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अटकाना

B2 verb 15 min read

अटकाना

atakana

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips अटकाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation अटकाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'अटकाना' (Atkānā) primarily as a physical action involving doors and windows. In India, many doors don't have automatic locks; they have simple metal bolts called 'kundi'. When you slide that bolt to keep the door closed, you are 'atkā-ing' the door. It's a very simple, everyday action. You might also use it when you put a hook into a loop. Imagine a simple drawing: a hand sliding a bolt. That is 'Atkānā'. At this stage, don't worry about the complex meanings like 'stalling a file'. Just focus on 'latching a door' or 'hooking a bag on a peg'. It is a transitive verb, meaning you are doing it to something (the door, the bag). Use it in simple commands like 'दरवाज़ा अटकाओ' (Latch the door). It is one of those 'housekeeping' words that you will hear every day if you live in a Hindi-speaking environment. Think of it as 'to catch' or 'to latch' in a very basic mechanical sense. It is different from 'band karnā' (to close) because 'band karnā' just means the door is not open, while 'atkānā' means it is secured by a latch so it won't swing open with the wind.

At the A2 level, you can expand 'अटकाना' (Atkānā) to include other physical objects and simple accidents. For example, if you are wearing a pen in your pocket and you use the clip to hold it, you are 'atkā-ing' the pen. If you put a stone under a table leg to stop it from wobbling, you are 'atkā-ing' the stone. You can also start using it for small physical mishaps, like getting your sleeve caught on a door handle ('उसने अपनी कमीज़ हैंडल में अटका ली'). Notice the use of 'le-nā' here, which often implies an accidental action affecting the subject. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the past tense: 'मैंने कुंडी अठकाई' (I latched the bolt). Remember that 'Atkānā' is the causative of 'Ataknā'. So, if you say 'पेन अटक गया', the pen got stuck on its own. If you say 'मैंने पेन अटकाया', you stuck the pen there. This distinction is a key part of A2 grammar. You can also use it for hanging things temporarily, like a towel on a nail. It’s a very practical word for describing how things are positioned or secured in your immediate environment.

At the B1 level, you begin to use 'अटकाना' (Atkānā) in more abstract and social contexts. This is where the meaning 'to stall' or 'to delay' becomes important. You might hear this in a workplace or a school setting. If a teacher is holding onto your homework and not returning it, they are 'atkā-ing' it. If a process is taking a long time because of one person, you can say 'उसने काम अटका रखा है' (He has kept the work stalled). This 'stalling' meaning is very common in Indian English as well. You also start to see the word in common idioms and phrases. For instance, 'बात अटकाना' means to leave a matter hanging or to hesitate while speaking. You can use it to describe hurdles: 'रास्ते में रोड़ा अटकाना' (to put a stone/hurdle in the path). At this level, you should be able to use the verb in various tenses and moods, including the continuous ('वह फाइल अटका रहा है') and the future ('मैं काम नहीं अटकाऊँगा'). You are moving from purely physical descriptions to describing social and professional friction. You understand that 'atkānā' implies a specific point of obstruction that is preventing progress.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'अटकाना' (Atkānā) and how it differs from similar verbs like 'फँसाना' (Phansānā) or 'बाधित करना' (Bādhit karnā). You understand that 'Atkānā' is often used for bureaucratic hurdles or systemic delays. You can use it to describe complex situations, like a court 'stalling' a project ('कोर्ट ने फैसला अटका दिया'). You also understand the poetic and metaphorical uses, such as 'नज़र अटकाना' (to catch someone's eye/gaze). Your grammar should be precise, correctly applying the 'ne' rule in the past tense and ensuring verb agreement with the object. You can use compound verbs like 'अटका देना' to show completion or 'अटका लेना' to show an action done for oneself. You are aware of the register; you know that 'Atkānā' is perfect for daily conversation and office talk, but you might choose a more formal word like 'स्थगित करना' for a legal document. You can also use it to describe mechanical jamming in more detail, like a chain getting caught in a gear. Your ability to use 'Atkānā' reflects your understanding of how actions can cause both physical and metaphorical 'stuck-ness' in the world.

At the C1 level, your use of 'अटकाना' (Atkānā) is sophisticated and contextually rich. You can identify and use the word in literary contexts, where it might describe the soul being 'stuck' in worldly desires or the heart being 'fastened' to a beloved. You understand the subtle power dynamics implied when someone 'atkā-os' a file; it's not just a delay, it's often an exercise of authority or a request for a bribe (the 'file atkana' culture). You can use the word to describe complex mechanical or technical obstructions with precision. You are also familiar with less common idioms and can use the word to add flavor to your storytelling. For example, you might describe a plot point where a character 'atkā-os' the enemy's plans with a clever maneuver. Your command of the causative structure is perfect, and you can effortlessly switch between 'Ataknā', 'Atkānā', and even the double causative 'Atkvānā' (to cause someone else to cause something to get stuck, though rare, it's grammatically possible). You appreciate the word's role in the 'texture' of Hindi speech, using it to sound more like a native speaker who understands the rhythm of daily life and the intricacies of human-made obstacles.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of 'अटकाना' (Atkānā). You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and its relationship to other Indo-Aryan languages. You use it with total confidence in any setting, from a casual chat on a street corner to a formal debate on policy. You can play with the word's meanings to create puns or double entendres. You understand the deep cultural significance of 'atkānā' in the context of the 'License Raj' or modern Indian bureaucracy, and you can use the word to critique or describe these systems with nuance. You can interpret the word's use in classical poetry or modern high-brow literature, where it might be used as a metaphor for the human condition—being 'stuck' between choice and fate. Your pronunciation is flawless, and your choice of 'Atkānā' over its synonyms is always perfectly tuned to the desired register and emotional tone. You don't just know what the word means; you know the 'feeling' of the word—the click of a latch, the frustration of a stalled file, the spark of a caught gaze. You use 'Atkānā' as a tool for precise, evocative communication, reflecting a profound connection with the Hindi language and its cultural landscape.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

