B1 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

हौसला देना

hausla dena

to give morale

Literally: {"\u0939\u094c\u0938\u0932\u093e":"courage, morale, spirit","\u0926\u0947\u0928\u093e":"to give"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Boost someone's spirits and courage.
  • Use when facing challenges or doubt.
  • Avoid for trivial matters or criticism.
  • It's about emotional support and strength.

Meaning

This phrase is all about lifting someone's spirits when they're feeling down or scared. It’s like giving them a mental pep talk, a shot of confidence, or simply reminding them they're not alone. Think of it as being the cheerleader in their head, pushing them to keep going, especially when things feel tough.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend before a big presentation

कल के प्रेजेंटेशन के लिए तुम्हें मेरा पूरा हौसला है! तुम बहुत अच्छा करोगे।

You have my full encouragement for tomorrow's presentation! You will do great.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Instagram caption for a friend's achievement

इस लड़की को देखो! कड़ी मेहनत रंग लाई। तुम्हें हौसला देना तो बनता है! #ProudFriend

Look at this girl! Hard work paid off. Giving you encouragement is a must! #ProudFriend

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Job interview on Zoom

मैं समझता हूँ कि यह एक कठिन इंटरव्यू है, लेकिन हम आपको हौसला देना चाहते हैं।

I understand this is a difficult interview, but we want to give you encouragement.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In North Indian families, the 'Tauji' (elder uncle) or 'Dadi' (grandmother) is often the one who gives 'hausla' to the younger generation during family crises. The 'Inspirational Song' is a staple of Bollywood. Songs like 'Zinda' from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag are designed to 'hausla dena' to the audience. In modern Indian startups, 'hausla' is often used in 'town hall' meetings to keep employees motivated during market downturns. The word 'hausla' appears frequently in Urdu/Hindi Sufi poetry, representing the spiritual strength needed to find the divine.

💡

The 'Ko' Rule

Always remember to put 'ko' after the person you are encouraging. 'Rahul ko hausla do.'

⚠️

Gender Trap

Don't change 'diya' to 'di' just because you are talking to a girl. 'Hausla' is the boss here!

In 15 Seconds

  • Boost someone's spirits and courage.
  • Use when facing challenges or doubt.
  • Avoid for trivial matters or criticism.
  • It's about emotional support and strength.

What It Means

This phrase isn't just about telling someone to be brave. It's about actively boosting their inner strength and confidence. You're helping them find the courage they might have lost. It’s about making them feel capable and determined, even when facing a big challenge. Imagine someone about to jump off a cliff – you're not just saying 'jump!' You're helping them believe they can fly.

How To Use It

Use हौसला देना when someone needs encouragement. It works when they feel scared, doubtful, or disheartened. You can offer it directly or indirectly. Sometimes, just your presence can give them हौसला. Other times, you might need to say specific encouraging words. It's a powerful way to show support. It’s like sending a care package for their soul.

Real-Life Examples

  • A friend is nervous about a job interview. You tell them, 'You've got this! I'm giving you my full हौसला!'
  • A student is struggling with a tough exam. The teacher says, 'Don't worry, keep trying. We are here to give you हौसला.'
  • A sports team is losing. The coach rallies them, 'Let's go! We need to हौसला देना each other!'
  • Someone is recovering from an illness. Their family constantly reminds them, 'We are with you. We give you our हौसला.'
  • A vlogger is scared to post a controversial video. Their followers comment, 'We हौसला देना you! Post it!'

When To Use It

Use this when someone is facing adversity. This includes exams, interviews, competitions, or personal struggles. It's perfect for moments of doubt or fear. Use it when you want to show genuine support. It’s for situations where you want to build someone's inner strength. Think of it as a verbal hug for their confidence.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid हौसला देना for trivial matters. Don't use it if someone is already confident and successful. It’s not for situations where someone is being reckless or making bad decisions. You don't want to encourage someone to do something silly! It's also not appropriate for formal reprimands or criticism. That would be like giving a scared cat हौसला to fight a lion.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong verb is a classic trap. For example, saying हौसला करना (to do courage) makes no sense. Or maybe mixing it with unrelated words like हौसला खाना (to eat courage). It's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole – it just doesn't fit! Let's look at some:

उसने मुझे हिम्मत खाना उसने मुझे हौसला देना (He made me eat courage → He gave me encouragement)
मैं तुम्हें थोड़ा हौसला करना मैं तुम्हें थोड़ा हौसला देना (I want to do a little courage for you → I want to give you some encouragement)
परीक्षा के लिए हौसला बनाना परीक्षा के लिए हौसला देना (To make courage for the exam → To give encouragement for the exam)

Similar Expressions

  • हिम्मत देना (himmat dena): Very similar, means 'to give courage'. Often interchangeable. हिम्मत is a direct synonym for courage.
  • प्रोत्साहित करना (protsahit karna): Means 'to encourage' or 'to motivate'. It's a bit more formal and can be broader than just giving morale.
  • साहस बढ़ाना (saahas badhana): Means 'to increase bravery/courage'. Focuses on amplifying existing bravery.
  • उत्साहित करना (utsahit karna): Means 'to excite' or 'to enthuse'. More about generating enthusiasm than inner strength.

