पूछताछ in 30 Sekunden
- Pūchtāch is a feminine Hindi noun meaning inquiry or interrogation, derived from the verb pūchnā (to ask).
- It is commonly used at help desks (Pūchtāch Kendra) and in legal contexts like police investigations.
- The word implies a systematic process of questioning rather than a single, isolated question.
- Grammatically, it is often paired with 'karnā' and requires the postposition 'se' for the person being asked.
The Hindi word पूछताछ (Pūchtāch) is a feminine noun that translates primarily to 'inquiry,' 'enquiry,' or 'interrogation.' Etymologically, it is a compound formation derived from the verb पूछना (pūchnā), which means 'to ask.' In Hindi linguistics, this is often categorized as a partial reduplication or a repetitive compound where the second part 'tāch' reinforces the primary action of 'pūch.' It signifies a process rather than a single question. While a 'sawāl' is a single question, 'pūchtāch' implies a series of questions aimed at gathering information or investigating a matter. It is a versatile word used in everyday contexts like asking for directions at a railway station, as well as in formal legal contexts like a police investigation.
- Grammatical Gender
- Feminine (e.g., पूछताछ लंबी चली - The inquiry lasted long).
- Functional Category
- Abstract Noun / Action Noun.
- Contextual Depth
- Ranges from casual 'asking around' to formal 'interrogation'.
"पुलिस चोरी के मामले में पूछताछ कर रही है।"
— The police are conducting an inquiry regarding the theft.
In a broader sense, 'pūchtāch' represents the human endeavor to seek clarity. Whether you are at a 'Pūchtāch Kendra' (Enquiry Office) at a metro station or undergoing a 'Gahan Pūchtāch' (Intense Interrogation) in a legal setting, the core essence remains the act of seeking answers. It is often paired with the auxiliary verb 'karnā' (to do) to form the phrasal verb 'pūchtāch karnā.' Understanding this word requires recognizing its weight; it is more formal than 'pūchnā' and suggests a systematic approach to questioning. For instance, if you ask a friend about their health, it's 'pūchnā,' but if a journalist asks a politician about a scandal, it becomes 'pūchtāch.'
स्टेशन पर पूछताछ खिड़की कहाँ है?
सीबीआई ने मंत्री से पाँच घंटे तक पूछताछ की।
बिना पूछताछ के अंदर आना मना है।
मोहल्ले में अजनबी के बारे में पूछताछ हो रही है।
- Synonym Note
- 'Jāñch' (Investigation) is broader; 'Pūchtāch' is specifically the verbal part of it.
Using पूछताछ correctly involves understanding its collocation with verbs and its role in different registers. The most common construction is [Subject] + [Object/Context] + [se] + पूछताछ + [karnā]. For example, 'Police ne chor se pūchtāch kī' (The police questioned the thief). Note that the person being questioned is usually followed by the postposition 'se' (from/with).
- As a Subject: 'Pūchtāch jārī hai' (The inquiry is ongoing). Here, it acts as the focus of the sentence.
- With 'Karnā': To conduct an inquiry. 'Hamne hotel ke baare mein pūchtāch kī' (We inquired about the hotel).
- With 'Honā': To be questioned. 'Usse pūchtāch huī' (He was questioned).
In formal writing, you might see it used in administrative documents or news reports. In casual conversation, it might be used when someone is being 'nosy' or when you are trying to find a lost item. It is important to remember that 'pūchtāch' is a collective process. You wouldn't use it for a single question like 'What is the time?'. You use it for 'I went to the counter and made inquiries about the trains.'
Sentence Patterns:
1. Investigation: [Agency] + [Person] + से पूछताछ कर रही है।
2. Information Seeking: मैंने [Topic] के बारे में पूछताछ की।
When using it in the plural sense, though the form remains 'pūchtāch' in many dialects, the oblique form 'pūchtāchoñ' is rare and usually avoided in favor of keeping it as a collective noun. It is also a key word in the compound 'pūchtāch-kendra' (enquiry center). If you are at an airport, look for the sign that says 'Pūchtāch' to find help.
