खटाई डालना
खटाई डालना in 30 Sekunden
- Literally means adding sour ingredients like lemon to food.
- Idiomatically means putting a plan or project on hold.
- Requires the word 'meṃ' (in) for the idiomatic meaning.
- Used frequently in kitchens and political news reports.
The Hindi phrase खटाई डालना (khaṭāī ḍālnā) is a multifaceted expression that bridges the gap between the culinary world and the complexities of human interaction and bureaucracy. At its most literal level, it refers to the act of adding a souring agent—such as lemon juice, tamarind, dried mango powder (amchur), or yogurt—to a dish to balance its flavors. In Indian cuisine, the 'sour' element is one of the six fundamental tastes, and knowing exactly when to add it is considered a mark of a skilled cook. However, the phrase takes on a much more significant meaning when used idiomatically. In a metaphorical sense, especially when used as खटाई में डालना (khaṭāī meṃ ḍālnā), it means to put something on hold, to delay a project indefinitely, or to cause a plan to stagnate. This transition from a kitchen action to a social or political metaphor is rooted in the idea that 'souring' something can either preserve it (like a pickle) or spoil it (like milk), but in modern parlance, it almost always implies that a matter has been shelved or 'put in cold storage.'
- Literal Culinary Context
- Used when discussing recipes, specifically the addition of acidic components like 'amchur' or 'imli' to curries and dals to provide a 'tangy' finish.
सब्जी तैयार होने के बाद अंत में थोड़ी खटाई डालना न भूलें। (Do not forget to add some sourness at the end after the vegetable is ready.)
- Figurative Delay
- Often used in news and business to describe projects that are stuck in bureaucratic red tape or have been postponed due to lack of consensus.
When you hear a Hindi speaker say that a proposal has been 'put in khatai,' they are expressing frustration that progress has stopped. It suggests a state of limbo. This is a common theme in Indian administrative discourse where files might sit on a desk for months. Conversely, in a friendly conversation about food, it is a helpful instruction. The versatility of this phrase makes it an essential part of the B2-level vocabulary, as it requires the learner to distinguish between context-heavy meanings. Whether you are in a kitchen in Delhi or a boardroom in Mumbai, understanding this phrase helps you grasp the subtle 'flavor' of the situation at hand. It captures the essence of the Indian experience—where the tanginess of food is as essential as the patience required to navigate everyday delays.
Using खटाई डालना requires an understanding of its grammatical structure as a transitive verb phrase. The word 'खटाई' (sourness) acts as the object of the verb 'डालना' (to put/add). Depending on whether you are using it literally or figuratively, the syntax shifts slightly. For literal usage, you simply specify the dish. For figurative usage, you use the postposition 'में' (in) to create the idiom 'खटाई में डालना'. This distinction is crucial for clear communication in Hindi. When you are cooking, the focus is on the quantity and timing. When you are discussing a situation, the focus is on the state of the 'matter' (मामला) or 'plan' (योजना).
अगर दाल फीकी लगे, तो थोडा नींबू निचोड़कर खटाई डालना। (If the dal tastes bland, add sourness by squeezing a little lemon.)
- Sentence Pattern 1: Culinary
- [Dish/Food] + में + खटाई + [Conjugated 'डालना']. Example: 'चटनी में खटाई डालो' (Add sourness to the chutney).
चुनाव के कारण सरकार ने नए प्रोजेक्ट को खटाई में डाल दिया है। (Due to elections, the government has put the new project on hold.)
- Sentence Pattern 2: Idiomatic Delay
- [Subject] + ने + [Matter/Plan] + को + खटाई में + [Conjugated 'डालना']. This indicates an intentional delay or shelving of an idea.