अटकाना in 30 Seconds

Atkānā means to latch, fasten, or cause something to get stuck physically or metaphorically.
It is a transitive verb, meaning an agent performs the action on an object.
Commonly used for door bolts, hooks, and bureaucratic or professional delays.
It is the causative form of 'Ataknā' (to be stuck), requiring the 'ne' postposition in the past tense.

The Hindi verb अटकाना (Atkānā) is a versatile and essential term that every intermediate Hindi learner must master. At its most fundamental level, it is the causative form of the intransitive verb 'अटकना' (Ataknā), which means 'to get stuck' or 'to be hindered.' While 'Ataknā' describes a state or an accidental occurrence, Atkānā implies an active agent performing an action to cause something to stick, latch, or stall. This distinction is crucial in Hindi grammar. In physical contexts, you will hear this word most frequently when someone is closing a door or a window. Instead of just shutting it, they might 'latch' it using a bolt or a hook. This specific act of securing something so it doesn't move is the primary physical definition. However, the beauty of the word lies in its metaphorical extensions. In the bustling streets of Delhi or the corporate offices of Mumbai, you will often hear people complain about their work being 'stuck' or 'delayed' by someone else. When a government official holds up a file, or a manager refuses to sign a document, they are effectively 'atkā-ing' the process. It carries a sense of obstruction, sometimes intentional and sometimes purely functional.

Physical Latching: The act of using a mechanical device like a latch, hook, or bolt to secure a door or window. Example: 'कुंडी अटका दो' (Latch the bolt).

दरवाज़ा खुला मत छोड़ो, बस कुंडी अटका दो। (Don't leave the door open, just latch the bolt.)

Beyond the physical, the word permeates the realm of bureaucracy and daily negotiations. If a project is delayed because of a missing signature, a Hindi speaker might say, 'उसने मेरी फाइल अटका दी' (He stalled my file). This usage is incredibly common in Indian English as well, often translated as 'to put on hold' or 'to create a hurdle.' It implies a certain level of frustration on the part of the person whose work is being hindered. Furthermore, in social contexts, it can refer to the act of catching someone's attention or causing them to pause. For instance, 'नज़र अटकाना' (to catch someone's eye) is a poetic way to describe a romantic or significant glance. It suggests that the gaze has been 'stuck' or 'fixed' on something beautiful or interesting. The word is also used in the context of clothing or accessories; if your dupatta gets caught in a thorn, you have 'atkā-ed' it, though usually, this is seen as the passive 'ataknā' unless you did it on purpose to hang it up.

Bureaucratic Delay: Deliberately slowing down a process or withholding approval. Example: 'अफसर ने काम अटका रखा है' (The officer has kept the work stalled).

बिना वजह मेरा पैसा मत अटकाओ। (Don't hold up my money without reason.)

In terms of register, 'Atkānā' is neutral. It is used by children at home, workers in factories, and politicians in parliament. It is not overly formal like 'अवरुद्ध करना' (avruddh karnā - to obstruct) nor is it slang. It is a workhorse verb of the Hindi language. When you learn this word, you gain the ability to describe both the simple act of locking a door and the complex reality of systemic delays. It is often paired with 'देना' (denā) to form the compound verb 'अटका देना' (atkā denā), which emphasizes the completion or the suddenness of the action. For example, 'उसने पेच अटका दिया' (He fastened the screw/bolt). Understanding the nuance of this word will help you sound more like a native speaker who understands the cause-and-effect relationships in daily life.

Mechanical Fastening: To wedge or jam something into a space to keep it in place. Example: 'पहिए के नीचे पत्थर अटका दो' (Wedge a stone under the wheel).

उसने रस्सी को खूँटी पर अटका दिया। (He hooked the rope onto the peg.)

बात को बीच में मत अटकाओ। (Don't leave the matter hanging in the middle.)

Using अटकाना (Atkānā) correctly requires an understanding of transitive verb structures in Hindi. Since it is a transitive verb, it usually takes an object. In the perfective tenses (past tense), the subject will be followed by the postposition 'ने' (ne), and the verb will agree in gender and number with the object. For example, 'राम ने दरवाज़ा अटकाया' (Ram latched the door). Here, 'दरवाज़ा' is masculine singular, so 'अटकाया' is used. If the object were 'खिड़की' (window - feminine), the sentence would be 'राम ने खिड़की अठकाई' (Ram latched the window). This grammatical rule is a common stumbling block for learners, but mastering it with a word like atkānā is excellent practice.

Transitive Usage: The verb requires an object that is being stuck or fastened. Example: 'उसने अपनी उँगली दरवाज़े में अटका ली' (He got his finger stuck in the door - intentionally or through action).

बच्चे ने खिलौना पाइप में अटका दिया। (The child stuck the toy in the pipe.)

