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B2 verb 10 min read

चुनवा कर लगाना

chunwa kar lagana
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips चुनवा कर लगाना in 30 Seconds
Explanation चुनवा कर लगाना in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the full phrase 'चुनवा कर लगाना'. Instead, focus on the base word 'लगाना' (Lagana), which means 'to put' or 'to apply'. You use 'Lagana' for simple things like putting a picture on a table or putting a sticker on a book. You might also learn 'कर' (kar) which means 'after doing'. At this stage, just understand that 'Lagana' is about moving something to a place and making it stay there. Think of it as 'to put' or 'to set'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to see how Hindi combines words. You know 'लगाना' (to put) and you might learn 'चुनना' (to pick or select). You start to see the particle 'कर' being used to link two actions. For example, 'देख कर लगाओ' (Look and then put). You also start to encounter causative verbs where you add 'wa' (वा) to a word to show someone else is doing the work. You might not use 'चुनवा कर लगाना' yourself yet, but you might hear someone say 'लगवाना' (to have something put/installed).
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At the B1 level, you are becoming familiar with causative structures. You understand that 'चुनवाना' means 'to have someone build or select'. You can now start using 'चुनवा कर' as a way to describe an action that happened before another action. You can use it in construction contexts, like 'घर में खिड़की लगवानी है' (A window needs to be installed in the house). You are starting to distinguish between 'doing something yourself' and 'getting something done by a professional'.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'चुनवा कर लगाना' (or its causative form 'चुनवा कर लगवाना') fluently. You understand the specific technical nuance: that this isn't just any installation, but one involving masonry, cement, or building something into a structure. You can use it correctly in various tenses and understand the agreement between the verb and the object. You recognize that this phrase conveys a sense of permanence and professional quality in construction or home renovation.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic and cultural nuances of 'चुनवा कर लगाना'. You might use it metaphorically or in very specific architectural discussions. You understand the difference between 'Jadwana' (embedding decorative items), 'Sthapit karna' (formal installation), and 'Chunwa kar lagana' (structural masonry installation). You can use this phrase to describe heritage restoration or complex interior design projects with precision, showing a deep grasp of the Hindi technical register.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of this phrase and all its variants. You can use it in literary contexts or technical architectural writing. You might discuss the etymology of 'Chunai' (masonry) and how 'Chunwa kar lagana' reflects traditional Indian building practices. You are comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, including passive voices and conditional moods, and you can explain its subtle differences to other learners with ease.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

चुनवा कर लगाना in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'to have something built-in' or 'professionally installed' into a structure.
  • Combines masonry work (Chunai) with fixing (Lagana).
  • Used for windows, doors, safes, and built-in furniture.
  • Common in construction, renovation, and architectural discussions.

The Hindi phrase चुनवा कर लगाना (Chunwa kar lagana) is a sophisticated, multi-part verb construction used primarily in the context of construction, interior design, and home improvement. At its core, it describes the act of having something professionally installed or built into a structure. The word 'चुनवा' (Chunwa) is the causative form of 'चुनना' (Chunna), which in a masonry context means to lay bricks or stones. Therefore, 'चुनवा कर' implies the process of having a mason or a professional build or set something, and 'लगाना' (Lagana) means to fix or attach it. Together, they signify a process where you don't just 'put' something somewhere; you have it integrated into the fabric of the building or the specific space by a skilled worker.

Structural Integration
This phrase is most commonly used when talking about windows, door frames, wall-mounted safes, or heavy stone slabs that require masonry work to be 'set' into a wall.

Imagine you are renovating your house and you want a beautiful marble plaque on the front gate. You wouldn't just glue it on; you would have a mason carve out a space and set it in with cement. That specific action is 'चुनवा कर लगाना'. It implies permanence and professional craftsmanship. It is a B2-level phrase because it requires an understanding of causative verbs and the specific technical register of Indian construction and maintenance.

हमने बैठक में एक पुरानी पेंटिंग को दीवार के अंदर चुनवा कर लगवाया है। (We have had an old painting installed/set inside the wall in the living room.)

People use this phrase when they want to emphasize that the installation was not a DIY project but involved a 'Chunai' (masonry) process. It is often heard in conversations with architects, contractors, or when showing off a newly renovated home. The nuance here is the 'selection' and 'building' aspect combined with 'fixing'. If you just say 'Lagana', it could mean sticking a poster on a wall. But 'Chunwa kar lagana' suggests a heavy-duty, permanent installation involving cement, bricks, or professional fitting.

Furthermore, the phrase carries a sense of 'careful arrangement'. Because 'Chunna' also means to pick or choose, 'Chunwa kar lagana' can occasionally imply that the items were carefully selected and then professionally installed in a specific sequence or pattern, such as tiles or ornamental stones. It is a testament to the speaker's attention to detail in their living environment.

