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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

कथन

kathan Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces कथन en 30 secondes

Explication कथन in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'कथन' (Kathan) simply as 'what someone said.' Even though it is a formal word, you might see it in very basic grammar books when learning how to quote people. At this stage, you don't need to use it in your own speaking; usually, the word 'baat' (thing/talk) or the verb 'kaha' (said) is enough. However, recognizing it will help you understand that the speaker is talking about a specific sentence or message that was delivered. Imagine someone pointing to a quote on a wall and saying, 'This is a statement.' That is 'Kathan.'

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At the A2 level, you should begin to recognize 'कथन' (Kathan) as a formal noun meaning 'statement.' You will encounter it in simple reading exercises or formal instructions. For example, a teacher might say, 'Read this statement' (Is kathan ko padho). You should know that 'kathan' is masculine, so you say 'mera kathan' (my statement) or 'achha kathan' (good statement). You might also see it in simple 'True or False' exercises where you have to decide if a 'kathan' is 'satya' (true) or 'asatya' (false). It helps you distinguish between casual talking and a specific claim.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'कथन' (Kathan) in more structured contexts. You will see it in news reports or simple articles. You should be able to use it when reporting what an official or a famous person said. Instead of just saying 'Gandhi said...', you can say 'Gandhi ji ka kathan hai ki...' (Gandhi ji's statement is that...). You will also learn the grammatical terms 'Pratyaksh Kathan' (Direct Speech) and 'Apratyaksh Kathan' (Indirect Speech). Understanding this word helps you transition from basic conversational Hindi to a more professional and academic style of communication.

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At the B2 level, 'कथन' (Kathan) becomes a tool for analysis. You will use it to discuss arguments, logical propositions, and literary quotes. You should be comfortable using it in debates to refer back to what someone else said: 'Aapke kathan ke anusar...' (According to your statement...). You will also encounter related words like 'kathanak' (plot) and 'vaktavya' (formal address). At this stage, you should understand the nuance that 'kathan' implies a certain level of responsibility for the words spoken—it is a formal record of someone's position or belief.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'कथन' (Kathan) and its various shades of meaning in different domains. You will use it in complex academic writing, legal discussions, or philosophical analysis. You will understand how it differs from 'bayaan' (testimony), 'ukti' (maxim), and 'vachan' (solemn word). You will be able to analyze the 'kathan-shaili' (style of narration) of different authors. You will also recognize its use in logical syllogisms and formal logic, where 'kathan' serves as a premise. Your usage should reflect an appreciation for the word's Sanskrit roots and its formal weight.

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At the C2 level, you master the stylistic and historical nuances of 'कथन' (Kathan). You can use it to discuss the evolution of narrative techniques in Hindi literature. You are aware of its use in ancient Indian logic (Nyaya Shastra) and its modern legal implications. You can effortlessly switch between 'kathan,' 'abhikathan,' 'upakathan,' and 'parikathan' depending on the exact technical requirement. You use the word to critique the rhetoric of political speeches or the structural integrity of a philosophical argument. To you, 'kathan' is not just a word for a statement, but a fundamental unit of discourse and truth-claiming in the Hindi language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

कथन en 30 secondes

A formal Hindi word for 'statement' or 'assertion'.
Masculine noun, often used in legal, academic, and literary contexts.
Essential for learning grammar (Direct/Indirect Speech).
More serious and structured than the casual word 'baat'.

The Hindi word कथन (Kathan) is a masculine noun primarily translated as 'statement,' 'assertion,' or 'declaration.' While the common word for 'talk' or 'matter' is 'baat' (बात), kathan occupies a more formal and structured space in the Hindi language. It originates from the Sanskrit root 'kath' (कथ्), which means 'to tell,' 'to relate,' or 'to narrate.' In modern usage, it refers to something that is stated clearly, often in a formal, legal, academic, or literary context. When you use kathan, you are not just referring to casual chatter; you are referring to a specific set of words that convey a particular claim or fact.

