At the A1 level, 'Shaadi' is one of the essential nouns you learn to describe family and personal life. You should focus on the basic meaning: 'wedding' or 'marriage.' At this stage, you use it in very simple sentences like 'This is my sister's wedding' (Yeh meri behen ki shaadi hai). You will learn that 'Shaadi' is feminine, so you must use 'ki' instead of 'ka.' You will also learn the basic status adjective 'shaadishuda' (married). For an A1 learner, the goal is to recognize the word in conversation and be able to state your marital status or mention a family event. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just the basic noun-adjective agreement and the fact that it's a very happy and important word in Indian culture.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Shaadi' with basic verbs like 'karna' (to do) and 'hona' (to happen). You will learn to say 'I want to get married' (Main shaadi karna chahta hoon) or 'When is the wedding?' (Shaadi kab hai?). You should also start noticing the postposition 'se' when marrying someone (e.g., 'Priya se shaadi'). At this level, you can describe simple plans related to a wedding, such as buying clothes or inviting friends. You will also become familiar with the 'Shaadi ka season' concept and how it affects life in India. You should be able to handle simple past tense sentences like 'Humne shaadi ki' (We got married), noting that 'karna' becomes 'ki' to match the feminine noun 'Shaadi'.
At the B1 level, you can use 'Shaadi' to discuss cultural traditions and personal opinions. You can explain the difference between an 'Arranged Shaadi' and a 'Love Shaadi' using basic Hindi. You will use more complex sentence structures, such as 'Shaadi ke baad, main dilli jaunga' (After the wedding, I will go to Delhi). You should be comfortable with the oblique case, knowing that 'Shaadi' doesn't change its form much but the words around it do (e.g., 'Shaadi ki taiyariyon mein' - in the wedding preparations). You can also start using related terms like 'Rishta' (proposal) and 'Sagai' (engagement) in conjunction with 'Shaadi' to describe the whole process of getting married in an Indian context.
At the B2 level, you can engage in deeper conversations about the social implications of 'Shaadi.' You might discuss the pressure to get married, the cost of Indian weddings, or the legal aspects of marriage. You should be able to use formal synonyms like 'Vivah' in appropriate contexts, such as when reading a newspaper article or a formal invitation. Your grammar should be precise, correctly handling complex verb constructions like 'Shaadi rachana' (to orchestrate/celebrate a wedding). You can understand and use idioms related to marriage and discuss how the concept of 'Shaadi' is changing in modern urban India compared to traditional rural settings. You can also talk about 'Shaadi' in the context of Bollywood's influence on society.
At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'Shaadi' and its synonyms. You can appreciate the poetic use of 'Byah' in literature and folk songs. You can discuss the etymology of the word from Persian and how it contrasts with the Sanskrit 'Vivah' in terms of register and connotation. You are able to follow complex legal debates regarding marriage laws, such as the 'Uniform Civil Code' or 'Special Marriage Act,' where 'Shaadi' and 'Vivah' might be used interchangeably or with specific legal nuances. You can express subtle emotions regarding marriage and use sophisticated vocabulary to describe the 'Vaivahik' (matrimonial) bond. Your speech is fluent, and you can use 'Shaadi' in various registers, from street slang to high-level academic or literary discourse.
At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the word 'Shaadi' and its place in the vast tapestry of Hindi-Urdu literature and history. You can analyze how the concept of 'Shaadi' has been portrayed in classical poetry (Ghazals) versus modern feminist literature. You understand the socio-linguistic reasons why 'Shaadi' remains the dominant term despite the push for Sanskritization in formal Hindi. You can navigate the most complex social situations involving weddings, understanding every subtle ritual and the specific vocabulary associated with them (e.g., Kanyadaan, Nikahnama, Vidai). You can speak philosophically about marriage as an institution and use the word 'Shaadi' as a gateway to discussing the broader evolution of Indian society over centuries.

शादी en 30 secondes

  • Shaadi is the Hindi word for wedding or marriage, used universally across India.
  • It is a feminine noun, so use 'ki' and feminine adjectives like 'badi' or 'achhi'.
  • The word comes from Persian, originally meaning 'happiness', reflecting the joy of the event.
  • Commonly paired with verbs 'karna' (to marry) and 'hona' (to be married/wedding to happen).

The Hindi word शादी (Shaadi) is perhaps one of the most culturally significant and frequently used nouns in the Hindi language. At its most basic level, it translates to 'marriage' or 'wedding' in English. However, its usage encompasses the entire spectrum of the matrimonial bond, from the legal contract and the religious ceremony to the lifelong state of being married. Derived from the Persian word 'Shādī,' which originally meant 'happiness' or 'joy,' the word evolved in the Indian subcontinent to specifically denote the ultimate celebration of joy: a wedding. In modern Hindi, while 'Vivah' is the formal Sanskrit-derived term often seen on invitation cards or in legal documents, 'Shaadi' is the universal, everyday term used by people of all religions and backgrounds across India and the diaspora.

