gopi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, religious, cultural
Quick answer
What does “gopi” mean?
In Hinduism, a milkmaid, particularly one of the cowherd girls who were devoted to the god Krishna.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Hinduism, a milkmaid, particularly one of the cowherd girls who were devoted to the god Krishna.
A female devotee or follower, especially one of the legendary companions of Krishna known for their love and devotion, often used metaphorically to describe a soul's devotion to the divine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning; the term is equally rare in both variants and used only in the same specific cultural/religious contexts.
Connotations
Evokes imagery from Hindu mythology, particularly the stories of Krishna in Vrindavan. Connotes devotion, pastoral life, and spiritual love.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage. Encountered primarily in academic, religious, or artistic contexts relating to Hinduism or Indian culture.
Grammar
How to Use “gopi” in a Sentence
the [Gopi] of VrindavanKrishna and the [Gopis]the [Gopi]'s devotionVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, South Asian studies, and art history to discuss the mythology and iconography of Krishna.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific cultural or religious communities.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specialized humanities research.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gopi”
- Mispronouncing it with a hard 'g' (as in 'goat'); the first syllable rhymes with 'go' or 'so'.
- Using it as a common noun for any girl or woman, which is incorrect.
- Spelling it as 'goopy' or 'gopee'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Sanskrit (via Hindi) used in English when discussing Hindu religion and Indian culture. It is not a native English word.
Yes, the plural is 'gopis'. It is almost always encountered in the plural form, as they are a group.
Yes, within its religious and cultural context, it is a term of reverence, denoting pure love and devotion.
Use it as a noun, typically preceded by 'the' and often in connection with Krishna. Example: 'The story describes the gopis' love for Krishna.'
In Hinduism, a milkmaid, particularly one of the cowherd girls who were devoted to the god Krishna.
Gopi is usually literary, religious, cultural in register.
Gopi: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊpiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a gopi in devotion (indicating intense, loving devotion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GO-PI(e). Imagine a girl GOing to offer a PIe (or milk) to Krishna.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE LOVE IS ROMANTIC LOVE; THE SOUL IS A DEVOTED SERVANT.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'gopi' most specifically?