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बांटना-बंटाना

B1 verb 10 min read

बांटना-बंटाना

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips बांटना-बंटाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation बांटना-बंटाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn the most basic meaning of 'Bāṇṭnā', which is 'to share' or 'to give out'. Imagine you have a box of chocolates and you give one to each of your friends. That is 'Bāṇṭnā'. You will use it in very simple sentences like 'Mummy ne cake baanta' (Mummy shared the cake). You also learn the very useful phrase 'Haath Baṇṭānā' as a way to say 'help'. Even at this beginning stage, you can say 'Main help karta hoon' or more naturally, 'Main haath baṇṭātā hoon'. Focus on the physical act of sharing things like food, toys, and books. Remember that in Hindi, sharing is a social activity. If you have something good, you are expected to 'Bāṇṭnā' it! Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just think of 'Bāṇṭnā' as 'sharing stuff' and 'Haath Baṇṭānā' as 'helping with chores'.

At the A2 level, you start using 'Bāṇṭnā' for more than just food. You might talk about sharing your time or sharing a room (though 'Saajha' is also used there). You will learn how to use the past tense with 'Ne'. For example, 'Usne apne khilone baante' (He shared his toys). You also begin to see 'Haath Baṇṭānā' in the context of household chores. You can describe your daily routine: 'Main shaam ko rasoi mein haath baṇṭātā hoon' (I help in the kitchen in the evening). You understand that 'Bāṇṭnā' involves an object being divided, while 'Baṇṭānā' (with Haath) involves a person being helped. You might also encounter the word 'Batwara' in simple stories, meaning a division or split between brothers or friends. Focus on using these words to describe cooperation in your family and with your friends.

As a B1 learner, you are now exploring the nuances of 'Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā' as a concept of responsibility. You can use 'Bāṇṭnā' for abstract things like 'Zimmedari' (responsibility) or 'Kaam' (work). In a professional or group setting, you can suggest, 'Chalo, kaam baant lete hain' (Let's divide the work). You understand that 'Baṇṭānā' is the causative form, and you use 'Haath Baṇṭānā' fluently to offer assistance in various contexts, not just at home. You are also beginning to see the emotional side of the word, such as 'Dukh baṇṭnā' (sharing sorrow) or 'Khushi baṇṭnā' (sharing happiness). You can distinguish between 'Bāṇṭnā' (distributing) and 'Vitrit Karna' (formal distribution). Your grammar is more precise, ensuring that the verb agrees with the gender and number of the object being shared.

At the B2 level, you use 'Bāṇṭnā' to discuss social and economic issues. You can talk about 'Aay ka batwara' (distribution of income) or 'Sansadhanon ka sahi batwara' (correct distribution of resources). You understand the cultural weight of these terms in Indian history, especially regarding the 'Partition' (Batwara). You can use the words in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences like 'Agar hum kaam baant lete, toh jaldi khatam ho jata' (If we had divided the work, it would have finished sooner). You also recognize the use of 'Bāṇṭnā' in idiomatic expressions and literature. You can participate in debates about fairness and equity using these terms. Your vocabulary includes synonyms like 'Vibhajit' and 'Vitaran', and you know exactly when to use 'Bāṇṭnā' instead of them to sound more natural or more formal.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the philosophical and literary depth of 'Bāṇṭnā'. You might encounter it in poetry or classical literature where it refers to the soul sharing its experiences or the division of the self. You understand the subtle difference between 'Bāṇṭnā' and 'Anshdaan' or 'Vitaran' in nuanced contexts. You can use the word to describe complex psychological states, such as 'Apne vichar baṇṭnā' (sharing one's thoughts/ideologies). You are aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word in different dialects of Hindi. Your usage is flawless, including the correct application of the 'Ne' particle in complex ergative constructions. You can write essays on social justice using 'Bāṇṭnā' as a central theme of resource equity. You also understand the use of 'Baṇṭānā' in older texts where it might have had a broader causative meaning than the modern 'Haath Baṇṭānā'.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over the entire semantic field of 'Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā'. You can use it to explain intricate legal divisions of property or to discuss the metaphysical sharing of existence in Vedantic philosophy. You can play with the word in creative writing, using its rhythmic qualities and its deep cultural resonance to evoke specific emotions. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Sanskrit roots to its modern colloquial forms. You can effortlessly switch between 'Bāṇṭnā', 'Vibhajit karna', 'Vitrit karna', and 'Saajha karna' depending on the exact register and tone required. You are also an expert in the various idioms and proverbs that use these words, such as 'Baant-baant kar khana' (sharing and eating) as a metaphor for communal harmony. You can analyze the use of these words in political rhetoric to influence public perception of fairness and distribution.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

बांटना-बंटाना in 30 Seconds

Bāṇṭnā means to distribute things like food or tasks.
Baṇṭānā is usually used as 'Haath Baṇṭānā' meaning to help.
These words reflect the Indian cultural value of sharing and cooperation.
Bāṇṭnā is for objects; Baṇṭānā is for helping people with actions.

