चिमणी
cimṇī/t͡ɕim.ɳi/
The English word sparrow is translated into Marathi as चिमणी (cimṇī).
The term is used generically to refer to any small, nondescript bird.
Meaning: generically, any small, nondescript bird (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as cimṇī. It has two syllables. The sound /tɕ/ is like the [ch] in cat, /i/ is like the [y] in happy, /m/ is like the [m] in might and /ɳ/ is like the [n] in American burn.
Did you know?
- The word चिमणी shares a phonetic root with the Marathi word for 'tweezers' or 'pincers', reflecting the bird's small, gripping beak.
- In Marathi children's folklore and rhymes, the चिमणी is often depicted as a clever and resourceful character who outsmits larger animals.
- Due to the urban decline of house sparrows, चिमणी has become a nostalgic symbol in modern Marathi poetry to represent lost childhood and nature.
Examples in context
- चिमणी चिवचिव करत आहे.The sparrow is cheeping.This sentence is useful for seeing the word चिमणी used with a verb for the sound a bird makes.Tatoeba #4344830 by sabretou, translation #1665932 by Amastan
- एका चिमणीने एका झाडावर घरटं बांधलं.A sparrow built a nest in a tree.This sentence shows चिमणी in the context of a bird building a nest.Tatoeba #10546897 by sabretou, translation #6795255 by CataG
- मी चिमणीसारखा चिवचिव करू शकत नाही. मी कबुतर आहे.I cannot cheep like a sparrow. I'm a pigeon.This sentence uses चिमणी in a comparison.Tatoeba #3061141 by sabretou, translation #1682020 by Amastan
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul and Priya are sitting in a garden.
- राहुल Rahulबघ, तिथे एक चिमणी आहे.Bagha, tithe ek chimani aahe.Look, there is a sparrow there.
- प्रिया Priyaहो, ती खूप लहान आहे.Ho, ti khup lahan aahe.Yes, it is very small.
- राहुल Rahulती चिमणी दाणे खात आहे.Ti chimani dane khat aahe.That sparrow is eating grains.
- प्रिया Priyaकिती गोड दिसते ती.Kiti god diste ti.How cute it looks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry चिमणी, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
