Translation of English sentences into Sanskrit — IGCSE Sanskrit (0499) questions by topic
Translating short English sentences into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script, with a mark reserved for correct word order, is tested through 5 real questions set in 2023 to 2025 papers, each worth 15 marks.
Translate is the sole command word, and every sentence rewards placing the verb at the end of the phrase, matching subject and verb correctly, and choosing accurate tense forms over approximate ones. Because word order and verb agreement are named repeatedly as the main source of lost marks, drafting a translated sentence and getting it marked instantly is a quick way to check both before submitting a full paper's worth.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism, repeated across several questions, is word order errors, since the verb should sit at the end of each phrase or sentence.
- Examiners repeatedly note a lack of agreement of subject and verb.
- Reports flag inaccurate tenses, particularly recalling the future tense of gam and not adding an 'a' for the future.
- A recurring criticism is the passive construction not being well rendered by many candidates, with revision of its formation and subject agreement recommended.
- Reports advise using nṛpa rather than rājan for 'king', and recommend revising the declension of guru.
May–June 2025, Paper 12
Translate the following sentence into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script. Sandhi should not be used. One mark will be given for the correct word order in the sentence. Golden deer…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 11
Translate the following sentence into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script. Sandhi should not be used. One mark will be given for the correct word order. Beautiful flowers fell from…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
Translate the following sentence into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script. Sandhi should not be used. One mark will be given for the correct word order. The man destroyed the large…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 11
Translate the following sentence into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script. Sandhi should not be used. One mark will be given for the correct word order. The pupils walked from the…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 12
Translate the following sentence into Sanskrit using devanāgarī script. Sandhi should not be used. One mark will be given for the correct word order. The elephant walked quickly…
Answer this question and get it marked →