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A2 verb 10 min de lecture

धुलाई करना

dhulai karna
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces धुलाई करना en 30 secondes
Explication धुलाई करना in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic verbs for daily chores. 'धुलाई करना' (dhulāī karnā) is a great word to learn because it helps you describe your daily routine. At this stage, focus on the simple present and past forms. You might say 'मैं कपड़े धोता हूँ' (I wash clothes) or 'मैंने धुलाई की' (I did the laundry). Think of it as a two-part word: 'dhulāī' (the washing) and 'karnā' (to do). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it's about cleaning clothes. It's a very common domestic word you will hear in every Indian home. Imagine yourself pointing at a pile of clothes and saying 'dhulāī' to let someone know they need cleaning. This level is all about survival vocabulary, and knowing how to say 'laundry' is essential for anyone living or traveling in a Hindi-speaking environment. You will also see this word on detergent packets in shops.
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At the A2 level, you should start using 'धुलाई करना' in more complete sentences and understand its compound nature. You will learn that 'dhulāī' is a feminine noun, so when you use it in the past tense, you say 'मैंने धुलाई की' (kī is feminine). You can also start adding objects using the 'की' (kī) connector, like 'कपड़ों की धुलाई' (washing of clothes). At this level, you can describe your weekend: 'रविवार को मैं धुलाई करता हूँ' (On Sunday, I do laundry). You might also need to ask for help: 'क्या आप मेरी धुलाई कर सकते हैं?' (Can you do my laundry?). You are beginning to see how 'dhulāī' is different from just 'dhonā' (to wash). 'Dhulāī' feels more like a complete task. You can also understand basic signs at a laundry shop. This word helps you navigate daily life more independently, allowing you to interact with house help or laundry services with confidence.
At the B1 level, you can use 'धुलाई करना' to discuss more complex topics, such as household management or the cost of services. You should be comfortable using different tenses and moods. For example, 'अगर बारिश होगी, तो मैं धुलाई नहीं करूँगा' (If it rains, I won't do laundry). You can also talk about the quality of the wash: 'मशीन में धुलाई अच्छी होती है' (The washing is good in the machine). At this stage, you might encounter the metaphorical meaning in casual conversation or movies, where it means 'to beat someone up' in a game or a fight. You'll understand the difference between 'dhulāī' (the act) and 'dhulāī' (the charges/cost). For example, 'धुलाई के कितने पैसे हुए?' (How much is the laundry charge?). You are moving from simple descriptions to functional conversations about services and chores. You can also compare different methods of washing, like hand-wash versus machine-wash, using this term.
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At the B2 level, you use 'धुलाई करना' with fluency and can understand its nuances in various contexts. You can discuss the environmental impact of laundry detergents or the social structure of the 'dhobi' community in India. You understand that 'dhulāī' can also refer to the 'thrashing' of a team in a sports report. You might say, 'विपक्षी टीम की धुलाई देखकर मज़ा आ गया' (It was fun to see the opposing team get thrashed). Your grammar is precise; you correctly use the possessive 'ki' and feminine verb agreements without thinking. You can also use it in more formal contexts, such as describing the industrial washing processes in a textile factory. You are capable of explaining the cultural significance of the 'Dhobi Ghat' to others. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'safāī' or 'prakshālan' where appropriate, but you choose 'dhulāī' for its specific domestic and commercial connotations.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the idiomatic and cultural layers of 'धुलाई करना'. You can use it in sophisticated arguments about labor rights for laundry workers or the evolution of domestic technology in India. You recognize the word in literature where it might be used metaphorically for 'purification' or 'cleansing' of one's character. You are comfortable with the passive voice and complex sentence structures: 'कपड़ों की धुलाई सावधानी से की जानी चाहिए' (The washing of clothes should be done carefully). You can distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when 'dhulāī' is used in political satire to describe a 'cleansing' of a corrupt system. Your speech is natural, and you can switch between the literal laundry meaning and the metaphorical 'beating' meaning effortlessly, depending on the social setting. You understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved with the introduction of modern appliances.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'धुलाई करना'. You can engage in high-level academic or professional discussions involving the term, perhaps in the context of textile engineering or sociological studies of traditional occupations. You can appreciate the word's use in poetry or classical prose, where 'dhulāī' might represent the washing away of sins or the passage of time. You are aware of regional variations in how the term is used across the Hindi-speaking belt. You can write detailed reports or creative pieces where 'dhulāī' serves as a central motif. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, encompassing the history, economy, and idioms associated with it. You can effortlessly handle any grammatical complexity and use the word with perfect tone and register, whether you are joking with friends about a cricket match or discussing dry-cleaning chemistry with an expert.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

धुलाई करना en 30 secondes

  • धुलाई करना means 'to do laundry' or 'wash clothes'.
  • It is a compound verb where 'dhulāī' is a feminine noun.
  • Commonly used in domestic, commercial, and metaphorical (thrashing) contexts.
  • Requires the possessive 'kī' when used with an object like clothes.

