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हिसाब

A1 noun #1,500 most common 12 min read

हिसाब

hisaab Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips हिसाब in 30 Seconds

Explanation हिसाब in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word हिसाब (hisāb) is primarily introduced as a practical tool for basic financial transactions and daily shopping. Beginners learn this word to navigate markets, shops, and restaurants. The most critical phrase to master at this stage is 'Hisab kitna hua?' which translates to 'How much is the bill?' or 'What is the total?' It acts as a direct substitute for asking for the bill. At this level, learners do not need to worry about the abstract or metaphorical meanings of the word. They simply need to associate hisāb with money, numbers, and paying for goods. It is a masculine noun, so learners practice saying 'mera hisab' (my bill/account). Understanding this single word empowers a beginner to confidently conclude a purchase in any Hindi-speaking environment, from a street food vendor to a local grocery store, making it one of the most high-frequency survival words in the language.

Moving to the A2 elementary level, the usage of हिसाब (hisāb) expands beyond just asking for the final bill. Learners begin to use it with basic verbs to describe actions related to money and math. They learn phrases like 'hisab karna' (to calculate or settle an account) and 'hisab rakhna' (to keep an account or track expenses). At this stage, the word starts to represent the concept of budgeting and basic mathematics. For example, an A2 learner can say, 'Main apne paison ka hisab rakhta hoon' (I keep track of my money) or 'Mera ganit ka hisab kamzor hai' (My math calculation is weak). They also learn to use it to ask about rates, such as 'Seb kis hisab se hain?' (At what rate are the apples?). This allows for more interactive and detailed conversations while shopping, enabling the learner to negotiate and understand pricing structures rather than just paying a final sum.

At the B1 intermediate level, हिसाब (hisāb) takes on a more nuanced and conversational role. Learners are introduced to the highly versatile phrase 'ke hisab se', which means 'according to' or 'in proportion to'. This is a major leap in fluency. A B1 speaker can express opinions by saying 'Mere hisab se...' (According to me / In my opinion...). They can also describe conditions, such as 'Mausam ke hisab se kapde pehno' (Dress according to the weather). Furthermore, the concept of accountability is introduced. Learners use phrases like 'hisab dena' (to give an explanation/account) and 'hisab mangna' (to demand an explanation). This allows them to navigate workplace scenarios, discuss responsibilities, and handle situations where transparency is required. The word transforms from a mere mathematical tool into a logical connector used to express perspective, proportion, and basic accountability in everyday social and professional interactions.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the understanding of हिसाब (hisāb) deepens to include complex social dynamics and idiomatic expressions. Learners encounter the word in contexts of strict accountability, auditing, and settling disputes. The phrase 'hisab chukana' (to settle an account) is used not just for paying off bank loans, but for clearing moral or social debts. A B2 learner can understand and use sentences like 'Mujhe is nuksan ka hisab chahiye' (I need an explanation/compensation for this loss). They also learn the compound noun 'hisab-kitab', which refers to the overall management of accounts or the general state of affairs. In discussions about fairness, justice, or business partnerships, hisāb becomes a central vocabulary item. The learner can comfortably switch between its literal meaning (financial auditing) and its figurative meaning (holding someone responsible for their actions), demonstrating a sophisticated grasp of Hindi conversational norms.

At the C1 advanced level, हिसाब (hisāb) is utilized with full native-like proficiency, heavily featuring in metaphorical, dramatic, and literary contexts. Advanced learners understand its usage in expressions of revenge, cosmic justice, and deep philosophical discussions. They easily comprehend cinematic dialogues like 'Main apna purana hisab chukane aaya hoon' (I have come to settle my old score). They can use it to describe complex proportional relationships in debates or analytical writing. At this level, the subtle differences between hisāb, khata, ganana, and aaklan (assessment) are completely clear, and the learner chooses hisāb specifically for its cultural resonance. It is used to express the balancing of life's ledgers, karma, and interpersonal conflicts. The word is seamlessly integrated into complex sentence structures, showing mastery over its masculine gender agreement and its various light verb pairings in high-stakes or emotionally charged conversations.

