काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः — 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
कौआ काला है, कोयल भी काली है — फिर कोयल और कौए में क्या अन्तर है? परन्तु जब वसन्त ऋतु आती है, तब कौआ कौआ ही सिद्ध होता है और कोयल कोयल। बाहर से सज्जन और निकृष्ट एक से दिख सकते हैं, किन्तु समय आने पर अपनी वाणी और आचरण से उनका वास्तविक स्वभाव प्रकट हो जाता है।
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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