This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
अपेक्षा

A2 noun #3,000 most common 11 min read

अपेक्षा

apeksha Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips अपेक्षा in 30 Seconds

Explanation अपेक्षा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) directly very often, as it is a bit more advanced than the basic 'se' used for comparison. However, it's important to recognize it in simple sentences. At this stage, think of it as a fancy way of saying 'than'. For example, if you see 'Chai ki apekshā coffee acchi hai,' just know it means 'Coffee is better than tea.' You should also know that it relates to 'wanting' or 'expecting' something. If a teacher says 'Apekshā,' they are probably talking about what they want from you. Focus on the sound 'a-pek-shaa' and remember it is a feminine word. You don't need to master the complex grammar yet, just recognize that 'ki apekshā' is a signal that two things are being compared. It is like looking at two things and pointing to the one you prefer or the one that is 'more' of something.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) in basic comparisons. Instead of always using 'se' (like 'Sita se Gita lambi hai'), try using 'Sita ki apekshā Gita lambi hai'. This makes your Hindi sound more natural and less like a beginner's. You should also understand the 'expectation' meaning in simple phrases like 'Mujhe apekshā hai' (I expect/I have an expectation). You will likely hear this word in classroom settings or when people are talking about their hopes for a holiday or a meal. Remember the structure: [Thing 1] + ki + apekshā + [Thing 2]. This is a stable formula you can use. Also, be aware of the word 'upekshā' (neglect) so you don't confuse the two. If you see 'apekshā' in a text, look for 'ki' nearby; if it's there, it's a comparison. If not, it's likely an 'expectation'.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) to express more complex thoughts. You should be able to talk about social expectations. For example, 'Samaj ki apekshāen' (The expectations of society). You can use it to discuss requirements for a job or a task: 'Is naukri mein mehnat ki apekshā hai' (In this job, hard work is expected/required). You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'apekshāen'. At this level, you can start using the adverbial form 'apekshakrit' (comparatively). For instance, 'Aaj mausam apekshakrit thanda hai' (Today the weather is comparatively cold). This shows you can modulate your descriptions. You should also understand the difference between 'apekshā' and 'ummeed' (hope). 'Ummeed' is more for your personal feelings, while 'apekshā' is for standards or logical outcomes. You are moving from simple sentences to expressing relationships between ideas.

At the B2 level, 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) becomes a tool for nuanced argument and formal writing. You should use it in essays or debates to contrast different viewpoints. 'Pichle dashak ki apekshā, vartaman mein taknik ka prabhav badha hai' (Compared to the last decade, the influence of technology has increased in the present). You should also understand its use in legal or official contexts. For example, 'kanooni apekshāen' (legal requirements). You should be able to use the phrasal verb 'apekshā karna' fluently in different tenses, remembering that the verb agrees with the object in the past tense if 'ne' is used (though 'apekshā' itself is feminine, so 'usne apekshā ki' is the standard). You can now distinguish between 'apekshā' and more literary terms like 'ākānkshā' (aspiration). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of social hierarchy and formal standards.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) in all its forms. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts, such as 'Apekshā-bhav' (the state of having expectations) and how it leads to human suffering. You should be able to read and analyze high-level literature where 'apekshā' might be used metaphorically. You understand that in Sanskrit-based Hindi, 'apekshā' can also mean 'reference' or 'regard'. For example, 'is sandarbh ki apekshā mein' (with regard to this context). You can use the word to create complex, multi-clause sentences that compare abstract theories or historical movements. You are also aware of the etymological roots and how they influence the word's current usage. Your speech should use 'apekshā' to sound authoritative, academic, and precise. You can switch between 'apekshā', 'tulnā', and 'ummeed' seamlessly to match the register of your audience.

At the C2 level, 'अपेक्षा' (apekshā) is a word you manipulate with stylistic flair. You understand its role in 'Shuddh Hindi' (pure Hindi) movements and can use it to maintain a high linguistic register. You can engage in deep philological discussions about how 'apekshā' functions as a 'shabda-shakti' (power of the word) in Indian aesthetics. You are capable of using it in complex legal drafting or academic theses where the distinction between 'apekshā' (requirement/standard) and 'pratyāshā' (anticipation) is vital. You can identify and use archaic or highly specialized forms of the word found in classical texts. For you, 'apekshā' is not just a vocabulary item but a conceptual framework for understanding relativity and human desire in the Hindi-speaking world. You can effortlessly use it to critique social structures or to provide a nuanced comparison of subtle emotional states in literary criticism.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

अपेक्षा in 30 Seconds

Apekshā is a feminine noun meaning 'expectation' or 'comparison'.
Use 'ki apekshā' to compare two things formally in Hindi.
It comes from Sanskrit and is common in formal and professional speech.
Do not confuse it with 'upekshā', which means neglect or disregard.