In advanced Hindi, you might also see this used in passive constructions or as a noun phrase (gerund). For example, 'मामले का खटाई में पड़ना' (the falling of the matter into sourness/limbo). Notice how 'डालना' (to put) becomes 'पड़ना' (to fall/happen) when the action is spontaneous or the actor is unknown. Mastering these variations allows you to describe everything from a ruined dinner to a stalled peace treaty. Always pay attention to the 'meṃ'—it is the bridge between a delicious curry and a frustrating bureaucratic delay. If you omit it when you mean 'to delay,' people might think you are literally trying to put vinegar on a legal document!
The context in which you encounter खटाई डालना determines its interpretation. In Indian households, the phrase is a staple of daily life. Mothers and grandmothers often use it while teaching younger generations the nuances of cooking. 'Khatai' isn't just a flavor; it's a technique. You might hear it in a bustling kitchen: 'बिना खटाई डाले कढ़ी अच्छी नहीं बनेगी' (The kadhi won't be good without adding sourness). Here, it signifies the essential balance of the dish. It is also common in street food culture, where vendors ask if you want extra 'khatai' (tamarind water or lemon) in your golgappas or chaat.
न्यूज़ एंकर: 'दोनों देशों के बीच वार्ता फिर से खटाई में पड़ गई है।' (News Anchor: 'The talks between the two countries have once again fallen into limbo.')
- News and Media
- Journalists use this idiom frequently to describe stalled legislation, pending court cases, or diplomatic standstills. It provides a more colorful alternative to the dry 'wilamb' (delay).
दफ्तर में: 'बॉस ने मेरी छुट्टियों की अर्ज़ी खटाई में डाल दी।' (In the office: 'The boss put my leave application on hold.')
- Office and Workplace
- In professional settings, it expresses the frustration of a process being halted without a clear rejection. It's the 'maybe later' that often means 'never'.
Furthermore, in literature and poetry, 'sourness' often represents bitterness in a relationship. When someone says 'रिश्तों में खटाई डालना' (to add sourness to relationships), they are talking about creating discord or causing a rift. This usage is less about 'delay' and more about the literal 'souring' of affection. Therefore, when you hear this phrase, look at the speaker's body language. If they are holding a spoon, they are cooking. If they are looking at a stack of files and sighing, they are complaining about a delay. If they are talking about a friend with a frown, they are describing a damaged relationship. This multi-layered nature makes it a favorite for native speakers who enjoy idiomatic richness.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with खटाई डालना is failing to distinguish between the literal action and the idiomatic expression. As mentioned, the idiom almost always requires the word 'में' (in). Saying 'उसने योजना खटाई डाली' sounds grammatically incomplete and confusing to a native ear; it should be 'उसने योजना खटाई में डाली'. Another common error is confusing 'खटाई' (the noun for sourness/sour agent) with 'खट्टा' (the adjective for sour). You cannot say 'खट्टा डालना' to mean putting a matter on hold. 'खट्टा' describes the taste, while 'खटाई' is the substance or the abstract concept used in the idiom.
- Mistake 1: Omitting 'Meṃ' in Idioms
- Incorrect: 'काम खटाई डाला' | Correct: 'काम खटाई में डाला'. The 'meṃ' signifies the 'state' of being on hold.
गलत: 'नींबू का रस खट्टा डालो।' | सही: 'नींबू का रस डालकर खटाई डालो।' (Wrong: Put sour lemon juice. Right: Add sourness by putting lemon juice.)
- Mistake 2: Confusing 'Dalna' with 'Karna'
- 'खट्टा करना' means to make something sour (literally). 'खटाई डालना' means to add the souring agent. In idioms, only 'डालना' or 'पड़ना' are used.
Learners also often struggle with the 'ne' particle in the past tense. Since 'डालना' is transitive, you must say 'मैंने खटाई डाली' (I added sourness). If you forget the 'ne', the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, be careful with the intensity. In cooking, 'खटाई डालना' is a neutral or positive act. In relationships or projects, it is almost always negative. Using it to describe a planned, positive delay (like a 'sabbatical') would be a mismatch of tone. It implies a delay that is unwanted, frustrating, or indicative of failure. By keeping these nuances in mind, you can avoid the 'souring' of your own Hindi conversations!
