At the A1 level, you can think of 'हिमशैल' (himashail) simply as a very, very big piece of ice that floats in the cold ocean. It is like a mountain made of ice. In Hindi, 'हिम' (him) means ice or snow, and 'शैल' (shail) means a big rock or mountain. So, it is an 'ice-mountain.' You might use this word when talking about cold places like the North Pole or when you see a picture of the sea with big white blocks of ice in it. Even though it is a long word, you can remember it by breaking it into two parts: Him + Shail. It is a masculine word, so we say 'बड़ा हिमशैल' (big iceberg). You won't use it every day, but it is a cool word to know when looking at nature books. Just remember: it is big, it is ice, and it is in the water.
For A2 learners, 'हिमशैल' is a useful noun to describe natural features in cold climates. It is a masculine noun. You can use it in simple sentences like 'The iceberg is cold' (हिमशैल ठंडा है) or 'I see an iceberg' (मैं एक हिमशैल देखता हूँ). It is important to know that icebergs are different from regular snow on the ground because they are massive and float in the sea. This word is often found in basic geography lessons or stories about travel to far-off places. When you talk about more than one iceberg, the word stays the same in the direct case: 'दो हिमशैल' (two icebergs). But if you say 'on the icebergs,' it becomes 'हिमशैलों पर.' Learning this word helps you expand your vocabulary beyond simple things like 'water' and 'ice' to more specific natural phenomena.
At the B1 level, you should understand 'हिमशैल' not just as a physical object but also as a part of environmental discussions. You can use it to talk about climate change (जलवायु परिवर्तन) and how it affects the polar regions. For example, you might say 'Icebergs are melting' (हिमशैल पिघल रहे हैं). You should also begin to recognize the word in news headlines. It is a compound word (sandhi) of 'Him' and 'Shail.' You can also use the synonym 'हिमखंड' (himakhand), but 'हिमशैल' is more descriptive of its mountain-like shape. At this level, you can start using it with more complex verbs like 'टकराना' (to collide) or 'तैरना' (to float). Understanding the gender (masculine) is crucial for correct adjective and verb agreement in your sentences.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'हिमशैल' with precision in scientific and formal contexts. You should be able to distinguish it from 'हिमनद' (glacier) and 'हिमपात' (snowfall). You will encounter this word in academic articles or documentaries about oceanography. A key concept at this level is the metaphorical use of the word: 'हिमशैल का सिरा' (the tip of the iceberg). This idiom is used to describe a situation where only a small part of a much larger problem is visible. For instance, 'This financial loss is just the tip of the iceberg' (यह वित्तीय हानि बस हिमशैल का सिरा है). You should also be comfortable using the oblique plural form 'हिमशैलों' correctly with various postpositions and understanding the nuances of how these masses of ice affect maritime safety and global sea levels.
For C1 learners, 'हिमशैल' is a word that appears in high-level literature, environmental policy discussions, and complex journalistic analysis. You should understand its etymological roots in Sanskrit and how it fits into the broader category of geographical terminology in Hindi. At this level, you might analyze the poetic use of 'हिमशैल' in literature to represent isolation, coldness, or hidden depth. You should be able to discuss the technical process of 'calving' (icebergs breaking off) using appropriate Hindi vocabulary. Your use of the word should be fluid, incorporating it into complex sentence structures that involve passive voice or conditional clauses. For example, discussing the geopolitical implications of melting icebergs in the Arctic region requires a sophisticated grasp of this term and its related vocabulary.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'हिमशैल' in all its literal and figurative applications. You can use it in philosophical discourse to represent the subconscious mind (similar to Freud's iceberg theory) or in intricate political analyses. You understand the subtle differences between 'हिमशैल', 'हिमशिखर', and 'तुषार-शैल' and can choose the one that provides the exact tone or register required for your writing. You can speak eloquently about the environmental impact of 'हिमशैल' melting on global ecosystems, using advanced grammatical structures and a wide range of synonyms. Your understanding extends to the cultural references, such as the Titanic tragedy, and how they are discussed in Hindi media. You can effectively use the word to create vivid imagery in creative writing, playing with its connotations of weight, silence, and hidden danger.

हिमशैल en 30 secondes

  • हिमशैल (Himshail) is the Hindi word for iceberg, formed from 'Him' (ice) and 'Shail' (mountain).
  • It is a masculine noun primarily used in geographical, scientific, and environmental contexts.
  • Metaphorically, it refers to the visible part of a much larger, hidden situation or problem.
  • Proper usage involves masculine adjective agreement and understanding its distinction from glaciers (हिमनद).

The Hindi word हिमशैल (himashail) is a compound noun derived from two Sanskrit roots: him (meaning snow or ice) and shail (meaning a rock, mountain, or peak). Translated literally, it means 'ice-mountain,' which is the exact equivalent of the English term 'iceberg.' In its primary sense, it refers to a massive piece of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or an ice shelf and is floating freely in open water. This word is essential for anyone studying geography, environmental science, or maritime history in Hindi. Because of the physical properties of icebergs, where roughly ninety percent of their mass remains submerged beneath the water's surface, the word हिमशैल is frequently used in scientific contexts to describe polar landscapes and the effects of global warming. Beyond its literal meaning, it is also used in sophisticated Hindi literature and journalism as a metaphor for a small visible part of a much larger, hidden problem or reality, echoing the English idiom 'the tip of the iceberg.'

