This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
जंजीर

A1 noun #7,000 most common 6 min read

जंजीर

janjeer Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips जंजीर in 30 Seconds

Explanation जंजीर in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize जंजीर as a basic noun meaning 'chain'. You will mostly use it to describe physical objects you see, like a dog's chain or a chain on a gate. The focus here is on the simple structure: 'This is a chain' (Yeh ek janjir hai). You should learn that it is a feminine word and often made of iron (loha). At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings; just think of it as a tool for holding things together or keeping a pet from running away.

As an A2 learner, you start using जंजीर in more complex sentences involving verbs. You can say 'The dog is tied with a chain' (Kutta janjir se bandha hai). You should also be able to use simple adjectives like 'heavy' (bhari) or 'long' (lambi). At this level, you begin to understand the plural form जंजीरें and can describe multiple chains. You might also encounter the word in simple stories or signs at a park or zoo.

At the B1 level, you can use जंजीर to describe more abstract concepts. You might talk about the 'chains of tradition' or 'breaking the chains'. Your grammar should be more precise, correctly using the oblique form जंजीरों when followed by postpositions (e.g., 'janjiron mein' - in chains). You can also distinguish between जंजीर and other related words like rassi (rope) or kadi (link) depending on what you want to emphasize in your conversation.

By B2, you are expected to understand the cultural and cinematic significance of the word. You should know about the famous movie 'Zanjeer' and how the word represents the 'Angry Young Man' era of Bollywood. You can use the word in debates about freedom, law, and social justice. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions like 'zanjeer todna' (breaking free) and can use the word fluently in both formal and informal registers without making gender errors.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the poetic and literary nuances of जंजीर. You can read Urdu-influenced Hindi poetry where zanjeer is used to describe the curls of a beloved's hair or the political oppression of a nation. You understand the historical etymology from Persian and can use the word in academic writing about sociology or history (e.g., discussing the chains of the caste system). Your usage is sophisticated, incorporating the word into complex rhetorical structures.

As a C2 master, you use जंजीर with the same nuance as a native speaker. You can play with the word's double meanings in creative writing or puns. You are aware of archaic or highly specific uses, such as in religious rituals or specialized engineering. You can discuss the subtle differences between zanjeer, shrankhla, and nigad (a rare Sanskrit word for fetters). The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressive and precise communication in any context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

जंजीर in 30 Seconds

Janjeer means a metal chain used for fastening or restricting.
It is a feminine noun in Hindi grammar.
Metaphorically, it represents bondage, tradition, or social constraints.
Famous in Bollywood as a symbol of justice and breaking free.

The Hindi word जंजीर (Janjeer) is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a physical chain made of metal links. In its most literal sense, it describes the heavy metal restraints used for securing animals, locking gates, or even in historical contexts for prisoners. However, its usage extends far beyond the hardware store. In the vibrant landscape of Hindi literature and cinema, जंजीर often serves as a powerful metaphor for bondage, social constraints, and the metaphorical shackles of tradition or oppression. When you walk through a busy Indian market, you might hear a shopkeeper talking about a lohe ki janjir (iron chain) for a bicycle. Conversely, in a poignant Bollywood dialogue, a hero might speak of breaking the ghulami ki janjir (chains of slavery). Understanding this word requires grasping both its cold, hard physical reality and its deep, emotional resonance in the Indian psyche.

Physical Object: A series of interconnected metal rings. Example: The elephant was tied with a heavy जंजीर.
Metaphorical Bond: Social or emotional restrictions. Example: Breaking the जंजीर of old customs.
Jewelry Context: While 'haar' is more common for necklaces, a thick gold chain is sometimes referred to as a sone ki janjir.

हाथी के पैर में एक भारी जंजीर बंधी थी। (A heavy chain was tied to the elephant's leg.)

हमें समाज की पुरानी जंजीरों को तोड़ना होगा। (We must break the old chains of society.)

