शब्द
śabd/ʃəbd̪/
The English phrase "words" is translated into Hindi as शब्द (śabd).
The term refers to single units of language consisting of one or more sounds or letters.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form शब्दों (śabdõ) is used instead of the default plural शब्द (śabd) when the word is followed by a postposition like में (in) or को (to/object marker). For example, to say "in words", you must use the phrase शब्दों में.
Did you know?
- In Hindu philosophy and ancient texts, शब्द is not just a 'word' but the first form of creation, representing the primordial sound or vibration from which the universe emerged.
- Hindi has a specialized term called शब्दकोश (shabd-kosh), which literally translates to 'word-treasury' rather than 'dictionary'.
- While English uses 'words' to describe vocabulary, a Hindi speaker might use शब्दों का भंडार (śabdõ kā bhandār), which literally translates to a 'storehouse of words', to describe someone with a vast vocabulary.
Examples in context
- मैं मेरी खुशी शब्दों में बयां नहीं कर सकता।I can't put my happiness into words.This sentence uses शब्द to express the idea of putting feelings into words.Tatoeba #11370591 by Sorcien, translation #5972850 by thomsmells
- रेखांकित शब्दों को सुधारिए।Correct the underlined words.This sentence uses शब्दों to demonstrate the oblique plural form used with a postposition.Tatoeba #581752 by minshirui, translation #25359 by CK
- आपको कौनसे रूसी शब्द पता हैं?What Russian words do you know?This sentence uses शब्द to refer to specific vocabulary from a language.Tatoeba #10047498 by sabretou, translation #10039036 by ddnktr
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Vikas and Priya are studying a new language together.
- विकास Vikasप्रिया, क्या तुम्हें इस वाक्य के शब्द समझ आए?Priya, kya tumhein is vaakya ke shabd samajh aaye?Priya, did you understand the words of this sentence?
- प्रिया Priyaनहीं, ये शब्द मेरे लिए बहुत कठिन हैं।Nahi, ye shabd mere liye bahut kathin hain.No, these words are very difficult for me.
- विकास Vikasमैं तुम्हें इन शब्दों का अर्थ समझा सकता हूँ।Main tumhein in shabdon ka arth samjha sakta hoon.I can explain the meaning of these words to you.
- प्रिया Priyaधन्यवाद, विकास! यह बहुत मददगार होगा।Dhanyavaad, Vikas! Yeh bahut madadgaar hoga.Thanks, Vikas! That would be very helpful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry शब्द, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
