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छुट्टी

A2 noun #1,200 most common 9 min read

छुट्टी

chhutti Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips छुट्टी in 30 Seconds

Explanation छुट्टी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'chhuṭṭī' is one of the most essential nouns you will learn. It simply means 'holiday' or 'day off.' You use it to talk about your weekly day off (usually Sunday) or school holidays. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'Aaj chhuṭṭī hai' (Today is a holiday). You should also learn that it is a feminine word, so you say 'merī chhuṭṭī' (my holiday). It is a joyful word that helps you talk about your basic schedule and free time with friends and teachers.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'chhuṭṭī' in more varied contexts, such as asking for permission or describing past events. You will learn to use verbs like 'lenā' (to take) and 'milnā' (to get). For example, 'Maine kal chhuṭṭī lī' (I took leave yesterday). You also start using the plural form 'chhuṭṭiyāṅ' to talk about vacations. You can now describe why you are taking a holiday, such as being sick (bīmārī kī chhuṭṭī) or having a festival. This level requires you to manage the feminine gender agreement more consistently in your speech.

At the B1 level, you can handle more complex situations involving 'chhuṭṭī.' You might use it in a professional context to discuss leave policies or plan a trip. You understand the difference between 'chhuṭṭī' and the more formal 'avkaash.' You can use the oblique plural form 'chhuṭṭiyoṅ' correctly with postpositions, such as 'Chhuṭṭiyoṅ ke daurān' (During the holidays). You are also able to use the word in compound sentences, explaining the consequences of a holiday, like 'Chhuṭṭī hone ke kāran bāzār band thā' (The market was closed due to it being a holiday).

At the B2 level, you understand the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of 'chhuṭṭī.' You recognize that 'chhuṭṭī karnā' can mean to dismiss someone or finish a task. You can discuss the cultural significance of holidays in India and how they affect the economy or social life. Your grammar is precise, and you can switch between formal and informal synonyms depending on the audience. You might also use 'chhuṭṭī' in the context of 'freedom' or 'release' from a burden, showing a deeper grasp of the word's conceptual nuances.

At the C1 level, you use 'chhuṭṭī' with the nuance of a native speaker. You can appreciate its use in literature and poetry, where it might symbolize a break from the cycle of life or a moment of spiritual peace. You are comfortable using it in complex legal or administrative discussions regarding labor laws and leave entitlements. You can also use the word sarcastically or humorously in social commentary. Your understanding of the word includes its historical evolution and its relationship with Persian and Sanskrit synonyms.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'chhuṭṭī' in all its dimensions. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the concept of 'leisure' versus 'work,' using 'chhuṭṭī' as a central theme. You understand obscure regional variations or archaic uses of the word. You can write formal essays or deliver speeches where 'chhuṭṭī' is used to discuss societal well-being, mental health, or historical events. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for expressing complex human experiences and social structures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

छुट्टी in 30 Seconds

Chhuṭṭī means holiday, leave, or vacation.
It is a feminine noun in Hindi grammar.
Used for both formal office leave and informal school breaks.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'lenā' (take) and 'milnā' (get).

The Hindi word छुट्टी (chhuṭṭī) is one of the most beloved words in the Hindi language, primarily because it represents liberation from the daily grind. At its core, it translates to 'holiday,' 'leave,' 'vacation,' or 'time off.' However, its usage is far more expansive than its English counterparts. In an Indian context, a chhuṭṭī can range from a simple Sunday off to a month-long summer break or even a formal medical leave from a corporate job. It is a feminine noun, which dictates the grammar of the sentences it inhabits.

The Essence of Rest: In Hindi, chhuṭṭī implies a cessation of regular duties. Whether you are a student waiting for the school bell to ring at the end of the day or an employee applying for earned leave, you are seeking chhuṭṭī. It is the universal term for any break in routine.

कल स्कूल की छुट्टी है। (Tomorrow is a school holiday.)

Culturally, chhuṭṭī is deeply tied to the Indian calendar, which is peppered with religious and national festivals. When someone asks, 'When is your next chhuṭṭī?', they might be referring to Diwali, Eid, or simply a weekend. It is also used in the context of 'dismissal' or 'finishing something.' For example, in sports or games, if a player is out, one might colloquially say their chhuṭṭī has been done, meaning their time on the field is over.

