एक
ek/eːk/
The Hindi phrase for 'a' is एक (ek).
The word एक is used to mean both the number 'one' and the indefinite article 'a/an'. In many contexts, एक is often omitted when the meaning of 'a' is implied by the context, similar to how English speakers might omit 'a' in certain titles or shorthand. Additionally, the phrase एक वक्त can be used to convey the sense of 'a' when referring to a particular period of time.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word एक serves a dual purpose, functioning as both the number 'one' and the indefinite article 'a/an'.
How do you pronounce it?
एक is pronounced as [ek].
Did you know?
- The word एक traces its lineage back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynosder, making it a distant distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'one'.
- In Hindi, एक is frequently used to start folk tales and fables, functioning like the English phrase 'Once upon a time'.
- Because एक means both 'a' and 'one', it is used in Hindi to express the concept of unity and oneness in philosophical and spiritual contexts.
Examples in context
- मुझे एक अनार दो।Give me a pomegranate.This example shows how to use एक to request a single item.Tatoeba #12395951 by Saumya, translation #11925572 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- चेन एक अध्यापक हैChen is a teacher.This example uses एक to identify someone's profession.Tatoeba #4907650 by yashtib1995, translation #1098205 by cntrational
- शादी एक लॉटरी है।Marriage is a lottery.This example uses एक to describe a concept.Tatoeba #11264942 by PrasantaHembram, translation #238715 by CM
- 538 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amit and Neha are at a cafe and looking at the menu.
- नेहा Nehaक्या तुम एक कॉफी लोगे?Kya tum ek coffee loge?Will you have a coffee?
- अमित Amitहाँ, मुझे एक कॉफी चाहिए।Haan, mujhe ek coffee chahiye.Yes, I want a coffee.
- नेहा Nehaक्या तुम्हें एक बिस्किट भी चाहिए?Kya tumhe ek biscuit bhi chahiye?Do you want a biscuit too?
- अमित Amitनहीं, बस एक कॉफी ही काफी है।Nahin, bas ek coffee hi kaafi hai.No, just a coffee is enough.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry एक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries एक, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
