Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Inicio
Aprender
Hindi
Vocabulario
तब भी

B1 adverb 14 min de lectura

तब भी

tab bhi

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos तब भी en 30 segundos

Explicación तब भी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to connect simple thoughts. Think of 'तब भी' (tab bhī) as a way to say 'but' with a little more feeling. Imagine you have two simple sentences: 'It is cold.' and 'I am eating ice cream.' Normally, you might say 'It is cold but I am eating ice cream.' In Hindi, you can use 'तब भी' to show that even though it is cold, you are still doing something surprising. It's like saying 'Even then...' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'तब' means 'then' and 'भी' means 'also' or 'even'. When you put them together after a comma, they help you show a small surprise. For example, 'He is small, even then he is strong.' This is a great way to make your basic Hindi sound more interesting and show that you can connect ideas that don't usually go together. Practice using it with simple things like weather, food, and basic feelings. It's one of the first 'bridge' words you will learn that makes your sentences feel less like a list and more like a story. Even at this early stage, using 'तब भी' correctly will make native speakers impressed because it shows you understand how to emphasize a contradiction. Just keep it simple: [Fact 1], तब भी [Fact 2]. For instance, 'I am tired, still I am playing.' (मैं थका हूँ, तब भी मैं खेल रहा हूँ). This simple structure is the foundation for everything else you will learn about this phrase.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

As an A2 learner, you are building on your ability to describe situations and habits. 'तब भी' (tab bhī) becomes very useful when you want to talk about things that happen despite obstacles. At this level, you can start using it to describe past events or daily routines. For example, 'Yesterday it was raining, even then I went to school.' This shows a higher level of communication because you are linking two different time-based events with a logical contrast. You should also start noticing how 'भी' works to add emphasis. In A2, you might also see 'तब भी' used in simple questions to express surprise, like 'Even then you didn't go?' (तब भी तुम नहीं गए?). This is a common way to ask for clarification when something unexpected happens. You are moving beyond just 'but' (मगर/पर) and starting to use 'still' or 'even then' to provide more detail about the *persistence* of an action. It's also a good time to practice the difference between 'तब' (then) and 'तब भी' (even then). One tells you when something happened, and the other tells you that it happened *despite* something else. Try writing short paragraphs about your day where one thing went wrong, but you 'still' did what you planned. This will help cement the phrase in your mind as a tool for resilience and continuity in your storytelling.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social interactions and explain your opinions or plans. 'तब भी' (tab bhī) is a key part of this. You will use it to provide nuances in arguments or to describe complex feelings. For example, 'I know it is expensive, even then I want to buy it because it is high quality.' Here, 'तब भी' is not just showing a surprise; it is justifying a choice despite a known disadvantage. This is where you start to sound like a more mature speaker. You can also begin pairing 'तब भी' with 'हालाँकि' (although) to create more sophisticated sentence structures. For instance, 'हालाँकि मुझे देरी हो रही थी, तब भी मैंने उसकी मदद की' (Although I was getting late, even then I helped him). This 'Although... even then' structure is a hallmark of B1 proficiency. You should also be comfortable using it in various tenses—past, present, and future. B1 learners should also start to distinguish 'तब भी' from 'फिर भी' (phir bhī). While they are often interchangeable, 'तब भी' feels more anchored to the specific moment or condition mentioned. It's the difference between 'Still, I'll do it' and 'Even then (in that specific case), I'll do it.' Practice using 'तब भी' in role-plays, such as negotiating a price or explaining why a project wasn't finished on time despite your best efforts. It adds a layer of persuasive logic to your Hindi that is essential for intermediate fluency.

For B2 learners, 'तब भी' (tab bhī) is a tool for expressing subtle logical contradictions and rhetorical points. At this stage, you should be able to use it fluently in both formal and informal contexts. You might use it to discuss social issues or news events, such as 'The government provided aid, even then the situation did not improve.' This shows you can use the phrase to analyze outcomes and critique situations. You should also be aware of the rhythmic role 'भी' plays in a sentence; native speakers often place a slight stress on it to highlight the irony. In B2, you can also explore using 'तब भी' in hypothetical scenarios using the subjunctive mood. For example, 'If he had arrived on time, even then the result would have been the same.' (अगर वह समय पर आ जाता, तब भी परिणाम वही होता). This requires a good grasp of conditional verb forms. You are no longer just connecting facts; you are manipulating logic to make a point. You should also be able to recognize 'तब भी' in literature or more complex media, where it might be used to show a character's internal conflict—wanting to do something but being held back, or vice versa. Your use of 'तब भी' should feel natural and spontaneous, acting as a seamless transition between contrasting ideas in a long discourse or a detailed explanation.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency and should understand the stylistic choices involving 'तब भी' (tab bhī). You can use it to create emphasis, irony, or even sarcasm. You might use it to contrast abstract concepts, such as 'The philosophy is ancient, even then its relevance in the modern world is undeniable.' This shows a high degree of conceptual linking. You should also be able to compare 'तब भी' with more obscure or formal synonyms like 'तथापि' (tathāpi) or 'तदपि' (tadapi) and choose the one that best fits the 'register' of your conversation or writing. At C1, you understand that 'तब भी' can sometimes be used to mean 'even in that case,' providing a logical boundary to a discussion. You will also notice its use in legal or technical Hindi to show exceptions to rules. Your mastery should include the ability to use it in complex, multi-clause sentences without losing the thread of the argument. You can use it to build a crescendo in a speech, repeating it to show multiple obstacles that were overcome. For example, 'He was tired, he was hungry, he was alone; even then he did not stop.' The phrase becomes a rhetorical device that adds weight and gravitas to your speaking. You are now using 'तब भी' not just for its meaning, but for its emotional and structural impact on your audience.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, your use of 'तब भी' (tab bhī) is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the deepest nuances of its placement and the subtle shifts in meaning that come with different intonations. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as literary criticism, where you might discuss how a poet uses 'तब भी' to subvert traditional expectations. You are also aware of regional variations or older forms of the phrase that might appear in classical Hindi literature. You can use 'तब भी' to express existential paradoxes or complex philosophical stances where a condition and its result are perpetually at odds. For a C2 speaker, 'तब भी' is a small but vital part of a vast linguistic toolkit that allows for precise, nuanced, and evocative communication. You might even use it to play with language, perhaps in poetry or creative writing, where the 'then' (tab) refers to a metaphysical state rather than a literal time. You have a complete grasp of how this phrase interacts with every other part of Hindi grammar, from complex conjunct verbs to subtle modal particles. At this level, 'तब भी' is no longer a 'rule' you follow, but a brushstroke you use to paint a complex picture of human experience, logic, and the persistent nature of reality despite all contradictions.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

