A1 Idiom Neutral 4 min read

पसीना बहाना

pasana bhana

To shed sweat

Literally: Sweat to shed

In 15 Seconds

  • Means working extremely hard.
  • Literal: to shed sweat.
  • Origin: physical labor symbolism.
  • Use for intense effort & dedication.

Meaning

This phrase literally means 'to shed sweat,' but it really means to put in a ton of hard work. Think of the feeling when you're pushing yourself to the limit, that physical exertion that makes you sweat. It captures that intense effort and dedication, whether you're studying for a big exam, training for a marathon, or just trying to nail that presentation at work. It's about the grind, the hustle, and the sheer physical or mental energy you pour into something.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a project deadline

यार, ये प्रोजेक्ट टाइम पर खत्म करने के लिए बहुत `पसीना बहाना` पड़ रहा है!

Man, I'm having to shed a lot of sweat to finish this project on time!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Instagram caption for a fitness post

आज जिम में पूरा `पसीना बहाना`! #FitnessGoals #HardWork

Shedding full sweat in the gym today! #FitnessGoals #HardWork

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Talking about a student's dedication

वो मेडिकल एंट्रेंस के लिए दिन-रात `पसीना बहा रहा है`।

He is shedding sweat day and night for the medical entrance exam.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Hard work is often linked to 'Karma' or duty. Sweat is a universal symbol of human effort.

🎯

Use with 'बहुत'

Always use 'बहुत' (a lot) to emphasize the effort.

In 15 Seconds

  • Means working extremely hard.
  • Literal: to shed sweat.
  • Origin: physical labor symbolism.
  • Use for intense effort & dedication.

What It Means

This Hindi idiom, पसीना बहाना (paseena bahana), paints a vivid picture. It's not just about getting a little sweaty; it's about working so incredibly hard that you're practically dripping with sweat. Imagine yourself after a really tough workout or a long day of manual labor – that's the feeling this phrase captures. It signifies intense effort, dedication, and a lot of grit. It’s the kind of hard work that leaves you exhausted but hopefully proud.

Origin Story

The origin is beautifully straightforward, rooted in the most basic human experience: physical labor. Historically, many societies relied heavily on manual work. Farmers tilling fields, laborers building structures, artisans crafting goods – all these professions involved strenuous physical activity that would inevitably lead to profuse sweating. The sweat itself became a visible, tangible symbol of the energy expended and the effort put forth. It was a direct, honest indicator of someone's hard work. So, पसीना बहाना became a natural metaphor for this intense labor, a way to describe the visible proof of one's toil. It’s like saying, 'Look at the sweat, you can see how hard they worked!' It’s folk wisdom at its finest, born from the fields and workshops.

How To Use It

You use पसीना बहाना when you want to emphasize the extreme effort someone is putting into a task. It's perfect for describing situations where the work is physically demanding or requires immense concentration and dedication over a long period. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of showing your sweat-soaked t-shirt after a tough job. You can use it for yourself or for others, highlighting the struggle and the commitment involved. It adds a layer of intensity to your description of hard work, making it sound more significant.

Real-Life Examples

  • My brother is studying for his medical exams. He's been पसीना बहाना for months, barely sleeping.
  • This startup team is really पसीना बहाना to launch their new app on time.
  • To get this promotion, I had to पसीना बहाना and take on extra projects.
  • The athletes are पसीना बहाना in training for the Olympics.
  • She पसीना बहाना in the kitchen all day to prepare for the feast.