Etymological Root
The term comes from the Persian 'Shād,' meaning happy. It reflects the cultural view of marriage as the pinnacle of social and personal happiness.
Grammatical Gender
शादी is a feminine noun. This is crucial for learners because it dictates the form of accompanying adjectives and verbs (e.g., 'achhi shaadi' not 'achha shaadi').

अगले महीने मेरे भाई की शादी है। (Next month is my brother's wedding.)

People use 'Shaadi' in various contexts. You will hear it in casual conversations when discussing family plans, in Bollywood songs which are famously centered around wedding themes, and in news reports regarding matrimonial laws. It is a word that carries immense social weight in India, where weddings are often grand, multi-day affairs involving hundreds of guests. Understanding 'Shaadi' is not just about learning a noun; it is about opening a window into the heart of Indian social structure, where the union of two families is often considered more significant than the union of two individuals.

क्या आप शादी में आ रहे हैं? (Are you coming to the wedding?)

Social Context
In India, 'Shaadi' is often preceded by 'Arranged' or 'Love' to describe the nature of the match, though in Hindi these are often used as loanwords from English.

उनकी शादी बहुत धूमधाम से हुई। (Their wedding happened with great pomp and show.)

भारत में शादी एक बड़ा उत्सव है। (In India, marriage is a big festival.)

Formal vs Informal
While 'Shaadi' is neutral-to-informal, 'Vivah' is the high-register Sanskrit equivalent used in religious ceremonies.

वह अपनी शादी के लिए कपड़े खरीद रही है। (She is buying clothes for her wedding.)

Using 'Shaadi' correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's verb-object structure and noun-adjective agreement. Since 'Shaadi' is a feminine noun, any possessive pronouns or adjectives must match this gender. For example, 'My wedding' is 'Meri shaadi' (feminine) rather than 'Mera shaadi' (masculine). This is a very common point of error for English speakers. Furthermore, 'Shaadi' often functions as the direct object of verbs like 'karna' (to do) and 'hona' (to happen/be). If you say 'I am marrying someone,' you would say 'Main [person] se shaadi kar raha hoon.' Note the use of the postposition 'se' (with), which is different from the English 'marrying [someone]'.

Possessive Agreement
Use 'ki' or 'meri/teri/uski' because Shaadi is feminine. Example: 'Rahul ki shaadi' (Rahul's wedding).
Verb Pairings
Shaadi karna (Active: to marry someone) vs. Shaadi hona (Passive/Event: the wedding to take place).

मैंने अपनी बहन की शादी में बहुत डांस किया। (I danced a lot at my sister's wedding.)

In complex sentences, 'Shaadi' can be part of a compound noun or a phrase describing timing or purpose. For instance, 'Shaadi ka card' (Wedding card) or 'Shaadi ka khana' (Wedding food). When talking about the state of being married, the adjective 'shaadishuda' is used. For example, 'Main shaadishuda hoon' (I am married). It is important not to say 'Main shaadi hoon,' which would literally mean 'I am a wedding.' Another nuance is the use of 'Shaadi' to refer to the anniversary: 'Shaadi ki saalgirah.' Here, 'ki' again reinforces the feminine gender of 'Shaadi'.

क्या तुम मुझसे शादी करोगी? (Will you marry me? - feminine subject)

Postposition Usage
'Shaadi ke baad' (After marriage) uses the oblique case 'ke' because of the postposition 'baad'.

शादी के लिए बहुत सारी तैयारियाँ करनी पड़ती हैं। (A lot of preparations have to be done for a wedding.)

वे अपनी शादी की दसवीं सालगिरह मना रहे हैं। (They are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.)

You will encounter the word 'Shaadi' everywhere in Indian life. It is a staple of Bollywood cinema, where the 'Big Fat Indian Wedding' is a genre unto itself. Movies like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' or 'Band Baaja Baaraat' revolve entirely around the rituals, drama, and joy of a 'Shaadi.' In these films, you'll hear the word used in songs, emotional dialogues, and comedic subplots. Beyond the screen, 'Shaadi' is the central topic of discussion in Indian households, especially once a young person reaches their mid-20s. The phrase 'Shaadi kab kar rahe ho?' (When are you getting married?) is a ubiquitous question from relatives and neighbors.

Matrimonial Ads
Sunday newspapers in India have entire sections dedicated to 'Shaadi' classifieds, categorized by caste, profession, and religion.
Online Platforms
Websites like Shaadi.com have made the word a global brand, synonymous with finding a life partner.

आजकल लोग शादी के लिए ऑनलाइन वेबसाइट्स का इस्तेमाल करते हैं। (Nowadays people use online websites for marriage.)

