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सर्वभक्षी

B2 adjective 11 min read

सर्वभक्षी

sarvabhakshi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सर्वभक्षी in 30 Seconds

Explanation सर्वभक्षी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī) is a very advanced word. Beginners usually learn simple words for food like 'खाना' (to eat) and 'फल' (fruit). However, you can think of this word as a 'super-eater'. 'Sarva' means 'all' and 'Bhakshi' means 'eater'. So, it describes an animal that eats 'all' things—both green plants and meat. Even if you don't use it yet, knowing that 'Sarva' means 'all' will help you learn many other Hindi words later. Just remember: Sarvabhakshi = Eats everything. For example, a bear is a Sarvabhakshi because it eats berries and also fish. Humans are also Sarvabhakshi because we can eat vegetables and chicken. It is a big word for a simple idea: not being a picky eater in nature!

As an A2 learner, you are starting to group words together. 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī) belongs to a group of words that describe what animals eat. You might already know 'Shakahari' (Vegetarian) for animals like cows. 'Sarvabhakshi' is the next step. It is used to describe animals that have a mixed diet. In your sentences, you can use it simply: 'Bhalu sarvabhakshi hai' (The bear is omnivorous). This word is very useful when you are reading basic science books or visiting a zoo in India. It helps you talk about nature more accurately. Don't worry about the hard spelling; just remember the sound 'Sar-va-bhak-shee'. It is a formal way to say 'eats both plants and meat'.

At the B1 level, you are moving beyond simple descriptions into more detailed explanations. 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī) is a word you will encounter in news articles about the environment or in school-level textbooks. You should be able to use it to explain why certain animals survive better in different environments. For example, 'Sarvabhakshi animals can live in cities because they can eat human leftovers and also natural food.' This shows a higher level of Hindi because you are using a specific biological term instead of a long phrase like 'sab kuch khane wala'. You should also start noticing the suffix '-bhakshi' in other words like 'Narbhakshi' (man-eater). This pattern recognition is key to reaching intermediate fluency.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī) with confidence in formal writing and discussions. You understand that this word carries a scientific weight. You can use it in debates about evolution, ecology, or human history. For instance, you might write an essay on how being 'सर्वभक्षी' allowed early humans to migrate across different climates. You also know that while 'Sarvahari' is a common synonym, 'Sarvabhakshi' is the preferred term in academic Hindi. You are comfortable with the 'ksh' sound and can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Being a sarvabhakshi species, the crow has adapted to urban life more successfully than specialist predators.'

For a C1 learner, 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī) is not just a biological term but a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it metaphorically in literary contexts. You might describe a 'sarvabhakshi' corporation that consumes smaller businesses or a 'sarvabhakshi' fire that leaves nothing behind. You understand the Sanskrit roots deeply and can compare it with other 'Sarva-' words like 'Sarvagraasi'. Your usage is precise, and you know exactly when to use this formal term versus a more colloquial one. You can read high-level scientific journals in Hindi where this word appears frequently and understand the implications of an organism's 'sarvabhakshi' nature on the entire food chain and ecosystem stability.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over 'सर्वभक्षी' (Sarvabhakshī). You can discuss the etymological evolution of the word from Vedic Sanskrit to Modern Standard Hindi. You can analyze its use in classical Hindi literature and compare it with its counterparts in other Indian languages like Marathi or Bengali, which share the same Sanskrit root. You use the word with absolute precision in academic lectures, high-level policy papers on biodiversity, or complex literary critiques. You are also aware of the subtle social nuances—how using such a clinical term for human diet might be perceived in different cultural segments of India. You can play with the word's morphology to create new, understandable terms if needed, showing total linguistic creativity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सर्वभक्षी in 30 Seconds

A formal Sanskrit-derived adjective meaning 'omnivorous'.
Used primarily in science, biology, and academic Hindi writing.
Describes organisms like humans and bears that eat plants and meat.
A sophisticated alternative to the more common word 'Sarvahari'.

The Hindi word सर्वभक्षी (Sarvabhakshī) is a sophisticated Sanskrit-derived adjective used primarily in scientific, ecological, and formal contexts to describe an organism that is omnivorous. In the realm of biology, it identifies animals or humans that possess the physiological capability to derive energy and nutrients from a diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. The term is a compound of two Sanskrit roots: 'Sarva' (all) and 'Bhakshi' (eater/consumer). Understanding this word is crucial for students of Hindi who wish to engage with academic texts, nature documentaries, or formal discussions about diet and evolution.

Biological Classification: In a scientific context, 'सर्वभक्षी' is the direct translation of 'omnivore'. It categorizes species like humans, bears, and crows that do not specialize in eating only plants or only meat.

Formal Register: While a common person might say 'सब कुछ खाने वाला' (one who eats everything), an academic paper or a textbook will invariably use 'सर्वभक्षी' to maintain a professional and precise tone.

वैज्ञानिकों के अनुसार, मनुष्य स्वभाव से ही सर्वभक्षी होते हैं। (According to scientists, humans are omnivorous by nature.)

Beyond biology, the word can occasionally be used metaphorically in literature to describe something that consumes or destroys everything in its path, such as a 'सर्वभक्षी अग्नि' (all-consuming fire), though this usage is rarer than its biological application. In modern Hindi, you will see this word frequently in environmental studies (पर्यावरण अध्ययन) and biology (जीव विज्ञान) textbooks. It is important to distinguish it from 'सर्वाहारी' (Sarvāhārī), which is a more common synonym used in general conversation. While both mean the same, 'सर्वभक्षी' carries a slightly more technical or classical weight due to the '-bhakshi' suffix, which implies the act of 'devouring' or 'consuming' in a more primal or structural sense.