You will encounter पूछताछ in several distinct environments across India and Hindi-speaking regions. Each environment gives the word a slightly different flavor. From the high-stakes environment of a courtroom to the mundane setting of a bus stand, 'pūchtāch' is everywhere.
1. Public Transport & Services
At railway stations, airports, and bus terminals, the 'Enquiry Office' is always translated as पूछताछ कार्यालय (Pūchtāch Kāryālay) or simply पूछताछ (Pūchtāch). You will hear announcements like 'Kripayā pūchtāch kendra par sampark kareñ' (Please contact the enquiry center).
2. Crime News & Media
This is perhaps the most frequent context in modern media. News anchors often say, 'ED ne neta se pūchtāch kī' (The ED questioned the leader). In crime thrillers or Bollywood movies, a common dialogue is 'Humeñ tumse kuchh pūchtāch karni hai' (We need to ask you some questions/interrogate you).
3. Legal and Administrative Contexts
In government offices, if a file is missing or a procedure is being audited, a 'pūchtāch' might be initiated. It sounds more official than 'sawāl-jawāb' (question-answer).
4. Everyday Social Situations
If a neighbor is asking too many questions about your personal life, you might complain to a friend, 'Woh bahut pūchtāch kar raha thā' (He was inquiring/prying a lot). Here, it carries a slight connotation of being intrusive.
Learners of Hindi often confuse पूछताछ with other similar-sounding or related words. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Hindi sound more natural and precise.
- Mistake 1: Using it for a single question.
Incorrect: 'Maine usse ek pūchtāch kī' (I asked him one inquiry).
Correct: 'Maine usse ek sawāl pūchā' (I asked him one question). 'Pūchtāch' is a process, not a countable unit of a single question. - Mistake 2: Wrong Gender.
Incorrect: 'Pūchtāch huā.'
Correct: 'Pūchtāch huī.' Since it is feminine, all accompanying verbs and adjectives must agree. - Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Jāñch'.
While 'Jāñch' means investigation, it includes forensic evidence, site visits, and data analysis. 'Pūchtāch' is specifically the act of verbal questioning. You can have 'pūchtāch' as part of a 'jāñch', but they aren't always interchangeable. - Mistake 4: Using 'ko' instead of 'se'.
Incorrect: 'Police ne chor ko pūchtāch kī.'
Correct: 'Police ne chor se pūchtāch kī.' The person being questioned is the source of information, hence 'se'.
Another subtle mistake is using it in very informal, intimate settings. Asking your spouse 'Where were you?' is just 'pūchnā'. Calling it 'pūchtāch' makes it sound like a police interrogation, which might sound sarcastic or overly aggressive in a domestic context.
To truly master पूछताछ, you should understand its place within the family of words related to questioning and investigation in Hindi.
| Word | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| सवाल (Sawāl) | Question | A single unit of inquiry. |
| जाँच (Jāñch) | Investigation/Check | Broad term for checking or investigating. |
| तफ्तीश (Tapteesh) | Investigation | Urdu-origin, highly formal/police term. |
| अन्वेषण (Anveshan) | Research/Inquiry | Sanskrit-origin, academic or deep search. |
| पूछना (Pūchnā) | To ask | The base verb for any questioning. |
| जिज्ञासा (Jigyāsā) | Curiosity | The internal desire to know. |
While 'Sawāl' is what you ask, 'Pūchtāch' is the session in which you ask it. 'Tapteesh' is what you see in crime novels, and 'Jāñch' is what a doctor does (check-up) or a detective does (investigation). 'Pūchtāch' sits comfortably in the middle—formal enough for a station, but common enough for a neighbor.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Compound Nouns in Hindi
Feminine Noun Agreement
Use of 'se' with communication verbs
Past tense of 'karnā' (kī)
Passive voice in formal Hindi
Beispiele nach Niveau
पूछताछ कहाँ है?