In a professional context, you might hear it when colleagues discuss taking leave for a relative's wedding. 'Shaadi ka season' (Wedding season) refers to the months of November to February in India, when the weather is pleasant and thousands of weddings take place daily. During this time, the word is on everyone's lips—from tailors making 'Shaadi ke jode' (wedding outfits) to caterers and florists. In legal contexts, such as the 'Special Marriage Act,' the word 'Marriage' is translated as 'Vivah' in Hindi, but in courtrooms and police stations, 'Shaadi' is the term people use when speaking naturally about their domestic lives.

पूरे शहर में उनकी शादी के चर्चे हैं। (The whole city is talking about their wedding.)

Religious Nuance
While 'Shaadi' is used by everyone, Muslims specifically refer to the contract-signing ceremony as 'Nikah'.

क्या आपने शादी का निमंत्रण पत्र देखा? (Did you see the wedding invitation card?)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'Shaadi' is regarding its gender. Many assume that because it refers to a general concept, it might be masculine. However, 'Shaadi' is strictly feminine. This affects everything around it. Saying 'Mera shaadi' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner; the correct form is 'Meri shaadi.' Similarly, if you describe a wedding as 'big,' you must say 'Badi shaadi,' not 'Bada shaadi.' Another common error involves the verb 'to marry.' In English, we say 'I married her.' In Hindi, you cannot simply say 'Maine usko shaadi kiya.' You must use the postposition 'se,' making it 'Maine usse (us + se) shaadi ki.'

Gender Error
Incorrect: 'Mera shaadi'. Correct: 'Meri shaadi'. (My wedding).
Verb Agreement
Incorrect: 'Shaadi kiya'. Correct: 'Shaadi ki' (because Shaadi is feminine, the light verb 'karna' becomes 'ki' in the past tense).

उसने अपनी पसंद की लड़की से शादी की। (He married the girl of his choice.)

Learners also often confuse 'Shaadi' (the noun/event) with 'Shaadishuda' (the adjective/status). If you want to say 'I am married,' saying 'Main shaadi hoon' is incorrect. It should be 'Main shaadishuda hoon.' Additionally, people sometimes use 'Shaadi' when they specifically mean the ceremony rituals, for which 'Rasm' or 'Phere' might be more precise, though 'Shaadi' is generally acceptable. Lastly, avoid using 'Shaadi' as a verb directly. Hindi requires a 'helper' verb. You don't 'shaadi' someone; you 'shaadi *karna*' with someone.

वह शादी नहीं करना चाहता। (He does not want to get married.)

Preposition Pitfall
Don't forget 'se'. 'Rahul ne Priya se shaadi ki' (Rahul married Priya).

क्या आपकी शादी हो गई? (Did your wedding happen? / Are you married?)

While 'Shaadi' is the most common word for marriage, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the religious context. The most prominent alternative is विवाह (Vivah). This is a Sanskrit tatsam word. It is considered very formal and is the term used in legal documents (like the 'Hindu Marriage Act') and on traditional Hindu wedding invitations. If 'Shaadi' is 'wedding,' 'Vivah' is 'matrimony.' Another term is ब्याह (Byah), which is a tadbhav (evolved) form of Vivah. 'Byah' is more common in rural areas, folk songs, and older literature. It feels more earthy and traditional than the Persian-rooted 'Shaadi.'

Shaadi vs. Vivah
Shaadi is everyday/Persian. Vivah is formal/Sanskrit. Use Shaadi for friends, Vivah for invitations.
Nikah
Specifically refers to the Islamic marriage ceremony and contract. While a Muslim might say 'Meri shaadi hai,' the actual ceremony is the 'Nikah.'

सरकारी कागजों में इसे विवाह कहा जाता है। (In government papers, it is called 'Vivah'.)

Other related terms include गठबंधन (Gathbandhan), which literally means 'tying the knot' and is often used metaphorically for political alliances as well as weddings. For the state of being married, 'वैवाहिक जीवन' (Vaivahik Jeevan - Married Life) is the formal expression. If you are talking about a 'match' or a 'proposal,' you might use 'Rishta.' For example, 'Shaadi ka rishta aaya hai' (A marriage proposal has come). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right audience, though you can never go wrong with 'Shaadi' in any casual or semi-formal setting.

गाँव में लोग आज भी ब्याह शब्द का प्रयोग करते हैं। (In villages, people still use the word 'Byah'.)

Marriage vs. Wedding
In English, we distinguish between the event (wedding) and the institution (marriage). In Hindi, 'Shaadi' covers both.