At the C2 mastery level, the word हिसाब (hisāb) is wielded with effortless precision across all registers, from the most colloquial street slang to highly formal or poetic discourse. A C2 speaker appreciates the cultural weight of the word in South Asian society, where 'keeping hisab' is a fundamental aspect of social relationships, reciprocity, and family duty. They understand regional variations and subtle intonations that change the word from a simple request for a bill to a veiled threat of retribution. In literature and poetry, they recognize hisāb as a metaphor for the Day of Judgment (Roz-e-Hisab in Urdu-influenced Hindi) or the ultimate accounting of one's life choices. The speaker can manipulate the word to create humor, sarcasm, or profound philosophical statements, demonstrating an absolute, intrinsic understanding of how this Arabic-origin word forms a cornerstone of the Hindi-Urdu linguistic and cultural worldview.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

हिसाब in 30 Seconds

Calculation or math.
A bill or financial account.
Rate or proportion (ke hisab se).
Accountability or settling scores.

The Hindi word हिसाब (hisāb) is a highly versatile noun that primarily translates to account, calculation, or tally in English. Originating from Arabic, it has deeply integrated into everyday Hindi and Urdu to represent anything related to mathematics, financial tracking, or logical estimation. When you go to a shop and ask for the total bill, you are asking for the hisāb. When you are balancing your monthly budget, you are doing hisāb. Beyond mere numbers, it extends to the concept of accountability and rate or proportion. Understanding this word is foundational for anyone learning Hindi, as it bridges the gap between basic transactional language and more complex expressions of responsibility and logic. Let us break down its primary meanings and contexts.

Mathematical Calculation: At its core, it refers to the act of calculating numbers, adding up sums, or performing basic arithmetic. School children learn hisāb in math class.

मेरा गणित का हिसाब बहुत कमज़ोर है। (My math calculation is very weak.)

Another major application is in the realm of commerce and daily transactions. Whether you are at a local vegetable market (sabzi mandi) or a high-end restaurant, the culmination of your purchase is the hisāb. It is the final tally of what you owe. Shopkeepers maintain a hisāb-kitāb (account book) to track who owes them money and whom they owe. This dual nature of being both the action of calculating and the physical or conceptual record of that calculation makes it indispensable.

Financial Account or Bill: It represents the total amount to be paid, the invoice, or the ongoing ledger of debts and credits between two parties.

दुकानदार से अपना हिसाब कर लो। (Settle your account with the shopkeeper.)

Furthermore, hisāb is used to denote a rate, method, or proportion. If you are buying apples, you might ask what the hisāb is, meaning 'at what rate are these being sold?' It can also mean 'according to' when used with the postposition 'se' (ke hisāb se). For example, 'mere hisāb se' translates to 'according to me' or 'in my opinion/estimation'. This figurative use shows how a word rooted in hard numbers softens into a tool for expressing perspective and logical deduction.

Rate or Proportion: Used to inquire about the price per unit of an item, or to establish a standard of measurement.

सेब किस हिसाब से दिए? (At what rate did you give the apples?)

Finally, in a more abstract or serious context, hisāb means accountability or settling scores. If someone has wronged you, taking hisāb means getting revenge or demanding justice. It implies that the cosmic or social ledger needs to be balanced. This dramatic usage is very common in Bollywood movies where the hero returns to settle the hisāb with the villain. Therefore, mastering this word gives you access to a spectrum of meanings ranging from buying groceries to expressing profound philosophical concepts of justice and balance.

मुझे अपने पैसों का पूरा हिसाब चाहिए। (I need a full account of my money.)

भगवान के घर में सबका हिसाब होता है। (Everyone is held accountable in God's house.)

Using हिसाब (hisāb) correctly depends heavily on the verbs it pairs with. Because it is a noun, it relies on light verbs (conjunct verbs) to create actions. The most common verb paired with it is करना (karnā - to do). 'Hisāb karnā' means to calculate, to settle a bill, or to do the math. When you are leaving a restaurant, you tell the waiter, 'Bhaiya, hisab kar do' (Brother, please settle the bill). This is an active process of bringing the transaction to a close. Another critical pairing is with रखना (rakhnā - to keep). 'Hisāb rakhnā' means to keep an account, to track expenses, or to maintain a ledger. A responsible person keeps a hisab of their monthly salary.

Hisab Karna (To Calculate/Settle): Used when actively performing math or finalizing a payment with someone.

