स्वीकार करना

The Hindi verb स्वीकार करना (svīkār karnā) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates to 'to accept' or 'to agree' in English. It is a compound verb formed by combining the Sanskrit-derived noun/adjective स्वीकार (svīkār), meaning 'acceptance' or 'making one's own', with the common Hindi auxiliary verb करना (karnā), which means 'to do'. Understanding this word is crucial for learners at the A2 level and beyond, as it frequently appears in both formal and informal contexts, ranging from accepting a simple gift to agreeing to complex terms and conditions in a legal document. When you break down the etymology, 'sva' means 'self' and 'kāra' relates to 'making' or 'doing', so literally, it means 'making something one's own'. This deep semantic root explains why the word carries a sense of formal acknowledgment and internalization. In everyday conversation, it is often used interchangeably with words like मानना (mānnā) or क़बूल करना (qabūl karnā), though each has its own subtle nuances. While मानना is more about believing or agreeing to a point of view, and क़बूल करना has an Urdu/Persian flavor often used in emotional or highly formal contexts (like weddings or confessions), स्वीकार करना strikes a perfect balance. It is the standard, polite, and universally understood term for acceptance across the Hindi-speaking world. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, official letters, and polite society. To truly master this verb, one must understand its transitive nature. Because it takes a direct object (the thing being accepted), it requires the use of the postposition ने (ne) with the subject in all perfective tenses (past tense). For example, 'He accepted the gift' translates to 'उसने उपहार स्वीकार किया' (usne uphār svīkār kiyā). Notice how the verb 'kiyā' agrees with the masculine singular noun 'uphār' (gift), not the subject. This grammatical feature is a common stumbling block for beginners but is essential for fluency. Furthermore, the word can be used in passive constructions, such as 'प्रस्ताव स्वीकार किया गया' (prastāv svīkār kiyā gayā), meaning 'the proposal was accepted'. This passive form is extremely common in journalistic and administrative Hindi. Beyond physical objects, you can accept apologies (माफ़ी स्वीकार करना), challenges (चुनौती स्वीकार करना), and reality (सच्चाई स्वीकार करना). The versatility of this word makes it a powerhouse in your Hindi vocabulary arsenal. As you progress in your language journey, you will find that using 'स्वीकार करना' instead of simpler alternatives instantly elevates your speech, making you sound more educated and respectful. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival Hindi and sophisticated, expressive communication. Therefore, dedicating time to practice its various conjugations, collocations, and contextual applications will yield significant dividends in your overall language proficiency. Let us explore the various dimensions of this essential Hindi verb through detailed examples, structural breakdowns, and practical usage tips.

Literal Meaning

To make something one's own (Sanskrit root: sva + kara).

Grammatical Role

Transitive compound verb requiring 'ne' in perfective tenses.

Register

Standard to Formal Hindi, widely used in media and literature.

Using स्वीकार करना (svīkār karnā) correctly requires a solid understanding of Hindi verb conjugation, particularly the rules surrounding transitive verbs. Because this verb involves an action done to an object (e.g., accepting a gift, an offer, a truth), it is classified as a transitive verb (सकर्मक क्रिया). This classification is vital when constructing sentences in perfective tenses, such as the simple past, present perfect, and past perfect. In these tenses, Hindi employs the ergative case, marked by the postposition ने (ne) attached to the subject. When 'ne' is used, the verb no longer agrees with the subject in gender and number; instead, it agrees with the direct object. For instance, consider the sentence 'Ram accepted the book'. The Hindi translation is 'राम ने किताब स्वीकार की' (Rām ne kitāb svīkār kī). Here, 'kitāb' (book) is a feminine singular noun, so the verb 'karnā' changes to its feminine singular perfective form, 'kī'. The noun 'svīkār' remains unchanged. If Ram accepted a masculine object, like a proposal (प्रस्ताव - prastāv), the sentence would be 'राम ने प्रस्ताव स्वीकार किया' (Rām ne prastāv svīkār kiyā). This object-verb agreement is a hallmark of Hindi grammar and mastering it with common verbs like 'svīkār karnā' is essential for A2 learners. In non-perfective tenses (present, future, continuous), the verb behaves normally and agrees with the subject. 'I accept' (masculine speaker) is 'मैं स्वीकार करता हूँ' (main svīkār kartā hūn). 'She will accept' is 'वह स्वीकार करेगी' (vah svīkār karegī). Another important aspect of using this verb is its ability to take compound forms to add nuance. For example, adding लेना (lenā) creates 'स्वीकार कर लेना' (svīkār kar lenā), which implies completing the action of accepting for one's own benefit or with a sense of finality. 'उसने मेरी बात स्वीकार कर ली' (usne merī bāt svīkār kar lī) means 'He (finally/completely) accepted my point'. Furthermore, 'svīkār karnā' is frequently used in passive voice constructions, especially in formal writing and news reporting. The passive form is 'स्वीकार किया जाना' (svīkār kiyā jānā). 'Your application has been accepted' translates to 'आपका आवेदन स्वीकार कर लिया गया है' (āpkā āvedan svīkār kar liyā gayā hai). Notice how the auxiliary verb 'jānā' (to go) is used to form the passive, and it conjugates according to the tense and the subject of the passive sentence (the application). When using this verb, pay attention to the prepositions that follow the object in English, as they often don't translate directly. You accept 'something', not 'to something'. Therefore, there is no need for postpositions like 'को' (ko) after inanimate direct objects unless you want to emphasize them. You simply place the object before the verb. Practice these structures repeatedly. Write sentences in the present, past, and future tenses, varying the gender and number of both the subjects and the objects. This systematic practice will help internalize the mechanics of 'svīkār karnā' and improve your overall grasp of Hindi syntax.

