At the A1 level, you should understand 'apraadh' as the basic Hindi word for 'something bad that is against the law'. Think of it as the opposite of doing something 'good' or 'right'. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'Chori ek apraadh hai' (Theft is a crime). You don't need to worry about complex legal definitions. Just remember that it is a masculine noun and it is used with the verb 'karna' (to do). If you see it in a news headline, you know the story is about something illegal. It's a key word for survival and basic understanding of your surroundings. Imagine a sign in a park saying 'Kuda phenkna apraadh hai' (Littering is a crime) - this is the level of usage you should aim for. Keep it simple and associate it with basic actions that are not allowed.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'apraadh' in more descriptive contexts. You can now add adjectives to it, such as 'bada apraadh' (big crime) or 'chhota apraadh' (small crime). You should also learn the word 'apraadhi' (criminal), which refers to the person who commits the act. At this stage, you are able to talk about common issues in a city, like 'Shehar mein apraadh badh raha hai' (Crime is increasing in the city). You understand that this word is more formal than the movie-word 'jurm'. You can also use it to express a personal mistake or offense in a slightly formal way, asking for forgiveness for an 'apraadh'. Your grammar should start reflecting the masculine nature of the word accurately in past, present, and future tenses.
At the B1 level, you can discuss 'apraadh' in the context of social issues and the legal system. You should be familiar with common collocations like 'apraadh dar' (crime rate) and 'apraadh ki jaanch' (crime investigation). You can express opinions about why crime happens and how to stop it using sentences like 'Shiksha se apraadh kam ho sakta hai' (Education can reduce crime). You also start to distinguish between 'apraadh' (legal) and 'paap' (moral/religious). You can follow news reports more closely and understand phrases like 'apraadh shakha' (crime branch). Your ability to use the plural oblique form 'apraadhon' with postpositions (e.g., 'apraadhon ke khilaaf') becomes more consistent.
At the B2 level, you are comfortable using 'apraadh' in professional and academic discussions. You can talk about specific types of crime, such as 'sangathit apraadh' (organized crime) or 'cyber apraadh' (cybercrime). You understand the nuances of the Indian judicial system and can use terms like 'apraadh siddh hona' (to be proven guilty). You can write essays or participate in debates about the causes of crime, its impact on the economy, and the effectiveness of punishments. You are also aware of the historical and literary uses of the word, recognizing it in classical texts or high-level journalism. Your use of complex sentence structures involving 'apraadh' is fluid and mostly error-free.
At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of 'apraadh' and its socio-legal implications. You can analyze the philosophical roots of the word from Sanskrit and how it differs from Persian equivalents in modern Hindustani. You can engage in high-level discussions about jurisprudence, the 'nature of crime', and the 'psychology of the criminal' (apraadhi ki manovigyan). You understand the subtle shift in meaning when 'apraadh' is used in different registers, from a strict legal statute to a metaphorical betrayal in a poem. You can effortlessly switch between 'apraadh', 'jurm', and 'gunaah' to suit the audience and the desired emotional impact. Your vocabulary includes advanced derivatives and related concepts like 'aparadh-shastra' (criminology).
At the C2 level, you have mastered 'apraadh' in all its dimensions. You can interpret complex legal documents, supreme court judgments, and intricate literary works where the concept of 'apraadh' is central. You are capable of discussing the evolution of the definition of crime in Indian law from the colonial era to the present. You can use the word with absolute precision in academic writing, exploring themes of restorative justice, criminal reform, and the sociology of deviance. You are sensitive to the most minute cultural nuances, such as how 'apraadh' might be perceived differently in rural vs. urban settings or across different religious communities. You can essentially function as a native expert in any field where this word is relevant, from law to literature.

अपराध in 30 Seconds

  • Apraadh is the standard Hindi word for 'crime' or 'offense'.
  • It is a masculine noun, often paired with the verb 'karna' (to commit).
  • It has a formal tone, commonly used in news, law, and literature.
  • The person who commits an apraadh is called an 'apraadhi' (criminal).

The Hindi word अपराध (apraadh) is a fundamental term used to describe any act that violates the law or established moral codes. In its most literal legal sense, it translates directly to 'crime' or 'offense.' However, its usage extends beyond the courtroom into everyday moral discussions, where it can imply a 'sin' or a 'wrongdoing.' Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating Hindi-speaking environments, as it appears frequently in news reports, literature, and social discourse. The word is derived from Sanskrit, where 'apa' signifies 'away from' and 'raadh' relates to 'success' or 'right action,' literally meaning a deviation from the right path.

Legal Context
In the Indian Penal Code and daily news, 'apraadh' identifies specific illegal acts ranging from petty theft to serious felonies. It is a formal term used by police and lawyers.

चोरी करना एक दंडनीय अपराध है। (Stealing is a punishable crime.)

Moral Context
When used in a philosophical or religious setting, 'apraadh' refers to an offense against a person or a deity, often requiring an apology or penance (kshama).

मुझसे बहुत बड़ा अपराध हो गया, मुझे क्षमा करें। (A great offense has been committed by me, please forgive me.)

