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A2 noun #300 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

वक़्त

waqt Top 300

At the A1 level, 'वक़्त' (waqt) is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'time'. Learners focus on using it to ask for the current time or to state that they have or do not have time for an activity. The grammar is kept simple, usually involving the verb 'hona' (to be). You will learn phrases like 'Kya waqt hua hai?' (What time is it?) and 'Mere paas waqt nahi hai' (I don't have time). The focus is on survival communication and basic scheduling. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep philosophical meanings; just treat it as a functional word for daily life. You should also learn that it is a masculine word, so you say 'Mera waqt' (My time). This level builds the foundation for understanding how time is structured in Hindi conversation.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'वक़्त' (waqt) in more varied contexts, such as describing daily routines and making appointments. You will learn to use postpositions like 'par' (on/at) to say 'waqt par' (on time). You'll also start using adjectives to describe time, such as 'achha waqt' (good time) or 'thoda waqt' (a little time). The focus shifts to slightly more complex sentence structures, like 'Mujhe thoda waqt chahiye' (I need some time). You will also encounter 'waqt' in simple stories and dialogues. This level introduces the idea that 'waqt' can refer to a specific moment in the past or future using 'uss waqt' (at that time) and 'iss waqt' (at this time/now). You are moving from just asking for the time to managing your time in Hindi.

At the B1 level, 'वक़्त' (waqt) starts appearing in more abstract and idiomatic expressions. You will learn to talk about your experiences and feelings using time as a framework. Phrases like 'waqt bitana' (to spend time) and 'waqt barbaad karna' (to waste time) become part of your active vocabulary. You can now discuss your opinions on how people use their time. You'll also start noticing the difference between 'waqt' and 'samay' in different registers of speech. At this level, you can handle situations where you need to explain why you were late or describe a period of your life. You might also encounter 'waqt' in popular Hindi songs and begin to understand its emotional resonance. Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, such as 'Jab mere paas waqt hota hai, main kitabein padhta hoon' (When I have time, I read books).

At the B2 level, you can use 'वक़्त' (waqt) to discuss complex topics like social changes, history, and personal growth. You understand the nuances of using 'waqt' in poetic and literary contexts. You are comfortable with idioms like 'waqt ka pahiya' (the wheel of time) or 'waqt ki nazakat' (the delicacy/demand of the time). You can participate in debates about time management or the cultural differences in punctuality. You also begin to use 'waqt' in the oblique case or in complex compound sentences. Your understanding of the word extends to its role in South Asian philosophy and cinema. You can distinguish between 'waqt' as a measurable unit and 'waqt' as a metaphorical force. For example, you can explain the sentence 'Waqt har zakhm bhar deta hai' (Time heals every wound) in detail.

At the C1 level, your use of 'वक़्त' (waqt) is near-native. You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning in professional and academic settings. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it interacts with other Persian and Arabic loanwords in Hindi. You can write essays or give presentations where 'waqt' is a central theme, using it to weave together historical narratives and future projections. You understand and can use rare collocations and literary references involving 'waqt'. Your speech is fluid, and you can switch between 'waqt' and 'samay' depending on your audience and the level of formality required. You can appreciate the wordplay in Hindi poetry (Ghazals) where 'waqt' is often a key motif. You can also use it to discuss geopolitical 'waqt' or eras of governance.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'वक़्त' (waqt). You can use it with total precision in any context, from the most informal slang to the most formal legal or philosophical discourse. You understand the deepest cultural and historical connotations of the word. You can analyze how the usage of 'waqt' has evolved in Hindi literature over centuries. You can use the word to create your own poetry or high-level academic critiques. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and tonal qualities of the word in spoken performance. For you, 'waqt' is not just a word for time; it is a versatile tool for expressing the entirety of the human condition. You can effortlessly navigate the complex relationship between 'waqt', 'kaal', and 'samay' to convey exact philosophical nuances.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

वक़्त en 30 secondes

वक़्त (Waqt) is the most common conversational word for 'time' in Hindi, suitable for both daily tasks and emotional expression.
It is a masculine noun, meaning you use 'achha' (good) and 'mera' (my) with it, never the feminine forms.
While synonymous with 'samay', 'waqt' is preferred in poetry, songs, and casual dialogue due to its Urdu/Arabic roots.
Common phrases include 'waqt par' (on time), 'waqt bitana' (to spend time), and 'waqt ki kadr' (valuing time).

The word वक़्त (Waqt) is one of the most versatile and essential nouns in the Hindi language. While its primary translation is 'time,' it carries a depth that spans from the mundane ticking of a clock to the profound passage of eras. Derived from Arabic, it has become deeply embedded in the Hindi-Urdu (Hindustani) lexicon, often preferred in poetic, conversational, and emotional contexts over its Sanskrit-derived synonym, समय (Samay). When you use 'waqt,' you aren't just talking about minutes and hours; you are often referring to a specific moment, an opportunity, or a phase of life.

