समान
समान en 30 secondes
- Means similar or equal.
- Used for physical and abstract equality.
- Often paired with 'के' (ke).
- Do not confuse with 'सामान' (luggage).
The Hindi word समान (pronounced as 'sa-maan') is a highly versatile and essential adjective in the Hindi language, primarily translating to 'similar', 'equal', 'alike', or 'identical' in English. Rooted deeply in Sanskrit etymology, this word carries a significant conceptual weight that spans across various domains of daily life, academic discourse, mathematical formulations, and philosophical discussions. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this word is crucial for any Hindi learner aiming to achieve fluency and cultural competence. At its core, the word signifies a state of parity or equivalence between two or more entities. This equivalence can be physical, abstract, quantitative, or qualitative. When we say two things are 'samaan', we are asserting that they share fundamental characteristics that make them indistinguishable in a specific context, or that they hold the exact same value, status, or importance. The beauty of this word lies in its ability to adapt to the noun it modifies and the context in which it is deployed. For instance, in a visual context, it denotes resemblance; in a legal or social context, it denotes equal rights or status; and in a mathematical context, it denotes equal numerical value.
- Physical Similarity
- When referring to physical objects, it means they look alike or share the same physical attributes such as size, shape, or color. This is often used when comparing twins, manufactured goods, or architectural designs.
ये दोनों चित्र बिल्कुल समान हैं। (These two pictures are exactly similar.)
Beyond physical resemblance, the concept extends into the realm of abstract equality. This is particularly prevalent in discussions concerning social justice, law, and human rights. The phrase 'समान अधिकार' (equal rights) is a cornerstone of democratic discourse in India. Here, the word transcends mere visual similarity and enters the territory of moral and legal equivalence. It asserts that despite physical or circumstantial differences, individuals hold the same intrinsic value and are entitled to the same treatment and opportunities under the law. This usage highlights the word's power to convey profound ethical principles.
- Abstract Equality
- In abstract contexts, it refers to parity in status, rights, opportunities, or treatment. It is the foundation of concepts like gender equality and social justice.
सभी नागरिकों को समान अवसर मिलने चाहिए। (All citizens should get equal opportunities.)
Furthermore, in the fields of mathematics and science, the word is employed to denote exact numerical or quantitative equivalence. When solving an equation, the left side and the right side are said to be 'samaan'. This precise, unambiguous usage contrasts with the slightly more flexible usage in everyday conversation where it might just mean 'very similar' rather than '100% identical'. The context usually dictates the degree of exactness implied. If a tailor says two pieces of cloth are 'samaan', he means they match well enough for a garment. If a mathematician says two angles are 'samaan', they mean they measure the exact same number of degrees.
- Mathematical Equivalence
- Used to indicate that two quantities, values, or measurements are exactly the same. It is the Hindi equivalent of the 'equals' sign in mathematics.
त्रिभुज की दोनों भुजाएं समान हैं। (Both sides of the triangle are equal.)
To fully grasp the meaning, one must also understand its emotional and psychological applications. People often use it to express shared feelings or mutual experiences. Saying 'हमारी सोच समान है' (Our thinking is similar) builds a bridge of connection between individuals. It implies harmony, alignment, and a lack of conflict. In a diverse society like India, finding 'समानता' (equality/similarity) among various cultural, linguistic, and religious groups is a recurring theme in literature and public speech. Therefore, the word is not just a descriptive adjective; it is a conceptual tool used to forge connections, demand justice, and describe the fundamental order of the physical and abstract world. Its ubiquitous presence in both formal Hindi and colloquial speech makes it an indispensable part of a learner's vocabulary arsenal.
हम दोनों की पसंद बिल्कुल समान है। (Both of our choices are exactly similar.)
कानून की नजर में सब समान हैं। (Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.)
Mastering the usage of the word समान requires an understanding of Hindi sentence structure, specifically how adjectives interact with nouns and postpositions. Unlike English, where adjectives typically precede the noun they modify, Hindi adjectives can appear both attributively (before the noun) and predicatively (after the noun, before the verb). When used attributively, it directly modifies the noun, as in 'समान रंग' (similar color) or 'समान आकार' (equal size). In these cases, it behaves like a standard adjective, describing the inherent quality of the noun. However, its most frequent and perhaps most important usage for learners is in comparative structures, where it functions predicatively to establish a relationship of similarity or equality between two distinct entities. This is where the postposition 'के' (ke) becomes absolutely critical. The structure '[Noun 1] + [Noun 2] + के समान + है' is the standard formula for expressing 'Noun 1 is similar to Noun 2'.
- Comparative Structure
- To compare two things, use the postposition 'के' before 'समान'. This translates to 'like' or 'similar to'.
