Comprehensive Study Notes on Samas (Bengali Grammar)

General Principles and Definitions of Samas

Samas is the process of transforming multiple words or terms into a single, unified term. This process is essential for streamlining language and creating new meanings. The resulting word formed through this process is known as the Samastapad (the compound word). The individual words or components that make up the Samastapad are referred to as Samasyaman Pad. To analyze or explain the meaning of a Samastapad, a descriptive sentence or phrase is used, which is called the Vyasvakya, Vigraha Vakya, or Samas Vakya.

Dandwa Samas (Copulative Compounds)

In a Dandwa Samas, both the preceding term (Purvapad) and the succeeding term (Parapad) retain equal importance in terms of meaning. These compounds are typically formed by joining terms with conjunctions such as "and" (ebong, o, ar). A hyphen usually sits between the two words in the Samastapad, and both parts carry the same type of inflection or case ending.

General examples include:

• Da-Kumra = Da o Kumra

• Hito-hit = Hit o Ahit

• Bhoron Poshon = Bhoron o Poshon

• Rokto Mangso = Rokto o Mangso

• Lenden = Len o Den

• Sainya Samanto = Sainya o Samanto

• Jano Manob = Jano o Manob

• Bhalo-Mondo = Bhalo o Mondo

• Dekha-Shona = Dekha o Shona

• Aaj-Kaal = Aaj o Kaal

• Dewa Newa = Dewa o Newa

• Torulata = Toru o Lata

Board Exam specific examples for Dandwa Samas:

• Shitatop = Shit o Tap

• Bak Bitanda = Bak o Bitanda

• Hotahoto = Hoto o Ahoto

• Adyopanto = Adyo o Panto

• Tika Bhashya = Tika o Bhashya

• Chorbochoshya = Chorbo o Choshya

• Uttorottor = Uttor o Uttor

• Haat-Bazar = Haat o Bazar

• Aat-Saat = Aat o Saat

• Ahoratro = Ahon o Ratro

• Ahi-Nokul = Ahi o Nokul

• Boi Pustok = Boi o Pustok

• Kushilab = Kush o Lob

• Sotyasotyo = Sotyo o Ashotyo

• Doyat-Kolom = Doyat o Kolom

• Mora Bancha = Mora o Bancha

• Sada Kalo = Sada o Kalo

• Alorchaya = Alok o Chaya

• Aay Byay = Aay o Byay

• Otyachar Obichar = Otyachar o Obichar

• Joma-Khoch = Joma o Khoroch

• Asol-Nokol = Asol o Nokol

• Digbidik = Dik o Bidik

Ek-shesh Dandwa: This variety is named based on the final term of the Vyasvakya and often implies personal pronouns. Examples include:

• Amra = Se, tumi o ami

• Tomra = Se o tumi

• Tara = Se o onyanno

• Rahim-era = Rahim o tar bhai-era

Bahupadi Dandwa: This involves the compound of three or more words. Examples include:

• Janmo-Mrityu-Biye = Janmo, Mrityu o Biye

• Haat-Pa-Nak-Mukh = Haat, Pa, Nak o Mukh

• Saheb-Bibi-Golam = Saheb, Bibi o Golam

• Chondro-Surjo-Groho-Tara = Chondro, Surjo, Groho o Tara

Dwigu Samas (Numerical Compounds)

In Dwigu Samas, the preceding term (Purvapad) must be a numerical adjective, and the succeeding term (Parapad) is a noun. The compound signifies a collection, aggregate, or assembly, and the Vyasvakya uses terms like milon, samahar, or somosti.

