व्यायाम करना
vyayam karna
to exercise
Literally: {"\u0935\u094d\u092f\u093e\u092f\u093e\u092e":"exercise","\u0915\u0930\u0928\u093e":"to do"}
In 15 Seconds
- Standard Hindi for 'to exercise'.
- Covers intentional physical activity for health.
- Used in daily conversations and fitness talk.
- Flexible across tenses and subjects.
Meaning
Think of `व्यायाम करना` as your go-to phrase for any physical activity you do on purpose to get fit or stay healthy. It's not just about sweating; it's about the *intention* behind the movement. It covers everything from a brisk walk to a full-on gym session, conveying a sense of dedicated effort for your well-being.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about weekend plans
इस वीकेंड चलो कहीं बाहर `व्यायाम करने` चलते हैं।
Let's go out somewhere to exercise this weekend.
Instagram caption for a gym selfie
आज का `व्यायाम` पूरा हुआ! Feeling energized. ✨
Today's exercise is complete! Feeling energized. ✨
Doctor's advice
आपको नियमित रूप से `व्यायाम करना` चाहिए।
You should exercise regularly.
Cultural Background
In big cities like Delhi and Mumbai, 'व्यायाम' is often replaced by 'Workout' in casual conversation, but 'व्यायाम' remains the word used in all health-related news and government campaigns. Yoga is considered the ultimate form of 'Vyāyām' in India. It is not just physical but also mental exercise. International Yoga Day (June 21) sees millions of Indians 'व्यायाम' together in public squares. In rural India, 'Kasrat' is the preferred term. Wrestlers (Pehlwans) perform thousands of 'Baithaks' (squats) and 'Dands' (pushups) as their primary 'Vyāyām'. For many elderly Indians, a 'Morning Walk' in the local park followed by light stretching or 'Laughter Yoga' is their daily 'Vyāyām'. It is a key social time.
Use 'Workout' in cities
If you are in a modern gym in Bangalore or Mumbai, just say 'Workout'—everyone will understand and it sounds more natural there.
Don't say 'Vyayam khelna'
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Exercise is something you DO (karna), not PLAY (khelna).
In 15 Seconds
- Standard Hindi for 'to exercise'.
- Covers intentional physical activity for health.
- Used in daily conversations and fitness talk.
- Flexible across tenses and subjects.
What It Means
व्यायाम करना literally means 'to do exercise'. It's the most common and direct way to talk about engaging in physical activity for health and fitness in Hindi. It covers a wide range of activities, from light workouts to intense training sessions. You use it when you want to express that you are actively participating in something that benefits your body. It carries a positive vibe of self-care and discipline. It’s the phrase you’d use when discussing your fitness routine or making plans to get active.
How To Use It
This phrase is super flexible! You can use it in present, past, or future tenses. Just conjugate the verb करना (to do) according to who is doing the action and when. For example, मैं व्यायाम करता हूँ (main vyayam karta hoon) means 'I exercise' (male speaker, habitual). उसने कल व्यायाम किया (usne kal vyayam kiya) means 'He/She exercised yesterday'. हम कल व्यायाम करेंगे (hum kal vyayam karenge) means 'We will exercise tomorrow'. It's a verb phrase, so it acts like any other verb in a sentence. You can add adverbs to describe *how* you exercise, like रोज़ (roz - daily) or ज़ोरों से (zoron se - intensely).
Real-Life Examples
- Texting a friend: 'आज जिम जाकर
व्यायाम करनाहै!' (Aaj gym jaakarvyayam karnahai! - 'Have to go to the gym and exercise today!') - Talking about habits: 'मुझे हर सुबह
व्यायाम करनेकी आदत है।' (Mujhe har subahvyayam karneki aadat hai. - 'I have a habit of exercising every morning.') - Making plans: 'वीकेंड पर हम साथ में
व्यायाम करेंगे।' (Weekend par hum saath meinvyayam karenge. - 'We will exercise together on the weekend.') - Instagram caption: 'Sunday vibes! Time to
व्यायाम करनाand recharge. 💪 #fitness #healthylifestyle' (Sunday vibes! Time to exercise and recharge. 💪 #fitness #healthylifestyle)
When To Use It
Use व्यायाम करना anytime you're talking about intentional physical exertion for health. This includes going to the gym, jogging, swimming, doing yoga, playing a sport *for fitness*, or even following a workout video at home. If you're breaking a sweat with a purpose related to your physical condition, this is your phrase. It’s perfect for casual chats, fitness-related discussions, and health advice. It’s the default, no-fuss way to say 'I'm working out'.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid व्यायाम करना if you're talking about just playing a sport for fun or competition, unless you specifically mention it's for training. For example, playing cricket with friends is just 'खेलना' (khelna - to play). But if you say, 'मैं क्रिकेट व्यायाम के तौर पर खेलता हूँ' (Main cricket vyayam ke taur par khelta hoon - 'I play cricket as exercise'), then it fits. Also, don't use it for everyday physical labor like manual work or household chores, unless you're specifically framing it as a workout. It's about dedicated *exercise*, not just movement.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using a word that sounds similar but means something else. For instance, confusing व्यायाम with अध्ययन (adhyayan - study) would be… well, a very different kind of workout! Another mistake is using a less common or overly formal word when व्यायाम करना is perfectly suitable. Sometimes learners might try to translate 'work out' too literally, leading to awkward phrasing. Remember, व्यायाम करना is the natural, idiomatic choice here.