तब भी en 30 segundos

'तब भी' means 'even then' or 'still' in Hindi.
It connects two contrasting ideas where the second is unexpected.
It is more emphatic than a simple 'but' (par/magar).
It is frequently used in storytelling and daily arguments.

The Hindi phrase तब भी (tab bhī) is a powerful contrastive adverbial phrase that translates most directly to 'even then,' 'still,' or 'despite that' in English. It is composed of two distinct parts: तब (tab), which means 'then' or 'at that time,' and the emphatic particle भी (bhī), which means 'also' or 'even.' When joined, they create a logical bridge that indicates a surprising persistence of a state or action despite a preceding condition that should have logically prevented it. This is a staple of intermediate Hindi conversation because it allows speakers to express resilience, stubbornness, or unexpected outcomes in a narrative flow. Understanding 'तब भी' is essential for moving beyond simple sentences and into complex storytelling where conflict and resolution are present.

Literal Composition: Tab (Then) + Bhi (Even/Also) = Even at that time / Even in that condition.

In everyday speech, 'तब भी' is used to emphasize that a fact remains true regardless of the circumstances mentioned just before. For example, if you say it was raining heavily, but you still went to the market, 'तब भी' provides that 'still' or 'nevertheless' flavor. It is slightly more emphatic than its close cousin 'फिर भी' (phir bhī), often implying a temporal element—that even at that specific moment or after that specific event, the result was unchanged. It is frequently heard in emotional arguments, cinematic dialogues, and formal debates where one party is trying to highlight an inconsistency or a remarkable feat of perseverance.

मैंने उसे बहुत समझाया, तब भी उसने मेरी बात नहीं मानी। (I explained a lot to him, even then he did not listen to me.)

The versatility of this phrase lies in its ability to appear in various registers. In a formal setting, it might be used to describe economic trends: 'The prices rose, even then the demand did not fall.' In a domestic setting, it might be used by a parent: 'I gave you food, even then you are crying?' It acts as a logical operator that sets up a 'Condition A -> Expected Result B -> Actual Result C' structure, where C is the opposite of B. This makes it a crucial tool for expressing nuances in human behavior and unpredictable events. It essentially signals to the listener that the speaker is about to present a counter-intuitive fact.

Emotional Nuance: It often carries a tone of frustration, surprise, or admiration depending on the context of the sentence.

वह बहुत बीमार था, तब भी वह काम पर आया। (He was very sick, still he came to work.)

Furthermore, 'तब भी' is often paired with 'जब' (jab - when) or 'अगर' (agar - if) in complex sentence structures. For instance, 'जब सब सो रहे थे, तब भी वह पढ़ रहा था' (When everyone was sleeping, even then he was studying). Here, it reinforces the continuity of an action against a backdrop of a different state. It is this temporal anchoring that distinguishes it from other conjunctions. It isn't just a logical 'but'; it is a 'but at that very time' or 'but in that very situation.' Mastering this phrase allows a learner to sound more natural and less like a textbook translation, as native speakers use these emphatic particles to color their speech with conviction.

Frequency in Media: You will find this phrase in almost every Bollywood movie during a climax or a confrontation scene to show persistence.

दुनिया खिलाफ हो जाए, तब भी मैं सच बोलूँगा। (Even if the world turns against me, even then I will speak the truth.)

Using तब भी (tab bhī) correctly requires an understanding of sentence hierarchy in Hindi. Usually, it appears at the beginning of a subordinate clause or after a comma that separates two contrasting ideas. It functions as a transition word. To use it effectively, you first establish a context or a condition, and then follow up with 'तब भी' to introduce the unexpected result. The placement is quite fixed; it rarely appears at the very beginning of a conversation unless the context was established by a previous speaker. It is the hinge upon which the sentence's meaning turns from one direction to another.

Sentence Structure 1: Contrastive: [Condition/Fact], [तब भी] + [Opposite Result]. Example: It was dark, even then he walked alone.

One of the most common ways to use 'तब भी' is in 'If... then even then' structures. In Hindi, this looks like अगर... तब भी (agar... tab bhī). For example, 'अगर तुम मुझे पैसे दोगे, तब भी मैं यह काम नहीं करूँगा' (Even if you give me money, even then I will not do this work). This double emphasis makes the refusal or the statement incredibly strong. It conveys that no matter what happens in the first half of the sentence, the second half is unchangeable. This is a key feature of B1 level Hindi, where you start expressing conditional logic and firm stances.

अगर तुम रोओगे, तब भी तुम्हें सजा मिलेगी। (Even if you cry, even then you will get punished.)

Another nuance is using it to describe past events. When recounting a story, you might say, 'The king lost his army, even then he did not surrender.' In Hindi: 'राजा अपनी सेना हार गया, तब भी उसने आत्मसमर्पण नहीं किया।' Here, 'तब भी' serves to heighten the drama. It highlights the king's bravery by contrasting it with his dire situation. In this context, it is synonymous with 'nevertheless' or 'nonetheless'. It is also important to note that 'भी' must always follow 'तब' to maintain this specific meaning; reversing them or separating them changes the logic of the sentence entirely.

Sentence Structure 2: Temporal Persistence: [Past Event], [तब भी] + [Continued State]. Example: The sun set, still they kept playing.

सूरज डूब गया था, तब भी वे खेल रहे थे। (The sun had set, still they were playing.)