To truly master Hindi, you should know the alternatives to खटाई डालना, as the best choice depends on whether you are in a kitchen, a courtroom, or a cafe. For the literal culinary sense, you might use 'अमचूर डालना' (to add mango powder) or 'नींबू निचोड़ना' (to squeeze lemon). These are more specific. If you want to describe the taste being added without specifying the agent, 'खट्टा करना' (to make sour) is a direct alternative, though it sounds less like a 'cooking step' and more like a result.
- Comparison: Literal Actions
- खटाई डालना: General act of adding any souring agent.
- खट्टा करना: To make something sour (could be by fermentation or adding acid).
'काम को टालना' (to postpone/evade) is a direct synonym for the idiomatic sense but lacks the 'limbo' imagery.
- Comparison: Idiomatic Delays
- खटाई में डालना: To shelve indefinitely (implies the project might rot or stay stuck).
- स्थगित करना (Sthagit Karna): To formally postpone (used in official/parliamentary contexts).
- ठंडे बस्ते में डालना (Thande baste mein dalna): To put in cold storage (very similar to khatai mein dalna).
When discussing relationships, 'दरार पैदा करना' (to create a rift) or 'मनमुटाव होना' (to have a misunderstanding) are better suited than 'खटाई डालना' if you want to be precise about the nature of the conflict. However, 'रिश्तों में खटाई आना' (sourness coming into relationships) is a very common and poetic way to describe the beginning of the end of a friendship. By choosing between these alternatives, you can control the level of formality and the specific 'flavor' of your message. A B2 learner should aim to use 'खटाई में डालना' when they want to sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook, especially when complaining about bureaucratic delays.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The idiomatic use comes from the practice of pickling. If you put something in 'khatai' (vinegar/acid), it stays there for a long time. Over time, this shifted from 'preservation' to 'indefinite delay.'
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k'.
- Using a dental 't' instead of a retroflex 't' in 'khatai'.
- Using a retroflex 'd' in 'dalna' instead of a dental 'd'.
- Shortening the final 'i' in 'khatai'.
- Pronouncing 'dalna' like the English word 'doll'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to read but requires context to understand which meaning is intended.
Requires correct use of 'ne' and 'meṃ' for idiomatic accuracy.
Retroflex 't' and aspirated 'kh' can be tricky for beginners.
Common in media; clear pronunciation usually helps.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Transitive Verbs in Past Tense
मैंने खटाई डाली (I added sourness) - uses 'ne' particle.
Compound Verbs (Noun + Verb)
खटाई + डालना = To add sourness.
Postposition 'meṃ' for idioms
खटाई में डालना (To put IN sourness/limbo).
Causative Verbs
खटाई डलवाना (To have someone else add sourness).
Gender of Nouns
खटाई is feminine, so we say 'खटाई डाली' not 'डाला'.
Beispiele nach Niveau
दाल में खटाई डालो।
Add sourness to the dal.
Simple imperative (command) form.
क्या आपने खटाई डाली?
Did you add the sourness?
Past tense question.
मैं खटाई डालता हूँ।
I add sourness.
Present habitual tense.
थोड़ी खटाई डालना अच्छा है।
Adding a little sourness is good.
Infinitive used as a subject.
वह सब्जी में खटाई डाल रही है।
She is adding sourness to the vegetable.
Present continuous tense.
खटाई मत डालो।
Don't add sourness.
Negative imperative.
यहाँ खटाई डालना मना है।
Adding sourness here is forbidden.
Passive-style prohibition.
माँ खटाई डालेगी।
Mother will add sourness.
Future tense.
सब्जी में खटाई डालना ज़रूरी है।
It is necessary to add sourness to the vegetable.
Usage of 'zaroori' (necessary).
मैंने चटनी में नींबू की खटाई डाली।
I added lemon sourness to the chutney.
Past tense with 'ne' and specific agent.
क्या तुम खटाई डालना जानते हो?
