Meaning
A deterioration in the standards of right and wrong behavior.
Cultural Background
In Indian schools, 'Moral Science' (नैतिक शिक्षा) is a common subject. The phrase is often used by teachers to warn students about the consequences of cheating or lying. Classic Bollywood films of the 50s and 60s often focused on the hero maintaining his 'Naitik Mulya' despite poverty, contrasting him with the wealthy villain whose values had fallen. Political leaders in India frequently use this phrase to attack opponents, accusing them of bringing about the 'patan' of the nation's character through corruption. There is a common cultural trope that urban life leads to a decline in values compared to the 'pure' life of the village. This phrase is often used in this debate.
Use in Essays
If you use this phrase in a Hindi proficiency exam (like the JLPT equivalent for Hindi), you will immediately score higher for register awareness.
Gender Alert
Remember 'Patan' is masculine. Don't say 'Patan ho gayi'—it's always 'Patan ho gaya'.
Meaning
A deterioration in the standards of right and wrong behavior.
Use in Essays
If you use this phrase in a Hindi proficiency exam (like the JLPT equivalent for Hindi), you will immediately score higher for register awareness.
Gender Alert
Remember 'Patan' is masculine. Don't say 'Patan ho gayi'—it's always 'Patan ho gaya'.
The 'Sanskar' Connection
If you want to sound more like a local elder, you can use 'सस्कारों का पतन' (Sanskaron ka patan) instead.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
आजकल की राजनीति में ________ का पतन स्पष्ट दिखाई देता है।
The phrase requires the plural oblique form 'मूल्यों' because it is followed by the postposition 'का'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Select the best sentence:
This sentence correctly identifies corruption and lying as symptoms of moral decay in a serious context.
Match the situation to the most appropriate Hindi response.
Situation: A news report about a massive corporate scam.
This is the most sophisticated and appropriate response for a formal news context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या आपको लगता है कि सोशल मीडिया समाज को बिगाड़ रहा है? B: हाँ, कई मायनों में यह ________ का कारण बन रहा है।
The context of 'spoiling society' (समाज को बिगाड़ना) leads naturally to 'moral decay'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesआजकल की राजनीति में ________ का पतन स्पष्ट दिखाई देता है।
The phrase requires the plural oblique form 'मूल्यों' because it is followed by the postposition 'का'.
Select the best sentence:
This sentence correctly identifies corruption and lying as symptoms of moral decay in a serious context.
Situation: A news report about a massive corporate scam.
This is the most sophisticated and appropriate response for a formal news context.
A: क्या आपको लगता है कि सोशल मीडिया समाज को बिगाड़ रहा है? B: हाँ, कई मायनों में यह ________ का कारण बन रहा है।
The context of 'spoiling society' (समाज को बिगाड़ना) leads naturally to 'moral decay'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very formal. Use it in debates, writing, or serious discussions, but avoid it in casual chats with friends.
Yes, you can say 'उसके नैतिक मूल्यों का पतन हो गया है' to describe someone who has become completely corrupt.
There isn't a single opposite phrase, but 'नैतिक मूल्यों का उत्थान' (Naitik mulyon ka utthan - Rise of moral values) is the formal antonym.
It is 'Naitik' (adjective). 'Naitikta' is the noun (morality).
Related Phrases
चरित्र निर्माण
contrastCharacter building
आदर्शवादी
similarIdealistic
भ्रष्टाचार
builds onCorruption
मानवता
similarHumanity
