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खुबानी

A1 noun #7,500 most common 9 min read

खुबानी

khubaani Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips खुबानी in 30 Seconds

Explanation खुबानी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Khubani' means 'Apricot'. You should learn it as a vocabulary word for fruits. At this stage, you focus on simple sentences like 'I like apricots' or 'This is an apricot'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar, but it's good to remember that it is a feminine word. For example, 'Khubani meethi hai' (The apricot is sweet). In Hindi, we often group fruits together when learning, so you might learn Khubani alongside 'Aam' (Mango) and 'Kela' (Banana). Since it is a common fruit in North India, knowing this word will help you if you visit a fruit market. Just remember the 'Kh' sound is a bit like a scratchy 'H' at the back of your throat. Try to visualize the bright orange fruit whenever you say the word to help anchor it in your memory.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Khubani' in shopping scenarios. You should know how to ask for the price: 'Khubani kaise di?' (How are the apricots priced?). You should also practice the plural form 'Khubaniyan'. For example, 'Mujhe das khubaniyan chahiye' (I want ten apricots). At this level, you start to see the difference between 'Khubani' (the fruit) and 'Khubani ka ped' (the apricot tree). You can also start using simple adjectives like 'tazi' (fresh) or 'sukhi' (dried). You should be comfortable saying 'Maine aaj khubani khayi' (I ate an apricot today), noting the feminine agreement of the verb. This level is about building functional sentences that allow you to interact with a fruit seller or describe your breakfast.

At the B1 level, you can talk about the qualities and benefits of apricots. You might discuss health: 'Khubani mein vitamin A hota hai' (Apricots contain Vitamin A). You can also talk about where they grow: 'Khubani pahadi ilakon mein ugti hai' (Apricots grow in hilly areas). You should be able to handle the oblique plural 'khubaniyon'. For example, 'In khubaniyon ka swad anokha hai' (The taste of these apricots is unique). You might also encounter the word in recipes. You could explain how to make a simple snack with dried apricots. Your sentences should become more descriptive, using adverbs and more varied adjectives. You are moving beyond just naming the fruit to discussing its role in a healthy diet or its origin in the mountains.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more detailed conversations about the apricot industry or specific culinary traditions. You could discuss 'Khubani ka Meetha' as a cultural icon of Hyderabad. You should be able to compare 'khubani' with other fruits using nuanced language. For example, 'Halaki aadoo aur khubani ek hi parivaar ke hain, lekin unka swad aur banavat kaafi alag hoti hai' (Although peaches and apricots are from the same family, their taste and texture are quite different). You can use the word in more abstract ways, perhaps in a literary context or when discussing agricultural exports. You should have a firm grasp of all grammatical nuances, including the use of 'khubani' in various cases and with complex verb structures.

At the C1 level, you should be able to understand and discuss the socio-economic impact of apricot farming in regions like Ladakh. You can read articles about how 'Khubani' exports are helping local economies. You can use the word in formal presentations or academic discussions about botany or trade. You might explore the Persian etymology of the word and how it integrated into Hindi and Urdu. At this level, you should be able to appreciate puns or metaphors involving the fruit, though they are rare. You can discuss the nuances between 'Khubani' and 'Jardalu' in different dialects of Hindi. Your language use should be fluid, allowing you to discuss the fruit's nutritional profile, its history, and its agricultural challenges with ease.

At the C2 level, you have a master-level command of the word 'Khubani'. You can understand its use in classical poetry or high-level literature where it might be used to describe the color of the sky or a person's complexion. You can navigate technical discussions about apricot cultivars like 'Halman' or 'Raktsey Karpo' and their specific characteristics. You can discuss the historical trade of dried apricots along the Silk Road and how the word evolved across languages. You are capable of using the word in any register, from street-level bargaining in a mountain village to a high-level diplomatic discussion about agricultural trade agreements. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing the fruit as a symbol of Himalayan bounty.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

खुबानी in 30 Seconds

Khubani means apricot in Hindi and is a feminine noun used for both fresh and dried varieties.
It is primarily grown in the Himalayan regions of India like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
The word is essential for shopping at fruit markets or ordering traditional Indian desserts.
Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement for adjectives (meethi) and verbs (khayi).

