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अतिथि

A2 noun #2,500 most common 6 min read

अतिथि

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips अतिथि in 30 Seconds

Explanation अतिथि in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Atithi' means 'Guest'. It is a noun. You might hear it in very basic phrases like 'Atithi aaye hain' (The guest has come). At this stage, you should focus on the fact that it's a person visiting a home. You don't need to worry about the deep Sanskrit meaning yet. Just remember it as a synonym for 'Mehmaan' that sounds a bit more 'official' or 'special'. Think of it as the word you see on signs at hotels or in textbooks. When you see 'Atithi', think of someone you should be very polite to. In A1, you will mostly use it in simple subject-verb sentences. It's a masculine noun, so you use 'aaya' for one male guest and 'aaye' for many guests or for respect.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Atithi' in more descriptive sentences. You can talk about what the guest is doing or what you are doing for them. For example: 'Atithi ke liye chai lao' (Bring tea for the guest). You should start noticing the difference between 'Atithi' (direct) and 'Atithiyon' (oblique). If you say 'to the guests', it becomes 'Atithiyon ko'. You also learn the famous phrase 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. This level requires you to understand that 'Atithi' is more formal than 'Mehmaan'. You might use it in a simple role-play about welcoming someone to your house or school. You should also be able to use basic adjectives with it, like 'Naya atithi' (New guest) or 'Achha atithi' (Good guest).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Atithi' in various social contexts. You can describe the 'Atithi-satkaar' (hospitality) of a place. You might write a short paragraph about a time a guest visited your home. You should understand that 'Atithi' is the preferred word in formal invitations or news reports. You can handle more complex sentence structures like 'Jab atithi aaye, tab humne khana khaya' (When the guest came, then we ate food). You are also expected to know compound words like 'Mukhya Atithi' (Chief Guest). At this stage, you start to appreciate the cultural nuance that an Atithi is someone who is treated with divine respect in Indian tradition.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Atithi' to discuss cultural values and traditions. You can explain the concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' in detail, using more advanced vocabulary. You understand the subtle difference between 'Atithi', 'Mehmaan', and 'Agantuk'. You can use the word in abstract ways, such as 'Atithi ki tarah' (like a guest) to describe someone's behavior. Your grammar should be precise, correctly using the oblique plural 'Atithiyon' and understanding that the word is a 'Tatsama' (Sanskrit loanword), which dictates its formal tone. You can participate in a discussion about how hospitality is changing in modern India compared to the traditional 'Atithi' concept.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the etymological roots of 'Atithi' (a + tithi). You can use it in literary analysis or formal speeches without hesitation. You understand its role in ancient scriptures and how that influences modern social behavior. You can use related academic terms like 'Atithya' (hospitality). You are able to distinguish between the various registers of Hindi, knowing exactly when 'Atithi' is required over 'Mehmaan' to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You can write essays on the 'Atithi' tradition and its impact on the Indian tourism industry, using sophisticated connectors and a wide range of vocabulary.

At the C2 level, you use 'Atithi' with the nuance of a native speaker who is well-versed in literature and philosophy. You can discuss the evolution of the word from Vedic times to the present. You can use it in complex metaphorical contexts in creative writing. You have mastered all grammatical nuances, including rare historical forms or poetic variations. You can debate the sociolinguistic implications of using Sanskritized 'Atithi' versus Persianized 'Mehmaan' in different political or social environments. Your command over the word allows you to use it in high-level diplomatic, academic, or literary settings with perfect cultural and linguistic accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

अतिथि in 30 Seconds

Atithi means 'guest' and is a formal, highly respectful Hindi noun.
It is derived from Sanskrit, meaning someone who arrives without a fixed date.
Commonly used in formal events, hotels, and the phrase 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.
While 'Mehmaan' is for casual use, 'Atithi' is for literary and official contexts.

