The Hindi word अनुकरण (Anukaran) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'imitation,' 'mimicry,' or 'emulation.' Derived from the Sanskrit roots 'anu' (following/after) and 'karana' (doing/making), it literally signifies the act of doing something after seeing another do it. Unlike the more colloquial word 'नकल' (nakal), which often carries a negative connotation of cheating or lack of originality, anukaran is a neutral to positive term used in psychological, educational, and artistic contexts to describe the process of learning through observation.
- Psychological Context
- In developmental psychology, this word describes how infants acquire language and social cues. It is seen as a fundamental building block of human intelligence.
- Artistic Context
- In the world of aesthetics and literature, 'Anukaran Siddhant' refers to the Theory of Mimesis, suggesting that art is an imitation of nature and life.
बच्चे अपने माता-पिता के व्यवहार का अनुकरण करके सीखते हैं। (Children learn by imitating the behavior of their parents.)
You will encounter this word in formal speeches, educational textbooks, and discussions regarding character building. It implies a conscious or subconscious effort to replicate a pattern, style, or action. For instance, a student might perform an anukaran of a great orator to improve their public speaking skills. In scientific terms, it can also refer to the simulation of natural processes in a controlled environment.
कला प्रकृति का अनुकरण है। (Art is the imitation of nature.)
अच्छे गुणों का अनुकरण करना चाहिए। (One should imitate good qualities.)
- Linguistic Nuance
- The word is often paired with the verb 'karna' (to do). 'Anukaran karna' means 'to imitate'. It can also be used as an adjective 'anukaraniya' meaning 'worthy of imitation' or 'exemplary'.
उनका अनुशासन अनुकरणीय है। (His discipline is exemplary/worthy of imitation.)
मशीनें मानव मस्तिष्क का अनुकरण करने की कोशिश कर रही हैं। (Machines are trying to imitate the human brain.)
Using अनुकरण (Anukaran) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a noun that usually functions as the object of the verb 'karna' (to do). In Hindi grammar, you will almost always see the construction '[Noun] + का (ka) + अनुकरण करना'. The 'ka' is essential because it links the person or thing being imitated to the act of imitation. For example, 'Shikshak ka anukaran' means 'imitation of the teacher'.
- Active Usage
- When you are actively imitating someone, you say: 'Main unka anukaran kar raha hoon' (I am imitating them).
वह अपनी बड़ी बहन का अनुकरण करती है। (She imitates her elder sister.)
In passive or descriptive contexts, it can be used to describe a phenomenon. For instance, in a science report, one might write about how a certain chemical reaction is an imitation of a natural process. Here, it functions as a pure noun. It is important to note that 'anukaran' is a masculine noun. Therefore, any adjectives modifying it must be in the masculine form (e.g., 'andhaa anukaran' - blind imitation).
हमें पश्चिमी संस्कृति का अंधा अनुकरण नहीं करना चाहिए। (We should not blindly imitate Western culture.)
लेखक ने पुरानी शैली का अनुकरण किया है। (The writer has imitated the old style.)
- Formal vs Informal
- In informal speech, people might say 'nakal utarna'. In formal writing, always prefer 'anukaran karna'.
सफलता के लिए महापुरुषों का अनुकरण करें। (Imitate great men for success.)
यह पेंटिंग मूल कृति का एक कुशल अनुकरण है। (This painting is a skillful imitation of the original work.)
While अनुकरण (Anukaran) might not be the first word you hear in a vegetable market, it is ubiquitous in several specific spheres of Indian life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word's weight and intent. It is a 'high-register' word, meaning it carries a certain level of education and formality with it.
- Educational Settings
- Teachers often use this word during 'Anukaran Vaachan' (imitative reading), where students repeat sentences after the teacher to perfect their pronunciation and rhythm.
कक्षा में अनुकरण वाचन बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। (Imitative reading is very important in the classroom.)
In news broadcasts and political debates, you will hear anukaran used to criticize or praise policies. A commentator might say that India should not 'blindly imitate' foreign economic models. Conversely, a leader's 'anukaraniya' (exemplary) courage might be praised during a tribute. In the world of spirituality and religion, followers are often encouraged to perform 'anukaran' of the lives of saints or deities, focusing on their virtues rather than just their outward appearance.