Examples of Dwigu Samas:

• Chaturanga = Chatuh anger samahar

• Tematha = Tin mathar samahar

• Tepantor = Tin prantorer samahar

• Trilok = Tri loker samahar

• Trifala = Tri falar samahar

• ShatabdI = Shat abder samahar

• Saptah = Sapta aher samahar

• Saptarshi = Sapta rishir samahar

• Chaturdashpadi = Chaturdash pader samahar

Board Exam specific examples for Dwigu Samas:

• Trijagot = Tri jagoter samahar

• Trikal = Tri kaler somosti/samahar

• Tribhubon = Tri bhubonor somosti/samahar

• Triratno = Tri rotner samahar

• Noboratno = Naba rotner samahar

• Panchanod = Pancha nadir samahar

• Panchabati = Pancha boter samahar

• Pasuri = Pancha ser-er samahar

• Shataborsho = Shataborshor samahar

• Choumatha = Chou mathar samahar

• Choumuhoni = Chou mohonar samahar

• Chourasta = Chou rastar samahar

• Tetala = Tin talar samahar

• Satsomudro = Sat somudrer samahar

• Teronadi = Tero nadir samahar

• Sorobhuj = Shot bhujer samahar

• Sororitu = Shot ritur samahar

• Saptadinga = Sapta dingar samahar

Tatpurush Samas (Case-Based Compounds)

In Tatpurush Samas, the case endings (Vibhakti) of the preceding term (Purvapad) are dropped, and the meaning of the succeeding term (Parapad) becomes primary. These are named based on the case ending that is deleted.

2nd Tatpurush (Accusative): Deletes ke, re. Used when asking "what" or "whom".

• Dukkha Prapta = Dukkha-ke prapta

• Khomota Prapta = Khomota-ke prapta

• Boyo Prapta = Boyo-ke prapta

• Majjagot = Majjaka-ke got

• Shoronagot = Shoron-ke got

• Chirosthanyi = Chirokal dhore sthayi

• Khonosthayi = Khonokal dhore sthayi

• Dirghosthayi = Dirghokal dhore sthayi

• Bipodaponno = Bipod-ke aponno

• Sajajya Prapta = Sahajya-ke prapta

• Kalabecha = Kala-ke becha

• Jibonanando = Jibon byapiya anando

• Chiro Sundor = Chirokal dhore sundor

• Chiro Bosonto = Chirokal dhore bosonto

• Porolokgot = Poroloke got

• Atma Rokkha = Atma-ke rokkha

• Bhat Radhaa = Bhat-ke radha

• Shoronatit = Shoron-ke atit

• Choronashrito = Choron-ke ashrito

• Podashrito = Pod-ke ashrito

• Chiro Shotru = Chirokal dhore shotru

• Ga-dhaka = Ga-ke dhaka

• Songkhyatit = Songkhya-ke atit

• Dhormatit = Dhormo-ke atit

• Desh Tyag = Desh-ke tyag

• Am-kurano = Am-ke kurano

• Chiro-sukhi = Chirokal byapiya sukhi

• Desh-bhongo = Desh-ke bhongo

• Prishtho Prodorshon = Prishtho-ke prodorshon

• Chirokumar = Chirokal byapiya kumar

• Board Questions: Bishmoyaponno, Rotho-chalon, Shor-nikkhep, Timir Bidari, Maach-dhora, Pran-bodh, Boi-pora, Desh Bibhag, Otithi Sotkar.

3rd Tatpurush (Instrumental): Deletes dwara, diya, kortrik. Answers "by what" or "how".

