At the A1 level, छिडकना (Chhidakna) is a useful word to learn for basic daily activities and following simple instructions. Think of it as 'sprinkling.' You will mostly use it in the kitchen or when talking about simple chores. For example, if you are learning to cook Indian food, you might see instructions like 'add salt.' In Hindi, this is often 'namak chhidakiye' (sprinkle salt). It is a 'doing word' (verb).
You should focus on the most basic form: Chhidakna. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that it involves using your fingers or a small tool to spread something like water or powder. If you want to ask someone to do it, you can say 'Chhidako' (to a friend) or 'Chhidakiye' (to a teacher or elder). It’s a very practical word for your first few weeks of learning Hindi.
Imagine you are in a garden. You want to tell someone to put a little water on the flowers. You can say 'Pani chhidako.' It’s much simpler than saying 'Water the garden.' It specifically means a light spray. This word helps you describe small, gentle actions. It is one of those 'action' words that you can see happening, which makes it easier to remember. Try to associate it with the movement of your hand when you sprinkle salt on your fries!
At the A2 level, you start to use छिडकना (Chhidakna) in more complete sentences and understand its grammatical rules. Since it is a transitive verb, you will notice that it always has an object. For example, in 'Main pani chhidak raha hoon' (I am sprinkling water), 'pani' is the object. You will also learn the past tense, which is a bit tricky in Hindi. You will say 'Maine namak chhidka' (I sprinkled salt). Notice how the verb ends in 'a' to match the masculine word 'namak'.
You will also encounter this word in social contexts. For instance, during the festival of Holi, people 'chhidak' colors on each other. You might hear someone say, 'Mujh par rang mat chhidko!' (Don't sprinkle color on me!). This level is about expanding the 'where' and 'when' you use the word. You might use it to describe cleaning, cooking, or playing. It becomes a part of your 'functional' vocabulary—words you need to survive and interact in a Hindi-speaking environment.
Another common use at A2 is for hygiene. You might talk about 'hand sanitizer chhidakna' or 'perfume chhidakna.' As you learn more nouns (like perfume, powder, water, spices), 'chhidakna' becomes the key verb that connects them to an action. It’s important to practice the 'ne' rule here: 'Usne pani chhidka' (He/She sprinkled water). This is the level where you move from single words to meaningful, grammatically correct phrases.
At the B1 level, you begin to explore the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of छिडकना (Chhidakna). You are no longer just sprinkling water; you are 'sprinkling' emotions or reacting to situations. The most common idiom you will learn is 'jale par namak chhidakna' (to sprinkle salt on a burn). This is used when someone makes a bad situation worse by saying something mean or insensitive. For example: 'Uski naukri chali gayi aur tumne purani baatein kar ke uske jale par namak chhidak diya' (He lost his job and you made it worse by talking about old things).
You will also start to see the word in compound verb forms. In Hindi, we often add 'dena' (to give) to a verb to show that the action is completed or done for someone else. 'Usne saara pani chhidak diya' (He sprinkled all the water away). This 'dena' adds a sense of 'completion.' You might also see 'chhidak lena,' which implies doing the action for oneself. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
At this intermediate stage, you can also use 'chhidakna' in more complex sentence structures, like conditional sentences: 'Agar tum thoda pani chhidkoge, तो mitti baith jayegi' (If you sprinkle some water, the dust will settle). You are now able to describe cause and effect using this verb. It’s also a good time to start noticing the difference between 'chhidakna' and its synonyms like 'bikherna' (to scatter) in more detail, ensuring you choose the most precise word for the context.
At the B2 level, छिडकना (Chhidakna) appears in more formal, technical, and literary contexts. You might read a news article about the government 'sprinkling' (spraying) disinfectants in a city to prevent disease. The language becomes more sophisticated: 'Prashasan ne shehar mein kitnashak dawaon ka chhidkaav kiya' (The administration carried out the spraying of pesticides). Here, 'chhidkaav' is the noun form of the verb, and using it shows a higher level of fluency.
