किसी के नक्शेकदम पर चलना
kisi ke nakshekadam par chalna
To follow in someone's footsteps
Meaning
To emulate or pursue a path similar to someone else's, especially a predecessor.
Cultural Background
Following in footsteps is deeply tied to the 'Varna' or caste system historically, where children were expected to follow the family profession. Today, it is more about 'Parampara' (tradition). The term 'Naqsh' is used in Sufi mysticism to describe the 'imprint' of the divine on the heart. Following the 'nakshekadam' of a Pir (saint) is a spiritual journey. In the startup world, this phrase is sometimes used ironically. Young entrepreneurs often say they 'don't want to follow anyone's nakshekadam' to emphasize innovation. In Indian classical music, a student must strictly follow the 'nakshekadam' of their Gharana (school) before they are allowed to innovate.
Use for Respect
This is a very respectful phrase. Use it when you want to show that you admire the person you are following.
Postposition 'Par'
Never use 'mein' (in). It's always 'par' (on). This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To emulate or pursue a path similar to someone else's, especially a predecessor.
Use for Respect
This is a very respectful phrase. Use it when you want to show that you admire the person you are following.
Postposition 'Par'
Never use 'mein' (in). It's always 'par' (on). This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Combine with Verbs
You can use 'नक्शेकदम पर आगे बढ़ना' (to move forward) to sound more dynamic and progressive.
Urdu Nuance
Because of its Urdu roots, this phrase sounds very elegant in poetry and formal speeches.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct postposition.
वह अपने गुरु के नक्शेकदम ___ चल रहा है।
The idiom always uses 'par' (on) because you walk on footprints.
Which sentence best describes a son becoming a soldier like his father?
Choose the correct idiomatic usage:
Option B is the standard idiom for following a legacy or career.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: क्या तुम भी राजनीति में आओगे? B: हाँ, मैं अपने दादाजी के _________ चाहता हूँ।
The phrase 'nakshekadam par chalna' fits the context of following a family career.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Situation: A student adopting the non-violent philosophy of a leader.
Following a philosophy is a classic figurative use of 'nakshekadam par chalna'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesवह अपने गुरु के नक्शेकदम ___ चल रहा है।
The idiom always uses 'par' (on) because you walk on footprints.
Choose the correct idiomatic usage:
Option B is the standard idiom for following a legacy or career.
A: क्या तुम भी राजनीति में आओगे? B: हाँ, मैं अपने दादाजी के _________ चाहता हूँ।
The phrase 'nakshekadam par chalna' fits the context of following a family career.
Situation: A student adopting the non-violent philosophy of a leader.
Following a philosophy is a classic figurative use of 'nakshekadam par chalna'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn modern Hindi, it is usually written as one word (नक्शेकदम), but in Urdu or older texts, it may appear as 'नक्शे-कदम'. Both are understood.
Technically yes, but it's rare. Usually, we use it for positive role models. For bad people, we might say 'गलत राह पर चलना' (walking on the wrong path).
'Anusaran karna' is a direct translation of 'to follow'. 'Nakshekadam par chalna' is more idiomatic and carries a sense of legacy and deep respect.
Yes, especially if you are talking about the company's founder or a mentor. It sounds professional and sincere.
Not at all! You can follow the 'nakshekadam' of a teacher, a historical figure, a celebrity, or even a company.
You would say: 'मैं उनके नक्शेकदम पर नहीं चलना चाहता।' (Main unke nakshekadam par nahi chalna chahta).
Constantly! It's a favorite in movies about family drama, patriotism, and biopolitics.
It sounds a bit strange because the phrase implies following someone who has already established a path. It's better to use it for elders or predecessors.
The word 'nakshekadam' itself is used in a plural sense (marks of steps), so you don't need to change it further.
It is 'पद-चिन्हों पर चलना' (Pad-chinhon par chalna).
Related Phrases
पद-चिन्हों पर चलना
synonymTo walk on footprints (Sanskritized).
अनुकरण करना
similarTo imitate or mimic.
अपनी राह बनाना
contrastTo carve one's own path.
विरासत संभालना
builds onTo handle/maintain a legacy.
