छान
chān/t͡ɕʰan/
The English word 'nice' can be translated into Marathi as छान (chān).
छान is an adjective used to describe things that are attractive or friendly.
Meaning: attractive, friendly (adj)
Which one should you use?
While छान is the standard term, you can use खूप छान to mean 'very nice'. In more formal contexts, the word सुंदर (Sundar) is often used to mean 'beautiful', though it can also express that something is nice. In casual, informal settings, the word मस्त (Mast) is commonly used to describe something as nice or great.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a colloquial or informal way, when modifying a masculine or neuter singular noun, you may see the form छानसा (chānsā) used to mean 'somewhat nice' or 'a bit nice'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is chān. The first sound is like the [ch] in the English word 'beachead' and the final sound is like the [n] in 'not'.
Did you know?
- The word छान actually originates from the Arabic word شَأْن (šaʔn).
- The word मस्त (Mast), used colloquially for 'nice' or 'great', is a loanword from Persian that originally described a state of intoxication or ecstasy.
- In Marathi, छान can be used as a sarcastic response to a mistake, functioning similarly to how an English speaker might say 'Great job' when something goes wrong.
Examples in context
- तू खूप छान दिसतोस.You look very nice.This sentence shows how to use छान to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #8515705 by sabretou, translation #3330999 by CK
- मी तिच्याबरोबर छानशा गप्पा मारल्या.I had a nice chat with her.This sentence uses छान to describe a chat.Tatoeba #5239428 by sabretou, translation #261109 by CK
- दररोज व्यायाम करण्याचा तुझा संकल्प खूप छान आहे.Your resolution to exercise every day is very nice.This sentence uses छान to describe a person's resolution.Tatoeba #6929326 by vishalgade18, translation #6929882 by sabretou
- तुमचे काम छान आहे. (Tumache kām chhan āhe.)Your work is nice.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Priya and Amit are talking about a new cafe.
- प्रिया Priyaअमित, हे नवीन कॅफे छान आहे.Amit, he navin cafe chhaan aahe.Amit, this new cafe is nice.
- अमित Amitहो, इथली कॉफी पण छान आहे.Ho, ithli coffee pan chhaan aahe.Yes, the coffee here is also nice.
- प्रिया Priyaआणि इथले कर्मचारी सुद्धा छान आहेत.Aani ithle karmachaari suddha chhaan aahet.And the staff here are also nice.
- अमित Amitखरंच, खूप छान वातावरण आहे.Kharach, khoop chhaan vaatavaran aahe.Truly, the atmosphere is very nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry छान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries छान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