चलो, आज का हिसाब करते हैं। (Come, let us do today's calculation.)

When you want to demand accountability or ask for a breakdown of expenses, you use मांगना (māngnā - to ask/demand). 'Hisāb māngnā' is a strong phrase. A boss might ask an employee for the hisab of the project funds. A parent might ask a child for the hisab of their pocket money. Conversely, giving that explanation or breakdown is देना (denā - to give). 'Hisāb denā' means to render an account or to justify one's actions or spending. If you are entrusted with public money, you must give a hisab to the public.

Hisab Dena / Mangna (To Give/Ask for an Account): Used in contexts of accountability, transparency, and auditing.

तुम्हें एक-एक पैसे का हिसाब देना होगा। (You will have to give an account of every single penny.)

To clear a debt completely, the verb चुकाना (chukānā - to pay off) or चुकता करना (chuktā karnā) is used. 'Hisāb chukānā' means to clear the account, leaving no balance. This can be literal (paying off a loan) or figurative (getting revenge). Another very common grammatical structure is using it with the postposition 'ke' (के). 'Ke hisāb se' translates to 'according to' or 'at the rate of'. This is arguably one of the most frequent conversational uses of the word. You can say 'Samay ke hisab se' (according to the time), 'Mausam ke hisab se' (depending on the weather), or 'Mere hisab se' (in my opinion).

Ke Hisab Se (According to / At the rate of): A highly versatile phrase used to indicate proportion, rate, or personal perspective.

मेरे हिसाब से यह सही नहीं है। (According to me, this is not right.)

केले साठ रुपये दर्जन के हिसाब से हैं। (Bananas are at the rate of sixty rupees a dozen.)

उसने अपना सारा हिसाब चुका दिया। (He cleared all his accounts/debts.)

You will encounter the word हिसाब (hisāb) in almost every facet of daily life in South Asia. Its most immediate and practical environment is the marketplace. Whether you are navigating the chaotic, vibrant lanes of a local bazaar, buying fresh produce from a street vendor, or negotiating the price of fabric, hisāb is the word that concludes the interaction. The vendor will weigh the items, do a quick mental calculation, and declare the hisāb. It is the universal term for the final tally. In small grocery stores (kirana stores), many families run a monthly tab. The shopkeeper maintains a notebook, literally called a hisāb-kitāb, where daily purchases are recorded, and the total is settled at the beginning of the next month when salaries arrive.

Local Markets and Shops: The primary domain for asking about totals, rates, and settling monthly tabs.

भैया, महीने का हिसाब बता दो। (Brother, tell me the monthly account/bill.)

Beyond the market, it is a staple in domestic life. Managing a household requires constant budgeting and tracking of expenses. Families sit down to do the hisāb of the monthly income versus expenditures. It is discussed when paying utility bills, school fees, or planning for a wedding. In this context, it represents financial prudence and management. A person who is 'hisābī' is someone who is careful with their money, perhaps even a bit frugal. In corporate and professional environments, while English terms like 'account' or 'audit' are common, hisāb is still heavily used in spoken Hindi to refer to financial transparency, expense reports, and petty cash management.

Household Budgeting: Used when discussing family finances, savings, and monthly expenditures.

घर का हिसाब रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है। (Keeping the household account is very important.)

You will also hear it extensively in media, particularly in news and cinema. In political news, journalists demand hisāb from politicians, meaning they demand accountability for public funds or unfulfilled promises. In Bollywood movies, the word takes on a dramatic flair. Action heroes frequently talk about settling the hisāb with their enemies, referring to exacting revenge for past wrongs. The phrase 'purana hisab chukana' (to settle an old score) is a classic cinematic trope. Furthermore, in spiritual or religious discourses, priests and gurus speak of the hisāb of karma—the cosmic ledger where good and bad deeds are recorded and eventually balanced by the divine.

Cinema and Drama: Used metaphorically to mean revenge, settling scores, or cosmic justice.

मुझे अपना पुराना हिसाब चुकता करना है। (I have to settle my old score.)

जनता सरकार से हिसाब मांगेगी। (The public will demand accountability from the government.)

कर्मों का हिसाब ऊपर वाला रखता है। (The Almighty keeps the account of deeds.)