Another important aspect is the use of the verb in the imperative mood. When you want someone to perform a quick, simple action like latching a door, you use the root form or the polite form. 'कुंडी अटकाओ' (Atkāo - informal) or 'कुंडी अटकाइए' (Atkāiye - polite). In a more abstract sense, when telling someone not to delay a project, you might say, 'फाइल को मत अटकाओ' (Don't hold up the file). This versatility allows the verb to shift from a physical command to a professional request seamlessly. You will also find it in the continuous tense: 'वह जानबूझकर काम अटका रहा है' (He is deliberately stalling the work). Here, the focus is on the ongoing nature of the obstruction.

Compound Verbs: Pairing with 'denā' (to give) or 'lenā' (to take) changes the nuance. 'Atkā denā' implies doing it for someone else or as a completed action; 'Atkā lenā' implies doing it for oneself or accidentally.

मैंने कागज़ों को क्लिप में अटका दिया है। (I have fastened the papers in the clip.)

In literary or poetic Hindi, atkānā can be used to describe the heart or soul being 'caught' or 'stuck' on someone. 'मेरा दिल उस पर अटक गया है' (My heart is stuck on her - intransitive) vs. 'उसने मेरा दिल अटका लिया' (She caught/stuck my heart - transitive). The transitive version implies a more active 'capturing' of the heart. In daily conversation, you might also use it for small physical frustrations: 'चाबी ताले में अटका दी क्या?' (Did you get the key stuck in the lock?). This sentence shows how the verb can be used to ask about an accidental but agent-driven action. It covers the middle ground between a complete mistake and a deliberate act.

Wedges and Props: Using an object to prevent movement. Example: 'दरवाज़े के नीचे कागज़ अटका दो' (Wedge a paper under the door).

उसने अपनी बात मनवाने के लिए फाइल अटका रखी है। (He has held up the file to get his way.)

क्या तुमने कुंडी अच्छी तरह अटकाई थी? (Had you latched the bolt properly?)

The word अटकाना (Atkānā) is a staple of everyday life in India, appearing in a variety of settings from domestic chores to high-stakes business deals. In a typical Indian household, you will hear it every evening. As the sun sets and families prepare for bed, the elder of the house might shout, 'अरे, ज़रा बाहर का दरवाज़ा अटका देना' (Hey, just latch the outer door). In this context, it doesn't necessarily mean locking it with a key (which would be 'tālā lagānā'), but simply sliding the bolt into place. It’s a word of security and habit. You’ll also hear it in the kitchen, perhaps when a drawer is jammed or when someone is trying to 'stuck' a spoon in a jar to keep the lid open. The physical presence of the word is constant.

Domestic Setting: Commonly used for bolts, latches, and fixing loose items. Example: 'खिड़की की सिटकनी अटका दो' (Latch the window bolt).

मम्मी ने साड़ी का पल्लू कंधे पर पिन से अटका लिया। (Mom fastened the saree's end on her shoulder with a pin.)

Move out of the house and into the world of Indian bureaucracy, and the word takes on a sharper, more frustrating edge. If you are applying for a driving license or a passport and there is a delay, your friends might ask, 'कहीं फाइल तो नहीं अटका दी?' (Did they stall the file somewhere?). In the news, you will frequently see headlines about projects being 'atkā-ed' due to environmental concerns or legal disputes. 'कोर्ट ने प्रोजेक्ट पर काम अटका दिया' (The court stalled the work on the project). This usage reflects the systemic hurdles that are a part of life in a large, complex democracy. It’s a word that captures the feeling of progress being halted by a specific person or entity.

Professional/Legal: Used to describe legal stays, administrative delays, or withholding payments. Example: 'कंपनी ने मेरा बोनस अटका रखा है' (The company has held up my bonus).

सरकारी दफ्तरों में अक्सर काम अटका दिया जाता है। (In government offices, work is often stalled.)

In the world of fashion and grooming, you'll hear it when someone is styling hair or clothes. 'बालों में क्लच अटका लो' (Fix a clutch in your hair) or 'दुपट्टे को बेल्ट में अटकाना' (Tucking the dupatta into the belt). It describes the act of securing something so it stays put while you move. Similarly, in sports or games, if a ball gets stuck in a tree because of a bad shot, a child might say 'उसने गेंद पेड़ में अटका दी' (He got the ball stuck in the tree). Whether it is a deliberate act of fastening or an accidental act of jamming, atkānā is the word of choice. It is a word that connects the physical mechanics of the world with the social and professional friction of human interaction.

Casual Interaction: Used in games, accidents, or small daily tasks. Example: 'पतंग बिजली के तारों में अटका दी' (Got the kite stuck in the power lines).

उसने अपनी साइकिल की चेन अटका ली है। (He has gotten his cycle chain jammed.)

ज़रा यह हुक यहाँ अटका दो। (Just hook this here.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with अटकाना (Atkānā) is confusing it with its intransitive counterpart, 'अटकना' (Ataknā). This is a classic 'Active vs. Passive' or 'Transitive vs. Intransitive' confusion that exists across many Hindi verb pairs. Remember: Ataknā is something that happens (the food got stuck in my throat - 'खाना गले में अटक गया'), while Atkānā is something you do (I stuck the key in the lock - 'मैंने ताले में चाबी अटका दी'). If you use the wrong one, you might end up saying 'I stuck' when you mean 'It got stuck,' which can lead to funny or confusing situations. For instance, 'मैं भीड़ में अटकाया' is incorrect; it should be 'मैं भीड़ में अटक गया' (I got stuck in the crowd).