Formal Context: In legal or official settings, kathan is used to describe a witness's testimony or an official's formal announcement. For example, 'Gawah ka kathan' means 'The witness's statement.'
Literary Context: In literature and grammar, it refers to 'Narration' (Direct and Indirect Speech). Teachers often use the terms 'Pratyaksh Kathan' (Direct Speech) and 'Apratyaksh Kathan' (Indirect Speech).
Logical/Mathematical Context: In logic, a kathan is a proposition or an assertion that can be tested for truth or falsehood. 'Yah kathan satya hai' means 'This statement is true.'

लेखक का कथन बहुत प्रभावशाली था। (The author's statement was very impactful.)

Understanding the weight of kathan is crucial for learners moving from basic to intermediate Hindi. While a beginner might say 'Usne kaha' (He said), an intermediate learner would recognize 'Uska kathan' (His statement) as a way to elevate the register of the conversation. It implies a level of permanence or seriousness that 'baat' lacks. If a politician makes a 'baat,' it might be a casual remark; if they make a kathan, it is a recorded assertion. This word is also frequently found in examination papers where students are asked to 'justify the statement' (kathan ki pushti kijiye).

सत्य कथन ही धर्म है। (Truthful statement itself is righteousness.)

In everyday life, you might encounter kathan in news headlines or academic textbooks. It is rarely used in slang or very informal street talk, where 'bolna' or 'kehna' would suffice. However, if you are discussing a quote by a famous person like Mahatma Gandhi, you would refer to it as 'Mahatma Gandhi ka kathan.' This adds a layer of respect and intellectual depth to your speech. It also appears in compound words like 'Upakathan' (sub-statement) or 'Abhikathan' (allegation/assertion in legal terms).

आपके कथन का क्या प्रमाण है? (What is the evidence for your statement?)

Using कथन (Kathan) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun. This means any adjectives or verbs associated with it must agree with its masculine gender. For instance, you would say 'Mera kathan' (My statement) rather than 'Meri kathan.' Similarly, you would use 'achha kathan' (good statement) or 'lamba kathan' (long statement). Because it is a formal word, it often appears with formal verbs like 'prastut karna' (to present) or 'pushti karna' (to confirm).

Subject Position: When kathan is the subject: 'Yah kathan galat hai' (This statement is wrong). Here, 'kathan' is the focus of the sentence.
Object Position: When kathan is the object: 'Usne apna kathan badal diya' (He changed his statement). The verb 'badal diya' agrees with the masculine 'kathan'.

मंत्री जी ने अपने कथन में सुधार किया। (The minister made a correction in his statement.)

One of the most common ways to use kathan is when citing someone. Instead of saying 'He said that...', which is 'Usne kaha ki...', you can say 'Unka kathan hai ki...' (His statement is that...). This is particularly useful in academic writing or formal debates. It allows the speaker to distance themselves from the claim and attribute it specifically to a source. In competitive exams in India, particularly for Hindi literature or civil services, 'kathan' is used to introduce quotes that need to be analyzed.

विद्वानों के कथन हमेशा तर्कपूर्ण होते हैं। (The statements of scholars are always logical.)

Another sophisticated use is in the context of 'Kathanak' (plot/narrative), which is a derivative. While kathan is a single statement, kathanak is the sequence of statements that form a story. For learners, mastering kathan helps in transitioning from conversational Hindi to 'Shuddh' (pure/formal) Hindi. It is also used in logic puzzles (Syllogisms) where you are given 'Kathan 1' and 'Kathan 2' and asked to draw a conclusion.

क्या आप इस कथन से सहमत हैं? (Do you agree with this statement?)

Direct Speech: 'Pratyaksh Kathan' is the grammatical term for quoting someone's exact words. Example: Ram ne kaha, 'Main ja raha hoon.'
Indirect Speech: 'Apratyaksh Kathan' is the term for reporting what someone said. Example: Ram ne kaha ki vah ja raha hai.

The word कथन (Kathan) is a staple of formal Hindi media and professional environments. If you watch a Hindi news channel like NDTV India or Aaj Tak, you will frequently hear news anchors say, 'Sarkar ka kathan hai ki...' (The government's statement is that...). It provides an objective distance to the reporting. In the courtroom dramas of Bollywood or real-life Indian legal proceedings, the word is indispensable. Lawyers will refer to the 'likhit kathan' (written statement) filed by the parties involved.

पुलिस ने आरोपी का कथन दर्ज किया। (The police recorded the accused's statement.)

