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B1 noun 11 min read

बेइज्जती

beizzati
Examples बेइज्जती in 30 Seconds
Explanation बेइज्जती in your Level:
At the A1 level, think of 'be-izzati' as the opposite of 'good' treatment. It is a 'bad feeling' when someone is mean to you. In Hindi-speaking cultures, being polite is very important. When someone is not polite, it can be 'be-izzati.' You can use it simply: 'Meri be-izzati' (My insult). It is a feminine word, so we use 'meri' or 'teri.' Imagine someone takes your toy or shouts at you; that is a simple way to understand it. You don't need to know the complex social rules yet, just that it means 'not respect.' For example, if a teacher is angry, you might feel 'be-izzati.' It is a word about feelings and how people treat each other. It is very common in stories and movies, so you will hear it early in your learning. Just remember: it is a noun, not a verb. You have to say 'be-izzati karna' to mean 'to insult.' Keep it simple at this stage.
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At the A2 level, you start to use 'be-izzati' in more complete sentences with helper verbs. You should know that 'be-izzati karna' is to insult someone, and 'be-izzati hona' is to be insulted. You can also start using adjectives like 'bari' (big) or 'thodi' (a little). For example, 'Usne meri bari be-izzati ki' (He insulted me a lot). You are beginning to see that this word is related to 'Izzat' (honor), which is a big part of Indian culture. You might hear it when people talk about their friends or family. It is often used when someone feels ashamed. If you make a mistake in public and everyone laughs, you can say, 'Wahan meri be-izzati ho gayi.' This level is about connecting the word to social situations and using the correct feminine grammar. You should also recognize it in songs where the singer is sad because their love was rejected. It is more than just 'mean'; it is about your image in front of others.
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At the B1 level, you understand that 'be-izzati' is deeply tied to social standing and reputation. It's not just a personal feeling but a social fact. You can use it to describe workplace dynamics or family conflicts. You are now comfortable with the possessive forms like 'apni be-izzati' (one's own insult). You understand the nuance that 'be-izzati' is often public. If someone insults you in private, it hurts, but if they do it in front of your friends, it is a 'bari be-izzati.' You can also use the word with verbs like 'shena' (to endure) or 'bardasht karna' (to tolerate). For example, 'Main yeh be-izzati nahi sah sakta' (I cannot bear this humiliation). You are beginning to distinguish it from 'apmaan' (formal) and 'anaadar' (disrespect). You can describe a plot in a movie where 'be-izzati' is the reason for a fight. This level requires you to use the word to express more complex social grievances and to understand why someone might be very angry after a 'be-izzati.'
At the B2 level, you can use 'be-izzati' in abstract and metaphorical ways. You understand that it can apply to a group, a family, or even a country. You can discuss the 'fear of be-izzati' as a motivation for behavior in South Asian society. You are familiar with common phrases like 'be-izzati ka badla' (revenge for an insult). You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences: 'Agar tumne aisa kiya, toh meri be-izzati hogi' (If you do that, I will be humiliated). You also start to see the word in political discourse where leaders claim their community has faced 'be-izzati.' You can participate in a debate about whether 'izzat' (honor) is too important in society and how 'be-izzati' affects mental health. Your vocabulary includes related words like 'zillat' (extreme disgrace) and you know when to use which. You can also use the causative form 'be-izzati karana' (to cause someone to be insulted) to describe manipulative social situations.
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At the C1 level, you possess a sophisticated understanding of 'be-izzati' as a socio-cultural construct. You can analyze its role in literature, particularly in how it drives the narrative in classic Hindi novels or plays. You understand the historical roots of the word and its Persian etymology. You can use it to discuss 'honor cultures' and compare it with concepts of shame in other cultures. Your usage is precise; you know how to use it in legal contexts (like defamation) versus domestic ones. You can use the word sarcastically or ironically in high-level conversation. For example, you might discuss the 'be-izzati' of an institution when its corruption is revealed. You are also aware of the gendered aspects of 'be-izzati'—how it is often used differently for men and women in traditional narratives. You can write essays or give presentations on the psychological impact of public humiliation, using 'be-izzati' as a central term to explain the loss of social identity.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's every nuance, including its use in high poetry and classical literature. You can distinguish between 'be-izzati' and 'tazleel' (a more academic/Urdu term for humiliation). You understand how the word's impact changes across different dialects of Hindi and Urdu. You can use the word to explore philosophical themes of ego (ahankaar) and the self. You are comfortable using it in any register, from street slang to the highest formal address. You can interpret subtle social cues where 'be-izzati' is implied but not explicitly stated. You might analyze how modern social media has created new forms of 'digital be-izzati.' You can use the word to describe complex emotional states where one feels both 'be-izzati' and 'ghrina' (hatred). Your understanding is so deep that you can translate it into English not just as 'insult,' but as a complex web of social shame, loss of face, and broken honor, choosing the right English equivalent for each specific context.
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Examples