Sociologically, the concept of 'apraadh' in India is deeply tied to the 'Dharma' or the righteous duty. Breaking the law is seen not just as a violation of the state's rules but as a disruption of social harmony. When you hear this word in a conversation, pay attention to the intensity. A 'chhota apraadh' might be a minor slip-up, whereas 'ghonr apraadh' signifies a heinous crime. In the modern digital era, you will also encounter terms like 'cyber apraadh' (cybercrime), showing how the word adapts to new technological realities. The word is masculine in gender, which affects the adjectives and verbs associated with it. For example, 'apraadh hua' (crime happened) vs 'apraadh hui' (incorrect).

समाज में अपराध कम करने के लिए शिक्षा ज़रूरी है। (Education is necessary to reduce crime in society.)

Administrative Usage
Government agencies use 'apraadh' to categorize statistics, such as 'apraadh dar' (crime rate) or 'apraadh shakha' (crime branch).

पुलिस अपराध की जाँच कर रही है। (The police are investigating the crime.)

बिना सबूत के किसी पर अपराध का आरोप न लगाएँ। (Do not accuse anyone of a crime without evidence.)

Using अपराध (apraadh) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun. It often pairs with the verb 'karna' (to do/commit) to form 'apraadh karna' (to commit a crime). In passive or situational contexts, it is used with 'hona' (to happen). When you want to describe someone who has committed a crime, you use the derivative 'apraadhi' (criminal). In sentence construction, pay close attention to the postpositions. For instance, 'apraadh ke liye' (for the crime) or 'apraadh ka' (of the crime). The word maintains its form in the singular but changes to 'apraadhon' in the plural oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'mein', 'ko', or 'se').

Basic Construction
Subject + Object (Apraadh) + Verb (Karna/Hona). This is the standard way to express that a crime was committed.

उसने एक गंभीर अपराध किया है। (He has committed a serious crime.)

Descriptive Usage
Adjectives like 'जघन्य' (heinous), 'छोटा' (small), or 'राजनीतिक' (political) frequently precede 'apraadh' to specify the nature of the act.

आतंकवाद मानवता के खिलाफ एक अपराध है। (Terrorism is a crime against humanity.)

In more complex sentences, 'apraadh' acts as the nucleus for various legal terms. For example, 'apraadh ki pushti' (confirmation of crime) or 'apraadh ki saza' (punishment for crime). When discussing statistics, you might say 'apraadhon ki sankhya' (the number of crimes). It is also used in the negative to express innocence: 'उसका कोई अपराध नहीं है' (He has no fault/He committed no crime). This versatility allows speakers to transition from a casual conversation about a mistake to a formal discussion about judicial proceedings without changing the vocabulary. Furthermore, in literary Hindi, the word is often used metaphorically to describe a betrayal of trust or a failure to uphold a promise.

शहर में अपराध बढ़ रहे हैं। (Crimes are increasing in the city.)

Plural Form
Use 'apraadhon' when followed by a postposition. Example: 'अपराधों की सूची' (List of crimes).

इन अपराधों के लिए उसे जेल हुई। (He was jailed for these crimes.)

न्यायालय में उसका अपराध सिद्ध हो गया। (His crime was proven in court.)

The word अपराध (apraadh) is a staple of Hindi media and public life. If you turn on a Hindi news channel like Aaj Tak or NDTV India, you will likely hear it within the first ten minutes, especially during the 'Crime Bulletin' segments. Headlines often scream about 'apraadh' to grab attention. In the world of Hindi cinema (Bollywood), while 'jurm' is popular for its poetic and gritty feel, 'apraadh' is used in courtroom dramas and by characters playing police officers or high-ranking officials. It carries a weight of authority that more colloquial words lack. Beyond the screen, you will find this word on signage in police stations (Thana) and in public awareness campaigns about safety and law.

News Headlines
Commonly seen in banners like 'बढ़ता अपराध' (Increasing crime) or 'अपराध जगत' (The world of crime/underworld).

आज की मुख्य खबर: राजधानी में अपराध की बड़ी वारदात। (Today's main news: A major incident of crime in the capital.)

Legal and Formal Documents
Used in FIRs (First Information Reports), affidavits, and court summons to denote the specific charge.

सरकारी दस्तावेजों में इस घटना को अपराध माना गया है। (In government documents, this incident has been considered a crime.)

In daily conversation, you might hear a parent scolding a child saying, 'यह क्या अपराध कर दिया?' (What crime have you committed now?), usually in a sarcastic or exaggerated tone to highlight a mistake. In educational settings, students learn about 'apraadh' in civics and social science classes, discussing the judicial system and the role of the constitution. It is also a key term in political debates, where opposition parties accuse the ruling party of failing to control 'apraadh'. Interestingly, in the context of Indian mythology and epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata, 'apraadh' is used to define the transgressions of kings and demons alike, illustrating that no one is above the moral law. This deep historical rooting makes the word resonate with a sense of gravity across all levels of society.

