सास-ससुर
सास-ससुर در ۳۰ ثانیه
- Refers specifically to the mother-in-law and father-in-law as a couple.
- Grammatically treated as masculine plural in Hindi, using 'mere' and 'hain'.
- A term of high respect; addressing them directly requires more intimate titles like 'Mataji'.
- Central to Indian family dynamics and frequently heard in social and domestic contexts.
The Hindi term सास-ससुर (saas-sasur) is a collective compound noun that refers to the parents of one's spouse. It is a combination of two distinct words: सास (mother-in-law) and ससुर (father-in-law). In the context of Indian society, where family structures are often deeply intertwined and multi-generational, this term carries significant weight. It is not merely a biological or legal descriptor but a title that commands immense respect and carries a specific set of social expectations. When a person marries into a Hindi-speaking family, their relationship with their सास-ससुर becomes a cornerstone of their social identity. Unlike in some Western contexts where 'in-laws' might be seen as secondary relatives, in Hindi culture, they are often regarded with the same, and sometimes greater, level of formal respect as one's own biological parents.
- Grammatical Composition
- This is a 'Dvandva Samasa' (copulative compound) where both components are equal. In Hindi, when referring to them as a pair, the masculine plural verb agreement is typically used because 'ससुर' is masculine.
- Social Hierarchy
- In the traditional hierarchy, the सास-ससुर are the heads of the household. Decisions regarding family matters, festivals, and major purchases often require their blessing or consultation.
शादी के बाद, मैं अपने सास-ससुर के साथ ही रहूँगा। (After marriage, I will live with my in-laws.)
The usage of this word is universal across all Hindi dialects, though the specific dynamics of the relationship can vary by region. In urban areas, while the nuclear family is becoming more common, the term still implies a bond that necessitates regular visits, phone calls, and participation in religious ceremonies. Interestingly, the term is used by both the husband (referring to his wife's parents) and the wife (referring to her husband's parents). However, traditionally and historically, the term has been most frequently discussed from the perspective of the 'bahu' (daughter-in-law) who moves into the home of her सास-ससुर. Today, modern usage reflects a more balanced approach where both spouses honor their respective in-laws with this collective title.
मेरे सास-ससुर बहुत ही दयालु और समझदार लोग हैं। (My in-laws are very kind and understanding people.)
In literature and cinema, the सास-ससुर dynamic is a recurring theme. From the 'strict mother-in-law' trope to the 'supportive father-in-law', these characters are central to the narrative of family life. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate Indian social circles, as family is the nucleus of most interactions. If someone asks you about your सास-ससुर, they are showing interest in your family health and stability. It is considered polite to speak of them with high regard. Even in legal or formal documents, this term is used to define kinship and inheritance rights, making it a versatile word that spans from the kitchen table to the courtroom.
Using सास-ससुर correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Hindi's plural agreement and possessive markers. Since the term refers to two people, it is grammatically treated as a plural. However, because 'ससुर' is masculine, the entire compound follows masculine plural rules. For example, you use मेरे (my - masculine plural) instead of मेरी (my - feminine) or मेरा (my - masculine singular). This is a common point of confusion for learners who might try to match the gender to the 'सास' (feminine) part of the word.
- Possessive Agreement
- Always use 'के' (ke) or 'मेरे' (mere). Example: 'राहुल के सास-ससुर' (Rahul's in-laws).
- Verb Agreement
- Verbs must end in plural forms like 'हैं' (hain) or 'आएंगे' (aayenge). Example: 'सास-ससुर आ रहे हैं।' (The in-laws are coming).
क्या आपके सास-ससुर आपके साथ रहते हैं? (Do your in-laws live with you?)
The word is often used with postpositions like को (to), से (from), or का (of). When a postposition follows, the word remains 'सास-ससुर' but the preceding possessive changes to the oblique form. For instance, 'मेरे सास-ससुर को' (to my in-laws). This consistency makes it relatively easy to use once you master the basic plural agreement. In formal writing, such as an invitation, you might see the phrase 'सादर सास-ससुर' though it's more common to list their individual names. In daily conversation, however, the compound form is the most natural way to refer to them as a unit.
मैंने अपने सास-ससुर के लिए उपहार खरीदे हैं। (I have bought gifts for my in-laws.)
Furthermore, the term is frequently used in the context of obligations and duties. Sentences like 'मुझे अपने सास-ससुर की सेवा करनी है' (I have to serve/take care of my in-laws) reflect the cultural expectation of filial piety. In more modern contexts, you might hear 'मेरे सास-ससुर बहुत कूल हैं' (My in-laws are very cool), showing how the term adapts to contemporary slang and attitudes. Whether you are describing a conflict, a celebration, or a simple living arrangement, सास-ससुर is the essential vocabulary piece for describing the extended family network that is so vital in Hindi-speaking communities.