Confusing Atkānā and Ataknā: Atkānā requires an agent/doer. Ataknā describes the state of being stuck. Incorrect: 'गाड़ी कीचड़ में अटका गई' (The car stuck in mud). Correct: 'गाड़ी कीचड़ में अटक गई' (The car got stuck in mud).

उसने जानबूझकर फाइल अटकाई, वह खुद नहीं अटकी। (He deliberately stalled the file; it didn't get stalled on its own.)

Another common error is using Atkānā when 'फँसाना' (Phansānā - to trap/entangle) would be more appropriate. While they both involve being 'stuck,' Atkānā usually refers to a physical latch or a temporary obstruction, whereas Phansānā implies being caught in a trap, a net, or a complex, difficult-to-escape situation. If you are 'stuck' in a legal case, you are 'phans-ed' (फँस गए). If your work is just delayed by a minor hurdle, it is 'atkā-ed' (अटक गया). Using Atkānā for a serious trap makes it sound too mechanical and simple. Conversely, using Phansānā for latching a door sounds like you are trying to trap the door in a web, which is nonsensical. Context is key to choosing between these two 'stuck' verbs.

Confusion with Phansānā: Atkānā is for latches and hurdles. Phansānā is for traps and entanglements. Don't use 'Atkānā' for being caught in a scam.

जाल में मछली फँसती है, अटकती नहीं। (Fish gets trapped in a net, not just 'stuck' like a latch.)

Finally, learners often forget the 'ne' (ने) rule in the past tense. Since Atkānā is transitive, you must say 'मैंने अटकाया' (I latched) and not 'मैं अटकाया'. This is a fundamental rule of Hindi grammar that applies to all transitive verbs in the perfective aspect. Additionally, ensure the verb ending matches the object. If you latched two doors, it's 'अटकाए' (atkāe). If you latched a window, it's 'अटकाई' (atkāī). Paying attention to these gender and number agreements will elevate your Hindi from basic to proficient. Practice by narrating small actions: 'मैंने पेन जेब में अटकाया' (I clipped the pen in the pocket). This will build the muscle memory needed to use the word fluently without overthinking the grammar.

Agreement Errors: Ensure the verb matches the object's gender in the past tense. 'उसने सुई (fem) अठकाई' vs 'उसने काँटा (masc) अटकाया'.

क्या तुमने सारी फाइलें अटका दीं? (Did you stall all the files? - Feminine plural agreement.)

गलती से उँगली दरवाज़े में अटका मत लेना। (Don't accidentally get your finger stuck in the door.)

To truly master अटकाना (Atkānā), it helps to understand its neighbors in the Hindi vocabulary. A very close synonym for the physical act of latching is 'लगाना' (Lagānā - to apply/fix). You can say 'कुंडी लगाना' or 'कुंडी अटकाना'. However, 'Lagānā' is more general; it can mean to lock, to close, or even to plant a tree. 'Atkānā' is more specific to the act of sliding a bolt or hooking something. If you want to be more formal, especially in a professional context, you might use 'बाधित करना' (Bādhit karnā - to obstruct) or 'रोकना' (Roknā - to stop). While 'Atkānā' is common in speech, 'Bādhit karnā' appears in official documents and news reports.

Atkānā vs. Lagānā: 'Lagānā' is general (to fix/attach). 'Atkānā' is specific (to latch/wedge). Use 'Atkānā' for a sense of 'catching' or 'fastening' via a mechanism.

उसने दरवाज़े पर ताला लगाया और कुंडी अटकाई। (He put a lock on the door and latched the bolt.)

Another interesting comparison is with 'फँसाना' (Phansānā), which we discussed earlier. While 'Atkānā' is about hurdles and latches, 'Phansānā' is about traps and entanglements. If you are caught in a web of lies, you are 'phans-ed'. If your car is stuck in traffic, you are 'atak-ed' (intransitive) or someone 'atkā-ed' you (transitive). For mechanical jamming, 'जाम करना' (Jām karnā - to jam) is also used, borrowed from English but very common in modern Hindi. 'उसने पहिया जाम कर दिया' (He jammed the wheel). 'Atkānā' is more about the specific act of hooking or wedging rather than just a general jam. Knowing these subtle differences allows you to choose the word that fits the 'texture' of the situation you are describing.

Formal Alternatives: 'स्थगित करना' (Sthagit karnā - to postpone/stay) is used for legal proceedings instead of 'Atkānā'. 'अवरुद्ध करना' (Avruddh karnā) is for blocking paths.

प्रशासन ने निर्माण कार्य रोक दिया है। (The administration has stopped the construction work - more formal than 'atkā diyā'.)

Finally, consider 'टाँगना' (Tāngnā - to hang). If you hang a shirt on a hook, you 'tāng' it. But if you just catch the collar on a nail to keep it from falling, you might say you 'atkā-ed' it. 'Atkānā' often implies a less formal or more temporary way of securing something. It’s the 'just hook it there' of Hindi. In summary, while many words mean 'to stop' or 'to fix,' Atkānā is the go-to word for anything involving latches, bolts, hooks, wedges, and the frustrating delays of daily life. By comparing it with these alternatives, you can see its unique position as a word that bridges the gap between mechanical action and social obstruction.

Atkānā vs. Phansānā Comparison: Atkānā: Latching a gate, wedging a wheel, stalling a file. Phansānā: Trapping a bird, entangling hair, involving someone in a crime.

उसने खूँटी पर टोपी अटका दी। (He hooked the hat on the peg.)

