In Sanskrit grammar, the word Eka (एक), which means "One," is treated as a pronoun (Sarvanam). Unlike regular nouns, it changes its form based on the gender of the noun it is describing.
Since "one" is inherently singular, the Eka shabd roop exists only in the singular number (Ekavachan). It does not have dual (Dwivachan) or plural (Bahuvachan) forms.
Below are the tables for Eka in all three genders.
1. Eka (एक) - Masculine (Pulling)
Used for masculine nouns like Balak (Boy), Vriksh (Tree), or Gaj (Elephant).
| Vibhakti (Case) | Ekavachan (Singular) | Hindi Meaning |
| Prathama | एकः (Ekah) | एक ने (One) |
| Dwitiya | एकम् (Ekam) | एक को |
| Tritiya | एकेन (Ekena) | एक से / के द्वारा |
| Chaturthi | एकस्मै (Ekasmai) | एक के लिए |
| Panchami | एकस्मात् (Ekasmāt) | एक से (Separation) |
| Shasthi | एकस्य (Ekasya) | एक का / के / की |
| Saptami | एकस्मिन् (Ekasmin) | एक में / पर |
2. Eka (एक) - Feminine (Stree-Ling)
Used for feminine nouns like Lata (Vine), Balika (Girl), or Nadi (River).
| Vibhakti (Case) | Ekavachan (Singular) | Hindi Meaning |
| Prathama | एका (Ekā) | एक ने |
| Dwitiya | एकाम् (Ekām) | एक को |
| Tritiya | एकया (Ekayā) | एक से / के द्वारा |
| Chaturthi | एकस्यै (Ekasyai) | एक के लिए |
| Panchami | एकस्याः (Ekasyāh) | एक से |
| Shasthi | एकस्याः (Ekasyāh) | एक का / के / की |
| Saptami | एकस्याम् (Ekasyām) | एक में / पर |
3. Eka (एक) - Neuter (Napunsak-Ling)
Used for neuter nouns like Phal (Fruit), Pushp (Flower), or Pustak (Book). Note that from the Tritiya Vibhakti onwards, the Neuter forms are identical to the Masculine forms.
| Vibhakti (Case) | Ekavachan (Singular) | Hindi Meaning |
| Prathama | एकम् (Ekam) | एक ने |
| Dwitiya | एकम् (Ekam) | एक को |
| Tritiya | एकेन (Ekena) | एक से |
| Chaturthi | एकस्मै (Ekasmai) | एक के लिए |
| Panchami | एकस्मात् (Ekasmāt) | एक से |
| Shasthi | एकस्य (Ekasya) | एक का |
| Saptami | एकस्मिन् (Ekasmin) | एक में |
Key Usage Rules for Your Blog:
Adjective Property: Because Eka acts as an adjective, its gender must match the noun.
Example: एकः बालकः (One boy - Masculine)
Example: एका बालिका (One girl - Feminine)
Example: एकम् फलम् (One fruit - Neuter)
No Sambodhan: Pronouns like Eka generally do not have a Vocative (Sambodhan) case because you don't usually "address" the number one.
The Plural Exception: In rare literary contexts, "Eka" can be used in plural (Eke) to mean "Some" or "Certain people", but for general grammar exams, only the singular forms are required.
We appreciate your comment! You can either ask a question or review our blog. Thanks!!