The Hindi word अतिथि (Atithi) is a profound noun that translates directly to 'guest' in English. However, its linguistic and cultural depth far exceeds a simple visitor. Etymologically derived from Sanskrit, the word is composed of 'a' (not) and 'tithi' (date/time). Historically, an Atithi was someone who arrived at your doorstep without a prior appointment or a fixed date, yet was welcomed with the highest honors. In modern Hindi, while 'Mehmaan' (of Persian origin) is more common in daily conversation, 'Atithi' remains the standard for formal, literary, and respectful contexts. It evokes the ancient Indian ethos of hospitality where the guest is elevated to a divine status. You will encounter this word in official invitations, news broadcasts, formal speeches, and literature. It represents the person to whom you owe the duty of hospitality, regardless of their prior relationship to you. Understanding 'Atithi' is key to understanding the Indian social fabric, where welcoming someone into your home is considered a sacred obligation rather than a mere social courtesy.

Grammatical Category: Masculine Noun (Standard usage, though it can refer to any gender).

Register: Formal and Literary (Tatsama word).

Core Concept: A visitor who arrives without a fixed schedule, deserving of divine respect.

आज हमारे घर में एक विशेष अतिथि आने वाले हैं। (A special guest is going to come to our house today.)

अतिथि देवो भव। (The guest is equivalent to God.)

मुख्य अतिथि ने दीप प्रज्वलित किया। (The chief guest lit the lamp.)

हमें अपने अतिथियों का सत्कार करना चाहिए। (We should welcome our guests with respect.)

विद्यालय में अतिथि विद्वान का व्याख्यान है। (There is a lecture by a guest scholar in the school.)

Using 'Atithi' correctly requires an understanding of its formal weight. It is most frequently used in the context of ceremonies, official visits, and traditional hospitality. Unlike 'Mehmaan', which can be pluralized simply as 'Mehmaan' or 'Mehmaanon', 'Atithi' follows the standard masculine noun rules ending in 'i'. In the direct case, both singular and plural are 'Atithi'. In the oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'ko', 'ne', 'se'), the plural becomes 'Atithiyon'. For example, 'Atithi aaye hain' (The guests have come) vs 'Atithiyon ke liye' (For the guests). When referring to a 'Chief Guest', the term is 'Mukhya Atithi'. In hospitality industries, 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is a common slogan used to promote tourism. When you use this word, you are signaling a higher level of Hindi proficiency and a deeper cultural sensitivity. It is rarely used for someone who is staying for a very long time; it usually implies a temporary visit for a specific purpose or a social call.

Common Verb Pairings: Swagat karna (to welcome), Satkaar karna (to treat with respect), Aana (to come), Vida karna (to see off).

Formal Compound Words: Atithi-shala (Guest house), Atithi-satkaar (Hospitality), Mukhya-atithi (Chief guest).

कृपया अतिथि के लिए जल लाएं। (Please bring water for the guest.)

हमारे विद्यालय के वार्षिकोत्सव में शिक्षा मंत्री मुख्य अतिथि होंगे। (The Education Minister will be the chief guest at our school's annual function.)

भारतीय संस्कृति में अतिथि का स्थान बहुत ऊँचा है। (In Indian culture, the place of a guest is very high.)

क्या आपने अतिथियों के ठहरने का प्रबंध कर दिया है? (Have you arranged for the stay of the guests?)

वह एक अवांछित अतिथि की तरह आया। (He came like an unwanted guest.)

You will encounter 'Atithi' in several specific domains of Indian life. First and foremost is in the hospitality and tourism industry. The Indian Ministry of Tourism has long used the campaign 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The Guest is God) to train service providers and the public on how to treat international visitors. Consequently, you will see this word on posters at airports, hotels, and tourist landmarks. Secondly, 'Atithi' is the standard word used in formal events. If you attend a wedding, a school function, or a corporate seminar in India, the master of ceremonies will invariably use 'Atithi' or 'Mukhya Atithi' when addressing or introducing visitors. Thirdly, it is a staple of Hindi literature and news. News anchors will refer to studio guests as 'Atithi'. In literature, it is used to evoke a sense of tradition and moral duty. Interestingly, in modern urban settings, the word has seen a resurgence in 'Atithi Grihas' (Guest Houses) which are often government-run or corporate accommodations. While 'Mehmaan' dominates the kitchen and the living room, 'Atithi' dominates the stage and the textbook. It carries a weight of formality that 'Mehmaan' lacks, making it the word of choice for anyone wishing to sound sophisticated or respectful.