The compound verbal concept of बांटना-बंटाना (Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā) represents a fundamental pillar of Indian social and domestic life. At its core, 'Bāṇṭnā' refers to the act of distributing, dividing, or sharing something tangible like food, money, or gifts, or something intangible like grief, joy, or information. 'Baṇṭānā', on the other hand, is a causative-adjacent form most commonly encountered in the idiomatic expression 'Haath Baṇṭānā', which means to lend a hand or to assist in a task. Together, the phrase 'Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā' encapsulates the entire spectrum of communal living—from the fair distribution of resources to the mutual sharing of labor and responsibilities. In a Hindi-speaking household, you will rarely hear these words in isolation when discussing chores; they are the linguistic glue that binds family members to their collective duties.

Distributive Sharing (Bāṇṭnā): This refers to the physical act of taking a whole and dividing it into parts for others. For example, a mother distributing sweets among her children or a leader dividing tasks among a team.

माँ ने बच्चों के बीच मिठाई बांटी। (Mother distributed the sweets among the children.)

Collaborative Sharing (Baṇṭānā): This focuses on the reduction of someone else's burden. It is almost always used with 'Haath' (hand) to mean 'helping out'. It implies that the work is not yours originally, but you are participating to make it easier for the primary person.

वह घर के कामों में हाथ बंटाता है। (He lends a hand in household chores.)

When used together as a rhythmic pair, 'Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā' suggests a system of mutual aid and equitable division. It is often heard in discussions about inheritance, household management, or community projects. For instance, in a village meeting, an elder might say that the water from the well must be 'Bāṇṭnā-Baṇṭānā' fairly, implying both the distribution of the water and the shared responsibility of maintaining the well. This nuance is vital for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple verbs into the realm of cultural pragmatics. Understanding this word helps you navigate the delicate balance of 'giving' and 'helping' that defines South Asian interpersonal dynamics.

हमें अपनी खुशियाँ दूसरों के साथ बांटनी चाहिए। (We should share our joys with others.)

काम को आपस में बांटने से बोझ कम हो जाता है। (Sharing the work among yourselves reduces the burden.)

Usage in Modern Contexts: In modern office settings, 'Bāṇṭnā' is used for delegating tasks (Kaam Baṇṭnā), while 'Baṇṭānā' is used for supporting a colleague who is overwhelmed. It reflects a transition from traditional communal living to professional collaboration.

Using बांटना (Bāṇṭnā) and बंटाना (Baṇṭānā) correctly requires an understanding of transitivity and the specific idiomatic structures they inhabit. 'Bāṇṭnā' is a standard transitive verb. It requires an object (the thing being shared) and often a recipient (the people sharing it). The syntax usually follows: [Subject] [Object] [Recipient + के बीच/में] [Bāṇṭnā]. For example, 'Suresh ne seb sabke beech baante' (Suresh distributed apples among everyone). It is versatile enough to handle abstract nouns like 'Dukh' (sorrow) or 'Zimmedari' (responsibility).

क्या आप मेरे साथ अपना दुख बांटना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to share your sorrow with me?)

In contrast, 'Baṇṭānā' is almost exclusively paired with 'Haath' (hand) in everyday speech. The phrase 'Haath Baṇṭānā' functions as a single unit of meaning. You don't usually 'Baṇṭānā' a cake; you 'Baṇṭānā' the *effort* of making the cake. The sentence structure is: [Subject] [Person being helped + का] [Task/Field + में] [Haath Baṇṭānā]. For example, 'Maine rasoi mein maa ka haath baṇṭāyā' (I helped mother in the kitchen). Here, 'ka' connects the helper to the person helped, and 'mein' specifies the area of help.

Tense Variations: Past Tense (Bāṇṭnā): 'Usne baante' (He distributed). Past Tense (Baṇṭānā): 'Usne haath baṇṭāyā' (He helped). Future Tense: 'Hum baantenge' (We will share). Imperative: 'इसे बांटो!' (Distribute this!).

शिक्षक ने गृहकार्य बांट दिया है। (The teacher has distributed the homework.)

When you want to express the idea of 'dividing up' a large task, 'Bāṇṭnā' is the correct choice. When you want to express 'chipping in' or 'collaborating', 'Baṇṭānā' (via 'Haath Baṇṭānā') is the way to go. Beginners often confuse the two by saying 'Maine cake baṇṭāyā', which sounds like you helped the cake do something. Stick to 'Bāṇṭnā' for items and 'Haath Baṇṭānā' for actions.

चलो, मिलकर काम बांटते हैं। (Come on, let's share/divide the work together.)

Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing, 'Vibhajit karna' (to divide) might replace 'Bāṇṭnā', but 'Bāṇṭnā' remains the standard for 'sharing'. 'Haath Baṇṭānā' is acceptable in all registers as it is the most natural way to offer help.

वह हमेशा दूसरों की मदद के लिए हाथ बंटाती है। (She always lends a hand to help others.)

The sounds of बांटना-बंटाना echo through various layers of Indian life. Perhaps the most common place to hear it is in the domestic sphere. During dinner preparations, a mother might call out to her children, 'Aao, thoda haath baṇṭāo!' (Come, lend a hand a little!). This isn't just a request for labor; it's an invitation to participate in the family unit. In this context, 'Baṇṭānā' carries a warmth that 'Madad karna' (to help) lacks—it implies that you are sharing the weight of a common goal.

