Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| शरीर | śarīr | /ʃə.ɾiːɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| तन | tan | /t̪ən/ (Hindi, Standard) | |
| देह | deh | /d̪eːɦ/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine, masculine |
| बदन | badan | /bə.d̪ən/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
All provided terms refer to the physical structure of a human or animal.
Which one should you use?
शरीर is the most common, neutral and standard word for 'body' used in both formal and everyday contexts. देह is a more formal or literary term, often found in philosophical, spiritual or poetic contexts. बदन is frequently used in songs, poetry and more casual or romantic descriptions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
शरीर is a neutral term suitable for both formal and everyday use. देह is a formal term. बदन is used in poetic or more casual, romantic settings. For a very informal approach, the English loanword बॉडी is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
शरीर is a masculine noun. बदन is a masculine noun. देह can be used as either a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
śarīr (/ʃə.ɾiːɾ/)
Did you know?
- The word देह shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'dough'. It stems from a root meaning 'to knead' or 'to form', suggesting the body is something shaped or molded.
- Hindi utilizes multiple words for 'body' that come from entirely different language families, including Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic.
Examples in context
- उसके तन पर गुदड़ी तक नहीं है।He has not a rag on his body.This sentence uses तन to describe a person's body.
- तुम्हारा शरीर और आत्मा एक मंदिर है।Your body and soul are a temple.This sentence uses शरीर to describe the body and soul.
- मुझे मेरे शरीर की शरम आती है।I'm ashamed of my body.This sentence uses शरीर to express shame regarding one's body.Tatoeba #3669376 by sabretou, translation #1699190 by Spamster
- उसकी बॉडी शानदार है!His body looks amazing!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul and Neha are talking about health and exercise.
- राहुल Rahulस्वस्थ शरीर के लिए कसरत ज़रूरी है।Svasth sharir ke liye kasrat zaroori hai.Exercise is necessary for a healthy body.
- नेहा Nehaहाँ, मैं रोज़ योगा करती हूँ।Haan, main roz yoga karti hoon.Yes, I do yoga every day.
- राहुल Rahulक्या इससे तुम्हारे शरीर को आराम मिलता है?Kya isse tumhare sharir ko aaraam milta hai?Does this give your body relaxation?
- नेहा Nehaहाँ, मैं बहुत ताज़गी महसूस करती हूँ।Haan, main bahut taazgi mehsoos karti hoon.Yes, I feel very refreshed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “body” translations and entries शरीर, तन, देह, बदन, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries तन, देह, बदन, शरीर, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