Daily Utility: In everyday life, 'waqt' is used to ask for the time, discuss schedules, or express a lack of availability. For example, 'Kya waqt hua hai?' (What time is it?) is a standard way to inquire about the current hour.

मेरे पास अभी बात करने का वक़्त नहीं है। (I don't have time to talk right now.)

Beyond the literal, 'waqt' represents the abstract concept of destiny or the 'right moment.' In Hindi cinema and literature, 'waqt' is frequently personified as a force that changes everything. It is the great healer and the great destroyer. When someone says 'Waqt badal gaya hai' (Times have changed), they are usually reflecting on a shift in social norms, personal fortunes, or global circumstances. This dual nature—being both a measurable unit and an immeasurable force—makes it a fascinating word for learners to master.

Philosophical Context: In philosophical discussions, 'waqt' signifies the transient nature of existence. It is often paired with adjectives like 'achha' (good) or 'bura' (bad) to describe the phases of one's life journey.

वक़्त बहुत कीमती है। (Time is very precious.)

Furthermore, 'waqt' is used to denote specific instances. If you say 'Uss waqt' (At that time), you are pinpointing a specific memory or event. It functions as a temporal anchor in storytelling. Whether you are catching a train, meeting a friend, or reflecting on your childhood, 'waqt' is the vessel that holds these experiences. Understanding its usage helps you navigate not just the language, but the cultural perception of time in South Asia, which can often be more fluid and context-dependent than in the West.

Grammatical Note: 'Waqt' is a masculine noun. Therefore, adjectives and verbs associated with it will take the masculine form (e.g., 'achha waqt', not 'achhi waqt').

सही वक़्त का इंतज़ार करो। (Wait for the right time.)

बुरा वक़्त भी गुज़र जाता है। (Even bad times pass.)

In conclusion, 'waqt' is more than a clock measurement. It is a word that captures the essence of human experience—waiting, rushing, remembering, and hoping. Mastering it allows you to express complex emotions and simple needs with equal ease.

Using वक़्त (Waqt) correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and its common pairings with verbs like 'hona' (to be), 'dena' (to give), 'nikalna' (to take out/spend), and 'bitana' (to spend). Because it is a loanword from Arabic, it carries a certain elegance, making it suitable for both casual and slightly formal settings. Here, we will explore its application across different sentence structures.

Possession and Availability: To say you 'have' time, you use the postposition 'ke paas'. For example: 'Mere paas waqt hai' (I have time). To say you 'don't have' time, simply add 'nahi'.

क्या आपके पास थोड़ा वक़्त है? (Do you have some time?)

When referring to a specific point in time, 'waqt' is often preceded by demonstrative pronouns like 'iss' (this) or 'uss' (that). 'Iss waqt' means 'at this moment' or 'right now,' while 'uss waqt' means 'at that time' or 'then.' This is crucial for narrative consistency when telling stories or describing past events.

Action and Duration: When you want to 'spend' time, you use 'waqt bitana'. If you are 'wasting' time, the phrase is 'waqt barbaad karna'. These are common collocations that every learner should know.

अपना वक़्त बर्बाद मत करो। (Don't waste your time.)

In more complex sentences, 'waqt' can act as the subject. 'Waqt sab sikha deta hai' (Time teaches everything). Here, the verb 'sikha deta hai' agrees with the masculine singular 'waqt'. You can also use it to describe the quality of a period, such as 'Mushkil waqt' (Difficult time) or 'Khushi ka waqt' (Time of happiness).

Asking Questions: To ask 'When?', you can say 'Kis waqt?' (At what time?). This is more specific than the general 'Kab?' and is often used when an exact hour is expected in response.

आप किस वक़्त आएँगे? (At what time will you come?)

हर काम का एक सही वक़्त होता है। (There is a right time for every task.)

Finally, 'waqt' is used in the oblique case as 'waqton' in very rare, poetic plural contexts, but for almost all practical purposes, 'waqt' remains the same in singular and plural. Focus on the surrounding adjectives and verbs to maintain grammatical harmony.

The word वक़्त (Waqt) is omnipresent in the Hindi-speaking world. From the bustling markets of Old Delhi to the high-rise corporate offices of Mumbai, you will hear it used in a variety of registers. It is a bridge between the formal and the informal, the ancient and the modern.

In Popular Culture: Bollywood is perhaps the biggest propagator of the word. Countless songs feature 'waqt' in their lyrics, often lamenting its speed or celebrating a 'waqt-e-mulaqat' (time of meeting). Iconic movies like the 1965 classic 'Waqt' revolve entirely around the theme of how time separates and reunites families.