उनका निकाह मस्जिद में हुआ। (Their Nikah took place in the mosque.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

While in modern Hindi and Urdu 'Shaadi' almost exclusively means 'wedding,' in modern Persian (Farsi), the word still primarily means 'happiness' in a general sense, though it can also refer to a celebration.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʃɑː.di/
US /ˈʃɑ.di/
The stress is on the first syllable: SHA-di.
Rime avec
आदि (Aadi - beginning) वादी (Vaadi - valley) दादी (Daadi - grandmother) खादी (Khadi - handspun cloth) आज़ादी (Aazaadi - freedom) बर्बादी (Barbaadi - ruin) फरियादी (Fariyaadi - complainant) शहज़ादी (Shahzaadi - princess)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd' (alveolar). In Hindi, it should be dental, with the tongue touching the back of the upper teeth.
  • Shortening the 'aa' sound to a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
  • Confusing the 'sh' (श) with 's' (स).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The script is simple, and the word is very common in text.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender for correct grammar.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you master the dental 'd'.

Écoute 1/5

Very easy to pick out in songs and movies.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

लड़का (Boy) लड़की (Girl) परिवार (Family) खुश (Happy) करना (To do)

Apprends ensuite

दूल्हा (Groom) दुल्हन (Bride) रिश्ता (Relationship) प्यार (Love) तलाक (Divorce)

Avancé

कन्यादान (Giving away the bride) सात फेरे (Seven rounds) वैवाहिक (Matrimonial) दहेज (Dowry)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Badi shaadi (Big wedding) - Adjective ends in 'i' for feminine nouns.

Possessive Postpositions

Rahul ki shaadi (Rahul's wedding) - Use 'ki' for feminine nouns.

Compound Verbs

Shaadi kar lena (To get married/to finish the act of marrying).

Oblique Case

Shaadi ke liye (For the wedding) - 'Shaadi' stays the same, but 'ka' becomes 'ke'.

Past Tense of 'Karna'

Maine shaadi ki (I married) - 'Karna' becomes 'ki' to match feminine 'shaadi'.

Exemples par niveau

1

यह मेरी शादी है।

This is my wedding.

Uses 'meri' because 'shaadi' is feminine.

2

शादी कब है?

When is the wedding?

Basic interrogative sentence.

3

मैं शादीशुदा हूँ।

I am married.

Shaadishuda is the adjective for 'married'.

4

क्या वह आपकी शादी है?

Is that your wedding?

Question form using 'aapki'.

5

शादी बहुत अच्छी थी।

The wedding was very good.

Adjective 'achhi' matches feminine 'shaadi'.

6

मेरी बहन की शादी है।

It is my sister's wedding.

Possessive 'ki' connects sister and wedding.

7

शादी में खाना अच्छा है।

The food at the wedding is good.

Use of 'mein' (in/at).

8

मुझे शादी पसंद है।

I like weddings.

Simple preference sentence.

1

मैं अगले साल शादी करूँगा।

I will get married next year.

Future tense of 'shaadi karna'.

2

क्या आप शादी में आ रहे हैं?

Are you coming to the wedding?

Present continuous question.

3

उसने अपनी दोस्त से शादी की।

He married his friend.

Past tense 'ki' matches feminine 'shaadi'.

4

शादी के लिए नए कपड़े चाहिए।

Need new clothes for the wedding.

Use of 'ke liye' (for).

5

उनकी शादी बहुत बड़ी थी।

Their wedding was very big.

Adjective 'badi' matches 'shaadi'.

6

वह शादी नहीं करना चाहती।

She does not want to get married.

Negative sentence with 'chahti'.

7

शादी का कार्ड कहाँ है?

Where is the wedding card?

Compound noun 'shaadi ka card'.

8

हम शादी में डांस करेंगे।

We will dance at the wedding.

Future tense plural.

1

भारत में शादी एक बड़ा सामाजिक उत्सव है।

In India, marriage is a big social festival.

Complex noun phrase 'samajik utsav'.

2

शादी के बाद वे विदेश चले गए।

After the wedding, they went abroad.

Temporal phrase 'shaadi ke baad'.

3

क्या यह अरेंज मैरिज है या लव शादी?

Is this an arranged marriage or a love marriage?

Comparing two social concepts.

4

शादी की तैयारियाँ दो महीने पहले शुरू हुईं।

Wedding preparations started two months ago.

Plural feminine 'taiyariyan'.

5

वह अपनी शादी की सालगिरह मना रहे हैं।

They are celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Compound phrase for anniversary.

6

शादी में बहुत सारे मेहमान आए थे।

Many guests had come to the wedding.

Past perfect with 'aaye the'.

7

मुझे उसकी शादी का निमंत्रण मिला।

I received his wedding invitation.

Formal word 'nimantran' used with 'shaadi'.

8

शादी करना एक बड़ी ज़िम्मेदारी है।

Getting married is a big responsibility.

Infinitive 'karna' as a subject.

1

आजकल की शादियाँ बहुत खर्चीली होती जा रही हैं।

Nowadays weddings are becoming very expensive.

Plural 'shaadiyan' and continuous aspect.

2

शादी का फैसला सोच-समझकर लेना चाहिए।

The decision to marry should be taken thoughtfully.