While हिसाब (hisāb) translates to 'account' in English, one of the most common mistakes learners make is using it for a bank account or a digital account (like a social media profile). In Hindi, a bank account is called a खाता (khātā) or simply the English word 'account'. If you go to a bank and say 'Mujhe apna hisab kholna hai' (I want to open my hisab), it sounds unnatural and incorrect. You should say 'Mujhe apna khata kholna hai' or 'Mujhe account open karna hai'. Hisab refers to the calculation, the balance, or the ledger of transactions, not the institutional entity that holds your money or digital identity.

Bank Account vs. Calculation: Do not use hisab for a bank account. Use khata or account instead.

Incorrect: मेरा बैंक में हिसाब है। Correct: मेरा बैंक में खाता है।

Another frequent error involves the phrase 'ke hisab se' (according to). Learners sometimes confuse it with 'ke anusaar' (according to). While they are often interchangeable, 'ke hisab se' has a slightly more informal, logical, or calculative nuance. For instance, 'Mausam ke hisab se kapde pehno' (Dress according to the weather) is perfect. However, in highly formal or official writing, 'ke anusaar' is preferred. For example, 'Kanoon ke anusaar' (According to the law) sounds much better than 'Kanoon ke hisab se', which sounds a bit too casual for a legal context. Knowing when to elevate the register is key to fluency.

Formal vs. Informal 'According to': Use 'ke anusaar' for strict rules, laws, and formal texts. Use 'ke hisab se' for daily logic and opinions.

नियमों के अनुसार (According to rules) is better than नियमों के हिसाब से।

Learners also struggle with the gender of the word. Hisāb is a masculine noun. Therefore, adjectives and verbs must agree with it in the masculine form. You must say 'Mera hisab' (My account), not 'Meri hisab'. You say 'Hisab accha hai' (The calculation is good), not 'Hisab acchi hai'. Getting the gender wrong immediately marks you as a non-native speaker. Furthermore, confusing the verbs paired with it can alter the meaning. 'Hisab dena' is to give an explanation, while 'Hisab lena' is to take an explanation (hold someone accountable). Mixing these up reverses the roles of who is responsible and who is auditing.

Gender Agreement: Hisab is a masculine noun. Ensure possessive pronouns (mera, tera, uska) match this gender.

यह मेरा हिसाब है। (This is my calculation.)

उसने मुझे गलत हिसाब दिया। (He gave me the wrong calculation.)

तुम्हारा हिसाब क्या कहता है? (What does your calculation say?)

To fully grasp हिसाब (hisāb), it is helpful to compare it with similar words in Hindi that occupy overlapping semantic spaces. The most common related word is खाता (khātā). While hisāb refers to the calculation, the tally, or the abstract concept of an account, khātā refers to the physical ledger book or the formal institutional account, such as a bank account. A shopkeeper does the hisāb (calculation) and then writes it down in the khātā (ledger). You open a khātā in a bank, but you check the hisāb of your expenses. Understanding this distinction prevents the most common errors learners make when talking about money and banking.

Khata (खाता): Refers to a physical ledger book or a formal bank account. It is the container for the hisab.

दुकानदार ने मेरा नाम अपने खाते में लिख लिया, और हिसाब कर दिया। (The shopkeeper wrote my name in his ledger and settled the account.)

Another highly relevant word is बिल (bil), which is simply the English word 'bill' adopted into Hindi. In urban areas, especially in restaurants, malls, and formal retail settings, people frequently use 'bill' instead of hisāb. You might ask a waiter, 'Bill le aaiye' (Please bring the bill). However, hisāb is broader. A bill is a piece of paper showing what you owe; hisāb is the entire concept of what is owed, the calculation behind it, and the act of settling it. You pay the bill to clear the hisāb. In informal settings like a street food stall, hisāb is still the preferred term over bill.

Bill (बिल): The physical invoice or receipt. Often used interchangeably with hisab in modern urban settings for payments.

रेस्टोरेंट का बिल आ गया है, चलो हिसाब बाँट लें। (The restaurant bill has arrived, let us split the cost.)

