तोड़ना in 30 Seconds
- Toṛnā is a transitive verb meaning to break, pluck, or violate. It requires an agent to perform the action on an object.
- In the past tense, it uses the 'ne' particle with the subject, and the verb agrees with the object's gender and number.
- Common uses include breaking physical objects (glass, sticks), plucking flowers/fruits, and breaking abstract things like promises or records.
- It is also used in India to ask for smaller currency change (e.g., breaking a 500 rupee note).
The Hindi verb तोड़ना (Toṛnā) is a fundamental transitive verb that primarily denotes the act of causing something to separate into pieces through force or intent. Unlike its intransitive counterpart टूटना (ṭūṭnā), which means 'to break' (on its own), तोड़ना implies an agent—someone or something—performing the action. This verb is incredibly versatile, spanning from the physical destruction of objects to the delicate act of plucking a flower, and even extending into the abstract realms of breaking promises, laws, or social records.
- Physical Fragmentation
- The most literal use involves applying pressure to a solid object until it snaps or shatters. For example, breaking a stick, a glass, or a wall. It suggests a deliberate or accidental application of force.
"बच्चे ने खिलौना तोड़ दिया।" (The child broke the toy.)
— Example of physical action - Harvesting and Plucking
- In the context of nature, toṛnā is the standard verb for picking flowers, fruits, or leaves. It implies the separation of the part from the whole plant.
"माली बगीचे से फूल तोड़ रहा है।" (The gardener is plucking flowers from the garden.)
- Abstract Violation
- When applied to non-physical entities, it signifies the breach of a commitment or a rule. This includes breaking a promise (वादा तोड़ना), a law (कानून तोड़ना), or a fast (व्रत तोड़ना).
Furthermore, toṛnā is used in sports to describe breaking records (रिकॉर्ड तोड़ना) and in emotional contexts to describe breaking someone's heart (दिल तोड़ना). The breadth of this word makes it essential for A1 learners to master early on, as it appears in daily chores, legal discussions, and romantic poetry alike. It is a 'Type 1' transitive verb, meaning in the past tense, the subject takes the 'ne' particle, and the verb agrees with the object.
"उसने मेरी चुप्पी तोड़ी।" (He broke my silence.)
"हड्डी तोड़ना" (To break a bone) - often used in threats or medical descriptions.
Mastering तोड़ना requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a transitive verb. Because the action is directed toward an object, the sentence structure usually follows: Subject + Object + Verb. In the perfective (past) tense, the ergative construction is mandatory.
1. Tense Conjugations
| Tense | Example (Masculine) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Present Habitual | वह लकड़ी तोड़ता है | He breaks wood |
| Present Continuous | वह फूल तोड़ रहा है | He is plucking flowers |
| Past Simple | उसने शीशा तोड़ा | He broke the glass |
| Future | मैं यह दीवार तोड़ूँगा | I will break this wall |
2. The 'Ne' Rule in Past Tense
Since toṛnā is transitive, the subject takes ने (ne) in the past tense. The verb then agrees with the gender and number of the object, not the subject.
- Object Masculine: राम ने ताला तोड़ा (Ram broke the lock).
- Object Feminine: सीता ने चूड़ी तोड़ी (Sita broke the bangle).
- Object Plural: हमने खिलौने तोड़े (We broke the toys).
3. Financial Usage
In India, if you have a 500-rupee note and need change, you ask: "क्या आप 500 का नोट तोड़ सकते हैं?" (Can you break/change the 500 note?). This is a vital phrase for travelers. It specifically refers to getting smaller denominations, not just 'spending' the money.
4. Social and Legal Usage
Breaking a law (kanoon toṛnā) or a signal (signal toṛnā) uses this verb. It implies a violation of established order. Similarly, 'breaking' a relationship or a friendship uses rishta toṛnā or dosti toṛnā.
You will encounter तोड़ना in a wide variety of environments, from the mundane to the highly dramatic. Understanding the context helps in choosing the right nuance of the word.
- In the Garden/Kitchen
- Mothers often tell children: "फूल मत तोड़ो!" (Don't pluck the flowers!). In the kitchen, you might hear instructions to break eggs (anda toṛnā) or break spices into smaller bits.