The word also appears frequently in legal and law enforcement contexts. A 'zanjir-numa' structure refers to something chain-like. In rural India, you might see chains used for swings (jhoola) in courtyards. The sound of a chain clinking is often described using the onomatopoeic word chan-chan. Historically, the word entered Hindi through Persian, which explains its slightly formal and poetic flavor compared to the more indigenous Sanskrit-derived word shrankhla. While shrankhla is often used for a 'series' (like a series of events), जंजीर is almost always reserved for the physical or restrictive sense of a chain.

Using जंजीर correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and common verb pairings. Since it is feminine, you will notice that verbs ending in 'ee' or 'een' are used in the past tense. For example, 'The chain broke' is translated as जंजीर टूट गई (Janjeer toot gayi). Common verbs associated with this word include bandhna (to tie/bind), todna (to break), and pahan-na (to wear, usually in the context of jewelry or ironically, shackles). When describing the material, use the 'ki' possessive marker: lohe ki janjir (iron chain) or chandi ki janjir (silver chain).

Subject Position: जंजीर बहुत मजबूत है। (The chain is very strong.)
Object Position: उसने कुत्ते को जंजीर से बांधा। (He tied the dog with a chain.)

कैदी की जंजीरें खोल दी गईं। (The prisoner's chains were opened/removed.)

In plural form, it becomes जंजीरें (Janjeeren). If it is followed by a postposition like mein (in) or se (with), it changes to the oblique form जंजीरों (Janjeeron). For instance, 'in the chains' is जंजीरों में. This is a crucial distinction for intermediate learners. In poetic Hindi, you might find the word used to describe the 'chains of hair' (zulfon ki zanjeer), a common trope where a lover feels trapped by the beauty of their beloved. This demonstrates the transition from a mundane object to a romanticized concept.

You will encounter जंजीर in various settings across India. In everyday life, it is heard at hardware shops, at the zoo, or when discussing home security. However, its most iconic presence is in Indian pop culture. The 1973 film Zanjeer, starring Amitabh Bachchan, redefined the 'Angry Young Man' archetype. In the film, the word symbolizes the corrupt system that the protagonist is shackled by and eventually breaks. This cultural touchstone has made the word synonymous with justice and rebellion for many Hindi speakers.

News broadcasts often use the word when reporting on crime (e.g., 'the police caught the gang and put them in chains') or in human rights stories ('breaking the chains of bonded labor'). In religious contexts, specifically during Muharram, some practitioners use zanjeer-zani (ritual self-flagellation with chains) as an act of mourning. This is a very specific and intense usage of the word. In literature, poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz have used the imagery of zanjeer to represent the struggle for political freedom, making it a staple of revolutionary Urdu and Hindi poetry.

The most frequent mistake learners make with जंजीर is misgendering it. Because it ends in a consonant, some might assume it is masculine. However, it is feminine. Saying जंजीर टूट गया (Janjeer toot gaya) is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker; the correct form is टूट गई (toot gayi). Another common error is confusing it with rassi (rope). While both are used for tying, जंजीर specifically implies metal links. Using janjir for a plastic or jute rope would be incorrect.

❌ गलत: यह जंजीर बहुत मजबूत है। (Wait, 'mazboot' is neutral, but...)
✅ सही: यह जंजीर बहुत लंबी है। (Using the feminine 'lambee' instead of 'lamba').

Learners also struggle with the oblique plural. When saying 'with chains', you must use जंजीरों से, not जंजीरें से. Lastly, avoid using जंजीर for a necklace unless it is specifically a chain-style one. For a general necklace, haar or mala is much more appropriate. Using जंजीर for a delicate pearl necklace would sound very odd and suggest the necklace is heavy or restrictive like a prisoner's chain.

While जंजीर is the most common term for a metal chain, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the context. Shrankhla (श्रृंखला) is the Sanskrit-derived synonym often used in academic or formal contexts to mean a 'series' or 'sequence', such as a pahad ki shrankhla (mountain range) or a radio shrankhla (radio series). Bandhan (बंधन) refers to a bond or tie, which can be physical but is usually emotional or spiritual, like the 'bond of love'.