The Causative Aspect
The 'wa' (वा) in 'Chunwa' indicates that you are not doing the bricklaying yourself; you are causing someone else to do it. This is a crucial grammatical feature of Hindi for delegating tasks.

क्या आप इस अलमारी को दीवार में चुनवा कर लगवा सकते हैं? (Can you have this cupboard built/fitted into the wall?)

In modern urban Hindi, while many people might use English words like 'install' or 'fit', using 'चुनवा कर लगाना' marks the speaker as someone with a deeper command of the language and a specific understanding of traditional and modern building techniques. It bridges the gap between the action of building (Chunai) and the result of fixing (Lagana).

Using चुनवा कर लगाना correctly requires attention to the tense and the object being installed. Since it is a compound verb structure involving a conjunctive participle (चुनवा कर), the main verb 'लगाना' (to apply/fix) is the one that changes according to the tense, gender, and number of the object, or remains in the neutral form in the passive/causative sense.

Past Tense Usage
When the action is completed, 'लगाना' becomes 'लगाया' (masculine), 'लगायी' (feminine), or 'लगाये' (plural). However, since this is usually a causative action ('having it done'), we often use 'लगवाया' (lagwaya).

मिस्त्री ने खिड़की को सही ढंग से चुनवा कर लगाया। (The mason installed the window properly by building it into the wall.)

In the sentence above, the focus is on the mason's action. If you, the homeowner, are the subject, you would say 'लगवाया' to indicate you had it done. This is a common point of confusion for learners: the difference between 'doing' and 'getting it done'.

मैंने बगीचे की दीवार में पत्थर चुनवा कर लगवाए हैं। (I have had stones built/set into the garden wall.)

When using the future tense, you might be giving instructions. For example, 'इसे यहाँ चुनवा कर लगाना' (Install this here by building it in). Here, the verb remains in the infinitive form as a command. If you are describing a future plan: 'हम अगले महीने नई टाइलें चुनवा कर लगवाएंगे' (We will have new tiles installed next month).

Continuous Tense
To describe an ongoing process: 'मज़दूर अभी दरवाज़ा चुनवा कर लगा रहे हैं' (The laborers are currently installing the door by building it into the frame).

One important aspect is the 'Kar' (कर) particle. It connects the two actions: first the 'Chunwana' (causing to build/select) and then the 'Lagana' (fixing). This sequence is vital. You cannot 'Lagao' before you 'Chunwao'. Therefore, the 'kar' indicates a chronological and logical progression of the construction task.

सावधानी से ईंटों को चुनवा कर लगाना ताकि दीवार मज़बूत रहे। (Install the bricks carefully by building them in so that the wall remains strong.)

Finally, consider the negative form. 'उसने खिड़की ठीक से चुनवा कर नहीं लगवाई' (He didn't have the window installed/fitted properly). Notice how 'नहीं' (not) usually comes before the final verb 'लगवाई'. This structure is essential for expressing dissatisfaction with technical work.

The phrase चुनवा कर लगाना is a staple of the Indian construction ecosystem. You will hear it most frequently in the following environments: construction sites, hardware markets (like Chawri Bazar in Delhi or Lohar Chawl in Mumbai), and during discussions between homeowners and contractors. It is a very practical, 'on-the-ground' term.

Construction Sites
Supervisors often tell laborers, 'इन पत्थरों को लाइन से चुनवा कर लगाओ' (Install these stones in a line by building them in). It emphasizes the need for structural alignment.

In the context of interior design, especially in traditional Indian homes or heritage restoration projects, architects use this term to describe the integration of decorative elements like 'Jalis' (lattice screens) or 'Gokhdas' (alcoves). They might say, 'हम यहाँ एक संगमरमर की जाली चुनवा कर लगाएंगे' (We will have a marble lattice screen built/fitted here).

ठेकेदार ने वादा किया है कि वह सारे शीशे चुनवा कर लगाएगा। (The contractor has promised that he will have all the glasses installed/fitted properly into the frames.)

You will also encounter this in real estate advertisements or when a landlord is describing the features of a flat. 'इस घर में हमने अलमारियाँ दीवार में चुनवा कर लगवाई हैं' (In this house, we have had the cupboards built into the walls). This is a selling point because 'built-in' furniture is often seen as more space-efficient and durable than standalone pieces.

Socially, you might hear this during a 'Griha Pravesh' (housewarming) ceremony. Guests might admire a specific feature, like a built-in fountain or a religious niche (Mandir), and the host might explain how they had it 'चुनवा कर लगवाया' to ensure it fits perfectly with the architecture. It conveys a sense of investment and permanence.

Historical Context
When visiting forts or ancient palaces in Rajasthan, guides might use this term to explain how precious gems or intricate carvings were 'built into' the walls centuries ago.

