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B1 noun 9 min read

अकृतकार्य

akratkarya
Examples अकृतकार्य in 30 Seconds
Explanation अकृतकार्य in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'Akṛtakārya' in your own speaking because it is very advanced. However, it is good to know that it simply means 'not successful.' In basic Hindi, you usually say 'asafal' or 'fail.' Imagine you are playing a game and you don't win—that is being 'unsuccessful.' This word is made of 'A' (not) and 'Karya' (work). So it means 'work not done.' If you see this word in a book, just think of it as a very fancy way of saying 'He did not win' or 'The job is not finished.' For example, if a king in a story goes to catch a thief but the thief runs away, the king is 'Akṛtakārya.' You should focus on simpler words first, but remember that 'Akṛtakārya' is a very 'polite' and 'serious' way to talk about not reaching a goal. It is like saying 'Mission not completed' instead of just 'I failed.' Beginners should just recognize the 'Karya' part which means 'work.'
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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more formal words. 'Akṛtakārya' is a word you might see in Hindi news headlines or in history lessons. It is an adjective that describes a person who tried to do something but could not finish it. The structure is usually 'Subject + Akṛtakārya + rahaa' (remained unsuccessful). For example, 'Vah prayaas mein akṛtakārya rahaa' (He was unsuccessful in the attempt). You can break the word down to remember it: 'A' (No) + 'Krit' (Done) + 'Karya' (Work). Work-not-done. It is much more formal than 'asafal.' You would use it when talking about a project at work or a historical event. If you use this word correctly at this level, people will think you have a very good vocabulary! Just remember not to use it for small things like failing to find your keys. Use it for bigger things like a mission or a plan. It is a 'Tatsama' word, which means it comes directly from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India.
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As a B1 learner, you should be able to distinguish between different types of 'failure' words. 'Akṛtakārya' is specific because it focuses on the 'Karya' (the task or duty). When you use this word, you are implying that there was a specific objective that was not met. It is very common in formal writing. For instance, if a diplomatic meeting happens between two countries but they don't agree on anything, the newspaper might say the meeting was 'akṛtakārya.' You should start using this word in formal essays or when giving a presentation about a serious topic. It shows that you understand the nuances of Hindi registers. It is almost always used with 'hona' (to be) or 'rahna' (to remain). It doesn't change for gender in most modern usage, which makes it easier to use. Try to use it in sentences like 'Abhiyan akṛtakārya siddh hua' (The campaign proved unsuccessful). This word adds a layer of professionalism to your Hindi that 'fail' or 'asafal' cannot provide.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Akṛtakārya' in complex sentence structures and understanding its philosophical undertones. This word is often used in literature to describe a 'tragic hero'—someone who had great intentions but remained 'akṛtakārya' due to fate or circumstances. You should be able to use it in the 'passive' sense or as part of a conditional clause. For example: 'Yadi vah akṛtakārya laut-ta, to use danda milta' (If he had returned unsuccessful, he would have been punished). Notice how the word fits perfectly into historical or administrative narratives. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'nishphal' or 'viphal' and know that 'akṛtakārya' is more 'person-centric'—it describes the state of the doer whose work is incomplete. It is a powerful word to use in debates or editorial writing to critique a policy or a leader's performance without being unnecessarily rude, as it sounds objective and descriptive.
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For C1 learners, 'Akṛtakārya' is a tool for precision and stylistic elegance. You should understand its etymological roots in Sanskrit (A + Kṛta + Kārya) and how this influences its usage in Shuddh Hindi (Pure Hindi). At this level, you can use it to create a specific atmosphere in your writing—perhaps one of gravity, formality, or historical weight. You should also recognize it in classical poetry where it might be used to describe the 'incomplete' nature of human life or spiritual pursuits. It is often paired with words like 'manorath' (desire) or 'sankalp' (resolution). For example, 'Uska sankalp akṛtakārya hi reh gaya' (His resolution remained unfulfilled/unsuccessful). You should also be able to identify the difference between this and 'akartavya' (improper act) or 'akrit' (undone/unmade). In professional Hindi translation or high-level interpretation, 'akṛtakārya' is the preferred term for 'unsuccessful' in official reports, as it maintains the dignity of the subject while clearly stating the lack of achievement.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'Akṛtakārya' and can use it to evoke subtle shades of meaning. You understand that the word isn't just about failure; it's about the 'un-doneness' of a task that was meant to be a 'Karya' (a meaningful action). You can use it in philosophical discourses about 'Karma' and 'Kala' (Time), where a soul might be described as 'akṛtakārya' if it leaves the cycle of life without fulfilling its purpose. You are familiar with its usage in the most dense Sanskritized Hindi texts, from legal statutes to metaphysical treatises. You can effortlessly switch between 'akṛtakārya' and its Persian-influenced counterparts like 'naakaam' depending on the audience and the desired emotional impact. Your usage is flawless, reflecting an understanding that this word is a 'Tatsama' gem that connects modern Hindi to its Vedic ancestry. You might even use it ironically or in complex metaphors to describe the modern condition of endless but 'akṛtakārya' (unproductive) labor.
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Examples

