Why this topic matters · 8 min read
Samaas (compound formation) is a core Hindi grammar topic in Bihar Police Constable exams, typically appearing in 2-4 MCQ questions. The exam focuses on identifying the type of samaas in given words and understanding their meaning. Avyayibhav, Tatpurush, and Dvandva are the three most frequently tested categories. Aspirants must recognize word patterns and know the defining characteristics of each type to score quick marks.
What is Samaas (Compound)?
Samaas is the joining of two or more words to form a single compound word. When words combine, the last word's gender and number are used for the entire compound. The original meaning may change or blend. Think of it like mixing two colours to make a new shade. In Hindi exams, you need to identify which type of samaas a given word belongs to. The three main types tested are Avyayibhav, Tatpurush, and Dvandva.
- Samaas = combination of 2+ words into 1 compound
- The final word determines gender and number of the compound
- Original word forms are hidden inside the compound
- Meaning may be literal or figurative
- Used to make language concise and poetic
Avyayibhav Samaas
Avyayibhav is a compound where the first word (usually an indeclinable/avyay word like a preposition or adverb) dominates the meaning, and the compound itself becomes an indeclinable word. The first word is the key. Common prefixes are: yatha (as), prati (against), anu (after), upa (near), ati (beyond). Example: Yathashakti means 'as much as possible' - yatha (as) + shakti (power). The whole compound acts as an adverb or indeclinable.
- First word is usually an indeclinable (avyay) - preposition or adverb
- Entire compound becomes indeclinable
- First word's meaning dominates
- Common prefixes: yatha, prati, anu, upa, ati, bina, saha
- Example: Pratikul (against + current) = adverse, Anukul (after + current) = favourable
Tatpurush Samaas
Tatpurush is a compound where the relationship between the two words is shown by a case marker (vibhakti) that is hidden or implied. The second word is more important. The case marker (like ka/ki for possessive, ko for object, se for agent) is invisible in the final compound. Example: Rajpurush means 'man of the king' (raj + purush, with hidden 'ka'). This is the most common samaas type in exams. The hidden case marker determines the sub-type: Karmadharaya (adjective-noun), Samanadhikaran (apposition), etc.
- Second word is more important
- Hidden case marker (vibhakti) between words
- Case marker is not visible in final compound
- Most common type in exams
- Sub-types: Karmadharaya (adjective-noun), Samanadhikaran (apposition), Nimitta (reason), Apadaan (source)
- Example: Nildhari (blue + wearer) = one who wears blue, Devdoot (god + messenger) = divine messenger
Dvandva Samaas
Dvandva is a compound where both words are equally important and are joined by an implied 'and' (aur). The meaning is additive - you add the meanings together. Think of it as a partnership where both partners are equal. Example: Mata-Pita means 'mother and father'. The compound can be written with a hyphen or without. The gender and number follow the last word. This type is easy to spot because you can replace the compound with 'aur' between the words.
- Both words are equally important
- Joined by implied 'and' (aur)
- Meaning is additive - sum of both parts
- Can be written with hyphen: Mata-Pita
- Gender and number of last word apply
- Example: Raat-Din (night and day), Sukh-Dukh (pleasure and pain), Lad-Khel (fight and play)
Quick Identification Guide
To identify samaas type in an exam, ask three questions in order: (1) Can I replace the compound with 'aur' (and) between the words? If yes, it is Dvandva. (2) Is the first word an indeclinable like yatha, prati, anu, upa, bina, saha? If yes, it is Avyayibhav. (3) If neither, it is likely Tatpurush. For Tatpurush, try inserting case markers (ka, ko, se, mein) between the words to check meaning. This three-step process works for 90% of exam questions.
- Step 1: Can you insert 'aur' (and)? → Dvandva
- Step 2: Is first word an indeclinable (yatha, prati, anu, upa, bina, saha)? → Avyayibhav
- Step 3: Otherwise, try inserting case markers → Tatpurush
- Always check if the compound's meaning matches the type
- In doubt, look at which word is more important in meaning
⚠ Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing Tatpurush with Dvandva: Remember, Tatpurush has a hidden case marker (ka, ko, se), while Dvandva has hidden 'aur'. If you can replace with 'aur', it is Dvandva, not Tatpurush.
- Not recognizing Avyayibhav prefixes: Students forget common prefixes like yatha, prati, anu, upa, ati, bina, saha. Memorize these - they are the giveaway for Avyayibhav.
- Assuming all compounds are Tatpurush: Tatpurush is common, but don't default to it. Always check for Dvandva (aur test) and Avyayibhav (prefix test) first.
- Ignoring the gender/number rule: The final word's gender and number apply to the entire compound. This can help confirm the samaas type and the correct form.
- Mixing up Karmadharaya with Tatpurush: Karmadharaya is a sub-type of Tatpurush where an adjective and noun combine (e.g., Nildhari). Don't treat it as a separate main type.
🧠 Memory aids
- ADT Rule: Avyayibhav (first word indeclinable), Dvandva (aur test), Tatpurush (case marker). Check in this order.
- Avyayibhav = Avyay + Bhav = indeclinable word dominates. Think 'first word is the boss'.
- Dvandva = Dvi + Andva = two + and = both equal, joined by 'aur'. Think 'partnership'.
- Tatpurush = Tat + Purush = that + man = hidden case marker between words. Think 'invisible glue'.
- YAPA Prefixes: Yatha, Anu, Prati, Upa, Ati = common Avyayibhav starters.
🎯 BIHAR POLICE CONSTABLE exam tips
- Bihar Police Constable exams typically ask 2-4 MCQ on samaas in the Hindi section. Most questions ask to identify the type of samaas in a given word or to form a compound of a specific type.
- Recent papers show a preference for Tatpurush and Dvandva identification over Avyayibhav, but Avyayibhav prefix recognition is a quick 1-mark question often included.
- Expect questions like: 'Nildhari mein kaun sa samaas hai?' (What type of samaas in Nildhari?) or 'Mata-Pita ka samaas batayein' (Name the samaas in Mata-Pita). These are direct identification questions.
- Time management: Samaas questions are quick if you know the rules. Spend 30-45 seconds per question. Use the ADT rule to narrow down fast.
- Watch out for trick options that name sub-types (like Karmadharaya) when the main type (Tatpurush) is expected. Read the question carefully - does it ask for main type or sub-type?
Q1 · hard · AI-verified
'राजद्रोह' शब्द में कौन-सा तत्पुरुष समास है?
- करण तत्पुरुष (तृतीया तत्पुरुष)
- संबंध तत्पुरुष (षष्ठी तत्पुरुष)
- अपादान तत्पुरुष (पंचमी तत्पुरुष)
- कर्म तत्पुरुष (द्वितीया तत्पुरुष)
Q2 · medium · AI-verified
'जलाभाव' का सही समास विग्रह कौन सा है?
- जल के लिए अभाव
- जल का अभाव
- जल बिना
- जल और अभाव
Q3 · medium · AI-verified
द्वंद्व समास में कौन सा पद प्रधान होता है?
- उत्तरपद प्रधान होता है
- कोई भी पद प्रधान नहीं होता
- पूर्वपद प्रधान होता है
- दोनों पद प्रधान होते हैं
Q4 · easy · AI-verified
What is the Samas Vigrah of 'Prati-din' (प्रतिदिन)?
- दिन के लिए
- दिन और रात
- अच्छा दिन
- प्रत्येक दिन
Q5 · medium · AI-verified
'प्रतिदिन' शब्द में कौन-सा समास है?
- अव्ययीभाव समास
- द्वंद्व समास
- बहुव्रीहि समास
- कर्मधारय समास