किसी के काम में रोड़ा मत अटकाओ। (Don't throw a roadblock/hurdle in someone's work.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रशासन ने तकनीकी कारणों से फाइल को अटका दिया है।"

Neutral

"क्या तुमने दरवाज़े की कुंडी अठकाई थी?"

Informal

"अरे यार, उसने फिर से मेरा पेमेंट अटका दिया।"

Child friendly

"अपनी गुड़िया को इस हुक पर अटका दो।"

Slang

"उसने गेम के बीच में पेंच अटका दिया।"

Fun Fact

Many Hindi verbs follow this pattern where the middle 'a' sound changes to 'ā' to make it causative (e.g., Jalnā/Jalānā, Ruknā/Roknā, Ataknā/Atkānā).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əʈ.kɑː.nɑː/

US /ət.kɑ.nɑ/

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

Rhymes With

लटकाना (Latkānā - to hang) भटकाना (Bhatkānā - to mislead) चटकाना (Chatkānā - to snap) मटकाना (Matkānā - to wiggle) खटकाना (Khatkānā - to knock) झटकाना (Jhatkānā - to jerk) सटकाना (Satkānā - to move aside) पटकाना (Patkānā - to dash down)

Common Errors

Using a dental 't' (like in 'thin') instead of a retroflex 'T' (like in 'truck').
Shortening the final 'ā' sounds.
Confusing it with 'Ataknā' (the intransitive form).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuance depends on context.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct application of 'ne' and gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Must distinguish from 'Ataknā' and use correct retroflex T.

Listening 3/5

Commonly heard in daily life and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

अटकना (Ataknā) कुंडी (Kundī) दरवाज़ा (Darvazā) फाइल (File) काम (Kaam)

Learn Next

फँसाना (Phansānā) उलझाना (Uljhānā) बाधित (Bādhit) स्थगित (Sthagit) अवरुद्ध (Avruddh)

Advanced

प्रत्यावर्तन (Pratyāvartan) निलंबन (Nilamban) अवरोध (Avrodh)

Grammar to Know

Causative Verbs

Ataknā (Intransitive) -> Atkānā (Transitive Causative).

'Ne' Postposition in Past Tense

मैंने (I) + कुंडी (object) + अठकाई (verb agrees with object).

Compound Verbs with 'Denā'

Atkā denā (to finish the act of stalling/latching).

Compound Verbs with 'Lenā'

Atkā lenā (accidental or self-directed action).

Gender Agreement

Darvazā (M) atkāyā, Khidkī (F) atkāī.

Examples by Level

दरवाज़ा अटका दो।

Latch the door.

Imperative (command) form for 'you'.

कुंडी अटकाओ।

Latch the bolt.

Informal imperative.

खिड़की अटका देना।

Please latch the window.

Compound verb using 'denā' for a request.

उसने हुक अटकाया।

He hooked the latch.

Past tense with 'ne'. Verb agrees with 'hook' (masculine).

यहाँ बैग अटका दो।

Hook the bag here.

Locative 'yahān' (here) + object + verb.

क्या मैं कुंडी अटकाऊँ?

Should I latch the bolt?

First-person subjunctive for asking permission.

मम्मी ने दरवाज़ा अटका दिया।

Mom latched the door.

Past tense with compound verb 'atkā diyā'.

पेन को जेब में अटकाओ।

Clip the pen in the pocket.

Use of 'ko' with the object.

उसने अपनी उँगली दरवाज़े में अटका ली।

He got his finger stuck in the door.

Reflexive compound verb 'atkā lī' for something affecting oneself.

पहिए के नीचे पत्थर अटका दो।

Wedge a stone under the wheel.

Use of 'ke nīche' (under) postposition.

मैंने चाबी ताले में अटका दी।

I got the key stuck in the lock.

Transitive past with 'ne'. Verb agrees with 'chābī' (feminine).

क्या तुमने सिटकनी अठकाई थी?

Had you latched the bolt?

Past perfect tense.

उसने रस्सी खूँटी पर अटका दी।

He hooked the rope on the peg.

Directional 'par' (on/at).

बच्चे ने खिलौना पाइप में अटका दिया है।

The child has stuck the toy in the pipe.

Present perfect tense.

अपनी कमीज़ यहाँ मत अटकाओ।

Don't hook your shirt here.

Negative imperative with 'mat'.

उसने पिन से कागज़ अटकाया।

He fastened the paper with a pin.

Instrumental 'se' (with/by).

मैनेजर ने मेरी फाइल अटका दी है।

The manager has stalled my file.

Metaphorical use for bureaucratic delay.

वह जानबूझकर काम अटका रहा है।

He is deliberately stalling the work.

Present continuous tense with adverb 'jānbūjhkar'.

बिना वजह मेरा पैसा मत अटकाओ।

Don't hold up my money without reason.

Use of 'binā vajah' (without reason).

उसने अपनी बात बीच में ही अटका दी।

He left his sentence hanging in the middle.

Idiomatic use for speech.

काम अटकाने से किसी का भला नहीं होगा।

Stalling work won't benefit anyone.

Gerund 'atkāne' used as a subject.

उसने रास्ते में रोड़ा अटकाने की कोशिश की।

He tried to put a hurdle in the path.

Idiom: 'rodā atkānā' (to obstruct).

क्या अधिकारी ने आपका आवेदन अटका रखा है?

Has the officer kept your application stalled?

Perfective participle 'atkā rakhā' (kept stalled).