त्योहारों पर सब मिलकर काम बंटाते हैं। (During festivals, everyone helps out/shares the work together.)

In the marketplace or during religious festivals, 'Bāṇṭnā' is the dominant term. You will hear about 'Prasad baṇṭnā' (distributing blessed food) or 'Kumbh mein khana baṇṭnā' (distributing food at the Kumbh Mela). Here, it signifies charity and the equitable dispersal of resources. It is a word of action, movement, and community service. If you are at a birthday party, the host will say, 'Cake baṇṭo!' (Distribute the cake!).

In the Office: Managers use 'Kaam baṇṭnā' when assigning roles to a team. It conveys a sense of fairness—ensuring that no one person is overloaded. 'Task distribution' is the corporate translation, but 'Kaam baṇṭnā' feels more collaborative.

मैनेजर ने टीम के सदस्यों के बीच प्रोजेक्ट बांट दिया। (The manager distributed the project among the team members.)

You will also encounter these words in Hindi cinema (Bollywood) and literature. Melodramatic scenes often involve 'Dukh baṇṭnā' (sharing sorrow). A hero might say to a grieving friend, 'Apna dard mujhse baṇṭo' (Share your pain with me). This usage elevates the word from a simple physical action to a profound emotional exchange. In news reports, you'll hear it regarding the 'Batwara' (division/partition) of land or assets, which is the noun form of 'Bāṇṭnā'.

गरीबों में कंबल बांटना एक नेक काम है। (Distributing blankets among the poor is a noble deed.)

News & Politics: Hear it in discussions about 'Satta ka batwara' (distribution of power) or 'Sansadhanon ka batwara' (distribution of resources). It is a key term in social justice discourses in India.

For English speakers, the primary confusion with बांटना-बंटाना stems from the lack of a direct equivalent for 'Baṇṭānā'. In English, we use 'share' or 'help' for both, but in Hindi, the distinction is grammatical and conceptual. The most frequent mistake is using 'Baṇṭānā' for objects. You cannot 'Baṇṭānā' a pizza; you 'Bāṇṭnā' (distribute) it. If you say 'Maine pizza baṇṭāyā', a native speaker might laugh, as it sounds like you helped the pizza perform a task.

Incorrect: मैंने बच्चों को खिलौने बंटाए। (I helped the toys to the children.)
Correct: मैंने बच्चों को खिलौने बांटे। (I distributed toys to the children.)

Another common error is forgetting the 'Haath' (hand) when using 'Baṇṭānā'. While 'Baṇṭānā' technically means to cause to be shared, in 99% of modern spoken Hindi, it is incomplete without 'Haath'. If you just say 'Maine uska kaam baṇṭāyā', it is understandable but slightly awkward. 'Maine uske kaam mein haath baṇṭāyā' is the idiomatic gold standard. Learners also often struggle with the 'Ne' particle in the past tense. Because 'Bāṇṭnā' is transitive, you must use 'Ne' with the subject, and the verb must agree with the object.

Mistake: Subject-Verb Agreement: Saying 'Maa ne roti baanta' is wrong because 'Roti' is feminine. It should be 'Maa ne roti baanti'.

Incorrect: उसने अपना खाना बंटा।
Correct: उसने अपना खाना बांटा। (He shared his food.)

Confusion with 'Saajha Karna' (to share) is also common. While 'Bāṇṭnā' implies dividing into pieces, 'Saajha Karna' (often used for digital sharing or sharing a room) implies using the same thing together without necessarily dividing it. If you share a secret, you 'Bāṇṭnā' it (distribute the knowledge) or 'Saajha' it. If you share a bank account, you 'Saajha' it. Using 'Bāṇṭnā' for a bank account would imply you are splitting the money and closing the account!

हमें काम बांटना सीखना होगा। (We will have to learn to distribute/delegate work.)

The 'Ka' vs 'Mein' confusion: In 'Haath Baṇṭānā', remember: [Person] KA haath baṇṭānā (lend A hand OF someone) but [Task] MEIN haath baṇṭānā (lend a hand IN a task).

Hindi offers several shades of 'sharing' and 'dividing'. Understanding the alternatives to बांटना-बंटाना will make your Hindi sound more sophisticated. The most formal alternative is विभाजित करना (Vibhajit Karna). This is used in academic, legal, or mathematical contexts. You would use 'Vibhajit' for dividing a territory or a number in math, whereas 'Bāṇṭnā' would sound too casual for a geometry class.

Bāṇṭnā vs. Saajha Karna: 'Bāṇṭnā' usually implies physical division (like cutting a cake). 'Saajha Karna' implies joint ownership or participation (like sharing a post on social media or sharing a vision). If two people share a room, they use 'Saajha'. If they divide the room with a curtain, they have 'Bāṇṭ' (divided) it.

सोशल मीडिया पर जानकारी साझा करें। (Share information on social media.)

