क़ुतुबनुमा
qutubnumāmasculine
The English word compass is translated into Hindi as क़ुतुबनुमा (qutubnumā). If unsure, use क़ुतुबनुमा. Wiktionary also lists कंपास (kampās) and दिक्सूचक (diksūcak).
Meaning: instrument to determine cardinal directions (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| क़ुतुबनुमा | qutubnumā | masculine |
| कंपास | kampās | |
| दिक्सूचक | diksūcak | masculine |
In Hindi, the term refers to an instrument used to determine cardinal directions, such as उत्तर (north).
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term दिक्सूचक is a combination of dik (direction) and suchak (indicator), meaning 'direction indicator'.
Which one should you use?
While क़ुतुबनुमा is the more common term, दिक्सूचक is a formal, Sanskrit-derived alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word दिक्सूचक is formal, whereas the English loanword कंपास is frequently used in casual speech and technical contexts in modern India.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun क़ुतुबनुमा is masculine and follows standard Hindi noun declension patterns.
How do you pronounce it?
qutubnumā
Did you know?
- The root word क़ुतुब in क़ुतुबनुमा is the same word used for the 'Qutub Minar' in Delhi. While the tower is a monument, the word itself refers to an axis or a pole.
- In a classroom setting in India, a student using कंपास is likely referring to a geometry set containing a drawing compass, while क़ुतुबनुमा is used for navigation.
- The word क़ुतुबनुमा is derived from the Arabic 'qutb' meaning 'pole' and 'numa' meaning 'showing'. This reflects the historical influence of Persian and Arabic on Hindi vocabulary during the Mughal era.
Examples in context
- पुराना क़ुतुबनुमा मेज़ पर रखा है।purana qutubnuma mez par rakha hai.The old compass is on the table.
Example conversation
Vikas and Priya are preparing for a hiking trip.
- विकास Vikasप्रिया, क्या तुमने क़ुतुबनुमा पैक कर लिया?Priya, kya tumne qutubnuma pack kar liya?Priya, did you pack the compass?
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ विकास, वह मेरे बैग में है।Haan Vikas, vah mere bag mein hai.Yes Vikas, it is in my bag.
- विकास Vikasशुक्रिया, हमें रास्ता नहीं भटकना चाहिए।Shukriya, hamein raasta nahi bhatakna chahiye.Thanks, we should not lose our way.
- प्रिया Priyaबिल्कुल, अब हम तैयार हैं।Bilkul, ab hum taiyaar hain.Exactly, now we are ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compass” translations and entries दिक्सूचक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