In the world of education, specifically in schools and universities across North India, kathan is used in textbooks for subjects ranging from History to Mathematics. In a Math class, a theorem is often introduced as a 'prameya ka kathan' (statement of the theorem). In Hindi Literature classes, students analyze 'Prasiddha kathan' (famous quotes) by poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, or Premchand. If you are attending a seminar or a formal lecture in Hindi, the speaker might say, 'Mere pichle kathan ke anusar...' (According to my previous statement...).

Culturally, kathan is also found in religious discourses (Pravachans). A Guru might say, 'Shastron ka kathan hai...' (The scriptures state...). This gives the statement a divine or authoritative weight. In corporate settings, during a formal presentation or in a company's annual report, you might see 'Adhyaksh ka kathan' (Chairman's statement). It is a word that signals professionalism, authority, and precision.

समाचार पत्र में मुख्यमंत्री का कथन छपा है। (The Chief Minister's statement is printed in the newspaper.)

Interestingly, the word also appears in the context of logical reasoning questions in competitive exams like the UPSC or SSC. Candidates are given 'Kathan aur Nishkarsh' (Statement and Conclusion) problems. Here, kathan is the premise you must accept as true to solve the logic puzzle. This usage highlights the word's role in the intellectual and analytical domains of the Hindi language.

News Media: Used to report official stances: 'Videsh Mantralaya ka kathan' (Foreign Ministry's statement).
Legal Documents: Used in affidavits and testimonies: 'Shapath-patra mein kathan' (Statement in the affidavit).

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Hindi is overusing or underusing कथन (Kathan). Because English uses 'statement' for both bank statements and verbal assertions, learners often try to translate 'bank statement' as 'bank kathan.' This is incorrect. In Hindi, a bank statement is a 'vivran' (विवरण) or simply 'bank statement.' Kathan is strictly for verbal or written assertions and declarations.

गलत: बैंक कथन (Bank Kathan)
सही: बैंक विवरण (Bank Vivran)

Another common error involves gender agreement. As a masculine noun, kathan must be paired with masculine adjectives and verbs. A common mistake is saying 'Yah kathan achhi hai' because the speaker might be thinking of 'baat' (which is feminine). The correct form is 'Yah kathan achha hai.' Similarly, 'uska kathan' is correct, while 'uski kathan' is wrong. Keeping the gender in mind is essential for sounding natural.

Learners also struggle with the distinction between kathan and vaktavya. While both mean statement, vaktavya is often a longer, prepared speech or a formal address, whereas kathan can be a single sentence or assertion. Using 'kathan' when you mean a 20-minute speech might slightly miss the mark. Furthermore, do not confuse kathan with kahani (story). Although they share the same root, they are very different in meaning.

गलत: मेरी कथन सुनो। (Listen to my statement - feminine adjective error)
सही: मेरा कथन सुनो। (Listen to my statement - masculine adjective)

Finally, avoid using kathan as a verb. In English, we can say 'He stated,' but in Hindi, you cannot say 'Usne kathan kiya' as frequently as you would say 'Usne kaha' or 'Usne bayaan diya.' While 'kathan karna' exists in highly formal literature, it is much more common to use kathan as a noun paired with a possessive pronoun (e.g., 'Unka kathan...').

To truly master कथन (Kathan), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Hindi has a rich vocabulary for 'speaking' and 'stating,' each with its own nuance of formality and context. Choosing the right word can change the tone of your sentence from a casual chat to a formal declaration.

बात (Baat): The most common word for 'thing said,' 'matter,' or 'talk.' Use this for 90% of daily conversations. 'Ek baat batao' (Tell me one thing).
बयान (Bayaan): Often used in police and legal contexts. It specifically refers to a testimony or a formal account of events. 'Police ne bayaan liya' (Police took the statement).
वक्तव्य (Vaktavya): A formal address or a detailed statement. It implies a more prepared and elaborate delivery than a simple 'kathan.'
उक्ति (Ukti): A poetic or clever saying/proverb. Often used in literature to describe a well-crafted line. 'Sookti' is a 'good saying' or maxim.

तुलना: 'बात' अनौपचारिक है, जबकि 'कथन' औपचारिक है। (Comparison: 'Baat' is informal, while 'Kathan' is formal.)