पुराने ज़माने में राजा अपनी तिजोरियाँ दीवारों में चुनवा कर लगवाते थे। (In olden times, kings used to have their safes built/fitted into the walls.)

Lastly, in DIY or hardware stores, if you ask for a 'built-in' appliance, the salesperson might confirm by saying, 'जी, इसे आपको दीवार या कैबिनेट में चुनवा कर लगाना पड़ेगा' (Yes, you will have to have this installed/fitted into the wall or cabinet).

For English speakers, the phrase चुनवा कर लगाना can be tricky because it combines three different linguistic concepts: the causative (वा), the conjunctive participle (कर), and the compound verb structure (लगाना). Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

Mistake 1: Using 'Chun kar' instead of 'Chunwa kar'
'Chun kar' (चुन कर) means 'after selecting' or 'after picking'. While this makes sense in some contexts, it loses the 'masonry/construction' meaning. 'Chunwa kar' (चुनवा कर) specifically implies the act of having something built or set by a professional.

Incorrect: मैंने खिड़की चुन कर लगाई। (I picked a window and put it.)
Correct: मैंने खिड़की चुनवा कर लगवाई। (I had the window professionally built into the wall.)

Mistake: Forgeting the 'Kar'. Saying 'Chunwa lagana' is ungrammatical. The 'kar' is the glue that connects the building process to the fixing action.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Lagana' with 'Lagwana'
If you are the homeowner, you are not the one physically applying the cement. You should use the causative 'Lagwana' (to have it fixed). If you use 'Lagana', it sounds like you are the laborer doing the work.

Homeowner: मैंने टाइलें चुनवा कर लगवाईं। (Correct)
Mason: मैंने टाइलें चुनवा कर लगाईं। (Correct - he actually did the work)

Another common error is applying this phrase to items that are simply hung or placed. For example, a clock on a nail is just 'Lagana' or 'Tangna' (to hang). Using 'Chunwa kar lagana' for a clock would imply you built the clock into the wall with bricks and mortar, which sounds absurd unless it's a giant tower clock.

Mistake 3: Literal Translation of 'Install'
English speakers often just say 'Install karna'. While understood, it lacks the descriptive power of 'Chunwa kar lagana'. If you want to describe a built-in wardrobe, 'Install karna' is too vague; 'Chunwa kar lagana' is precise.

Finally, watch the gender of the object. Since 'Lagana' is a transitive verb, in the perfect tense (past), the verb must agree with the object. 'Darwaza' (door - masculine) -> लगवाया. 'Khidki' (window - feminine) -> लगवाई.

While चुनवा कर लगाना is very specific to masonry and structural fitting, there are several other ways to express 'installing' or 'fitting' in Hindi, depending on the context and the level of formality.

1. फिट करवाना (Fit Karwana)
This is the most common modern alternative. It uses the English loanword 'fit' with the Hindi causative 'karwana'. It is used for plumbing, electrical work, and furniture. It's less 'heavy' than 'Chunwa kar lagana'.
2. स्थापित करना (Sthapit Karna)
This is a formal, Sanskritized word meaning 'to establish' or 'to install'. It is used for statues, monuments, or official systems (like a new government department or a large industrial machine).

Comparison:
• 'Chunwa kar lagana' = Built into the wall with bricks.
• 'Fit karwana' = Screwed in or plumbed in.
• 'Sthapit karna' = Formally installed/established.

Another alternative is जड़ना (Jadna). This means 'to embed' or 'to stud', often used for jewelry (like embedding diamonds in a ring) or decorative stonework. While similar to 'Chunwa kar lagana', 'Jadna' focuses more on the decorative embedding rather than the structural masonry.

3. जड़वाना (Jadwana)
The causative of 'Jadna'. Used when you have a jeweler set a stone or a craftsman embed a decorative piece in a box or wall. It implies high value and intricate work.
4. आरोपित करना (Aropit Karna)
Very formal/technical. Used in science or law (to install a software patch or to impose/install a condition). Not used for household items.

If you are talking specifically about plumbing or electrical fixtures, you might also hear कसना (Kasna) (to tighten/screw in) or जोड़ना (Jodna) (to connect). However, 'चुनवा कर लगाना' remains the king of structural, masonry-based installations.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Chunai' (masonry) and 'Chunni' (a scarf) share a root in 'Chunna' (to pick/select/fold), reflecting the precision involved in both crafts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃʊn.vɑː kəɾ lə.ɡɑː.nɑː/
US /tʃʊn.vɑ kər lə.ɡɑ.nɑ/
Primary stress on the first syllable of each word: CHUN-wa KAR la-GAA-na.
Rhymes With
Banwa kar lagana Sunwa kar lagana Katwa kar lagana Pithwa kar lagana Manwa kar lagana Dikhwa kar lagana Rakhwa kar lagana Likwa kar lagana
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Chun' like 'Chewn'. It should be 'Chun' as in 'put'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'w' in 'Chunwa'. It is a subtle glide.
  • Merging 'kar' into the other words. It should be distinct.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Requires recognizing compound verbs and causative forms.