भालू एक सर्वभक्षी जानवर है जो मछली और फल दोनों खाता है। (The bear is an omnivorous animal that eats both fish and fruit.)

Suffix Analysis: The suffix '-bhakshi' comes from the Sanskrit root 'bhaksh', meaning to eat. You find this in other words like 'narbhakshi' (cannibal/man-eater) or 'kitbhakshi' (insectivorous).

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में सर्वभक्षी जीवों की भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण होती है। (The role of omnivorous organisms is important in the ecosystem.)

क्या आप जानते हैं कि कौआ एक सर्वभक्षी पक्षी है? (Do you know that the crow is an omnivorous bird?)

जंगल के कई सर्वभक्षी प्राणी मौसम के अनुसार अपना भोजन बदलते हैं। (Many omnivorous creatures of the forest change their food according to the season.)

In summary, 'सर्वभक्षी' is a precise, formal, and scientifically grounded term. It is less likely to be heard in a casual kitchen conversation but is the standard term in any educational or intellectual discourse regarding biology and nature. Mastering its use allows a learner to transition from basic Hindi to a more sophisticated, academic level of fluency.

Using 'सर्वभक्षी' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an adjective. It typically precedes the noun it modifies, such as 'प्राणी' (creature), 'जीव' (organism), or 'जानवर' (animal). Because it ends in 'ī', it follows the standard rules for adjectives in Hindi, though it often functions as an unchanging descriptor for both masculine and feminine nouns in scientific contexts. However, its primary use is to define a category of existence.

Subject-Adjective Agreement: When describing a male animal, you say 'सर्वभक्षी जीव'. For a plural group, it remains 'सर्वभक्षी जीव'. The word itself is quite stable across different sentence structures.

चूहे सर्वभक्षी होते हैं, इसलिए वे अनाज और कीड़े दोनों खा सकते हैं। (Rats are omnivorous, so they can eat both grains and insects.)

In complex sentences, 'सर्वभक्षी' can be used to compare different species. For instance, in a discussion about evolution, one might explain how being omnivorous provides a survival advantage. The word fits perfectly in sentences that describe dietary habits or ecological roles. It is also common in 'if-then' clauses or explanatory paragraphs in textbooks.

यदि कोई जीव सर्वभक्षी है, तो उसके जीवित रहने की संभावना अधिक होती है। (If an organism is omnivorous, its chances of survival are higher.)

You can also use it to describe humans in a clinical or anthropological sense. When discussing the history of human civilization, 'सर्वभक्षी' is used to explain how early humans gathered fruits and hunted animals. It provides a neutral, non-judgmental way to describe diet, unlike some other terms that might carry religious or social weight in India.

Contextual Placement: It is most often found in the predicate of a sentence: '[Subject] [Adjective] [Verb]'. Example: 'भालू सर्वभक्षी है।'

प्राचीन काल से ही मनुष्य एक सर्वभक्षी प्राणी रहा है। (Since ancient times, man has been an omnivorous creature.)

चिंपांजी भी सर्वभक्षी होते हैं और छोटे जानवरों का शिकार करते हैं। (Chimpanzees are also omnivorous and hunt small animals.)

क्या सभी स्तनधारी सर्वभक्षी होते हैं? (Are all mammals omnivorous?)

Lastly, when constructing sentences, ensure that the surrounding vocabulary matches the formal tone of 'सर्वभक्षी'. Instead of using 'खाना' (to eat), you might use 'भक्षण करना' (to consume/devour) or 'आहार लेना' (to take as diet) to maintain consistency in the formal register of your speech or writing.

In the daily life of a Hindi speaker, 'सर्वभक्षी' is not a word you would hear while buying groceries or chatting with friends at a cafe. Instead, its 'habitat' is the classroom, the news studio, and the pages of literature. If you tune into a National Geographic or Discovery Channel documentary dubbed in Hindi, you will hear the narrator using this word to describe the diverse diet of a grizzly bear or a wild boar. It is a staple of the 'Voice of God' narration style—authoritative, precise, and educational.

Educational Settings: In schools across India, from the 5th grade onwards, students encounter 'सर्वभक्षी' in their Environmental Science (EVS) classes. It is part of the foundational vocabulary for understanding the food web.

आज की कक्षा में हम सर्वभक्षी जीवों के बारे में पढ़ेंगे। (In today's class, we will read about omnivorous organisms.)

Another place where this word appears is in competitive exam preparation materials. For exams like the UPSC or State PCS in India, aspirants must know specific terminology in Hindi. 'सर्वभक्षी' is a key term in the biology and ecology sections of these exams. Similarly, in news reports discussing wildlife conservation or changes in animal behavior due to urban expansion, journalists use 'सर्वभक्षी' to describe how animals like monkeys or stray dogs adapt their diets to survive in cities.

समाचार: शहर में बढ़ते सर्वभक्षी बंदरों का आतंक। (News: The terror of increasing omnivorous monkeys in the city.)

Literary Hindi and philosophical texts also occasionally employ the word. A poet might describe 'time' as 'सर्वभक्षी समय' (all-devouring time), suggesting that time consumes everything—kings, empires, and commoners alike. This metaphorical use elevates the word from a biological label to a powerful literary image. However, for a learner, the most practical encounters will remain in scientific and informative content.

Documentaries and Podcasts: Science podcasts in Hindi often discuss the evolution of 'सर्वभक्षी' species and how their varied diet helped them survive ice ages and climate shifts.