अकृतकार्य in 30 Seconds

  • Formal word for 'unsuccessful' or 'failing to complete a task.'
  • Derived from Sanskrit 'A' (not) + 'Kṛta' (done) + 'Kārya' (work).
  • Commonly used in literature, news, and historical narratives.
  • Focuses on the task being incomplete rather than personal failure.

The word अकृतकार्य (Akṛtakārya) is a sophisticated Sanskrit-derived term used in Hindi to describe a state of being unsuccessful or failing to complete a specific objective. It is a compound word formed from three distinct Sanskrit elements: 'अ' (a - a prefix denoting negation), 'कृत' (kṛta - meaning done or accomplished), and 'कार्य' (kārya - meaning work, task, or duty). Therefore, the literal etymological meaning is 'one whose work remains undone' or 'one who has not achieved their goal.' While common Hindi speakers might use the word 'असफल' (asafal) for failure, 'अकृतकार्य' carries a more formal, literary, and sometimes heavy emotional weight, suggesting that a significant effort was made but the final completion remained elusive.

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Formal and Literary. You will find this in classical literature, high-level journalism, legal documents, or formal speeches.

अनेक प्रयासों के बाद भी वह अपने मिशन में अकृतकार्य रहा। (Even after many attempts, he remained unsuccessful in his mission.)

In contemporary conversation, you might hear this word when someone wants to emphasize the gravity of a failure or when discussing historical figures who died before their vision was realized. It isn't just about failing a small test; it's about the 'work' (kārya) not being 'done' (kṛta). This nuance makes it particularly useful in philosophical discussions regarding the human condition and the nature of ambition.

Grammatical Function
Primarily used as an adjective to describe a person, but functions as a noun in classical Hindi to represent the 'unsuccessful one.'

राजा युद्धक्षेत्र से अकृतकार्य होकर लौटा। (The king returned from the battlefield without having achieved his objective.)

Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'Tatsama' vocabulary in Hindi—words borrowed directly from Sanskrit without change. Using 'अकृतकार्य' instead of 'नाकाम' (naakaam) or 'असफल' (asafal) immediately elevates the speaker's perceived level of education and command over the language's formal registers. It is particularly prevalent in the context of diplomacy, where stating that a delegation returned 'अकृतकार्य' sounds more professional and less blunt than saying they 'failed.'

वह अपनी अंतिम इच्छा पूरी किए बिना ही अकृतकार्य संसार से चला गया। (He left the world unsuccessful, without fulfilling his last wish.)

Synonym Comparison
Unlike 'Viphal' (fruitless), which focuses on the result, 'Akṛtakārya' focuses on the action that was not completed.

जब योजनाएँ अकृतकार्य होती हैं, तो पुनर्मूल्यांकन आवश्यक होता है। (When plans remain unaccomplished, re-evaluation becomes necessary.)

वह अकृतकार्य नहीं रहना चाहता था। (He did not want to remain unsuccessful.)

