केवल
keval/keː.ʋəl/
The English word 'only' can be translated into Hindi as केवल (keval). Wiktionary also lists एकमात्र (ekmātra).
Meaning: without others or anything further, exclusively (adv)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| केवल | keval | /keː.ʋəl/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| एकमात्र | ekmātra | /eːk.mɑːt̪.ɾᵊ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
The primary meaning of केवल is without others or anything further. Exclusively. It functions as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'just'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the adverbial and adjectival uses of these words. केवल is an adverb used to mean 'only' or 'just'. In contrast, एकमात्र is an adjective used to mean 'the sole' or 'the one and only'. Additionally, do not confuse केवल with अकेला, which refers to being physically alone or solitary, whereas केवल refers to exclusivity or limitation in quantity/scope.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis to the word 'only', it is common to pair केवल with the particle ही after the noun or pronoun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is keval. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word केवल is shared with Jain philosophy, where kevala jñāna refers to 'omniscient knowledge' or the ultimate liberation of the soul.
- In common spoken Hindi, the word ही is often used to express 'only' by placing it after a word, completely replacing the need for केवल.
- The word केवल is derived from the Sanskrit word kévala, which originally described things that were entire or undivided.
Examples in context
- केवल वही है जिसे नहीं पता ।She's the only one who doesn't know.This sentence uses केवल to identify a specific person.Tatoeba #9012833 by simranbansal, translation #2460952 by Hybrid
- मैं केवल इन्हीं के बारे में जानता हूँ।I only know about these.This sentence uses केवल to limit the scope of knowledge.Tatoeba #12655521 by Saumya, translation #7819954 by sharris123
- घृणा को घृणा से नहीं, केवल प्रेम से ही जीता जा सकता है।Hatred can never be conquered by hatred, but only by love.This sentence uses केवल to express that love is the sole way to conquer hatred.Tatoeba #12394443 by Saumya, translation #12394444 by Saumya
- मैं सिर्फ़ हिंदी बोलता हूँ।I only speak Hindi.
- उसने सिर्फ़ दस रुपये दिए।He gave only ten rupees.
- उसने केवल पढ़ाई की।He focused only on studying.
- तुम केवल अच्छे लोगों के साथ बात करो।Only talk to good people.
- मुझे बस आलू पसंद है।I only like potatoes.
- तुम सिर्फ मज़ाक कर रहे हो।You are just joking.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anjali and Vikas are discussing their dinner plans.
- अंजलि Anjaliविकास, क्या हम बाहर खाना खाएंगे?vikas, kya hum baahar khaana khaayenge?Vikas, will we eat outside?
- विकास Vikasनहीं, मैं केवल घर पर खाना चाहूँगा।nahin, main keval ghar par khaana chaahunga.No, I only want to eat at home.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या तुम केवल दाल-चावल खाओगे?kya tum keval daal-chaaval khaoge?Will you only eat dal and rice?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, आज मुझे केवल यही चाहिए।haan, aaj mujhe keval yahi chaahiye.Yes, I only want this today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “only” translations and entries केवल, एकमात्र, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries एकमात्र, केवल, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