Writing 8/5

Challenging to remember the 'kar' and the correct causative endings.

Speaking 8/5

Native-like flow requires practice with the multi-syllabic structure.

Listening 7/5

Can be confused with 'Chun kar' (after picking) if not heard carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

लगाना (Lagana) चुनना (Chunna) कर (Kar) मिस्त्री (Mistri) दीवार (Deewar)

Learn Next

स्थापित करना (Sthapit karna) निर्माण (Nirman) मरम्मत (Marammat) नक्शा (Naksha) ढांचा (Dhancha)

Advanced

वास्तुकला (Architecture) सुदृढ़ीकरण (Reinforcement) भित्ति-चित्र (Frescoes) नक्काशी (Carving)

Grammar to Know

Causative Verbs (Pratham and Dwitiya Prerak)

Chunna (Do) -> Chunana (Cause to do) -> Chunwana (Cause someone else to cause to do).

Conjunctive Participle (CP) with 'Kar'

Chunwa + kar = Having caused to build.

Compound Verbs

Lagana acts as the primary action verb while Chunwa-kar provides the method.

Object-Verb Agreement in Perfect Tense

Maine khidki (fem) lagwayi; Maine darwaza (masc) lagwaya.

Transitive Verb 'Ne' Rule

Maine khidki lagwayi (Subject + ne + Object + Verb).

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Examples by Level

1

यहाँ फोटो लगाओ।

Put the photo here.

Simple imperative of 'Lagana'.

2

वह क्रीम लगा रहा है।

He is applying cream.

Present continuous of 'Lagana'.

3

दीवार पर क्या लगा है?

What is on the wall?

Stative use of 'Lagana'.

4

पौधा लगाओ।

Plant the plant.

Common usage for planting.

5

ताला लगाओ।

Lock the lock.

Idiomatic use for locking.

6

बिंदी लगाओ।

Apply the bindi.

Cultural usage for 'apply'.

7

रंग लगाओ।

Apply color.

General use for applying paint.

8

चश्मा लगाओ।

Wear the glasses.

Used for wearing accessories on the face.

1

मैंने नया पर्दा लगवाया।

I had a new curtain installed.

Causative 'Lagwaya'.

2

मिस्त्री काम कर रहा है।

The mason is working.

Intro to masonry context.

3

इसे देख कर लगाओ।

Look at it and then put it.

Use of 'kar' as a linker.

4

दीवार में छेद करो।

Make a hole in the wall.

Pre-installation step.

5

क्या आपने टाइलें लगवाईं?

Did you have the tiles installed?

Interrogative causative.

6

वह पत्थर लगा रहा है।

He is laying stones.

Direct action.

7

सावधानी से लगाओ।

Apply/put it carefully.

Adverbial usage.

8

दरवाज़ा ठीक से लगाओ।

Close/fix the door properly.

Contextual meaning of 'fixing'.

1

हम खिड़की चुनवा रहे हैं।

We are having the window built/set.

Causative of 'Chunna'.

2

उसने अलमारी चुनवा कर लगवाई।

He had the cupboard built into the wall.

Full phrase in past tense.

3

क्या आप इसे चुनवा सकते हैं?

Can you have this built in?

Requesting causative action.

4

मज़दूरों ने ईंटें चुनवा दीं।

The laborers finished laying the bricks.

Compound verb with 'dena'.

5

इसे दीवार में चुनवा कर लगाना बेहतर है।

It is better to have it built into the wall.

Infinitive as a suggestion.

6

वह पत्थर चुनवा कर लगा रहा था।

He was having the stones built in.

Past continuous causative.

7

हमें यह जाली चुनवा कर लगानी चाहिए।

We should have this lattice built in.

Modal 'chahiye' with the phrase.

8

मिस्त्री ने बहुत सफाई से चुनवाया।

The mason built it very cleanly.

Adverbial focus on the build.

1

पूरी दीवार में कांच चुनवा कर लगाना पड़ेगा।

The glass will have to be built/fitted into the entire wall.

Future obligation structure.

2

अगर आप इसे चुनवा कर लगवाएंगे, तो यह ज़्यादा मज़बूत होगा।

If you have it built in, it will be stronger.

Conditional sentence.

3

पुराने मकान में उन्होंने अलमारियाँ चुनवा कर लगवाई थीं।

In the old house, they had had the cupboards built into the walls.

Past perfect causative.

4

बिना चुनवा कर लगाए यह गिर सकता है।

Without being built in/fitted properly, it might fall.

Negative participial phrase.

5

कारीगर ने पत्थर चुनवा कर लगाने में बहुत समय लिया।

The craftsman took a lot of time in building/fitting the stones.