Physical Description
A हिमशैल is typically characterized by its immense size and its white or blue coloration, depending on the density of the ice and the amount of air trapped within it.

विशाल हिमशैल समुद्र में धीरे-धीरे तैर रहा था। (The massive iceberg was slowly floating in the sea.)

Scientific Context
In oceanography, हिमशैल are monitored because they pose a significant threat to shipping lanes, particularly in the North Atlantic and around Antarctica.

टाइटैनिक जहाज एक हिमशैल से टकराकर डूब गया था। (The Titanic ship sank after colliding with an iceberg.)

Environmental Usage
Climate change reports often use हिमशैल to discuss the melting of polar ice caps and the subsequent rise in sea levels.

जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण हिमशैल तेजी से पिघल रहे हैं। (Icebergs are melting rapidly due to climate change.)

यह समस्या तो केवल हिमशैल का ऊपरी सिरा है। (This problem is only the tip of the iceberg.)

नाविक ने दूरबीन से एक हिमशैल देखा। (The sailor saw an iceberg through the binoculars.)

Using the word हिमशैल correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its specific semantic field. As a masculine noun, it follows standard Hindi declension patterns. In the direct singular, it is हिमशैल. In the direct plural, it remains हिमशैल. However, in the oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'को', 'में', or 'से'), the singular remains हिमशैल while the plural changes to हिमशैलों. For example, 'हिमशैलों के बीच' means 'between the icebergs.' When constructing sentences, it is often paired with verbs of motion like 'तैरना' (to float), 'टकराना' (to collide), or 'पिघलना' (to melt). In formal writing, particularly in journals or news reports, you might see it used in complex sentence structures involving cause and effect, such as the relationship between rising temperatures and the calving of icebergs from glaciers.

Direct Case Usage
The direct case is used when the iceberg is the subject or the direct object without a postposition.

एक नीला हिमशैल अंटार्कटिका के पास देखा गया। (A blue iceberg was spotted near Antarctica.)

Oblique Case Usage
When using postpositions, the noun might change form if it is plural.

वैज्ञानिकों ने इन हिमशैलों पर शोध किया है। (Scientists have conducted research on these icebergs.)

समुद्र की लहरें हिमशैल से टकरा रही थीं। (The sea waves were crashing against the iceberg.)

Metaphorical Application
Using the word to describe hidden depths of a situation.

भ्रष्टाचार का यह मामला बस एक हिमशैल का सिरा है। (This case of corruption is just the tip of an iceberg.)

धुंध के कारण हिमशैल साफ नहीं दिख रहा था। (The iceberg was not clearly visible due to the fog.)

The word हिमशैल is most commonly encountered in educational and professional environments. You will hear it in geography classrooms when teachers explain the water cycle, glacial movements, or the geography of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It is a staple in Hindi-language documentaries produced by channels like Discovery or National Geographic, where narrators describe the majestic yet dangerous nature of polar ice. In the news, हिमशैल appears frequently in stories about climate change, especially when a large chunk of ice breaks off from the Ross Ice Shelf or other major glaciers. Journalists use it to highlight the tangible impacts of global warming. Additionally, in the business and legal world, the metaphorical use of the word is very common. During a corporate meeting or a political debate, someone might say that a particular budget deficit or a social issue is just the 'हिमशैल का सिरा' (tip of the iceberg), implying that the underlying problems are much more substantial and require deeper investigation. You might also find it in classic Hindi literature that deals with themes of nature or exploration, though it is less common in everyday casual slang.

Academic Lectures
Teachers use this word to describe the density of ice relative to seawater.

आज हम हिमशैल के निर्माण की प्रक्रिया के बारे में पढ़ेंगे। (Today we will read about the process of iceberg formation.)

News Broadcasting
News anchors use it when reporting on environmental disasters or maritime accidents.

एक विशाल हिमशैल अंटार्कटिका से टूटकर अलग हो गया है। (A massive iceberg has broken off from Antarctica.)

वैज्ञानिक इस हिमशैल की गति पर नजर रख रहे हैं। (Scientists are keeping an eye on the movement of this iceberg.)

Documentary Narratives
Used to evoke a sense of awe and scale when showing polar landscapes.

समुद्र की गहराइयों में हिमशैल का अधिकांश हिस्सा छिपा रहता है। (Most of the iceberg remains hidden in the depths of the sea.)

क्या आपने कभी असली हिमशैल देखा है? (Have you ever seen a real iceberg?)

Learning the word हिमशैल involves avoiding several common pitfalls. One frequent mistake is confusing it with हिमनद (himanad), which means 'glacier.' While they are related—glaciers are the source of icebergs—they are not the same. A हिमनद is a river of ice on land, whereas a हिमशैल is a floating mass in the water. Another error is using the word हिमखंड (himakhand) interchangeably with हिमशैल in all contexts. While हिमखंड simply means 'a piece of ice,' हिमशैल specifically implies a large, mountain-like mass. Beginners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'sh' (श) sound in shail, sometimes substituting it with the 's' (स) sound, which can sound slightly off to native speakers. Additionally, learners might forget the gender of the word and use feminine adjectives. For instance, saying 'बड़ी हिमशैल' instead of the correct 'बड़ा हिमशैल' is a common grammatical slip. In writing, ensure that the 'sh' is the palatal sibilant (श) and not the dental sibilant (स). Finally, when using the metaphorical 'tip of the iceberg' phrase, learners sometimes translate it literally as 'हिमशैल की नोक' (iceberg's point), but the more standard and idiomatic expression in Hindi is 'हिमशैल का सिरा' (iceberg's end/edge).