कड़ी (Kadi): Refers to a single link in a chain. Also used for a 'clue' in an investigation (the missing link).
बेड़ियाँ (Bediyan): Specifically refers to shackles or fetters for the feet. It carries a much heavier connotation of imprisonment.

In a technical or engineering context, you might hear chain (the English word transliterated into Hindi) especially when referring to a car's timing chain or a bicycle chain. However, जंजीर remains the soulful, literary, and standard choice for most general conversations. Choosing between जंजीर and बेड़ियाँ is a matter of intensity: use the former for the object itself and the latter when you want to emphasize the loss of freedom.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"कैदी को जंजीरों में प्रस्तुत किया गया।"

Neutral

"दरवाजे की जंजीर लगा दो।"

Informal

"यार, ये पुरानी जंजीर हटाओ यहाँ से।"

Child friendly

"देखो, हाथी की लंबी जंजीर!"

Slang

"उसने भारी जंजीर (gold chain) चमका रखी है।"

Fun Fact

The word is so deeply embedded in Hindi that most speakers do not realize it is a loanword. It is the standard word for 'chain' across North India and Pakistan.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʒən.d͡ʒiːr/

US /d͡ʒən.d͡ʒir/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the long 'ee' in the second syllable often carries more weight.

Rhymes With

तकदीर (Takdeer - Destiny) तस्वीर (Tasveer - Picture) शमशीर (Shamsheer - Sword) जागीर (Jagir - Estate) अमीर (Ameer - Rich) फकीर (Fakeer - Saint/Beggar) नीर (Neer - Water) तीर (Teer - Arrow)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' too strongly like 'Jan-jeer' instead of a nasalized 'n'.
Shortening the 'ee' sound to 'i'.
Using a hard American 'r' instead of a soft Hindi 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The script is simple, but the word appears in many contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender for correct verb endings.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in movies and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

लोहा (Iron) बांधना (To tie) टूटना (To break) लंबा (Long) मजबूत (Strong)

Learn Next

बेड़ियाँ (Shackles) आज़ादी (Freedom) गुलामी (Slavery) कड़ी (Link) बंधन (Bond)

Advanced

श्रृंखला (Series) शिकंजा (Grip) पाश (Snare) निगड़ (Fetters) श्रृंखलाबद्ध (Chained/Sequential)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

जंजीर लंबी (f) है, न कि लंबा (m).

Oblique Case with Postpositions

जंजीर (Direct) -> जंजीरों (Oblique) + में.

Pluralization of Feminine Nouns ending in Consonants

जंजीर + एँ = जंजीरें.

Compound Verbs with 'Dena'

जंजीर लगा देना (To put the chain on).

Possessive 'Ki' for Feminine Nouns

लोहे की जंजीर.

Examples by Level

यह एक लोहे की जंजीर है।

This is an iron chain.

Feminine gender: 'ki' is used.

जंजीर कहाँ है?

Where is the chain?

Interrogative sentence.

कुत्ते की जंजीर छोटी है।

The dog's chain is small.

Adjective 'choti' matches feminine 'janjir'.

यह जंजीर मजबूत है।

This chain is strong.

Simple descriptive sentence.

मुझे एक जंजीर चाहिए।

I need a chain.

Using 'chahiye' for requirement.

जंजीर काली है।

The chain is black.

Color adjective 'kaali' is feminine.

वहाँ एक जंजीर है।

There is a chain there.

Existential sentence.

जंजीर लाओ।

Bring the chain.

Imperative form.

उसने दरवाजे पर जंजीर लगा दी।

He put a chain on the door.

Compound verb 'laga di' (feminine).

हाथी को जंजीर से बांधा गया है।

The elephant has been tied with a chain.

Passive construction.

क्या आपके पास लंबी जंजीर है?

Do you have a long chain?

Question with 'kya'.

