At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Sabjīvālā' means 'vegetable seller'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Sabjīvālā āyā' (The vegetable seller came). It is a combination of 'Sabjī' (vegetable) and 'Wala' (person). This 'Wala' part is very useful because you can use it for other people too, like 'Doodhwala' for the person who brings milk. Think of it as a label for a job. When you see a man with a cart full of carrots and potatoes, he is the 'Sabjīvālā'. You might use this word to tell your mother or friend that the vendor is outside. It is one of the most practical words for daily life in India because you will see these sellers every single day on the street.
At the A2 level, you should understand how the word changes slightly in sentences. When you say 'to the vegetable seller', the 'ā' at the end changes to 'e', so it becomes 'Sabjīvāle ko'. This is important for basic communication. You can now use the word to ask questions: 'Sabjīvāle ke pās kyā hai?' (What does the vegetable seller have?). You are also learning to distinguish between different types of vendors. You might use 'Sabjīvālā' for the person with the cart and 'Dukāndār' for the person in a permanent shop. You should be able to handle a very basic transaction, like asking the price or saying the vegetables are fresh, using this word as the subject or object of your sentence.
At the B1 level, you can use 'Sabjīvālā' in more complex social interactions. You understand that adding 'Bhaiya' (brother) after the word makes it more polite. You can describe the routine of the 'Sabjīvālā' in your neighborhood using the habitual tense: 'Sabjīvālā roz subah nau baje ātā hai' (The vegetable seller comes every morning at nine). You are also becoming aware of the cultural nuance of bargaining. You know that the 'Sabjīvālā' might quote a higher price and you need to negotiate. You can use the word in stories or when describing your day-to-day life in an essay. You also start to recognize the word in slightly more formal contexts, like a simple news report about local markets.
At the B2 level, you understand the word 'Sabjīvālā' within the broader context of the Indian economy. You can discuss the challenges faced by these street vendors, such as weather conditions or competition from supermarkets. You are comfortable with all grammatical forms, including the plural oblique 'Sabjīvālōn'. You can use the word in hypothetical sentences: 'Agar sabjīvālā nahīn āyā, to ham kyā pakāenge?' (If the vegetable seller doesn't come, what will we cook?). You also recognize the word's presence in literature or cinema, where the 'Sabjīvālā' might represent the 'common man' (Aam Aadmi). Your vocabulary is expanding to include synonyms like 'Vikretā' for more formal discussions.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's sociolinguistic implications. You can analyze the use of the '-wala' suffix across different Hindi dialects and its influence on Indian English. You can engage in nuanced debates about the 'Sabjīvālā's' role in the urban food supply chain and the impact of digitalization (like e-commerce apps) on their livelihood. You understand the subtle difference in tone when someone says 'Sabjīvālā' vs. 'Sabjī-vikretā' in a political speech or an academic paper. You can use the word fluently in complex narrative structures, perhaps using it as a symbol of traditional community life in a rapidly changing society.
At the C2 level, you possess near-native intuition regarding the word 'Sabjīvālā'. You can appreciate its use in poetry or high literature, where it might be used metaphorically. You understand the historical evolution of the term and the Persian roots of the word 'Sabz' (green/vegetable). You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial 'Sabjīvālā' and highly technical terms like 'Asangathit kshetra ke vyāpārī' (traders of the unorganized sector) depending on the audience. You are aware of the regional variations of the term across the Hindi belt and can interpret the socio-economic status and regional origin of a person based on how they interact with or refer to a 'Sabjīvālā'.

सब्जीवाला in 30 Sekunden

  • A 'Sabjīvālā' is a vegetable seller who often sells from a mobile cart.
  • The word is a compound of 'Sabjī' (vegetable) and the suffix '-wālā'.
  • It is a masculine noun that changes to 'Sabjīvāle' in the oblique case.
  • They are a vital part of the daily food supply in Indian neighborhoods.

The Hindi word सब्जीवाला (Sabjīvālā) is a quintessential term in the Indian linguistic and social landscape. At its most basic level, it refers to a vegetable seller or vendor. However, the term carries a much deeper cultural weight than its English counterpart. In India, a sabjīvālā is not just a merchant; they are a daily fixture in the lives of millions, often bringing fresh produce directly to the doorstep of consumers using a handcart called a 'thela'. The word is a compound formed by सब्जी (sabjī) meaning 'vegetable' and the versatile suffix वाला (vālā), which denotes a person associated with or possessing the preceding noun.

