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आतिथ्य करना

B2 verb 9 min read

आतिथ्य करना

aatithya karna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips आतिथ्य करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation आतिथ्य करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the full phrase 'आतिथ्य करना' yet, as it is quite formal. However, you should know the root word 'अतिथि' (atithi), which means 'guest'. Think of 'आतिथ्य' as the special care you give to a guest. In simple terms, it means 'to host' or 'to take care of a guest'. You might say 'मेहमान' (mehmaan) for guest instead. Just remember that in India, guests are very important, and 'आतिथ्य' is the word for that importance. If someone comes to your house, you give them water and tea—that is a small part of 'आतिथ्य'.

At the A2 level, you can start recognizing 'आतिथ्य करना' in formal signs or simple stories. It means 'to host'. You already know 'karna' (to do). So, 'aatithya karna' is 'doing the guest-hosting'. You can use it when you talk about your family hosting someone. For example, 'मेरे माता-पिता ने उनका आतिथ्य किया' (My parents hosted them). It is more formal than just saying 'they came to our house'. It shows you are being very polite. You might also see this word in travel brochures about India.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'आतिथ्य करना' in situations where you want to show respect. It describes the traditional Indian hospitality. You can use it to describe festivals or weddings where many people are hosted. For example, 'शादी में हमने पाँच सौ लोगों का आतिथ्य किया' (We hosted five hundred people at the wedding). You should also know the difference between 'swagat' (welcome) and 'aatithya' (hosting). 'Aatithya' is the whole experience of staying at someone's house and being looked after.

At the B2 level, you should use 'आतिथ्य करना' to discuss cultural values and formal events. You understand that this word carries the weight of the 'Atithi Devo Bhava' philosophy. You can use it in business contexts, such as 'हमारी कंपनी विदेशी निवेशकों का आतिथ्य करेगी' (Our company will host foreign investors). You should be comfortable with the 'ka' postposition (unka aatithya karna) and be able to use it in different tenses. You also recognize that it is a 'Tatsama' word, suitable for formal writing and speeches.

At the C1 level, you use 'आतिथ्य करना' with nuance and precision. You can discuss the historical and philosophical roots of the word. You might use it in an essay about Indian culture or in a formal speech at a conference. You understand the subtle difference between 'aatithya' and its Urdu-derived synonyms like 'mehmannawazi'. You can use complex sentence structures, such as 'उनका आतिथ्य करना हमारे लिए गर्व की बात थी' (It was a matter of pride for us to host them). You also understand how it relates to concepts like 'Dharma' and 'Maryada'.

At the C2 level, 'आतिथ्य करना' is part of your sophisticated vocabulary for high-level discourse. You can use it to critique literature, discuss diplomatic relations, or write academic papers on sociology. You understand its place in classical Sanskrit literature and how it has evolved into modern Hindi. You can use it metaphorically or in highly formal legal and state contexts. You are fully aware of the social hierarchies and expectations that come with the act of 'aatithya' in various parts of India.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

आतिथ्य करना in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to host or offer hospitality to guests.
Rooted in the Sanskrit word 'Atithi' (guest), implying deep respect.
Used in formal social, literary, and professional contexts in Hindi.
Follows the 'ka aatithya karna' grammatical structure for the object.

The Hindi verb आतिथ्य करना (aatithya karnā) is a sophisticated and culturally resonant term that translates to 'to host,' 'to offer hospitality,' or 'to entertain guests.' Rooted deeply in the ancient Sanskrit ethos of the Indian subcontinent, it represents more than just the act of providing food or shelter; it embodies the spiritual and social obligation to treat a guest with the highest level of reverence. In the CEFR B2 context, this word is essential for learners who wish to move beyond basic conversational Hindi and enter the realm of formal social etiquette and literary expression. While everyday Hindi might use 'मेहमाननवाज़ी' (mehmānnawāzī), which has Persian roots, 'आतिथ्य' carries a classical, formal, and often more profound weight.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is derived from 'अतिथि' (atithi), meaning guest. In Sanskrit, 'a-tithi' literally means 'someone who arrives without a fixed date or time.' The suffix '-ya' transforms it into the noun 'hospitality,' and adding 'karnā' (to do) creates the compound verb.

भारतीय संस्कृति में, हम प्रत्येक आगंतुक का भावपूर्ण आतिथ्य करना अपना परम धर्म मानते हैं। (In Indian culture, we consider it our supreme duty to offer heartfelt hospitality to every visitor.)

