Aapatsu Mitram Jaaniyaat — Word-by-Word Meaning
आपत्सु मित्रं जानीयात्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
आपत्सु
āpatsu
in times of misfortune, in adversity
मित्रम्
mitram
a true friend
जानीयात्
jānīyāt
one should know, one comes to recognise
युद्धे
yuddhe
in battle, in war
शूरम्
śūram
the brave one, the true hero
ऋणे
ṛṇe
in (the matter of) debt, when money is owed
शुचिम्
śucim
the honest, upright person
भार्याम्
bhāryām
the (true) wife
क्षीणेषु वित्तेषु
kṣīṇeṣu vitteṣu
when wealth has dwindled, when riches are gone
व्यसने
vyasane
in calamity, in distress and hardship
च
ca
and
सुहृज्जनम्
suhṛj-janam
a well-wisher, a true kinsman or relative
Complete Translation
A true friend is known in adversity, a real hero in battle, an honest person in the matter of debt, a devoted wife when wealth has dwindled, and a genuine kinsman in times of calamity. The verse teaches that the true worth of people is revealed not in good times but in the hour of hardship.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita / Chanakya-niti (classical Sanskrit niti verse)
Author: Unknown (traditional; commonly cited in Chanakya-niti)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the rich tradition of Sanskrit niti-shastra — the wisdom of practical conduct preserved in subhashita anthologies and works such as the Chanakya-niti. With its crisp catalogue of life's testing moments, it has become one of the most quoted teachings on how genuine friendship, courage, honesty and devotion reveal themselves only in the hour of trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aapatsu Mitram Jaaniyaat mean?▼
It means 'a true friend is known in adversity.' The verse goes on to say that a real hero is known in battle, an honest person in money matters, a devoted spouse when wealth is lost, and a genuine relative in calamity — all true worth is revealed in hard times.
What is the moral of this shloka?▼
That the sincerity of people is tested and revealed in difficult times rather than in prosperity. Those who remain loyal and supportive during hardship are the truly trustworthy friends, partners and kin.
Is this verse from a particular text?▼
It is a well-known subhashita (wise saying) of classical Sanskrit, widely quoted in niti literature on friendship and conduct, and commonly cited in collections such as the Chanakya-niti tradition.
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