At the A1 level, you should know 'Aarakshan' as a word for 'booking'. Think of it as the word you need when you want a seat on a bus or train. It is a noun. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I want a reservation'. In India, you will see this word on signs at stations. Just remember it means 'saving a spot'. You don't need to worry about the political meaning yet. Focus on the physical act of booking a seat. It is pronounced 'Aa-rak-shan'. The 'Aa' is long like in 'father'.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Aarakshan' with verbs like 'karna' (to do) and 'milna' (to get). You should be able to ask questions like 'Where is the reservation counter?' or 'Is my reservation confirmed?'. You will notice that it is a masculine noun, so you use 'ka' with it (e.g., 'ticket ka aarakshan'). You are also introduced to the idea that this word is used for government quotas, which you might hear about in simple news stories. You can now distinguish between 'Aarakshan' (the noun) and 'Aarakshit' (the adjective meaning 'reserved').
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Aarakshan' in more complex sentence structures, including the passive voice ('Aarakshan kiya gaya hai'). You can discuss the necessity of making reservations during peak travel seasons like Diwali or Holi. You should also understand the basic debate around reservation in India—that it exists to help certain communities. You can use related terms like 'aarakshan shulk' (reservation fee) and 'aarakshan pranalii' (reservation system). Your pronunciation should correctly distinguish the retroflex 'sh' and 'n' sounds.
At the B2 level, you can engage in discussions about the social implications of 'Aarakshan'. You should be able to understand news reports about 'Caste-based reservation' (jati-adharit aarakshan) or 'Economic reservation' (arthik aarakshan). You can use the word in formal letters, perhaps writing to a railway authority or a college. You understand the nuances between 'Aarakshan' and synonyms like 'Quota' or 'Niyat'. You can express opinions on whether reservation policies are effective or need reform, using appropriate vocabulary like 'vivaad' (controversy) and 'labh' (benefit).
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'Aarakshan' as a constitutional and legal term. You can read academic papers or legal judgments regarding the 'Aarakshan' system in India. You are familiar with terms like 'Mandal Commission', 'Creamy Layer', and 'Constitutional Amendments' as they relate to reservation. You can use the word metaphorically or in highly formal contexts. You understand the historical context of why this specific Sanskrit word was chosen over others. You can navigate the subtle differences in register between using the English 'booking' and the formal Hindi 'Aarakshan'.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word's etymology, its socio-political weight, and its linguistic evolution. You can debate the philosophical foundations of 'Aarakshan' as a form of distributive justice. You can analyze literature or cinema (like the movie 'Aarakshan') that critiques or supports the system. You are aware of how the word's meaning has shifted in the public consciousness over the decades. You can use the word in high-level administrative Hindi, drafting policies or legal arguments where the precise definition of 'Aarakshan' is critical to the document's validity.

आरक्षण in 30 Sekunden

  • Aarakshan primarily means 'reservation' or 'booking' in Hindi.
  • It is a masculine noun used for travel, hotels, and seats.
  • In India, it also refers to the socio-political system of affirmative action quotas.
  • It is formally used in government and legal contexts across the country.

The Hindi word आरक्षण (Aarakshan) is a multifaceted noun that English speakers primarily translate as 'reservation'. However, its usage in Indian society is far deeper than just booking a hotel room. At its simplest level, it refers to the act of setting something aside for a specific person or purpose. Whether you are navigating the complex web of the Indian Railways or discussing social justice in a university seminar, this word will be at the center of the conversation. In a linguistic sense, it comes from the Sanskrit roots, combining 'Aa' (towards/fully) and 'Rakshan' (protecting/saving), essentially meaning 'to keep safe for someone'.

Travel and Hospitality
In everyday life, you use 'Aarakshan' when you want to book a seat on a train, a table at a restaurant, or a room in a hotel. If you walk up to a ticket counter at New Delhi Railway Station, you will see signs for the 'Aarakshan Kendra' (Reservation Center).