Tourism Context: Posters, brochures, and training manuals for hospitality.

Media Context: News panel discussions and talk shows referring to participants.

Legal/Official Context: Government guest houses and official state visits.

होटल के प्रवेश द्वार पर लिखा था, "अतिथि देवो भव।" (It was written at the hotel entrance, "The guest is God.")

आज के समाचार बुलेटिन में हमारे साथ कुछ विशेष अतिथि जुड़े हैं। (In today's news bulletin, some special guests have joined us.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using 'Atithi' in overly casual settings. While it is never grammatically 'wrong' to call a friend an 'Atithi', it might sound a bit stiff or overly formal, like calling your buddy 'The Distinguished Visitor'. In casual conversation, 'Mehmaan' is the natural choice. Another frequent error is in the pluralization. Learners often try to say 'Atithiyon' in the direct case (e.g., 'Atithiyon aaye hain'), which is incorrect. The plural in the direct case is simply 'Atithi'. The form 'Atithiyon' is only used when followed by a postposition. Furthermore, gender confusion can occur. Although 'Atithi' is grammatically masculine, it is used for both men and women. There is no common feminine form like 'Atithini' in modern Hindi; instead, context or adjectives clarify the gender. Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 'Atithi' with 'Yatri' (traveler). While an Atithi might have traveled to reach you, 'Atithi' specifically emphasizes the relationship of hospitality between the visitor and the host, whereas 'Yatri' focuses on the act of journeying.

Register Mismatch: Using 'Atithi' for a close friend coming over for pizza.

Pluralization Error: Using 'Atithiyon' without a postposition like 'ko' or 'ne'.

गलत: बहुत सारे अतिथियों आए हैं। (Wrong: Many guests have come.)
सही: बहुत सारे अतिथि आए हैं। (Correct: Many guests have come.)

While 'Atithi' is the most formal term, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the context and origin. The most significant is 'Mehmaan', an Urdu-origin word used in 90% of daily conversations. If you are inviting someone for dinner, you call them a 'Mehmaan'. If you are writing a poem or a formal invitation, you use 'Atithi'. Another synonym is 'Agantuk', which means 'the one who has arrived' or 'a newcomer'. This is even more formal and often used in literature to describe a stranger who appears. 'Abhyagat' is another highly formal Sanskritized synonym meaning 'one who has come near'. In regional contexts or older literature, you might hear 'Paahuna', which is common in rural Hindi and related languages like Marathi. Finally, 'Mizbaan' is the Urdu-origin word for 'host', the counterpart to 'Mehmaan', while 'Atithya-karta' or 'Mezbaan' would be the formal Hindi/Urdu terms for host. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate different social strata in India.

Atithi vs. Mehmaan: Atithi is formal/Sanskrit-based; Mehmaan is common/Urdu-based.

Atithi vs. Agantuk: Atithi implies a guest to be honored; Agantuk simply implies someone who has arrived.

वे हमारे घर के मेहमान हैं। (They are our house guests - Casual/Common.)

सभा में एक अपरिचित आगंतुक आया। (An unknown newcomer/visitor came to the meeting.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In ancient India, the calendar was based on lunar days called 'tithis'. Since travelers didn't have phones or fixed schedules, they arrived 'without a tithi', hence 'Atithi'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ə.t̪ɪ.t̪ʰi/

US /ə.t̪ɪ.t̪ʰi/

Equal stress on all syllables, but the 'thi' is slightly more emphasized in some dialects.