हमें उनके आदर्शों का अनुकरण करना चाहिए। (We should imitate their ideals.)
अरस्तू का अनुकरण सिद्धांत साहित्य में प्रसिद्ध है। (Aristotle's theory of imitation is famous in literature.)
- Science and Tech
- In modern Hindi tech articles, 'anukaran' is used for 'simulation' or 'emulation' (like an Android emulator or a flight simulator).
यह सॉफ्टवेयर वास्तविक परिस्थिति का अनुकरण करता है। (This software imitates/simulates real situations.)
तोता मनुष्य की आवाज़ का अनुकरण कर सकता है। (A parrot can imitate human voice.)
The most frequent mistake learners make with अनुकरण (Anukaran) is confusing it with its close cousin, अनुसरण (Anusaran). While they look and sound similar, their meanings have a distinct boundary. Anukaran is about 'copying the action or appearance' (imitation), whereas Anusaran is about 'following a path, a rule, or an instruction' (following).
- Anukaran vs Anusaran
- If you walk exactly like your father, it is anukaran. If you follow the rules your father set for the house, it is anusaran.
नियमों का अनुसरण करें, शैली का अनुकरण नहीं। (Follow the rules, don't imitate the style.)
Another common error is grammatical. Learners often forget the postposition 'ka' (का) and try to use it like an English verb. You cannot say 'Main unhe anukaran karta hoon' (I imitate them); you must say 'Main unka anukaran karta hoon' (I do the imitation of them). The word anukaran is a noun, and in Hindi, many English verbs are expressed as 'Noun + karna'.
गलत: वह शिक्षक अनुकरण करता है। सही: वह शिक्षक का अनुकरण करता है।
परीक्षा में नकल करना दंडनीय है, लेकिन कला में अनुकरण एक साधना है। (Cheating in exams is punishable, but imitation in art is a discipline.)
- Gender Agreement
- Since 'anukaran' is masculine, ensure your adjectives agree. Use 'achha anukaran' (good imitation), not 'achhi anukaran'.
यह एक सटीक अनुकरण है। (This is an accurate imitation.)
गायकों को दूसरों की आवाज़ का अनुकरण करने के बजाय अपनी मौलिकता ढूंढनी चाहिए। (Singers should find their originality instead of imitating others' voices.)
To truly master अनुकरण (Anukaran), you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of Hindi synonyms. Hindi has a rich vocabulary for 'copying' and 'following,' each with its own flavor. By choosing the right alternative, you can express subtle differences in intent and formality.
- नकल (Nakal)
- The most common word for 'copy'. It is informal and often implies cheating or lack of skill. Example: 'Usne meri nakal ki' (He copied me).
- अनुसरण (Anusaran)
- Means 'following'. Used for following advice, paths, or traditions. Example: 'Marg ka anusaran karein' (Follow the path).
- प्रतिरूपण (Pratiroopan)
- A highly technical term for 'modeling' or 'representation'. Often used in science and mathematics.
सच्चा अनुकरण केवल बाहरी नहीं होता। (True imitation is not just external.)
When should you use anukaran over nakal? Use it when the act of copying is part of a learning process or a creative endeavor. For instance, in a music class, the teacher might say, 'Mere swaron ka anukaran karo' (Imitate my notes). This sounds professional and encouraging. If the teacher said 'Meri nakal karo', it might sound like they are asking you to mock them.
किसी की सफलता का अनुकरण करना अच्छी बात है। (It is a good thing to emulate someone's success.)
प्रकृति का अनुकरण ही कला का आधार है। (The imitation of nature is the basis of art.)
- Comparing 'Anukaran' and 'Pratilipi'
- 'Pratilipi' means a 'copy' or 'transcript' (like a photocopy). 'Anukaran' is the act of imitating, while 'Pratilipi' is the result or the document.
लेखक ने अपनी शैली में पुराने कवियों का अनुकरण किया है। (The writer has imitated old poets in his style.)