गाने में कहा गया है: "वक़्त से दिन और रात..." (The song says: "Day and night are from time...")

In daily conversation, 'waqt' is the go-to word for scheduling. If you are taking a taxi or an auto-rickshaw, the driver might say, 'Bhaiya, iss waqt traffic bahut hai' (Brother, there is a lot of traffic at this time). In a household, a mother might tell her child, 'Khane का waqt ho gaya hai' (It's time to eat). It is functional, direct, and universally understood.

Professional Settings: In offices, while 'samay' might appear in written memos, 'waqt' is used in spoken discussions about deadlines. 'Humein thoda aur waqt chahiye' (We need a little more time) is a common plea in project meetings.

पुराने वक़्त की बातें अलग थीं। (Things were different in the old times.)

News broadcasts and documentaries also use 'waqt' to describe historical periods. Phrases like 'Azaadi के waqt' (At the time of independence) are standard. It provides a sense of historical scale. Even in religious or spiritual discourses, 'waqt' is used to describe the divine timing of the universe.

Social Media and Slang: On social media, you might see memes about 'Bura Waqt' (Bad Time) or 'Waqt ki barbadi' (Waste of time) regarding trending topics. It remains a high-frequency word in digital communication.

आजकल किसके पास वक़्त है? (Who has time these days?)

सही वक़्त पर आना। (Come at the right time.)

Whether you are reading a newspaper, watching a movie, or chatting at a tea stall, 'waqt' will be there. It is a fundamental building block of Hindustani communication.

Learning to use वक़्त (Waqt) correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers and new Hindi learners often encounter. These mistakes range from grammatical gender errors to pronunciation slips and contextual misapplications.

The Gender Trap: The most frequent mistake is treating 'waqt' as feminine. In Hindi, many abstract concepts ending in certain sounds are feminine, but 'waqt' is strictly masculine. Saying 'achhi waqt' instead of 'achha waqt' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Incorrect: यह मेरी वक़्त है।
Correct: यह मेरा वक़्त है। (This is my time.)

Another common error is the pronunciation of the 'q' (क़). In many Hindi dialects and for many learners, 'waqt' is pronounced as 'vakt' (with a standard 'k' sound). While this is widely understood, the correct Urdu/Arabic-influenced pronunciation uses the voiceless uvular plosive /q/. Failing to use the 'q' sound isn't a 'mistake' that hinders communication, but mastering it makes your Hindi sound much more sophisticated.

Confusing 'Waqt' with 'Baar': English uses the word 'time' for both duration ('I have time') and frequency ('three times'). In Hindi, these are different. 'Waqt' is for duration/moment, while 'baar' or 'dafa' is for frequency. Saying 'Teen waqt' to mean 'three times' is incorrect; it should be 'teen baar'.

मैंने उसे तीन बार फोन किया। (I called him three times - NOT 'teen waqt'.)

Learners also sometimes over-rely on 'waqt' when 'samay' would be more appropriate in highly formal or technical Sanskritized Hindi contexts. While 'waqt' is never 'wrong' in conversation, using 'samay' in a formal speech or a government document is often the better choice. Conversely, using 'samay' in a gritty, emotional conversation might feel slightly out of place.

Preposition Errors: In English, we say 'on time.' In Hindi, the equivalent is 'waqt par.' Using 'waqt mein' (in time) is sometimes used but often learners confuse 'at' and 'on.' Remember: 'Waqt par' for punctuality.

वह हमेशा वक़्त पर आता है। (He always comes on time.)

आपका वक़्त शुरू होता है अब। (Your time starts now.)

Finally, avoid literal translations of English idioms. 'Time flies' isn't 'Waqt udta hai' (though people would understand); a more natural way to say it is 'Waqt पंख लगाकर उड़ जाता है' or simply 'Waqt ka pata hi nahi chalta' (One doesn't even realize the time).

While वक़्त (Waqt) is incredibly common, Hindi offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related terms, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Samay (समय): The most direct synonym. It is Sanskrit-derived and used in formal, academic, and official contexts. While 'waqt' is emotional, 'samay' is structural. You'll see 'Samay Sarani' for a 'Time Table' in a school, not 'Waqt Sarani'.
Kaal (काल): Refers to 'time' in a grand, often cosmic or grammatical sense. It means 'era' or 'tense' (as in past/present/future). It also has a connotation of 'death' or 'destiny' in certain contexts (e.g., 'Kaal chakra' - the wheel of time).

प्राचीन काल में लोग गुफाओं में रहते थे। (In ancient times, people lived in caves.)

