समय बिताना
To spend or pass time.
समय बिताना in 30 Sekunden
- Samay Bitana means 'to spend time' in Hindi. It is a transitive verb phrase used for all social and personal contexts involving the passage of time.
- Unlike English, Hindi uses different verbs for spending money (kharch karna) and spending time (bitana). Mixing them up is a common learner error.
- In the past tense, this phrase requires the 'ne' particle with the subject because 'bitana' is transitive. The verb agrees with the masculine noun 'samay'.
- Synonyms include the informal 'Waqt Guzarna' and the formal 'Samay Vyatit Karna'. 'Samay Katna' is used when time feels slow or boring.
The Hindi verb phrase समय बिताना (Samay Bitana) is a fundamental expression used to describe the act of spending or passing time. In a linguistic sense, it is a combination of the noun 'Samay' (time) and the transitive verb 'Bitana' (to cause to pass or to spend). Unlike the English word 'spend,' which can apply to both money and time, Hindi makes a sharp distinction. You 'kharch' (spend) money, but you 'bitana' (spend) time. This phrase is used in almost every social context, from describing a relaxing weekend to explaining how one survived a long wait at a government office.
- Literal Meaning
- To cause time to pass; to engage in an activity that occupies a duration of time.
In Indian culture, the concept of spending time is deeply tied to social bonds. When someone says they want to spend time with you, it is often seen as a gesture of respect and affection. It isn't just about 'using' time; it's about 'living' through that time in someone's company. You will hear this phrase in movies when a hero asks a heroine for a few moments, or in corporate settings when discussing 'quality time' with family to avoid burnout.
मैं अपने परिवार के साथ समय बिताना चाहता हूँ। (I want to spend time with my family.)
The word 'Samay' has its roots in Sanskrit, where it refers to a point in time or a season. 'Bitana' is the causative form of the intransitive verb 'Beetna' (to pass). Therefore, when you use 'Bitana,' you are the active agent controlling or experiencing the passage of time. This is why it is used for hobbies, vacations, and social interactions.
- Social Nuance
- In informal settings, you might hear 'Waqt Guzarna' instead, which is the Urdu-influenced equivalent. However, 'Samay Bitana' remains the standard, versatile choice for all levels of formality.
छुट्टियों में हम पहाड़ों पर समय बिताएंगे। (We will spend time in the mountains during the holidays.)
Whether you are talking about 'quality time' (sarthak samay) or just 'passing time' because you are bored, this phrase is your go-to. It covers the spectrum from deep philosophical engagement with the present moment to simply waiting for a bus. Understanding this phrase is a key step in moving from basic Hindi to a more natural, conversational B1 level.
किताबें पढ़कर समय बिताना एक अच्छी आदत है। (Spending time by reading books is a good habit.)
उसने सारा दिन गेम खेलने में समय बिताया। (He spent the whole day playing games.)
- Contextual Usage
- It is frequently used in travel vlogs, daily conversations about routines, and in literature to describe the passage of seasons or life stages.
क्या आप मेरे साथ कुछ समय बिताना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to spend some time with me?)
Using समय बिताना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugation and the use of postpositions. Because 'Bitana' is a transitive verb, it interacts with the subject and the object (time) in specific ways across different tenses. Let's break down the most common patterns you will encounter.
- Present Tense
- In the present habitual tense, it describes how you usually spend your time. Example: 'Main doston ke saath samay bitata hoon' (I spend time with friends).
When you want to specify the activity you are doing while spending time, you often use the 'mein' (in) postposition or a gerund. For instance, 'Main padhne mein samay bitata hoon' (I spend time in reading). This structure is very common when discussing hobbies or work schedules.
वह बगीचे में समय बिताती है। (She spends time in the garden.)
- Past Tense with 'Ne'
- This is where many learners struggle. In the perfective past tense, 'Bitana' requires the subject to take 'ne'. The verb then agrees with 'Samay' (which is masculine singular). Example: 'Humne achha samay bitaya' (We spent a good time).
If you are talking about multiple 'moments' or 'days,' the verb might change to plural, but usually, 'samay' is treated as an uncountable mass noun in this phrase, keeping the verb in the masculine singular form 'bitaya'.
कल हमने साथ में बहुत समय बिताया। (Yesterday we spent a lot of time together.)
In the future tense, it follows standard conjugation: 'bitaoonga' (masculine) or 'bitaoongi' (feminine). This is often used when making plans. 'Kya tum mere saath samay bitaoge?' (Will you spend time with me?). It sounds polite and inviting.