Confusion with Glacier
Mistaking हिमशैल (floating) for हिमनद (on land).

गलत: वह हिमशैल पहाड़ों के बीच बह रहा है। (Wrong: That iceberg is flowing between mountains - icebergs are in the sea.)

Gender Errors
Using feminine agreement for a masculine noun.

सही: यह एक विशाल हिमशैल है। (Correct: This is a massive iceberg.)

गलत: समुद्र में तैरती हिमशैल। (Wrong: Floating iceberg - feminine agreement.)

Vocabulary Nuance
Using हिमशैल for small ice cubes is incorrect; use बर्फ का टुकड़ा instead.

सही: गिलास में बर्फ का टुकड़ा डालो। (Correct: Put a piece of ice in the glass.)

सावधान रहें, हिमशैल खतरनाक हो सकते हैं। (Be careful, icebergs can be dangerous.)

To enrich your Hindi vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to हिमशैल but have distinct meanings or registers. The most common synonym is हिमखंड (himakhand), which literally means 'ice-piece.' While हिमशैल suggests size and majesty, हिमखंड is more generic and can refer to any large chunk of ice. In very formal or poetic Hindi, you might encounter तुषार-शैल, where tushar is a more literary word for frost or ice. Another related word is हिमनद (glacier), which we mentioned earlier; it is crucial to keep this distinction clear in scientific writing. If you want to describe a mountain covered in snow (like the Himalayas), you should use हिम-पर्वत (him-parvat) instead of हिमशैल. In casual conversation, many people simply use the English loanword 'iceberg' transliterated into Hindi script as 'आइसबर्ग'. Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the context, whether you are writing a scientific paper, a poem, or just chatting about a movie like Titanic.

Comparison: हिमशैल vs. हिमनद
हिमशैल (Iceberg): Floating in water, detached.
हिमनद (Glacier): Moving on land, large mass of ice.

ग्लेशियर से टूटकर ही हिमशैल बनते हैं। (Icebergs are formed only by breaking off from glaciers.)

Comparison: हिमशैल vs. हिमखंड
हिमशैल: Mountainous, specific to the sea.
हिमखंड: Any large piece of ice, more general.

वैज्ञानिकों ने एक बड़े हिमखंड का अध्ययन किया। (Scientists studied a large piece of ice.)

दूर से वह बर्फ का पहाड़ बहुत सुंदर लग रहा था। (From afar, that mountain of ice looked very beautiful.)

जहाज को हिमशैल से बचाना कप्तान की जिम्मेदारी थी। (It was the captain's responsibility to save the ship from the iceberg.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Sanskrit literature, 'Himshail' was sometimes used to refer to the Himalayas themselves, but in modern Hindi, it is specifically reserved for icebergs in the ocean.

Guide de prononciation

UK /hɪm.ʃeɪl/
US /hɪm.ʃeɪl/
The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Him', but 'Shail' is also enunciated clearly.
Rime avec
शैल (Shail) बैल (Bail) मैल (Mail) जैल (Jail) पैल (Pail) खेल (Khel - near rhyme) रेल (Rel - near rhyme) तेल (Tel - near rhyme)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'sh' (श) as 's' (स), making it 'himsail'.
  • Pronouncing 'him' with a long 'ee' sound like 'heem'.
  • Confusing 'shail' with 'shaili' (style).
  • Dropping the 'h' sound at the beginning.
  • Merging the two words without a slight pause between 'him' and 'shail'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to read but requires knowledge of the 'sh' (श) and 'ai' (ै) sounds.

Écriture 4/5

Compound words in Hindi can be tricky to spell correctly.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires clear pronunciation of the 'shail' syllable.

Écoute 3/5

Easily recognizable in formal news or documentaries.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

बर्फ (Ice) पानी (Water) पहाड़ (Mountain) समुद्र (Sea) तैरना (To float)

Apprends ensuite

हिमनद (Glacier) महासागर (Ocean) पारिस्थितिकी (Ecology) ग्लोबल वार्मिंग (Global Warming) ध्रुवीय (Polar)

Avancé

अवतलन (Subsidence) प्लवनशीलता (Buoyancy) क्रायोस्फीयर (Cryosphere) समुद्री धारा (Ocean current) हिमानीकरण (Glaciation)

Grammaire à connaître

Tatshama Nouns

हिमशैल is a Tatshama word, meaning it follows Sanskrit-based formal Hindi rules.

Masculine Noun Declension

एक हिमशैल (one), दो हिमशैल (two), हिमशैलों का (of icebergs).

Compound Words (Sandhi/Samas)

हिम + शैल = हिमशैल. This is a descriptive compound (Karmadharaya).

Adjective Agreement

विशाल (Masculine) modifies हिमशैल.

Postpositions with Oblique Case

हिमशैल के (of), हिमशैल में (in), हिमशैल से (from).

Exemples par niveau

1

यह एक बड़ा हिमशैल है।

This is a big iceberg.

Subject (यह) + Adjective (बड़ा) + Noun (हिमशैल) + Verb (है).

2

हिमशैल सफेद होता है।

An iceberg is white.

Noun (हिमशैल) + Color (सफेद) + Verb (होता है).

3

वहाँ एक हिमशैल है।

There is an iceberg.

Adverb of place (वहाँ) + Noun + Verb.

4

हिमशैल बहुत ठंडा है।

The iceberg is very cold.