The Hindi word अपेक्षा (apekshā) is a multifaceted noun that serves as a bridge between comparison and desire. At its core, it originates from the Sanskrit root 'apa' + 'īkṣ', which literally translates to 'looking away' or 'looking towards something else.' In modern Hindi, this translates into two primary functions: the act of comparing one thing to another and the state of expecting or hoping for something from someone. Understanding this word is crucial for any Hindi learner because it appears in everything from daily gossip to high-level academic discourse. When you use it for comparison, it functions much like the English word 'than' or 'as compared to.' When you use it to express expectation, it captures the emotional weight of what we anticipate from our friends, family, or even ourselves. It is a feminine noun, which influences the adjectives and verbs that surround it in a sentence.

Grammatical Category: Feminine Noun (स्त्रीलिंग)
Primary Meaning: Expectation, hope, or requirement.
Secondary Meaning: Comparison (used with the postposition 'ki' to mean 'in comparison with').

In a social context, 'apekshā' is often used to discuss the standards we set. For instance, in Indian families, there are often high 'apekshāen' (plural) regarding education and career. This isn't just a casual want; it's a structural expectation. Conversely, in a scientific or descriptive context, you might hear a scientist say that one result is better 'ki apekshā' (than) another. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word. It conveys a sense of looking forward to a result or looking at two things side-by-side to judge their merit. It is formal enough for literature but common enough for a mother to use when speaking to her child about their grades.

मुझे आपसे यह अपेक्षा नहीं थी। (I did not have this expectation from you.)

आज कल की अपेक्षा कल अधिक गर्मी थी। (Yesterday was hotter compared to today.)

सफलता के लिए कठिन परिश्रम की अपेक्षा होती है। (Hard work is expected/required for success.)

उसकी अपेक्षाएँ बहुत ऊँची हैं। (His expectations are very high.)

गाँव की अपेक्षा शहर में शोर ज़्यादा है। (There is more noise in the city compared to the village.)

Furthermore, 'apekshā' is intrinsically linked to the concept of 'upekshā' (neglect), which is its antonym. While 'apekshā' is a looking-toward or a valuing, 'upekshā' is a looking-away or a devaluing. In philosophical texts, 'apekshā' is discussed as a mental state that can lead to disappointment if not managed. In a world of social media, 'apekshāen' are often criticized for being unrealistic. In business, 'apekshā' is used to define key performance indicators (KPIs) or client requirements. It is a word that spans the entire spectrum of human experience—from the mundane task of choosing a better fruit at the market to the profound act of hoping for a better future. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to express complex relative thoughts and deep personal desires in Hindi.

Register: Neutral to Formal. It is rarely used in very slangy contexts but is standard in all professional and polite conversations.
Frequency: Extremely high. It is one of the top 1000 words used in written Hindi.

Using अपेक्षा (apekshā) correctly requires a bit of grammatical agility, particularly because it changes its role based on the surrounding postpositions. Let's break down the two main structural patterns. The first pattern is the 'Comparison Pattern'. Here, you use the phrase X की अपेक्षा Y... which means 'Compared to X, Y is...'. For example, 'Sita ki apekshā Gita lambi hai' (Gita is taller compared to Sita). Note that 'apekshā' doesn't change based on the gender of the subjects (Sita or Gita), but 'ki' is essential because 'apekshā' is a feminine noun. This construction is more formal than using 'se' (the basic comparative marker in Hindi).

Pattern 1: Comparison: [Noun A] + की + अपेक्षा + [Noun B] + [Adjective/Verb].

The second pattern is the 'Expectation Pattern'. In this context, 'apekshā' acts as a direct object or a subject. You might say 'Mujhe apekshā hai' (I have an expectation/I expect). Here, the person having the expectation is usually marked with the postposition 'ko' or 'se'. For example, 'Sarkar se hamen bahut apekshāen hain' (We have many expectations from the government). Note the pluralization to 'apekshāen' here, as expectations are often multiple. You can also use it as a requirement: 'Is kaam mein savdhani ki apekshā hai' (Caution is expected/required in this work).

राम की अपेक्षा श्याम अधिक बुद्धिमान है। (Shyam is more intelligent compared to Ram.)

क्या आपको मुझसे कोई अपेक्षा है? (Do you have any expectation from me?)

पिछले साल की अपेक्षा इस साल फ़सल अच्छी हुई है। (Compared to last year, the harvest is good this year.)

When writing, remember that 'apekshā' is often followed by 'karna' (to expect) or 'hona' (to be expected/required). For instance, 'Hum aapse imandari ki apekshā karte hain' (We expect honesty from you). Here, 'ki' connects 'imandari' (honesty) to 'apekshā'. This 'Noun + ki + apekshā + karna' is a very common phrasal verb structure. In more advanced usage, you might see 'apekshakrit' (comparatively), which is an adverbial form of the word. For example, 'Yeh kaam apekshakrit mushkil hai' (This work is comparatively difficult). This shows how the root word 'apekshā' expands into various parts of speech to provide precision to your Hindi communication.

Pattern 2: Expectation: [Subject] + को/से + [Object] + की + अपेक्षा + [Verb (hona/karna)].

