ITBMU Pi for first semester of master first year

What is Saskrit?
saskta >sakkata-bhsa (Sanskrit) ( is dropped, sk > kk, > a)
-This is according to Myanmar texts.The sakkata has another meaning:done
well/honoured/duly attended. (sat + kata)
saskta > sakhata (s > h, hk > kh, > a) (conditioned, modified, changed)
sakhata-bhsa (modified language) this is original form, more correct
because Sanskrit is an artificial language.
prkti > pakati (is called prkrit in English) (pr > pp > pa)
pakati/pakata-bhsa (natural language)
Sanskrit letters:
Sara (vowel):14
a, , i, , u, , e, o, ,, l, l, ai, au
Byajana :33 (25 for vagga, 8 for avagga)
Vagga (group)
k
kh
g
gh

c
ch
j
jh

t
th
d
dh
n
P
ph
b
bh
m
Avagga: y, r, l, v, , , s, h ( is called ga-shah, is called pa-shah)
47 (14 sara + 33 byajana)
47 + , = 49

Location for the sounds- place of articulation.

Vagga (group)
Kahaja(guttural)
Tluja (Palatal)
Muddhaja/
(Lingual/Celebral)
Dantaja (Dental)
Ohaja/ Labial)
ai = kahaja-tluja
y
|
a i
\/
e
|
ai

r
|

\ /
ar

k
c

kh
ch
h

t
p

th
d dh
n
ph
b bh m
au=kahaja-ohaja

l
|
l l
\ /
al

g
j

gh
jh
h

Avagga Vowel
(Nongroup)

h
a,

, y
i,

, r
,
s, l
v

v
|
u (mlasara)
\/
o (guasara)
|
au (vuddhisara)

(basic/original vowel)Mlasara: a, , i, , u, , , , l, l
Gunasara: e, o, ar, al
Vuddhisara: ai, au
Because the same place where the sound comes out,
so y is linked for i, ,
v is linked for u, .
r is linked to , ;
l is linked to l, l
ai, au, ar, al are called diphthong,
y, r, v, l are called semi-vowel.

l, l
u,

Types of changes
1.law of assimilation ..eg. supta > sutta (slept)
2.svarabhakti (insertion) e.g. arya> ariya (noble)
tn > tasin (insertion of i) (attachment)
dve > duve
3. sampasraa (contraction)
e.g styna > thna (st> tth > th, y is contracted to ) (sloth)
4. metathesis (changing of the position of consonants)
e.g rlika > lrika (cook)
pariyupsati > payirupsati (attends on; associates; honours)
kareu > kaeru (young elephant)
5. compensation
e.g. medhvin > medhv (n is elided, i is upgraded) (wise one)
6.haplology (drop the neighbouring sound because of similarity)
e.g. gacchissasi> gacchisi (ssa and si is simlar, ssa is dropped)
(you will go)
via + naca + yatana >
vi + naca + yatana
>viaacyatana (infinite consciousness)
(a and na are similar, so a is dropped, )
(where ananta + ya > nantya > naca >, ty >cc > c , n>)

Assimilation
From the strongest to the weakness
mutes
sibilants (, , s,) h
nasals ( , ,, n, m, )
l, v, y, r

1.
2.
3.
4.

Rules of changes
1)
> a, i, u (mla); ar, r (gua)
2) , , s > h
3) h, , r, , + n (dental n) > (lingual)
4)
> r,, , s ,

> , ( is elided) , ( is assimilated)

5) ar, al, ul > a, u
6) = a + = u + = i +

Other Rules
1. Law of mora: long vowel+single consonant =
short vowel+double consonants
2. Contractions: ai > i, ava > o > u, au > u , .e.g. kopya > kuppa
3. False analogy e..g suggati =duggati
4. Due to the following vowel, the preceding vowel is changed
e.g. iu > usu
5. Due to the preceding vowel, the following vowel is changed
e.g. kuraga > kuruga
6. The vowel is changed to the same place of articulation of the
earlier near consonant e.g.. jugups > jigucch
7. Due to stressed/accent on first syllable,
the following unstressed/non-accent syllable is dropped.
e..g udaka > udka > ukka > oka
8. After the accented first syllable, the a vowel of second syllable
changes to i. e.g. carama > carima
9. Due to the stressed consonant, the neighbouring vowel changes to
that same place of articulation .e.g. navati > navuti
10. Due to palatal/gutteral/labial consonant, the following a vowel
can change to u. e..g arjaka > ajjuka
11. The syllable with long vowel before a stressed syllabus is changed
to weaker form. e..g nyagrodha > nigrodha
12.Unstressed final vowel can be changed to weaker form.
e.g. sadyas > sajju
13. Long vowel of second syllabus becomes short e.g. alka > alika
14. Long vowel of second syllabus becomes something else, this change is
called qualitative change/total change/chaotic change
e.g. maireya> meraya
15. Short vowel in first syllabus becomes long
e.g. ajira > jira
4

16. Sampasrana (contraction of vowel or consonant)

ya/y > i/
va/v > u, , o
aya > e
ava,va > o
aya, ya, av >
apa, ar > o
ayi, avi > e
17. Svarabhakti (insertion of vowel a,i, u )