जंजीरें बहुत भारी थीं।

The chains were very heavy.

Plural feminine 'thin'.

बच्चा जंजीर से खेल रहा है।

The child is playing with the chain.

Present continuous tense.

साइकिल की जंजीर टूट गई।

The bicycle chain broke.

Subject is feminine.

उसने जंजीर को पेंट किया।

He painted the chain.

Direct object with 'ko'.

जंजीर को मत छुओ।

Don't touch the chain.

Negative imperative.

वह अपनी गरीबी की जंजीरों में जकड़ा हुआ है।

He is trapped in the chains of his poverty.

Metaphorical usage in oblique plural.

हमें इन पुरानी जंजीरों को तोड़ना होगा।

We must break these old chains.

Modal 'hoga' for necessity.

जंजीर की हर कड़ी महत्वपूर्ण होती है।

Every link of the chain is important.

Using 'kadi' (link) with 'janjir'.

उसने सोने की एक पतली जंजीर पहनी थी।

She was wearing a thin gold chain.

Jewelry context.

कैदी ने अपनी जंजीरें हिलायीं।

The prisoner rattled his chains.

Transitive verb 'hilayi'.

यह जंजीर जंग लगने के कारण कमजोर हो गई है।

This chain has become weak due to rusting.

Reasoning with 'ke kaaran'.

जंजीर खींचने पर ट्रेन रुक गई।

The train stopped upon pulling the chain.

Gerund 'khinchne par'.

सफलता के लिए मेहनत की जंजीर जरूरी है।

The chain of hard work is necessary for success.

Metaphorical abstract noun.

समाज की जंजीरें अक्सर प्रगति में बाधा बनती हैं।

Social chains often become obstacles to progress.

Abstract plural subject.

फिल्म 'जंजीर' ने अमिताभ बच्चन को सुपरस्टार बना दिया।

The movie 'Zanjeer' made Amitabh Bachchan a superstar.

Proper noun usage.

उसने गुलामी की जंजीरों से आज़ाद होने का फैसला किया।

He decided to become free from the chains of slavery.

Compound verb 'faisla kiya'.

जंजीर की खनखनाहट से सन्नाटा टूट गया।

The silence was broken by the clinking of the chain.

Onomatopoeic noun phrase.

अन्याय के खिलाफ आवाज़ उठाना जंजीर तोड़ने जैसा है।

Raising voice against injustice is like breaking a chain.

Comparative 'jaisa'.

जहाज को भारी जंजीरों से बंदरगाह पर बांधा गया।

The ship was tied to the port with heavy chains.

Location 'bandargah par'.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे पैरों में जंजीरें डाल दीं।

His words put chains on my feet (metaphorically).

Idiomatic usage.

क्या तुम इस जंजीर की मजबूती की जांच कर सकते हो?

Can you check the strength of this chain?

Complex question structure.

विचारों की जंजीरें तोड़ना सबसे कठिन कार्य है।

Breaking the chains of thoughts is the most difficult task.

Philosophical subject.

कवि ने 'जंजीर' शब्द का प्रयोग विद्रोही स्वर में किया है।

The poet used the word 'chain' in a rebellious tone.

Literary analysis.

इतिहास की जंजीरें हमें वर्तमान से जोड़ती हैं।

The chains of history connect us to the present.

Historical metaphor.

भ्रष्टाचार की जंजीर ने देश के विकास को रोक रखा है।

The chain of corruption has halted the country's development.

Political commentary.

उसकी कविता में जंजीरों की गूँज सुनाई देती है।

The echo of chains is heard in his poetry.

Abstract auditory imagery.

कैदियों के मानवाधिकारों और जंजीरों के उपयोग पर बहस छिड़ गई।

A debate broke out over prisoners' human rights and the use of chains.

Formal legal context.

परंपरा की जंजीरें कभी-कभी दम घोंटू हो सकती हैं।

The chains of tradition can sometimes be suffocating.

Adjective 'dam-ghontu' (suffocating).

