नौकरी खोजना
naukri khojna
to search job
Literally: naukri (job) + khojna (to search/find)
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Hindi phrase for searching for a job.
- Combines 'naukri' (job) and 'khojna' (to search).
- Used in both professional networking and casual conversations.
Meaning
This phrase is the most common way to say you are looking for work or hunting for a job. It covers everything from scrolling through LinkedIn to handing out resumes in person.
Key Examples
3 of 6Catching up with an old friend
मैं आजकल बंगलौर में नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ।
I am searching for a job in Bangalore these days.
A parent asking about their child's friend
क्या राहुल अभी भी नौकरी खोज रहा है?
Is Rahul still searching for a job?
Professional networking
मैं मार्केटिंग के क्षेत्र में नई नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ।
I am looking for a new job in the field of marketing.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'settling down' is heavily tied to finding a 'permanent' job, often leading to years of 'naukri khojna' for government positions. In cities like Bangalore or Gurgaon, 'Hinglish' is dominant. You might hear 'Job hunt' more than 'Naukri khojna' in tech circles. Parents often take an active role in 'naukri khojna' for their children, using their own social networks (contacts). In rural areas, 'naukri' specifically implies a salaried job, as opposed to 'kheti' (farming) or 'mazdoori' (labor).
Use 'Talaash' for extra polish
If you want to sound more sophisticated in an interview, say 'मैं एक बेहतर अवसर की तलाश में हूँ' (I am in search of a better opportunity).
Gender Matters
Always remember 'Naukri' is feminine. This will save you from many grammar mistakes in the past tense.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Hindi phrase for searching for a job.
- Combines 'naukri' (job) and 'khojna' (to search).
- Used in both professional networking and casual conversations.
What It Means
नौकरी खोजना is your bread-and-butter phrase for the job hunt. In Hindi, नौकरी means 'job' or 'service,' and खोजना means 'to search' or 'to seek.' When you put them together, you get the universal experience of trying to find employment. It is a very active phrase. It implies you are putting in the effort to find something new. It is not just a passive wish; it is a process.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this phrase in the continuous tense. For example, मैं नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ (I am searching for a job). You can also use it to express intent. If you tell a friend मुझे नौकरी खोजनी है, you are saying 'I need to find a job.' It is very flexible. You can swap खोजना with ढूँढना (dhoondhna) which is a bit more common in spoken Hindi. However, खोजना sounds slightly more intentional and focused.
When To Use It
Use this when you are talking to friends about your career. It is perfect for professional networking events. If someone asks, "What are you doing these days?", this is your answer. You can use it in a formal interview too. It sounds professional yet grounded. It is also great for texting. If a cousin asks why you are stressed, just text: नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ, यार! (Searching for a job, man!).
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are already hired. Once you have the job, you use काम करना (to work). Also, do not use it for high-level executive 'headhunting' in a formal corporate document. In those cases, words like नियुक्ति (appointment) or चयन (selection) are better. If you are just looking for a lost pen, do not use नौकरी. It is specifically for employment.
Cultural Background
In India, नौकरी खोजना is often a family project. Your parents, neighbors, and even that one distant uncle will want to help. There is a huge emphasis on 'settling down' with a good job. Historically, government jobs (Sarkari Naukri) were the ultimate prize. Today, the phrase is used for tech startups and private firms too. The struggle of the job hunt is a common theme in Indian movies and memes. Everyone relates to the grind of नौकरी खोजना!
Common Variations
The most common variation is नौकरी ढूँढना (naukri dhoondhna). It means the exact same thing. In very formal settings, you might hear रोज़गार की तलाश (rozgaar ki talaash), which means 'search for employment.' If you are looking for a 'part-time' gig, you might say छोटा-मोटा काम खोजना. But for a standard career move, नौकरी खोजना remains the king of expressions. It is simple, direct, and understood by everyone from Delhi to Mumbai.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use in 95% of situations. It is grammatically feminine because of 'naukri', so verbs attached to it will often take feminine forms.
Use 'Talaash' for extra polish
If you want to sound more sophisticated in an interview, say 'मैं एक बेहतर अवसर की तलाश में हूँ' (I am in search of a better opportunity).
Gender Matters
Always remember 'Naukri' is feminine. This will save you from many grammar mistakes in the past tense.
The 'Sarkari' factor
If you are in India, specify if you are looking for a 'Private' or 'Sarkari' (Government) job, as the search processes are completely different.
Examples
6मैं आजकल बंगलौर में नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ।
I am searching for a job in Bangalore these days.
A standard way to update someone on your life status.
क्या राहुल अभी भी नौकरी खोज रहा है?
Is Rahul still searching for a job?
Shows concern or inquiry about someone's employment status.
मैं मार्केटिंग के क्षेत्र में नई नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ।
I am looking for a new job in the field of marketing.
Specifying the field makes it sound more professional.
भाई, कोई अच्छी नौकरी खोज दो!
Bro, find me a good job!
A common, slightly desperate but lighthearted request to friends.
दो साल से नौकरी खोज रहा हूँ, पर कुछ नहीं मिला।
I've been searching for a job for two years, but found nothing.
Expresses the emotional weight of a long job hunt.
नौकरी खोजना कहाँ से शुरू करूँ?
Where should I start searching for a job?
A great way to ask for guidance or platform recommendations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'khojna'.
मैंने पिछले साल एक अच्छी नौकरी ______।
Since 'naukri' is feminine, the past tense verb must be 'khoji'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am looking for a job'?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard present continuous form without unnecessary particles.
Complete the dialogue.
राहुल: तुम आजकल क्या कर रहे हो? अमित: मेरी पुरानी नौकरी छूट गई, इसलिए अब मैं ______।
If he lost his old job, he must be searching for a new one.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match 'रोज़गार की तलाश' with its correct context.
'Rozgaar ki talaash' is the high-register, formal version of 'naukri khojna'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैंने पिछले साल एक अच्छी नौकरी ______।
Since 'naukri' is feminine, the past tense verb must be 'khoji'.
Choose the best option:
This is the standard present continuous form without unnecessary particles.
राहुल: तुम आजकल क्या कर रहे हो? अमित: मेरी पुरानी नौकरी छूट गई, इसलिए अब मैं ______।
If he lost his old job, he must be searching for a new one.
Match 'रोज़गार की तलाश' with its correct context.
'Rozgaar ki talaash' is the high-register, formal version of 'naukri khojna'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from family dinners to professional networking.
'Khojna' sounds a bit more systematic and intentional. 'Dhundhna' is more common in spoken Hindi and can be used for finding lost keys or a job.
Yes, just add 'part-time' before 'naukri'. Example: 'Main part-time naukri khoj raha hoon.'
Because 'naukri' is feminine, and in Hindi past tense (with 'ne'), the verb agrees with the object.
Yes, in urban India, 'Job search karna' is very common Hinglish.
You say 'Mujhe naukri mil gayi' (I got a job) or 'Maine naukri paa li' (I attained a job).
Yes, 'khoj' can mean discovery (like Columbus), but in this phrase, it just means 'to search'.
Technically, 'naukri milna' (getting a job) or 'naukri chhodna' (leaving a job).
Yes, but it sounds like you are searching for a missing person or a specific candidate.
No, 'naukri' specifically refers to working for someone else. Business owners 'vyapaar karte hain' (do business).
Related Phrases
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बेरोज़गार
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