Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| भगवान | bhagvān | /bʱəɡ.ʋɑːn/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| देवता | devtā | /d̪eːʋ.t̪ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| ईश्वर | īśvar | /iːʃ.ʋəɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| परमेश्वर | parmeśvar | /pə.ɾə.meːʃ.ʋəɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) /pəɾ.meːʃ.ʋəɾ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
masculine |
| परमात्मा | parmātmā | /pəɾ.mɑːt̪.mɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) /pə.ɾə.mɑːt̪.mɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
masculine |
| प्रभु | prabhu | /pɾə.bʱuː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| ऊपरवाला | ūparvālā | /uː.pəɾ.ʋɑː.lɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| देव | dev | /d̪eːʋ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| इलाही | ilāhī | /ɪ.lɑː.ɦiː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| ख़ुदा | xudā | /xʊ.d̪ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) /kʰʊ.d̪ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
masculine |
| गाड | gāḍ | masculine | |
| रब | rab | /ɾəb/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
The term for God in Hindi varies depending on the religious context, the level of formality and whether you are referring to a single supreme being or a specific deity. Many forms are used to describe the Supreme Being in monotheistic contexts, such as ईश्वर, परमेश्वर or भगवान, while other terms like देवता are used to refer to individual deities or demigods in polytheistic contexts. Philosophical or spiritual concepts are also expressed through terms like परमात्मा, which refers to the Supreme Soul.
What does it mean word for word?
The philosophical term परमेश्वर is a combination of परम (supreme) and ईश्वर (lord), literally meaning the Supreme Lord. Similarly, परमात्मा combines परम (supreme) and आत्मा (soul) to mean the Supreme Soul.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word often depends on the religious background: भगवान is more common in Hindu contexts, while ख़ुदा is a term for God used in Muslim contexts or in Urdu-influenced Hindi. For a more abstract and formal sense of God, ईश्वर is used, whereas भगवान can feel more personified. If you are referring to a specific deity or demigod rather than the Supreme Being, use देवता. In devotional settings, प्रभु is used to address a deity as "Lord".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hindi offers many registers for this concept. ईश्वर and परमेश्वर are formal terms. प्रभु is a reverential title used as "Lord" in prayers. For a more colloquial or informal feel, you can use ऊपरवाला, which is similar to saying "the one up above" in English or रब, an informal term borrowed from Arabic. The term भगवानजी provides an informal yet respectful way to address God.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The default form भगवान is pronounced /bʱəɡ.ʋɑːn/ (two syllables).
When do people say it?
In devotional contexts, particularly in songs and prayers, the term प्रभु is a very common respectful address for a deity.
Did you know?
- The term भगवान (bhagavān) is actually an adjective in its original Sanskrit form, meaning 'the one who possesses fortune or glory'.
- While many religious terms are heavy with Sanskrit roots, the word रब (rab) is a Persian-influenced loanword often used in Bollywood songs to give a more melodic and emotional feel to the divine.
- While ख़ुदा is specifically associated with Islamic contexts, it is frequently used by Hindi speakers of all faiths in poetry and film to evoke a sense of longing or destiny.
Examples in context
- ख़ुदा मेहरबान तो गधा पहलवान।If God is compassionate, then even a donkey can become a wrestler. (proverb)This sentence uses ख़ुदा in a proverb about compassion.
- वह भगवान से प्रार्थना कर रही थी।She was saying a prayer to God.This sentence shows someone using भगवान to make a prayer.
- भगवान तुम्हें दूध-पूत से सुखी रखे।May God gratify you with wealth and children.This sentence uses भगवान in a traditional blessing or wish.
- आज हम ईश्वर के सन्निधान में प्रार्थना करेंगे।Today, we will pray in the presence of God.
- भगवान करे, आपकी सभी मांगें पूरी हो जाएं।May God fulfill all your wishes.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Vikas and Puja are talking about a difficult time in life.
- विकास Vikasसब ठीक हो जाएगा, भगवान पर भरोसा रखो।Sab theek ho jayega, Bhagwan par bharosa rakho.Everything will be fine, have faith in God.
- पूजा Poojaहाँ, मुझे भगवान की मदद की ज़रूरत है।Haan, mujhe Bhagwan ki madad ki zaroorat hai.Yes, I need God's help.
- विकास Vikasवह तुम्हारी प्रार्थना ज़रूर सुनेंगे।Vah tumhari prarthna zaroor sunenge.He will surely hear your prayer.
- पूजा Poojaउम्मीद है कि ऐसा ही होगा।Ummeed hai ki aisa hi hoga.I hope so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God” translations and entries भगवान, देवता, ईश्वर, परमेश्वर, परमात्मा, प्रभु, ऊपरवाला, देव, इलाही, ख़ुदा, रब, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ईश्वर, देवता, परमेश्वर, भगवान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