Common Variations

  • उसने मुझे हौसला दिया। (Usne mujhe hausla diya.) - He gave me encouragement. (Past tense)
  • मैं तुम्हें हौसला दूँगा/दूँगी। (Main tumhein hausla doonga/doongi.) - I will give you encouragement. (Future tense)
  • हमें एक-दूसरे को हौसला देना चाहिए। (Hamein ek-doosre ko hausla dena chahiye.) - We should encourage each other. (Using 'each other')
  • उसका हौसला बहुत बढ़ा। (Uska hausla bahut badha.) - His morale increased a lot. (Focuses on the result)

Memory Trick

💡

Picture a 'Hauz' (like a water tank) full of 'Sala' (like a soldier's salute). When someone is feeling low, you fill their 'Hauz' with 'Sala' – you give them the courage and spirit to stand tall and salute their challenges! It’s a full tank of bravery!

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Is हौसला देना formal or informal?

A: It's generally neutral to informal. You can use it with friends, family, or even colleagues in supportive situations. It feels warm and personal.

  • Q: Can I use it for myself?

A: Not directly. हौसला देना is usually done by one person *to* another. For self-encouragement, you'd use phrases like खुद को हौसला देना (to give oneself encouragement) or simply say 'I need to be brave'.

  • Q: What's the difference between हौसला देना and प्रेरणा देना (prerna dena - to inspire)?

A: हौसला देना is about boosting existing courage and spirits. प्रेरणा देना is about sparking a new desire or motivation, often through ideas or examples.

Usage Notes

This phrase is best used in supportive and encouraging contexts, typically between individuals or within a group needing a morale boost. While generally neutral, leaning towards informal, avoid using it in highly formal speeches or official critiques where more formal synonyms might be appropriate. The key is the direct act of giving emotional strength.

💡

The 'Ko' Rule

Always remember to put 'ko' after the person you are encouraging. 'Rahul ko hausla do.'

⚠️

Gender Trap

Don't change 'diya' to 'di' just because you are talking to a girl. 'Hausla' is the boss here!

🎯

Combine with 'Sath'

Saying 'मैं तुम्हारे साथ हूँ' (I am with you) is the best way to 'hausla dena'.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend before a big presentation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

कल के प्रेजेंटेशन के लिए तुम्हें मेरा पूरा हौसला है! तुम बहुत अच्छा करोगे।

You have my full encouragement for tomorrow's presentation! You will do great.

Here, 'पूरा हौसला' emphasizes complete support.

#2 Instagram caption for a friend's achievement
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

इस लड़की को देखो! कड़ी मेहनत रंग लाई। तुम्हें हौसला देना तो बनता है! #ProudFriend

Look at this girl! Hard work paid off. Giving you encouragement is a must! #ProudFriend

A celebratory caption showing pride and support.

#3 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

मैं समझता हूँ कि यह एक कठिन इंटरव्यू है, लेकिन हम आपको हौसला देना चाहते हैं।

I understand this is a difficult interview, but we want to give you encouragement.

A formal but supportive statement from an interviewer.

#4 Encouraging a teammate in a game
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

अरे, हार मत मानो! चलो, एक-दूसरे को हौसला देते हैं और जीतते हैं!

Hey, don't give up! Come on, let's encourage each other and win!

A rallying cry during a competitive situation.

#5 Talking to someone after a setback
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

यह मुश्किल समय है, पर हिम्मत मत हारो। हम सब तुम्हें हौसला देने के लिए यहाँ हैं।

This is a difficult time, but don't lose heart. We are all here to give you encouragement.

Expressing solidarity and support during tough times.

#6 TikTok comment on a struggle video
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

भाई, तुम्हारा संघर्ष देख रहा हूँ। तुम्हें बहुत सारा हौसला भेज रहा हूँ! 💪

Bro, I'm watching your struggle. Sending you lots of encouragement! 💪

A common supportive comment on social media.