You will also encounter the word in Hindi literature and poetry. A poet might describe the moon 'sprinkling' moonlight over the earth. This personification uses the verb to create a beautiful image. 'Chandni ne dharti par apni thandak chhidak di' (The moonlight sprinkled its coolness on the earth). At B2, you are expected to understand these creative uses and perhaps even use them in your own writing. You should be comfortable using the verb in all tenses, including the subjunctive and passive voice.
Furthermore, you will learn about the cultural depth of the word. For example, the phrase 'jaan chhidakna' (to be devoted/ready to die for someone) is very common in romantic songs and movies. 'Main tum par apni jaan chhidakta hoon' doesn't mean you are literally sprinkling your life; it means you love someone intensely. Understanding these deep-seated cultural metaphors is a hallmark of the B2 level. You are moving beyond the literal kitchen and into the heart of the language's expressive power.
At the C1 level, you have a mastery of छिडकना (Chhidakna) and its various derivations. You can distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when compared to high-register synonyms like 'prokshana' (ritual sprinkling) or 'vikirana' (scattering/radiation). You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Indo-Aryan languages. Your usage is precise, and you can use the word to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotion in complex discussions.
In a professional or academic setting, you might use the noun form 'chhidkaav' to discuss agricultural techniques or public health policies. You can debate the effectiveness of 'boondon ka chhidkaav' (spraying of drops) versus 'baadh' (flooding) in irrigation. Your ability to switch between the colloquial 'chhidakna' and the formal 'chhidkaav' depending on your audience is a sign of your advanced proficiency. You also recognize the word in various dialects of Hindi, where the pronunciation might slightly vary, but the core meaning remains the same.
Creative writing at this level involves using 'chhidakna' to create atmosphere. You might describe a character 'sprinkling' doubt into a conversation or 'sprinkling' a speech with witty remarks. This abstract application shows that you have fully internalized the verb's mechanics. You are also aware of the historical context of the word, perhaps seeing it in older texts or scriptures where the act of sprinkling was a vital part of social and religious hierarchy. At C1, the word is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit.
At the C2 level, your understanding of छिडकना (Chhidakna) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the most subtle linguistic nuances, such as the rhythmic quality the word brings to a line of poetry or the specific social status implied by certain usages. You are familiar with rare idiomatic expressions and regional variations that even many native speakers might not use daily. The word is not just a verb to you; it is a point of connection to centuries of Hindi linguistic evolution.
You can analyze the phonetics of the word—the way the 'chh' (छ) and the 'D' (ड़) create a percussive sound that mirrors the action of sprinkling. You might engage in philological discussions about how 'chhidakna' has maintained its place in the language despite the influx of Persian and English loanwords. In your own speech, you use the word with effortless precision, whether you are giving a formal lecture on chemistry (sprinkling particles) or writing a soul-stirring piece of fiction.
At this ultimate level, you also understand the 'silent' presence of the word. You know when *not* to use it, choosing instead a more obscure or specific term to achieve a particular effect. You are a master of the language's 'dhwani' (resonance). When you say 'chhidakna,' you evoke the entire history of Indian life—the kitchen, the field, the temple, and the heart. You have reached a stage where the language is no longer a foreign object but a natural extension of your thought and identity.
छिडकना in 30 Seconds
- To sprinkle or spray lightly.
- Common in cooking and gardening.
- Used in the idiom 'adding salt to wounds'.
- A transitive verb requiring an object.
The Hindi verb छिडकना (Chhidakna) is a versatile and essential term primarily used to describe the action of sprinkling, scattering, or spraying small quantities of liquid or powdery substances over a surface. At its core, it conveys a sense of light, controlled distribution rather than a heavy pour or a forceful throw. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding the nuances of this word will significantly enhance your ability to describe daily activities, culinary processes, and even emotional states in Hindi. The word belongs to the transitive category of verbs, meaning it typically requires an object—the substance being sprinkled. Its usage spans from the mundane task of watering plants to the profound rituals of religious ceremonies.