फिल्मों में अक्सर अपराध और न्याय की लड़ाई दिखाई जाती है। (The battle between crime and justice is often shown in movies.)

Digital and Social Media
Hashtags like #CyberCrime are often translated or accompanied by #CyberApraadh in Hindi social media circles.

इंटरनेट पर होने वाले अपराध से सावधान रहें। (Be careful of crimes happening on the internet.)

पुलिस स्टेशन के बाहर अपराध रोकने के निर्देश लिखे थे। (Instructions to prevent crime were written outside the police station.)

Learning to use अपराध (apraadh) involves avoiding several common pitfalls, particularly regarding gender, word choice, and context. One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is treating 'apraadh' as a feminine noun because it ends in a sound that might feel neutral or feminine in other languages. In Hindi, 'apraadh' is strictly masculine. This means any modifying adjective must end in 'aa' (e.g., 'bada apraadh') and verbs must reflect the masculine singular or plural (e.g., 'apraadh hua'). Another common mistake is confusing 'apraadh' (the act) with 'apraadhi' (the person). You 'commit' an apraadh, but you 'are' an apraadhi.

Gender Mismatch
Incorrect: 'यह एक बड़ी अपराध है' (This is a big crime - using feminine 'badi'). Correct: 'यह एक बड़ा अपराध है' (using masculine 'bada').

गलत: उसकी अपराध पकड़ी गई। (Wrong: Her crime was caught - using feminine verb).

Noun vs. Agent
Confusing 'apraadh' (crime) with 'apraadhi' (criminal). You cannot say 'He is an apraadh'. You must say 'He is an apraadhi'.

सही: वह एक अपराधी है, उसने अपराध किया है। (Correct: He is a criminal, he has committed a crime.)

Contextual confusion also occurs between 'apraadh' and 'paap' (sin). While they overlap, 'apraadh' is primarily legal and social, whereas 'paap' is purely religious. Committing a 'paap' might not get you arrested, but committing an 'apraadh' will. Conversely, some religious 'paap' are not 'apraadh' in the eyes of the modern state. Another nuance is the use of 'jurm'. While interchangeable in casual speech, using 'jurm' in a formal Hindi exam or a government office might be seen as slightly less precise than 'apraadh'. Lastly, beginners often forget the oblique plural 'apraadhon'. When saying 'in crimes,' it must be 'apraadhon mein,' not 'apraadh mein' (unless referring to a single crime).

गलत: वह अपराध में शामिल है। (Ambiguous: He is involved in 'crime' vs 'crimes').

Collocation Errors
Using 'apraadh banana' (to make a crime) instead of 'apraadh karna' (to commit a crime). Hindi uses 'karna' (do) for actions like crime.

सही: उसने अपराध किया। (Correct: He committed a crime.)

बिना सोचे-समझे किया गया काम भी अपराध हो सकता है। (Work done without thinking can also be a crime.)

Hindi is rich with synonyms for अपराध (apraadh), each carrying a different flavor depending on its linguistic origin (Sanskrit, Persian, or Arabic) and its specific context. While 'apraadh' is the standard Sanskrit-derived word used in formal and legal settings, you will frequently encounter 'jurm' and 'gunaah' in movies and poetry. Understanding the subtle differences between these words will help you sound more natural and precise. For example, 'dosh' is often used for a 'fault' or 'blame', which is lighter than a crime, while 'paap' is reserved for religious or spiritual transgressions. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are in a courtroom, a temple, or a coffee shop.

Comparison: Apraadh vs. Jurm
'Apraadh' is formal/Sanskritized; 'Jurm' is Persian-derived and very common in everyday speech and Bollywood lyrics.

कानूनी भाषा में इसे अपराध कहते हैं, जबकि बोलचाल में लोग 'जुर्म' कहते हैं। (In legal language it's called 'apraadh', while in common speech people say 'jurm'.)

Comparison: Apraadh vs. Paap
'Apraadh' is a violation of man-made law; 'Paap' is a violation of divine or moral law.

झूठ बोलना एक पाप हो सकता है, लेकिन हर झूठ अपराध नहीं होता। (Lying can be a sin, but every lie is not a crime.)

Another important alternative is 'dosh' (दोष). While 'apraadh' implies a specific illegal act, 'dosh' is broader and can mean 'fault', 'defect', or 'blame'. In a sentence like 'मेरा क्या दोष है?' (What is my fault?), 'apraadh' would sound too heavy and legalistic. In administrative Hindi, you might also see 'ullanghan' (उल्लंघन), which means 'violation'. This is used for breaking rules that might not be 'crimes' in the felony sense, like 'traffic niyamon ka ullanghan' (violation of traffic rules). By mastering these distinctions, you can navigate the spectrum of 'wrongness' in Hindi, from a minor social faux pas to a major legal offense.

नियमों का उल्लंघन करना भी एक प्रकार का अपराध है। (Violating rules is also a type of crime.)

Comparison: Apraadh vs. Gunaah
'Gunaah' is similar to 'jurm' but often carries a heavier emotional or religious connotation of 'guilt'.