Use of 'बहुत' (very) to modify the adjective 'ठंडा'.

5

समुद्र में हिमशैल है।

There is an iceberg in the sea.

Locative case 'समुद्र में' (in the sea).

6

क्या वह हिमशैल है?

Is that an iceberg?

Interrogative sentence starting with 'क्या'.

7

हिमशैल पानी पर तैरता है।

An iceberg floats on water.

Present indefinite tense 'तैरता है'.

8

मुझे हिमशैल देखना है।

I want to see an iceberg.

Use of 'देखना है' to express desire/intent.

1

जहाज हिमशैल के पास है।

The ship is near the iceberg.

Use of postposition 'के पास' (near).

2

हमने कल एक विशाल हिमशैल देखा।

We saw a massive iceberg yesterday.

Past tense with 'देखा'.

3

हिमशैल धीरे-धीरे पिघल रहा है।

The iceberg is melting slowly.

Present continuous tense 'पिघल रहा है'.

4

समुद्र में कई हिमशैल तैर रहे हैं।

Many icebergs are floating in the sea.

Plural noun 'हिमशैल' with plural verb 'तैर रहे हैं'.

5

हिमशैल का रंग नीला और सफेद है।

The color of the iceberg is blue and white.

Genitive 'का' showing possession/attribute.

6

लोग हिमशैल की तस्वीरें ले रहे हैं।

People are taking pictures of the iceberg.

Present continuous plural.

7

यह हिमशैल बहुत पुराना है।

This iceberg is very old.

Adjective 'पुराना' agreeing with masculine noun.

8

हिमशैल से टकराना खतरनाक हो सकता है।

Colliding with an iceberg can be dangerous.

Infinitive 'टकराना' used as a subject.

1

हिमशैल का केवल छोटा हिस्सा पानी के ऊपर दिखता है।

Only a small part of the iceberg is visible above water.

Adverb 'केवल' (only) and postposition 'के ऊपर'.

2

जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण हिमशैल तेजी से टूट रहे हैं।

Icebergs are breaking rapidly due to climate change.

Phrase 'के कारण' (due to).

3

नाविकों को हिमशैल से सावधान रहना चाहिए।

Sailors should be careful of icebergs.

Use of 'चाहिए' for advice/obligation.

4

वैज्ञानिक इन हिमशैलों की मोटाई माप रहे हैं।

Scientists are measuring the thickness of these icebergs.

Oblique plural 'हिमशैलों' with 'की'.

5

अगर जहाज हिमशैल से टकराता, तो वह डूब जाता।

If the ship had hit the iceberg, it would have sunk.

Conditional sentence 'अगर... तो'.

6

हिमशैल मीठे पानी से बने होते हैं।

Icebergs are made of fresh water.

Passive-like construction 'बने होते हैं'.

7

अंटार्कटिका में दुनिया के सबसे बड़े हिमशैल पाए जाते हैं।

The world's largest icebergs are found in Antarctica.

Superlative 'सबसे बड़े' and passive 'पाए जाते हैं'.

8

धुंध की वजह से हमें हिमशैल नहीं दिखाई दिया।

We could not see the iceberg because of the fog.

Compound verb 'दिखाई दिया'.

1

यह समस्या तो सिर्फ हिमशैल का सिरा है, असली संकट और भी बड़ा है।

This problem is just the tip of the iceberg; the real crisis is even bigger.

Idiomatic use of 'हिमशैल का सिरा'.

2

ग्लेशियर से हिमशैल के अलग होने की प्रक्रिया को 'काविंग' कहते हैं।

The process of an iceberg separating from a glacier is called 'calving'.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

3

हिमशैल समुद्री जहाजों के लिए एक बड़ा खतरा पैदा करते हैं।

Icebergs pose a great threat to sea vessels.

Verb 'पैदा करना' (to create/pose).

4

उपग्रहों की मदद से हिमशैलों की गतिविधियों पर नजर रखी जाती है।

Iceberg movements are monitored with the help of satellites.

Passive voice 'नजर रखी जाती है'.

5

हिमशैल के पिघलने से समुद्र के जलस्तर में वृद्धि हो रही है।

The melting of icebergs is causing a rise in sea levels.

Abstract noun 'वृद्धि' (increase).

6

ठंडे पानी के घनत्व के कारण हिमशैल का अधिकांश भाग डूबा रहता है।

Due to the density of cold water, most of the iceberg remains submerged.

Scientific explanation using 'घनत्व' (density).

7

प्रदूषण का प्रभाव इन प्राचीन हिमशैलों पर भी पड़ रहा है।

The impact of pollution is also affecting these ancient icebergs.

Use of 'पड़ रहा है' for impact/influence.

8

नाविक ने दूरबीन से क्षितिज पर एक तैरता हुआ हिमशैल देखा।

The sailor saw a floating iceberg on the horizon through binoculars.

Participle 'तैरता हुआ' (floating).

1

हिमशैल की विशालता को देखकर मनुष्य को अपनी लघुता का आभास होता है।

Seeing the vastness of an iceberg, man realizes his own insignificance.

Philosophical tone with abstract nouns like 'विशालता' and 'लघुता'.

2

ग्लेशियरों का टूटना और हिमशैलों का बनना एक प्राकृतिक चक्र है जो अब बिगड़ रहा है।

The breaking of glaciers and formation of icebergs is a natural cycle that is now being disrupted.

Complex coordinated subjects.