The Hindi word खुबानी (Khubani) refers to the apricot, a fruit that holds a special place in the culinary and cultural landscape of India, particularly in the northern regions. When you say 'khubani', you are describing a small, round, or oval fruit known for its soft, velvety skin and vibrant orange-yellow hue. In the context of Hindi-speaking regions, this word isn't just a label for a fruit; it evokes images of the high-altitude orchards of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh where these fruits thrive in the crisp mountain air.

Botanical Classification: In Hindi, खुबानी specifically refers to Prunus armeniaca. While it is a stone fruit similar to a peach or plum, the word is never used interchangeably with those; a peach is an 'Aadoo' and a plum is an 'Aloo Bukhara'.

लद्दाख की खुबानी बहुत मीठी और रसीली होती है। (Ladakh's apricots are very sweet and juicy.)

People use this word most frequently during the summer months when the fresh fruit hits the markets. However, in India, the dried version of the fruit is perhaps even more famous. When a speaker says 'khubani', they might be referring to the sun-dried, chewy variety found in trail mixes or used in the famous Hyderabadi dessert 'Khubani ka Meetha'. This duality makes the word essential for anyone navigating an Indian grocery store or a restaurant menu. The word carries a sense of health and vitality. In many Indian households, soaking apricots overnight and eating them in the morning is a common health practice, often discussed using this word. Whether you are discussing agriculture in the Himalayas, shopping for snacks, or ordering a traditional dessert at a wedding, 'khubani' is the precise term you need.

क्या आपने कभी खुबानी का हलवा खाया है? (Have you ever eaten apricot halwa?)

Visual Description: A typical 'khubani' is described as having a 'sun-kissed' color. In Hindi literature or poetic descriptions of nature, the golden-orange color of an apricot is sometimes used as a metaphor for a sunset or a healthy glow.

बाज़ार में ताज़ी खुबानी आई है। (Fresh apricots have arrived in the market.)

Common Usage Contexts: 1. Grocery Shopping: Asking for the price per kilogram. 2. Health Advice: Recommending apricots for fiber. 3. Culinary Arts: Discussing jams, jellies, or desserts like 'Khubani ka Meetha'.

सूखी खुबानी सेहत के लिए अच्छी होती है। (Dried apricots are good for health.)

टोकरी में पाँच खुबानियाँ रखी हैं। (Five apricots are kept in the basket.)

Using the word खुबानी correctly in Hindi requires an understanding of its grammatical gender and how it changes in plural forms. In Hindi, 'Khubani' is a feminine noun. This is the most crucial piece of information for a learner because it dictates the form of the adjectives and verbs that accompany it. For instance, you would say 'Meethi Khubani' (sweet apricot) rather than 'Meetha Khubani' because 'meethi' is the feminine form of sweet.

Grammatical Gender: Gender: Feminine. Adjectives must end in -i (e.g., achhi, badi, paki). Verbs must use feminine endings (e.g., khayi, giri, rati).

यह खुबानी बहुत बड़ी है। (This apricot is very big.)

When you want to talk about more than one apricot, the word changes to 'खुबानियाँ' (Khubaniyan). If you are using a postposition like 'mein' (in) or 'ko' (to), the oblique plural form 'खुबानियों' (Khubaniyon) is used. For example, 'Khubaniyon ka rang' (the color of the apricots). Understanding these shifts is key to sounding like a native speaker. In daily conversation, you will often use 'khubani' with verbs like 'khana' (to eat), 'khareedna' (to buy), or 'pasand hona' (to like). Because it is a feminine noun, if you say 'I ate an apricot' in the past tense using the 'ne' construction, the verb will agree with the apricot. 'Maine khubani khayi' (I ate an apricot). If you ate multiple, 'Maine khubaniyan khayin'.

Verbal Agreement: Since Khubani is feminine, the perfective verb form ends in 'i'. Example: 'Khubani sad gayi' (The apricot rotted).

मैंने बाज़ार से एक किलो खुबानी खरीदी। (I bought one kilogram of apricots from the market.)

Beyond simple sentences, you can use 'khubani' in more complex structures to describe preferences or comparisons. For instance, 'Mujhe aam se zyada khubani pasand hai' (I like apricots more than mangoes). Note how the noun remains stable, but the surrounding grammar respects its feminine status.

Compound Nouns: Khubani ka ped (Apricot tree), Khubani ka ras (Apricot juice), Khubani ki guthli (Apricot pit/seed).

इन खुबानियों का स्वाद बहुत मीठा है। (The taste of these apricots is very sweet.)

क्या आप खुबानी खाना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to eat an apricot?)

