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A2 verb #6,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 8 دقيقة للقراءة

महकना

To smell (good); to give off a fragrance.

mahakna الأكثر شيوعاً #6,000

At the A1 level, you should learn 'महकना' as a simple word to describe things that smell good. Think of it as the 'happy smell' word. You use it for flowers, food, and perfumes. At this stage, just focus on the present tense: 'फूल महकता है' (The flower smells good). You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that this word is for things you like to smell. If you like the smell of your mother's cooking, you can say 'खाना महक रहा है.' It is a very friendly and positive word to use in your first Hindi sentences. You can also use it to describe a garden or a park. It helps you express your feelings about the world around you using your senses. Avoid using it for things like garbage or dirty socks! For those, you will learn different words later. For now, keep 'महकना' for the beautiful things in life.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'महकना' in more varied sentences. You can now use the continuous tense ('महक रहा है') to describe what is happening right now. For example, 'मम्मी रसोई में खाना बना रही हैं और घर महक रहा है' (Mom is cooking in the kitchen and the house is smelling good). You can also use the past tense: 'कल बगीचा बहुत महक रहा था' (Yesterday the garden was smelling very fragrant). You should also learn the difference between 'महक' (the noun, fragrance) and 'महकना' (the verb, to smell). A common A2 sentence structure is 'Subject + [Source] + से + महकना'. Example: 'यह कमरा गुलाबों से महक रहा है' (This room is smelling of roses). This level is about expanding your ability to describe your environment and your sensory experiences in a simple but accurate way.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'महकना' in various tenses and moods, including the future and the habitual. You can start using it in conditional sentences: 'अगर तुम इत्र लगाओगे, तो तुम महकोगे' (If you apply perfume, you will smell good). You should also be introduced to the causative form 'महकाना' (to make something smell good). For example, 'उसने फूलों से कमरे को महका दिया' (She made the room fragrant with flowers). This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You can also start using the word in slightly more abstract ways, such as describing the 'smell' of a season or a festive atmosphere. You should also be able to distinguish 'महकना' from its synonyms like 'खुशबू आना' and know when to use which one for better stylistic effect in your writing and speaking.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you can use 'महकना' in metaphorical and literary contexts. You might use it to describe a person's character or the success of an event. For example, 'उनकी ख्याति चारों ओर महक रही है' (Their fame is spreading like a fragrance everywhere). You should understand the nuances of how this verb is used in Hindi literature and Bollywood songs. At this level, you should also be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, including passive-like constructions and participial phrases. You can discuss the cultural importance of 'sondhi mahak' (the smell of earth after rain) and how it relates to Indian identity. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'महकता-चहकता' (fragrant and chirping/lively), which is a common doublet used to describe a vibrant and happy place or atmosphere.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your use of 'महकना' should reflect a deep understanding of its poetic and stylistic potential. You can use it to create vivid imagery in your writing. You might explore the word's relationship with Urdu poetry, where 'mahak' is a central theme representing the presence of the divine or the beloved. You should be able to analyze texts where 'महकना' is used to evoke nostalgia or a sense of place. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in atmosphere or mood. Your grammar should be flawless, including the use of compound verbs like 'महक उठना' or 'महक जाना' to indicate suddenness or completeness of the action. You should also be able to discuss the etymology and the subtle differences between 'महकना' and more obscure literary synonyms found in classical Hindi and Urdu literature.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'महकना' and can use it with the same nuance as a native speaker with a literary background. You can use it in highly sophisticated philosophical or aesthetic discussions. You might use it to describe the 'fragrance' of an era, a movement, or a complex human emotion. You are aware of the word's usage in different dialects of Hindi and how it has evolved over time. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it in unexpected ways to surprise and move your audience. Your understanding includes the most obscure idioms and cultural references associated with the word. You can effortlessly switch between the literal sensory meaning and the most abstract metaphorical layers, using the word to add depth, beauty, and precision to your highest-level communication.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

महकना في 30 ثانية

Mahakna means to smell good or emit a fragrance.
It is strictly used for positive or pleasant scents.
It is an intransitive verb where the subject is the source.
Commonly used for flowers, food, rain, and perfumes.