- Culinary Context
- In the Indian kitchen, this word is used constantly. Chefs and home cooks 'chhidak' salt (namak), spices (masale), or coriander leaves (dhaniya) over a finished dish to add flavor and garnish. It implies a delicate touch.
- Sanitation and Hygiene
- When talking about cleaning or pest control, one might sprinkle disinfectant or pesticide. In modern contexts, it is also used for spraying perfume (itrr) or room freshener.
- Religious Rituals
- In Hinduism and other Indian faiths, the sprinkling of holy water (Ganga-jal) or rose water (Gulab-jal) is a common practice to purify a space or bless devotees. Here, the word takes on a sacred connotation.
सब्जी पकने के बाद उस पर थोडा सा हरा धनिया छिडकना मत भूलना। (Don't forget to sprinkle some green coriander over the vegetable after it is cooked.)
Beyond the physical, 'Chhidakna' appears in several idiomatic expressions. The most famous is 'jale par namak chhidakna,' which literally translates to sprinkling salt on a burn, equivalent to the English idiom 'adding insult to injury.' This metaphorical use highlights the word's ability to describe the amplification of a feeling or situation. In gardening, while 'seenchana' means to irrigate, 'chhidakna' is used for the light misting of leaves or the ground to settle dust. The verb is also essential in the context of the festival of Holi, where colored water is sprinkled on friends and family. This word captures the essence of light application, making it distinct from 'undelna' (to pour) or 'phenkna' (to throw).
माली पौधों पर पानी छिडक रहा है। (The gardener is sprinkling water on the plants.)
In the textile industry of India, particularly in block printing or dyeing, artisans might sprinkle dyes to create specific patterns. In a medical context, a doctor might advise sprinkling a powder on a wound. Thus, from the kitchen to the clinic, and from the temple to the street, this word is a fundamental building block of Hindi communication. Its pronunciation involves the retroflex 'D' (ड़), which requires the tongue to flick against the roof of the mouth, a characteristic sound of the Indo-Aryan language family. Mastering this sound while using the word will make your Hindi sound much more authentic and natural to native speakers.
Using छिडकना (Chhidakna) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugation and sentence structure. Since it is a transitive verb, in perfective tenses (past tense), it follows the 'ne' (ने) rule where the verb agrees with the object rather than the subject. Let's break down its usage across different tenses and moods to provide a comprehensive guide for learners.
- Present Continuous
- Used for actions happening right now. 'Main pani chhidak raha hoon' (I am sprinkling water). The auxiliary verbs change based on gender and number.
- Simple Past (Perfective)
- Using the 'ne' postposition: 'Usne namak chhidka' (He/She sprinkled salt). Note how 'chhidka' agrees with 'namak' (masculine singular).
- Imperative (Commands)
- Common in recipes: 'Thoda masala chhidakiye' (Please sprinkle some spice - polite) or 'Chhidko' (Sprinkle - neutral).
क्या तुम इस चादर पर थोडा इत्र छिडक सकते हो? (Can you sprinkle/spray some perfume on this bedsheet?)
When constructing sentences, pay attention to the preposition 'par' (पर), which means 'on' or 'upon'. You sprinkle [Substance] *par* [Surface]. For example, 'Zameen par pani chhidakna' (To sprinkle water on the floor). This is a common practice in Indian households during summer to cool down the stone floors. Another important aspect is the instrument used. If you are using a spray bottle, you might say 'phuhaare se chhidakna' (to sprinkle/spray with a mist). The versatility of 'chhidakna' allows it to be used for both dry particles (like sand or flour) and liquids (like milk or water).
हवा में जहर छिडकना एक अपराध है। (Sprinkling/Spraying poison in the air is a crime.)