In more advanced usage (C1/C2), 'तब भी' can be used philosophically. For example, 'Even if one attains everything, even then the heart remains empty.' This uses 'तब भी' to point towards an existential irony. In such cases, the phrase is less about a simple 'but' and more about the futility of an action or the permanence of a state. For learners, the best way to practice is to take two sentences that seem to contradict each other and join them using 'तब भी'. Start with simple facts like weather or physical states, and then move to emotions and abstract ideas.

Common Pairing: Often used with 'चाहे' (chāhe - even if/no matter). 'चाहे कितनी भी मुश्किल हो, तब भी मैं करूँगा।'

चाहे कितनी भी ठंड हो, तब भी वह ठंडे पानी से नहाता है। (No matter how cold it is, still he bathes with cold water.)

The phrase तब भी (tab bhī) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world, resonating through various layers of society. You will hear it in the bustling markets of Old Delhi, in high-stakes corporate meetings in Mumbai, and in the soulful lyrics of Bollywood songs. Its primary 'habitat' is in any conversation involving persuasion, justification, or storytelling. Because it highlights a 'despite everything' sentiment, it is the go-to phrase for people describing their struggles or their unwavering commitment. If you are watching a Hindi soap opera, you are almost guaranteed to hear a character say 'तब भी' while expressing their undying love or their deep-seated resentment despite a betrayal.

In Daily Life: Used when someone is trying to make a point after being interrupted or when explaining a persistent habit.

In the context of Indian families, 'तब भी' often appears during parental advice. A parent might say, 'I told you the stove was hot, even then you touched it!' (मैंने कहा था कि चूल्हा गरम है, तब भी तुमने उसे छुआ!). Here, it serves as a linguistic tool for highlighting a mistake made despite a warning. In a more positive light, it is used to praise someone's resilience. For example, during a cricket match commentary, you might hear: 'The pitch was difficult, even then the batsman scored a century.' (पिच कठिन थी, तब भी बल्लेबाज ने शतक बनाया). This usage underscores the achievement by contrasting it with the difficulty of the situation.

दुकानें बंद थीं, तब भी मुझे दूध मिल गया। (The shops were closed, even then I managed to get milk.)

In professional environments, 'तब भी' is used in reports and presentations to discuss anomalies. For instance, 'Marketing spend was reduced, even then sales increased.' This logical use is very common in news broadcasting as well. When journalists report on political events or natural disasters, they use 'तब भी' to describe the actions of people who continue to work or live in adverse conditions. It provides a narrative hook that keeps the audience engaged by presenting a 'man vs. circumstances' scenario. It is a word that bridges the gap between what is expected and what actually happens, making it essential for analytical speaking.

In Literature & Poetry: Poets use it to show the persistence of memory or love. 'You are gone, even then your fragrance remains.'

तुम चले गए, तब भी तुम्हारी यादें यहाँ हैं। (You left, still your memories are here.)

Social media also sees a lot of 'तब भी' usage, especially in memes or 'relatable' posts. A post might say, 'I have 10 exams tomorrow, still I am on Instagram' (कल मेरी 10 परीक्षाएं हैं, तब भी मैं इंस्टाग्राम पर हूँ). This informal usage mirrors the English 'me still doing X even though Y'. It shows how the phrase has adapted from formal Hindi to the digital age. Whether you are reading a newspaper or scrolling through Twitter, 'तब भी' is the linguistic glue that holds together the ironies and contradictions of modern Indian life. It is a phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of 'Jugaad' or making things work despite the odds.

Common Contexts: Arguments, storytelling, weather reports, sports commentary, and emotional confessions.

पैसे नहीं थे, तब भी उसने सबकी मदद की। (There was no money, even then he helped everyone.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using तब भी (tab bhī) is confusing it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words like अभी (abhī - right now) or तभी (tabhī - only then/at that very moment). While they all share the root 'tab' or 'bhi', their meanings are drastically different. 'तभी' (tabhī) implies that an action happened *exactly* at that time or *only* because of that time, whereas 'तब भी' (tab bhī) implies that an action happened *despite* that time or situation. Using 'तभी' when you mean 'तब भी' can lead to the listener thinking you are describing a cause-and-effect relationship rather than a contradiction.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'तब भी' with 'तभी': 'तभी' means 'at that very moment' or 'only then'. 'तब भी' means 'even then'. Don't swap them!

Another common mistake is the incorrect placement of 'भी'. Beginners sometimes try to say 'भी तब' (bhī tab), which is grammatically incorrect and doesn't make sense in Hindi. The emphatic particle 'भी' must always follow the word it is emphasizing. In this case, it emphasizes the 'then' (the situation), so it must come after 'तब'. Furthermore, some learners forget to include 'तब' altogether, using only 'भी' to mean 'still'. For example, saying 'वह भी रो रहा है' means 'He is *also* crying,' but if you want to say 'He is *still* crying (despite being consoled),' you need 'तब भी वह रो रहा है' or 'फिर भी वह रो रहा है'.

Incorrect: भी तब वह आया।
Correct: तब भी वह आया।

Overusing 'तब भी' in place of 'फिर भी' (phir bhī) is not strictly a mistake, but it can sound repetitive. 'फिर भी' is a more general-purpose 'nevertheless,' while 'तब भी' usually refers back to a specific time or condition mentioned. If there is no temporal element to the contradiction, 'फिर भी' might sound more natural. For instance, 'I like him, but still I won't go' is better as 'मुझे वह पसंद है, फिर भी मैं नहीं जाऊँगा'. Using 'तब भी' here might imply that 'at that specific time' you won't go, which might not be what you mean. Learners should try to balance their use of both to sound more fluent.

Mistake 2: Missing the Contrast: Using 'तब भी' when there is no contradiction. It requires a 'but' or 'despite' logic to exist.

