This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
छिपना

A2 verb #3,500 most common 10 min read

छिपना

chipna Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips छिपना in 30 Seconds

Explanation छिपना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'chhipnā' as a simple action word meaning 'to hide.' Focus on the present tense and basic physical locations. For example, 'Main chhiptā hoon' (I hide) or 'Vah mez ke peeche chhiptā hai' (He hides behind the table). At this stage, just remember that the person doing the hiding is the subject of the sentence. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just use it to describe where someone is located when you can't see them. It is very useful for basic games and simple descriptions of people moving out of sight.

At A2, you begin to use 'chhipnā' in the past tense and with common compound verb forms. You should learn 'chhip gayā' (hid/went into hiding) as this is the most natural way to speak. You will also use it to describe nature, such as 'Sūraj chhip gayā' (The sun has set). You should be able to use basic postpositions like 'ke peeche' (behind), 'ke niche' (under), and 'meñ' (in) to specify where the hiding is happening. This is also the stage where you must strictly distinguish it from 'chhipānā' (to hide something).

At the B1 level, you can use 'chhipnā' in more abstract contexts. You might talk about hiding your feelings or a truth that is starting to 'chhipnā' (stay hidden). You should be comfortable with various tenses, including the continuous ('chhip rahā hai') and the future ('chhipegā'). You will also start encountering it in common idioms and phrases. Your understanding of the difference between 'chhipnā' (intransitive) and 'chhipānā' (transitive) should be solid, and you should never use the 'ne' particle with 'chhipnā' in the past tense.

At B2, you should be able to recognize the nuance between 'chhipnā' and its synonyms like 'dubaknā' or 'oujhal honā.' You can use the word to describe complex social situations, such as someone hiding from their responsibilities or a criminal being on the run ('chhiptā phirnā'). You will understand how the past participle 'chhipā huā' (hidden) functions as an adjective in sentences like 'Yahān ek chhipā huā sandesh hai' (There is a hidden message here). Your usage should feel natural and include common auxiliary verbs.

At the C1 level, you use 'chhipnā' with sophisticated precision. You can use it in literary or formal contexts to describe abstract concepts like 'hidden meanings' in poetry or 'hidden agendas' in politics. You understand the subtle cultural connotations of the word in Bollywood lyrics and classical literature. You can manipulate the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as passive-like constructions or conditional sentences ('Agar vah na chhiptā, to pakṛā jātā' - If he hadn't hidden, he would have been caught).

At the C2 level, 'chhipnā' is part of your intuitive vocabulary. You can use it to explain the philosophy of concealment in Indian thought, or discuss the etymological roots of the word. You are comfortable using it in all registers, from street slang to high-level academic discourse. You can appreciate and create puns or wordplay involving 'chhipnā' and 'chhipānā.' You have a complete grasp of all its idiomatic uses and can use it to convey subtle irony or deep emotional truths in your writing and speech.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

छिपना in 30 Seconds

Chhipnā means 'to hide' (intransitive), like a person hiding in a game.
It is used for the sun setting or being covered by clouds.
It never takes the 'ne' particle in the past tense because it is intransitive.
Commonly used in the compound form 'chhip jānā' for a completed action.

The Hindi verb छिपना (chhipnā) is a fundamental intransitive verb that translates primarily to 'to hide,' 'to be concealed,' or 'to disappear from view.' Unlike its transitive counterpart छिपाना (chhipānā), which means 'to hide something,' छिपना focuses entirely on the subject itself going out of sight. It is a versatile word used in physical contexts, natural phenomena, and metaphorical situations. In daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently when children play games, when discussing the weather (the sun behind clouds), or when someone is avoiding a social situation or legal trouble.