You will encounter the word सास-ससुर in almost every facet of life in India. In a household setting, it is the standard way to refer to one's spouse's parents when talking to friends, other relatives, or neighbors. If you are watching a Bollywood movie, especially a family drama, this word will appear in almost every scene. The relationship between a protagonist and their in-laws is a primary source of plot tension or emotional support in Hindi cinema. For example, a character might say, 'मेरे सास-ससुर मुझे अपनी बेटी की तरह मानते हैं' (My in-laws treat me like their own daughter), which is a common sentiment expressed in sentimental films.
- TV Serials
- The 'Saas-Bahu' serials are a genre unto themselves. While the focus is often on the mother-in-law, the term 'सास-ससुर' is used to describe the parental unit of the house.
- Weddings
- During wedding planning, discussions about 'सास-ससुर' are constant, regarding rituals, seating, and gifts.
कल हमारे सास-ससुर की शादी की सालगिरह है। (Tomorrow is our in-laws' wedding anniversary.)
In social gatherings, it is common for people to ask about each other's in-laws as a way of being polite. 'आपके सास-ससुर कैसे हैं?' (How are your in-laws?) is a standard inquiry, similar to asking 'How is your family?' in English. You will also hear this word in professional settings when someone is applying for leave. A colleague might say, 'मेरे सास-ससुर बीमार हैं, इसलिए मुझे घर जाना होगा' (My in-laws are sick, so I have to go home). This highlights that the responsibility toward in-laws is viewed with the same level of seriousness as responsibility toward one's own parents in the Indian workplace.
गांव में सास-ससुर का बहुत सम्मान किया जाता है। (In the village, in-laws are highly respected.)
Finally, religious and cultural festivals like Diwali or Karwa Chauth are times when the word is heard frequently. These occasions often involve visiting or receiving blessings from the सास-ससुर. In news reports or talk shows discussing social issues, you might hear the term in the context of 'joint family' (संयुक्त परिवार) dynamics. Whether the conversation is about modern lifestyle changes or traditional values, this word remains a central pillar of the Hindi vocabulary, reflecting the enduring importance of the extended family in South Asian life.
For English speakers learning Hindi, the most common mistake when using सास-ससुर is related to gender agreement. In English, 'in-laws' is gender-neutral. In Hindi, while the compound refers to both genders, the grammatical structure defaults to the masculine plural. Many students mistakenly use the feminine possessive मेरी because 'सास' (mother-in-law) comes first in the compound. However, the rule in Hindi is that for mixed-gender groups, the masculine plural takes precedence. Therefore, 'मेरी सास-ससुर' is incorrect; it must be मेरे सास-ससुर.
- Mistake 1: Gender Mismatch
- Saying 'मेरी सास-ससुर' (Incorrect) instead of 'मेरे सास-ससुर' (Correct).
- Mistake 2: Singular Verb
- Saying 'सास-ससुर आ रहा है' (Incorrect) instead of 'सास-ससुर आ रहे हैं' (Correct). Even if you are close to them, using the singular is considered very disrespectful.
गलत: मेरी सास-ससुर अच्छे हैं। (Wrong gender agreement)
Another frequent error is the literal translation of 'in-laws'. In English, 'in-laws' can include brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. In Hindi, सास-ससुर specifically and exclusively refers to the parents. If you want to include the whole extended family of your spouse, you should use the word ससुराल वाले (sasural waale). Using सास-ससुर when you mean your spouse's brother will lead to confusion. Additionally, learners often forget the hyphen in writing. While spoken Hindi doesn't have hyphens, in written Devanagari, the hyphen (सामासिक चिह्न) helps indicate that it is a single concept.
सही: मेरे सास-ससुर गाँव में रहते हैं। (Correct usage)
Lastly, students sometimes confuse the word with साला-साली (brother-in-law/sister-in-law). These terms have very different social connotations. While सास-ससुर is a term of high respect, साला can sometimes be used as a mild slang or insult in certain contexts. Therefore, mixing them up can result in unintended offense. Always remember that सास-ससुर are the 'elders' and the grammar and tone should always reflect that 'Aadar' (honor). By paying attention to the plural markers and the specific familial scope, you can avoid these common pitfalls.