If you walk into a corporate office in Gurgaon or Bangalore, you will hear अपेक्षा (apekshā) during performance reviews. Managers use it to outline what they expect from their team. 'Hamari apekshāen spasht hain' (Our expectations are clear) is a common refrain. It’s a word that carries professional weight. In the news, you’ll hear it during economic reports. For example, 'Mahangai dar pichle mahine ki apekshā kam hui hai' (The inflation rate has decreased compared to last month). News anchors love 'apekshā' because it sounds more objective and authoritative than the simpler word 'se'.

कंपनी को आपसे बेहतर प्रदर्शन की अपेक्षा है। (The company expects better performance from you.)

In Hindi cinema (Bollywood), 'apekshā' is often used in dramatic dialogues between parents and children or lovers. A father might say, 'Mujhe tumse yeh apekshā nahi thi' (I didn't expect this from you) after a child fails or makes a mistake. This usage highlights the emotional burden the word can carry. It’s not just a logical expectation; it’s a moral one. You’ll also find it in literature and poetry, where it’s used to compare the beauty of a beloved to the moon or flowers, though 'tulnā' is also common there. 'Apekshā' adds a layer of 'looking toward' or 'desiring' that 'tulnā' (simple comparison) lacks.

जनता को नई सरकार से बहुत अपेक्षाएँ हैं। (The public has high expectations from the new government.)

In academic settings, 'apekshā' is ubiquitous. Textbooks use it to compare historical eras, scientific results, or literary styles. If you are reading a Hindi newspaper like 'Dainik Jagran' or 'Navbharat Times', look at the editorial section. Writers use 'apekshā' to contrast current social issues with ideal scenarios. It is also used in legal contexts to describe the 'reasonable expectation' of a citizen or a contract. Essentially, anywhere there is a need for comparison or the setting of a standard, 'apekshā' is the go-to word. It is a bridge between the 'is' and the 'should be'.

Common Setting: Education: Teachers use it to set goals for students: 'Hamen tumse acche anko ki apekshā hai' (We expect good marks from you).
Common Setting: Shopping: Comparing prices: 'Is dukaan ki apekshā wahan sasta hai' (It is cheaper there compared to this shop).

The most common and potentially embarrassing mistake for Hindi learners is confusing अपेक्षा (apekshā) with उपेक्षा (upekshā). While they sound very similar, their meanings are nearly opposite. 'Apekshā' means expectation or comparison, whereas 'Upekshā' means neglect or disregard. If you tell your boss, 'Mujhe aapse upekshā hai,' you are accidentally saying 'I neglect you' or 'I expect neglect from you,' which is definitely not what you want in a professional setting! Always remember: 'A' for 'Addition/Expectation' and 'U' for 'Under-valuing/Neglect'.

Correct: मुझे आपसे मदद की अपेक्षा है। (I expect help from you.)

Incorrect: उसने मेरी अपेक्षा की। (He expected me - sounds incomplete). He meant: उसने मेरी उपेक्षा की। (He neglected me.)

Another frequent error involves the postposition. Learners often use 'se' when they should use 'ki apekshā' for formal comparisons. While 'Ram se Shyam bada hai' is grammatically correct for 'Shyam is older than Ram,' using 'Ram ki apekshā' makes your Hindi sound more sophisticated. However, you cannot just say 'Ram apekshā'. The 'ki' is non-negotiable because 'apekshā' is a noun, and you are creating a possessive link (literally 'of the expectation of Ram'). If you omit 'ki', the sentence falls apart.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 'apekshā' is feminine. This means if you are using it as a subject, the verb must be feminine. 'Meri apekshā puri hui' (My expectation was fulfilled) is correct, while 'Mera apekshā pura hua' is incorrect. Even though the person expecting might be male, the word 'apekshā' remains feminine. This 'gender of the noun vs. gender of the speaker' confusion is a classic hurdle in Hindi, and 'apekshā' is a prime example of where students trip up. Pay close attention to the 'i' endings in adjectives and verbs associated with it.

Mistake: Wrong Gender: Saying 'Bada apekshā' instead of 'Badi apekshā' (Great expectation).
Mistake: Missing 'Ki': Saying 'Aaj apekshā kal thanda hai' instead of 'Aaj ki apekshā...'.

Hindi is rich with synonyms, and अपेक्षा (apekshā) has several, depending on whether you mean 'comparison' or 'expectation.' For comparison, the most direct alternative is तुलना (tulnā). While 'apekshā' is often used as a postpositional phrase ('ki apekshā'), 'tulnā' is usually used with 'karna' (to compare). You would say 'Main dono ki tulnā kar raha hoon' (I am comparing the two). 'Tulnā' is more clinical and direct, whereas 'apekshā' is often used to show a preference or a relative state.

अपेक्षा vs. तुलना (Comparison): 'Apekshā' is 'than/compared to' (preposition-like), while 'Tulnā' is 'comparison' (the act itself).