Physical Concealment: This is the most literal use. It describes a person or object moving behind something else to avoid being seen. For example, a child hiding behind a curtain or a thief hiding in an alley. It emphasizes the state of being hidden or the act of hiding oneself. The focus is on the subject's position relative to an observer.
Natural Phenomena: In Hindi literature and daily speech, 'chhipnā' is beautifully used to describe the setting of the sun or the moon being covered by clouds. When the sun sets, we often say 'Sūraj chhip gayā' (The sun has hidden/set). This gives a personified quality to nature, suggesting the celestial bodies are intentionally retreating from our view.
Metaphorical and Abstract Hiding: Beyond the physical, it refers to things that are not immediately obvious. A secret might be 'hidden' in a story, or a person's true intentions might be 'hidden' behind their smile. It can also refer to staying 'under the radar' or living in anonymity to avoid attention or consequences.

बच्चा अलमारी के पीछे छिप गया। (The child hid behind the cupboard.)

चाँद बादलों में छिप रहा है। (The moon is hiding in the clouds.)

वह अपनी पहचान छिपने की कोशिश कर रहा था। (He was trying to hide his identity.)

सच्चाई कभी नहीं छिपती। (Truth never stays hidden.)

चोर पुलिस से बचने के लिए जंगल में छिप गया। (The thief hid in the forest to escape the police.)

Understanding the nuances of 'chhipnā' involves recognizing its emotional weight. It can imply fear (hiding from danger), playfulness (hide and seek), or even cosmic cycles (the sun setting). It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the world of secrets and inner thoughts. As you progress, you will see it paired with auxiliary verbs like 'jānā' (to go) to form 'chhip jānā', which emphasizes the completion or suddenness of the action—'he suddenly disappeared/hid'. This 'chhip jānā' form is actually more common in spoken Hindi than the simple 'chhipnā'.

Using छिपना (chhipnā) correctly requires a grasp of Hindi's verb conjugation and the use of postpositions. Because it is an intransitive verb (akarmak kriya), the subject is the one performing the action upon themselves. You will often see it followed by location-based phrases like के पीछे (ke pīche - behind), में (meñ - in), or के अंदर (ke andar - inside). These postpositions help define where the concealment is taking place.

Present Tense Usage: In the habitual present, it describes something that regularly hides. 'Sūraj bādalon ke pīche chhiptā hai' (The sun hides behind the clouds). In the continuous present, it describes an ongoing action: 'Vah darvāze ke pīche chhip rahā hai' (He is hiding behind the door). Note how the verb endings change based on the gender and number of the subject.
Past Tense Nuances: As an intransitive verb, the past tense is simple: 'Vah chhipā' (He hid). However, in common speech, Hindi speakers almost always use the compound verb form 'chhip gayā' (hid/went into hiding). This adds a sense of completion. 'Billī mez ke nīche chhip gaī' (The cat hid under the table). Remember: NO 'ne' particle here!
Future and Imperative: For the future: 'Main kal chhipūngā' (I will hide tomorrow). For commands, you use 'chhipo' (informal) or 'chhipiye' (formal). 'Yahān chhipo!' (Hide here!). These forms are vital for playing games or giving urgent instructions in hide-and-seek scenarios.

तुम कहाँ छिप रहे हो? (Where are you hiding?)

वह शर्म के मारे छिप गई। (She hid out of shame.)

हमें कहीं छिपना होगा। (We will have to hide somewhere.)

मुजरिम पुलिस की नज़रों से छिपता फिर रहा है। (The criminal is wandering around hiding from the police's eyes.)

When using 'chhipnā' with abstract concepts, the structure remains the same but the meaning deepens. 'Uske chehre par ek dard chhipā hai' (A pain is hidden on his face). Here, the pain is the subject that is 'hidden.' Notice how the past participle 'chhipā' acts almost like an adjective here. This is a very common way to describe hidden qualities or emotions. Whether you are describing a physical act or a poetic sentiment, 'chhipnā' provides the linguistic framework to talk about everything that is not visible to the naked eye.

In the vibrant landscape of Hindi-speaking cultures, छिपना (chhipnā) is everywhere—from the playgrounds of Delhi to the poetic lyrics of Bollywood. If you listen closely, you'll hear it in various registers, each carrying a different flavor of concealment. It is a word that resonates with childhood nostalgia, romantic mystery, and even the tension of a thriller movie.