Another common alternative is वितरित करना (Vitrit Karna). This specifically means 'to distribute' in an official or systematic way. You will see this on government forms or in news reports regarding the distribution of relief materials after a disaster. 'Bāṇṭnā' is the act; 'Vitrit Karna' is the process. Similarly, हिस्सा करना (Hissa Karna) means 'to make parts/shares', often used in the context of inheritance or property disputes.

सरकार ने राशन वितरित किया। (The government distributed rations.)

Baṇṭānā vs. Madad Karna: 'Madad Karna' is the general word for 'to help'. It can be used for any situation (helping a blind person cross the road). 'Haath Baṇṭānā' is specifically for physical or logistical tasks where you are sharing the workload. You wouldn't say 'Maine uski sadak paar karne mein haath baṇṭāyā'; you would use 'Madad ki'.

जायदाद का बँटवारा शांति से हो गया। (The division of property was done peacefully.)

In poetic or high Hindi, you might encounter अंशदान (Anshdaan), which means 'contribution' (literally: giving a part). This is used for donating to a cause. For B1 learners, mastering 'Bāṇṭnā' and 'Haath Baṇṭānā' is the priority, but knowing that 'Vitrit' and 'Vibhajit' exist will help you understand more formal texts and broadcasts.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The noun form 'Batwara' is one of the most emotionally charged words in South Asian history because it refers specifically to the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbɑːnt.nɑː - bʌnˈtɑː.nɑː/

US /ˈbɑnt.nɑ - bʌnˈtɑ.nɑ/

In Bāṇṭnā, the stress is on the first syllable 'Bāṇ'. In Baṇṭānā, the stress is on the second syllable 'ṭā'.

Rhymes With

Chāṇṭnā (to sort) Kāṇṭnā (to cut) Dāṇṭnā (to scold) Phāṇṭnā (to whip/beat) Sajānā (to decorate - for Baṇṭānā) Manānā (to celebrate - for Baṇṭānā) Banānā (to make - for Baṇṭānā) Chalānā (to drive - for Baṇṭānā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing Bāṇṭnā as 'Baat-na' (missing the nasal sound).
Pronouncing Baṇṭānā with a long 'a' in the first syllable.
Confusing the retroflex 'ṭ' with a dental 't'.
Missing the nasalization (Chandrabindu) completely.
Failing to distinguish the vowel lengths between the two words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuances between the two forms require attention.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'Ne' particle and gender agreement with the object.

Speaking 3/5

Natural to use in idioms, but learners often forget the 'Haath' in 'Haath Baṇṭānā'.

Listening 3/5

Nasal sounds can be tricky to distinguish from non-nasalized vowels.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देना (Dena) - To give मदद (Madad) - Help हाथ (Haath) - Hand काम (Kaam) - Work खाना (Khana) - Food

Learn Next

साझा करना (Saajha Karna) - To share (digital/joint) वितरण (Vitaran) - Distribution सहयोग (Sahyog) - Cooperation हिस्सेदारी (Hissedari) - Partnership विभाजन (Vibhajan) - Division

Advanced

विकेंद्रीकरण (Vikendrikaran) - Decentralization अंशदान (Anshdaan) - Contribution बंटवारा (Batwara) - Partition न्यायसंगत (Nyayasangat) - Equitable आवंटन (Aavantan) - Allocation

Grammar to Know

Ergative Case (Ne) with Bāṇṭnā

मैंने (Subj + Ne) किताबें (Obj, Fem Plural) बांटीं (Verb, Fem Plural).

Causative Verb Formation

Bantna (Intransitive) -> Bāṇṭnā (Transitive) -> Baṇṭānā (Causative).

Compound Verbs with 'Dena'

उसने मिठाई बांट दी (He distributed the sweets completely).

Conjunctive Participle (-kar)

खाना बांटकर (after distributing) वह चला गया।

Infinitive as a Noun

बांटना (Sharing) एक अच्छी आदत है।

Examples by Level

मुझे अपनी चॉकलेट बांटनी है।

I want to share my chocolate.

Baantni (fem) agrees with Chocolate (fem).

माँ खाना बांट रही हैं।

Mother is distributing food.

Present continuous tense.

क्या तुम मेरा हाथ बंटाओगे?

Will you lend me a hand?

Future tense of Baṇṭānā with 'Haath'.

पापा ने बच्चों को पैसे बांटे।

Father distributed money to the children.

Past tense with 'Ne'. Verb agrees with 'Paise' (masc plural).

हम खिलौने बांटते हैं।

We share toys.

Simple present tense.

चलो, सेब बांटकर खाते हैं।

Come, let's divide and eat the apple.

Baantkar (conjunctive participle) means 'after sharing/dividing'.

वह घर में हाथ बंटाता है।

He helps out at home.

Habitual present tense.

मिठाई सबको बांट दो।

Distribute the sweets to everyone.

Imperative form (giving a command).

हमें अपना खाना गरीबों में बांटना चाहिए।

We should distribute our food among the poor.

Use of 'Chahiye' (should) with the infinitive.

मैंने अपनी बहन का काम में हाथ बंटाया।

I helped my sister in her work.

Past tense of Baṇṭānā. 'Ka' links to the person helped.