A subtle mistake involves the use of 'तब भी' with negative sentences. Sometimes learners double the negation in a way that becomes confusing. For example, 'Even then he didn't not go' (तब भी वह नहीं नहीं गया). Ensure that the negation in the second clause is clear and logical. Also, avoid using 'तब भी' when you actually mean 'even if' (अगर... भी). 'अगर तुम जाओगे भी' (Even if you go) is different from 'तब भी तुम जाओगे' (Even then you will go). The first is a condition, the second is a result. Confusing these can lead to serious misunderstandings in conditional logic.

Word Order Trap: Don't put 'तब भी' at the very end of the sentence. It should precede the action it is modifying.

Awkward: वह आया तब भी।
Better: तब भी वह आया।

While तब भी (tab bhī) is a fantastic phrase, Hindi offers several other ways to express contrast, each with its own specific flavor. The most common alternative is फिर भी (phir bhī). While 'तब भी' translates to 'even then,' 'फिर भी' translates to 'even so' or 'still.' In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 'फिर भी' is slightly more versatile and less tied to a specific time. If you are ever in doubt, 'फिर भी' is usually a safe bet for any 'nevertheless' situation. However, using 'तब भी' specifically highlights the *persistence* of a situation over time.

तब भी vs. फिर भी: 'तब भी' emphasizes 'Even at that time'. 'फिर भी' emphasizes 'Even after that/Anyway'.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter तथापि (tathāpi). This is a Sanskrit-derived word that means 'nevertheless' or 'yet.' You will mostly find this in newspapers, academic writing, or formal speeches. It is the Hindi equivalent of the English 'nonetheless.' It sounds very sophisticated and might be too heavy for a casual chat with friends. Another formal option is तदपि (tadapi), though this is even rarer and mostly restricted to high literature or poetry. For learners, knowing 'तब भी' and 'फिर भी' is enough for 95% of conversations.

बारिश हुई, तथापि खेल जारी रहा। (It rained, nonetheless the game continued. - Formal)

If you want to say 'despite' or 'in spite of,' you can use the phrase के बावजूद (ke bāvjūd). This requires a slightly different sentence structure. Instead of 'It was raining, even then I went,' you would say 'Despite the rain, I went' (बारिश के बावजूद, मैं गया). This is a very useful structure for summarizing a situation. While 'तब भी' connects two full clauses, 'के बावजूद' usually follows a noun or a gerund. Another informal alternative is पर (par) or मगर (magar), which simply mean 'but.' These are the simplest ways to show contrast but lack the emphatic 'even then' punch of 'तब भी'.

Comparison Table: - तब भी: Even then (Empathetic/Temporal)
- फिर भी: Still/Anyway (General Contrast)
- तथापि: Nonetheless (Formal/Academic)
- के बावजूद: Despite (Prepositional)

Lastly, there is हालाँकि (hālānki), which means 'although.' This is often used at the beginning of the first clause. 'Although it was raining, I went' (हालाँकि बारिश हो रही थी, मैं गया). You can even combine them for extra emphasis: 'हालाँकि बारिश हो रही थी, तब भी मैं गया' (Although it was raining, even then I went). This combination is very common in natural speech and helps to clearly frame the contradiction from the very start of the sentence. Exploring these alternatives will help you choose the right 'intensity' of contrast for your specific situation.

हालाँकि वह थका था, तब भी वह हँस रहा था। (Although he was tired, even then he was laughing.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"आंकड़े निराशाजनक थे, तब भी प्रबंधन ने निवेश जारी रखा।"

Neutral

"बारिश हो रही थी, तब भी वह खेलने गया।"

Informal

"मैंने बोला था मत जा, तब भी तू गया!"

Child friendly

"बिल्ली सो रही थी, तब भी चूहा डर गया।"

Jerga

"भाई, पैसे नहीं थे जेब में, तब भी पार्टी फुल हुई!"

Dato curioso

The particle 'bhi' is one of the most versatile in Hindi. By just adding it to 'tab' (then), 'kab' (when), or 'jab' (when), you create entirely new logical connectors.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /t̪əb bʱiː/

US /təb bi/

Stress is slightly higher on the 'bhi' particle to show emphasis.

Rima con

अब भी (ab bhi - even now) सब भी (sab bhi - all also) जब भी (jab bhi - whenever) कब भी (kab bhi - anytime) रब भी (rab bhi - even God)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'bh' as a simple 'b' (bi instead of bhi).
Making the 't' in 'tab' alveolar (like English 't') instead of dental.
Using a short 'i' in 'bhi' instead of a long 'ee'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common words 'tab' and 'bhi'.

Escritura 4/5

Requires understanding of comma placement and logical flow.

Expresión oral 5/5

Needs correct emphasis on 'bhi' to sound natural.

Escucha 3/5

Very common in speech, easy to catch once you know it.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

तब (then) भी (also/even) मगर (but) अगर (if) जब (when)

Aprende después

फिर भी (nevertheless) हालाँकि (although) बावजूद (despite) तथापि (nonetheless) बल्कि (rather)

Avanzado

यद्यपि (although - formal) तदपि (even so - literary) फलस्वरूप (consequently) कदापि (never) सर्वथा (entirely)

Gramática que debes saber

The Emphatic Particle 'भी'

'भी' must follow the word it emphasizes. In 'तब भी', it emphasizes the situation/time.

Concessive Clauses

'तब भी' introduces the result of a concession, often paired with 'हालाँकि' (although).

Comma Usage

A comma usually precedes 'तब भी' when connecting two independent clauses.

Word Order in Hindi

'तब भी' usually appears at the beginning of the second clause, before the subject or verb.

Conditional Subjunctive

When used with 'अगर', the verbs often take the subjunctive form to show hypothetical contrast.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

वह छोटा है, तब भी वह तेज़ दौड़ता है।

He is small, still he runs fast.

Simple contrast using 'तब भी' between size and speed.

धूप है, तब भी मैं बाहर जाऊँगा।

It is sunny, even then I will go out.

Shows intention despite the weather condition.

खाना ठंडा है, तब भी मैं खाऊँगा।

The food is cold, still I will eat it.

Contrast between the state of the food and the action.

मेरे पास पैसे नहीं हैं, तब भी मैं खुश हूँ।

I don't have money, even then I am happy.