The Playground: Chhupan Chhupai: The most common place a child hears this word is during 'Chhupan Chhupai' (Hide and Seek). You'll hear kids shouting 'Main chhip rahā hoon!' (I am hiding!) or 'Sab chhip gaye?' (Is everyone hidden?). It’s the foundational context for the word, associated with excitement and the thrill of being found.
Bollywood and Music: Hindi songs are famous for using 'chhipnā' to describe the moon (chānd) or the beloved (mahbūb). A famous song 'Chānd chhipā bādal mein' (The moon hid in the clouds) uses the word to create a romantic, shy atmosphere. In cinema, it's also used in suspenseful dialogue: 'Tum mujhse kab tak chhipoge?' (How long will you hide from me?).
News and Crime Reports: In news broadcasts, you'll hear about criminals 'chhipnā' in specific areas. Phrases like 'Aatankvādi ghar mein chhipe hain' (The terrorists are hidden in the house) are common. Here, the word takes on a serious, high-stakes tone, far from the innocence of childhood games.

चलो, छुपन्-छुपाई खेलते हैं! (Come on, let's play hide and seek! - note the variation 'chhupan')

सूरज छिपते ही ठंड बढ़ गई। (As soon as the sun set, the cold increased.)

Furthermore, in daily gossip or family talk, 'chhipnā' is used to describe someone who is being antisocial or shy. 'Vah mehmanon ko dekhkar kamre mein chhip gaya' (He saw the guests and hid in the room). It conveys a sense of avoidance. You might also hear it in weather reports, especially during the monsoon, when the sun 'hides' for days. By paying attention to these different contexts, you'll realize that 'chhipnā' is not just a verb; it's a way to describe the interplay between what is seen and what is secret in the Hindi-speaking world.

For English speakers, the most frequent errors with छिपना (chhipnā) stem from the fact that English uses the same word 'hide' for both intransitive and transitive actions. In Hindi, these are strictly separated. Mastering this distinction is the key to moving from a beginner to an intermediate level. Let's look at the pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Confusing 'Chhipnā' with 'Chhipānā': This is the #1 mistake. 'Chhipnā' is for when the subject hides themselves. 'Chhipānā' is for when the subject hides an object.
Wrong: 'Maine chābi chhipī' (I hid the key - using the intransitive form).
Right: 'Maine chābi chhipāī' (I hid the key - using the transitive form).
Incorrect Use of 'Ne' (ने): Because 'chhipnā' is intransitive, it NEVER takes 'ne' in the past tense. English speakers often carry over the 'ne' from other past tense verbs.
Wrong: 'Usne chhipā' (He hid).
Right: 'Vah chhipā' or 'Vah chhip gayā'.
Misusing 'Chhipnā' for 'Disappearing': While 'chhipnā' implies being out of sight, it usually suggests something is still there, just covered. If something literally vanishes into thin air, 'gāyab honā' (to disappear) is more appropriate. Using 'chhipnā' for a magic trick where a coin vanishes might sound slightly off unless the coin is just hidden in a hand.

गलत: मैंने किताब छिपनी चाही। (Incorrect: I wanted to hide [myself] the book.)

सही: मैंने किताब छिपाई। (Correct: I hid the book.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that 'chhipnā' is often used with 'jānā' to form a compound verb. While 'Vah chhipā' is grammatically correct, it sounds a bit like textbook Hindi. In real conversation, 'Vah chhip gayā' is the natural way to say 'He hid.' Similarly, for feminine subjects, remember to change the ending of both verbs: 'Vah chhip gaī.' Avoiding these common errors will make your Hindi sound much more authentic and fluid.

