उत्तर
उत्तर in 30 Sekunden
- उत्तर (Uttar) is a versatile Hindi noun meaning 'answer', 'reply', or the direction 'North'. It is masculine in gender and formal in tone.
- As a direction, it refers to the North. It is also used as a prefix meaning 'later' or 'post-', such as in 'post-modern'.
- In educational settings, it is the standard word for an answer to a question, often paired with the verb 'देना' (to give).
- While 'जवाब' (Jawab) is a common casual synonym for 'answer', 'उत्तर' remains the preferred choice for official, literary, and academic use.
The Hindi word उत्तर (Uttar) is a multifaceted noun that every learner must master early in their journey. Primarily, it serves two distinct purposes: as a directional marker meaning 'North' and as a communicative term meaning 'answer' or 'reply'. In the context of education and daily conversation, it is the standard term used when someone provides a solution to a query or a response to a statement. Its versatility is rooted in its Sanskrit origins, where it literally implies something that is 'higher' or 'superior', which explains why 'North' (often perceived as the top of the world) and 'Answer' (the concluding or superior part of a dialogue) share the same lexical root.
- Educational Context
- In schools and universities across India, you will hear teachers say, 'अपना उत्तर लिखो' (Write your answer). It refers to the specific result of a calculation or the response to a comprehension question.
क्या आपको इस प्रश्न का उत्तर पता है? (Do you know the answer to this question?)
Beyond the classroom, 'उत्तर' is essential for navigation. India's geography is often divided into North and South, with the northern region being referred to as 'उत्तर भारत' (Uttar Bharat). This directional sense is used in GPS instructions, map reading, and describing the location of cities like Delhi or Lucknow. Interestingly, the state 'Uttar Pradesh' literally translates to 'Northern Province'. This dual meaning rarely causes confusion because the context—whether you are looking at a map or a test paper—clearly dictates which definition applies. For a beginner, recognizing that 'Uttar' is a masculine noun is crucial for proper grammar agreement in sentences.
- Geographical Context
- Himalayas are located in the उत्तर of India. Here, it signifies the cardinal direction opposite to South (Dakshin).
हिमालय भारत के उत्तर में स्थित है। (The Himalayas are situated in the North of India.)
In more advanced or formal Hindi, 'उत्तर' can also mean 'subsequent' or 'later'. For example, 'उत्तर-वैदिक काल' refers to the 'Later Vedic Period'. This temporal usage is less common in daily A1-level speech but is vital for understanding historical or academic texts. As a learner, focusing on the 'answer' and 'North' meanings will cover 95% of your daily interactions. Whether you are asking for directions in a bustling market in Jaipur or responding to a friend's WhatsApp message, 'उत्तर' is your go-to word for a formal or standard reply. While 'जवाब' (Jawab) is a common Urdu-origin synonym used in casual speech, 'उत्तर' remains the preferred choice in official, literary, and educational settings.
- Temporal Context
- Used as a prefix to denote a later stage of something, such as 'उत्तर-आधुनिक' (Post-modern).
वह उत्तर-औपनिवेशिक साहित्य पढ़ रही है। (She is reading post-colonial literature.)
Using उत्तर correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun. When you want to say 'to answer', you combine it with the verb 'देना' (to give). For example, 'मैंने उत्तर दिया' (I gave the answer/I answered). If you are receiving an answer, you use 'मिलना' (to get), as in 'मुझे उत्तर मिला' (I got the answer). Because it is a masculine noun, any adjectives or possessive pronouns modifying it must reflect this gender. For instance, 'सही उत्तर' (correct answer) or 'मेरा उत्तर' (my answer).
- Possessive Usage
- Since 'उत्तर' is masculine, we use 'का' for possession. Example: 'प्रश्न का उत्तर' (The answer of the question).
आपका उत्तर बिल्कुल सही है। (Your answer is absolutely correct.)
When using 'उत्तर' to mean 'North', it often appears with the postposition 'में' (in) or 'की ओर' (towards). If you are telling someone to turn north, you might say 'उत्तर की ओर मुड़िए' (Turn towards the North). In geographical descriptions, it is common to see 'के उत्तर में' (to the north of). For example, 'नेपाल भारत के उत्तर में है' (Nepal is to the north of India). Note how 'के' is used because 'उत्तर' is masculine and followed by a postposition, but in this specific case, it remains 'उत्तर' (it doesn't change form in the oblique case as it ends in a consonant).
- Directing Someone
- Use 'उत्तर दिशा' (North direction) to be very specific when giving instructions.
हमें उत्तर दिशा में जाना चाहिए। (We should go in the North direction.)