उसने अपने डर की जंजीरों को काटकर फेंक दिया।

He cut and threw away the chains of his fear.

Compound verb 'kaatkar phenk diya'.

सत्ता की जंजीरें जितनी सुनहरी होती हैं, उतनी ही भारी भी।

The chains of power are as heavy as they are golden.

Correlative 'jitni... utni'.

अद्वैत दर्शन के अनुसार, माया एक सूक्ष्म जंजीर है।

According to Advaita philosophy, Maya is a subtle chain.

Philosophical terminology.

उसकी खामोशी में हजारों जंजीरों की चीख थी।

In her silence was the scream of a thousand chains.

High literary metaphor.

कानून की जंजीरें गरीब के लिए लोहे की और अमीर के लिए मोम की होती हैं।

The chains of law are of iron for the poor and wax for the rich.

Proverbial comparison.

समय की जंजीर से कोई नहीं बच सका है।

No one has been able to escape the chain of time.

Existential statement.

इस महाकाव्य में 'जंजीर' नियति का प्रतीक बनकर उभरी है।

In this epic, 'chain' has emerged as a symbol of destiny.

Symbolism analysis.

रिश्तों की जंजीरें कभी सुख देती हैं तो कभी बंधन।

The chains of relationships sometimes give happiness, sometimes bondage.

Nuanced emotional contrast.

उसने अपनी लेखनी से दमन की जंजीरों पर प्रहार किया।

He attacked the chains of oppression with his pen.

Metaphorical action.

Synonyms

शृंखला बेड़ी सांकल कड़ी बंधन

Antonyms

मुक्ति आज़ादी

Common Collocations

लोहे की जंजीर

सोने की जंजीर

जंजीर तोड़ना

जंजीर से बांधना

गुलामी की जंजीर

जंजीर खींचना

मजबूत जंजीर

जंजीरों में जकड़ा

भारी जंजीर

पुरानी जंजीर

Common Phrases

जंजीर का हिस्सा

— To be a part of a larger chain or process.

तुम भी इस जंजीर का हिस्सा हो।

जंजीर की तरह

— Connected like a chain.

लोग जंजीर की तरह खड़े थे।

जंजीर ढीली करना

— To loosen the restraints or give more freedom.

अब जंजीर ढीली करने का समय है।

जंजीर में ताला

— A lock on a chain.

जंजीर में ताला लगा दो।

चांदी की जंजीर

— Silver chain, often used for anklets or necklaces.

उसने चांदी की जंजीर खरीदी।

हाथों की जंजीर

— Handcuffs or chains on hands.

उसके हाथों में जंजीरें थीं।

पैरों की जंजीर

— Shackles on feet.

पैरों की जंजीरें उसे चलने नहीं दे रही थीं।

जंजीर का शोर

— The sound of chains.

अंधेरे में जंजीर का शोर सुनाई दिया।

जंजीर पकड़ना

— To hold the chain.

जंजीर को मजबूती से पकड़ो।

जंजीर बदलना

— To change the chain.

साइकिल की जंजीर बदलनी पड़ेगी।

Often Confused With

जंजीर vs सांकल

A saankal is specifically a chain used as a door latch, whereas janjir is more general.

जंजीर vs रस्सी

Rassi is a rope made of fiber; janjir is always metal.

जंजीर vs धागा

Dhaga is a thin thread, much weaker than a janjir.

Idioms & Expressions

"गुलामी की जंजीरें तोड़ना"

— To gain freedom from oppression.

भारत ने 1947 में गुलामी की जंजीरें तोड़ दीं।

Political/Historical

"पैरों में जंजीर होना"

— To be restricted from going somewhere or doing something.

पारिवारिक जिम्मेदारियां मेरे पैरों की जंजीर हैं।

Informal/Metaphorical

"जंजीर से जकड़ना"

— To completely control or restrict someone.

उसने मुझे अपनी शर्तों की जंजीर से जकड़ लिया है।

Literary

"सोने की जंजीर में बंधना"

— To be trapped in a wealthy but restrictive situation.