While छिपना (chhipnā) is the general word for hiding, Hindi offers a rich palette of synonyms and related terms that carry specific nuances. Depending on whether you are hiding in fear, disappearing suddenly, or being obscured by something, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

Chhipnā vs. Dubaknā (दुबकना): 'Chhipnā' is neutral. 'Dubaknā' specifically means to crouch or huddle down while hiding, usually out of fear or to avoid detection in a small space. If a kitten is hiding under a sofa because of a loud noise, 'dubaknā' is the perfect word.
Chhipnā vs. Oujhal Honā (ओझल होना): 'Oujhal honā' is a more poetic or formal way to say 'to vanish from sight' or 'to go beyond the horizon.' While 'chhipnā' can be used for the sun, 'nazron se oujhal honā' (to vanish from the eyes) is used when someone slowly fades into the distance.
Chhipnā vs. Gāyab Honā (गायब होना): 'Gāyab honā' means 'to disappear' or 'to go missing.' Use 'chhipnā' if the person is intentionally concealing themselves. Use 'gāyab honā' if they have vanished mysteriously or if an object is lost.

वह डर के मारे कोने में दुबक गया। (He huddled/hid in the corner out of fear.)

जहाज़ धीरे-धीरे नज़रों से ओझल हो गया। (The ship slowly vanished from sight.)

In summary, while 'chhipnā' is your go-to word, using 'dubaknā' adds physical description, 'oujhal honā' adds a touch of elegance, and 'gāyab honā' adds a sense of mystery or loss. Understanding these alternatives allows you to describe scenarios with much greater emotional and visual detail.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'chhipnā' is so central to Indian childhood that 'Chhupan Chhupai' is the universal name for Hide and Seek across almost all Hindi-speaking regions, regardless of local dialect.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ʃʰɪp.nɑː/

US /t͡ʃʰɪp.nɑː/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'chhip'.

Rhymes With

लिपटना (lipaṭnā) चिपकना (chipaknā) दिखना (dikhnā) लिखना (likhnā) बिकना (biknā) टिकना (ṭiknā) सिखना (sikhnā) मिटना (miṭnā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chh' like a simple 'ch' (making it sound like 'chipna').
Confusing it with 'chhinkna' (to sneeze).
Using a long 'ee' sound (chheepna) instead of a short 'i'.
Failing to aspirate the 'chh'.
Pronouncing the 'n' as a retroflex 'N'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The script is simple, and the word is common.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of intransitive verb conjugation and avoiding 'ne'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once 'chh' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Common in songs and movies, easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देखना (dekhnā) पीछे (pīche) अंदर (andar) जाना (jānā) खेल (khel)

Learn Next

छिपाना (chhipānā) गायब (gāyab) ओझल (oujhal) रहस्य (rahasya) पर्दा (pardā)

Advanced

अंतर्धान (antardhān) तिरोहित (tirohit) प्रच्छन्न (prachchhann) गुमनाम (gumnām)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verbs in Past Tense

Vah chhipā (He hid) - No 'ne' used.

Compound Verbs with 'jānā'

Chhip jānā (To hide away) - adds emphasis.

Gender Agreement

Ladka chhipa vs Ladki chhipee.

Present Continuous

Main chhip raha hoon (I am hiding).

Infinitive as Noun

Chhipna mushkil hai (Hiding is difficult).

Examples by Level

मैं यहाँ छिपता हूँ।

I hide here.

Simple present tense, masculine subject.

वह कहाँ छिप रहा है?

Where is he hiding?

Present continuous tense.

बच्चा छिप गया।

The child hid.

Past tense using the compound 'chhip gayā'.

तुम मत छिपो।

Don't hide.

Negative imperative.

बिल्ली मेज़ के नीचे छिपती है।

The cat hides under the table.

Habitual present tense.

हम यहाँ छिपेंगे।

We will hide here.

Future tense, plural subject.

वह लड़की छिप गई।

That girl hid.

Past tense, feminine subject.

क्या तुम छिप रहे हो?

Are you hiding?

Interrogative present continuous.

सूरज बादलों के पीछे छिप गया।

The sun hid behind the clouds.

Natural phenomenon usage.

चोर अँधेरे में छिप गया।

The thief hid in the darkness.

Context of crime/avoidance.

वह डर के कारण छिप गई।

She hid because of fear.

Using 'ke kāran' (because of).

पेड़ के पीछे मत छिपना।

Don't hide behind the tree.

Infinitive used as a general command.