Rhymes With

स्थिति (Sthiti - Situation) विधि (Vidhi - Method) निधि (Nidhi - Treasure) सिद्धि (Siddhi - Achievement) तिथि (Tithi - Date) प्रतीति (Pratiti - Perception) नीति (Neeti - Policy) प्रीति (Preeti - Love)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as the English 'th' in 'think'. In Hindi, it's a dental 't' with a puff of air.
Making the final 'i' sound too long like 'ee'. It should be short.
Pronouncing the first 'a' as 'ah'. It is a neutral schwa sound.
Confusing the dental 't' with the retroflex 'T' (tongue hitting the roof of the mouth).
Missing the aspiration in the 'thi' syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, very common in formal texts.

Writing 3/5

Spelling the 'thi' with short 'i' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation once dental 't' and 'th' are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

घर (House) आना (To come) पानी (Water) स्वागत (Welcome) नमस्ते (Namaste)

Learn Next

मेज़बान (Host) सत्कार (Hospitality) आमंत्रण (Invitation) भोजन (Meal) विश्राम (Rest)

Advanced

आतिथ्य (Hospitality) अभ्यागत (Guest) परिचायक (Indicator) व्युत्पत्ति (Etymology) संस्कृति (Culture)

Grammar to Know

Honorific Plural

अतिथि आए हैं (Even for one guest, 'aaye hain' is used for respect).

Oblique Case

अतिथियों को (The 'i' ending changes to 'iyon' before postpositions).

Compound Nouns

मुख्य अतिथि (Adjective + Noun compound).

Masculine Gender

वह मेरा अतिथि है (Standard gender is masculine).

Tatsama Usage

अतिथि (Follows Sanskrit-based grammar and register).

Examples by Level

अतिथि आए हैं।

The guest has come.

Simple present perfect with honorific plural.

यह मेरा अतिथि है।

This is my guest.

Masculine singular usage.

अतिथि को पानी दो।

Give water to the guest.

Direct object with 'ko'.

अतिथि कहाँ है?

Where is the guest?

Interrogative sentence.

अतिथि बैठा है।

The guest is sitting.

Simple state of being.

एक अतिथि आया।

One guest came.

Past tense, masculine singular.

अतिथि खुश है।

The guest is happy.

Adjective usage.

नमस्ते अतिथि जी।

Hello, dear guest.

Using 'ji' for respect.

अतिथि के लिए चाय बनाओ।

Make tea for the guest.

Oblique case with 'ke liye'.

आज हमारे घर अतिथि आएंगे।

Guests will come to our house today.

Future tense.

अतिथि देवो भव एक पुरानी कहावत है।

'The guest is God' is an old saying.

Subject as a phrase.

क्या आप हमारे अतिथि बनेंगे?

Will you be our guest?

Future tense, polite question.

अतिथि को फल पसंद हैं।

The guest likes fruits.

Dative-like construction with 'ko'.

वह एक विशेष अतिथि है।

He/She is a special guest.

Use of 'vishesh' (special).

अतिथियों का स्वागत करो।

Welcome the guests.

Oblique plural 'atithiyon'.

अतिथि कमरे में सो रहा है।

The guest is sleeping in the room.

Present continuous tense.

मुख्य अतिथि ने भाषण दिया।

The chief guest gave a speech.

Compound noun 'Mukhya Atithi'.

हमें अतिथियों का सत्कार करना चाहिए।

We should treat guests with respect.

Modal verb 'chahiye' with oblique plural.

अतिथि के आने से घर में रौनक आ गई।

The arrival of the guest brought life to the house.

Abstract noun 'raunak'.

मैंने अतिथियों के लिए खाना बनाया है।

I have cooked food for the guests.

Present perfect with postposition.

अतिथि बिना बताए आ गए।

The guests came without informing.

Adverbial phrase 'bina bataye'.

क्या अतिथि को कोई समस्या है?

Does the guest have any problem?

Inquiry about well-being.