When deciding which word to use, consider the 'weight' of the words. If you are quoting a philosopher, use kathan or vachan. If you are telling a friend what someone said about a movie, use baat. If you are reporting a crime, use bayaan. Understanding these boundaries will make your Hindi sound much more authentic and precise.

विद्वान का कथन और साधारण व्यक्ति की बात में अंतर होता है। (There is a difference between a scholar's statement and an ordinary person's talk.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Indian classical dance 'Kathak' gets its name from the same root; it literally means 'one who tells a story through dance.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /kə.t̪ʰən/

US /kə.t̪ʰən/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable 'ka' is slightly more prominent.

Rime avec

जतन (Jatan) वतन (Vatan) गगन (Gagan) पवन (Pavan) मगन (Magan) भवन (Bhavan) चमन (Chaman) दमन (Daman)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'th' as a hard English 'T' (like in 'tank'). It must be the soft dental 'th'.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too weakly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in newspapers and textbooks, easy to recognize once learned.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of masculine gender agreement.

Expression orale 5/5

Rarely used in casual speech; requires practice to use naturally in formal settings.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly pronounced and distinct from other words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

कहना (Kehna) बात (Baat) सत्य (Satya) गलत (Galat) लिखना (Likhna)

Apprends ensuite

वक्तव्य (Vaktavya) बयान (Bayaan) पुष्टि (Pushti) विश्लेषण (Vishleshan) तर्क (Tark)

Avancé

अभिकथन (Abhikathan) कथानक (Kathanak) विरोधाभास (Virodhabhash) प्रासंगिकता (Prasangikta) बहुआयामी (Bahu-ayami)

Grammaire à connaître

Masculine Noun Agreement

'Yah kathan achha hai' (correct) vs 'Yah kathan achhi hai' (incorrect).

Oblique Pluralization

'Kathan' becomes 'Kathanon' when followed by a postposition like 'ko', 'se', or 'mein'.

Direct vs Indirect Speech

Changing 'Ram ne kaha, "Main jaunga"' to 'Ram ne kaha ki vah jayega'.

Possessive 'Ka'

Always use 'ka' (masculine) with kathan: 'Sarkar ka kathan'.

Adjectival Placement

Adjectives like 'mukhya' (main) or 'spasht' (clear) precede the noun: 'Mukhya kathan'.

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Exemples par niveau

यह कथन सत्य है।

This statement is true.

'Kathan' is the subject; 'yah' (this) agrees with its masculine gender.

मेरा कथन सुनो।

Listen to my statement.

'Mera' is the masculine possessive adjective for 'kathan'.

उसका कथन क्या है?

What is his statement?

'Uska' is masculine singular.

यह एक छोटा कथन है।

This is a short statement.

'Chhota' (short) is masculine singular.

राम का कथन पढ़ो।

Read Ram's statement.

'Ka' is the masculine possessive marker.

क्या यह कथन सही है?

Is this statement correct?

'Sahi' (correct) functions as an adjective here.

वह कथन सरल है।

That statement is simple.

'Saral' (simple) is the adjective.

एक नया कथन लिखो।

Write a new statement.

'Naya' (new) is masculine.

शिक्षक ने कथन समझाया।

The teacher explained the statement.

'Samjhaya' is the past tense verb agreeing with the masculine object.

यह कथन बहुत प्रसिद्ध है।

This statement is very famous.

'Prasiddha' (famous) describes the noun 'kathan'.

गांधीजी का कथन याद करो।

Remember Gandhiji's statement.

'Yaad karo' is the imperative verb.

आपके कथन में क्या है?

What is in your statement?

'Aapke' is the formal possessive in the oblique case.

इस कथन को पूरा करो।

Complete this statement.

'Ko' is the object marker; 'is' is the oblique form of 'yah'.

कथन स्पष्ट होना चाहिए।

The statement should be clear.

'Spasht' means clear; 'hona chahiye' means should be.

दो कथनों की तुलना करें।

Compare two statements.

'Kathanon' is the plural oblique form after the number 'do'.

उसने अपना कथन बदल दिया।

He changed his statement.

'Badal diya' is a compound verb.

गवाह ने अपना कथन दर्ज कराया।

The witness got his statement recorded.