शिक्षक ने कक्षा में कापियां बांटीं।

The teacher distributed notebooks in the class.

Baantin (fem plural) agrees with Kaapiyan (fem plural).

क्या हम यह कमरा बांट सकते हैं?

Can we divide/share this room?

Use of 'Sakte' (can) with the infinitive.

उसने अपनी खुशियाँ सबके साथ बांटीं।

She shared her joys with everyone.

Abstract usage of Bāṇṭnā.

चलो, मिलकर सफाई में हाथ बंटाते हैं।

Come, let's help out in cleaning together.

Infinitive used as a suggestion.

पिताजी ने संपत्ति दो भागों में बांट दी।

Father divided the property into two parts.

Compound verb 'Baant di' (gave/distributed).

वह दूसरों के दुख बांटना जानता है।

He knows how to share others' sorrows.

Infinitive used as a noun object.

काम को बांटने से बोझ हल्का हो जाता है।

Sharing the work makes the burden light.

Gerundial use of 'Baantne'.

हमें घर की जिम्मेदारियां आपस में बांट लेनी चाहिए।

We should divide the household responsibilities among ourselves.

Reflexive compound verb 'Baant leni'.

वह हर मुश्किल में मेरा हाथ बंटाता है।

He lends me a hand in every difficulty.

Metaphorical use of 'Haath Baṇṭānā'.

संस्था ने बाढ़ पीड़ितों में राहत सामग्री बांटी।

The organization distributed relief material among flood victims.

Formal context for Bāṇṭnā.

क्या आप इस जानकारी को दूसरों के साथ बांटना चाहेंगे?

Would you like to share this information with others?

Polite inquiry using 'Chahenge'.

उसने अपनी आधी रोटी भिखारी को बांट दी।

He shared half his bread with the beggar.

Emphasis on the act of giving away.

हमने तय किया कि हम मुनाफा बराबर बांटेंगे।

We decided that we will distribute the profit equally.

Future tense in a subordinate clause.

रसोई के कामों में हाथ बंटाना अच्छी आदत है।

Helping out in kitchen chores is a good habit.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.

संसाधनों का समान वितरण समाज के लिए आवश्यक है।

Equal distribution of resources is necessary for society.

While 'Vitaran' is used, 'Baantna' is the underlying concept.

लेखक ने अपने अनुभवों को इस किताब में बांटा है।

The author has shared his experiences in this book.

Present perfect tense.

हमें अपनी सफलता का श्रेय दूसरों के साथ बांटना चाहिए।

We should share the credit for our success with others.

Abstract usage of credit/praise.

गाँव के लोग अक्सर खेती में एक-दूसरे का हाथ बंटाते हैं।

Villagers often lend each other a hand in farming.

Reciprocal use of 'Ek-dusre ka'.

प्रबंधक ने कार्यों को उनकी जटिलता के आधार पर बांटा।

The manager distributed the tasks based on their complexity.

Past tense with a complex prepositional phrase.

संपत्ति का बंटवारा हमेशा कानूनी तौर पर होना चाहिए।

The division of property should always be done legally.

Noun form 'Batwara' used with 'Hona'.

उसने अपना समय समाज सेवा में बांटने का निर्णय लिया।

He decided to distribute/allocate his time to social service.

Using 'Baantna' for time allocation.

सच्चा दोस्त वही है जो आपके दुखों को बांट ले।

A true friend is one who shares (takes away part of) your sorrows.

Relative clause with 'Baant le'.

शक्ति का विकेंद्रीकरण सत्ता को बांटने का एक तरीका है।

Decentralization of power is a way of distributing authority.

Political science context.

कलाकार ने अपनी अंतरात्मा के भावों को कैनवास पर बांटा है।

The artist has shared the emotions of his soul on the canvas.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

इतिहास गवाह है कि साम्राज्यों का बंटवारा अक्सर युद्ध का कारण बना।

History is witness that the division of empires often became the cause of war.

Formal historical analysis.

वह अपनी विद्वत्ता को शिष्यों के बीच बांटने में गर्व महसूस करते हैं।

He feels proud in sharing his scholarship among his disciples.

Using 'Baantna' for knowledge transmission.

लोकतंत्र में अधिकारों को बांटना ही उसकी असली ताकत है।

Distributing rights in a democracy is its real strength.

Gerund subject in a philosophical statement.

उसने अपनी वसीयत में अपनी सारी संपत्ति ट्रस्टों के बीच बांट दी।

In his will, he distributed all his property among trusts.

Legal context.

विचारों को बांटने से ही समाज में बदलाव आता है।

Change comes to society only by sharing ideas.

Instrumental case 'Baantne se'.

सांस्कृतिक विरासत को अगली पीढ़ी के साथ बांटना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

It is our duty to share our cultural heritage with the next generation.

Abstract heritage sharing.

ब्रह्मांड की ऊर्जा स्वयं को अनगिनत रूपों में बांटती है।

The energy of the universe distributes itself into countless forms.

Metaphysical usage.

मानवीय संवेदनाओं का बंटवारा ही साहित्य की आधारशिला है।

The sharing of human sensibilities is the foundation of literature.

Literary theory context.