Literal Meaning
The one who deals in vegetables. It is a masculine noun, though the profession is occasionally practiced by women, who would be referred to as sabjīvālī.
Social Context
In urban and semi-urban India, the sabjīvālā often has a fixed route and a distinctive call or whistle to announce their arrival, creating a unique auditory rhythm to the neighborhood.

आज सब्जीवाला ताज़ी पालक लाया है। (Today the vegetable seller has brought fresh spinach.)

Understanding this word requires understanding the '-wala' suffix. This suffix is one of the most productive tools in Hindi grammar. It can be attached to nouns (like chai-wala for tea seller), verbs (like jane-wala for the one who is about to go), or even adjectives. When applied to 'sabjī', it creates a specific occupational identity. You will use this word when you are planning your meals, bargaining for prices, or simply identifying someone in the marketplace. It is neutral in register, suitable for both formal descriptions and informal daily conversation.

सब्जीवाले भैया, आलू क्या भाव दिए? (Vegetable seller brother, what is the price for potatoes?)

The word also evokes images of the 'Mandī' (the wholesale market) where these vendors source their goods at the crack of dawn. For a learner, mastering this word is a gateway to understanding the informal economy of South Asia. It is often used with 'Bhaiya' (brother) as a polite form of address, even if there is no blood relation. This reflects the communal nature of Indian commerce.

Usage in Media
Often depicted in Bollywood movies as a character who knows all the neighborhood gossip, emphasizing their role as a social connector.

Using सब्जीवाला correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (masculine) and how it changes in plural and oblique cases. Because it ends in '-ā' (वाला), it follows the standard declension for masculine nouns ending in 'ā'. In the singular, it is sabjīvālā. In the plural, it becomes sabjīvāle. When followed by a postposition (like ko, ne, se), the singular also changes to sabjīvāle.

मैंने सब्जीवाले को पैसे दे दिए हैं। (I have given the money to the vegetable seller.)

In the sentence above, sabjīvālā becomes sabjīvāle because of the postposition 'ko'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners. Another key aspect is the use of honorifics. While 'sabjīvālā' is the noun, when calling out to one, people often say 'Sabjīvāle!' (using the oblique/vocative form) or add 'Bhaiya'.

Subject Position
सब्जीवाला गली में चिल्ला रहा है। (The vegetable seller is shouting in the street.) Here, it is the subject performing the action.
Object Position
क्या तुमने सब्जीवाले को देखा? (Did you see the vegetable seller?) Note the change to 'vāle' due to 'ko'.

You can also use the word to describe the shop itself in a colloquial sense, though 'sabjī kī dukān' is more precise. If you say 'Main sabjīvāle ke pās jā rahā hūn' (I am going to the vegetable seller), it implies going to their specific spot or cart. The word is versatile enough to be used in past, present, and future tenses without changing its core meaning.

कल सब्जीवाला नहीं आएगा क्योंकि कल छुट्टी है। (The vegetable seller won't come tomorrow because it's a holiday.)

If you spend a morning in any Indian residential colony, the word सब्जीवाला will be part of the soundscape. You will hear it in the calls of the vendors themselves, though they usually shout the names of the vegetables they are selling (e.g., "Aloo-pyaaz-tamatar!") rather than their own title. However, neighbors will shout to each other: "Has the sabjīvālā come yet?" (Sabjīvālā ā gayā kyā?).

The Morning Routine
In many households, the arrival of the sabjīvālā signals the start of the day's cooking preparations. Conversations involve checking the freshness of the 'gobhi' or 'bhindi'.

अरे सुनिए, सब्जीवाले को रोकिए, मुझे टमाटर लेने हैं! (Hey listen, stop the vegetable seller, I need to buy tomatoes!)

In modern urban India, you might also hear this word in the context of apps and delivery services. Even though people buy through BigBasket or Blinkit, they might still refer to the delivery person informally as the 'sabjīvālā' if they are only bringing produce. In local markets (Sabjī Mandī), the word is ubiquitous. You'll hear it in disputes over parking carts or in discussions about wholesale prices.

Furthermore, the word appears in literature and news reports discussing the 'unorganized sector' of the economy. When the government announces new schemes for street vendors, the term sabjīvālā is often used in headlines to represent the common street merchant. It is a word that bridges the gap between the humble street corner and the national economic dialogue.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is failing to apply the oblique case. Because sabjīvālā ends in 'ā', it must change to 'e' before any postposition. Many learners mistakenly say *sabjīvālā ko* instead of the correct sabjīvāle ko. This is a fundamental rule of Hindi grammar that applies to all masculine nouns ending in 'ā'.

Pronunciation of 'Z'
The 'j' in sabjī is often pronounced with a 'z' sound (sab-zee) by native speakers due to Persian influence, but learners often use a hard 'j' (as in 'jump'). While both are understood, the 'z' sound is more authentic for this specific word.