Gerundive use of the phrase.

6

क्या आपने तिजोरी चुनवा कर लगवाई है?

Have you had the safe built into the wall?

Present perfect interrogative.

7

इसे मज़बूती से चुनवा कर लगाना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to have it built in firmly.

Adverbial emphasis on firmness.

8

उन्होंने मंदिर की मूर्ति को दीवार में चुनवा कर लगवाया।

They had the temple idol built/fitted into the wall.

Religious/cultural context.

1

वास्तु के अनुसार, मुख्य द्वार को चुनवा कर लगाना अत्यंत शुभ माना जाता है।

According to Vastu, building the main door into the structure is considered very auspicious.

Formal/cultural context.

2

हेरिटेज बिल्डिंग के संरक्षण के लिए पत्थरों को उसी पुरानी शैली में चुनवा कर लगाया गया।

For the preservation of the heritage building, the stones were built/fitted in that same old style.

Passive voice in a technical context.

3

तकनीकी रूप से, जब तक आप इसे चुनवा कर नहीं लगाएंगे, लोड-बेयरिंग क्षमता कम रहेगी।

Technically, as long as you don't have it built in, the load-bearing capacity will remain low.

Technical/Engineering context.

4

उनकी कलात्मक दृष्टि ने उन्हें हर पत्थर को चुनवा कर लगाने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

His artistic vision inspired him to have every stone built in/fitted carefully.

Abstract/Artistic context.

5

इस प्रक्रिया में ईंटों को एक विशेष क्रम में चुनवा कर लगाया जाता है।

In this process, the bricks are built/fitted in a specific order.

Process description.

6

भले ही इसमें खर्च ज़्यादा हो, लेकिन चीज़ों को चुनवा कर लगाना ही स्थायी समाधान है।

Even if it costs more, having things built in is the only permanent solution.

Concessive clause ('Bhale hi').

7

कारीगरी ऐसी है कि लगता ही नहीं कि इसे अलग से चुनवा कर लगाया गया है।

The craftsmanship is such that it doesn't even look like it was built in separately.

Result clause ('ki').

8

आधुनिक वास्तुकला में भी प्राचीन तरीके से चुनवा कर लगाने की परंपरा जीवित है।

Even in modern architecture, the tradition of building-in in the ancient way survives.

Sociological/Architectural commentary.

1

प्रस्तर-शिल्प की इस विधा में पाषाण खंडों को बिना किसी सीमेंट के चुनवा कर लगाया जाता है।

In this genre of stone-craft, stone blocks are built/fitted together without any cement.

High literary/technical Hindi.

2

उस कालखंड की स्थापत्य कला में गवाक्षों को चुनवा कर लगाने की एक विशिष्ट पद्धति थी।

In the architecture of that era, there was a specific method of building/fitting skylights into the structure.

Historical/Architectural terminology.

3

यदि हम इन अभिलेखों को चुनवा कर नहीं लगाएंगे, तो कालचक्र इन्हें नष्ट कर देगा।

If we do not have these inscriptions built into the walls, the cycle of time will destroy them.

Metaphorical/Philosophical tone.

4

संरचनात्मक अखंडता सुनिश्चित करने हेतु लौह स्तंभों को आधार में चुनवा कर लगाना अनिवार्य था।

To ensure structural integrity, it was mandatory to have the iron pillars built into the base.

Formal administrative/engineering Hindi.

5

उनकी शैली में सादगी और मजबूती का ऐसा मेल है कि हर ईंट को चुनवा कर लगाना एक उत्सव प्रतीत होता है।

In his style, there is such a blend of simplicity and strength that building in every brick seems like a celebration.

Literary/Descriptive.

6

क्या यह संभव है कि हम इन भित्ति-चित्रों को पुनः उसी स्थान पर चुनवा कर लगवा सकें?

Is it possible that we can have these frescoes built/fitted back into the same place?

Complex interrogative with 'sakna'.

7

विदेशी विशेषज्ञों ने भी भारतीय पद्धति से चुनवा कर लगाने की दक्षता की सराहना की है।

Foreign experts have also praised the efficiency of the Indian method of building-in.

Global/Professional context.

8

इस दुर्ग की प्राचीर में गुप्त द्वारों को इस प्रकार चुनवा कर लगाया गया था कि शत्रु भ्रमित हो जाएँ।

The secret doors in the ramparts of this fort were built/fitted in such a way that the enemy would be confused.

Narrative/Historical context.