उसका चेहरा चाँद के समान सुंदर है। (Her face is beautiful like the moon.)
This comparative structure is incredibly versatile. It can be used for poetic comparisons, as seen in the example above, or for mundane, everyday observations. It is important to note that when used in this way, 'के समान' functions almost like a compound postposition. It dictates the relationship between the subject and the object of comparison. Another crucial grammatical aspect is its transformation into an adverb. By adding the phrase 'रूप से' (roop se), which means 'in a manner' or 'in a form', we create the adverbial phrase 'समान रूप से' (samaan roop se), meaning 'equally' or 'similarly'. This is used to describe how an action is performed or how a state is distributed among multiple subjects. For example, if a teacher distributes sweets equally among students, or if a law applies equally to all citizens, this adverbial form is the correct choice.
- Adverbial Usage
- By adding 'रूप से' (roop se), it becomes an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'uniformly'.
यह नियम सभी पर समान रूप से लागू होता है। (This rule applies equally to everyone.)
Furthermore, the word can be modified by prefixes to create antonyms or related concepts. The most common prefix is 'अ' (a), which negates the meaning, creating the word 'असमान' (asamaan), meaning 'unequal' or 'dissimilar'. This is frequently used when discussing disparities, such as 'असमान आय' (unequal income) or 'असमान वितरण' (unequal distribution). Understanding these morphological variations expands your vocabulary exponentially. You can also form abstract nouns from it. By adding the suffix 'ता' (taa), you get 'समानता' (samaantaa), which translates to 'equality' or 'similarity'. This noun form is essential for discussing abstract concepts, writing essays, or engaging in debates. Therefore, learning how to use this word involves not just knowing its direct translation, but understanding its role in comparative structures, its adverbial transformations, and its morphological derivatives.
- Noun Formation
- Adding the suffix 'ता' (taa) creates the abstract noun 'समानता' (equality/similarity).
समाज में समानता लाना बहुत ज़रूरी है। (Bringing equality in society is very important.)
इन दोनों कहानियों में बहुत समानता है। (There is a lot of similarity in these two stories.)
उनकी आय असमान है। (Their income is unequal.)
The word समान is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world, permeating various layers of communication from casual daily conversations to highly formal, academic, and political discourse. Its presence is a testament to the fundamental human need to compare, contrast, and establish equivalence. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the realm of politics, news media, and social activism. India, being a massive democracy with a complex social fabric, constantly grapples with issues of rights, representation, and justice. In this context, phrases like 'समान अधिकार' (equal rights), 'समान अवसर' (equal opportunity), and 'समान नागरिक संहिता' (Uniform Civil Code) are frequently used by politicians, journalists, and activists. When reading a Hindi newspaper or watching a news broadcast, you are almost guaranteed to hear this word in debates concerning gender equality, caste discrimination, or economic disparity. It serves as a powerful rhetorical tool to advocate for fairness and parity.
- Political and Social Discourse
- Frequently used in news and politics to discuss equal rights, uniform laws, and social justice initiatives.
नेता ने सभी के लिए समान शिक्षा की मांग की। (The leader demanded equal education for all.)
Moving away from the socio-political sphere, the word is also a staple in educational settings, particularly in mathematics and science classrooms. Teachers and textbooks use it to explain concepts of equivalence, geometry, and algebraic equations. When a teacher explains that two angles of an isosceles triangle are equal, they will use this word. When balancing a chemical equation, the concept of equality on both sides is expressed using it. This academic usage requires a precise understanding of the word, as it denotes absolute, quantifiable equivalence rather than just a general similarity. Students learn early on that in the context of a math problem, 'samaan' means there is zero difference in value. This highlights the word's capacity for both broad, qualitative description and strict, quantitative definition.
- Educational Contexts
- A core vocabulary word in mathematics and science to denote equal values, measurements, or balanced equations.
समीकरण के दोनों पक्ष समान होने चाहिए। (Both sides of the equation must be equal.)
In everyday, casual conversation, you will hear it used to point out similarities between people, objects, or situations. For example, if two friends buy the exact same shirt, they might remark on how their choices are 'samaan'. If someone is recounting a story that sounds very similar to an experience you had, you might say the situations were 'samaan'. It is also heavily used in poetic and literary contexts to draw comparisons, often using the 'के समान' structure to create similes. Hindi poetry and song lyrics frequently compare a lover's beauty to the moon or a flower using this structure. Furthermore, in spiritual and philosophical contexts, such as discussions around the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of 'समभाव' (samabhaav - equal vision or equanimity) is central, and the root word is frequently employed to describe treating all beings, or all outcomes (success and failure), with an equal mind. Thus, whether you are listening to a fiery political speech, a dry mathematics lecture, a romantic Bollywood song, or a profound spiritual discourse, this word will undoubtedly make an appearance, proving its indispensable role in the Hindi language.