Emotional state contrasting with material lack.

वह सो रहा था, तब भी उसने सुना।

He was sleeping, still he heard.

Past continuous state followed by a surprising action.

चाय गरम है, तब भी वह पी रहा है।

The tea is hot, even then he is drinking it.

Action continuing despite physical discomfort.

रास्ता लंबा है, तब भी हम चलेंगे।

The path is long, still we will walk.

Commitment to an action despite the difficulty.

रात है, तब भी रोशनी है।

It is night, even then there is light.

Simple existential contrast.

कल बहुत बारिश थी, तब भी वह दफ्तर गया।

There was a lot of rain yesterday, still he went to the office.

Past tense contrast involving weather and routine.

मैंने उसे मना किया था, तब भी उसने फोन किया।

I had forbidden him, even then he called.

Contrast between a command and the subsequent action.

गाड़ी पुरानी है, तब भी अच्छी चलती है।

The car is old, still it runs well.

Describing a quality that persists despite age.

वह बीमार था, तब भी उसने परीक्षा दी।

He was sick, even then he took the exam.

Persistence in a formal setting (school/exam).

बाजार बंद था, तब भी मुझे सब्जी मिल गई।

The market was closed, still I got vegetables.

Unexpected success despite a negative condition.

उसके पास समय कम था, तब भी उसने मेरी मदद की।

He had little time, even then he helped me.

Altruism contrasting with a personal constraint.

शोर बहुत था, तब भी बच्चा सोता रहा।

There was a lot of noise, still the baby kept sleeping.

Continuity of a state despite external disturbance.

मैंने बहुत ढूंढा, तब भी चाबी नहीं मिली।

I searched a lot, even then I didn't find the key.

Failure to achieve a result despite effort.

हालाँकि वह थका हुआ था, तब भी उसने सारा काम खत्म किया।

Although he was tired, even then he finished all the work.

Use of 'हालाँकि' paired with 'तब भी' for complex contrast.

अगर तुम माफ़ी मांगोगे, तब भी वह तुम्हें माफ़ नहीं करेगा।

Even if you apologize, even then he will not forgive you.

Conditional 'अगर' structure with emphatic 'तब भी'.

दवाइयाँ महंगी थीं, तब भी उसने उन्हें खरीदा।

The medicines were expensive, still he bought them.

Financial sacrifice highlighted by 'तब भी'.

सबने उसे मना किया, तब भी वह पहाड़ पर चढ़ गया।

Everyone stopped him, even then he climbed the mountain.

Individual will vs. collective advice.

इंटरनेट धीमा था, तब भी फिल्म डाउनलोड हो गई।

The internet was slow, still the movie got downloaded.

Technological context showing unexpected completion.

वह अमीर है, तब भी वह सादा जीवन जीता है।

He is rich, even then he lives a simple life.

Contrast between social status and personal lifestyle.

मुश्किलें बहुत थीं, तब भी हमने हार नहीं मानी।

There were many difficulties, still we did not give up.

Collective resilience expressed through 'तब भी'.

सूरज ढल चुका था, तब भी वे मैदान में खेल रहे थे।

The sun had set, even then they were playing in the field.

Temporal contrast using past perfect and 'तब भी'.

सरकार ने कई नियम बनाए, तब भी भ्रष्टाचार कम नहीं हुआ।

The government made many rules, even then corruption did not decrease.

Social/Political analysis using 'तब भी' to show policy failure.

चाहे कितनी भी चुनौतियाँ आएँ, तब भी हमें आगे बढ़ना है।

No matter how many challenges come, even then we have to move forward.

'चाहे... तब भी' structure for expressing firm resolve.

वैज्ञानिकों ने बहुत शोध किया, तब भी इस रहस्य का पता नहीं चला।

Scientists did a lot of research, still this mystery was not solved.

Academic/Scientific context for an unresolved outcome.

फिल्म की कहानी अच्छी नहीं थी, तब भी उसने बहुत पैसे कमाए।

The movie's story was not good, even then it earned a lot of money.

Critical analysis of commercial success vs. quality.

उसने बहुत अभ्यास किया था, तब भी वह प्रतियोगिता हार गया।

He had practiced a lot, still he lost the competition.

Irony of failure despite preparation.

हालाँकि स्थिति तनावपूर्ण थी, तब भी उसने अपना आपा नहीं खोया।

Although the situation was tense, even then he did not lose his temper.

Psychological resilience in a complex scenario.

योजना में खामियाँ थीं, तब भी उसे लागू कर दिया गया।

There were flaws in the plan, still it was implemented.

Formal/Administrative context showing a questionable decision.

वह काफी अनुभवी है, तब भी उसने ऐसी बचकानी गलती की।

He is quite experienced, even then he made such a childish mistake.

Contrast between expertise and a specific failure.

दार्शनिकों ने सदियों तक बहस की, तब भी सत्य की परिभाषा अधूरी रही।

Philosophers debated for centuries, still the definition of truth remained incomplete.

Abstract/Philosophical use of 'तब भी' for eternal questions.

आर्थिक मंदी के बावजूद, तब भी कुछ कंपनियों ने भारी मुनाफा कमाया।

Despite the economic recession, even then some companies made huge profits.

Combining 'के बावजूद' with 'तब भी' for extreme emphasis.

अगर हम सारी सुख-सुविधाएं जुटा लें, तब भी मन की शांति मिलना कठिन है।

Even if we gather all comforts, even then peace of mind is hard to find.

Conditional hypothetical used for existential commentary.

लेखक ने अपनी पूरी आत्मा डाल दी, तब भी आलोचकों ने उसे नकारा।

The writer poured his whole soul into it, still the critics rejected him.

Nuanced emotional contrast in a creative context.

इतनी प्रगति के बाद भी, तब भी समाज में भेदभाव मौजूद है।

Even after so much progress, even then discrimination exists in society.

Sociological critique using temporal and logical contrast.

कानून बहुत सख्त है, तब भी अपराधी बेखौफ घूम रहे हैं।

The law is very strict, still criminals are roaming fearlessly.