The Hindi verb phrase धुलाई करना (dhulāī karnā) is a foundational compound verb that every learner should master early in their journey. At its most literal level, it translates to "to do the washing" or "to perform laundry." However, in the rich tapestry of the Hindi language, it carries nuances that distinguish it from the simpler verb 'धोना' (dhonā - to wash). While 'dhonā' can refer to washing anything—your hands, a car, or a piece of fruit—'dhulāī karnā' specifically evokes the systematic process of cleaning fabrics, garments, and household linens. It implies a task or a chore rather than a quick rinse.

Domestic Context
In a typical Indian household, this phrase is used daily to describe the routine of cleaning clothes, whether by hand, using a washing machine, or sending them to a professional service. It encompasses the entire labor of laundry.

माँ आज सुबह से कपड़ों की धुलाई कर रही हैं। (Mother has been doing the laundry since this morning.)

Beyond the domestic sphere, 'धुलाई करना' is also used in professional contexts. If you visit a 'dhobi ghat' (a traditional open-air laundry) or a modern dry cleaner, you are engaging in the economy of 'dhulāī'. The word 'dhulāī' itself is a noun meaning 'washing' or 'the price paid for washing,' and by adding the helper verb 'karnā' (to do), we transform it into a functional action. This structure is very common in Hindi, where nouns are turned into verbs to specify the nature of the action more precisely than a generic verb could.

Commercial Usage
When you see signs for 'Dry Cleaning and Laundry,' they often use the word 'Dhulāī' to indicate the service provided. It is the standard term for the industry.

क्या आप इस कोट की धुलाई कर सकते हैं? (Can you wash/clean this coat?)

Interestingly, like many verbs in Hindi, 'धुलाई करना' has a colloquial, slang usage as well. In certain contexts, especially in informal speech or movies, it can metaphorically mean 'to give someone a beating' or 'to thrash someone' (as in 'washing' away their pride or 'scrubbing' them down). While a learner should be cautious using it this way, recognizing it in films will help you understand the colorful nature of Hindi street slang. However, for most daily interactions, stick to the literal meaning of cleaning clothes.

Metaphorical Slang
In sports or fights, if one team beats another badly, a commentator might say 'उनकी अच्छी धुलाई हुई' (They were washed well/thrashed).

भारतीय बल्लेबाजों ने गेंदबाजों की जमकर धुलाई की। (The Indian batsmen thoroughly thrashed the bowlers.)

Mastering the syntax of धुलाई करना (dhulāī karnā) requires understanding how compound verbs interact with objects. Because 'dhulāī' is a feminine noun, it often requires the possessive marker 'की' (kī) when linked to the object being washed. This is a subtle but vital grammatical point for English speakers who are used to direct objects without possessive markers.

The 'Object + Kī' Pattern
When you specify what you are washing, you say '[Object] की धुलाई करना'. For example, 'कपड़ों की धुलाई' (laundry of clothes).

मैंने आज चादरों की धुलाई की है। (I have done the washing of the bedsheets today.)

In the past tense, since 'karnā' is a transitive verb, the subject takes the 'ने' (ne) particle, and the verb agrees with the feminine noun 'dhulāī'. This is why you see 'की' (kī) instead of 'किया' (kiyā) in the past tense. For example, 'उसने धुलाई की' (He/She did the laundry). This agreement remains consistent regardless of whether the subject is male or female, as the verb is looking at the gender of 'dhulāī'.

When using the future tense, the verb inflects based on the subject. 'मैं धुलाई करूँगा' (I will do laundry - male) or 'मैं धुलाई करूँगी' (I will do laundry - female). Here, the focus is on the intention to perform the act. If you are asking someone else to do it, you might use the imperative form: 'कृपया इन कपड़ों की धुलाई कर दीजिए' (Please do the laundry of these clothes).

Imperative/Request
Use this when giving instructions to a helper or a service provider.

क्या आप कल तक इन पर्दों की धुलाई कर देंगे? (Will you do the washing of these curtains by tomorrow?)

Furthermore, 'dhulāī karnā' can be used in the continuous sense to describe an ongoing chore. 'वह पिछले दो घंटों से धुलाई कर रहा है' (He has been doing laundry for the last two hours). This emphasizes the duration and the effort involved in the task, which is a common way to complain or explain one's busy schedule in Hindi culture.

Continuous Action
Describes a chore currently in progress.

अभी फोन मत करो, वह धुलाई कर रही है। (Don't call now, she is doing the laundry.)

In India, the concept of धुलाई (dhulāī) is deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric. You will hear this word most frequently in residential areas and commercial hubs. If you live in an apartment complex, you might hear neighbors discussing their weekend chores or asking about the 'dhobi' (traditional laundryman). The 'dhobi' is a central figure in Indian urban life, and the conversation often revolves around when he will come for the 'dhulāī'.