क्या आपने इस ट्रेन में आरक्षण करवाया है? (Have you made a reservation on this train?)

Social and Political Context
In a political context, 'Aarakshan' refers to India's system of affirmative action. This involves reserving a percentage of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures for historically disadvantaged groups. This is a major topic of national debate, often referred to as 'Caste-based Reservation'.

शिक्षा में आरक्षण एक महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दा है। (Reservation in education is an important issue.)

Formal Usage
You will find this word in legal documents, government circulars, and formal news broadcasts. It carries a weight of authority and formality that the English loanword 'booking' lacks.

होटल में कमरों का आरक्षण पहले से ही हो चुका है। (The reservation of rooms in the hotel has already been done.)

महिला आरक्षण विधेयक संसद में पारित हुआ। (The Women's Reservation Bill was passed in Parliament.)

Understanding 'Aarakshan' is key to understanding Indian bureaucracy and social structure. It is not just a word for travel; it is a word that defines access, opportunity, and planning in the Hindi-speaking world. Whether you are asking for a seat on the Rajdhani Express or reading a newspaper editorial about social equity, 'Aarakshan' is the term that bridges these two very different worlds.

Using आरक्षण (Aarakshan) correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a masculine noun. It is almost always used with the auxiliary verb 'करना' (to do) or 'होना' (to be/happen). When you make a reservation, you 'आरक्षण करते हैं' (do reservation). When a reservation is made for you, it is 'आरक्षण किया जाता है' (reservation is done).

With Possession (का/के/की)
Since 'Aarakshan' is masculine, you use 'का' when referring to it. For example, 'ट्रेन का आरक्षण' (The train's reservation). If you are talking about multiple reservations, it becomes 'आरक्षणों' in the oblique case, though the singular form is more common in general speech.

मुझे इस बस में सीट का आरक्षण चाहिए। (I need a reservation for a seat in this bus.)

Using with 'मिलना' (To Get)
In the context of quotas, people often talk about 'getting' reservation. 'उसे आरक्षण मिला' (He got reservation/quota benefits). This is common in discussions about jobs and college admissions.

क्या आपको सरकारी नौकरी में आरक्षण मिला? (Did you get reservation in the government job?)

Compound Verbs
Commonly paired with 'करवाना' (to have done). If you ask a travel agent to book a ticket, you are 'आरक्षण करवा रहे हैं'.

मैंने अगले हफ्ते के लिए टिकट का आरक्षण करवा लिया है। (I have had the ticket reservation done for next week.)

In formal Hindi, you might also see the word 'आरक्षित' (Aarakshit), which is the adjective form meaning 'reserved'. For example, 'यह सीट आरक्षित है' (This seat is reserved). Using the noun 'Aarakshan' with 'होना' achieves a similar meaning: 'यहाँ आरक्षण है' (There is reservation here). When writing, ensure you don't confuse the two. 'Aarakshan' is the act or the system; 'Aarakshit' is the state of the object being reserved.

The word आरक्षण (Aarakshan) is ubiquitous in India, appearing in diverse environments from high-tech railway booking centers to the heated floors of the Parliament. If you spend even a day traveling in India or watching Hindi news, you are guaranteed to encounter it multiple times.

At the Railway Station
This is the most common place for a tourist to hear the word. Announcements will frequently mention 'आरक्षण तालिका' (reservation chart) or 'आरक्षण खिड़की' (reservation window). You will hear passengers asking, 'आरक्षण कहाँ होता है?' (Where does reservation happen?).

यात्री कृपया ध्यान दें, आरक्षण चार्ट प्लेटफॉर्म नंबर एक पर लगा है। (Passengers please note, the reservation chart is placed on platform number one.)