राजनीतिक उठापटक के बीच विभागों का बंटवारा एक चुनौतीपूर्ण कार्य था।

Amidst political turmoil, the distribution of departments was a challenging task.

Administrative/Political context.

अस्तित्व के इस खेल में, हम सब एक-दूसरे का हाथ बंटा रहे हैं।

In this game of existence, we are all lending each other a hand.

Existential metaphorical usage.

संपत्ति के बंटवारे ने भाइयों के बीच एक कभी न भरने वाली दरार पैदा कर दी।

The division of property created an unfillable rift between the brothers.

Narrative/Dramatic context.

ज्ञान को बांटना उसे कम करना नहीं, बल्कि उसे द्विगुणित करना है।

Sharing knowledge is not to reduce it, but to double it.

Proverbial/Philosophical style.

वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था में लाभ का बंटवारा न्यायसंगत होना चाहिए।

The distribution of profit in the global economy should be equitable.

Economic/Formal register.

उन्होंने अपनी पूरी उम्र दूसरों के बोझ को बंटाने में लगा दी।

He spent his entire life in sharing (lightening) the burdens of others.

Causative nuance of Baṇṭānā.

Synonyms

वितरित करना (Vitrit Karna) साझा करना (Saajha Karna) विभाजित करना (Vibhajit Karna) मदद करना (Madad Karna) सहयोग करना (Sahyog Karna) हिस्सा करना (Hissa Karna) अंशदान करना (Anshdaan Karna) बंटवारा करना (Batwara Karna)

Antonyms

इकट्ठा करना (Ikattha Karna) हड़पना (Hadapna) जोड़ना (Jodna) अकेले करना (Akele Karna)

Common Collocations

हाथ बंटाना (Haath Baṇṭānā)

दुख बांटना (Dukh Bāṇṭnā)

मिठाई बांटना (Mithai Bāṇṭnā)

जिम्मेदारी बांटना (Zimmedari Bāṇṭnā)

प्रसाद बांटना (Prasad Bāṇṭnā)

बराबर बांटना (Barabar Bāṇṭnā)

आपस में बांटना (Aapas mein Bāṇṭnā)

राशन बांटना (Rashan Bāṇṭnā)

समय बांटना (Samay Bāṇṭnā)

ज्ञान बांटना (Gyaan Bāṇṭnā)

Common Phrases

मिल-बांटकर रहना

— To live by sharing things and cooperating with each other.

हमें मिल-बांटकर रहना चाहिए।

बांट-बांटकर खाना

— To eat by sharing food with everyone present.

बच्चों को बांट-बांटकर खाना सिखाओ।

हाथ बटाने आना

— To come over specifically to help someone with their work.

वह मेरी मदद के लिए हाथ बटाने आया।

बांटने वाला

— The one who distributes or shares (distributor).

कार्ड बांटने वाला कौन है?

आधा-आधा बांटना

— To divide something into two equal halves.

हमने सेब को आधा-आधा बांट लिया।

काम का बंटवारा

— The division or delegation of work.

काम का बंटवारा पहले ही हो चुका है।

खुशियाँ बांटना

— To share one's happiness with others to multiply it.

खुशियाँ बांटने से बढ़ती हैं।

दर्द बांटना

— To empathize and share someone's pain.

किसी का दर्द बांटना पुण्य का काम है।

हिस्सों में बांटना

— To divide something into multiple parts.

केक को दस हिस्सों में बांट दो।

बराबर-बराबर बांटना

— To distribute in exactly equal portions.

पैसे बराबर-बराबर बांटे गए।

Often Confused With

बांटना-बंटाना vs साझा करना (Saajha Karna)

Saajha means to share something jointly (like a room), whereas Bāṇṭnā usually means to divide it into parts.

बांटना-बंटाना vs काटना (Kaatna)

Kaatna means to cut. You might cut (Kaatna) a cake before you distribute (Bāṇṭnā) it.

बांटना-बंटाना vs बताना (Batana)

Batana means to tell. It sounds slightly similar but has no relation to sharing/dividing.

Idioms & Expressions

"हाथ बंटाना"

— To help or assist someone in their work.

मैंने रसोई में माँ का हाथ बंटाया।

Neutral

"दुख बांटना"

— To share someone's sorrow to make them feel better.

सच्चा मित्र वही है जो दुख बांटे।

Emotional

"रेवड़ियाँ बांटना"

— To distribute favors or benefits only to one's own people (often used in politics).

नेता जी अपनों में रेवड़ियाँ बांट रहे हैं।

Colloquial/Political

"बांट-बंटवारा होना"

— A formal or final division of assets or territory.

अंत में भाइयों में बांट-बंटवारा हो ही गया।

Neutral

"खुशियाँ बांटना"

— To celebrate with others.

दिवाली पर हम सब खुशियाँ बांटते हैं।

Social

"काम बांटना"

— To delegate responsibilities.

चलो, काम बांट लेते हैं ताकि जल्दी खत्म हो जाए।

Professional

"रोटियाँ बांटना"

— To provide food/charity (literally: distributing bread).