अमीर घर की बहू बनना उसके लिए सोने की जंजीर में बंधने जैसा था।

Poetic

"जंजीर की कड़ी बनना"

— To be a vital link in a sequence of events.

उसकी गवाही इस केस की जंजीर की कड़ी बन गई।

Legal/Formal

"जंजीरें चटकाना"

— To show strength or readiness to break free.

अब जनता अपनी जंजीरें चटका रही है।

Revolutionary

"जंजीर का कुंडा"

— The hook of a chain; a point of connection.

रिश्ते का जंजीर का कुंडा विश्वास है।

Philosophical

"जंजीर से बांधकर रखना"

— To keep someone under strict surveillance or control.

तुम उसे जंजीर से बांधकर नहीं रख सकते।

General

"जंजीर टूटना"

— The end of a long period of restriction or a series.

आखिरकार दुखों की जंजीर टूटी।

Emotional

"जंजीरनुमा"

— Something that looks or acts like a chain.

वहाँ एक जंजीरनुमा रास्ता था।

Descriptive

Easily Confused

जंजीर vs श्रृंखला

Both mean chain/series.

Shrankhla is for abstract series (mountain range, TV show); Janjeer is for physical metal chains.

पर्वत श्रृंखला (Mountain range) vs लोहे की जंजीर (Iron chain).

जंजीर vs बेड़ी

Both involve metal restraint.

Bedi is specifically for feet/prisoners; Janjeer is any chain.

कैदी की बेड़ियाँ vs साइकिल की जंजीर.

जंजीर vs कड़ी

A part of the whole.

Kadi is a single link; Janjeer is the whole chain.

जंजीर की एक कड़ी टूट गई।

जंजीर vs हार

Both worn around the neck.

Haar is a decorative necklace; Janjeer is a metal chain style.

मोतियों का हार vs सोने की जंजीर.

जंजीर vs रस्सा

Used for tying.

Rassa is a thick rope; Janjeer is metal.

जहाज का रस्सा vs जहाज की जंजीर.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Material] की जंजीर है।

यह लोहे की जंजीर है।

[Noun] को जंजीर से बांधो।

गाय को जंजीर से बांधो।

वह [Abstract Noun] की जंजीरों में है।

वह डर की जंजीरों में है।

[Subject] ने जंजीर तोड़ दी।

क्रांतिकारी ने जंजीर तोड़ दी।

जंजीर की हर कड़ी [Adjective] है।

जंजीर की हर कड़ी कमजोर है।

जंजीरों की [Sound] सुनाई दी।

जंजीरों की खनखनाहट सुनाई दी।

सत्ता की जंजीरें [Comparison].

सत्ता की जंजीरें बहुत भारी होती हैं।

नियति की जंजीर [Verb].

नियति की जंजीर उसे खींच लाई।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

जंजीर टूट गया → जंजीर टूट गई
Janjeer is feminine; the verb must reflect this.
जंजीरें से → जंजीरों से
In the oblique case (with a postposition), the plural 'janjiren' changes to 'janjiron'.
पहाड़ की जंजीर → पहाड़ की श्रृंखला
Janjeer is for metal chains; shrankhla is for a series like mountains.
मोती की जंजीर → मोती की माला
Pearls are strung on a thread (mala), not usually a metal chain (janjir).
बड़ा जंजीर → बड़ी जंजीर
The adjective must be feminine to match 'janjir'.

Tips

Gender Tip

Always remember 'Janjeer' is feminine. Use 'Meri janjir' instead of 'Mera janjir'.

Bollywood Connection

Mentioning the movie 'Zanjeer' is a great conversation starter with older Hindi speakers.

Link vs Chain

Learn 'Kadi' (link) alongside 'Janjeer' to describe parts of a whole.

Pet Context

Use 'janjir' for heavy metal leashes, but 'patta' for a collar.

Freedom

In political speeches, 'janjir' almost always refers to overcoming obstacles.