Where is the enquiry?
Simple question with 'kahañ'.
यह पूछताछ खिड़की है।
This is the enquiry window.
Demonstrative pronoun 'yeh'.
मैं पूछताछ कर रहा हूँ।
I am inquiring.
Present continuous tense.
वहाँ पूछताछ करो।
Inquire there.
Imperative sentence.
पूछताछ केंद्र पास है।
The enquiry center is near.
Adjective 'paas' (near).
क्या यहाँ पूछताछ होती है?
Does inquiry happen here?
Interrogative with 'kyā'.
पूछताछ ज़रूरी है।
Inquiry is necessary.
Adjective 'zarūrī'.
नमस्ते, मुझे पूछताछ करनी है।
Hello, I need to inquire.
Use of 'karnī hai' for necessity.
मैंने बस के बारे में पूछताछ की।
I inquired about the bus.
Past tense 'kī' agreeing with feminine 'pūchtāch'.
पुलिस ने पूछताछ शुरू की।
The police started the inquiry.
Subject with 'ne'.
क्या आपने पूछताछ की?
Did you inquire?
Simple past interrogative.
पूछताछ के बाद मुझे पता चला।
I found out after the inquiry.
Postposition 'ke baad'.
वह पूछताछ करने गया है।
He has gone to inquire.
Infinitive 'karne' for purpose.
यहाँ पूछताछ की सुविधा है।
There is an inquiry facility here.
Possessive 'kī'.
पूछताछ लंबी हो सकती है।
The inquiry can be long.
Modal verb 'saktī hai'.
बिना पूछताछ के मत जाओ।
Don't go without inquiring.
Negative imperative 'mat jāo'.
सीबीआई ने कल पूछताछ की थी।
CBI had conducted an inquiry yesterday.
Past perfect tense.
पूछताछ के दौरान उसने सच बताया।
During the inquiry, he told the truth.
Compound postposition 'ke daurān'.
हमें इस मामले में पूछताछ करनी चाहिए।
We should inquire into this matter.
Modal 'chāhiye'.
अधिकारी पूछताछ के लिए आए हैं।
The officers have come for inquiry.
Purpose with 'ke liye'.
पूछताछ से डरो मत।
Don't be afraid of the inquiry.
Postposition 'se' with 'ḍarnā'.
क्या पूछताछ पूरी हो गई?
Is the inquiry complete?
Passive-like construction with 'ho gaī'.
पूछताछ का समय समाप्त हो गया।
The time for inquiry is over.
Possessive 'kā'.
उसने पूछताछ में सहयोग नहीं किया।
He did not cooperate in the inquiry.
Locative 'meñ'.
गहन पूछताछ के बाद अपराधी ने जुर्म कबूला।
After intense interrogation, the criminal confessed.
Adjective 'gahan' (intense).
पूछताछ की प्रक्रिया काफी जटिल है।
The process of inquiry is quite complex.
Noun 'prakriyā' (process).
बिना किसी पूछताछ के उसे छोड़ दिया गया।
He was released without any inquiry.
Passive voice 'chhoṛ diyā gayā'.
अदालत ने पूछताछ के आदेश दिए हैं।
The court has ordered an inquiry.
Plural object 'ādesh'.
पूछताछ का दायरा बढ़ता जा रहा है।
The scope of the inquiry is expanding.
Continuous aspect 'baṛhtā jā rahā hai'.
उसने पूछताछ से बचने की कोशिश की।
He tried to avoid the inquiry.
Infinitive 'bachne' with 'kī koshish'.
पूछताछ में कई नए तथ्य सामने आए।
Many new facts came to light in the inquiry.
Subject-verb agreement with 'tathya'.
सरकारी पूछताछ में समय लगता है।
Government inquiries take time.
Habitual present.
पूछताछ की पारदर्शिता पर सवाल उठाए गए हैं।
Questions have been raised about the transparency of the inquiry.
Abstract noun 'pārdarshitā'.
न्यायिक पूछताछ की निष्पक्षता अनिवार्य है।
The impartiality of a judicial inquiry is mandatory.
Adjective 'nishpakshatā'.
पूछताछ के दौरान मानवाधिकारों का उल्लंघन नहीं होना चाहिए।
Human rights should not be violated during interrogation.
Passive obligation.
प्रारंभिक पूछताछ से संकेत मिलते हैं कि यह एक साजिश थी।
Preliminary inquiries suggest that it was a conspiracy.
Complex sentence structure.
पूछताछ की रिपोर्ट अगले महीने पेश की जाएगी।
The inquiry report will be presented next month.
Future passive.
उसकी चुप्पी पूछताछ में बाधा डाल रही है।
His silence is hindering the inquiry.
Idiomatic 'bādhā ḍālnā'.
विपक्ष ने इस पूछताछ को राजनीति से प्रेरित बताया।
The opposition called this inquiry politically motivated.
Complex object complement.
पूछताछ के निष्कर्षों ने सबको चौंका दिया।
The findings of the inquiry shocked everyone.
Noun 'nishkarsh' (findings).
पूछताछ की यह पद्धति लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों के विपरीत है।
This method of inquiry is contrary to democratic values.
Formal register.
सत्य की खोज में पूछताछ एक अनिवार्य सोपान है।
Inquiry is an essential step in the search for truth.
Metaphorical usage.
पूछताछ के नाम पर उत्पीड़न को स्वीकार नहीं किया जा सकता।
Harassment in the name of inquiry cannot be accepted.
Modal passive.
पूछताछ की सूक्ष्मताओं को समझना एक कला है।
Understanding the subtleties of interrogation is an art.
Abstract plural 'sūkshmatāoñ'.
क्या पूछताछ केवल औपचारिकता बनकर रह गई है?
Has the inquiry become merely a formality?
Rhetorical question.
पूछताछ की विफलता प्रशासन की अक्षमता को दर्शाती है।
The failure of the inquiry reflects the incompetence of the administration.
High-level vocabulary.
उसने पूछताछ के हर प्रहार का धैर्य से सामना किया।
He faced every onslaught of the interrogation with patience.
Literary metaphor 'prahār'.
पूछताछ के परिणामों की प्रतीक्षा पूरा देश कर रहा है।
The entire country is waiting for the results of the inquiry.
Emphatic subject.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Jāñch is investigation (general); Pūchtāch is questioning (verbal).
Sawāl is a single question; Pūchtāch is the whole process.
Prārthanā is a request/prayer; Pūchtāch is an inquiry.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
While 'pūchtāch' is feminine, the verb 'pūchnā' is neutral in its base form. Don't let the verb's gender-neutrality confuse you about the noun's gender.
-
The person being questioned takes 'se', not 'ko'.
-
Pūchtāch is feminine and usually not used with 'ek' for a single question.
-
Adjective agreement must be feminine.
-
Use 'pūchtāch' for a process, not a single query.
-
Don't use formal 'pūchtāch' terms in casual, intimate settings.
Tipps
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'pūchtāch' is feminine. Use 'kī' instead of 'kiyā' when using it with the verb 'karnā'. This is the most common error for beginners. Practice saying 'Pūchtāch huī' to get used to the sound.
Context Matters
Use 'pūchtāch' for processes and 'sawāl' for single questions. If you are at a help desk, it's 'pūchtāch'. If you are asking a friend for a pen, it's just 'pūchnā'. Using the right word shows your level of fluency.
Related Verbs
Pair it with 'karnā' (to do), 'honā' (to happen), or 'chalnā' (to go on). For example, 'Pūchtāch chal rahī hai' means the inquiry is ongoing. These combinations cover 90% of its usage. It makes your sentences sound natural.
Public Signs
Look for the word 'पूछताछ' at Indian railway stations to find the enquiry office. It is a vital word for any traveler in India. Knowing this word can save you a lot of time and confusion. It's often the most important sign in the building.
Aspiration
Ensure you aspirate the 'chh' sound at the end. It's not 'pūchtāch' with a soft 'ch', but 'pūchtāchh'. This aspiration is key to being understood by native speakers. Practice the 'chh' sound like the 'ch' in 'cheese' but with a puff of air.
Formal Reports
In formal writing, use 'pūchtāch' to describe investigations or data gathering. It carries more weight than 'pūchnā'. It is the standard term in journalism and administration. It makes your writing sound authoritative and precise.
Being Polite
When starting an inquiry, say 'Mujhe thodī pūchtāch karnī hai'. This is a polite way to tell someone you have a few questions. It sets a formal yet respectful tone. It's better than just blurting out a question.
News Keywords
Listen for 'pūchtāch' in Hindi news; it usually precedes important information about a case. It is a 'trigger word' for listeners to pay attention to details. News anchors often emphasize this word to build suspense. It's a staple of crime reporting.
Interrogation Nuance
In a legal context, 'pūchtāch' is the verbal part of an investigation. It is different from physical evidence collection. Knowing this helps in understanding legal dramas or news. It is a specific stage in the judicial process.
The 'Pūch' Root
Connect it to 'Pūchnā' (to ask), which is one of the first verbs you learn. This makes the word easy to remember. Just think of it as the 'noun version' of asking. Most learners find this association very helpful.
Einprägen
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a magnifying glass over a question mark at a train station counter.
Wortherkunft
Sanskrit/Prakrit roots
Kultureller Kontext
Look for the Hindi script 'पूछताछ' at every major Indian railway station.
When at a Pūchtāch counter, use 'Aap' and be patient as they are often crowded.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"Kya aapne is baare mein pūchtāch kī?"
"Pūchtāch kendra kahāñ hai?"
"Police pūchtāch mein kya huā?"
"Kya mujhe aur pūchtāch karni chahiye?"
"Pūchtāch ke liye kaun zimmedār hai?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you had to make an inquiry at a busy place.
Describe a fictional interrogation scene.
Why is inquiry important in a democracy?
How do you feel when someone asks you too many questions?
What would you ask at a 'Future Enquiry' counter?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is more formal than 'pūchnā' and is used in official contexts. It is the standard word for 'enquiry' in government and public services. However, it can be used in daily life too. It always implies a certain level of structure. You wouldn't use it for a casual 'hi'.
It is a feminine noun. This means you say 'pūchtāch kī' or 'pūchtāch huī'. Adjectives also change, like 'lambī pūchtāch'. Remembering this is crucial for correct grammar. Most nouns ending in 'ch' or 'sh' in Hindi are feminine.
Yes, it is the most common word for police interrogation. While 'tapteesh' is also used, 'pūchtāch' is very frequent in news and movies. It covers everything from a friendly inquiry to a tough questioning session. Context determines the intensity. 'Gahan pūchtāch' specifically means intense interrogation.
You will find it at the entrance or main hall of Indian railway stations. It is usually a counter with a glass partition. Signs are often in Hindi, English, and the local state language. It is the first place to go for train timings or platform info. It is often very crowded.
A 'sawāl' is a single question (e.g., 'What is your name?'). 'Pūchtāch' is the act or session of asking many questions. You can ask many 'sawāl' during a 'pūchtāch'. Think of 'sawāl' as a brick and 'pūchtāch' as the wall. One is a unit, the other is a process.
You must use 'se' with the person being questioned. For example, 'Police ne mujhse pūchtāch kī' (The police questioned me). Using 'ko' is a common mistake for learners. 'Se' indicates the source of the information you are seeking. This is a standard rule for communication verbs in Hindi.