Workplace Context: In a professional setting, chhuṭṭī is used for formal leave. You 'take' a leave (chhuṭṭī lenā) or 'ask' for leave (chhuṭṭī māṅgnā). It covers sick leave, casual leave, and annual vacations.

मुझे अगले हफ्ते की छुट्टी चाहिए। (I need leave for next week.)

The word also appears in the context of school hours. When the school day ends, children shout 'Chhuṭṭī ho gayi!' (School is over!). This specific use refers to the daily dismissal rather than a full day off. This versatility makes it one of the first fifty nouns a learner should master. It bridges the gap between formal administrative language and the joyful, informal language of children and families.

Social Implications: In India, a chhuṭṭī is rarely spent alone. It usually involves family gatherings, special meals, or traveling to one's 'native place' (gaon). Thus, the word carries a connotation of social connection and celebration.

गर्मियों की छुट्टियों में हम नानी के घर जाते हैं। (In summer vacations, we go to grandmother's house.)

Finally, the word is used in various idioms to suggest finishing or getting rid of something. If a boss fires an employee, people might say 'Uska chhuṭṭī kar di' (He was sent packing). This metaphorical use extends the word from a simple 'day off' to a concept of 'finality' or 'departure.' Understanding these layers helps a learner sound more like a native speaker.

Using छुट्टी (chhuṭṭī) correctly requires an understanding of its feminine gender and how it interacts with different verbs. Because it is feminine, any adjectives or possessive pronouns associated with it must take the feminine form. For example, 'my holiday' is 'merī chhuṭṭī' and 'long holiday' is 'lambī chhuṭṭī'.

The Verb 'Honā' (To Be): When you want to say 'It is a holiday,' you use the verb honā. This is common for public holidays or school closures.

आज दिवाली की छुट्टी है। (Today is a Diwali holiday.)

When talking about personal leave, you typically use the verbs lenā (to take) or milnā (to get/receive). If you are asking your boss for time off, you are 'taking' leave. If the company grants it, you 'got' leave.

The Verb 'Lenā' (To Take): Used when the subject initiates the time off. 'Maine do din kī chhuṭṭī lī' (I took two days of leave).

क्या मैं कल की छुट्टी ले सकता हूँ? (Can I take tomorrow off?)

The plural form chhuṭṭiyāṅ is used for extended periods like summer or winter breaks. In this case, the verb must also agree with the plural feminine noun. 'Chhuṭṭiyāṅ shuru ho gayi haiṅ' (Vacations have started).

The Verb 'Milnā' (To Get): Used when the holiday is granted or happens to you. 'Mujhe chhuṭṭī mil gaī' (I got the leave).

काम की वजह से मुझे छुट्टी नहीं मिली। (I didn't get leave because of work.)

Another interesting usage is 'chhuṭṭī manānā' (to celebrate/spend a holiday). This is used when you are describing how you spent your time off. 'Hamne pahāṛoṅ me chhuṭṭī manāī' (We spent our holiday in the mountains). This construction treats the holiday as an event to be experienced or celebrated.

Finally, consider the phrase 'chhuṭṭī honā' in the context of school. When a child says 'School kī chhuṭṭī ho gaī,' it doesn't mean the school is closed for a holiday; it means the school day has ended and it's time to go home. This is a very common daily occurrence and a vital phrase for parents and students.

The word छुट्टी (chhuṭṭī) is ubiquitous in Indian life, echoing through various environments from the silent corridors of government offices to the noisy playgrounds of primary schools. If you are in India, you will hear this word almost daily, often accompanied by a sense of relief or excitement.

In Schools and Colleges: The most common place to hear this is at a school gate. As the final bell rings, you'll hear children shouting 'Chhuṭṭī!'. Teachers use it to announce upcoming breaks: 'Kal kī chhuṭṭī hai' (Tomorrow is a holiday).

गर्मियों की छुट्टी कब से है? (When do summer vacations start?)

In the corporate world, chhuṭṭī is the subject of many water-cooler conversations. Employees discuss their 'leave balance' or plan their 'long weekends' around public holidays. You will hear phrases like 'Maine leave apply kar dī hai' (I have applied for leave), where 'leave' and 'chhuṭṭī' are often used interchangeably in Hinglish, but 'chhuṭṭī' remains the soulful, native choice.