- In News and Sports
- Sports commentators frequently use it for records: "विराट कोहली ने सचिन का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया।" (Virat Kohli broke Sachin's record). News reports use it for civil unrest: "भीड़ ने खिड़कियाँ तोड़ दीं।" (The crowd broke the windows).
- In Bollywood and Music
- The most common romantic cliché is "दिल तोड़ना" (breaking the heart). Thousands of songs revolve around "मेरा दिल तोड़ दिया" (You broke my heart). It is also used for breaking silence (khamoshi toṛnā) in dramatic scenes.
In daily street life, you'll hear it at traffic signals. A policeman might say, "तुमने लाल बत्ती तोड़ी है!" (You broke the red light!). In markets, it's about currency: "खुले पैसे नहीं हैं, बड़े नोट को तोड़ना पड़ेगा।" (I don't have change, I'll have to break the big note).
"हौसला मत तोड़ो।" (Don't break [lose] courage/morale.)
Learners of Hindi often struggle with तोड़ना due to its similarity with other verbs and its specific grammatical requirements. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
- 1. Confusing Toṛnā with Ṭūṭnā:
This is the #1 mistake. Toṛnā is transitive (you break something), while Ṭūṭnā is intransitive (something breaks by itself).
❌ शीशा तोड़ गया (Incorrect for 'The glass broke')
✅ शीशा टूट गया (The glass broke)
✅ मैंने शीशा तोड़ दिया (I broke the glass) - 2. Using it for 'Tearing' Paper:
Hindi has a specific verb for tearing paper or cloth: फाड़ना (Phāṛnā). Using toṛnā for paper sounds very unnatural.
❌ कागज़ तोड़ो (Break the paper)
✅ कागज़ फाड़ो (Tear the paper) - 3. Smashing vs. Breaking:
If you are smashing something into tiny bits or crushing it (like a coconut or a boil), use फोड़ना (Phoṛnā).
✅ नारियल फोड़ना (To smash a coconut)
✅ पटाखे फोड़ना (To burst/pop firecrackers)
Another mistake is using toṛnā for 'breaking' a news story. In Hindi, we use khabar sunānā (to tell news) or khabar phailānā (to spread news). 'Breaking news' is usually just called 'Breaking News' or taza khabar.
While तोड़ना is the general word for breaking, Hindi offers several synonyms and related verbs that provide more precision depending on the context.
- 1. फोड़ना (Phoṛnā) - To Smash/Burst
- Used for things that pop or explode, like balloons, eyes, boils, or coconuts. It implies a more violent or sudden bursting than toṛnā.
- 2. खंडित करना (Khaṇḍit Karnā) - To Fragment/Desecrate
- A formal, Sanskritized term used for breaking idols, statues, or interrupting a religious ritual. It carries a sense of 'spoiling' the sanctity of an object.
- 3. विभाजित करना (Vibhājit Karnā) - To Divide
- Used when 'breaking' something into logical parts or sections, like dividing a cake or a territory. It is more clinical and less destructive than toṛnā.
- 4. मरोड़ना (Maroṛnā) - To Twist/Wring
- If you break something by twisting it (like a neck or a wet cloth), this is the specific verb. It implies a rotational force.
In poetic Hindi, you might encounter भंजन (Bhanjan), which means 'destruction' or 'breaking', often used in the context of destroying ego (ahankar-bhanjan) or breaking a bow (like Lord Rama breaking Shiva's bow).
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Ergative case marking with 'ne'
Compound verbs with 'denā' and 'ḍālnā'
Direct object marking with 'ko'
Infinitive as a noun
Causative verb formation
Examples by Level
बच्चा खिलौना तोड़ता है।
The child breaks the toy.
Present habitual tense. Subject is 'baccha' (child).
फूल मत तोड़ो।
Don't pluck the flowers.
Imperative (command) form.
उसने पेंसिल तोड़ी।
He/She broke the pencil.
Past tense. Verb 'toṛī' agrees with feminine 'pencil'.
क्या तुम यह बिस्किट तोड़ सकते हो?
Can you break this biscuit?
Use of 'saknā' (can) with the stem 'toṛ'.
मैंने छड़ी तोड़ी।
I broke the stick.
