थोड़ा
thoṛā/t̪ʰoː.ɽɑː/
The Hindi word for little is थोड़ा (thoṛā).
थोड़ा is used to mean a small amount or a little bit. It can function as a determiner for a small amount or as an adverb meaning slightly when modifying verbs or adjectives.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
थोड़ा is used for the neutral or positive sense of "a little" or "a bit". In contrast, कम is used to emphasize a negative or comparative sense, meaning "not much" or "less".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes to agree with the noun it modifies. Use थोड़ी when modifying a feminine noun, and use थोड़े when modifying masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as thoṛā (/t̪ʰoː.ɽɑː/).
Did you know?
- The word थोड़ा is an ancient descendant of the Sanskrit word स्तो॒क (stoká), which originally meant 'a drop'.
- While थोड़ा means 'a little', adding the word सा to create थोड़ा सा is a common way to make the request for something sound softer and more polite.
- The sound /ɽ/ in थोड़ा is a retroflex flap, created by flicking the tongue forward against the roof of the mouth.
Examples in context
- मुझे थोड़ा बुखार था।I had a little fever.This sentence shows how to use थोड़ा to describe a small amount of a feeling or condition.Tatoeba #8879547 by simranbansal, translation #8879537 by CK
- मैं थोड़ा पागल हूँ।I'm a little crazy.This sentence demonstrates using थोड़ा as an adverb to modify an adjective.Tatoeba #4163538 by richke, translation #656809 by janmato
- थोड़ा और नमक डाल दोगे?How about adding a little bit more salt?This sentence illustrates using थोड़ा to request a small additional amount of something.Tatoeba #498191 by minshirui, translation #31563 by CK
- थोड़ा पानी चाहिए। (Thoda paani chahiye.)I need a little water.
- मुझे छोटी सी किताब चाहिए। (Mujhe chhoti si kitaab chahiye.)I need a small book.
- थोड़ा सा इंतज़ार कीजिए। (Thoda sa intezaar kijiye.)Please wait for a little bit.
- थोड़ी देर और रुको। (Thodi der aur ruko.)Wait a little longer.
- मुझे थोड़ा-बहुत ठंड लग रही है। (Mujhe thoda-bahut thand lag rahi hai.)I'm feeling a little cold.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Priya are talking about a new puppy.
- आदित्य Adityaदेखो, यह कुत्ता कितना छोटा है!Dekho, yeh kutta kitna chhota hai!Look, how small this dog is!
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ, वह थोड़ा छोटा है, पर प्यारा है।Haan, vah thoda chhota hai, par pyaara hai.Yes, he is a little small, but cute.
- आदित्य Adityaक्या वह बहुत छोटा है?Kya vah bahut chhota hai?Is he very small?
- प्रिया Priyaनहीं, बस थोड़ा सा छोटा है।Nahi, bas thoda sa chhota hai.No, just a little bit small.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry थोड़ा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries थोड़ा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