• Swarna Mondit = Swarna dwara mondit

• Chondon Chorchito = Chondon dwara chorchito

• Heerok Khonchito = Heerok dwara khonchito

• Rotno Shobhito = Rotno dwara shobhito

• Bigyan Sommoto = Bigyan dwara sommoto

• Bidyahin = Bidya dwara hin

• Indriya Grajhyo = Indriya dwara grajhyo

• Ghi-bhaja = Ghi dwara bhaja

• Chaya Shitol = Chaya dwara shitol

• Jonakirno = Jono dwara akirno

• Tele bhaja = Tel dwara bhaja

• Dhekhi-chhata = Dhekhi dwara chhata

• Nyaya Songgoto = Nyaya dwara songgoto

• Anguli Songket = Anguli dwara songket

• Gun Mugdho = Gun dwara mugdho

• Montro Mugdho = Montro dwara mugdho

• Bak-dotta = Bak dwara dotta

• Orthohin = Ortho dwara hin

• Antorikotashunyo = Antorikota dwara shunyo

• Rog-grosto = Rog dwara grosto

• Astraghat = Astra dwara aghat

• Board Questions: Pushpanjali, Mon-gora, Megh-lupto, Jukti-songgoto, Shokarto, Sromolabdho, Gyan-shunyo, Ekouno ($1 \text{ dwara uno}$), Prothaboddho, Modhu-makha, Pritipurno, Pododolito, Jol-sechon.

4th Tatpurush (Dative): Deletes ke, re, jonno, nimitte. Refers to purpose or sacrifice (Somprodan Karok).

• Bosotbari = Bosoter nimitte bari

• Shishu Sahitya = Shishuder nimitte sahitya

• Otithi Shala = Otithider jonno shala

• Guru-bhakti = Guru-ke bhakti

• Dak-mashul = Daker nimitte mashul

• Bidya-bhobon = Bidyar nimitt bhobon

• Tirthojatra = Tirther jonno jatra

• Swadesh Prem = Swodesher jonno prem

• Pathshala = Pather nimitt shala

• Mukti-pon = Muktir jonno pon

• Chhatrabash = Chhatrader jonno abash

• Akkel Selami = Akkeler jonno selami

• Jibon-bima = Jiboner jonno bima

• Sechon-kolos = Sechoner jonno kolos

• Map-kathi = Maper jonno kathi

• Jiyon-kathi = Jiyoner jonno kathi

• Board Questions: Deb-dotta, Topobon, Hajj-jatra, Biplob Ovijan, Rannaghor, Biye-pagol, Etim-khana, Raj-dotta, Joyonti (for birth anniversary).

5th Tatpurush (Ablative): Deletes hoite, theke, cheye. Involves concepts of release, fear, or origin (Opadan Karok).

• Bilat-ferot = Bilat hoite ferot

• Skul-palano = Skul hoite palano

• Jail-khalash = Jail theke khalash

• Sneho-bonchito = Sneho hote bonchito

• Shap-mukto = Shap hote mukto

• Mrityu-bhoy = Mrityu hote bhoy

• Agni-bhoy = Agni hote bhoy

• Jolatongko = Jol hote atongko

• Sotyo-bhristho = Sotyo hote bhristho

• Swargo-bhristho = Swargo hote bhristho

• Kontho-nishrito = Konhto hote nishrito

• Bonta-khosa = Bonta hote khosa

• Parijat = Pari hote jat

• Jonmandho = Jonmo hote ondho (blind from birth)

• Agagora = Aga hote gora

• Adyanto = Adi theke anto

• Board Questions: Podochyut, Krishijat, Pranpriya (dearer than life), Snatokottor, Sorboshrestho, Manobetor, Pranadhik, Sorbadhik, Desh-polatok, Mukh-bhristho, Yuddho-biroti, Meghmukto.

6th Tatpurush (Genitive): Deletes r, er. Answers "whose" or "of what".

• Pitri-dhormo = Pitar dhormo

• Chhagi-dugdho = Chhagir dugdho

• Matrisheba = Matar sheba

• Putro-bodhu = Putrer bodhu

• Desh-bondhu = Desher bondhu

• Rashtrapati = Rashtrer poti

• Sohodor Protim, Bhratri-sneho, Purbahno (front of the day), Gunogram, Konyasah, Chhatrabrindo, Polli-kobi, Hostijuth, Oshwadimbo.