In News and Politics
Turn on any Hindi news channel like Aaj Tak or NDTV India, and you will hear 'Aarakshan' discussed in the context of elections. Politicians often promise to increase or protect 'Aarakshan' for certain communities to gain votes. Phrases like 'आरक्षण की राजनीति' (Politics of reservation) are common headlines.

सरकार ने आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्गों के लिए आरक्षण की घोषणा की। (The government announced reservation for economically weaker sections.)

In Educational Institutions
When applying to Indian universities (like DU or IITs), students look at the 'Aarakshan' policy to see how many seats are available in different categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS). Admission brochures are filled with this word.

कॉलेज में प्रवेश के लिए आरक्षण नियमों का पालन किया जाता है। (Reservation rules are followed for college admissions.)

Finally, you will hear it in everyday bureaucratic talk. If you are dealing with any government office, whether for a passport, a license, or a permit, the concept of 'reserved' categories or 'reserved' time slots might come up. It is a word that signals structure and rules in the often-chaotic public life of India.

While आरक्षण (Aarakshan) is a common word, learners often stumble over its pronunciation, gender, and contextual application. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Hindi sound more natural and precise.

Gender Confusion
The biggest mistake is treating 'Aarakshan' as feminine. It is a masculine noun. Learners often say 'Aarakshan achhi hai' (wrong) instead of 'Aarakshan achha hai' (right). Always remember: 'Aarakshan hota hai', not 'hoti hai'.

गलत: ट्रेन की आरक्षण मिल गई। (Wrong: Got the train reservation - feminine verb/possessive).
सही: ट्रेन का आरक्षण मिल गया। (Correct: Got the train reservation - masculine).

Confusing with 'Rakshan'
The root word 'Rakshan' (रक्षण) means protection. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Paryavaran ka rakshan' means protection of the environment, while 'Paryavaran ka aarakshan' would nonsensically mean 'reservation of the environment'.

सावधान: आरक्षण (Reservation) ≠ रक्षण (Protection).

Overusing in Casual Contexts
In very casual Hinglish, saying 'Aarakshan' for a dinner date might sound a bit too formal or even political. Most young people would just say 'booking'. Use 'Aarakshan' for official, travel, or political contexts to sound more appropriate.

मैंने टेबल बुक कर ली है। (I have booked the table - more natural in casual settings than using Aarakshan).

Finally, watch out for the spelling. In Devanagari, it is 'आरक्षण'. Some learners mistakenly write it with a 'क्ष' (ksha) but forget the 'ण' (na) at the end, replacing it with 'न' (na). While they sound similar to the untrained ear, 'ण' is the correct retroflex nasal used in high-register Sanskrit-derived words like this one.

Depending on the context, you might want to use a word that is more specific or more casual than आरक्षण (Aarakshan). Here is how it compares to its synonyms and related terms.

Booking (बुकिंग)
This is the English loanword used by almost everyone in urban India for movies, hotels, and flights. It is less formal than 'Aarakshan' and never used for social quotas.
Niyat Sthan (नियत स्थान)
Literally 'fixed place'. This is used in very technical or literary Hindi to describe something that has been allocated or designated, though it's much rarer than 'Aarakshan'.

आरक्षण vs कोटा (Quota): 'Aarakshan' is the system, while 'Quota' is the specific number or percentage. You might say, 'खेल कोटा के तहत आरक्षण' (Reservation under the sports quota).

Sanrakshan (संरक्षण)
Meaning 'conservation' or 'preservation'. It sounds similar and shares the root 'rakshan'. Use this for wildlife (vanya-jeev sanrakshan) or heritage buildings, never for seats or jobs.

हमें जंगलों का संरक्षण करना चाहिए। (We should conserve the forests.)

In summary, while 'Booking' is your go-to for casual travel, and 'Sanrakshan' is for saving the planet, 'Aarakshan' remains the definitive, formal, and politically significant term for all types of institutional reservations in the Hindi-speaking world. Mastering its use will help you navigate both the physical train stations and the social landscape of India.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɑː.rək.ʃən/
US /ɑ.rək.ʃən/
Stress is on the first syllable 'Aa'.
Reimt sich auf
संरक्षण (Sanrakshan) परीक्षण (Parikshan)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'Aa' too short like 'apple'.
  • Using a dental 'n' instead of retroflex 'n'.
  • Confusing 'sh' (ष) with 's' (स).
  • Pronouncing 'kshan' as 'kshun'.
  • Replacing 'Aarakshan' with 'Arakshan' (short A).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

मुझे आरक्षण चाहिए।

I want a reservation.

Simple subject + object + verb 'chahiye'.

2

यह आरक्षण केंद्र है।

This is the reservation center.

'Yah' (This) + noun phrase.

3

क्या आरक्षण मिला?

Did you get the reservation?

Question mark changes the tone; 'mila' is past tense of 'milna'.

4

आरक्षण यहाँ है।

The reservation is here.

Locative 'yahan' (here).

5

एक सीट का आरक्षण।

Reservation for one seat.

Possessive 'ka' linking seat and reservation.

6

बस का आरक्षण।

Bus reservation.

Masculine 'ka' used with 'Aarakshan'.

7

आरक्षण नहीं है।

There is no reservation.

Negative 'nahin' with 'hai'.

8

टिकट और आरक्षण।

Ticket and reservation.

Conjunction 'aur' (and).

1

मैंने ट्रेन का आरक्षण करवाया है।

I have had a train reservation done.

Causative verb 'karvaya' (had it done).

2

क्या आरक्षण खिड़की खुली है?

Is the reservation window open?

Adjective 'khuli' (open) modifying 'khidki' (window).

3

आरक्षण के लिए फॉर्म भरिए।

Fill the form for reservation.

Postposition 'ke liye' (for).

4

होटल में आरक्षण ज़रूरी है।

Reservation is necessary in the hotel.

Adjective 'zaruri' (necessary).

5

आपका आरक्षण पक्का है।

Your reservation is confirmed.

Adjective 'pakka' (confirmed/solid).

6

आरक्षण शुल्क कितना है?

How much is the reservation fee?

Noun 'shulk' (fee) following 'Aarakshan'.

7

मुझे आरक्षण नहीं मिला।

I did not get a reservation.

Negative past tense.

8

आरक्षण चार्ट देखिए।

Look at the reservation chart.

Imperative 'dekhiye' (look/see).

1

त्योहारों के समय आरक्षण मिलना मुश्किल होता है।

It is difficult to get a reservation during festivals.

Infinitive 'milna' as a subject.

2

क्या महिलाओं के लिए अलग से आरक्षण है?

Is there a separate reservation for women?

Phrase 'alag se' (separately).

3

आरक्षण रद्द करने के क्या नियम हैं?

What are the rules for canceling a reservation?

Oblique infinitive 'karne ke'.

4

उसने अपनी सीट का आरक्षण पहले ही कर लिया था।

He had already made his seat reservation.

Past perfect tense 'kar liya tha'.

5

ऑनलाइन आरक्षण करना बहुत आसान है।

Doing online reservation is very easy.

Adverb 'bahut' (very).

6

आरक्षण की सूची बाहर लगी है।

The reservation list is posted outside.

Feminine 'ki' because 'suuchi' (list) is feminine.

7

बिना आरक्षण के यात्रा करना कठिन है।

Traveling without a reservation is difficult.

Postposition 'bina' (without).

8

आरक्षण केंद्र सुबह आठ बजे खुलता है।

The reservation center opens at 8 AM.

Present habitual tense 'khulta hai'.

1

भारत में आरक्षण की नीति काफी पुरानी है।

The reservation policy in India is quite old.

Noun 'niti' (policy).

2

आरक्षण के लाभ समाज के हर वर्ग तक पहुँचने चाहिए।

The benefits of reservation should reach every section of society.

Modal verb 'chahiye' (should).

3

क्या आरक्षण से सामाजिक समानता आती है?

Does reservation bring social equality?

Abstract noun 'samanta' (equality).

4

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने आरक्षण की सीमा तय की है।

The Supreme Court has fixed the limit for reservation.

Perfect tense 'tay ki hai'.

5

आरक्षण को लेकर देश में कई बहसें होती रहती हैं।

Many debates regarding reservation keep happening in the country.

Compound verb 'hoti rehti hain'.

6

गरीबों के लिए दस प्रतिशत आरक्षण का प्रावधान है।

There is a provision for ten percent reservation for the poor.

Noun 'pravdhan' (provision).

7

जाति-आधारित आरक्षण एक जटिल विषय है।

Caste-based reservation is a complex subject.

Compound adjective 'jati-adharit'.

8

आरक्षण के बिना दाखिला मिलना मुश्किल था।

Getting admission without reservation was difficult.

Past tense 'tha'.

1

आरक्षण की संवैधानिक वैधता को चुनौती दी गई।

The constitutional validity of reservation was challenged.

Passive construction 'chunauti di gayi'.

2

आरक्षण का मुख्य उद्देश्य ऐतिहासिक अन्याय को सुधारना है।

The main objective of reservation is to rectify historical injustice.

Infinitive 'sudharna' used as a complement.

3

क्रीमी लेयर को आरक्षण के दायरे से बाहर रखा गया है।

The 'creamy layer' has been kept out of the ambit of reservation.

Noun 'dayra' (ambit/scope).

4

आरक्षण की राजनीति अक्सर विकास के मुद्दों पर हावी हो जाती है।

The politics of reservation often dominates development issues.

Verb 'havi hona' (to dominate).

5

क्या पदोन्नति में आरक्षण देना न्यायसंगत है?

Is it justifiable to give reservation in promotions?

Adjective 'nyaysangat' (justifiable).

6

आरक्षण के मानदंडों में समय-समय पर बदलाव किए जाते हैं।

Changes are made to the criteria of reservation from time to time.

Noun 'mandand' (criteria/standards).

7

आरक्षण विरोधी आंदोलनों ने देश के कई हिस्सों को प्रभावित किया।

Anti-reservation movements affected many parts of the country.

Adjective 'virodhi' (anti/opposing).

8

आरक्षण के कार्यान्वयन में पारदर्शिता की आवश्यकता है।

Transparency is needed in the implementation of reservation.

Noun 'karyanvayan' (implementation).

1

आरक्षण की अवधारणा समतावादी समाज की स्थापना हेतु की गई थी।

The concept of reservation was created for the establishment of an egalitarian society.

Formal postposition 'hetu' (for/for the sake of).

2

आरक्षण मात्र एक राजनीतिक उपकरण नहीं, अपितु सामाजिक परिवर्तन का वाहक है।

Reservation is not merely a political tool, but a vehicle for social change.

Conjunction 'apitu' (but/rather).

3

आरक्षण की सार्थकता पर बौद्धिक जगत में निरंतर विमर्श होता रहता है।

There is continuous discourse in the intellectual world on the meaningfulness of reservation.

Noun 'vimarsh' (discourse/discussion).

4

आरक्षण के प्रावधानों का सूक्ष्म विश्लेषण करना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to do a subtle analysis of the provisions of reservation.

Adjective 'sukshm' (subtle/minute).

5

आरक्षण की नीति को योग्यता बनाम सामाजिक न्याय के परिप्रेक्ष्य में देखा जाता है।

The policy of reservation is seen in the perspective of merit versus social justice.

Noun 'pariprekshya' (perspective).

6

आरक्षण के फलस्वरूप वंचित वर्गों के सशक्तिकरण में वृद्धि हुई है।

As a result of reservation, there has been an increase in the empowerment of underprivileged sections.

Compound postposition 'ke falswarup' (as a result of).

7

आरक्षण की व्यवस्था को लचीला बनाए रखने की पुरजोर वकालत की गई।

A strong advocacy was made to keep the reservation system flexible.

Adverb 'purjor' (strong/vigorous).

8

आरक्षण के मूल सिद्धांतों का उल्लंघन किसी भी परिस्थिति में स्वीकार्य नहीं है।

Violation of the core principles of reservation is not acceptable under any circumstances.

Noun 'ullanghan' (violation).

Häufige Kollokationen

रेल आरक्षण
सीट आरक्षण
जातिगत आरक्षण
महिला आरक्षण
आरक्षण चार्ट
ऑनलाइन आरक्षण
आरक्षण कोटा
आर्थिक आरक्षण
आरक्षण नीति
आरक्षण शुल्क

Häufige Phrasen

आरक्षण करवाना

— To get a reservation done through someone or a system.

मैंने कल का आरक्षण करवा लिया है।

आरक्षण मिलना

— To successfully obtain a reservation or quota benefit.

उसे कॉलेज में आरक्षण मिल गया।

आरक्षण रद्द करना

— To cancel a reservation.

कृपया मेरा आरक्षण रद्द कर दें।

आरक्षण की मांग

— The demand for reservation (usually by a community).

लोग आरक्षण की मांग कर रहे हैं।

आरक्षण का लाभ

— The benefit derived from a reservation policy.

आरक्षण का लाभ गरीबों को मिलना चाहिए।

आरक्षण खिड़की

— The physical counter where reservations are made.

आरक्षण खिड़की दस बजे खुलेगी।

आरक्षण सूची

— The waiting list or confirmed list of reservations.

मेरा नाम आरक्षण सूची में नहीं है।

आरक्षण पक्का होना

— To have a reservation confirmed.

आपका आरक्षण पक्का हो गया है।

आरक्षण के तहत

— Under the provision of reservation.

उसे आरक्षण के तहत नौकरी मिली।

आरक्षण का विरोध

— Opposition to the reservation system.

आरक्षण का विरोध तेज हो गया है।

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"आरक्षण की बैसाखी"

— Used critically to suggest that someone relies on reservation like a crutch rather than merit.

उसे आरक्षण की बैसाखी की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

Sarcastic/Critical
"आरक्षण का झुनझुना"

— Referring to reservation as a hollow political promise to appease voters.

नेताओं ने जनता को आरक्षण का झुनझुना थमा दिया।

Informal/Political
"आरक्षण की भेंट चढ़ना"

— To be sacrificed or lose an opportunity due to reservation policies.

उसकी नौकरी आरक्षण की भेंट चढ़ गई।

Critical
"आरक्षण की रोटी सेंकना"

— To exploit the issue of reservation for personal or political gain.

वे आरक्षण की राजनीति की रोटी सेंक रहे हैं।

Informal/Critical
"आरक्षण का कवच"

— Viewing reservation as a protective shield for disadvantaged groups.

आरक्षण दलितों के लिए एक कवच है।

Supportive
"आरक्षण की आग"

— Referring to the intense protests or violence that can erupt over reservation issues.

पूरा राज्य आरक्षण की आग में जल रहा है।

Journalistic
"आरक्षण का पिटारा"

— The opening of a new set of reservation policies or promises.

चुनाव से पहले सरकार ने आरक्षण का पिटारा खोल दिया।

Informal
"आरक्षण की गंगा"

— Metaphor for the widespread benefits flowing from a new reservation law.

नई नीति से आरक्षण की गंगा बहेगी।

Poetic/Political
"आरक्षण का खेल"

— The strategic maneuvering involved in managing reservation quotas.

यह सब आरक्षण का खेल है।

Cynical
"आरक्षण की दीवार"

— The barrier created by reservation between different social groups.

आरक्षण की दीवार समाज को बाँट रही है।

Critical
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