When it comes to 'expectation,' the most common alternative is उम्मीद (ummeed). 'Ummeed' is an Urdu-origin word that is extremely common in daily life. It feels slightly more emotional and informal than 'apekshā'. You might have 'ummeed' that it will rain, but a boss has 'apekshā' that you will finish the report. Another word is आशा (āshā), which means 'hope.' 'Āshā' is more positive and spiritual. You 'āshā' for world peace, but you 'apekshā' that your car will start in the morning. 'Apekshā' has a slight sense of 'requirement' or 'standard' that 'ummeed' and 'āshā' lack.

मुझे आपसे बहुत उम्मीदें हैं। (I have many hopes/expectations from you - Emotional/Informal.)

दोनों चित्रों की तुलना कीजिए। (Compare both the pictures - Clinical/Instructional.)

In very formal or literary Hindi, you might encounter आकांक्षा (ākānkshā), which means 'aspiration' or 'strong desire.' This is even more intense than 'apekshā'. While 'apekshā' is what you expect will happen or should happen, 'ākānkshā' is what you deeply long for. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning—from the clinical 'tulnā' to the emotional 'ummeed' to the formal 'apekshā' and the intense 'ākānkshā'—will allow you to express yourself with the precision of a native speaker. Each word has its own place in the social hierarchy of the Hindi language.

आकांक्षा (Aspiration): High-level desire, often used for career or life goals.
प्रत्याशा (Pratyāshā): Anticipation (very formal/academic).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'iksh' is the same root found in 'pariksha' (exam - looking around) and 'upeksha' (neglect - looking down/away). It's all about where you point your eyes!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ə.peːk.ʂɑː/

US /ə.peɪk.ʃɑː/

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

Rhymes With

समीक्षा (samīkṣā) परीक्षा (parīkṣā) शिक्षा (śikṣā) दीक्षा (dīkṣā) भिक्षा (bhikṣā) प्रतीक्षा (pratīkṣā) उपेक्षा (upekṣā) अभिलाषा (abhilāṣā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ksh' as a simple 's' (apeksa).
Pronouncing the first 'a' too long like 'aa-peksha'.
Missing the retroflexion in 'sha'.
Pronouncing 'pek' as 'pick'.
Ending the word with a short 'a' instead of the long 'aa'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to recognize but requires context to distinguish between comparison and expectation.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct use of 'ki' and feminine gender agreement.

Speaking 5/5

The 'ksh' cluster can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 4/5

Commonly heard, but must be distinguished from 'upekshā'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

तुलना (Comparison) से (Than/From) आशा (Hope) की (Of - feminine) करना (To do)

Learn Next

उपेक्षा (Neglect) अपेक्षित (Expected) सापेक्ष (Relative) प्रतीक्षा (Wait) अनुकूल (Accordance)

Advanced

प्रत्याशा (Anticipation) आकांक्षा (Aspiration) निरपेक्ष (Absolute) समीक्षा (Review) परिप्रेक्ष्य (Perspective)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (My - fem) अपेक्षा पूरी हुई (was fulfilled - fem).

Comparative Postposition

A की अपेक्षा B... (B compared to A).

Pluralization of Feminine Nouns ending in 'aa'

अपेक्षा -> अपेक्षाएँ (Adding -en).

Compound Verb with 'Karna'

अपेक्षा करना (To expect) - functions as a single verbal unit.

Indirect Subject with 'Ko'

मुझको आपसे अपेक्षा है (I have an expectation from you).

Examples by Level

चाय की अपेक्षा कॉफ़ी गरम है।

Coffee is hot compared to tea.

Uses 'ki apekshā' for simple comparison.

मुझे आपसे अपेक्षा है।

I have an expectation from you.

Basic use of 'apekshā' as a noun.

राम की अपेक्षा श्याम लंबा है।

Shyam is tall compared to Ram.

'ki apekshā' replaces 'se' for comparison.

यह घर उस घर की अपेक्षा बड़ा है।

This house is big compared to that house.

Comparing two objects.

क्या आपको मदद की अपेक्षा है?

Do you expect help?

Using 'ki' to connect the object of expectation.

आज की अपेक्षा कल ठंड थी।

It was cold yesterday compared to today.

Comparing time periods.

मेरी अपेक्षाएँ कम हैं।

My expectations are few.

Plural feminine form 'apekshāen'.

फल की अपेक्षा मिठाई मीठी है।

Sweets are sweeter compared to fruit.

Simple comparison of qualities.

गाँव की अपेक्षा शहर में बहुत शोर है।

There is a lot of noise in the city compared to the village.

Comparing environments.

मुझे अच्छे मौसम की अपेक्षा थी।

I was expecting good weather.

Past tense 'thi' agreeing with feminine 'apekshā'.

इस किताब की अपेक्षा वह किताब आसान है।

That book is easy compared to this book.

Comparing difficulty.

माता-पिता को बच्चों से अपेक्षा होती है।

Parents have expectations from children.

General truth using 'hoti hai'.

बस की अपेक्षा ट्रेन तेज़ चलती है।

Trains run fast compared to buses.

Comparing speed of transport.