The Dhobi Connection
Traditionally, clothes are given to a dhobi who takes them to a 'ghat' for 'dhulāī'. Even in modern times, many families prefer this for heavy items like bedspreads.

धोबी आज कपड़ों की धुलाई करने नहीं आया। (The laundryman didn't come to do the washing today.)

In television commercials, 'धुलाई' is a keyword for detergent brands. Ads for Surf Excel, Ariel, or Tide constantly use the word to promise a 'superior dhulāī' (better wash). You'll hear phrases like 'बेहतर धुलाई' (better washing) or 'सफेद धुलाई' (white/clean washing). These commercials have made the term ubiquitous even for children, associating it with the scent of fresh lemons or blue crystals.

In the Marketplace
When buying a washing machine, the salesperson will talk about the 'wash cycles' using the term 'dhulāī ke vikalp' (washing options).

इस मशीन में कपड़ों की धुलाई बहुत अच्छी होती है। (In this machine, the washing of clothes is very good.)

Furthermore, as mentioned before, the sports world uses 'dhulāī' as a metaphor for a crushing defeat. During a cricket match, if a bowler is giving away too many runs, the commentator might shout, "बल्लेबाज ने गेंदबाज की धुलाई कर दी!" (The batsman thrashed the bowler!). This usage is so common that it has almost become a standard sports term in Hindi journalism. It adds a layer of aggression and dominance to the description of the game.

Sports Commentary
Used when one side completely dominates the other, 'washing' away their opposition.

आज के मैच में विपक्षी टीम की जबरदस्त धुलाई हुई। (In today's match, the opposing team was thoroughly thrashed.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing धोना (dhonā) and धुलाई करना (dhulāī karnā). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Dhonā' is a direct verb (to wash), whereas 'dhulāī karnā' is a compound verb (to do the washing). You 'dhonā' your hands (हाथ धोना), but you 'dhulāī karnā' the laundry.

Mistake 1: Wrong Object Usage
Saying 'Main haath ki dhulāī kar raha hoon' sounds like you are scrubbing your hands in a laundry tub. Use 'Main haath dho raha hoon' instead.

Incorrect: मैं सेब की धुलाई कर रहा हूँ।
Correct: मैं सेब धो रहा हूँ। (I am washing the apple.)

Another common pitfall is the gender agreement. Since 'dhulāī' is feminine, the verb 'karnā' must reflect this in the past tense as 'kī' (feminine) rather than 'kiyā' (masculine). Many learners default to 'kiyā' because they think of the subject's gender or simply use the masculine as a default. Remember: 'Maine dhulāī kī', not 'Maine dhulāī kiyā'.

Mistake 2: Forgetting 'Kī' (Possessive)
Learners often say 'Main kapde dhulāī kar raha hoon'. While understandable, the grammatically correct version is 'Main kapdon kī dhulāī kar raha hoon'.

Incorrect: वह कपड़े धुलाई कर रही है।
Correct: वह कपड़ों की धुलाई कर रही है।

Finally, be careful with the slang usage. Using 'dhulāī karnā' in a context where you intend to say you are cleaning someone's clothes but accidentally imply you are going to beat them up can lead to hilarious or awkward situations. Ensure the context of 'clothes' or 'laundry' is clear unless you are actually talking about a cricket match or a fight!

Mistake 3: Tone and Context
Using the term aggressively in a polite setting. Avoid saying 'Main tumhari dhulāī karunga' unless you are joking with a very close friend about a game.

While धुलाई करना (dhulāī karnā) is specific to laundry, there are several other verbs in Hindi that cover the spectrum of cleaning. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right word for the right situation and make your Hindi sound more natural and precise.

धोना (Dhonā)
The most general verb for 'to wash'. It can be used for clothes, hands, dishes, or cars. It is simpler and more direct than 'dhulāī karnā'.
सफ़ाई करना (Safāī karnā)
Means 'to clean'. This is used for rooms, houses, or general tidying up. You wouldn't usually use this for clothes unless you mean cleaning a stain off them without washing the whole garment.
माँजना (Māñjnā)
Specifically means 'to scrub' or 'to scour'. This is almost exclusively used for washing dishes or metal utensils that require physical scrubbing.

कपड़े धोना (Wash clothes - General)
कपड़ों की धुलाई करना (Do the laundry - Process/Chore)

In formal or technical settings, you might encounter the word 'प्रक्षालन' (prakshālan), which is a highly Sanskritized term for washing or purification. You will rarely hear this in daily life, but it might appear in religious texts or formal academic writing regarding hygiene. For everyday purposes, 'dhulāī' is the king of laundry terms.

Dry Cleaning (ड्राय क्लीनिंग)
In urban areas, English terms like 'Dry Cleaning' are used directly. However, the person doing it is still often called the 'dhobi' or the shop is a 'dhulāī kendra'.

