रुकना
ruknā/ɾʊk.nɑː/
The English verb stop can be translated into Hindi in several ways depending on the context. The default form is रुकना (ruknā). Wiktionary also lists ठहरना (ṭhaharnā) and अटकना (aṭaknā).
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| रुकना | ruknā | /ɾʊk.nɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| ठहरना | ṭhaharnā | /ʈʰə.ɦəɾ.nɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| अटकना | aṭaknā | /ə.ʈək.nɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| रहना | rahnā | /ɾəɦ.nɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
In Hindi, the word used for stop depends heavily on whether you are referring to a cessation of movement, a temporary stay or being physically obstructed.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of stop are used in distinct situations: रुकना is the most common way to express stopping a movement or an activity. ठहरना is used when the stop implies a temporary halt or staying at a place, such as a hotel or a station. अटकना is used when something stops because it is stuck, jammed or obstructed. Finally, रहना is used when stop means to remain in a certain state or to stay in a location.
How do you pronounce it?
ruknā (/ɾʊk.nɑː/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word अटकना for being stuck is likely derived from a Dravidian language rather than the Indo-Aryan root common to most Hindi words.
Examples in context
- काम का रुकना ठीक नहीं है।kaam ka rukna theek nahin hai.It is not good for the work to stop.
Example conversation
Rahul and Pooja are walking and see a red light.
- राहुल Rahulपूजा, देखो लाल बत्ती है।Pooja, dekho laal batti hai.Pooja, look, it is a red light.
- पूजा Poojaहाँ, हमें यहीं रुकना होगा।Haan, humein yahin rukna hoga.Yes, we will have to stop here.
- राहुल Rahulक्या हम आगे जा सकते हैं?Kya hum aage ja sakte hain?Can we go forward?
- पूजा Poojaनहीं, जब तक हरी बत्ती न हो।Nahi, jab tak hari batti na ho.No, not until the light turns green.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stop” translations and entries रुकना, ठहरना, अटकना, रहना, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अटकना, ठहरना, रहना, रुकना, CC BY-SA 4.0.