मुझे आपसे यह अपेक्षा नहीं थी।

I did not expect this from you.

Negative expectation.

हिंदी की अपेक्षा अंग्रेजी कठिन है।

English is difficult compared to Hindi.

Comparing languages.

सस्ते खाने की अपेक्षा अच्छा खाना बेहतर है।

Good food is better than cheap food.

Comparing quality and value.

पिछले साल की अपेक्षा इस साल मुनाफ़ा अधिक हुआ है।

There has been more profit this year compared to last year.

Business context comparison.

विद्यार्थियों से अनुशासन की अपेक्षा की जाती है।

Discipline is expected from students.

Passive construction 'ki jati hai'.

यह काम अपेक्षा से अधिक समय ले रहा है।

This work is taking more time than expected.

'Apekshā se' meaning 'than expected'.

हमें अपने मित्रों से ईमानदारी की अपेक्षा रखनी चाहिए।

We should keep an expectation of honesty from our friends.

Using 'rakhna' (to keep/have) with apekshā.

पुराने फ़ोन की अपेक्षा नया फ़ोन हल्का है।

The new phone is light compared to the old phone.

Comparing physical attributes.

उसकी सफलता उसकी अपेक्षाओं से बड़ी थी।

His success was greater than his expectations.

Plural possessive 'apekshaon'.

शहर की अपेक्षा गाँवों में प्रदूषण कम होता है।

Pollution is less in villages compared to cities.

Social/Environmental comparison.

क्या आप मुझसे किसी विशेष चीज़ की अपेक्षा करते हैं?

Do you expect anything special from me?

Using 'karna' as a verb.

आधुनिक युग में धैर्य की अपेक्षा कम होती जा रही है।

In the modern era, the expectation of patience is decreasing.

Abstract social commentary.

सिद्धांत की अपेक्षा व्यवहार अधिक महत्वपूर्ण है।

Practice is more important than theory.

Philosophical comparison.

सरकार को जनता की अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरना होगा।

The government will have to live up to the public's expectations.

Idiom 'khara utarna' (to live up to).

अपेक्षाकृत कम लागत में बेहतर परिणाम प्राप्त हुए।

Better results were obtained at a comparatively lower cost.

Using the adverb 'apekshakrit'.

लेखक ने समाज की अपेक्षाओं का चित्रण किया है।

The author has depicted the expectations of society.

Literary analysis context.

इस योजना से हमें बहुत अपेक्षाएँ थीं, पर वे पूरी नहीं हुईं।

We had high expectations from this plan, but they weren't fulfilled.

Complex past tense with plural feminine noun.

स्वस्थ रहने के लिए अच्छे खान-पान की अपेक्षा होती है।

Good diet is expected/required for staying healthy.

'apekshā hona' as 'to be required'.

उसका व्यवहार मेरी अपेक्षा के अनुकूल नहीं था।

His behavior was not in accordance with my expectation.

Using 'ke anukul' (according to).

मानवीय संबंधों में अपेक्षाओं का बोझ अक्सर दूरियाँ पैदा करता है।

In human relationships, the burden of expectations often creates distances.

Complex philosophical sentence.

वैज्ञानिक प्रयोगों में सटीकता की अपेक्षा सर्वोपरि होती है।

In scientific experiments, the requirement for accuracy is paramount.

Formal academic register.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में कृति की अपेक्षा रचनाकार के व्यक्तित्व पर ध्यान देना अनुचित है।

In literary criticism, it is improper to focus on the creator's personality rather than the work.

High-level literary critique.

आर्थिक सुधारों की गति अपेक्षा के अनुरूप नहीं रही।

The pace of economic reforms has not been in line with expectations.

Economic/Political formal usage.

वह अपनी योग्यताओं की अपेक्षा अधिक विनम्र है।

He is more humble than his abilities would suggest.

Nuanced personality description.

अपेक्षाकृत छोटे बदलाव भी बड़े परिणाम ला सकते हैं।

Even comparatively small changes can bring large results.

Advanced adverbial use.

न्यायपालिका से निष्पक्षता की अपेक्षा की जाती है।

Impartiality is expected from the judiciary.

Institutional/Legal context.

क्या यह निर्णय तर्क की अपेक्षा भावनाओं पर आधारित है?

Is this decision based on emotions rather than logic?

Rhetorical/Philosophical question.

अपेक्षाकृत विश्लेषण ही सत्य के निकट पहुँचने का एकमात्र मार्ग है।

Comparative analysis is the only way to reach near the truth.

Epistemological statement.

वैश्वीकरण ने सांस्कृतिक अपेक्षाओं के प्रतिमानों को बदल दिया है।

Globalization has changed the paradigms of cultural expectations.

Sociological high register.

काव्य की रसानुभूति में पाठक की मानसिक अपेक्षा का विशेष महत्व है।

In the aesthetic experience of poetry, the reader's mental expectation holds special importance.

Aesthetic/Literary theory.