The Hindi verb महकना (mahaknā) is a sensory powerhouse that describes the act of emitting a pleasant fragrance. Unlike the English word 'to smell,' which can be neutral or even negative depending on the context, महकna is almost exclusively reserved for positive, sweet, or refreshing scents. It is an intransitive verb, meaning the subject itself is the source of the fragrance. When you walk into a garden of blooming jasmine at night, or when you step into a kitchen where cardamom and saffron are being simmered, the environment is महक रहा (mahak rahā - smelling wonderful). It conveys a sense of permeation, where the air becomes saturated with a delightful aroma that lifts the spirit.

Grammatical Nature: It is an intransitive verb (अकर्मक क्रिया). The subject is the entity producing the scent. Example: 'फूल महकते हैं' (Flowers smell good).
Cultural Nuance: In South Asian culture, scents are tied to spirituality and hospitality. The word often appears in poetry (Shayari) to describe the presence of a beloved or the beauty of nature.

The word is derived from the noun महक (mahak), which means fragrance or aroma. While 'खुशबू' (khushbū) is a more common noun for 'good smell' (of Persian origin), महकna is the quintessential Hindi verb used to describe the action of that smell spreading. It is used in everyday conversation to compliment a cook, describe the weather after the first rain (the famous sondi mitti smell), or talk about a new perfume. It is a word that evokes comfort and beauty.

बारिश के बाद गीली मिट्टी महकने लगती है। (After the rain, the damp soil begins to smell fragrant.)

Linguistically, महकना belongs to a class of verbs that describe natural states or emissions. It is often paired with the auxiliary verb 'उठना' (uṭhnā) to indicate a sudden burst of fragrance, as in 'महक उठा' (mahak uṭhā - suddenly became fragrant). This verb is essential for anyone wanting to describe the sensory richness of India, from the spice markets of Old Delhi to the sandalwood forests of the South. It is a word of appreciation and sensory delight.

Using महकना correctly requires understanding its role as an intransitive verb. In Hindi, verbs must agree with the gender and number of the subject. Since 'महकना' describes the subject's property of smelling good, the verb's ending changes based on what is smelling. If a masculine singular object like 'गुलाब' (rose) is smelling, we say 'गुलाब महकता है.' If it's a feminine noun like 'रसोई' (kitchen), we say 'रसोई महक रही है.'

Present Tense: Subject + महकता/महकती/महकते + है/हैं. Example: 'ये फूल बहुत महकते हैं' (These flowers smell a lot).
Continuous Tense: Subject + महक + रहा/रही/रहे + है/हैं. Example: 'इत्र की शीशी महक रही है' (The perfume bottle is giving off a fragrance).

One of the most beautiful uses of महकना is in the causative form महकाना (mahkānā). While महकना means 'to smell' (intransitive), महकाना means 'to make something smell good' (transitive). For example, 'अगरबत्ती ने कमरे को महका दिया' (The incense stick made the room fragrant). Understanding this distinction is key for intermediate learners.

पूरा घर बिरयानी की खुशबू से महक रहा था। (The whole house was smelling of the biryani's aroma.)

In metaphorical contexts, महकना can describe a person's reputation or the atmosphere of a gathering. 'उनकी बातों से पूरी महफ़िल महक उठी' (The whole gathering was brightened/fragranced by their words). This shows the versatility of the word beyond literal physical scents. It suggests an aura of positivity that spreads and influences the surroundings.

Finally, consider the imperative use. While you wouldn't usually tell a flower to smell, you might use it in poetry: 'ऐ गुलशन, तू ऐसे ही महकता रह' (O garden, keep smelling fragrant like this forever). This personification is common in Hindi literature, where the scent is seen as the 'soul' or 'voice' of the flower.

You will encounter महकना in a variety of settings in India. The most common place is likely the household, specifically the kitchen. When a mother is tempering spices (tadka), the aroma fills the house, and someone might exclaim, 'क्या महक रहा है!' (What a wonderful smell!). It is a word of anticipation for a good meal.