'Darj karaya' is a causative verb construction.

लेखक के कथन का विश्लेषण करें।

Analyze the author's statement.

'Vishleshan' means analysis.

यह कथन पूरी तरह से गलत है।

This statement is completely wrong.

'Poori tarah se' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'completely'.

रिपोर्ट में मुख्य कथन क्या है?

What is the main statement in the report?

'Mukhya' means main or primary.

वैज्ञानिकों के कथन पर ध्यान दें।

Pay attention to the statement of the scientists.

'Dhyan dein' is a formal imperative meaning 'pay attention'.

उसका कथन विरोधाभासी है।

His statement is contradictory.

'Virodhabhashi' is an advanced adjective.

कथन की सत्यता की जाँच करें।

Check the truthfulness of the statement.

'Satyata' (truthfulness) is a feminine noun.

यह कथन ऐतिहासिक महत्व का है।

This statement is of historical importance.

'Aitihasik mahatva' means historical importance.

दार्शनिक का कथन गहराई से भरा है।

The philosopher's statement is full of depth.

'Gahrai' (depth) is a feminine noun.

प्रत्यक्ष कथन को अप्रत्यक्ष में बदलें।

Change direct speech into indirect.

Uses technical grammatical terminology.

मंत्री के कथन ने विवाद खड़ा कर दिया।

The minister's statement sparked a controversy.

'Vivad khada kar diya' is an idiomatic expression.

इस कथन की पुष्टि कौन करेगा?

Who will confirm this statement?

'Pushti karna' means to confirm or verify.

तार्किक रूप से यह कथन मान्य नहीं है।

Logically, this statement is not valid.

'Tarkik roop se' means logically.

कथन और तर्क के बीच संबंध देखें।

Look at the relationship between the statement and the logic.

'Sambandh' means relationship.

उसका कथन भावनाओं से प्रेरित था।

His statement was inspired by emotions.

'Prerit' means inspired.

लिखित कथन अधिक विश्वसनीय होता है।

A written statement is more reliable.

'Vishwasniya' means reliable.

इस कथन की व्याख्या बहुआयामी है।

The interpretation of this statement is multi-dimensional.

'Bahu-ayami' means multi-dimensional.

अभिकथन की वैधता पर प्रश्न उठाए गए हैं।

Questions have been raised on the validity of the assertion.

'Abhikathan' is a more formal variant; 'vaidhata' means validity.

कथन की शैली अत्यंत प्रभावशाली है।

The style of the statement is extremely impactful.

'Shaili' (style) is a feminine noun.

यह कथन समाज के दर्पण के समान है।

This statement is like a mirror to society.

Uses a metaphor 'darpan ke saman'.

उपरोक्त कथन की सार्थकता सिद्ध कीजिए।

Prove the relevance of the above statement.

'Sarthakta' means relevance or meaningfulness.

कथन की अंतर्निहित भावनाओं को समझें।

Understand the underlying emotions of the statement.

'Antarnihit' means inherent or underlying.

उनके कथन में विरोधाभास स्पष्ट झलकता है।

The contradiction is clearly reflected in his statement.

'Jhalakta hai' means is reflected.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में कथन का महत्व है।

Statement holds importance in literary criticism.

'Sahityik alochna' means literary criticism.

कथन की संरचना भाषाई बारीकियों को दर्शाती है।

The structure of the statement reflects linguistic nuances.

'Sanrachna' (structure) and 'bariquiyan' (nuances).

यह कथन उत्तर-आधुनिकतावाद की व्याख्या करता है।

This statement explains postmodernism.

High-level academic vocabulary.

कथन की दार्शनिक पृष्ठभूमि अत्यंत जटिल है।

The philosophical background of the statement is extremely complex.

'Prishthabhumi' means background.

क्या यह कथन सार्वभौमिक सत्य को दर्शाता है?

Does this statement reflect a universal truth?

'Sarvabhaumik' means universal.

कथन और कर्म के बीच की खाई को पाटें।

Bridge the gap between statement and action.

An idiomatic usage 'khai ko paatna'.

लेखक का कथन व्यंग्यात्मक लहजे में है।

The author's statement is in a satirical tone.

'Vyangyatmak' means satirical.