Critique of legal effectiveness vs. reality.

उसकी आवाज़ धीमी थी, तब भी उसकी बातों में एक वजन था।

His voice was low, even then there was a weight in his words.

Metaphorical use of 'तब भी' to show underlying strength.

चाहे तकनीक कितनी भी बदल जाए, तब भी मानवीय संवेदनाएं वही रहेंगी।

No matter how much technology changes, even then human emotions will remain the same.

Philosophical stance on the unchanging nature of humanity.

ब्रह्मांड के अनंत विस्तार को जानने के बाद, तब भी मनुष्य का अहंकार कम नहीं होता।

After knowing the infinite expansion of the universe, even then man's ego does not diminish.

High-level rhetorical contrast involving cosmic scales.

तर्क की कसौटी पर परखने के पश्चात, तब भी आस्था का दीया जलता रहता है।

After testing on the touchstone of logic, even then the lamp of faith keeps burning.

Literary/Poetic contrast between logic and faith.

इतिहास की पुनरावृत्ति होती रही है, तब भी हमने अतीत से कुछ नहीं सीखा।

History has been repeating itself, still we have learned nothing from the past.

Grand historical critique using 'तब भी'.

शब्दों की सीमाएं स्पष्ट हैं, तब भी हम अवर्णनीय को व्यक्त करने का प्रयास करते हैं।

The limits of words are clear, even then we try to express the inexpressible.

Meta-linguistic commentary on the nature of expression.

मृत्यु अटल है, तब भी जीवन के प्रति हमारा मोह बना रहता है।

Death is inevitable, even then our attachment to life remains.

Existential paradox using sophisticated vocabulary.

सत्ता के गलियारों में कितनी भी साजिशें हों, तब भी सत्य अपनी राह खोज ही लेता है।

No matter how many conspiracies there are in the corridors of power, still truth finds its way.

Political/Moral stance with high-register terminology.

कला की कोई निश्चित परिभाषा नहीं है, तब भी वह आत्मा को झकझोरने की शक्ति रखती है।

Art has no fixed definition, even then it has the power to stir the soul.

Aesthetic analysis using emphatic contrast.

शून्यता के बोध के उपरांत, तब भी कर्म की महत्ता समाप्त नहीं होती।

After the realization of emptiness, even then the importance of action does not end.

Buddhist/Philosophical nuance regarding 'Sunyata' and 'Karma'.

Colocaciones comunes

तब भी नहीं

तब भी वही

तब भी क्या

तब भी ठीक

तब भी संभव

तब भी चुप

तब भी जीवित

तब भी कम

तब भी मुस्कुराना

तब भी लड़ना

Frases Comunes

चाहे कुछ भी हो, तब भी...

— No matter what happens, even then... Used for strong resolve.

चाहे कुछ भी हो, तब भी मैं सच कहूँगा।

अगर ऐसा है, तब भी...

— If it is so, even then... Used to dismiss an excuse.

अगर तुम व्यस्त हो, तब भी तुम्हें आना चाहिए।

सब कुछ होने के बाद, तब भी...

— After everything, even then... Used in emotional summaries.

सब कुछ खोने के बाद, तब भी वह खुश है।

जब कोई नहीं था, तब भी...

— When no one was there, even then... Highlights loyalty or isolation.

जब कोई नहीं था, तब भी वह मेरे साथ था।

इतनी मेहनत के बाद, तब भी...

— After so much hard work, even then... Used to express disappointment.

इतनी मेहनत के बाद, तब भी मैं फेल हो गया।

कहने के बावजूद, तब भी...

— Despite being told, even then... Used for disobedience.

मेरे कहने के बावजूद, तब भी उसने वह किया।

दुनिया बदल गई, तब भी...

— The world changed, even then... Used for old-fashioned things.

दुनिया बदल गई, तब भी उसकी आदतें नहीं बदलीं।

हारने के बाद, तब भी...

— After losing, even then... Used for sportsmanship.

हारने के बाद, तब भी उसने हाथ मिलाया।

देर हो गई, तब भी...

— It got late, still... Used for persistence.

देर हो गई, तब भी वह काम कर रहा है।

मना करने पर, तब भी...

— Upon refusing, even then... Used for stubbornness.

मना करने पर, तब भी वह चला गया।

Se confunde a menudo con

तब भी vs तभी (tabhī)

Means 'at that very moment' or 'only then'. It shows cause/effect, not contrast.

तब भी vs अभी (abhī)

Means 'right now'. It refers to the present time, not a contrast.

तब भी vs कभी (kabhī)

Means 'sometimes' or 'ever'. It refers to frequency, not contrast.

Modismos y expresiones

"दीवार से सिर टकराना, तब भी न मानना"

— To hit one's head against a wall but still not listen. Refers to extreme stubbornness.

उसे समझाना बेकार है, वह दीवार से सिर टकराएगा तब भी नहीं मानेगा।

Informal

"आसमान गिर जाए, तब भी..."

— Even if the sky falls... Used for absolute certainty.

आसमान गिर जाए, तब भी मैं पीछे नहीं हटूंगा।

Emphatic

"सूरज पश्चिम से निकले, तब भी..."

— Even if the sun rises from the west... Used for something impossible.

सूरज पश्चिम से निकले, तब भी मैं उसे माफ नहीं करूँगा।

Poetic

"हवा का रुख बदले, तब भी..."

— Even if the wind changes direction... Meaning despite changes in luck.

हवा का रुख बदले, तब भी वह अपनी मेहनत जारी रखेगा।

Literary

"जमीन फट जाए, तब भी..."

— Even if the earth splits open... Used for extreme commitment.

जमीन फट जाए, तब भी वह अपना वचन निभाएगा।

Dramatic

"पत्थर पर दूब जम जाए, तब भी..."

— Even if grass grows on a stone... Meaning in an impossible situation.

पत्थर पर दूब जम जाए, तब भी वह सच नहीं बोलेगा।

Folk

"आग लग जाए, तब भी..."