Past tense with 'ne'. Verb agrees with feminine 'chaṛī'.
राम खिलौना तोड़ रहा है।
Ram is breaking the toy.
Present continuous tense.
वह ताला तोड़ देगा।
He will break the lock.
Future tense with auxiliary 'denā' for emphasis.
चॉकलेट तोड़ो और खाओ।
Break the chocolate and eat.
Two imperative verbs connected by 'aur'.
माली ने बगीचे से फल तोड़े।
The gardener plucked fruits from the garden.
Past tense. 'toṛe' agrees with masculine plural 'phal'.
उसने अपना वादा तोड़ दिया।
He broke his promise.
Abstract use. 'vāda' (promise) is the object.
गिलास कैसे तोड़ा?
How did (you) break the glass?
Interrogative sentence in the past tense.
मम्मी ने रोटी तोड़कर मुझे दी।
Mother broke the roti and gave it to me.
Use of 'toṛkar' (after breaking/by breaking).
हमें नियम नहीं तोड़ने चाहिए।
We should not break rules.
Use of 'cāhiye' (should) with the infinitive.
उसने मेरा दिल तोड़ दिया।
He/She broke my heart.
Common idiomatic expression.
क्या आप 100 रुपये तोड़ सकते हैं?
Can you break 100 rupees? (Give change)
Financial context: asking for change.
बंदर ने पेड़ की टहनी तोड़ दी।
The monkey broke the tree branch.
Compound verb 'toṛ dī' for completed action.
पुलिस ने चोर का दरवाज़ा तोड़ दिया।
The police broke down the thief's door.
Forceful action in a legal/crime context.
उसने अपनी बुरी आदतें तोड़ने का फैसला किया।
He decided to break his bad habits.
Abstract use: breaking habits.
क्या तुमने कभी ट्रैफिक सिग्नल तोड़ा है?
Have you ever broken a traffic signal?
Present perfect tense.
शाम को हम अपना व्रत तोड़ेंगे।
We will break our fast in the evening.
Cultural context: breaking a religious fast.
उसने गुस्से में आकर अपना फोन तोड़ दिया।
He broke his phone in anger.
Describing the cause of the action.
मज़दूरों ने पुरानी दीवार तोड़ दी।
The workers broke down the old wall.
Physical labor context.
उसने अपनी चुप्पी तोड़ते हुए सच बताया।
Breaking his silence, he told the truth.
Participle 'toṛte hue' (while breaking).
इस मशीन को मत तोड़ना, यह बहुत महंगी है।
Don't break this machine; it is very expensive.
Negative imperative with a reason.
खिलाड़ी ने पिछले साल का वर्ल्ड रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया।
The athlete broke last year's world record.
Standard phrase for sports achievements.
सरकार ने प्रदर्शनकारियों की हड़ताल तोड़ दी।
The government broke the protesters' strike.
Political context: ending an organized action.
उसने अपनी मेहनत से गरीबी का चक्र तोड़ दिया।
He broke the cycle of poverty with his hard work.
Metaphorical use for social change.
लेखक ने समाज की रूढ़ियों को तोड़ने की कोशिश की।
The author tried to break the stereotypes of society.
Intellectual/Social context.
दुश्मन ने हमारी सुरक्षा घेरा तोड़ने की कोशिश की।
The enemy tried to break our security perimeter.
Military/Security context.
उसने अपनी वसीयत में कुछ शर्तें तोड़ दीं।
He broke some conditions in his will.
Legal context: violating terms.
वैज्ञानिकों ने इस रहस्य को तोड़ने में सफलता पाई।
Scientists succeeded in breaking (solving) this mystery.
Using 'toṛnā' for solving/deciphering.
उसकी बातों ने मेरा भ्रम तोड़ दिया।
His words broke my illusion.
Psychological/Abstract use.
न्यायालय ने इस कानून की वैधता को तोड़ दिया।
The court struck down (broke) the validity of this law.
High-level legal terminology.
उसकी आवाज़ डर के मारे तोड़-तोड़ कर निकल रही थी।
His voice was breaking (faltering) out of fear.
Reduplication 'toṛ-toṛ' for faltering action.