क्या सब लोग छिप गए हैं?

Has everyone hidden?

Present perfect tense.

वह कमरे में जाकर छिप गया।

He went into the room and hid.

Using 'kar' construction (having gone).

चाँद छिप रहा है।

The moon is hiding.

Personification of nature.

यहाँ कोई छिप सकता है।

Someone can hide here.

Using 'saknā' (can).

सच्चाई कभी नहीं छिपती।

Truth never hides/stays hidden.

Abstract usage, habitual present.

वह अपनी भावनाओं को छिपने नहीं देता।

He doesn't let his emotions stay hidden.

Causative-like 'denā' construction.

मुजरिम पुलिस की नज़रों से छिपता रहा।

The criminal kept hiding from the police's eyes.

Continuous aspect with 'rahā'.

उसके पीछे एक गहरा राज़ छिप़ा है।

A deep secret is hidden behind that.

Past participle 'chhipā' used as an adjective.

तुम कब तक छिपते रहोगे?

How long will you keep hiding?

Future continuous aspect.

वह भीड़ में छिपने की कोशिश कर रही थी।

She was trying to hide in the crowd.

Using 'koshish karnā' (to try).

सूरज छिपते ही अँधेरा हो गया।

As soon as the sun set, it became dark.

Using the 'te hi' (as soon as) construction.

हमें इस गुफा में छिपना चाहिए।

We should hide in this cave.

Using 'chāhiye' (should).

वह समाज से छिपकर रह रहा है।

He is living hidden away from society.

Using 'chhipkar' as an adverb (secretly/hidden).

उसकी बातों में एक चेतावनी छिपी थी।

A warning was hidden in his words.

Abstract past tense.

वह अपनी कमियों को छिपने की लाख कोशिश करे, पर वे दिख ही जाती हैं।

No matter how much he tries to hide his flaws, they become visible.

Subjunctive mood usage.

शेर झाड़ियों में छिपकर शिकार का इंतज़ार कर रहा था।

The lion was hiding in the bushes waiting for the prey.

Complex narrative sentence.

अतीत की यादें कहीं छिप गई थीं।

Memories of the past had hidden somewhere.

Metaphorical past perfect.

क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि वह सच में छिप रहा है?

Do you think he is really hiding?

Complex sentence with 'ki' clause.

वह अपनी असली पहचान के पीछे छिपता फिर रहा है।

He is wandering around hiding behind his true identity (ironic).

Idiomatic 'chhiptā phirnā'.

मुस्कुराहट के पीछे दर्द छिपना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult for pain to hide behind a smile.

Infinitive as a subject.

लेखक के शब्दों में एक गहरा दर्शन छिपा हुआ है।

A deep philosophy is hidden within the author's words.

Perfective adjective 'chhipā huā'.

राजनीति में अक्सर स्वार्थ छिप़ा रहता है।

Self-interest often remains hidden in politics.

Habitual state using 'rahnā'.

उसकी चुप्पी में कई सवाल छिपे थे।

Many questions were hidden in her silence.

Abstract plural subject.

वह अपनी कायरता को बहादुरी के पीछे छिपने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is trying to let his cowardice hide behind bravery.

Complex abstract object.

जैसे ही चाँद बादलों की ओट में छिपा, रात और भी काली हो गई।

As soon as the moon hid behind the cover of clouds, the night became even darker.

Literary 'ot meñ' (behind the cover of).

सत्य को छिपने के लिए किसी आवरण की आवश्यकता नहीं होती।

Truth does not need any veil to hide (paradoxical).

Philosophical register.

वह अपनी विफलताओं से छिपता फिर रहा है, बजाय उनका सामना करने के।

He is running away/hiding from his failures instead of facing them.

Comparison using 'bajāy'.

इस पुरानी हवेली के हर कोने में कोई न कोई कहानी छिपी है।

A story is hidden in every corner of this old mansion.

Existential sentence.

मानवीय चेतना की गहराइयों में अनगिनत रहस्य छिपे हुए हैं।

Countless mysteries are hidden in the depths of human consciousness.