• Board Questions: Upolokkhondo (fragment of stone), Kormokorta (master of work), Kobiguru, Kheya-ghat, Golpo-premik, Grihokortri, Cha-bagan, Kolonkorekha, Jhornadhara, Nat-jamai, Jibon-shonchar, Joubon-beg, Bojrosomo, Bonmodhye, Bidhi-lipi, Raj-dondo, Sukhoshamoy, Amritotulyo, Oshwopod, Nobin-boron, Oporahno, Pashanstup, Bhujobol.

7th Tatpurush (Locative): Deletes e, oy, te. Similar to Adhikoran Karok (place, time, subject).

• Gola-vora = Golay vora

• Gola-dhakka = Golay dhakka

• Bhojon-potu = Bhojone potu

• Dhormoviru = Dhorme viru

• Odisto-purbo, Bhutopurbo, Dibanidra, Rat-kana, Akal-pokko, Bon-bhojon, Tamoshacchonno, Jol-mogno, Bishwo-bikhyato, Bosta-pocha.

• Board Questions: Akal-mrityu, Rotharohon, Gunomugdho, Akal-bardhokyo, Dhyan-mogno, Bonobash, Noradhom, Gaach-paka, Solil-somadhi, Tal-kana.

Upapada Tatpurush: This type emphasizes the meaning of the Kridanta Pad (Root + Suffix). Root terms like dhor, dhora, dhari, gami, jibi, har, hara, mar, krrit, jit, mara, chor, kho, bhogi, kor, kar are prominent.

• Ponkaj = Ponke jonme ja

• Jadukor = Jadu kore je

• Sromojibi = Srom dwara jibika ojon kore je

• Bosundhara = Bosu dhore je

• Bajikor = Baji kore je

• Kumbhokar = Kumbho kore je

• Drutogami, Ogrogami, Mukhostho, Indrojit, Khinojibi, Chhele-dhora, Kormokar, Bhuktobhogi, Atmo-jo, Jonod, Rosogno, Modhup.

• Board Questions: Mrityunjoy, Priyangboda, Guptochor, Jolochor, Khechor, Ostro-dhari, Bornochora, Sorbobhara, Grihostho, Timir Bidari, Pothikrit, Probha-kor, Bastuhara, Sotyabadi, Gayepora, Nri-poti, Modhukor, Gronthokar.

Karmadharay Samas (Adjectival Compounds)

In Karmadharay Samas, the preceding term refers to a descriptor (adjective) and the succeeding term refers to the object (noun). The meaning of the noun (Parapad) is primary.

General Karmadharay: Uses Vyasvakya terms like je-se, jini-tini, ja-ta, je.

• Nobanno = Nobo je onno

• Nilambor = Nil je ombor

• Pitamhor, Kodachar, Nilotpala, Kothin-komol, Kritodas, Kodakar, Gonkyomanyo, Ginni-ma, Nobo-prithibi, Molovi-shaheb, Joj-shaheb, Dactor-babu, Chalak-chotur, Sustho-shobol.

• Board Questions: Mohajon, Moha-prithibi, Mithe-kora, Nobo-joubon, Pran-chonchol, Nilakash, Nilakhi, Kancha-mithe, Gurudeb, Mridu-mando, Lal-ful, Sojjon, Nil-podmo, Supurush, Moha-sonkot, Otyachar, Golpo-premik, Begun-vhaja, Mohakobi, Alosh-nidra, Nyaya-songgoto, Shorojontro, Rajorshi, Mahatma.

Madhyapadlopi Karmadharay: The middle explanatory term in the Vyasvakya is deleted in the Samastapad. Indicators include shuchok, rokkharth, mishrito, ashrito, bishoyok, chihnito, chalito, poribeshito, shobhito, niyontrito.

