In 15 Seconds
- Literally means pink cloth or fabric.
- Used for shopping, tailoring, and describing clothes.
- Derived from the word for rose (gulab).
Meaning
This phrase refers to any piece of fabric or clothing that is pink in color. It is a simple, descriptive term you would use while shopping or talking about your wardrobe.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a fabric store
Mujhe yeh gulabi kapra pasand hai.
I like this pink cloth.
Giving instructions to a tailor
Is gulabi kapre se ek kurta banao.
Make a kurta from this pink cloth.
Looking for a lost item at home
Mera gulabi kapra kahan gaya?
Where did my pink cloth go?
Cultural Background
In Rajasthan, pink turbans (Gulabi Pagri) are worn during weddings and festivals as a sign of joy and welcome. The entire city's historic center is painted in a terracotta pink, making 'gulabi' the unofficial color of the region's identity. The Gulabi Gang is a group of Indian women activists who wear bright pink saris to protest against domestic violence and social injustice. While red is traditional, pink is the most popular 'modern' alternative for bridal wear and guest attire in contemporary Indian weddings.
Invariant Adjective
Don't worry about changing 'Gulabi' for gender. It's always 'Gulabi'!
The Retroflex 'R'
The 'd' in 'kapda' is not a normal 'd'. It's a flap. Practice by sliding your tongue back.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means pink cloth or fabric.
- Used for shopping, tailoring, and describing clothes.
- Derived from the word for rose (gulab).
What It Means
Gulabi kapra is a basic combination of the adjective gulabi (pink) and the noun kapra (cloth). The word gulabi actually comes from gulab, which means rose. So, you are literally saying 'rose-colored fabric.' It is a very common phrase in daily life. Whether you are at a market or at home, this is your go-to term for pink textiles.
How To Use It
You use it just like you would in English. Put the color first, then the object. If you are at a fabric store, you can point and say mujhe gulabi kapra chahiye (I want pink cloth). It is versatile. It can mean a small scrap of fabric or a whole outfit. Just remember that kapra is masculine in Hindi grammar. This means any verbs or adjectives attached to it should match that masculine form.
When To Use It
Use this when you are shopping for clothes in a busy bazaar. It is perfect for describing what you want to a tailor. You can also use it when doing laundry at home. If you are looking for a specific pink shirt, you might ask your roommate where your gulabi kapra is. It is also useful when describing decorations for a party or a wedding. Basically, if there is pink fabric involved, this phrase works.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this to describe things that are not fabric. For example, you wouldn't use it for a pink house or a pink car. For those, you just use gulabi. Also, if you are being very specific about the type of clothing, use that word instead. Instead of kapra, use sari or kurta. Using kapra is a bit general. It’s like saying 'pink stuff' instead of 'pink shirt.'
Cultural Background
Pink is a massive deal in Indian culture. Think of Jaipur, the 'Pink City.' It is a color of hospitality and warmth. During festivals like Holi, you will see people covered in pink powder. In Indian weddings, pink is a very popular color for both men and women. Men often wear pink turbans or vests. So, asking for gulabi kapra is a very standard request in any Indian clothing shop.
Common Variations
You might hear people say pink kapra too. English words are very common in India now. However, gulabi sounds much more natural and poetic. You can also specify the shade. Halka gulabi means light pink. Gahra gulabi means dark or hot pink. If you want to sound like a pro, try these variations at the market. It will definitely impress the shopkeeper!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all social settings. Just be mindful of the oblique case where 'kapra' becomes 'kapre' before prepositions.
Invariant Adjective
Don't worry about changing 'Gulabi' for gender. It's always 'Gulabi'!
The Retroflex 'R'
The 'd' in 'kapda' is not a normal 'd'. It's a flap. Practice by sliding your tongue back.
Shopping Hack
When shopping, say 'Gulabi thaan' if you want fabric from a large roll.
Examples
6Mujhe yeh gulabi kapra pasand hai.
I like this pink cloth.
A simple way to express preference while shopping.
Is gulabi kapre se ek kurta banao.
Make a kurta from this pink cloth.
The word changes to 'kapre' because of the preposition 'se'.
Mera gulabi kapra kahan gaya?
Where did my pink cloth go?
Casual way to ask about a missing clothing item.
Main aaj gulabi kapra pehen rahi hoon.
I am wearing pink clothes today.
Commonly used in texts to describe an outfit choice.
Tumhare paas sirf gulabi kapra hi hai kya?
Do you only have pink clothes?
A playful tease for someone who loves pink.
Yeh gulabi kapra meri maa ka tohfa hai.
This pink cloth is a gift from my mother.
Used to describe fabric with emotional value.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kapda'.
मेरे पास तीन गुलाबी ______ हैं।
Since the number is 'three' (plural), 'kapda' becomes 'kapde'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right option:
'Gulabi' is invariant and 'kapda' is singular to match 'yeh' (this).
Match the Hindi phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
Gulabi = Pink, Lal = Red, Neela = Blue.
Complete the dialogue at the shop.
Customer: क्या आपके पास ______ ______ है? Shopkeeper: हाँ, यह देखिए रेशमी गुलाबी कपड़ा।
The shopkeeper's response mentions 'gulabi kapda', so the question must ask for it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Singular vs Plural
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमेरे पास तीन गुलाबी ______ हैं।
Since the number is 'three' (plural), 'kapda' becomes 'kapde'.
Select the right option:
'Gulabi' is invariant and 'kapda' is singular to match 'yeh' (this).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Gulabi = Pink, Lal = Red, Neela = Blue.
Customer: क्या आपके पास ______ ______ है? Shopkeeper: हाँ, यह देखिए रेशमी गुलाबी कपड़ा।
The shopkeeper's response mentions 'gulabi kapda', so the question must ask for it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Gulabi' is an invariant adjective. It remains 'Gulabi Saree'.
Yes, in urban India, 'Pink kapda' is very common and understood.
'Kapda' is one piece of cloth; 'Kapde' is plural (clothes) or used with prepositions.
Not necessarily. Men frequently wear pink turbans and shirts, especially in Rajasthan.
You can say 'Halka gulabi' (Light pink).
You can say 'Gahra gulabi' (Dark pink) or 'Rani color'.
Yes, it can be. Context is key. 'Safai ka kapda' means cleaning cloth.
It is a more formal/Sanskritized way of saying pink clothing.
It can metaphorically mean 'rosy' or 'pleasant', like 'Gulabi thand' (pleasant winter chill).
It was painted pink to welcome royalty in 1876, as pink symbolizes hospitality.
Related Phrases
रेशमी कपड़ा
similarSilk cloth
गुलाबी रंग
builds onPink color
सूती कपड़ा
similarCotton cloth
लाल कपड़ा
contrastRed cloth
थान का कपड़ा
specialized formFabric from a bolt