- Everyday Comparisons
- Used casually to point out that two things look alike, taste alike, or function in the same way.
इन दोनों मोबाइलों के फीचर्स लगभग समान हैं। (The features of both these mobiles are almost similar.)
वह अपने पिता के समान दिखता है। (He looks similar to his father.)
सुख और दुख को समान समझना चाहिए। (One should consider happiness and sorrow as equal.)
When learning Hindi, encountering pitfalls is a natural part of the process, and the word समान is notorious for causing a very specific and highly common error among beginners and even intermediate learners. The absolute most frequent mistake is confusing it with the word 'सामान' (saamaan). The difference in pronunciation and spelling is minute—just one extra vertical line (the 'aa' matra) on the first consonant 'स' (sa). However, the difference in meaning is massive. 'समान' (samaan) with a short 'a' on the first syllable means 'similar' or 'equal'. 'सामान' (saamaan) with a long 'aa' on the first syllable means 'luggage', 'goods', 'stuff', or 'materials'. Mixing these two up can lead to highly comical or confusing sentences. Imagine trying to say 'We have equal rights' and accidentally saying 'We have luggage rights', or trying to say 'Where is my luggage?' and asking 'Where is my equal?'. This phonetic trap requires careful attention to vowel length, a concept that can be challenging for speakers of languages where vowel length does not change the meaning of a word.
- The Luggage Confusion
- Confusing 'समान' (similar/equal) with 'सामान' (luggage/goods) due to the slight difference in the first vowel sound.
Incorrect: मेरा समान कहाँ है? (Where is my equal? - Intended: Where is my luggage?)
Another common grammatical mistake involves the incorrect use of postpositions when forming comparisons. As discussed earlier, to say 'similar to', the correct structure is 'के समान' (ke samaan). Learners often mistakenly use 'से' (se), which means 'from' or 'than', because they are translating directly from English structures like 'different from' or trying to use the comparative degree structure. Saying 'वह मुझ से समान है' (He is similar from me) is grammatically incorrect in Hindi. The relationship of similarity requires the genitive postposition 'के' (ke) to link the subject to the object of comparison. It is helpful to think of 'के समान' as a single, indivisible unit meaning 'like' or 'in the likeness of'. Breaking this unit or substituting the postposition disrupts the grammatical logic of the sentence.
- Incorrect Postposition
- Using 'से' (se) instead of 'के' (ke) when making comparisons. It must always be 'के समान'.
Incorrect: यह घर उस घर से समान है। (Correct: यह घर उस घर के समान है।)
Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with choosing between 'समान' and its more colloquial synonym 'एक जैसा' (ek jaisa). While both mean 'similar', 'समान' carries a slightly more formal, precise, or abstract tone. Using 'समान' in a very casual context to describe, say, two identical cups of tea, might sound a bit overly formal or bookish to a native speaker, who would likely prefer 'एक जैसा'. Conversely, using 'एक जैसा' in a formal essay discussing constitutional rights ('एक जैसा अधिकार' instead of 'समान अधिकार') sounds unrefined and lacks the necessary gravitas. Understanding the register—the level of formality—is crucial. 'समान' belongs comfortably in both formal writing and polite conversation, but knowing when to swap it for a colloquial alternative demonstrates a higher level of fluency and cultural awareness. Finally, failing to use the adverbial form 'समान रूप से' (samaan roop se) when describing an action is a frequent error. Learners might just use the adjective form, saying 'उसने समान बाँटा' instead of the correct 'उसने समान रूप से बाँटा' (He distributed equally).
- Register Mismatch
- Using the formal 'समान' for trivial everyday similarities where 'एक जैसा' would sound more natural, or vice versa.
Awkward: मेरे पास तुम्हारे समान पेन है। (Better: मेरे पास तुम्हारे जैसा पेन है।)
Incorrect Adverb: शिक्षक ने सबको समान देखा। (Correct: शिक्षक ने सबको समान रूप से देखा।)
Correct usage: भारत में सभी धर्मों का समान आदर होता है। (In India, all religions are equally respected.)