Present Tense

Subject + Object + स्वीकार करता/करती हूँ/है/हैं।

Past Tense (Ergative)

Subject + ने + Object + स्वीकार किया/की/किए/कीं।

Future Tense

Subject + Object + स्वीकार करूँगा/करूंगी/करेगा/करेगी।

The verb स्वीकार करना (svīkār karnā) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts, from highly formal official environments to polite everyday conversations. Because it is derived from Sanskrit, it carries a tone of respect, education, and formality, making it the preferred choice in professional and public spheres. You will hear it constantly in news broadcasts (समाचार - samāchār). News anchors frequently report on governments accepting demands (माँगें स्वीकार करना), courts accepting petitions (याचिका स्वीकार करना), or leaders accepting defeat (हार स्वीकार करना). In the corporate and administrative world, this verb is standard. When you submit an application, a proposal, or a resignation, the official response will almost always use 'स्वीकार करना'. For instance, an HR email might state, 'आपका इस्तीफा स्वीकार कर लिया गया है' (Your resignation has been accepted). It is also heavily used in legal contexts, where accepting terms and conditions (शर्तें स्वीकार करना) is a binding action. Beyond the professional realm, 'svīkār karnā' plays a significant role in social and cultural rituals. Wedding invitations often formally request the recipient to 'निमंत्रण स्वीकार करें' (accept the invitation). During religious ceremonies or formal gatherings, offerings or gifts are 'स्वीकार' done by the deity or the guest of honor. In interpersonal relationships, the word is used to express deep emotional or moral acceptance. Accepting someone's apology (माफ़ी स्वीकार करना) is a common polite usage. Furthermore, in psychological or philosophical discussions, accepting reality (सच्चाई स्वीकार करना) or accepting one's flaws (कमियाँ स्वीकार करना) are frequent topics where this verb shines. While informal Hindi often borrows the English word 'accept' (एक्सेप्ट करना) or uses simpler synonyms like मानना (mānnā), using 'स्वीकार करना' demonstrates a strong command of the language and a respectful demeanor. It is particularly important for learners to recognize this word in written Hindi, as it is the standard vocabulary used in literature, newspapers, and official documents. If you are reading a Hindi novel, characters will 'svīkār' their fate or 'svīkār' a challenge. If you are watching a Bollywood movie, a dramatic courtroom scene will definitely feature the judge 'svīkār'-ing evidence. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with the contexts in which this word appears will not only improve your vocabulary but also enhance your cultural literacy and ability to navigate various social registers in India. Listen for it in formal speeches, read for it in articles, and practice using it when you want to sound polite, professional, and articulate.

News & Media

Reporting on political agreements, court decisions, and official statements.

Business & Admin

Accepting proposals, resignations, applications, and contracts.

Social & Polite

Accepting invitations, gifts, apologies, and expressing formal gratitude.