3

टाइटैनिक की त्रासदी ने हिमशैल की विनाशकारी शक्ति को दुनिया के सामने रखा।

The Titanic tragedy brought the destructive power of icebergs before the world.

Use of 'त्रासदी' (tragedy) and 'विनाशकारी' (destructive).

4

हिमशैलों के भीतर फंसी वायु के बुलबुले प्राचीन वातावरण की जानकारी देते हैं।

Air bubbles trapped inside icebergs provide information about the ancient atmosphere.

Scientific detail with 'प्राचीन वातावरण'.

5

समुद्री पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में हिमशैल एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं।

Icebergs play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Formal term 'पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र' (ecosystem).

6

वैश्विक तापमान में वृद्धि के परिणामस्वरूप हिमशैलों के टूटने की दर बढ़ गई है।

As a result of global temperature rise, the rate of iceberg calving has increased.

Compound postposition 'के परिणामस्वरूप' (as a result of).

7

हिमशैल का नीला रंग प्रकाश के अपवर्तन के कारण होता है।

The blue color of an iceberg is due to the refraction of light.

Technical term 'अपवर्तन' (refraction).

8

इन हिमशैलों का संरक्षण हमारे ग्रह के भविष्य के लिए अनिवार्य है।

The conservation of these icebergs is essential for the future of our planet.

Formal adjective 'अनिवार्य' (essential).

1

हिमशैल की स्थिरता और उसकी गहराई मानवीय चेतना के गूढ़ रहस्यों का प्रतीक है।

The stability and depth of an iceberg symbolize the profound mysteries of human consciousness.

Highly literary and symbolic language.

2

ध्रुवीय क्षेत्रों की नीरवता में हिमशैल का चरमराना एक भयावह संगीत की भांति सुनाई देता है।

In the silence of polar regions, the creaking of an iceberg sounds like a terrifying music.

Poetic use of 'नीरवता' (silence) and 'भांति' (like).

3

हिमशैलों का पिघलना केवल एक भौगोलिक घटना नहीं, बल्कि मानवता के लिए एक चेतावनी है।

The melting of icebergs is not just a geographical event, but a warning to humanity.

Rhetorical structure 'केवल... नहीं, बल्कि...'.

4

साहित्य में हिमशैल को अक्सर अकेलेपन और अदम्य प्रकृति के रूपक के रूप में प्रयुक्त किया गया है।

In literature, the iceberg has often been used as a metaphor for loneliness and indomitable nature.

Passive voice 'प्रयुक्त किया गया है' (has been used).

5

हिमशैल के अदृश्य भाग की विशालता ही उसे समुद्री यात्राओं के लिए सबसे बड़ा अवरोध बनाती है।

The sheer size of the iceberg's invisible part makes it the greatest obstacle for maritime journeys.

Focus on 'अदृश्य भाग' (invisible part).

6

पर्यावरणविदों का तर्क है कि हिमशैलों का क्षरण जैव-विविधता के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है।

Environmentalists argue that the erosion of icebergs is an irreparable loss for biodiversity.

Advanced terms 'क्षरण' (erosion) and 'अपूरणीय क्षति' (irreparable loss).

7

हिमशैल की संरचना का सूक्ष्म विश्लेषण पृथ्वी के भूवैज्ञानिक इतिहास की परतों को खोलता है।

A microscopic analysis of an iceberg's structure reveals the layers of Earth's geological history.

Complex noun phrase 'भूवैज्ञानिक इतिहास' (geological history).

8

अंततः, हिमशैल का अस्तित्व प्रकृति की भव्यता और उसकी नश्वरता दोनों का प्रमाण है।

Ultimately, the existence of an iceberg is a testament to both the grandeur and the transience of nature.

Use of 'नश्वरता' (transience) and 'प्रमाण' (testimony).

Collocations courantes

विशाल हिमशैल
हिमशैल का सिरा
तैरता हुआ हिमशैल
हिमशैल से टकराना
हिमशैल का पिघलना
नीला हिमशैल
हिमशैल की मोटाई
खतरनाक हिमशैल
हिमशैल का निर्माण
प्राचीन हिमशैल

Phrases Courantes

हिमशैल का ऊपरी हिस्सा

— The visible part of an iceberg. Used to describe the surface level of something.

हमें केवल हिमशैल का ऊपरी हिस्सा दिख रहा है।

हिमशैल का टूटना

— The process of calving. Refers to ice breaking off.

हिमशैल का टूटना समुद्र का स्तर बढ़ाता है।

हिमशैल का रास्ता

— The path or drift of an iceberg. Used in navigation.

जहाज ने हिमशैल का रास्ता बदल दिया।

हिमशैल की गहराई

— The depth of an iceberg. Often used to describe hidden secrets.

हिमशैल की गहराई का अंदाजा लगाना मुश्किल है।

हिमशैल जैसा ठंडा

— As cold as an iceberg. Used to describe people or weather.

उसका व्यवहार हिमशैल जैसा ठंडा था।

हिमशैल की खोज

— The discovery or search for an iceberg. Common in exploration.

वैज्ञानिक हिमशैल की खोज में निकले हैं।

हिमशैल और समुद्र

— Iceberg and the sea. A common pairing in nature descriptions.

हिमशैल और समुद्र का दृश्य बहुत सुंदर था।

हिमशैल के अवशेष

— The remains of an iceberg after melting.