The Hindi language is rich with synonyms, drawing from both its Sanskrit roots and its historical interactions with Persian and Arabic. Consequently, the concept expressed by समान can be articulated using several other words, each carrying its own subtle nuance, register, and preferred context. Understanding these similar words is key to expanding your vocabulary and speaking with precision. The most prominent synonym is 'बराबर' (barabar). Originating from Persian, 'बराबर' is incredibly common in spoken Hindi and Urdu. It translates directly to 'equal', 'level', or 'even'. While 'समान' often leans towards 'similar' or 'identical in nature', 'बराबर' strongly emphasizes exact quantitative equality or physical levelness. If you are splitting a bill at a restaurant, you split it 'barabar'. If two teams score the same number of goals, the score is 'barabar'. While you can say 'समान अधिकार' (equal rights), saying 'बराबर का अधिकार' is also perfectly acceptable and very common in everyday speech. However, 'समान' retains a slightly more formal and constitutional flavor.
- बराबर (Barabar)
- A very common Persian-derived word meaning 'equal' or 'level'. It is preferred in contexts involving quantities, measurements, or scores.
दोनों भाइयों को बराबर हिस्सा मिला। (Both brothers got an equal share.)
Another highly frequent alternative is the phrase 'एक जैसा' (ek jaisa) or 'एक समान' (ek samaan). 'एक जैसा' literally translates to 'like one' and is the go-to phrase for expressing visual or qualitative similarity in casual, everyday conversation. If you want to say two dresses look alike, or two movies have a similar plot, 'एक जैसा' is the most natural choice. It is less formal than 'समान' and doesn't carry the heavy connotations of mathematical or legal equality. It simply means 'looking or feeling the same'. 'एक समान', on the other hand, is an emphatic version of 'समान', meaning 'exactly equal' or 'uniformly the same'. It is often used to stress that there is absolutely no difference between the items being compared.
- एक जैसा (Ek Jaisa)
- The most common colloquial phrase for 'similar' or 'alike', primarily used for physical appearance or general characteristics.
ये दोनों जुड़वां बच्चे बिल्कुल एक जैसे दिखते हैं। (These two twins look exactly alike.)
For more advanced learners encountering literary or highly formal Hindi, words like 'तुल्य' (tulya) and 'सदृश' (sadrish) are important to recognize. 'तुल्य' means 'equivalent' or 'comparable to' and is often used in academic or technical writing. It implies that two things hold the same weight or value, even if they are not identical in form. 'सदृश' means 'resembling' or 'looking like' and is highly formal, mostly found in literature or poetry. It focuses purely on visual or characteristic resemblance. While you might not use these words in daily conversation, recognizing them will greatly enhance your reading comprehension. Finally, the prefix 'सम-' (sam-) is derived from the same Sanskrit root and is used to form many compound words related to equality, such as 'समकालीन' (contemporary - of the same time) or 'समकोण' (right angle - equal angle). Understanding this root helps decode a vast array of advanced vocabulary.
- तुल्य (Tulya) & सदृश (Sadrish)
- Highly formal Sanskrit-derived synonyms. 'तुल्य' means equivalent in value, while 'सदृश' means resembling in appearance.
यह मुद्रा सोने के तुल्य है। (This currency is equivalent to gold.)
उसका व्यवहार एक संत के सदृश है। (His behavior is resembling that of a saint.)
हमें सबको एक समान समझना चाहिए। (We should consider everyone exactly equal.)
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Use of postpositions for comparison (के समान).
Formation of adverbs using 'रूप से' (समान रूप से).
Formation of abstract nouns using suffix 'ता' (समानता).
Use of prefixes for negation (असमान).
Attributive vs. Predicative use of adjectives.
Exemples par niveau
ये दोनों रंग समान हैं।
These two colors are similar.
Basic predicative use of the adjective.
क्या यह समान है?
Is this equal/similar?
Interrogative sentence structure.
यह समान नहीं है।
This is not similar.
Negative sentence structure.
दोनों चित्र समान हैं।
Both pictures are similar.
Using 'दोनों' (both) with the adjective.
वे समान दिखते हैं।
They look similar.
Used with the verb 'दिखना' (to look/appear).
सब समान है।
Everything is equal/fine.
Used as a general statement of parity.
यह आकार समान है।
This shape is similar.
Modifying a specific noun (आकार - shape).
मुझे समान चीज़ चाहिए।
I want a similar thing.
Attributive use before a noun.
मेरा घर तुम्हारे घर के समान है।
My house is similar to your house.
Using the comparative structure 'के समान'.
यह कहानी उस कहानी के समान है।
This story is similar to that story.
Comparing abstract concepts (stories).
दोनों का मूल्य समान है।
The price of both is equal.
Expressing equality in value.
उसने सबको समान रूप से मिठाई दी।
He gave sweets to everyone equally.
Using the adverbial form 'समान रूप से'.
क्या इन दोनों में कोई समान बात है?
Is there any similar thing between these two?
Using 'समान' as an attributive adjective in a question.
