What does lakh mean?
A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to 100,000. It is widely used in South Asia to express large quantities of money, people, or things. For example, a lakh rupees is a common way to express a large amount of money in India. The term is also used to describe large numbers of people, such as a lakh people attending an event. Understanding the term lakh is essential for communicating effectively in South Asian cultures, particularly in business and finance contexts. The use of lakh is an important part of the numerical and cultural heritage of the region.
nounA unit in the Indian numbering system equal to 100,000. It is often used to express large quantities of money or people.
- A unit of 100,000 in the Indian numbering system.
- A large quantity or amount, often used to express numbers in the hundreds of thousands.
"The company has over a lakh employees worldwide."
"The city has a population of over five lakhs."
"The company made a profit of several lakhs last year."
The plural form is used to express multiple units of 100,000.
"The company has over five lakhs of rupees in revenue."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lakh
The word lakh originates from the Sanskrit word 'laksha', which means 'mark' or 'sign'. It has been used in various forms in Indian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali. The term has been adopted into English and is widely used in South Asia and other regions with cultural and economic ties to the subcontinent.
How lakh is actually used
Lakh is commonly used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries. It is often used in informal and formal contexts, including business and finance.