पानी में हिमशैल के अवशेष तैर रहे थे।

हिमशैल की चपेट में

— To be hit or caught by an iceberg.

जहाज हिमशैल की चपेट में आ गया।

हिमशैल का अध्ययन

— The study of icebergs.

हिमशैल का अध्ययन करना चुनौतीपूर्ण है।

Souvent confondu avec

हिमशैल vs हिमनद

हिमनद is a glacier (on land), while हिमशैल is an iceberg (floating).

हिमशैल vs हिमपात

हिमपात is snowfall, which is a weather event, not a physical object in the sea.

हिमशैल vs हिम-पर्वत

हिम-पर्वत refers to a snow-covered mountain on land, like the Himalayas.

Expressions idiomatiques

"हिमशैल का सिरा"

— A small visible part of a much larger situation. Just like an iceberg is mostly underwater.

यह घोटाला तो बस हिमशैल का सिरा है।

Formal/Journalistic
"हिमशैल की तरह जम जाना"

— To become completely still or frozen with fear or shock.

खबर सुनकर वह हिमशैल की तरह जम गया।

Descriptive
"हिमशैल को पिघलाना"

— To soften a very cold or stubborn person's heart.

उसकी बातों ने उसके पिता के हिमशैल जैसे गुस्से को पिघला दिया।

Literary
"हिमशैल जैसी चुप्पी"

— A cold, heavy, and profound silence.

कमरे में हिमशैल जैसी चुप्पी छाई हुई थी।

Literary
"हिमशैल की टक्कर"

— A massive, unavoidable, and destructive confrontation.

दोनों सेनाओं के बीच हिमशैल की टक्कर होने वाली है।

Rhetorical
"हिमशैल का पिघलना (Metaphorical)"

— The slow but inevitable disappearance of a long-standing tradition or power.

पुरानी मान्यताओं का हिमशैल अब पिघल रहा है।

Philosophical
"हिमशैल की गहराई में"

— Deep within the hidden parts of a person's mind or a situation.

सच्चाई हिमशैल की गहराई में छिपी थी।

Literary
"हिमशैल सा अडिग"

— As immovable and firm as a mountain of ice.

वह अपने फैसले पर हिमशैल सा अडिग रहा।

Poetic
"हिमशैल की ओट में"

— Hiding behind something massive or cold.

दुश्मन हिमशैल की ओट में छिपा था।

Narrative
"हिमशैल का साया"

— The looming presence of a cold or dangerous influence.

युद्ध का हिमशैल सा साया देश पर मंडरा रहा है।

Journalistic

Facile à confondre

हिमशैल vs हिमखंड

Both mean a piece of ice.

हिमशैल implies a massive, mountain-like floating ice, while हिमखंड can be any block of ice, even smaller ones.

समुद्र में एक विशाल हिमशैल दिखा, जबकि किनारे पर छोटे हिमखंड थे।

हिमशैल vs शिलाखंड

Both refer to massive blocks.

शिलाखंड is a block of stone/rock, whereas हिमशैल is specifically made of ice.

पहाड़ से शिलाखंड गिरा, लेकिन समुद्र में हिमशैल तैर रहा था।

हिमशैल vs ग्लेशियर

Related concepts of large ice masses.

Glacier (ग्लेशियर) is the parent body on land; Iceberg (हिमशैल) is the part that breaks off into the sea.

ग्लेशियर पिघलकर हिमशैल बनाता है।

हिमशैल vs ओला

Both are frozen water.

ओला (Hail) is small ice pellets falling from the sky; हिमशैल is a massive floating mountain.

आसमान से ओले गिरे, लेकिन समुद्र में हिमशैल था।

हिमशैल vs हिमानी

Similar sounding and related to ice.

हिमानी usually refers to a glacier or something glacial; हिमशैल is the floating object.

हिमानी क्षेत्र में कई हिमशैल पाए जाते हैं।

Structures de phrases

A1

[Subject] [Adjective] [Noun] [Verb].

यह बड़ा हिमशैल है।

A2

[Subject] [Postpositional Phrase] [Verb].

जहाज हिमशैल के पास है।

B1

[Noun] [Adverb] [Verb].

हिमशैल तेजी से पिघल रहा है।

B2

[Metaphorical Phrase] [Verb].

यह तो बस हिमशैल का सिरा है।

C1

[Abstract Noun] [Postposition] [Noun] [Verb].

हिमशैल की विशालता अद्भुत है।

C2

[Complex Condition] [Result].

यदि हिमशैल न पिघलते, तो जलस्तर स्थिर रहता।

B1

[Subject] [Noun-Oblique] [Postposition] [Verb].

वैज्ञानिक हिमशैलों पर शोध कर रहे हैं।

A2

[Interrogative] [Noun] [Verb]?

क्या आपने हिमशैल देखा?

Famille de mots

Noms

हिम (Ice/Snow)
शैल (Rock/Mountain)
हिमखंड (Ice block)
हिमनद (Glacier)

Verbes

हिमानीकरण (Glaciation)
पिघलना (To melt)

Adjectifs

हिममय (Icy)
हिमानी (Glacial)
शीतल (Cold)

Apparenté

बर्फ (Ice)
समुद्र (Sea)
ध्रुव (Pole)
ठंड (Cold)
ग्लेशियर (Glacier)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in educational and formal contexts, rare in daily household talk.

Erreurs courantes
  • बड़ी हिमशैल बड़ा हिमशैल

    Learners often think natural things might be feminine, but 'हिमशैल' is masculine. Adjectives must reflect this.