अतिथि के ठहरने का इंतज़ाम हो गया है।

Arrangements for the guest's stay have been made.

Passive-style construction.

अतिथि कल सुबह चले जाएंगे।

The guest will leave tomorrow morning.

Future tense with 'chale jaana'.

अतिथि देवो भव भारतीय संस्कृति का मूल मंत्र है।

'Guest is God' is the core mantra of Indian culture.

Complex subject phrase.

अतिथियों की संख्या उम्मीद से अधिक थी।

The number of guests was more than expected.

Possessive 'ki' with 'sankhya'.

हमें अतिथि की गोपनीयता का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

We should respect the guest's privacy.

Abstract noun 'gopniyata'.

अतिथि ने हमारी मेज़बानी की बहुत प्रशंसा की।

The guest greatly praised our hospitality.

Use of 'mezbaani' (hospitality).

विद्यालय के वार्षिकोत्सव में कई गणमान्य अतिथि आए।

Many distinguished guests came to the school's annual function.

Adjective 'ganmanya' (distinguished).

अतिथि का स्वागत तिलक लगाकर किया गया।

The guest was welcomed by applying a tilak.

Passive voice construction.

बिना बुलाए अतिथि का स्वागत करना कठिन होता है।

It is difficult to welcome an uninvited guest.

Gerund-like use of 'swagat karna'.

अतिथियों के लिए सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया है।

A cultural program has been organized for the guests.

Complex passive sentence.

अतिथि शब्द की व्युत्पत्ति 'अ' और 'तिथि' के योग से हुई है।

The word 'Atithi' is derived from the combination of 'a' and 'tithi'.

Technical linguistic vocabulary.

प्राचीन काल में अतिथि का आगमन दैवीय घटना माना जाता था।

In ancient times, the arrival of a guest was considered a divine event.

Formal historical register.

आज की भागदौड़ भरी ज़िंदगी में अतिथि-सत्कार की परंपरा लुप्त होती जा रही है।

In today's hectic life, the tradition of hospitality is gradually disappearing.

Sociological observation.

अतिथि के प्रति हमारा व्यवहार हमारी सभ्यता का परिचायक है।

Our behavior towards a guest is an indicator of our civilization.

Philosophical statement.

साहित्य में अतिथि को अक्सर एक संदेशवाहक के रूप में चित्रित किया जाता है।

In literature, a guest is often portrayed as a messenger.

Literary analysis register.

अतिथि-गृह की व्यवस्था अत्यंत सराहनीय थी।

The management of the guest house was highly commendable.

High-level formal adjective 'sarahniya'.

किसी भी अवांछित अतिथि के आगमन से घर का संतुलन बिगड़ सकता है।

The arrival of any unwanted guest can disrupt the balance of the house.

Conditional/possibility mood.

अतिथि सत्कार में कोई कमी नहीं रहनी चाहिए।

There should be no lack in the hospitality of the guest.

Imperative/desiderative tone.

अतिथि सत्कार की भारतीय अवधारणा पाश्चात्य 'हॉस्पिटैलिटी' से भिन्न और व्यापक है।

The Indian concept of guest hospitality is different and broader than Western 'hospitality'.

Comparative academic analysis.

उपनिषदों में अतिथि को आचार्य और माता-पिता के तुल्य माना गया है।

In the Upanishads, the guest is considered equal to the teacher and parents.

Scriptural reference.

अतिथि का 'अतिथि' होना ही उसकी निस्वार्थता का प्रमाण है।

A guest being an 'atithi' (without date) is proof of their selflessness.

Paradoxical philosophical phrasing.

वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में 'अतिथि' की परिभाषा व्यावसायिक लाभ-हानि तक सीमित हो गई है।

In this era of globalization, the definition of 'guest' has become limited to commercial profit and loss.

Critical social commentary.

अतिथि के आगमन की अनिश्चितता ही उसे विशिष्ट बनाती है।

The uncertainty of a guest's arrival is what makes them unique.