कवि ने छंदों के बंधनों को तोड़कर नई कविता लिखी।
The poet wrote new poetry by breaking the bonds of meter.
Literary/Artistic context.
उसने अपने अहंकार को तोड़कर माफ़ी माँगी।
He broke his ego and apologized.
Spiritual/Internal context.
विपक्षी दल ने गठबंधन तोड़ने की धमकी दी।
The opposition party threatened to break the alliance.
Political strategy context.
मूर्तिकार ने पत्थर को तोड़कर एक सुंदर आकृति निकाली।
The sculptor carved (by breaking) a beautiful figure from the stone.
Creative destruction.
उसने अपनी संपत्ति का मोह तोड़ दिया।
He broke his attachment to his property.
Philosophical context: detachment.
इस घटना ने देश की शांति को तोड़ दिया।
This incident shattered (broke) the peace of the country.
Describing large-scale social impact.
उसने रूढ़िवादी परंपराओं की बेड़ियाँ तोड़ डालीं।
She shattered the shackles of conservative traditions.
Intense compound verb 'toṛ ḍālnā'.
दार्शनिक ने द्वैतवाद के तर्क को तर्क से ही तोड़ा।
The philosopher broke the logic of dualism with logic itself.
Academic/Philosophical debate.
उसने अपनी विरासत को टुकड़ों में तोड़कर दान कर दिया।
He broke his heritage into pieces and donated it.
Metaphorical dismantling of legacy.
समय की मार ने उसके हौसले को नहीं तोड़ा।
The ravages of time did not break his spirit.
Poetic personification of 'Time'.
उसने अपनी रचनाओं में भाषा के व्याकरण को ही तोड़ दिया।
He broke the very grammar of the language in his works.
Avant-garde linguistic context.
इस संधि ने दशकों पुराने शत्रुता के क्रम को तोड़ दिया।
This treaty broke the cycle of decades-old hostility.
Diplomatic/Historical context.
उसने अपनी आत्मा के कारागार को तोड़ने का प्रयास किया।
He attempted to break the prison of his soul.
Existential/Metaphysical context.
उसकी मुस्कान ने सभा की गंभीरता को तोड़ दिया।
Her smile broke the solemnity of the assembly.
Nuanced social interaction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Intransitive vs Transitive
To fold/turn vs To break
To leave vs To break
To join (antonym)
To burst (like a balloon)
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Use for hard objects.
Standard for plucking.
Used for hearts, silence, records.
- Using 'toṛnā' for paper (use 'phāṛnā').
- Forgetting 'ne' in the past tense.
- Confusing it with 'tūṭnā' (intransitive).
- Using it for 'breaking' news (use 'khabar sunānā').
- Misgendering the verb in the past tense based on the subject instead of the object.
Tips
Agreement
In 'Maine khirki toṛī', the verb is feminine because 'khirki' (window) is feminine.
Flowers
Always use 'toṛnā' for flowers. Using 'pakaṛnā' (catch) or 'lenā' (take) is wrong.
Promises
Breaking a promise is a serious matter; use 'vāda toṛnā' to express this.
Change
Shopkeepers will understand 'toṛnā' immediately when you need change.
Traffic
'Signal toṛnā' is a common phrase for traffic violations.
Heartbreak
'Dil toṛnā' is used in almost every Bollywood breakup song.
Force
Use 'toṛ ḍālnā' if you want to sound like you destroyed something completely.
Harvesting
When picking mangoes, say 'Aam toṛnā'.
Law
'Kānūn toṛnā' is the standard way to say 'break the law'.
Pairing
Learn 'toṛnā' and 'joṛnā' together as a pair of opposites.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Tore' in English. When you 'Tore' a paper, you broke its continuity. 'Toṛnā' sounds like 'Tore-na'.
Word Origin
Sanskrit
Cultural Context
Breaking a fast is a communal activity in India.
Breaking a mirror is often feared as bringing bad luck.
Breaking a queue (line) is considered very rude in urban settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपने कभी कोई नियम तोड़ा है?"
"क्या आप इस 2000 के नोट को तोड़ सकते हैं?"
"बचपन में आपने कौन सा खिलौना तोड़ा था?"
"क्या फूल तोड़ना गलत है?"