Wrong: सब्जीवाला से पूछो।
Right: सब्जीवाले से पूछो। (Ask the vegetable seller.)

Another mistake is using the word 'vendor' in a very formal way when 'sabjīvālā' is more appropriate. In Hindi, using overly Sanskritized words like vikretā in a casual street setting can sound robotic or out of place. Conversely, calling a high-end organic store owner a 'sabjīvālā' might be slightly too informal, though not necessarily offensive.

Lastly, gender agreement is vital. If you are talking about a woman selling vegetables, you must change the suffix: sabjīvālī. Using the masculine form for a woman is a common error for beginners who haven't yet mastered the gendered nature of the '-wala' suffix.

While सब्जीवाला is the most common term, there are several alternatives depending on the context and the specific type of seller. Understanding these nuances will make your Hindi sound more natural and sophisticated.

तरकारीवाला (Tarkārīvālā)
In many parts of North India and Bihar, 'tarkārī' is used instead of 'sabjī'. Thus, a 'tarkārīvālā' is the exact same thing as a 'sabjīvālā'.
विक्रेता (Vikretā)
This is a formal Sanskrit-derived word for 'seller'. You will see this in newspapers or on signs (e.g., phal-sabjī vikretā - fruit and vegetable seller).
फेरीवाला (Pherīvālā)
This refers specifically to a hawker or itinerant vendor who moves from place to place. While a sabjīvālā can be a pherīvālā, not all pherīvālās sell vegetables.

वह एक छोटा व्यापारी है। (He is a small trader/merchant.)

If the person owns a large shop, you might call them a dukāndār (shopkeeper). If they are a farmer selling their own produce, they are a kisān. In the context of a market, you might also hear arhatiyā, which refers to a commission agent or wholesaler, though this is a very specific trade term. Choosing between these words depends on how much you want to emphasize the person's location, scale of business, or formal status.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The '-wala' suffix is so popular that it has entered Indian English and even global English (e.g., 'Dabbawala'). It can be attached to almost any noun to create a profession.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /səb.ziː.wɑː.lɑː/
US /səb.ziː.wɑː.lɑː/
The primary stress is on the third syllable 'vā'.
Reimt sich auf
फलवाला (Phalvālā) दूधवाला (Doodhvālā) चायवाला (Chāivālā) रिक्शेवाला (Rikshevālā) घरवाला (Gharvālā) मिठाईवाला (Miṭhāīvālā) कपड़ेवाला (Kapṛevālā) टोपीवाला (Ṭopīvālā)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'j' instead of 'z' (Sab-jee-wala).
  • Shortening the final 'a' sound.
  • Stressing the first syllable 'Sab'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'z' sound and the '-wala' suffix.

Sprechen 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the 'z' sound needs practice.

Hören 3/5

Vendors often shout or slur the word, making it harder to hear clearly.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

सब्जी (Vegetable) वाला (Suffix) आना (To come) बेचना (To sell) पैसे (Money)

Als Nächstes lernen

फलवाला (Fruit seller) दूधवाला (Milkman) मोलभाव (Bargaining) महँगा (Expensive) सस्ता (Cheap)

Fortgeschritten

विक्रेता (Seller) अर्थव्यवस्था (Economy) आजीविका (Livelihood) असंगठित क्षेत्र (Unorganized sector) वितरण (Distribution)

Wichtige Grammatik

Masculine Nouns in 'ā'

सब्जीवाला becomes सब्जीवाले before postpositions.

The '-wālā' Suffix

Used to denote occupation (e.g., चायवाला).

Ergative Case (ne)

सब्जीवाले ने सब्जियाँ बेचीं।

Vocative Case

ओ सब्जीवाले! (Hey vegetable seller!)

Gender Agreement

सब्जीवाली (Female) vs सब्जीवाला (Male).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

सब्जीवाला आ गया।

The vegetable seller has arrived.

Simple past tense (perfective).

2

सब्जीवाला कहाँ है?

Where is the vegetable seller?

Interrogative sentence.

3

वह सब्जीवाला है।

He is a vegetable seller.

Simple 'to be' sentence.

4

सब्जीवाला आलू बेचता है।

The vegetable seller sells potatoes.

Present habitual tense.

5

मेरा भाई सब्जीवाला है।

My brother is a vegetable seller.

Possessive 'mera' used with a noun.

6

सब्जीवाला खुश है।

The vegetable seller is happy.

Adjective usage.

7

एक सब्जीवाला बुलाओ।

Call a vegetable seller.