In formal writing, you might encounter 'उत्तरदायी' (responsible), which is derived from 'उत्तर'. This shows how the root word expands into complex concepts. However, for everyday usage, stick to simple structures. If you are in a meeting and want to respond, you can say 'मैं इस पर उत्तर देना चाहूंगा' (I would like to give an answer/respond to this). If you are waiting for a reply to an email, you would say 'मैं आपके उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ' (I am waiting for your reply). Notice the use of 'के' (oblique possessive) before 'उत्तर' because of the following postposition 'की' (belonging to 'pratiksha'). Mastery of these small particles around 'उत्तर' will make your Hindi sound natural and fluent.
- Formal Correspondence
- 'शीघ्र उत्तर की अपेक्षा है' (A prompt reply is expected) is a common closing in formal letters.
कृपया मेरे पत्र का उत्तर दें। (Please answer my letter.)
The word उत्तर is ubiquitous in Indian life, echoing through various environments from the hallowed halls of academia to the noisy streets of Delhi. In a classroom setting, 'उत्तर' is perhaps the most frequently uttered word after 'प्रश्न' (question). Teachers constantly prompt students for 'sahi uttar' (the correct answer). If you ever watch an Indian quiz show like 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire), you will hear the host ask for the 'sahi uttar' before the suspenseful music kicks in. It carries a weight of correctness and finality in these contexts.
- In the Media
- News anchors often use 'उत्तर' when demanding accountability from politicians, asking for an 'uttar' to the nation's problems.
जनता सरकार से उत्तर मांग रही है। (The public is demanding an answer from the government.)
On the streets, especially in Northern India, 'उत्तर' is part of the regional identity. People from 'Uttar Pradesh' or 'Uttarakhand' use the word to define their home. When traveling, you will see 'उत्तर' on highway signs indicating the direction of major cities. In railway stations, announcements might mention 'उत्तर रेलवे' (Northern Railway), which is one of the largest zones of the Indian Railways. If you are using a compass app on your phone while hiking in the Himalayas, the Hindi interface will clearly display 'उ' or 'उत्तर' for North. This makes the word essential for survival and navigation.
- In Literature
- Classic Indian epics often have sections titled 'Uttara Kanda', representing the final or subsequent chapters of the story.
रामायण के उत्तर कांड में कई महत्वपूर्ण कथाएं हैं। (There are many important stories in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana.)
In professional environments, 'उत्तर' is the standard for formal replies. While you might use 'jawab' with a friend, an email to a boss or a government office will almost always use 'उत्तर'. You will hear it in courtrooms ('उत्तरदाता' or respondent), in scientific journals (referring to subsequent effects), and in philosophical debates. Even in daily technology use, if your phone is set to Hindi, the 'Reply' button on an app might be labeled 'उत्तर दें'. This wide range of application—from the spiritual significance of the North to the mundane task of replying to a text—makes 'उत्तर' a cornerstone of the Hindi vocabulary that bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern utility.
- Daily Technology
- Messaging apps in Hindi use 'उत्तर' for the 'Reply' function.
उसने मेरे संदेश का कोई उत्तर नहीं दिया। (He did not give any answer to my message.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with उत्तर is confusing it with its synonym जवाब (Jawab). While they are often interchangeable, 'उत्तर' is more formal and Sanskrit-based, whereas 'जवाब' is more colloquial and Urdu-based. Using 'उत्तर' in a very casual street conversation might sound slightly stiff, like saying 'I shall provide a response' instead of 'I'll answer'. Conversely, using 'जवाब' in a formal exam or a legal document might be seen as slightly less professional. Another common error is gender agreement. Since 'उत्तर' is masculine, beginners often mistakenly use feminine markers like 'मेरी उत्तर' instead of the correct 'मेरा उत्तर'.
- Gender Error
- Mistake: 'यह उत्तर अच्छी है' (This answer is good - feminine). Correct: 'यह उत्तर अच्छा है' (masculine).
गलत: उसकी उत्तर सही थी। (Wrong: Her answer was correct - using feminine 'thi').
Another area of confusion is the dual meaning of 'North' and 'Answer'. While context usually helps, learners sometimes struggle when both meanings could theoretically fit. For example, in a sentence about a 'Northern response', one must be careful to use the adjective form 'उत्तरी' (Uttari) for North and 'उत्तर' for response. Mixing these up can lead to 'North Answer' which sounds nonsensical. Additionally, learners often forget that 'उत्तर' is used for 'later' in compound words. If you see 'उत्तर-कार्य' (Uttar-karya), it means 'later work' or 'follow-up work', not 'North work' or 'Answer work'.