  • समुद्र में हिमनद तैर रहा है समुद्र में हिमशैल तैर रहा है

    Confusing glacier (हिमनद) with iceberg (हिमशैल). Glaciers are on land; icebergs are in the water.

  • हिमशैल की नोक हिमशैल का सिरा

    While 'नोक' means tip, the standard idiom for 'tip of the iceberg' in Hindi uses 'सिरा'.

  • हवा से हिमशैल गिर रहे हैं आसमान से ओले गिर रहे हैं

    Confusing hail (ओले) with icebergs (हिमशैल). Icebergs do not fall from the sky.

  • हिमशैलें हिमशैल (Direct Plural)

    The plural of masculine nouns ending in a consonant does not change in the direct case. 'हिमशैलें' is a feminine-style plural and is wrong.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'हिमशैल' is masculine. This affects the adjectives and verbs in your sentence. For example, 'नीला हिमशैल' (Blue iceberg) and 'हिमशैल तैरता है' (Iceberg floats).

Synonym Choice

Use 'हिमशैल' for formal or scientific writing and 'बर्फ का पहाड़' for creative or informal descriptions to sound more natural in different contexts.

The 'Sh' Sound

Practice the palatal 'श' (sh) in 'शैल'. It is different from the dental 'स' (s). A clear 'sh' sound makes your Hindi sound much more authentic and educated.

Metaphorical Mastery

Use the phrase 'हिमशैल का सिरा' during discussions about complex problems. It shows you understand not just the word, but the deeper idiomatic layers of the language.

Writing Compounds

In Hindi, compound words like 'हिमशैल' are written as one word. Do not put a space between 'हिम' and 'शैल' unless you are writing in a very specific poetic style.

Visual Memory

Associate the word with the image of the Titanic. Since that story is globally known, it provides a strong mental anchor for the word 'हिमशैल'.

Environmental Context

When reading about global warming in Hindi newspapers, look for 'हिमशैल'. It is one of the most frequent words in environmental journalism.

Documentary Practice

Watch nature documentaries in Hindi. Narrators often use 'हिमशैल' to describe the Arctic. This will help you hear the word in a natural, professional flow.

Describe the Scene

Try to describe a polar landscape using words like 'समुद्र', 'नीला', 'ठंडा', and 'हिमशैल'. This builds your ability to use the word in a cluster of related terms.

Plural Oblique

Be careful with 'हिमशैलों'. Use it only when there is a postposition like 'को', 'में', 'से', or 'का' after the plural word.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Him' (like the pronoun) and 'Shail' (like a shell, but a big rocky one). 'Him' is on a giant 'Shell' of ice in the ocean.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant white mountain floating in a deep blue sea with a 'Himalayan' peak sticking out. That's a 'Him-shail'.

Word Web

Ice Mountain Ocean Titanic Cold Freshwater Floating Danger

Défi

Try to use 'हिमशैल' in a sentence about climate change and then use it as a metaphor for a big secret you just found out.

Origine du mot

The word is a 'Tatshama' word, meaning it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without change. It is a 'Karmadharaya' compound.

Sens originel : 'Him' (हिम) means snow or frost, while 'Shail' (शैल) means a mountain or a large rock. Together, they describe a mountain made of ice.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Hindi).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid confusing it with 'Himalayas' in religious contexts.

English speakers use 'iceberg' for both the physical object and the metaphor. Hindi speakers use 'हिमशैल' similarly but keep it more formal.

The Titanic movie (Hindi dub uses 'हिमशैल' or 'आइसबर्ग'). Geography textbooks by NCERT. Environmental speeches by Indian leaders at COP summits.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Geography Class

  • हिमशैल कैसे बनते हैं?
  • ध्रुवीय क्षेत्रों में हिमशैल।
  • हिमशैल का घनत्व।
  • ग्लेशियर और हिमशैल का अंतर।

News Report

  • विशाल हिमशैल टूटा।
  • जहाजों को चेतावनी।
  • समुद्र का बढ़ता स्तर।
  • हिमशैल की निगरानी।

Titanic Story

  • जहाज हिमशैल से टकराया।
  • रात का समय और हिमशैल।
  • हिमशैल की अनदेखी।
  • विनाशकारी टक्कर।

Climate Change Debate

  • पिघलते हुए हिमशैल।
  • ग्लोबल वार्मिंग का असर।
  • हिमशैलों का भविष्य।
  • पारिस्थितिकी पर प्रभाव।

Business Metaphor

  • यह केवल हिमशैल का सिरा है।
  • छिपी हुई चुनौतियां।
  • गहराई से जांच।
  • बड़ी समस्या का संकेत।

Amorces de conversation

"क्या आपने कभी फिल्म टाइटैनिक में वह हिमशैल देखा है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि हिमशैल का पिघलना दुनिया के लिए खतरा है?"

"अगर आप एक हिमशैल के पास होते, तो आपको कैसा लगता?"

"क्या आप जानते हैं कि हिमशैल का कितना हिस्सा पानी के नीचे होता है?"

"क्या हिंदी में हिमशैल के लिए कोई और शब्द भी है?"

