स्नान
snān/snɑːn/masculine
The English word bath is translated into Hindi as स्नान (snān).
The noun स्नान refers to the act of bathing. While it is a correct term for a bath, it often carries a connotation of a ritualistic or formal bath, such as those performed in sacred rivers.
Meaning: act of bathing (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word स्नान (snān) is a formal noun, whereas the verb नहाना (nahānā) is much more commonly used in everyday conversation to express the act of bathing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
स्नान (snān) is the formal noun for bath. For a formal way to say 'to take a bath', you can use the phrase स्नान करना (Snaan karna). In contrast, if you want to say 'have a bath' in an informal setting, you would use नहा लो (Naha lo).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun स्नान (snān) as a verb meaning 'to take a bath', it is paired with the auxiliary verb करना (karnā).
How do you pronounce it?
snān (/snɑːn/)
Did you know?
- The word स्नान is closely linked to the concept of spiritual purity, and performing a स्नान in the Ganges river is believed to wash away sins.
- In traditional Hindu practice, a स्नान is not just about cleanliness but is a prerequisite for performing 'puja' or daily prayers.
- The Sanskrit root of स्नान (snān) links it to ancient Vedic traditions of purification through water.
Examples in context
- श्रीया, कृपया नहा लो। (Shreya, kripya naha lo)Shreya, please take a bath.
- बच्चों, आपको स्नान करना है। (Bacchon, aapko snaan karna hai)Kids, you need to take a bath.
- सुबह का स्नान बहुत सुखद है।subah ka snaan bahut sukhad hai.The morning bath is very pleasant.
Example conversation
Pooja and Vikas are getting ready for a wedding.
- पूजा Poojaविकास, क्या आपने स्नान कर लिया?Vikās, kyā āpne snān kar liyā?Vikas, have you taken a bath?
- विकास Vikasनहीं, मैं अभी स्नान करूँगा।Nahīn, main abhi snān karūngā.No, I will take a bath now.
- पूजा Poojaजल्दी कीजिए, हमें देर हो रही है।Jaldī kījīe, hamein der ho rahī hai.Please hurry, we are getting late.
- विकास Vikasठीक है, मैं बस दस मिनट में आता हूँ।Thīk hai, main bas das minute mein ātā hūn.Okay, I'll be back in just ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bath” translations and entries स्नान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries स्नान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
