महान
mahān/mə.ɦɑːn/
The English word 'great' can be translated into Hindi as महान (mahān).
महान is used to describe lofty, abstract or historical greatness. It is appropriate for describing things of magnificence or high status, rather than using it in a casual, colloquial way to mean 'cool' or 'awesome'.
Meaning: very good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While महान refers to greatness in terms of character, status or historical significance, the word बड़ा (baṛā) is used to describe physical size or seniority.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective महान is invariant. It does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as mahān (/mə.ɦɑːn/). It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Hindi, describing a person as महान often implies they have achieved a state of spiritual or saintly nobility rather than just being successful.
- The word महान is a direct borrowing from the ancient language of Sanskrit.
- Because महान is used for lofty concepts, using it to describe a 'great' sandwich or a 'great' movie would sound accidentally epic or absurd to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- चीन महान देश है।China is a great country.This sentence demonstrates the use of महान to describe a country.Tatoeba #4063573 by sabretou, translation #871701 by ColinG
- “व्यक्ति कर्मों से महान बनता है, जन्म से नहीं।A man is great by deeds, not by birth.This sentence shows how महान describes greatness through actions rather than birth.Tatoeba #2655130 by gauravjiii, translation #2655131 by gauravjiii
- वह एक महान कवि ही नहीं बल्कि एक डॉक्टर भी थे।He was a great poet as well as a doctor.This sentence illustrates using महान to describe a person's professional status as a poet.Tatoeba #498180 by minshirui, translation #293614 by CK
- आपका विचार उत्कृष्ट है।Your idea is great.
- वह एक महान कलाकार है।He is a great artist.
- वह फिल्म बहुत बढ़िया थी।That movie was great.
- तुमने बहुत कमाल कर दिया!You did a great job!
- तुमने बहुत अच्छा किया है।You have done great.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anjali and Amit are discussing a historical leader.
- अंजलि Anjaliअशोक एक महान सम्राट थे।Ashoka ek mahaan samraat the.Ashoka was a great emperor.
- अमित Amitहाँ, उनके विचार बहुत प्रभावशाली थे।Haan, unke vichaar bahut prabhavshaali the.Yes, his thoughts were very influential.
- अंजलि Anjaliउनकी दयालुता उन्हें महान बनाती है।Unki dayaluta unhein mahaan banati hai.Their kindness makes them great.
- अमित Amitमैं आपकी बात से सहमत हूँ।Main aapki baat se sahmat hoon.I agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry महान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries महान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
