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अभिमान

B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

अभिमान

abhiman Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips अभिमान in 30 Seconds

Explanation अभिमान in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of अभिमान (Abhiman) as a simple word for 'being proud' in a way that is not always good. Since A1 focuses on basic emotions, you can use it to describe how someone feels about themselves. Imagine you are talking about a person who thinks they are very important. You might say, 'He has pride.' In Hindi, we say 'Us-ko abhiman hai.' It's a masculine word, so we use 'us-ko' and 'hai.' At this stage, don't worry too much about the deep philosophical meanings. Just remember that if someone is acting like they are 'too big' for their shoes, this is the word you use. You can practice by saying simple things like 'Don't have pride' (Abhiman mat karo). This level is all about identifying the emotion. You might see it in simple stories where a character is punished for being too proud. Even though it's a B1 word, knowing the basic 'feeling' of it helps you build a strong foundation. Think of it as the opposite of being 'nice' or 'humble.' If you are learning colors and clothes, you might say someone is proud of their 'red shirt.' It's a way to add personality to your basic Hindi sentences. Just keep in mind that it's usually a bit of a 'bad' word, like saying someone is a bit of a show-off.

At the A2 level, you start to use अभिमान (Abhiman) in more complete sentences with postpositions. You will learn that we use 'par' (on) to say what someone is proud of. For example, 'Vah apni sundarta par abhiman karti hai' (She is proud of her beauty). Here, you are using the verb 'karna' (to do). You should also begin to see the difference between Abhiman and Garv. At A2, you can start making simple comparisons. You might say, 'My father is proud (garv) of me, but the king has pride (abhiman).' This helps you understand that Hindi uses different words for 'good' pride and 'bad' pride. You can also use adjectives like 'thoda' (a little) or 'bahut' (a lot) with it. 'Us-me bahut abhiman hai' (There is a lot of pride in him). You are now moving beyond just naming the emotion to describing how much of it someone has and what it is directed toward. This level is also where you might encounter the word in simple folk tales or moral lessons. You will notice that 'Abhiman' is a noun, and you can't use it as an adjective yet—for that, you would need 'Abhimani,' but for now, sticking to the noun form in 'Abhiman hona' or 'Abhiman karna' is perfect.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to understand the nuance of अभिमान (Abhiman) as a word that describes a character trait or a psychological state. You should be able to use it in complex sentences that explain cause and effect. For instance, 'Abhiman ke karan uske koi dost nahi hain' (Because of pride, he has no friends). This level involves understanding that Abhiman is often used in a moral or critical context. You will hear it in Bollywood movies or read it in slightly more advanced stories where ego is a central theme. You should also be comfortable with the word's gender (masculine) and how it affects the grammar of the sentence (e.g., 'Mera abhiman' vs 'Meri koshish'). At B1, you are also introduced to related words like Swabhimaan (self-respect) and Ghamand (arrogance). You should start choosing the right word based on the situation. If you are writing a formal letter or an essay, Abhiman is a better choice than the more colloquial Ghamand. You are beginning to see the word as part of a larger 'word family' that describes the human ego. You can also use it to discuss historical figures or literary characters, analyzing how their Abhiman led to certain outcomes in the story.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use अभिमान (Abhiman) in abstract discussions and debates. You can talk about the role of ego in professional life or politics. You might use phrases like 'Abhiman ko tyagna' (to renounce pride) or 'Abhiman par vijay pana' (to conquer pride). Your understanding of the word should now include its cultural and philosophical weight. In India, where humility is a key social value, Abhiman is often discussed as a barrier to personal and spiritual growth. You should be able to read newspaper articles or listen to news reports where Abhiman is used to critique the behavior of public figures. Your grammar should be flawless when using it, including correct placement in passive constructions like 'Uska abhiman toda gaya' (His pride was broken). You can also begin to explore the poetic uses of the word, where it might describe a person's dignity or 'injured pride' in a romantic context. At this stage, you should be able to explain the difference between 'Abhiman' and 'Ahankar' to a lower-level learner, noting that while they are similar, 'Ahankar' is more technical and 'Abhiman' is more about the feeling of superiority.

At the C1 level, your grasp of अभिमान (Abhiman) should be sophisticated enough to appreciate its use in classical Hindi literature and philosophical texts. You should understand how the word functions in the works of great poets like Tulsidas or Kabir, where Abhiman is often depicted as the primary veil (Maya) that prevents a person from seeing the truth. You can use the word in high-level academic writing or when giving a formal presentation on Indian culture. You should be aware of the subtle registers—how Abhiman sounds more refined than Ghamand and more emotional than Ahankar. You can use it in idiomatic expressions and understand its role in compound words. For example, you might analyze how 'Abhiman' differs from 'Darp' (insolent pride) in a literary text. Your ability to use the word should extend to its various derivations and how it interacts with other Sanskrit-based vocabulary. You can participate in deep discussions about whether 'Abhiman' can ever be a positive trait in a modern, competitive world, using the word to navigate complex moral and ethical arguments with ease and precision.