वृत्तचित्र में दिखाया गया कि कैसे एक सर्वभक्षी जीव भोजन की तलाश करता है। (The documentary showed how an omnivorous organism searches for food.)

विज्ञान पत्रिका के अनुसार, सर्वभक्षी होना एक विकासवादी लाभ है। (According to the science magazine, being omnivorous is an evolutionary advantage.)

क्या आपने कभी किसी सर्वभक्षी पौधे के बारे में सुना है? (Have you ever heard of an omnivorous plant? - *Note: Scientific curiosity*)

In conclusion, 'सर्वभक्षी' is a word of the intellect. It is found where knowledge is shared, where nature is studied, and where the complexities of the biological world are explained. For a Hindi learner, hearing this word is a sign that they have moved into the realm of 'Shuddh' (pure/formal) Hindi.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'सर्वभक्षी' is confusing it with other 'Sarva-' prefixed words. Because 'Sarva' means 'all', Hindi has a plethora of words starting with it, and it is easy to swap 'सर्वभक्षी' with 'सर्वव्यापी' (omnipresent) or 'सर्वशक्तिमान' (omnipotent). While they sound similar, their meanings are worlds apart. Imagine trying to say a bear is 'omnivorous' but accidentally calling it 'omnipresent'—it would certainly change the meaning of your sentence!

Confusion with 'Sarvahari': While 'Sarvahari' and 'Sarvabhakshi' are synonyms, using 'Sarvabhakshi' in a casual conversation about a friend's diet can sound overly dramatic or clinical. It's like using 'omnivorous mammal' to describe a person at a dinner party.

गलत: वह सर्वभक्षी है इसलिए वह सब जगह रहता है। (Wrong: He is omnivorous, so he lives everywhere. - Confused with Sarvavyapi)

Another common error is the mispronunciation of the 'ksh' (क्ष) sound. In many North Indian dialects, 'ksh' is sometimes pronounced as 'ch' or 'kh', leading to 'Sarvabhakhi'. While understood, this is technically incorrect in standard Hindi. Learners should practice the conjunct consonant 'ksh' to ensure they sound articulate. Additionally, some learners forget the 'ī' at the end, saying 'Sarvabhaksh', which turns the adjective into a more abstract root form that isn't typically used in modern sentences.

सही उच्चारण: सर्व-भक्षी (Correct Pronunciation: Sar-va-bhak-shī)

There is also the mistake of applying the word to inanimate objects inappropriately. While 'सर्वभक्षी अग्नि' is a literary metaphor, calling a 'सर्वभक्षी मशीन' (all-consuming machine) might sound strange unless you are writing science fiction. Stick to biological organisms until you are comfortable with the nuances of Hindi metaphors. Furthermore, don't confuse 'Bhakshi' with 'Bhakshak' (destroyer/devourer). A 'Bhakshak' is someone who destroys, whereas a 'Bhakshi' is simply one who eats.

Bhakshi vs. Bhakshak: 'Bhakshi' is neutral (eater), but 'Bhakshak' is often negative (predator/destroyer). Saying 'Sher sarvabhakshak hai' implies the lion is a destroyer of all, which is a different nuance.

गलत: क्या आप सर्वभक्षी हैं? (Asking a person at a party: 'Are you omnivorous?' - Too formal/weird.)

सही: क्या आप शाकाहारी हैं या मांसाहारी? (Correct: Are you vegetarian or non-vegetarian?)

सावधानी: सर्वभक्षी और 'सर्वाहारी' के बीच चयन करते समय संदर्भ का ध्यान रखें। (Caution: Keep the context in mind when choosing between Sarvabhakshi and Sarvahari.)

Lastly, ensure you don't use 'सर्वभक्षी' when you mean 'बहुभक्षी' (one who eats a lot/gluttonous). 'Sarva' means 'all kinds', not 'all quantities'. A person who eats a lot of food is a 'petu' or 'bhukkad', not a 'sarvabhakshi'. Keeping these distinctions in mind will prevent embarrassing linguistic slip-ups.

To truly master 'सर्वभक्षी', you must understand its neighbors in the Hindi vocabulary. Hindi has a very systematic way of naming dietary habits, mostly using the suffixes '-ahari' or '-bhakshi'. Knowing these alternatives allows you to be more precise and provides a safety net if you forget the exact word. The most direct alternative is 'सर्वाहारी' (Sarvāhārī). While 'Sarvabhakshi' is Sanskrit-heavy and academic, 'Sarvahari' is slightly more common in general educational contexts and is easier for many to pronounce.

Sarvabhakshi vs. Sarvahari: 'Sarvabhakshi' (Omnivorous - Scientific) vs. 'Sarvahari' (Omnivore - General). Use the former for biology papers and the latter for general knowledge.

Other related terms include 'शाकाहारी' (Shākāhārī - Vegetarian) and 'मांसाहारी' (Māmsāhārī - Carnivorous/Non-vegetarian). These are the pillars of dietary description in Hindi. If you want to describe an animal that only eats insects, you would use 'कीटभक्षी' (Kīṭbhakshī - Insectivorous), which uses the same '-bhakshi' suffix. For a man-eater, the term is 'नरभक्षी' (Narbhakshī). Notice how the suffix remains constant while the prefix changes to indicate the 'what' of the eating.

तुलना: गाय शाकाहारी है, शेर मांसाहारी है, और सुअर सर्वभक्षी है। (Comparison: The cow is vegetarian, the lion is carnivorous, and the pig is omnivorous.)

