साल
sāl/sɑːl/
The English word "years" is translated into Hindi as साल (sāl).
साल is used to refer to a period of twelve months. In informal settings, साल is the common choice for "year" instead of the word san.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word does not change its form to indicate plurality when used with a number. For example, पाँच साल means "five years". However, साल takes the oblique form सालों when it is followed by a postposition, such as से (since/from) or में (in).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is sāl (/sɑːl/).
Did you know?
- In Hindi, the word साल is a homonym that can also refer to a type of tree or a jackal depending on the context.
- In Hindi culture, the 'new year' can be celebrated at different times because the lunar calendar and the solar calendar create different dates for साल to begin.
- The word साल is a linguistic chameleon that can trace its origins back to three entirely different roots: a Persian word for 'year', a Sanskrit word for 'hall', and even a Sanskrit word for 'jackal'.
Examples in context
- मैरी उसे कई सालों से जानती थी।Mary had known her for many years.The first sentence shows how to use साल when referring to a duration of many years.Tatoeba #10270787 by simranbansal, translation #6404788 by sundown
- साल बीते।Years passed.The second sentence uses साल to describe the passage of years.Tatoeba #6830397 by aboi, translation #282197 by CK
- वह पाँच साल की है।She is five years old.The third sentence demonstrates how to use साल when stating someone's age.Tatoeba #590009 by minshirui, translation #313532 by CK
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amit and Neha are discussing their career goals.
- नेहा Nehaक्या आपको लगता है कि यह काम सफल होगा?kya aapko lagta hai ki yeh kaam safal hoga?Do you think this work will be successful?
- अमित Amitहाँ, लेकिन इसमें कई साल लगेंगे।haan, lekin ismein kai saal lagenge.Yes, but it will take many years.
- नेहा Nehaइतने साल तो बहुत ज़्यादा हैं।itne saal toh bahut zyaada hain.That many years is a lot.
- अमित Amitपर धैर्य रखना ज़रूरी है।par dhairya rakhna zaroori hai.But it is important to be patient.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry साल, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries साल, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