Focus on abstract nouns.

क्या हम वास्तव में 'अतिथि देवो भव' के आदर्शों का निर्वहन कर पा रहे हैं?

Are we really able to fulfill the ideals of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'?

Rhetorical question with 'nirvahan' (fulfillment).

अतिथि की गरिमा अक्षुण्ण बनाए रखना मेज़बान का परम धर्म है।

Maintaining the dignity of the guest intact is the supreme duty of the host.

Use of 'akshunn' (intact) and 'param dharma'.

सांस्कृतिक कूटनीति में अतिथि का स्वागत एक शक्तिशाली उपकरण सिद्ध होता है।

In cultural diplomacy, the welcoming of a guest proves to be a powerful tool.

Political/Diplomatic register.

Common Collocations

मुख्य अतिथि

अतिथि सत्कार

अतिथि गृह

अतिथि देवो भव

विशिष्ट अतिथि

अवांछित अतिथि

अतिथि विद्वान

अतिथि कक्ष

अतिथि सूची

अतिथि कलाकार

Common Phrases

अतिथि का स्वागत

— Welcoming the guest. Used in almost every formal event.

अतिथि का स्वागत फूलों से किया गया।

अतिथि के रूप में

— As a guest. Used to define someone's role in a visit.

वह यहाँ अतिथि के रूप में आया है।

अतिथि को विदा करना

— To see off the guest. The final act of hospitality.

हमने अतिथि को स्टेशन तक विदा किया।

अतिथि की सेवा

— Serving the guest. Often used in moral or religious contexts.

अतिथि की सेवा सबसे बड़ा पुण्य है।

अतिथि का आदर

— Respect for the guest. A core social value.

अतिथि का आदर करना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

अतिथि का आगमन

— Arrival of the guest. Used in formal writing/reports.

अतिथि के आगमन की प्रतीक्षा है।

अतिथि की प्रतीक्षा

— Waiting for the guest. Common in social planning.

हम सुबह से अतिथि की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं।

अतिथि का भोजन

— The guest's meal. Focuses on the hospitality aspect.

अतिथि का भोजन तैयार है।

अतिथि का ठहरना

— The stay of the guest. Refers to the duration/arrangement.

अतिथि का ठहरना सुखद रहा।

अतिथि को बुलाना

— To invite/call a guest. Common for events.

क्या हमने सभी अतिथियों को बुला लिया है?

Often Confused With

अतिथि vs मेज़बान

This is the host, the opposite of Atithi.

अतिथि vs यात्री

A traveler, who might be a guest but the focus is on travel.

अतिथि vs आगंतुक

A newcomer; more formal and less emotional than Atithi.

Idioms & Expressions

"अतिथि देवो भव"

— The guest is God. It is the most fundamental idiom regarding hospitality.

भारत में हम 'अतिथि देवो भव' में विश्वास करते हैं।

Cultural/Formal

"बिन बुलाए अतिथि"

— An uninvited guest. Often used for someone who arrives unexpectedly or unwantedly.

वह तो बिन बुलाए अतिथि की तरह आ गया।

Informal/Neutral

"अतिथि की तरह आना"

— To come like a guest. Implies someone who doesn't help or just stays temporarily.

तुम घर में अतिथि की तरह क्यों रहते हो? कुछ काम करो।

Informal

"अतिथि का सत्कार"

— To treat a guest with extreme honor. More than just a phrase, it's a social idiom of virtue.

अतिथि का सत्कार ही हमारी पहचान है।

Formal

"अतिथि बन कर आना"

— To arrive as a guest. Often used in invitations.

अगली बार हमारे घर अतिथि बन कर आइएगा।

Neutral

"अतिथि की सेवा में"

— In the service of the guest. Used to show dedication to hospitality.

वह दिन-रात अतिथि की सेवा में लगा रहा।

Formal

"अतिथि को सिर आँखों पर बिठाना"

— To welcome a guest with the utmost respect and joy (literally: to seat them on one's eyes/head).