----------------------------1) > a, i, u (mla) , ar, r (gua)

a) to ar
k > kar ( > ar)
t > tar
m > mar
dh > dhar

karaa (making, doing , production)

taraa (crossing over)
maraa (death)
dharaa (carrying, bearing, learnt by heart)

i + ya
> risya (recluseship)
Skt : (to go, to wander) Pi: i
> ar + ya > arya > ariya (insertion of I)
ri+ ya > rs + ya > risya (insertion of i between r and s)
risya is bhava taddhita.
vsa> vassa +ti >vassati (rains) (>ar, r > ss)
+ ()paya + ti > appeti ) (absorption) (rp>pp , aya> e)
arpaya + ana + > appan
( rp > pp , aya> e, the final vowel of ana is elided
with causative suffix, means to cause to move, to cause to reach
Note : ap + e > appe + ana > appana + > appan
mdu + a> mardava> maddava (state of soft, softness)
(>ar, rd > dd, u >o > av). Pi: mudu + a (taddhita) ( u > a)
ju> arjava
>ajjava
(honesty/straightness)
(> ar, rj>jj, u >o>ava). By Pi way, uju + a >ajjav + a > ajjava (u > a, j > jj,
final vowel u > o > av), ujuno bhvo ajjava (uju= straight,honest, ajjava
= honesty,straightness)
5

abha> arabha > sabha (ar > , > s)

usabhassa bhvo sabha (the state of bull, bull-like, strong and eminent
qualities like compassion, perseverance, long-lasting effort)
sm + a + ti
> sumarati (remember)
( > ar , insertion of u, just like padma> paduma)
> sarati
( > ar ,sm > ss)
Anu+sm +a+ti> anussarati (remember) ( > ar ,sm > ss)
anu + sm + ti > anussati
(sm > ss, changes to a)

b) to a
pata > pasata/pasada
(spotted)
( changes to a, > s , sometimes t changes to d)
vka > vakkha (>a, k > kkh) (tree)
/ rukkha
ka > acca /accha
(bear)
(k > kkh > cch > cc)
note: kkh can be changed to cch by these examples:
akkhi > acchi (eye), or sakkhi-karoti > sacchi-karoti
ka
> ikka
(bear)
( > i, k > kk)
kna
>kaha
(black)
mga
> maga
(deer)
sakd + gm > sakadgm
(once returner)

c) to i
pisodara ( pisada + udara (the dear which has the spotted womb), when 2
words are combined, letters (da of pisada) are dropped)
pata
> pisada/pisata
(spotted)
( changes to i, > s, sometimes d changes to t)
i
> isi
(recluse, hermit/seer)
k + ta
> kita
(primary derivative)
In Pi, the formation of the word kita is explained as
kir + ta > kita (r is dropped) (primary derivative)
kir to remove
kna
> kiha
(black) (> i, > h, h > h)
mt
mga

> mti (mtito ca pitito ca ,from mother and father)

> miga
(deer) ( > i)
6

mga + y > mgay > migav

(to go for deer, to go for hunting)
(ya - to go) y changes to v, just like yudha > vudha
skt: mgay (wild animal) > magava ( > a, y > v)
Note : this explains how maga can changes to magava (deer hunter)
magava + ika > mgavika ( this is taddhita (second derivative))
a
> ia
(debt)
( > i)
na + a >an + aa> anaa or aaa (na > an, > a)
aana + ya > aya (the last vowel a for aana is dropped)
na + a + ya >an + aa + ya > aya (debtlessness, state of debtless)
It is bhava taddhita.

d) to e
bh > baha (noun, increase) , bah (to grow)
Bhat + phala > vehapphala (one of the heavenly plane)
(b> v, > e ,t + ph become pph)
Pi: bahat + phala > vehapphala (b>v, a > e, t + ph become pph)
Bahat is like gacchat/gacchant
(note: a can be changed to e, just like itra/atra> ettha)
Note : bh > brah (brahma , the great one)

e) to u
prvsa > pp-vusa >pvusa
(raining season)
(first p is removed because there is no double consonant at the beginning of
word for Pi) , vsa> varsa > vassa (vassati rains)
kud + k + tya

> kukkucca (dk> kk , > u , ty > cc)

for Pi, suffix is :kar + (r)icca, both r are deleted).

Kukutassa bhvo kukkucca (the state of bad deed = wicked deed)
Nirvta > nir + vta> nibbuta (rv > vv> bb , > u) (extinguished)
tu
> utu
(season)
abha
> usabha
(bull)
(> r, > s)
mt
> mtu
(mother)
( > u)
prvta>pp- vuta> pvuta (pr> pp> p, > u)
pr +v + ana
> prupaa
(clock/garment)
prvaraa>ppvuraa>ppuraa>prupaa
7

(due to v, a becomes u, v> p, interchange position between r and p)

2) s > h
asmi
> amhi
(we are)
asm
> amh
(we are)
prana
> paha
(question)
(pp > p, > h, n > , and h are interchangeable)
ka
> kaha
(black)
( > a, > h, then h > h)
ka
> kiha
(black)
( > i)
essati
> ehati / ehiti (will come)
(ss > h), eti ( + i + ti ) to come
h +ssati
> hessati > hehiti (ss changes to h, a > i)
kar + ssati
> khati
(will do/make) (ar > , ss > h)

3) h, , r, ,

+ n (dental ) > (lingual)

k > kar + ana > karaa (doing, making, production)

gah + n + ti
> gahti (takes, holds, seize)
hn> nh> h (because of h, n changes to )
( *according to kaccayana gah +h + ti, h of gah is elided)
ktsna
> kasia
(all, complete, whole)
( changes to a, i is inserted,t is deleted)
kaa > >kkhaa > khaa (moment) (k> kkh > kh)
kaa > cchaa > chaa (festival) (k > kkh> cch > ch)
( * ussava = feast, festival, ceremony)
t > tar + ana > taraa (going across, passing over)
m > mar + ana > maraa (death)
dh> dhar + ana > dharaa (carrying, bearing, learnt by heart).
pokkhar + n
> pokkhara (lotus pond)
pokkhara assa atthti
pokkhar (pokkhara + ) [assatthi taddhita]
pokkhar + n
> pokkhara
(final vowel is changed to a, n changes to )
Note: like ghar + n > gharan (mistress of the house),is changed as
above
Pokkharaa + y (vibhatti) > pokkhara (y >)
[dative,locative/genitive for pokkharaa]