For shorter durations or specific moments, you might use लम्हा (Lamha) or पल (Pal). Both translate to 'moment.' 'Lamha' is Urdu-derived and very poetic, often used in songs. 'Pal' is more common in daily speech. 'Ek pal ruko' (Wait a moment) is very natural.

Daur (दौर): This refers to a 'phase,' 'period,' or 'era.' It is used when discussing a specific stretch of time characterized by something. For example, 'Mushkil daur' (A difficult phase).
Arsa (अरसा): This means a 'long time' or 'duration.' If you haven't seen someone in years, you might say, 'Bade arse baad mile!' (Met after a long time!).

यह बदलाव का दौर है। (This is an era of change.)

When talking about the 'right time' or 'opportunity,' you can use मौका (Mauka). While 'waqt' can mean opportunity, 'mauka' is more specific. 'Sahi waqt par' and 'Sahi mauke par' are often interchangeable, but 'mauka' emphasizes the chance itself.

Zamana (ज़माना): Refers to 'the times' or 'the world/age.' It's often used to compare the past with the present. 'Hamare zamane mein...' (In our time/days...).

आजकल का ज़माना बहुत तेज़ है। (Today's times are very fast.)

खुशी का हर लम्हा कीमती है। (Every moment of happiness is precious.)

By diversifying your vocabulary with these terms, you can express the passage of time with much greater precision and poetic flair.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"हमें इस कार्य के लिए और वक़्त की आवश्यकता है।"

Neutre

"क्या आपके पास थोड़ा वक़्त है?"

Informel

"अरे यार, मेरे पास बिलकुल वक़्त नहीं है!"

Child friendly

"चलो बच्चों, अब खेलने का वक़्त हो गया!"

Argot

"तेरा वक़्त खत्म, अब मेरा दौर है।"

Le savais-tu ?

Despite being an Arabic loanword, 'waqt' is so deeply integrated into Hindi that many native speakers do not perceive it as 'foreign'. It is one of the most frequently used words in Bollywood song titles.

Guide de prononciation

UK /wʌkt/

US /wɑːkt/

The stress is equal on the single syllable, but the 'q' sound creates a slight natural pause or emphasis before the 't'.

Rime avec

सख़्त (Sakht - Hard) तख़्त (Takht - Throne) रख़्त (Rakht - Goods/Apparel) बख़्त (Bakht - Luck) दरख़्त (Darakht - Tree) लख़्त (Lakht - Piece) सुख़्त (Sukht - Burnt) पख़्त (Pakht - Firm)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'w' as a hard 'v'.
Replacing the deep 'q' (क़) with a standard 'k' (क).
Treating it as two syllables (wa-kat) instead of one (waqt).
Nasalizing the vowel unnecessarily.
Dropping the final 't' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the 'nukta' (dot) under 'ka' to make it 'qa' might be missing in casual text.

Écriture 3/5

The combination of 'ka' and 'ta' with a half-letter (व-क्-त) can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'q' sound (क़) is difficult for many English speakers to master perfectly.

Écoute 2/5

Very high frequency word, easily identifiable in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

समय (Samay) है (Hai) पास (Paas) नहीं (Nahi) क्या (Kya)

Apprends ensuite

घड़ी (Ghadi) इंतज़ार (Intezaar) देर (Der) जल्दी (Jaldi) हमेशा (Hamesha)

Avancé

मुक़र्रर (Muqarrar) नज़ाकत (Nazakat) तकाज़ा (Takaza) असीमता (Aseemta) विडंबना (Vidambana)

Grammaire à connaître

Masculine Noun Agreement

Mera waqt (My time), Achha waqt (Good time).

Oblique Case with Postpositions

Uss waqt (At that time), Waqt par (On time).

Infinitive as Adjective

Khelne ka waqt (Time to play/Playing time).

Possession with 'Ke Paas'

Mere paas waqt hai (I have time).

Future Tense Agreement

Waqt beet jayega (Time will pass).

Exemples par niveau

क्या वक़्त हुआ है?

What time is it?

Simple interrogative sentence using 'kya' (what) and 'hua hai' (has become/is).

मेरे पास वक़्त नहीं है।

I don't have time.

Use of 'ke paas' to show possession of an abstract noun.

यह सोने का वक़्त है।

It is time to sleep.

Use of 'ka' (of) to link 'sona' (sleeping) with 'waqt'.

थोड़ा वक़्त दीजिये।

Please give some time.

Imperative sentence using the polite 'dijiye'.

वक़्त कम है।

Time is short.

Simple subject-adjective-verb structure.

वह किस वक़्त आएगा?

At what time will he come?

Future tense verb 'aayega' agreeing with masculine subject 'voh'.

आपका वक़्त अच्छा हो।

May your time be good.

Optative sentence expressing a wish.

अभी क्या वक़्त है?