- Prepositional Errors
- Learners often say 'उत्तर को' instead of 'उत्तर में' for 'in the North'.
सही: वह उत्तर में रहता है। (Correct: He lives in the North.)
Finally, there is the mistake of using 'उत्तर' when 'समाधान' (Samadhan - solution) is more appropriate. If you are talking about solving a complex life problem or a mathematical theorem, 'समाधान' implies a resolution, whereas 'उत्तर' is just the specific answer to a question. For instance, 'इस समस्या का उत्तर' sounds like you are looking for a verbal reply, but 'इस समस्या का समाधान' sounds like you are looking for a way to fix the problem. Understanding these subtle nuances in formality, gender, and specific meaning will prevent you from making the most common 'Uttar' blunders and help you sound like a more sophisticated speaker.
- Contextual Nuance
- Don't use 'उत्तर' for 'reaction'. For a physical or emotional reaction, use 'प्रतिक्रिया' (Pratikriya).
गलत: दवा का उत्तर। (Wrong: The answer of the medicine - should be 'reaction').
While उत्तर is a powerful and versatile word, Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. The most common alternative is जवाब (Jawab). Originating from Arabic via Persian, 'जवाब' is used in almost all the same contexts as 'उत्तर' but carries a more informal, conversational tone. In Bollywood songs or casual banter, you are much more likely to hear 'जवाब'. However, in a textbook or a news broadcast, 'उत्तर' is the king. Understanding when to switch between these two is a hallmark of reaching an intermediate level of fluency.
- Comparison: उत्तर vs जवाब
- 'उत्तर' is Sanskrit-derived, formal, and used in academic/official settings. 'जवाब' is Persian-derived, common in daily speech, and slightly more emotive.
मेरे सवाल का जवाब दो! (Give me an answer! - more demanding/casual).
Another important alternative is समाधान (Samadhan), which means 'solution'. While 'उत्तर' is the answer to a question, 'समाधान' is the resolution to a problem or conflict. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, you are looking for a 'samadhan', not an 'uttar'. In a more formal or literary context, you might encounter प्रतिउत्तर (Prati-uttar), which specifically means a 'rebuttal' or a 'reply to a reply'. This is common in legal or highly intellectual debates. For directions, 'उत्तर' has no direct synonym that is commonly used, though 'उदीची' (Udichi) is an archaic, poetic term for North that you might find in ancient literature but never in a modern conversation.
- Comparison: उत्तर vs समाधान
- 'उत्तर' is the verbal or written response to a query. 'समाधान' is the practical fix for a difficult situation.
हमें इस संकट का समाधान ढूंढना होगा। (We must find a solution to this crisis.)
Lastly, consider the word प्रतिक्रिया (Pratikriya), which means 'reaction' or 'feedback'. If you want to know what someone thought of your performance, you are asking for their 'pratikriya'. While an 'uttar' is a direct answer to a question, a 'pratikriya' is a broader response to an action. By learning these distinctions, you can navigate the nuances of Hindi communication much more effectively. Whether you are providing a 'sahi uttar' in a test or seeking a 'shanti-purna samadhan' (peaceful solution) to a disagreement, choosing the right word will demonstrate your respect for the language's depth and your commitment to clear communication.
- Comparison: उत्तर vs प्रतिक्रिया
- 'उत्तर' is specifically an answer. 'प्रतिक्रिया' is a general reaction or feedback to any stimulus.
आपकी इस पर क्या प्रतिक्रिया है? (What is your reaction to this?)
How Formal Is It?
"कृपया अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि करें।"
"उसने सवाल का उत्तर दिया।"
"जल्दी उत्तर दो यार!"
"बच्चों, सही उत्तर बताओ!"
"उसका उत्तर एकदम धाकड़ था।"
Wusstest du?
The reason 'North' and 'Answer' share the same word is philosophical: the North was seen as the 'superior' direction (upwards towards the gods), and an 'answer' was seen as the 'superior' or 'concluding' part of a conversation that follows a question.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 't' as an English alveolar 't' (tongue on the ridge above teeth) instead of dental.
- Failing to double the 't' sound, making it sound like 'utar' (to descend).
- Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'boot'.
- Adding an 'a' at the end (Uttara) in casual speech, which changes the meaning to feminine or Sanskrit form.
- Using a retroflex 'T' (tongue curled back).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to read; a common word found in early lessons.
Requires practice with the conjunct 'tt' (त्त).
Dental 't' and gemination need attention for native-like sound.
Distinct sound, easily recognizable in context.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Masculine Noun Agreement
मेरा उत्तर (My answer), अच्छा उत्तर (Good answer).