4) > r s
> , (is elided) , ( is assimilated)
dukha > (kh > kkh) > dukkha (suffering) ( is assimilated)
as + yu
> siyu
( a is elided, insertion of I , changes to )
note: yu is similar to eyya (optative, sattami) of Pi)
as + yu
> assu ( sy > ss , is elided).
Note : In Pi, as + eyyu > siyu
(a is elided, eyyu changes to iyu) (they would be/should be)
as + eyya >siy ( a is elided, eyya changes to iy) (third and second
person, singular)
d + yu > dad + yu > dajju (should be given, [third person , plural])
(dy > jj, becomes )(dd is abbhsa, reduplication of root of d)
Note : api + dh > dhdh > pi + dah + a + ti pidahati (first dh
changes to d, second dh changes to h)
hara
> hasa
(raising of hair)
(r>, >,>s) e.g. lomahasa
hara
> hassa
(laugh, joke, jest)
(r is assimilated) or its is past participle (haha)
k -> kar+ a + ti > karati > kasati (drag)
(r changes to , then changes to , changes to s)
>Karati > kassati (r changes to ss)
k > kasati ( changes to a)
So, there are 3 forms for root ks: kasati, kassati, kasati
leman >ssema
> semha
(catarrh/phlegm)
(l > ss,
> (h with dot), >h , the first consonant s of ss is
dropped. n is dropped)

26/7/2013

The law of morae

The law of morae is sound system/syllable
One mora is short vowel, can be called lahu (light)
Two morae are long vowel, or short vowel with niggahita( nasal)
a,i,u. Two morae can be called garu (heavy)
In pi, there are ekamatta/dvimatta/ahamatta. Ekamatta duration is a
blink of eye or a snap of finger.Dvimatta is twice of ekamatta duration.
Ekamatta refers to short vowel, dvimatta refers to long vowel. Ahamatta
means half matta, e.g. consonants only like k, kh.
Skt:matra or Pi :matta
Ekamatta is the same as one mora, lahu. Dvimatta is same as two morae,
garu.
The sound system that are lahu and garu are important in composing verses
or poetry. They define the length of one lines or two lines, like one lahu of 2
groups, or 2 garus of one groups. Like sound system in the sabbappassa
akrana
Because the sound system, changes happen between Pi and sanskrit, so
Sanskrit is different from Pli vice versa. The sound system can explain the
changes.
As result of law of mora, Pi has these types,
1.Short vowel + double consonants
2.Long vowel + single consonant
Skt : jra > j + ra ( is long vowel, while ra is double consonant)
To change to
Pi: jia ( changes to i, ra becomes a) (Type 1)
to speak smoothly, r is assimilated to .
This is called vcsiliha in Pi. The reason is changed to i because
long vowel cannot happen with double consonants
Skt:msa m + sa (long vowel, double consonants)
where (niggahita) is similar to 2 moments or duration of 2 consonants
> (long vowel) is changed to a (short vowel)
Pi: masa
(short vowel, double consonants) ( Type 1)
10

Skt: nad (where duration is same as duration of double consonant.

So it needs to change to type 1 to become
Pi:nadi
Even though e in semha is long vowel, it should be recite as short vowel
like simha , like ettha should be recite as ittha.
Oha > oha (lip)
(h is assimilated to h).o should be pronounced like u sound, because it
is followed by double consonant.
Skt : lk
(lac)
(k > kkh) >lkkh, then first k is dropped(kkh>kh) )
> lkh
lkkh > lakkh (keep the kkh, but is changed to a)
so it can be type 1 [short vowel (a) and double consonants (kkh) ]
note:lakkh does not exist in tipiaka, but lakkha exist.
lkkh > lkh (kkh becomes kh)
so it can be type 2 [long vowel () and single consonant (kh)]
Skt: Drgha (long vowel, double consonants) is changed to
Pli: dgha (type 2 : long vowel, single consonant) r is dropped
Or diggha (type 1: short vowel, double consonants)
where long vowel () becomes short vowel (i) and rg > ggh
upek
> upekkh (equanimity) ( k > kkh)
note: the pronunciation should be upikkh (short vowel i due to influence
of double consonants).
vimoka
> vimokkha (liberation /deliverance)
note: the pronunciation should be vimukkha (short vowel u due to
influence of double consonants -kkh).
dtra
> dtta
(sickle)
(tr> tt)
note: the pronunciation should be datta (short vowel a due to influence of
double consonants-tt).
drv

> dbb

(plants name) (rv>vv>bb)

11

sarspa
> ssapa
(mustard) (ar>, >a)
valka
> vka
(bark)
by law of compensation, after removing i, a is upgraded to
niryti
> nyti
(to liberate, to get out)
(compensation: r is elided, i changes to ) or
niryti
> niyyti
(r and y is assimilated, ry > yy ) Pi: nir + y + ti, y = to go
bhati
> abbahati
bahati ( -long vowel ,b-single consonant ) is same as
( short vowel (a), double consonants(bb) )-> abbahati
Pi: abbahati ( + bah + a + ti) ( to draw out)
Durkta
> Dukkata (badly done/wrong action)
Nda > nidda > nia
(nest)
( is long vowel, d is single consonant) is same as short vowel (i) +
double consonants (dd)
Udkhala > udukkhala (mortar/pestle)
In the same way,
long vowel + single consonant becomes short vowel+ double consonants
mahphala > mahapphala (great fruit/great result)
mahbala > mahabbala (great power/great strength)
ubhena > ubhinna (of both,[dative/genitive , just like purisna])
dvna
> dvinna
(of two)
Pi: pasibbaka (bag) because it is sewn, so it is called pasibbaka
(pa + siv + aka )
siv + ya + ti > sibbati (to sew) ( vy > vv> bb)
Note: the root siv belong to divdi group)
skt: prasevaka
sevaka (servant) , pasevaka (something which give you service)
pi:sevati sev + a + ti , sev belongs to bhuvdi group ,
root sev means to serve, to attend, to associate
Prasevaka > pasevaka > pasibbaka
(Sanskrit pra is same as Pi pa)
long vowel(e) + single consonant(v) becomes
12