हमें दूसरों की गलतियों का अनुकरण नहीं करना चाहिए। (We should not imitate the mistakes of others.)
Examples by Level
बच्चा पिता का अनुकरण करता है।
The child imitates the father.
Simple subject + object + verb structure.
मेरी आवाज़ का अनुकरण मत करो।
Do not imitate my voice.
Negative imperative 'mat' used.
वह शिक्षक का अनुकरण कर रहा है।
He is imitating the teacher.
Present continuous tense.
क्या आप मेरा अनुकरण कर सकते हैं?
Can you imitate me?
Interrogative sentence with 'sakna' (can).
अनुकरण करना आसान है।
It is easy to imitate.
Infinitive as a subject.
वे बंदरों का अनुकरण करते हैं।
They imitate monkeys.
Plural subject.
तोता अनुकरण करता है।
The parrot imitates.
Simple present tense.
हम सब अनुकरण करते हैं।
We all imitate.
Inclusive 'hum sab'.
बच्चे खेल-खेल में बड़ों का अनुकरण करते हैं।
Children imitate elders while playing.
Adverbial phrase 'khel-khel mein'.
अच्छे लोगों का अनुकरण करना चाहिए।
One should imitate good people.
Use of 'chahiye' for suggestion.
उसने गायक की शैली का अनुकरण किया।
He imitated the singer's style.
Past tense 'kiya'.
क्या रोबोट इंसान का अनुकरण कर सकता है?
Can a robot imitate a human?
Question with 'kya' at the start.
पक्षी अपनी माँ का अनुकरण करते हैं।
Birds imitate their mother.
Noun-adjective agreement 'apni'.
भाषा सीखने के लिए अनुकरण ज़रूरी है।
Imitation is necessary for learning a language.
Noun phrase as subject.
वह अपनी माँ के चलने का अनुकरण करती है।
She imitates her mother's walk.
Gerundial use 'chalne ka'.
हमें गलत बातों का अनुकरण नहीं करना चाहिए।
We should not imitate wrong things.
Negative suggestion.
कलाकार ने प्रकृति का सुंदर अनुकरण किया है।
The artist has beautifully imitated nature.
Present perfect tense.
विद्यार्थियों को शिक्षक के उच्चारण का अनुकरण करना चाहिए।
Students should imitate the teacher's pronunciation.
Compound noun 'shikshak ke uccharan'.
उसने बिना सोचे-समझे उसका अनुकरण किया।
He imitated him without thinking.
Adverbial phrase 'bina soche-samjhe'.
यह फिल्म एक विदेशी कहानी का अनुकरण है।
This movie is an imitation of a foreign story.
Noun complement.
समाज में बड़ों का अनुकरण स्वाभाविक है।
Imitating elders is natural in society.
Adjective 'swabhavik'.
क्या आप इस तकनीक का अनुकरण कर सकते हैं?
Can you replicate/imitate this technique?
Formal address 'aap'.
लेखक ने प्रेमचंद की शैली का अनुकरण करने की कोशिश की।
The writer tried to imitate Premchand's style.
Infinitive within an infinitive 'karne ki koshish'.
अनुकरण सीखने की प्रक्रिया का एक हिस्सा है।
Imitation is a part of the learning process.
Complex noun phrase.
पश्चिमी जीवनशैली का अंधा अनुकरण समाज के लिए हानिकारक हो सकता है।
Blind imitation of Western lifestyle can be harmful to society.
Use of 'andha' (blind) as a modifier.
वैज्ञानिकों ने प्रयोगशाला में सौर ऊर्जा का अनुकरण किया।
Scientists simulated solar energy in the laboratory.
Technical context for 'simulation'.
उसका व्यवहार इतना अनुकरणीय है कि सब उसकी तारीफ करते हैं।
His behavior is so exemplary that everyone praises him.
Use of adjective 'anukaraniya'.
अभिनेता ने ऐतिहासिक पात्र का सटीक अनुकरण किया।
The actor accurately imitated the historical character.
Adjective 'sateek' (accurate).
हमें केवल बाहरी चमक-धमक का अनुकरण नहीं करना चाहिए।
We should not just imitate the external glitter/glamour.