उसका स्वभाव मेरी माँ के समान है।
Her nature is similar to my mother's.
Comparing personality traits.
हम दोनों की उम्र समान है।
Our ages are equal.
Expressing equality in age.
यह रास्ता उस रास्ते के समान लंबा है।
This path is as long as that path.
Using 'के समान' with another adjective (लंबा - long).
संविधान सभी नागरिकों को समान अधिकार देता है।
The constitution gives equal rights to all citizens.
Collocation: समान अधिकार (equal rights).
पुरुषों और महिलाओं को समान वेतन मिलना चाहिए।
Men and women should get equal pay.
Collocation: समान वेतन (equal pay).
समाज में समानता लाना हमारा लक्ष्य है।
Bringing equality to society is our goal.
Using the abstract noun 'समानता'.
यह अवसर सबके लिए समान रूप से उपलब्ध है।
This opportunity is equally available to everyone.
Adverbial use in a formal context.
उनके विचार एक दूसरे के बिल्कुल समान हैं।
Their thoughts are exactly similar to each other.
Using 'बिल्कुल' (exactly) for emphasis.
हमें अमीर और गरीब को समान दृष्टि से देखना चाहिए।
We should view the rich and the poor with an equal perspective.
Idiomatic phrase: समान दृष्टि से देखना (to view equally).
इस समस्या का कोई समान समाधान नहीं है।
There is no similar solution to this problem.
Using 'समान' to mean 'equivalent' or 'comparable'.
दोनों देशों की संस्कृति में बहुत सी बातें समान हैं।
Many things are similar in the cultures of both countries.
Expressing shared characteristics.
गणित में, जब दो समीकरण समान होते हैं, तो उन्हें हल किया जा सकता है।
In mathematics, when two equations are equal, they can be solved.
Usage in an academic/mathematical context.
समान नागरिक संहिता पर देश में बहस चल रही है।
A debate is going on in the country regarding the Uniform Civil Code.
Specific political terminology: समान नागरिक संहिता.
कंपनी ने सभी कर्मचारियों के लिए समान नीतियां लागू की हैं।
The company has implemented uniform policies for all employees.
Using 'समान' to mean 'uniform' or 'standardized'.
विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी उसका मन समान रहा।
Even in adverse circumstances, his mind remained equanimous.
Expressing emotional equanimity or stability.
यह दवा उस दवा के समान ही प्रभावी है।
This medicine is equally effective as that medicine.
Complex comparative structure with 'ही' for emphasis.
असमानता को दूर करने के लिए समान अवसर प्रदान करना आवश्यक है।
To remove inequality, it is necessary to provide equal opportunities.
Using both the antonym (असमानता) and the collocation (समान अवसर).
लेखक ने दोनों पात्रों को समान महत्व दिया है।
The author has given equal importance to both characters.
Collocation: समान महत्व (equal importance).
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर सभी संप्रभु राष्ट्र समान माने जाते हैं।
At the international level, all sovereign nations are considered equal.
Passive voice construction with 'माने जाते हैं'.
गीता में समभाव या सभी को समान समझने की शिक्षा दी गई है।
The Gita teaches equanimity or considering everyone as equal.
Philosophical context linking 'समान' to 'समभाव'.
इन दो दार्शनिक विचारधाराओं में ऊपरी तौर पर भिन्नता है, परंतु मूल रूप से ये समान हैं।
There is a superficial difference between these two philosophical ideologies, but fundamentally they are similar.
Complex sentence contrasting superficial difference with fundamental similarity.
कवि ने नायिका के मुख की तुलना चंद्रमा के समान की है, जो एक पारंपरिक उपमा है।
The poet has compared the heroine's face to the moon, which is a traditional simile.
Literary analysis context discussing similes (उपमा).
न्यायपालिका का कर्तव्य है कि वह सुनिश्चित करे कि कानून का संरक्षण सभी को समान रूप से प्राप्त हो।
It is the duty of the judiciary to ensure that the protection of the law is available to all equally.
Formal legal discourse.
आर्थिक विकास के लाभ समाज के सभी वर्गों में समान रूप से वितरित नहीं हुए हैं।
The benefits of economic development have not been distributed equally among all sections of society.
Socio-economic analysis.
यद्यपि दोनों भाषाओं की लिपियाँ अलग हैं, उनका व्याकरणिक ढांचा काफी हद तक समान है।
Although the scripts of both languages are different, their grammatical structure is largely similar.
Linguistic comparison.
प्रकृति के समक्ष राजा और रंक दोनों समान हैं।
Before nature, both the king and the pauper are equal.
Proverbial/philosophical statement.