At the Railway Station or Airport: During festival seasons like Diwali or Holi, the word is everywhere. People talk about going home for the chhuṭṭiyāṅ. Announcements might even mention office closures or special holiday trains (Holiday Specials).

त्योहार की छुट्टियों में बहुत भीड़ होती है। (There is a lot of rush during festival holidays.)

In domestic settings, you'll hear it regarding household help. A maid or driver might ask, 'Bhaiya, kal kī chhuṭṭī mil sakti hai?' (Brother, can I get tomorrow off?). This is a standard part of managing household staff in India. Similarly, news channels frequently announce 'Sarkārī Chhuṭṭī' (Government holidays) due to weather conditions or local elections.

Lastly, in the digital age, chhuṭṭī is a frequent topic in WhatsApp groups. Friends plan trips, colleagues coordinate absences, and family members share 'Good Morning' images with captions about enjoying the Sunday chhuṭṭī. It is a word that connects the formal structures of society with the personal desire for rest and joy.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using छुट्टी (chhuṭṭī) involves its grammatical gender. Hindi nouns are either masculine or feminine, and chhuṭṭī is strictly feminine. Many learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because 'holiday' in English is neutral.

Gender Agreement Errors: Learners often say 'Mera chhuṭṭī' (My holiday - masculine) instead of 'Merī chhuṭṭī' (My holiday - feminine). Similarly, they might say 'Chhuṭṭī achha tha' (The holiday was good - masculine) instead of 'Chhuṭṭī achhī thī' (feminine).

❌ गलत: मेरा छुट्टी खत्म हो गया।
✅ सही: मेरी छुट्टी खत्म हो गई। (My holiday is over.)

Another common point of confusion is the difference between 'chhuṭṭī' and 'avkaash'. While both mean holiday, avkaash is highly formal and used in literature or official government notices. Using avkaash in a casual conversation with friends can sound unnaturally stiff. Stick to chhuṭṭī for 99% of daily interactions.

Confusing 'Chhuṭṭī' with 'Break': In English, we use 'break' for a 15-minute coffee interval. In Hindi, chhuṭṭī usually implies at least a half-day or a full day. For a short interval, use 'break' (Hinglish) or 'vashraam'.

Pluralization is also a hurdle. The plural of chhuṭṭī is chhuṭṭiyāṅ. However, when a postposition (like 'me', 'se', 'ko') follows, it must change to the oblique form chhuṭṭiyoṅ. Learners often forget this change and say 'Chhuṭṭiyāṅ me' instead of the correct 'Chhuṭṭiyoṅ me'.

❌ गलत: मैं छुट्टियाँ में घर जाऊँगा।
✅ सही: मैं छुट्टियों में घर जाऊँगा। (I will go home during the holidays.)

Finally, using the wrong verb can change the meaning. 'Chhuṭṭī karnā' means to dismiss or finish someone off, while 'Chhuṭṭī lenā' means to take a day off. Using 'karnā' when you mean 'lenā' can lead to some very funny or awkward misunderstandings in the office!

While छुट्टी (chhuṭṭī) is the most common word for a break, Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that vary based on formality and specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

1. अवकाश (Avkaash): This is the formal, Sanskrit-derived version of chhuṭṭī. You will see it on official calendars, in formal leave applications, and in news broadcasts. It is rarely used in spoken, casual Hindi.

कल सार्वजनिक अवकाश है। (Tomorrow is a public holiday.)

2. फुर्सत (Fursat): This word specifically refers to 'leisure' or 'free time.' While chhuṭṭī is a scheduled day off, fursat is the state of having nothing to do. You might have a chhuṭṭī but no fursat because you are busy with chores.

3. विश्राम (Vishraam): Meaning 'rest' or 'repose.' It is often used in the context of taking a break to recover energy. It's more about the act of resting than the administrative status of a holiday.

थोड़ी देर विश्राम कर लो। (Take a rest for a while.)

4. यात्रा (Yaatra) / सैर (Sair): If your chhuṭṭī involves traveling, you might use these words. Yaatra is a journey (often spiritual or long), while sair is a trip or outing for pleasure. People often say they are going on a 'vacation' (using the English word) or a 'trip' in modern Hindi.