वह हर रविवार गरीबों में रोटियाँ बांटता है।

Charitable

"ज्ञान की गंगा बांटना"

— To spread knowledge generously (metaphorical).

गुरु जी सबको ज्ञान की गंगा बांट रहे हैं।

Literary

"हिस्सा बांटना"

— To take or give a share of something.

उसने अपना हिस्सा बांट दिया।

Neutral

"दर्द बांटना"

— To listen and provide emotional support.

कभी-कभी बस किसी का दर्द बांटना काफी होता है।

Empathetic

Easily Confused

बांटना-बंटाना vs बंटना (Bantna)

It is the intransitive version of Bāṇṭnā.

Bāṇṭnā is 'to distribute' (active); Bantna is 'to be distributed' (passive).

मिठाई बंट रही है (Sweets are being distributed).

बांटना-बंटाना vs बंटाना (Baṇṭānā)

It is the causative version.

Bāṇṭnā is for objects; Baṇṭānā is for helping people with tasks.

काम में हाथ बटाओ (Lend a hand in work).

बांटना-बंटाना vs बांट (Baant)

It is the noun form.

Baant can mean a 'weight' used on a scale or a 'share'.

एक किलो का बांट (A one-kilo weight).

बांटना-बंटाना vs बंटवारा (Batwara)

It is a related noun.

Batwara refers to the act or result of a formal division.

घर का बंटवारा (Division of the house).

बांटना-बंटाना vs छाँटना (Chāṇṭnā)

Rhyming and similar spelling.

Chāṇṭnā means to sort, select, or trim, not to share.

अच्छे सेब छाँट लो (Sort out the good apples).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] बांटता है।

राम फल बांटता है।

[Subject] ने [Object] बांटा।

उसने केक बांटा।

[Subject] [Person] का हाथ बंटाता है।

मैं माँ का हाथ बंटाता हूँ।

[Subject] को [Object] बांटना चाहिए।

हमें काम बांटना चाहिए।

[Object] का बंटवारा [Adverb] हुआ।

जमीन का बंटवारा शांति से हुआ।

[Abstract Object] बांटने से [Result] होता है।

ज्ञान बांटने से बढ़ता है।

[Subject] ने [Object] को [Recipient] के बीच बांट दिया।

सरकार ने अनाज को गरीबों के बीच बांट दिया।

[Complex Subject] का [Object] बांटना [Philosophical Point] है।

मानवता का दर्द बांटना ही असली धर्म है।

Word Family

Nouns

बंटवारा (Batwara) - Division/Partition

बंटन (Bantan) - Distribution (formal)

हिस्सा (Hissa) - Share/Part

बांट (Baant) - A weight for scales / a share

Verbs

बंटना (Bantna) - To be distributed (intransitive)

बंटवाना (Bantwana) - To have something distributed by someone else (causative 2)

Adjectives

बंटा हुआ (Banta hua) - Divided/Distributed

विभाजित (Vibhajit) - Divided (formal)

साझा (Saajha) - Shared

मदद (Madad) - Help

सहयोग (Sahyog) - Cooperation

वितरण (Vitaran) - Distribution

हिस्सेदारी (Hissedari) - Partnership/Sharing

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, family discussions, and social service contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Baṇṭānā' for objects. → Maine cake baanta.
Baṇṭānā is only for helping people (Haath Baṇṭānā). For objects, use Bāṇṭnā.
Forgetting 'Ne' in the past tense. → Usne mithai baanti.
Bāṇṭnā is transitive, so the subject needs 'Ne' in the past tense.
Incorrect verb agreement in past tense. → Maa ne roti (fem) baanti (fem).
The verb agrees with the object (Roti), not the subject (Maa).
Using 'Bāṇṭnā' for mathematical division. → Das ko do se bhag do.
Bāṇṭnā is for social/physical sharing, not formal arithmetic.
Missing the 'Haath' in 'Haath Baṇṭānā'. → Maine uska haath baṇṭāyā.
While 'Baṇṭānā' exists, the idiom is incomplete and sounds unnatural without 'Haath'.

Tips

Object Agreement

In the past tense with 'Ne', the verb 'Bāṇṭnā' must agree with what is being shared. If you shared 'Sweets' (Mithaiyan - Fem Plural), the verb is 'Baanti'. If you shared 'Apples' (Seb - Masc Plural), it is 'Baante'.

Offering Help

If you want to impress your Hindi-speaking friends, don't just say 'Can I help?'. Say 'Kya main aapka haath banta sakta hoon?'. It sounds much warmer and more culturally integrated.

Abstract Sharing

Don't just use Bāṇṭnā for food. Use it for 'Dukh' (sorrow) and 'Khushi' (joy). This makes your Hindi sound more poetic and empathetic.

Nasalization

The dot (bindu) or moon-dot (chandrabindu) in Bāṇṭnā is crucial. Practice saying 'baa-nt-na' with a slight nasal ring. Without it, the word loses its correct form.

Fairness

Use 'Barabar' (equal) with Bāṇṭnā to emphasize fairness. 'Sabko barabar baanto' (Distribute equally to everyone).

Haath Bantana

This is a 'must-know' idiom. It's the most common way to offer help in a domestic setting. Use it whenever you see someone busy with chores.