When you want to express the idea of 'rinsing' something quickly, you use 'खंगालना' (khangālnā). This is what you do after the 'dhulāī' is finished—you rinse the soap out. Knowing these distinctions shows that you have moved beyond the basic A1 level and are developing a nuanced understanding of Hindi domestic life.

धुलने के बाद कपड़ों को अच्छी तरह खंगालना चाहिए। (After washing, clothes should be rinsed well.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"कृपया वस्त्रों की धुलाई सावधानीपूर्वक करें।"

Neutre

"मैं आज धुलाई कर रहा हूँ।"

Informel

"अरे, बहुत धुलाई बाकी है यार!"

Child friendly

"चलो, हम गुड़िया के कपड़ों की धुलाई करते हैं!"

Argot

"आज तो उसकी जमकर धुलाई होगी!"

Le savais-tu ?

The 'Dhobi' caste in India has historically been associated with this verb for centuries, creating a unique social identity around the act of 'dhulāī'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /d̪ʱʊ.lɑː.iː kəɾ.nɑː/
US /d̪ʊ.laɪ kər.nɑ/
Stress is on the second syllable of 'dhulāī' (lāī).
Rime avec
सफ़ाई (safāī) पढ़ाई (padhāī) कमाई (kamāī) लड़ाई (ladāī) भलाई (bhalāī) मिठाई (mithāī) सिलाई (silāī) बुनाई (bunāī)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'dh' as a simple English 'd'. It must be aspirated.
  • Making the 'l' too soft.
  • Pronouncing 'karna' as 'karnay'.
  • Confusing the feminine 'dhulai' with a masculine form.
  • Missing the nasalization if present in regional dialects (though not standard here).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common use.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct gender agreement with 'karnā'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires proper aspiration of the 'dh' sound.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly audible in domestic and commercial settings.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

धोना कपड़े करना साफ़ पानी

Apprends ensuite

इस्तरी करना (to iron) सुखाना (to dry) तह करना (to fold) मैल (dirt) नहाने (to bathe)

Avancé

प्रक्षालन अपमार्जक (detergent) निर्जलीकरण (dehydration/drying) तंतु (fiber) परिधान (attire)

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Verbs

धुलाई (Noun) + करना (Verb) = To do laundry.

Feminine Noun Agreement

धुलाई की (Past), धुलाई होगी (Future).

Transitive Verbs in Past Tense

मैंने धुलाई की (Subject + ne).

Possessive Connector 'Kī'

कपड़ों की धुलाई (Clothes' laundry).

Infinitive as Noun

धुलाई करना मुश्किल है (Doing laundry is hard).

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Exemples par niveau

1

मैं कपड़े धोता हूँ।

I wash clothes.

Simple present tense with 'dhonā'.

2

आज धुलाई का दिन है।

Today is laundry day.

Dhulāī used as a noun.

3

क्या आपने धुलाई की?

Did you do the washing?

Past tense 'kī' agreeing with feminine 'dhulāī'.

4

मुझे धुलाई करनी है।

I have to do laundry.

Infinitive 'karnī' with 'hai' for obligation.

5

धुलाई कहाँ है?

Where is the laundry?

Simple question.

6

यह धुलाई अच्छी है।

This washing is good.

Adjective 'achhī' agreeing with 'dhulāī'.

7

माँ धुलाई कर रही हैं।

Mother is doing the laundry.

Present continuous tense.

8

धुलाई के लिए साबुन लाओ।

Bring soap for the washing.

Use of 'ke liye' (for).

1

मैं रविवार को कपड़ों की धुलाई करता हूँ।

I do the laundry of clothes on Sunday.

Use of possessive 'kī' with the object.

2

क्या आप इन कपड़ों की धुलाई कर सकते हैं?

Can you do the laundry of these clothes?

Polite request with 'sakte hain'.

3

धुलाई मशीन खराब है।

The washing machine is broken.

Compound noun 'dhulāī mashīn'.

4

उसने सफेद शर्ट की धुलाई की।

He/She washed the white shirt.

Past tense with specific object.

5

धुलाई के बाद कपड़े सुखाओ।

Dry the clothes after washing.

Use of 'ke baad' (after).

6

हमें बहुत धुलाई करनी है।

We have to do a lot of laundry.

Quantifier 'bahut'.

7

धुलाई के पैसे कितने हैं?

How much is the money for washing?

Asking for cost.

8

वह दुकान धुलाई करती है।

That shop does laundry.

Simple statement of service.

1

अगर तुम धुलाई करोगे, तो मैं खाना बनाऊँगा।

If you do the laundry, I will cook food.

Conditional sentence.

2

गर्म पानी में धुलाई बेहतर होती है।

Washing is better in hot water.

General statement of fact.

3

मैंने धोबी को धुलाई के लिए कपड़े दिए।

I gave the clothes to the laundryman for washing.