Compound Verbs with 'Dena'
उत्तर देना (To give an answer/To answer).
Oblique Case with Postpositions
उत्तर में (In the North) - Note: 'Uttar' doesn't change form.
Prefixing for Temporal Meaning
उत्तर- (Post-/Later-) as in 'उत्तर-आधुनिक'.
Adjective Formation with '-i'
उत्तरी (Northern) derived from 'उत्तर'.
Beispiele nach Niveau
यह मेरा उत्तर है।
This is my answer.
'मेरा' (my) is masculine to match 'उत्तर'.
उत्तर कहाँ है?
Where is the North?
Direct question using 'कहाँ' (where).
कृपया उत्तर दें।
Please give an answer.
'दें' is the polite imperative form of 'देना'.
वह उत्तर दिशा में है।
It is in the North direction.
'दिशा' (direction) is feminine, but 'उत्तर' is its modifier here.
आपका उत्तर सही है।
Your answer is correct.
'सही' (correct) acts as an adjective for 'उत्तर'.
दिल्ली उत्तर में है।
Delhi is in the North.
Simple locative sentence using 'में'.
एक उत्तर लिखो।
Write one answer.
'लिखो' is the standard imperative form.
क्या यह उत्तर है?
Is this the answer?
Yes/No question starting with 'क्या'.
मुझे आपके पत्र का उत्तर मिला।
I received the answer to your letter.
Use of 'का' to show possession (answer of the letter).
हिमालय भारत के उत्तर में स्थित है।
The Himalayas are situated in the North of India.
'के उत्तर में' is a standard phrase for 'to the north of'.
उसने बहुत छोटा उत्तर दिया।
He gave a very short answer.
'छोटा' (short) is masculine to match 'उत्तर'.
हमें उत्तर की ओर जाना चाहिए।
We should go towards the North.
'की ओर' means 'towards'.
क्या आपको सही उत्तर पता है?
Do you know the correct answer?
'पता होना' means 'to know' (a fact).
मेरे प्रश्न का उत्तर दीजिए।
Please answer my question.
'दीजिए' is the formal/polite imperative.
उत्तर प्रदेश एक बड़ा राज्य है।
Uttar Pradesh is a big state.
Proper noun usage of 'उत्तर'.
वह उत्तर दिशा से आ रहा है।
He is coming from the North direction.
'से' means 'from'.
शिक्षक ने उत्तर की सराहना की।
The teacher praised the answer.
'सराहना करना' (to praise) takes the object with 'की' because 'सराहना' is feminine.
यह उत्तर-वैदिक काल की घटना है।
This is an event from the Later Vedic period.
'उत्तर-' used as a prefix meaning 'later'.
वह अपनी गलतियों के लिए उत्तरदायी है।
He is responsible for his mistakes.
'उत्तरदायी' is an adjective meaning 'responsible'.
मैंने ईमेल का उत्तर तुरंत भेज दिया।
I sent the reply to the email immediately.
Compound verb 'भेज देना' (to send off).
उत्तर भारत में सर्दियाँ बहुत ठंडी होती हैं।
Winters in North India are very cold.
'उत्तर भारत' functions as a compound noun.
उसने मेरे तर्क का कोई उत्तर नहीं दिया।
He gave no answer to my argument.
'तर्क' means 'argument' or 'logic'.
इस समस्या का कोई सरल उत्तर नहीं है।
There is no simple answer to this problem.
'सरल' means 'simple'.
नदी उत्तर से दक्षिण की ओर बहती है।
The river flows from North to South.
Contrast between 'उत्तर' and 'दक्षिण'.
सरकार को जनता को उत्तर देना होगा।
The government will have to answer to the public.
'होगा' indicates future necessity/obligation.
यह पुस्तक उत्तर-आधुनिकतावाद पर आधारित है।
This book is based on postmodernism.
'उत्तर-आधुनिकतावाद' is a complex academic term.
उसका उत्तर बहुत ही कूटनीतिक था।
His answer was very diplomatic.
'कूटनीतिक' means 'diplomatic'.
उत्तर-औपनिवेशिक भारत में कई बदलाव आए।
Many changes occurred in post-colonial India.
'उत्तर-औपनिवेशिक' means 'post-colonial'.
लेखक ने अपनी आलोचना का कड़ा उत्तर दिया।
The author gave a strong reply to his criticism.
'कड़ा' means 'strong' or 'harsh'.
उत्तर दिशा को वास्तु में शुभ माना जाता है।
The North direction is considered auspicious in Vastu.
'माना जाता है' means 'is considered'.