For the purely mathematical aspect of hisāb, the formal Hindi word is गणना (gaṇanā), meaning calculation or counting. Gaṇanā is a highly formal, Sanskrit-derived word used in academic, scientific, or official contexts. For example, a computer's processing power involves gaṇanā. The census is called 'janganana' (population count). You would never use gaṇanā at a grocery store; it would sound absurdly formal. Hisāb is the everyday, accessible word for calculation that everyone uses. Another related term is अनुमान (anumān), meaning estimate or guess. Sometimes hisāb is used to mean an estimate (mere hisab se - by my estimate), blurring the lines between a strict calculation and an educated guess.

Ganana (गणना): Formal, academic term for calculation or counting. Used in mathematics and official statistics.

कंप्यूटर की गणना बहुत तेज़ होती है, लेकिन आम आदमी हिसाब उंगलियों पर करता है। (A computer's calculation is very fast, but a common man does math on his fingers.)

मेरे अनुमान और तुम्हारे हिसाब में बहुत अंतर है। (There is a big difference between my estimate and your calculation.)

किताब (Kitab - book) is often paired with it as हिसाब-किताब to mean account keeping.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Conjunct Verbs (Noun + Karna/Dena/Lena)

Postpositions (ke hisab se)

Masculine Noun Agreement (mera hisab, accha hisab)

Imperative Mood (hisab karo, hisab do)

Infinitive as Noun (hisab rakhna zaroori hai)

Examples by Level

भैया, हिसाब कितना हुआ?

Brother, how much is the bill?

Basic noun usage to ask for a total sum.

मेरा हिसाब कर दो।

Please settle my bill.

Used with 'karna' (to do) as a polite command.

यह हिसाब गलत है।

This calculation is wrong.

Used with an adjective (galat - wrong) showing masculine agreement.

मुझे अपना हिसाब दो।

Give me my bill/account.

Used with possessive pronoun 'apna'.

कुल हिसाब सौ रुपये है।

The total bill is one hundred rupees.

Used with 'kul' meaning total.

दुकानदार हिसाब कर रहा है।

The shopkeeper is calculating.

Present continuous tense with 'karna'.

क्या हिसाब है?

What is the rate/bill?

Simple interrogative sentence.

मैं हिसाब नहीं जानता।

I do not know the calculation.

Used as the object of the verb 'janna' (to know).

मैं अपने पैसों का हिसाब रखता हूँ।

I keep track of my money.

Used with 'rakhna' (to keep) to mean maintaining a record.

सेब किस हिसाब से दिए?

At what rate did you sell the apples?

'Kis hisab se' means 'at what rate'.

गणित में मेरा हिसाब कमज़ोर है।

My calculation in math is weak.

Refers to the ability to do arithmetic.

महीने का हिसाब लिख लो।

Write down the monthly account.

Used with 'likhna' (to write).

उसने सारा हिसाब चुका दिया।

He paid off the entire account.

Used with 'chukana' (to pay off/settle).

हम आधा-आधा हिसाब करेंगे।

We will split the bill half and half.

Future tense, showing shared responsibility.

यह हिसाब मेरी समझ में नहीं आ रहा।

I am not understanding this calculation.

Used as the subject of the sentence.

अपना हिसाब साफ़ रखो।

Keep your accounts clear.

Imperative sentence advising financial clarity.

मेरे हिसाब से हमें अब चलना चाहिए।

According to me, we should leave now.

'Mere hisab se' used to express personal opinion.

बॉस ने प्रोजेक्ट के खर्च का हिसाब माँगा है।

The boss has asked for the account of the project expenses.

Used with 'mangna' (to demand/ask for) indicating accountability.

तुम्हें एक-एक पैसे का हिसाब देना होगा।

You will have to give an account of every single penny.

Used with 'dena' (to give) in a strict context.

मौसम के हिसाब से कपड़े पहनो।

Dress according to the weather.

'Ke hisab se' meaning 'in accordance with'.

उनका आपस का हिसाब-किताब बहुत अच्छा है।

Their mutual accounting/understanding is very good.

Using the compound noun 'hisab-kitab'.

समय के हिसाब से सब बदल जाता है।

Everything changes according to time.

Philosophical use of 'ke hisab se'.

मैंने अपना सारा हिसाब बराबर कर दिया है।

I have balanced all my accounts.

'Hisab barabar karna' means to balance or settle completely.

वह बिना हिसाब के पैसे खर्च करता है।

He spends money without keeping track.

'Bina hisab ke' means carelessly or without calculation.