In formal writing, you might encounter the passive voice: 'Pani chhidka gaya' (Water was sprinkled). This is often seen in news reports about municipal workers disinfecting streets. For advanced learners, combining 'chhidakna' with other verbs like 'dena' (to give) creates a compound verb 'chhidak dena', which emphasizes the completion of the action. Example: 'Usne saara rang mujh par chhidak diya' (He splashed/sprinkled all the color on me). This nuance adds a layer of natural fluency to your speech. By practicing these variations, you will move beyond simple definitions and start using the word like a native speaker.
The word छिडकना (Chhidakna) is ubiquitous in the Indian subcontinent, echoing through various social and professional settings. If you find yourself in a bustling Indian market (bazaar), you will likely hear it near vegetable stalls. Vendors often sprinkle water on their leafy greens to keep them looking fresh and crisp in the heat. They might say to their assistants, 'Sabziyon par pani chhidakte raho' (Keep sprinkling water on the vegetables). This is a sensory experience—the sound of the water hitting the leaves and the smell of damp earth.
- In the Kitchen
- Watch any Hindi cooking show on YouTube or TV. You will hear the chef say, 'Ab is par thoda kala namak chhidakiye' (Now sprinkle some black salt on this). It is the standard term for seasoning.
- During Festivals
- Holi is the prime time for this word. Children shout about sprinkling 'gulal' (colored powder) or 'rangin pani' (colored water). It's a word associated with joy and playfulness.
- At Temples
- Priests (Pandits) use 'Ganga-jal' (holy water) to purify the surroundings. They use a small spoon or a flower to 'chhidak' the water over the devotees' heads as a blessing.
माँ ने मेहमानों के स्वागत में गुलाब जल छिडका। (Mother sprinkled rose water to welcome the guests.)
In rural India, before sweeping the courtyard (aangan), women often sprinkle water mixed with a bit of cow dung (considered purifying) or just plain water to settle the dust. This daily ritual is a common sight and the action is always described as 'chhidakna'. You will also hear it in the context of agriculture, where farmers sprinkle fertilizers or pesticides manually on small plots. In urban areas, you might hear it in beauty parlors when a stylist sprays water on your hair before a cut. The word is so integrated into the fabric of life that it becomes invisible to native speakers, yet it is essential for a learner to identify these contexts.
होली के दिन सब एक-दूसरे पर गुलाल छिडकते हैं। (On the day of Holi, everyone sprinkles colored powder on each other.)
Finally, in literature and Bollywood movies, you might encounter the word in romantic or dramatic scenes. A hero might 'chhidak' water on a fainted heroine's face to wake her up. Or, in a song, the poet might describe the clouds sprinkling rain like pearls. These artistic uses expand the word's reach from the kitchen floor to the heights of poetic imagination. By listening for 'chhidakna' in these diverse environments, you will develop a 'feel' for the word that no dictionary can fully provide.
Learning छिडकना (Chhidakna) involves navigating several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with other verbs related to movement or application, such as 'phenkna' (to throw), 'girana' (to drop), or 'undelna' (to pour). While all these involve moving a substance from one place to another, 'chhidakna' specifically implies a light, scattered application. If you say 'glass se pani chhidko' when you mean 'pour the water,' a native speaker will be confused because 'chhidko' implies using your fingers or a spray to scatter it, not emptying the glass.
- Confusion with 'Bikherna'
- 'Bikherna' means to scatter or spread out, often in a messy or wide way (like scattering papers or toys). 'Chhidakna' is more intentional and usually involves smaller particles or drops. You sprinkle salt (chhidakna), but you might scatter seeds (bikherna).
- Incorrect Object Agreement
- In the past tense, learners often say 'Maine namak chhidki' because they are female. However, the verb must agree with 'namak' (masculine), so it should be 'Maine namak chhidka'. This 'ne' construction is a classic hurdle for Hindi learners.