Do you know how to add sourness?
Usage of 'jaante ho' (know how to).
बिना खटाई डाले स्वाद नहीं आता।
Without adding sourness, there is no taste.
Usage of 'bina... dale' (without adding).
उसने बहुत ज़्यादा खटाई डाल दी।
He added too much sourness.
Usage of compound verb 'dal di'.
हमें खटाई कब डालनी चाहिए?
When should we add the sourness?
Usage of 'chahiye' (should).
खटाई डालने से रंग बदल जाता है।
The color changes by adding sourness.
Usage of 'se' (by/from).
आप इमली की खटाई डालिए।
Please add tamarind sourness.
Polite imperative form.
अगर तुम खटाई डालोगे, तो खाना खट्टा हो जाएगा।
If you add sourness, the food will become sour.
Conditional sentence (if-then).
लगता है उन्होंने इस प्रोजेक्ट को खटाई में डाल दिया है।
It seems they have put this project on hold.
Introduction of the idiom with 'meṃ'.
बारिश ने हमारी पिकनिक को खटाई में डाल दिया।
The rain put our picnic on hold/spoiled it.
Metaphorical use for a failed plan.
शेफ ने सिखाया कि खटाई कब डालना सबसे अच्छा होता है।
The chef taught when it is best to add sourness.
Indirect speech.
शादी की बातें अभी खटाई में पड़ी हैं।
Marriage talks are currently in limbo.
Usage of 'padi hain' (are lying/stuck).
क्या तुम इस मामले को खटाई में डालना चाहते हो?
Do you want to put this matter on hold?
Interrogative with the idiom.
उन्होंने खटाई डालने के लिए अमचूर का इस्तेमाल किया।
They used amchur to add sourness.
Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.
ज्यादा खटाई डालना सेहत के लिए बुरा हो सकता है।
Adding too much sourness can be bad for health.
Usage of 'ho sakta hai' (can be).
विपक्ष ने सरकार की नई नीति को खटाई में डाल दिया है।
The opposition has put the government's new policy on hold.
Political context of the idiom.
बिना सोचे-समझे खटाई डालना आपकी डिश बिगाड़ सकता है।
Adding sourness without thinking can ruin your dish.
Adverbial phrase 'bina soche-samajhe'.
कोर्ट के आदेश ने बिल्डर के प्रोजेक्ट को खटाई में डाल दिया।
The court order put the builder's project in limbo.
Legal/Business context.
क्या आपको लगता है कि यह समझौता खटाई में पड़ जाएगा?
Do you think this agreement will fall into limbo?
Future tense with 'pad jayega'.
उसने अपनी बातों से हमारे रिश्तों में खटाई डाल दी।
He added sourness to our relationship with his words.
Metaphor for relationship discord.
फंड की कमी ने शोध कार्य को खटाई में डाल दिया है।
Lack of funds has put the research work on hold.
Causal relationship.
अधिकारी ने फाइल को खटाई में डाल रखा है।
The officer has kept the file on hold.
Perfective state with 'rakha hai'.
किसी भी योजना को खटाई में डालना आसान है, उसे पूरा करना मुश्किल।
It is easy to put any plan on hold; completing it is difficult.
Comparison of two actions.
नौकरशाही की वजह से कई महत्वपूर्ण सुधार खटाई में पड़े हुए हैं।
Due to bureaucracy, many important reforms are lying in limbo.
Complex noun phrase 'naukarshahi ki wajah se'.
लेखक ने समाज की कड़वाहट को दिखाने के लिए 'खटाई डालना' मुहावरे का प्रयोग किया।
The author used the idiom 'to add sourness' to show the bitterness of society.
Meta-discussion of the idiom.
प्रबंधन के गलत फैसलों ने कंपनी के भविष्य को खटाई में डाल दिया।
Wrong decisions by management put the company's future in jeopardy/limbo.
Abstract direct object 'company ka bhavishya'.