किसी भी सभ्यता का मूल्यांकन उसकी भौतिक प्रगति की अपेक्षा उसके नैतिक मूल्यों से होना चाहिए।

Any civilization should be evaluated by its moral values rather than its material progress.

Ethical/Historical discourse.

अपेक्षाकृत न्यून निवेश के बावजूद, परियोजना ने अभूतपूर्व सफलता प्राप्त की।

Despite comparatively low investment, the project achieved unprecedented success.

Advanced business/formal syntax.

विधिक प्रक्रियाओं में 'उचित अपेक्षा' (Reasonable Expectation) का सिद्धांत अत्यंत जटिल है।

In legal processes, the principle of 'Reasonable Expectation' is extremely complex.

Legal terminology.

दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण से, अपेक्षा ही समस्त दुखों का मूल है।

From a philosophical perspective, expectation itself is the root of all suffering.

Metaphysical assertion.

इस शोध पत्र में पूर्ववर्ती अध्ययनों की अपेक्षा अधिक व्यापक डेटा का उपयोग किया गया है।

In this research paper, more comprehensive data has been used compared to previous studies.

Academic research register.

Common Collocations

अपेक्षा करना

की अपेक्षा

अपेक्षा रखना

अपेक्षा के अनुरूप

अपेक्षा के विपरीत

बड़ी अपेक्षाएँ

न्यूनतम अपेक्षा

सामाजिक अपेक्षाएँ

अपेक्षा से अधिक

अपेक्षा से कम

Common Phrases

अपेक्षाकृत

— Comparatively or relatively. It is an adverb formed from the root.

आज अपेक्षाकृत गर्मी कम है।

अपेक्षाओं का बोझ

— The burden of expectations. Often used in family or social contexts.

बच्चों पर अपेक्षाओं का बोझ मत डालो।

अपेक्षा के बिना

— Without expectation. Doing something selflessly.

अपेक्षा के बिना काम करो।

परस्पर अपेक्षा

— Mutual expectation. What two parties expect from each other.

रिश्तों में परस्पर अपेक्षा होती है।

अपेक्षा करना व्यर्थ है

— It is useless to expect. Used when disappointed.

उससे मदद की अपेक्षा करना व्यर्थ है।

अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरना

— To live up to expectations. A very common idiom.

वह अपनी माँ की अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरा।

अपेक्षा से परे

— Beyond expectations. Something better or worse than imagined.

यह सफलता अपेक्षा से परे थी।

अपेक्षा की लौ

— The flame of expectation. Poetic usage for hope.

मन में अपेक्षा की लौ जलती रही।

यथार्थ और अपेक्षा

— Reality and expectation. The gap between what is and what should be.

यथार्थ और अपेक्षा में अंतर होता है।

अपेक्षाकृत सुधार

— Relative improvement. Seeing progress compared to before.

मरीज़ की स्थिति में अपेक्षाकृत सुधार है।

Often Confused With

अपेक्षा vs उपेक्षा (Upekshā)

Meaning 'neglect'. Confused due to similar sound but opposite meaning.

अपेक्षा vs प्रतीक्षा (Pratīkshā)

Meaning 'wait'. Confused because both involve looking forward to something.

अपेक्षा vs परीक्षा (Parīkshā)

Meaning 'exam'. Confused by beginners due to the 'kshā' ending.

Idioms & Expressions

"अपेक्षाओं पर पानी फेरना"

— To shatter expectations or to disappoint someone deeply.

उसने फेल होकर मेरी अपेक्षाओं पर पानी फेर दिया।

Informal/Neutral

"अपेक्षाओं की सूली पर चढ़ना"

— To be sacrificed to the expectations of others. Very dramatic.

वह समाज की अपेक्षाओं की सूली पर चढ़ गया।

Literary/Dramatic

"अपेक्षाओं के पंख"

— The wings of expectations. Used when expectations motivate someone to fly high.

उसे उसकी अपेक्षाओं के पंख उड़ने में मदद करते हैं।

Poetic

"अपेक्षा का गला घोंटना"

— To suppress or kill one's expectations or desires.

उसने अपनी अपेक्षाओं का गला घोंट दिया।

Dramatic

"अपेक्षाओं की ज़ंजीर"

— The chains of expectations. Feeling trapped by what others want.

वह अपेक्षाओं की ज़ंजीर में बँधा है।

Literary

"अपेक्षा से ऊँचा उठना"

— To rise above expectations. To do much better than anyone thought.

वह सबकी अपेक्षा से ऊँचा उठा।

Neutral

"अपेक्षाओं का महल"

— A palace of expectations. Building grand but perhaps fragile hopes.

उसने अपेक्षाओं का महल खड़ा कर लिया था।

Poetic/Metaphorical

"अपेक्षा की दृष्टि"

— A look of expectation. Looking at someone hoping they will do something.

उसने मेरी तरफ अपेक्षा की दृष्टि से देखा।

Neutral

"अपेक्षाओं के घेरे में"

— Surrounded by expectations. Feeling pressured by many demands.