उसने अपने उत्तरदायित्व से मुँह मोड़ लिया।
He turned away from his responsibility.
Idiomatic expression 'मुँह मोड़ना' (to turn away/shirk).
इस प्रश्न का उत्तर खोजना कठिन है।
It is difficult to find the answer to this question.
'खोजना' means 'to search' or 'to find'.
उसका प्रतिउत्तर अत्यंत तर्कसंगत और प्रभावशाली था।
His rejoinder was extremely logical and influential.
'प्रतिउत्तर' is a formal word for 'reply to a reply'.
उत्तर-संरचनावाद ने भाषाई विश्लेषण को बदल दिया।
Post-structuralism changed linguistic analysis.
Highly technical academic terminology.
वह उत्तरजीवी के रूप में उभरा।
He emerged as a survivor.
'उत्तरजीवी' means 'survivor'.
दार्शनिक ने जीवन के रहस्यों का उत्तर खोजने का प्रयास किया।
The philosopher attempted to find the answer to the mysteries of life.
'प्रयास करना' means 'to attempt'.
न्यायालय ने उत्तरदाता को अपना पक्ष रखने का समय दिया।
The court gave the respondent time to present their side.
'उत्तरदाता' is the legal term for 'respondent'.
यह कविता उत्तर-छायावाद युग की प्रतिनिधि है।
This poem is representative of the post-Chhayavad era.
Specific literary history term.
उसकी चुप्पी ही उसका सबसे बड़ा उत्तर थी।
Her silence itself was her biggest answer.
Metaphorical usage of 'उत्तर'.
उत्तर-पश्चिमी सीमा पर तनाव बढ़ गया है।
Tensions have increased on the North-Western border.
Compound direction 'उत्तर-पश्चिमी'.
उत्तर-मीमांसा भारतीय दर्शन की एक महत्वपूर्ण शाखा है।
Uttara-Mimamsa is an important branch of Indian philosophy.
Refers to Vedanta philosophy.
उसने अपने कृत्यों के लिए नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व स्वीकार किया।
He accepted moral responsibility for his actions.
'नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व' means 'moral responsibility'.
ग्रंथ के उत्तरार्ध में गहन दार्शनिक चर्चा है।
There is deep philosophical discussion in the latter half of the text.
'उत्तरार्ध' means 'latter half' (Uttar + Ardh).
उसकी वाक्पटुता ने विपक्षी के हर प्रश्न का निरुत्तर कर दिया।
His eloquence left every question of the opponent unanswered (speechless).
'निरुत्तर' means 'without answer' or 'speechless'.
उत्तर-औद्योगिक समाज की चुनौतियाँ भिन्न हैं।
The challenges of a post-industrial society are different.
'उत्तर-औद्योगिक' means 'post-industrial'.
यह शोध उत्तर-सत्य (post-truth) की अवधारणा पर केंद्रित है।
This research focuses on the concept of post-truth.
Modern sociological/political term.
उसने शास्त्रार्थ में अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को उत्तरहीन कर दिया।
He left his rival answerless in the philosophical debate.
'उत्तरहीन' means 'answerless'.
प्रकृति के प्रकोप का कोई मानवीय उत्तर संभव नहीं है।
No human response is possible to the wrath of nature.
Existential/Poetic usage.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— No response. Used when someone remains silent or a query is ignored.
वहाँ से कोई उत्तर नहीं आया।
— A precise or exact answer. Often used in academic contexts.
हमें सटीक उत्तर की आवश्यकता है।
— A detailed or long answer. Common in exam instructions.
इस प्रश्न का विस्तृत उत्तर लिखें।
— Waiting for a reply. Standard closing for letters and emails.
मैं आपके उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ।
— Silence is the answer. A philosophical phrase.
कभी-कभी मौन ही सबसे अच्छा उत्तर होता है।
— When answering becomes difficult or has negative consequences.
उसे उत्तर देना भारी पड़ गया।
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Pronounced 'utar' (short 't'). It is the root of the verb 'उतरना' (to descend/get down). Don't confuse it with 'उत्तर' (answer/North).
Pronounced 'utaar'. It means 'descent' or 'slope'. It has a long 'aa' and a single 't'.
A synonym for 'answer'. While often interchangeable, 'उत्तर' is more formal.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To be at a loss for words or unable to think of an answer.
अचानक पूछे गए सवाल पर उसे कोई उत्तर नहीं सूझा।
Neutral— To give a fitting, sharp, or crushing reply to an insult or attack.
भारतीय सेना ने दुश्मन को मुँह तोड़ उत्तर दिया।
Informal/Strong— To silence someone with a superior argument; to leave someone answerless.