The word खुबानी is most vibrant in specific geographical and culinary contexts. If you travel to Northern India, especially to the union territories of Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir, or the state of Himachal Pradesh, you will hear this word constantly. In these regions, apricots are a primary cash crop. Farmers discuss the 'Khubani ki fasal' (apricot harvest), and tourists are encouraged to buy 'Shakarpara Khubani', a specific local variety known for its extreme sweetness.

Market Settings: In a typical 'Sabzi Mandi' (vegetable/fruit market), vendors will shout the price of apricots. You'll hear phrases like 'Tazi Khubani, bees rupaye pao!' (Fresh apricots, twenty rupees for 250 grams!).

शिमला के बाज़ारों में खुबानी की भरमार है। (The markets of Shimla are full of apricots.)

Another major context is the Hyderabadi culinary tradition. Despite Hyderabad being in Southern India, the word 'khubani' is famous there because of 'Khubani ka Meetha', a legendary dessert made from stewed dried apricots. At Hyderabadi weddings or in famous restaurants like Shadab or Hotel Nayab, you will hear guests specifically asking for this dish. It is a point of pride for the city's cuisine. In the world of dry fruits, 'khubani' is a staple. In shops selling 'mewa' (dry fruits), you will see large jars of dried apricots. Customers often ask, 'Yeh khubani kahan ki hai?' (Where is this apricot from?), to which the seller might reply 'Ladakh ki' or 'Afghanistan ki'. The word is also common in Hindi health magazines and cooking shows, where chefs explain how to incorporate 'khubani' into salads, chutneys, or cakes.

Traditional Medicine: In Ayurveda or home remedies (Gharelu Nuskhe), 'khubani' is mentioned as a cure for constipation or as a rich source of iron for anemic patients.

दादी ने मुझे रोज़ दो सूखी खुबानी खाने को कहा। (Grandmother told me to eat two dried apricots every day.)

हैदराबाद की शादियों में खुबानी का मीठा ज़रूर होता है। (Apricot dessert is a must in Hyderabadi weddings.)

For English speakers learning Hindi, the most frequent mistake with खुबानी is related to its grammatical gender. English doesn't assign gender to fruits, so a learner might instinctively say 'Khubani achha hai' (Apricot is good), using the masculine 'achha'. However, because 'Khubani' is feminine, it must be 'Khubani achhi hai'. This error is very common and can lead to confusion in more complex sentences.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Mera khubani' (My apricot - masc). Correct: 'Meri khubani' (My apricot - fem). Remember: Fruits ending in 'i' sounds are often feminine in Hindi.

गलत: वह खुबानी मीठा है। सही: वह खुबानी मीठी है। (Wrong: That apricot is sweet - masc. Right: That apricot is sweet - fem.)

Another common error is pronunciation, specifically the 'Kh' (ख) sound. English speakers often pronounce it as a hard 'K' (as in 'kite'). However, the 'Kh' in 'Khubani' should be aspirated or, in many dialects influenced by Urdu, a fricative /x/. Using a simple 'K' sound might make the word sound like 'Kubani', which isn't a word and might confuse listeners. Learners also struggle with the pluralization. They might try to say 'Khubanis' or 'Khubaniyan' incorrectly. In Hindi, the plural of 'Khubani' is 'Khubaniyan', but when used with a number and a unit of measurement (like kilos), the singular form is used. Saying 'Do kilo khubaniyan' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'Do kilo khubani'.

Plural vs. Quantity: Mistake: Using plural forms with weight units. Correct: 'Das kilo khubani'. Mistake: Using singular for individual fruits. Correct: 'Das khubaniyan'.

गलत: मुझे दो खुबानी चाहिए। सही: मुझे दो खुबानियाँ चाहिए। (Wrong: I want two apricot. Right: I want two apricots.)

Vocabulary Confusion: Confusing 'Khubani' (Apricot) with 'Aadoo' (Peach) or 'Aloo Bukhara' (Plum). While they are all stone fruits, they are distinct in Hindi.

सावधान: खुबानी और कुर्बानी दो अलग शब्द हैं। (Caution: Khubani and Kurbani are two different words.)

While खुबानी is the standard Hindi word for apricot, there are several related terms and synonyms that you might encounter depending on the region or context. Understanding these will help you navigate different dialects and formal vs. informal settings.

Comparison: Khubani vs. Jardalu

खुबानी (Khubani): The most common term used across India. It is of Persian origin and is understood by almost all Hindi speakers.