Synonyms

फिट करवाना जड़वाना स्थापित करवाना लगवाना फिक्स करवाना मढ़वाना बैठवाना नत्थी करवाना

Antonyms

उखाड़ना हटाना अलग करना तोड़ना

Common Collocations

दीवार में चुनवा कर लगाना
खिड़की चुनवा कर लगाना
पत्थर चुनवा कर लगाना
तिजोरी चुनवा कर लगाना
मज़बूती से चुनवा कर लगाना
सही ढंग से चुनवा कर लगाना
नक्शे के अनुसार चुनवा कर लगाना
सीमेंट से चुनवा कर लगाना
बाहर की ओर चुनवा कर लगाना
दोबारा चुनवा कर लगाना

Common Phrases

दीवार में चुनवा देना

— To build someone/something into a wall (often used in historical legends).

अनारकली को दीवार में चुनवा दिया गया था।

पक्का काम करना

— To do solid, permanent work (often associated with 'Chunwa kar lagana').

मिस्त्री ने पक्का काम किया है।

ढांचे में फिट करना

— To fit into a frame or structure.

इसे ढांचे में फिट करना मुश्किल है।

नींव में लगाना

— To put in the foundation.

पत्थर को नींव में लगाया गया।

सांचे में ढालना

— To mold into a shape (metaphorically related to structural fitting).

इसे सांचे में ढालकर लगाओ।

जड़ से लगाना

— To fix from the root/base.

खंभे को जड़ से लगाना पड़ेगा।

आर-पार लगाना

— To fix something through and through.

कीले को आर-पार लगाओ।

लाइन में लगाना

— To arrange in a line (often for bricks).

ईंटों को लाइन में लगाओ।

स्तर पर लगाना

— To fix at a certain level/height.

खिड़की को सही स्तर पर लगाओ।

कोने में चुनवाना

— To have something built into a corner.

उसने कोने में एक रैक चुनवा कर लगवाया।

Often Confused With

चुनवा कर लगाना vs चुन कर लगाना

Means 'to select and then put/apply'. Used for choosing a dress or a color.

चुनवा कर लगाना vs चुनवाना

Just the act of having bricks laid; doesn't necessarily include fixing a specific object into them.

चुनवा कर लगाना vs जड़ना

Focuses on embedding decorative items like jewels, rather than structural masonry.

Idioms & Expressions

"दीवार में चुनवा देना"

— Literally to entomb in a wall; metaphorically to end someone's freedom permanently.

उसने अपनी इच्छाओं को दीवार में चुनवा दिया।

Literary/Dramatic
"पत्थर की लकीर होना"

— To be unchangeable (like a stone set in a wall).

मेरी बात पत्थर की लकीर है।

Common
"नींव का पत्थर होना"

— To be the foundation or most important part of something.

वह इस संस्था के लिए नींव का पत्थर है।

Formal
"ईंट से ईंट बजाना"

— To destroy completely (the opposite of 'Chunwa kar lagana').

सेना ने दुश्मन की ईंट से ईंट बजा दी।

Dramatized
"घर बसाना"

— To settle down (related to the idea of building/fixing a home).

अब उसे अपना घर बसा लेना चाहिए।

Common
"जड़ें जमाना"

— To establish roots (related to permanent installation).

उसने इस शहर में अपनी जड़ें जमा ली हैं।

Metaphorical
"कीला गाड़ना"

— To stake a claim or fix something firmly.

उसने अपनी कामयाबी का कीला गाड़ दिया।

Colloquial
"मोहर लगाना"

— To finalize or seal (like fixing a seal).

अध्यक्ष ने प्रस्ताव पर मोहर लगा दी।

Official
"चूना लगाना"

— To cheat someone (Note: 'Chuna' is lime/mortar, but this is a common idiom).

दुकानदार ने मुझे चूना लगा दिया।

Slang/Informal
"रंग जमाना"

— To make an impression (related to 'Lagana' as in applying color/vibe).

पार्टी में उसने खूब रंग जमाया।

Common

Easily Confused

चुनवा कर लगाना vs चुनना

Sounds similar.

'Chunna' is to pick or lay bricks yourself; 'Chunwa kar' is to have it done by someone else followed by another action.

मैंने फूल चुने (I picked flowers).

चुनवा कर लगाना vs चूना

Homophone in some accents.

'Chuna' is lime/mortar; 'Chunwa' is a verb form.

दीवार पर चूना लगाओ (Apply lime to the wall).

चुनवा कर लगाना vs सजाना

Often happens during renovation.

'Sajana' is to decorate; 'Chunwa kar lagana' is a structural installation.

कमरा सजाओ (Decorate the room).

चुनवा कर लगाना vs गाड़ना

Both involve fixing.

'Gadna' is to bury or drive something into the ground/surface; 'Chunwa kar lagana' involves building around it.

खंभा गाड़ो (Drive the pillar into the ground).

चुनवा कर लगाना vs टांगना

Both place things on walls.

'Tangna' is to hang (temporary/light); 'Chunwa kar lagana' is permanent/structural.

तस्वीर टांग दो (Hang the picture).