मुझे तुम्हारे झूठे वादों का हिसाब चाहिए।

I need an accounting for your false promises.

Metaphorical use demanding accountability for actions, not money.

कंपनी का सारा हिसाब-किताब चार्टर्ड अकाउंटेंट देखता है।

The Chartered Accountant looks after all the accounts of the company.

Formal business context.

उसने अपने अपमान का हिसाब चुकता कर लिया।

He settled the score for his insult.

'Hisab chukta karna' used for taking revenge or settling a score.

नियमों के हिसाब से यह गैरकानूनी है।

According to the rules, this is illegal.

Used to cite rules or laws.

उसका हिसाब लगाना बहुत मुश्किल है।

It is very difficult to estimate/figure him out.

'Hisab lagana' used metaphorically to mean estimating a person's character.

जनता चुनाव में सरकार से हिसाब लेगी।

The public will hold the government accountable in the elections.

'Hisab lena' meaning to hold accountable.

मैंने अंदाज़े से हिसाब लगाया है, पक्का नहीं पता।

I have calculated by estimation, I don't know for sure.

Combining estimation (andaza) with calculation.

रिश्तों में ज़्यादा हिसाब-किताब नहीं रखना चाहिए।

One should not keep too much accounting in relationships.

Advice against being overly calculative in personal life.

ज़िंदगी का कोई पक्का हिसाब नहीं होता, कब क्या हो जाए।

There is no fixed calculation in life, anything can happen anytime.

Deep philosophical usage regarding the unpredictability of life.

वह अपने दुश्मनों से पाई-पाई का हिसाब लेगा।

He will take an account of every single penny (exact revenge) from his enemies.

Idiomatic expression 'pai-pai ka hisab lena' for exact revenge.

प्रशासन को इस लापरवाही का हिसाब देना ही पड़ेगा।

The administration will absolutely have to give an account for this negligence.

High-register demand for institutional accountability.

उनके तर्कों का कोई हिसाब नहीं है, वे बस बोलते जाते हैं।

There is no logic/measure to his arguments, he just keeps talking.

'Koi hisab nahi' meaning boundless or without logic.

कर्मों का हिसाब इसी जन्म में चुकाना पड़ता है।

The account of one's deeds has to be settled in this very lifetime.

Spiritual/religious context regarding karma.

आंकड़ों के हिसाब से देखा जाए तो अर्थव्यवस्था में सुधार हो रहा है।

If seen according to the statistics, the economy is improving.

Analytical usage for interpreting data.

उसने बड़ी चालाकी से सारा हिसाब अपने पक्ष में कर लिया।

He very cleverly manipulated the entire calculation/situation in his favor.

Used to describe manipulation of facts or finances.

इस परियोजना में समय और धन का सही हिसाब लगाना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to accurately estimate the time and money in this project.

Formal project management terminology.

ईश्वर के दरबार में हर इंसान को अपने आमाल का हिसाब देना होगा।

In the court of God, every human will have to give an account of their deeds.

Highly formal, poetic, religious discourse (incorporating Urdu 'aamal').

सियासत में पुराने हिसाब अक्सर नए गठबंधनों की बलि चढ़ जाते हैं।

In politics, old scores are often sacrificed at the altar of new alliances.

Advanced political commentary using metaphor.

उसकी बेहिसाब दौलत ही उसके पतन का कारण बनी।

His unaccounted/limitless wealth became the reason for his downfall.

Using the prefix 'be-' to create 'behisab' (limitless/unaccounted).

साहित्यिक दृष्टिकोण के हिसाब से यह रचना एक उत्कृष्ट कृति है।

According to a literary perspective, this composition is a masterpiece.

Academic critique and literary analysis.

जब तक समाज में न्याय का हिसाब बराबर नहीं होता, शांति असंभव है।

Until the account of justice in society is balanced, peace is impossible.

Sociological and philosophical discourse on equity.

उसने अपने जीवन के अंतिम दिनों में अपने सारे सांसारिक हिसाब समेट लिए।

In the final days of his life, he wrapped up all his worldly accounts.

Poetic description of preparing for death.

वैश्विक कूटनीति में हर कदम का एक नपा-तुला हिसाब होता है।

In global diplomacy, every step has a measured calculation.