In professional environments, you might also hear 'Leave' (pronounced as in English). Hinglish is very common in Indian offices, so 'Maine leave lī hai' is just as common as 'Maine chhuṭṭī lī hai.' However, using the Hindi word chhuṭṭī often sounds more personal and warm.

Finally, for school-related breaks, 'Intermission' or 'Recess' are sometimes used for short breaks, but the end of the day is always chhuṭṭī. Knowing these alternatives allows you to navigate different social strata in India, from the most formal government office to a casual chat at a tea stall.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In olden times, 'chhuṭṭī' referred specifically to the permission given to a soldier or worker to leave their post and return home.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtʃʊt.ti/

US /ˈtʃʊt.ti/

Stress is on the first syllable 'Chhu'.

Rhymes With

कुट्टी (Kutti) मुट्टी (Mutti) पट्टी (Patti) मिट्टी (Mitti) चिट्ठी (Chitthi - near rhyme) भट्टी (Bhatti) खट्टी (Khatti) जट्टी (Jatti)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chh' as a simple 'sh'.
Pronouncing the 'tt' as a soft dental 't' instead of retroflex.
Making the 'u' sound too long like 'choo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the characters 'chh' and 'tt'.

Writing 3/5

The conjunct 'tt' (ट + ट) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Aspiration of 'chh' and retroflex 'tt' require practice.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

आज कल है स्कूल काम

Learn Next

अवकाश त्योहार मनाना यात्रा थकान

Advanced

निलंबन (Suspension) त्यागपत्र (Resignation) सेवानिवृत्ति (Retirement)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (feminine) छुट्टी अच्छी (feminine) थी।

Plural Formation

छुट्टी -> छुट्टियाँ (Standard plural).

Oblique Case

छुट्टियों (Oblique) में (Postposition).

Compound Verbs

छुट्टी हो गई (Completed action).

Possessive Postpositions

स्कूल की छुट्टी (School's holiday).

Examples by Level

आज छुट्टी है।

Today is a holiday.

Simple present tense with 'hai'.

कल स्कूल की छुट्टी है।

Tomorrow is a school holiday.

Possessive 'ki' agrees with feminine 'chhuṭṭī'.

रविवार को छुट्टी होती है।

There is a holiday on Sunday.

Habitual present 'hoti hai'.

यह मेरी छुट्टी है।

This is my holiday.

Feminine possessive 'meri'.

छुट्टी कब है?

When is the holiday?

Interrogative 'kab'.

मुझे छुट्टी चाहिए।

I want a holiday.

Use of 'chahiye' for wanting.

मज़ेदार छुट्टी!

Fun holiday!

Exclamatory phrase.

पापा की छुट्टी है।

It is Dad's day off.

Possessive 'ki' for Dad's holiday.

मैंने कल की छुट्टी ली।

I took leave for tomorrow.

Past tense 'li' (feminine) for 'chhuṭṭī'.

क्या आपको छुट्टी मिली?

Did you get the holiday?

Verb 'milna' in past tense.

हम छुट्टियों में दिल्ली जाएंगे।

We will go to Delhi in the holidays.

Plural oblique 'chhuṭṭiyoṅ' with 'me'.

बीमारी की वजह से छुट्टी लेनी पड़ी।

Had to take leave due to illness.

Compound verb 'leni padi' (had to take).

अगली छुट्टी कब आएगी?

When will the next holiday come?

Future tense 'aayegi'.

वह छुट्टी पर है।

He/She is on leave.

Preposition 'par' (on).

छुट्टियाँ बहुत छोटी थीं।

The holidays were very short.

Plural feminine agreement 'thīṅ'.

मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए।

I need two days of leave.

Quantifier 'do din ki'.

त्योहारों की छुट्टियों में घर जाना मुश्किल होता है।

It is difficult to go home during festival holidays.

Complex sentence with 'mushkil hota hai'.

अगर मुझे छुट्टी मिली, तो मैं ज़रूर आऊँगा।

If I get leave, I will definitely come.

Conditional 'agar... to'.

ऑफिस में छुट्टी के लिए अर्जी देनी पड़ती है।

One has to give an application for leave in the office.