Bāṇṭnā vs Saajha

If you are giving parts of a cake, use Bāṇṭnā. If you are sharing a Netflix password or a secret, use Saajha.

Community

Bāṇṭnā is often used in the context of 'Sewa' (service). Distributing food or clothes to those in need is always described as Bāṇṭnā.

Compound Verbs

In casual speech, 'Baant dena' is more common than just 'Baantna'. The 'dena' adds a sense of completion to the act of giving.

Delegation

In a team meeting, use 'Kaam baant lete hain' to suggest dividing tasks. It sounds collaborative and fair.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'BUN' (bread). You 'Bāṇṭnā' (distribute) the Bun to your friends. If the Bun is heavy, your friend 'Baṇṭānā' (helps) you carry it. Bāṇṭnā = Bun distribution; Baṇṭānā = Burden sharing.

Visual Association

Visualize a large round pizza. Bāṇṭnā is the pizza cutter dividing it into slices. Baṇṭānā is a second pair of hands helping you carry the large pizza box to the table.

Word Web

Food Responsibility Help Division Family Community Sweets Work

Challenge

Try to use 'Haath Baṇṭānā' at least three times today when offering help to someone, and 'Bāṇṭnā' whenever you share a snack or a piece of news.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'बण्ट्' (baṇṭ), meaning to divide, share, or allot. It has evolved through Prakrit into modern Hindi. The causative 'Baṇṭānā' follows standard Indo-Aryan morphological patterns for creating causative verbs.

Original meaning: To divide into portions or to assign shares.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Batwara' (division) in a family context, as it can imply a permanent and sometimes hostile split, especially regarding property.

While English uses 'share' for everything, Hindi distinguishes between the physical act of giving parts (Bāṇṭnā) and the act of helping with a burden (Baṇṭānā).

The movie 'Baghban' discusses the failure of children to 'Bāṇṭnā' the responsibility of caring for their parents. Numerous Bollywood songs use 'Dukh Bāṇṭnā' as a romantic or friendly theme. The 'Partition Museum' in Amritsar is a testament to the tragic 'Batwara' (division) of 1947.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

हाथ बंटाना
सफाई में हाथ बंटाना
खाना बांटना
काम बांटना

At the Office

जिम्मेदारी बांटना
प्रोजेक्ट बांटना
काम का बंटवारा
फाइलें बांटना

Social Events

मिठाई बांटना
कार्ड बांटना
खुशियाँ बांटना
तोहफे बांटना

Religious/Charity

प्रसाद बांटना
राशन बांटना
कंबल बांटना
पुण्य बांटना

Emotional/Personal

दुख बांटना
दर्द बांटना
विचार बांटना
अनुभव बांटना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप घर के कामों में हाथ बंटाते हैं?"

"हॉस्टल में खाना बांटकर खाना कैसा लगता है?"

"क्या हमें अपनी सफलता का श्रेय दूसरों के साथ बांटना चाहिए?"

"ऑफिस में काम बांटने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी अजनबी का दुख बांटने की कोशिश की है?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किसके काम में हाथ बंटाया और आपको कैसा लगा?

बचपन की कोई याद लिखें जब आपने अपनी कोई प्रिय वस्तु किसी के साथ बांटी थी।

क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज में संसाधनों का बंटवारा सही तरीके से हो रहा है?

एक अच्छे मैनेजर को काम कैसे बांटना चाहिए? अपने विचार लिखें।

खुशियाँ बांटने के तीन तरीके लिखें जो आप अगले हफ्ते आजमाएंगे।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'Raaz Bāṇṭnā'. However, 'Raaz Saajha Karna' is also very common in modern Hindi. 'Bāṇṭnā' implies you are letting the secret out to others.

'Madad' is a general word for help. 'Haath Baṇṭānā' is specifically used when you are joining someone in a physical or logistical task, like cleaning or cooking. You wouldn't use 'Haath Baṇṭānā' for lending someone money; you would use 'Madad'.

In 99% of modern spoken Hindi, yes. While it technically means 'to cause to be shared', its functional use is almost entirely restricted to the idiom 'Haath Baṇṭānā'.

Usually, 'Share' (the English word) or 'Saajha Karna' is used for social media. 'Bāṇṭnā' sounds a bit too physical for digital content, though you might hear 'Gyaan Bāṇṭnā' if someone is sharing knowledge online.

You can say 'Chalo bill baant lete hain' or 'Bill aadha-aadha kar lete hain'. 'Baantna' works perfectly here as it implies dividing the cost.

It refers to the religious practice of distributing food that has been offered to a deity. It is a very common sight in Indian temples.

Because it is the word used for the 1947 Partition of India. In a family context, it also implies a split in the family unit, which is often seen as a sad or conflict-ridden event.

No, for math, the word is 'Bhag dena' or 'Vibhajit karna'. 'Bāṇṭnā' is too informal for mathematics.

Bāṇṭnā is transitive (it takes an object). The intransitive form is 'Bantna' (to be divided/shared).

The past tense is 'Baṇṭāyā'. For example: 'Maine haath baṇṭāyā' (I lent a hand).