Imperative mood.

8

सब्जीवाला ताज़ी सब्जियाँ लाया।

The vegetable seller brought fresh vegetables.

Adjective 'tāzī' modifying 'sabjiyān'.

1

सब्जीवाले के पास टमाटर नहीं हैं।

The vegetable seller doesn't have tomatoes.

Oblique case 'vāle' because of 'ke pās'.

2

मैंने सब्जीवाले से मिर्च ली।

I took chilies from the vegetable seller.

Oblique case 'vāle' because of 'se'.

3

सब्जीवाले को पैसे दो।

Give money to the vegetable seller.

Oblique case 'vāle' because of 'ko'.

4

क्या सब्जीवाला कल आएगा?

Will the vegetable seller come tomorrow?

Future tense.

5

सब्जीवाले की दुकान पास में है।

The vegetable seller's shop is nearby.

Genitive case 'kī' showing possession.

6

हम सब्जीवाले का इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं।

We are waiting for the vegetable seller.

Present continuous tense.

7

सब्जीवाले ने बहुत शोर मचाया।

The vegetable seller made a lot of noise.

Ergative 'ne' construction.

8

वह सब्जीवाला बहुत ईमानदार है।

That vegetable seller is very honest.

Demonstrative adjective 'vah'.

1

सब्जीवाला हर सुबह गली में आता है।

The vegetable seller comes to the street every morning.

Habitual aspect with frequency adverb.

2

अगर सब्जीवाला नहीं आया, तो मैं बाज़ार जाऊँगी।

If the vegetable seller doesn't come, I will go to the market.

Conditional sentence Type 1.

3

सब्जीवाले से कहना कि कल पालक ले आए।

Tell the vegetable seller to bring spinach tomorrow.

Indirect command with 'ki'.

4

आज सब्जीवाला बहुत महँगी सब्जियाँ बेच रहा है।

Today the vegetable seller is selling very expensive vegetables.

Adverbial use of 'bahut'.

5

उस सब्जीवाले की आवाज़ बहुत तेज़ है।

That vegetable seller's voice is very loud.

Possessive construction.

6

सब्जीवाले ने मुझे दो किलो आलू दिए।

The vegetable seller gave me two kilos of potatoes.

Compound verb 'die' (gave).

7

क्या तुम उस सब्जीवाले को जानते हो?

Do you know that vegetable seller?

Transitive verb 'jānnā'.

8

सब्जीवाले के पास ताज़ा धनिया भी है।

The vegetable seller has fresh coriander too.

Use of 'bhī' (also/too).

1

सब्जीवाला कड़ी धूप में भी अपना काम करता है।

The vegetable seller does his work even in the harsh sun.

Concessive 'bhī' (even).

2

हमें सब्जीवाले से मोलभाव करना चाहिए।

We should bargain with the vegetable seller.

Modal verb 'chāhiye' (should).

3

सब्जीवाले की स्थिति आजकल ठीक नहीं है।

The vegetable seller's condition is not good these days.

Abstract noun 'sthiti' (condition).

4

जैसे ही सब्जीवाला आया, बारिश शुरू हो गई।

As soon as the vegetable seller arrived, it started raining.

Correlative 'jaise hī... vaise hī'.

5

सब्जीवाले ने बताया कि मंडी में भाव बढ़ गए हैं।

The vegetable seller said that prices have increased in the wholesale market.

Reported speech.

6

वह सब्जीवाला वर्षों से इसी इलाके में आ रहा है।

That vegetable seller has been coming to this area for years.

Present perfect continuous equivalent.

7

सब्जीवाले के बिना रसोई का काम मुश्किल है।

Without the vegetable seller, kitchen work is difficult.

Postposition 'ke binā' (without).

8

सब्जीवाले ने तराजू में कुछ गड़बड़ की थी।

The vegetable seller had done something wrong with the scales.

Past perfect tense.

1

सब्जीवाला शहरी अर्थव्यवस्था की एक महत्वपूर्ण कड़ी है।

The vegetable seller is an important link in the urban economy.

Formal vocabulary 'arthavyavasthā' and 'kaṛī'.

2

बढ़ती महंगाई का सबसे बुरा असर सब्जीवाले पर पड़ता है।

The worst impact of rising inflation falls on the vegetable seller.

Superlative construction 'sabse burā'.

3

सब्जीवाले और ग्राहकों के बीच का रिश्ता विश्वास पर टिका होता है।

The relationship between the vegetable seller and customers is based on trust.

Complex subject with 'aur' and 'ke bīch'.

4

भले ही सुपरमार्केट खुल गए हों, पर सब्जीवाले का महत्व कम नहीं हुआ।

Even if supermarkets have opened, the importance of the vegetable seller hasn't diminished.

Concessive clause 'bhale hī... par'.

5

सब्जीवाले की पुकार गली की जीवंतता का प्रतीक है।

The vegetable seller's call is a symbol of the street's vibrancy.

Metaphorical usage.

6

अनेक सब्जीवाले अब डिजिटल भुगतान स्वीकार करने लगे हैं।

Many vegetable sellers have now started accepting digital payments.

Inceptive 'lagne' (started to).

7

सब्जीवाले के संघर्षों पर एक डॉक्यूमेंट्री बनाई गई है।

A documentary has been made on the struggles of the vegetable seller.

Passive voice.

8

क्या आपने कभी सब्जीवाले के नजरिए से दुनिया को देखा है?

Have you ever seen the world from the vegetable seller's perspective?

Philosophical interrogative.

1

सब्जीवाला केवल एक विक्रेता नहीं, बल्कि समाज का एक अनौपचारिक स्तंभ है।

The vegetable seller is not just a vendor, but an informal pillar of society.

Correlative 'keval nahīn... balki' (not only... but also).

2

महानगरीय आपाधापी में सब्जीवाले की उपस्थिति एक ठहराव की तरह है।

In the metropolitan hustle-bustle, the presence of the vegetable seller is like a pause.

High-register vocabulary 'āpādhāpī' and 'thahrāv'.

3

सब्जीवाले के जीवन की विडंबना यह है कि वह सबको खिलाता है पर खुद अभाव में रहता है।

The irony of the vegetable seller's life is that he feeds everyone but lives in scarcity himself.

Complex noun clause with 'yeh hai ki'.

4

साहित्य में सब्जीवाले का चित्रण अक्सर यथार्थवाद की कसौटी पर कसा जाता है।

The portrayal of the vegetable seller in literature is often tested on the touchstone of realism.

Idiomatic expression 'kasauṭī par kasnā'.

5

सब्जीवाले की आवाज़ में छिपी थकान को पहचानना एक संवेदनशील समाज का लक्षण है।

Recognizing the fatigue hidden in the vegetable seller's voice is a sign of a sensitive society.

Abstract conceptualization.

6

वैश्वीकरण ने सब्जीवाले के पारंपरिक व्यापार मॉडल को चुनौती दी है।

Globalization has challenged the traditional business model of the vegetable seller.

Technical socio-economic terms.

7

सब्जीवाले के प्रति हमारा व्यवहार हमारे नागरिक बोध को दर्शाता है।

Our behavior towards the vegetable seller reflects our civic sense.

Reflexive/Indicative usage.

8

सब्जीवाले की दैनिक चर्या अनुशासन और धैर्य का एक उत्कृष्ट उदाहरण है।

The vegetable seller's daily routine is an excellent example of discipline and patience.

Sanskritized vocabulary 'charyā', 'anushāsan', 'dhairya'.

Häufige Kollokationen

सब्जीवाला आया
सब्जीवाले को बुलाना
सब्जीवाले से पूछना
ईमानदार सब्जीवाला
सब्जीवाले का ठेला
सब्जीवाले की आवाज़
सब्जीवाले से मोलभाव
नया सब्जीवाला
सब्जीवाले की गली
सब्जीवाले को पैसे देना

Häufige Phrasen

सब्जीवाले भैया

— A polite way to address the vendor.

सब्जीवाले भैया, मिर्च भी डाल देना।

सब्जीवाले की दुकान

— Referring to the vendor's stall or spot.

सब्जीवाले की दुकान पर भीड़ है।

सब्जीवाले का भाव

— The prices set by the vendor.

सब्जीवाले का भाव बहुत ज़्यादा है।

सब्जीवाले का शोर

— The shouting of the vendor to attract customers.

सब्जीवाले के शोर से नींद खुल गई।

सब्जीवाले की ताज़गी

— Referring to how fresh the vendor's produce is.

इस सब्जीवाले की ताज़गी की क्या बात है!

सब्जीवाले का तराजू

— The vendor's weighing scale.

सब्जीवाले का तराजू पुराना है।

सब्जीवाले का चक्कर

— The vendor's daily round through the streets.

सब्जीवाले का दूसरा चक्कर शाम को होगा।

सब्जीवाले की मेहनत

— The hard work of the vendor.

सब्जीवाले की मेहनत को सलाम है।

सब्जीवाले की बचत

— The small profit made by the vendor.

बेचारे सब्जीवाले की बचत बहुत कम है।

सब्जीवाले से दोस्ती

— Having a friendly rapport with the vendor.

मेरी सब्जीवाले से अच्छी दोस्ती है।

Wird oft verwechselt mit

सब्जीवाला vs फलवाला

Sells only fruits, though some sell both.

सब्जीवाला vs दुकानदार

Refers to a shopkeeper with a fixed building, not a cart.

सब्जीवाला vs सब्जी

This is the vegetable itself, not the person.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"सब्जीवाला बनना"

— To act like a vegetable seller (often used for someone shouting or haggling too much).

इतना मत चिल्लाओ, क्या सब्जीवाला बनना है?

Informal
"सब्जीवाले की तराजू"

— Something that is constantly shifting or unreliable (metaphorical).

उसकी बातें सब्जीवाले की तराजू जैसी हैं।

Informal
"सब्जी-भाजी समझना"

— To consider something trivial or easy (like buying common vegetables).

इस काम को सब्जी-भाजी मत समझो।

Colloquial
"आलू-प्याज के भाव"

— Basic living costs or simple market reality.

उसे आलू-प्याज के भाव का पता नहीं है।

Common
"बाज़ार का राजा"

— Sometimes used for a vendor who has the best stock.

आज तो वह सब्जीवाला बाज़ार का राजा बना हुआ है।

Informal
"गली का शोर"

— Used to describe the typical sounds of the street, including the vendor.

गली का शोर सब्जीवाले के बिना अधूरा है।

Literary
"सब्जीवाले का हिसाब"

— A simple but precise calculation.

उसका हिसाब सब्जीवाले के हिसाब जैसा पक्का है।

Informal
"मुफ्त का धनिया"

— Something taken for granted or expected for free (as vendors often give free coriander).

वह हर चीज़ मुफ्त के धनिए जैसी चाहता है।

Colloquial
"मंडी की हवा"

— Being aware of market trends and prices.

सब्जीवाले को मंडी की हवा का पता रहता है।

Informal
"ठेले वाली ज़िंदगी"

— A life of hard manual labor and uncertainty.

सब्जीवाले की ठेले वाली ज़िंदगी बहुत कठिन है।

Reflective

Leicht verwechselbar

सब्जीवाला vs सब्जी

Both contain the same root.

'Sabji' is the object (vegetable), 'Sabjiwala' is the person (seller).

सब्जीवाला सब्जी बेचता है।

सब्जीवाला vs सब्जीवाली

Gender variation.

'Sabjiwala' is masculine; 'Sabjiwali' is feminine.

वह सब्जीवाली बहुत अच्छी है।

सब्जीवाला vs बाज़ार

Both related to shopping.

'Bazaar' is the place (market), 'Sabjiwala' is the person.

सब्जीवाला बाज़ार में है।

सब्जीवाला vs ठेला

The person and the object they use.

'Thela' is the cart; 'Sabjiwala' is the person pushing it.

सब्जीवाले का ठेला भारी है।

सब्जीवाला vs विक्रेता

Synonyms with different registers.

'Vikreta' is formal/Sanskritized; 'Sabjiwala' is common/Hindustani.

सरकारी कागजों में उसे 'सब्जी विक्रेता' लिखा गया है।

Satzmuster

A1

[Subject] + [Verb]

सब्जीवाला आया।

A2

[Subject] + को + [Object] + [Verb]

सब्जीवाले को पैसे दो।

B1

[Subject] + [Time] + [Verb]

सब्जीवाला रोज़ सुबह आता है।

B2

अगर + [Condition], तो + [Result]

अगर सब्जीवाला नहीं आया, तो हम क्या करेंगे?

C1

[Complex Subject] + [Abstract Verb]

सब्जीवाले का संघर्ष समाज के लिए एक सबक है।

C2

[Metaphorical Subject] + [Nuanced Verb]

सब्जीवाले की आवाज़ गली की आत्मा है।

B1

[Subject] + [Adjective] + [Noun] + [Verb]

सब्जीवाला ताज़ी हरी सब्जियाँ लाया है।

A2

[Subject] + के पास + [Object] + [Verb]

सब्जीवाले के पास आलू हैं।

Wortfamilie

Substantive

सब्जी (Vegetable)
सब्जीमंडी (Vegetable Market)
सब्जीवाली (Female Seller)

Verben

सब्जी बेचना (To sell vegetables)
सब्जी उगाना (To grow vegetables)

Adjektive

सब्जीनुमा (Vegetable-like)
सब्जीदार (Containing vegetables)

Verwandt

ठेला (Cart)
तराजू (Scale)
बाट (Weights)
मंडी (Market)
ग्राहक (Customer)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and urban life.

Häufige Fehler
  • Sabjiwala ko Sabjivale ko

    The noun must be in the oblique case before a postposition.

  • Using 'Sabjiwala' for a woman Sabjiwali

    Hindi is a gendered language; suffixes must match the person's gender.

  • Hard 'J' sound Soft 'Z' sound

    While 'j' is understood, 'z' is the standard and more authentic pronunciation.

  • Sabjiwala se pucho Sabjivale se pucho

    Another instance of the oblique case being ignored.

  • Confusing 'Sabji' and 'Sabjiwala' Use 'Sabji' for the food, 'Sabjiwala' for the person.

    Learners sometimes use the person's title to refer to the product.

Tipps

Build a Rapport

If you buy from the same 'Sabjiwala' every day, they might give you free 'dhaniya' (coriander) or 'mirch' (chilies). This is a sign of a good customer relationship.

The Oblique Rule

Always change the ending to 'e' before postpositions like 'ne', 'ko', 'se', 'ka', 'ke', 'ki'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Polite Address

Use 'Bhaiya' (brother) or 'Kaka/Uncle' (uncle) when talking to them to show respect and get better service.

Expand with Wala

Once you learn 'Sabjiwala', try to learn other 'wala' words. It will instantly double your occupation vocabulary.

Listen for the Call

Try to distinguish the 'Sabjiwala's' call from other vendors like the 'Kabadiwala' (scrap collector) or 'Phalwala'.

Check for Freshness

Don't be afraid to touch and check the vegetables. It's perfectly normal to inspect the produce before buying from a 'Sabjiwala'.

Observe the Interaction

Watch how locals interact with the vendor. It's a great lesson in social hierarchy, politeness, and negotiation.

The 'Z' Sound

If you can master the 'z' sound in 'Sabzi', your Hindi will sound much more sophisticated and authentic.

Use Nuqta

When writing in Devanagari, use the dot under the 'ja' (ज़) for the correct Persian-influenced pronunciation.

Small Change

Always keep small change (coins and 10/20 rupee notes) ready for the 'Sabjiwala', as they often run out of change.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Sub' (like a subway sandwich full of vegetables) + 'Zee' (the sound of the 'z') + 'Wala' (the walla/fellow). Sub-Zee-Walla.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a man pushing a wooden cart (thela) overflowing with bright green spinach and red tomatoes, shouting 'Sabji!'

Word Web

Sabji Wala Thela Mandi Aloo Tamatar Bhaiya Paisa

Herausforderung

Try to spot a 'sabjīvālā' in a Bollywood movie and listen to how they are addressed by the characters.

Wortherkunft

The word is a hybrid compound. 'Sabjī' comes from the Persian 'sabz' (green). The suffix '-wālā' is of Indo-Aryan origin, likely derived from the Sanskrit 'vāla' or 'pālaka'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning of 'Sabz' was simply 'green'. In Hindi-Urdu, it evolved to mean 'vegetable'.

Indo-Aryan (with Persian influence).

Kultureller Kontext

Always address them as 'Bhaiya' or 'Uncle' to show respect. Avoid using a demanding tone.

In the West, people buy vegetables at supermarkets. In India, the supermarket comes to you in the form of a sabjīvālā.

The song 'Sabjīvālā' in children's rhymes. The character of the vendor in the movie 'Peepli Live'. Common tropes in Indian TV soaps where the vendor is a source of news.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Daily Shopping

  • आज क्या भाव है?
  • सब्जी ताज़ी है?
  • थोड़ा धनिया दे दो।
  • पैसे कल दूँगी।

Neighborhood Gossip

  • सब्जीवाला आज नहीं आया।
  • वह नया सब्जीवाला कैसा है?
  • सब्जीवाले ने क्या कहा?
  • सब्जीवाला बहुत बोलता है।

Bargaining

  • बहुत महँगा दे रहे हो।
  • ठीक भाव लगाओ।
  • बाकी सब्जीवाले तो सस्ता दे रहे हैं।
  • इतना ही पैसा है मेरे पास।

Giving Directions

  • सब्जीवाले के पास मुड़ जाना।
  • जहाँ सब्जीवाला खड़ा होता है।
  • सब्जीवाले की दुकान के सामने।
  • सब्जीवाले से पूछ लेना।

Economic Discussions

  • सब्जीवाले की कमाई।
  • मंडी के भाव।
  • सब्जीवाले की समस्याएँ।
  • डिजिटल इंडिया और सब्जीवाला।

Gesprächseinstiege

"क्या आपके यहाँ रोज़ सब्जीवाला आता है?"

"सब्जीवाले से आज आपने क्या खरीदा?"

"क्या आपको सब्जीवाले से मोलभाव करना आता है?"

"आपके इलाके का सब्जीवाला कैसा है?"

"क्या सब्जीवाला डिजिटल पेमेंट लेता है?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

आज मैंने सब्जीवाले से बात की और मुझे पता चला कि...

सब्जीवाले की आवाज़ सुनकर मुझे कैसा महसूस होता है?

अगर मैं एक दिन के लिए सब्जीवाला होता, तो मेरा दिन कैसा होता?

मेरे और मेरे नियमित सब्जीवाले के बीच का रिश्ता कैसा है?

शहर में सब्जीवालों की ज़रूरत क्यों है?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, it is a neutral term. However, addressing the person as 'Sabjiwale Bhaiya' is much more polite and common in social interactions.

The feminine form is 'Sabjiwali' (सब्जीवाली). It is used if the seller is a woman.

You say 'Sabjīvāle ko' (सब्जीवाले को). The 'ā' changes to 'e' because of the postposition 'ko'.

Usually, yes. If they sell fruits too, they might be called 'Phal-Sabjiwala', but 'Sabjiwala' is the general term for their primary stock.

Yes, they are a staple in almost every city, town, and large village across India.

They usually shout the names of the vegetables or have a specific melodic call unique to them.

Mostly, yes! You can say 'Doodhwala' (milkman), 'Chaiwala' (tea seller), 'Paperwala' (newsagent), etc.

Both are used. 'Sabzi' is closer to the Persian root and common in Urdu/Hindi, while 'Sabji' is the common Devanagari transliteration.

In street settings, bargaining is very common and often expected, though prices for 'Sabjiwalas' are usually quite low already.

It is a wholesale vegetable market where the 'Sabjiwalas' buy their stock early in the morning.

Teste dich selbst 182 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The vegetable seller is selling fresh tomatoes.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Call the vegetable seller.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue (2 lines) between a customer and a 'Sabjīvālā'.

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writing

Describe a 'Sabjīvālā' in three sentences using Hindi.

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writing

Use 'Sabjīvālā' in a sentence with the word 'mandi'.

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writing

Translate: 'The vegetable seller's voice is very loud.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural form 'Sabjīvāle'.

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writing

Translate: 'I gave 100 rupees to the vegetable seller.'

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writing

Use the word 'Sabjīvālī' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Why didn't the vegetable seller come today?'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Sabjīvālā' and 'bargain' (mol-bhav).

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writing

Translate: 'The vegetable seller has many types of greens.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the importance of a 'Sabjīvālā' in the city.

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writing

Translate: 'I am waiting for the vegetable seller.'

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writing

Use 'Sabjīvālā' in a sentence with 'thela'.

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writing

Translate: 'The vegetable seller is very honest.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Sabjīvālā' in the future tense.

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writing

Translate: 'Don't forget to ask the vegetable seller for coriander.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the word 'Vikreta'.

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writing

Translate: 'The vegetable seller's life is full of struggles.'

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speaking

Pronounce the word: सब्जीवाला

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do you call out to a vegetable seller in the street?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask the price of potatoes in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetables are fresh.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Give me one kilo of tomatoes.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller is coming.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I will pay the vegetable seller tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Where is the vegetable seller's cart?'

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller is very loud.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I like this vegetable seller.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller is honest.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Does the vegetable seller have spinach?'

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speaking

Say: 'Call the vegetable seller inside.'

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller brought many things.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Wait for the vegetable seller.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller is my friend.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller's vegetables are expensive.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'He is a new vegetable seller.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I saw the vegetable seller in the market.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The vegetable seller is hardworking.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the call: 'Aloo le lo, Tamatar le lo!' Who is calling?

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listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले को बुलाओ।' What should you do?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाला आज नहीं आएगा।' Will he come today?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले से धनिया ले लो।' What should you take?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले के पास पैसे नहीं थे।' Did he have money?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाला बहुत शोर मचा रहा है।' Is it quiet?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'वह सब्जीवाला बहुत दूर रहता है।' Does he live nearby?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले का ठेला खराब हो गया।' What happened to the cart?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाली कल आएगी।' Who is coming tomorrow?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले ने ताज़ी गोभी दी।' What did he give?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले का नाम रामू है।' What is his name?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाला मंडी जा रहा है।' Where is he going?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाले को सौ रुपये दो।' How much money to give?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाला गली के कोने पर है।' Where is he?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'सब्जीवाला रोज़ सुबह आता है।' How often does he come?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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