Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| वही | vahī | /ʋə.ɦiː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| समान | samān | [s̪əˈmã(ː)n̪] (narrow) |
The word वही is used to refer to a specific, previously mentioned thing that is identical to the one being discussed. For other contexts, you might use Bilkul waise hi to mean 'exactly the same' or 'just like that' informally or Utne hi to express 'the same amount' or 'as many' informally.
Which one should you use?
वही is used when referring to a specific, identical thing previously mentioned. In contrast, समान is used to describe things that are similar in nature, quality or value, rather than being the exact same specific instance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
वही is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies. However, if वही is followed by a postposition (such as 'in', 'to', 'from' or 'with'), you must use its oblique form, उसी.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʋə.ɦiː/ (vahī).
Did you know?
- Hindi speakers often use a repetitive phrasing pattern, such as वही वही, to describe something that is 'the same over and over' or monotonous.
- The word वही is actually a combination of two separate words: 'that' and 'only'. By adding the emphatic particle ही to 'that', you transform it from a simple pointer into a way to say 'the very same'.
- The word समान has its roots in Sanskrit, making it a 'Tatsama' word, which gives it a more formal and prestigious tone in modern Hindi than many everyday words.
Examples in context
- मुझे वही समस्या है जो आप को है।I have the same problem that you do.This sentence is useful for describing having a problem identical to another person's using वही.Tatoeba #8938141 by simranbansal, translation #7733020 by CK
- वह वही आदमी है जो मैंने दुकान में देखा था।He is the same man that I saw in shop.This sentence uses वही to identify a specific person previously seen.
- तुम ने फिर से वही गलती की।You made the same mistake again.This sentence shows the use of वही when referring to a repeated mistake.Tatoeba #3784134 by sabretou, translation #2747393 by mervert1
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Priya are looking at a menu at a restaurant.
- आदित्य Adityaमैं वही खाना ऑर्डर करूँगा।Main vahi khaana order karoonga.I will order the same food.
- प्रिया Priyaक्या तुम्हें वही पसंद है?Kya tumhe vahi pasand hai?Do you like the same one?
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, मुझे वही पसंद है।Haan, mujhe vahi pasand hai.Yes, I like the same one.
- प्रिया Priyaठीक है, मैं भी वही मँगवाती हूँ।Theek hai, main bhi vahi mangvaati hoon.Okay, I will order the same one too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “same” translations and entries वही, समान, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries वही, समान, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