High formal/academic register.

उसकी आँखों की चमक में एक शरारत छिपी रहती है।

A mischief remains hidden in the sparkle of his eyes.

Nuanced state of being.

इतिहास के पन्नों में कई अनकही दास्तानें छिपी रह गई हैं।

Many untold stories have remained hidden in the pages of history.

Compound verb 'chhipī rah jānā'.

वह अपनी विद्वत्ता के पीछे एक गहरा अहंकार छिपने नहीं दे सका।

He could not let a deep ego hide behind his scholarship.

Complex modal construction.

प्रकृति के इस शांत स्वरूप के पीछे एक प्रलयंकारी शक्ति छिपी हो सकती है।

Behind this calm form of nature, a cataclysmic power might be hidden.

Speculative 'ho sakti hai'.

उसकी कविताओं में जो व्यंग्य छिपा है, वह हर किसी की समझ में नहीं आता।

The satire hidden in his poems is not understood by everyone.

Relative clause 'jo... vah'.

वह स्वयं से ही छिपने का व्यर्थ प्रयास कर रहा है।

He is making a futile attempt to hide even from himself.

Reflexive 'svayam se'.

शब्दों के जाल में अक्सर अर्थ कहीं छिप जाता है।

In the web of words, the meaning often gets hidden somewhere.

Metaphorical/Linguistic usage.

Common Collocations

बादलों में छिपना

डर के मारे छिपना

नज़रों से छिपना

पेड़ के पीछे छिपना

अँधेरे में छिपना

पहाड़ों के पीछे छिपना

भीड़ में छिपना

कोने में छिपना

परदे के पीछे छिपना

खुद को छिपना

Common Phrases

छिप-छिप कर

— Doing something secretly or stealthily.

वह छिप-छिप कर उससे मिलता है।

कहाँ छिपे थे?

— Where were you hiding? (Used when meeting after a long time).

इतने दिनों से तुम कहाँ छिपे थे?

छिपने की जगह

— A hiding place or hideout.

यह एक अच्छी छिपने की जगह है।

सूरज छिपना

— Sunset.

सूरज छिपने का समय हो गया है।

चाँद छिपना

— Moon disappearing behind clouds.

चाँद छिपते ही अँधेरा छा गया।

छिपने का खेल

— The game of hide and seek.

बच्चों को छिपने का खेल पसंद है।

नज़रों से छिपना

— To avoid being seen by someone.

वह पुलिस की नज़रों से छिप रहा है।

मुँह छिपना

— To hide one's face (out of shame).

वह शर्म से मुँह छिप रहा है।

राज़ छिपना

— A secret being hidden.

इस बात में कोई राज़ छिपा है।

अँधेरे में छिपना

— To hide in the dark.

वह अँधेरे में छिपकर बैठा था।

Often Confused With

छिपना vs छिपाना (chhipānā)

This is transitive (to hide something). 'Chhipnā' is intransitive (to hide oneself).

छिपना vs छींकना (chhīnknā)

This means 'to sneeze'. It sounds similar but has a nasal 'n'.

छिपना vs चिपकना (chipaknā)

This means 'to stick to' or 'to cling'. It starts with 'ch' not 'chh'.

Idioms & Expressions

"मुँह छिपाना"

— To be ashamed to show one's face.

गलती करने के बाद वह मुँह छिपाता फिर रहा है।

Common

"नज़रों से ओझल होना"

— To disappear from sight completely.

देखते ही देखते वह नज़रों से ओझल हो गया।

Formal

"बादल में चाँद छिपना"

— Used metaphorically for a beautiful face being covered.

घूँघट में उसका चेहरा ऐसे लगा जैसे बादल में चाँद छिपा हो।

Poetic

"बगल में छुपना"

— To take shelter or hide right next to something/someone.

वह अपनी माँ की बगल में छुप गया।

Child-friendly

"छिपकर वार करना"

— To attack from a hidden position (backstab).

कायर लोग हमेशा छिपकर वार करते हैं।

Critical

"राज़ की बात छिपाना"

— While 'chhipānā' is transitive, 'raaz chhipnā' is the state of the secret being hidden.