short vowel(i) + double consonants (vv) , then vv becomes bb

5)ar, al, ul > a, u

where ar, al changes to a;

ul changes to u

Sulka
> suka (tax)
gharati
> ghasati (to rub)
arvar
> savar (night)
vidarayati
> vidaseti (ar > a , > s, aya > e) ( to show)
Pi vi + dis + e + ti ( e is causative suffix) (to make someone to see)
d > dar + ana > dassana (r > ss) (seeing)
Note: changes to its guna form ar
d> dis ( > i, > s)
dis + a + ti > passati (see)

Rule: Contractions: ai > i, ava > o > u, au > u

aivarya
kopya

02/08/2013

> issariya(dominance, supremacy) (ai>i, v > ss)

> kuppa (shakeable) (o > u, py > pp),

for example:akupp me cetovimutti (my mind liberation cannot be destroyed)

gona
> gunna
autsukya
> ussukka (zeal, earnestness) (au > u, ts > ss, ky > kk)
kaudra
> khudda (honey)
(k >kkh >kh (where first letter k is dropped, au > u, dr > dd)
bhadra
> bhadda (good, pleasant, auspicious)
indra
> inda
(lord, king of devas)
raudr
> rudda (fierce, cruel, horrible) (au > u, dr > dd)
ludda
arauma > assumha/assumh (we heard)
(r > ss, au > u, > h , then hm >mh), aorist/past tense, first person, plural of suti
avayya

> ussva (ava > o > u, y > ss , y > v) (dew)

long vowel + single consonant changes to short vowel + double consonants

bhmi
ktu
ktabba

> bhummi (earth)

> kattu (to do)
> kattabba (should be done/ought to be done)

(Short vowel + niggahta) and long vowel are two morae.

13

siha
> sha
(lion)
viati
> vsati
(twenty)
jigisati
> jigsati (to desire)
bhisanaka > bhsanaka (dreadful, horrible)
e.g. bhisanaka-vane (in the dreadful forest)
dar
> dh (canine tooth) (a > , tr > h > h)
where short vowel (a) and niggahita equals to long vowel ()
first letter of h is dropped due to the long vowel
where vara-dh dhtu means sacred tooth relic
vismaya
> vimhaya (wonderful, astonishment, surprise ) (s> h, hm > mh)
snu > sun> suh (Daughter-in-law) ( > h, nh > h)
or suis
jyotsn
> juh
(moonlit night, full moon day)
jyotsn > dyot sn > jju - h
dyot > jju t (dy > jj, o > u, t is dropped )
sn > hn > h (s > h, hn > h)
note :
*J is derived from d
*Double consonant jj at the beginning of word is not accepted in Pi,
so jj becomes j.
*In triple consonants (tsn), the first consonant (t) is dropped.
root jut means to shine, to be bright
jyotsn > jyo-t-sn > dosin (moonlit night)
e.g. dosin-ratti (night with moonlight)(j >d, y is dropped, t is dropped,
insertion of i between s and n)
Note : dosa + ita (apagata) free from fault/defects like clouds
dosehi it apagat dosin
u + jyut > ujjota (light , lustre)
pa+jyut > pajjota ( light, lustre, splendour, a lamp)
una > uha (heat)
yume > tumhe (you)

( > h, hn> h)
(y > t, > h, hm> mh)
14

rami > ramsi (ray, rein)

or rasi

( > m, sm > ms)

06.08.2013

False analogy
Analogy means comparison between one thing and another made for the
purpose of explanation. Here, the analogy is drawn between Pi and
Sanskrit.
Some changes cannot follow the normal grammar rules but follow the way
of pronunciation.
1. Sakkoti or Sakkuti (is able)
sakkoti = sak + o + ti , where k becomes kk. sak becomes sakk
sakkuti = sak + u + ti, here the k becomes kk. The reason of double
kk because it follows the analogy of sakkoti.
2. Sugati or Suggati (good destination)
Duggati = dur + gati , where rg becomes gg
Original word is sugati (su + gati) but there is also suggati in poems. The
suggati follows the analogy of duggati where g becomes gg.
3. Pakkami or Pakkmi (aorist, third person singular) (step out/went away)
Skt: pra + kram + i
Pi: pa + kam + i > pakkami or pakkmi
Pakkmi follows the analogy of pacmi, gacchmi where there is long
vowel before mi.
4. Appasacca/ Bahusacca
appassuta + ya = appasucca ( a after the t is dropped, ty >cc)
becomes appasacca due to influence of pronunciation of sacca.
so also, bahussucca becomes bahusacca
appassucca > appasacca
bahussucca >bahusacca
Skt:Appa + ru + ta (r > ss)
skt:ru Pi:su vi + ru + ta > vissuta
5. Ending vowel as becomes o
pas > po
(water)
manas > mano (mind)
15

tejas > tejo (heat)