अगले हफ्ते मैं दादा-दादी के साथ समय बिताऊँगा। (Next week I will spend time with my grandparents.)
- Continuous Form
- To describe an ongoing action: 'Main abhi doston ke saath samay bita raha hoon' (I am spending time with friends right now).
वे गाँव में अपना समय बिता रहे हैं। (They are spending their time in the village.)
Finally, you can use it in the imperative form to give advice or make requests. 'Bachon ke saath samay bitao' (Spend time with children). This is a common piece of advice given by elders or counselors in India, emphasizing the importance of presence over material gifts.
थोड़ा समय बिताकर देखो, तुम्हें अच्छा लगेगा। (Try spending some time, you will feel good.)
The phrase समय बिताना is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to quiet family dinners in Delhi, you will hear it used to define social interactions and personal habits. Understanding where you'll encounter it helps in grasping its various shades of meaning.
- In Bollywood and Media
- Bollywood movies are a prime source. You'll often hear a character say, 'Mujhe tumhare saath samay bitana hai' (I want to spend time with you) during a romantic scene. It signifies a desire for intimacy and connection.
In news reports or talk shows, experts might discuss 'Samay bitane ka badalta tareeka' (The changing way of spending time), referring to how people now spend more time on smartphones than with each other. This reflects a societal concern about the quality of human interaction in the digital age.
आजकल लोग सोशल मीडिया पर बहुत समय बिताते हैं। (Nowadays people spend a lot of time on social media.)
- In Family Gatherings
- Indian culture places a high value on 'Joint Family' values. Elders often complain, 'Tum hamare saath samay nahi bitate' (You don't spend time with us). Here, the phrase carries an emotional weight of duty and love.
During festivals like Diwali or Holi, the primary goal is 'apno ke saath samay bitana' (spending time with loved ones). It's the core of the celebration, even more than the food or the rituals. If you visit an Indian home, your host might say, 'Thoda samay aur bitaiye' (Spend a little more time), which is a polite way of asking you not to leave just yet.
त्योहारों का मतलब है परिवार के साथ समय बिताना। (Festivals mean spending time with family.)
- In Professional Settings
- While 'spending time' sounds casual, in business, it's used for project durations or mentorship. 'Maine is project par kaafi samay bitaya hai' (I have spent quite some time on this project).
काम के बाद मैं जिम में समय बिताता हूँ। (After work, I spend time in the gym.)
You will also hear it in the context of self-care. 'Apne saath samay bitana seekho' (Learn to spend time with yourself). This modern usage highlights the importance of solitude and introspection, showing how the phrase adapts to contemporary psychological needs.
अकेले समय बिताना भी ज़रूरी है। (Spending time alone is also important.)
Learning समय बिताना might seem straightforward, but English speakers often fall into several traps due to direct translation. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Hindi sound much more authentic and natural.
- The 'Kharch Karna' Trap
- In English, we 'spend' money and 'spend' time. In Hindi, these are two different verbs. 'Kharch karna' is strictly for resources like money, electricity, or fuel. Using it for time ('Samay kharch karna') sounds like you are literally paying with minutes. Always use 'Bitana' for time.
If you say 'Maine do ghante kharch kiye,' a native speaker will understand you, but they will immediately know you are translating from English. It sounds mechanical and lacks the 'flow' of natural Hindi.
Incorrect: मैंने समय खर्च किया। (I spent time - literal translation of 'spend')
Correct: मैंने समय बिताया। (I spent time.)
- Confusing 'Bitana' with 'Beetna'
- 'Beetna' is intransitive (time passes on its own), while 'Bitana' is transitive (you spend the time). You cannot say 'Main samay beeta raha hoon' to mean 'I am spending time.' That would mean 'I am passing away as time.'
Think of 'Beetna' as the clock ticking and 'Bitana' as you doing something while the clock ticks. 'Samay beet gaya' (Time passed) vs 'Maine samay bitaya' (I spent time). This distinction is crucial for correct grammar.
- Incorrect Past Tense Agreement
- Many learners forget the 'ne' particle in the past tense. They say 'Main samay bitaya' instead of 'Maine samay bitaya.' Since 'Bitana' is transitive, the 'ne' is mandatory in the perfective aspect.
Incorrect: वह बहुत समय बिताया। (He spent a lot of time.)
Correct: उसने बहुत समय बिताया। (He spent a lot of time.)