Advertisements: Soap, detergent, and perfume commercials use this word constantly to promise a lasting fragrance. 'दिन भर महकते रहिये' (Stay fragrant all day long).
Literature and Ghazals: In Urdu-influenced Hindi poetry, the beloved's hair or presence is often said to 'mahakna,' symbolizing their divine or intoxicating nature.

Another very common context is the 'Mitti ki Sondhi Mahak' (the earthy scent of soil). After the scorching Indian summer, the first monsoon rain hits the dry earth, producing a unique aroma that every Indian recognizes. People often say, 'मिट्टी महक रही है' to celebrate the arrival of the rains. This is a deeply nostalgic and emotional use of the word.

चमेली के फूल रात में बहुत महकते हैं। (Jasmine flowers smell very fragrant at night.)

In social gatherings, if someone is wearing a particularly nice perfume (attar), a polite way to compliment them is to say, 'आप बहुत अच्छा महक रहे हैं' (You are smelling very good). Note that this is more formal and poetic than just saying 'your perfume is good.' It focuses on the person's overall aura.

Lastly, you'll hear it in religious contexts. Temples and Dargahs are often 'mahakte' with the scent of rose water, incense, and fresh marigolds. Here, the word takes on a sacred dimension, where the fragrance is a sign of the presence of the divine. It is a word that connects the physical senses to emotional and spiritual experiences.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with महकना is using it for bad smells. In English, 'to smell' is a neutral verb. You can say 'the trash smells' or 'the rose smells.' In Hindi, महकना is strictly positive. If you say 'कूड़ा महक रहा है' (The trash is smelling fragrant), people will think you are being sarcastic or that you don't know the word's meaning.

Mistake: Neutral Usage: Using 'mahakna' for a neutral or bad odor. Correct: Use 'गूँजना' or simply 'आना' with 'बदबू' for bad smells.
Mistake: Confusing Mahakna and Soonghna: 'महकना' is what the object does (intransitive). 'सूँघना' (sūnghnā) is what the person does (transitive). You don't 'mahak' a flower; the flower 'mahaks' to you.

Another common error is confusing the verb महकना with the noun महक. While 'महक' is the scent itself, 'महकना' is the action. Beginners often say 'यह फूल महक है' (This flower is fragrance) instead of 'यह फूल महक रहा है' (This flower is smelling fragrant). Remember to conjugate the verb properly based on the tense.

Incorrect: मैं फूल महक रहा हूँ। (I am smelling fragrant - unless you actually are!) Correct: मैं फूल सूँघ रहा हूँ। (I am smelling/sniffing the flower.)

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'h' in mahakna is voiced. Some learners pronounce it as 'mak-na,' which is incorrect. It should be 'ma-hak-na,' with a slight breathy sound after the first 'a'. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'चमकना' (chamakna - to shine), which sounds similar but relates to sight rather than smell.

Lastly, learners often forget the causative form महकाना. If you want to say 'she made the room smell good with flowers,' you must use 'महकाया' (mahkāyā). Using 'महका' (mahkā) would imply the room did it itself. Mastery of these nuances separates a beginner from an intermediate Hindi speaker.

While महकना is the most common verb for emitting a good smell, Hindi and Urdu offer several alternatives that carry different registers and nuances. Understanding these helps you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are writing a poem or ordering food.

खुशबू आना (Khushbū Ānā): Literally 'fragrance coming.' This is the most common everyday alternative. 'खाने की खुशबू आ रही है' (The smell of food is coming).
सुगंधित होना (Sugandhit Honā): A more formal, Sanskritized version. Used in books or formal descriptions of places. 'वातावरण सुगंधित था' (The atmosphere was fragrant).

Then there is बास आना (Bās Ānā). Interestingly, in some dialects, 'बास' can be neutral, but in modern standard Hindi, it usually refers to a stale or slightly unpleasant smell. It is not as strong as 'बदबू' (badbū - stench), but it is definitely not as pleasant as 'महक' (mahak). For example, 'कपड़ों से पसीने की बास आ रही है' (A smell of sweat is coming from the clothes).