While सास-ससुर is the most common term, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific family members you are referring to. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most direct alternative is referring to them individually as सास and ससुर, but this is usually done only when one of them is the subject of the conversation. When speaking of them as a couple, the compound is almost always preferred.
- ससुराल वाले (Sasural Waale)
- This is a broader term meaning 'people from the in-laws' side'. It includes the parents, siblings, and other relatives of the spouse.
- अभिभावक (Abhibhavak)
- A very formal Sanskritized word for 'guardians' or 'parents'. You might hear this in legal or school contexts, but rarely in a family setting.
मेरे ससुराल वाले बहुत मददगार हैं। (My spouse's family/in-laws are very helpful.)
In some high-register or poetic Hindi, you might encounter the term श्वशुर (Shvashur) for father-in-law, which is the direct Sanskrit root. However, this is not used in spoken Hindi today. Conversely, in very informal or modern settings, many people simply use the English words 'In-laws' or 'Mummy-Papa' even when speaking Hindi. For example, 'मेरे Mummy-Papa (referring to in-laws) आ रहे हैं' is very common in urban India. However, if you are a learner, using the traditional सास-ससुर is safer and shows a deeper appreciation for the language.
वह अपने सास-ससुर का बहुत आदर करती है। (She respects her in-laws a lot.)
It is also important to distinguish between सास-ससुर and माता-पिता (parents). While both are parental figures, the former is linked through marriage. In some progressive families, the distinction is blurred to show affection, but linguistically, they remain distinct. If you are talking about the parents of both spouses together, you would have to list them separately: 'मेरे माता-पिता और मेरे सास-ससुर' (My parents and my in-laws). This clarity is vital in a culture where lineage and family ties define so much of one's social standing and responsibilities.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
मेरे सास-ससुर अच्छे हैं।
My in-laws are good.
Uses 'mere' (my) for plural respect.
वह अपने सास-ससुर के साथ रहती है।
She lives with her in-laws.
Uses 'ke saath' (with) as a postposition.
सास-ससुर यहाँ हैं।
The in-laws are here.
Uses plural verb 'hain'.
क्या ये आपके सास-ससुर हैं?
Are these your in-laws?
Question form using 'aapke' for respect.
सास-ससुर चाय पी रहे हैं।
The in-laws are drinking tea.
Plural continuous tense.
मेरे सास-ससुर कल आएँगे।
My in-laws will come tomorrow.
Future tense plural.
वह सास-ससुर को नमस्ते कहती है।
She says Namaste to her in-laws.
Uses 'ko' postposition.
सास-ससुर खुश हैं।
The in-laws are happy.
Simple plural predicate.
मेरे सास-ससुर को आम पसंद हैं।
My in-laws like mangoes.
Dative construction with 'ko'.
हम अपने सास-ससुर से मिलने जा रहे हैं।
We are going to meet our in-laws.
Uses 'se milne' (to meet).
उनके सास-ससुर बहुत बूढ़े हैं।
Their in-laws are very old.
Adjective 'boodhe' in plural form.
क्या आपके सास-ससुर शहर में रहते हैं?
Do your in-laws live in the city?
Habitual present plural.
मेरे सास-ससुर के पास एक पुरानी गाड़ी है।
My in-laws have an old car.
Possession with 'ke paas'.
वह अपने सास-ससुर की बात सुनता है।
He listens to his in-laws.
Uses 'ki baat sunna' (to listen to someone).
सास-ससुर को मिठाई बहुत अच्छी लगती है।
The in-laws really like sweets.
Plural agreement for 'lagti'.
मेरे सास-ससुर रोज़ मंदिर जाते हैं।
My in-laws go to the temple every day.
Adverb 'roz' with habitual plural.
शादी के बाद सास-ससुर की ज़िम्मेदारी बढ़ जाती है।
Responsibility towards in-laws increases after marriage.
Compound noun as a possessive subject.
मेरे सास-ससुर ने हमें आशीर्वाद दिया।
My in-laws gave us their blessings.
Ergative case 'ne' with plural subject.
वह अपने सास-ससुर का बहुत सम्मान करती है।
She respects her in-laws a lot.
Uses 'ka samman karna' (to respect).
सास-ससुर के आने से घर में रौनक आ गई।
The house became lively with the arrival of the in-laws.
Causal construction with 'ke aane se'.
क्या आपके सास-ससुर अभी भी काम करते हैं?
Do your in-laws still work?
Adverb 'abhi bhi' (still).
मेरे सास-ससुर को नई जगहें देखना पसंद है।
My in-laws like seeing new places.
Infinitive as a noun 'dekhna'.
