लंबा
lambā/ləm.bɑː/
The English word "tall" (when referring to a person) is translated into Hindi as लंबा (lambā).
लंबा is used to describe a person's height. It is a versatile adjective that can also be used to mean "long" when describing distances or objects.
Meaning: of a person (adj)
Which one should you use?
While लंबा can be used to mean "tall," you should use ऊँचा when you are specifically talking about height in terms of elevation or describing an inanimate object as being "high" up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to match the gender and number of the person being described. Use लंबी when describing a feminine person, and use लंबे when describing multiple men or when using a respectful, honorific tone for a single man.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ləm.bɑː/ (lambā). It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should remember that लंबा is used for both "tall" (referring to people) and "long" (referring to distance or objects) in Hindi.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit root of लंबा is लम्ब, which is a direct ancestor to many words related to 'hanging' or 'dangling' in various Indo-Aryan languages.
- If you describe a person as 'tall' using the word ऊँचा, a native speaker might think you are describing them as 'high' or 'lofty' in a spiritual or metaphorical sense rather than physical height.
- Using the plural form लंबे for a single man is not about his size, but is a grammatical gesture of respect known as honorifics.
Examples in context
- क्या वह लंबा है?Is he tall?This sentence is useful for asking if a male subject is tall using लंबा.Tatoeba #6825097 by basim14, translation #302406 by CK
- वह पुल बहुत लंबा और बहुत ऊंचा है।The bridge is very long and very tall.This sentence demonstrates the use of लंबा to describe a bridge that is both long and tall.Tatoeba #3625261 by sabretou, translation #682126 by Source_VOA
- वह इतना लंबा था कि उसको झुकने पड़ा दरवाज़े में आने के लिए।He was so tall he had to duck to fit through the door.This sentence shows how to describe someone who was so tall they had to duck, using लंबा.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo of a new classmate.
- राहुल Rahulक्या वह लड़का लंबा है?Kya vah ladka lamba hai?Is that boy tall?
- अंजलि Anjaliहाँ, वह बहुत लंबा है।Haan, vah bahut lamba hai.Yes, he is very tall.
- राहुल Rahulवह बास्केटबॉल खेल सकता है।Vah basketball khel sakta hai.He can play basketball.
- अंजलि Anjaliशायद, वह बहुत अच्छा खिलाड़ी है।Shayad, vah bahut achha khiladi hai.Maybe, he is a very good player.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry लंबा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries लंबा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