जरदालू (Jardalu): This is another word for apricot, more common in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It specifically refers to a very sweet, high-quality variety of apricot. In some contexts, 'Jardalu' is used to describe a specific cultivar that has a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, like the Bhagalpur Jardalu.

बिहार में लोग खुबानी को जरदालू भी कहते हैं। (In Bihar, people also call apricots 'Jardalu'.)

You should also be aware of other stone fruits that are often grouped with apricots in markets.

Related Fruits

आड़ू (Aadoo): Peach. Larger than an apricot, with fuzzier skin.

आलू बुखारा (Aloo Bukhara): Plum. Usually more tart and has a smoother, often darker skin.

In the context of dried fruits, you might hear the term 'Mewa'. While 'Mewa' means dry fruits in general, if you are looking for dried apricots specifically, you must say 'Sukhi Khubani'. In some high-end culinary circles, you might hear the English word 'Apricot' used even while speaking Hindi, but 'Khubani' remains the soul of the language.

मुझे खुबानी और आड़ू दोनों पसंद हैं। (I like both apricots and peaches.)

Register and Region: In formal agricultural reports, 'Khubani' is the standard. In local Ladakhi dialects, they might have specific names for different types of apricots like 'Halman' or 'Raktsey Karpo', but they will use 'Khubani' when speaking to Hindi speakers.

क्या आपके पास ताज़ी खुबानी है या सूखी? (Do you have fresh apricots or dried ones?)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"खुबानी के निर्यात से क्षेत्रीय अर्थव्यवस्था सुदृढ़ होगी।"

Neutral

"मुझे बाज़ार से खुबानी लानी है।"

Informal

"यार, ये खुबानी बहुत ज़बरदस्त है!"

Child friendly

"देखो, ये गोल-गोल नारंगी खुबानी है।"

Slang

"एकदम खुबानी जैसा मीठा बंदा है वो।"

Fun Fact

Apricots were brought to India via the Silk Road. The word is so well-integrated that many Indians don't realize it has Persian roots.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /xuː.bɑː.niː/

US /xu.bɑ.ni/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the second syllable 'ba'.

Rhymes With

रानी (Rani) पानी (Pani) कहानी (Kahani) जवानी (Jawani) निशानी (Nishani) परेशानी (Pareshani) मेहरबानी (Meherbani) नादानी (Nadani)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (Kubani).
Making the 'u' sound too short like 'cup'.
Pronouncing the 'ni' as 'ne' like in 'net'.
Missing the aspiration in 'kh'.
Confusing it with 'Kurbani' (Sacrifice).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but watch for the 'kh' and 'n' sounds.

Writing 3/5

The conjunct 'niyan' in plural can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 4/5

The fricative 'kh' sound takes practice for non-native speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

फल (Fruit) मीठा (Sweet) नारंगी (Orange) खाना (To eat) बाज़ार (Market)

Learn Next

आड़ू (Peach) आलू बुखारा (Plum) अंजीर (Fig) किशमिश (Raisin) अखरोट (Walnut)

Advanced

बागवानी (Horticulture) निर्यात (Export) प्रसंस्करण (Processing) पोषक तत्व (Nutrients) एंटीऑक्सीडेंट (Antioxidant)

Grammar to Know

Feminine nouns ending in 'i' usually change to 'iyan' in plural.

खुबानी -> खुबानियाँ

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

मीठी खुबानी

Past tense verb agreement with feminine object in 'ne' construction.

मैंने खुबानी खायी।

Oblique case for plural nouns with postpositions.

खुबानीयों में

Use of 'ka/ke/ki' based on the following noun.

खुबानी का स्वाद (masc), खुबानी की मिठास (fem)

Examples by Level

यह खुबानी है।

This is an apricot.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

खुबानी मीठी है।

The apricot is sweet.

Feminine adjective 'meethi' agrees with 'khubani'.

मुझे खुबानी पसंद है।

I like apricots.

Use of 'pasand' for preference.

खुबानी का रंग नारंगी है।

The color of the apricot is orange.

'Ka' agrees with 'rang' (masculine).

एक खुबानी लाओ।

Bring one apricot.

Imperative sentence.

क्या यह खुबानी है?

Is this an apricot?

Interrogative sentence.

खुबानी छोटी होती है।

Apricots are small.

General fact using 'hoti hai' (feminine).

वह खुबानी खा रहा है।

He is eating an apricot.

Present continuous tense.

मैंने बाज़ार से खुबानी खरीदी।

I bought apricots from the market.

Past tense 'khareedi' agrees with feminine 'khubani'.

टोकरी में पाँच खुबानियाँ हैं।

There are five apricots in the basket.

Plural form 'khubaniyan'.

खुबानी का दाम क्या है?

What is the price of the apricot?

Asking for price.

मुझे ताज़ी खुबानी चाहिए।

I want fresh apricots.

Adjective 'tazi' (feminine).

क्या आपके पास सूखी खुबानी है?

Do you have dried apricots?

Asking for a specific type.

खुबानी बहुत रसीली है।

The apricot is very juicy.

Descriptive adjective 'raseeli'.

मैं रोज़ एक खुबानी खाता हूँ।

I eat an apricot every day.

Habitual present tense.

यह खुबानी कच्ची है।

This apricot is raw/unripe.

Adjective 'kachchi' (feminine).

खुबानी सेहत के लिए बहुत फ़ायदेमंद होती है।

Apricots are very beneficial for health.

Generalizing benefits.

लद्दाख की खुबानी पूरी दुनिया में मशहूर है।

Ladakh's apricots are famous all over the world.

Proper noun 'Ladakh' with possessive 'ki'.

क्या आप खुबानी का जैम बना सकते हैं?

Can you make apricot jam?

Ability with 'sakte hain'.

सूखी खुबानी को रात भर पानी में भिगो दें।

Soak the dried apricots in water overnight.

Instructional sentence.

इन खुबानीयों में गुठली नहीं है।

These apricots do not have pits.

Oblique plural 'khubaniyon'.

खुबानी की खेती पहाड़ों पर की जाती है।

Apricot cultivation is done on mountains.

Passive voice construction.

ज़्यादा खुबानी खाने से पेट खराब हो सकता है।

Eating too many apricots can upset the stomach.

Cause and effect.

मैंने खुबानी का पेड़ अपने बगीचे में लगाया है।

I have planted an apricot tree in my garden.

Present perfect tense.

हैदराबाद का 'खुबानी का मीठा' एक लाजवाब मिठाई है।

Hyderabad's 'Khubani ka Meetha' is a wonderful dessert.

Cultural reference.

खुबानी के तेल का उपयोग त्वचा के लिए किया जाता है।

Apricot oil is used for the skin.

Describing utility.

जब खुबानी पक जाती है, तो वह पेड़ से गिर जाती है।

When the apricot ripens, it falls from the tree.

Conditional/Temporal clause.

सर्दियों में सूखी खुबानी खाना ऊर्जा देता है।

Eating dried apricots in winter gives energy.

Gerundial use of 'khana'.

इस साल खुबानी की पैदावार बहुत अच्छी हुई है।

The apricot yield has been very good this year.

Agricultural context.

खुबानी और आड़ू के बीच का अंतर पहचानना आसान है।

It is easy to identify the difference between an apricot and a peach.

Comparative structure.

क्या आपने कभी खुबानी की चटनी चखी है?

Have you ever tasted apricot chutney?

Experience question.

धूप में सुखाई गई खुबानी ज़्यादा समय तक चलती है।

Sun-dried apricots last longer.

Participle phrase 'dhoop mein sukhai gayi'.

खुबानी की निर्यात नीति में बदलाव से किसानों को लाभ होगा।

Changes in the apricot export policy will benefit farmers.

Formal/Economic terminology.

जलवायु परिवर्तन खुबानी के बागानों को प्रभावित कर रहा है।

Climate change is affecting apricot orchards.

Environmental context.

खुबानी की गुठली के अंदर का बादाम कड़वा हो सकता है।

The kernel inside the apricot pit can be bitter.

Technical detail.

इस शोध के अनुसार, खुबानी में कैंसर-रोधी गुण हो सकते हैं।

According to this research, apricots may have anti-cancer properties.

Academic/Scientific register.

खुबानी के फूलों की सुंदरता देखते ही बनती है।

The beauty of apricot blossoms is worth seeing.

Idiomatic expression 'dekhte hi banti hai'.

हिमालयी संस्कृति में खुबानी का एक विशेष स्थान है।

Apricots have a special place in Himalayan culture.

Sociocultural discussion.

व्यापारियों ने खुबानी के दाम जानबूझकर बढ़ा दिए हैं।

Traders have intentionally increased the prices of apricots.

Adverbial 'jaan-boojhkar'.

खुबानी के प्रसंस्करण के लिए नई मशीनों की आवश्यकता है।

New machines are needed for the processing of apricots.

Industrial context.

खुबानी की मिठास और उसकी मखमली त्वचा कवियों को प्रेरित करती है।

The sweetness of the apricot and its velvety skin inspire poets.

Poetic/Literary register.

लद्दाख के 'रक्तसे कारपो' खुबानी को उनकी अद्वितीय सफ़ेद गुठली के लिए जाना जाता है।

Ladakh's 'Raktsey Karpo' apricots are known for their unique white kernels.

Highly specific technical knowledge.

खुबानी के बागों में छनकर आती धूप एक जादुई वातावरण बनाती है।

The sunlight filtering through the apricot orchards creates a magical atmosphere.

Complex descriptive imagery.

प्राचीन रेशम मार्ग के माध्यम से खुबानी का विस्तार भारत तक हुआ।

Apricots spread to India via the ancient Silk Road.

Historical/Geopolitical context.

खुबानी के अर्क का उपयोग उच्च श्रेणी के सौंदर्य प्रसाधनों में होता है।

Apricot extract is used in high-end cosmetics.

Advanced vocabulary 'ark' and 'saundarya prasadhan'.

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में खुबानी के पेड़ों की भूमिका अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है।

The role of apricot trees in the ecosystem is extremely important.

Scientific/Environmental register.

खुबानी के गूदे को सुखाकर बनाई गई पपड़ी एक पारंपरिक व्यंजन है।

The leather made by drying apricot pulp is a traditional dish.

Describing traditional food processing.

खुबानी की खेती में जैव-विविधता का संरक्षण अनिवार्य है।

Conservation of biodiversity in apricot farming is mandatory.

Policy/Conservation terminology.

Synonyms

जर्दालू सूखा मेवा फल किशमिश जैसा फल

Antonyms

सब्ज़ी खट्टा फल

Common Collocations

ताज़ी खुबानी

सूखी खुबानी

खुबानी का मीठा

खुबानी का तेल

खुबानी का पेड़

खुबानी की चटनी

खुबानी का रस

खुबानी की गुठली

खुबानी का बाग

खुबानी की फसल

Common Phrases

खुबानी जैसी रंगत

— A complexion or color like an apricot. Used to describe healthy, glowing skin.

उसकी त्वचा में खुबानी जैसी रंगत है।

खुबानी खाना

— To eat an apricot. A very basic and common action phrase.

बच्चे खुबानी खा रहे हैं।

खुबानी खरीदना

— To buy apricots. Used in market contexts.

चलो खुबानी खरीदते हैं।

खुबानी का स्वाद

— The taste of an apricot. Used in discussions about food.

खुबानी का स्वाद अनोखा होता है।

खुबानी की मिठास

— The sweetness of an apricot. Often used in praise of the fruit.

इस खुबानी की मिठास बहुत है।

खुबानी तोड़ना

— To pluck an apricot. Used in gardens or orchards.

पेड़ से खुबानी तोड़ो।

खुबानी सुखाना

— To dry an apricot. Refers to the process of making dried fruit.

गाँव वाले खुबानी सुखा रहे हैं।

खुबानी का मुरब्बा

— Apricot preserve or jam. A common way to consume the fruit.

मुझे खुबानी का मुरब्बा पसंद है।

खुबानी की खेती

— Apricot farming. Used in agricultural discussions.

हिमाचल में खुबानी की खेती होती है।

खुबानी वाली चाय

— Apricot tea. A specialty in some Himalayan regions.

क्या आपने खुबानी वाली चाय पी है?

Often Confused With

खुबानी vs कुर्बानी (Kurbani)

Means 'Sacrifice'. Sounds very similar but has a different initial consonant and completely different meaning.

खुबानी vs आड़ू (Aadoo)

Means 'Peach'. Both are orange stone fruits but distinct.

खुबानी vs आलू बुखारा (Aloo Bukhara)

Means 'Plum'. Often sold alongside apricots.

Idioms & Expressions

"खुबानी का मीठा होना"

— Literally refers to the dessert, but can be used metaphorically for something very sweet or satisfying.

उसकी बातें खुबानी का मीठा जैसी हैं।

Informal

"खुबानी जैसा गाल"

— Cheeks as soft and pink/orange as an apricot. A common poetic compliment.

बच्चे के खुबानी जैसे गाल हैं।

Poetic

"खुबानी की गुठली"

— Something small but hard to crack; or something with a hidden surprise inside.

यह समस्या खुबानी की गुठली जैसी है।

Metaphorical

"ताज़ी खुबानी सा"

— Fresh and full of life. Used to describe someone's energy.

वह आज ताज़ी खुबानी सा लग रहा है।

Informal

"खुबानी के बाग दिखाना"

— To show someone something beautiful or promising (similar to 'green pastures').

उसने मुझे सफलता के खुबानी के बाग दिखाए।

Literary

"खुबानी की तरह पकना"

— To mature or ripen perfectly.

उसका अनुभव अब खुबानी की तरह पक गया है।

Metaphorical

"सूखी खुबानी सा चेहरा"

— A wrinkled or aged face (somewhat negative).

बुढ़ापे में उसका चेहरा सूखी खुबानी सा हो गया।

Informal

"खुबानी का रस टपकना"

— To be extremely juicy or full of something good.

उसकी बातों से खुबानी का रस टपकता है।

Metaphorical

"खुबानी की मिठास घोलना"

— To add sweetness to a situation or conversation.

उसने महफ़िल में खुबानी की मिठास घोल दी।

Poetic

"खुबानी के पेड़ की छाया"

— A place of peace and mountain comfort.

हमें खुबानी के पेड़ की छाया में आराम मिला।

Descriptive

Easily Confused

खुबानी vs जरदालू

It's a synonym but used regionally.

Khubani is universal; Jardalu is specifically used in East India or for high-end varieties.

बाज़ार में खुबानी और जरदalu दोनों बिक रहे हैं।

खुबानी vs ग़ुबानी

Mispronunciation.

There is no word 'Gubani' in Hindi.

गलत: गुबानी; सही: खुबानी

खुबानी vs खुरमानी

Variation in Urdu.

Khurmani is the Urdu variation; Khubani is more common in Hindi.

उर्दू में इसे खुरमानी भी कहते हैं।

खुबानी vs पीच

English loan word.

Peaches are 'Aadoo', not 'Khubani'.

यह पीच नहीं, खुबानी है।

खुबानी vs लोकाट

Loquat fruit looks similar.

Loquats are smaller and grow in clusters; apricots are single stone fruits.

लोकाट और खुबानी अलग फल हैं।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] है।

यह खुबानी है।

मुझे [Noun] चाहिए।

मुझे खुबानी चाहिए।

[Noun] सेहत के लिए [Adjective] है।

खुबानी सेहत के लिए अच्छी है।

अगर [Condition], तो [Result]।

अगर खुबानी मीठी है, तो मैं खरीदूँगा।

[Noun] की [Property] [Verb] है।

खुबानी की पैदावार बढ़ रही है।

न केवल [A], बल्कि [B] भी।

न केवल खुबानी का फल, बल्कि उसकी गुठली भी उपयोगी है।

[Noun] [Adjective] है।

खुबानी नारंगी है।

क्या आपके पास [Noun] है?

क्या आपके पास खुबानी है?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common during summer and in dry fruit contexts year-round.

Common Mistakes

Using masculine adjectives. → Khubani meethi hai.
Since Khubani is feminine, 'meetha' becomes 'meethi'.
Pronouncing it 'Kubani'. → Khubani (with friction).
The 'Kh' sound is essential; 'K' sounds like a different word.
Saying 'Do kilo khubaniyan'. → Do kilo khubani.
Units of weight take the singular form of the noun.
Confusing with 'Kurbani'. → Khubani.
'Kurbani' means sacrifice, which is a very different context!
Using 'Khubani' for Peach. → Aadoo.
Peaches and apricots are different; don't mix them up in the market.

Tips

Gender Memory

Fruits ending in 'i' like Khubani, Leechy, and Narangi are almost always feminine. Use this to remember the grammar!

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't say 'Koo-ba-ni'. Say 'Khu-ba-ni'. The air should flow through your throat like you're whispering a secret.

Asking for Samples

In Indian markets, it's okay to ask 'Kya main ek chakh sakta hoon?' (Can I taste one?) before buying a kilo of apricots.

Making Dessert

If you buy dried apricots, soak them overnight. They double in size and become perfect for cooking.

Iron Source

Mention 'Khubani' when talking about health; it's well-known in India for being good for the blood.

Ladakh Souvenirs

If you visit Ladakh, dried apricots are the best gift to bring back for friends and family.

Synonym Alert

If someone says 'Jardalu', don't be confused. They just mean a very sweet Khubani.

Plural Spelling

When writing 'Khubaniyan', make sure the 'ya' has a chandrabindu (ँ) for the correct nasal sound.

Hyderabadi Weddings

If you go to a wedding in Hyderabad, look for the 'Khubani ka Meetha' stall—it's usually the most popular!

Daily Usage

Try to label apricots in your kitchen with a 'Khubani' sticker to practice every day.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'KHUB' (good/beautiful) 'ANI' (small being). A 'Khubani' is a 'good small fruit'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright orange sun setting over the Himalayas, and the sun turns into a soft, velvety Khubani.

Word Web

Fruit Orange Sweet Mountain Ladakh Dried Dessert Stone

Challenge

Try to go to a local Indian store and ask the shopkeeper: 'Kya aapke paas sukhi khubani hai?'

Word Origin

The word 'Khubani' enters Hindi through Persian (Persian: زردآلو, though 'Khubani' is a common regional term in Persian-influenced languages). It reflects the historical trade and cultural exchange between Central Asia and India.

Original meaning: In Persian, it relates to the fruit of the apricot tree.

Indo-Iranian -> Persian -> Urdu/Hindi.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to confuse it with 'Kurbani' (Sacrifice) in religious contexts.

In the West, apricots are often just another fruit, but in Hindi culture, they carry a sense of 'mountain freshness'.

Khubani ka Meetha (Famous Dessert) Ladakh Apricot Festival Shakarpara Variety

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Buying Fruit

खुबानी का क्या भाव है?
एक किलो दे दो।
क्या ये ताज़ी हैं?
ज़्यादा खट्टी तो नहीं हैं?

Eating at a Restaurant

क्या खुबानी का मीठा मिलेगा?
इसमें कितनी चीनी है?
ये बहुत स्वादिष्ट है।
एक प्लेट और लाओ।

Health Discussion

खुबानी में विटामिन होता है।
सूखी खुबानी खून बढ़ाती है।
इसे भिगोकर खाओ।
ये पाचन के लिए अच्छी है।

In the Mountains

यहाँ खुबानी के बहुत पेड़ हैं।
फसल कब तैयार होगी?
क्या हम बाग देख सकते हैं?
ताज़ी खुबानी का स्वाद अलग है।

Cooking

खुबानी को बारीक काट लो।
इसे चाशनी में पकाओ।
ऊपर से क्रीम डाल दो।
ये चटनी के साथ अच्छा लगता है।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको ताज़ी खुबानी पसंद है या सूखी?"

"क्या आपने कभी हैदराबाद का खुबानी का मीठा खाया है?"

"आपके देश में खुबानी को क्या कहते हैं?"

"क्या आपको पता है कि लद्दाख की खुबानी बहुत मशहूर है?"

"क्या हम खुबानी से घर पर जैम बना सकते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने बाज़ार में पहली बार खुबानी देखी। उसका रंग और स्वाद कैसा था?

अगर मुझे खुबानी का बाग लगाना हो, तो मैं कहाँ लगाऊँगा और क्यों?

खुबानी का मीठा खाने का मेरा अनुभव कैसा रहा?

सूखी खुबानी और ताज़ी खुबानी के बीच मुझे क्या ज़्यादा पसंद है?

मेरे पसंदीदा फलों की सूची में खुबानी का क्या स्थान है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Khubani is a feminine noun in Hindi. This means you must use feminine forms for adjectives and verbs, such as 'meethi' (sweet) or 'khayi' (ate).

You say 'Sukhi Khubani' (सूखी खुबानी). 'Sukhi' means dry.

They are primarily grown in the northern hilly regions, specifically Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Yes, 'Jardalu' is a synonym for apricot used in Bihar and some other regions, often referring to a specific sweet variety.

It is a famous Hyderabadi dessert made by boiling dried apricots with sugar and serving them with cream or custard.

It is a voiceless velar fricative /x/. It sounds like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or 'loch'. Avoid a hard 'K' sound.

The plural is 'Khubaniyan' (खुबानियाँ). In the oblique case (with postpositions), it is 'Khubaniyon' (खुबानियों).

Yes, in cities and on menus, 'Apricot' is understood, but 'Khubani' is the standard Hindi word used by most people.

Yes, the kernels (found inside the pit) are often eaten like almonds, though some can be bitter. They are called 'Khubani ki giri'.

The fresh fruit season is usually during the summer months, from May to July.