Use of 'chahiye' for advice.

3

समाज में शादी को लेकर कई परंपराएँ हैं।

There are many traditions regarding marriage in society.

Phrase 'ko lekar' (regarding).

4

उसने परिवार के दबाव में आकर शादी की।

He got married under family pressure.

Idiomatic 'dabav mein aakar'.

5

शादी के कानूनी पहलुओं को समझना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to understand the legal aspects of marriage.

Formal 'kanuni pehlu'.

6

वह अपनी शादी से बहुत खुश है।

She is very happy with her marriage.

Using 'se' to indicate source of happiness.

7

शादी केवल दो लोगों का नहीं, दो परिवारों का मिलन है।

Marriage is not just the union of two people, but of two families.

Philosophical 'milan' (union).

8

क्या आपने कभी अंतरजातीय शादी के बारे में सोचा है?

Have you ever thought about inter-caste marriage?

Specific social term 'antarjatiya'.

1

शादी की संस्था समय के साथ बदल रही है।

The institution of marriage is changing with time.

Formal 'sanstha' (institution).

2

साहित्य में शादी को अक्सर एक बंधन के रूप में दिखाया गया है।

In literature, marriage is often depicted as a bond.

Passive voice 'dikhaya gaya hai'.

3

विवाह और शादी के बीच का भाषाई अंतर समझना दिलचस्प है।

It is interesting to understand the linguistic difference between Vivah and Shaadi.

Abstract noun 'antar' (difference).

4

उनकी शादी टूटने की कगार पर थी, पर उन्होंने इसे बचा लिया।

Their marriage was on the verge of breaking, but they saved it.

Idiomatic 'kagar par' (on the verge).

5

शादी के पंजीकरण के लिए किन दस्तावेज़ों की आवश्यकता है?

Which documents are required for the registration of marriage?

High-register 'panjikaran' and 'avashyakta'.

6

उसने अपनी शादी के माध्यम से दो संस्कृतियों को जोड़ा।

He bridged two cultures through his marriage.

Instrumental 'ke madhyam se'.

7

शादी का अर्थ केवल रस्में निभाना नहीं है।

The meaning of marriage is not just performing rituals.

Gerund-like use of 'nibhana'.

8

वैवाहिक विवादों को सुलझाने के लिए काउंसलिंग ज़रूरी है।

Counseling is necessary to resolve matrimonial disputes.

Adjectival form 'vaivahik'.

1

शादी की जटिलताओं को सुलझाना हर किसी के बस की बात नहीं।

Untangling the complexities of marriage is not everyone's cup of tea.

Idiomatic 'bas ki baat' (within one's power).

2

भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप में शादी एक अटूट पवित्र बंधन माना जाता है।

In the Indian subcontinent, marriage is considered an unbreakable sacred bond.

Formal 'atut' and 'pavitra'.

3

आधुनिकता ने शादी के पारंपरिक ढांचे को चुनौती दी है।

Modernity has challenged the traditional framework of marriage.

Abstract 'dhancha' (framework).

4

शादी के गीतों में विदाई का दर्द साफ झलकता है।

The pain of departure is clearly reflected in wedding songs.

Metaphorical 'jhalakta' (reflects/shines through).

5

क्या शादी वास्तव में व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का अंत है?

Is marriage truly the end of personal freedom?

Philosophical inquiry.

6

शादी के माध्यम से संपत्ति का हस्तांतरण एक ऐतिहासिक सत्य है।

The transfer of property through marriage is a historical fact.

Technical 'hastantaran' (transfer).

7

शादी की रस्मों में निहित प्रतीकों का गहरा अर्थ होता है।

The symbols inherent in wedding rituals have deep meaning.

Formal 'nihit' (inherent).

8

उसने अपनी पूरी ज़िंदगी शादी की गरिमा बनाए रखने में लगा दी।

She spent her whole life maintaining the dignity of her marriage.

Abstract 'garima' (dignity).

Collocations courantes

शादी करना
शादी होना
शादी का कार्ड
शादी का जोड़ा
शादी की सालगिरह
लव शादी (Love Marriage)
अरेंज शादी (Arranged Marriage)
शादी का खाना
शादी का मंडप
शादी का सीज़न

Phrases Courantes

शादी मुबारक

— Congratulations on the wedding. Used to wish a couple.

आप दोनों को शादी मुबारक!

शादी कब है?

— When is the wedding? A very common question asked to single people.

अरे भाई, तुम्हारी शादी कब है?

शादी का लड्डू

— A metaphorical sweet. Refers to the saying that marriage is a sweet you regret eating and regret not eating.

शादी का लड्डू जो खाए वो पछताए, जो न खाए वो भी पछताए।

शादी तय होना

— For a wedding to be fixed or finalized.