कथन की प्रासंगिकता समय के साथ बढ़ी है।

The relevance of the statement has increased with time.

'Prasangikta' means relevance.

यह कथन आत्म-साक्षात्कार का मार्ग प्रशस्त करता है।

This statement paves the way for self-realization.

'Atm-sakshatkar' means self-realization.

Synonymes

वक्तव्य बयान उक्ति वचन अभिकथन टिप्पणी घोषणा संबोधन

Antonymes

मौन चुप्पी अकथनीय इनकार

Collocations courantes

स्पष्ट कथन

झूठा कथन

लिखित कथन

विवादास्पद कथन

प्रसिद्ध कथन

आधिकारिक कथन

तार्किक कथन

अंतिम कथन

विरोधाभासी कथन

सत्य कथन

Phrases Courantes

कथन की पुष्टि करना

— To confirm or verify a statement.

क्या आप इस कथन की पुष्टि कर सकते हैं?

कथन दर्ज करना

— To record a statement, usually by police.

पुलिस ने मेरा कथन दर्ज किया।

कथन के अनुसार

— According to the statement.

कथन के अनुसार, वह वहां नहीं था।

कथन पर टिके रहना

— To stand by one's statement.

वह अपने पुराने कथन पर टिका रहा।

कथन से पीछे हटना

— To retract or back out of a statement.

गवाह अपने कथन से पीछे हट गया।

कथन का अर्थ

— The meaning of the statement.

इस कथन का गहरा अर्थ है।

कथन और निष्कर्ष

— Statement and conclusion (used in logic).

कथन और निष्कर्ष के प्रश्न हल करें।

कथन बदलना

— To change one's statement.

उसने बार-बार अपना कथन बदला।

कथन देना

— To give a statement.

मंत्री जी कल अपना कथन देंगे।

कथन का विश्लेषण

— Analysis of a statement.

कथन का विश्लेषण करना आवश्यक है।

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कथन vs कहानी (Kahani)

Kahani means 'story', while Kathan means 'statement'. They share a root but different meanings.

कथन vs कथनी (Kathni)

Kathni refers to the general act of speaking or 'what one says', often used in the idiom 'kathni aur karni'.

कथन vs बात (Baat)

Baat is the general word for 'thing' or 'talk'; Kathan is the specific, formal 'statement'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"कथनी और करनी में अंतर"

— Difference between what one says and what one does.

उसकी कथनी और करनी में बहुत अंतर है।

Common

"पत्थर की लकीर होना"

— A statement that is unchangeable or absolutely true (metaphorical).

मेरा कथन पत्थर की लकीर है।

Informal

"जुबान का पक्का होना"

— To be a person of one's word (related to statements).

वह अपनी जुबान का पक्का है।

Informal

"बात का धनी होना"

— To be true to one's word.

वह अपनी बात का धनी है।

Literary

"हवा में बातें करना"

— To make statements without basis.

वह केवल हवा में बातें (कथन) करता है।

Informal

"मुँह खोलना"

— To finally make a statement or speak up.

आखिरकार उसने अपना मुँह खोला और कथन दिया।

Informal

"बयान बदलना"

— To flip-flop on a statement.

वह बार-बार अपना बयान बदल रहा है।

Formal

"कोरा आश्वासन"

— An empty statement or promise.

यह कथन केवल एक कोरा आश्वासन था।

Formal

"दो टूक कहना"

— To make a blunt and clear statement.

उसने दो टूक कथन कह दिया।

Informal

"मुहर लगाना"

— To finalize or confirm a statement.

अध्यक्ष ने उसके कथन पर मुहर लगा दी।

Formal

Facile à confondre

कथन vs बयान (Bayaan)

Both mean statement.

Bayaan is Urdu-origin and common in police/legal talk. Kathan is Sanskrit-origin and common in academic/literary talk.

गवाह का बयान (Legal context); लेखक का कथन (Literary context).

कथन vs वचन (Vachan)

Both relate to words spoken.

Vachan implies a promise or a holy word. Kathan is a neutral assertion of fact or opinion.

मेरा वचन पत्थर की लकीर है (Promise); यह कथन सत्य है (Assertion).

कथन vs उक्ति (Ukti)

Both mean a saying.

