŗ/ Varitabba/
6 Vara To choose Varati Vari Varissati Varatu Vareyya Varetvā Varituŋ Varenta Varita Varaņa
Var Varanīya
Dadāti/ Dadi/ Dadissati/ Dade/ Daditvā/ Dadituŋ/ Dinna/
7 Dā Dadā To give Dadetu Dadanta Databba Dana
Deti Adadi Dassati Dadeyya Datvā Datuŋ Dațțha
Lapitabba/
8 Lap Lapa To talk Lapati Lapi Lapissati Lapetu Lapeyya Lapitvā Lapituŋ Lapanta Lapita Lapana
lapanīya
Hŗ/ Haranta/ Haritabba/ Hara/
9 Hara To carry Harati Hari Harissati Haritu Hareyya Haritvā Harituŋ Hața
Har Haramāna Haranīya Haraņa
Labhitvā/
Labhissati/ Labha/ Labhituŋ/ Labhanta/ Laddhabba/
10 Labh Labha To get Labhati Labhi Labhatu Laddhā/ Laddha Lābha
Lacchati Labheyya Laddhuŋ Laddha Labhanīya
Laddhāna

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 78

 DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES (continued)
Verb Verbal
Sl. Future
Root Base Meaning Pres Past Future Imper Opt Absol infinit Pres P. Past P. Noun
No. Pass P.
(Pāli) (Pāli)
tvā,
tvāna, nta / ta / tabba / a/
Suffix ti i, ā issati tu eyya (i)tuŋ
tūna, māna to anīya na
ya

To Khipa/ Khipanta/ Khipita/ Khipitabba/ Khipa/

11 Kşip Khipa Khipati Khipi Khipissati Khipatu Khipitvā Khipituŋ
throw Khipeyya Khipamāna Khitta Khipanīya Khipana

Kram/ Kamitvā/ Kamitabba/

12 Kama To go Kamati Kami Kamissati Kamatu Kameyya Kamituŋ Kamanta Kanta Kama
Kam Kammya Kantabba

Muñcana/
To Muñcayya/ Mutta/
13 Muc Muñca Muñcati Muñci Muñcissati Muñcatu Muñcitva Muñcituŋ Muñcanta Muñcitabba Mocana/
remove Muñce Muñcita
Mokkha
Cintā/
Cintetvā/ Cintenta/ Cintetabba/
14 Cit Cinte To think Cinteti Cintesi Cintissati Cintetu Cinteyya Cintetuŋ Cintita Cintaka/
Cintiya Cintayamāna Cintanīya
Cintana
Veda/
Vedenta/ Veditabba/
15 Vid Vide To feel Vedeti Vedesi Vedissati Vedetu Vedeyya Vedetvā Vedituŋ Vedita Vedaka/
Vediyamāna Vedanīya
Vedayita

To Vindanta/ Vinditabba/
16 Vid Vinda Vindati Vindi Vindissati Vindatu Vindeyya Vinditvā Vindituŋ Vindita Vindaka
know Vindamāna Vindanīya

Bhavetabba/
Bhaveyya/ Bhava/
17 Bhū Bhava To be Bhavati Bhavi Bhavissati Bhavatu Bhavitva Bhavituŋ Bhavanta Bhuta Bhabba/
Bhave Bhavana
Bhavanīya

Hota /
18 Hū Ho To be Hoti Ahosi Hessati Hotu Huyeyya Hutva Hotuŋ Honta - Hotabba
Hona

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 79

 DERIVATION OF PĀLI VERBS IN THIRD PERSON SINGULAR NUMBER: SOME EXAMPLES (continued)
Verbal
Sl. Verb Root Future
Base Meaning Pres Past Future Imper Opt Absol infinit Pres P. Past P. Noun
No. (Pāli) Pass P.
(Pāli)
tvā,
tvāna, nta / ta / tabba / a/
Suffix ti i, ā Issati tu eyya (i)tuŋ
tūna, māna to anīya na
ya
Sthā/ Ţhapitabba/
19 Ţhāpe To keep Ţhapeti Ţhapesi Ţhapissati Ţhapetu Ţhapeyya Ţhapetvā Ţhapituŋ Ţhapenta Ţhapita Ţhapana
Țha Ţhapanīya

Jhāyana/
To Jhayitabba/
20 Jhe Jhāya Jhāyati Jhāyi Jhāyissati Jhāyatu Jhāyeyya Jhāyitvā Jhāyituŋ Jhāyanta Jhayita Jhana/
meditate jhayanīya
Jhāyī

Jñā / Jānitvā/ Jānituŋ/ Jānanta/ Jānitabba/ Jānana/

21 Jānā To know Jānāti Jāni Jānissati Jānātu Jāneyya Ñāta
Ñā Ñatvā Ñatuŋ Jānamāna Jānānīya Jānanaka

Mŗ/ Maranta/ Maritabba/ Mara/

22 Mara To die Marati Mari Marissati Maratu Mareyya Maritvā Marituŋ Mata
Mar Maramāna Maranīya Maraņa
Dasa/
Dassetvā/ Dassesitabba/ Dassana/
23 Dŗś Dasse To see Dasseti Dassesi Dassissati Dassetu Dassaneyya Dassetuŋ Dassanta Dassita
Dassiya Dassanīya/ Dassī/
Dassāvi
Passitvā/ Santa/ Passitabba/ Disva/
24 Dŗś Passa To see Passati Passi Passissati Passatu Passeyya Passituŋ Dițțha
Disvā Passamāna Passanīya Dassana

Vācetabba/ Vācā/
25 Vac Vāce To teach Vāceti Vācesi Vācissati Vācetu Vāceyya Vācetvā Vācetuŋ Vācenta Vācita
Vacanīya Vācana