#7 Mistake: Using 'himmat' incorrectly
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ उसने मुझे हिम्मत खाने को कहा। → ✓ उसने मुझे हौसला देना चाहा।

✗ He told me to eat courage. → ✓ He wanted to give me encouragement.

`हिम्मत खाना` (to eat courage) is nonsensical. `हौसला देना` is correct for encouragement.

#8 Mistake: Using 'karna' instead of 'dena'
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ मैं तुम्हें थोड़ा हौसला करना चाहता हूँ। → ✓ मैं तुम्हें थोड़ा हौसला देना चाहता हूँ।

✗ I want to do a little courage for you. → ✓ I want to give you some encouragement.

`हौसला करना` is grammatically incorrect in this context; `हौसला देना` is the standard collocation.

#9 A teacher advising a student
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

परीक्षाएँ कठिन हो सकती हैं, पर घबराओ मत। अपने शिक्षक के तौर पर, मैं तुम्हें हौसला देना चाहता हूँ।

Exams can be tough, but don't panic. As your teacher, I want to give you encouragement.

A supportive statement from an authority figure.

#10 A friend trying something new and risky
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

यह एक बड़ा कदम है, पर मुझे तुम पर पूरा भरोसा है। तुम्हें मेरा हौसला हमेशा साथ रहेगा।

This is a big step, but I have full faith in you. My encouragement will always be with you.

Reassuring someone about their daunting new venture.

#11 Encouraging someone learning a new skill
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

शुरुआत में मुश्किल होगा, पर लगे रहो। हम सब तुम्हें हौसला दे रहे हैं।

It will be difficult at first, but keep at it. We are all giving you encouragement.

Motivating someone through the initial learning curve.

#12 A light-hearted encouragement
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

अरे वाह, तुमने तो कमाल कर दिया! लो, ये लो मेरा सारा हौसला तुम्हारे लिए!

Oh wow, you did amazing! Here, take all my encouragement for yourself!

A playful and enthusiastic way to offer support.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'हौसला देना' in the past tense.

जब मैं उदास था, मेरे भाई ने मुझे ________।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: हौसला दिया

'हौसला' is masculine, so the past tense of 'dena' is 'diya'.

Which sentence is the most natural way to encourage a friend?

Your friend is nervous about a speech. What do you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: मैं तुम्हें हौसला देता हूँ, तुम अच्छा करोगे।

This uses the correct collocation and provides a reason for the encouragement.

Complete the dialogue.

A: मुझे डर लग रहा है कि मैं फेल हो जाऊँगा। B: डरो मत, ________।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: मैं तुम्हें हौसला देने आया हूँ।

B is offering support to A who is scared.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Match 'हौसला देना' with the most appropriate context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supporting a grieving friend

'हौसला देना' is for emotional and mental support.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'हौसला देना' in the past tense. Fill Blank A2

जब मैं उदास था, मेरे भाई ने मुझे ________।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: हौसला दिया

'हौसला' is masculine, so the past tense of 'dena' is 'diya'.

Which sentence is the most natural way to encourage a friend? Choose B1

Your friend is nervous about a speech. What do you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: मैं तुम्हें हौसला देता हूँ, तुम अच्छा करोगे।

This uses the correct collocation and provides a reason for the encouragement.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: मुझे डर लग रहा है कि मैं फेल हो जाऊँगा। B: डरो मत, ________।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: मैं तुम्हें हौसला देने आया हूँ।

B is offering support to A who is scared.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A2

Match 'हौसला देना' with the most appropriate context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supporting a grieving friend

'हौसला देना' is for emotional and mental support.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

14 questions

It is Hindustani, meaning it is used in both. It has an Arabic root but is fully integrated into Hindi.

Yes, you can say 'खुद को हौसला देना' (to encourage oneself).

The closest opposite is 'हौसला तोड़ना' (to break someone's courage/spirit).

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your younger brother.

You can, but 'Hausla' sounds a bit more emotional and deep.

Use the passive-like form: 'मुझे हौसला मिला' (I received encouragement).

Yes, to motivate a team, it's perfectly fine.

It is masculine.

Partially, but it's more about strength than just happiness.

It's less common. Usually, we say 'हौसला रखना' (to keep courage).

In Hindi-speaking circles, yes. In Dravidian languages, they have their own equivalents.

'Protsahan' is better for very formal speeches.

Yes, metaphorically, like a trainer encouraging a horse.

Yes, often found in comprehension passages about great leaders.

Related Phrases

🔗

हिम्मत हारना

contrast

To lose courage

🔗

उत्साह बढ़ाना

similar

To increase enthusiasm

🔗

प्रेरणा देना

builds on

To give inspiration

🔗

पीठ थपथपाना

similar

To pat on the back

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