बेइज्जती in 30 Seconds

  • Be-izzati means insult or humiliation.
  • It is a feminine noun in Hindi.
  • It is the opposite of 'Izzat' (honor).
  • Used commonly in social and family contexts.
The Hindi word बेइज्जती (be-izzati) is a powerful and emotionally charged noun that translates most directly to 'insult' or 'humiliation.' However, in the cultural landscape of North India and the broader Hindi-speaking world, its meaning carries much more weight than the English word 'insult' might suggest. It is derived from the Persian prefix 'be-' (meaning 'without') and the noun 'izzat' (meaning 'honor' or 'respect'). Therefore, to experience be-izzati is to be stripped of one's honor. It is not just about a mean comment; it is about a loss of face, dignity, and social standing. People use this word when they feel they have been treated with a lack of respect, especially in a public setting where others can witness the event. The concept of 'Izzat' (honor) is a cornerstone of South Asian social structures, and thus, its negation, be-izzati, is seen as a serious grievance.
Social Context
In social gatherings, if a host fails to greet a guest properly, it is considered a form of बेइज्जती. It implies that the guest's status was not acknowledged.
Emotional Impact
The word is often used to describe the internal feeling of shame. When someone says 'Meri be-izzati ho gayi,' they are expressing a deep sense of personal hurt and public shame.

उसने भरी सभा में मेरी बेइज्जती की। (He insulted me in the middle of the full assembly.)

In common parlance, you will hear it in family arguments, workplace disputes, and even in playful banter among friends, though the latter is usually hyperbolic. The word is versatile; it can describe a mild slight or a life-altering public shaming. Understanding be-izzati requires understanding that respect is a currency in Hindi-speaking cultures. To take away someone's 'izzat' is to bankrupt them socially. This is why the word is often paired with verbs like 'karna' (to do/inflict) or 'shena' (to bear/endure).

बिना किसी वजह के किसी की बेइज्जती करना गलत है। (It is wrong to insult someone without any reason.)

Grammar Note
The word ends in 'i', which is a common indicator of feminine gender in Hindi. This affects the possessive pronouns and adjectives that accompany it.

इतनी बड़ी बेइज्जती मैं बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता। (I cannot tolerate such a big insult.)

तुम्हारी बातों से मेरी बेइज्जती हुई है। (Your words have caused me humiliation.)

वह अपनी बेइज्जती का बदला लेना चाहता है। (He wants to take revenge for his insult.)