जब तक मामला खटाई में रहेगा, तब तक तनाव कम नहीं होगा।
As long as the matter remains in limbo, the tension will not decrease.
Jab tak... tab tak (As long as... then).
उसकी तीखी टिप्पणियों ने मीटिंग के माहौल में खटाई डाल दी।
His sharp comments added sourness to the meeting's atmosphere.
Metaphorical use for 'atmosphere'.
क्या आप जानबूझकर इस प्रस्ताव को खटाई में डाल रहे हैं?
Are you deliberately putting this proposal on hold?
Adverb 'jaan-boojhkar' (deliberately).
इतिहास गवाह है कि कई संधियाँ आपसी अविश्वास के कारण खटाई में पड़ गईं।
History is witness that many treaties fell into limbo due to mutual distrust.
Formal historical tone.
बिना उचित साक्ष्य के, पुलिस ने केस को खटाई में डालना ही बेहतर समझा।
Without proper evidence, the police thought it better to put the case on hold.
Complex decision-making construction.
राजनीतिक उठापटक ने राज्य के विकास कार्यों को अनिश्चित काल के लिए खटाई में डाल दिया है।
Political upheaval has put the state's development works into limbo for an indefinite period.
Sophisticated vocabulary like 'unishchit kaal' and 'utha-patak'.
यह विडंबना ही है कि शांति वार्ता को ही खटाई में डाल दिया गया।
It is an irony that the peace talks themselves were put on hold.
Usage of 'vidambana' (irony).
संपादकीय में तर्क दिया गया कि सुधारों को खटाई में डालना राष्ट्रहित में नहीं है।
The editorial argued that putting reforms on hold is not in the national interest.
Passive construction in formal reporting.
उनकी कूटनीतिक विफलता ने सालों की मेहनत को खटाई में डाल दिया।
Their diplomatic failure put years of hard work into limbo.
Possessive complex noun phrase.
वह अपनी कला के माध्यम से रिश्तों में खटाई डालने वाली प्रवृत्तियों पर प्रहार करता है।
Through his art, he attacks the tendencies that add sourness to relationships.
Complex relative clause.
प्रस्ताव को खटाई में डालने की प्रक्रिया अत्यंत सूक्ष्म और जटिल थी।
The process of putting the proposal on hold was extremely subtle and complex.
Gerund phrase as a subject.
यदि हम आज इस मुद्दे को खटाई में डालते हैं, तो कल इसका परिणाम घातक होगा।
If we put this issue on hold today, its result tomorrow will be fatal.
Strong conditional with 'ghatak' (fatal).
परियोजना का खटाई में पड़ना निवेशकों के लिए एक बड़ा झटका था।
The project's falling into limbo was a big blow for the investors.
Nominalized verb phrase.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Everything went on hold or was ruined. Used when a whole situation stagnates.
लॉकडाउन की वजह से सब कुछ खटाई में पड़ गया।
— Don't forget to add sourness. A common culinary reminder.
दाल फ्राई करते समय खटाई डालना मत भूलना।
— The matter is currently on hold. Describes a present state of limbo.
अभी मेरी पदोन्नति का मामला खटाई में है।
— Habit of putting things on hold. Describes a procrastinator.
तुम्हारी हर काम को खटाई में डालने की आदत अच्छी नहीं है।
— To fall into limbo. The passive version of the idiom.
नया पुल बनाने का काम खटाई में पड़ गया है।
— Sourness of relationships. Refers to bitterness.
रिश्तों की खटाई दूर करना मुश्किल होता है।
— To add sourness and cook. A sequence of steps.
अंत में खटाई डालना और दो मिनट पकाना।
Wird oft verwechselt mit
To make something sour (process) vs. to add a sour agent (action).
Almost identical idiom, but 'khatai' sounds slightly more common in general conversation.
Specifically adding yogurt, whereas 'khatai' is more general.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To put something on hold or postpone it indefinitely.