मेरी बहन की शादी तय हो गई है।

शादी रचाना

— To celebrate or perform a wedding with great enthusiasm.

उसने बहुत धूमधाम से शादी रचाई।

शादी में बुलाना

— To invite someone to a wedding.

क्या तुमने उसे शादी में बुलाया?

शादी की बात

— Discussion regarding marriage/proposals.

घर पर शादी की बात चल रही है।

शादी का बंधन

— The bond of marriage.

वे शादी के बंधन में बंध गए।

शादी की उम्र

— Marriageable age.

उसकी शादी की उम्र हो गई है।

शादी का झांसा

— False promise of marriage (often used in legal/crime contexts).

उसने शादी का झांसा देकर उसे ठगा।

Souvent confondu avec

शादी vs शादीशुदा (Shaadishuda)

Learners often say 'I am wedding' (Main shaadi hoon) instead of 'I am married' (Main shaadishuda hoon).

शादी vs सादी (Saadi)

This means 'simple' (feminine form). Pronounced similarly but without the 'h' sound (Sadi vs Shaadi).

शादी vs सदी (Sadi)

This means 'century'. It has a short 'a' and no 'h' sound.

Expressions idiomatiques

"शादी का लड्डू"

— Something that seems attractive but brings regret later. Often used jokingly about marriage.

शादी का लड्डू खाकर सब पछताते हैं।

Informal
"हाथ पीले करना"

— Literally 'to make hands yellow'. It means to get a daughter married.

पिता को अपनी बेटी के हाथ पीले करने की चिंता है।

Traditional
"घोड़ी चढ़ना"

— Literally 'to ride the mare'. It means for a man to get married (as the groom often rides a horse).

राहुल कल घोड़ी चढ़ेगा।

Informal
"सात फेरे लेना"

— To take the seven circumambulations around the fire. It means to get married.

उन्होंने मंदिर में सात फेरे लिए।

Religious/Common
"डोली उठना"

— Literally 'the palanquin to rise'. It refers to the bride leaving her parental home after marriage.

कल उसकी डोली उठेगी।

Poetic/Traditional
"शहनाई बजना"

— The wedding flute to play. It means a wedding is taking place.

उनके घर में शहनाई बजने वाली है।

Literary
"बंधन में बंधना"

— To be tied in a bond. Refers to getting married.

वे आज पवित्र बंधन में बंधेंगे।

Formal
"घर बसाना"

— To settle down or start a family through marriage.

अब तुम्हें अपना घर बसा लेना चाहिए।

Common
"सिर पर सेहरा बांधना"

— To wear the groom's veil. It means to get married (for a man).

आज उसके सिर पर सेहरा बंधेगा।

Traditional
"कुंवारा मरना"

— To die unmarried. Used as a joke or a warning.

अगर ऐसे ही रहे तो कुंवारे ही मरोगे!

Slang/Informal

Facile à confondre

शादी vs सादी (Saadi)

Similar pronunciation.

'Shaadi' (wedding) has a 'sh' sound. 'Saadi' (simple) has an 's' sound. Mixing them up can change 'wedding dress' to 'simple dress'.

Shaadi ka joda (Wedding dress) vs Saadi saree (Simple saree).

शादी vs सदी (Sadi)

Visual similarity in script and sound.

'Sadi' means century. It is also feminine but used in time contexts.

Ikkisvi sadi (21st century).

शादी vs सजा (Saja)

Sounds like the beginning of Shaadi.

'Saja' means punishment. Be careful with the 'sh' and 'j' sounds.

Usko saja mili (He got punished).

शादी vs शहजादी (Shahzaadi)

Contains the 'Sha' sound and refers to a person often at a wedding.

Means 'princess'. It's a person, not an event.

Woh ek shahzaadi ki tarah lag rahi hai.

शादी vs बर्बादी (Barbaadi)

Rhymes with Shaadi.

Means 'ruin' or 'destruction'. Often used in cynical jokes about marriage.

Shaadi ya barbaadi? (Marriage or ruin?)

Structures de phrases

A1

Yeh [Person] ki shaadi hai.

Yeh meri behen ki shaadi hai.

A2

Main [Time] shaadi karunga/karungi.

Main agle saal shaadi karungi.

B1

Shaadi ke liye [Item] chahiye.

Shaadi ke liye naye kapde chahiye.

B2

Kya aapne [Person] ki shaadi ke bare mein suna?

Kya aapne Rahul ki shaadi ke bare mein suna?

C1

Shaadi ek aisa bandhan hai jo...

Shaadi ek aisa bandhan hai jo do dilon ko jodta hai.

C2

Shaadi ki sarthakta is baat mein hai ki...

Shaadi ki sarthakta is baat mein hai ki dono saathi ek dusre ka samman karein.

A2

Kya aap shaadishuda hain?

Ji haan, main shaadishuda hoon.

B1

Mujhe shaadi mein jana hai.