In literary or poetic Hindi, you might encounter 'सर्वग्रासी' (Sarvagrāsī). This word also means 'all-consuming' or 'all-devouring', but it is used more for abstract concepts like a 'Sarvagrasi Grahana' (total eclipse) or 'Sarvagrasi bhay' (all-consuming fear). It is much more dramatic than 'सर्वभक्षी'. If you are describing a person who isn't picky about food and eats anything given to them, you might informally call them 'सब-खाऊ' (Sab-khāū), but this is very colloquial and should be avoided in formal writing.

Scientific Precision: For specific diets: 'फलभक्षी' (Phalbhakshi - Frugivore) or 'तृणभक्षी' (Trinbhakshi - Herbivore). 'Sarvabhakshi' is the umbrella term for those who do it all.

पर्यायवाची: सर्वभक्षी = सर्वाहारी = सब कुछ खाने वाला। (Synonyms: Sarvabhakshi = Sarvahari = One who eats everything.)

विपरीतार्थक: सर्वभक्षी vs. विशिष्ट आहारी (Omnivore vs. Specialist feeder).

उदाहरण: कौआ एक चतुर सर्वभक्षी पक्षी है। (Example: The crow is a clever omnivorous bird.)

Understanding these distinctions not only improves your Hindi but also your ability to categorize the world around you in a new language. Whether you choose the formal 'सर्वभक्षी' or the slightly more common 'सर्वाहारी', you are now equipped to describe the complex dietary nature of the world's most adaptable creatures.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'bhaksh' is also related to the word 'bhakti' (devotion) in a very distant sense of 'sharing' or 'partaking', though they have diverged significantly in meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sərvəˈbʱəkʃiː/

US /sərvəˈbəkʃi/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the third syllable 'bhak'.

Rhymes With

साक्षी (Sakshi) पक्षी (Pakshi) भक्षी (Bhakshi) काक्षी (Kakshi) दक्ष (Dakshi - non-standard) अक्षी (Akshi) कुक्षी (Kukshi) मक्षी (Makshi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ksh' as 'kh' (Sarvabhakhi).
Dropping the final 'i' sound (Sarvabhaksh).
Pronouncing 'v' as a hard 'w' (Serwabhakshi).
Missing the aspiration on 'bh' (Sarvabakshi).
Confusing the 'r' placement (Savrabhakshi).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Requires knowledge of conjunct consonants like 'ksh'.

Writing 8/5

Spelling 'ksh' (क्ष) and 'bh' (भ) correctly can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 7/5

Pronouncing the 'ksh' sound clearly takes practice.

Listening 6/5

Easy to recognize due to the clear 'Sarva' prefix.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

खाना जानवर सब मांस फल

Learn Next

पारिस्थितिकी उपभोक्ता उत्पादक खाद्य श्रृंखला अनुकूलन

Advanced

सर्वव्यापी सर्वशक्तिमान सर्वज्ञ सर्वहारा सर्वसम्मति

Grammar to Know

Sanskrit Prefixes

'Sarva' meaning 'all' is used in Sarvavyapi, Sarvashaktiman, etc.

Sanskrit Suffixes

'-bhakshi' meaning 'eater' is used in Narbhakshi, Kitbhakshi.

Adjective Agreement

Sarvabhakshi remains unchanged for masculine and feminine nouns.

Conjunct Consonants

The letter 'क्ष' (ksh) is a combination of 'क' and 'ष'.

Formal Register

Using Sanskrit-derived words (Tatsam) to elevate the formality of speech.

Examples by Level

भालू एक सर्वभक्षी जानवर है।

The bear is an omnivorous animal.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Noun structure.

क्या तुम सर्वभक्षी हो?

Are you omnivorous?

Question form using 'kya'.

कौआ सर्वभक्षी पक्षी है।

The crow is an omnivorous bird.

Noun-adjective agreement.

चूहा सर्वभक्षी होता है।

The rat is (usually) omnivorous.

Use of 'hota hai' for general truths.

यह जानवर सर्वभक्षी है।

This animal is omnivorous.

Demonstrative pronoun 'Yeh'.

सर्वभक्षी जीव सब कुछ खाते हैं।

Omnivorous creatures eat everything.

Plural subject and verb.

बंदर सर्वभक्षी होते हैं।

Monkeys are omnivorous.

General statement about a species.

कुत्ता भी सर्वभक्षी हो सकता है।

A dog can also be omnivorous.

Use of 'bhi' (also) and 'ho sakta hai' (can be).

जंगल में कई सर्वभक्षी प्राणी रहते हैं।

Many omnivorous creatures live in the forest.

Use of 'kai' (many) and 'rehte hain' (live).

सर्वभक्षी जानवर मांस और घास दोनों खाते हैं।

Omnivorous animals eat both meat and grass.

Use of 'aur...donon' (both...and).

मनुष्य को सर्वभक्षी माना जाता है।

Humans are considered omnivorous.

Passive construction 'mana jata hai'.

क्या सभी भालू सर्वभक्षी होते हैं?

Are all bears omnivorous?

Interrogative with 'sabhi' (all).

सुअर एक प्रसिद्ध सर्वभक्षी जीव है।

The pig is a famous omnivorous organism.

Use of the adjective 'prasiddh' (famous).

सर्वभक्षी होने के कारण वे कहीं भी रह सकते हैं।

Because of being omnivorous, they can live anywhere.

Reasoning clause 'ke karan' (because of).

चिड़ियाघर में सर्वभक्षी जानवरों को अलग भोजन दिया जाता है।

In the zoo, omnivorous animals are given different food.

Locative case 'zoo mein'.

बिल्ली पूरी तरह से सर्वभक्षी नहीं होती।

A cat is not completely omnivorous.

Adverbial use of 'poori tarah se' (completely).