Similar Expressions
कसरत करना(kasrat karna): Very similar, often used interchangeably withव्यायाम करना. It might feel slightly more focused on the physical exertion aspect, like 'doing a drill'.फिटनेस करना(fitness karna): A more modern, Hinglish term, directly borrowing 'fitness'. Used informally, especially among younger crowds.शारीरिक गतिविधि करना(shaaririk gatividhi karna): This means 'to do physical activity'. It's more general and can include non-exercise movements, so it's less specific thanव्यायाम करना.
Common Variations
व्यायाम(vyayam): The noun form, meaning 'exercise'. You can say 'मेराव्यायामहो गया' (Meravyayamho gaya - 'My exercise is done').व्यायामी(vyayami): An adjective meaning 'related to exercise' or 'athletic'. For example, 'वह एकव्यायामीव्यक्ति है' (Vah ekvyayamivyakti hai - 'He is an athletic person').एक्सरसाइज़ करना(exercise karna): A direct Hinglish borrowing, very common in informal spoken Hindi.
Memory Trick
Imagine a Very Young Athlete Motivated (व्यायाम). This young athlete is always trying to Do (करना) their best! So, व्यायाम करना = Very Young Athlete Motivated to Do their best.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I use
व्यायाम करनाfor playing sports?
A: Usually not for casual play. It’s for dedicated fitness. If you play a sport *as* your workout, then yes!
- Q: Is
कसरत करनाthe same?
A: Mostly, yes! They are very close synonyms. व्यायाम करना is perhaps slightly more formal, but they're often interchangeable.
- Q: What if I just walk for exercise?
A: Yes, you can say 'मैं टहलने का व्यायाम करता हूँ' (Main tehalne ka vyayam karta hoon - 'I do walking exercise'), though 'टहलना' (to walk) alone often implies leisure.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits most conversational and semi-formal contexts. Avoid using it for purely recreational sports or manual labor unless framed as exercise. The key is the intentionality behind the physical activity for health.
Use 'Workout' in cities
If you are in a modern gym in Bangalore or Mumbai, just say 'Workout'—everyone will understand and it sounds more natural there.
Don't say 'Vyayam khelna'
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Exercise is something you DO (karna), not PLAY (khelna).
Pair with 'Chahiye'
The most useful way to use this is 'Vyayam karna chahiye' (Should exercise). It makes you sound very helpful and fluent.
Yoga is Vyayam
If someone asks if you do Vyayam, and you do Yoga, say 'Haan, main yoga karta hoon.' Yoga is the most respected form of Vyayam in India.
Examples
12इस वीकेंड चलो कहीं बाहर `व्यायाम करने` चलते हैं।
Let's go out somewhere to exercise this weekend.
Here, `व्यायाम करने` is used with 'चलते हैं' (let's go) to suggest an activity.
आज का `व्यायाम` पूरा हुआ! Feeling energized. ✨
Today's exercise is complete! Feeling energized. ✨
Here, `व्यायाम` is used as a noun meaning 'exercise'. It's short and punchy for social media.
आपको नियमित रूप से `व्यायाम करना` चाहिए।
You should exercise regularly.
This is a direct recommendation, using `व्यायाम करना` in a slightly more formal, advisory tone.
मैं आजकल थोड़ा `व्यायाम` कम कर रहा हूँ।
I'm exercising a bit less these days.
Using the noun `व्यायाम` with 'कम कर रहा हूँ' (doing less) is a natural way to talk about reduced activity.
घर पर ही `व्यायाम करें` और फिट रहें!
Exercise at home and stay fit!