Passive-style 'deni padti hai'.

छुट्टियों के दौरान मैंने बहुत सारी किताबें पढ़ीं।

During the holidays, I read many books.

Postposition 'ke dauran'.

बिना बताए छुट्टी लेना गलत है।

Taking leave without informing is wrong.

Gerundial use of 'lena'.

उसने अपनी सारी छुट्टियाँ बिता दीं।

He/She spent all their holidays.

Verb 'bita dena' (to spend time).

क्या यहाँ शनिवार की छुट्टी होती है?

Is there a holiday on Saturday here?

General inquiry about local customs.

छुट्टी का दिन आराम के लिए होता है।

A holiday is meant for rest.

Defining the purpose of the noun.

लगातार काम करने के बाद एक लंबी छुट्टी ज़रूरी है।

A long holiday is necessary after working continuously.

Adverbial phrase 'lagatar kaam karne ke baad'.

सरकारी छुट्टियों की सूची वेबसाइट पर उपलब्ध है।

The list of government holidays is available on the website.

Formal vocabulary like 'soochi' and 'uplabdha'.

उसने बीमारी का बहाना बनाकर छुट्टी ली।

He took leave by making an excuse of illness.

Participle 'banakar' (by making).

छुट्टियों का मज़ा अपनों के साथ ही आता है।

The fun of holidays comes only with loved ones.

Emphatic particle 'hi'.

कंपनी ने बिना नोटिस के उसकी छुट्टी कर दी।

The company fired him without notice.

Idiomatic use of 'chhuṭṭī karna' meaning dismissal.

सर्दियों की छुट्टियों में पहाड़ों पर बर्फ गिरती है।

Snow falls in the mountains during winter vacations.

Descriptive locative sentence.

ज़्यादा छुट्टियाँ लेने से वेतन कट सकता है।

Salary might be deducted for taking too many leaves.

Possibility with 'sakta hai'.

उसने अपनी छुट्टियों का सही उपयोग किया।

He made proper use of his holidays.

Abstract noun 'upyog' (use).

आधुनिक जीवन में छुट्टी का अर्थ केवल काम से दूरी नहीं है।

In modern life, the meaning of holiday is not just distance from work.

Philosophical 'arth' (meaning) construction.

मजदूरों के लिए सवैतनिक छुट्टी एक मौलिक अधिकार है।

Paid leave is a fundamental right for laborers.

Technical term 'savaitnik chhuṭṭī' (paid leave).

साहित्य में छुट्टी अक्सर मानसिक शांति का प्रतीक होती है।

In literature, holiday is often a symbol of mental peace.

Literary analysis style.

प्रशासन ने भारी बारिश के कारण स्कूलों में छुट्टी घोषित कर दी।

The administration declared a holiday in schools due to heavy rain.

Formal 'ghoshit kar di' (declared).

छुट्टियों की योजना बनाना भी अपने आप में एक तनावपूर्ण कार्य हो सकता है।

Planning holidays can also be a stressful task in itself.

Reflexive 'apne aap mein'.

उसकी बातों ने मेरी चिंताओं से छुट्टी दिला दी।

His words gave me a break from my worries.

Metaphorical use of 'chhuṭṭī dilana'.

क्या हम कभी अपनी जिम्मेदारियों से पूरी तरह छुट्टी पा सकते हैं?

Can we ever get a complete break from our responsibilities?

Rhetorical question.

त्योहारों की छुट्टियों का बाज़ार की अर्थव्यवस्था पर गहरा प्रभाव पड़ता है।

Festival holidays have a deep impact on the market economy.

Economic context.

छुट्टी की अवधारणा समय के साथ निरंतर विकसित होती रही है।

The concept of holiday has been continuously evolving over time.

Abstract 'avdharna' (concept).

निर्वाण का अर्थ जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र से शाश्वत छुट्टी है।

Nirvana means eternal leave from the cycle of birth and death.

Highly spiritual/philosophical context.

पूँजीवादी व्यवस्था में छुट्टी को अक्सर उत्पादकता के चश्मे से देखा जाता है।

In a capitalist system, holiday is often seen through the lens of productivity.

Sociopolitical critique.