When To Use It

Use पसीना बहाना when you want to convey that someone is working extremely hard, especially if the work is physically taxing or requires immense perseverance. It's great for describing the dedication needed for challenging goals, like training for a marathon, preparing for a major exam, or completing a demanding project. It's also suitable when you want to acknowledge someone's significant struggle and effort. Think of it as a badge of honor for hard work. It fits well when you're talking about sports, intense study sessions, or demanding jobs.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid पसीना बहाना for tasks that are simple, easy, or require minimal effort. If you're just browsing Instagram or casually chatting with friends, saying you're पसीना बहाना would be a massive exaggeration – and frankly, a bit funny! It's also not appropriate for tasks that are purely mental without any significant strain or long-term commitment, unless that mental effort is truly grueling, like preparing for a PhD defense. Don't use it for everyday chores unless they are exceptionally difficult or time-consuming. It’s not for light work; it’s for the real grind.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using it for minor efforts. Someone might say, 'I पसीना बहाना to find my keys this morning.' That's just searching, not intense labor! Another error is applying it to situations lacking significant output or struggle. Remember, the sweat has to be earned! It’s easy to overuse it for simple tasks, making your description sound insincere or comical. Always check if the effort truly warrants this strong idiom.

Similar Expressions

  • मेहनत करना (mehnat karna): To work hard (more general).
  • जी तोड़ मेहनत करना (jee tod mehnat karna): To work one's heart out (very similar intensity).
  • जान लगाना (jaan lagana): To put one's life/soul into something (focus on dedication).
  • खून पसीना एक करना (khoon paseena ek karna): To mix blood and sweat (even more intense, implies extreme sacrifice).

Memory Trick

💡

Imagine a farmer toiling under the hot sun. You can literally *see* the sweat dripping off him. That visible sweat is the पसीना (sweat). The act of him working so hard is बहाना (to shed/pour). So, पसीना बहाना = seeing that farmer pour out sweat because he's working *so* hard. Visualise that intense, sweaty farmer!

Quick FAQ

  • Is it always physical work? Not necessarily! It can describe intense mental effort too, like studying for finals.
  • Can I use it for myself? Absolutely! It shows you acknowledge your own hard work.
  • Does it imply success? Not directly. It focuses on the effort, not the outcome. You can पसीना बहाना and still not achieve your goal.

Usage Notes

This idiom is best used in informal to neutral contexts. While it can describe intense mental effort, its roots in physical labor give it a tangible, exertion-focused feel. Avoid it in very formal settings or for tasks that don't genuinely require significant effort, as it can sound exaggerated.

🎯

Use with 'बहुत'

Always use 'बहुत' (a lot) to emphasize the effort.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a project deadline
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

यार, ये प्रोजेक्ट टाइम पर खत्म करने के लिए बहुत `पसीना बहाना` पड़ रहा है!

Man, I'm having to shed a lot of sweat to finish this project on time!

Here, `पसीना बहाना` emphasizes the intense effort needed to meet a tight deadline.

#2 Instagram caption for a fitness post
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

आज जिम में पूरा `पसीना बहाना`! #FitnessGoals #HardWork

Shedding full sweat in the gym today! #FitnessGoals #HardWork

Used informally to highlight the difficulty and effort in a workout, common on social media.

#3 Talking about a student's dedication
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

वो मेडिकल एंट्रेंस के लिए दिन-रात `पसीना बहा रहा है`।

He is shedding sweat day and night for the medical entrance exam.

Highlights the extreme dedication and hard work required for competitive exams.

#4 Job interview context (describing past role)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

अपने पिछले पद पर, मैंने नए क्लाइंट्स लाने के लिए काफी `पसीना बहाया`।

In my previous role, I shed considerable sweat to bring in new clients.

Used professionally to show significant effort and commitment in a past job.

#5 Vlogging about a travel challenge
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

इस पहाड़ पर चढ़ने में तो सच में `पसीना बहाना` पड़ा, लेकिन नज़ारा अद्भुत था!

Climbing this mountain really made me shed sweat, but the view was amazing!

Connects the physical exertion of travel with the rewarding experience.

#6 WhatsApp message to a friend about studying
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Exam के लिए `पसीना बहा रहा हूँ`, hope सब अच्छा हो!

I'm shedding sweat for the exam, hope everything goes well!

Casual, modern usage showing effort for an upcoming test.

#7 Mistake: Using for light effort
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ मैंने आज सुबह चाबियाँ ढूंढने में `पसीना बहाया`। → ✓ मैंने आज सुबह चाबियाँ ढूंढने में **बहुत ढूंढा**।

✗ I shed sweat finding my keys this morning. → ✓ I searched a lot for my keys this morning.