What is the time now?

Use of 'abhi' (now) to specify the present moment.

मैं वक़्त पर पहुँच जाऊँगा।

I will arrive on time.

Use of 'waqt par' for punctuality.

हमें थोड़ा और वक़्त चाहिए।

We need a little more time.

Use of 'chahiye' (need/want) with 'waqt'.

उस वक़्त बारिश हो रही थी।

At that time, it was raining.

Past continuous tense with 'uss waqt' as a temporal marker.

अपना वक़्त बर्बाद मत करो।

Don't waste your time.

Negative imperative with 'barbaad karna' (to waste).

क्या यह बात करने का सही वक़्त है?

Is this the right time to talk?

Adjective 'sahi' (right/correct) modifying 'waqt'.

वक़्त बहुत जल्दी बीत जाता है।

Time passes very quickly.

Adverb 'jaldi' (quickly) and verb 'beet jaana' (to pass).

मेरे पास पढ़ने का वक़्त है।

I have time to read.

Infinitive 'padhne' used as an adjective for 'waqt'.

पुराने वक़्त में सब अलग था।

In old times, everything was different.

Use of 'purane' (old) in the oblique form before 'waqt'.

वक़्त के साथ सब ठीक हो जाएगा।

Everything will be fine with time.

Use of 'ke saath' (with) to show the passage of time.

मैं अपना खाली वक़्त संगीत सुनकर बिताता हूँ।

I spend my free time listening to music.

Compound sentence with 'bitata hoon' (spend).

वक़्त की कद्र करना सीखो।

Learn to value time.

Use of 'kadr karna' (to value/respect).

उसका बुरा वक़्त चल रहा है।

He is going through a bad time.

Metaphorical use of 'chal raha hai' (is walking/going on).

सही वक़्त आने पर मैं तुम्हें बताऊँगा।

I will tell you when the right time comes.

Conditional structure using 'aane par' (upon coming).

वक़्त किसी का इंतज़ार नहीं करता।

Time waits for no one.

Proverbial usage in simple present tense.

हमें वक़्त की पाबंदी करनी चाहिए।

We should be punctual (observe the restriction of time).

Use of 'waqt ki paabandi' (punctuality).

वह काफी वक़्त से यहाँ रह रहा है।

He has been living here for a long time.

Present perfect continuous equivalent using 'kafi waqt se'.

वक़्त की नज़ाकत को समझो।

Understand the delicacy/demand of the time.

Idiomatic use of 'nazakat' (delicacy).

बदलते वक़्त के साथ हमें भी बदलना होगा।

We will also have to change with the changing times.

Future necessity using 'hoga'.

वक़्त इंसान को बहुत कुछ सिखा देता है।

Time teaches a person a lot.

Personification of 'waqt' as a teacher.

आने वाला वक़्त चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकता है।

The coming time can be challenging.

Use of 'aane wala' (coming) as an adjective.

उसने मुश्किल वक़्त में मेरा साथ दिया।

He supported me during difficult times.

Use of 'mein' (in) with 'mushkil waqt'.

वक़्त का पहिया हमेशा घूमता रहता है।

The wheel of time always keeps turning.

Metaphorical phrase 'waqt ka pahiya'.

हर चीज़ का एक मुक़र्रर वक़्त होता है।

Everything has a fixed/appointed time.

Use of the formal word 'muqarrar' (fixed).

वक़्त की रफ़्तार को कोई नहीं रोक सकता।

No one can stop the speed of time.

Use of 'raftaar' (speed).

वक़्त की धारा में कई सभ्यताएं बह गईं।

Many civilizations were swept away in the current of time.

Literary use of 'dhara' (current/stream).

इतिहास गवाह है कि वक़्त कभी एक सा नहीं रहता।

History is witness that time never remains the same.

Complex sentence with 'itihas gawah hai' (history is witness).

वक़्त की मार सबसे बड़ी मार होती है।

The blow of time is the greatest blow.

Idiomatic use of 'maar' (blow/hit).

दार्शनिकों ने वक़्त की परिभाषा अलग-अलग तरह से दी है।

Philosophers have defined time in different ways.

Academic register using 'paribhasha' (definition).

वक़्त की धूल ने पुरानी यादों को धुंधला कर दिया है।

The dust of time has blurred old memories.

Metaphorical use of 'dhool' (dust).

राजनीति में वक़्त की नब्ज़ पहचानना ज़रूरी है।

In politics, it is necessary to recognize the pulse of the time.

Idiom 'nabz pehchanna' (recognizing the pulse).

वक़्त के आईने में अपनी गलतियों को देखो।

Look at your mistakes in the mirror of time.

Poetic use of 'aaina' (mirror).