Ukti is usually a short, pithy, or poetic maxim. Kathan can be any length and is more functional.

यह एक सुंदर उक्ति है (Poetic); पुलिस का कथन (Functional).

कथन vs वक्तव्य (Vaktavya)

Both are formal statements.

Vaktavya is usually a prepared speech or a comprehensive address. Kathan is a single declaration.

मंत्री का वक्तव्य एक घंटे चला (Speech); उनका कथन छोटा था (Statement).

कथन vs विवरण (Vivran)

Both can mean 'account' or 'statement'.

Vivran means 'description' or 'details' (like a bank statement). Kathan is a verbal assertion.

बैंक विवरण (Bank statement); सत्य कथन (True assertion).

Structures de phrases

यह [Adjective] कथन है।

यह सरल कथन है।

[Person] का कथन पढ़ो।

शिक्षक का कथन पढ़ो।

कथन के अनुसार [Sentence].

कथन के अनुसार, वह चोर है।

[Person] ने कथन दर्ज किया।

पुलिस ने कथन दर्ज किया।

कथन की [Noun] की जाँच करें।

कथन की सत्यता की जाँच करें।

क्या आप इस कथन से [Verb] हैं?

क्या आप इस कथन से सहमत हैं?

कथन का [Abstract Noun] स्पष्ट है।

कथन का विरोधाभास स्पष्ट है।

कथन [Adjective] दृष्टिकोण को दर्शाता है।

कथन रूढ़िवादी दृष्टिकोण को दर्शाता है।

Famille de mots

Noms

कथक (Kathak - a storyteller/dance form)

कथानक (Kathanak - plot/narrative)

कथा (Katha - story)

कथनी (Kathni - speech/what is said)

Verbes

कहना (Kehna - to say)

कथना (Kathna - to narrate, archaic)

Adjectifs

कथित (Kathit - alleged/stated)

अकथ (Akath - unspeakable)

कथ्य (Kathya - worth saying/subject matter)

Apparenté

उपख्यान (Upakhyan)

वार्ता (Varta)

भाषण (Bhashan)

वचन (Vachan)

संवाद (Samvad)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in formal writing and news; low in daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Kathan' for bank statements. → बैंक विवरण (Bank Vivran)
'Kathan' is for verbal/written assertions, not financial summaries.
Saying 'Uski kathan' (Feminine possessive). → Uska kathan (Masculine)
'Kathan' is a masculine noun, so it requires 'uska'.
Using 'Kathan' in casual chat with friends. → Baat (बात)
'Kathan' sounds too stiff and formal for a casual coffee chat.
Confusing 'Kathan' with 'Kahani'. → Kathan = Statement, Kahani = Story
They share a root but 'Kahani' is a narrative tale, while 'Kathan' is a single assertion.
Pronouncing 'Kathan' with a hard 'T'. → Use soft dental 'th'.
A hard 'T' (like in 'Tom') changes the sound and makes it harder for natives to understand.

Astuces

Elevate Your Writing

Replace 'baat' with 'kathan' in your formal Hindi essays to immediately sound more authoritative and educated.

Gender Check

Always double-check that your adjectives match 'kathan's' masculine gender. Avoid 'meri kathan' at all costs.

Learn the Family

Learn 'Katha' (story) and 'Kathak' (dance) alongside 'Kathan' to remember the shared root of 'telling'.

Logic Puzzles

If you are preparing for Indian exams, familiarize yourself with 'Kathan aur Tark' (Statement and Logic) sections.

Quotes

When quoting a famous Indian leader, use 'Unka kathan hai...' to show respect and cultural awareness.

Legal Context

Remember that 'Bayaan' is more common in police reports, but 'Kathan' is used in formal court documents.

The 'Th' Sound

Practice the dental 'th' in 'Kathan'. It's like the 'th' in 'thin' but with the tongue touching the teeth.

Captain's Statement

Use the 'Captain' mnemonic to remember that a 'Kathan' is a formal declaration.

News Media

Read Hindi news headlines; you will see 'Kathan' used to report official government stances.

Formal Introductions

Start a formal talk with 'Mera pahla kathan yah hai...' (My first statement is this...) for a structured approach.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

'Kathan' sounds a bit like 'Captain'. Imagine a Captain making a formal 'Statement' on his ship.