"रिकॉर्ड तोड़ने के लिए क्या करना पड़ता है?"
Journal Prompts
एक बार के बारे में लिखें जब आपने कोई वादा तोड़ा था।
अगर आप कोई वर्ल्ड रिकॉर्ड तोड़ना चाहें, तो वह कौन सा होगा?
क्या आपने कभी किसी का दिल तोड़ा है? कैसे?
नियमों को तोड़ना कब सही होता है?
बगीचे में फूल तोड़ते समय आप क्या महसूस करते हैं?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for paper or cloth, use 'phāṛnā'. 'Toṛnā' is for rigid objects.
It depends on the object. 'Toṛā' (masc), 'Toṛī' (fem), 'Toṛe' (masc plural).
Yes, 'haddi toṛnā' or 'pair toṛnā' is correct.
Mera dil mat toṛo.
Usually, we use 'rāz kholnā' (opening a secret), but 'cup toṛnā' (breaking silence) is common.
In the past tense, you must use 'ne' with the subject.
It is an idiom meaning 'to die'.
Yes, it is the standard word for picking fruit from a tree.
The opposite is 'joṛnā' (to join).
Ask: 'Kya aap 500 ka note toṛ sakte hain?'
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Summary
Toṛnā is the essential Hindi verb for any act of separation or violation caused by an agent. Whether you are picking a mango, breaking a window, or breaking a law, this is the word you need. Always distinguish it from the intransitive 'tūṭnā' (to break on its own).
- Toṛnā is a transitive verb meaning to break, pluck, or violate. It requires an agent to perform the action on an object.
- In the past tense, it uses the 'ne' particle with the subject, and the verb agrees with the object's gender and number.
- Common uses include breaking physical objects (glass, sticks), plucking flowers/fruits, and breaking abstract things like promises or records.
- It is also used in India to ask for smaller currency change (e.g., breaking a 500 rupee note).
Agreement
In 'Maine khirki toṛī', the verb is feminine because 'khirki' (window) is feminine.
Flowers
Always use 'toṛnā' for flowers. Using 'pakaṛnā' (catch) or 'lenā' (take) is wrong.
Promises
Breaking a promise is a serious matter; use 'vāda toṛnā' to express this.
Change
Shopkeepers will understand 'toṛnā' immediately when you need change.
Example
बच्चे ने खिलौना तोड़ दिया।
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More Actions words
लाना
A1To bring something or someone from one location to the speaker's current location. It is a fundamental transitive verb used for physical objects, people, or abstract concepts like news and change.
सकना
A1Sakna is an auxiliary verb in Hindi used to express ability, possibility, or permission, similar to the English 'can' or 'may'. It is always used in conjunction with the root form of a main verb and reflects the gender and number of the subject.
पकड़ना
A1Pakadna is a common Hindi verb that means to catch, hold, or grasp something or someone. It is used for physical actions like catching a ball, boarding a bus, or capturing a criminal.
चुनना
A1To select or pick something or someone out of a group based on preference, quality, or necessity. It is used for both physical actions, like picking fruit, and abstract decisions, like electing a leader.
बंद
A1The word primarily signifies the state of being 'closed', 'shut', or 'turned off'. In common usage, it refers to physical objects like doors, commercial establishments like shops, or electronic devices that are not in operation.
काटना
A1To cut, divide, or sever something using a sharp tool; it can also mean to bite (by an insect or animal) or to spend/pass time.
किया
A1Kiya is the masculine singular past tense form of the Hindi verb 'karna' (to do). It is used to indicate that an action was completed or performed by a subject in the past.
कर
A1As a noun, 'kar' primarily means 'tax' in administrative and everyday contexts. In a more formal or poetic sense, it can also mean 'hand' or 'ray of light'.
करते
A1The masculine plural or honorific present participle of the Hindi verb 'karna' (to do). It is used to describe habitual actions, professions, or ongoing states for multiple males, mixed-gender groups, or when speaking respectfully to a man.
लगना
A1Lagna is one of the most versatile verbs in Hindi, primarily meaning 'to seem', 'to feel', 'to start', or 'to be attached'. It is used to express perceptions, the physical sensation of states like hunger or cold, and the duration of time.