Comparison:
1. गुलाब महकता है (Natural, poetic).
2. गुलाब की खुशबू आती है (Common, descriptive).

For the act of the smell spreading rapidly, you can use गूँजना (Gūnjnā) in a metaphorical sense, though it usually refers to sound. More accurately, फैलना (phailnā - to spread) is used: 'खुशबू चारों तरफ फैल गई' (The fragrance spread everywhere). However, महकना captures both the existence and the spreading of the scent in one elegant verb.

In literary Urdu, you might find मुअत्तर (Muattar), which is an adjective meaning 'perfumed' or 'fragrant.' While not a verb, it is often used with 'होना' (to be) to replace 'महकना' in high-register poetry. For example, 'फ़िज़ा मुअत्तर है' (The breeze is fragrant). For a learner, stick to महकना as your primary tool—it is versatile, widely understood, and culturally rich.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

"उद्यान की वायु पुष्पों की सुगंध से महक रही है।"

محايد

"बगीचा फूलों से महक रहा है।"

غير رسمي

"अरे वाह! क्या मस्त महक रहा है खाना।"

Child friendly

"देखो, छोटा सा फूल कैसे महक रहा है!"

عامية

"भाई, तू तो आज कतई महक रहा है! क्या लगाया है?"

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'mahak' is a popular female name in India and Pakistan, symbolizing someone who spreads happiness and sweetness like a fragrance.

دليل النطق

UK /mʌ.ɦʌk.nɑː/

US /mə.hək.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'hak'.

يتقافى مع

चमकना (chamaknā) दहकना (dahaknā) बहकना (bahaknā) लहकना (lahaknā) खटकना (khaṭaknā) लटकना (laṭaknā) धड़कना (dhaṛaknā) तड़कना (taṛaknā)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing it as 'mak-na' (skipping the 'h').
Using a hard 'K' like 'kh' (ma-hak-na is correct, not ma-hakh-na).
Shortening the final 'a' to 'mahak-nuh'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it follows standard verb patterns.

الكتابة 3/5

Requires correct conjugation for gender and number.

التحدث 3/5

The 'h' sound needs practice to sound natural.

الاستماع 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

फूल (flower) खुशबू (fragrance) खाना (food) घर (house) आना (to come)

تعلّم لاحقاً

सूँघना (to sniff) बदबू (stink) इत्र (perfume) हवा (air) ताजगी (freshness)

متقدم

मुअत्तर (perfumed) सुगंधित (fragrant) सौरभ (aroma) विद्यमान (present) व्याप्त (permeated)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Intransitive Verb Agreement

Masculine: गुलाब महकता है। Feminine: चमेली महकती है।

Causative Verbs (First Level)

Mahakna (to smell) -> Mahkana (to make something smell).

Compound Verbs with 'Uthna'

Mahak uthna (To suddenly start smelling fragrant).

Present Continuous Formation

Root (Mahak) + raha/rahi/re + hai/hain.

Use of Postposition 'se' for Source

Phoolon se (from flowers) mahakna.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

फूल महकते हैं।

Flowers smell good.

Simple present tense with a plural subject.

खाना महक रहा है।

The food is smelling good.

Present continuous tense.

गुलाब बहुत महकता है।

The rose smells a lot (very fragrant).

Subject 'gulab' is masculine singular.

क्या यह महक रहा है?

Is this smelling good?

Interrogative sentence.

बगीचा महकता है।

The garden smells fragrant.

Subject 'bageecha' is masculine singular.

चमेली महकती है।

Jasmine smells fragrant.

Subject 'chameli' is feminine singular.

मेरा घर महक रहा है।

My house is smelling good.

Present continuous.

ये कलियाँ महकेंगी।

These buds will smell fragrant.

Future tense, feminine plural.

बारिश के बाद मिट्टी महकती है।

The soil smells fragrant after the rain.

General truth/habitual present.

रसोई मसालों से महक रही थी।

The kitchen was smelling of spices.

Past continuous with the instrument 'se'.

अगरबत्ती से कमरा महक उठा।

The room suddenly became fragrant with incense.

Compound verb 'mahak uthna' for sudden action.

तुम्हारे कपड़े महक रहे हैं।

Your clothes are smelling good.

Plural masculine subject 'kapde'.

आज हवा महक रही है।

The air is fragrant today.

Feminine singular subject 'hawa'.

सब कुछ महक रहा था।

Everything was smelling good.

Past continuous.

वह इत्र बहुत महकता है।

That perfume smells a lot.

Simple present.

फूलों की वजह से घर महक गया।

The house became fragrant because of the flowers.

Past tense 'mahak gaya' indicating a change of state.

जब माँ खाना बनाती हैं, तो पूरा घर महक जाता है।

When mom cooks, the whole house becomes fragrant.

Conditional structure with 'jab... to'.

हमें अपने जीवन को फूलों की तरह महकाना चाहिए।

We should make our lives fragrant like flowers.

Causative verb 'mahkana' used metaphorically.

पूरी महफ़िल उसकी बातों से महक उठी।

The entire gathering was brightened by his words.

Metaphorical use of 'mahakna'.

क्या आपने कभी रात की रानी को महकते हुए सुना है?

Have you ever heard (experienced) Night Queen (flower) smelling?

Present participle 'mahakte hue' used as an object complement.

जैसे ही उसने शीशी खोली, कमरा महक उठा।

As soon as he opened the vial, the room burst with fragrance.

Correlative 'jaise hi... waise hi' structure.

सर्दियों की सुबह अक्सर ताजी चाय से महकती है।

Winter mornings often smell of fresh tea.

Habitual present.

उसकी यादों से मेरा मन महक उठता है।

My heart becomes fragrant with her memories.

Abstract metaphorical use.

त्योहारों पर बाज़ार मिठाइयों से महकने लगते हैं।

During festivals, the markets start smelling of sweets.

Inceptive 'mahakne lagte' (start to smell).

उनकी सफलता की कहानी आज भी गलियों में महक रही है।

The story of their success still resonates (smells fragrant) in the streets today.

Advanced metaphorical use.

बिना खुशबू के फूल का महकना नामुमकिन है।

It is impossible for a flower to smell without a fragrance.

Gerundial use of 'mahakna' as a noun.

साहित्य की दुनिया में उनकी रचनाएँ हमेशा महकती रहेंगी।

In the world of literature, his works will always remain fragrant.

Future continuous sense (metaphorical).

वह अपनी सादगी से हर जगह को महका देता है।

He makes every place fragrant with his simplicity.

Causative 'mahka deta' indicating a habitual action.

चंदन की लकड़ी घिसने पर और भी महकने लगती है।

Sandalwood smells even more fragrant when rubbed.

Conditional 'par' construction.

गाँव की ताजी हवा शहर के लोगों के लिए महकती हुई सौगात है।

The fresh air of the village is a fragrant gift for city people.

Participial adjective 'mahakti hui'.

प्रेम की खुशबू से सारा संसार महक सकता है।

The whole world can become fragrant with the scent of love.

Modal verb 'sakta hai' with mahakna.

कवि ने वसंत के आगमन पर उपवन के महकने का वर्णन किया है।

The poet has described the garden's fragrancing upon the arrival of spring.

Possessive gerund 'mahakne ka'.

इतिहास के पन्नों में आज भी उस महान योद्धा का त्याग महक रहा है।

The sacrifice of that great warrior still smells fragrant in the pages of history.

High-level literary metaphor.

उसकी लेखनी से निकला हर शब्द सत्य की सुगंध से महकता है।

Every word from his pen smells of the fragrance of truth.

Abstract spiritual/intellectual metaphor.

किसी के व्यक्तित्व का महकना उसके कर्मों पर निर्भर करता है।

The 'fragrancing' of one's personality depends on their deeds.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

जैसे कस्तूरी मृग अपनी ही महक से महकता रहता है, वैसे ही इंसान भी भीतर ही खुशी ढूँढता है।

Just as the musk deer remains fragrant with its own scent, humans too seek happiness within.

Philosophical comparison using 'jaise... waise'.