मैनेजर ने मेरा बोनस खटाई में डाल दिया।
Common— To be stuck in a state of limbo or delay.
हमारी विदेश यात्रा की योजना खटाई में पड़ गई।
Common— Related concept: When milk sours/curdles, often used for relationships.
उनके बीच बात इतनी बढ़ी कि दूध फट गया (रिश्ता टूट गया)।
Metaphorical— To defeat someone thoroughly (literally 'to make teeth sour').
भारतीय सेना ने दुश्मनों के दाँत खट्टे कर दिए।
Common— To become disillusioned or lose interest in something/someone.
उसकी बदतमीजी देखकर मेरा मन खट्टा हो गया।
Social— To wait for a long time for something that doesn't happen.
क्या मैं यहाँ खटाई चाटने खड़ा हूँ? (Am I just standing here for nothing?)
Slang/Informal— To kill a project by delaying it.
उन्होंने बजट रोककर प्रोजेक्ट का खटाई में गला घोंट दिया।
Rare/Literary— Used to describe something very old and neglected.
यह फाइल क्या खटाई का अचार बनने के लिए रखी है?
Sarcastic— To add flavor/zest to a situation (rare metaphorical use).
उसकी चुटकुलों ने महफिल में खटाई डाल दी।
HumorousLeicht verwechselbar
Adjective vs. Noun.
'Khatta' is the taste (sour), 'Khatai' is the substance (sourness).
यह नींबू खट्टा है (This lemon is sour). इसमें खटाई डालो (Add sourness to this).
Both mean delay.
'Taalna' is a direct verb for postponing. 'Khatai mein dalna' is a more descriptive idiom for limbo.
कल पर मत टालो (Don't postpone for tomorrow).
Both involve 'putting/throwing'.
'Dalna' is putting into something, 'Phenkna' is throwing away.
कचरा मत फेंको (Don't throw trash).
Used in the passive idiom.
'Dalna' is active (someone does it), 'Padna' is passive (it happens).
काम खटाई में पड़ गया (The work fell into limbo).
Both mean to mix/add.
'Milana' is general mixing, 'Dalna' is specifically adding/pouring.
चीनी मिलाओ (Mix the sugar).
Satzmuster
Object में खटाई डालो।
दाल में खटाई डालो।
Subject ने Object में खटाई डाली।
माँ ने सब्जी में खटाई डाली।
Subject ने Matter को खटाई में डाल दिया।
उसने मेरी योजना को खटाई में डाल दिया।
Reason की वजह से Matter खटाई में पड़ गया।
बारिश की वजह से मैच खटाई में पड़ गया।
Matter का खटाई में पड़ना Result है।
फाइल का खटाई में पड़ना लापरवाही का नतीजा है।
Matter को खटाई में डालना ठीक नहीं है।
इस सुधार को खटाई में डालना ठीक नहीं है।
Matter अनिश्चित काल के लिए खटाई में डाल दिया गया।
प्रोजेक्ट अनिश्चित काल के लिए खटाई में डाल दिया गया।
बिना सोचे-समझे खटाई डालना घातक हो सकता है।
बिना सोचे-समझे खटाई डालना स्वाद के लिए घातक हो सकता है।
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very common in daily speech and media.
-
मैंने सब्जी में खट्टा डाला।
→
मैंने सब्जी में खटाई डाली।
'Khatta' is an adjective (sour). You need the noun 'Khatai' (sourness/agent).
-
उसने काम खटाई डाला।
→
उसने काम खटाई में डाल दिया।
The idiom for 'on hold' requires the postposition 'meṃ' (in).
-
मैंने खटाई डाला।
→
मैंने खटाई डाली।
'Khatai' is feminine, so the verb must be 'dali'.
-
योजना खटाई में डाल दी। (without subject)
→
सरकार ने योजना खटाई में डाल दी।
In past tense with transitive verbs, you usually need a subject with 'ne'.