उसके दिल में कई राज़ छिपे हैं।

Common

"छिपते फिरना"

— To be on the run or avoiding people constantly.

वह कर्जदारों से छिपता फिर रहा है।

Common

"अँधेरे में तीर चलाना"

— To guess blindly (related to the lack of visibility).

बिना जानकारी के बोलना अँधेरे में तीर चलाने जैसा है।

Metaphorical

"पर्दा फाश होना"

— The opposite of hiding; for a secret to be revealed.

आखिरकार उसका पर्दा फाश हो गया।

Common

"मिट्टी में छिपना"

— To be buried or forgotten.

कई सभ्यताएँ मिट्टी में छिप गई हैं।

Literary

Easily Confused

छिपना vs छिपाना

Both translate to 'hide' in English.

Chhipnā is for the person hiding; Chhipānā is for an object being hidden by someone.

Main chhipā (I hid) vs Maine chābi chhipāī (I hid the key).

छिपना vs गायब होना

Both imply not being seen.

Chhipnā implies being behind something; Gāyab honā implies vanishing or being lost.

Vah chhip gayā (He is behind the door) vs Vah gāyab ho gayā (He is gone).

छिपना vs दुबकना

Both mean hiding.

Dubaknā implies a physical posture (crouching) usually due to fear.

Vah dar ke māre dubak gayā.

छिपना vs ओझल होना

Both mean going out of sight.

Oujhal honā is used for things moving far away or behind a horizon.

Sūraj oujhal ho gayā.

छिपना vs दबना

Sounds slightly similar.

Dabnā means to be pressed or buried.

Vah ret mein dab gayā.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Place] में छिपता है।

बच्चा कमरे में छिपता है।

[Subject] [Place] के पीछे छिप गया।

वह पेड़ के पीछे छिप गया।

[Subject] [Noun] से छिप रहा है।

वह पुलिस से छिप रहा है।

[Noun] में [Subject] छिप़ा हुआ है।

इस कहानी में एक संदेश छिपा हुआ है।

[Subject] को छिपने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

तुम्हें मुझसे छिपने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

[Subject] [Abstract Noun] के पीछे छिपता फिर रहा है।

वह अपने अतीत के पीछे छिपता फिर रहा है।

क्या तुम छिप रहे हो?

सूरज छिपते ही...

सूरज छिपते ही तारे दिखने लगे।

Word Family

Nouns

छिपने की जगह (chhipne kī jagah - hiding place)

छिपाव (chhipāv - concealment/secrecy)

Verbs

छिपाना (chhipānā - to hide something [transitive])

छिप जाना (chhip jānā - to hide away [compound])

Adjectives

छिपा (chhipā - hidden)

छिपा हुआ (chhipā huā - concealed)

गुम (gum)

अदृश्य (adrishya)

ओझल (oujhal)

रहस्य (rahasya)

पर्दा (pardā)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

Maine chābi chhipī. → Maine chābi chhipāī.
You hid an object, so use the transitive 'chhipānā'.
Usne chhipā. → Vah chhipā.
Intransitive verbs don't use the 'ne' particle.
Sūraj gāyab ho gayā. → Sūraj chhip gayā.
While 'gāyab' is okay, 'chhip' is more natural for a sunset.
Main chhipānā hoon. → Main chhip rahā hoon.
Confusing the transitive stem with the continuous tense.
Bachcha chhipāī. → Bachcha chhipā.
Using the feminine transitive past for a masculine intransitive subject.

Tips

No 'ne' Particle

Never use 'ne' with chhipnā. It's 'Vah chhipā', not 'Usne chhipā'.

Transitive vs Intransitive

Chhipnā (self) vs Chhipānā (object). This is the most important distinction.

Hide and Seek

Learn 'Chhupan Chhupai' to connect with Hindi-speaking kids or talk about childhood.

Aspirated 'Chh'

Blow a little air when saying the first sound. It's not 'chip', it's 'chhip'.

