Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah — Word-by-Word Meaning
काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
काकः
kākaḥ
the crow
कृष्णः
kṛṣṇaḥ
(is) black
पिकः
pikaḥ
the cuckoo (koel)
कः भेदः
kaḥ bhedaḥ
what difference (is there)
पिककाकयोः
pika-kākayoḥ
between the cuckoo and the crow
वसन्तकाले
vasanta-kāle
in the spring season
सम्प्राप्ते
samprāpte
when it has arrived, on its coming
काकः काकः
kākaḥ kākaḥ
the crow is (revealed as) a crow
पिकः पिकः
pikaḥ pikaḥ
the cuckoo is (revealed as) a cuckoo
Complete Translation
The crow is black, the cuckoo is black — what difference is there between cuckoo and crow? But when spring arrives, the crow is shown to be a crow and the cuckoo a cuckoo. Outwardly the good and the worthless may look alike, but in time, by their voice and conduct, their true nature is revealed.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti tradition)
Author: Anonymous (classical Subhashita)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This much-loved verse belongs to the Subhashita tradition, where profound moral truths are conveyed through vivid and often humorous imagery. Using the everyday sight of the look-alike crow and cuckoo, it became a favourite teaching that appearances deceive and that time alone unveils true character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah?▼
It means 'the crow is black, the cuckoo is black — what is the difference between them? When spring comes, the crow is seen as a crow and the cuckoo as a cuckoo.' It teaches that true character is revealed in time, however similar two beings may appear.
Why are the crow and cuckoo compared?▼
Both birds are black and look alike, so they seem indistinguishable. But in spring the cuckoo sings its sweet song while the crow only caws — illustrating how merit and worth set apart those who outwardly resemble one another.
What life lesson does this Subhashita teach?▼
It teaches discernment: do not judge by appearances alone, for time and circumstance reveal a person's real nature through their words and deeds. It also inspires us to develop genuine inner worth, like the cuckoo's song.
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