उस पुरानी हवेली का कोना-कोना यादों की भीनी-भीनी महक से महक रहा था।

Every corner of that old mansion was smelling of the soft fragrance of memories.

Use of 'bhini-bhini' (soft/subtle) as an intensive adjective.

शायर ने महबूब की ज़ुल्फ़ों के महकने का जो मंज़र खींचा है, वह लाजवाब है।

The scene the poet drew of the beloved's tresses smelling is incomparable.

Complex noun phrase involving a gerund.

सत्य की राह पर चलने वालों का नाम युगों-युगों तक महकता रहता है।

The names of those who walk the path of truth remain fragrant for ages.

Continuative aspect 'mahakta rehta hai'.

इस कलाकृति में रंगों का सामंजस्य ऐसे महक रहा है जैसे कोई जीवंत कविता हो।

The harmony of colors in this artwork 'smells' as if it were a living poem.

Synesthesia-based metaphor (sight described as smell).

अध्यात्म की गहराइयों में उतरते ही साधक का अंतर्मन ईश्वरीय चेतना से महक उठता है।

Upon descending into the depths of spirituality, the seeker's inner self bursts with the fragrance of divine consciousness.

Highly advanced spiritual vocabulary.

उसकी निस्वार्थ सेवा ने न केवल समाज को बल्कि उसके अपने अस्तित्व को भी महका दिया है।

His selfless service has made not only the society but also his own existence fragrant.

Causative 'mahka diya' in a complex 'na keval... balki' structure.

ग़ालिब की ग़ज़लों में जो दर्द महकता है, वह आज भी पाठकों के दिलों को छू लेता है।

The pain that 'smells fragrant' in Ghalib's ghazals still touches the hearts of readers today.

Paradoxical metaphor (pain described as fragrant).

सांस्कृतिक विरासत का महकना किसी भी राष्ट्र की जीवंतता का प्रमाण होता है।

The 'fragrancing' of cultural heritage is proof of any nation's vitality.

Abstract sociological use of the gerund.

प्रकृति के साथ तादात्म्य स्थापित करने पर मनुष्य का जीवन स्वयं एक महकता हुआ उपवन बन जाता है।

Upon establishing identity with nature, a human's life itself becomes a fragrant garden.

Sanskritized Hindi with complex participial phrases.

उसकी आवाज़ में एक ऐसी कशिश थी कि पूरा वातावरण जैसे महकने लगा।

There was such an attraction in her voice that the whole environment seemed to start smelling fragrant.

Metaphorical extension of the sense of hearing to smell.

विचारों की शुद्धता जब आचरण में उतरती है, तब चरित्र महकने लगता है।

When purity of thoughts descends into conduct, then character begins to smell fragrant.

Ethical/philosophical application.

विद्वानों की सभा में ज्ञान की चर्चा से बौद्धिक वातावरण महक उठता है।

In a gathering of scholars, the intellectual atmosphere becomes fragrant with the discussion of knowledge.

Intellectual metaphor using 'mahak uthna'.

تلازمات شائعة

भीनी-भीनी महक

मिट्टी महकना

रसोई महकना

इत्र से महकना

घर महकना

फूलों का महकना

महक उठना

चारों ओर महकना

ताजगी से महकना

खुशबू से महकना

العبارات الشائعة

महकता हुआ

महकते रहना

कोना-कोना महकना

महकती यादें

साँसों का महकना

दुनिया महकना

तन-मन महकना

महकती सुबह

जिंदगी महकना

फूलों की तरह महकना

يُخلط عادةً مع

महकना vs सूँघना (Soonghna)

Soonghna is the active 'sniffing' done by a person. Mahakna is the passive 'emitting' done by the object.

महकना vs चमकना (Chamakna)

Sounds similar but means 'to shine' (visual). Mahakna is for smell.

महकना vs बहकना (Behakna)

Sounds very similar but means 'to go astray' or 'to be misled'.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"नाम महकना"

To have a good reputation spread everywhere.

उसके अच्छे व्यवहार से उसका नाम महक रहा है।

Metaphorical

"किस्मत महकना"

To have good fortune suddenly shine.

