एक
ek/eːk/
The Hindi word for the cardinal number one is एक (ek). It is also spelled इक (ik).
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| एक | ek | /eːk/ (Hindi, Standard) | |
| इक | ik | /ɪk/ (Hindi, Standard) | alternative form |
एक is used to represent the number one. When it functions as a determiner meaning 'a' or 'an', it is placed before the noun. To informally express the meaning of 'only one', you can use the phrases sirf ek or bas ek.
Which one should you use?
इक is an alternative spelling of एक.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The number एक does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
ek
Did you know?
- The Hindi word एक shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'one', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynosder.
- In Indian culture, the number एक is central to the concept of 'Ek Omkar', the belief in one supreme reality or one God.
- While एक means 'one', the phrase एक-एक (repeating the word) is used to mean 'each' or 'every single one' when emphasizing individuals in a group.
Examples in context
- मैं टॉम से एक सवाल पूछना चाहूँगी।I'd just like to ask Tom one question.This sentence shows how to use एक to mean 'one' in the context of a question.Tatoeba #8876356 by simranbansal, translation #1934844 by CK
- एक चुन।Choose one.This sentence demonstrates the use of एक as a standalone number.Tatoeba #6830431 by aboi, translation #883062 by U2FS
- एक के बाद एक गाड़ियाँ हमारी आँखों के सामने दौड़ रही हैं।Cars are running one after another before our eyes.This sentence shows the phrase 'one after another' using एक.Tatoeba #12394338 by Saumya, translation #23338 by NoahAB
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Pooja are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- आदित्य Adityaमुझे एक कॉफ़ी चाहिए।Mujhe ek coffee chahiye.I want one coffee.
- पूजा Poojaक्या मैं भी एक माँगूँ?Kya main bhi ek maangoon?Should I also ask for one?
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, एक और ले लो।Haan, ek aur le lo.Yes, take one more.
- पूजा Poojaठीक है, एक ब्लैक कॉफ़ी।Theek hai, ek black coffee.Okay, one black coffee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries एक, इक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries एक, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