Sentence Patterns

B2

[Object] + को + [Location] + में + चुनवा कर + लगाना

शीशे को फ्रेम में चुनवा कर लगाना।

B2

मैंने + [Object] + चुनवा कर + लगवाया/लगवाई

मैंने तिजोरी चुनवा कर लगवाई।

C1

बिना + [Object] + चुनवा कर + लगाए + [Consequence]

बिना पत्थर चुनवा कर लगाए दीवार कमज़ोर रहेगी।

B1

क्या आप + [Object] + चुनवा कर + लगा सकते हैं?

क्या आप यह जाली चुनवा कर लगा सकते हैं?

C2

[Object] + को + [Style] + में + चुनवा कर + लगाया गया है

स्तंभों को पारम्परिक शैली में चुनवा कर लगाया गया है।

A2

[Object] + लगवा दो

खिड़की लगवा दो।

B2

[Object] + चुनवा कर + लगवाना + पड़ेगा

दरवाज़ा चुनवा कर लगवाना पड़ेगा।

C1

[Object] + चुनवा कर + लगाने + की प्रक्रिया

ईंटें चुनवा कर लगाने की प्रक्रिया जटिल है।

Word Family

Nouns

चुनवाई (Chunwai - the act/cost of masonry)
चुनैया (Chunaiya - a mason, though 'mistri' is more common)
लगावट (Lagawat - attachment/application)

Verbs

चुनना (Chunna - to pick/lay bricks)
चुनवाना (Chunwana - to have bricks laid)
लगाना (Lagana - to fix/apply)
लगवाना (Lagwana - to have fixed/applied)

Adjectives

चुना हुआ (Chuna hua - selected/built)
लगा हुआ (Laga hua - attached/fixed)

Related

मिस्त्री (Mistri - mason/mechanic)
ईंट (Eent - brick)
सीमेंट (Cement)
दीवार (Deewar - wall)
निर्माण (Nirman - construction)
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in physical construction/maintenance; rare in digital or abstract contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for hanging a picture. → तस्वीर लगाना (Tasveer lagana).

    A picture is hung on a nail, not built into the wall with bricks.

  • Saying 'Chun kar lagana'. → चुनवा कर लगाना।

    'Chun kar' means 'after selecting', which misses the building/masonry aspect.

  • Incorrect gender agreement: 'Maine khidki lagwaya'. → मैंने खिड़की लगवाई।

    'Khidki' is feminine, so the verb must be 'lagwayi'.

  • Using 'Sthapit karna' for a window. → चुनवा कर लगाना।

    'Sthapit karna' is too formal/ceremonial for a simple window.

  • Forgetting the causative 'wa'. → चुनवा कर लगवाना।

    If you are the boss, you need the 'wa' to show delegation.

Tips

Watch the Causative

Always use 'Lagwaya' if you paid someone to do it. Using 'Lagaya' implies you were the one with the trowel and cement.

Technical Accuracy

Use this phrase with contractors to show you understand that the work requires structural integration, not just surface fixing.

The 'Pakka' House

In India, 'Chunwa kar lagana' is associated with high-quality, permanent 'Pakka' construction.

The Soft 'V'

The 'v' in 'Chunwa' should be soft, almost like a 'w'. Don't bite your lip too hard.

Art and Architecture

Use this for high-end features like built-in stone carvings or heritage windows.

Agreement

Remember: Object dictates the verb ending in the past tense. Pathar (masc) -> Lagwaye; Khidki (fem) -> Lagwayi.

Avoid Digital

Never use this for installing apps or software. It's strictly for physical, masonry-based work.

Brick by Brick

Associate 'Chunwa' with the sound of a brick hitting mortar. Chun-wa!

Natural Flow

Say 'Chunwa-kar' quickly as one unit, then pause slightly before 'lagana'.

Level Up

Mastering this phrase moves you from basic 'home talk' to 'construction/expert talk'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CHUNky' wall where you 'WAnt' to 'KARve' (kar) a space to 'LAG' (lagana) a safe. Chunwa-kar-lagana.

Visual Association

Visualize a mason carefully placing a beautiful stained-glass window into a wet cement frame in a brick wall.

Word Web

Masonry Construction Permanent Built-in Causative Professional Structural Fixing

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your dream house that you would 'Chunwa kar lagana' using the correct causative form.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit 'Cinoti' (to gather/heap up/build) which became 'Chunna' in Hindi. 'Lagana' comes from Sanskrit 'Lagyati' (to be attached).

Original meaning: The original sense of 'Chunna' in construction refers to the meticulous stacking of bricks or stones with mortar.

Indo-Aryan.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'Chunwa dena' can sound harsh due to the Anarkali legend; always include 'Lagana' for construction contexts.

English speakers usually say 'built-in' or 'recessed'. Hindi uses this verb phrase to describe the *process* of making it built-in.