इस शोध पत्र का उद्देश्य दो समान प्रतीत होने वाली घटनाओं के बीच के सूक्ष्म अंतर को स्पष्ट करना है।
The objective of this research paper is to clarify the subtle difference between two seemingly similar events.
Academic writing context.
अद्वैत वेदांत के अनुसार, आत्मा और परमात्मा तात्विक दृष्टि से समान हैं।
According to Advaita Vedanta, the soul and the supreme soul are ontologically identical.
Deep philosophical/theological discourse.
संविधान की प्रस्तावना में निहित 'समानता' का सिद्धांत केवल औपचारिक नहीं, बल्कि तात्विक समानता की मांग करता है।
The principle of 'equality' enshrined in the preamble of the constitution demands not just formal, but substantive equality.
Advanced constitutional law analysis.
साहित्यिक आलोचना में, यह देखना दिलचस्प है कि कैसे लेखक ने दो सर्वथा भिन्न परिवेशों में समान मानवीय संवेदनाओं को उकेरा है।
In literary criticism, it is interesting to see how the author has depicted similar human sensibilities in two entirely different settings.
High-level literary criticism.
क्वांटम भौतिकी में, कुछ कणों की अवस्थाएं इतनी समान होती हैं कि उन्हें एक दूसरे से अलग नहीं किया जा सकता।
In quantum physics, the states of some particles are so identical that they cannot be distinguished from one another.
Advanced scientific context.
यह तर्क कि वैश्वीकरण सभी के लिए समान अवसर लाता है, एक भ्रामक सरलीकरण है।
The argument that globalization brings equal opportunities for all is a deceptive oversimplification.
Critical socio-economic commentary.
शास्त्रीय संगीत में, दो रागों के आरोह-अवरोह समान हो सकते हैं, परंतु उनका चलन उन्हें विशिष्ट बनाता है।
In classical music, the ascending and descending notes of two ragas might be similar, but their progression makes them distinct.
Specialized cultural/musical terminology.
कानूनी विमर्श में, 'समान के साथ समान व्यवहार' का सिद्धांत न्यायशास्त्र का एक मूलभूत स्तंभ है।
In legal discourse, the principle of 'treating equals equally' is a fundamental pillar of jurisprudence.
Jurisprudential principle.
मानव अधिकारों की सार्वभौम घोषणा इस निर्विवाद सत्य पर आधारित है कि सभी मनुष्य जन्म से स्वतंत्र और गरिमा तथा अधिकारों में समान हैं।
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is based on the indisputable truth that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Formal international human rights language.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
While 'समान' is invariable and doesn't change for gender or number, the postposition 'के' in 'के समान' is also fixed. Do not change it to 'की समान' or 'का समान' regardless of the noun's gender.
- Saying 'सामान' (luggage) instead of 'समान' (equal) due to vowel length.
- Using 'से समान' instead of 'के समान' for comparisons.
- Forgetting to use 'रूप से' when an adverb is needed (saying 'समान बाँटा' instead of 'समान रूप से बाँटा').
- Changing 'के समान' to 'की समान' for feminine nouns (it must always be 'के').
- Using the formal 'समान' in very casual situations where 'एक जैसा' is more appropriate.
Astuces
Short 'A' Sound
Ensure the first 'a' in 'sa-maan' is short. If you elongate it to 'saa-maan', you are saying 'luggage'. Practice saying 'sa' quickly and 'maan' with a slightly longer 'aa'.
The 'Ke' Rule
When comparing two things, always use 'के' before 'समान'. Think of 'के समान' as a single block meaning 'like' or 'similar to'. Never use 'से समान'.
Noun Conversion
Add 'ता' (taa) to the end to make it a noun: समानता (Equality). This is very useful for writing essays or discussing social issues.
Abstract vs Physical
Use 'समान' confidently for abstract concepts like rights (अधिकार) and opportunities (अवसर). For physical objects in casual chat, 'एक जैसा' might sound more natural.
Adding 'Roop Se'
If you want to say an action was done 'equally', use 'समान रूप से' (samaan roop se). Example: Treat everyone equally = सबको समान रूप से समझो।
The 'A' Prefix
To say 'unequal', just add 'अ' (a) to the beginning: असमान (asamaan). This is much better than saying 'समान नहीं' (not equal).
Political Discourse
If you are reading Hindi news, look out for 'समान नागरिक संहिता' (Uniform Civil Code). It's a major topic where this word is central.
Using Barabar
Don't be afraid to use 'बराबर' (barabar) instead of 'समान' when talking about dividing things, like splitting a bill or sharing food.
Learn Chunks
Learn the word in chunks: 'समान अधिकार' (equal rights), 'समान वेतन' (equal pay). This helps with fluency more than learning the word in isolation.