Association visuelle

Visualize a formal document with a large wax seal—that is a 'Kathan.'

Word Web

Statement Assertion Direct Speech Testimony Quote Proposition Narrative Declaration

Défi

Try to use 'Kathan' instead of 'Baat' three times today in a formal context.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'कथ्' (kath), which means to tell, narrate, or describe.

Sens originel : The act of telling or the content of what is told.

Indo-Aryan

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but using it in very informal settings might make you sound arrogant or stiff.

In English, 'statement' can be a bank document, but in Hindi, 'Kathan' is strictly verbal/written assertions.

'Satyamev Jayate' is a famous kathan (Upanishadic statement). 'Swaraj is my birthright' - Tilak's kathan. Premchand's stories often analyze the 'kathan' of the poor.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Legal Case

कथन दर्ज करना (Record statement)
शपथ पत्र पर कथन (Statement on affidavit)
झूठा कथन (False statement)
लिखित कथन (Written statement)

Grammar Class

प्रत्यक्ष कथन (Direct speech)
अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (Indirect speech)
कथन बदलो (Change the speech)
कथन की पहचान (Identify the statement)

Academic Research

कथन का विश्लेषण (Analyze statement)
कथन की सत्यता (Truth of statement)
उपरोक्त कथन (Above statement)
तार्किक कथन (Logical statement)

News Reporting

आधिकारिक कथन (Official statement)
मंत्री का कथन (Minister's statement)
कथन जारी करना (To issue a statement)
विवादास्पद कथन (Controversial statement)

Philosophy/Literature

प्रसिद्ध कथन (Famous quote)
दार्शनिक कथन (Philosophical statement)
कथन की गहराई (Depth of statement)
कथन शैली (Narrative style)

Amorces de conversation

"इस कथन के बारे में आपकी क्या राय है? (What is your opinion about this statement?)"

"क्या आप इस प्रसिद्ध कथन का अर्थ जानते हैं? (Do you know the meaning of this famous statement?)"

"पुलिस ने आपका कथन कब दर्ज किया? (When did the police record your statement?)"

"इस कथन की सत्यता पर आपको संदेह क्यों है? (Why do you doubt the truth of this statement?)"

"क्या यह कथन आज के समय में प्रासंगिक है? (Is this statement relevant in today's time?)"

Sujets d'écriture

आज आपने कौन सा प्रभावशाली कथन पढ़ा? (What impactful statement did you read today?)

अपने जीवन के एक ऐसे कथन के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपको प्रेरित किया। (Write about a statement in your life that inspired you.)

क्या कथनी और करनी में अंतर होना चाहिए? अपने विचार लिखें। (Should there be a difference between words and actions? Write your thoughts.)

किसी विवादास्पद कथन पर अपनी प्रतिक्रिया लिखें। (Write your reaction to a controversial statement.)

एक काल्पनिक कहानी लिखें जिसमें एक कथन सब कुछ बदल देता है। (Write a fictional story where one statement changes everything.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Kathan' is a masculine noun. Therefore, you must use masculine markers like 'ka', 'mera', and 'achha' with it. For example, 'Mera kathan' (My statement).

No, for a bank statement, the correct word is 'विवरण' (Vivran). 'Kathan' is only for verbal or written assertions and declarations.

'Baat' is informal and used for any general matter or talk. 'Kathan' is formal and refers to a specific, structured statement or quote.

'Direct Speech' is called 'Pratyaksh Kathan' (प्रत्यक्ष कथन) in Hindi grammar.

Rarely. It is mostly found in news, textbooks, legal documents, and formal speeches. In daily life, people prefer 'baat' or 'kehna'.

It comes from the Sanskrit root 'kath' (कथ्), which means to tell or narrate.

It means 'Statement and Conclusion,' a common topic in logical reasoning and competitive exams.

No, 'Katha' (कथा) means story. 'Kathan' specifically means the act of stating or the statement itself.

In the direct case, it remains 'Kathan'. In the oblique case (with postpositions), it becomes 'Kathanon'.

Yes, especially in courtroom scenes where a lawyer might say 'Gawah ka kathan suniye' (Listen to the witness's statement).

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