Dative case 'ko'.

4

इस साबुन से धुulāī आसान हो जाती है।

Washing becomes easy with this soap.

Use of 'se' (with/by).

5

क्या तुमने चादरों की धुलाई कर ली है?

Have you finished washing the sheets?

Completion with 'kar lī'.

6

धुलाई करते समय गाने सुनना अच्छा लगता है।

It feels good to listen to songs while doing laundry.

Use of 'karte samay' (while doing).

7

मैच में हमारी टीम ने उनकी अच्छी धुलाई की।

In the match, our team thrashed them well.

Metaphorical usage.

8

धुलाई के बाद कपड़ों में चमक आ गई।

After washing, a shine came to the clothes.

Describing the result.

1

शहरों में अब लोग धुलाई के लिए मशीनों का इस्तेमाल करते हैं।

In cities, people now use machines for laundry.

Discussing social trends.

2

रेशमी कपड़ों की धुलाई हाथ से ही करनी चाहिए।

Silk clothes should only be washed by hand.

Passive advice with 'chāhiye'.

3

धुलाई केंद्र पर बहुत भीड़ थी।

It was very crowded at the laundry center.

Describing a scene.

4

उसने अपनी गलती की धुलाई करने की कोशिश की।

He tried to 'wash away' (fix/cleanse) his mistake.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

5

धुलाई के रसायनों से पर्यावरण को नुकसान हो सकता है।

Laundry chemicals can harm the environment.

Environmental context.

6

धोबी घाट पर धुलाई का काम सुबह जल्दी शुरू होता है।

At the Dhobi Ghat, laundry work starts early in the morning.

Cultural/Professional context.

7

क्या इस कपड़े की धुलाई के लिए कोई विशेष निर्देश हैं?

Are there any special instructions for washing this fabric?

Formal inquiry.

8

उसकी बातों ने मेरे मन की धुलाई कर दी।

His words 'washed' (cleared/refreshed) my mind.

Deep metaphorical usage.

1

औद्योगिक धुलाई की प्रक्रिया घरेलू धुलाई से काफी भिन्न होती है।

The process of industrial washing is quite different from domestic washing.

Comparison in a formal register.

2

धुलाई के दौरान रंगों का निकलना एक आम समस्या है।

Bleeding of colors during washing is a common problem.

Technical description.

3

सरकार को धुलाई कर्मियों के अधिकारों की रक्षा करनी चाहिए।

The government should protect the rights of laundry workers.

Social/Political context.

4

इस उपन्यास में 'धुलाई' को पापों के प्रायश्चित के रूप में दिखाया गया है।

In this novel, 'washing' is shown as an atonement for sins.

Literary analysis.

5

धुलाई की लागत में वृद्धि के कारण लोग अब खुद कपड़े धो रहे हैं।

Due to the increase in laundry costs, people are now washing clothes themselves.

Economic cause and effect.

6

कपड़ों की धुलाई में पानी की बचत करना आज की ज़रूरत है।

Saving water in laundry is the need of the hour.

Sustainability context.

7

उसकी धुलाई इतनी जबरदस्त थी कि वह दोबारा खड़ा नहीं हो सका।

His thrashing was so severe that he couldn't stand up again.

Intense metaphorical slang.

8

प्राचीन काल में धुलाई के लिए प्राकृतिक जड़ी-बूटियों का प्रयोग होता था।

In ancient times, natural herbs were used for washing.

Historical context.

1

धुलाई की पारिभाषिक शब्दावली में कई तकनीकी शब्द शामिल हैं।

The terminology of washing includes many technical words.

Linguistic analysis.

2

समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से, धुलाई एक जाति-आधारित व्यवसाय रहा है।

From a sociological perspective, laundry has been a caste-based occupation.

Academic/Sociological register.

3

सतत विकास के लिए धुलाई तकनीक में नवाचार अनिवार्य है।

Innovation in washing technology is essential for sustainable development.

Policy/Innovation context.

4

काव्यात्मक रूप में, गंगा में स्नान को आत्मा की धुलाई माना जाता है।

Poetically, bathing in the Ganges is considered the washing of the soul.

Philosophical/Poetic context.

5

धुलाई के अपशिष्ट जल का पुनर्चक्रण एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Recycling the wastewater from laundry is a major challenge.

Engineering/Environmental context.

6

धुलाई की कला में निपुणता अभ्यास से ही आती है।

Mastery in the art of washing comes only through practice.

Philosophical statement.

7

वैश्वीकरण ने धुलाई सेवाओं के स्वरूप को पूरी तरह बदल दिया है।

Globalization has completely changed the nature of laundry services.

Macro-economic context.

8

धुलाई के संदर्भ में स्वच्छता के मानकों का कड़ाई से पालन होना चाहिए।

Hygiene standards should be strictly followed in the context of laundry.

Regulatory register.

