शिक्षक
shikshakmale or general, formal
The formal Hindi word for teacher is शिक्षक (shikshak) for a man, and शिक्षिका (shikshikā) for a woman. In daily speech many people say टीचर (ṭīchar).
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| शिक्षक | shikshak | male or general, formal |
| शिक्षिका | shikshikā | female, formal |
| टीचर | ṭīchar | everyday, English loanword |
Students usually address a teacher directly with सर (sar) or मैडम (maiḍam) rather than a Hindi title.
Which one should you use?
अध्यापक (adhyāpak) is another formal word for a teacher, often for school or college. The feminine is अध्यापिका (adhyāpikā).
When do people say it?
Teachers are traditionally shown great respect. The word गुरु (guru) means teacher in a deeper sense and is used for a respected guide.
Did you know?
- Teachers' Day in India is on 5 September, in honor of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on that date.
Examples in context
- मेरी टीचर बहुत अच्छी हैं।merī ṭīchar bahut achchhī haiṁ.My teacher is very good.
- वे स्कूल में शिक्षक हैं।ve skūl meṁ shikshak haiṁ.He is a teacher at school.
Example conversation
A student, Arjun, speaks with his teacher after class.
- Arjunनमस्ते सर, एक सवाल है।namaste sar, ek savāl hai.Hello sir, I have a question.
- Teacherहाँ, पूछो।hāṁ, pūchho.Yes, ask.
- Arjunयह मुझे समझ नहीं आया।yah mujhe samajh nahīṁ āyā.I did not understand this.