- Literal Translation of 'Spray'
- While 'chhidakna' covers most 'spray' actions, for high-pressure industrial spraying, the word 'bauchhaar' or the English loanword 'spray' might be more appropriate. Using 'chhidakna' for a fire hose would sound odd.
Incorrect: उसने फर्श पर पानी उँडेला (He sprinkled water on the floor - using 'poured' instead).
Correct: उसने फर्श पर पानी छिडका।
Another mistake involves the preposition. Learners sometimes forget to use 'par' (on). You don't 'sprinkle the floor water'; you 'sprinkle water *on* the floor'. The structure is: Subject + [Object-Substance] + [Target-Surface] + *par* + Chhidakna. Forgetting 'par' can make the sentence grammatically incomplete. Additionally, be careful with the retroflex 'D' (ड़). Pronouncing it as a regular dental 'D' (like in 'dog') can sometimes make the word unrecognizable or sound like a different, unrelated word to the untrained ear.
Incorrect: मैंने चीनी छिडकी (I sprinkled sugar - if 'sugar' was intended as masculine in a specific dialect, but standard Hindi is feminine, this is actually correct, but many confuse the gender of the substance itself!)
Lastly, avoid using 'chhidakna' when the volume of liquid is large. If you are drenching someone with a bucket of water, the verb is 'bhigona' (to drench) or 'daalna' (to put/pour). 'Chhidakna' is always about small amounts. Misusing the intensity of the action can lead to comedic or confusing situations. By being mindful of these distinctions—volume, preposition usage, and gender agreement—you will avoid the most common errors and speak more precise Hindi.
To truly master छिडकना (Chhidakna), it helps to see it within its family of related verbs and synonyms. Hindi is a language rich in descriptive verbs, and choosing the right one can change the entire tone of your sentence. While 'chhidakna' is the most common word for sprinkling, there are several alternatives depending on the context, the substance, and the intensity of the action.
- बिखेरना (Bikherna)
- Meaning 'to scatter' or 'to strew'. This is used for larger items or a more haphazard distribution. Example: 'Phool bikherna' (To scatter flowers). It lacks the precision and light touch of 'chhidakna'.
- फुहारना (Phuharna)
- Derived from 'phuhaar' (mist/drizzle). This is more specific to liquids being sprayed in a very fine mist. It is less common in daily speech than 'chhidakna' but more poetic and technical.
- सींचना (Seenchana)
- Meaning 'to irrigate' or 'to water'. This is used specifically for plants and crops. While you might 'chhidak' water on a single plant, you 'seench' a whole garden or field.
Comparison:
1. नमक छिडकना (Sprinkle salt - precise)
2. बीज बिखेरना (Scatter seeds - wide)
3. खेत सींचना (Irrigate field - large scale)
Another interesting alternative is 'pucharna', though it is quite rare and regional, sometimes used for white-washing or light application of paint. For spraying with a nozzle, many Indians simply use the English word 'spray karna'. In a religious context, 'prokshana' (प्रोक्षण) is the high-register Sanskritized Hindi term for ritual sprinkling. If you are reading a formal text about a temple ceremony, you might see 'prokshana' instead of the more common 'chhidakna'.
वह अपनी बिल्ली पर जान छिडकता है। (He dotes on his cat / He would give his life for his cat.)
In the context of rain, 'boonda-baandi' (drizzling) is used as a noun, but to describe the clouds sprinkling rain, you would still use 'chhidakna' in a poetic sense. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the word that best fits the 'texture' of what you want to say. Are you being precise like a chef (chhidakna), wide-reaching like a sower (bikherna), or nurturing like a gardener (seenchana)? This level of vocabulary depth is what separates a basic learner from a fluent speaker. By comparing these words, you reinforce the specific boundaries of 'chhidakna' and learn where its power ends and other verbs begin.
Fun Fact
The English word 'chintz' (a type of fabric) actually comes from the Hindi word 'chhint' (छींट), which refers to a spotted or sprinkled pattern created by this very action!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'chh' as 'sh' (shidakna).