उसने अपनी नज़रें उस तस्वीर पर अटका दीं।

He fixed his gaze on that picture.

Metaphorical use for sight/attention.

कानूनी पचड़ों ने प्रोजेक्ट को अटका दिया।

Legal tangles stalled the project.

Abstract subject 'kānūnī pachde' (legal tangles).

उसने अपनी बात मनवाने के लिए पेमेंट अटका ली।

He held up the payment to get his way.

Purpose clause 'manvāne ke liye'.

सरकार ने नए नियमों के कारण निर्यात अटका दिया।

The government stalled exports due to new rules.

Complex sentence with 'ke kāran' (due to).

उसने अपनी कमीज़ का बटन धागे में अटका लिया।

He caught his shirt button in a thread.

Reflexive use for an accidental action.

विपक्ष ने संसद में बिल को अटकाने की धमकी दी।

The opposition threatened to stall the bill in Parliament.

Infinitive 'atkāne' + 'kī dhamkī' (threat of).

उसने कार की खिड़की में अपना दुपट्टा अटका लिया।

She got her scarf caught in the car window.

Compound verb 'atkā liyā' for personal mishap.

तकनीकी खराबी ने रॉकेट का प्रक्षेपण अटका दिया।

A technical glitch stalled the rocket launch.

Formal/Technical context.

उसने अपनी साइकिल की चेन अटका ली है।

He has jammed his cycle chain.

Usage for mechanical jamming.

भ्रष्ट अधिकारियों ने उसकी पेंशन अटका कर उसे परेशान किया।

Corrupt officials harassed him by stalling his pension.

Conjunctive participle 'atkā kar' (by stalling).

उसने अपनी चतुराई से दुश्मन की चाल को अटका दिया।

He stalled the enemy's move with his cleverness.

Strategic/Metaphorical use.

अदालत ने पर्यावरण संबंधी चिंताओं के कारण बाँध का काम अटका दिया।

The court stalled the dam work due to environmental concerns.

Formal administrative language.

उसने अपनी यादें उस पुराने घर में अटका दी थीं।

He had left his memories 'stuck' in that old house.

Poetic/Literary use.

लेखक ने कहानी को एक रोमांचक मोड़ पर अटका दिया।

The author left the story hanging at an exciting turn.

Creative/Narrative usage.

उसने अपनी पूरी संपत्ति विवादित भूमि में अटका दी है।

He has tied up his entire wealth in disputed land.

Financial/Legal context.

साज़िशकर्ताओं ने जाँच को अटकाने के लिए झूठे सबूत पेश किए।

The conspirators presented false evidence to stall the investigation.

Complex purpose structure.

उसने अपनी उँगलियाँ गिटार के तारों में अटका लीं।

He got his fingers caught in the guitar strings.

Physical mishap in a skilled activity.

नौकरशाही के मकड़जाल ने विकास की गति को अटका रखा है।

The web of bureaucracy has stalled the pace of development.

High-level metaphorical language.

उसने अपने अहम के कारण समझौते की प्रक्रिया को अटका दिया।

He stalled the negotiation process because of his ego.

Psychological/Social context.

दार्शनिक ने प्रश्न को ऐसे मोड़ पर अटकाया कि सब निरुत्तर हो गए।

The philosopher posed the question in such a way that everyone was left speechless.

Nuanced narrative use.

उसने अपनी साँसें रोककर ध्यान की मुद्रा में खुद को अटका लिया।

He suspended himself in a state of meditation by holding his breath.

Spiritual/Esoteric context.

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने देश की आर्थिक प्रगति को अटका दिया है।

Political instability has stalled the country's economic progress.

Macro-economic/Political context.

उसने अपनी नज़र को क्षितिज पर अटका दिया, जैसे कुछ ढूँढ रहा हो।

He fixed his gaze on the horizon, as if searching for something.

Evocative literary description.

कानून की बारीकियों ने अपराधी की सज़ा को अटका दिया।

The technicalities of the law stalled the criminal's punishment.

Legal nuance.

उसने अपनी पूरी ज़िंदगी एक ही उम्मीद पर अटका दी थी।

He had pinned his entire life on a single hope.

Deeply metaphorical/Existential use.

Common Collocations

कुंडी अटकाना

फाइल अटकाना

काम अटकाना

नज़र अटकाना

रोड़ा अटकाना

पेमेंट अटकाना

पेंच अटकाना

बात अटकाना

हुक अटकाना

साँस अटकाना

Common Phrases

फाइल अटका कर रखना

— To keep a file or process deliberately stalled for a long time.

अधिकारी ने महीनों से फाइल अटका कर रखी है।

बीच में अटकाना

— To leave something unfinished or hanging in the middle.

काम को बीच में मत अटकाओ।

रास्ते में रोड़ा अटकाना

— To create an obstacle or hurdle in someone's progress.

वह हर अच्छे काम में रोड़ा अटकाता है।

कुंडी अटका देना

— To quickly latch a door or window.

बाहर जाते समय कुंडी अटका देना।

पैसे अटकाना

— To withhold or delay a payment.

कंपनी ने कर्मचारियों के पैसे अटका दिए हैं।

नज़रें अटकाना

— To fix one's gaze on something or someone intently.

उसने अपनी नज़रें चाँद पर अटका दीं।

बात को अटकाना

— To delay a decision or leave a conversation unresolved.

अब और बात मत अटकाओ, फैसला करो।

फाँस अटकाना

— To get a splinter or small sharp object stuck (often accidentally).