The legend of Anarkali being 'Deewar mein chunwa dena' (built into the wall) is the most famous, albeit grim, cultural touchstone for 'Chunwana'. Bollywood movies often show 'tijoris' (safes) being 'chunwa kar lagayi' behind portraits. Traditional 'Havelis' in Rajasthan are famous for their 'Jalis' (lattices) that are 'chunwa kar lagayi' into the sandstone.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Renovation

  • अलमारी चुनवा कर लगवानी है
  • टाइलें कब चुनवा कर लगाओगे?
  • मज़बूत सीमेंट इस्तेमाल करना
  • नक्शा दिखाओ

Construction Site

  • ईंटें सीधी चुनवा कर लगाओ
  • मसाला ठीक से भरो
  • लेवल चेक करो
  • काम में देरी मत करो

Real Estate

  • इसमें सब कुछ चुनवा कर लगाया गया है
  • पक्का निर्माण है
  • दीवार में अलमारियाँ हैं
  • शानदार फिनिशिंग

Interior Design

  • यहाँ एक जाली चुनवा कर लगाएंगे
  • लाइट्स को चुनवा कर लगाना है
  • पत्थर का चुनाव अच्छा है
  • यूनिक डिजाइन

Security/Safes

  • तिजोरी को दीवार में चुनवा कर लगाओ
  • बाहर से नहीं दिखनी चाहिए
  • मज़बूत लोहा है
  • गुप्त जगह

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने अपने नए घर में अलमारियाँ चुनवा कर लगवाई हैं या अलग से खरीदी हैं?"

"इस खिड़की को यहाँ चुनवा कर लगाना कैसा रहेगा?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि तिजोरी को दीवार में चुनवा कर लगाना अब भी सुरक्षित है?"

"मिस्त्री ने पत्थरों को बहुत सफाई से चुनवा कर लगाया है, है ना?"

"पुराने किलों में दरवाज़ों को कैसे चुनवा कर लगाया जाता था?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने देखा कि मिस्त्री कैसे दीवार में खिड़की चुनवा कर लगा रहा था। मुझे यह प्रक्रिया बहुत दिलचस्प लगी क्योंकि...

अगर मुझे अपना घर फिर से बनाना हो, तो मैं कौन सी चीज़ें दीवार में चुनवा कर लगवाना चाहूँगा और क्यों?

निर्माण कार्य में 'चुनवा कर लगाना' क्यों 'फिट करने' से बेहतर माना जाता है? अपने विचार लिखें।

एक पुराने महल की यात्रा का वर्णन करें जहाँ आपने पत्थरों को अद्भुत तरीके से चुनवा कर लगा हुआ देखा।

क्या आप 'चुनवा कर लगाना' और 'स्थापित करना' के बीच का अंतर समझा सकते हैं? उदाहरण दें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no, unless the TV is literally being encased in a brick/stone wall structure. For a standard wall mount, use 'Wall-mount karwana' or 'Lagwana'.

It is neutral to technical. It is perfectly fine in both formal construction documents and casual home talk.

'Lagwana' is general (to have something installed), while 'Chunwa kar lagana' specifically means it was built into the structure with masonry work.

Yes, 'Tails chunwa kar lagana' is very common as it involves cement and professional laying.

Yes, without 'kar', the two verbs don't link correctly in this specific idiomatic sense.

No, for wires inside a wall, use 'Fitting karwana' or 'Underground wiring karwana'.

No, for trees use 'Lagana' or 'Ropna'.

चुनवा कर लगवाई (Chunwa kar lagwayi). Example: Khidki (window) lagwayi.

Technically a mason, but the word is rare. Most people use 'Raj-mistri' or just 'Mistri'.

Yes, it shares the root. In masonry, you 'pick' and 'place' bricks carefully, which is why the term evolved this way.

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Test Yourself 102 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I want to have a stone plaque built into the wall.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'Chunwa kar lagwana' for a stone plaque.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Uses 'Chunwa kar lagwana' for a stone plaque.

writing

Describe a built-in cupboard using the phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Explains the strength of a built-in cupboard.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Explains the strength of a built-in cupboard.

writing

Ask a contractor if he can install the window permanently.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct interrogative for a contractor.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Correct interrogative for a contractor.

writing

Write a sentence about a historical fort using the phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Historical context usage.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Historical context usage.

writing

Give an instruction to a mason to fix tiles carefully.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Imperative with an adverb.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Imperative with an adverb.

writing

Explain why you chose to have a built-in safe.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Reasoning with the causative form.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Reasoning with the causative form.

speaking

Pronounce: चुनवा कर लगाना

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Focus on the 'wa' glide and 'kar' separation.

listening

Listen and identify: Did the speaker say 'Chun kar' or 'Chunwa kar'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Requires distinguishing the causative 'wa' sound.

/ 102 correct

Perfect score!

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