लेखक ने अपनी आत्मकथा में बचपन की छुट्टियों का मार्मिक वर्णन किया है।

The author has given a poignant description of childhood holidays in his autobiography.

Advanced descriptive 'marmik varnan'.

जब तक कार्य में आनंद न हो, हर दिन छुट्टी की प्रतीक्षा रहती है।

Unless there is joy in work, every day is a wait for a holiday.

Conditional 'jab tak... na'.

न्यायालय ने कर्मचारी की छुट्टी के अधिकार को बरकरार रखा।

The court upheld the employee's right to leave.

Legal 'barkaraar rakhna' (to uphold).

छुट्टियों का अभाव मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए घातक सिद्ध हो सकता है।

Lack of holidays can prove fatal for mental health.

Formal 'abhav' (lack) and 'ghatak' (fatal).

उसने अपने पद से लंबी छुट्टी लेकर सबको चौंका दिया।

He surprised everyone by taking a long leave from his post.

Complex narrative structure.

Common Collocations

लंबी छुट्टी

सरकारी छुट्टी

बीमारी की छुट्टी

छुट्टी मनाना

छुट्टी माँगना

छुट्टी मिलना

गर्मियों की छुट्टियाँ

आधे दिन की छुट्टी

बिना वेतन की छुट्टी

छुट्टी का दिन

Common Phrases

छुट्टी हो गई!

— School is over! or Work is finished!

घंटी बजी और छुट्टी हो गई।

आज किसकी छुट्टी है?

— Whose day off is it today?

ऑफिस में आज किसकी छुट्टी है?

छुट्टी का मज़ा

— The joy of a holiday.

छुट्टी का मज़ा दोस्तों के साथ आता है।

एक दिन की छुट्टी

— One day off.

मुझे बस एक दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए।

हफ़्ते की छुट्टी

— Weekly off.

मेरी हफ़्ते की छुट्टी सोमवार को होती है।

छुट्टी पर जाना

— To go on holiday.

वह अगले महीने छुट्टी पर जा रहा है।

छुट्टी की अर्जी

— Leave application.

छुट्टी की अर्जी मैनेजर को दे दो।

पक्की छुट्टी

— A confirmed holiday or (slang) being finished.

कल की पक्की छुट्टी है।

छुट्टी का समय

— Holiday time.

यह छुट्टी का समय है, काम मत करो।

अचानक छुट्टी

— Sudden holiday.

बारिश की वजह से अचानक छुट्टी हो गई।

Often Confused With

छुट्टी vs छूट (Chhūṭ)

Means discount or exemption, not holiday.

छुट्टी vs छोटा (Chhoṭā)

Means small; sounds similar but unrelated.

छुट्टी vs चिट्ठी (Chiṭṭhī)

Means letter; often confused by beginners due to the 'tt' sound.

Idioms & Expressions

"छुट्टी करना"

— To fire someone or to finish someone off.

बॉस ने आलसी कर्मचारी की छुट्टी कर दी।

Colloquial

"छुट्टी पा लेना"

— To get rid of a burden or responsibility.

इस मुश्किल काम से मैंने छुट्टी पा ली।

Neutral

"छठी का दूध याद आना"

— To be in a very difficult situation (often used when someone's 'holiday' ends painfully).

परीक्षा ने उसे छठी का दूध याद दिला दिया।

Informal

"छुट्टी मनाना"

— To enjoy oneself thoroughly without worries.

आज तो हम जमकर छुट्टी मनाएंगे।

Neutral

"काम से छुट्टी"

— Retirement or long break.

अब उसने काम से छुट्टी ले ली है।

Neutral

"दिमाग की छुट्टी"

— Not using one's brain/being absent-minded.

क्या तुम्हारे दिमाग की छुट्टी है?

Slang

"किस्मत की छुट्टी"

— Having bad luck.

लगता है मेरी किस्मत की छुट्टी हो गई है।

Informal

"दुनिया से छुट्टी"

— Death (euphemism).

बेचारे की दुनिया से छुट्टी हो गई।

Sensitive

"हाथ धोकर छुट्टी करना"

— To completely finish or destroy something.

उसने सारा खाना खाकर छुट्टी कर दी।

Informal

"छुट्टियों के मज़े"

— Living a carefree life.