-
खटाई डालना (to mean 'to fail')
→
खटाई में पड़ना (to mean 'to be stuck')
'Khatai dalna' usually implies a delay or a specific action, not necessarily a final failure.
Tipps
Gender Agreement
Since 'khatai' is feminine, ensure your verb ending matches. Say 'khatai dali' (feminine) instead of 'khatai dala' (masculine).
Agent vs. Taste
Don't say 'khatta dalna'. Use 'khatai dalna'. 'Khatta' is a quality, not a thing you can pour.
Regional Souring
In South India, they might use 'imli' (tamarind). In North India, 'amchur'. Both are forms of 'khatai'.
The 'In' Factor
Always include 'mein' (in) when you want to say a project is on hold. This changes the meaning from cooking to bureaucracy.
Retroflex T
Practice the 'T' in 'khatai' by curling your tongue back. It's different from the 'T' in 'table'.
News Style
When writing news summaries in Hindi, 'khatai mein dalna' is a great way to describe a stalled bill.
Frustration Tone
When using the idiom, use a slightly sighing or frustrated tone to sound more like a native.
Passive vs Active
Listen for 'dalna' (someone did it) vs 'padna' (it just happened). This tells you who is to blame for the delay.
Relationship Sourness
Use 'rishton mein khatai' carefully; it implies a serious problem that might not be fixed easily.
Lemon Stack
Visualize a stack of paper with a lemon on top. The lemon juice is making the papers stick together—that's 'khatai mein dalna'.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Khatai' as 'Khatam' (Finished) + 'Delay'. If you add 'khatai' to a plan, the progress is 'finished' for now and 'delayed'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant lemon being squeezed onto a stack of office files, making them soggy and stuck together so they can't be moved.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'khatai dalna' in a sentence about a TV show that was cancelled or a meeting that never happened.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kshata' or 'Khatta', meaning sour or acidic. The verb 'Dalna' comes from the Sanskrit 'Dhalati', meaning to pour or throw.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To pour or add a sour substance into a liquid or dish.
Indo-Aryan (Hindi-Urdu).Kultureller Kontext
It is a safe, common idiom, but using it about someone's serious illness or death would be inappropriate as it implies a 'delay' or 'limbo' that is too casual.
Equivalent to 'putting something on the back burner' or 'shelving' a project.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
In the Kitchen
- थोड़ी खटाई डालो
- खटाई कम है
- कौन सी खटाई डालें?
- खटाई डालना भूल गए
At the Office
- प्रोजेक्ट खटाई में है
- बॉस ने फाइल खटाई में डाल दी
- छुट्टी खटाई में पड़ी है
- मामले को खटाई में मत डालो
Political News
- बिल खटाई में पड़ा
- वार्ता खटाई में
- समझौता खटाई में गया
- चुनाव ने काम खटाई में डाला
Personal Relationships
- रिश्तों में खटाई
- बात खटाई में पड़ गई
- दोस्ती में खटाई आना
- खटाई मत डालो
Legal/Court
- केस खटाई में है
- सुनवाई खटाई में पड़ी
- फैसला खटाई में डालना
- फाइल खटाई में गई
Gesprächseinstiege
"क्या आपको खाने में खटाई डालना पसंद है?"
"क्या आपका कोई प्रोजेक्ट कभी खटाई में पड़ा है?"
"भारतीय खाने में खटाई डालने के लिए सबसे अच्छा क्या है?"
"अगर सरकार इस बिल को खटाई में डाल दे, तो क्या होगा?"
"क्या आपको लगता है कि ऑफिस की राजनीति काम को खटाई में डालती है?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
आज मैंने खाना बनाया और उसमें खटाई डाली। उसका स्वाद कैसा था?
एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपकी कोई योजना खटाई में पड़ गई हो।
क्या आपको लगता है कि 'खटाई में डालना' एक अच्छा मुहावरा है? क्यों?