`व्यायाम करें` is the imperative (command) form, perfect for motivational content.
मैं काम के बाद थोड़ा `व्यायाम करता हूँ` ताकि तनाव कम हो।
I exercise a little after work to reduce stress.
Shows self-discipline and health consciousness, using the habitual present tense.
✗ मैं रोज़ क्रिकेट खेलना `व्यायाम` के लिए करता हूँ। → ✓ मैं रोज़ क्रिकेट `व्यायाम के तौर पर` खेलता हूँ।
✗ I play cricket daily exercise for. → ✓ I play cricket as exercise daily.
The first version is grammatically awkward and unclear. The second correctly frames cricket *as* a form of exercise.
मुझे फिर से `व्यायाम करना` शुरू करना होगा, मेरी सेहत के लिए।
I need to start exercising again, for my health.
Expresses a personal need and commitment to health, using `व्यायाम करना`.
✗ मैं हर सुबह योग `बनाता` हूँ। → ✓ मैं हर सुबह योग `करता` हूँ।
✗ I make yoga every morning. → ✓ I do yoga every morning.
`बनाना` (to make) is incorrect here. `करना` (to do) is the correct verb for yoga and exercise.
चलो, आज शाम साथ में `व्यायाम करते हैं`।
Come on, let's exercise together this evening.
Suggesting a shared activity using the inclusive 'let's' form.
यह ऐप मुझे हर दिन `व्यायाम करने` के लिए प्रेरित करता है।
This app motivates me to exercise every day.
Shows how technology aids in the habit of exercising.
पहले मैं रोज़ `व्यायाम करता था`, पर अब समय नहीं मिलता।
Earlier I used to exercise daily, but now I don't get time.
Uses the past habitual tense (`करता था`) to describe a former routine.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'व्यायाम करना'.
मैं रोज़ सुबह ________ हूँ।
If the speaker is male, 'करता हूँ' is the correct present habitual form. 'करती हूँ' would be correct for a female.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct advice:
'व्यायाम' always pairs with 'करना' (to do), not 'खेलना' (to play) or 'बनाना' (to make).
Complete the dialogue.
डॉक्टर: क्या आप रोज़ टहलते हैं? मरीज़: नहीं डॉक्टर, पर मैं घर पर ही ________।
In a medical context about physical activity, 'व्यायाम करता हूँ' is the most logical answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a gym and the trainer asks you to start.
Gyms are for 'व्यायाम' (exercise).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Vyayam
Physical
- • Gym
- • Running
- • Swimming
Mental
- • Yoga
- • Meditation
- • Puzzles
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैं रोज़ सुबह ________ हूँ।
If the speaker is male, 'करता हूँ' is the correct present habitual form. 'करती हूँ' would be correct for a female.
Choose the correct advice:
'व्यायाम' always pairs with 'करना' (to do), not 'खेलना' (to play) or 'बनाना' (to make).
डॉक्टर: क्या आप रोज़ टहलते हैं? मरीज़: नहीं डॉक्टर, पर मैं घर पर ही ________।
In a medical context about physical activity, 'व्यायाम करता हूँ' is the most logical answer.
Situation: You are at a gym and the trainer asks you to start.
Gyms are for 'व्यायाम' (exercise).
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is masculine. So you say 'Mera vyayam' (My exercise) and 'Accha vyayam' (Good exercise).
Yes, but it's less common. You would say 'Dimag ka vyayam' (Exercise of the brain).
'Vyayam' is Sanskrit-based and formal. 'Kasrat' is Persian-based and used more in traditional wrestling or casual talk.
You say 'Main vyayam karne ja raha hoon.'
Usually, walking is called 'Tahalna' or 'Sair karna', but if it's a fast walk for health, it can be called 'Vyayam'.
Yes, very! In urban areas, 'Workout karna' is more common than 'Vyayam karna'.
Use the word 'Bhari' (heavy): 'Bhari vyayam'.
No, that's redundant. Just say 'Vyayam karna'.
Yoga is a type of Vyayam. You can say 'Main yoga ka vyayam karta hoon' but 'Main yoga karta hoon' is more natural.
Yes, especially in movies about sports or health, like 'Dangal' or 'Mary Kom'.
Related Phrases
कसरत करना
synonymTo exercise (more physical/traditional)
योग करना
specialized formTo do Yoga
टहलना
similarTo stroll/walk
पसीना बहाना
figurativeTo sweat it out
अभ्यास करना
similarTo practice
शारीरिक शिक्षा
builds onPhysical Education