उसने अपना अपराध स्वीकार कर लिया। (He admitted his crime.)

हमें एक अपराध-मुक्त समाज की ज़रूरत है। (We need a crime-free society.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'rādh' is the same one found in the name 'Radha' (the beloved of Krishna), which means 'prosperity' or 'success'. So, 'apraadh' is literally the absence of success in doing the right thing.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əp.ɾɑːd̪ʱ/
US /əp.rɑːd̪/
The stress is slightly on the second syllable 'raadh'.
Rhymes With
आराध (aaradh) साध (saadh) बाध (baadh) व्याध (vyaadh) अगाध (agaadh) समाध (samaadh) प्रमाद (pramaad - near rhyme) विवाद (vivaad - near rhyme)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'dh' as a simple 'd' (it should be aspirated/breathy).
  • Making the first 'a' too long (it is a short schwa sound).
  • Failing to roll the 'r' slightly.
  • Confusing the spelling with 'apradh' (forgetting the long 'aa').
  • Pronouncing the final 'h' as a separate syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its frequent appearance in news.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'dh' (ध) character and masculine grammar.

Speaking 3/5

The aspirated 'dh' at the end can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common in media; easy to pick out once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

गलती (galti) सजा (saza) पुलिस (police) कानून (kanoon) करना (karna)

Learn Next

अपराधी (apraadhi) न्यायालय (nyayalaya) वकील (vakeel) सबूत (saboot) गवाह (gawah)

Advanced

विधिशास्त्र (vidhishastra) दंडात्मक (dandatmak) अभियोजन (abhiyojan) जिरह (jirah) दोषसिद्धि (dosh-siddhi)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

बड़ा अपराध (Bada apraadh), not बड़ी अपराध (Badi apraadh).

Oblique Plural

अपराधों में (In crimes), using 'on' ending before postpositions.

Compound Verb with 'Karna'

उसने अपराध किया (He did/committed a crime).

Passive Voice in Legal Hindi

अपराध किया गया (Crime was committed).

Agentive Noun Formation

Adding 'i' to 'apraadh' makes 'apraadhi' (criminal).

Examples by Level

1

चोरी एक अपराध है।

Theft is a crime.

'Chori' is the subject, 'apraadh' is the noun.

2

यह अपराध मत करो।

Do not commit this crime.

Imperative sentence using 'mat' for prohibition.

3

क्या यह अपराध है?

Is this a crime?

Interrogative sentence starting with 'Kya'.

4

झूठ बोलना अपराध नहीं है।

Lying is not a crime (legally).

Negative sentence using 'nahi'.

5

वह एक बड़ा अपराध है।

That is a big crime.

'Bada' (masculine) agrees with 'apraadh'.

6

पुलिस अपराध रोकती है।

Police stop crime.

Present indefinite tense.

7

यहाँ अपराध कम है।

Crime is low here.

Using 'kam' as an adjective for quantity.

8

उसका अपराध क्या है?

What is his crime?

Possessive pronoun 'uska' agrees with 'apraadh'.

1

कल शहर में एक अपराध हुआ।

A crime happened in the city yesterday.

Past tense 'hua' (happened).

2

वह अपराधी जेल में है।

That criminal is in jail.

'Apraadhi' is the person who commits the 'apraadh'.

3

मुझे अपने अपराध का दुख है।

I am sorry for my offense.

Using 'apraadh' in a moral/personal sense.

4

पुलिस ने अपराध की जाँच की।

The police investigated the crime.

'Jaanch' is feminine, so 'ki' is used, but it's the investigation 'of' the crime.

5

यह एक छोटा अपराध है।

This is a minor offense.

'Chhota' (small) modifies 'apraadh'.

6

अपराध करना बुरी बात है।

Committing a crime is a bad thing.

Gerundial use of 'apraadh karna'.

7

उसने कोई अपराध नहीं किया।

He did not commit any crime.

Past tense negative 'nahi kiya'.

8

अपराध की सजा क्या है?

What is the punishment for the crime?

'Saza' (punishment) is feminine, 'apraadh' is masculine.

1

समाज में अपराधों की संख्या बढ़ रही है।

The number of crimes is increasing in society.

Plural oblique 'apraadhon' used with 'ki'.

2

गरीबी अक्सर अपराध का कारण बनती है।

Poverty often becomes the cause of crime.

'Kaaran' (cause) is masculine.

3

हमें अपराध के खिलाफ लड़ना चाहिए।

We should fight against crime.

Using 'ke khilaaf' (against).

4

न्यायाधीश ने अपराध की गंभीरता देखी।

The judge saw the seriousness of the crime.

'Gambhirta' (seriousness) is an abstract noun.

5

यह अपराध जानबूझकर किया गया था।

This crime was committed intentionally.

Passive voice 'kiya gaya tha'.

6

साइबर अपराध आजकल बहुत आम हैं।

Cybercrimes are very common nowadays.

Compound noun 'Cyber apraadh'.