English Connection
Remember that 'samaan' and the English word 'same' come from the exact same ancient Indo-European root. They are linguistic cousins!
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'SAMe' and 'SAMAAN'. They sound similar and mean the same thing!
Origine du mot
Sanskrit
Contexte culturel
No specific taboos, but using 'असमान' (unequal) to describe people can be sensitive depending on context.
Using 'समान' instead of 'एक जैसा' in formal settings shows respect and education.
In Urdu-heavy areas, 'बराबर' (barabar) is often preferred in spoken language over 'समान'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज में सबको समान अवसर मिलते हैं?"
"आपके और आपके भाई के स्वभाव में क्या समान है?"
"क्या यह नया फोन पुराने फोन के समान है?"
"समान वेतन के मुद्दे पर आपकी क्या राय है?"
"क्या आप मानते हैं कि कानून सबके लिए समान होना चाहिए?"
Sujets d'écriture
Write about two friends who have very similar (समान) personalities.
Discuss the importance of equal rights (समान अधिकार) in your country.
Describe a situation where you were treated equally (समान रूप से).
Compare two movies that have a similar (समान) plot.
Write about why equality (समानता) is important in education.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe difference is in the pronunciation of the first vowel and the meaning. 'समान' (samaan) with a short 'a' means 'similar' or 'equal'. 'सामान' (saamaan) with a long 'aa' means 'luggage', 'goods', or 'stuff'. This is the most common mistake learners make. Always pay attention to the vowel length to avoid confusion.
To say 'similar to', you use the structure 'के समान' (ke samaan). For example, 'My car is similar to your car' translates to 'मेरी कार तुम्हारी कार के समान है'. Do not use the postposition 'से' (se) for this specific type of comparison.
Yes, you can use it for people to describe physical resemblance or similarity in nature/status. For example, 'वह अपने पिता के समान दिखता है' (He looks similar to his father) or 'कानून के सामने सभी लोग समान हैं' (All people are equal before the law).
The abstract noun form is 'समानता' (samaantaa), which means 'equality' or 'similarity'. You create it by adding the suffix 'ता' (taa) to the adjective. For example, 'समाज में समानता' means 'equality in society'.
The opposite is 'असमान' (asamaan), which means 'unequal' or 'dissimilar'. It is formed by adding the negative prefix 'अ' (a). The noun form of the opposite is 'असमानता' (inequality).
It is a standard word that fits well in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual speech, people might prefer 'एक जैसा' (ek jaisa) for visual similarities or 'बराबर' (barabar) for quantities. 'समान' is always appropriate for formal writing and discussions about rights or math.
To use it as an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'similarly', add the phrase 'रूप से' (roop se). The complete phrase is 'समान रूप से' (samaan roop se). For example, 'उसने सबको समान रूप से पैसे दिए' (He gave money to everyone equally).
No, 'समान' is an invariable adjective. It does not change its ending regardless of whether the noun it modifies is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural. It always remains 'समान'.
No. When using the comparative structure 'similar to', the postposition is always 'के' (ke), forming the fixed phrase 'के समान'. It does not change to 'की' even if the subject or object is feminine. Example: 'उसकी आवाज़ कोयल के समान है' (Her voice is like a cuckoo).
They are often used interchangeably to mean 'equal', but 'बराबर' (barabar) is more commonly used for physical quantities, measurements, or scores (e.g., equal weight, equal score). 'समान' is preferred for abstract concepts, rights, or qualitative similarity.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Write a simple sentence in Hindi saying 'These two books are similar.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Hindi: 'This color is not similar.'
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Write a sentence comparing your phone to your friend's phone using 'के समान'.
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Translate to Hindi: 'He distributed the sweets equally.' (Use समान रूप से)
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Write a sentence advocating for 'equal rights' (समान अधिकार) for women.
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Translate to Hindi: 'Equality is important in society.'
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Write a formal sentence explaining that both sides of an equation must be equal.
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Translate to Hindi: 'The company provides equal opportunities to all.'
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Write a complex sentence contrasting physical difference with fundamental similarity using 'समान'.
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Translate to Hindi: 'We must view success and failure with equanimity (समान दृष्टि).'
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Write a sentence saying two pictures are exactly similar.
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Translate: 'My ideas are similar to your ideas.'
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Write a sentence using the word 'असमान' (unequal).
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Translate: 'There is a demand for a Uniform Civil Code (समान नागरिक संहिता).'
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Write a philosophical sentence about equality before nature.
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Translate: 'Are these two similar?'
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Write a sentence comparing the weather of two cities using 'के समान'.
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Translate: 'Equal pay for equal work.'