सास-ससुर और माता-पिता के बीच अच्छा तालमेल है।
There is good coordination between the in-laws and parents.
Uses 'ke beech' (between).
उसने अपने सास-ससुर के लिए एक बड़ा घर खरीदा।
He bought a big house for his in-laws.
Benefactive 'ke liye'.
सास-ससुर के साथ रहना कभी-कभी चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकता है।
Living with in-laws can sometimes be challenging.
Gerundial subject 'rehna'.
मेरे सास-ससुर ने समाज की परवाह किए बिना हमारा समर्थन किया।
My in-laws supported us without caring about society.
Complex phrase 'parwah kiye bina'.
भारतीय संस्कृति में सास-ससुर का स्थान बहुत ऊँचा है।
In Indian culture, the status of in-laws is very high.
Abstract possessive 'ka sthaan'.
वह अपने सास-ससुर की हर छोटी-बड़ी ज़रूरत का ख्याल रखती है।
She takes care of every small and big need of her in-laws.
Adjectival pair 'chhoti-badi'.
सास-ससुर को खुश रखना भी एक कला है।
Keeping in-laws happy is also an art.
Infinitive phrase as subject.
मेरे सास-ससुर ने अपनी सारी संपत्ति अपने पोते के नाम कर दी।
My in-laws transferred all their property to their grandson.
Compound verb 'naam kar di'.
आजकल के सास-ससुर पहले की तुलना में अधिक उदार हैं।
Today's in-laws are more liberal compared to before.
Comparative 'ki tulna mein'.
सास-ससुर का हस्तक्षेप कभी-कभी रिश्तों में तनाव पैदा कर देता है।
Interference from in-laws sometimes creates tension in relationships.
Abstract noun 'hastakshep' (interference).
सास-ससुर के प्रति कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करना भारतीय जीवन का अभिन्न अंग है।
Fulfilling duties towards in-laws is an integral part of Indian life.
Formal vocabulary 'kartavyon ka nirvahan'.
साहित्य में सास-ससुर के पात्रों को अक्सर रूढ़िवादी दिखाया जाता है।
In literature, characters of in-laws are often shown as stereotypical.
Passive construction 'dikhaya jata hai'.
मेरे सास-ससुर ने जिस धैर्य से कठिन समय का सामना किया, वह प्रेरणादायक है।
The patience with which my in-laws faced hard times is inspiring.
Relative clause 'jis dhairya se'.
संयुक्त परिवार में सास-ससुर की भूमिका एक मार्गदर्शक की होती है।
In a joint family, the role of in-laws is that of a guide.
Possessive 'ki hoti hai' for role.
सास-ससुर के साथ वैचारिक मतभेद होना स्वाभाविक है।
Having ideological differences with in-laws is natural.
Formal term 'vaicharik matbhed'.
उन्होंने अपने सास-ससुर की स्मृति में एक धर्मशाला बनवाई।
They built a rest house in memory of their in-laws.
Honorific 'unhone' and 'smriti mein'.
सास-ससुर का स्नेह और समर्थन किसी भी वैवाहिक जीवन की नींव हो सकता है।
The affection and support of in-laws can be the foundation of any married life.
Abstract nouns 'sneh' and 'samarthan'.
आधुनिक युग में सास-ससुर और बहू-बेटों के बीच के संबंधों की परिभाषा बदल रही है।
In the modern era, the definition of relationships between in-laws and children-in-law is changing.
Complex subject with 'ke beech ke sambandh'.
सास-ससुर की सत्ता का ह्रास आधुनिक शहरी समाज की एक उल्लेखनीय विशेषता है।
The decline of the authority of in-laws is a notable feature of modern urban society.
Highly formal 'satta ka hraas'.
विधिक दृष्टिकोण से, सास-ससुर के भरण-पोषण का दायित्व संतानों पर होता है।
From a legal perspective, the responsibility for the maintenance of in-laws lies with the children.
Legal terminology 'bharann-poshann'.
सास-ससुर के साथ बिताए गए वे क्षण अब केवल स्मृतियों के झरोखों में शेष हैं।
Those moments spent with in-laws now remain only in the windows of memory.
Poetic register 'smritiyon ke jharokhon'.
सांस्कृतिक संक्रमण के इस दौर में सास-ससुर की पारंपरिक छवि धूमिल होती जा रही है।
In this era of cultural transition, the traditional image of in-laws is becoming blurred.
Metaphorical 'dhoomil hona'.
सास-ससुर के प्रति उनका समर्पण आत्मत्याग की एक उत्कृष्ट पराकाष्ठा है।
Their dedication towards their in-laws is an excellent pinnacle of self-sacrifice.
