Definition
Together with someone, or at the same time as something. Used to show company or accompaniment.
Example
वह हमेशा अपने दोस्त के साथ चलता है।
Show translation
He always walks together with his friend.
Etymology
From Sanskrit *sātha* (साथ), meaning "accompaniment" or "company," derived from *saha* (सह), "together with." Cognate with the Sanskrit prefix *sa-* (co-, with), seen in words like *sahayog* (cooperation). The word has remained virtually unchanged from its Sanskrit root through Prakrit and into modern Hindi-Urdu.
Cultural note
साथ carries strong emotional weight in Hindi culture beyond its literal meaning. Phrases like *साथ निभाना* ("to stand by someone through thick and thin") and *साथ देना* ("to support/accompany") are deeply embedded in everyday speech, song lyrics, and proverbs. The word appears in countless Bollywood songs as a symbol of loyalty and togetherness. Note: English speakers may confuse it with the number *सात* (sāt, "seven") — the difference is the aspirated -थ (*th* in *sāth*) versus the dental -त (*t* in *sāt*).