Tittha/
Tițțhi/ Tițțhanta/ Tițțhitabba/
26 Țhā Tițțha To stand Tițțhati Țhassati Tițțhatu Tițțheyya Țhatvā Tițțhitum Țhita Titthiya/
Ațțhāsi Tițțhamāna Tițțhanīya
Tithi

Vaditvā/ Vadanta/ Vattabba/ Vadda/

27 Vad Vada To blow Vadati Vadi Vadissati Vadatu Vadeyya Vaditum Vutta
Vatvā Vadamāna Vadanīya 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

FORMERLY / IN
THEN Tadā Pūra
FORMER DAYS

EVER / ALWAYS Sadā

NOW Idāni IN THE MORNING Pāto

TODAY Ajja IN THE EVENING Sāyam

DAY AFTER
TOMORROW Suve Parasuve
TOMORROW

DAY BEFORE
YESTERDAY Hīyo Parahīyo
YESTERDAY

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 82

 PĀLI ADVERBS OF PLACE (Indeclinables)

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

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

Example: (a) sukhaŋ supati – sleep well (an accusative singular used as an adverb)

(b) sukhena supati – sleep well (an instrumental singular used as an adverb)

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua 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

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 84

 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 Page 85

 SPECIAL PĀLI PARTICLES (indeclinables)

Special Pāli Particle Meaning Type of Particle Example English Meaning

“ma” as prohibitive
No Prohibitive Particle Ma gaccho / Ma gacchi Don’t go
particle

Instrumental Form Unable without him or

“vina” / “saddhiŋ” With / Without Na sakka tena vina tena saddhiŋ
to be used with him

Coupled with Dative My prayers for the

“namo” Pray Namo Buddhaya
Form of Noun (for) Buddha

Coupled with There is no arising of

Aññatra paccayā natthi
Aññatra Except Ablative Form of consciousness without a
viññānassa sambhavo
Noun (form) condition

Kiñcāpi so kammaŋ karoti Even if he does evil work,

The meaning of the
papakaŋ kayena, vacaya, it is not suitable for
Kiñcāpi Even if following sentence
chetasava abhabbo tassa covering up by body, by
is emphasized
paticchayati word, by mind

Emphesizing Unfit for keeping up a

Alaŋ Enough Nālaŋ (na_alaŋ) dārabharaņāya
quantity family

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 86

 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 Piţţhi 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

Te taŋ dhammaŋ pariyāpuņitvā tesaŋ dhammānaŋ Having learnt the Doctrine by heart, they do not examine the meaning of the
65
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)

The Worthy One, the perfectly Enlightened One, the One endowed with
68 Arahaŋ sammāsambuddho vijjācaraņasampanno
knowledge and conduct
The Well-gone, the Knower of the world, the Unique One, the Trainer of the
69 Sugato lokavidū anuttaro purisadhammasārathi
untrained

70 Satthā devamanussānaŋ buddho bhagavā 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
71 So taŋ dhammaŋ sutvā Tathāgate saddhaŋ pațilabhati
has relaized the truth

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 91

 PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued)

Text. No. PĀLI PHRASE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

Bhogā sammā paribhuñjamānā paribhogaŋ gacchanti, na When wealth is rightly / properly utilized / enjoyed and consumed, they
72
parikkhayaŋ would go without any exhaustion
Udakaŋ sammāparibhuñjamānaŋ paribhogaŋ gaccheyya, no If water is rightly / properly utilized / enjoyed and consumed, it would
73
parikkhayaŋ go without any exhaustion
74 Indriyāni parisuddho chavivaņņo pariyodāto Faculties are very clear, skin colour is perfectly pure white
One who has abandoned everything and is liberated when craving was
75 Sabbaŋjaho taņhakkhaye vimutto
exhausted
Na me ācariyo atthi sadiso me na vijjati I do not have any teacher; there is nobody to be found as equal to me.
76
Sadevakasmiŋ lokasmiŋ natthi me pațipuggalo 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
I am the one perfectly Enlightened One, I am the one whose life is
78 Ekomhi sammāsambuddho sītibhūtosmi nibbuto
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 āhañchaŋ amatadundubhinti I shall beat the drum of immortality in the blind world
Having spent most of the time at night in open air, (he) entered the
81 Bahudeva rattiŋ ajjhokāse vītināmetvā vihāraŋ pāvisi
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

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 PĀLI PHRASES FROM TEXTS (continued)

Text. No. PĀLI PHRASE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PĀLI PHRASE

(You) have well applied in the mind, you have retained all (your learnings);
Sumanasikatāni sūpadhāritāni, kalyāņiyāpi’si vācāya
86 (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

Sace musā ņa bhaņasi sace pāņaŋ na himsasi If you do not tell lies, if you do not harass living beings.
89
Sace adinnaŋ nādiyasi saddahāno amaccharī 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

Andhakāre vā telapajjotaŋ dhāreyya cakkhumanto rūpāni (He) should hold an oil-lamp in the darkness for those who have eyes to
94
dakkhintīti see the visual objects

95 Kiñci kukkuccaŋn, koci vippațisāroti Any worry, any remorse

Yo dhammaŋ passati so maŋ passati, yo maŋ passati so

96 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
97
dhammaŋ passatīti Dhamma

Pali for Beginners – Dr. Ankur Barua Page 93

 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
The step to immortality is mindfulness / diligence. The step to death is
Appamādo amatapadaŋ pamādo maccuno padaŋ undmindfulness.
101
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
102 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
103 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
104 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.
105
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
106 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
107
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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