वह तो बस छुट्टियों के मज़े ले रहा है।

Neutral

Easily Confused

छुट्टी vs अवकाश (Avkaash)

Both mean holiday.

Avkaash is formal/Sanskritized; Chhuṭṭī is common/colloquial.

सरकारी अवकाश vs स्कूल की छुट्टी

छुट्टी vs विश्राम (Vishraam)

Both involve not working.

Vishraam is the act of resting; Chhuṭṭī is the scheduled time off.

विश्राम गृह (Rest house) vs छुट्टी का दिन

छुट्टी vs फुर्सत (Fursat)

Both mean free time.

Fursat is leisure/availability; Chhuṭṭī is a formal break.

मुझे फुर्सत नहीं है (I don't have free time).

छुट्टी vs ब्रेक (Break)

Both are pauses.

Break is a short interval (minutes); Chhuṭṭī is long (days).

लंच ब्रेक vs दिवाली की छुट्टी

छुट्टी vs छूट (Chhūṭ)

Phonetically similar.

Chhūṭ is a discount or being let off a hook.

दुकान पर 50% की छूट है।

Sentence Patterns

आज [Event] की छुट्टी है।

आज होली की छुट्टी है।

मैंने [Time] की छुट्टी ली।

मैंने दो दिन की छुट्टी ली।

अगर [Condition], तो छुट्टी मिलेगी।

अगर काम खत्म हुआ, तो छुट्टी मिलेगी।

[Reason] की वजह से छुट्टी लेनी पड़ी।

बारिश की वजह से छुट्टी लेनी पड़ी।

छुट्टी का उद्देश्य [Purpose] होना चाहिए।

छुट्टी का उद्देश्य मानसिक शांति होना चाहिए।

छुट्टी की सार्थकता [Context] पर निर्भर है।

छुट्टी की सार्थकता विश्राम पर निर्भर है।

मेरी छुट्टी [Day] को है।

मेरी छुट्टी रविवार को है।

छुट्टियाँ [Adjective] थीं।

छुट्टियाँ बहुत मज़ेदार थीं।

Word Family

Nouns

छुट्टियाँ (Chhuṭṭiyāṅ - Plural)

छूट (Chhūṭ - Discount/Exemption)

Verbs

छुड़ाना (Chhuṛānā - To release)

छूटना (Chhūṭnā - To be left/released)

Adjectives

छुट्टी वाला (Chhuṭṭī vālā - Related to holiday)

अवकाश

विश्राम

पर्यटन

यात्रा

फुर्सत

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Mera chhuṭṭī → Merī chhuṭṭī
Chhuṭṭī is feminine, so the possessive pronoun must be 'merī'.
Chhuṭṭiyāṅ me → Chhuṭṭiyoṅ me
In the oblique case (before a postposition), the plural 'chhuṭṭiyāṅ' changes to 'chhuṭṭiyoṅ'.
Chhuṭṭī achha tha → Chhuṭṭī achhī thī
Adjectives and auxiliary verbs must agree with the feminine gender of 'chhuṭṭī'.
Maine chhuṭṭī kiya → Maine chhuṭṭī lī
'Chhuṭṭī karnā' means to fire someone. 'Chhuṭṭī lenā' means to take a holiday.
Chhuṭṭī kab hai? → Chhuṭṭī kab hai?
This is actually correct, but learners often forget the 'h' in 'chh'.

Tips

Feminine Agreement

Always pair 'chhuṭṭī' with feminine forms. Say 'lambī chhuṭṭī' not 'lambā chhuṭṭī'. This is the most common error for learners.

Asking for Leave

When asking a superior for leave, using 'avkaash' in writing is better, but 'chhuṭṭī' is fine in speaking.

The 'Chh' Sound

Don't forget to blow air out when saying 'chh'. It's like the 'ch' in 'chip' but much stronger.

Plural Oblique

Remember that 'chhuṭṭiyāṅ' becomes 'chhuṭṭiyoṅ' before words like 'me' or 'se'. 'Chhuṭṭiyoṅ me' is correct.

Sarkari Chhutti

India has many 'Sarkari Chhuṭṭī' (Government holidays). Check the local calendar as they vary by state!

Metaphorical Use

If someone says 'Teri chhuṭṭī kar doonga', they are threatening to finish you or fire you. Be careful!

