Samas (समास) — Compound Words in Hindi

Overview

Samas (समास) is the process of combining two or more words to form a single, concise compound word without losing the essential meaning. In Hindi grammar, samas is tested regularly in UP Police Constable exams through multiple-choice questions that ask you to identify the type of compound, break down a compound word into its components (विग्रह), or form a compound from a given phrase.

Understanding samas is crucial because it tests your grasp of word structure, grammatical relations and linguistic economy—all skills that reflect language proficiency. Expect 2–4 direct questions on identifying samas types or performing विग्रह (expansion). Since samas overlaps with upsarg-pratyay and sandhi concepts, a strong command here strengthens your overall Hindi section performance.

Mastery requires knowing the six main types of samas, recognizing the dominant component in each, and practicing standard examples until pattern recognition becomes automatic. Focus on tatpurush and karmadhaaray, as they are the most frequently tested varieties in competitive exams.

Key Concepts

• **Samas** means joining or compounding. It shortens a phrase (usually two words) into one word, making the language more concise and elegant.
• The original phrase is called **विग्रह** (vigraha). The compound word formed is called **समस्त पद** (samast pad).
• There are six primary types: Avyayibhav, Tatpurush, Karmadhaaray, Dvigu, Dvandva and Bahuvrihi. Each has a different internal relationship between components.
• **Tatpurush** is the largest category, subdivided based on the karak (case relation) between the two words—e.g. karm tatpurush, karan tatpurush, etc.
• In **Dvandva**, both words have equal importance. In **Bahuvrihi**, the compound describes a third entity, not directly named in the compound itself.
• **Avyayibhav** compounds always start with an indeclinable prefix (avyay) and function as adverbs—unchanging regardless of gender or number.
• **Dvigu** compounds always have a numeral as the first component, typically denoting a collection or group.
• The key to identifying samas type is understanding which word dominates: the first (purvpad), the second (uttarpad), both equally, or neither (referring to something external).

Formulas / Key Facts

• **अव्ययीभाव समास (Avyayibhav)**: First component is an avyay (indeclinable). Entire compound acts as an adverb. Example: यथाशक्ति = शक्ति के अनुसार.
• **तत्पुरुष समास (Tatpurush)**: Second component is dominant. Middle case marker (postposition) is dropped. Example: राजपुत्र = राजा का पुत्र (genitive tatpurush).
• **कर्मधारय समास (Karmadhaaray)**: A subtype of tatpurush where the relation is of adjective-noun or noun-metaphor. Example: नीलकमल = नीला है जो कमल.