7

बिना सबूत के अपराध सिद्ध नहीं हो सकता।

A crime cannot be proven without evidence.

'Siddh hona' means 'to be proven'.

8

अपराध की दुनिया बहुत खतरनाक है।

The world of crime is very dangerous.

Metaphorical use of 'duniya' (world).

1

संगठित अपराध देश की सुरक्षा के लिए खतरा है।

Organized crime is a threat to the country's security.

'Sangathit' means 'organized'.

2

अपराध दर को कम करने के लिए कड़े कानून चाहिए।

Strict laws are needed to reduce the crime rate.

'Apraadh dar' is the term for 'crime rate'.

3

उस पर हत्या के अपराध का आरोप लगा है।

He is accused of the crime of murder.

'Aarop lagna' means 'to be accused'.

4

अपराध की रोकथाम के लिए पुलिस गश्त बढ़ा दी गई है।

Police patrolling has been increased for crime prevention.

'Rokthaam' means 'prevention'.

5

कई लोग अनजाने में अपराध कर बैठते हैं।

Many people end up committing crimes unknowingly.

Compound verb 'kar baithna' implies an accidental/sudden action.

6

आतंकवाद एक जघन्य अपराध है।

Terrorism is a heinous crime.

'Jaghanya' means 'heinous' or 'atrocious'.

7

अपराध के पीछे के मनोवैज्ञानिक कारणों को समझना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to understand the psychological reasons behind crime.

'Manovigyanik' means 'psychological'.

8

इस अपराध के लिए उसे उम्रकैद की सजा मिली।

He received life imprisonment for this crime.

'Umra-kaid' means 'life imprisonment'.

1

अपराध की परिभाषा समय और समाज के साथ बदलती रहती है।

The definition of crime keeps changing with time and society.

'Paribhasha' (definition) is feminine.

2

न्यायपालिका को अपराध और दंड के बीच संतुलन बनाए रखना होता है।

The judiciary has to maintain a balance between crime and punishment.

'Nyaypalika' means 'judiciary'.

3

अपराध की जड़ें अक्सर सामाजिक असमानता में होती हैं।

The roots of crime are often in social inequality.

Metaphorical use of 'jadein' (roots).

4

युद्ध अपराधों की अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर जाँच होनी चाहिए।

War crimes should be investigated at the international level.

'Yuddh apraadh' means 'war crimes'.

5

अपराध शास्त्र के विद्यार्थी समाज के व्यवहार का अध्ययन करते हैं।

Students of criminology study the behavior of society.

'Apraadh shastra' means 'criminology'.

6

यह कृत्य मानवता के विरुद्ध अपराध की श्रेणी में आता है।

This act falls into the category of crimes against humanity.

'Shreni' means 'category'.

7

अपराध की मंशा सिद्ध करना अभियोजन पक्ष के लिए बड़ी चुनौती थी।

Proving the intent of the crime was a major challenge for the prosecution.

'Mansha' means 'intent' or 'motive'.

8

डिजिटल युग में वित्तीय अपराधों का स्वरूप बदल गया है।

The nature of financial crimes has changed in the digital age.

'Vittiya' means 'financial'.

1

अपराध की अवधारणा केवल कानूनी नहीं, बल्कि दार्शनिक भी है।

The concept of crime is not just legal, but also philosophical.

'Avdharna' means 'concept'.

2

समाज की नैतिक गिरावट अपराधों के बढ़ने का मुख्य कारण है।

The moral decline of society is the main reason for the increase in crimes.

'Naitik giravat' means 'moral decline'.

3

अपराध और प्रायश्चित की यह कहानी पाठक को झकझोर देती है।

This story of crime and atonement shakes the reader.

'Prayashchit' means 'atonement' or 'penance'.

4

विधि-वेत्ता अपराध के निवारण के लिए नए सिद्धांतों का प्रतिपादन कर रहे हैं।

Legal experts are propounding new theories for the prevention of crime.

'Vidhi-vetta' means 'legal expert/jurist'.

5

क्या दंड के बिना अपराध का अस्तित्व संभव है?

Is the existence of crime possible without punishment?

'Astitva' means 'existence'.

6

अपराध की गंभीरता का निर्धारण करने के लिए कई कारकों पर विचार किया जाता है।

To determine the severity of a crime, several factors are considered.

'Nirdharan' means 'determination' or 'assessment'.

7

अंतरराष्ट्रीय अपराध न्यायालय वैश्विक न्याय सुनिश्चित करने का प्रयास करता है।

The International Criminal Court strives to ensure global justice.

Proper noun: 'Antarrashtriya Apraadh Nyayalaya'.

8

अपराध की प्रवृत्ति को समझने के लिए समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण आवश्यक है।

A sociological perspective is essential to understand the tendency of crime.

'Pravritti' means 'tendency' or 'inclination'.

Common Collocations

गंभीर अपराध
अपराध दर
संगठित अपराध
अपराध स्थल
साइबर अपराध
अपराध की दुनिया
जघन्य अपराध
अपराध शाखा
अपराध मुक्त
अपराध सिद्ध

Common Phrases

अपराध करना

— To commit a crime. This is the most common verb pairing.