उसने अपनी उँगली में फाँस अटका ली।

हुक में अटकाना

— To secure something by catching it on a hook.

चाबियाँ हुक में अटका दो।

पहिए में पत्थर अटकाना

— To wedge a stone under a wheel to prevent movement.

ढलान पर गाड़ी खड़ी करके पहिए में पत्थर अटका दो।

Often Confused With

अटकाना vs अटकना (Ataknā)

The intransitive version. 'Ataknā' is to be stuck; 'Atkānā' is to cause to be stuck.

अटकाना vs फँसाना (Phansānā)

Used for traps or entanglements. 'Atkānā' is for latches or simple hurdles.

अटकाना vs लटकाना (Latkānā)

Means 'to hang'. While you might 'atkā-o' something on a hook, 'latkānā' is the general word for hanging.

Idioms & Expressions

"रोड़ा अटकाना"

— To obstruct someone's path or progress; to create hurdles.

तुम हमेशा मेरी तरक्की में रोड़ा क्यों अटकाते हो?

Common

"बात अटकाना"

— To hesitate or leave a matter unresolved; to stall a conversation.

साफ़-साफ़ बोलो, बात मत अटकाओ।

Informal

"नज़र अटकाना"

— To be captivated by something; to keep looking at something.

उसकी नज़र उस महँगी कार पर अटक गई (Note: 'Ataknā' is more common here, but 'Atkānā' is used for the active intent).

Poetic

"साँसें अटकाना"

— To be in a state of extreme suspense or fear (literally: to have breaths stuck).

मैच के आखिरी ओवर ने सबकी साँसें अटका दीं।

Dramatic

"फाइल अटकाना"

— A specific bureaucratic idiom for delaying official paperwork, often implying corruption.

बिना रिश्वत के वे फाइल अटका देते हैं।

Colloquial

"पेंच अटकाना"

— To create a complication or a 'hitch' in a plan.

उसने आखिरी वक्त पर नया पेंच अटका दिया।

Informal

"जान अटकाना"

— To have one's life or deep interest centered on something/someone.

उसकी जान अपने बच्चों में अटकी है (Active: उसने अपनी जान उसमें अटका रखी है).

Emotional

"गले में बात अटकाना"

— To be unable to speak due to emotion or hesitation.

डर के मारे उसने अपनी बात गले में ही अटका ली।

Literary

"पल्लू अटकाना"

— To catch the end of a saree (often used in romantic tropes).

उसका पल्लू दरवाज़े में अटक गया (Active: उसने पल्लू अटका लिया).

Cultural

"टाँग अटकाना"

— To interfere in someone else's business (similar to 'poke one's nose').

मेरे काम में अपनी टाँग मत अटकाओ।

Informal/Slightly Rude

Easily Confused

अटकाना vs अटकना

Phonetically similar and same root.

Ataknā is intransitive (it happens). Atkānā is transitive (you do it).

खाना अटक गया (Food got stuck) vs उसने खाना अटकाया (He caused it to get stuck - rare but possible).

अटकाना vs फँसाना

Both mean 'to stick/trap'.

Phansānā implies a net, a trap, or a complex mess. Atkānā is a latch or a hurdle.

मछली फँसाना (Trap fish) vs कुंडी अटकाना (Latch bolt).

अटकाना vs रोकना

Both mean 'to stop'.

Roknā is a general halt. Atkānā implies a specific point of obstruction or fastening.

गाड़ी रोकना (Stop car) vs फाइल अटकाना (Stall file).

अटकाना vs लगाना

Both used for latches.

Lagānā is general (to fix). Atkānā is specific to the mechanical action of the bolt/hook.

ताला लगाना (Lock) vs कुंडी अटकाना (Latch).

अटकाना vs टाँगना

Both used for hooks.

Tāngnā is the standard word for hanging. Atkānā implies catching it on something.

कपड़े टाँगना (Hang clothes) vs हुक में अटकाना (Catch in hook).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] अटका दो।

कुंडी अटका दो।

[Subject] ने [Object] अटकाया।

राम ने हुक अटकाया।

[Subject] [Object] अटका रहा है।

वह फाइल अटका रहा है।

बिना वजह [Object] मत अटकाओ।

बिना वजह पेमेंट मत अटकाओ।

[Object] [Location] में अटका लेना।

उँगली दरवाज़े में मत अटका लेना।

[Reason] ने [Process] अटका दिया।

बारिश ने काम अटका दिया।

[Subject] [Object] अटका कर [Result] किया।

उसने काम अटका कर सबको परेशान किया।

[Metaphorical Subject] ने [Progress] को अटका रखा है।

भ्रष्टाचार ने देश को अटका रखा है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in daily domestic life and professional complaints.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Atkānā' when the subject gets stuck. → Ataknā
If you are stuck in traffic, say 'Main atak gayā'. If you say 'Main atkāyā', it means you caused yourself to be stuck.
Saying 'Tālā Atkānā'. → Tālā Lagānā
You latch a bolt (atkānā), but you apply/put a lock (lagānā).
Forgetting the 'ne' in past tense. → उसने फाइल अठकाई (Usne file atkāī)
Since it's transitive, the subject needs 'ne' and the verb agrees with the object.
Confusing 'Atkānā' with 'Latkānā'. → Latkānā (to hang)
Latkānā is for general hanging. Atkānā is for catching/securing on a hook or latch.
Using 'Atkānā' for a serious criminal trap. → Phansānā
Atkānā is for hurdles/latches. Phansānā is for serious entanglements or traps.