Aaj raat mujhe ek shaadi mein jana hai.

Famille de mots

Noms

शादीशुदा (Shaadishuda - married person)
शादी-ब्याह (Shaadi-byah - wedding festivities)

Verbes

शादी करना (Shaadi karna - to marry)
शादी रचाना (Shaadi rachana - to celebrate a wedding)

Adjectifs

शादीशुदा (Shaadishuda - married)
वैवाहिक (Vaivahik - matrimonial)

Apparenté

दूल्हा (Dulha - groom)
दुल्हन (Dulhan - bride)
बारात (Baaraat - wedding procession)
सगाई (Sagai - engagement)
रिश्ता (Rishta - relationship/proposal)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Erreurs courantes
  • Mera shaadi Meri shaadi

    Shaadi is a feminine noun, so the possessive pronoun must be feminine.

  • Main shaadi hoon Main shaadishuda hoon

    Shaadi is the noun (wedding), shaadishuda is the adjective (married).

  • Maine usko shaadi kiya Maine usse shaadi ki

    You marry 'with' someone in Hindi (se), and 'karna' becomes 'ki' to match feminine 'shaadi'.

  • Bada shaadi Badi shaadi

    Adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'Shaadi'.

  • Shaadi kab hota hai? Shaadi kab hoti hai?

    The verb 'hona' must be in its feminine form 'hoti' to agree with 'Shaadi'.

Astuces

Gender Check

Always remember 'Shaadi' is feminine. Use 'ki' and 'meri'. If you forget, think of the bride (feminine) being the star of the 'Shaadi'.

Universal Word

Don't worry about the religion of the person you are talking to; 'Shaadi' is a safe and respectful word for everyone in India.

Status vs. Event

Distinguish between 'Shaadi' (the event) and 'Shaadishuda' (the person's status). Using the wrong one is a very common learner error.

The 'Se' Rule

When marrying *someone*, always use the postposition 'se'. 'Maine usse shaadi ki' (I married him/her).

Bollywood Clues

When you hear a song with 'Shaadi' in it, it's usually upbeat and festive. Use these songs to practice your pronunciation.

Invitation Register

If you are writing a formal letter or invitation, try using 'Vivah' instead of 'Shaadi' to show a higher level of Hindi proficiency.

Small Talk

Asking about someone's 'Shaadi' is a very common way to build rapport in India, as family is central to life.

Dental D

Keep your tongue at your teeth for the 'd' in 'Shaadi'. A hard English 'd' sounds slightly off to native ears.

Happiness Root

Remember the Persian root 'Shad' (happy). A 'Shaadi' is a 'Happy' occasion. This links the meaning and the sound.

Seasonality

In India, 'Shaadi ka season' is a real thing. Mentioning it in winter months will make you sound very culturally aware.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Shaadi' as a 'Shady' deal that actually brings 'Happiness' (the original Persian meaning). Or associate the 'Shaa' with 'Shine'—the bride shines at her wedding.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red Indian wedding dress (Lehenga) and a groom on a white horse. The word 'Shaadi' is written in gold over the scene.

Word Web

Dulha Dulhan Pyaar Family Party Food Music Future

Défi

Try to use 'Shaadi' in three different sentences today: one about a friend's wedding, one about your marital status, and one about a Bollywood movie.

Origine du mot

The word 'Shaadi' comes from the Persian word 'Shādī' (شادی). In Persian, the root 'Shād' means happy or joyful. The suffix '-ī' turns it into a noun meaning 'happiness' or 'festivity'.

Sens originel : Happiness, joy, or celebration.

Indo-European (via Indo-Iranian/Persian).

Contexte culturel

Marriage is a sensitive and highly valued topic in India. Asking 'When are you getting married?' is common but can be seen as intrusive by younger generations.

In English-speaking cultures, 'wedding' is the event and 'marriage' is the state. In Hindi, 'Shaadi' is used for both, though 'Vaivahik jeevan' can specifically mean married life.

Shaadi.com (The world's largest matrimonial site). The movie 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai' (It's my friend's wedding). The song 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' (I got stuck after getting married).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family Gathering

  • शादी की बधाई!
  • खाना कैसा है?
  • दुल्हन बहुत सुंदर है।
  • अगली बारी तुम्हारी है!

Dating/Relationships

  • क्या तुम शादी में विश्वास करते हो?
  • मैं अभी शादी नहीं करना चाहता।
  • मेरे घरवाले शादी के लिए कह रहे हैं।
  • हम शादी करने वाले हैं।

Bollywood Movies

  • शादी का गाना
  • शादी की रस्में
  • शादी तोड़ना
  • शादी से भागना

Formal/Legal

  • शादी का प्रमाण पत्र
  • शादी का पंजीकरण
  • कोर्ट मैरिज
  • शादी की कानूनी उम्र

Shopping

  • शादी के कपड़े
  • शादी का गहना
  • शादी का तोहफा
  • शादी की खरीदारी

Amorces de conversation

"क्या आप कभी किसी भारतीय शादी में गए हैं?"