वक़्त की पाबंदियों ने उसे एक अनुशासित व्यक्ति बना दिया।

The constraints of time made him a disciplined person.

Plural 'paabandiyon' (restrictions/constraints).

वक़्त की असीमता के सामने मनुष्य का अस्तित्व नगण्य है।

In the face of the infinity of time, human existence is negligible.

Highly formal/philosophical vocabulary like 'aseemta' (infinity) and 'naganya' (negligible).

वक़्त की बेरहमी अक्सर महान कलाकारों को जन्म देती है।

The ruthlessness of time often gives birth to great artists.

Abstract subject 'berahmi' (ruthlessness).

क्या वक़्त वास्तव में एक रेखीय प्रवाह है या महज़ एक भ्रम?

Is time truly a linear flow or merely an illusion?

Metaphysical inquiry using 'rekhiya pravah' (linear flow).

वक़्त की परतों के नीचे दबे रहस्यों को उजागर करना कठिन है।

It is difficult to uncover the secrets buried beneath the layers of time.

Metaphorical 'parton' (layers).

वक़्त की सान पर चढ़कर ही प्रतिभा निखरती है।

Talent is refined only by being put on the whetstone of time.

Complex idiom 'saan par chadhna' (to be sharpened/refined).

वक़्त की बिसात पर हम सब महज़ मोहरे हैं।

On the chessboard of time, we are all merely pawns.

Allegorical use of 'bisaat' (chessboard/spread).

वक़्त की गूँज सदियों तक सुनाई देती है।

The echo of time is heard for centuries.

Poetic 'goonj' (echo).

वक़्त की विडंबना देखिये कि जो कल राजा था, आज रंक है।

Look at the irony of time: he who was a king yesterday is a beggar today.

Use of 'vidambana' (irony) and 'rank' (beggar/pauper).

Collocations courantes

वक़्त पर

वक़्त बिताना

वक़्त बर्बाद करना

वक़्त की कमी

वक़्त निकालना

बुरा वक़्त

सही वक़्त

वक़्त का पाबंद

वक़्त गुज़ारना

वक़्त माँगना

Phrases Courantes

वक़्त क्या हुआ है?

वक़्त ही बताएगा

वक़्त के साथ

वक़्त की बात है

वक़्त रहते

वक़्त की मांग

वक़्त का तकाज़ा

वक़्त हाथ से निकलना

वक़्त का खेल

वक़्त बे-वक़्त

Souvent confondu avec

वक़्त vs समय (Samay)

They mean the same, but 'samay' is Sanskrit-based and more formal, while 'waqt' is Arabic-based and more conversational/poetic.

वक़्त vs बार (Baar)

English uses 'time' for both duration and frequency. In Hindi, use 'waqt' for duration and 'baar' for frequency (e.g., three times = teen baar).

वक़्त vs घड़ी (Ghadi)

'Ghadi' means the physical clock or watch, but can also mean a 'moment'. 'Waqt' is the abstract concept of time.

Expressions idiomatiques

"वक़्त को मुट्ठी में करना"

To control time or one's destiny. Used for someone very powerful or efficient.

वह वक़्त को मुट्ठी में करना चाहता है।

Literary

"वक़्त की धूल चाटना"

To be forgotten or ruined by the passage of time.

बड़े-बड़े महल वक़्त की धूल चाट रहे हैं।

Poetic

"वक़्त का राग अलापना"

To keep talking about the past or a specific time repeatedly.

वह हमेशा पुराने वक़्त का राग अलापता रहता है।

Informal

"वक़्त पर काम आना"

To be useful in a time of need.

सच्चा दोस्त वही है जो वक़्त पर काम आए।

Common

"वक़्त का काँटा"

Refers to the hands of a clock, but metaphorically used for the relentless movement of time.

वक़्त का काँटा किसी के लिए नहीं रुकता।

Neutral

"वक़्त को रोना"

To lament about one's bad times or circumstances.

अब वक़्त को रोने से क्या फायदा?

Informal

"वक़्त की नब्ज़ पर हाथ होना"

To be very aware of current trends or the mood of the times.

उस लेखक का वक़्त की नब्ज़ पर हाथ है।

Literary

"वक़्त का मारा"

Someone who has been victimized by circumstances or bad luck.

वह बेचारा वक़्त का मारा है।

Common

"वक़्त से पहले और नसीब से ज़्यादा"

A popular saying meaning 'Nothing happens before its time or more than what's in your destiny'.

वक़्त से पहले और नसीब से ज़्यादा किसी को कुछ नहीं मिलता।

Philosophical

"वक़्त की रफ़्तार"

The pace of time. Often used to describe how quickly life changes.

वक़्त की रफ़्तार बहुत तेज़ है।

Neutral

Facile à confondre

वक़्त vs बेवक़्त (Bewaqt)

Sounds like 'waqt' but means the opposite.