tejas / manas are the instrumental case.
padas
The instrumental case of pada is padas. Because it takes the analogy of
tejas, the ending vowel a of pada becomes as.
Vyu > vyo (wind)
Here,ending vowel u is changed to o, because it follows the false
analogy of tejo, po etc.
6. Suvaca or Subbaca (obedient)
Dubbaca (dur + vaca) where rv > vv > bb
Su + vaca = suvaca
Because suvaca takes the false analogy of dubbaca, so subbaca also exists in
the texts.
7. Naccana
Kita = root + suffix or
base + suffix
Example: pacana = pac + ana (pac is root, ana is suffix)
Kita cannot be joined to kita.
na + ya > nacca (y >cc), nacca is a kita.
Nacca + ana >naccana . Here ana suffix is joined to kita nacca. This is
not correct according to the grammar rule because suffix ana must be
joined only to root/base to become kita.
The reason is : Naccana follows the false analogy of nacca.
8. Drkyati / dakkhati
d + syati > drk + yati > drk + ssati (will see)
(ssati is future tense) or
dkyati > dda-kkhati > dakkhati or dakkhiti
(d>dd, > a, ky > kkh) >
The root of dakkhati is d or dis
Note: root dis cannot become dakkh. Dis root must be join to the future
tense yati to become dakkhati. Dakkhati is the result of combination
of root dis and future tense verbal termination.
In Pi grammar, dis can be changed to dakkha. There are conjugation
like dakhissati (he will see), dakkhissanti (they will see), dakkhissasi
16

By Sanskrit grammar, dis is not same as dakkha.

So, dakkhati is completely false analogy.
9. Prvha (Pubbaha) (forenoon/morning)
Pubba + anha > pubbaha (n > )
Due to r in prvha, dental n changes to lingual because of
grammar rule 3) h, , r, , + n (dental n) > (lingual). But the r
cannot be seen in the Pi pubba.
Majja + anha > Majjaha (midday/noon)
Sya + anha > Syaha (evening)
These follow the analogy of pubbawhere n becomes .
10.
Stem form:guavant / guavat
Nominative singular : guav
, guavanto
Nominative plural : guavanto , guavant
Instrumenal singular :guavantena /guavat
Ablative singular : guavatasm /guavat
Dative/genitive
:guavato
Guavanta > Guavanto is original form.
It comes from the Sankrit Guavanta. Ending letter a becomes o.
Guavanto, Guavant, guavantena is following the declination of puriso,
puris, purisena.
So, also for the kamma declination follow the guavant/guavat
Kammena/kammun/kamman
9th August 2013

Rule:Due to the following vowel, the preceding vowel is

changed
i>u
If there is u vowel in the following place, the vowel i in the preceding
place is changed to u vowel.
Or, if the following vowel is u, the preceding vowel i is changed to u.
17

iu
> usu
(arrow)
iksu
> ucchu
(sugar cane) (ks > kkh > cch )
iu
> susu
(young) (>s, > s)
isumra > susumra
susumra (crocodile/alligator)
kiku
> kukku
(a kind of metrics system) (k > kk)
skt:nithivati > nihibhati / nuhubhati (to spit out)
prefix=ni, root = thiv
th > tth, v> b > bh
a>u
If the following vowel is u, the preceding vowel -a is changed to u.
samudga > sumugga (basket/container) (dg > gg)
asy
> usy
(envy)
/usuyy
a > i If the following vowel is i, the preceding vowel-a is changed to i.
tamisr > timiss (darkness)
sarspa > sirsapa (snake)
or
sirisapa, where long vowel () is similar to short vowel (i) +

Rule:Due to the preceding vowel, the following vowel is

changed
a > u If the preceding vowel is u, the following vowel-a is changed to
u.
kuraga > kuruga (a kind of deer)
udaka > uluka (laddle)
(d> l)
pukkaa > pukkusa (the lowest caste, refuse-clearing) ( > s)
pthagjana > puthagjana > puthujjana (worldling) ( > u , gj > jj)
/ pthag + jana
First, changes to u, becomes puthag. Then, due to preceding u vowel,
puthag becomes puthug.
P: puthu + jana > puthujjana. The j becoming jj is because of g in
Sanskrit.
13. Aug 2013
18

u > a Due to preceding vowel-, the following vowel-u changes to a

yumant > yamant > yasm
(mant means endowed with, yu means life, yumant means long life)
( > s, mant>m)
yu + o
> vuso ( [Vocative], friend; brother) (y > v)
mastuluga
akul

> matthaluga (brain) (st > tth)

> sakkhal
(ear-lobe) (k > kkh )

a >i
Due to preceding vowel-i, the following vowel-a changes to i
gavera > sigavera > sigivera
(ginger)
( > i)
ni + sad + na = nisanna (Sanskrit word)
Type of Change 1: By compared Pl and Sanskrit, change is due to the
preceding vowel i in ni
nisanna > nisinna
(sitting down/seat down)
Type of Change 2: By following Pi grammar, root sad becomes sd
ni + sad > sd + na > nisinna (dn > nn, > i)
i>a
Due to the influence of preceding vowel a, the following vowel i
becomes a.
Pokkharin
> pokkharan (lotus pond)

Rule:Due to the preceding consonant, the following

neighbouring vowel changes to the same place of articulation.
muti/muta (like diha magala, suta magala, muta magala the blessing
of what is seen, what is heard, what is known)
mant + ta
> muta
(known/understood)
( n is dropped, ma > mu)
ud + majj + a + ti > ummujjati (emerge from the water) ( ma > mu)
samrjan
> sammujjani (dives into water)
(rj > jj, m > mu)Consonant m is ohaja/labial sound. A vowel of ma
becomes u vowel, because u is same place of articulation with m.
jugups > jigucch

(disgusting)
19

(ps > cch) (ju > ji)

Consonant j is tluja/palatal sound. U vowel of gu becomes i,

because u is of same place of articulation with m.
majj > mijj > mj > mij
(marrow)
Because of consonant j which is tluja/palatal sound, the vowel a of ma
becomes i.
(ijj):Short vowel (i) + double consonants (jj) is same as
(j) : long vowel () + single consonant (j)
Then, long vowel becomes i because of the rule = i
bhyas
> bhiyyo
(exceedingly, more, in higher degree)
(>i ,y > yy, as > o)
Because of y which is taluja/palatal, vowel before it becomes i. I
vowel is of same place of articulation with y.
ayy > siyy
> seyy
(bed/lying down) ( > s, a > i > e)
Because of y which is taluja/palatal, vowel a before it becomes i then
e. I vowel is of same place of articulation with y.
16th August 2013