उसकी दलीलों ने सबको निरुत्तर कर दिया।
Formal— To hold someone responsible or accountable for something.
हादसे के लिए ड्राइवर को उत्तरदायी ठहराया गया।
Formal/Legal— A rapid succession of questions and answers.
प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में प्रश्न-उत्तर की झड़ी लग गई।
Neutral— To wait anxiously for a reply.
वह कई दिनों से उसके उत्तर की राह देख रहा है।
Literary— To give an evasive or rude/sarcastic answer.
जब भी मैं कुछ पूछता हूँ, वह टेढ़ा उत्तर देता है।
Informal— A back-and-forth exchange of arguments or replies.
दोनों वकीलों के बीच उत्तर-प्रत्युत्तर चलता रहा।
Formal— To give a flat 'no' or a blunt, unhelpful answer.
मदद मांगने पर उसने कोरा उत्तर दे दिया।
Informal— To not be able to find a deep or satisfactory answer to a complex mystery.
इस रहस्य के उत्तर की थाह मिलना मुश्किल है।
LiteraryLeicht verwechselbar
Similar spelling and sound.
'उत्तर' has a double 't' and means answer/North. 'उतर' has a single 't' and relates to descending.
बस से उतर (Get down from the bus) vs प्रश्न का उत्तर (Answer to the question).
Same meaning (answer).
'उत्तर' is Sanskrit-based and formal. 'जवाब' is Persian-based and casual.
परीक्षा में उत्तर लिखें (Write the answer in the exam) vs दोस्त को जवाब दो (Reply to the friend).
Both relate to solving something.
'उत्तर' is for a question. 'समाधान' is for a problem or crisis.
गणित का उत्तर (Math answer) vs समस्या का समाधान (Problem solution).
Both are types of responses.
'उत्तर' is a direct answer to a query. 'प्रतिक्रिया' is a general reaction to any event.
सवाल का उत्तर (Answer to a question) vs फिल्म पर प्रतिक्रिया (Reaction to a movie).
Both mean North.
'उत्तर' is common. 'उदीची' is archaic and literary.
उत्तर दिशा (North direction) vs उदीची का स्वामी (Lord of the North).
Satzmuster
यह [Possessive] उत्तर है।
यह मेरा उत्तर है।
[Place] उत्तर में है।
हिमालय उत्तर में है।
[Person] ने [Object] का उत्तर दिया।
राम ने प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया।
[Direction] की ओर जाइए।
उत्तर की ओर जाइए।
मुझे [Something] का उत्तर मिला।
मुझे ईमेल का उत्तर मिला।
[Person] [Something] के लिए उत्तरदायी है।
वह इस गलती के लिए उत्तरदायी है।
मैं आपके उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ।
मैं आपके उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ।
[Concept] का उत्तर खोजना कठिन है।
सत्य का उत्तर खोजना कठिन है।
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very high in both written and spoken Hindi.
-
Using 'उत्तर' as a feminine noun.
→
मेरा उत्तर (Mera Uttar)
Learners often think abstract nouns like 'answer' might be feminine, but 'उत्तर' is strictly masculine. Using 'मेरी उत्तर' is grammatically incorrect.
-
Confusing 'उत्तर' (answer) with 'उतर' (descend).
→
उत्तर (double t)
The pronunciation and spelling are different. 'उत्तर' has a held 't' sound, while 'उतर' is a quick single 't'. Mixing them up can change 'Give an answer' to 'Get down'.
-
Using 'उत्तर' for a physical reaction.
→
प्रतिक्रिया (Pratikriya)
If a medicine has a side effect, it's a 'pratikriya', not an 'uttar'. 'उत्तर' is only for communicative or directional contexts.
-
Using 'उत्तर' for a solution to a life problem.
→
समाधान (Samadhan)
While you can 'answer' a question about a problem, the 'solution' that fixes the problem is 'samadhan'. Using 'uttar' sounds like you just want to talk about it.
-
Saying 'उत्तर को' for 'to the North'.
→
उत्तर में / उत्तर की ओर
In Hindi, we usually say 'in the North' (उत्तर में) or 'towards the North' (उत्तर की ओर). 'उत्तर को' is rarely used and sounds unnatural.
Tipps
Gender Consistency
Always remember 'उत्तर' is masculine. If you are describing a 'long answer', say 'लम्बा उत्तर' (lamba uttar), not 'लम्बी उत्तर' (lambi uttar). This is a common mistake for beginners.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'उत्तर' in your Hindi exams and formal emails. It shows a higher level of vocabulary and respect for the formal register of the language compared to 'जवाब'.