You will encounter this term in formal invitations, literature, news reports regarding state visits, and high-register social gatherings. It is frequently associated with the phrase 'अतिथि देवो भव' (The guest is God). When you use this word, you are signaling a deep understanding of Indian social values. It isn't just about 'hosting a party'; it is about the 'act of hosting' as a virtue. For instance, if a King hosts a neighboring ruler, the chronicler would use 'आतिथ्य करना' to describe the elaborate rituals and respect shown. In a modern context, a luxury hotel might use this term in their mission statement to emphasize their commitment to traditional Indian service standards.

Register and Nuance: The register is 'Tatsama' (Sanskrit-derived), making it ideal for academic writing, formal speeches, and classical literature. It suggests a structured, respectful, and perhaps even ceremonial approach to hosting.

प्रधानमंत्री ने विदेशी प्रतिनिधिमंडल का शानदार आतिथ्य किया। (The Prime Minister offered magnificent hospitality to the foreign delegation.)

Beyond the physical acts of serving food or providing a bed, 'आतिथ्य करना' encompasses the emotional and spiritual warmth extended to a guest. It involves making the guest feel at home, ensuring their comfort, and prioritizing their needs above one's own. In the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish this from 'स्वागत करना' (to welcome). While 'स्वागत' is the initial act of greeting at the door, 'आतिथ्य' is the entire duration of care and service provided during the stay. It is a continuous action, often spanning several days or the entirety of an event.

Using आतिथ्य करना requires an understanding of compound verb structures in Hindi. Since it is a 'karnā' (to do) verb, the gender and number of the object usually don't change the verb ending unless it is in the perfective aspect with 'ne'. However, 'आतिथ्य' itself is a masculine noun. Let's look at the grammatical nuances across different tenses and moods to ensure you can use it accurately in complex sentences.

Direct Object Usage: Typically, you host 'someone' (ka). The structure is: [Host] + [Guest] + 'का' (kā) + 'आतिथ्य करना'. For example: 'हम आपका आतिथ्य करेंगे' (We will host you).

क्या आप हमारे घर आकर हमारा आतिथ्य स्वीकार करेंगे? (Will you come to our home and accept our hospitality?) Note: Here it's used as a noun phrase, but the action is implied.

In the past tense (Perfective Aspect), the subject takes the 'ne' particle. Example: 'उन्होंने हमारा बहुत अच्छा आतिथ्य किया' (They hosted us very well). Notice that 'kiya' is masculine singular to agree with 'aatithya'. If you are speaking about a habitual action in the present, you would say: 'वे हमेशा अपने मेहमानों का दिल खोलकर आतिथ्य करते हैं' (They always host their guests with an open heart). This shows the consistency of the action. In the future tense, it becomes 'करूँगा/करूँगी' (will do), 'करेंगे' (will do - plural/formal). For example: 'अगले महीने हम एक बड़े सम्मेलन का आतिथ्य करेंगे' (Next month we will host a large conference).

Furthermore, you can modify the verb with adverbs to describe the quality of the hospitality. Common modifiers include 'भव्य' (grand), 'विनम्र' (humble), 'अभूतपूर्व' (unprecedented), and 'निस्वार्थ' (selfless). For instance: 'गाँव वालों ने शहर से आए यात्रियों का निस्वार्थ आतिथ्य किया' (The villagers offered selfless hospitality to the travelers from the city). This adds layers of meaning to your sentence, moving you into the C1 territory by showing precision in your descriptions. You can also use it in the passive voice or as a verbal noun (gerund): 'अतिथियों का आतिथ्य करना हमारी परंपरा है' (Hosting guests is our tradition).

Modal Verbs: Combine it with 'chahiye' (should) or 'sakna' (can). 'हमें उनका आतिथ्य करना चाहिए' (We should host them). 'मैं आपका आतिथ्य नहीं कर सका' (I could not host you).

While you might not hear a teenager saying 'आतिथ्य करना' while inviting a friend over for a video game session, you will definitely hear it in contexts where decorum and tradition are paramount. It is a staple of the Indian hospitality industry, the diplomatic corps, and traditional family narratives. Understanding these contexts helps you use the word without sounding unnaturally formal or inappropriately casual.

The Tourism and Hotel Industry: In luxury hotels (like the Taj or Oberoi groups), the staff is trained in the art of 'aatithya'. You will see this word on brochures: 'हम भारतीय आतिथ्य की परंपरा को जीवित रखते हैं' (We keep the tradition of Indian hospitality alive).

राजभवन में आयोजित रात्रिभोज में राज्यपाल ने विदेशी राजदूतों का आतिथ्य किया। (At the dinner organized at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor hosted the foreign ambassadors.)