Superlative register 'utkrisht parakashta'.
मनोवैज्ञानिक विश्लेषण के अनुसार, सास-ससुर के साथ सामंजस्य बिठाना व्यक्तित्व विकास में सहायक होता है।
According to psychological analysis, adjusting with in-laws aids in personality development.
Academic 'manovaigyanik vishleshan'.
सास-ससुर की वसीयत को लेकर छिड़ा विवाद अंततः न्यायालय तक जा पहुँचा।
The dispute regarding the in-laws' will eventually reached the court.
Narrative arc 'antatah... ja pahuncha'.
उन्होंने अपने सास-ससुर के मूल्यों को अपनी जीवनशैली में आत्मसात कर लिया है।
They have assimilated the values of their in-laws into their lifestyle.
Formal verb 'aatmsaat karna'.
مترادفها
متضادها
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
— To touch the feet of in-laws to show respect. This is a common ritual.
वह रोज़ अपने सास-ससुर के चरण स्पर्श करती है।
— To obey or follow the advice of in-laws.
अच्छे बच्चे सास-ससुर की बात मानते हैं।
— To take in-laws on a pilgrimage, considered a very pious act.
राहुल अपने सास-ससुर को तीर्थ यात्रा पर ले गया।
— To bring honor and fame to the in-laws' name through one's actions.
उसने अपनी सफलता से अपने सास-ससुर का नाम रोशन किया।
— To get along well with in-laws over a long period.
उसका अपने सास-ससुर के साथ अच्छा निभता है।
— To be the 'apple of the eye' or very dear to the in-laws.
वह अपने सास-ससुर की आँखों का तारा है।
— The 'shadow' or protection/presence of in-laws in the house.
घर पर सास-ससुर का साया होना सुखद है।
— The heritage or legacy left by one's in-laws.
हमें अपने सास-ससुर की विरासत को संभालना है।
— To be always ready to serve the in-laws.
वह हमेशा अपने सास-ससुर की सेवा में हाज़िर रहता है।
اصطلاحات و عبارات
— To give excessive respect or importance to in-laws.
उसने अपने सास-ससुर को सिर पर बिठा रखा है।
Informal— To cause great humiliation or shame to the in-laws.
तुम्हारी इस हरकत से तुम्हारे सास-ससुर की नाक कट जाएगी।
Informal/Idiomatic— A saying implying that a home with in-laws is like heaven (often used sarcastically or sincerely).
उसके लिए तो सास-ससुर का घर ही स्वर्ग का घर है।
Colloquial— To follow the guidance of in-laws strictly.
वह अपने सास-ससुर की उंगली पकड़कर चलती है।
Metaphorical— To harass or trouble the in-laws (literal meaning is to give water, but idiomatically it means to make them struggle).
उस बहू ने तो अपने सास-ससुर को पानी पिला दिया।
Slang/Idiomatic— To torment or irritate the in-laws while staying with them.
वह अपने सास-ससुर की छाती पर मूंग दल रहा है।
Informal— To consider oneself very humble or insignificant compared to the in-laws.
मैं तो अपने सास-ससुर के पैरों की धूल भी नहीं हूँ।
Very Formal/Humility— To be the sole support of th
Summary
The term 'सास-ससुर' is the essential way to refer to your spouse's parents in Hindi. It combines 'Saas' (mother-in-law) and 'Sasur' (father-in-law). Remember: always use masculine plural grammar (e.g., 'मेरे सास-ससुर अच्छे हैं') to show proper respect.
- Refers specifically to the mother-in-law and father-in-law as a couple.
- Grammatically treated as masculine plural in Hindi, using 'mere' and 'hain'.
- A term of high respect; addressing them directly requires more intimate titles like 'Mataji'.
- Central to Indian family dynamics and frequently heard in social and domestic contexts.
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر family
आबाद
B1مسکونی، آباد؛ پرجمعیت و پررونق.
आँचल
B1گوشه ساری (نماد حمایت مادرانه).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2حیاط خلوت یا صحن خانه که سقف ندارد و دور آن اتاقها قرار دارند.
आंगन
A2حیاط داخلی خانه.
आग्रह करना
B1از کسی با اصرار و ادب خواستن که کاری را انجام دهد.
आज्ञा
B1یک دستور یا اجازه رسمی.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1اطاعت از دستورات یا فرمانها.
आज्ञा मानना
A2اطاعت کردن از یک فرمان یا قانون. (او از پدرش اطاعت کرد. / او باید از قوانین اطاعت کند.)
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1اطاعت کردن