Collocations courantes

कपड़ों की धुलाई
धुलाई मशीन
धुलाई केंद्र
अच्छी धुलाई
धुलाई का साबुन
हाथ से धुलाई
धुलाई के पैसे
जमकर धुलाई
सफेद धुलाई
धुलाई और प्रेस

Phrases Courantes

धुलाई करना

— To do laundry. The standard way to describe the chore.

मुझे आज धुलाई करनी है।

धुलाई हो जाना

— Laundry being finished. Passive or completed state.

क्या धुलाई हो गई?

धुलाई के लिए देना

— To give clothes for washing (usually to a pro).

ये कपड़े धुलाई के लिए दे दो।

धुलाई में डालना

— To put clothes in the wash (or machine).

शर्ट धुलाई में डाल दो।

धुलाई निकलना

— To finish a batch of laundry.

आज बहुत धुलाई निकली है।

धुलाई बाकी होना

— Laundry still remaining to be done.

अभी बहुत धुलाई बाकी है।

धुलाई का दिन

— Laundry day.

रविवार हमारा धुलाई का दिन है।

धुलाई की दर

— The rate/price for washing.

धुलाई की दर क्या है?

धुलाई का समय

— Washing time.

धुलाई का समय हो गया।

धुलाई की बाल्टी

— Laundry bucket.

धुलाई की बाल्टी कहाँ है?

Souvent confondu avec

धुलाई करना vs धोना

Dhonā is the general verb 'to wash'. Dhulāī karnā is specifically for laundry chores.

धुलाई करना vs ढुलाई

Dhulāī (transportation) sounds similar but means carrying goods. Note the different 'D'.

धुलाई करना vs सफ़ाई

Safāī means general cleaning (dusting, mopping), not specifically laundry.

Expressions idiomatiques

"अच्छी धुलाई करना"

— To beat someone thoroughly (slang).

पुलिस ने चोर की अच्छी धुलाई की।

Informal
"गेंदबाज की धुलाई"

— When a batsman scores many runs against a bowler.

आज गेंदबाज की धुलाई हो रही है।

Sports
"पापों की धुलाई"

— Cleansing of sins (metaphorical/religious).

गंगा में पापों की धुलाई होती है।

Religious
"दिमाग की धुलाई"

— Brainwashing or clearing someone's confusion.

उसने मेरे दिमाग की धुलाई कर दी।

Colloquial
"जेब की धुलाई"

— Having one's pockets emptied or losing money.

जुए में उसकी जेब की धुलाई हो गई।

Slang
"छक्के छुड़ाना और धुलाई करना"

— To defeat and humiliate someone completely.

मैच में हमने उनकी धुलाई कर दी।

Informal
"धुलाई-पुछाई"

— A complete cleaning of a house or space.

दिवाली पर घर की धुलाई-पुछाई होती है।

Domestic
"सफेद धुलाई"

— Whitewashing (literal or metaphorical covering of flaws).

उसने अपनी गलतियों पर सफेद धुलाई कर दी।

Metaphorical
"धुलाई का डिब्बा"

— A term sometimes used for a very old, noisy washing machine.

यह मशीन तो धुलाई का डिब्बा है।

Informal
"धुलाई की मार"

— The brunt of a beating or a severe loss.

उसे धुलाई की मार झेलनी पड़ी।

Colloquial

Facile à confondre

धुलाई करना vs ढुलाई (dhulāī)

Sounds almost identical to a non-native ear.

Dhulāī (with dental D) is washing. Dhulāī (with retroflex Dh) is transportation/carriage.

माल की ढुलाई (Carriage of goods) vs कपड़ों की धुलाई (Washing of clothes).

धुलाई करना vs धुलाई (dhulāī) vs धुलाई (dhulāyī)

Spelling variations.

They are often used interchangeably, but 'dhulāī' is the standard noun.

Same meaning.

धुलाई करना vs नहाना (nahānā)

Both involve water and cleaning.

Nahānā is to bathe oneself. Dhulāī karnā is to wash objects/clothes.

मैं नहा रहा हूँ (I am bathing).

धुलाई करना vs कुल्ला करना (kullā karnā)

Cleaning with water.

Kullā karnā is specifically to rinse one's mouth.

खाना खाने के बाद कुल्ला करो (Rinse your mouth after eating).

धुलाई करना vs पोंछना (poñchnā)

Cleaning action.

Poñchnā is to wipe or dust, usually without soaking in water.

मेज पोंछ दो (Wipe the table).

Structures de phrases

A1

मैं [Noun] धोता हूँ।

मैं कपड़े धोता हूँ।

A2

मुझे [Noun] की धुलाई करनी है।

मुझे चादरों की धुलाई करनी है।

B1

क्या आपने [Noun] की धुलाई कर ली?

क्या आपने कपड़ों की धुलाई कर ली?

