बलिदान
balidān/bə.lɪ.d̪ɑːn/
The English phrase sacrifice translates to Hindi as बलिदान (balidān).
बलिदान is used to describe the act of destroying or surrendering something for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable. It is commonly used in formal, patriotic or heroic contexts, such as describing a soldier's sacrifice for their country.
Meaning: to destroy or surrender (something) for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable (verb)
Which one should you use?
While बलिदान is a general term for sacrifice often used for noble or selfless acts, बलि specifically refers to a ritualistic sacrifice, often of an animal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun बलिदान (sacrifice) is often used with the verb देना (to give) to form the verbal phrase बलिदान देना (to sacrifice).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bə.lɪ.d̪ɑːn/. It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'sacrifice' can refer to giving up a dessert for a diet, बलिदान is too formal and heavy for such casual daily contexts.
- The Sanskrit root of बलि also relates to 'power' or 'strength' in ancient contexts, implying that the 'offering' is an act of exerting or dedicating one's strength.
- The word दान in बलिदान is the same root used for 'charity' or 'donation' in Hindi. This suggests that a sacrifice is viewed linguistically as a supreme form of giving.
Examples in context
- हमेशा अपने सपनों को पूरा करने के लिए कुछ न कुछ त्याग करना पड़ता है।One always has to sacrifice something to fulfill their dreams.
- देश के लिए बलिदान देना बहुत बड़ी बात है।Desh ke liye balidān denā bahut baṛī baat hai.To sacrifice for the country is a very big thing.
- हमें अपने सपनों के लिए कुछ बलिदान करने होंगे।Hamēn apnē sapnōn kē liē kuch balidān karnē hōngē.We will have to make some sacrifices for our dreams.
- उसने अपने करियर के लिए सुख-सुविधा का बलिदान किया।Usnē apnē career kē liē sukh-suvidhā kā balidān kiyā.He sacrificed comforts for the sake of his career.
Example conversation
Rahul and Neha are discussing their career choices.
- नेहा Nehaतुम अपनी नौकरी क्यों छोड़ रहे हो?Tum apni naukri kyon chhod rahe ho?Why are you leaving your job?
- राहुल Rahulमुझे अपनी पढ़ाई के लिए इसका बलिदान देना होगा।Mujhe apni padhai ke liye iska balidan dena hoga.I will have to sacrifice it for my studies.
- नेहा Nehaयह बहुत बड़ा फैसला है, राहुल।Yeh bahut bada faisla hai, Rahul.This is a very big decision, Rahul.
- राहुल Rahulहाँ, लेकिन यह मेरे भविष्य के लिए सही है।Haan, lekin yeh mere bhavishya ke liye sahi hai.Yes, but it is right for my future.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry बलिदान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries बलिदान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