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में सर्वभक्षी जीवों का स्थान बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।

The place of omnivorous organisms in the ecosystem is very important.

Genitive case 'jeevon ka' (of organisms).

वैज्ञानिक सर्वभक्षी प्राणियों के दांतों की संरचना का अध्ययन करते हैं।

Scientists study the tooth structure of omnivorous creatures.

Complex noun phrases.

सर्वभक्षी जीव भोजन की कमी होने पर भी जीवित रह सकते हैं।

Omnivorous organisms can survive even when there is a food shortage.

Concessive clause 'hone par bhi'.

विकासवाद के अनुसार, सर्वभक्षी होना एक बड़ा फायदा है।

According to evolution, being omnivorous is a big advantage.

Use of 'anusar' (according to).

कुछ लोग सर्वभक्षी शब्द की जगह सर्वाहारी का प्रयोग करते हैं।

Some people use 'sarvahari' instead of the word 'sarvabhakshi'.

Use of 'ki jagah' (instead of).

सर्वभक्षी पशुओं को पालना आसान होता है क्योंकि वे कुछ भी खा लेते हैं।

It is easy to raise omnivorous animals because they eat anything.

Causal link 'kyonki' (because).

क्या आप बता सकते हैं कि कौन से पक्षी सर्वभक्षी हैं?

Can you tell which birds are omnivorous?

Indirect question with 'ki'.

शहरों में कूड़ा-कचरा खाने वाले जानवर अक्सर सर्वभक्षी बन जाते हैं।

Animals that eat trash in cities often become omnivorous.

Relative clause 'khane wale'.

सर्वभक्षी जीवों की आहार विविधता उन्हें प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में जीवित रहने में मदद करती है।

The dietary diversity of omnivorous organisms helps them survive in adverse conditions.

Formal vocabulary like 'pratikul' (adverse).

जीव विज्ञान की पाठ्यपुस्तकों में सर्वभक्षी शब्द का व्यापक प्रयोग मिलता है।

The word 'sarvabhakshi' is widely used in biology textbooks.

Use of 'vyapak' (wide/extensive).

मनुष्य की सर्वभक्षी प्रकृति ने ही उसे दुनिया के हर कोने में बसने के योग्य बनाया।

It was man's omnivorous nature that made him capable of settling in every corner of the world.

Emphatic 'hi' and 'yogya' (capable).

सर्वभक्षी होने के बावजूद, कुछ जानवर केवल विशेष प्रकार का मांस ही पसंद करते हैं।

Despite being omnivorous, some animals prefer only specific types of meat.

Contrastive 'ke bawajood' (despite).

खाद्य श्रृंखला में सर्वभक्षी जीव अक्सर द्वितीयक या तृतीयक उपभोक्ता होते हैं।

In the food chain, omnivorous organisms are often secondary or tertiary consumers.

Technical terms 'dwitiyak' (secondary).

इस शोध पत्र में सर्वभक्षी स्तनधारियों के पाचन तंत्र का विश्लेषण किया गया है।

This research paper analyzes the digestive systems of omnivorous mammals.

Passive voice 'vishleshan kiya gaya hai'.

सर्वभक्षी जीवों का पारिस्थितिक प्रभाव उनके आहार के चयन पर निर्भर करता है।

The ecological impact of omnivorous organisms depends on their choice of diet.

Abstract noun 'prabhav' (impact).

क्या सर्वभक्षी होना एक अनुवांशिक गुण है या एक अनुकूलन?

Is being omnivorous a genetic trait or an adaptation?

Alternative question 'ya' (or).

लेखक ने समय को एक सर्वभक्षी दानव के रूप में चित्रित किया है जो सब कुछ निगल जाता है।

The author has portrayed time as an omnivorous demon that swallows everything.

Metaphorical usage in literature.

सर्वभक्षी प्रजातियों के लचीलेपन ने उन्हें छठे सामूहिक विलोपन के दौरान एक सुरक्षा कवच प्रदान किया है।

The flexibility of omnivorous species has provided them a protective shield during the sixth mass extinction.

High-level scientific discourse.

पूंजीवाद की सर्वभक्षी प्रकृति अक्सर स्थानीय संस्कृतियों और परंपराओं को नष्ट कर देती है।

The all-consuming nature of capitalism often destroys local cultures and traditions.

Sociopolitical metaphorical use.

सर्वभक्षी जीवों में पोषण संबंधी अंतःक्रियाओं की जटिलता को समझना एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Understanding the complexity of nutritional interactions in omnivorous organisms is a major challenge.

Nominalization of verbs.

दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण से, क्या मनुष्य का सर्वभक्षी होना उसकी हिंसात्मक प्रवृत्ति का परिचायक है?

From a philosophical perspective, is man's being omnivorous an indicator of his violent tendencies?

Philosophical inquiry.

सर्वभक्षी व्यवहार के विकासवादी लाभों ने होमिनिड्स को उनके प्रतिस्पर्धियों पर बढ़त दिलाई।

The evolutionary benefits of omnivorous behavior gave hominids an edge over their competitors.

Advanced evolutionary terminology.

पर्यावरण में होने वाले सूक्ष्म परिवर्तनों का सर्वभक्षी जीवों की प्रजनन क्षमता पर गहरा प्रभाव पड़ता है।

Subtle changes in the environment have a profound impact on the reproductive capacity of omnivorous organisms.

Use of 'sukshm' (subtle/micro).

उनकी सर्वभक्षी जिज्ञासा ने उन्हें विज्ञान और कला दोनों के क्षेत्रों में महारत हासिल करने में मदद की।

His all-consuming curiosity helped him achieve mastery in both the fields of science and art.

Abstract metaphorical adjective.

संस्कृत वाङ्मय में 'सर्वभक्षी' शब्द का प्रयोग प्रायः अग्नि के विशेषण के रूप में मिलता है, जो शुद्धता और विनाश का प्रतीक है।

In Sanskrit literature, the word 'sarvabhakshi' is often found as an adjective for fire, symbolizing purity and destruction.

Historical and linguistic analysis.

पारिस्थितिकीय आला (ecological niche) के भीतर सर्वभक्षी जीवों की गतिकी आहार जाल की स्थिरता को निर्धारित करने वाला एक मुख्य कारक है।

The dynamics of omnivorous organisms within the ecological niche is a key factor determining the stability of the food web.

Academic jargon 'gatiki' (dynamics).

क्या सर्वभक्षी होना मात्र एक उत्तरजीविता रणनीति है या यह चेतना के विकास का एक अनिवार्य सोपान है?

Is being omnivorous merely a survival strategy or is it an essential step in the evolution of consciousness?

Abstract philosophical questioning.

भूमंडलीकरण की सर्वभक्षी लहर ने भाषाई विविधता के समक्ष एक अस्तित्वगत संकट उत्पन्न कर दिया है।

The all-consuming wave of globalization has created an existential crisis for linguistic diversity.

Sophisticated sociolinguistic metaphor.

सर्वभक्षी जीवों के चयापचय संबंधी लचीलेपन का आणविक स्तर पर विश्लेषण करने से नई जैविक अंतर्दृष्टि प्राप्त हुई है।

Analyzing the metabolic flexibility of omnivorous organisms at the molecular level has yielded new biological insights.

High-level scientific reporting.

मध्यकालीन काव्यों में काल (समय) को सर्वभक्षी कहकर उसकी अजेयता और निर्दयता को रेखांकित किया गया है।

In medieval poetry, time is called 'sarvabhakshi' to highlight its invincibility and ruthlessness.

Literary criticism.

सर्वभक्षी जीवों के आहार व्यवहार में आने वाले विचलन पारिस्थितिक तंत्र के असंतुलन के प्रारंभिक संकेतक हो सकते हैं।

Deviations in the dietary behavior of omnivorous organisms can be early indicators of ecosystem imbalance.

Complex conditional predictive statement.

मानव सभ्यता के विकास में सर्वभक्षी प्रवृत्ति के योगदान को नकारना ऐतिहासिक यथार्थवाद की अनदेखी करना होगा।

To deny the contribution of the omnivorous tendency in the development of human civilization would be to ignore historical realism.

Double negative / sophisticated argumentative structure.

Common Collocations

सर्वभक्षी प्राणी

सर्वभक्षी जीव

सर्वभक्षी स्वभाव

सर्वभक्षी आहार

सर्वभक्षी पक्षी

सर्वभक्षी प्रजाति

सर्वभक्षी अग्नि

सर्वभक्षी जिज्ञासा

सर्वभक्षी जानवर

शुद्ध सर्वभक्षी

Common Phrases

प्रकृति से सर्वभक्षी

— Omnivorous by nature. Used to describe innate biological traits.

इंसान प्रकृति से सर्वभक्षी है।

सर्वभक्षी होने का लाभ

— The advantage of being omnivorous. Discussed in evolutionary contexts.

सर्वभक्षी होने का लाभ यह है कि भोजन आसानी से मिल जाता है।

एक सर्वभक्षी की तरह

— Like an omnivore. Often used metaphorically for someone who consumes everything.

वह एक सर्वभक्षी की तरह किताबें पढ़ता है।

विशुद्ध सर्वभक्षी

— Purely omnivorous. Used for species that strictly follow a mixed diet.

यह प्रजाति विशुद्ध सर्वभक्षी है।

सर्वभक्षी जीवों का वर्गीकरण

— Classification of omnivorous organisms. A common heading in textbooks.

आज हम सर्वभक्षी जीवों का वर्गीकरण पढ़ेंगे।

सर्वभक्षी और मांसाहारी के बीच

— Between omnivorous and carnivorous. Used in comparisons.

सर्वभक्षी और मांसाहारी के बीच का अंतर स्पष्ट करें।

कठिन परिस्थितियों में सर्वभक्षी

— Omnivorous in difficult situations. Describing adaptation.

कठिन परिस्थितियों में कई जानवर सर्वभक्षी बन जाते हैं।

सर्वभक्षी होने की क्षमता

— The ability to be omnivorous. Refers to physiological capability.

सर्वभक्षी होने की क्षमता विकास के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

सर्वभक्षी जीव जगत

— The world of omnivorous organisms.

सर्वभक्षी जीव जगत बहुत ही रोचक है।

सर्वभक्षी प्रवृत्तियाँ

— Omnivorous tendencies. Can be used for animals or metaphorically for humans.

उसकी सर्वभक्षी प्रवृत्तियों ने उसे हर क्षेत्र में सफल बनाया।

Often Confused With

सर्वभक्षी vs सर्वव्यापी

Means 'omnipresent' (present everywhere). Don't use it to describe diet.

सर्वभक्षी vs सर्वशक्तिमान

Means 'omnipotent' (all-powerful). Usually used for God.

सर्वभक्षी vs सर्वाहारी

A synonym, but 'Sarvabhakshi' is more formal/scientific.

Idioms & Expressions

"सब कुछ हजम कर जाना"

— To digest/consume everything. Related to the idea of being sarvabhakshi.

वह इतना लालची है कि सब कुछ हजम कर गया।

Informal

"पेटू होना"

— To be a glutton. A person who acts like a 'sarvabhakshi' but in a greedy way.

वह तो बड़ा पेटू है।

Informal

"आंखें सब कुछ खा जाना"

— To devour everything with one's eyes. Metaphorical consumption.

उसकी आंखें जैसे सब कुछ खा जाना चाहती थीं।

Literary

"भस्मासुर की तरह"

— Like Bhasmasura (a demon who destroyed everything he touched). Relates to all-consuming nature.

यह प्रदूषण भस्मासुर की तरह सर्वभक्षी होता जा रहा है।

Cultural

"कण-कण का भक्षण"

— Consuming every particle. Extreme level of consumption.

अग्नि ने कण-कण का भक्षण कर लिया।

Formal

"सब धान बाईस पसेरी"

— Treating everything as equal (usually in a bad way). Related to not distinguishing between 'foods'.

उसके लिए तो सब धान बाईस पसेरी है।

Colloquial

"मगरमच्छ की तरह निगलना"

— To swallow like a crocodile. Implies large-scale consumption.

बड़ी कंपनियां छोटी कंपनियों को मगरमच्छ की तरह निगल रही हैं।

Informal

"भूख का अंत न होना"

— Never-ending hunger. A trait of a metaphorical sarvabhakshi.

उसकी लालच की भूख का कोई अंत नहीं है।

Neutral

"सबका आहार"

— Everyone's diet. A simple way to refer to universal consumption.

यह फल सबका आहार है।

Neutral

"अग्नि-मुख होना"

— To have a mouth like fire (devouring all).

काल अग्नि-मुख होकर सबको निगल जाता है।

Archaic

Easily Confused

सर्वभक्षी vs नरभक्षी

Both end in '-bhakshi'.

'Nar' means man, 'Sarva' means all. Narbhakshi is a cannibal/man-eater; Sarvabhakshi is an omnivore.

शेर कभी-कभी नरभक्षी बन जाता है, लेकिन भालू सर्वभक्षी है।

सर्वभक्षी vs कीटभक्षी

Shared suffix.

'Kit' means insect. Kitbhakshi is insectivorous.

मेंढक कीटभक्षी है।

सर्वभक्षी vs सर्वग्रासी

Similar meaning of 'all-consuming'.

Sarvagrasi is more literary/abstract; Sarvabhakshi is biological.

समय सर्वग्रासी है।

सर्वभक्षी vs बहुभक्षी

Both imply eating a lot/variety.

Bahubhakshi means eating many things or gluttonous; Sarvabhakshi is a specific biological category.

वह एक बहुभक्षी छात्र है।

सर्वभक्षी vs भक्षक

Related root.

Bhakshak is a 'devourer/destroyer' (noun); Bhakshi is an 'eater' (adjective/noun).

रक्षक ही भक्षक बन गया।

Sentence Patterns

X एक सर्वभक्षी है।

भालू एक सर्वभक्षी है।

X और Y सर्वभक्षी होते हैं।

चूहे और कौवे सर्वभक्षी होते हैं।

X सर्वभक्षी होने के कारण Z खाता है।

भालू सर्वभक्षी होने के कारण मछली भी खाता है।

क्या X एक सर्वभक्षी जीव है?

क्या कुत्ता एक सर्वभक्षी जीव है?

वैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि X सर्वभक्षी है।

वैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि मनुष्य सर्वभक्षी है।

X की सर्वभक्षी प्रकृति उसे Y में मदद करती है।

भालू की सर्वभक्षी प्रकृति उसे जीवित रहने में मदद करती है।

X का सर्वभक्षी होना एक Y लाभ है।

मनुष्य का सर्वभक्षी होना एक विकासवादी लाभ है।

X के सर्वभक्षी व्यवहार का विश्लेषण Z को दर्शाता है।

जीवों के सर्वभक्षी व्यवहार का विश्लेषण उनकी अनुकूलन क्षमता को दर्शाता है।

Word Family

Nouns

भक्षण (Bhakshan - Consumption)

भक्षक (Bhakshak - Devourer)

भक्ष्य (Bhakshya - Edible)

Verbs

भक्षण करना (Bhakshan karna - To consume/devour)

Adjectives

सर्वभक्षी (Sarvabhakshi - Omnivorous)

भक्षणीय (Bhakshaniya - Fit for consumption)

सर्वाहारी

शाकाहारी

मांसाहारी

नरभक्षी

कीटभक्षी

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic/scientific Hindi; rare in daily household talk.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Sarvabhakshi' for a person at a dinner party. → Use 'Non-vegetarian' or 'Mansahari'.
'Sarvabhakshi' sounds like you are describing a biological specimen, which can be awkward or rude.
Pronouncing it as 'Sarvabhakhi'. → Sarvabhakshi (with the 'sh' sound).
The 'ksh' sound is a distinct conjunct; replacing it with 'kh' is a regional dialect feature, not standard Hindi.
Confusing 'Sarvabhakshi' with 'Sarvavyapi'. → Sarvabhakshi = Omnivore; Sarvavyapi = Omnipresent.
Both start with 'Sarva', but their roots 'bhaksh' (eat) and 'vyap' (spread) are different.
Writing 'सर्वभक्षी' as 'सर्वभक्षीं'. → सर्वभक्षी
There is no nasal 'n' sound at the end of this word in standard Hindi.
Using 'Sarvabhakshi' for a glutton. → Use 'Petu' or 'Bhukkad'.
'Sarvabhakshi' refers to the *kind* of food eaten, not the *amount*.

Tips

Suffix Power

Learn the suffix '-bhakshi'. Once you know it means 'eater', you can understand many words like Narbhakshi (man-eater) and Kitbhakshi (insect-eater).