At the C2 level, you have near-native proficiency and can use अभिमान (Abhiman) with all its historical and cultural baggage. You can discern the tiniest nuances in its usage across different dialects and historical periods of Hindi. You might explore how the concept of Abhiman has evolved from ancient Vedic texts to modern-day Hindi cinema. You can use the word to write poetry or sophisticated prose that plays with its meanings—perhaps contrasting a character's outward Abhiman with their inward insecurity. You are comfortable using it in any register, from a spiritual discourse at a temple to a sharp political satire. You understand the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a key to understanding the Indian psyche and its values regarding the self and the collective. You can translate complex English concepts involving 'pride,' 'hubris,' and 'vanity' into Hindi using Abhiman and its synonyms with perfect accuracy, choosing the exact word that fits the emotional and social context. At this level, Abhiman is a tool for subtle expression, allowing you to convey layers of meaning about a person's character, their social standing, and their internal spiritual state.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

अभिमान in 30 Seconds

Abhiman is a Hindi masculine noun primarily meaning 'arrogance' or 'ego,' often carrying a negative moral connotation in social and spiritual contexts.
It is distinguished from 'Garv' (positive pride) and is frequently used to describe someone whose self-importance leads to their downfall or isolation.
Grammatically, it is used with helper verbs like 'karna' (to do) or 'hona' (to have/be) and often takes the postposition 'par' for the object.
Culturally, it is a key theme in Indian philosophy and cinema, representing the internal struggle between the ego and the path of humility.

The Hindi word अभिमान (Abhiman) is a multifaceted noun that translates most commonly to 'pride,' 'arrogance,' or 'ego.' However, to truly understand its depth, one must look at its usage in South Asian cultural and linguistic contexts. Unlike the English word 'pride,' which can be either positive (pride in one's work) or negative (hubris), Abhiman leans more frequently towards the negative spectrum, specifically referring to a sense of superiority or an inflated ego that separates an individual from others.

Core Concept: Abhiman represents the 'I-consciousness'—the feeling that 'I am the doer' or 'I am better than others.' It is often viewed as a spiritual obstacle in Indian philosophy.

In everyday conversation, you will hear Abhiman used when someone is acting haughty or when their self-esteem has crossed the line into vanity. It is the kind of pride that precedes a fall. If a person refuses to listen to advice because they think they know everything, a Hindi speaker might say they are blinded by Abhiman. It is important to distinguish this from गर्व (Garv), which is the healthy, positive pride you feel for your country, your children, or your achievements.

ज़्यादा अभिमान इंसान को अकेला कर देता है। (Too much pride makes a person lonely.)

The nuance of Abhiman also extends to literature and mythology. In the Ramayana, the character of Ravana is the personification of Abhiman. Despite his immense knowledge and power, his ego led to his ultimate destruction. This cultural background makes the word carry a weight of moral caution. When you use Abhiman, you are often making a subtle judgment about someone's character or state of mind.

Furthermore, Abhiman can sometimes be used in a softer, more poetic sense in romantic or familial relationships. For instance, 'Maann' (a related root) refers to a 'loving sulk' or 'injured pride' when a lover is upset with their partner. However, Abhiman itself remains more formal and stern. It is a word you would find in a newspaper editorial criticizing a politician's hubris, or in a grandfather's lecture to a grandson about staying humble.

सफलता के बाद अभिमान में नहीं आना चाहिए। (One should not become arrogant after success.)

Social Context: In Indian society, humility (Vinamrata) is highly valued. Therefore, labeling someone as having 'Abhiman' is a significant social critique.

To use it correctly, remember that it is a masculine noun. You 'have' pride (Abhiman hona) or you 'do' pride (Abhiman karna). It acts as the subject or object in various grammatical constructions that describe internal emotional states. As you progress in Hindi, you will notice that Abhiman is often paired with verbs like 'todna' (to break), as in 'breaking someone's pride.'

उसका अभिमान चकनाचूर हो गया। (His pride was shattered to pieces.)

In conclusion, Abhiman is not just a word for pride; it is a word that encompasses a whole range of human emotions related to self-worth, from the dignity of a righteous person to the destructive ego of a tyrant. Understanding its nuances will help you navigate Hindi social interactions with greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Using अभिमान (Abhiman) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its semantic weight. In Hindi, nouns like Abhiman often function within specific verb phrases. The most common way to express that someone is proud is to say they 'have' pride, using the postposition 'par' (on/at) to indicate what they are proud of.

उसे अपनी सुंदरता पर बहुत अभिमान है। (She is very proud/arrogant about her beauty.)

Notice in the example above that Abhiman is the object of the verb 'hai' (is/has). The sentence structure is: [Person] + [Object of pride] + [par] + [Abhiman] + [hai]. This is the standard template for describing someone's state of mind. If you want to describe the act of becoming proud, you use the verb 'karna' (to do).

Sentence Pattern 1: [Subject] को [Noun] का [Abhiman] है। (Subject has pride of Noun). Example: राम को अपने ज्ञान का अभिमान है। (Ram has pride of his knowledge.)

Another common usage involves the destruction or loss of pride. In Hindi literature and daily drama, 'Abhiman todna' (to break pride) is a frequent motif. This is used when someone's ego is humbled by circumstances or by another person. It conveys a sense of karmic justice or a necessary reality check.

वक्त सबका अभिमान तोड़ देता है। (Time breaks everyone's pride.)