- Pronouncing the retroflex 'D' as a dental 'd' (chhidakna with a soft d).
Examples by Level
पानी छिडको।
Sprinkle water.
Imperative (command) form.
नमक छिडको।
Sprinkle salt.
Simple object-verb structure.
वह इत्र छिडकता है।
He sprinkles perfume.
Present simple tense.
चीनी मत छिडको।
Don't sprinkle sugar.
Negative imperative.
यहाँ पानी छिडकिए।
Please sprinkle water here.
Polite imperative.
मैं गुलाब जल छिडकती हूँ।
I (female) sprinkle rose water.
Present simple (feminine subject).
थोडा मसाला छिडको।
Sprinkle some spice.
Use of 'thoda' (some/a little).
क्या मैं पानी छिडकूँ?
Should I sprinkle water?
First person presumptive/request.
मैंने सब्ज़ी पर नमक छिडका।
I sprinkled salt on the vegetable.
Past tense with 'ne' rule.
बच्चे एक-दूसरे पर पानी छिडक रहे हैं।
Children are sprinkling water on each other.
Present continuous plural.
क्या आपने पौधों पर पानी छिडका?
Did you sprinkle water on the plants?
Interrogative past tense.
माँ खाने पर धनिया छिडक रही है।
Mother is sprinkling coriander on the food.
Present continuous feminine.
धूल कम करने के लिए पानी छिडको।
Sprinkle water to reduce dust.
Infinitive of purpose.
उसने अपनी कमीज़ पर इत्र छिडका।
He sprinkled perfume on his shirt.
Reflexive context.
पवित्र जल छिडकना अच्छा होता है।
Sprinkling holy water is good.
Gerundial use of the verb.
वे सड़कों पर दवा छिडक रहे हैं।
They are sprinkling medicine (disinfectant) on the roads.
Plural continuous.
उसने मेरे जले पर नमक छिडक दिया।
He sprinkled salt on my burn (added insult to injury).
Idiomatic usage.
क्या तुम इस घाव पर पाउडर छिडक सकते हो?
Can you sprinkle powder on this wound?
Modal verb 'sakna' (can).
हवा में खुशबू छिडकने से कमरा महक उठा।
The room smelled great after sprinkling fragrance in the air.
Causal sentence structure.
अगर तुम रंग छिडकोगे, तो कपड़े खराब हो जाएंगे।
If you sprinkle color, the clothes will get ruined.
Conditional sentence.
पंडित जी ने भक्तों पर गंगाजल छिडका।
The priest sprinkled Ganges water on the devotees.
Subject-Object-Verb with honorific.
उसने गुस्से में सारा पानी मुझ पर छिडक दिया।
He sprinkled all the water on me in anger.
Compound verb 'chhidak dena'.
पेंट करने से पहले दीवार पर पानी छिडकना पड़ता है।
One has to sprinkle water on the wall before painting.
Compulsion 'padta hai'.
वह अपनी नई कार पर जान छिडकता है।
He dotes on his new car.
Metaphorical 'jaan chhidakna'.
नगर निगम ने मच्छरों को मारने के लिए दवा छिडकी।
The municipal corporation sprayed medicine to kill mosquitoes.
Feminine object agreement ('dawa').
कवि ने लिखा है कि बादलों ने धरती पर अमृत छिडका।
The poet wrote that the clouds sprinkled nectar on the earth.
Literary/Poetic personification.
भीड़ को तितर-बितर करने के लिए पुलिस ने पानी की बौछार छिडकी।
The police sprayed water (cannons) to disperse the crowd.
Complex purpose clause.
उसने अपनी बातों से सभा में उत्साह छिडक दिया।
He sprinkled (infused) enthusiasm into the meeting with his words.
Abstract usage.