Waqt is time; Bewaqt is untimely or at the wrong time. It is an adjective/adverb.

वह बेवक़्त घर आ गया। (He came home at an untimely hour.)

वक़्त vs वक्ता (Vakta)

Sounds similar phonetically.

Waqt is time; Vakta means 'speaker' or 'orator'.

वह एक अच्छा वक्ता है। (He is a good speaker.)

वक़्त vs वाक्य (Vaakya)

Phonetic similarity for beginners.

Waqt is time; Vaakya is a 'sentence'.

यह वाक्य कठिन है। (This sentence is difficult.)

वक़्त vs भक्त (Bhakt)

Rhymes with 'waqt'.

Waqt is time; Bhakt is a 'devotee'.

वह भगवान का भक्त है। (He is a devotee of God.)

वक़्त vs रक्त (Rakt)

Rhymes with 'waqt'.

Waqt is time; Rakt is 'blood' (formal).

रक्त दान महादान है। (Blood donation is a great donation.)

Structures de phrases

[Subject] के पास वक़्त [नहीं] है।

मेरे पास वक़्त नहीं है।

वक़्त क्या हुआ है?

[Activity] का वक़्त हो गया है।

सोने का वक़्त हो गया है।

[Adjective] वक़्त।

मुश्किल वक़्त।

वक़्त के साथ [Result] होगा।

वक़्त के साथ सब ठीक होगा।

वक़्त [Verb] करना।

वक़्त बर्बाद करना।

वक़्त की [Noun] को समझना।

वक़्त की नज़ाकत को समझना।

वक़्त की [Metaphor] में [Action]।

वक़्त की धारा में बह जाना।

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high. It is among the top 500 most used nouns in Hindustani.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Meri waqt' instead of 'Mera waqt'. → Mera waqt.
Waqt is a masculine noun, so possessive pronouns must be masculine.
Saying 'Teen waqt' for 'Three times'. → Teen baar.
Waqt refers to duration or a moment, not frequency. Use 'baar' for counting occurrences.
Pronouncing it as 'Vakat'. → Waqt.
It is a single syllable word. Do not add a vowel sound between 'k' and 't'.
Using 'waqt mein' for 'on time'. → Waqt par.
The correct postposition for punctuality is 'par' (on/at), not 'mein' (in).
Using 'waqt' for weather. → Mausam.
In English, 'time' and 'weather' are different, but some languages use the same word. In Hindi, 'waqt' is only for time; 'mausam' is for weather.

Astuces

Gender Consistency

Always pair 'waqt' with 'achha', 'bura', 'mera', or 'uss'. Never use feminine markers like 'achhi' or 'meri'. This is the quickest way to sound more fluent.

The Deep 'Q'

To practice the 'q' in waqt, try making a 'k' sound while keeping your tongue as far back as possible. It should feel like a small click in your throat.

Waqt vs Baar

Remember: Duration = Waqt. Frequency = Baar. Don't say 'Do waqt' for 'twice'; say 'Do baar'. 'Do waqt' usually refers to two meals a day.

Formal vs Informal

If you are writing a formal letter to a government office, use 'samay'. If you are writing a poem or a text to a friend, 'waqt' is much better.

Waqt ki Kadr

The phrase 'waqt ki kadr karna' (to value time) is a very common moral lesson in India. Using this phrase makes you sound culturally integrated.

Punctuality

To say someone is punctual, use 'waqt ka paaband'. It's a sophisticated way to describe someone's character.

The Watch Connection

Associate the 'W' in Waqt with 'Watch'. A watch measures waqt. This simple link helps you remember the word's meaning instantly.

Asking for Time

When asking a stranger for the time, use 'Maaf kijiyega, waqt kya hua hai?' (Excuse me, what time is it?). It is very polite.

Half Letters

When writing 'वक़्त', the 'k' is half (क्). Make sure it is joined to the 't' (त) correctly in your Devanagari script.

Song Lyrics

Listen to the song 'Waqt' from the movie of the same name. It repeats the word often and helps you hear the correct pronunciation in a rhythmic context.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Watch' (W) that 'Quits' (Q) 'Ticking' (T). W-Q-T -> Waqt. When your watch quits ticking, you lose track of 'waqt' (time).

Association visuelle

Imagine an hourglass where the sand is made of glowing Hindi letters spelling out 'वक़्त'. As the letters fall, they represent the moments passing by.

Word Web

समय (Samay) घड़ी (Ghadi) कल (Kal) आज (Aaj) इंतज़ार (Intezaar) जल्दी (Jaldi) देर (Der) महीना (Maheena)

Défi

Try to use the word 'वक़्त' in three different ways today: once to ask the time, once to say you are busy, and once to describe a memory.