— Even if there is a fire... Meaning in a crisis.

घर में आग लग जाए, तब भी वह अपनी नींद नहीं तोड़ेगा।

Sarcastic

"समुद्र सूख जाए, तब भी..."

— Even if the sea dries up... Used for eternal promises.

समुद्र सूख जाए, तब भी मेरा प्यार कम नहीं होगा।

Romantic

"लोहे के चने चबाना, तब भी..."

— To chew iron chickpeas (struggle hard) but still... Used for failure despite effort.

उसने लोहे के चने चबाए, तब भी उसे सफलता नहीं मिली।

Idiomatic

"खून पसीना एक करना, तब भी..."

— To work extremely hard but still... Used for lack of reward.

उसने खून पसीना एक किया, तब भी उसे प्रमोशन नहीं मिला।

Common

Fácil de confundir

तब भी vs तभी

Sounds very similar to 'tab bhi'.

'Tabhi' means 'only then/at that moment'. 'Tab bhi' means 'even then/still'.

वह आया तभी मैं गया। (I left only when he arrived.) vs वह आया तब भी मैं नहीं गया। (He arrived, even then I didn't leave.)

तब भी vs फिर भी

Both mean 'still/nevertheless'.

'Phir bhi' is more general. 'Tab bhi' often refers to a specific time or condition mentioned earlier.

बारिश थी, फिर भी हम गए। (General) vs बारिश थी, तब भी हम गए। (Specific to that time).

तब भी vs अभी भी

Both involve 'still'.

'Abhi bhi' means 'still currently/as of now'. 'Tab bhi' means 'still then/despite that'.

वह अभी भी सो रहा है। (He is still sleeping now.) vs वह थक गया था, तब भी सो नहीं पाया। (He was tired, still he couldn't sleep then.)

तब भी vs जब भी

Similar structure.

'Jab bhi' means 'whenever'. 'Tab bhi' means 'even then'.

जब भी वह आता है... (Whenever he comes...) vs वह आया, तब भी... (He came, even then...)

तब भी vs तब तो

Both start with 'tab'.

'Tab to' means 'in that case' or 'then surely'. It doesn't show contrast.

अगर वह आएगा, तब तो मज़ा आएगा। (If he comes, then it will be fun.)

Patrones de oraciones

[Simple Fact], तब भी [Simple Action]

वह छोटा है, तब भी वह बहादुर है।

[Past Fact], तब भी [Past Action]

बारिश थी, तब भी मैं स्कूल गया।

हालाँकि [Clause], तब भी [Clause]

हालाँकि वह बीमार था, तब भी उसने काम किया।

चाहे [Condition], तब भी [Result]

चाहे कितनी भी भीड़ हो, तब भी मैं जाऊँगा।

अगर [Condition], तब भी [Result]

अगर तुम रोओगे, तब भी वह नहीं सुनेगा।

[Abstract Fact], तब भी [Philosophical Result]

इतिहास गवाह है, तब भी हमने कुछ नहीं सीखा।

[Gerund] के बावजूद, तब भी [Action]

मना करने के बावजूद, तब भी वह चला गया।

[Complex Clause], तब भी [Nuanced Result]

सत्य कड़वा होता है, तब भी उसे स्वीकार करना पड़ता है।

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written Hindi.

Errores comunes

Using 'तभी' (tabhī) instead of 'तब भी' (tab bhī). → तब भी
'Tabhī' means 'at that very moment', while 'tab bhī' means 'even then'. Confusing them changes the logic of your sentence from timing to contrast.
Saying 'भी तब' (bhī tab). → तब भी
The particle 'bhī' must follow the word it emphasizes. Placing it before 'tab' is grammatically incorrect in Hindi.
Using 'तब भी' when there is no contrast. → इसीलिए (isiliye) or अतः (atah)
'Tab bhi' is only for unexpected results. If the result is logical and expected, use 'therefore' (isiliye).
Forgetting 'तब' and only using 'भी'. → तब भी
'Bhi' alone means 'also'. To say 'even then' or 'still' in a contrastive sense, you need the full phrase 'tab bhi'.
Putting 'तब भी' at the end of the sentence. → [Condition], तब भी [Action]
Like 'nevertheless' or 'still', 'tab bhi' should precede the action it is describing, not follow it.

Consejos

Pair with 'Halanki'

To sound more fluent, start your contrastive sentences with 'हालाँकि' (although) and use 'तब भी' in the second part. This clearly signals the contrast from the beginning.

Emphasize 'Bhi'

When speaking, put a little extra stress on the 'भी' part. This helps the listener understand that you are making an emphatic point about a contradiction.

The 'T.B.' Rule

Remember 'Tab Bhi' as 'Though Bad, (Still)'. It links a 'bad' or difficult situation to a 'still' happening action.

Comma Placement

Always place a comma before 'तब भी' when it connects two clauses. It makes your written Hindi look professional and organized.

Listen for the 'H'

Distinguish 'तब भी' from 'तभी' by listening for the breathy 'h' sound in 'bhi'. 'Tabhi' is quick, 'Tab bhi' is two distinct words.

Don't Swap the Words

Never say 'भी तब'. In Hindi, the emphatic particle 'भी' always comes after the word it modifies. 'Tab' + 'Bhi' = 'Then' + 'Even'.

Cultural Resilience

Think of 'तब bhi' as the linguistic representation of Indian resilience. It’s the word for doing things 'despite' the odds.

Formal Alternative

If you are writing a formal essay, try using 'तथापि' (tathāpi) instead of 'तब भी' to show off your high-level vocabulary.

The 'But' Test

If you can replace 'तब भी' with 'nevertheless' in English and the sentence still makes sense, you've used it correctly.

Pause for Effect

In a dramatic story, take a tiny pause before saying 'तब भी'. It builds anticipation for the surprising thing that happened next.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Tab' as a 'Tablet' (a fixed thing/time) and 'Bhi' as 'Bee' (stinging with emphasis). Even with the Tablet fixed, the Bee still stings! 'Even then...'