"आपके देश में शादी की रस्में कैसी होती हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि शादी करना ज़रूरी है?"

"आपकी शादी की सबसे अच्छी याद क्या है?"

"शादी के लिए सबसे अच्छा तोहफा क्या होता है?"

Sujets d'écriture

अपनी सपनों की शादी के बारे में लिखिए।

क्या शादी के बाद इंसान की ज़िंदगी बदल जाती है? अपने विचार लिखिए।

एक भारतीय शादी और अपने देश की शादी के बीच अंतर बताइए।

शादी के लड्डू वाली कहावत पर एक छोटा लेख लिखिए।

अगर आपको किसी की शादी का इंतज़ाम करना हो, तो आप क्या करेंगे?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'Shaadi' is a universal term used by Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs in India. While religious-specific terms like 'Nikah' or 'Anand Karaj' exist, 'Shaadi' is the common word for the event and institution.

'Shaadi' is of Persian origin and is used in everyday conversation. 'Vivah' is of Sanskrit origin and is more formal, often used in legal contexts and on traditional invitations.

You should say 'Main shaadishuda hoon.' Do not say 'Main shaadi hoon,' as that means 'I am a wedding.'

'Shaadi' is a feminine noun. This means you must use 'meri,' 'ki,' and feminine adjectives like 'achhi' or 'badi' with it.

To a female: 'Kya tum mujhse shaadi karogi?' To a male: 'Kya tum mujhse shaadi karoge?'

It's a popular idiom. It suggests that marriage is like a sweet that everyone wants to try, but once they do, they might have mixed feelings. It's used to say you're restless whether you're married or not.

No, 'Shaadi' is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add 'karna' (to do) or 'hona' (to happen). Example: 'Shaadi karna' means 'to marry'.

This is a reduplicative phrase where 'Byah' (the rural/traditional word) is added to 'Shaadi' to mean 'weddings and all the related festivities' in a general sense.

It is a common Hinglish term for a 'Love Marriage,' where the couple chooses each other rather than having the marriage arranged by parents.

The most common way is to say 'Shaadi mubarak!' or 'Shaadi ki bahut-bahut badhai!'

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'My brother's wedding is tomorrow.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I am not married.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Will you marry me?'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The wedding food was very good.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I am going to a wedding.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Happy wedding anniversary!'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'They had a big wedding.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'She wants a love marriage.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Wedding preparations are finished.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Marriage is a social bond.'

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writing

Translate: 'I received the wedding invitation.'

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writing

Translate: 'When are you getting married?'

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writing

Translate: 'After marriage, they moved to London.'

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writing

Translate: 'It was a beautiful wedding.'

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writing

Translate: 'Marriage is not for everyone.'

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writing

Write about your favorite wedding memory in 3 sentences.

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writing

Explain the difference between Shaadi and Vivah in Hindi.

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writing

Write a short dialogue between two friends discussing a wedding.

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writing

Translate: 'He married his childhood friend.'

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writing

Translate: 'The institution of marriage is evolving.'

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speaking

Say 'I am married' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'When is the wedding?' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Congratulations on the wedding!' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'I want to get married next year.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Are you coming to the wedding?' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'My sister's wedding is in Delhi.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'The wedding food was delicious.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'I don't want to get married now.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'This is my wedding card.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Happy wedding anniversary!' in Hindi.

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speaking

Describe an Indian wedding in 3 sentences.

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speaking

Explain why 'Shaadi' is feminine in Hindi.

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speaking

Ask a friend if they prefer arranged or love marriage.

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speaking

Say 'He married his colleague.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'The wedding preparations are going well.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'I am looking for a wedding gift.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'We were invited to the wedding.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Marriage is a big responsibility.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'She is wearing a wedding dress.' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'The whole family is happy about the wedding.' in Hindi.

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Shaadi'.

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Meri shaadi hai.' What is happening?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi kab karoge?' What is the question?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ka khana achha hai.' What is good?

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listening

Listen to: 'Woh shaadishuda hai.' Is the person married?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ki taiyariyan.' What is being discussed?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi mubarak ho.' What is the speaker doing?

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listening

Listen to: 'Uski shaadi ho gayi.' Did the wedding already happen?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ka season.' What time of year is it likely?

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listening

Listen to: 'Love shaadi ya arranged?' What is the choice?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ka card kahan hai?' What is missing?

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listening

Listen to: 'Maine usse shaadi ki.' Who did the speaker marry?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ke baad milenge.' When will they meet?

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listening

Listen to: 'Badi shaadi thi.' Was it a small wedding?

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listening

Listen to: 'Shaadi ki saalgirah.' What is the occasion?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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