Synonym Usage
While 'Apmaan' is the Sanskrit-derived formal term, 'Be-izzati' is the more common, everyday term used in conversation.
The nuances of be-izzati also extend to professional life. If a boss reprimands an employee harshly in front of the team, the employee might describe it as be-izzati. In this context, it isn't just about the criticism of work; it's about the manner in which it was delivered. The word captures the intersection of ego, social status, and interpersonal respect. It is a word that demands an emotional response, often leading to a breakdown in relationships or a fierce defense of one's character. For a learner, mastering this word means understanding the delicate balance of respect in Indian culture. To avoid be-izzati, one must practice 'tameez' (etiquette) and 'adab' (manners). When you hear someone say 'Meri be-izzati mat karo,' they are not just asking you to stop being mean; they are asking you to preserve their dignity.
Using बेइज्जती (be-izzati) correctly in sentences involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its common verbal pairings. In Hindi, nouns often function as part of 'conjunct verbs,' where a noun is combined with a helper verb like 'karna' (to do) or 'hona' (to be). For be-izzati, the most frequent combinations are be-izzati karna (to insult someone) and be-izzati hona (to be insulted).
Active Voice (To Insult)
When you are the one performing the action, you use 'karna.' Example: 'Maine uski be-izzati nahi ki' (I did not insult him/her).
Passive/Experiential Voice (To be Insulted)
When the insult happens to you, you use 'hona.' Example: 'Meri be-izzati ho gayi' (I was insulted/humiliated).

क्या तुम मेरी बेइज्जती करना चाहते हो? (Do you want to insult me?)

Another common verb used is 'karana' (to cause/to have someone insulted). For instance, 'Usne meri be-izzati karayi' (He caused me to be insulted / He orchestrated my humiliation). This is often used when someone sets up a situation where you lose respect.

उसे अपनी बेइज्जती का डर था। (He was afraid of his humiliation.)

Possessive Pronouns
Always use the feminine form: meri (my), tumhari (your), uski (his/her), hamari (our), unki (their).

किसी की बेइज्जती सहना कमजोरी नहीं है। (Tolerating someone's insult is not weakness.)

वह दूसरों की बेइज्जती करने में माहिर है। (He is an expert at insulting others.)

इतनी बेइज्जती के बाद वह वापस नहीं आया। (After so much humiliation, he did not come back.)

Negation
Use 'mat' for commands: 'Meri be-izzati mat karo!' (Don't insult me!). Use 'nahi' for statements: 'Maine be-izzati nahi ki' (I didn't insult).
The word can also be used as an abstract noun to describe a state. 'Wahan sirf be-izzati milti hai' (Only humiliation is found there). In more complex sentences, it acts as the object of verbs like 'bardasht karna' (to tolerate) or 'bhoolna' (to forget). 'Main apni be-izzati kabhi nahi bhoolunga' (I will never forget my insult). When constructing sentences, pay attention to the emotional weight; be-izzati is rarely used for trivial things like a minor disagreement. It implies a breach of social or personal honor. For learners, a good way to practice is to describe situations where someone was treated unfairly. 'Jab usne jhoot bola, toh uski be-izzati hui' (When he lied, he was humiliated). This sentence structure helps link the cause and the resulting social shame.
In the daily life of a Hindi speaker, बेइज्जती (be-izzati) is a word that surfaces in high-stakes social interactions. You will hear it most frequently in the context of family disputes. Because South Asian families are often close-knit and hierarchical, any perceived lack of respect from a younger member to an elder, or between in-laws, is quickly labeled as be-izzati. For example, if a daughter-in-law does not offer tea to a visiting relative, the relative might complain to the family about the be-izzati they felt.
Bollywood and Media
Cinema is perhaps the biggest stage for this word. Countless movies feature a protagonist seeking revenge because of a 'be-izzati' their family suffered at the hands of a villain. Phrases like 'Khandaan ki be-izzati' (insult to the family's honor) are legendary tropes.
Workplace and Professionalism
In offices, employees might discuss a boss's behavior as 'be-izzati' if the boss shouts at them in front of colleagues. It’s a common topic of 'water cooler' gossip where people vent about feeling disrespected.

पूरे मोहल्ले में मेरी बेइज्जती हो गई। (I was humiliated in the entire neighborhood.)

You will also hear it in news reports, particularly those covering social issues or political debates. Politicians often accuse each other of doing the be-izzati of the nation or a particular community. In this sense, the word scales from a personal level to a national or communal level.

मेहमानों के सामने ऐसी बातें करना बेइज्जती है। (Saying such things in front of guests is an insult.)

