मतलब
matlab/mət̪.ləb/masculine
In Hindi, 'meaning' is translated as मतलब (matlab). Wiktionary also lists अर्थ (arth).
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| मतलब | matlab | /mət̪.ləb/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| अर्थ | arth | /əɾt̪ʰ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
The word मतलब refers to the definition or connotation of a word. In spoken Hindi, it can also be used to mean 'purpose' or 'intent'.
Which one should you use?
While मतलब is the more common, everyday way to say 'meaning' in spoken Hindi, अर्थ is a more formal or literary term for 'meaning' often used in academic or dictionary contexts. Additionally, Tatparya is a formal term that signifies the essence or import of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
मतलब is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as matlab.
Did you know?
- In many Hindi-speaking social contexts, calling someone 'matlabi' (derived from मतलब) is a common insult meaning 'selfish' or 'someone who only acts for their own interest'.
- The word मतलब is actually a Persian import. It comes from the Arabic root for 'requirement' or 'object', which is why it often carries the sense of 'purpose' or 'interest' in a conversation.
- While अर्थ is the standard word for 'meaning', its Sanskrit ancestor अर्थ is also the root for the word 'economy' in many Indian contexts, as it relates to 'matter' or 'wealth'.
Examples in context
- इस शब्द का मतलब क्या है?What is this word's meaning?This sentence is useful for asking for the meaning of a specific word using मतलब.
- इस वाक्य का मतलब क्या है?What's the meaning of this sentence?Tatoeba #4062952 by sabretou, translation #3718222 by erdeniz
- इस मज़ाक का मतलब क्या है?What is the meaning of this joke?This sentence is useful for asking for the meaning of a joke using मतलब.Tatoeba #10977324 by sabretou, translation #3065330 by serendipity42
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Priya are discussing a poem in a bookstore.
- आदित्य Adityaइस कविता का मतलब क्या है?is kavita ka matlab kya hai?What is the meaning of this poem?
- प्रिया Priyaमुझे भी इसका मतलब समझ नहीं आया।mujhe bhi iska matlab samajh nahi aaya.I didn't understand its meaning either.
- आदित्य Adityaक्या इस शब्द का कोई गहरा मतलब है?kya is shabd ka koi gehra matlab hai?Does this word have a deep meaning?
- प्रिया Priyaशायद, पर यह बहुत मुश्किल है।shayad, par yeh bahut mushkil hai.Maybe, but it is very difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meaning” translations and entries मतलब, अर्थ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अर्थ, मतलब, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