Formal vs Informal

Always choose 'Sarvabhakshi' for formal writing and 'Sarvahari' for speaking with friends or children.

The 'Ksh' Sound

Don't turn 'ksh' into 'kh'. 'Sarvabhakhi' is a common regional error. Keep it 'Sarvabhakshi' for standard Hindi.

Biology Focus

This word is a key vocabulary item for the EVS (Environmental Science) subject in Indian schools.

Prefix 'Sarva'

Connect 'Sarva' to 'Universal'. Anything starting with 'Sarva' usually applies to everything.

Spelling Check

The 'bh' in 'bhakshi' is 'भ', not 'ब'. Make sure to aspirate the sound.

Dietary Sensitivity

Remember that diet is a sensitive topic in India. Use scientific terms like 'Sarvabhakshi' only in appropriate contexts.

Documentary Practice

Watch Hindi-dubbed nature documentaries. They are the best place to hear this word in use.

Textbook Search

Look for the chapter 'खाद्य श्रृंखला' (Food Chain) in any Hindi science book to see this word in its natural habitat.

Sentence Building

Practice saying 'Manushya ek sarvabhakshi prani hai' until it feels natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SARVA' as 'Server' (who serves everything) and 'BHAKSHI' as 'Back-shee' (eating behind the scenes). A 'Server' who eats everything 'Back-shee' is a Sarvabhakshi!

Visual Association

Imagine a bear holding a head of lettuce in one paw and a salmon in the other. Write the word 'सर्वभक्षी' across its chest.

Word Web

Sarva (All) Bhaksh (Eat) Omnivore Biology Bear Human Crow Ecosystem

Challenge

Try to list five animals that are 'सर्वभक्षी' and write a sentence for each using the word. Then, find a science article in Hindi and count how many times '-bhakshi' appear.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit. 'Sarva' means 'all' or 'every', and 'Bhakshi' comes from the root 'bhaksh' meaning 'to eat' or 'to consume'.

Original meaning: One who eats everything without distinction.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

Avoid calling a person 'Sarvabhakshi' to their face; use 'Non-vegetarian' or 'Mansahari' instead.

English speakers use 'omnivore' casually. In Hindi, 'Sarvabhakshi' is more formal than 'omnivore'.

NCERT Biology Textbooks National Geographic Hindi Discovery Channel India

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Biology Class

यह जीव सर्वभक्षी है।
आहार श्रृंखला
पोषण
वर्गीकरण

Nature Documentary

जंगली जीवन
शिकार
भोजन की तलाश
सर्वभक्षी प्रजाति

Academic Writing

विश्लेषण
प्रकृति
अनुकूलन
पारिस्थितिक तंत्र

Zoos

जानवरों का आहार
भोजन का समय
सर्वभक्षी विभाग
सावधानी

Environmental Discussion

जैव विविधता
अस्तित्व
संसाधन
सर्वभक्षी जीव

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि भविष्य में सभी जानवर सर्वभक्षी बन जाएंगे?"

"आपके पसंदीदा सर्वभक्षी जानवर कौन से हैं?"

"क्या मनुष्य वास्तव में एक सर्वभक्षी प्राणी है या उसे शाकाहारी होना चाहिए?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी सर्वभक्षी पक्षी को शिकार करते देखा है?"

"विज्ञान के अनुसार सर्वभक्षी होने के क्या फायदे हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने सर्वभक्षी जीवों के बारे में पढ़ा। मुझे यह जानकर आश्चर्य हुआ कि...

यदि मैं एक सर्वभक्षी प्राणी होता, तो मेरा पसंदीदा भोजन क्या होता?

मेरे आसपास कौन-कौन से सर्वभक्षी जीव रहते हैं? (जैसे कौआ, कुत्ता, आदि)

सर्वभक्षी होने और शाकाहारी होने के बीच के अंतर पर अपने विचार लिखें।

क्या आपको लगता है कि शहरों में रहने वाले जानवर अधिक सर्वभक्षी होते जा रहे हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both mean 'omnivore'. 'Sarvahari' is more commonly used in general conversation and schools, while 'Sarvabhakshi' is more formal, scientific, and Sanskrit-derived. In a biology exam, 'Sarvabhakshi' sounds more professional.

Technically yes, but it sounds very clinical or scientific. In social settings, it's better to use 'Non-vegetarian' or 'Mansahari' if they eat meat, or just say 'Sab kuch khane wala' (one who eats everything).

Yes, 'Sarva' is a Sanskrit prefix meaning 'all', 'every', or 'universal'. You see it in words like Sarvavyapi (omnipresent) and Sarvashaktiman (omnipotent).

It is a conjunct consonant 'क्ष'. It sounds like the 'x' in 'taxi' but with a bit more breath. Try saying 'sh' immediately after a soft 'k'.

Yes, in biological terms, humans are classified as 'Sarvabhakshi' because our digestive system is designed to process both plant and animal matter.

It is primarily an adjective (e.g., सर्वभक्षी जीव), but it can also function as a noun meaning 'an omnivore'.

There isn't one single opposite, but 'Shakahari' (Vegetarian) and 'Maansahari' (Carnivore) are its counterparts on the dietary spectrum.

Agni (the Fire God) is called 'Sarvabhakshi' because fire has the power to consume everything that is put into it, regardless of its nature or origin.

It appears in news related to wildlife, environment, and science. You won't hear it in political or sports news often.

Generally no, plants are 'Swa-poshi' (autotrophs), but some carnivorous plants are 'Kitbhakshi' (insectivorous). 'Sarvabhakshi' plants are mostly a concept of science fiction.