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Write a sentence using 'समानता' (equality) in the context of education.
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Translate: 'The principle of treating equals equally.'
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Say 'These two are similar' in Hindi, paying attention to the short 'a' in 'samaan'.
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Ask 'Is this similar?' in Hindi.
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Compare your shoes to your friend's shoes using 'के समान'.
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Say 'He distributed it equally' using 'समान रूप से'.
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State your opinion on 'equal rights' (समान अधिकार) in one sentence.
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Say 'There is inequality (असमानता) in society'.
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Explain in Hindi that two sides of a triangle are equal.
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Pronounce 'समानता' and 'असमानता' clearly, distinguishing the prefixes.
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Use the idiom 'समान दृष्टि से देखना' in a sentence about a good leader.
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Discuss the difference between 'समान' and 'बराबर' in spoken Hindi.
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Say 'This is not similar' in Hindi.
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Say 'My ideas are similar to yours' in Hindi.
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Demand 'equal pay' (समान वेतन) in a Hindi sentence.
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Talk about 'Uniform Civil Code' (समान नागरिक संहिता) in one sentence.
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Pronounce the formal synonym 'तुल्य' and use it in a sentence.
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Say 'Both pictures are similar'.
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Ask 'Are these two similar?'.
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Say 'We need equality (समानता)'.
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Say 'The rules apply equally to everyone'.
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Express the philosophical idea of treating joy and sorrow equally.
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Listen to the audio: Did the speaker say 'समान' (similar) or 'सामान' (luggage)? (Assume audio says 'sa-maan' quickly).
Listen to the sentence: 'मेरा घर तुम्हारे घर के समान है।' What postposition was used?
Listen to the phrase: 'समान अधिकार'. What does it mean?
Listen to the adverb: 'समान रूप से'. How is the action being performed?
Listen to the word: 'असमानता'. What prefix makes it negative?
Did the speaker say 'ये समान हैं' or 'ये सामान हैं'? (Assume audio says 'ye samaan hain').
Listen: 'वह मेरे समान है।' Who is he similar to?
Listen: 'हमें समानता चाहिए।' What is wanted?
Listen: 'समान वेतन की मांग।' What is the demand for?
Listen: 'समभाव रखना चाहिए।' What should be maintained?
Listen to the vowel sound in the first syllable of 'समान'. Is it short or long?
Listen: 'क्या ये दोनों एक समान हैं?' What does 'एक समान' mean here?
Listen: 'असमान वितरण'. What kind of distribution is this?
Listen: 'समान नागरिक संहिता'. What is the second word?
Listen: 'वह चंद्रमा के सदृश है।' Which formal synonym of समान was used?
/ 200 correct
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Summary
Use 'समान' (samaan) to express similarity or equality. Remember the structure 'X, Y के समान है' (X is similar to Y). Example: 'मेरा विचार आपके विचार के समान है' (My thought is similar to yours).
- Means similar or equal.
- Used for physical and abstract equality.
- Often paired with 'के' (ke).
- Do not confuse with 'सामान' (luggage).
Short 'A' Sound
Ensure the first 'a' in 'sa-maan' is short. If you elongate it to 'saa-maan', you are saying 'luggage'. Practice saying 'sa' quickly and 'maan' with a slightly longer 'aa'.
The 'Ke' Rule
When comparing two things, always use 'के' before 'समान'. Think of 'के समान' as a single block meaning 'like' or 'similar to'. Never use 'से समान'.
Noun Conversion
Add 'ता' (taa) to the end to make it a noun: समानता (Equality). This is very useful for writing essays or discussing social issues.
Abstract vs Physical
Use 'समान' confidently for abstract concepts like rights (अधिकार) and opportunities (अवसर). For physical objects in casual chat, 'एक जैसा' might sound more natural.
Contenu associé
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1Exprimer sa gratitude ou sa reconnaissance de manière formelle. 'Je souhaite exprimer ma gratitude à toute l'équipe.'
आचरण करना
C1Se conduire ; se comporter d'une manière particulière, souvent selon une règle morale. 'Il doit se conduire avec dignité.'
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2Avancer physiquement ou progresser dans ses projets.
आगामी
B1Prochain, à venir. Se dit d'un événement qui doit avoir lieu bientôt.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2Ce soir; la nuit du jour présent.
आजमाना
A2Essayer quelque chose ou le tester pour voir comment cela fonctionne ou ce qui se passe.
आक्रमण करना
B2Commencer des opérations militaires contre un pays ou un groupe.
आखिरी
A2Dernier, final. 'C'est le dernier bus' se traduit par 'Yeh aakhiri bus hai'. 'La dernière fois' est 'Aakhiri baar'.