Overusing the idiom for a simple task like finding lost items diminishes its meaning.

#8 Mistake: Incorrect verb conjugation

✗ वह काम में पसीना बहाती है। → ✓ वह काम में **बहुत मेहनत करती है**। (Or: वह काम में **पसीना बहाती है** - if context implies extreme effort)

✗ She sheds sweat in work. → ✓ She works very hard in her job. (Or: She literally sweats profusely while working, if that's the case)

While `बहाना` is the verb, sometimes learners struggle with the exact conjugation or context. The corrected version provides a more general alternative or clarifies the specific meaning.

#9 Humorous exaggeration about a difficult game level
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

इस गेम के बॉस को हराने में तो मेरा `पसीना ही निकल गया`!

My sweat literally came out defeating this game's boss!

A slightly humorous, exaggerated way to describe the intense difficulty of a video game level.

#10 Emotional context: Describing a parent's sacrifice
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

मेरे पिता ने हमारे लिए बहुत `पसीना बहाया` है, मैं उनका हमेशा आभारी रहूँगा।

My father has shed a lot of sweat for us, I will always be grateful to him.

Expresses deep gratitude by acknowledging the immense sacrifices and hard work put in by a loved one.

#11 Discussing a challenging artistic creation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

इस पेंटिंग को बनाने में मैंने अपना पूरा `पसीना बहा दिया`।

I shed all my sweat making this painting.

Emphasizes the total dedication and effort poured into a creative project.

#12 Describing an athlete's training regimen
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

ओलंपिक की तैयारी के लिए वह हर दिन `पसीना बहाता है`।

He sheds sweat every day to prepare for the Olympics.

Highlights the rigorous and consistent effort required for elite athletic training.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct verb.

सफलता के लिए ____ पड़ता है।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: पसीना बहाना

The standard idiom is 'पसीना बहाना'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of 'पसीना बहाना'

Very Informal

Casual chat, texting friends, social media.

यार, एग्जाम के लिए बहुत पसीना बहाना पड़ रहा है!

Informal

Everyday conversations, talking about work or hobbies.

उसने बिज़नेस को सफल बनाने के लिए खूब पसीना बहाया।

Neutral/Slightly Formal

Professional settings when describing past intense efforts, but avoid in very formal speeches.

नई परियोजना को पूरा करने में टीम ने काफी पसीना बहाया।

Very Formal

Generally avoided in highly formal or official contexts.

N/A

Where You'll Hear 'पसीना बहाना'

Intense Effort
📚

Studying for exams

Finals के लिए पसीना बहाना!

🏃

Athletic training

मैच के लिए पसीना बहाना।

🏗️

Demanding jobs

कंस्ट्रक्शन साइट पर पसीना बहाना।

🎬

Creative projects

फिल्म बनाने में पसीना बहाना।

📈

Starting a business

Startup के लिए पसीना बहाना।

⛰️

Difficult tasks

पहाड़ चढ़ने में पसीना बहाना।

Comparing Effort Idioms

पसीना बहाना
पसीना बहाना To shed sweat (work very hard)
मेहनत करना
मेहनत करना To work hard (general)
जी जान लगाना
जी जान लगाना To put one's heart and soul into it (dedication)
खून पसीना एक करना
खून पसीना एक करना To mix blood and sweat (extreme effort & sacrifice)

Usage Categories for 'पसीना बहाना'

💪

Physical Labor

  • Farming
  • Construction
  • Manual work
🧠

Mental Exertion

  • Intense study
  • Complex problem-solving
  • Long research
🎨

Skill Development

  • Learning an instrument
  • Practicing a sport
  • Mastering a craft
🏆

Goal Achievement

  • Training for competition
  • Building a business
  • Completing a marathon

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct verb. Fill Blank A1

सफलता के लिए ____ पड़ता है।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: पसीना बहाना

The standard idiom is 'पसीना बहाना'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it is used for mental work like studying too.

Related Phrases

🔗

खून-पसीना एक करना

specialized form

To work extremely hard

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