नेता हमेशा अपेक्षाओं के घेरे में रहते हैं।

Journalistic

"अपेक्षाओं का ज्वार"

— A tide of expectations. A sudden surge in what people want.

चुनाव के समय अपेक्षाओं का ज्वार आता है।

Journalistic/Formal

Easily Confused

अपेक्षा vs उपेक्षा (Upekshā)

Phonetic similarity (only the first vowel differs).

Apekshā is 'looking toward' (expecting), while Upekshā is 'looking away' (neglecting).

उसने मेरी अपेक्षा की (He expected me - wrong context) vs उसने मेरी उपेक्षा की (He neglected me).

अपेक्षा vs तुलना (Tulnā)

Both mean 'comparison'.

Tulnā is the noun for the act of comparing; Apekshā is used as a postposition 'than'.

तुलना करो (Compare!) vs इसकी अपेक्षा (Compared to this).

अपेक्षा vs आशा (Āshā)

Both relate to future outcomes.

Āshā is 'hope' (emotional/positive), while Apekshā is 'expectation' (standard/requirement).

मुझे आशा है (I hope) vs मुझे अपेक्षा है (I expect/require).

अपेक्षा vs प्रतीक्षा (Pratīkshā)

Both involve the future.

Pratīkshā is the physical or temporal act of waiting; Apekshā is the mental state of expecting.

मैं प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ (I am waiting) vs मुझे अपेक्षा है (I expect).

अपेक्षा vs आकांक्षा (Ākānkshā)

Both involve desire.

Ākānkshā is a high-level aspiration or ambition; Apekshā is a standard expectation.

मेरी आकांक्षा डॉक्टर बनने की है (My aspiration is to be a doctor).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] की अपेक्षा [Noun] [Adjective] है।

चाय की अपेक्षा दूध अच्छा है।

मुझे [Person] से [Noun] की अपेक्षा है।

मुझे आपसे मदद की अपेक्षा है।

यह [Noun] अपेक्षा से [Adjective] निकला।

यह सवाल अपेक्षा से कठिन निकला।

[Noun] की अपेक्षा करना व्यर्थ है।

उससे प्यार की अपेक्षा करना व्यर्थ है।

अपेक्षाकृत [Adjective] परिणाम मिले हैं।

अपेक्षाकृत बेहतर परिणाम मिले हैं।

[Noun] अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरना मुश्किल है।

सबकी अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरना मुश्किल है।

[Abstract Noun] की अपेक्षा [Abstract Noun] का महत्व अधिक है।

शांति की अपेक्षा न्याय का महत्व अधिक है।

[Complex Phrase] की अपेक्षा में [Conclusion] पहुँचा जा सकता है।

तथ्यों की सूक्ष्म अपेक्षा में इस निष्कर्ष पर पहुँचा जा सकता है।

Word Family

Nouns

अपेक्षा (Expectation/Comparison)

अपेक्षाएँ (Expectations - plural)

अपेक्षिता (Expectancy/Desired state)

Verbs

अपेक्षा करना (To expect/To require)

Adjectives

अपेक्षित (Expected/Required/Desired)

अपेक्षणीय (Desirable/Expected)

उपेक्षा (Neglect)

प्रतीक्षा (Wait)

सापेक्ष (Relative)

निरपेक्ष (Absolute)

ईक्षण (Looking/Seeing)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in media, education, and professional environments.

Common Mistakes

Using 'apekshā' instead of 'upekshā'. → उसने मेरी उपेक्षा की। (He neglected me.)
Learners often say 'apekshā' when they mean 'neglect', which changes the meaning to 'expectation'.
Omitting 'ki' in comparisons. → राम की अपेक्षा श्याम लंबा है।
You cannot say 'Ram apekshā Shyam'. The 'ki' is required to form the comparative phrase.
Using masculine agreement with 'apekshā'. → मेरी अपेक्षा बड़ी है।
'Apekshā' is feminine, so adjectives like 'badi' and possessives like 'meri' must be feminine.
Confusing 'apekshā' with 'pratīkshā'. → मैं बस की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ। (I am waiting for the bus.)
Apekshā is a mental state (expectation); Pratīkshā is the act of waiting for a period of time.
Using 'se' and 'apekshā' together. → राम की अपेक्षा... OR राम से...
Don't say 'Ram se ki apekshā'. Choose one comparative marker and stick to it.

Tips

The 'Ki' Rule

Never forget the 'ki' in 'ki apekshā'. It links the two things being compared. Without it, the sentence is ungrammatical.

A vs U

Remember: Apekshā (Accepting/Expecting) vs Upekshā (Under-valuing/Neglecting). The first letter changes everything!

Formal Tone

Use 'apekshā' when you want to sound more educated or formal. In a business meeting, it sounds much better than 'ummeed'.

Adverbial Use

Use 'apekshakrit' to start a sentence when comparing data. It acts as a great transition word in reports.

Managing Expectations

In Indian culture, expressing expectations can be sensitive. Use 'apekshā' to keep the conversation objective rather than personal.