कीटनाशकों का छिडकाव करते समय मास्क पहनना अनिवार्य है।
It is mandatory to wear a mask while spraying pesticides.
Noun form 'chhidkaav'.
उसकी बातों ने मेरे पुराने ज़ख्मों पर नमक छिडकने का काम किया।
His words acted as sprinkling salt on my old wounds.
Extended idiomatic phrase.
क्या इस रसायण को सीधे पौधों पर छिडका जा सकता है?
Can this chemical be sprayed directly on the plants?
Passive voice 'ja sakta hai'.
मेहमानों के आने पर गुलाब जल छिडकने की परंपरा पुरानी है।
The tradition of sprinkling rose water upon guests' arrival is old.
Complex noun phrase.
वैज्ञानिकों ने वातावरण में विशेष कण छिडकने का प्रस्ताव दिया है।
Scientists have proposed sprinkling special particles into the atmosphere.
Scientific/Formal register.
उसने अपनी रचनाओं में व्यंग्य का पुट बखूबी छिडका है।
He has skillfully sprinkled a touch of satire in his works.
Metaphorical literary analysis.
धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों में मंत्रोच्चार के साथ जल छिडकना शुद्धि का प्रतीक है।
Sprinkling water along with chanting mantras in religious rituals is a symbol of purification.
Sanskritized Hindi vocabulary.
उसने अपनी पूरी संपत्ति गरीबों की भलाई पर छिडक दी।
He 'sprinkled' (distributed/sacrificed) his entire wealth for the welfare of the poor.
Extreme metaphorical sacrifice.
हवाई जहाजों द्वारा जंगलों में आग बुझाने के लिए रसायन छिडके गए।
Chemicals were sprayed by airplanes to extinguish forest fires.
Passive past plural.
राजनीतिक गलियारों में अफवाहें छिडकना एक आम चाल है।
Sprinkling (spreading) rumors in political corridors is a common tactic.
Sociopolitical metaphor.
उसकी मुस्कान ने जैसे पूरे माहौल में खुशियाँ छिडक दीं।
Her smile, as if, sprinkled happiness throughout the atmosphere.
Simile/Metaphor 'jaise'.
मिट्टी की सोंधी खुशबू तब आती है जब पहली बारिश की बूंदें छिडकती हैं।
The earthy scent of soil comes when the first drops of rain sprinkle.
Descriptive sensory language.
दार्शनिक का मानना है कि ज्ञान को छिडकना ही उसे बढ़ाने का एकमात्र तरीका है।
The philosopher believes that sprinkling (disseminating) knowledge is the only way to increase it.
Philosophical abstract noun usage.
उसने अपनी कलाकृति में रंगों को इस तरह छिडका है कि वे जीवंत हो उठे हैं।
He has sprinkled colors in his artwork in such a way that they have become lifelike.
Artistic critique register.
वैश्विक राजनीति में सैन्य शक्ति का प्रदर्शन केवल भय छिडकने का साधन है।
The display of military power in global politics is merely a means of sprinkling (sowing) fear.
Political theory context.
प्राचीन पांडुलिपियों के संरक्षण हेतु उन पर विशेष अर्क छिडका जाता है।
Special extracts are sprinkled on ancient manuscripts for their preservation.
Technical/Historical preservation.
उसके भाषण ने सोए हुए समाज पर चेतना का जल छिडक दिया।
His speech sprinkled the water of consciousness on the sleeping society.
High-level rhetorical metaphor.
सूक्ष्मजीव विज्ञान में नमूनों पर रंजक छिडकना एक अनिवार्य प्रक्रिया है।
Sprinkling (applying) dyes on samples is an essential process in microbiology.
Academic scientific terminology.
इतिहास की परतों पर समय ने अपनी धूल छिडक दी है।
Time has sprinkled its dust over the layers of history.
Existential/Temporal metaphor.