अपने देश की किसी ऐसी समस्या के बारे में लिखें जो सालों से खटाई में पड़ी है।
रिश्तों में खटाई आने से कैसे रोका जा सकता है? अपने विचार लिखें।
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, literally it can refer to lemon, tamarind, amchur, or vinegar. In cooking, it is the general term for adding acidity.
It is not rude, but it is critical. If you say a boss put your file in 'khatai,' you are complaining about their inefficiency.
The first is literal (cooking: add sourness). The second is idiomatic (delay: put in limbo). The 'meṃ' (in) is the key difference.
Yes, 'khatai' is feminine. Therefore, you say 'khatai dali' (past) or 'khatai dalni chahiye' (should add).
Yes, using 'khatai mein dalna' correctly in a Hindi essay shows a high level of vocabulary (B2/C1).
There is no single idiom, but 'amal mein lana' (to bring into action) or 'poora karna' (to complete) are good opposites.
In many parts of North India, 'khatai' specifically refers to dried mango slices, but in general Hindi, it means any souring agent.
No, it's used for matters, plans, files, or projects. For a person, you might say 'intezaar karwana' (to make someone wait).
It is a breathy 'k'. Imagine you are blowing out a candle while saying 'k'.
Yes, you will often hear characters say 'Hamara rishta khatai mein pad gaya' to mean their relationship is in trouble.
Teste dich selbst 107 Fragen
Write a sentence using 'khatai dalna' literally (about cooking).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'khatai mein dalna' about a work project.
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Use 'khatai dalna' to describe a relationship problem.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a question asking someone if they added sourness to the dal.
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Translate: 'The government has put the new law on hold.'
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Pronounce: खटाई डालना
Read this aloud:
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Explain the idiom 'khatai mein dalna' in Hindi.
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Identify the word: 'सब्जी में खटाई डाल दो' (Audio simulated)
What happened to the file? 'फाइल खटाई में पड़ गई' (Audio simulated)
/ 107 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
While 'खटाई डालना' is a basic cooking instruction, its idiomatic form 'खटाई में डालना' is a powerful way to describe delays. Example: 'Sarkar ne naye kanoon ko khatai mein dal diya' (The government put the new law on hold).
- Literally means adding sour ingredients like lemon to food.
- Idiomatically means putting a plan or project on hold.
- Requires the word 'meṃ' (in) for the idiomatic meaning.
- Used frequently in kitchens and political news reports.
Gender Agreement
Since 'khatai' is feminine, ensure your verb ending matches. Say 'khatai dali' (feminine) instead of 'khatai dala' (masculine).
Agent vs. Taste
Don't say 'khatta dalna'. Use 'khatai dalna'. 'Khatta' is a quality, not a thing you can pour.
Regional Souring
In South India, they might use 'imli' (tamarind). In North India, 'amchur'. Both are forms of 'khatai'.
The 'In' Factor
Always include 'mein' (in) when you want to say a project is on hold. This changes the meaning from cooking to bureaucracy.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr cooking Wörter
बघारना
B2To temper spices in oil; fry spices briefly to release flavor.
भीगा हुआ
B2Durchnässt, nass; in Flüssigkeit getaucht. 'Seine Kleider waren völlig durchnässt.' (Seine Kleider waren klatschnass.)
भुनाना
B2To get roasted or fried; have something cooked by roasting/frying.
भुनवाना
B2Etwas von jemandem rösten lassen. Beispiel: Ich habe die Erdnüsse auf dem Markt rösten lassen.
भट्ठी
B2Ein Ofen, Schmelzofen oder Brennofen.
चाय बनाना
A2Tee kochen. Ein alltäglicher Ausdruck für die Zubereitung von Tee.
फ्राइंग पैन
A2Bratpfanne; eine flache Pfanne mit langem Griff zum Braten von Speisen.
ग्रिल
A2Grill; ein Kochgerät, das direkte Hitze zum Garen von Speisen verwendet.
ग्रिल करना
A2To grill; to cook food using direct heat.
घोल
B2Batter, liquid mixture; a semi-liquid mixture for cooking.