Context Clues

If you hear 'apekshā' at the end of a sentence with 'hai', it's likely 'expectation'. If it's in the middle with 'ki', it's 'comparison'.

Visualize a Scale

Think of the word 'apekshā' as the pivot of a balance scale. It balances what you have against what you want or one thing against another.

Plural Ending

The plural is 'apekshāen'. Note the 'en' sound at the end, which is typical for feminine nouns ending in 'aa'.

Mutual Respect

Use 'parspar apekshā' (mutual expectation) to discuss agreements in relationships or business.

Look for the Root

When you see 'apeksh...', look for the suffixes like '-it' (expected) or '-krit' (comparatively) to understand the part of speech.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-Pek-Sha' as 'A-Peak-Show'. You are 'peeking' at something to compare it or 'peeking' into the future to see what you expect.

Visual Association

Imagine a balance scale. On one side is 'A' and on the other is 'B'. The word 'apekshā' is the bar connecting them in comparison.

Word Web

Comparison Expectation Hope Requirement Relative Than Desire Standard

Challenge

Write three sentences: one comparing your favorite foods, one about what you expect from a friend, and one using the word 'apekshakrit'.

Word Origin

Sanskrit. Derived from 'apa' (away/off/towards) + 'īkṣ' (to see/look).

Original meaning: The act of looking towards something, hence expecting or considering something in relation to another.

Indo-Aryan.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too demanding when saying 'Mujhe apekshā hai'. It can sound authoritative.

English speakers often use 'than' for comparison, but 'apekshā' is closer to 'in comparison with'. For expectations, it's more formal than 'hope'.

The concept of 'Nishkama Karma' in the Bhagavad Gita (working without apekshā). Commonly used in Bollywood dialogues about familial duty. Frequent in Indian news headlines regarding economic growth expectations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

अच्छे अंकों की अपेक्षा
शिक्षक की अपेक्षाएँ
अपेक्षाकृत कठिन परीक्षा
अपेक्षाओं का दबाव

Business

बाज़ार की अपेक्षा
मुनाफ़े की अपेक्षा
अपेक्षा के अनुरूप प्रदर्शन
ग्राहक की अपेक्षाएँ

Relationships

आपसे अपेक्षा है
अपेक्षाओं पर पानी फेरना
बिना किसी अपेक्षा के
परस्पर अपेक्षा

Weather/News

कल की अपेक्षा आज
अपेक्षा से कम बारिश
अपेक्षाकृत सुधार
अपेक्षा से अधिक तापमान

Philosophy

अपेक्षा का त्याग
अपेक्षा और यथार्थ
दुख और अपेक्षा
सापेक्ष सत्य

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको इस साल अच्छी बारिश की अपेक्षा है?"

"आपके अनुसार, शहर की अपेक्षा गाँव में रहना कैसा है?"

"क्या माता-पिता को बच्चों से बहुत अपेक्षाएँ रखनी चाहिए?"

"क्या यह फ़िल्म आपकी अपेक्षाओं पर खरी उतरी?"

"आपकी इस नौकरी से क्या अपेक्षाएँ हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज का दिन आपकी अपेक्षाओं के अनुरूप कैसा रहा? विस्तार से लिखें।

अपने जीवन की तीन मुख्य अपेक्षाओं के बारे में लिखें जो आप स्वयं से रखते हैं।

किसी ऐसे समय के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने आपकी अपेक्षाओं पर पानी फेर दिया हो।

शहर और गाँव के जीवन की अपेक्षा करते हुए एक निबंध लिखें।

क्या बिना अपेक्षा के काम करना संभव है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. It only means 'than' or 'compared to' when used in the phrase 'ki apekshā'. On its own, it means 'expectation' or 'hope'. For example, 'Mujhe apekshā hai' means 'I have an expectation'.

It is always feminine. This means you use 'ki' with it, and verbs like 'hona' become 'hoti' when 'apekshā' is the subject. Example: 'Badi apekshā' (Great expectation).

Yes, you can have expectations 'from' people. Use the postposition 'se'. Example: 'Mujhe tumse apekshā hai' (I have an expectation from you).

'Se' is the basic way to say 'than' (e.g., Ram se bada). 'Ki apekshā' is more formal and specific (e.g., Ram ki apekshā bada). Use 'apekshā' in writing or formal speeches.

The best word is 'apekshakrit' (अपेक्षाकृत). For example, 'Aaj apekshakrit thand hai' (It is comparatively cold today).

Yes, 'apekshāen' (अपेक्षाएँ) is very common when talking about multiple expectations from society, parents, or a job.

No, that is 'upekshā'. This is a very common mistake. Always use the 'A' sound for expectation and the 'U' sound for neglect.

Both are used. 'Apekshā karna' means 'to expect' (an action), while 'apekshā rakhna' means 'to hold/have an expectation' (a state).

It is a 'Tatsam' word, meaning it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without changes. This is why it sounds formal.

You use 'ki apekshā hona'. For example, 'Is kaam mein savdhani ki apekshā hai' (Caution is expected/required in this work).