Plural Form

The plural is 'janjiren'. Don't forget the dot (bindu) over the 're'.

Soft J

The 'J' in Hindi is soft, not aspirated like 'jh'.

Train Safety

On Indian trains, 'janjir khinchna' (pulling the chain) is only for emergencies.

Rhyme Time

It rhymes with 'Takdeer', making it very popular in ghazals.

Common Materials

Always specify the material: 'lohe ki' (iron) or 'sone ki' (gold).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jan' (Life) and 'Jeer' (Tear). A chain can 'tear' through a 'life' if it is used for slavery. Or visualize 'Janjeer' sounds like 'Join-Gear'—a chain joins gears together.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant iron chain wrapped around a Bollywood movie poster of Amitabh Bachchan. The cold metal links represent the word 'Janjeer'.

Word Web

Metal Links Restraint Bondage Amitabh Bachchan Prison Dog Jewelry

Challenge

Try to use the word 'जंजीर' in three different ways today: once for an object, once for a pet, and once metaphorically for a habit you want to break.

Word Origin

The word 'जंजीर' originates from the Persian word 'zanjīr' (زنجیر). It entered the Hindi language through the influence of Persian in the medieval period during the Mughal era.

Original meaning: In Persian, it also means a chain or a series of links.

Indo-Aryan (via Indo-Iranian/Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'janjir' in the context of slavery or caste, as it can be a very sensitive and emotionally charged topic in India.

English speakers might use 'shackles' or 'fetters' for the metaphorical sense, but 'chain' covers all meanings of 'janjir'.

Movie: Zanjeer (1973) - Directed by Prakash Mehra. Poem: 'Zanjeer' by various Urdu poets like Majaz Lakhnawi. Religious: Zanjeer-zani rituals during Muharram.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Security

जंजीर लगाओ
दरवाजे की जंजीर
ताला और जंजीर
सुरक्षा जंजीर

Pets/Animals

कुत्ते की जंजीर
जंजीर से बांधना
जंजीर खोलना
भारी जंजीर

Jewelry

सोने की जंजीर
पतली जंजीर
गले की जंजीर
चांदी की जंजीर

Metaphorical/Social

गुलामी की जंजीर
समाज की जंजीरें
जंजीर तोड़ना
जंजीरों में जकड़ा

Transportation

साइकिल की जंजीर
ट्रेन की जंजीर
जंजीर खींचना
जंजीर उतर गई

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी 'जंजीर' फिल्म देखी है?"

"साइकिल की जंजीर बार-बार क्यों उतर जाती है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज की जंजीरें हमें पीछे खींचती हैं?"

"हाथी को जंजीर से बांधना क्या सही है?"

"आपके पास सोने की कोई जंजीर है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपनी कौन सी 'जंजीर' (बुरी आदत) तोड़ने की कोशिश की?

अगर जंजीरें बोल पातीं, तो वे एक कैदी के बारे में क्या कहतीं?

मेरे जीवन में 'जंजीर' का क्या महत्व है (सुरक्षा या बंधन)?

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक जादुई जंजीर कभी नहीं टूटती।

आज़ादी और जंजीरों के बीच के संबंध पर अपने विचार लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You should use feminine verb forms and adjectives with it.

Yes, but only if it is a chain-style necklace. For a general necklace, 'haar' is better.

'Janjeer' is a general term for any chain, while 'bediyan' specifically refers to shackles used on a prisoner's feet.

You say 'जंजीरें तोड़ना' (Janjeeren todna).

It comes from the Persian word 'zanjir'.

No, for a mountain range, the word 'shrankhla' (श्रृंखला) is used.

No, it is a nasalized 'n', similar to the 'n' in 'ink'.

It means something that is shaped like a chain or has chain-like properties.

You can say 'cycle ki janjir', though many people just use the English word 'chain'.

It established Amitabh Bachchan as the 'Angry Young Man' and used the chain as a symbol of systemic oppression.