When learning the verb स्वीकार करना (svīkār karnā), students frequently encounter a few specific grammatical and contextual pitfalls. The most prominent and persistent mistake involves the use of the ergative marker 'ने' (ne) in past perfective tenses. Because 'स्वीकार करना' is a transitive verb, any sentence describing a completed action in the past must use 'ने' with the subject. Beginners often translate directly from English and say 'मैं प्रस्ताव स्वीकार किया' (Main prastāv svīkār kiyā), which is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is 'मैंने प्रस्ताव स्वीकार किया' (Mainne prastāv svīkār kiyā). Failing to use 'ने' is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker. The second major mistake stems directly from the first: incorrect verb agreement when 'ने' is used. Once 'ने' is attached to the subject, the verb 'करना' must agree with the direct object in gender and number, not the subject. For example, if a female speaker accepts a masculine object like a gift (उपहार - uphār), she must say 'मैंने उपहार स्वीकार किया' (Mainne uphār svīkār kiyā), not 'मैंने उपहार स्वीकार की'. Conversely, if a male speaker accepts a feminine object like an apology (माफ़ी - māfī), he must say 'मैंने माफ़ी स्वीकार की' (Mainne māfī svīkār kī), not 'मैंने माफ़ी स्वीकार किया'. This requires learners to memorize the gender of common nouns associated with acceptance, which can be challenging but is absolutely necessary. A third common mistake is confusing 'स्वीकार करना' with 'मानना' (mānnā). While both can mean 'to agree' or 'to accept', they are used in different contexts. 'मानना' is often used for accepting a belief, agreeing to a statement, or obeying someone (e.g., मेरी बात मानो - listen to me/agree with me). 'स्वीकार करना' is more formal and is used for accepting tangible things (gifts, documents) or formal abstract concepts (proposals, conditions, defeat). You wouldn't normally say 'मैंने भगवान को स्वीकार किया' to mean 'I believe in God'; you would use 'मानना'. Another subtle error is adding unnecessary postpositions. In English, we say 'agree to the terms', which might tempt a learner to say 'शर्तों को स्वीकार करना' (sharton ko svīkār karnā). While not entirely wrong, the 'को' is usually unnecessary unless you are specifically highlighting the object. 'शर्तें स्वीकार करना' (sharten svīkār karnā) is more natural. Finally, learners sometimes mispronounce the word, saying 'सवीकार' (savīkār) instead of blending the half 's' and 'v' into 'svīkār'. The 's' should be crisp and immediately followed by the 'v' sound. By being aware of these common traps—especially the 'ने' rule and object agreement—you can significantly improve the accuracy and natural flow of your Hindi.

Missing 'Ne'

Forgetting to use 'ने' (ne) with the subject in past perfective tenses.

Wrong Agreement

Making the verb agree with the subject instead of the object when 'ne' is used.

Context Error

Using 'स्वीकार करना' instead of 'मानना' for beliefs or obedience.

The Hindi language is rich in synonyms, drawing from Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and regional dialects. When it comes to the concept of 'accepting' or 'agreeing', 'स्वीकार करना' (svīkār karnā) is part of a broader family of words, each carrying its own distinct flavor and appropriate context. Understanding these nuances is key to achieving fluency and sounding like a native speaker. The most common alternative is 'मानना' (mānnā). While 'स्वीकार करना' is formal and often relates to receiving something offered (a proposal, a gift, a condition), 'मानना' is more about mental agreement, belief, or obedience. You 'mānnā' someone's advice, you 'mānnā' a point in an argument, or you 'mānnā' a religious doctrine. It is softer and highly conversational. Another very common synonym, especially in spoken Hindi and Bollywood, is 'क़बूल करना' (qabūl karnā). Derived from Arabic, this word carries a heavier emotional or dramatic weight. It is famously used in Muslim wedding ceremonies (क़बूल है - I accept) and in contexts of confessing a crime or a deep truth (गुनाह क़बूल करना - to confess a sin/crime). It feels more passionate and definitive than the clinical 'स्वीकार करना'. Then we have 'मंज़ूर करना' (manzūr karnā), which also has Perso-Arabic roots. This word leans heavily towards 'approving' or 'granting permission'. A boss 'manzūr' does your leave application, or a government 'manzūr' does a budget. It implies an authority figure giving the green light to a request. If you want to express the idea of 'adopting' or 'embracing' something, such as a new lifestyle, a child, or a habit, you would use 'अपनाना' (apnānā). This literally means 'to make one's own' (from 'apnā' - mine/ours), similar to the etymology of 'svīkār', but 'apnānā' is used more for personal integration rather than formal acceptance. Finally, in very formal or bureaucratic Hindi, you might encounter 'अनुमोदन करना' (anumodan karnā), which strictly means 'to approve' or 'to endorse' in an official capacity, often used in committee meetings or parliamentary procedures. By comparing these words, we see that 'स्वीकार करना' occupies the solid middle ground: it is formal enough for official documents, polite enough for social interactions, and versatile enough to handle both physical objects and abstract concepts. It lacks the emotional drama of 'क़बूल करना', the authoritative tone of 'मंज़ूर करना', and the casualness of 'मानना'. Therefore, it is the safest and most widely applicable term for a language learner to master first. Let's look at a detailed comparison to solidify these distinctions.

मानना (mānnā)

To agree, believe, or obey. Conversational and conceptual. (e.g., मेरी बात मानो - listen to me).

क़बूल करना (qabūl karnā)

To confess or passionately accept. Emotional/dramatic context. (e.g., जुर्म क़बूल करना - confess a crime).

मंज़ूर करना (manzūr karnā)

To approve or grant. Used for requests and applications. (e.g., छुट्टी मंज़ूर करना - approve leave).