• Aaykor = Aayer upor kor

• Kheyaghat = Kheya paraparer ghat

• Joy-mukut = Joy shuchok mukut

• Dakbarta = Dak prerito barta

• Haatu-jol = Haatu poriman jol

• Polanno = Pol mishrito onno

• Boubhat = Bou poribeshito bhat

• Moumachi = Mou ashrito/ahoronkari machi

• Ghibhat = Ghi makha bhat

• Jibon-bima = Jibon hanir ashonkay je bima

• Borjatri = Bor bohonkari jatri

• Panapukur = Pana mishrito pukur

• Eagle-pakhi = Eagle namer je pakhi

• Urnajal = Urna nirmito jal

• Joy-pataka = Joy shuchok pataka

• Shondhya-prodip = Shondhya belay jvalano prodip

• Swakkhor = Swa-likhito okkhor

• Dhormoghot = Dhormo rokkharthe ghot

• Shikkhajontri = Shikkha bishoyok montri

• Momotaros = Momota mishrito ros

• Gouridan, Shorojontro, Dudhbhat, Songbadpotro, Dhormokaj, Tomallata, Gontontro, Roktokomol, Jyotsnar-rat, Dhormokormo, Haatpakha, Pranbhoy, Chayatoru, Pritibhoj, Foujdari Adalot, Singhashon, Biranobboi, B-dip, Roktonodi.

Upaman Karmadharay: A comparison between a direct object and an indirect object where a common quality/characteristic exists. This comparison is realistic. The Vyasvakya uses nyay or moto.

Upamit Karmadharay: A comparison where the objects are different but treated as identified with each other. Typically involves a person being compared to a powerful or beautiful object.

• Purush-singha = Purush singher nyay

• Ful-babu = Babu fuler nyay

• Deho-lotta = Deho lottar nyay

• Adhor-pollab = Adhor pollaber nyay

• Bir-singha, Kor-pollab, Mukh-chondro, B-dip, Chand-bodon, Kothamrito, Podmo-chokkuhu, Kor-komol, Choron-komol, Chand-mukh, Ful-kumari, Olkopi, Bir-keshori, Rokto-komol.

Rupak Karmadharay: Both objects of comparison are imagined as identical (Abhed). The first part is usually intangible (invisible), and the second is tangible. The Vyasvakya uses rup or tulyo.

• Kal-sindhu = Kal rup sindhu

• Kal-shap = Kal tulyo shap

• Shongsar-somudro = Shongsar rup somudro

• Gyan-brikkho = Gyan rup brikkho

• Bishad-sindhu = Bishad rup sindhu

• Bhobo-nodi = Bhobo rup nodi

• Mon-majhi = Mon rup majhi

• Dil-doriya = Dil rup doriya

• Kal-raat = Kal rup raat

• Khudanoli = Khuda rup onol

• Shok-onol = Shok rup onol

• Jibon-prodip = Jibon rup prodip

• Shok-agni, Joubon-surjo, Pran-priya, Mon-bihongo, Pran-pakhi, Jibon-tori, Shokh-shagor, Krodhanol, Premdor, Mohonidra, Jibon-bari, Poran-priya, Jibon-nodi, Pran-bhomra, Poran-pakhi.

Bahubrihi Samas (Relative Compounds)

In Bahubrihi Samas, neither the preceding nor the succeeding term's meaning is primary. Instead, the compound refers to a third, distinct entity. The Vyasvakya typically ends with jar or jate.

Key forms include:

• Samanadhikaran Bahubrihi: Both parts have different case potential but refer to one object. Examples: Nilkontho (One with a blue throat, Shiva), Pitamshor (One with yellow robes, Vishnu/Krishna), Ayoto-lochona, Kritobidya.

• Vyadhikaran Bahubrihi: Parts have different case endings. Examples: Binapani (One with a Veena in hand, Saraswati), Kothaswobos.

• Madhyapadlopi Bahubrihi: Examples: Biral-chokhi (Eye like a cat), Gaye-holud (A ceremony where turmeric is applied), Gajanon (Head like an elephant), Agni-shorma, Khorm-pa.

• S-Bahubrihi (with 'Sah' or 'So'): Implies accompaniment or equality. Examples: Sohoddor, Sohormi.

