बहस
bahas/bə.ɦəs/
The English phrase "debate" is translated into Hindi as बहस (bahas).
बहस refers to an argument or a discussion, typically occurring in an ordered or formal setting.
Meaning: argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting (noun)
Which one should you use?
There are different nuances depending on the setting: बहस is the most common term and often implies a heated argument or a verbal dispute. For a structured, academic or parliamentary debate, the term वाद-विवाद is more appropriate. If the interaction is a constructive, neutral discussion rather than a confrontation, use चर्चा.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun बहस as a verb meaning "to debate" or "to argue", you must add the auxiliary verb करना to form बहस करना.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bə.ɦəs/ (bahas). It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing a sudden or heated disagreement that has started, avoid simply saying a debate "started". Instead, use the phrase बहस छिड़ गई, which literally means a debate "broke out".
Did you know?
- When a debate 'breaks out' using छिड़ गई, the verb is the same one used for the starting of a war or the firing of a weapon.
- The word बहस originates from an Arabic root meaning 'quest' or 'examination', traveling through Persian before entering Hindi.
- In a legal context, बहस is the standard term for oral arguments presented by lawyers in an Indian court.
Examples in context
- रात के खाने के दौरान, हमने भारत में सबसे अच्छे यात्रा स्थलों पर एक जीवंत बहस की।During dinner, we had a lively debate about the best travel destinations in India.
- कल कॉलेज में एक बड़ी बहस हुई।Kal college mein ek badi bahas hui.A big debate took place in the college yesterday.
- दोनों पक्षों के बीच लंबी बहस चली।Donon pakshon ke beech lambi bahas chali.A long debate went on between both sides.
Example conversation
Rahul and Anjali are discussing a school event.
- राहुल Rahulअंजलि, क्या तुमने बहस की तैयारी की?Anjali, kya tumne bahas ki taiyari ki?Anjali, did you prepare for the debate?
- अंजलि Anjaliहाँ राहुल, मैंने सब लिख लिया है।Haan Rahul, maine sab likh liya hai.Yes Rahul, I have written everything.
- राहुल Rahulयह बहस काफी कठिन होने वाली है।Yeh bahas kaafi kathin hone wali hai.This debate is going to be quite difficult.
- अंजलि Anjaliलेकिन हम जीत जाएंगे।Lekin hum jeet jayenge.But we will win.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry बहस, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries बहस, CC BY-SA 4.0.