B2

[Noun] की धुलाई [Adverb] होती है।

कपड़ों की धुलाई मशीन में होती है।

C1

[Noun] की धुलाई के दौरान [Problem] हो सकता है।

धुलाई के दौरान रंग निकल सकता है।

C2

[Abstract Noun] की धुलाई [Metaphor].

आत्मा की धुलाई गंगा में होती है।

A2

[Time] को धुलाई का दिन है।

आज धुलाई का दिन है।

B1

[Person] ने [Object] की अच्छी धुलाई की।

उसने मेरी शर्ट की अच्छी धुलाई की।

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in daily spoken Hindi.

Erreurs courantes
  • Maine dhulāī kiyā. → Maine dhulāī kī.

    'Dhulāī' is feminine, so the verb 'karnā' becomes 'kī' in the past tense.

  • Main kapde dhulāī kar raha hoon. → Main kapdon kī dhulāī kar raha hoon.

    The possessive 'kī' is needed to link the object to the noun 'dhulāī'.

  • Main haath kī dhulāī kar raha hoon. → Main haath dho raha hoon.

    'Dhulāī' is for laundry; use 'dhonā' for body parts.

  • Dhulāī machine broken hai. → Dhulāī mashīn kharāb hai.

    Use the Hindi word 'kharāb' for broken/not working.

  • Mujhe dhulāī karnā hai. → Mujhe dhulāī karnī hai.

    The infinitive must agree with the feminine 'dhulāī'.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'dhulāī' as feminine. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Compound Verbs

Learn it as a set: 'dhulāī karnā'. Don't just learn 'dhulāī'.

Dhobi Ghat

Watch a video of a Dhobi Ghat to understand the physical labor associated with this word.

Context Matters

Be careful with the 'thrashing' meaning; use it only in sports or very informal jokes.

Aspiration

Practice the 'Dh' sound by putting your hand in front of your mouth; you should feel a puff of air.

Commercials

Hindi detergent ads are the best way to hear this word used in various domestic contexts.

Possessive 'Kī'

Always use 'kī' when mentioning the clothes: 'Kapdon kī dhulāī'.

Laundry Labels

Look for 'dhulāī ke nirdesh' (washing instructions) on clothes bought in India.

House Help

If you have house help, using 'dhulāī kar dena' is a polite and clear way to give instructions.

Laundry Services

In a hotel, look for the 'dhulāī' bag in the closet for your laundry service.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'DO-LAI' - You 'DO' the 'LAI' (Laundry). It sounds like 'Do-Laundry'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a 'Dhobi' at a 'Ghat' (river bank) rhythmically slamming clothes against a stone. That is 'dhulāī'.

Word Web

Laundry Clothes Soap Water Machine Dhobi Clean Chore

Défi

Try to use 'dhulāī karnā' in a sentence describing your least favorite chore.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'धव्' (dhav) meaning to wash or clean. It evolved through Prakrit into the modern Hindi 'dhonā'.

Sens originel : The act of purifying or cleaning with water.

Indo-Aryan

Contexte culturel

Be aware of the historical caste associations with laundry work in India; use the term with respect for the labor involved.

In the West, laundry is mostly a private home activity. In India, it is often outsourced or done visibly in open areas.

Mumbai Dhobi Ghat Surf Excel 'Daag Acche Hain' ads The movie 'Dhobi Ghat'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

  • धुलाई कहाँ रखूँ?
  • धुलाई हो गई?
  • आज बहुत धुलाई है।
  • धुलाई मशीन चलाओ।

At a Laundry Shop

  • धुलाई के कितने पैसे?
  • कल तक धुलाई मिलेगी?
  • अच्छी धुलाई करना।
  • क्या आप ड्राई क्लीनिंग करते हैं?

Sports

  • उसकी धुलाई हो गई।
  • गेंदबाज की धुलाई करो!
  • जमकर धुलाई हुई।
  • धुलाई देखकर मज़ा आया।

Shopping

  • धुलाई का साबुन दिखाओ।
  • क्या यह धुलाई योग्य है?
  • धुलाई के बाद रंग तो नहीं निकलेगा?
  • सबसे अच्छा धुलाई पाउडर कौन सा है?

With House Help

  • आज धुलाई कर देना।
  • धुलाई के कपड़े वहाँ हैं।
  • धुलाई ठीक से नहीं हुई।
  • धुलाई के बाद प्रेस भी करना।

Amorces de conversation

"क्या आप हर रविवार को धुलाई करते हैं?"

"आपके घर में धुलाई कौन करता है?"

"क्या आपको हाथ से धुलाई करना पसंद है?"

"क्या आपकी धुलाई मशीन ठीक से काम कर रही है?"

"धुलाई के लिए सबसे अच्छा डिटर्जेंट कौन सा है?"

Sujets d'écriture

आज मैंने बहुत सारे कपड़ों की धुलाई की। मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ?