When using Abhiman as an adjective, it transforms into अभिमानी (Abhimani), meaning 'arrogant' or 'proud person.' This is a common way to label someone directly. For example, 'Vah ek abhimani vyakti hai' (He is an arrogant person). However, the noun form Abhiman is often preferred in formal writing to describe the quality itself.

In more complex sentences, Abhiman can be used to describe a barrier to learning or connection. 'Abhiman ke karan vah seekh nahi paya' (Because of pride, he could not learn). Here, 'ke karan' (because of) links the pride to its consequence. This structure is very useful for explaining motivations in storytelling or psychological discussions.

सच्चे कलाकार में अभिमान नहीं होना चाहिए। (A true artist should not have arrogance.)

Sentence Pattern 2: [Abhiman] + [Verb of movement]. Example: उसके मन में अभिमान आ गया। (Pride entered his mind.)

Finally, consider the negative construction. To say someone is humble, you can say they are 'Abhiman-rahit' (without pride) or simply that they 'don't have pride.' This is a high compliment in many Hindi-speaking cultures, implying that the person remains grounded despite their success.

इतनी बड़ी जीत के बाद भी उनमें ज़रा भी अभिमान नहीं है। (Even after such a big victory, there isn't a bit of pride in him.)

You will encounter the word अभिमान (Abhiman) in a variety of settings, ranging from high-brow literature to popular cinema and daily ethical discussions. One of the most iconic places this word appears is in the title of the 1973 Bollywood classic film Abhimaan, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. In the movie, the word perfectly captures the central conflict: a husband's ego and professional jealousy (his Abhiman) when his wife's singing career eclipses his own.

Pop Culture: The film 'Abhimaan' is the primary cultural touchstone for this word for many Indians. It illustrates how pride can destroy a marriage.

Beyond cinema, Abhiman is a staple in Hindi literature and poetry. Poets often contrast Abhiman with Prem (love) or Bhakti (devotion). In devotional songs (Bhajans), you will frequently hear lyrics about surrendering one's ego at the feet of the divine. Phrases like 'Abhiman tyago' (abandon your pride) are common in spiritual discourses given by gurus and monks across India.

फिल्म अभिमान में कलाकार के अहंकार को दिखाया गया है। (In the film Abhimaan, the ego of an artist is shown.)

In the news and political commentary, Abhiman is used to describe the perceived arrogance of leaders or nations. An editorial might criticize a government's 'Abhiman' for not listening to the public's demands. In this context, it takes on a more civic and serious tone, moving away from personal relationships to the realm of power dynamics and public service.

You will also hear it in academic and psychological discussions in Hindi. Psychologists might use Abhiman when discussing 'ego' in a Freudian sense, though they might also use the more technical term 'Ahankar.' In schools, teachers use the word when telling moral stories (Bodhkatha) to children, teaching them that being proud of one's grades or wealth is a character flaw.

रावण का अभिमान ही उसके विनाश का कारण बना। (Ravana's pride itself became the cause of his destruction.)

Daily Life: In family arguments, an elder might say, 'Apne gyan par itna abhiman mat karo' (Don't be so proud of your knowledge) to a younger person who is being disrespectful.

Finally, in the world of sports, commentators often use the word when a champion team loses unexpectedly. They might suggest that the team's 'Abhiman' (overconfidence/arrogance) led them to underestimate their opponents. This usage highlights the word's connection to performance and the psychological state of a competitor.

खेल में अभिमान हार का रास्ता खोलता है। (In sports, pride opens the way for defeat.)

The most common mistake learners make with अभिमान (Abhiman) is confusing it with गर्व (Garv). While both can translate to 'pride' in English, their emotional 'charge' is very different in Hindi. Using Abhiman when you mean to express healthy pride can inadvertently make you sound like you are criticizing someone when you meant to praise them.

The 'Garv' vs. 'Abhiman' Trap: Mistake: 'Mujhe apne desh par abhiman hai.' (Sounds like: I am arrogant about my country). Correct: 'Mujhe apne desh par garv hai.' (I am proud of my country).

Another frequent error involves gender agreement. Since Abhiman is a masculine noun, any adjectives or possessive pronouns referring to it must be in their masculine form. Beginners often default to feminine forms if they are thinking of the English word 'pride' as a neutral concept, or if the person feeling the pride is female. However, the gender of the noun Abhiman remains fixed regardless of the subject's gender.

उसका अभिमान (His/Her pride) - Correct. उसकी अभिमान - Incorrect.

A third mistake is using Abhiman as a verb directly. In English, we say 'He prides himself on...' In Hindi, you cannot say 'Vah abhiman-ta hai.' You must use a compound verb like 'Abhiman karna' (to do pride) or a construction with 'hona' (to be/have). Forgetting the helper verb is a classic learner's error.

Learners also struggle with the difference between Abhiman and Ghamand. While they are synonyms, Ghamand is more colloquial and purely negative, often associated with showing off. Abhiman is more internal and can sometimes imply a sense of dignity. Using Ghamand in a formal essay about philosophy would be too informal, while using Abhiman in a street fight might sound too high-brow.

घमंड (Ghamand) = Bragging/Vanity. अभिमान (Abhiman) = Ego/Dignity/Arrogance.

Collocation Error: Don't say 'Abhiman lena'. We usually say 'Abhiman karna' or 'Abhiman hona'. You don't 'take' pride in Hindi in the same way you do in English.

Lastly, be careful with the word Swabhimaan. This is a very common 'false friend'-style mistake. Swabhimaan (Self-respect) is a highly positive word. If you accidentally say Abhiman when you mean Swabhimaan, you are changing 'I have self-respect' into 'I am arrogant.' This can lead to significant misunderstandings in personal conversations!

स्वाभिमान (Self-respect) is a virtue. अभिमान (Arrogance) is a vice.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for the various shades of pride and ego. Understanding the alternatives to अभिमान (Abhiman) will help you express yourself with more precision. The most common synonym is घमंड (Ghamand). While Abhiman sounds formal and Sanskritized, Ghamand is the everyday word for 'arrogance' or 'vanity.' If someone is showing off their new car, you'd likely call it Ghamand.

Abhiman vs. Ghamand: Abhiman: Internal ego, philosophical, formal. Ghamand: External vanity, bragging, colloquial.

Another critical alternative is गर्व (Garv). As discussed previously, Garv is the positive counterpart. It is the pride you feel for a job well done or for someone else's success. If you say 'Mujhe tum par garv hai' (I am proud of you), it is a warm and encouraging statement. If you said 'Mujhe tum par abhiman hai,' it would sound strange and slightly patronizing.

गर्व (Garv) = Pride (Positive). अभिमान (Abhiman) = Pride (Negative/Neutral).

In spiritual or academic contexts, you will encounter अहंकार (Ahankar). This is the technical term for 'ego' in Indian philosophy. It refers to the psychological construct of the 'self' that separates us from the universal consciousness. While Abhiman is a feeling, Ahankar is the root cause of that feeling. You might say Abhiman is the symptom, and Ahankar is the underlying condition.

For 'self-respect,' the word is स्वाभिमान (Swabhimaan). This is a very positive word. It comes from 'Swa' (self) + 'Abhiman'. Interestingly, while Abhiman is usually negative, adding 'self' to it makes it the noble quality of standing up for one's dignity. If a hero in a movie refuses a bribe, he might say, 'Yeh mere swabhimaan ki baat hai' (This is a matter of my self-respect).

Comparison Table

Darp (दर्प): Excessive pride/insolence (very formal/literary).
Maan (मान): Honor or a loving sulk.
Naz (नाज़): A Persian-origin word for a delicate kind of pride or being proud of someone.

Finally, there is मद (Mad), which literally means 'intoxication.' In a metaphorical sense, it refers to the 'madness' or 'blindness' caused by pride, such as 'Dhan-mad' (intoxication of wealth). This is a very powerful way to describe how Abhiman can cloud a person's judgment.

वह सत्ता के मद में चूर है। (He is intoxicated/blinded by the pride of power.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, Abhiman was often used neutrally to mean 'identification with the body,' but over centuries, it evolved to carry a predominantly moral and negative meaning of arrogance.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ə.bʱi.mɑːn/

US /ə.bi.mɑn/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'maan'.

Rhymes With

समान (Samaan - equal) सामान (Saamaan - luggage) मकान (Makaan - house) दुकान (Dukaan - shop) इंसान (Insaan - human) पहचान (Pehchaan - identity) ईमान (Emaan - faith) वरदान (Vardan - boon)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bhi' as a simple 'bi' without the breathy 'h' sound.
Shortening the 'aa' in 'maan' to sound like 'man'.
Adding an 'h' after the 'n' (Abhimana), which is common in South Indian pronunciations but not in standard Hindi.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of Sanskrit roots.

Writing 4/5

Tricky to use correctly without confusing it with positive pride (Garv).

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but social nuances are important.

Listening 3/5

Clearly distinguishable in speech, often emphasized for dramatic effect.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मान (Respect) गर्व (Pride) मन (Mind) बड़ा (Big) बुरा (Bad)

Learn Next

अहंकार (Ego) स्वाभिमान (Self-respect) विनम्रता (Humility) अपमान (Insult) प्रतिष्ठा (Reputation)

Advanced

अस्मिता (Identity/Ego) अहंमन्यता (Self-conceit) दर्प (Insolence) मद (Intoxication of pride) आत्ममुग्धता (Narcissism)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

उसका (not उसकी) अभिमान।

Compound Verb Formation

अभिमान करना (to act proud) vs. अभिमान होना (to feel proud).

Postposition 'Par'

रूप पर अभिमान (Pride on looks).

Adjective Derivation

Adding 'i' to get 'Abhimani' (arrogant).

Negative Imperative

अभिमान मत करो (Don't be proud).

Examples by Level

राम को बहुत अभिमान है।

Ram has a lot of pride.

Subject + ko + noun + hai construction.

अभिमान मत करो।

Do not have pride (Don't be arrogant).

Imperative negative with 'mat'.

वह एक अभिमानी लड़का है।

He is a proud/arrogant boy.

Using 'abhimani' as an adjective.

क्या आपको अभिमान है?

Do you have pride?

Basic interrogative sentence.

मेरा अभिमान बड़ा है।

My pride is big.

Possessive 'mera' agrees with masculine 'abhiman'.

अभिमान अच्छा नहीं है।

Pride is not good.

Simple subject-predicate sentence.

उसके पास बहुत अभिमान है।

He has a lot of pride.

Using 'ke paas' to show possession.

तुम अभिमान क्यों करते हो?

Why do you act proud?

Interrogative with 'kyon' and 'karna'.

वह अपनी नई कार पर अभिमान करता है।

He is proud of his new car.

Using 'par' to indicate the object of pride.

सीता को अपने लंबे बालों पर अभिमान था।

Sita was proud of her long hair.

Past tense 'tha' agreeing with masculine 'abhiman'.

ज़्यादा अभिमान करना बुरा है।

Doing too much pride is bad.

Gerund use of 'karna'.

हमें अभिमान छोड़ देना चाहिए।

We should give up pride.

Use of 'chahiye' for 'should'.

उसका अभिमान टूट गया।

His pride broke.

Intransitive verb 'tootna'.

क्या तुम अपने ज्ञान पर अभिमान करते हो?

Are you proud of your knowledge?

Present continuous sense using simple present.

अभिमान इंसान का दुश्मन है।

Pride is man's enemy.

Genitive 'ka' showing relationship.

वह बिना अभिमान के रहता है।

He lives without pride.

Use of 'bina... ke' (without).

अभिमान के कारण उसने अपनी नौकरी खो दी।

Because of pride, he lost his job.

Compound postposition 'ke karan'.

सच्चे कलाकार को कभी अभिमान नहीं करना चाहिए।

A true artist should never be arrogant.

Adverb 'kabhi' with 'nahin' (never).

उसने बहुत अभिमान से बात की।

He spoke with a lot of pride/arrogance.

Adverbial use 'se' (with).

जब उसे हार मिली, तो उसका अभिमान चकनाचूर हो गया।

When he faced defeat, his pride was shattered.

Complex sentence with 'jab... to'.

अभिमान और स्वाभिमान के बीच एक पतली रेखा होती है।

There is a thin line between pride and self-respect.

Comparison using 'ke beech' (between).

उसकी आँखों में साफ़ अभिमान दिख रहा था।

Clear pride was visible in his eyes.

Progressive aspect in the past.

धन का अभिमान अक्सर लोगों को अंधा कर देता है।

Pride of wealth often makes people blind.

Abstract noun as the subject.

अगर तुम अभिमान करोगे, तो कोई तुम्हारी मदद नहीं करेगा।

If you act proud, no one will help you.

Conditional 'agar... to'.

सत्ता का अभिमान किसी भी नेता के पतन का कारण बन सकता है।

The pride of power can cause the downfall of any leader.

Modal verb 'sakta hai' for possibility.

उसने अपने अभिमान को किनारे रखकर माफ़ी माँगी।

He set aside his pride and apologized.

Conjunctive participle 'rakhkar'.

भारतीय दर्शन में अभिमान को एक मानसिक विकार माना गया है।

In Indian philosophy, pride is considered a mental disorder/affliction.

Passive construction 'mana gaya hai'.

अभिमान से भरा व्यक्ति कभी नया ज्ञान प्राप्त नहीं कर सकता।

A person full of pride can never attain new knowledge.

Participle phrase 'se bhara vyakti'.

उसकी सफलता ने उसके अभिमान को और बढ़ावा दिया।

His success further fueled his pride.

Causative sense with 'badhava dena'.

हमें अपने सांस्कृतिक विरासत पर गर्व होना चाहिए, अभिमान नहीं।

We should have pride (garv) in our cultural heritage, not arrogance (abhiman).

Contrastive use of synonyms.

उसने अपनी उपलब्धियों का अभिमान कभी नहीं किया।

He never took pride in his achievements.

Perfective tense of 'karna'.

अभिमान मनुष्य की बुद्धि को नष्ट कर देता है।

Pride destroys a person's intellect.

General truth in simple present.

तुलसीदास ने रामचरितमानस में अभिमान को भक्ति का सबसे बड़ा शत्रु बताया है।

Tulsidas has described pride as the greatest enemy of devotion in Ramcharitmanas.

Complex literary subject.

जब तक हृदय में अभिमान का लेश भी रहेगा, तब तक शांति नहीं मिलेगी।

As long as even a trace of pride remains in the heart, peace will not be found.

Correlative 'jab tak... tab tak'.

उसकी बातों में जो अभिमान झलकता है, वह उसकी असुरक्षा का परिणाम है।

The pride that reflects in his words is a result of his insecurity.

Relative clause 'jo... vah'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि बड़े-बड़े साम्राज्यों का अंत शासकों के अभिमान के कारण हुआ।

History is witness that the end of great empires occurred due to the pride of rulers.

Noun clause starting with 'ki'.

अभिमान की अग्नि में जलकर उसने अपने सारे रिश्ते राख कर दिए।

Burning in the fire of pride, he turned all his relationships to ash.

Metaphorical use with 'agni' (fire).

विद्वत्ता का अभिमान मूर्खता से भी अधिक भयानक होता है।

The pride of scholarship is more terrible than even foolishness.

Comparative 'se bhi adhik'.

वह अपने ऊँचे कुल के अभिमान में डूबा रहता है।

He remains immersed in the pride of his high lineage.

Idiomatic 'dooba rehna' (to be immersed).

अभिमान को मिटाना ही आध्यात्मिक मार्ग की पहली सीढ़ी है।

Erasing pride is the first step of the spiritual path.

Infinitive as subject 'mitana'.

अभिमान की सूक्ष्म परतों को पहचानना और उन्हें विसर्जित करना अत्यंत कठिन साधना है।

Identifying the subtle layers of pride and dissolving them is an extremely difficult spiritual practice.

Highly formal Sanskritized vocabulary.

नायक का अभिमान ही उसकी 'ट्रैजिक फ़्लॉ' (दुखद दोष) बनकर उभरता है।

The protagonist's pride emerges as his tragic flaw.

Literary criticism terminology.

कबीर की साखियों में अभिमान के उन्मूलन पर विशेष बल दिया गया है।

Special emphasis has been placed on the eradication of pride in Kabir's couplets.

Passive voice with 'bal diya gaya hai'.

उसका अभिमान उसकी उपलब्धियों की चमक को फीका कर देता है।

His pride dulls the shine of his achievements.

Metaphorical 'feeka kar dena'.

वैयक्तिक अभिमान जब सामूहिक अभिमान का रूप ले लेता है, तो युद्ध की विभीषिका जन्म लेती है।

When individual pride takes the form of collective pride, the horror of war is born.

Complex conditional with abstract concepts.

ज्ञान का सच्चा फल विनय है, न कि अभिमान की वृद्धि।

The true fruit of knowledge is humility, not the increase of pride.

Philosophical aphorism.

उसके व्यक्तित्व में अभिमान का पुट इतना गहरा है कि उसे बदलना असंभव प्रतीत होता है।

The tinge of pride in his personality is so deep that changing it seems impossible.

Use of 'put' (tinge/trace) and 'prateet hona'.

अभिमान का त्याग ही आत्म-साक्षात्कार का द्वार खोलता है।

Only the renunciation of pride opens the door to self-realization.

Emphatic 'hi' with abstract noun.

Common Collocations

अभिमान करना

अभिमान होना

अभिमान तोड़ना

अभिमान में चूर

अभिमान त्यागना

अभिमान का फल

झूठा अभिमान

अभिमान से भरा

अभिमान की भावना

अभिमान रहित

Common Phrases

अभिमान का सिर नीचा

— A proverb meaning 'Pride goes before a fall.' It suggests that arrogant people eventually face humiliation.

अंत में रावण का वध हुआ, सच है कि अभिमान का सिर नीचा होता है।

अभिमान में आना

— To become arrogant due to success or power. It describes a change in personality.

पैसे आते ही वह अभिमान में आ गया।

अभिमान को ठेस पहुँचना

— To have one's pride wounded or hurt. Often used in emotional conflicts.

उसकी बातों से मेरे अभिमान को ठेस पहुँची।

अभिमान का चश्मा

— Metaphorical 'glasses of pride' that prevent one from seeing the truth or others' needs.

उसने अभिमान का चश्मा पहन रखा है।

अभिमान की बलि चढ़ना

— To be sacrificed at the altar of pride. Often refers to losing relationships or opportunities.

उनका रिश्ता अभिमान की बलि चढ़ गया।

अभिमान जगाना

— To awaken pride in someone, often used in a motivational but slightly risky way.

गुरु ने शिष्य के भीतर सोया हुआ अभिमान जगाया।

अभिमान पालना

— To nurture or harbor pride over time. Suggests a long-term character trait.

मन में अभिमान पालना ज़हर पालने जैसा है।

अभिमान प्रदर्शन

— Display of pride or showing off. Used in social commentary.

शादियों में धन का अभिमान प्रदर्शन आम हो गया है।

अभिमान से ओत-प्रोत

— Completely filled or saturated with pride. A very formal, literary phrase.

उसका भाषण अभिमान से ओत-प्रोत था।

अभिमान का पुतला

— An embodiment of pride. Used to describe a person who is nothing but ego.

वह तो साक्षात् अभिमान का पुतला है।

Often Confused With

अभिमान vs गर्व (Garv)

Garv is positive pride; Abhiman is negative arrogance. Don't tell your boss you have 'Abhiman' in your work!

अभिमान vs स्वाभिमान (Swabhimaan)

Swabhimaan is self-respect (good); Abhiman is ego (bad).

अभिमान vs अपमान (Apmaan)

Apmaan means insult. It sounds similar but is the opposite in terms of who is being affected.

Idioms & Expressions

"अभिमान का घड़ा भरना"

— When someone's arrogance reaches its limit, leading to their downfall.

अब उसका अभिमान का घड़ा भर चुका है, जल्द ही उसका अंत होगा।

Literary/Metaphorical

"अभिमान की धूल चटाना"

— To humiliate someone and destroy their pride completely.

मैदान में उसने अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को अभिमान की धूल चटा दी।

Informal/Competitive

"अभिमान के साये में जीना"

— To live under the influence of one's own ego, often being disconnected from reality.

वह हमेशा अपने अभिमान के साये में जीता है।

Poetic

"अभिमान की लकीर"

— A boundary set by pride that one refuses to cross, even for a good cause.

उसने अपने और परिवार के बीच अभिमान की लकीर खींच दी है।

Literary

"अभिमान का परचम लहराना"

— To flaunt one's pride or success aggressively.

वह हर जगह अपने अभिमान का परचम लहराता फिरता है।

Sarcastic

"अभिमान की गर्त में गिरना"

— To fall into the pit of pride, implying a moral degradation.

इंसान जब अभिमान की गर्त में गिरता है, तो उसे कुछ नहीं सूझता।

Philosophical

"अभिमान को हवा देना"

— To encourage or fuel someone's arrogance.

चापलूसी करके लोग उसके अभिमान को हवा देते हैं।

Neutral

"अभिमान का किला"

— A metaphorical fortress of ego that is hard to penetrate.

उसका अभिमान का किला ढहना ज़रूरी है।

Literary

"अभिमान के घोड़े पर सवार होना"

— To be very arrogant or 'on a high horse.'

आजकल वह अभिमान के घोड़े पर सवार है।

Idiomatic

"अभिमान का ज़हर"

— The toxicity of pride that ruins one's character and relationships.

अभिमान का ज़हर धीरे-धीरे इंसान को खत्म कर देता है।

Moralistic

Easily Confused

अभिमान vs घमंड (Ghamand)

Both mean pride/arrogance.

Ghamand is more colloquial and focuses on vanity. Abhiman is more formal and focuses on the internal ego.

उसे अपने कपड़ों का घमंड है। (Ghamand) vs. वह अभिमान में किसी की नहीं सुनता। (Abhiman)

अभिमान vs अहंकार (Ahankar)

Both mean ego.

Ahankar is a technical/philosophical term for the 'self.' Abhiman is the feeling of superiority arising from that self.

अहंकार का नाश करो। (Ahankar)

अभिमान vs मान (Maan)

Related root.

Maan usually means honor or a specific type of sulking in relationships. Abhiman is broader arrogance.

अतिथि का मान करो। (Maan)

अभिमान vs नाज़ (Naz)

Both mean pride.

Naz is an Urdu word often used in a romantic or delicate way. Abhiman is harsher.

मुझे तुम पर नाज़ है। (Naz)

अभिमान vs दर्प (Darp)

Both mean pride.

Darp is very literary and implies insolence or looking down on others with contempt.

राजा के चेहरे पर दर्प था। (Darp)

Sentence Patterns

[Person] को अभिमान है।

उसे अभिमान है।

[Person] को [Thing] का अभिमान है।

राम को पैसे का अभिमान है।

[Person] [Thing] पर अभिमान करता है।

वह अपनी शक्ति पर अभिमान करता है।

अभिमान के कारण [Negative Outcome] हुआ।

अभिमान के कारण वह हार गया।

[Abstract Concept] का अभिमान [Consequence] लाता है।

ज्ञान का अभिमान विनाश लाता है।

[Noun] में अभिमान का पुट होना।

उसकी आवाज़ में अभिमान का पुट था।

Intermediate

अभिमान को [Verb: त्यागना/तोड़ना] ज़रूरी है।

अभिमान को तोड़ना ज़रूरी है।

Advanced

अभिमान से ओत-प्रोत होना।

वह अभिमान से ओत-प्रोत है।

Word Family

Nouns

अभिमान (Abhiman - Pride)

स्वाभिमान (Swabhimaan - Self-respect)

निरभिमानता (Nirabhimanta - Humility/Lack of pride)

Verbs

अभिमान करना (Abhiman karna - To act proud/arrogant)

Adjectives

अभिमानी (Abhimani - Arrogant/Proud)

निरभिमानी (Nirabhimani - Humble/Without pride)

स्वाभिमानी (Swabhimani - Self-respecting)

मान (Maan - Honor)

सम्मान (Sammaan - Respect)

अपमान (Apmaan - Insult)

अनुमान (Anumaan - Guess)

प्रमाण (Pramaan - Proof)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, media, and formal speech. Less common in very casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'uski abhiman' for a female. → uska abhiman
Abhiman is a masculine noun regardless of the person being described.
Saying 'Mujhe tum par abhiman hai' to mean 'I am proud of you'. → Mujhe tum par garv hai.
Abhiman implies arrogance; Garv implies positive pride.
Using 'abhiman' as a verb: 'Vah abhimanta hai'. → Vah abhiman karta hai.
Abhiman is a noun and needs a helper verb like 'karna'.
Confusing 'Abhiman' with 'Apmaan'. → Check the prefix: Abhi- (towards/excess) vs. Apa- (away/bad).
Abhiman is pride; Apmaan is insult.
Using 'Ghamand' in a formal speech about ethics. → Abhiman or Ahankar.
Ghamand is too colloquial for formal or academic contexts.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember Abhiman is masculine. If you're talking about a woman's pride, it's still 'uska abhiman' (masculine possessive) not 'uski abhiman'.

Choose Garv for Praise

If you want to tell someone you're proud of them, always use 'Garv'. Using 'Abhiman' can sound like you're calling them arrogant.

Humility is Key

In Hindi culture, avoiding Abhiman is a sign of good upbringing. Use the word carefully as it's a strong character critique.

Formal Tone

Use Abhiman instead of Ghamand in formal writing, essays, or when discussing philosophical topics to sound more educated.

Root 'Maan'

Connecting Abhiman to 'Maan' (respect) helps you remember it's about how you 'measure' or 'respect' yourself compared to others.

Aspiration

Don't forget the 'h' in 'Abhi'. A flat 'Abi' is a common mistake for English speakers. Practice the breathy 'bh'.

Ego vs Soul

In spiritual contexts, Abhiman is the 'false self'. Use it when discussing meditation or letting go of the ego.

Breaking Pride

The phrase 'Abhiman todna' is very powerful. Use it to describe a turning point in a story where a character learns a lesson.

Context Matters

If you hear 'Abhiman' in a movie, look at the character's body language. It's almost always accompanied by a haughty or stiff posture.

Swabhimaan vs Abhiman

Always keep the distinction clear. Swabhimaan = standing up for yourself. Abhiman = putting others down.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a person saying 'ABHI (Now) I am the MAN (Maan/Maan)'. They think they are the man right now, which shows their pride or Abhiman.

Visual Association

Visualize a king wearing a crown that is too heavy for his head, causing him to look down on everyone but eventually making him trip. The heavy crown is his Abhiman.

Word Web

Ego Arrogance Vanity Self-importance Hubris Haughtiness Snobbery Superiority

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a famous villain from a book or movie using the word 'Abhiman' to describe their motivation.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'Mā' (to measure) with the prefix 'Abhi' (towards/excessive). It literally means 'to measure oneself against others' or 'excessive self-valuation.'

Original meaning: The act of thinking highly of oneself; self-conception.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit-derived Tatsama word).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word with elders; accusing an elder of 'Abhiman' is considered very disrespectful.

English speakers often use 'pride' as a compliment. In Hindi, you must be careful; calling someone 'Abhimani' is usually an insult, whereas calling them 'Swabhimani' is a compliment.

The movie 'Abhimaan' (1973) starring Amitabh Bachchan. The character of Ravana in the Ramayana, known for his ten heads and immense Abhiman. Kabir's poetry, which often says 'Jab main tha tab Hari nahin' (When I/Ego was there, God was not).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family/Relationships

अभिमान के कारण झगड़ा
रिश्तों में अभिमान
अभिमान छोड़ना
पति का अभिमान

Spirituality/Philosophy

अभिमान का त्याग
अहंकार और अभिमान
माया और अभिमान
ईश्वर और अभिमान

Work/Career

पद का अभिमान
सफलता का अभिमान
सहकर्मी का अभिमान
अभिमान और असफलता

Literature/Mythology

नायक का अभिमान
रावण का अभिमान
अभिमान का पतन
काव्य में अभिमान

Politics/Social Issues

सत्ता का अभिमान
जातिगत अभिमान
अभिमान की राजनीति
जनता और अभिमान

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि सफलता के साथ अभिमान आना स्वाभाविक है?"

"अभिमान और स्वाभिमान में आप क्या अंतर देखते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी का अभिमान टूटते हुए देखा है?"

"एक अच्छे नेता में अभिमान होना चाहिए या नहीं?"

"अभिमान को दूर करने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

क्या कभी आपके अभिमान की वजह से आपको कोई नुकसान हुआ है? विस्तार से लिखें।

अपने जीवन के उस पल के बारे में लिखें जब आपने अपने अभिमान को किनारे रखकर किसी से माफ़ी माँगी।

समाज में 'अभिमान' को एक बुराई क्यों माना जाता है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

क्या 'अभिमान' कभी सकारात्मक हो सकता है? तर्क सहित उत्तर दें।

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति का वर्णन करें जिसमें बिल्कुल भी अभिमान न हो।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In 90% of contexts, yes, it is seen as a negative trait involving arrogance. However, in some poetic contexts, it can refer to a person's dignity or 'injured pride,' but even then, it's not purely positive like 'Garv'.

It's better to use 'Garv'. Saying 'Mujhe apne desh par abhiman hai' might sound like you are being arrogant about your country rather than just being a proud citizen.

Abhiman is formal (Sanskrit-based) and describes an internal state of ego. Ghamand is informal and usually describes outward vanity or bragging. Use Abhiman for writing and Ghamand for chatting.

You can say 'Vah abhimani hai' (using the adjective) or 'Use abhiman hai' (using the noun).

It is a masculine noun. This means you use 'mera', 'uska', 'achha', etc., with it.

It means 'to break someone's pride.' It is used when an arrogant person is humbled by a defeat or a life lesson.

Yes, 'Swa' means self. 'Swabhimaan' is 'self-pride' in the sense of self-respect. Unlike Abhiman, Swabhimaan is a very positive and respected quality.

Rarely. In songs, you might hear it when a lover is too proud to admit their feelings or to apologize, but 'Maan' or 'Guroor' are more common in romance.

The best opposites are 'Vinamrata' (humility) or 'Nirabhiman' (lack of ego).

Because despite his knowledge and power, he believed he was superior to everyone, including the gods, which led to his destruction. He is the ultimate example of Abhiman in Indian culture.