Using 'Leave'

In modern offices, saying 'Main leave par hoon' is very common and perfectly understood.

School Bell

Listen for the phrase 'Chhuṭṭī ho gayi' at 3 PM near any Indian school; it's a classic sound of India.

Conjunct Letters

Practice writing the double 'ṭ' (ट्ट). It looks like one 'ṭ' sitting under another.

Chhutti vs Chhoot

Never confuse 'chhuṭṭī' (holiday) with 'chhūṭ' (discount). You want a holiday, not a 20% discount on your salary!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CHHU' as 'CHoose' and 'TTI' as 'TIme'. You CHoose your TIme off! Or, imagine a train saying 'CHHU-CHHU' as it takes you away on a holiday.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' on a calendar or a school bell ringing loudly with children running out. That feeling of 'freedom' is Chhuṭṭī.

Word Web

Holiday Leave Vacation Sunday Diwali School Office Rest

Challenge

Try to use 'chhuṭṭī' in three different sentences today: one about school, one about work, and one about a festival.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hindi/Prakrit root 'chhūṭ' which means to leave, release, or let go. It shares a common ancestor with the Sanskrit 'chhuṭ' (to split or break).

Original meaning: Release from bondage or duty.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be aware that not everyone gets a 'chhuṭṭī'. Daily wage laborers in India often work 365 days a year. Use the word with empathy in such contexts.

In the West, 'holiday' often implies a trip. In India, 'chhuṭṭī' can just mean staying home and doing nothing.

The Bollywood song 'Chhuṭṭī Na Huī' from the movie 'Chamatkar'. Common school rhymes about 'Garmi ki chhuṭṭī'. The phrase 'Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande' (Sunday or Monday, eat eggs every day) - referencing the Sunday holiday.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At School

छुट्टी कब होगी?
कल छुट्टी है क्या?
गर्मियों की छुट्टियाँ
होमवर्क की छुट्टी

At Office

लीव एप्लीकेशन
बीमारी की छुट्टी
छुट्टी अप्रूव हो गई
पेड लीव

Planning a Trip

छुट्टी मनाना
लंबी छुट्टी
छुट्टियों का पैकेज
टिकट बुक करना

Festivals

दिवाली की छुट्टी
होली की छुट्टी
त्योहार की छुट्टियाँ
बोनस और छुट्टी

Daily Life

रविवार की छुट्टी
आज मेरी छुट्टी है
छुट्टी का दिन
आराम करना

Conversation Starters

"आप अपनी छुट्टियाँ कहाँ बिताते हैं?"

"क्या आपको इस हफ्ते छुट्टी मिली?"

"आपकी अगली छुट्टी कब है?"

"छुट्टियों में आपका पसंदीदा काम क्या है?"

"क्या कल स्कूल की छुट्टी है?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी पिछली छुट्टियों के बारे में लिखिए।

अगर आपको एक महीने की छुट्टी मिले, तो आप क्या करेंगे?

छुट्टी का दिन आपके लिए क्यों ज़रूरी है?

अपने बचपन की गर्मियों की छुट्टियों की यादें साझा करें।

काम और छुट्टी के बीच संतुलन कैसे बनाएं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always use feminine verbs and adjectives with it, such as 'achhī chhuṭṭī' or 'chhuṭṭī ho gaī'.

'Chhuṭṭī' is the common word used in daily life, while 'avkaash' is formal and usually found in official documents or news.

You say 'Main chhuṭṭī par hoon' (मैं छुट्टी पर हूँ).

Yes, colloquially 'uski chhuṭṭī ho gayi' can mean someone was fired or defeated.

The plural is 'chhuṭṭiyāṅ' (छुट्टियाँ).

It is 'Garmiyoṅ kī chhuṭṭiyāṅ' (गर्मियों की छुट्टियाँ).

Yes, Sunday is commonly referred to as 'Itvaar kī chhuṭṭī' or 'Ravivaar kī chhuṭṭī'.

You use 'ki' because it is feminine. For example, 'School ki chhuṭṭī'.

It means to spend or celebrate a holiday. 'Manānā' is the verb for celebrating.

You can say 'Kya mujhe ek din ki chhuṭṭī mil sakti hai?' (Can I get a day's leave?)