अंधेरा
andherā/ən.d̪ʱeː.ɾɑː/
The English word "dark" is translated into Hindi as अंधेरा (andherā).
अंधेरा is used to describe a state of having an absolute or relative lack of light. It functions as both an adjective (dark) and a noun (darkness).
Meaning: having an absolute or relative lack of light (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between अंधेरा and काला. While अंधेरा refers to the absence of light, काला is used specifically to describe the color black.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal conversations, you may use प्रकाशरहित to describe a complete lack of light or complete darkness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
अंधेरा is a masculine noun and adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ən.d̪ʱeː.ɾɑː/. The romanization is andherā.
Did you know?
- The word अंधेरा is derived from the root related to 'blindness' in many Indo-Aryan languages, creating a linguistic link between the inability to see due to lack of light and the inability to see due to physical impairment.
- When describing a 'dark' skin tone, Hindi speakers avoid अंधेरा and instead use सांवला, a word that specifically describes a dusky or wheatish complexion without implying a lack of light.
- In common parlance, if someone says अंधेरा हो गया, they are not just saying 'it became dark' but are often signaling that it is time to head home or end a meeting.
Examples in context
- अंधेरा हो रहा था.It was getting dark.This sentence is useful for describing the state of light levels using अंधेरा.Tatoeba #5146295 by langue, translation #40300 by CK
- रात में अंधेरे में चलना खतरनाक हो सकता है।Walking in the dark at night can be dangerous.
- काली रात में उसे डर लगता है।He gets scared in the dark of the night.
- कमरे में बहुत अंधेरा है।kamre mein bahut andhera hai.It is very dark in the room.
- बाहर अंधेरा होने वाला है।baahar andhera hone vaala hai.It is about to get dark outside.
Example conversation
Priya and Vikas are entering a room without lights.
- प्रिया Priyaयहाँ कितना अंधेरा है!Yahan kitna andhera hai!It is so dark here!
- विकास Vikasहाँ, लाइट कहाँ है?Haan, light kahan hai?Yes, where is the light?
- प्रिया Priyaशायद स्विच वहाँ है।Shayad switch vahan hai.Maybe the switch is over there.
- विकास Vikasरुको, मुझे मिल गया।Ruko, mujhe mil gaya.Wait, I found it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry अंधेरा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