Tips

The 'Ne' Rule

In the past tense, remember to use 'ne' with the subject because 'Atkānā' is transitive. 'Maine atkāyā' (I latched).

Door Vocabulary

Use 'Atkānā' for the bolt (kundi) and 'Lagānā' for the lock (tālā). They are not interchangeable.

Office Talk

'File atkānā' is a powerful phrase in India. Use it to describe bureaucratic delays.

Retroflex T

Practice the 'T' (ट). If you use a soft 't', it might not be understood or sound like a different word.

Add 'Denā'

Say 'Atkā do' instead of just 'Atkāo' for a more natural command to latch a door.

Hooks and Pegs

If you are hanging a bag on a wall hook, 'Atkānā' is the perfect word for that 'catching' action.

Accidents

Use 'Atkā liyā' if you accidentally got your clothes or hair caught in something.

Don't Obstruction

Tell someone 'Rodā mat atkāo' if they are being unnecessarily difficult or blocking your progress.

Gaze

'Nazar atkānā' is a beautiful way to say you couldn't take your eyes off something.

Wedges

Use 'Atkānā' when putting a wedge under a wobbly table or a car wheel.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'ATTACK' (Atak) that stops you. If you 'ATTACK-ANA' (Atkāna), you are the one stopping or latching something.

Visual Association

Imagine a large metal bolt (Kundi) being slid into place. The sound of the metal hitting the frame is the 'Atkā' sound.

Word Web

Latch Stall Hurdle Hook Wedge Delay Catch Fasten

Challenge

Try to use 'Atkānā' three times today: once for a door, once for a pen/hook, and once for a delay you are experiencing.

Word Origin

Derived from the Prakrit 'aṭṭakka', which likely stems from the Sanskrit root 'अट्ट' (aṭṭ) meaning 'to exceed' or 'to hinder/stop'.

Original meaning: To cause a physical hindrance or to fix something in a specific place.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of 'atkā-ing' your work; it can be seen as an accusation of laziness or corruption.

English speakers often just say 'stuck' for both active and passive. In Hindi, you must distinguish. 'I am stuck' (passive) vs 'I stuck it' (active).

Commonly heard in Bollywood dialogues regarding 'Kaam atkana' (stalling work). Used in folk songs to describe a gaze stuck on a beloved. A staple in Indian news headlines about 'Project atkana' (stalling projects).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

कुंडी अटका दो
हुक अटकाना
खिड़की अटकाना
पर्दा अटकाना

At the Office

फाइल अटकाना
पेमेंट अटकाना
काम अटकाना
मंजूरी अटकाना

In Traffic/Mechanics

पहिया अटकाना
चेन अटकाना
चाबी अटकाना
पत्थर अटकाना

Social/Conflict

रोड़ा अटकाना
बात अटकाना
टाँग अटकाना
पेंच अटकाना

Romantic/Literary

नज़र अटकाना
दिल अटकाना
साँस अटकाना
पल्लू अटकाना

Conversation Starters

"क्या सरकारी दफ्तरों में अभी भी फाइलें अटका दी जाती हैं?"

"अगर दरवाज़ा ठीक से न बंद हो, तो क्या तुम कुंडी अटकाते हो?"

"क्या कभी किसी ने तुम्हारे काम में रोड़ा अटकाने की कोशिश की है?"

"अगर आपकी चाबी ताले में अटका दी जाए, तो आप क्या करेंगे?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि नियमों की वजह से विकास अटका हुआ है?"

Journal Prompts

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने जानबूझकर आपका काम अटका दिया हो।

भारतीय घरों में 'कुंडी अटकाना' सुरक्षा के लिए कितना ज़रूरी है?

क्या आपने कभी किसी चीज़ को अटकाने (hook/wedge) के लिए कोई जुगाड़ किया है?

अगर आप एक लेखक होते, तो आप अपनी कहानी को किस मोड़ पर अटकाते?

काम अटकाने की आदत (procrastination or obstruction) के क्या नुकसान हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'Tālā Lagānā' for locking with a key. 'Atkānā' is specifically for sliding a bolt (kundi) or hooking a latch. It's a less secure or more temporary way of closing a door.

'Atkā diyā' usually means you did it to something else as a completed action (e.g., latched the door). 'Atkā liyā' often implies you did it accidentally to yourself (e.g., got your finger stuck) or for your own benefit.

It is neutral. You can use it in daily conversation and in the office. However, in very formal legal documents, words like 'Bādhit karnā' or 'Sthagit karnā' are preferred.

You can say 'Kaam mat atkāo' (काम मत अटकाओ). This is a very common way to tell someone to stop causing delays.

Usually, we use 'Hang honā' or 'Ataknā' (intransitive) for a computer. You would only use 'Atkānā' if you did something specific to cause the freeze.

It's an idiom meaning 'to create a hurdle'. 'Rodā' means a stone or piece of debris. Putting a stone in someone's path is a metaphor for obstructing them.

It is a hard retroflex 'T' (ट). You must curl your tongue back to the roof of your mouth to pronounce it correctly.

Yes, poetically. 'Nazar atkānā' means to fix your gaze on someone because you find them attractive. It's like your eyes got 'stuck' on them.

Not always. Latching a door for safety is positive. Fastening a pen in a pocket is functional. It only becomes negative when it refers to 'stalling' or 'obstructing'.

It is 'Atkāī' (अठकाई). For example: 'मैंने खिड़की अठकाई' (I latched the window).