Compound Verbs

Use 'chhip jānā' for a more natural, completed action in the past.

Sunsets

Use 'chhipnā' when describing the sun going behind clouds or mountains.

Hidden Meanings

Use 'chhipā huā' as an adjective for secrets, meanings, or talents.

Avoidance

The phrase 'chhiptā phirnā' is great for describing someone who is avoiding their responsibilities.

Variants

Don't be surprised to see 'छुपना' (chhupnā) in lyrics; it's the same word.

Word Web

Connect 'chhipnā' with 'pīche' (behind) as they are frequently used together.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CHIP' (microchip) that is so small it can 'CHHIP' (hide) anywhere. The 'chip' is 'chhipna'.

Visual Association

Imagine the sun (Sūraj) wearing a mask or pulling a blanket of clouds over its face. This is 'Sūraj chhip gayā'.

Word Web

Sūraj Bādal Bachcha Chor Raaz Pardā Khel Andherā

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'chhipā huā' (hidden) and describe their location using 'chhipnā' in a sentence.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'kṣip' (क्षिप्) which means to throw, move, or cast away, leading to the sense of casting oneself out of sight.

Original meaning: To be cast away or moved out of view.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'chhipnā' can imply cowardice in certain contexts (like 'chhipkar vār karnā').

English speakers often use 'hide' for everything. Remember that Hindi splits this into 'chhipnā' (self) and 'chhipānā' (object).

Song: 'Chānd Chhipā Bādal Mein' from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Game: 'Chhupan Chhupai' (The Indian version of Hide and Seek). Poetry: Ghalib often refers to 'parda' and 'chhipna' in his ghazals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Playing games

बारी तुम्हारी है
मैं छिप रहा हूँ
ढूँढो मुझे
मिल गया!

Weather

धूप छिप गई
बादल छा गए
सूरज डूब रहा है
चाँद नहीं दिख रहा

Secrets

राज़ की बात
किसी को मत बताना
कुछ तो छिपा है
सच सामने आएगा

Crime/Suspense

पुलिस आ रही है
कहीं छिप जाओ
वह भाग गया
सुराग मिला

Emotions

शर्म आना
डर लगना
मुस्कुराहट के पीछे
अकेले रहना

Conversation Starters

"क्या तुम बचपन में छुपम-छुपाई खेलते थे?"

"अगर तुम्हें दुनिया से छिपना हो, तो तुम कहाँ जाओगे?"

"क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि कोई राज़ हमेशा के लिए छिप सकता है?"

"सूरज छिपने के बाद तुम क्या करना पसंद करते हो?"

"क्या तुम कभी किसी से छिपकर कहीं गए हो?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि जब आप बच्चे थे तो आप कहाँ छिपते थे।

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखिए जहाँ सूरज कभी नहीं छिपता।

क्या आपने कभी अपनी भावनाएँ छिपने की कोशिश की है? क्यों?

एक जासूसी कहानी का वर्णन करें जिसमें चोर पुलिस से छिप रहा है।

लिखिए कि 'सच्चाई कभी नहीं छिपती' इस कहावत का आपके लिए क्या अर्थ है।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually as a state. 'Raaz chhipā hai' (The secret is hidden). If you are actively hiding it, use 'chhipānā'.

No, it's a very common colloquial variant. In songs and daily talk, 'u' and 'i' are often swapped.

Because it is an intransitive verb. In Hindi, only transitive verbs in the perfective aspect take the 'ne' particle.

It is called 'Chhupan Chhupai'.

Yes, 'Sūraj chhipnā' is a standard way to say the sun is setting or has set.

Only if the object is the subject. 'Chābi mez ke niche chhip gaī' (The key [somehow] got hidden under the table).

The most direct opposite is 'dikhnā' (to be seen) or 'prakaṭ honā' (to appear).

It is neutral. For very formal contexts, you might use 'adṛśya honā'.

Yes, 'mujhse mat chhipo' can mean 'don't avoid me'.

In the past: 'Vah chhipī' or 'Vah chhip gaī'. In the present: 'Vah chhiptī hai'.