नौकरी मिलते ही उसकी किस्मत महक उठी।

Informal

"घर महकाना"

To bring joy and prosperity to a household.

बेटी के आने से घर महक गया।

Emotional

"महफ़िल महकाना"

To be the life of the party; to make a gathering lively.

उसने अपनी चुटकुलों से महफ़िल महका दी।

Social

"मिट्टी की महक"

Deep connection to one's roots or homeland.

परदेस में उसे अपनी मिट्टी की महक याद आती है।

Patriotic

"यादों की महक"

The lingering pleasantness of past events.

पुरानी चिट्ठियों में आज भी यादों की महक है।

Literary

"खुशबू की तरह महकना"

To spread positivity effortlessly.

सज्जन लोग खुशबू की तरह महकते हैं।

Moral

"चमन महकना"

To have a family or community flourish.

बच्चों की कामयाबी से चमन महक उठता है।

Poetic

"साँस-साँस महकना"

To be completely immersed in a pleasant experience.

मथुरा की गलियों में साँस-साँस महकती है।

Spiritual

"अंग-अंग महकना"

To feel extremely happy or rejuvenated.

बारिश में नहाकर उसका अंग-अंग महक उठा।

Expressive

سهل الخلط

महकना vs महक (Mahak)

Noun vs Verb

Mahak is the 'scent' (noun), Mahakna is 'to smell' (verb).

यह महक (scent) अच्छी है। यह फूल महक रहा है (is smelling).

महकना vs बदबू (Badbu)

Opposite meaning

Badbu is always bad; Mahak is always good.

नाली से बदबू आ रही है। गुलाब महक रहा है।

महकना vs खुशबू (Khushbu)

Synonym

Khushbu is a noun (fragrance). You can't say 'Khushbu-na'. You say 'Khushbu aana'.

खुशबू आ रही है।

महकना vs बास (Bas)

Nuance

Bas is usually a neutral or slightly stale scent, while Mahak is fresh and pleasant.

मिट्टी की बास vs फूलों की महक।

महकना vs गमक (Gamak)

Rare synonym

Gamak is more about a strong, heavy scent, often of ripening fruit or heavy perfumes.

आमों की गमक।

أنماط الجُمل

[Noun] महकता है।

फूल महकता है।

[Noun] महक रहा है।

खाना महक रहा है।

[Noun] [Noun] से महक रहा है।

कमरा फूलों से महक रहा है।

[Noun] ने [Noun] को महका दिया।

इत्र ने कमरे को महका दिया।

जब [Action], तब [Noun] महकने लगता है।

जब बारिश होती है, तब मिट्टी महकने लगती है।

[Abstract Noun] की महक से [Noun] महक उठा।

यादों की महक से मन महक उठा।

[Gerund] ही [Subject] को महका देता है।

सत्य बोलना ही इंसान को महका देता है।

[Poetic Subject] महकता-चहकता रहे।

तेरा गुलशन हमेशा महकता-चहकता रहे।

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.

أخطاء شائعة

कूड़ा महक रहा है। → कूड़े से बदबू आ रही है।
Mahakna is for good smells only. Garbage (koora) cannot mahakna.
मैं फूल महक रहा हूँ। → मैं फूल सूँघ रहा हूँ।
You cannot 'mahak' a flower; you 'soongh' (sniff) it.
यह महकना अच्छी है। → यह महक अच्छी है।
Using the verb form instead of the noun form.
कमरा फूलों को महक रहा है। → कमरा फूलों से महक रहा है।
Incorrect postposition. Use 'se' (with/from) not 'ko'.
वह महकना गया। → वह महक उठा।
Incorrect compound verb usage. 'Mahak gaya' or 'Mahak utha' are better.

نصائح

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always check the gender of the object that is smelling. A masculine 'bagicha' mahakta hai, but a feminine 'hawa' mahakti hai.

Positive Only

Keep this word in your 'happy' vocabulary. It's for things that make your nose happy!

The Rain Connection

Mention 'mitti ka mahakna' to an Indian friend to instantly sound more like a native speaker.