Rule: Due to stressed/accent on first syllable,

the following unstressed/non-accent syllable is dropped.
udaka > udka> ukka > oka (water)
( dk > kk > k (first k is dropped) )
Due to stressed first syllable u vowel, the following syllable-a vowel is
dropped. Because dropping of unstressed vowel, u becomes o.

agra > agra

> agg (house)

(gr > gg)
Due to stressed first syllable-a vowel , the following vowel is dropped.
For example bhattagga (food-house) dining room, literally means house
of food)

jgarati > jgrati > jaggati (to watch)

(gr > gg)

Rule: 2.After the accented first syllable, if there is a vowel

in the following place, then that a vowel changes to i.
20

madhyama > majjhima (middle) (dhy > jjh)

carama
> carima
(last)
for example: carima-citta (last citta , same like cuti citta)
parama
> parima
(highest)
candramas > candim
(moon)
Due to accented/stressed first syllable-can, the a vowel of dra becomes
i. Due to the law compensation, when s is dropped, a of ma becomes
.Dr becomes d, r is dropped. Synonym: candra/canda, indra/inda.
Putraman > puttim (One that has many children)
(tr > tt, man > m). Due to accented/stressed first syllable-pu, the a
vowel of following unstressed syllable becomes i.
By Pi grammar, putta + mant > puttimant
satyaka > sa-tya-ka > saccika (true, real)
(ty > cc) (sacca + ika). Due to accented/stressed first syllable sa, the a
vowel of following unstressed syllable tya becomes i vowel.
ahakra > ahikra (thinking of me/I egoism, pride of I)
Due to accented/stressed first syllable - a vowel, the a vowel of
following unstressed ha becomes i vowel.
drkyati = dr kya ti >
(will see)
dd -kkha ti > dkkhati > dakkhiti (a > i)
(The first d of dd is dropped. Due to stressed on first syllable-da, the
following vowel becomes i.)
karyasi (ka - rya - si) > kassasi > kahasi (ry > ss, then ss > h)
or
karyasi (kar - ya si) > k-ssa-si > khasi (will do/will make)
ar becomes , y becomes ss, then ss becomes h).
khasi > khisi . Formation is kar + ssati (will do/make)
Due to accented first syllable k, the a vowel of following syllable-ha
becomes i.
hohati > hohiti, hu + ssati > hohati
(will become) ( u > o, ss > h)
Due to accented first syllable ho, the a vowel of following syllable-ha
21

becomes i. Ho can become he.

hohati > hehati > hehiti
4 forms:hohati,hohiti, hehati, hehiti
eyasi > essasi > ehasi
(will come) (y > ss > h)
essati > ehati > ehiti
Due to accented first syllable e, the a vowel of following syllable-ha
becomes i.
20th August 2013

Rule: Due to neighbouring consonant, the following vowel

changes to that same articulation (place of sound).
Because of V is labial, the a vowel changes to u vowel. U vowel is
also labial sound.
navati
> navuti (ninety)
prvaraa > pvuraa > ppuraa > prupaa
(cloak)
(v changes to p, then metathesis between p and r)
Because of M is labial sound, the a vowel changes to u vowel. U
vowel is also labial sound.
samati or sammati > sammuti (consent, agreement)
like sammuti-sacca (conventional truth, concept that is accepted
by many people)
kamman > kammun
(karman + > kammena /kamman/kammun
(instrumental case of kamman)
This follows the false analogy of the declension of consonantal likerjan/gacchat/satthar/brahman :
brahman > brahmun (instrumental case)

Rule:Due to palatal/gutteral/labial consonant, the following a

vowel can change to u.
Due to the neigbouring consonant -(j) which is palatal, the following vowel
changes to u.

arjaka > ajjuka

(name of a plant that grown in India) (rj > jj)
sarjarasa > sajjulasa (resin)
(rj > jj, r > l)

22

kiknasa > kukkusa (red powder of rice husk)

(kn > kk)
Due to guttural k, i vowel becomes u. Due to dental n, a vowel
becomes u.
prekhana > pekhuna (wing of bird)
(pr > pp > p where first p is dropped, is dropped)
rjin
> rjun
rjan + > rjin , rjun , ra (instrument case of rjan)

23rd August 2013

Rule:The syllable with long vowel before a stressed syllabus

(underline) is changed to weaker form.
Nyagrodha > nigrodha (banyan tree)
(ya > i)
Krpana > kahpaa (coin)
( > a, r is dropped, > h, n > )
or (r > ss > h)
dvividha
> duvidha (a biped, a man) (vi > u)
sthpayati > hapeti
(keep)
(sth > h > h) (aya > e)
Pi:h + ()paya + ti
(h > ha) , hapana
k + n + ti > knti > kiti (buy)
(root k becomes ki)
avasayana > susna
(cemetery)
Meaning: Chava + sayana (dead body/corpse, lying down/dwelling)
ava - saya-na > su s-na ( > s, ava> o> u, aya > )
ava is chava, so can become ch according to this example.

Rule:Unstressed final vowel can be changed to weaker form.

asau > asu
utho > udhu
sadyas > sajju
hetos > hetu

(that/this) (pronoun)
(or)
(immediately)
(root/cause)

Nasalization

23

(au > o > u)

(t >d, o > u)
(dy > jj, as > o > u)
(os > u)

ktvas > k-tv-as >kha-tt-u-() >khattu

(k> kh, > a , tv > tt, as > o > u, is added)
(adverb forming multiplicative numerals like ekakhattu (one time)
adas > adu (as > u, is added) (this/that)
skt > sakkhi (with ones own eyes)
saha + akt > sa + ak > sa + akkhi > sakkhi
( k> kkh , final vowel > i, t is dropped)
saha (together) + aka (eyes, akkhi)
Example: sakkhi > sacchi , sacchikaroti (to realize)

Rule: Long vowel of second syllabus becomes short

27/08/2013
alka
> alika
(false)
ghta > gahita
(taken; seized; grasped, grip)
prajvant > paavant (having wisdom/wise)
paav
(j> )
pnya
> pniya (water/drink/beverage)
vlmka
> vammika (ant-hill)
(lm > mm, v becomes va because of double consonant mm)
slka > sluka
(lotus-stalk)
tatya > tatiya
(third)
Rule: 1. Long vowel of second syllabus becomes short;
2.because of stressed second syllabus, the unstressed first syllabus (dvi)
is changed to weaker form (du)
dvitya > dutiya
(second) (dvi > du)
Qualitative change on the second syllabus, or chaotic change, where the
vowel on second syllabus becomes something else.
parjanya = pa-rja-nya > pajjunna (rain)
(rj > jj, ja> ju, ny > nn)
maireya = mai-re-ya > meraya (liquor/spirits) (mai> me,re > ra)
mdaga > mutiga ( > u, da > ti) (small drum)

Rule:Short vowel in first syllabus becomes long

ajira
alinda
anubhva

> jira
(courtyard)
> linda
(terrace)
> nubhva (power)
24

> piyekka (individual, single, separate)

or pacceka
( pra-tye-ka , pr > pp > p where first p is dropped, insertion of i' between
t and y, t > , k becomes double)
pratibhoga > pibhoga (pr > pp > p, t > ) (surety)
pratyeka

kunad > knad > kunnad (small river)

n > unn (long vowel u and single consonant n is similar to
short vowel u and double consonants nn)
um > m > umm (m = umm) rule as above kunad (a kind of flowerazure/flax)
kumrga =ku-m-rga > kmrga > kummagga
(road that is difficult to pass, or bad road),
(rg > gg, m > umm) , rule as above kunad

25

Sampasrana (contraction of vowel or consonant)

ya/y > i/

30th August 2013

styna > thna

(sloth)
(st> tth> th, y > )
thina
dvyaha > dvha
(two days)
(dvi+ aha >dvyaha, where i becomes y)
tryaha > tha
(three days)
(tri + aha > try + aha, aha can become aha)
for example: majjha + aha = majjhaha (noon, mid-day)
vyativtta > vtivatta (overcome/passed) (ya > , > a)

va/v > u, , o
svasti

> sotthi (welfare/happiness) (va > o, st> tth)

/suvatthi (insertion of u between s and v, st > tth)
svapna > supina (dream) (va > u, insertion i between p and n)
va > soa
(dog) (v > o)
vabhra > sobbha (tank) (va > o, bhr > bbh)
*dvea > dosa
(enemy) (ve > o, > s)
According to commentary:
Attano khdanatthya mate sunakhe labhitv pacatti sopko-Having gotten
dead dog and cook it for ones consumption, this race is called sopka1
van > v > so (dog)
*Compensation law:n is elided, a is upgraded, then > s, v > o
Sopka coming from s + pacati
By Pi way, v-pka > s-pka > sopka (dog-eater), (v >ss > s, > o)
where dog (s= v)/ sunakha/ soa = va

aya > e
jayati
> jeti
(conquer/win/ surpass)
trayadaa > tedasa
(thirteen)
terasa (tr > tt, aya > e, > s) or d becomes r
adhyayana > ajjhena (to recite)
(dhy > jjh, aya> e)
sayansana> sensana (lodging/dwelling place) (aya > e)

(suttanpata, ha (commentary), 167)

26

(sayana + sana: sleeping and sitting place)

*avasayana > susna (cemetery) (ava > u, aya > )

ava > o
avadhi > odhi
avama > oma
pravaa > poa
bhavati > bhoti/hoti

(limit/boundary) (ava > o)

(lowly, inferior) (ava > o)
(inclined) (pr > pp > p where first p is dropped, ava > o)
(to be)

Dvi -(contraction of consonant)

Dvi + a > ddia > disa /desa (hate/enemy)
(dv > dd > d , where first d is dropped, i > e > s,)
Dvi + ta > ddiha > diha
(enemy/hatred) (dv > dd, t > h)
Dvi + ya > ddessa > dessa
(dv > dd > d, i > e, y > ss)
Dessiya (coming from dis+ya > desya )
1. (Yo) sacca dhammo dhiti, cgo, diha, so ativattay (kumbhla-jataka)
Whoever has truth, dhamma, wise and given to liberality,
he overcomes hatred.
2.Dhammakmo bhava hoti, dhammadess parbhavo.2
One who desires the Dhamma is grown,
One who hates Dhamma is destroyed/perished.
3. Na me dess ubho putt3 (I dont hate my two children)
Maddidev na dessiy
(Doesnt hate Maddidev - the wife)
4.Diso dis ya ta kayir, ver v pana verina
Micchpaihita citta, ppiyo na tato kare4
Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater,
an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.

suttaniptapi, 1. uragavaggo n, 6. parbhavasutta n (KN 5.6)

cariypiaka-ahakath, 1. akittivaggo, 9. vessantaracariyvaan
4
dhammapadapi, 3. cittavaggo n (KN 2.3), verse 42
3