Public Spaces
Arguments in markets or public transport often involve one person shouting, 'Meri be-izzati mat karo!' to signal to the crowd that they are being treated unfairly, effectively using the word as a social shield.

उसने अपनी हार को बेइज्जती माना। (He considered his defeat an insult.)

बिना सबूत के आरोप लगाना बेइज्जती के बराबर है। (Accusing someone without proof is equivalent to an insult.)

In literature and poetry (Shayari), be-izzati is contrasted with 'wafa' (loyalty) or 'pyaar' (love). A lover might feel humiliated by the indifference of their beloved. Overall, the word is ubiquitous because the concept of public image and respect is so central to the culture. Whether it’s a high-stakes court case for defamation or a simple misunderstanding between neighbors, be-izzati is the word that defines the breach of social contract.
When learning Hindi, students often make several common errors with the word बेइज्जती (be-izzati). The most frequent mistake is regarding its grammatical gender. Many learners assume that because it doesn't end in the masculine 'aa' sound, it might be neutral, but in Hindi, almost all nouns ending in 'ee' (ई) are feminine. Using masculine modifiers like 'mera' or 'bara' is a dead giveaway that the speaker is still learning.
Gender Mismatch
Wrong: 'Mera be-izzati mat karo.' Correct: 'Meri be-izzati mat karo.' (Don't do my insult/Don't insult me.)
Confusion with 'Apmaan'
While they are synonyms, 'Apmaan' is masculine. 'Mera apmaan' vs 'Meri be-izzati.' Mixing these up in the same sentence can be confusing.

Incorrect: उसने बहुत बड़ा बेइज्जती की। Correct: उसने बहुत बड़ी बेइज्जती की।

Another common mistake is using the word 'be-izzati' as a verb directly. In English, 'insult' is both a noun and a verb. In Hindi, be-izzati is only a noun. You cannot say 'Maine usko be-izzatiya' (I insulted him). You must use the conjunct verb form: 'Maine uski be-izzati ki.'

Incorrect: राम का बेइज्जती हुई। Correct: राम की बेइज्जती हुई।

Misunderstanding the Intensity
Learners sometimes use 'be-izzati' for very small things, like someone forgetting their name. This can sound overly dramatic. For minor things, words like 'bura lagna' (to feel bad) are better.

Incorrect: क्या तुम मेरी बेइज्जती कर रहे हो? (When someone just disagrees with you). Correct: क्या तुम मुझे गलत समझ रहे हो? (Are you misunderstanding me?)

Incorrect: वह बेइज्जती था। Correct: वह बेइज्जती भरा पल था। (It was a moment full of humiliation.)

Lastly, avoid using 'be-izzati' in extremely formal Sanskritized Hindi settings, such as a formal speech or a government document, where 'apmaan' or 'tiraskar' would be more appropriate. Be-izzati is perfect for conversational and semi-formal contexts, but its Urdu roots make it sound slightly more emotional and less clinical than 'apmaan.' By paying attention to the gender and the conjunct verb structure, you can avoid these pitfalls and speak more naturally.
To truly master the concept of बेइज्जती (be-izzati), it is helpful to compare it with other Hindi words that deal with respect and its loss. Each word has a slightly different 'register' (formality level) and nuance.
अपमान (Apmaan)
This is the Sanskrit-derived synonym. It is masculine and used in more formal settings. While 'be-izzati' feels personal and emotional, 'apmaan' feels official and objective. You would use 'apmaan' in a legal context or a formal letter.
जिल्लत (Jillat)
This is a much stronger word, also from Urdu. It refers to extreme humiliation or disgrace, often over a long period. It implies being dragged through the mud. 'Be-izzati' might be a one-time event, but 'jillat' is an ongoing state of shame.

तिरस्कार (Tiraskar) refers to a feeling of contempt or rejection. It is more about looking down on someone rather than just insulting them.

Comparison Table
  • Be-izzati: Common, emotional, feminine.
  • Apmaan: Formal, objective, masculine.
  • Jillat: Extreme, poetic, often implies misery.
  • Anaadar: Disrespect (literally 'no-respect'), less intense than an insult.