Sujets d'écriture

कल्पना कीजिए कि आप एक वैज्ञानिक हैं और एक हिमशैल पर शोध कर रहे हैं। अपना अनुभव लिखें।

हिमशैल का पिघलना हमारे भविष्य को कैसे प्रभावित करेगा? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

एक कहानी लिखें जिसमें एक जहाज और एक रहस्यमयी हिमशैल हो।

क्या 'हिमशैल का सिरा' मुहावरा आपकी जिंदगी की किसी स्थिति पर लागू होता है? वर्णन करें।

प्रकृति की सुंदरता और हिमशैल की विनाशकारी शक्ति के बारे में एक कविता लिखें।

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not in daily household conversation, but it is very common in news, school books, and documentaries. If you are talking about the environment or geography, it is the standard word to use.

It is a masculine noun. Therefore, you should use masculine adjectives like 'बड़ा' (big) and masculine verb forms like 'तैर रहा है' (is floating).

No, that would be incorrect. For an ice cube, use 'बर्फ का टुकड़ा' (piece of ice). 'हिमशैल' is only for massive, mountain-sized ice floating in the ocean.

The most common and idiomatic way is to say 'हिमशैल का सिरा' (himashail ka sira). It is used exactly like the English idiom to describe a small part of a larger problem.

'हिमशैल' is the pure Hindi/Sanskrit word, while 'आइसबर्ग' is the English loanword. 'हिमशैल' is preferred in formal writing and exams.

In the direct case, it remains 'हिमशैल' (e.g., 'दो हिमशैल'). In the oblique case (with postpositions), it becomes 'हिमशैलों' (e.g., 'हिमशैलों का').

It is a compound of two Sanskrit words: 'Him' (snow/ice) and 'Shail' (mountain/rock). It literally means 'ice mountain'.

No. For mountains covered in snow, we use 'हिम-पर्वत' or 'बर्फ से ढका पहाड़'. 'हिमशैल' is specifically for ice floating in water.

Yes, icebergs are made of frozen fresh water, even though they float in salt water. The word 'हिमशैल' covers this scientific reality.

It is 'हिमशैल' with the 'sh' (श) sound. Using 'स' (s) is a common pronunciation error.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi using 'हिमशैल' and 'विशाल'.

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'The iceberg is melting slowly.'

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writing

Explain the idiom 'हिमशैल का सिरा' in your own words in Hindi.

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about the Titanic and the iceberg in Hindi.

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writing

Describe an iceberg's appearance in Hindi.

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Scientists are studying the icebergs.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence about climate change using 'हिमशैल'.

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writing

Create a question in Hindi to ask someone if they have seen an iceberg.

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writing

Use the plural oblique 'हिमशैलों' in a sentence.

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writing

Write an imaginative sentence about a polar bear on an iceberg.

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Icebergs pose a threat to ships.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'हिमशैल' as a metaphor for a secret.

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writing

Describe the color of an iceberg in a poetic way in Hindi.

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writing

Translate: 'The iceberg was hidden in the fog.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the size of an iceberg.

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writing

Use 'पिघलना' and 'हिमशैल' in one sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about the origin of icebergs.

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writing

Translate: 'The sailor spotted an iceberg on the horizon.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the weight of an iceberg.

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writing

Use 'सावधानी' and 'हिमशैल' in a sentence.

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speaking

Describe an iceberg in Hindi using 3 adjectives.

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speaking

Explain why icebergs are dangerous for ships in Hindi.

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speaking

How would you tell someone to look at an iceberg in the distance?

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speaking

Discuss the impact of melting icebergs on the environment in Hindi.

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speaking

Talk about the Titanic tragedy in Hindi using the word 'हिमशैल'.

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speaking

What is the Hindi word for iceberg and its literal meaning?

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speaking

Use 'हिमशैल का सिरा' in a sentence about a problem.

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speaking

Describe the color of an iceberg in Hindi.

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speaking

Where can you find icebergs? Answer in Hindi.

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speaking

Ask a scientist about an iceberg in Hindi.

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speaking

Tell a story about a sailor and an iceberg in 2 sentences.

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speaking

How does global warming affect icebergs? Explain in Hindi.

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speaking

Describe an iceberg underwater in Hindi.

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speaking

What would happen if an iceberg hit a boat? Answer in Hindi.

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speaking

Is an iceberg made of salt water? Explain in Hindi.

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speaking

Which is bigger: an ice cube or an iceberg? Answer in Hindi.

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speaking

Use the word 'विशाल' with 'हिमशैल'.

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speaking

What is the difference between a glacier and an iceberg in Hindi?

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speaking

Can people live on an iceberg? Answer in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'The iceberg is very beautiful' in Hindi.

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listening

Listen to the word: 'हिमशैल'. What does it mean?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Identify the number of syllables in 'हिमशैल'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'विशाल हिमशैल तैर रहा है।' - What is floating?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'हिमशैल का सिरा'। Is this a literal or metaphorical phrase?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'हिमशैल पिघल रहे हैं।' - What is happening to the icebergs?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'जहाज टकरा गया।' - What did the ship hit? (Assume context of iceberg).

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the 'sh' sound in 'हिमशैल'. Is it 's' or 'sh'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'वैज्ञानिक शोध कर रहे हैं।' - What are they researching? (Context: हिमशैल).

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'नीला हिमशैल'। What color is mentioned?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'अंटार्कटिका के हिमशैल'। Where are the icebergs located?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'हिमशैलों का अध्ययन'। Is this singular or plural?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'खतरनाक टक्कर'। What kind of collision was it?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'मीठा पानी'। What is the iceberg made of?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'धुंध में हिमशैल'। Where was the iceberg?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'हिमशैल का टूटना'। What process is described?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

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