Samas (समास) — Study Notes for Bihar TET

Overview

Samas (compound words) is a fundamental topic in Hindi grammar that tests your ability to identify how two or more words combine to form a single meaningful unit. In Bihar TET Language I, questions on Samas typically ask you to identify the type of samas, perform samas-vigraha (breaking down the compound), or match compound words with their correct category.

This topic carries 2–4 marks in the language content section. Mastery requires understanding the relationship between the component words (पूर्वपद and उत्तरपद) and recognizing which word is प्रधान (principal). The six main types—Tatpurush, Dvandva, Dvigu, Karmadharaya, Bahuvrihi, and Avyayibhav—cover almost all exam questions. Focus on learning the defining characteristics and memorizing 5–6 examples of each type.

Key Concepts

• **Samas** means संक्षेपीकरण (compression)—joining two or more words by dropping the vibhakti (case markers) between them to form a shorter compound word called सामासिक पद.

• **Samas-vigraha** is the reverse process—expanding the compound back into its full form with vibhakti restored. Exam questions frequently test this skill.

• **Poorvpad (पूर्वपद)** is the first word; **Uttarpad (उत्तरपद)** is the second word. Identifying which is प्रधान (principal) determines the samas type.

• In **Tatpurush and Avyayibhav**, one component dominates; in **Dvandva**, both are equal; in **Bahuvrihi**, neither component but an external meaning is principal.

• **Karmadharaya and Dvigu** are considered sub-types of Tatpurush but are asked separately in TET exams.

• Vibhakti hidden in compounds: Tatpurush types are often named after the vibhakti (case) that gets dropped—Karan Tatpurush, Sampradan Tatpurush, etc.

Key Facts — Six Types of Samas

### 1. Tatpurush Samas (तत्पुरुष समास)

• **Definition:** Uttarpad (second word) is प्रधान; poorvpad is subordinate.
• **Vibhakti-based sub-types:**
• Karan (करण/तृतीया): भूखमरा = भूख से मरा
• Sampradan (सम्प्रदान/चतुर्थी): रसोईघर = रसोई के लिए घर
• Apadan (अपादान/पंचमी): जन्मांध = जन्म से अंधा
• Sambandh (संबंध/षष्ठी): राजपुत्र = राजा का पुत्र
• Adhikaran (अधिकरण/सप्तमी): घुड़सवार = घोड़े पर सवार

### 2. Karmadharaya Samas (कर्मधारय समास)

• **Definition:** Both words refer to the same entity; one is विशेषण (adjective) and other is विशेष्य (noun), OR both are nouns in apposition.
• **Test:** Vigraha uses "जो" or "रूपी"