Another mistake is using 'Samay Bitana' when you actually mean 'to waste time.' While you can 'spend time' doing nothing, if you want to emphasize that the time was wasted, use 'Samay Barbaad Karna' (to waste time) or 'Samay Ganvana' (to lose time). 'Bitana' is neutral; it doesn't inherently imply whether the time was used well or poorly.
अपना समय बर्बाद मत करो, उसे अच्छी तरह बिताओ। (Don't waste your time, spend it well.)
While समय बिताना is the most common way to say 'spend time,' Hindi offers several synonyms and alternatives depending on the register (formal/informal) and the specific nuance you want to convey. Knowing these will help you sound more like a native speaker.
- Waqt Guzarna (वक़्त गुज़ारना)
- This is the Urdu-origin equivalent. 'Waqt' means time and 'Guzarna' means to pass. It is extremely common in poetry, songs, and daily conversation, especially in North India. It sounds slightly more poetic or informal than 'Samay Bitana'.
Use 'Waqt Guzarna' when you want to sound more conversational or when you are in a setting where Urdu-influenced Hindi is the norm (like in Lucknow or parts of Delhi).
पुराने दोस्तों के साथ वक़्त गुज़ारना अच्छा लगता है। (It feels good to pass time with old friends.)
- Samay Vyatit Karna (समय व्यतीत करना)
- This is the high-register, formal Sanskritized version. You will find this in literature, formal speeches, or academic writing. It's not something you'd usually say to a friend at a cafe.
If you are writing a formal essay or giving a speech at a wedding about how the couple 'spent time' growing together, 'Vyatit karna' would be the appropriate choice to add dignity to your language.
उन्होंने अपना जीवन समाज सेवा में व्यतीत किया। (He spent his life in social service.)
- Samay Katna (समय काटना)
- Literally 'to cut time.' This has a slightly negative or weary connotation. It implies that you are just trying to get through the time because you are bored or waiting for something. Example: 'Main bas samay kaat raha hoon' (I'm just killing time).
ट्रेन के इंतज़ार में हम बस समय काट रहे थे। (We were just killing time waiting for the train.)
In summary, choose 'Samay Bitana' for 90% of situations. Switch to 'Waqt Guzarna' for a softer, more poetic feel, and use 'Samay Katna' when the time feels like a burden you are trying to 'cut' through.
छुट्टियों का आनंद लेना (Enjoying the holidays) is often a better way to describe spending time if the experience is very positive.
How Formal Is It?
"कृपया अपना बहुमूल्य समय हमारे साथ व्यतीत करें।"
"मैं अपने परिवार के साथ समय बिताता हूँ।"
"चलो कहीं बैठ के वक़्त गुज़ारते हैं।"
"चलो साथ में खेलें और समय बिताएं!"
"बस टाइम पास कर रहे हैं भाई।"
Wusstest du?
In ancient Sanskrit, 'Samaya' also meant a religious obligation or a convention. So, 'spending time' was originally linked to fulfilling one's duties or conventions of the season.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'Samay' as 'Sa-may' (like the month May). It should be more like 'Suh-meh'.
- Using an English retroflex 't' in 'bitana'. It should be a soft dental 't'.
- Aspirating the 'b' in 'bitana'. It is an unaspirated 'b'.
- Making the 'i' in 'bitana' too long. It is a short 'i' as in 'bit'.
- Neglecting the long 'a' at the end of 'bitana'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize in text as the words are common.
Requires knowledge of 'ne' particle and transitive verb rules.
Commonly used, but needs correct pronunciation of 'Samay'.
Clearly audible in most conversations.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Transitive Verbs and 'Ne'
Maine samay bitaya (I spent time). Since 'bitana' is transitive, 'ne' is used in the past tense.
Causative Verbs
Bitana is the causative of Beetna. Beetna (to pass) -> Bitana (to cause to pass).
Gerunds with 'Mein'
Padhne mein samay bitana. Use the oblique infinitive + 'mein' to show the activity.
Verb Agreement with Object
Maine do din bitaye. Here, the verb 'bitaye' agrees with the masculine plural 'din'.
Infinitive as Noun
Samay bitana achha hai. The whole phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.
Beispiele nach Niveau
मैं समय बिताता हूँ।
I spend time.
Simple present habitual: Subject + Object + Verb.
क्या आप समय बिताते हैं?
Do you spend time?
Interrogative sentence in present tense.
वह माँ के साथ समय बिताता है।
He spends time with (his) mother.
Use of 'ke saath' (with) postposition.
हम साथ में समय बिताते हैं।
We spend time together.
'Saath mein' means 'together'.
मुझे समय बिताना अच्छा लगता है।
I like spending time.
Infinitive form 'bitana' used as a noun.
वे घर पर समय बिताते हैं।
They spend time at home.
'Ghar par' means 'at home'.
आप कहाँ समय बिताते हैं?
Where do you spend time?
Question word 'kahan' (where).
मैं यहाँ समय बिताता हूँ।
I spend time here.
'Yahan' means 'here'.
मैंने कल बहुत समय बिताया।
I spent a lot of time yesterday.
Past tense with 'ne' particle: Maine (I + ne).
हमने फिल्म देखने में समय बिताया।
We spent time in watching a movie.
'Mein' (in) used with the activity.
वह अगले साल यहाँ समय बिताएगी।
She will spend time here next year.
Future tense feminine: bitaegi.
क्या तुमने उसके साथ समय बिताया?
Did you spend time with him/her?
Past tense question with 'ne'.
मैं छुट्टियों में समय बिताना चाहता हूँ।
I want to spend time during the holidays.
'Chahna' (to want) with infinitive 'bitana'.
उसने सारा दिन पढ़ने में समय बिताया।
He spent the whole day in reading.
Transitive past tense: usne (he + ne).
हम शाम को पार्क में समय बिताएंगे।
We will spend time in the park in the evening.
Future tense plural: bitaenge.
क्या आपने अच्छा समय बिताया?
Did you spend a good time?
Adjective 'achha' modifying 'samay'.
मुझे अपने दोस्तों के साथ समय बिताना बहुत पसंद है।
I really like spending time with my friends.
Use of 'bahut pasand' for strong preference.
वह अपना खाली समय पेंटिंग करने में बिताता है।
He spends his free time in doing painting.
'Khali samay' means 'free time'.
क्या आप मेरे साथ थोड़ा समय बिता सकते हैं?
Can you spend some time with me?
'Sakte hain' (can) for ability/request.
मैंने बचपन में बहुत समय गाँव में बिताया था।
I had spent a lot of time in the village in childhood.
Past perfect tense: bitaya tha.
आजकल बच्चे मोबाइल पर ज़्यादा समय बिताते हैं।
Nowadays children spend more time on mobiles.
'Zyada' (more) used for comparison.
हमें प्रकृति के बीच समय बिताना चाहिए।
We should spend time amidst nature.
'Chahiye' (should) for advice.
वह अक्सर पुस्तकालय में समय बिताया करती है।
She usually spends time in the library.
Habitual past/present: 'kiya karti hai'.
अगर आप समय बिताएंगे, तो आप सीखेंगे।
If you spend time, then you will learn.
Conditional sentence: Agar... to...
सार्थक समय बिताना केवल मनोरंजन से कहीं अधिक है।
Spending meaningful time is much more than just entertainment.
'Kahin adhik' means 'much more'.
उसने अपनी पूरी जवानी इस शोध में बिता दी।
He spent his entire youth in this research.
Compound verb 'bita di' for completion/emphasis.
क्या आपने कभी अकेले समय बिताने की कोशिश की है?
Have you ever tried spending time alone?
Present perfect interrogative.
वह दूसरों की मदद करने में अपना समय बिताता है।
He spends his time in helping others.
Gerund phrase 'madad karne mein'.
समय बिताना भी एक कला है जिसे सीखना पड़ता है।
Spending time is also an art that one has to learn.
'Padta hai' indicates necessity.
उन्होंने शांति से समय बिताने के लिए शहर छोड़ दिया।
They left the city to spend time peacefully.
'Ke liye' (for/in order to) with infinitive.
जितना समय आप अभ्यास में बिताएंगे, उतने ही बेहतर होंगे।
The more time you spend in practice, the better you will be.
Correlative: Jitna... utna...
हमें अपने बुजुर्गों के साथ समय बिताना नहीं भूलना चाहिए।
We should not forget to spend time with our elders.
Negative advice with 'chahiye'.
साहित्य के अध्ययन में समय बिताना मानसिक विकास के लिए अनिवार्य है।
Spending time in the study of literature is essential for mental development.
Formal vocabulary: 'anivarya' (essential).
उन्होंने अपना सारा जीवन सत्य की खोज में बिता दिया।
He spent his whole life in the search for truth.
Intensive verb 'bita diya'.
एकांत में समय बिताना आत्म-चिंतन का सबसे अच्छा मार्ग है।
Spending time in solitude is the best path for self-reflection.
Abstract noun 'aatma-chintan' (self-reflection).
आधुनिक युग में, हम समय बिताते नहीं, बल्कि उसे काटते हैं।
In the modern era, we don't spend time, but rather kill it.
Contrast between 'bitana' and 'katna'.
क्या आप जानते हैं कि सफल लोग अपना समय कैसे बिताते हैं?
Do you know how successful people spend their time?
Complex interrogative structure.
प्रवास के दौरान उन्होंने विभिन्न संस्कृतियों के साथ समय बिताया।
During his travels, he spent time with various cultures.
Formal word 'pravas' (travel/sojourn).
समय बिताने की उनकी शैली बहुत ही रचनात्मक है।
Their style of spending time is very creative.
Genitive construction 'bitane ki shaili'.
यदि हम सचेत होकर समय बिताएं, तो जीवन बदल सकता है।
If we spend time mindfully, life can change.
Subjunctive mood 'bitayen'.
समय बिताना केवल काल का व्यय नहीं, बल्कि अस्तित्व का अनुभव है।
Spending time is not just the expenditure of time, but an experience of existence.
Highly philosophical vocabulary.
इतिहासकारों ने सदियों का समय इन पांडुलिपियों को समझने में बिताया है।
Historians have spent centuries in understanding these manuscripts.
Present perfect with 'ne' and plural 'historians'.
उनकी कविताओं में समय बिताने की एक अजीब सी तड़प दिखाई देती है।
In his poems, a strange longing for spending time is visible.
Metaphorical usage.
महान दार्शनिकों ने अपना समय मौन में बिताना ही उचित समझा।
Great philosophers deemed it appropriate to spend their time in silence.
Formal 'uchit samjha' (deemed appropriate).
समय बिताने की प्रक्रिया ही व्यक्ति के चरित्र का निर्माण करती है।
The process of spending time itself builds a person's character.
Causal relationship expressed through grammar.
क्या समय बिताना वास्तव में हमारे नियंत्रण में है?
Is spending time truly under our control?
Existential question.
उन्होंने अपना निर्वासन काल अत्यंत कठिन परिस्थितियों में बिताया।
He spent his period of exile in extremely difficult circumstances.
Sanskritized 'nirvasan kaal' (exile period).
कलाकार का पूरा जीवन अपनी कला को निखारने में बीतता/बिताया जाता है।
An artist's whole life is spent in refining their art.
Passive construction 'bitaya jata hai'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
समय बिताने के लिए
कैसे समय बिताते हो?
समय बिताना मुश्किल है
थोड़ा समय बिताना
क्वालिटी समय बिताना
मज़े में समय बिताना
साथ समय बिताना
फालतू समय बिताना
अपना समय बिताना
सही तरह से समय बिताना
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Incorrect. 'Kharch' is for money. Use 'Bitana' for time.
Intransitive. Means 'time passes' on its own. 'Bitana' is what YOU do.
Literal translation of 'killing time'. While understood, 'Samay Katna' is the more natural Hindi idiom.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"समय काटना"
To kill time or to pass time with difficulty. It implies the time is a burden.
जेल में कैदी बस समय काटते हैं।
Informal"समय की धारा में बहना"
To go with the flow of time. Not actively 'spending' but letting time take its course.
वह बस समय की धारा में बह रहा है।
Poetic"समय को मुट्ठी में करना"
To control time. The opposite of just spending it; mastering it.
सफल लोग समय को मुट्ठी में करना जानते हैं।
Literary"समय का पहिया घूमना"
The wheel of time turning. Refers to changes in fortune over time.
समय का पहिया घूमता है, आज तुम्हारा दिन है, कल मेरा होगा।
Proverbial"समय के साथ चलना"
To keep up with the times. Spending time in a way that is modern or relevant.
हमें समय के साथ चलना चाहिए।
Neutral"समय भारी होना"
When time feels heavy or slow, usually due to sadness or boredom.
दुख में समय भारी हो जाता है।
Literary"समय को हाथ से न जाने देना"
To not let time slip away. Spending it wisely before it's gone.
समय को हाथ से न जाने दो, मेहनत करो।
Neutral"समय बलवान होना"
Time is powerful. A reminder that time dictates outcomes more than humans.
समय बलवान है, इंसान नहीं।
Proverbial"समय की धूल"
The dust of time. Refers to things forgotten as time is spent/passes.
पुरानी यादें समय की धूल में खो गईं।
Poetic"समय निकालना"
To make time (out of a busy schedule).
मेरे लिए थोड़ा समय निकालो।
NeutralLeicht verwechselbar
Sounds similar to Bitana.
Beetna is intransitive (time passes). Bitana is transitive (you spend time).
समय बीत गया (Time passed). मैंने समय बिताया (I spent time).
Both mean 'to spend' in English.
Kharch is for money/resources. Bitana is for time.
पैसे खर्च करो (Spend money). समय बिताओ (Spend time).
Both mean 'to pass/spend'.
Guzarna is Urdu-origin and can be both transitive and intransitive. Bitana is Hindi-origin and transitive.
वक़्त गुज़र गया (Time passed). मैंने वक़्त गुज़ारा (I spent time).
Used for passing time.
Katna implies boredom or difficulty. Bitana is neutral.
मैं समय काट रहा हूँ (I'm killing time/bored).
Means 'to put/apply' time.
Lagana implies investing time in a specific task to finish it.
काम में समय लगाओ (Put time into work).
Satzmuster
Subject + [Person] के साथ समय बिताता हूँ।
मैं दोस्तों के साथ समय बिताता हूँ।
Subject + ने + [Activity] में समय बिताया।
उसने पढ़ने में समय बिताया।
Subject + को + [Place] में समय बिताना पसंद है।
मुझे पहाड़ों में समय बिताना पसंद है।
क्या आप + [Time] + समय बिता सकते हैं?
क्या आप कल समय बिता सकते हैं?
जितना समय आप + [Verb] + बिताएंगे, उतना ही...
जितना समय आप सीखने में बिताएंगे, उतना ही बढ़ेंगे।
Subject + ने अपना जीवन + [Goal] + में बिता दिया।
उन्होंने अपना जीवन सेवा में बिता दिया।
समय बिताने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका [Noun] है।
समय बिताने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका योग है।
समय बिताना केवल [X] नहीं, बल्कि [Y] है।
समय बिताना केवल मनोरंजन नहीं, बल्कि साधना है।
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely high in both spoken and written Hindi.
-
मैंने समय खर्च किया। (Maine samay kharch kiya)
→
मैंने समय बिताया। (Maine samay bitaya)
Kharch is for money; Bitana is for time. Direct translation from English 'spend' leads to this error.
-
मैं समय बिताया। (Main samay bitaya)
→
मैंने समय बिताया। (Maine samay bitaya)
Bitana is transitive; it needs the 'ne' particle in the past tense.
-
समय बीत रहा हूँ। (Samay beet raha hoon)
→
समय बिता रहा हूँ। (Samay bita raha hoon)
Beetna is intransitive. 'Samay beet raha hoon' would mean 'I am passing away as time'.
-
वह समय बिताई। (Vah samay bitai)
→
उसने समय बिताया। (Usne samay bitaya)
In the past tense, the verb agrees with 'Samay' (masculine), not the subject 'She'. Also needs 'ne'.
-
समय बिताने के लिए पढ़ना। (Samay bitane ke liye padhna)
→
पढ़ने में समय बिताना। (Padhne mein samay bitana)
While the first is grammatically okay, the second is the more natural way to say 'spending time reading'.
Tipps
The 'Ne' Rule
Always remember that in the past tense (Perfective aspect), 'Bitana' requires the 'ne' particle with the subject. 'Maine samay bitaya' is correct; 'Main samay bitaya' is wrong.
Time vs Money
Keep a mental wall between 'Kharch' (money) and 'Bitana' (time). This is the most common error for English speakers.
Social Value
In India, asking to 'spend time' is a very polite and warm way to build a relationship. Don't hesitate to use it!
Soft 'T'
Practice the dental 't' in 'bitana'. Place your tongue against your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth.
Urdu Influence
If you are in a more informal or poetic setting, try using 'Waqt Guzarna' to sound more natural.
Using Gerunds
To sound more advanced, use the activity + 'mein' (e.g., 'Sone mein samay bitana' - spending time in sleeping).
Causative Nuance
Listen for the 'aa' sound in 'Bit-aa-na'. If you hear 'Beet-na', it means the time is passing on its own.
Formal Writing
In formal letters or essays, use 'Samay Vyatit Karna' to show a higher command of the language.
Boredom
If you are bored at a station, say 'Main samay kaat raha hoon' to express that the wait is tedious.
The Hourglass
Visualize yourself actively moving the sand in an hourglass. That active movement is 'Bitana'.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Samay' as 'Some May'. Some may spend time wisely, some may not. 'Bitana' sounds like 'Between-a'. You are doing something 'between-a' start and end time.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine an hourglass where you are catching the sand and painting with it. You are not just letting it fall (beetna), you are using it (bitana).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'Samay Bitana' in three different tenses today: tell someone what you usually do, what you did yesterday, and what you will do tomorrow.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Samaya' (समय), meaning 'appointed time, proper time, occasion.' The verb 'Bitana' is the causative form of 'Beetna', which comes from the Sanskrit root 'Vrit' (वृत्) meaning 'to turn' or 'to happen'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To cause the appointed time to turn or pass through one's actions.
Indo-AryanKultureller Kontext
Be careful when telling elders you don't have time to spend with them; it can be seen as very disrespectful.
English speakers often say 'I'm just passing time' in a negative way. In Hindi, 'Samay Bitana' is more neutral and often positive.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Hobbies
- पढ़ने में समय बिताना
- खेलने में समय बिताना
- गाने सुनने में समय बिताना
- पेंटिंग में समय बिताना
Family/Social
- बच्चों के साथ समय बिताना
- दोस्तों के साथ समय बिताना
- रिश्तेदारों के साथ समय बिताना
- साथ में समय बिताना
Travel
- पहाड़ों में समय बिताना
- समुद्र किनारे समय बिताना
- गाँव में समय बिताना
- सफ़र में समय बिताना
Work/Productivity
- प्रोजेक्ट पर समय बिताना
- सीखने में समय बिताना
- ऑफिस में समय बिताना
- मीटिंग में समय बिताना
Self-Care
- अकेले समय बिताना
- शांति में समय बिताना
- ध्यान (meditation) में समय बिताना
- खुद के साथ समय बिताना
Gesprächseinstiege
"आप अपना खाली समय कैसे बिताते हैं? (How do you spend your free time?)"
"क्या आप सप्ताहांत (weekend) पर मेरे साथ समय बिताना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to spend time with me on the weekend?)"
"बचपन में आप अपना समय कहाँ बिताते थे? (Where did you use to spend your time in childhood?)"
"क्या आपको अकेले समय बिताना पसंद है या दोस्तों के साथ? (Do you like spending time alone or with friends?)"
"आजकल लोग अपना ज़्यादा समय कहाँ बिता रहे हैं? (Where are people spending most of their time nowadays?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
आज आपने अपना समय कैसे बिताया? विस्तार से लिखें। (How did you spend your time today? Write in detail.)
आपके लिए 'क्वालिटी समय' बिताने का क्या मतलब है? (What does spending 'quality time' mean to you?)
अगर आपके पास एक अतिरिक्त घंटा हो, तो आप उसे कैसे बिताएंगे? (If you had an extra hour, how would you spend it?)
किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसके साथ आप समय बिताना पसंद करते हैं। (Write about someone you like to spend time with.)
क्या आप अपने समय बिताने के तरीके से खुश हैं? क्यों या क्यों नहीं? (Are you happy with the way you spend your time? Why or why not?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it sounds very unnatural. In Hindi, 'kharch' is for money and 'bitana' is for time. Always use 'Samay Bitana'.
'Samay' is Hindi/Sanskrit origin, while 'Waqt' is Urdu/Arabic origin. They are interchangeable, but 'Samay' is slightly more formal and 'Waqt' is more common in poetry and songs.
You say 'Maine do ghante bitaye'. Note that 'bitaye' agrees with the masculine plural 'ghante'.
It is neutral. To specifically say 'waste', use 'Samay Barbaad Karna'. However, you can say 'Faltu samay bitana' (spending time uselessly).
Yes, because 'Bitana' is a transitive verb. Example: 'Usne samay bitaya' (He spent time).
There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'Samay Bachana' (to save time) or 'Samay Barbaad Karna' (to waste time) are common contrasts.
No, 'Bitana' is only for time. For money, use 'Kharch Karna'.
You say 'Mujhe tumhare saath samay bitana pasand hai'.
Not exactly. 'Samay Katna' implies you are bored or just trying to get through the time. 'Samay Bitana' is neutral.
While many people just say 'Quality Time', a more Hindi version would be 'Sarthak Samay' (meaningful time) or 'Achha Samay'.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Translate to Hindi: 'I want to spend time with you.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'We spent a lot of time in the park.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'How do you spend your free time?'
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Translate to Hindi: 'She will spend her holidays in India.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'Spending time alone is also important.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'I spent two hours reading a book.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'They are spending time in the village.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'He has spent his whole life helping others.'
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Translate to Hindi: 'Will you spend some time with me?'
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Translate to Hindi: 'I like spending time with my friends.'
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Write a sentence using 'Samay Bitana' in the future tense.
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Write a sentence using 'Samay Bitana' in the past tense with 'ne'.
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Write a sentence about your favorite hobby using 'mein'.
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Translate: 'Don't waste time, spend it wisely.'
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Translate: 'We should spend time with our grandparents.'
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Write a question asking someone about their weekend plans.
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Translate: 'I spent my childhood in Delhi.'
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Translate: 'It is difficult to spend time without a phone.'
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Write a sentence using the formal synonym 'Vyatit Karna'.
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Translate: 'I am just killing time.'
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Describe how you spent your last weekend using 'Samay Bitana'.
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Ask a friend if they want to spend time with you tomorrow.
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Talk about your favorite hobby and how much time you spend on it.
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Explain why spending time with family is important.
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Compare 'Samay Bitana' and 'Samay Barbaad Karna'.
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Give advice to someone who is always busy.
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Describe a place where you love to spend time.
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How do you think people will spend time in the future?
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Tell a story about a time you spent in a village.
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Ask someone about their childhood and where they spent it.
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Discuss the benefits of spending time in nature.
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What is your idea of a perfect day?
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How do you spend time when you are bored?
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Talk about a person you want to spend more time with.
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Explain the phrase 'Quality Time'.
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Do you prefer spending time alone? Why?
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How much time do you spend on social media?
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Describe a memorable vacation you spent.
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Why is it difficult for some people to spend time alone?
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What are the different ways to spend time in a big city?
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Listen: 'Maine kal sara din doston ke saath bitaya.' Who did the speaker spend time with?
Listen: 'Kya aap thoda samay nikal sakte hain?' What is the speaker asking for?
Listen: 'Bachon ke saath samay bitana bahut sukhad hota hai.' How does the speaker describe spending time with children?
Listen: 'Vah apna khali samay yoga karne mein bitati hai.' What does she do in her free time?
Listen: 'Humne pichli chuttiyan pahadon mein bitayi thi.' Where did they spend their last holidays?
Listen: 'Samay bitana mushkil ho raha hai.' Is the speaker enjoying the time?
Listen: 'Usne apna poora jeevan samaj seva mein bitaya.' What did he spend his life doing?
Listen: 'Kya tum mere saath thoda samay bitaoge?' Is this a past or future request?
Listen: 'Maine do ghante intezar mein bitaye.' How long did the speaker wait?
Listen: 'Akele samay bitana seekho.' What is the advice?
Listen: 'Hum saath mein samay bitate hain.' Do they spend time together or alone?
Listen: 'Zyada samay mat bitao.' Is this a command or a question?
Listen: 'Maine kal bahut achha samay bitaya.' Was the time good or bad?
Listen: 'Vah hamesha library mein samay bitata hai.' Where does he always spend time?
Listen: 'Samay bitane ke liye koi kitab do.' What does the speaker want?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'Samay Bitana' is the standard way to express spending time in Hindi. It is versatile, culturally significant, and grammatically requires 'ne' in the past tense. Example: 'Maine doston ke saath achha samay bitaya' (I spent a good time with friends).
- Samay Bitana means 'to spend time' in Hindi. It is a transitive verb phrase used for all social and personal contexts involving the passage of time.
- Unlike English, Hindi uses different verbs for spending money (kharch karna) and spending time (bitana). Mixing them up is a common learner error.
- In the past tense, this phrase requires the 'ne' particle with the subject because 'bitana' is transitive. The verb agrees with the masculine noun 'samay'.
- Synonyms include the informal 'Waqt Guzarna' and the formal 'Samay Vyatit Karna'. 'Samay Katna' is used when time feels slow or boring.
The 'Ne' Rule
Always remember that in the past tense (Perfective aspect), 'Bitana' requires the 'ne' particle with the subject. 'Maine samay bitaya' is correct; 'Main samay bitaya' is wrong.
Time vs Money
Keep a mental wall between 'Kharch' (money) and 'Bitana' (time). This is the most common error for English speakers.
Social Value
In India, asking to 'spend time' is a very polite and warm way to build a relationship. Don't hesitate to use it!
Soft 'T'
Practice the dental 't' in 'bitana'. Place your tongue against your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth.
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आगमन समय
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B1Arrival gate, the gate where a flight arrives.
आगंतुक
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