27

aya >
3rd Sep 2013
paisalayana > paisallna (meditation) (l > ll, aya > )
pai + sa + l + ana
svastyayana > sotthna
(blessing)
(va > o , sty > tth, aya > )
svasti + ayana = svasti + i + ana
(i > e/ay )
ya >
vaihyasa
> vehsa
(sky)
(ai > e, ya > )
Ktyyana
> Kaccna
/ Kaccyana (name of a family)
Moggallyana > Moggallna (name of a family) (ya> )
upasthyaka > upahka (attendant)
its verb is upahpeti, pe is causative suffix,
meaning is attendant, or, to make someone to stand near,
for example gilna-upahka (attendant to sick)
the ya in upasthyaka represents causative suffix, so also in
upahka
paisakhya > paisakh (having contemplated)
(ya > ) or ya is dropped. This is gerund form with ya,
abhiya > abhi (having understood well)
(ya > , or ya is dropped)
chamya
> cham
(on the earth)
(ya > )
esanya
> esan
(having searched/looked/find) (ya > )
va > o
atidhvana > atidhona
(overcross / over run)
(va >o)
ar > o
Note: When joined with consonant, ar can become o , or is assimilated.
Type 1a: ar becomes o, when joined to consonant.
punar + bhava > punobhava + ika > ponobhavika
(u becomes o due to ika suffix)
Type 1b: ar is assimilated when joined to consonant
punar + bhava > punabbhava + ik > ponabbhavika
(u becomes o due to suffix ika, rbh > bbh)
like Ponabbhavik in the Dhammacakkapavattana-sutta.
punar + bhava + ika + ( is feminine because this word modified to tah)
Type2: ar remains same, when joined to vowel. Just like
punar + upasampad > punarupasampad (second ordination)
not punorupasampad
punar + utti
> punarutti (repetition)
28

So, ponobhavika, ponabbhavika (is correct),

ponobbhavika, punabbhavika (is incorrect)
av >
yavgu > ygu (gruel)

07/09/2013

ayi, avi > e

carya
> acchariya (c > cch, insertion of i between r and y)
> acchayira > accchera (marvel, wonder)
cariya> cayira> cera (teacher)
mtsarya > macchariya(stinginess/dont want to share things with people)
(ts> cch, insertion i of r and y)
> macchayira > macchera (ayi> e)
(mt = ones own, sarya = to be/to become)
The Kaccyana explanation:mas + cchara /cchera > macchera (s is
elided)
sthavra

> thera (elder) (sth > tth, av >e)

ayi > e
prtihrya > pihriya > pihyira > pihera (marvel/miracle)
apa > o
apavaraka > ovaraka (inner apartment) (apa > aba > ava> o)
prati + apa + /vak + a + ti > paccosakkati/paccossakkati
(pr> pp > p where first p is dropped, ti > ty > cc,
apa > o, v > ss, k > kk) (to retreat/to go away)

29

Svarabhakti (insertion)

10 sep 2013
Note: Insertion of some vowels, especially a, i,u in the conjunct
consonants which are connected with
i.) nasal consonants,
ii.) r, l, v and y.
Can be at the initial position; or middle position - which is more common.
Nasal consonants can be labial, or dental.
i.) For labial type (m), u is inserted;
ii) For dental type (n) , i is inserted.
There are three options for the conjunct consonants.
1.Insertion,
2.Assimilation,
3.Remove the final consonant. According law of mora, short vowel
becomes long vowel.
For example,
ud + gacchati > uggacchati ( d and g are assimilated this is option 1.)
ud + hanati > hanati (option 3) like sa + hanati > samhanati
(sima samhanati, to remove the (old) sima).
For consonant and vowel, there is no assimilation. but the letters remain as
it is, like ud + hara > udhara
Insertion at the initial position
i + str
> itth
(woman) (str > tth)
u + smayate > umhayate (to smile) (s > h, h and m is interchanged)
In Pi, to smile is sita. /smi + ta, (sm > ss)
Insertion at the middle position
ryate
> iriyati
(moves)
Because of the insertion i vowel between r and y, the first letter
becomes shortened. Where there is y, i vowel is inserted.
maryd > mariyd (frontier/limitation)
vryate
> vriyati
(to prevent)
jy
> jiy
(bow string)
hyas > hiyo >hiyyo
(yesterday)
(as >o)
kluya
> klusiya
(darkening)
pcchyate > pucchayate ( > u)
30

vajra

> vajira

pra
> purisa
pra> possa>posa

(diamond)
(man)
[this is option 1. insertion]
(man) ( > o, >s) [this is option 2. assimilation]

sneha
t

> sineha (attachment)

> tasin (greed/craving)
>tah ( > h, then h and are interchanged in position)
tka> tkha > tikhia (sharp)
(k > kkh > kh where the first k is dropped. Because insertion i vowel,
the long vowel becomes short.)
tka > tha > tiha ( the first letter of triple consonant is dropped, > h,
then interchange between and h).
skma > sukhuma
(soft/gentle/subtle)
(k > kkh > kh where the first k is dropped). The u vowel is inserted
because of the labial m.
uman > usum / usm (heat) (n is dropped)
u vowel is inserted because of the labial m.
rj
>rjin (instrumental/ablative case of rj)
i vowel is inserted because of the palatal j.
snu > sun > suis (daughter-in-law) (insertion of i)
snu > sun > suh
( > h, nh > h)
plavati > palavati
(to float)
grahati > garahati
(reproaches/blame/scold)
hryati > haryati
(is ashamed, depressed/worried)
By the law of morae, these hryati and haryati are same.
dve
> duve
(two)
ratna > ratana
(gem)
agni
> agini / gini (fire)
i vowel is inserted because of the dental n.
padma > paduma

(lotus)
31

svmi

> suvmi
(lord/master)
>smi (sv >ss)
u vowel is inserted because of the labial m
svak
> suvak /sak (ones own)
klesa
> kilesa
(defilements)
*anti > asnti / asati (to eat)

prepared on 31 September 2013, by Scl, ITBMU as Dhammadna

32