Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| शक्ति | śakti | /ʃək.t̪iː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| ताक़त | tāqat | /t̪ɑː.qət̪/ (Hindi, Standard) /t̪ɑː.kət̪/ (Hindi, Standard) |
masculine |
| बल | bal | /bəl/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
All three forms refer to the quality of being strong, but they are used in different contexts: ताक़त refers to physical strength or the capacity to exert force, while शक्ति is used for more abstract, spiritual or divine power and energy. बल refers to physical force or structural strength.
Which one should you use?
ताक़त is the most common way to describe physical strength. शक्ति is more formal and abstract, often signifying might, energy or supernatural strength. बल is a formal or technical term used to represent physical force or structural strength, often appearing in mathematical or scientific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
शक्ति is a feminine noun, meaning any adjectives used to describe it must take the feminine form. Both ताक़त and बल are masculine nouns, so adjectives describing them must take the masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
śakti (two syllables): /ʃək.t̪iː/
Did you know?
- The word शक्ति is not just a synonym for strength but is often personified in Indian philosophy as a goddess representing the primordial cosmic energy.
- The word ताक़त is a linguistic traveler, moving from Arabic through Persian and finally into Hindi.
- The word शक्ति can refer to electrical power in technical contexts, such as power plants or energy grids.
Examples in context
- एकता में बल है।There is strength in unity.This sentence demonstrates the use of बल to express the idea of strength in unity.
- उठने की ताक़त नहीं है मेरे पास।I do not have the strength to rise.This sentence shows how ताक़त is used to describe the capacity to perform a physical action.
- अगर हम अपनी सेनाएँ मिलाए हमारी शक्ति बढ़ जाएगी।If we combine our armies our strength will increase.This sentence illustrates the use of शक्ति in a formal context regarding military strength.
- उनकी शक्ति सभी को प्रेरित करती है।Their strength inspires everyone.
- उसकी ताकत के आगे सब हार गए।Everyone surrendered in front of his strength.
Example conversation
Aditya and Anjali are discussing a new yoga program.
- आदित्य Adityaक्या इस योगा से शरीर में शक्ति आती है?Kya is yoga se sharir mein shakti aati hai?Does this yoga bring strength to the body?
- अंजलि Anjaliहाँ, इससे बहुत शक्ति मिलती है।Haan, isse bahut shakti milti hai.Yes, it provides a lot of strength.
- आदित्य Adityaमुझे अपनी शारीरिक शक्ति बढ़ानी है।Mujhe apni sharirik shakti badhani hai.I want to increase my physical strength.
- अंजलि Anjaliतो आप इसे आज ही शुरू करें।To aap ise aaj hi shuru karein.Then you should start it today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries शक्ति, ताक़त, बल, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ताक़त, बल, शक्ति, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
