Meaning
To do something with great intensity, often work or study.
Cultural Background
In hostels (PGs) across Delhi, UP, and Bihar, 'Pelnā' is the most common verb for any activity. It creates a sense of camaraderie and shared struggle against exams or work. Young techies in Bangalore or Gurgaon use it to sound 'earthy' while doing high-tech work. It’s a way to make desk jobs sound as physically demanding as manual labor. Commentators on informal platforms or fans on social media use it to describe aggressive batting. It’s almost synonymous with 'hitting a six'. Movies like 'Gangs of Wasseypur' use the word to establish a 'tough' rural-urban character. It signals that the character is from the 'grassroots'.
Gender Context
In very rough male circles, this word can have vulgar sexual connotations. Avoid using it when referring to women or in mixed-gender formal groups.
The 'Dabā ke' Pairing
To sound like a native, pair it with 'dabā ke' (intensely). 'Dabā ke pelnā' is the gold standard for describing a great meal or a hard study session.
Meaning
To do something with great intensity, often work or study.
Gender Context
In very rough male circles, this word can have vulgar sexual connotations. Avoid using it when referring to women or in mixed-gender formal groups.
The 'Dabā ke' Pairing
To sound like a native, pair it with 'dabā ke' (intensely). 'Dabā ke pelnā' is the gold standard for describing a great meal or a hard study session.
Regional Flavor
This word is much more common in North India (Delhi, Punjab, UP) than in South India. Using it in Mumbai or Delhi will make you sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Pelnā' to mean 'finished the work'.
भाई, मैंने सारा ऑफिस का काम _________।
The compound form 'pel diyā' indicates a completed action in the past.
Match the sentence to the correct sense of 'Pelnā'.
Sentence: 'मैच में हमने उन्हें 10 विकेट से पेल दिया।'
In the context of a match, it means defeating the opponent.
Which of these is an APPROPRIATE use of 'Pelnā'?
Select the correct scenario:
Pelnā is slang and only suitable for informal conversations with friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'इतनी सारी बिरयानी अकेले खाओगे?' B: 'हाँ भाई, आज तो _________!'
Future tense 'pel dẽge' expresses the intent to eat it all.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Slang
Practice Bank
4 exercisesभाई, मैंने सारा ऑफिस का काम _________।
The compound form 'pel diyā' indicates a completed action in the past.
Sentence: 'मैच में हमने उन्हें 10 विकेट से पेल दिया।'
In the context of a match, it means defeating the opponent.
Select the correct scenario:
Pelnā is slang and only suitable for informal conversations with friends.
A: 'इतनी सारी बिरयानी अकेले खाओगे?' B: 'हाँ भाई, आज तो _________!'
Future tense 'pel dẽge' expresses the intent to eat it all.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a 'curse' word, but it is very low-register slang. It's like 'sucks' or 'crushed' in English—fine with friends, bad with your grandma.
Yes, if you are playing it very loudly or with great energy (like a drum), you can say 'Drum pel rahā hai'.
There isn't a direct slang opposite, but 'Aaram se karna' (doing it slowly/calmly) is the conceptual opposite.
Yes, modern Indian girls use it frequently in friend circles, especially for studying or eating. However, it's still perceived as slightly 'tomboyish' or 'rough'.
No, context is key. If you are holding a book, it means studying. If you are at a table, it means eating. If you are in a fight, it means beating.
Hindi uses compound verbs to show completion. 'Pel diyā' sounds more finished and impactful than just 'pelā'.
Only if the group is very informal and you are all friends. If your manager is in the group, avoid it.
Yes! 'Gaadi pelnā' means to drive very fast or aggressively.
It refers to a chaotic situation where everyone is rushing or competing intensely, like a crowded bus or a last-minute sale.
They are different words, but in the sense of 'beating someone up', they are synonyms. 'Pelnā' is more slangy.
Related Phrases
दबा के (dabā ke)
similarWith pressure / intensely
निपटाना (niptānā)
similarTo wrap up / finish
कूटना (kūtnā)
similarTo grind / beat up
खींचना (khī̃chnā)
similarTo pull / speed through