बड़ों का अनादर नहीं करना चाहिए। (One should not disrespect elders.)

उसे जिल्लत की जिंदगी जीनी पड़ी। (He had to live a life of humiliation.)

Register and Tone
'Be-izzati' is very common in movies and songs because of its rhythmic quality and emotional resonance. 'Apmaan' is more common in textbooks and news broadcasts.

सफलता के बाद उसे बहुत सम्मान मिला। (He received a lot of honor/respect after success.)

मेहमानों का आदर करना हमारी संस्कृति है। (Respecting guests is our culture.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to fine-tune your expression. If you want to sound more poetic or tragic, use 'jillat.' If you want to sound like a textbook, use 'apmaan.' But for 90% of real-life situations where someone has been rude or hurtful, 'be-izzati' is your go-to word. It captures the social sting that is so vital to communication in Hindi.
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Examples by Level

1

यह मेरी बेइज्जती है।

This is my insult.

Uses 'meri' because be-izzati is feminine.

2

उसकी बेइज्जती मत करो।

Don't insult him/her.

Imperative sentence with 'mat'.

3

क्या यह बेइज्जती है?

Is this an insult?

Simple question structure.

4

वह बेइज्जती महसूस कर रहा है।

He is feeling insulted.

Present continuous tense.

5

मेरी बेइज्जती हुई।

I was insulted.

Past tense of 'hona'.

6

छोटी बेइज्जती।

A small insult.

Adjective 'choti' matches the feminine noun.

7

दोस्त की बेइज्जती।

Friend's insult.

Possessive 'ki' used.

8

मुझे बेइज्जती पसंद नहीं है।

I don't like insults.

Direct object in a preference sentence.

1

उसने सबके सामने मेरी बेइज्जती की।

He insulted me in front of everyone.

Compound verb 'be-izzati ki'.

2

तुम्हें मेरी बेइज्जती नहीं करनी चाहिए।

You should not insult me.

Use of 'chahiye' for advice.

3

वह अपनी बेइज्जती भूल गया।

He forgot his insult.

Past tense 'bhool gaya'.

4

यह बहुत बड़ी बेइज्जती है।

This is a very big insult.

Adjective 'bari' for emphasis.

5

क्या उसने तुम्हारी बेइज्जती की?

Did he insult you?

Simple past question.

6

मैं बेइज्जती से डरता हूँ।

I am afraid of humiliation.

Verb 'darna' with 'se'.

7

उसकी बातों में बेइज्जती थी।

There was an insult in his words.

Past tense 'thi' matches feminine noun.

8

बिना वजह बेइज्जती मत करो।

Don't insult without a reason.

Adverbial phrase 'bina vajah'.

1

मैं ऐसी बेइज्जती बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता।

I cannot tolerate such an insult.

Modal verb 'sakta' with 'bardasht karna'.

2

उसने मेरी बेइज्जती करने की कोशिश की।

He tried to insult me.

Infinitive 'karne ki' with 'koshish'.

3

बेइज्जती का बदला लेना ठीक नहीं है।

Taking revenge for an insult is not right.

Gerundial use of 'lena'.

4

तुम्हारी एक गलती से सबकी बेइज्जती होगी।

One mistake of yours will lead to everyone's humiliation.

Future tense 'hogi'.

5

वह अपनी बेइज्जती छुपाने की कोशिश कर रहा था।

He was trying to hide his humiliation.

Past continuous tense.

6

क्या तुम्हें अपनी बेइज्जती का एहसास नहीं है?

Are you not aware of your humiliation?

Noun 'ehsaas' with 'ka' (referring to the feeling).

7

उसे सभा से बाहर निकालकर उसकी बेइज्जती की गई।

He was insulted by being kicked out of the meeting.

Passive construction 'ki gayi'.

8

सच बोलने पर मेरी बेइज्जती हुई।

I was insulted for telling the truth.

Phrase 'par' meaning 'upon/because of'.