Describing complex geopolitical strategies.

प्रेम में हिसाब-किताब लगाने वाले अक्सर घाटे में ही रहते हैं।

Those who keep accounts in love often end up in a loss.

Literary aphorism about human emotions.

Synonyms

गणना लेखा गिनती आँकड़ा कलन

Antonyms

बेहिसाब गड़बड़ी

Common Collocations

हिसाब करना (Hisab karna)

हिसाब रखना (Hisab rakhna)

हिसाब देना (Hisab dena)

हिसाब माँगना (Hisab mangna)

हिसाब चुकाना (Hisab chukana)

हिसाब-किताब (Hisab-kitab)

पक्का हिसाब (Pakka hisab)

कच्चा हिसाब (Kachcha hisab)

पाई-पाई का हिसाब (Pai-pai ka hisab)

के हिसाब से (Ke hisab se)

Common Phrases

हिसाब कितना हुआ? (How much is the bill?)

मेरे हिसाब से (According to me)

हिसाब कर दो (Settle the account)

हिसाब बराबर (Accounts settled/Even)

क्या हिसाब है? (What is the rate?)

हिसाब में गड़बड़ (Mistake in calculation)

बिना हिसाब के (Without calculation/limitless)

हिसाब लगाना (To estimate/calculate)

अपना हिसाब देखना (Mind your own business/finances)

हिसाब साफ़ रखना (Keep accounts clear)

Often Confused With

हिसाब vs खाता (Khata - Bank account/Ledger)

हिसाब vs बिल (Bill - Physical invoice)

हिसाब vs अनुमान (Anuman - Estimate)

Idioms & Expressions

"पाई-पाई का हिसाब लेना (To take account of every penny/exact full revenge)"

"पुराना हिसाब चुकता करना (To settle an old score)"

"हिसाब बराबर करना (To get even)"

"बेहिसाब प्यार (Limitless love)"

"हिसाब से बाहर (Beyond calculation/understanding)"

"उलटा हिसाब (Reverse calculation/things going wrong)"

"हिसाब में कच्चा होना (To be bad at math/money)"

"किताबों का हिसाब (Bookish knowledge vs practical)"

"ऊपर वाले का हिसाब (God's justice)"

"हिसाब की बात (A matter of logic/fairness)"

Easily Confused

हिसाब vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

formality level

Highly versatile. Acceptable in formal speech, but has more formal synonyms (ganana, anusaar) available for academic writing.

regional variations

Universally understood across Hindi and Urdu speaking regions. In purer Urdu contexts, it might be pronounced with a heavier 'h' sound.

literal vs figurative

Literally, it is math and money. Figuratively, it is logic, proportion, and justice.

Common Mistakes

Using 'hisab' to mean a bank account (use 'khata' instead).
Treating 'hisab' as a feminine noun ('meri hisab' instead of 'mera hisab').
Using 'ke hisab se' in highly formal legal documents instead of 'ke anusaar'.
Confusing 'hisab dena' (to give an explanation) with 'hisab lena' (to hold accountable).
Using 'hisab' when referring to a physical book (use 'kitab' or 'khata').

Tips

Masculine Agreement

Always remember that hisab is masculine. Train your brain to say 'mera hisab' and 'accha hisab'. Never use 'meri' or 'acchi' with it. This small detail significantly improves your spoken accuracy.

The Opinion Chunk

Memorize 'Mere hisab se' as a single chunk of vocabulary. Do not translate it word-for-word. Just use it whenever you want to say 'I think' or 'In my opinion'. It makes you sound very fluent.

Market Survival

When shopping at local markets, 'Hisab kitna hua?' is your ultimate survival phrase. It works for vegetables, clothes, street food, and rickshaw rides. It is polite, direct, and universally understood.

Not a Bank Account

Never walk into an Indian bank and say you want to open a hisab. The staff will be confused. Always use the word 'khata' or the English word 'account' for banking purposes.

Splitting the Bill

In South Asian culture, fighting to pay the bill is common. If you want to split it, suggest 'Aadha-aadha hisab karte hain' (Let's do half-and-half). It is a friendly way to insist on paying your share.

Fast Numbers

When a shopkeeper gives you the hisab, they will often rattle off numbers very quickly. Focus on catching the final number they say, as that is the total hisab you need to pay.

Bollywood Drama

Watch out for the word hisab in action movies. When the hero looks angry and says 'hisab', he is not talking about math. He is talking about revenge. This adds a fun cultural layer to your learning.

Formal Alternatives

If you are writing an essay or a formal email in Hindi, try to replace 'ke hisab se' with 'ke anusaar'. It elevates the register of your writing and shows advanced vocabulary control.

Hisab-Kitab

Use the compound 'hisab-kitab' when talking about general financial management. For example, 'Ghar ka hisab-kitab' means household budgeting. It sounds much more natural than just saying hisab in this context.

The 'Be-' Prefix

Add the Persian prefix 'be-' to make 'behisab', meaning limitless or without calculation. You can use it to compliment someone: 'Aapse behisab mohabbat hai' (I have limitless love for you).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

He saw the bill (Hisab) and fainted.

Word Origin

Arabic

Cultural Context

Demanding a strict 'hisab' from close family members (like parents) for small amounts of money is often considered rude or ungrateful, as family relationships are supposed to be beyond strict accounting.

In informal businesses, 'hisab-kitab' refers to the daily ledger. In corporate settings, it translates to expense reporting.

When splitting a bill with friends, it is common to say 'chalo hisab kar lein' (let's do the math). It is polite to offer to clear the hisab.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"भैया, कुल हिसाब कितना हुआ? (Brother, what is the total bill?)"

"आपके हिसाब से यह कैसा रहेगा? (According to you, how will this be?)"

"चलो, पिछले महीने का हिसाब कर लेते हैं। (Let's settle last month's account.)"

"क्या तुमने यात्रा के खर्च का हिसाब रखा? (Did you keep track of the travel expenses?)"

"मेरे हिसाब से हमें कल निकलना चाहिए। (In my opinion, we should leave tomorrow.)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to manage the 'hisab' for a group trip.

Describe your monthly budget using the word 'hisab'.

Write a dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper settling a monthly 'hisab'.

Explain a situation where you had to ask someone for a 'hisab' (accountability).

Use 'mere hisab se' to write a short paragraph about your favorite movie.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. A bank account is called a 'khata' (खाता) or simply 'account' in Hinglish. 'Hisab' refers to the calculation, the balance, or the bill. You open a khata, but you calculate a hisab.

'Bill' is the physical piece of paper or digital invoice showing what you owe. 'Hisab' is the broader concept of the calculation, the total amount owed, and the act of settling it. In modern cities, 'bill' is common in restaurants, while 'hisab' is used everywhere, especially in local markets.

You say 'Mere hisab se' (मेरे हिसाब से). This literally translates to 'according to my calculation' but is universally used to mean 'in my opinion' or 'the way I see it'. It is a very natural and common phrase.

'Hisab' is a masculine noun. Therefore, you must use masculine adjectives and possessive pronouns with it. For example, say 'Mera hisab' (My account) and 'Sahi hisab' (Correct calculation).

'Hisab-kitab' (हिसाब-किताब) is a compound word. Literally 'account-book', it refers to the overall management of finances, the keeping of ledgers, or the general state of affairs between people. It implies a comprehensive tracking of details.

Yes, metaphorically. The phrase 'hisab chukana' (to settle an account) or 'purana hisab' (old account) is frequently used in dramas and movies to mean taking revenge or settling an old score with an enemy.

You can point to the vegetables and ask, 'Kis hisab se diye?' (किस हिसाब से दिए?). This means 'At what rate are you selling these?' It is the standard way to ask for pricing by weight or dozen in a market.

If you mean doing things without calculation or limit, the word is 'behisab' (बेहिसाब). For example, 'behisab paisa' means limitless or unaccounted money. If contrasting exact math with a guess, the opposite concept is 'andaza' (estimate).

The most common light verbs are 'karna' (to do/calculate), 'rakhna' (to keep/track), 'dena' (to give an explanation), 'mangna' (to demand an account), and 'chukana' (to pay off).

It is a standard, everyday word suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, in highly formal, academic, or legal Hindi, Sanskrit-derived words like 'ganana' (calculation) or 'ke anusaar' (according to) are preferred.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence asking a shopkeeper for the total bill using 'hisab'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'hisab kitna hua' for asking the total.