Meaning
To be the fundamental or most essential part of a system or organization.
Cultural Background
The 'Bhoomi Pujan' (land worship) ceremony involves laying the first stone. This cultural importance of the first stone makes the idiom very resonant. Loyalty is highly valued. Long-term employees are often called the 'neev ka patthar' to acknowledge their role in the company's growth. There is a strong emphasis on 'basics' (buniyad). Teachers often use this idiom to encourage students to focus on fundamental concepts. The matriarch or patriarch is seen as the foundation. Their values are considered the 'neev' that keeps the family together across generations.
Use it in Speeches
If you are giving a formal speech in Hindi, using this idiom to thank a founder or a mentor will make you sound highly fluent and respectful.
Gender Trap
Remember: It is always 'नींव का पत्थर' (masculine), never 'नींव की पत्थर', regardless of who you are talking about.
Meaning
To be the fundamental or most essential part of a system or organization.
Use it in Speeches
If you are giving a formal speech in Hindi, using this idiom to thank a founder or a mentor will make you sound highly fluent and respectful.
Gender Trap
Remember: It is always 'नींव का पत्थर' (masculine), never 'नींव की पत्थर', regardless of who you are talking about.
The 'Silent' Aspect
When you call someone a 'neev ka patthar', you are often implying that they do a lot of work behind the scenes without seeking credit.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive particle (ka/ki/ke).
ईमानदारी व्यापार ____ नींव का पत्थर है।
The particle 'ki' agrees with 'neev' (feminine), but the phrase 'neev ka patthar' itself uses 'ka' because 'patthar' is masculine. Here, we need 'ki' to connect 'vyapaar' to 'neev'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the correct usage:
This correctly uses the idiom figuratively to describe a fundamental historical figure.
Match the person to the description 'नींव का पत्थर'.
In a company, who is most likely to be called the 'नींव का पत्थर'?
The founder provides the essential foundation upon which the company is built.
Complete the dialogue.
A: इस प्रोजेक्ट की सफलता का श्रेय किसे जाता है? B: मिस्टर वर्मा को, वे इस प्रोजेक्ट के लिए _________ रहे हैं।
Mr. Verma is being credited as the fundamental reason for success.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesईमानदारी व्यापार ____ नींव का पत्थर है।
The particle 'ki' agrees with 'neev' (feminine), but the phrase 'neev ka patthar' itself uses 'ka' because 'patthar' is masculine. Here, we need 'ki' to connect 'vyapaar' to 'neev'.
Select the correct usage:
This correctly uses the idiom figuratively to describe a fundamental historical figure.
In a company, who is most likely to be called the 'नींव का पत्थर'?
The founder provides the essential foundation upon which the company is built.
A: इस प्रोजेक्ट की सफलता का श्रेय किसे जाता है? B: मिस्टर वर्मा को, वे इस प्रोजेक्ट के लिए _________ रहे हैं।
Mr. Verma is being credited as the fundamental reason for success.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! You can say 'वह महिला नींव का पत्थर है।' The phrase 'neev ka patthar' remains masculine because 'patthar' is masculine, but the verb 'hai' or 'thi' works for any gender.
It might be a bit too formal for a casual text, but it's great for a heartfelt message or a LinkedIn post.
'Neev' is specifically the foundation of a building. 'Aadhar' is a more general word for 'base' or 'support'. 'Neev' is more idiomatic in this phrase.
Yes, an idea, a book, a law, or a value can all be a 'neev ka patthar.'
It is almost 100% positive. It denotes strength, reliability, and importance.
Related Phrases
आधारशिला रखना
similarTo lay the foundation stone.
मी़ल का पत्थर
specialized formMilestone.
स्तंभ होना
synonymTo be a pillar.
जड़ जमाना
builds onTo take root.