उसकी लेखनी से शब्दों का ऐसा छिडकाव हुआ कि पाठक मंत्रमुग्ध रह गए।
There was such a sprinkling (flow) of words from his pen that the readers were mesmerized.
Advanced literary device.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A common request to settle dust or cool a surface.
धूल उड़ रही है, थोडा पानी छिडको।
— To splash/sprinkle water on the face to wake someone up.
उसे होश में लाने के लिए चेहरे पर पानी छिडको।
— A traditional morning task in Indian homes.
दादी सुबह-सुबह आंगन में पानी छिडकती हैं।
Idioms & Expressions
— To make a bad situation worse; to mock someone's pain.
उसकी हार के बाद उसकी कमियों को बताकर जले पर नमक मत छिडको।
Common— To love someone immensely; to be ready to sacrifice one's life.
वह अपने बच्चों पर जान छिडकता है।
Informal/Romantic— To sacrifice or work extremely hard (rare/literary).
आज़ादी के लिए वीरों ने अपना खून छिडक दिया।
Literary— To calm down a heated argument or situation.
उसकी बातों ने आग पर पानी छिडकने का काम किया।
Common— To bury an issue or forget a past mistake (regional).
पुरानी बातों पर मिट्टी छिडको और आगे बढ़ो।
Colloquial— To speak very kindly or sweetly (poetic).
जब वह बोलती है तो लगता है जैसे फूल छिडक रही हो।
Poetic— To speak bitter or hateful words.
वह हमेशा दूसरों के खिलाफ ज़हर छिडकता रहता है।
Common— To give life-saving news or say something very soothing.
तुम्हारी बातों ने मेरे दुखी मन पर अमृत छिडक दिया।
Literary— To spread joy everywhere.
त्योहारों का मौसम चारों तरफ खुशियाँ छिडक देता है।
General— To make something colorful or lively.
कलाकार ने अपनी पेंटिंग में नए रंग छिडक दिए।
CreativeWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CHef' (CH) 'HID'ing a 'K' (Chhidak) of salt in his hand to sprinkle it.
Visual Association
Imagine a salt shaker with tiny holes, and as you shake it, you say 'Chhidak-Dak-Dak'. The sound of the retroflex 'D' mimics the tapping of the shaker.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'chhidakna' in three different contexts today: once for food, once for hygiene (like sanitizer), and once for a plant or surface.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sanskrit root 'kship' (to throw/cast), which evolved through Prakrit 'chhiḍḍa' or 'chhiṭṭa' meaning a drop or spot.
Original meaning: To cast or throw small drops/particles.
Indo-AryanCultural Context
Be careful when using 'jale par namak chhidakna' as it can be perceived as very confrontational if used in the wrong context.
In English, we distinguish between 'sprinkle' (solids/light liquid) and 'spray' (liquids/nozzles). Hindi often uses 'chhidakna' for both.
Summary
'Chhidakna' is the go-to Hindi verb for light sprinkling or spraying. Example: 'Namak chhidako' (Sprinkle salt). It's essential for daily life and carries deep cultural meanings in festivals and idioms.
- To sprinkle or spray lightly.
- Common in cooking and gardening.
- Used in the idiom 'adding salt to wounds'.
- A transitive verb requiring an object.
Related Content
More food words
आँच
A2Flame or heat, used for cooking food.
आचार
B2Pickle.
आहार लेना
B1to eat; to consume food
आइसक्रीम
A2Ice cream, a frozen dessert made from dairy products.
आम
A1A mango is a sweet, juicy tropical fruit with a tough skin and a large stone inside. It is popularly known as the 'king of fruits' in South Asia and is consumed widely during the summer season.
आमचूर
B2Dry mango powder; a souring agent made from dried, unripe mangoes.
आम्रस
B2Mango pulp, often served with puri.
आर्डर करना
B2To order; request food in a restaurant.
आस्वादन करना
A2To enjoy the flavor of food or drink.
अच्छे से
B2Well, thoroughly; in a good or satisfactory way.
