शक्ति
śakti/ʃək.t̪iː/feminine
The English word 'power' is translated into Hindi as शक्ति (śakti).
शक्ति refers to the ability to affect or influence. In spiritual or philosophical contexts, it specifically refers to the primordial cosmic energy or the divine feminine power.
Meaning: ability to affect or influence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While शक्ति refers to abstract or inherent power or energy, the word ताकत (taakat) is more commonly used when discussing physical strength or brute force.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of शक्ति is शक्तियाँ.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as śakti (/ʃək.t̪iː/).
Did you know?
- In mathematical or technical contexts, the Hindi term for 'power' (as in an exponent) is actually घात (ghaat), which is entirely different from शक्ति.
- In many Indian spiritual traditions, शक्ति is not just a concept of power but is personified as a supreme goddess, representing the active energy of the universe.
- While English uses 'power' for both electricity and political influence, Hindi speakers often use different words depending on the context, such as बिजली (bijli) for electrical power.
Examples in context
- दो सौ घोड़ों की शक्ति इस कल में है।This machine has the power of two hundred horses.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use शक्ति when describing the power of a machine.
- विजय की शक्ति से, उन्होंने विपदाओं का सामना किया।With the power of victory, he faced the adversities.
- इस पद के साथ आपको विशेष अधिकार भी प्राप्त होता है।With this position, you also acquire special powers/authority.
- उसकी बातों में वाकई बहुत बल होता है।There is indeed a lot of power in his words.
- सत्य में बहुत शक्ति होती है।Satya mein bahut shakti hoti hai.There is great power in truth.
- उस नेता की शक्ति बहुत अधिक है।Us neta ki shakti bahut adhik hai.That leader's power is very high.
Example conversation
Priya and Amit are discussing a local leader's influence.
- प्रिया Priyaइस नेता के पास बहुत शक्ति है।Is neta ke paas bahut shakti hai.This leader has a lot of power.
- अमित Amitहाँ, वह सबको प्रभावित कर सकता है।Haan, vah sabko prabhavit kar sakta hai.Yes, he can influence everyone.
- प्रिया Priyaउसे अपनी शक्ति का सही उपयोग करना चाहिए।Use apni shakti ka sahi upyog karna chahiye.He should use his power correctly.
- अमित Amitमैं तुम्हारी बात से सहमत हूँ, प्रिया।Main tumhari baat se sahmat hoon, Priya.I agree with you, Priya.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “power” translations and entries शक्ति, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
