B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

समझौता करना

samjhauta karna

to compromise

Literally: to do an agreement/understanding

In 15 Seconds

  • Reaching a middle ground where both parties give up something.
  • Commonly used in business, legal settlements, and personal relationships.
  • Reflects the cultural value of harmony and 'adjusting' for peace.

Meaning

It describes the act of reaching a middle ground or making a deal where both sides give up a little something to find peace or move forward.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Negotiating at a market

दुकानदार और मैंने सही दाम पर समझौता कर लिया।

The shopkeeper and I compromised on a fair price.

2

Resolving a family argument

हमें शांति के लिए समझौता करना ही होगा।

We will have to compromise for the sake of peace.

3

A business meeting

दोनों कंपनियों ने नए प्रोजेक्ट की शर्तों पर समझौता किया।

Both companies compromised on the terms of the new project.

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Cultural Background

Compromise is often seen as a way to maintain family honor. Compromise is often seen as a rational business tool.

💡

Context matters

Always use 'पर' when mentioning the topic of compromise.

In 15 Seconds

  • Reaching a middle ground where both parties give up something.
  • Commonly used in business, legal settlements, and personal relationships.
  • Reflects the cultural value of harmony and 'adjusting' for peace.

What It Means

समझौता करना is all about the art of the deal. It means you are meeting someone halfway. You don't get 100% of what you wanted. They don't get 100% of what they wanted. But you both walk away satisfied enough. It is the verbal glue of relationships and business. Think of it as finding that sweet spot between 'my way' and 'your way'.

How To Use It

You use this phrase like a standard verb. Usually, you use it with the preposition के साथ (with) or पर (on/about). For example, you can समझौता करना with a person or on a specific price. It fits perfectly in sentences where a conflict ends in a handshake. It is very versatile. You can use it for big life decisions or small daily debates.

When To Use It

Use it when you finally agree on a movie with your partner. Use it in a business meeting when the contract is signed. It is perfect for legal contexts too. If two people settle a dispute outside of court, they have done a समझौता. It sounds mature and balanced. Use it when you want to show you are being reasonable. It is a great 'adulting' word.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if you are simply giving up. If you lose an argument completely, that is not a compromise. That is just losing! Also, avoid using it for simple binary choices. If you choose tea over coffee, you didn't 'compromise' with the menu. You just made a choice. It requires two sides or two conflicting ideas to work. Don't use it if the tone is too aggressive.

Cultural Background

In Indian culture, harmony is often prioritized over individual victory. We call this 'adjusting'. You will often hear people say 'thoda adjust kar lo' (adjust a little). समझौता करना is the more formal, deeper version of that sentiment. From massive joint families to bustling street markets, compromise is a survival skill. It is seen as a sign of wisdom, not weakness. It is the secret sauce of Indian social fabric.

Common Variations

You might hear समझौता हो गया, which means 'the compromise has happened'. In legal settings, you might hear राजीनामा (raazinama), which is a more formal Persian-rooted term. In casual Hinglish, people often just say 'compromise kar liya'. But using the full Hindi phrase समझौता करना makes you sound much more fluent and thoughtful. It carries more weight in a serious conversation.

Usage Notes

The phrase is very stable across dialects. The most important thing is to remember it's a 'doing' verb (karna). In very casual settings, 'compromise' is often used as a loanword, but 'samjhauta' adds a layer of sincerity.

💡

Context matters

Always use 'पर' when mentioning the topic of compromise.

Examples

6
#1 Negotiating at a market

दुकानदार और मैंने सही दाम पर समझौता कर लिया।

The shopkeeper and I compromised on a fair price.

Shows the phrase used for price negotiation.

#2 Resolving a family argument

हमें शांति के लिए समझौता करना ही होगा।

We will have to compromise for the sake of peace.

Used in an emotional, family-oriented context.

#3 A business meeting

दोनों कंपनियों ने नए प्रोजेक्ट की शर्तों पर समझौता किया।

Both companies compromised on the terms of the new project.

A professional use regarding contract terms.

#4 Texting a friend about dinner

चलो, पिज्जा पर समझौता करते हैं!

Come on, let's compromise on pizza!

A lighthearted way to end a debate about food.

#5 A humorous take on marriage

शादी का दूसरा नाम ही समझौता करना है।

The other name for marriage is 'to compromise'.

A common joke about the nature of long-term relationships.

#6 Legal context

उन्होंने कोर्ट के बाहर समझौता कर लिया।

They reached a settlement out of court.

Specific legal usage meaning 'settlement'.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence.

शांति के लिए हमें ________ करना पड़ा।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: समझौता

Compromise is the only word that fits the context of peace.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill Blank B1

शांति के लिए हमें ________ करना पड़ा।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: समझौता

Compromise is the only word that fits the context of peace.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it is often positive and necessary for peace.

Related Phrases

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बीच का रास्ता

synonym

Middle path

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