Technically, the oblique plural is 'pūchtāchoñ', but it is almost never used. 'Pūchtāch' is treated as a collective or abstract noun. If you want to imply multiple inquiries, you usually just use the singular form in a context that suggests plurality. For example, 'Kaī jagah pūchtāch kī gaī'.
Absolutely. If you are inquiring about a price or a service, you can say 'Maine rate ke liye pūchtāch kī'. It sounds professional and clear. It is better than saying 'Maine sawāl pūchā' in a commercial setting. It shows you are doing your due diligence.
This is a common way to say 'inquiry and such' or just to emphasize the word. In Hindi, adding a similar-sounding word (echo word) is common. However, 'pūchtāch' itself is already a compound. So 'pūchtāch-vūchtāch' is more likely in slang.
Yes, 'pūchtāch' is used in Urdu as well, although Urdu speakers might prefer 'tehqīqāt' or 'tapteesh' in very formal or poetic contexts. In daily spoken Urdu (Hindustani), 'pūchtāch' is perfectly common and understood. It is part of the shared vocabulary.
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Summary
पूछताछ (Pūchtāch) is your go-to word for any formal or systematic inquiry in Hindi. Whether you are a traveler at a railway station or a student of legal Hindi, mastering this word allows you to navigate information-seeking scenarios with precision and cultural accuracy.
- Pūchtāch is a feminine Hindi noun meaning inquiry or interrogation, derived from the verb pūchnā (to ask).
- It is commonly used at help desks (Pūchtāch Kendra) and in legal contexts like police investigations.
- The word implies a systematic process of questioning rather than a single, isolated question.
- Grammatically, it is often paired with 'karnā' and requires the postposition 'se' for the person being asked.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'pūchtāch' is feminine. Use 'kī' instead of 'kiyā' when using it with the verb 'karnā'. This is the most common error for beginners. Practice saying 'Pūchtāch huī' to get used to the sound.
Context Matters
Use 'pūchtāch' for processes and 'sawāl' for single questions. If you are at a help desk, it's 'pūchtāch'. If you are asking a friend for a pen, it's just 'pūchnā'. Using the right word shows your level of fluency.
Related Verbs
Pair it with 'karnā' (to do), 'honā' (to happen), or 'chalnā' (to go on). For example, 'Pūchtāch chal rahī hai' means the inquiry is ongoing. These combinations cover 90% of its usage. It makes your sentences sound natural.
Public Signs
Look for the word 'पूछताछ' at Indian railway stations to find the enquiry office. It is a vital word for any traveler in India. Knowing this word can save you a lot of time and confusion. It's often the most important sign in the building.
Beispiel
कृपया पूछताछ काउंटर पर जाएँ।
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr travel Wörter
आबोहवा
B1Klima oder allgemeine Umweltbedingungen eines Ortes. 'Das Klima in dieser Stadt ist sehr trocken.' (इस शहर की आबोहवा बहुत शुष्क है।)
आगे की ओर
A2Nach vorne; in Richtung der Vorderseite.
आगमन हॉल
B1Die Ankunftshalle ist der Bereich für ankommende Passagiere. Im आगमन हॉल warten Familien oft auf ihre Angehörigen.
आगमन होना
B1Ankommen, ein Ziel erreichen (formeller Kontext). 'Die Ankunft des Gastes wurde angekündigt.'
आगमन कक्ष
B1Die Ankunftshalle in einem Flughafen oder Bahnhof.
आगमन करना
A2Ankommen. Wird in formellen Kontexten verwendet, wie z. B. bei der Ankunft eines Zuges oder eines Ehrengastes.
आगमन समय
A2Arrival time
आगमन द्वार
B1Arrival gate, the gate where a flight arrives.
आगंतुक
B1A person visiting a place or person, especially socially or as a tourist.
आहार ग्रहण करना
B1To consume food, to eat.