In literature and historical dramas, this word is used to highlight the character of a host. A 'noble' character is often described by how well they 'aatithya karte hain' even for their enemies. This reflects the 'Dharma' of a householder. If you are watching a Bollywood film set in a royal palace or a traditional Rajasthani village, listen for this word during scenes of arrival and feasting. It emphasizes the 'Maryada' (dignity) of the host. In news broadcasts, when a head of state visits India, the commentator will invariably use this term to describe the official welcome and state banquet.

Furthermore, in religious discourses (Pravachan), gurus often speak about the 'aatithya' offered by mythological figures like Shabari to Lord Rama or Sudama to Krishna. Here, the word takes on a spiritual dimension, representing total surrender and love. By using this word in your own Hindi, you tap into these centuries-old connotations of warmth and duty. It is also used in the corporate world for 'Corporate Hospitality' – hosting clients at events or meetings. 'हमारी कंपनी इस साल के अंतरराष्ट्रीय सेमिनार का आतिथ्य कर रही है' (Our company is hosting this year's international seminar).

For English speakers, the primary challenge with आतिथ्य करना lies in its formality and its grammatical structure. Because 'hospitality' is an abstract noun in English, learners often try to translate 'to host' literally using other verbs that might not fit the cultural weight of 'aatithya'. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusion with 'स्वागत करना' (Swagat Karna): 'Swagat karna' means 'to welcome'. This is a one-time action at the point of entry. 'Aatithya karna' is the ongoing process of looking after the guest. You welcome a guest at the door, but you host them throughout their stay.

Incorrect: मैंने स्टेशन पर उनका आतिथ्य किया। (I hosted them at the station - sounds odd). Correct: मैंने स्टेशन पर उनका स्वागत किया। (I welcomed them at the station.)

Another mistake is using the wrong postposition. In Hindi, you do the 'aatithya' *of* someone (ka/ke/ki). Learners often try to say 'unko aatithya kiya' (hosted to them), which is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'उनका आतिथ्य किया' (did the hospitality of them). Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'आतिथ्य' with 'अतिथि'. Remember: 'अतिथि' is the person (guest), and 'आतिथ्य' is the service (hospitality). You cannot 'aatithya' a guest; you 'do the aatithya' of a guest.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The 'th' in 'aatithya' is an aspirated dental sound (like in 'thunder' but with the tongue against the teeth), not a hard 't' or a 'th' as in 'the'. Mispronouncing it can sometimes make it sound like 'aatitya', which is meaningless. Also, ensure the 'ya' at the end is distinct. Many learners drop the final 'a' sound, making it sound clipped. Proper pronunciation is key to maintaining the formal elegance that the word carries.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for social interactions, and depending on the level of formality and the cultural background (Sanskrit vs. Persian influence), you have several alternatives to आतिथ्य करना. Knowing these will help you choose the right word for the right occasion.

1. मेहमाननवाज़ी करना (Mehmānnawāzī karnā): This is the most common Urdu-derived alternative. It is widely used in Bollywood, poetry, and North Indian daily life. It feels warm, poetic, and slightly less stiff than 'aatithya'. Use this in social gatherings or when talking about a friend's hospitality.
2. खातिरदारी करना (Khātirdārī karnā): This focuses specifically on the service and the 'treating' of a guest with food and comforts. It is very common in colloquial speech. 'उनकी खूब खातिरदारी हुई' (They were treated very well/served a lot of food).

तुलना: 'आतिथ्य' (Sanskrit/Formal) vs 'मेहमाननवाज़ी' (Urdu/Warm) vs 'खातिरदारी' (Colloquial/Service-oriented).

If you are in a religious or highly traditional setting, you might hear 'सत्कार करना' (satkār karnā). This implies honoring someone. It is often paired as 'स्वागत-सत्कार' (welcome and honor). For instance, 'संतों का सत्कार करना चाहिए' (Saints should be honored/hosted with respect). In a modern professional context, if you are hosting an event, you might simply say 'मेज़बानी करना' (mezbānī karnā). 'Mezbān' is the Persian word for 'host'. So, 'मेज़बानी करना' is the direct equivalent of 'to host' (as an organizer). Use 'mezbānī' when talking about hosting a show, a sports event, or a party.

In summary, while all these words deal with guests, 'आतिथ्य करना' is the gold standard for formal, respectful, and traditional hosting. It conveys a sense of duty and high culture that the other terms might lack in purely formal documents or classical contexts.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient India, it was common for wandering monks and travelers to show up at a householder's door without notice. Because they had no fixed 'tithi' (date), they were called 'atithi'. Hosting them was considered a path to heaven.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɑː.t̪ɪt̪ʰ.jə kər.nɑː/

US /ɑː.t̪ɪt̪ʰ.jə kər.nɑː/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'aa'. Secondary stress on 'kar'.

Rhymes With

साहित्य (sahitya - literature) लालित्य (laalitya - grace) नृत्य (nritya - dance) कृत्य (kritya - deed) आदित्य (aaditya - sun) अनित्य (anitya - transient) सत्य (satya - truth) पत्य (patya - belonging to a lord)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as a hard English 't'.
Pronouncing 'th' as 's' or 'f'.
Dropping the final 'a' in 'aatithya'.
Using a hard English 'r' in 'karna'.
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., on 'tith').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of Sanskrit-derived vocabulary (Tatsama).

Writing 5/5

Spelling 'aatithya' correctly with half-letters is tricky.

Speaking 4/5

Aspiration in 'th' and the 'ya' ending require practice.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize if the root 'atithi' is known.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

अतिथि स्वागत सेवा खाना घर

Learn Next

परोपकार शिष्टाचार सभ्यता संस्कृति आदर

Advanced

अभ्यागत आतिथेय सत्कार मेज़बानी तवज्जो

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

आतिथ्य + करना, स्वागत + करना, काम + करना

The 'Ne' Particle in Past Tense

मैंने उनका आतिथ्य किया (Subject + Ne + Object + Verb)

Genitive Case with Compound Verbs

मेहमान 'का' आतिथ्य करना (Using 'ka' for the object)

Adjective Agreement with Nouns

भव्य आतिथ्य (Masculine Singular)

Infinitive as Noun

आतिथ्य करना एक कला है (To host is an art)

Examples by Level

मेरे घर में अतिथि आए हैं।

Guests have come to my house.

A1 focuses on 'atithi' (guest).

हम मेहमान का स्वागत करते हैं।

We welcome the guest.

A1 uses 'swagat' (welcome).

चाय पीजिए, यह हमारा आतिथ्य है।

Please have tea, this is our hospitality.

Simple use of 'aatithya' as a noun.

अतिथि देवो भव।

The guest is like God.

A famous cultural phrase.

वह मेरा आतिथ्य करेंगे।

He will host me.

Future tense of 'karna'.

नमस्ते, आपका स्वागत है।

Namaste, you are welcome.

Basic greeting.

क्या आप पानी पिएंगे?

Will you drink water?

Part of simple hosting.

यह मेरा घर है, आइए।

This is my home, come in.

Imperative 'aaie'.

हमने उनका आतिथ्य किया।

We hosted them.

Simple past 'kiya'.

भारतीय लोग अच्छा आतिथ्य करते हैं।

Indian people host well.

Present habitual 'karte hain'.

वह मेहमानों का आतिथ्य करना पसंद करती है।

She likes to host guests.

Infinitive + 'pasand karna'.

क्या आप हमारा आतिथ्य स्वीकार करेंगे?

Will you accept our hospitality?

Future tense polite question.

गाँव में हमने उनका आतिथ्य किया।

We hosted them in the village.

Locative 'gaon mein'.

वे बहुत अच्छा आतिथ्य करते हैं।

They host very well.

Adverb 'bahut achha'.

मेरे दोस्त ने मेरा आतिथ्य किया।

My friend hosted me.

Subject with 'ne' particle.

आतिथ्य करना एक अच्छी आदत है।

Hosting is a good habit.

Verbal noun as subject.

त्योहारों पर हम सभी रिश्तेदारों का आतिथ्य करते हैं।

On festivals, we host all our relatives.

Plural object 'rishtedaron'.

उन्होंने बहुत ही विनम्रता से हमारा आतिथ्य किया।

They hosted us with great humility.

Adverbial phrase 'vinamrata se'.

विदेशी पर्यटकों का आतिथ्य करना हमारे देश की परंपरा है।

Hosting foreign tourists is our country's tradition.

Genitive 'desh ki parampara'.

क्या आपने कभी किसी अजनबी का आतिथ्य किया है?

Have you ever hosted a stranger?

Present perfect question.

हमें अपने शत्रुओं का भी आतिथ्य करना चाहिए।

We should host even our enemies.

Modal 'chahiye'.

होटल में उन्होंने हमारा शानदार आतिथ्य किया।

They offered us grand hospitality at the hotel.

Adjective 'shandar'.

वह अपने आतिथ्य के लिए पूरे शहर में प्रसिद्ध है।

He is famous in the whole city for his hospitality.

Reason 'ke liye'.

बिना किसी स्वार्थ के आतिथ्य करना ही असली धर्म है।

Hosting without any selfishness is the true duty.

Compound sentence with 'hi'.

भारत सरकार ने शिखर सम्मेलन के दौरान विदेशी प्रतिनिधियों का भव्य आतिथ्य किया।

The Indian government offered grand hospitality to foreign delegates during the summit.

Complex noun phrases.

यदि आप यहाँ आएँगे, तो हमें आपका आतिथ्य करने का अवसर मिलेगा।

If you come here, we will get the opportunity to host you.

Conditional 'yadi... toh'.

आतिथ्य करना केवल भोजन देना नहीं, बल्कि सम्मान देना भी है।

Hosting is not just about giving food, but also about giving respect.

Correlative 'keval... nahi, balki... bhi'.

संस्था ने अनाथ बच्चों के लिए एक विशेष रात्रिभोज का आतिथ्य किया।

The organization hosted a special dinner for orphan children.

Subject 'sanstha' (organization).

प्राचीन काल में राजा-महाराजा ऋषियों का आतिथ्य किया करते थे।

In ancient times, kings and emperors used to host sages.

Habitual past 'kiya karte the'.

उनके आतिथ्य में कोई कमी नहीं थी, सब कुछ उत्तम था।

There was no lack in their hospitality; everything was perfect.

Negative 'koi kami nahi'.

हम आपकी सुविधा के अनुसार आपका आतिथ्य करेंगे।

We will host you according to your convenience.

Phrase 'ke anusar'.

सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदान के लिए एक-दूसरे का आतिथ्य करना आवश्यक है।

Hosting each other is necessary for cultural exchange.

Purpose 'ke liye'.

भारतीय दर्शन के अनुसार, आतिथ्य करना एक आध्यात्मिक साधना के समान है।

According to Indian philosophy, hosting is akin to a spiritual practice.

Philosophical register.

राजनयिक संबंधों को सुदृढ़ करने के लिए उचित आतिथ्य करना अनिवार्य है।

To strengthen diplomatic relations, offering proper hospitality is mandatory.

Formal vocabulary 'sudridh', 'anivarya'.

उनका आतिथ्य करने की शैली अत्यंत परिष्कृत और सुरुचिपूर्ण थी।

The style of hosting them was extremely refined and elegant.

Adjectives 'parishkrit', 'suruchipurn'.

जब तक अतिथि संतुष्ट न हो जाए, तब तक आतिथ्य करना अधूरा माना जाता है।

Until the guest is satisfied, hosting is considered incomplete.

Subordinate clause 'jab tak... tab tak'.

मेज़बान ने अपनी व्यस्तता के बावजूद हमारा हृदयस्पर्शी आतिथ्य किया।

The host offered us heart-touching hospitality despite their busy schedule.

Concession 'ke bawajood'.

साहित्य में आतिथ्य करने के विभिन्न रूपों का विस्तृत वर्णन मिलता है।

A detailed description of various forms of hosting is found in literature.

Passive construction 'milta hai'.

उन्होंने जिस निस्वार्थ भाव से मेरा आतिथ्य किया, उसे मैं कभी नहीं भूल सकता।

I can never forget the selfless manner in which they hosted me.

Relative clause 'jis... use'.

किसी भी राष्ट्र की महानता उसके द्वारा विदेशियों का आतिथ्य करने के ढंग से आंकी जा सकती है।

The greatness of any nation can be judged by the way it hosts foreigners.

Passive 'anki ja sakti hai'.

आतिथ्य करना केवल एक सामाजिक शिष्टाचार नहीं, अपितु मानवता की पराकाष्ठा है।

Hosting is not merely a social etiquette, but the pinnacle of humanity.

High register 'apitu', 'parakastha'.

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में आतिथ्य करने की विधि और उसके पुण्य का सूक्ष्म विवेचन किया गया है।

Ancient texts provide a subtle analysis of the method of hosting and its merit.

Academic 'sukshma vivechan'.

उनकी आतिथ्य करने की तत्परता उनके उदात्त चरित्र का परिचायक है।

Their readiness to host is indicative of their noble character.

Abstract nouns 'tatparta', 'udatt'.

भूमंडलीकरण के इस युग में आतिथ्य करने के पारंपरिक तरीकों में व्यापक परिवर्तन आए हैं।

In this era of globalization, extensive changes have occurred in traditional ways of hosting.

Sociological context.

बिना किसी आडंबर के आतिथ्य करना ही सच्ची सादगी और प्रेम का प्रतीक है।

Hosting without any showmanship is the symbol of true simplicity and love.

Negative 'bina kisi adambar'.

मेज़बान की उदारता ने आतिथ्य करने की परिभाषा को एक नया आयाम प्रदान किया।

The host's generosity provided a new dimension to the definition of hosting.

Metaphorical 'naya aayam'.

विभिन्न संस्कृतियों में आतिथ्य करने के तौर-तरीकों का तुलनात्मक अध्ययन अत्यंत रोचक है।

A comparative study of the ways of hosting in different cultures is extremely interesting.

Research terminology.

आतिथ्य करना एक ऐसी कला है जिसमें हृदय और बुद्धि का सामंजस्य अनिवार्य है।

Hosting is an art in which the harmony of heart and intellect is mandatory.

Complex definition.

Synonyms

मेज़बानी करना मेहमाननवाज़ी करना सत्कार करना खातिरदारी करना स्वागत करना पहुनाई करना सेवा-सुश्रुषा करना आगत-स्वागत करना

Antonyms

अनादर करना उपेक्षा करना तिरस्कार करना बहिष्कार करना

Common Collocations

भव्य आतिथ्य

निस्वार्थ आतिथ्य

आतिथ्य सत्कार

परंपरागत आतिथ्य

हृदयस्पर्शी आतिथ्य

आतिथ्य स्वीकार करना

आतिथ्य की भावना

राजसी आतिथ्य

आतिथ्य के लिए धन्यवाद

आतिथ्य की कमी

Common Phrases

अतिथि देवो भव

— The most famous phrase meaning the guest is equivalent to God.

भारत का नारा है - अतिथि देवो भव।

आतिथ्य सत्कार में कोई कसर न छोड़ना

— To leave no stone unturned in hosting.

उन्होंने आतिथ्य सत्कार में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ी।

आतिथ्य धर्म

— The duty/religion of hosting.

आतिथ्य धर्म का पालन करना चाहिए।

आतिथ्य प्रेमी

— Someone who loves to host.

मेरे दादाजी आतिथ्य प्रेमी व्यक्ति थे।

आतिथ्य ग्रहण करना

— To accept/receive hospitality.

हमने उनका आतिथ्य ग्रहण किया।

आतिथ्य की मर्यादा

— The dignity or boundaries of hosting.

आतिथ्य की मर्यादा का ध्यान रखें।

आतिथ्य की वेदी

— Literary phrase implying hospitality as a sacrifice/offering.

उन्होंने स्वयं को आतिथ्य की वेदी पर समर्पित कर दिया।

आतिथ्य का भार

— The responsibility/burden of hosting.

मुझ पर आतिथ्य का भार है।

आतिथ्य की रस्म

— The ritual of hosting.

यह हमारे यहाँ आतिथ्य की रस्म है।

आतिथ्य की मिसाल

— An example/paradigm of hospitality.

उनका घर आतिथ्य की मिसाल है।

Often Confused With

आतिथ्य करना vs आदित्य (Aaditya)

Means 'Sun'. Sounds similar but completely different meaning.

आतिथ्य करना vs आदित्य (Aaditya)

Means 'Sun'. Sounds similar but completely different meaning.

आतिथ्य करना vs अस्तित्व (Astitva)

Means 'Existence'. Sometimes confused due to the 'st' and 'ya' sounds.

Idioms & Expressions

"पलक पाँवड़े बिछाना"

— To welcome someone with great eagerness and respect.

जब वह घर आया, तो सबने पलक पाँवड़े बिछा दिए।

Poetic/Common

"आँखों पर बिठाना"

— To treat someone with extreme love and respect.

उन्होंने मेहमानों को आँखों पर बिठाया।

Informal

"सिर आँखों पर लेना"

— To accept a guest's wish or presence with total devotion.

आपका आना हमारे सिर आँखों पर है।

Formal

"घर आए नाग न पूजे"

— To ignore a guest or opportunity that comes to your door.

मेहमान को वापस मत भेजो, घर आए नाग न पूजे वाली बात मत करो।

Proverb

"दाल-रोटी से स्वागत करना"

— To offer a simple, humble meal to a guest.

हम गरीब हैं, बस दाल-रोटी से आपका आतिथ्य कर सकते हैं।

Humble

"बिस्तर बिछाना"

— Literally to make a bed, but idiomatically to prepare for a guest.

मेहमान आने वाले हैं, जल्दी बिस्तर बिछाओ।

Informal

"मुँह मीठा कराना"

— To offer sweets to a guest (a mandatory part of Indian hosting).

आइए, पहले मुँह मीठा कीजिए।

Common

"हाथ धोकर पीछे पड़ना"

— Usually negative, but in hosting, it means insisting too much on food.

वह तो हाथ धोकर पीछे पड़ गए कि खाना खाकर ही जाना।

Informal

"चौखट चूमना"

— To respect the threshold of a host's house.

मैं आपकी चौखट चूमने आया हूँ।

Poetic

"कसर न रखना"

— To not lack in any effort.

खातिरदारी में कोई कसर नहीं रखी गई।

Common

Easily Confused

आतिथ्य करना vs अतिथि

Root word.

'Atithi' is the guest; 'Aatithya' is the hosting.

अतिथि का आतिथ्य करो।

आतिथ्य करना vs स्वागत

Similar context.

'Swagat' is the welcome; 'Aatithya' is the whole stay.

स्वागत के बाद आतिथ्य शुरू हुआ।

आतिथ्य करना vs सेवा

General service.

'Sewa' is service (can be for anyone); 'Aatithya' is specifically for guests.

मरीज़ की सेवा, अतिथि का आतिथ्य।

आतिथ्य करना vs मेज़बानी

Synonym.

'Mezbani' is more about the role of a host; 'Aatithya' is about the quality of care.

उसने मेज़बानी की और अच्छा आतिथ्य दिया।

आतिथ्य करना vs सत्कार

Synonym.

'Satkar' is honoring/respecting; 'Aatithya' is providing for needs.

सत्कार और आतिथ्य दोनों ज़रूरी हैं।

Sentence Patterns

मैंने [Person] का आतिथ्य किया।

मैंने अपने दोस्त का आतिथ्य किया।

हमें [Person] का आतिथ्य करना चाहिए।

हमें अतिथियों का आतिथ्य करना चाहिए।

[Reason] के लिए [Person] का आतिथ्य किया गया।

सम्मान के लिए उनका आतिथ्य किया गया।

बिना [Noun] के आतिथ्य करना।

बिना किसी स्वार्थ के आतिथ्य करना।

जैसे ही [Person] आए, हमने उनका आतिथ्य किया।

जैसे ही वे आए, हमने उनका आतिथ्य किया।

उनका आतिथ्य करना [Adjective] अनुभव था।

उनका आतिथ्य करना एक सुखद अनुभव था।

आतिथ्य करने की कला में [Noun] आवश्यक है।

आतिथ्य करने की कला में धैर्य आवश्यक है।

[Subject] द्वारा [Object] का आतिथ्य किया जाना।

सरकार द्वारा प्रतिनिधियों का आतिथ्य किया जाना सराहनीय है।

Word Family

Nouns

अतिथि (guest)

आतिथ्य (hospitality)

आतिथेय (host)

आतिथेयता (host-ness/hospitality quality)

Verbs

आतिथ्य करना (to host)

Adjectives

आतिथ्य-सत्कारपूर्ण (hospitable)

अतिथि-सत्कारशील (hospitable person)

मेज़बान (host)

मेहमान (guest)

सत्कार (honor)

अभ्यागत (visitor)

आगंतुक (arrival/guest)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, literature, and news; rare in slang.

Common Mistakes

मैंने उनको आतिथ्य किया। → मैंने उनका आतिथ्य किया।
You must use the genitive 'ka/ke/ki' with the person being hosted.
वह बहुत अच्छी आतिथ्य करती है। → वह बहुत अच्छा आतिथ्य करती है।
'Aatithya' is a masculine noun; the adjective must be 'achha'.
आतिथ्य करना स्वागत के समान है। → आतिथ्य करना स्वागत से बढ़कर है।
'Swagat' is just the beginning; 'aatithya' is the whole process.
अतिथि को आतिथ्य करो। → अतिथि का आतिथ्य करो।
Wrong postposition. It's 'of the guest', not 'to the guest'.
कल हमने आतिथ्य की। → कल हमने आतिथ्य किया।
The verb must agree with the masculine noun 'aatithya' in the past tense.

Tips

The First Step

In Indian 'aatithya', always offer water first. It's the most basic and essential part of hosting.

Verb Agreement

Remember that 'aatithya' is masculine. In 'ne' sentences, the verb will always be 'kiya' regardless of who the guest is.

Elevate Your Speech

Use 'aatithya' instead of 'mehmannawazi' in formal essays or speeches to sound more educated.

Accepting Hospitality

When someone offers 'aatithya', it's polite to accept at least a little bit of food or water.

Remember the Root

Connect it to 'Atithi' (Guest). If you know 'Atithi', you know 'Aatithya'.

The Final 'Ya'

Don't forget the 'ya' sound at the end. It's not 'aatith', it's 'aatith-ya'.

Business Context

In a corporate setting, use it for 'Hospitality Suites' or 'Client Hosting'.

Ancient Values

Read about 'Atithi Devo Bhava' to understand the soul of this word.

Spelling Check

Practice writing the conjunct 'थ्य' (th + ya). It's a common area for spelling errors.

News Keywords

Watch the news during a foreign leader's visit to hear this word in action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-Tithi' as 'A person with no Tithi (date)'. When they arrive, you do 'Aatithya' (the act of hosting). 'Aa-Tithi' -> 'Aa-tithya'.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Indian door decorated with flowers (Toran) and a host holding a plate with a lamp (Aarti) to welcome a guest.

Word Web

Atithi Karna Host Food Respect Tradition India Welcome

Challenge

Try to use 'aatithya karna' in a sentence describing the best meal you ever had at someone else's house.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'आतिथ्य' (ātithya), which comes from 'अतिथि' (atithi). The word 'atithi' is formed from 'a-' (not) + 'tithi' (lunar date/fixed time), meaning someone who comes without a prior date or appointment.

Original meaning: The quality or service related to a guest who arrives unannounced.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

When being hosted in India, it is often considered impolite to refuse food or drink repeatedly, as it might hurt the host's sense of 'aatithya'.

In the West, hosting is often planned and RSVP-based. In India, 'aatithya' historically implies being ready for unannounced guests at any time.

Taittiriya Upanishad (Scripture) Atithi Devo Bhava (Tourism Campaign) Ramayana (Shabari hosting Rama)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Wedding

बारातियों का आतिथ्य
भोजन का प्रबंध
स्वागत-सत्कार
आतिथ्य में कमी

Business Meeting

क्लाइंट का आतिथ्य
कॉर्पोरेट हॉस्पिटैलिटी
सेमिनार का आतिथ्य
औपचारिक स्वागत

Traditional Home

अतिथि देवो भव
चरण स्पर्श
पानी-चाय पूछना
भोजन कराना

Tourism

भारतीय आतिथ्य
पर्यटकों का सत्कार
होटल सेवा
गाइड का आतिथ्य

History/Literature

राजा का आतिथ्य
आश्रम में आतिथ्य
शरणार्थी का आतिथ्य
धार्मिक कर्तव्य

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको मेहमानों का आतिथ्य करना पसंद है?"

"आपके देश में आतिथ्य करने की क्या परंपराएँ हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी विदेशी मेहमान का आतिथ्य किया है?"

"एक अच्छे मेज़बान को आतिथ्य करते समय किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए?"

"क्या आतिथ्य करना एक थका देने वाला काम है या आनंददायक?"

Journal Prompts

उस समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी का बहुत अच्छा आतिथ्य किया हो।

भारतीय 'आतिथ्य' और आपके देश के 'होस्टिंग' के बीच अंतर स्पष्ट करें।

क्या 'अतिथि देवो भव' की भावना आज के समय में भी प्रासंगिक है? अपने विचार लिखें।

एक काल्पनिक कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक अजनबी का आतिथ्य करना किसी का जीवन बदल देता है।

आतिथ्य करने के दौरान आने वाली चुनौतियों और उनसे मिलने वाली खुशी पर एक लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used for hotels, countries, or organizations hosting events. It refers to the act of hosting anywhere.

'Aatithya' is Sanskrit-based and formal. 'Mehmannawazi' is Urdu-based and feels warmer and more common in daily speech.

You can, but it might sound a bit too formal. For a small party, 'party dena' or 'bulana' is better.

The opposite would be 'anadar' (disrespect) or 'upeksha' (neglect) towards a guest.

In historical or very formal movies, yes. In modern rom-coms, you'll hear 'mehmannawazi' more often.

Yes, in Hinduism, it is one of the five daily duties (Pancha Mahayajna) of a householder.

You say 'Aapke aatithya ke liye dhanyawad' (आपके आतिथ्य के लिए धन्यवाद).

It is soft (dental) and aspirated. Your tongue should touch your upper teeth.

Yes, 'Unka aatithya bahut achha tha' (Their hospitality was very good).

Yes, specifically in the 'Aatithya Kshetra' (Hospitality Sector).