6 Main Types of Samas (Compound Types & Rules)
In Hindi grammar, Samas (compound words) are categorized into 6 major types. Explore detailed definitions, dominant elements (pad pradhanta), sub-types, analysis rules, identification tricks, and vital exam preparation notes for each.
A compound in which the first element is an indeclinable word (avyaya) or prefix that functions as the head of the compound, turning the entire compound into an adverbial expression.
Identification Trick: Look for common adverbial prefixes at the start: yatha-, prati-, aa-, anu-, bhar-, be-, har-; or exact word reduplication like raton-raat, kanon-kaan. The compound remains invariant in gender and number.
A compound where the second element is dominant and the relationship between the two elements is governed by an elided case-marker (vibhakti) from Accusative through Locative.
Identification Trick: Perform vigrah (expansion). If a case postposition (ko, se, ke liye, kaa/ke/kee, mein, par) appears connecting the two words, it is definitely Tatpurusha.
A compound in which the second element is the head, and the relation between the elements is either that of an adjective to a noun, or an object to a standard of comparison.
Identification Trick: Ask "What kind of?" to the second word; the first word provides the answer. During expansion, connectives like "hai jo" (which is), "ke saman" (like), or "roopi" (embodied as) naturally emerge.
A compound where the first element is a numeral adjective and the entire compound denotes a collection, group, or aggregate (samahar) of items.
Identification Trick: The first word is unequivocally a numeral (dvi, tri, chatur/chau, pancha, sapta, ashta, nava, shat, etc.) and the expansion always concludes with "kaa samooh" or "kaa samahar" (a collection of).
A coordinative compound in which both constituent words have equal grammatical weight and importance, connected in expansion by conjunctive particles such as "and" (aur) or "or" (yaa).
Identification Trick: The compound often contains a hyphen (-) between two complementary or antonymous words of equal rank. During expansion, conjunctions like "aur" (and), "yaa" (or), or "aadi" (etc.) appear.
An exocentric compound in which neither constituent element is head; instead, the entire compound functions as an attributive epithet denoting a third external entity.
Identification Trick: The word is almost invariably an epithet or conventional title for a deity, mythological figure, or unique entity. Vigrah always specifies "arthaat..." (meaning/referring to [third person]).
Quick Comparison Chart of Samas Types
| Samas Type | Dominant Element | Key Marker / Trick | Vigrah Example | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⚡Avyayibhav Samas (Adverbial Compound) | First element (Purva-pada) is dominant | Look for common adverbial prefixes at the start: yatha-, prati-, aa-, anu-, bhar-, be-, har-; or exact word reduplication like raton-raat, kanon-kaan. The compound remains invariant in gender and number. | यथाशक्ति = शक्ति के अनुसार | Read Rules → |
| 🏛️Tatpurush Samas (Determinative / Case Compound) | Second element (Uttara-pada) is dominant | Perform vigrah (expansion). If a case postposition (ko, se, ke liye, kaa/ke/kee, mein, par) appears connecting the two words, it is definitely Tatpurusha. | गगनचुंबी = गगन को चूमने वाला | Read Rules → |
| 🌸Karmadharaya Samas (Descriptive / Appositional Compound) | Second element dominant with Adjective-Noun or Simile-Metaphor apposition | Ask "What kind of?" to the second word; the first word provides the answer. During expansion, connectives like "hai jo" (which is), "ke saman" (like), or "roopi" (embodied as) naturally emerge. | नीलकमल = नीला है जो कमल | Read Rules → |
| 🔢Dvigu Samas (Numeral Aggregative Compound) | Second element dominant with first element being a numeral adjective denoting aggregate | The first word is unequivocally a numeral (dvi, tri, chatur/chau, pancha, sapta, ashta, nava, shat, etc.) and the expansion always concludes with "kaa samooh" or "kaa samahar" (a collection of). | चौराहा = चार राहों (मार्गों) का समाहार | Read Rules → |
| ⚖️Dvandva Samas (Copulative / Coordinate Compound) | Both elements (Ubhay-pada) are equally dominant | The compound often contains a hyphen (-) between two complementary or antonymous words of equal rank. During expansion, conjunctions like "aur" (and), "yaa" (or), or "aadi" (etc.) appear. | माता-पिता = माता और पिता | Read Rules → |
| 👑Bahuvrihi Samas (Exocentric / Attributive Compound) | Neither element dominant; refers to an external third referent | The word is almost invariably an epithet or conventional title for a deity, mythological figure, or unique entity. Vigrah always specifies "arthaat..." (meaning/referring to [third person]). | लंबोदर = लंबा है उदर जिसका अर्थात् गणेश जी | Read Rules → |