बचपन में हमारे घर में धुलाई कैसे होती थी?

अगर धुलाई मशीन न होती, तो जीवन कैसा होता?

क्या आपने कभी किसी की 'धुलाई' (पिटाई) देखी है? क्या हुआ था?

धुलाई के काम को आसान बनाने के लिए आप क्या सुझाव देंगे?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Dhulāī' is a feminine noun. This is why we say 'Maine dhulāī kī' and not 'kiyā'.

It is possible, but 'gādī dhonā' (washing the car) is more common. 'Dhulāī' usually implies clothes.

A Dhobi is a person whose traditional occupation is washing clothes. They are central to the concept of 'dhulāī' in India.

You can say 'dhulāī mashīn' or simply use the English 'washing machine'.

In cricket, it means a batsman is hitting a bowler very hard for many runs.

No, for dishes we use 'bartan māñjnā' or 'bartan dhonā'.

'Dhonā' is the verb 'to wash'. 'Dhulāī' is the noun 'washing' or 'laundry'.

You can say 'Kyā āp mere kapdon kī dhulāī kar sakte hain?'

Usually no. Ironing is 'istree'. You often ask for 'dhulāī aur istree' together.

It is a standard, neutral word used in both formal and informal settings.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence about doing laundry on Sunday.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'dhonā' and 'dhulāī karnā' in Hindi.

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writing

Describe your laundry routine using 'dhulāī karnā'.

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writing

Write a short dialogue between a customer and a laundryman (Dhobi).

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writing

What are the pros and cons of using a washing machine? (Use 'dhulāī').

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writing

Write a metaphorical sentence using 'dhulāī' about a cricket match.

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writing

How do you feel after doing a lot of laundry? Write 3 sentences.

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writing

Write a formal request for laundry service in a hotel.

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writing

Describe the scene at a Mumbai Dhobi Ghat.

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writing

Write a diary entry about a busy 'dhulāī ka din'.

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writing

Write 5 items you need for 'dhulāī' in Hindi.

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writing

Explain why 'dhulāī' is feminine in a grammar note.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'dhulāī' in the future tense.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'dhulāī' in the past tense with 'ne'.

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writing

Translate: 'I have given my clothes for washing.'

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writing

Translate: 'The washing machine is not working today.'

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writing

Write a sentence about washing bedsheets.

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writing

How do you save water while doing laundry? (In Hindi).

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writing

Describe a clean shirt after 'dhulāī'.

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writing

Write a slogan for a new detergent brand using 'dhulāī'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'धुलाई करना' correctly.

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speaking

Tell your friend you have to do laundry today.

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speaking

Ask the laundryman when the clothes will be ready.

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speaking

Describe the steps of doing laundry in Hindi.

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speaking

Compliment someone on how clean their clothes are after 'dhulāī'.

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speaking

Talk about your favorite detergent brand and why.

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speaking

Discuss the difference between hand washing and machine washing.

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speaking

Use 'dhulāī' in a slang context about a game.

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speaking

Ask for the price of washing a coat.

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speaking

Explain a laundry mistake you once made.

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speaking

Say: 'Mother is doing the laundry in the kitchen.'

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speaking

Say: 'I will do laundry tomorrow morning.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Where is the washing soap?'

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speaking

Say: 'The laundry is finished now.'

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speaking

Talk about the 'Dhobi Ghat' for one minute.

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speaking

Argue for saving water during 'dhulāī'.

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speaking

Roleplay: You are at a laundry shop complaining about a stain.

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speaking

Tell a story about a rainy laundry day.

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speaking

Say: 'Dry cleaning is expensive here.'

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speaking

Practice the aspirated 'Dh' sound in 'Dhulāī'.

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listening

Listen to the word 'धुलाई' and identify the first sound.

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listening

Listen to: 'Maine aaj bahut dhulāī kī.' What did the person do?

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listening

Listen to a detergent ad and count how many times they say 'dhulāī'.

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listening

Listen to: 'Dhobi kab ayega?' What is the question?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to a sports report. Is 'dhulāī' used for laundry or a beating?

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

Listen to: 'Kapdon kī dhulāī ho rahi hai.' What is the object?

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

Listen to the difference between 'Dhonā' and 'Dhulāī'.

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

Listen to: 'Dhulāī mashīn kharāb hai.' What is broken?

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

Listen to: 'Mujhe dhulāī karnī hai.' Is the speaker male or female? (Trick question: Verb is feminine due to noun).

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

Listen to instructions for washing a delicate garment.

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

Listen to: 'Dhulāī ke baad press kijiye.' What are the two actions?

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

Listen to: 'Aaj bahut dhulāī niklī hai.' What does it mean?

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

Listen to: 'Dhulāī ka sābun dikhāo.' What is being asked for?

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

Listen to a conversation about laundry charges.

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

Listen to: 'Vah dhulāī kar rahā hai.' Translate the sentence.

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

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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