उन्होंने अपने पुराने दोस्त को अतिथि के रूप में सिर आँखों पर बिठाया।

Idiomatic/Literary

"अतिथि का भाग्य"

— The luck/blessing brought by a guest. A traditional belief.

अतिथि का आना घर का भाग्य बदल देता है।

Religious/Traditional

"अतिथि को खाली हाथ न भेजना"

— To not send a guest away empty-handed. Refers to the custom of giving gifts.

हमारे यहाँ अतिथि को खाली हाथ नहीं भेजा जाता।

Cultural

"अतिथि का मन जीतना"

— To win the heart of a guest through hospitality.

अपनी सेवा से उसने अतिथि का मन जीत लिया।

Neutral

Easily Confused

अतिथि vs मेहमानी

Sounds like Mehmaan.

Mehmany means hospitality or the act of being a guest, not the guest themselves.

आपकी मेहमानी बहुत अच्छी थी।

अतिथि vs तिथी

Similar spelling.

Tithi means a date or lunar day. Atithi is the person.

आज कौन सी तिथि है?

अतिथि vs अतीत

Sounds similar.

Atit means 'the past'.

अतीत को भूल जाओ।

अतिथि vs आतिथ्य

Same root.

Atithya is the abstract noun 'hospitality'.

आपका आतिथ्य सराहनीय है।

अतिथि vs अति

Same prefix.

Ati means 'excess' or 'very'.

अति हर चीज़ की बुरी होती है।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + अतिथि + है।

राम अतिथि है।

अतिथि + के लिए + [Noun] + लाओ।

अतिथि के लिए पानी लाओ।

आज + [Place] + में + अतिथि + आएंगे।

आज स्कूल में अतिथि आएंगे।

अतिथियों + का + [Action] + करना + चाहिए।

अतिथियों का स्वागत करना चाहिए।

अतिथि + के + आगमन + से + [Result] + हुआ।

अतिथि के आगमन से सब खुश हुए।

अतिथि + की + [Abstract Noun] + का + ध्यान + रखना।

अतिथि की गरिमा का ध्यान रखना।

Mixed

मुख्य अतिथि + ने + [Verb-Past]।

मुख्य अतिथि ने पुरस्कार दिए।

Mixed

अतिथि + बनकर + आना।

वह अतिथि बनकर आया।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/literary contexts, medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Atithiyon' as a simple plural subject. → Atithi aaye hain.
The direct plural of Atithi is Atithi. Atithiyon is only for the oblique case.
Pronouncing 'Atithi' as 'A-tee-thee'. → Short 'i' sounds.
The 'i' sounds are short, like in 'bit', not long like in 'beat'.
Using 'Atithi' for a close sibling. → Bhai/Behen.
Family members are usually not called Atithi unless they live far away and are visiting formally.
Confusing 'Atithi' with 'Atit' (Past). → Atithi (Guest).
The words sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Forgetting aspiration in 'thi'. → A-ti-thi (with breath).
The 'th' must be aspirated, or it sounds like 'Atiti', which is incorrect.

Tips

Water First

Always offer water to an Atithi as soon as they sit down. It's the first step of hospitality.

Respect is Plural

Even for one guest, use plural verbs like 'aaye hain' to show respect.

Formal Writing

In wedding cards, always use 'Atithi' or 'Abhyagat' for a sophisticated touch.

Short 'i'

Keep the ending 'i' short and crisp. Don't drag it into an 'ee' sound.

Chief Guest

When introducing a chief guest, use 'Mukhya Atithi' followed by their full name and title.

Guest Scholars

In universities, use 'Atithi Vidwan' for guest lecturers.

No Date

Remember the meaning 'no date' to help you remember the Sanskrit root.

Guest House

Look for 'Atithi Griha' signs if you are looking for government accommodation in India.

Seeing Off

It is polite to walk the Atithi to the door or even to their car when they leave.