Specific board exam terms for Bahubrihi:

• Hotosri = Hoto hoyeche sri jar

• Sushri = Su sri jar

• Ichre-paka = Ichre pekeche je

• Bishalokkhi = Bishal okkhi jar

• Ashibish = Ashite bish jar (Snake)

• Rotnogorbha = Rotno gorbhe jar

• Notjanu, Gourango, Thontkata, Digombor, Khonojonma, Monwontor, Menimukho, Shurpanakha, Minakkhi, Kopotakkho, Hate khori.

Avyayibhav Samas (Adverbial Compounds)

In Avyayibhav Samas, the preceding term is an indeclinable (Avyay/Prefix), and its meaning is dominant. These prefixes denote various senses:

• Proti (Continuity/Opposite/Similarity):

  • Protibochor = bochor bochor (every year)

  • Protipokkho = biruddho pokkho (opponent)

  • Protyuttor = biporit uttor (reply)

  • Protiddhoni = dhonir sodrish (echo)

  • Protichobi, Protimurti.

• Aa (Until/Slightly/Lack of):

  • Amrityu = mrityu porjonto (until death)

  • Amul = mul porjonto (from the root)

  • Adigonto = digonto porjonto

  • Ajanu = janu porjonto

  • Ajibon = jibon porjonto

  • Apad-mostok = pa theke matha porjonto

  • Arokkhim = ishnot rokkhim (slightly reddish)

  • Anoto = ishnot noto

  • Akorno = korno porjonto

  • Asomudro himachol = somudro theke himachol porjonto

  • Aluni = nuner obhab (lack of salt)

  • Ajanulombiyo = janu porjonto lombito.

• Nih/Nir (Lack of):

  • Nirbhabona = bhabonar obhab

  • Niramish = amish-er obhab

  • Nirjol = joler obhab

  • Nirotsaho = utsaho-er obhab

  • Nirbighne = bighne-er obhab.

• Yotha (Not exceeding/Following):

  • Yothariti = riti-ke otikrom na kore

  • Yothashakti = shakti-ke otikrom na kore

  • Yothashaddhyo, Yothabidhi.

• Anu (Behind/After):

  • Anuronon = poshchat ronon

  • Anugomon = poshchat gomon (following).

• Oti/Ut (Exceeding):

  • Otimanob = manob-ke otikranto

  • Oti-prakrito, Uttal, Otindriyo, Udbel, Ucchrinkhol, Udbastu.

• Opo (Bad/Degraded):

  • Opobad = opokristo bad

  • Opoproyog, Opokirti, Opodebota.

• Fi/Hor (Continuity):

  • Fi-bochor = bochor bochor

  • Fi-roj/Hor-roj = roj roj (every day).

• Upa (Near/Similar/Small):

  • Upokul = kuler somipe (near the coast)

  • Upokontho, Upovasha, Upoddip, Upomontri, Upokotha, Upojati, Uposhohor, Upoprodhan, Upobivag.

Distinguished Cases: Sankhyabachak Bahubrihi vs. Dwigu

Certain numerical compounds can be interpreted as either Dwigu (meaning a collection) or Bahubrihi (meaning a third entity/object). Examples include:

• Tribhujaa: Dwigu = Tribhujer somosti; Bahubrihi = Tribhuj ache jar.

• Setar: Bahubrihi = Tin tar je jontrer.

• Chouchala: Bahubrihi = Chou chaal je ghorer.

• Dotara, Donola, Dopeye, Dichokro, Dimatrik, Dwip ($\text{dui dike op jar}$), Dumukho, Dotola, Dobhashi, Tepaya, Shatmuli, Aat-chala, Doshanon, Doshgaji, Doshobhujaa, Panchanon, Pancha-ban, Panch-vhori, Panch-hathi, Char-peye, Choupaya, Sorobhuj, Satoronga, Satonari, Panchogaji.