उसने चोरी का अपराध किया।

अपराध स्वीकार करना

— To confess or admit a crime. Used in legal and personal contexts.

उसने अपना अपराध स्वीकार कर लिया।

अपराध की जड़

— The root cause of crime. Used in social analysis.

बेरोजगारी अपराध की जड़ है।

अपराध की सजा

— Punishment for a crime. Standard legal phrase.

हर अपराध की सजा होती है।

अपराध का आरोप

— Accusation of crime. Used before someone is proven guilty.

उस पर अपराध का आरोप लगा है।

अपराध की जाँच

— Crime investigation. Used by police and media.

अपराध की जाँच जारी है।

अपराध की रोकथाम

— Crime prevention. Common in public safety notices.

अपराध की रोकथाम ज़रूरी है।

छोटा-मोटा अपराध

— Petty crime. Used for minor offenses like pickpocketing.

यह बस एक छोटा-मोटा अपराध है।

अपराध बोध

— Guilt complex or sense of crime. Psychological term.

वह अपराध बोध से ग्रसित है।

मानवता के खिलाफ अपराध

— Crimes against humanity. Used in international law.

नरसंहार मानवता के खिलाफ अपराध है।

Often Confused With

अपराध vs Galti

'Galti' is a mistake or error. 'Apraadh' is a crime. You can make a 'galti' by forgetting keys, but stealing keys is an 'apraadh'.

अपराध vs Paap

'Paap' is a sin in a religious sense. 'Apraadh' is a crime in a legal sense. Lying to a friend is a 'paap', but lying in court is an 'apraadh'.

अपराध vs Aparadhik

'Apraadh' is the noun (crime), while 'apraadhik' is the adjective (criminal/illegal).

Idioms & Expressions

"अपराध की दुनिया में कदम रखना"

— To start a life of crime. Used to describe someone becoming a criminal.

उसने बहुत कम उम्र में अपराध की दुनिया में कदम रखा।

Informal/Narrative
"अपराध के दलदल में फँसना"

— To get stuck in the mire of crime. Suggests difficulty in escaping criminal life.

वह धीरे-धीरे अपराध के दलदल में फँसता गया।

Literary
"खून का बदला खून"

— An eye for an eye (specifically regarding murder/crime).

अपराध की दुनिया में अक्सर खून का बदला खून होता है।

Informal
"कानून के हाथ लंबे होना"

— The long arm of the law. Meaning no criminal can escape.

भागने की कोशिश मत करो, अपराध के बाद कानून के हाथ लंबे होते हैं।

Popular/Media
"पाप का घड़ा भरना"

— To reach the limit of one's crimes/sins. Usually implies impending punishment.

अब तुम्हारा अपराध का घड़ा भर चुका है।

Traditional/Moral
"दामन पर दाग लगना"

— To have one's reputation tarnished by a crime or mistake.

एक अपराध ने उसके दामन पर दाग लगा दिया।

Poetic/Urdu-influenced
"सफेदपोश अपराध"

— White-collar crime. Used for financial crimes committed by professionals.

आजकल सफेदपोश अपराध बढ़ रहे हैं।

Formal/Sociological
"अपराध की आग में जलना"

— To suffer from the consequences or guilt of a crime.

वह अपने अपराध की आग में जल रहा है।

Literary
"न्याय की गुहार लगाना"

— To plead for justice after a crime has been committed.

पीड़ित परिवार अपराध के बाद न्याय की गुहार लगा रहा है।

Formal/News
"जुर्म की राह"

— The path of crime. Similar to 'apraadh ki duniya'.

उसने जुर्म की राह चुनी।

Dramatic

Easily Confused

अपराध vs अपराधी (apraadhi)

Sounds very similar and has the same root.

Apraadh is the crime (the act). Apraadhi is the criminal (the person).

वह अपराधी (criminal) है जिसने अपराध (crime) किया।

अपराध vs अपराधबोध (apraadhbodh)

Contains the word 'apraadh'.

Apraadh is the act. Apraadhbodh is the feeling of guilt after the act.

अपराध के बाद उसे अपराधबोध हुआ।

अपराध vs अपर (apar)

Starts with the same three letters.

Apar means 'another' or 'boundless'. It has nothing to do with crime.

अपर शक्ति (Boundless power).

अपराध vs अपरा (apara)

Sounds almost identical.

Apara is a philosophical term meaning 'lower' or 'material' knowledge in Sanskrit.

अपरा विद्या (Material knowledge).

अपराध vs अराध (aradh)

Part of the word 'apraadh'.

Aradh is not a standard Hindi word alone, but 'Aradhana' means worship.

ईश्वर की आराधना (Worship of God).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Noun] ek apraadh hai.

Chori ek apraadh hai.

A2

[Subject] ne [Adjective] apraadh kiya.

Usne bada apraadh kiya.

B1

[Place] mein apraadh badh raha hai.

Shehar mein apraadh badh raha hai.

B2

[Subject] par [Type] apraadh ka aarop hai.

Us par hatya के apraadh ka aarop hai.

C1

Apraadh ki rokthaam ke liye [Action] zaroori hai.

Apraadh ki rokthaam ke liye shiksha zaroori hai.

C2

Apraadh ki avdharna [Context] par nirbhar karti hai.

Apraadh ki avdharna samaj par nirbhar karti hai.

B1

Apraadh ke khilaaf [Action].

Apraadh ke khilaaf awaaz uthao.

A2

Yeh [Adjective] apraadh hai.

Yeh gambhir apraadh hai.

Word Family

Nouns

अपराधी (apraadhi) - criminal
अपराधबोध (apraadhbodh) - guilt
अपराधशास्त्र (apraadhshastra) - criminology

Verbs

अपराध करना (apraadh karna) - to commit a crime

Adjectives

अपराधिक (apraadhik) - criminal/pertaining to crime
अपराधमुक्त (apraadhmukt) - crime-free

Related

दंड (dand) - punishment
न्याय (nyay) - justice
पुलिस (police) - police
जेल (jail) - prison
कानून (kanoon) - law

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news and legal contexts; moderate in daily personal life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using feminine adjectives. बड़ा अपराध (Bada apraadh)

    Because 'apraadh' is masculine, the adjective must also be masculine. 'Badi apraadh' is wrong.

  • Confusing 'apraadh' and 'apraadhi'. वह अपराधी है।

    Learners often say 'He is a crime' instead of 'He is a criminal'. Use 'apraadhi' for the person.

  • Saying 'apraadh banana'. अपराध करना।

    In English we 'commit' a crime, but in Hindi we 'do' (karna) a crime. 'Banana' (to make) is incorrect.

  • Not using 'apraadhon' in plural oblique. अपराधों की सूची।

    When followed by 'ki', 'ko', 'se', etc., the plural 'apraadh' must change to 'apraadhon'.

  • Using 'apraadh' for a small mistake. मुझसे गलती हो गई।

    'Apraadh' is very heavy. For spilling coffee or forgetting a name, use 'galti' (mistake).

Tips

Gender Check

Always treat 'apraadh' as masculine. This is the most common mistake for learners. Example: 'Yeh mera (my-masc) apraadh hai', not 'Yeh meri (my-fem) apraadh hai'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'apraadh' in exams, news reports, and formal letters. Use 'jurm' when watching movies or talking casually with friends.

Noun vs Person

Don't say 'He is an apraadh'. Say 'He is an apraadhi'. 'Apraadh' is the thing you do; 'apraadhi' is the person who does it.

The 'dh' sound

Make sure to aspirate the 'dh' at the end. It's like saying 'd' and then a quick puff of 'h'. This distinguishes it from 'apraad' (which isn't a word).

Moral vs Legal

In a spiritual setting, 'apraadh' refers to an offense against someone's soul or God. Use it carefully in religious discussions.

Spelling

Remember the 'aa' sound in the second syllable. It's 'a-praadh', not 'a-pradh'. The 'aa' is written as a vertical line (ा) after 'r'.

News Watching

Watch the 'Crime' segment on Hindi news. You will see 'apraadh' written on the screen and hear it every few seconds. It's great practice.

Action Verb

Always pair 'apraadh' with 'karna' (to do). You don't 'make' (banana) a crime in Hindi, you 'do' (karna) it.

Oblique Plural

When you say 'in crimes', use 'apraadhon mein'. The 'on' ending is essential whenever a preposition follows a plural noun.

Emergency

If you need to report something to the police, say 'Mujhe ek apraadh ki report karni hai'. It sounds clear and official.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-PRAD-H'. 'A' (not) + 'PRAD' (proud). You are 'not proud' of a crime (apraadh).

Visual Association

Visualize a 'Pro' (P) 'Rad' (RAD) skater doing something illegal, like skating on a 'H' (H) forbidden wall. A-PRO-RAD-H.

Word Web

Crime Offense Law Police Jail Sin Punishment Guilt

Challenge

Try to use 'apraadh' in a sentence about a historical event. Then, try to use it in a sentence about a futuristic cyber-event.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'अपराध' (aparādha). It is a combination of the prefix 'apa' (away, off) and the root 'rādh' (to succeed, to please, to accomplish).

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'missing the mark' or 'failing to please' (especially a deity). It evolved to mean a transgression or a violation of rules.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'apraadh' to describe someone's actions, as it is a very strong word. For minor mistakes, use 'galti' (mistake).

In English-speaking cultures, 'crime' is often seen as a purely legal matter. In Hindi, 'apraadh' carries a more holistic sense of 'wrongdoing' that can be social or spiritual.

Crime and Punishment (Dostoevsky) is translated in Hindi as 'Apraadh aur Dand'. The phrase 'Apraadh se ghrina karo, apraadhi se nahi' (Hate the crime, not the criminal) is a famous Gandhian principle. Bollywood movie 'Apraadh' (1972) starring Feroz Khan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Police Station

  • मुझे अपराध की रिपोर्ट करनी है।
  • अपराध कब हुआ?
  • अपराध किसने किया?
  • क्या कोई गवाह है?

News/Media

  • अपराध की बड़ी खबर।
  • अपराधियों की तलाश जारी है।
  • अपराध दर में गिरावट।
  • सनसनीखेज अपराध।

Legal Discussion

  • यह एक गैर-जमानती अपराध है।
  • अपराध की प्रकृति क्या है?
  • अपराध के पीछे का मकसद।
  • अपराध सिद्ध हो चुका है।

Social/Moral Debate

  • गरीबी और अपराध का संबंध।
  • अपराध मुक्त समाज का सपना।
  • बच्चों को अपराध से बचाएं।
  • अपराध और नैतिकता।

Personal Apology

  • मुझसे अपराध हो गया।
  • मेरे अपराध को क्षमा करें।
  • मैं अपना अपराध मानता हूँ।
  • यह मेरा अपराध है।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि इंटरनेट पर अपराध बढ़ रहे हैं?"

"आपके शहर में अपराध की स्थिति कैसी है?"

"अपराध कम करने के लिए सरकार को क्या करना चाहिए?"

"क्या गरीबी ही अपराध का मुख्य कारण है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी अपराध की रिपोर्ट की है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने समाचार में एक अपराध के बारे में पढ़ा...

मेरे विचार में अपराध मुक्त समाज बनाना संभव है क्योंकि...

अगर मैं पुलिस अधिकारी होता, तो मैं अपराध रोकने के लिए...

अपराध और सजा के बारे में मेरी राय यह है कि...

क्या कभी कोई 'अच्छा' अपराध हो सकता है? विस्तार से लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. In Hindi, 'apraadh' specifically refers to something that breaks a law or a very serious moral rule. For small mistakes, people use 'galti'.

'Apraadh' is from Sanskrit and is very formal. 'Jurm' is from Persian/Urdu and is used more in movies and casual talk. Both mean 'crime'.

You can say 'cyber apraadh' (साइबर अपराध). It is a direct and commonly understood translation.

It is masculine. You should say 'bada apraadh' (big crime) and 'apraadh hua' (crime happened).

Yes, in a religious or moral context, it can mean a serious sin or offense against a person or God, though 'paap' is more common for 'sin'.

The phrase is 'apraadh karna'. For example: 'Usne apraadh kiya' (He committed a crime).

A criminal is called an 'apraadhi' (अपराधी).

It means 'crime-free'. Politicians often promise an 'apraadh-mukt shehar' (crime-free city).

Usually, traffic violations are called 'niyamon ka ullanghan' (violation of rules), but a serious one like hit-and-run is called an 'apraadh'.

The plural is also 'apraadh'. However, if you use a postposition like 'in' or 'of', it becomes 'apraadhon'. For example: 'apraadhon ki list' (list of crimes).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'अपराध' and 'पुलिस'.

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writing

Translate: 'Stealing is a crime.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'Cybercrime'.

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writing

Describe a 'crime-free society' in one sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'He committed a serious crime.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 'apraadh' and 'galti' in Hindi.

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writing

Write a news headline using 'अपराध'.

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writing

Translate: 'The judge punished the criminal for his crime.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'अपराध की दुनिया'.

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writing

Translate: 'What is the punishment for this crime?'

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural form 'अपराधों'.

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writing

Translate: 'Poverty is the root of crime.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'War crimes'.

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writing

Translate: 'I confess my crime.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'जघन्य अपराध'.

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writing

Translate: 'Crime rate is decreasing in the city.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'अपराध मुक्त'.

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writing

Translate: 'There is no evidence of the crime.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'Organized crime'.

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writing

Translate: 'Lying in court is a crime.'

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speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'अपराध' (Ap-raadh).

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Theft is a crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Police are investigating the crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Crime is increasing.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I am not a criminal.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Crime rate is low.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'It was a serious crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Stop the crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'He confessed his crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Cybercrime is dangerous.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Crime-free society.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'What is the crime?'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Justice for the crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Accusation of crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Punishment for crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'He is involved in crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Root of crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'World of crime.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Heinous crime.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say in Hindi: 'No evidence of crime.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'अपराध' (audio context: News report).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'अपराधी' (audio context: Police announcement).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'अपराध दर' (audio context: Statistics report).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'साइबर अपराध' (audio context: Tech news).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'जघन्य' (audio context: Courtroom drama).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'जाँच' (audio context: Detective show).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'सजा' (audio context: Legal discussion).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'अपराध मुक्त' (audio context: Political speech).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'सबूत' (audio context: Crime scene).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'अपराध की दुनिया' (audio context: Movie dialogue).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'आरोप' (audio context: News headline).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'स्वीकार' (audio context: Confession scene).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'गंभीर' (audio context: Judge's remarks).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'संगठित' (audio context: Documentary on gangs).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: 'न्यायालय' (audio context: Legal news).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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