Godly Guest

Mentioning 'Atithi Devo Bhava' in a speech about hospitality will impress native speakers.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A' (No) + 'Tithi' (Time/Date). An Atithi is a guest who has 'No fixed Time' to arrive, so you must always be ready to welcome them like God.

Visual Association

Imagine a traveler at a door with a bright light behind them, being welcomed with a flower garland and a plate of food.

Word Web

Guest Hospitality God Welcome Sanskrit Formal Visitor Invitation

Challenge

Try to use 'Atithi' instead of 'Mehmaan' three times today when talking about visitors in a formal way.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit 'अतिथि' (atithi). It is a combination of the prefix 'a-' (negation) and 'tithi' (a lunar day or fixed time).

Original meaning: One who has no fixed day (tithi) for arrival. Traditionally, a wandering monk or traveler who arrives unexpectedly.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

Always use 'Atithi' or 'Mehmaan' with respect. Avoid using it sarcastically for someone who has overstayed their welcome unless you are close friends.

In English-speaking cultures, guests usually arrive by appointment. The Hindi 'Atithi' concept of unexpected arrival being a blessing might feel overwhelming or intrusive to some Westerners.

'Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?' (A famous Bollywood comedy film about an annoying guest) The 'Atithi Devo Bhava' tourism campaign featuring Aamir Khan Ancient scriptures like the Manusmriti.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Wedding

अतिथियों का स्वागत है।
अतिथि सूची कहाँ है?
अतिथियों के लिए भोजन का प्रबंध।
मुख्य अतिथि का आगमन।

In a Hotel

अतिथि कक्ष खाली है।
अतिथि देवो भव।
अतिथि का सामान।
अतिथि रजिस्टर।

At Home

अतिथि के लिए चाय लाओ।
अतिथि को कमरा दिखाओ।
अतिथि कब जाएंगे?
अतिथि का सत्कार करो।

At School

आज मुख्य अतिथि आएंगे।
अतिथि का भाषण।
अतिथि को पुष्प भेंट करें।
अतिथि विद्वान का स्वागत।

In News

हमारे विशेष अतिथि।
अतिथि पैनल।
अतिथि का दृष्टिकोण।
अतिथि का परिचय।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपके घर अक्सर अतिथि आते हैं?"

"आपके देश में अतिथियों का स्वागत कैसे किया जाता है?"

"क्या आप कभी किसी समारोह में मुख्य अतिथि बने हैं?"

"अतिथि देवो भव के बारे में आपकी क्या राय है?"

"एक अच्छे अतिथि के क्या गुण होने चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

आज मेरे घर एक अतिथि आए और हमने बहुत बातें कीं...

अगर मुझे किसी प्रसिद्ध व्यक्ति को अतिथि के रूप में बुलाना हो, तो मैं किसे बुलाऊँगा?

अतिथि सत्कार के मेरे सबसे यादगार अनुभव के बारे में।

क्या आज के समय में 'अतिथि देवो भव' प्रासंगिक है?

जब मैं किसी का अतिथि बना, तो मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Atithi is a formal Sanskrit word, while Mehmaan is a common Urdu word. Use Atithi for official events and Mehmaan for friends.

Grammatically it is masculine, but it is used for guests of any gender. There is no common feminine version.

It means 'The Guest is God'. It's a famous Indian motto about hospitality.

It is 'Mukhya Atithi' (मुख्य अतिथि).

Use 'Atithiyon' when there is more than one guest AND a word like 'ko', 'ne', 'se', or 'ke' follows it.

No, a customer is 'Grahak'. Atithi implies a social or formal guest, not a commercial transaction.

It is sometimes used as a female name (Aditi is more common, which is different), but 'Atithi' itself is rare as a name.

You say 'Aaiye' (Please come), 'Namaste', and offer them a seat and water.

It is called an 'Atithi Griha' (अतिथि गृह).

No, it's a soft dental 't' (like in Spanish or French) followed by a puff of air.