Asociación visual

Imagine a person walking through a heavy storm (the condition) but still holding a bright lamp (the 'tab bhi' action).

Word Web

Contrast Persistence Resilience Nevertheless Still Surprise Despite Condition

Desafío

Try to use 'तब भी' in three different sentences today: one about the weather, one about your work, and one about a personal habit.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Old Indo-Aryan roots. 'Tab' comes from the Sanskrit 'tadā' (at that time), and 'bhi' comes from 'api' (also/even).

Significado original: Even at that time / Also then.

Indo-Aryan

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but ensure the tone matches the context (don't use it sarcastically if someone is genuinely struggling).

English speakers often use 'still' or 'anyway'. 'Tab bhi' is more specific about the 'then' aspect.

Used in many iconic Bollywood dialogues where heroes refuse to back down. Appears in the works of Munshi Premchand to describe the struggles of the rural poor. Commonly found in Hindi translations of the Bhagavad Gita regarding doing duty without attachment.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather

धूप थी, तब भी ठंड थी। (It was sunny, still it was cold.)
बारिश रुकी नहीं, तब भी हम गए। (Rain didn't stop, even then we went.)
बर्फ गिर रही थी, तब भी रास्ता खुला था। (Snow was falling, still the road was open.)
गर्मी बहुत थी, तब भी पंखा नहीं था। (It was very hot, even then there was no fan.)

Work/Study

थकान थी, तब भी काम किया। (There was tiredness, still worked.)
समय नहीं था, तब भी पढ़ा। (There was no time, even then studied.)
इंटरनेट नहीं था, तब भी प्रोजेक्ट पूरा हुआ। (No internet, still project completed.)
गलती हुई, तब भी उसने सीखा। (A mistake happened, even then he learned.)

Social/Family

गुस्सा था, तब भी बात की। (Was angry, still talked.)
मना किया था, तब भी गया। (Had forbidden, even then went.)
सब सो रहे थे, तब भी वह जागा। (Everyone was sleeping, still he stayed awake.)
पैसे कम थे, तब भी पार्टी की। (Money was less, even then did a party.)

Sports/Games

चोट लगी थी, तब भी खेला। (Was injured, still played.)
हार रहे थे, तब भी लड़े। (Were losing, even then fought.)
मैदान गीला था, तब भी मैच हुआ। (Field was wet, still the match happened.)
विरोधी मज़बूत था, तब भी हम जीते। (Opponent was strong, even then we won.)

Emotions

दुःख था, तब भी हँसा। (There was sadness, still laughed.)
डर लग रहा था, तब भी खड़ा रहा। (Was feeling scared, even then stood there.)
अकेला था, तब भी खुश था। (Was alone, still was happy.)
धोखा मिला, तब भी विश्वास किया। (Was betrayed, even then trusted.)

Inicios de conversación

"कल बहुत शोर था, तब भी आप सो गए? (It was noisy yesterday, still you slept?)"

"इतनी ठंड है, तब भी आप आइसक्रीम खा रहे हैं? (It's so cold, even then you're eating ice cream?)"

"रास्ता बंद था, तब भी आप कैसे आए? (The road was closed, still how did you come?)"

"मैंने उसे मना किया था, तब भी उसने फोन किया, क्या आपको पता है? (I told him not to, even then he called, do you know?)"

"सब कह रहे थे कि यह मुश्किल है, तब भी आपने कर दिखाया! (Everyone said it's hard, still you did it!)"

Temas para diario

आज बहुत काम था, तब भी मैंने... (Today there was much work, still I...)

हालाँकि मैं डरा हुआ था, तब भी मैंने... (Although I was scared, even then I...)

जब सबने हार मान ली थी, तब भी मैंने... (When everyone gave up, still I...)

पैसे कम होने पर भी, तब भी मैंने... (Even when money was less, still I...)

पुरानी यादें दुःख देती हैं, तब भी मैं... (Old memories give pain, even then I...)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

While both mean 'still' or 'nevertheless', 'tab bhi' is more closely tied to the specific time or situation ('even then'), whereas 'phir bhi' is a more general logical connector ('even so'). In many daily conversations, they are used interchangeably, but 'tab bhi' adds a slightly stronger emphasis on the persistence of an action through a specific moment.

Usually, 'tab bhi' is used to connect two ideas, so it appears after the first idea has been stated. However, if the context is already known from a previous speaker's comment, you can start a sentence with 'तब भी...' to express surprise or contradiction to what they said. For example, 'तब भी तुम नहीं मानोगे?' (Even then you won't agree?)

It is considered neutral. It is perfectly fine to use in casual conversations with friends and also in standard written Hindi, like in newspapers or books. For very formal academic writing, words like 'tathapi' or 'iske bavjud' might be preferred, but 'tab bhi' is never out of place.

Yes, 'bhi tab' is not a standard phrase and sounds grammatically incorrect. The emphatic particle 'bhi' must follow the word it is emphasizing. To mean 'even then', you must say 'tab bhi'.

When paired with 'agar', it creates an 'even if... then even then' structure. For example: 'Agar barish hogi, tab bhi main aauunga' (If it rains, even then I will come). It makes your refusal or promise sound much stronger.

They are different! 'Tabhi' (तभी) means 'at that very moment' or 'only then'. 'Tab bhi' (तब भी) means 'even then' or 'still'. Be careful with the pronunciation of the 'h' in 'bhi'.

Common synonyms include 'phir bhi' (still), 'tathapi' (nonetheless), and 'iske bavjud' (despite this). 'Halanki' (although) is often used in the same sentence to set up the contrast.

Absolutely. It is very common in storytelling. 'He lost everything, even then he was happy' translates to 'Usne sab kuch kho diya, tab bhi woh khush tha.'

In writing, a comma before 'tab bhi' helps clarify that you are starting a new contrasting clause, making the sentence easier to read. In speaking, a short pause serves the same purpose.

At the B1 level, you need to express more than just simple facts. 'Tab bhi' allows you to express contradictions, persistence, and complex logic, which are essential for intermediate fluency and natural-sounding conversation.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas