असहयोगी in 30 Seconds
- Asahyogi means uncooperative or unhelpful in Hindi.
- It is an adjective formed from 'a-' (not) and 'sahyogi' (cooperative).
- Commonly used in offices, politics, and social complaints.
- It carries a negative connotation of being difficult to work with.
The Hindi word असहयोगी (Asahyogi) is a powerful adjective used to describe a person, entity, or attitude that refuses to cooperate, assist, or work together toward a common goal. Morphologically, it is constructed from the prefix 'अ-' (a-), which functions as a negator (similar to 'un-' or 'non-' in English), and the base word 'सहयोगी' (sahyogi), meaning a collaborator or someone who is helpful. Therefore, literally, it translates to 'non-collaborative' or 'uncooperative'.
- Social Context
- In social settings, calling someone 'asahyogi' is a significant critique of their character. It implies a lack of community spirit. If a neighbor refuses to help clean a shared space or a friend refuses to contribute to a group plan without a valid reason, they are often labeled as 'asahyogi'. It suggests a certain level of stubbornness or selfishness that disrupts the harmony of a group.
- Professional Environment
- In a workplace, this term is frequently used in performance reviews or team discussions. An 'asahyogi karmachari' (uncooperative employee) is one who creates bottlenecks by withholding information, missing deadlines intentionally, or refusing to assist colleagues. It carries a formal weight here, often being a precursor to disciplinary action.
उसका व्यवहार अत्यंत असहयोगी था, इसलिए प्रोजेक्ट समय पर पूरा नहीं हो सका। (His behavior was extremely uncooperative, which is why the project couldn't be completed on time.)
Historically, the root 'Asahyog' (Non-cooperation) gained global prominence through Mahatma Gandhi's Asahyog Andolan (Non-Cooperation Movement). In that context, being 'asahyogi' toward the British government was seen as a virtuous act of resistance. However, in modern daily life, it retains its negative connotation of being difficult or unhelpful.
यदि तुम इतने असहयोगी रहोगे, तो कोई तुम्हारी मदद नहीं करेगा। (If you remain this uncooperative, no one will help you.)
Using 'असहयोगी' (Asahyogi) correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective. It typically modifies a person (noun) or their behavior (abstract noun). It does not change based on gender when used as a pure adjective for 'behavior' (vyavhar), but if used as a noun to mean 'an uncooperative person', it follows standard Hindi gender rules.
- Describing People
- When describing a male: 'वह लड़का असहयोगी है' (That boy is uncooperative). When describing a female: 'वह लड़की असहयोगी है' (That girl is uncooperative). The word itself ends in 'i', making it relatively stable as an adjective across genders.
हमें असहयोगी लोगों के साथ काम करने में कठिनाई होती है। (We find it difficult to work with uncooperative people.)
It is often paired with words like 'रवैय्या' (attitude) or 'व्यवहार' (behavior) to soften the blow. Instead of saying 'You are uncooperative,' one might say 'Your attitude is uncooperative.'
प्रशासन का असहयोगी रवैया जनता के लिए परेशानी का सबब बना हुआ है। (The administration's uncooperative attitude has become a cause of trouble for the public.)
You will encounter 'असहयोगी' in various formal and semi-formal spheres of Indian life. It is not a slang word; it is standard Hindi that carries a tone of serious grievance.
- In News and Politics
- This is a favorite word for political commentators. When an opposition party refuses to let parliament function, the ruling party will call them 'असहयोगी'. Similarly, in international relations, if a country refuses to sign a treaty, the media labels them 'असहयोगी राष्ट्र' (uncooperative nation).
विपक्ष का असहयोगी रुख संसद की कार्यवाही में बाधा डाल रहा है। (The uncooperative stance of the opposition is hindering the proceedings of the Parliament.)
In bureaucratic settings, if you are trying to get a passport or a license and the officer is being difficult, you might complain to their superior about their 'असहयोगी व्यवहार' (uncooperative behavior). This is a formal way to register a complaint without using abusive language.
बैंक मैनेजर बहुत असहयोगी था, उसने मेरी बात तक नहीं सुनी। (The bank manager was very uncooperative; he didn't even listen to me.)
Learners often confuse 'असहयोगी' (Asahyogi) with other words that sound similar but have vastly different meanings. The most common confusion is with 'असहाय' (Asahay).
- Asahyogi vs. Asahay
- 'Asahyogi' means uncooperative (someone who *won't* help), whereas 'Asahay' means helpless (someone who *can't* help themselves). Using 'asahyogi' when you mean 'helpless' can sound very insulting as it implies a deliberate refusal to work rather than a lack of capability.
गलत: वह गरीब आदमी बहुत असहयोगी है। (Wrong: That poor man is very uncooperative - unless he's refusing to help!)
सही: वह गरीब आदमी बहुत असहाय है। (Right: That poor man is very helpless.)
Another mistake is using it as a verb. 'Asahyogi' is an adjective. To say 'He is not cooperating,' you should use the phrase 'सहयोग नहीं कर रहा' (sahyog nahi kar raha) rather than trying to turn 'asahyogi' into a verb.
While 'असहयोगी' is the standard term, depending on the intensity and context, you might choose other words.
- Virodhi (विरोधी)
- Meaning 'opponent' or 'hostile'. While an 'asahyogi' person just doesn't help, a 'virodhi' person actively works against you. Use 'asahyogi' for passive resistance and 'virodhi' for active opposition.
- Akadu (अकड़ू)
- A slang/informal term for someone who is arrogant and uncooperative because of their ego. Use this with friends, but never in an office.
वह असहयोगी नहीं है, बस थोड़ा शर्मीला है। (He is not uncooperative, just a bit shy.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word was a central pillar of India's independence struggle. Gandhi's 'Asahyog Andolan' (1920) turned this word into a weapon of peace.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the first 'a' too long like 'aa'. It should be short.
- Missing the 'h' sound in 'sah'.
- Pronouncing 'gi' with a short 'i' instead of a long 'ee'.
Difficulty Rating
Recognizable once you know the root 'sahyog'.
Requires correct placement of 'a' and 'i' markers.
Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the 'h' sound.
Common in news and formal speeches.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The 'a-' prefix negates the adjective.
Sahyogi (Cooperative) -> Asahyogi (Uncooperative)
The 'i' ending usually stays the same for masculine/feminine adjectives in Hindi.
Vah ladka asahyogi hai / Vah ladki asahyogi hai.
When used as a noun, the plural takes 'on' in oblique cases.
Asahyogiyon se baat karo.
Adjectives precede the noun they modify.
Asahyogi vyakti (Uncooperative person).
The word functions as a predicate adjective after the verb 'to be'.
Tum asahyogi ho.
Examples by Level
मेरा दोस्त असहयोगी है।
My friend is uncooperative.
Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb (is).
वह आदमी असहयोगी था।
That man was uncooperative.
Past tense 'tha' used with the adjective.
क्या तुम असहयोगी हो?
Are you uncooperative?
Interrogative sentence starting with 'Kya'.
असहयोगी मत बनो।
Don't be uncooperative.
Imperative sentence using 'mat' (don't).
वे लोग असहयोगी हैं।
Those people are uncooperative.
Plural subject 've log' with 'hain'.
यह बच्चा असहयोगी नहीं है।
This child is not uncooperative.
Negative sentence using 'nahi'.
राम असहयोगी लड़का है।
Ram is an uncooperative boy.
Adjective 'asahyogi' modifying 'ladka'.
तुम इतने असहयोगी क्यों हो?
Why are you so uncooperative?
Question word 'kyon' (why) in the middle.
टीम का एक सदस्य बहुत असहयोगी था।
One member of the team was very uncooperative.
Using 'ka' to show belonging to the team.
असहयोगी व्यवहार के कारण काम रुक गया।
Work stopped because of uncooperative behavior.
'Ke karan' means 'because of'.
हमें असहयोगी कर्मचारियों को बदलना होगा।
We will have to replace uncooperative employees.
'Hoga' indicates future necessity.
वह स्वभाव से थोड़ा असहयोगी है।
He is a bit uncooperative by nature.
'Swabhav se' means 'by nature'.
सरकार का रवैया असहयोगी रहा है।
The government's attitude has been uncooperative.
'Raha hai' indicates a state that has been continuing.
यदि तुम असहयोगी रहोगे, तो कोई मदद नहीं करेगा।
If you remain uncooperative, no one will help.
Conditional 'Yadi... toh' structure.
उसकी पत्नी असहयोगी नहीं थी।
His wife was not uncooperative.
Feminine past tense 'thi'.
असहयोगी लोगों के साथ बातचीत करना मुश्किल है।
It is difficult to talk with uncooperative people.
Gerund 'baatchit karna' as the subject.
असहयोगी तत्वों ने शांति प्रक्रिया को बाधित किया।
Uncooperative elements disrupted the peace process.
Use of 'tatva' (elements) in a political context.
उनकी असहयोगी प्रवृत्ति उनके पतन का कारण बनी।
His uncooperative tendency became the cause of his downfall.
'Pravritti' means tendency/inclination.
संस्थागत ढांचा स्वयं में असहयोगी प्रतीत होता है।
The institutional framework itself appears uncooperative.
Formal academic tone.
असहयोगी आचरण की नैतिकता पर बहस छिड़ गई।
A debate broke out on the ethics of uncooperative conduct.
'Aacharan' is a formal word for conduct.
वह जानबूझकर असहयोगी बना रहा ताकि योजना विफल हो जाए।
He deliberately remained uncooperative so that the plan would fail.
'Jaan-boojhkar' means deliberately.
असहयोगी राज्यों के प्रति संघ का कड़ा रुख है।
The Union has a tough stance towards uncooperative states.
Geopolitical terminology.
सांस्कृतिक भिन्नता कभी-कभी असहयोगी व्यवहार को जन्म देती है।
Cultural differences sometimes give rise to uncooperative behavior.
Sociological explanation.
उसकी असहयोगी चुप्पी शब्दों से अधिक हानिकारक थी।
His uncooperative silence was more harmful than words.
Metaphorical usage.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Why so uncooperative? Used as a rhetorical question.
तुम हर बात पर इतना असहयोगी क्यों हो जाते हो?
— The limit of uncooperative behavior.
तुम्हारे असहयोगी व्यवहार की भी एक सीमा होती है।
Often Confused With
Means 'helpless'. Don't confuse a person who *can't* help with one who *won't* help.
Means 'unbearable'. Often confused because of the 'Asah-' prefix.
Means 'disagreeing'. You can disagree but still be cooperative.
Idioms & Expressions
— To interfere or be uncooperative by creating obstacles.
वह हर काम में टाँग अड़ाता है, बहुत असहयोगी है।
Informal— Literally 'not matching shoulders'; failing to cooperate or work together.
मुश्किल समय में उसने कंधा नहीं मिलाया, वह असहयोगी निकला।
Literary— To turn one's face away; to refuse help or cooperation.
जब मदद की ज़रूरत थी, उसने मुँह मोड़ लिया।
Neutral— To be a stone in the path; to be an uncooperative obstacle.
तुम मेरे रास्ते का पत्थर मत बनो।
Neutral— To withdraw one's hand; to stop cooperating.
पैसे की बात आते ही उसने हाथ खींच लिए।
Neutral— Failing the concept of synergy (1+1=11); being uncooperative.
उनके साथ एक और एक दो ही रहते हैं, वे असहयोगी हैं।
Cultural— To build a wall; to be uncooperative and create barriers.
पड़ोसी ने बातचीत के बीच दीवार खड़ी कर दी है।
Metaphorical— To look away; to ignore the need for cooperation.
संकट के समय उसने आँखें फेर लीं।
Neutral— To create a hitch or obstruction.
वह विकास कार्यों में अड़ंगा डाल रहा है।
Colloquial— To leave someone's side; to stop being cooperative.
ऐन मौके पर उसने साथ छोड़ दिया।
NeutralEasily Confused
Noun vs Adjective
Asahyog is the act; Asahyogi is the person.
Asahyog (Noun) mat karo. Vah Asahyogi (Adj) hai.
Similar prefix
Asavdhani is carelessness; Asahyogi is lack of cooperation.
Asavdhani se accident hota hai.
Both imply not working
Aalsi is lazy (lack of energy); Asahyogi is uncooperative (lack of will to help others).
Vah aalsi hai par asahyogi nahi.
Negative roles
Virodhi is an enemy/opponent; Asahyogi is just unhelpful.
Virodhi hamesha nuksan chahta hai.
Social isolation
Akela is lonely; Asahyogi is the behavior that might make you lonely.
Asahyogi log akele reh jate hain.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [asahyogi] hai.
Ram asahyogi hai.
[Subject] bahut [asahyogi] [Noun] hai.
Vah bahut asahyogi ladka hai.
[Subject] ka [ravaiya] [asahyogi] raha hai.
Uska ravaiya asahyogi raha hai.
[Noun] ke [asahyogi] hone ke karan [Result].
Staff ke asahyogi hone ke karan deri hui.
Halaki vah [asahyogi] nahi hai, fir bhi...
Halaki vah asahyogi nahi hai, fir bhi usne madad nahi ki.
[Abstract Noun] ki [asahyogi] prakriti...
Is vyavastha ki asahyogi prakriti spasht hai.
Itna [asahyogi] mat bano.
Itna asahyogi mat bano, hamari madad karo.
Kya aap [asahyogi] tatvon ko pehchante hain?
Kya aap asahyogi tatvon ko pehchante hain?
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in formal/semi-formal Hindi; medium in casual slang.
-
Using 'Asahay' instead of 'Asahyogi'.
→
Vah asahyogi hai.
Asahay means helpless. Asahyogi means uncooperative. Calling a lazy person 'asahay' is wrong.
-
Saying 'Main asahyogi kar raha hoon'.
→
Main sahyog nahi kar raha hoon.
'Asahyogi' is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot 'do' uncooperative; you 'are' uncooperative.
-
Pronouncing it as 'A-sa-yo-gi'.
→
A-sah-yo-gee.
The 'h' sound in 'sah' is essential for correct Hindi pronunciation.
-
Using 'Asahyogi' for an inanimate object in a literal sense.
→
Mausam asahyogi hai.
While okay in metaphor, 'asahyogi' usually implies a conscious choice not to help, so it fits people best.
-
Writing 'Asahyogi' with a short 'i' at the end.
→
असहयोगी (with long 'ee').
The 'i' marker at the end of such adjectives in Hindi is almost always long.
Tips
Use with 'Hai'
Always remember that 'asahyogi' is an adjective, so it usually needs a helping verb like 'hai' (is) or 'tha' (was).
Professional Use
In emails, use 'asahyogi ravaiya' (uncooperative attitude) instead of calling the person 'asahyogi' directly to remain professional.
Historical Link
Mentioning 'Asahyog Andolan' in a conversation about this word will show you have deep knowledge of Indian history.
Softening the Blow
If you want to be less harsh, say 'aap thode asahyogi ho rahe hain' (you are being a bit uncooperative).
Root Word
Learn 'Sahyog' (Cooperation) first. Once you know the root, 'Asahyogi' and 'Sahyogi' become easy to remember.
The 'H' Sound
Don't skip the 'h' in 'Asahyogi'. Pronouncing it as 'Asayogi' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Spelling
The 'i' at the end is a long 'ee' sound (bihari 'ee'). Make sure to write it correctly as 'गी'.
Collectivism
Understand that in India, being uncooperative is often seen as a moral failing, not just a personal choice.
Alternative
If you forget 'asahyogi', you can say 'madad na karne wala' (one who doesn't help).
Daily Life
Label uncooperative apps or slow internet as 'asahyogi' to practice the word in your head.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'A' + 'Sah' + 'Yogi'. 'A' is 'not', 'Sah' is 'with', and 'Yogi' is like a disciplined person. So, someone who is 'not with the discipline' of the group.
Visual Association
Imagine a group of people pulling a rope in one direction, and one person just sitting down on the ground, refusing to pull. That person is 'asahyogi'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three situations today where you can describe a delay as being caused by an 'asahyogi' person or system.
Word Origin
Sanskrit-derived. It comes from the Sanskrit root 'Sah' (together) + 'Yoga' (union/joining).
Original meaning: Not joining together; not being in union with others.
Indo-AryanCultural Context
Calling someone 'asahyogi' in a formal meeting is a serious accusation. Use it carefully.
The English equivalent 'uncooperative' is often used by police or teachers. In Hindi, 'asahyogi' is used similarly but feels more personal.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- असहयोगी सहकर्मी (Uncooperative colleague)
- काम में असहयोगी (Uncooperative in work)
- असहयोगी रवैया छोड़ें (Leave the uncooperative attitude)
- असहयोगी रिपोर्ट (Uncooperative report)
Politics
- असहयोगी विपक्ष (Uncooperative opposition)
- असहयोग आंदोलन (Non-cooperation movement)
- असहयोगी सरकार (Uncooperative government)
- असहयोगी रुख (Uncooperative stance)
Family
- असहयोगी बच्चा (Uncooperative child)
- असहयोगी पति/पत्नी (Uncooperative spouse)
- घर के कामों में असहयोगी (Uncooperative in chores)
- असहयोगी रिश्तेदार (Uncooperative relative)
Customer Service
- असहयोगी स्टाफ (Uncooperative staff)
- असहयोगी हेल्पलाइन (Uncooperative helpline)
- असहयोगी बैंक (Uncooperative bank)
- असहयोगी अधिकारी (Uncooperative officer)
Education
- असहयोगी छात्र (Uncooperative student)
- असहयोगी शिक्षक (Uncooperative teacher)
- ग्रुप प्रोजेक्ट में असहयोगी (Uncooperative in group project)
- असहयोगी व्यवहार (Uncooperative behavior)
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको कभी किसी असहयोगी सहकर्मी के साथ काम करना पड़ा है?"
"अगर आपका पड़ोसी असहयोगी हो, तो आप क्या करेंगे?"
"असहयोगी व्यवहार को बदलने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है?"
"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल लोग ज़्यादा असहयोगी हो गए हैं?"
"असहयोगी होने और अपनी सीमाएं तय करने में क्या अंतर है?"
Journal Prompts
आज मैंने एक असहयोगी स्थिति का सामना किया जब...
मेरे स्वभाव में असहयोगी प्रवृत्तियाँ तब आती हैं जब मैं...
असहयोग आंदोलन का इतिहास मुझे सिखाता है कि...
एक टीम को असहयोगी सदस्य को कैसे संभालना चाहिए?
क्या मैंने कभी जानबूझकर किसी के प्रति असहयोगी व्यवहार किया है? क्यों?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is a critical word. While not a 'bad word' or swear word, it is a formal way to express dissatisfaction with someone's lack of help. In a professional setting, it is a serious critique.
Technically yes, but it is risky. It's better to say 'The management is uncooperative' (Prabhandhan asahyogi hai) rather than 'The boss is uncooperative' to sound less personal.
You say: 'Main asahyogi nahi hoon' (मैं असहयोगी नहीं हूँ).
The opposite is 'Sahyogi' (सहयोगी), which means cooperative or a collaborator.
Yes, you can describe a 'system' (pranali), 'weather' (mausam), or 'software' as asahyogi if they are not working as expected to help you.
As an adjective, it usually remains 'asahyogi' for both genders in modern Hindi. 'Vah asahyogi hai' works for both a man and a woman.
It was the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule, where Indians refused to buy British goods or work for the British government.
Yes, the roots are Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, it would be 'Asahyogin'.
Yes, it can mean 'an uncooperative person'. Example: 'Asahyogiyon ki yahan zarurat nahi hai' (There is no need for uncooperative people here).
An 'Asahyogi' person just doesn't help you. A 'Virodhi' person actively works to stop you or defeat you.
Test Yourself 51 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'My neighbor is uncooperative.'
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Translate: 'Don't be uncooperative in the group.'
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Say out loud: 'Asahyogi vyavhar achha nahi hota.'
Read this aloud:
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Describe a time you met an uncooperative person using 'असहयोगी'.
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Translate: 'The system is uncooperative.'
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Translate: 'He was uncooperative yesterday.'
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Translate: 'We don't need uncooperative people.'
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Translate: 'Why are you being uncooperative?'
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Translate: 'The uncooperative attitude of the staff is a problem.'
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Translate: 'She is not uncooperative, she is just busy.'
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/ 51 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'असहयोगी' (Asahyogi) is your go-to term for describing someone who is being a 'bottleneck' or refusing to help. For example: 'असहयोगी मत बनो' (Don't be uncooperative) is a common plea in team settings.
- Asahyogi means uncooperative or unhelpful in Hindi.
- It is an adjective formed from 'a-' (not) and 'sahyogi' (cooperative).
- Commonly used in offices, politics, and social complaints.
- It carries a negative connotation of being difficult to work with.
Use with 'Hai'
Always remember that 'asahyogi' is an adjective, so it usually needs a helping verb like 'hai' (is) or 'tha' (was).
Professional Use
In emails, use 'asahyogi ravaiya' (uncooperative attitude) instead of calling the person 'asahyogi' directly to remain professional.
Historical Link
Mentioning 'Asahyog Andolan' in a conversation about this word will show you have deep knowledge of Indian history.
Softening the Blow
If you want to be less harsh, say 'aap thode asahyogi ho rahe hain' (you are being a bit uncooperative).
Related Content
More travel words
आबोहवा
B1Climate, weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
आगे की ओर
A2Towards the front; forwards.
आगमन हॉल
B1Arrival hall, the hall for arriving passengers
आगमन होना
B1To arrive, to reach a destination.
आगमन कक्ष
B1Arrival hall.
आगमन करना
A2To arrive.
आगमन समय
A2Arrival time
आगमन द्वार
B1Arrival gate, the gate where a flight arrives.
आगंतुक
B1A person visiting a place or person, especially socially or as a tourist.
आहार ग्रहण करना
B1To consume food, to eat.