Origine du mot

The word 'वक़्त' originates from the Arabic word 'waqt' (وقت). It entered Hindi through Persian during the period of Islamic influence in the Indian subcontinent. It has retained its original meaning and most of its phonetic characteristics.

Sens originel : In Arabic, 'waqt' specifically refers to a 'fixed time' or 'appointed time', often used in the context of prayer times.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) -> Indo-European (via Persian influence on Hindustani).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in religious contexts, 'waqt' can refer to the specific times for Islamic prayers (Namaz).

English speakers often use 'time' for frequency (3 times), but must remember to use 'baar' in Hindi, not 'waqt'.

The movie 'Waqt' (1965), a pioneer of the 'lost and found' genre in Bollywood. The song 'Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam' from the movie Kagaz Ke Phool. The famous dialogue 'Waqt sabka aata hai' (Everyone's time comes/Every dog has its day).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Meeting

वक़्त पर शुरू करते हैं।
मेरे पास ज़्यादा वक़्त नहीं है।
अगली बार किस वक़्त मिलेंगे?
वक़्त की कमी है।

With Friends

चलो कहीं वक़्त बिताते हैं।
बहुत वक़्त बाद मिले!
फालतू वक़्त बर्बाद मत करो।
थोड़ा वक़्त निकालो यार।

At a Station

गाड़ी किस वक़्त आएगी?
क्या गाड़ी वक़्त पर है?
अभी काफी वक़्त है।
वक़्त कम है, जल्दी करो!

Reflecting on Life

वक़्त बदल गया है।
वह मेरा सबसे अच्छा वक़्त था।
वक़्त सब सिखा देता है।
बुरा वक़्त भी गुज़र जाएगा।

Daily Chores

खाना खाने का वक़्त हो गया।
पढ़ने का वक़्त कब है?
इस वक़्त मैं व्यस्त हूँ।
वक़्त पर दवा ले लेना।

Amorces de conversation

"क्या आपके पास इस सप्ताहांत थोड़ा वक़्त है? (Do you have some time this weekend?)"

"आपके हिसाब से वक़्त की सबसे अच्छी परिभाषा क्या है? (According to you, what is the best definition of time?)"

"आप अपना खाली वक़्त कैसे बिताते हैं? (How do you spend your free time?)"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि वक़्त बहुत जल्दी बीत रहा है? (Do you feel that time is passing very quickly?)"

"क्या आप हमेशा वक़्त के पाबंद रहते हैं? (Are you always punctual?)"

Sujets d'écriture

अपने जीवन के उस वक़्त के बारे में लिखिए जब आप सबसे ज़्यादा खुश थे। (Write about that time in your life when you were the happiest.)

वक़्त की बर्बादी पर आपके क्या विचार हैं? (What are your thoughts on the waste of time?)

अगर आपके पास एक दिन के लिए वक़्त रोकने की शक्ति हो, तो आप क्या करेंगे? (If you had the power to stop time for a day, what would you do?)

क्या 'बुरा वक़्त' हमें मज़बूत बनाता है? अपने अनुभव साझा करें। (Does 'bad time' make us strong? Share your experience.)

आने वाले वक़्त में आप अपने आप को कहाँ देखते हैं? (Where do you see yourself in the coming time?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Waqt' is a masculine noun. You should always use masculine adjectives and verb forms with it, such as 'achha waqt' or 'waqt beet gaya'.

Both mean 'time'. 'Samay' is derived from Sanskrit and is used in more formal, official, or academic contexts. 'Waqt' is derived from Arabic and is more common in daily conversation, poetry, and songs.

You say 'Mere paas waqt nahi hai'. This uses the 'ke paas' construction which is standard for expressing possession in Hindi.

No. For frequency, you must use 'baar' or 'dafa'. 'Teen waqt' would mean three specific periods of the day, not three occurrences of an event.

The 'q' (क़) is a voiceless uvular plosive. It is pronounced further back in the throat than a regular 'k'. If you find it hard, a standard 'k' is usually understood but sounds less native.

Yes, 'waqt' is the primary word for time in Urdu. Since Hindi and Urdu share a common spoken base (Hindustani), it is equally common in both.

It literally means 'the delicacy of the time', but it's an idiom meaning 'the sensitivity or demand of the current situation'.

The phrase is 'waqt par'. For example, 'Waqt par aana' means 'Come on time'.

Yes, in phrases like 'purane waqt mein' (in old times), it refers to a past era. However, 'daur' or 'zamana' are more specific for 'era'.

In common usage, 'waqt' remains 'waqt' in the plural. In poetic or very formal Urdu-influenced Hindi, you might hear 'waqton', but it is rare.