Compound word 'chamak-dhamak'.
यह सॉफ्टवेयर मानव मस्तिष्क की गतिविधियों का अनुकरण करता है।
This software imitates/simulates human brain activities.
Scientific register.
किसी की सफलता का अनुकरण करना प्रेरणादायक हो सकता है।
Emulating someone's success can be inspiring.
Gerundial subject.
कविता में भावनाओं का अनुकरण ही मुख्य तत्व है।
The imitation of emotions is the main element in poetry.
Aesthetic context.
अरस्तू के अनुसार, कला वास्तव में जीवन का अनुकरण है।
According to Aristotle, art is essentially an imitation of life.
Reference to 'Anukaran Siddhant'.
साहित्यिक चोरी और रचनात्मक अनुकरण के बीच एक महीन रेखा होती है।
There is a fine line between plagiarism and creative imitation.
Abstract comparison.
शास्त्रीय नृत्य में गुरु की मुद्राओं का सटीक अनुकरण अनिवार्य है।
In classical dance, accurate imitation of the guru's mudras is mandatory.
High formal register.
उसने अपनी रचना में कालिदास की उपमाओं का अनुकरण किया है।
He has imitated Kalidasa's similes in his work.
Literary allusion.
आधुनिक तकनीक प्राकृतिक प्रक्रियाओं के अनुकरण पर आधारित है।
Modern technology is based on the imitation of natural processes.
Passive-style construction.
राजनीति में अक्सर पुराने नारों का अनुकरण देखा जाता है।
Imitation of old slogans is often seen in politics.
Passive voice 'dekha jata hai'.
क्या यह केवल एक अनुकरण है या इसमें कोई मौलिकता भी है?
Is this just an imitation or is there some originality in it as well?
Rhetorical question.
मनोविज्ञान में अनुकरण को सामाजिक अधिगम का आधार माना गया है।
In psychology, imitation is considered the basis of social learning.
Academic passive voice.
अनुकरण की यह प्रवृत्ति मानव सभ्यता के क्रमिक विकास का परिचायक है।
This tendency of imitation is indicative of the gradual evolution of human civilization.
Complex Sanskritized Hindi.
उत्तर-आधुनिकतावाद में अनुकरण और वास्तविकता का भेद समाप्त हो जाता है।
In postmodernism, the distinction between imitation and reality dissolves.
Philosophical discourse.
लेखक ने व्यंग्य के माध्यम से समाज के पाखंडपूर्ण अनुकरण पर प्रहार किया है।
The author has attacked the hypocritical imitation of society through satire.
Literary analysis.
सिमुलेशन तकनीक वास्तव में जटिल प्रणालियों का गणितीय अनुकरण ही है।
Simulation technology is essentially the mathematical imitation of complex systems.
Scientific definition.
भारतीय दर्शन में अनुकरण को सत्य तक पहुँचने का एक साधन माना गया है।
In Indian philosophy, imitation is considered a means to reach the truth.
Philosophical register.
वह अपनी कला में यथार्थ का अनुकरण नहीं, बल्कि उसका पुनर्सृजन करता है।
He does not imitate reality in his art, but rather recreates it.
Contrastive structure.
सांस्कृतिक वैश्वीकरण के दौर में स्थानीय संस्कृतियाँ वैश्विक प्रतिमानों का अनुकरण कर रही हैं।
In the era of cultural globalization, local cultures are imitating global paradigms.
Sociological terminology.
ध्वन्यात्मक अनुकरण के माध्यम से कवि ने प्रकृति की आवाज़ों को जीवंत कर दिया है।
Through phonetic imitation (onomatopoeia), the poet has brought the sounds of nature to life.
Technical literary term.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More academic words
आचार्य
B1A respected teacher, scholar, or professor.
आगे चलकर
B1At a later or subsequent time; in the future.
आकलन
B1The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone.
आकलन करना
B1To assess; to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
आँकना
B1To estimate or calculate the value, quantity, or extent of something.
आंकना
B1To assess, estimate, evaluate.
आंकड़ा
A2Data; facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
आँकड़े
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
आँकड़ा
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis; data.
आंकड़े
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