Using अकृतकार्य correctly involves understanding its role as a descriptor of state. It is almost always used with the auxiliary verbs 'होना' (to be) or 'रहना' (to remain). You rarely 'do' an 'akṛtakārya'; rather, you 'become' or 'return as' one. This section explores the syntactic environments where this word thrives, from administrative reports to dramatic narratives.

Structure 1: State of Being
Subject + (Context/Effort) + अकृतकार्य + होना/रहना.

वैज्ञानिक अपने प्रयोग में अकृतकार्य रहा। (The scientist remained unsuccessful in his experiment.)

In this sentence, the word describes the scientist's status relative to his experiment. It suggests a process that was undertaken but did not yield the intended 'kārya' (work/result). Note how it sounds more clinical and precise than 'asafal.'

Structure 2: Returning from a Task
Subject + अकृतकार्य + लौटकर/होकर + Verb.

दूत अकृतकार्य लौट आया। (The messenger returned unsuccessful/without completing the task.)

This is a very common classical usage. It implies that a specific mission was assigned, and the person returned with the mission still 'undone.' It is often used in the context of historical novels or mythological retellings (like the Ramayana or Mahabharata).

वह महिला उद्यमी अपनी पहली परियोजना में अकृतकार्य रही। (That woman entrepreneur remained unsuccessful in her first project.)

Furthermore, 'अकृतकार्य' can be used to describe an abstract entity like a 'plan' or 'effort' (prayaas). When a plan is 'akṛtakārya,' it means it did not translate into action or success.

सरकार की नीतियां अकृतकार्य सिद्ध हुईं। (The government's policies proved to be unsuccessful/ineffective.)

Formal Reporting
In police or administrative reports, this word is used to indicate that a search or investigation did not yield results.

पुलिस की छापेमारी अकृतकार्य रही। (The police raid was unsuccessful.)

By using this word, the speaker avoids the harshness of 'fail' (fail hona) while maintaining a high level of descriptive accuracy. It emphasizes the 'lack of completion' of the intended 'kārya' (work).

अंततः, वह अकृतकार्य होकर घर लौट आया। (Ultimately, he returned home having failed in his mission.)

While अकृतकार्य is not a word you will hear at a vegetable market or in a Bollywood item song, it occupies a significant space in the intellectual and formal life of India. Understanding its 'natural habitat' helps learners recognize when it is appropriate to use and when it might sound out of place.

1. Historical and Mythological Dramas
In TV shows like 'Mahabharat' or 'Chanakya,' characters use high Hindi (Shuddh Hindi). A general might report to his king, 'महाराज, मैं अकृतकार्य रहा' (O King, I have failed in my mission).

युद्ध में अकृतकार्य होना वीर के लिए मृत्यु के समान है। (To be unsuccessful in war is like death for a warrior.)

This context highlights the honor-bound nature of the word. It isn't just about a result; it's about the fulfillment of duty (Dharma).

2. Hindi Literature and Poetry
Authors like Munshi Premchand or Jaishankar Prasad use such Sanskritized words to provide depth to their characters' internal monologues or to describe tragic endings.

उसकी आँखों में अकृतकार्य होने की पीड़ा साफ़ दिख रही थी। (The pain of being unsuccessful was clearly visible in his eyes.)

3. News and Editorials
Serious Hindi newspapers like 'Dainik Jagran' or 'Jansatta' use this word in their editorial sections when critiquing political failures or failed diplomatic talks.

शांति वार्ता एक बार फिर अकृतकार्य रही। (The peace talks were once again unsuccessful.)

In these cases, the word adds a layer of 'officialdom' to the report. It sounds more objective and less biased than using more emotional words for failure.

4. Legal and Administrative Contexts
In government notifications or court summaries, if a petition is dismissed or an objective is not met, this term might appear.

प्रशासन का प्रयास अकृतकार्य घोषित किया गया। (The administration's effort was declared unsuccessful.)

अकृतकार्य होने का भय ही मनुष्य को कर्म से रोकता है। (The fear of being unsuccessful is what stops a person from acting.)

Because अकृतकार्य is a high-level Sanskritized word, even native speakers who are not well-versed in Shuddh Hindi can make mistakes. For an English speaker learning Hindi, these pitfalls are even more common. Awareness of these errors will help you use the word with precision and confidence.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Settings
Using 'अकृतकार्य' when talking about failing a video game level or missing a bus. It sounds bizarrely formal and pretentious in these contexts.

Don't say: मैं बस पकड़ने में अकृतकार्य रहा। (I was unsuccessful in catching the bus.)
Say: मेरी बस छूट गई। (I missed the bus.)

The word implies a 'kārya' (a significant task or duty). Catching a bus is a routine action, not a 'kārya' in the formal sense.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Akartavya' (अकर्तव्य)
'Akartavya' means 'that which should not be done' or 'improper action.' People often confuse the two because they both start with 'Ak-' and relate to 'work.'

Incorrect: उसने चोरी करके अकृतकार्य किया। (He did an 'unsuccessful' by stealing.)
Correct: उसने चोरी करके अकर्तव्य किया। (He did something improper by stealing.)

Mistake 3: Incorrect Auxiliary Verb
Trying to use 'karna' (to do) with 'akṛtakārya.' You don't 'do' an unsuccessful; you 'are' unsuccessful.

Incorrect: उसने मिशन अकृतकार्य किया।
Correct: वह मिशन में अकृतकार्य रहा। (He remained unsuccessful in the mission.)

The word describes the state of the person or the effort, not the action itself. It's like saying 'He is unsuccessful' vs 'He did an unsuccessful.'

Mistake 4: Misspelling/Mispronunciation
Often people forget the 'ṛ' (ri) sound in 'kṛta' and say 'akrat-karya' instead of 'akṛt-kārya.' The vocalic 'r' is crucial for the Sanskrit feel.

Pronunciation Tip: It's Ah-Krit-Kah-ryuh. The 'Krit' sounds like 'Brit' with a 'K'.

उसे अकृतकार्य कहना उचित नहीं होगा, क्योंकि उसने प्रयास ही नहीं किया। (It wouldn't be right to call him 'unsuccessful' [akṛtakārya] because he didn't even try.)

Hindi has a rich palette of words for 'failure' and 'lack of success.' Choosing the right one depends on the register, the intensity, and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is how अकृतकार्य compares to its peers.

अकृतकार्य vs. असफल (Asafal)
'Asafal' is the standard, everyday word for 'unsuccessful.' 'Akṛtakārya' is more specific—it implies the 'task' (kārya) wasn't 'done' (kṛta). Use 'Asafal' for exams; use 'Akṛtakārya' for grand missions.

परीक्षा में असफल (Failed in exam) vs. अभियान में अकृतकार्य (Unsuccessful in the campaign).

The difference lies in the perceived importance of the task and the formality of the language.

अकृतकार्य vs. विफल (Viphal)
'Viphal' literally means 'without fruit' (vi + phal). It is used when a plan or effort doesn't yield results. 'Akṛtakārya' is more about the person who failed to finish the job.

योजना विफल हुई (The plan failed) vs. वह अकृतकार्य रहा (He remained unsuccessful).

अकृतकार्य vs. नाकाम (Naakaam)
'Naakaam' is of Urdu origin. It is very common in poetry and Bollywood songs. It has a more emotional, romantic, or street-smart feel compared to the scholarly 'Akṛtakārya.'

नाकाम आशिक (Unsuccessful lover) vs. अकृतकार्य कूटनीतिज्ञ (Unsuccessful diplomat).

Notice how the context changes the 'flavor' of the failure. One is about the heart, the other about the intellect and duty.

अकृतकार्य vs. निष्फल (Nishphal)
'Nishphal' is a synonym of 'Viphal' (fruitless). It is often used to describe efforts that were a total waste of time.

उसका सारा परिश्रम निष्फल गया। (All his hard work went in vain/fruitless.)

In summary, choose 'Akṛtakārya' when you want to sound formal, precise, and focused on the 'incomplete task' aspect of failure.

यदि तुम अकृतकार्य होते हो, तो निराश मत हो। (If you are unsuccessful, do not be disappointed.)

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Examples by Level

1

वह अकृतकार्य रहा।

He remained unsuccessful.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb (Past).

2

राजा अकृतकार्य लौटा।

The king returned unsuccessful.

Subject + Adjective + Verb (Action).

3

काम अकृतकार्य है।

The work is unsuccessful/undone.

Noun + Adjective + Auxiliary Verb.

4

मैं अकृतकार्य नहीं हूँ।

I am not unsuccessful.

Negative sentence with 'not'.

5

क्या वह अकृतकार्य था?

Was he unsuccessful?

Interrogative sentence.

6

वह अकृतकार्य होकर रोया।

He cried being unsuccessful.

Using 'hokar' (having become).

7

मेरा दोस्त अकृतकार्य है।

My friend is unsuccessful.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective.

8

वे सब अकृतकार्य रहे।

They all remained unsuccessful.

Plural subject.

1

सिपाही चोर को पकड़ने में अकृतकार्य रहा।

The soldier was unsuccessful in catching the thief.

Using 'mein' (in) to show the area of failure.

2

उसकी योजना अकृतकार्य सिद्ध हुई।

His plan proved to be unsuccessful.

Using 'siddh hui' (proved to be).

3

वह अकृतकार्य होकर घर वापस आया।

He came back home being unsuccessful.

Compound verb 'vaapas aaya'.

4

क्या तुम इस काम में अकृतकार्य हो?

Are you unsuccessful in this work?

Direct question.

5

वह कभी अकृतकार्य नहीं होना चाहता।

He never wants to be unsuccessful.

Using 'chahta' (wants).

6

अकृतकार्य लोग फिर से कोशिश करते हैं।

Unsuccessful people try again.

Adjective modifying 'log' (people).

7

यह मिशन अकृतकार्य रहा।

This mission remained unsuccessful.

Demonstrative pronoun 'Yeh'.

8

हमें अकृतकार्य नहीं रहना चाहिए।

We should not remain unsuccessful.

Using 'chahiye' (should).

1

वैज्ञानिक अपने नए शोध में अकृतकार्य रहे।

The scientists remained unsuccessful in their new research.

Formal plural 'rahe'.

2

शांति वार्ता अकृतकार्य रहने के कारण तनाव बढ़ गया।

Tension increased due to the peace talks remaining unsuccessful.

Using 'ke kaaran' (due to).

3

यदि तुम अकृतकार्य होते हो, तो निराश न हो।

If you become unsuccessful, do not be disappointed.

Conditional 'Yadi... toh' structure.

4

वह अकृतकार्य होकर भी हार नहीं माना।

Even after being unsuccessful, he did not give up.

Using 'bhi' (even/also) for contrast.

5

पुलिस चोर को खोजने में अकृतकार्य रही।

The police were unsuccessful in finding the thief.

Feminine agreement with 'Police'.

6

उसका सारा प्रयास अकृतकार्य गया।

All his effort went unsuccessful/in vain.

Using 'gaya' to show result.

7

वह अकृतकार्य होने के डर से काम नहीं करता।

He doesn't work out of fear of being unsuccessful.

Using 'ke darr se' (out of fear of).

8

मंत्रिमंडल की बैठक अकृतकार्य समाप्त हुई।

The cabinet meeting ended unsuccessfully.

Adverbial usage describing the end.

1

अनेक बाधाओं के कारण वह अपने संकल्प में अकृतकार्य रहा।

Due to many obstacles, he remained unsuccessful in his resolution.

Complex sentence with 'baadhaon' (obstacles).

2

इतिहास में कई राजा अकृतकार्य ही मर गए।

In history, many kings died unsuccessful only.

Using 'hi' for emphasis.

3

वह अकृतकार्य होकर लौटा, जिससे उसकी प्रतिष्ठा कम हुई।

He returned unsuccessful, which reduced his prestige.

Relative clause 'jis-se' (by which).

4

प्रशासनिक विफलताओं के कारण योजना अकृतकार्य रही।

The plan remained unsuccessful due to administrative failures.

Formal vocabulary like 'prashaasnik' (administrative).

5

उसे अकृतकार्य कहना उसकी मेहनत का अपमान होगा।

Calling him unsuccessful would be an insult to his hard work.

Infinitive 'kahna' as subject.

6

जब तक तुम अकृतकार्य हो, तब तक प्रयास जारी रखो।

As long as you are unsuccessful, keep the effort going.

Jab tak... tab tak (as long as).

7

वह अकृतकार्य होने के बावजूद समाज में सम्मानित है।

Despite being unsuccessful, he is respected in society.

Using 'ke baavjood' (despite).

8

क्या तुम मानते हो कि वह अकृतकार्य रहा?

Do you believe that he remained unsuccessful?

Subordinate clause starting with 'ki' (that).

1

कूटनीतिक स्तर पर वार्ता अकृतकार्य रहना चिंता का विषय है।

The talks remaining unsuccessful at a diplomatic level is a matter of concern.

Gerundial phrase as a subject.

2

वह अपने जीवन के मुख्य उद्देश्य में अकृतकार्य रहा, जो एक त्रासदी है।

He remained unsuccessful in the main purpose of his life, which is a tragedy.

Appositive clause 'jo ek traasadi hai'.

3

अकृतकार्य होने की ग्लानि उसे भीतर ही भीतर खाए जा रही थी।

The remorse of being unsuccessful was eating him from within.

Abstract noun 'glaani' (remorse).

4

साहित्य में अकृतकार्य नायक अक्सर अधिक सहानुभूति पाते हैं।

In literature, unsuccessful heroes often receive more sympathy.

Generalizing statement in literary context.

5

उसकी समस्त ऊर्जा अकृतकार्य प्रयासों में व्यर्थ हो गई।

All his energy was wasted in unsuccessful efforts.

Adjective 'samasta' (entire/all).

6

यद्यपि वह अकृतकार्य रहा, फिर भी उसका साहस प्रशंसनीय है।

Although he remained unsuccessful, nonetheless his courage is praiseworthy.

Yadyapi... phir bhi (Although... still).

7

इस अकृतकार्य अभियान ने भविष्य के लिए कई सबक सिखाए।

This unsuccessful campaign taught many lessons for the future.

Attributive use of 'akṛtakārya'.

8

वह अकृतकार्य होकर भी अपने सिद्धांतों पर अडिग रहा।

Even being unsuccessful, he remained firm on his principles.

Using 'adig' (firm/unwavering).

1

मनुष्य का अकृतकार्य रहना उसकी नियति नहीं, बल्कि उसके पुरुषार्थ की कमी हो सकती है।

A man's remaining unsuccessful is not his destiny, but could be a lack of his endeavor.

Complex philosophical construction.

2

अकृतकार्य होने का बोध ही आध्यात्मिक जागृति का प्रथम सोपान हो सकता है।

The realization of being unsuccessful can itself be the first step to spiritual awakening.

Using 'bodh' (realization/perception).

3

वह अपनी महत्वाकांक्षाओं के बोझ तले अकृतकार्य दबकर रह गया।

He remained crushed and unsuccessful under the weight of his ambitions.

Metaphorical usage.

4

विद्वानों का मत है कि कोई भी प्रयास पूर्णतः अकृतकार्य नहीं होता।

Scholars are of the opinion that no effort is entirely unsuccessful.

Reporting a scholarly opinion.

5

उसने अकृतकार्य होने की संभावना को ही अपनी प्रेरणा बना लिया।

He made the very possibility of being unsuccessful his inspiration.

Using 'sambhaavana' (possibility).

6

इस अकृतकार्य संधि ने महाद्वीप के भू-राजनीतिक परिदृश्य को बदल दिया।

This unsuccessful treaty changed the geopolitical landscape of the continent.

High-level political vocabulary.

7

वह अपनी रचना के अकृतकार्य रह जाने के भय से लिख नहीं पा रहा था।

He was unable to write due to the fear of his creation remaining unsuccessful.

Complex psychological state.

8

अकृतकार्य रहने की विडंबना यह है कि यह अक्सर सफलता के बहुत करीब होती है।

The irony of remaining unsuccessful is that it is often very close to success.

Using 'vidambana' (irony).

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