Dental T
Make sure your tongue touches your teeth when saying 'tt'. If it touches the roof of your mouth, it will sound like a retroflex 'T', which is a different sound in Hindi.
Directional Context
When using 'उत्तर' for North, you don't always need to add the word 'दिशा' (direction). 'वह उत्तर में है' clearly means 'It is in the North'.
Conjunct Character
The double 't' is written as त्त. Practice writing this character specifically, as it appears in many other common words like 'पत्ता' (leaf) and 'कुत्ता' (dog).
The 'Up' Rule
Associate 'Uttar' with 'Up'. North is 'Up' on a map. An answer is what you give when you put your hand 'Up'. This links the two main meanings.
State Names
Remembering that 'Uttar Pradesh' means 'Northern Province' will help you never forget that 'Uttar' means 'North'.
Quiz Shows
Watch clips of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' on YouTube. You will hear 'उत्तर' used constantly, which is great for hearing it in a high-pressure, clear context.
Temporal Prefix
When you see 'उत्तर-' attached to a historical period, translate it as 'Later' or 'Post-'. This will help you read history books in Hindi.
Polite Requests
When asking for an answer, 'उत्तर दीजिए' is very polite. 'उत्तर दो' is for friends or children. Choose based on who you are talking to.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Ut' as 'Up'. On a map, North is 'Up' (Uttar). When you raise your hand 'Up' in class, it's to give an 'Uttar' (Answer).
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a compass where the North needle is shaped like a giant question mark that has been straightened into an exclamation point (the answer).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to write three sentences using 'उत्तर' in three different ways: as a direction, as a reply to a friend, and as a formal response to a teacher.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'उत्तर' (Uttara). It is composed of the prefix 'ud-' (up, upwards, out) and the comparative suffix '-tara'. Thus, its literal meaning is 'higher', 'superior', or 'further'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In Sanskrit, it meant 'upper', 'higher', 'northern' (as the Himalayas/North were considered 'up'), and 'subsequent' or 'following'.
Indo-Aryan family, derived from Sanskrit.Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities, but be aware of the North-South cultural divide in India; using 'Uttar' purely as a geographical marker is neutral.
English speakers might find it strange that 'North' and 'Answer' are the same word, but think of how 'Right' can mean 'Correct' and 'Direction' in English.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Classroom/Exams
- उत्तर लिखो
- सही उत्तर
- उत्तर पुस्तिका
- विस्तृत उत्तर
Travel/Directions
- उत्तर की ओर
- उत्तर दिशा
- उत्तर में मुड़ें
- उत्तर भारत
Emails/Letters
- उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा
- शीघ्र उत्तर दें
- आपके उत्तर के लिए धन्यवाद
- उत्तर में
History/Academic
- उत्तर-वैदिक काल
- उत्तर-आधुनिकता
- उत्तरार्ध
- उत्तर-औपनिवेशिक
Legal/Official
- उत्तरदाता
- उत्तरदायी
- उत्तरदायित्व
- संतोषजनक उत्तर
Gesprächseinstiege
"क्या आप इस पहेली का उत्तर जानते हैं?"
"क्या दिल्ली भारत के उत्तर में है?"
"आपने मेरे मैसेज का उत्तर क्यों नहीं दिया?"
"आपके अनुसार इस समस्या का क्या उत्तर होना चाहिए?"
"क्या हम उत्तर दिशा की ओर जा रहे हैं?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
आज आपने कौन सा सबसे कठिन प्रश्न सुना और उसका क्या उत्तर दिया?
अगर आपको उत्तर भारत की यात्रा करनी हो, तो आप कहाँ जाना चाहेंगे?
क्या आपको लगता है कि हर सवाल का एक सही उत्तर होता है? क्यों?
अपने जीवन के किसी बड़े उत्तरदायित्व (responsibility) के बारे में लिखें।
किसी ऐसे समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपको उत्तर नहीं सूझ रहा था।
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'उत्तर' is a masculine noun. This means you should use masculine modifiers like 'मेरा' (my), 'अच्छा' (good), and 'था' (was). For example, 'मेरा उत्तर सही था' (My answer was correct).
Yes, 'उत्तर' is perfectly appropriate for a reply to an email, letter, or message. In fact, it is the standard formal term for it. You can say 'ईमेल का उत्तर देना' (to reply to an email).
The primary difference is the register. 'उत्तर' is more formal and used in schools, offices, and literature. 'जवाब' is more common in daily conversation, movies, and songs. They are synonyms, but 'उत्तर' sounds more academic.
You say 'उत्तर भारत' (Uttar Bharat). If you want to use the adjective 'Northern', you use 'उत्तरी' (Uttari), as in 'उत्तरी भारत'.