The Soft H

Practice saying 'ma-hak' as two distinct but connected syllables to get the 'h' right.

Kitchen Compliments

When you enter a kitchen and it smells good, say 'Kya mahak raha hai!' to please the cook.

Metaphorical Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'success' or 'memories' in your writing.

Pairing

Learn it alongside 'khushbu' (noun) so you can use them together: 'Khushbu se mahakna'.

Song Lyrics

Listen to the song 'Mehakti Shaam' to hear the word used in a beautiful, melodic context.

Social Situations

It's a very polite word. Using it shows you appreciate the aesthetics of your surroundings.

Vivid Descriptions

Use it in journals to describe your sensory experiences throughout the day.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'My-Heck-Nah' - but in reverse! 'Me-Hak-Na'. Imagine a flower saying 'Me? Heck na, I don't stink, I mahak!'

ربط بصري

Visualize a blooming jasmine flower at night with white petals glowing, and waves of 'scent lines' coming off it into the dark blue air.

Word Web

Flower Perfume Incense Rain Cooking Spices Garden Freshness

تحدٍّ

Try to find three things in your house that 'mahak' today and write a sentence for each.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Hindi/Urdu noun 'महक' (mahak), which has roots in the Sanskrit 'मघ' (magha) meaning wealth or bounty, later evolving to denote the bounty of scent. It is also influenced by Persian poetic structures.

المعنى الأصلي: To give off a pleasant scent; to be bountiful in aroma.

Indo-Aryan

السياق الثقافي

It is a very safe, polite, and positive word. No specific taboos.

Unlike English 'smell', 'mahakna' is only for good things. Don't use it for garbage!

The song 'Mehakti Shaam' (Fragrant Evening). Poetry by Gulzar often uses this verb. Common brand names for soaps and incense.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

In a Garden

फूल महक रहे हैं।
यहाँ बहुत अच्छी महक है।
कलियाँ महकेंगी।
बगीचा महक उठा।

In the Kitchen

खाना महक रहा है।
मसाले महक रहे हैं।
घी की महक आ रही है।
पूरी रसोई महक गई।

Personal Compliments

आप महक रहे हैं।
आपका इत्र महक रहा है।
तुम फूलों जैसे महकते हो।
परफ्यूम बहुत महकता है।

Weather/Nature

मिट्टी महक रही है।
हवा महक रही है।
रात महकती है।
सावन महक उठा।

Abstract/Poetic

यादें महकती हैं।
नाम महक रहा है।
जीवन महक उठा।
प्यार महकता है।

بدايات محادثة

"क्या आपको बारिश के बाद मिट्टी का महकना पसंद है?"

"आपके घर में सबसे ज्यादा क्या महकता है?"

"कौन सा फूल सबसे ज्यादा महकता है?"

"क्या आप इत्र लगाकर महकना पसंद करते हैं?"

"रसोई में आज क्या महक रहा है?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

आज मैंने एक फूल देखा जो बहुत महक रहा था...

जब मैं छोटा था, मेरे घर में हमेशा यह महकता था...

बारिश की पहली महक मुझे क्या याद दिलाती है?

अगर मेरी जिंदगी एक खुशबू होती, तो वह कैसे महकती?

एक ऐसी जगह का वर्णन करें जो बहुत अच्छी महकती है।

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, 'mahakna' is only for pleasant smells. For bad smells, use 'badbu' (noun) with 'aana' (verb).

Mahakna is intransitive (the flower smells good). Soonghna is transitive (I am smelling the flower).

Yes, it is extremely common in daily life, especially regarding food and nature.

You say 'Kamra gulabon se mahak raha hai'.

Yes, very frequently. It symbolizes beauty, love, and spiritual presence.

The causative form is 'mahkana', which means to make something smell good.

Yes, to compliment someone's perfume, you can say 'Aap mahak rahe hain'.

It refers to the pleasant, earthy smell of dry soil when it first rains.

No, it should be pronounced softly but clearly.

Yes, for feminine subjects, it becomes 'mahakti'.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات