दरबान
दरबान in 30 Sekunden
- Darbaan means a doorkeeper or gatekeeper at an entrance.
- It is a masculine noun of Persian origin (Dar + Baan).
- Commonly used for uniformed attendants at hotels and palaces.
- Implies tradition, hospitality, and formal security roles.
The Hindi word दरबान (Darbaan) is a classic and evocative term that translates primarily to 'doorkeeper' or 'gatekeeper' in English. While it might sound like a simple job title, in the context of Indian culture and history, it carries a sense of tradition, formality, and often, a touch of old-world charm. A darbaan is not just someone who opens a door; they are the first point of contact, the guardian of the threshold, and the silent observer of everyone who enters or exits a grand establishment. You will most commonly encounter this word when referring to the uniformed attendants at luxury hotels, historical palaces, high-end apartment complexes, or in classical Hindi literature and cinema.
- Etymological Roots
- The word finds its origins in Persian, where 'Dar' (दर) means 'door' or 'gate' and 'Baan' (बान) is a suffix denoting a 'keeper' or 'protector'. This linguistic lineage gives the word a more formal and sophisticated air compared to the modern 'security guard'.
- Visual Identity
- When people think of a darbaan, they often visualize a man in a majestic uniform, frequently including a prominent turban (pagri), a sash, and a well-groomed mustache. This image is iconic in Indian hospitality, representing a legacy of royal welcoming traditions.
होटल के मुख्य द्वार पर खड़ा दरबान हर मेहमान का मुस्कराहट के साथ स्वागत कर रहा था। (The doorkeeper standing at the hotel's main entrance was welcoming every guest with a smile.)
In everyday modern conversation, the word is used slightly less frequently than 'guard' or 'security', but it remains the standard term in formal writing and when describing high-status locations. If you are visiting a five-star hotel in Delhi or Mumbai, the person in the ornate traditional outfit at the door is precisely who you would call a darbaan. They signify prestige and attentive service. Using this word instead of 'chowkidar' (watchman) elevates the status of the person you are describing, acknowledging their role as a professional greeter and guardian.
Furthermore, in metaphorical contexts, poets might use 'darbaan' to describe someone who guards a secret or the entrance to one's heart. It implies a steadfast, loyal presence. Because the word has stayed consistent through centuries of linguistic evolution in North India, it bridges the gap between the Mughal era's courtly language and today's corporate hospitality standards. Understanding this word helps learners appreciate the layers of formality in Hindi social structures.
पुराने महल के दरबान को वहां की हर ईंट की कहानी पता थी। (The doorkeeper of the old palace knew the story of every brick there.)
Using the word दरबान correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its specific social connotations. It functions similarly to other profession-based nouns like 'mali' (gardener) or 'dhobi' (washerman). Because it refers to a person, it often takes postpositions like 'ne', 'ko', or 'se', which can change its form slightly in the oblique case (though 'darbaan' remains 'darbaan' in the singular oblique).
- Subjective Use
- When the darbaan is the one performing an action. Example: 'Darbaan ne darwaza khola' (The doorkeeper opened the door).
- Descriptive Use
- When describing the appearance or location. Example: 'Vah ek lamba darbaan hai' (He is a tall doorkeeper).
जब हम सिनेमा हॉल पहुँचे, तो दरबान हमारी टिकटें देख रहा था। (When we reached the cinema hall, the doorkeeper was checking our tickets.)
In plural forms, the word changes to 'darbaanon' (दरबानों) when followed by a postposition. For example, 'Darbaanon ko bulao' (Call the doorkeepers). Without a postposition, the plural remains 'darbaan' (दरबान), though the verb will indicate the plurality: 'Wahan do darbaan khade the' (Two doorkeepers were standing there). It is important to note that 'darbaan' is almost exclusively used for males. For a female in a similar role, modern Hindi might use 'suraksha karmi' (security worker) or the English 'lady guard', as 'darbaan' is historically gendered.
The word is often paired with verbs like 'tainaat hona' (to be posted/deployed) or 'nigrani karna' (to keep watch). In formal settings, you might say, 'Mukhya dwar par ek darbaan tainaat hai' (A doorkeeper is posted at the main gate). This adds a level of professional precision to your speech. In literature, you might see the darbaan acting as a barrier or a facilitator, often depicted as a figure of authority over the entrance.
क्या आपने उस दरबान से रास्ता पूछा? (Did you ask that doorkeeper for directions?)
If you are traveling through India, you will encounter the word दरबान in several specific environments. The most vibrant use of the term is in the hospitality industry. Iconic hotels like the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai or the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur pride themselves on their 'darbaans' who wear traditional Rajasthani or colonial-style uniforms. In these settings, the word is used with high respect and is part of the brand's identity.
- Bollywood and Media
- In Hindi films, especially period dramas or movies set in wealthy households, the darbaan is a recurring character. They often provide comic relief or serve as the loyal servant who knows all the family secrets. Songs and dialogues frequently mention the 'darbaan' at the 'dehleez' (threshold).
- Literature and Poetry
- Urdu and Hindi poetry (Ghazals) often use the darbaan as a metaphor for the obstacles between the lover and the beloved's house. The 'darbaan' is the one who must be convinced or bypassed to reach the destination.
फिल्मों में अक्सर दरबान को एक वफादार और पुराने कर्मचारी के रूप में दिखाया जाता है। (In movies, the doorkeeper is often shown as a loyal and old employee.)
In urban India, while the colloquial term might shift to 'guard' or 'security bhaiya', the formal designation in apartment bylaws or official staff registries often remains 'darbaan' or 'dwarpal'. If you are reading a Hindi newspaper (like Dainik Jagran or Navbharat Times), and there is a report about a theft or an event at a prominent building, the journalist will likely use 'darbaan' to describe the person on duty at the gate. It provides a more narrative and descriptive feel than the clinical 'security personnel'.
Interestingly, the word is also heard in historical discussions. When visiting forts like the Red Fort or Amer Fort, guides will point out the 'Darbaan-khana' or the quarters where the gatekeepers lived. This historical depth makes the word much more than a job description; it's a link to India's feudal and royal past. Even in modern corporate offices, the person at the front desk might be colloquially referred to as the darbaan if the speaker is using a slightly traditional or ironic tone.
अमीरों की बस्तियों में दरबान चौबीसों घंटे पहरा देते हैं। (In wealthy neighborhoods, doorkeepers keep watch twenty-four hours a day.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using दरबान interchangeably with other similar roles without considering the level of formality or the specific duties involved. While all these roles involve 'guarding', the nuances are distinct in Hindi culture. Using the wrong word can sometimes sound too informal or, conversely, too archaic for the situation.
- Darbaan vs. Chowkidar
- A 'chowkidar' (चौकीदार) is a watchman, often associated with night shifts and patrolling a general area. A 'darbaan' is specifically stationed at a door or gate (dar). Calling a hotel doorkeeper a 'chowkidar' isn't technically wrong, but it lacks the professional and ceremonial respect the role usually commands.
- Darbaan vs. Pehredaar
- A 'pehredaar' (पहरेदार) is a sentinel or guard who 'keeps watch' (pehra). This word is more common in historical stories or when talking about guarding a prisoner. A darbaan's primary job is entry management, not necessarily combat or policing.
लोग अक्सर दरबान और सुरक्षा गार्ड के बीच के अंतर को भूल जाते हैं। (People often forget the difference between a doorkeeper and a security guard.)
Another mistake involves the gender of the word. Since 'darbaan' is masculine, learners often struggle when they see a woman at a gate. Do not use 'darbaani'—this is not a standard word. Instead, use 'suraksha karmi' (security personnel). Additionally, avoid using 'darbaan' for a receptionist. A receptionist sits at a desk (swagat-karta), while a darbaan stands at the physical entrance.
Lastly, learners sometimes over-rely on the English word 'guard'. While understood by everyone in India, using 'darbaan' in the right context (like describing a grand wedding or a luxury hotel) shows a much deeper grasp of the language and a respect for the specific cultural imagery that Hindi provides. It makes your descriptions more vivid and authentic.
गलती से दरबान को 'नौकर' कहना अपमानजनक हो सकता है। (Calling a doorkeeper a 'servant' by mistake can be insulting.)
To truly master Hindi, it is helpful to see दरबान within a cluster of related terms. Depending on the setting—whether it's a modern office, a village home, or a mythological story—the word you choose will change. Here is a comparison of synonyms and alternatives that will help you choose the right word for the right moment.
- Dwarpal (द्वारपाल)
- This is the Sanskrit-derived equivalent. It is used in very formal, religious, or mythological contexts. For example, the guardians of heaven's gates are called 'Dwarpal', not 'Darbaan'. If you are writing a story about ancient kings, 'Dwarpal' is more appropriate.
- Chowkidar (चौकीदार)
- As mentioned before, this is a general 'watchman'. It is the most common word for someone guarding a house or a street at night. It is less formal than 'darbaan'.
- Suraksha Karmi (सुरक्षा कर्मी)
- This is the modern, gender-neutral, and professional term for 'security personnel'. It is used in corporate offices, airports, and official documents.
मंदिर के द्वारपाल की मूर्तियाँ बहुत प्रभावशाली थीं। (The statues of the temple gatekeepers were very impressive.)
In some regional dialects, you might hear the word 'Santari' (from the English 'Sentry') or 'Pasban' (an older Persian term meaning protector). However, 'darbaan' remains the most widely understood term for a doorkeeper across the Hindi-speaking belt. When choosing between these, consider the 'vibe' of the place. A palace has a 'darbaan'; a construction site has a 'chowkidar'; a tech company has 'suraksha karmi'.
In literature, you might also find 'Pratihari' (प्रतिहारी), which is another high-register Sanskrit term for a doorkeeper or usher in a royal court. This is rarely used in spoken Hindi today but is essential for reading classical plays or historical novels. By knowing these alternatives, you can navigate different social and literary landscapes in India with ease.
आधुनिक कार्यालयों में सुरक्षा कर्मी कंप्यूटर का उपयोग करते हैं। (In modern offices, security personnel use computers.)
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'd' as an alveolar 'd' (like in 'dog') instead of dental.
- Shortening the 'aa' in 'baan' so it sounds like 'bun'.
- Over-rolling the 'r'.
- Confusing it with 'Durban' (the city in South Africa).
- Adding an extra 'i' at the end (Darbaani).
Beispiele nach Niveau
यह एक दरबान है।
This is a doorkeeper.
Simple identification using 'yah' (this) and 'hai' (is).
दरबान कहाँ है?
Where is the doorkeeper?
Interrogative sentence with 'kahan' (where).
दरबान गेट पर है।
The doorkeeper is at the gate.
Locative use of 'par' (at/on).
वह दरबान अच्छा है।
That doorkeeper is good.
Adjective 'achha' (good) modifying 'darbaan'.
दरबान को बुलाओ।
Call the doorkeeper.
Imperative sentence with object marker 'ko'.
मेरा भाई दरबान है।
My brother is a doorkeeper.
Possessive 'mera' (my) used with 'bhai' (brother).
दरबान सो रहा है।
The doorkeeper is sleeping.
Present continuous tense 'so raha hai'.
क्या वह दरबान है?
Is he a doorkeeper?
Yes/No question starting with 'Kya'.
दरबान ने दरवाज़ा खोला।
The doorkeeper opened the door.
Past tense with 'ne' particle.
दरबान की वर्दी लाल है।
The doorkeeper's uniform is red.
Possessive 'ki' used with 'virdi' (uniform, feminine).
होटल का दरबान बहुत लंबा है।
The hotel's doorkeeper is very tall.
Genitive 'ka' connecting 'hotel' and 'darbaan'.
दरबान सबको नमस्ते कहता है।
The doorkeeper says Namaste to everyone.
Present habitual tense 'kehta hai'.
मैंने दरबान से रास्ता पूछा।
I asked the doorkeeper for the way.
Postposition 'se' (from/with) used for asking.
दरबान के पास एक बड़ी चाबी है।
The doorkeeper has a big key.
Possession indicated by 'ke paas'.
दो दरबान बाहर खड़े थे।
Two doorkeepers were standing outside.
Plural subject without postposition; verb 'the' is plural.
क्या दरबान अंदर है?
Is the doorkeeper inside?
Use of 'andar' (inside) as a location.
दरबान ने हमें अंदर जाने से मना कर दिया।
The doorkeeper refused to let us in.
Compound verb 'mana kar dena' (to refuse).
पुराने ज़माने में दरबान बहुत वफ़ादार होते थे।
In old times, doorkeepers used to be very loyal.
Use of 'hote the' for general past states.
जब बारिश हुई, तो दरबान छाता लेकर आया।
When it rained, the doorkeeper brought an umbrella.
Temporal clause with 'jab... toh'.
दरबान ने मेहमानों का सामान उठाया।
The doorkeeper picked up the guests' luggage.
Past tense 'uthaya' with object 'saaman'.
वह एक अनुभवी दरबान की तरह व्यवहार कर रहा था।
He was behaving like an experienced doorkeeper.
Simile using 'ki tarah' (like).
दरबान ने चोर को पकड़ लिया।
The doorkeeper caught the thief.
Compound verb 'pakad liya' for completed action.
क्या आप इस दरबान को जानते हैं?
Do you know this doorkeeper?
Direct object with 'ko' for specific people.
दरबान रात भर जागता रहा।
The doorkeeper kept waking all night.
Continuative aspect 'jaagta raha'.
दरबान की अनुमति के बिना कोई भी प्रवेश नहीं कर सकता।
No one can enter without the doorkeeper's permission.
Use of 'ke bina' (without) and 'pravesh' (entry).
उसने दरबान को कुछ पैसे टिप के रूप में दिए।
He gave some money to the doorkeeper as a tip.
Indirect object 'darbaan ko' with verb 'diye'.
दरबान ने बड़ी सावधानी से रजिस्टर में नाम लिखा।
The doorkeeper wrote the name in the register very carefully.
Adverbial phrase 'badi saavdhani se'.
महल का दरबान अपनी मूँछों पर ताव दे रहा था।
The palace doorkeeper was twirling his mustache.
Idiomatic expression 'moonchon par taav dena'.
दरबान को अपनी ड्यूटी पर गर्व है।
The doorkeeper is proud of his duty.
Use of 'par garv hona' (to be proud of).
वहाँ का दरबान विदेशी सैलानियों से अंग्रेज़ी में बात करता है।
The doorkeeper there speaks in English with foreign tourists.
Instrumental 'se' used for communication.
दरबान ने मुख्य द्वार पर ताला लगा दिया।
The doorkeeper locked the main gate.
Compound verb 'laga diya'.
यदि दरबान न होता, तो आज बड़ा हादसा हो सकता था।
If the doorkeeper hadn't been there, a big accident could have happened today.
Conditional sentence 'yadi... toh' with 'hota'.
दरबान की आँखों में एक अजीब सी खामोशी और गहराई थी।
There was a strange silence and depth in the doorkeeper's eyes.
Use of 'si' to indicate 'of a sort' or 'strange'.
वह सालों से इस हवेली का दरबान रहा है, मानों वह खुद इसका हिस्सा हो।
He has been the doorkeeper of this mansion for years, as if he himself were a part of it.
Perfect continuous aspect and 'maano' (as if).
दरबान ने बड़ी विनम्रता के साथ हमें अंदर आने का निमंत्रण दिया।
The doorkeeper invited us inside with great humility.
Abstract noun 'vinamrata' (humility) with 'ke saath'.
आज की भागदौड़ भरी दुनिया में दरबान की वफ़ादारी दुर्लभ होती जा रही है।
In today's fast-paced world, the loyalty of a doorkeeper is becoming rare.
Complex subject phrase and 'hota ja raha hai' (becoming).
दरबान ने अपनी पूरी ज़िंदगी इसी द्वार की रक्षा में गुज़ार दी।
The doorkeeper spent his entire life in the protection of this very gate.
Use of 'guzaar di' (spent/passed) with life.
सिनेमा के पर्दे पर दरबान का किरदार हमेशा एक मूक गवाह जैसा होता है।
On the cinema screen, the character of a doorkeeper is always like a silent witness.
Metaphorical usage of 'mook gawah' (silent witness).
दरबान ने अपनी मज़बूरी ज़ाहिर नहीं की, बस चुपचाप खड़ा रहा।
The doorkeeper did not express his helplessness; he just stood silently.
Negative 'nahin' with 'zaahir ki' (expressed).
भले ही वह एक मामूली दरबान था, पर उसका आत्मसम्मान किसी राजा से कम नहीं था।
Even though he was an ordinary doorkeeper, his self-respect was no less than that of a king.
Concessive clause 'bhale hi... par'.
वह उस रहस्यमयी किले का अंतिम दरबान था, जिसके पास अतीत की कुंजियाँ थीं।
He was the last doorkeeper of that mysterious fort, who held the keys to the past.
Metaphorical genitive 'ateet ki kunjiyaan' (keys of the past).
दरबान की मुस्तैदी ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि सुरक्षा केवल हथियारों से नहीं, बल्कि सतर्कता से होती है।
The doorkeeper's alertness proved that security is not just through weapons, but through vigilance.
Use of 'nahin... balki' (not... but) structure.
साहित्यिक कृतियों में दरबान अक्सर समाज के दो वर्गों के बीच की विभाजक रेखा का प्रतीक होता है।
In literary works, the doorkeeper is often a symbol of the dividing line between two classes of society.
Academic register using 'vibhaja rekha' and 'prateek'.
उसकी आवाज़ में वही कड़वाहट थी जो वर्षों तक दरबान बने रहने से पैदा होती है।
There was that same bitterness in his voice that arises from remaining a doorkeeper for years.
Relative clause 'jo... se paida hoti hai'.
दरबान ने जिस संजीदगी से द्वार की रक्षा की, वह आज के दौर के लिए एक मिसाल है।
The seriousness with which the doorkeeper guarded the gate is an example for today's times.
Use of 'jis... vah' structure for emphasis.
कवि ने दरबान को काल के उस प्रहरी के रूप में चित्रित किया है जो किसी को नहीं छोड़ता।
The poet has depicted the doorkeeper as that sentinel of time who spares no one.
Literary analysis using 'chitrit kiya hai' (depicted).
दरबान की निष्ठा पर संदेह करना उस संस्था की बुनियाद को हिलाने जैसा था।
To doubt the doorkeeper's loyalty was like shaking the very foundation of that institution.
Gerundial subject 'sandeh karna' (doubting).
जब सत्ता बदली, तो सबसे पहले उस वफ़ादार दरबान को ही पदमुक्त किया गया।
When the power changed, that loyal doorkeeper was the first one to be relieved of his post.
Passive construction 'padmukt kiya gaya' (was relieved).
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Ask the doorkeeper. Used when seeking directions or information at a building.
अगर रास्ता नहीं पता, तो दरबान से पूछो।
— The doorkeeper stopped (someone). Used when entry is denied.
बिना पास के दरबान ने मुझे अंदर जाने से रोका।
— The doorkeeper is standing. A simple descriptive phrase.
देखो, वहाँ गेट पर दरबान खड़ा है।
— The doorkeeper's uniform. Often discussed in high-end hotels.
दरबान की वर्दी बहुत चमक रही थी।
— To give a tip to the doorkeeper. A common social practice.
बाहर जाते समय दरबान को टिप देना मत भूलना।
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To stand like a doorkeeper. Implies standing still and alert for a long time.
तुम यहाँ दरबान की तरह क्यों खड़े हो? अंदर आओ।
Informal— The doorkeeper of fate. A poetic way to say fate controls entry to success.
किस्मत का दरबान कब दरवाज़ा खोलेगा, किसी को नहीं पता।
Poetic— To be a doorkeeper of a palace. Sometimes used to describe someone who has access to power but no power themselves.
वह बस महल का दरबान है, फैसले राजा लेता है।
Metaphorical— The doorkeeper of the threshold. Implies protecting one's family or home honor.
वह अपनी देहलीज़ का दरबान खुद है।
Literary— To trick the doorkeeper. To sneak into a place without permission.
चोर ने दरबान को चकमा दिया और अंदर घुस गया।
Common— The doorkeeper of time. A philosophical term for time being the ultimate guard.
वक़्त का दरबान किसी के लिए नहीं रुकता।
Philosophical— The doorkeeper of the heart. Guarding one's emotions.
उसने अपने दिल का दरबान दिमाग को बना रखा है।
Poetic— The doorkeeper's eye. Referring to a very sharp and observant gaze.
उसकी दरबान की आँख से कुछ नहीं छुप सकता।
Descriptive— To become a doorkeeper. Usually used when someone is forced to wait outside for too long.
तुम्हारे इंतज़ार में मैं तो दरबान बन गया हूँ।
Sarcastic— The loyalty of a doorkeeper. Used as a benchmark for absolute loyalty.
उसकी वफ़ादारी एक दरबान जैसी है।
FormalSummary
The word 'darbaan' (दरबान) is more than just a guard; it represents the traditional role of a doorkeeper who manages the threshold of a building. It is best used in formal or historical contexts. Example: 'होटल के दरबान ने हमें नमस्ते कहा' (The hotel doorkeeper said Namaste to us).
- Darbaan means a doorkeeper or gatekeeper at an entrance.
- It is a masculine noun of Persian origin (Dar + Baan).
- Commonly used for uniformed attendants at hotels and palaces.
- Implies tradition, hospitality, and formal security roles.
Beispiel
दरबान ने दरवाज़ा खोला और हमें अंदर आने दिया।
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आंगनवाड़ी
B2A type of rural mother and child care center in India.
आईना
A1Ein Spiegel ist eine spiegelnde Oberfläche, oft gerahmt. Er wird benutzt, um sich selbst zu sehen. (Das Wort ist 'Spiegel'.)
आइना
A1Ein Spiegel ist eine Oberfläche, die ein Bild reflektiert.
आलीशान
B2Luxurious, magnificent; extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable.
आमतौर से
B2Generally; in most cases; usually.
आओ भगत करना
B2To host or entertain guests with hospitality.
आपका/आपकी/आपके
B2Ihr/Ihre (höflich). Es richtet sich nach dem Geschlecht des Besitzes: 'aapka' (m.), 'aapki' (f.), 'aapke' (pl./respektvoll). 'Ihre Tasche' ist 'Aapki bag'.
आरी
B2A saw, a tool with a toothed blade for cutting wood or other materials.
आराम से रहना
B1To reside in a state of ease and comfort (to live comfortably).
आरामगाह
B2Ein Ort zum Ausruhen oder Entspannen.