No, 'उत्तर' specifically means 'North'. The word for 'South' is 'दक्षिण' (Dakshin).
It means 'post-modern'. Here, 'उत्तर' acts as a prefix meaning 'after' or 'post-'. This is a common way to form academic terms in Hindi.
It is a dental 't' (tongue against teeth). The double 'tt' means you hold the contact between the tongue and teeth for a split second longer than a single 't', creating a slight 'stop' sound.
Yes, it is used to refer to the final answer of a math problem. However, the process of solving it is often called 'हल' (hal).
In a legal context, an 'उत्तरदाता' (Uttardata) is a 'respondent'—the person who has to answer the claims made by a petitioner in court.
Not on its own. To use it as a verb, you must pair it with 'देना' (to give). So, 'उत्तर देना' means 'to answer'.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'This is the correct answer.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Delhi is in the North.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Please answer my question.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I am waiting for your reply.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The Himalayas are to the north of India.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'He is responsible for this work.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'There is no simple answer to this problem.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'We should go towards the North direction.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'His answer was very diplomatic.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I received the answer to my letter today.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Write your answer in the answer booklet.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Silence is sometimes the best answer.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The river flows from North to South.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The government must answer the people.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'This is a post-modern poem.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'He gave a very short answer.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Do you know the answer to this riddle?'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The teacher praised his answer.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I will answer you tomorrow.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The North direction is auspicious.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'उत्तर' clearly, focusing on the dental double 'tt'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Correct answer' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'I am going North' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Ask 'What is the answer?' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'North India' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Please reply' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'This is my responsibility' using a word related to 'उत्तर'.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'I don't know the answer' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Turn towards the North' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Your answer is wrong' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'I got the answer' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Write the answer' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'North direction' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'He gave a good answer' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Waiting for your reply' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Post-modern' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Respondent' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Latter half' in Hindi.
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Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Answerless' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Northern' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Listen and identify: Does 'उत्तर' in this sentence mean North or Answer? 'वह उत्तर की ओर देख रहा है।'
Listen and identify: Does 'उत्तर' in this sentence mean North or Answer? 'उसका उत्तर सही था।'
Listen and identify: Is the speaker asking for an answer or giving one? 'मुझे उत्तर दीजिए।'
Listen for the gender marker: 'मेरा उत्तर' vs 'मेरी उत्तर'. Which is correct?
Listen and identify the state: 'उत्तर प्रदेश'.
Listen and identify the direction: 'हिमालय उत्तर में है।'
Listen and identify the word: 'उत्तर' or 'उतर'?
Listen and identify the prefix meaning: 'उत्तर-वैदिक'.
Listen and identify the tone: 'उत्तर दो!' (Formal or Informal?)
Listen and identify the object: 'उत्तर पुस्तिका'.
Listen and identify the person: 'उत्तरदाता'.
Listen and identify the quality: 'उत्तरदायी'.
Listen and identify the time: 'उत्तरार्ध'.
Listen and identify the situation: 'निरुत्तर कर दिया'.
Listen and identify the location: 'उत्तर भारत'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'उत्तर' is essential for both daily communication and navigation in India. Remember it as a masculine noun that covers 'answer', 'North', and 'subsequent'. Example: 'सही उत्तर उत्तर दिशा में है' (The correct answer is in the North direction).
- उत्तर (Uttar) is a versatile Hindi noun meaning 'answer', 'reply', or the direction 'North'. It is masculine in gender and formal in tone.
- As a direction, it refers to the North. It is also used as a prefix meaning 'later' or 'post-', such as in 'post-modern'.
- In educational settings, it is the standard word for an answer to a question, often paired with the verb 'देना' (to give).
- While 'जवाब' (Jawab) is a common casual synonym for 'answer', 'उत्तर' remains the preferred choice for official, literary, and academic use.
Gender Consistency
Always remember 'उत्तर' is masculine. If you are describing a 'long answer', say 'लम्बा उत्तर' (lamba uttar), not 'लम्बी उत्तर' (lambi uttar). This is a common mistake for beginners.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'उत्तर' in your Hindi exams and formal emails. It shows a higher level of vocabulary and respect for the formal register of the language compared to 'जवाब'.
Dental T
Make sure your tongue touches your teeth when saying 'tt'. If it touches the roof of your mouth, it will sound like a retroflex 'T', which is a different sound in Hindi.
Directional Context
When using 'उत्तर' for North, you don't always need to add the word 'दिशा' (direction). 'वह उत्तर में है' clearly means 'It is in the North'.
Beispiel
उत्तर दो।
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