1

उसने जानबूझकर मेरी बेइज्जती कराई।

He intentionally caused me to be insulted.

Causative verb 'karayi'.

2

यह बेइज्जती मेरे लिए असहनीय है।

This humiliation is unbearable for me.

Adjective 'asahniya' (unbearable).

3

क्या तुम अपनी बेइज्जती का तमाशा बनाना चाहते हो?

Do you want to make a spectacle of your humiliation?

Idiomatic phrase 'tamasha banana'.

4

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती को अपनी ताकत बना लिया।

He turned his humiliation into his strength.

Compound verb 'bana liya'.

5

बिना सोचे-समझे किसी की बेइज्जती करना भारी पड़ सकता है।

Insulting someone without thinking can prove costly.

Idiomatic 'bhari parna'.

6

उसने पत्र लिखकर मेरी बेइज्जती की।

He insulted me by writing a letter.

Participle 'likhkar'.

7

समाज में बेइज्जती के डर से लोग चुप रहते हैं।

People stay silent due to fear of humiliation in society.

Compound noun 'be-izzati ke darr'.

8

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती का कड़वा घूँट पी लिया।

He swallowed the bitter pill of his humiliation.

Idiomatic 'karva ghoont peena'.

1

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती का बदला लेने के लिए सालों इंतज़ार किया।

He waited for years to take revenge for his humiliation.

Complex sentence with purpose clause.

2

राजनीतिक गलियारों में बेइज्जती और सम्मान का खेल चलता रहता है।

The game of insult and honor continues in political corridors.

Abstract usage in a social commentary context.

3

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती को एक कलात्मक रूप दे दिया।

He gave his humiliation an artistic form.

Metaphorical usage.

4

किसी की बेइज्जती करना उसकी आत्मा को चोट पहुँचाने जैसा है।

Insulting someone is like hurting their soul.

Comparison using 'jaisa'.

5

उसने सार्वजनिक रूप से अपनी बेइज्जती स्वीकार की।

He publicly accepted his humiliation.

Adverbial phrase 'sarvajanik roop se'.

6

बेइज्जती की आग इंसान को अंदर ही अंदर जला देती है।

The fire of humiliation burns a person from within.

Metaphorical 'aag'.

7

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती का सारा दोष दूसरों पर मढ़ दिया।

He pinned all the blame for his humiliation on others.

Idiomatic 'dosh madhna'.

8

इतिहास गवाह है कि बेइज्जती ने कई युद्धों को जन्म दिया है।

History is witness that humiliation has given birth to many wars.

Formal 'itihas gawah hai'.

1

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती के मलबे पर सफलता की इमारत खड़ी की।

He built the edifice of success on the rubble of his humiliation.

Highly metaphorical and literary.

2

बेइज्जती का दंश अक्सर प्रेम की गहराई से भी अधिक गहरा होता है।

The sting of humiliation is often deeper than even the depth of love.

Use of 'dansh' (sting) and 'adhik' (more).

3

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती को नियति का एक क्रूर मजाक माना।

He considered his humiliation a cruel joke of destiny.

Existential tone.

4

समाज की बेइज्जती का भय व्यक्ति की मौलिकता को कुचल देता है।

The fear of social humiliation crushes an individual's originality.

Sociological observation.

5

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती को शब्दों के बाणों में बदलकर पलटवार किया।

He retaliated by turning his humiliation into arrows of words.

Vivid imagery.

6

बेइज्जती की पराकाष्ठा तब होती है जब अपना ही कोई धोखा दे।

The pinnacle of humiliation occurs when one's own kin betrays them.

Use of 'parakashta' (pinnacle).

7

उसने अपनी बेइज्जती के घावों को कभी भरने नहीं दिया।

He never let the wounds of his humiliation heal.

Metaphorical 'ghao' (wounds).

8

बेइज्जती की राख से ही अक्सर आत्म-सम्मान का पुनर्जन्म होता है।

Self-respect is often reborn from the ashes of humiliation.

Philosophical paradox.

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