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हमदर्दी

A1 noun #4,500 most common 8 min read

हमदर्दी

hamdardi Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips हमदर्दी in 30 Seconds

Explanation हमदर्दी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'Hamdardi' as a basic word to express feelings. Think of it as 'I feel bad for you' or 'I am sorry for you.' At this stage, you only need to know how to use it with 'hai' (is/has). For example, 'Mujhe hamdardi hai' (I have sympathy). You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember it is a feminine word. If you see someone crying, you can say 'Hamdardi' to show you care. It is an important word for basic social interaction in Hindi, helping you connect with people by acknowledging their emotions. Focus on the sound: Ham-dar-dee. The 'ee' at the end tells you it is like a 'she' word. Start by using it in simple sentences like 'I have sympathy for the cat' or 'I have sympathy for him.' This builds a foundation for more complex emotional vocabulary later.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Hamdardi' with more verbs and adjectives. You should be able to say 'Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai' (I have sympathy with/for you). Notice the use of 'se' here. You can also add simple adjectives like 'Badi' (big/great) or 'Thodi' (a little). For example, 'Mujhe tumse thodi hamdardi hai.' You will also learn that 'Hamdardi' comes from 'Dard' (pain). This helps you remember the meaning. At this level, you should also distinguish it from 'Daya' (pity). 'Hamdardi' is what you feel for a friend, while 'Daya' might be what you feel for someone much less fortunate. You can use it in past tense too: 'Mujhe usse hamdardi thi' (I had sympathy for him). Try to use it when talking about your day or describing how you felt when you saw someone in trouble.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Hamdardi' in a variety of social contexts. You can use it to express more nuanced feelings, like 'Geheri hamdardi' (deep sympathy). You should also be able to use the verb 'jatana' (to express). For example, 'Usne apni hamdardi jatai' (He expressed his sympathy). This level requires you to understand the difference between 'Hamdardi' and its Sanskrit synonym 'Sahanubhuti.' You'll notice 'Hamdardi' is more common in movies and songs, while 'Sahanubhuti' appears in news. You can also start using it in conditional sentences: 'Agar tumhe mujhse hamdardi hoti, toh tum meri madad karte' (If you had sympathy for me, you would have helped me). This shows a higher level of fluency and emotional range in your Hindi conversation.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Hamdardi' to discuss abstract concepts and social issues. You might talk about 'Samajik hamdardi' (social sympathy) or the lack thereof in modern society. You should understand idiomatic uses and how the word functions in literature. For instance, you can analyze why an author chose 'hamdardi' over 'karuna' to describe a character's motive. You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive-like constructions: 'Hamdardi dikhayi gayi' (Sympathy was shown). You should be able to debate topics like 'Is hamdardi always a good thing?' or 'Can hamdardi be fake?' Your vocabulary should now include related words like 'Hamdard' (the person who sympathizes) and you should be able to use them interchangeably to add variety to your speech and writing.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the Persian roots of 'Hamdardi' and its place in Hindi-Urdu 'Tehzeeb' (culture/etiquette). You can use the word in sophisticated ways, perhaps in poetry or formal speeches. You understand that 'Hamdardi' implies a shared existential pain, a concept often explored in Sufi thought. You can use it to describe complex emotional states where sympathy is mixed with other feelings like 'majboori' (helplessness) or 'pashchatap' (remorse). Your usage is flawless, and you can pick up on subtle sarcasm if someone uses 'hamdardi' in a mocking way. You can also translate complex English texts involving empathy and sympathy into Hindi, choosing between 'hamdardi,' 'sahanubhuti,' and 'karuna' with precision based on the intended tone and audience.

At the C2 level, 'Hamdardi' is a tool for masterful communication. You can use it to evoke specific cultural tropes and historical contexts. You might use it in a philosophical discourse on the nature of human suffering or in a high-level political analysis of international relations (e.g., 'Antarrashtriya hamdardi'). You understand the rhythmic and phonetic value of the word in 'Shayari' (poetry) and can use it to create emotional resonance in your own writing. You can explain the evolution of the word from Middle Persian to modern Hindi to others. Your understanding is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and psychological. You can navigate the most sensitive situations—such as high-level diplomacy or intense personal grief—using this word and its synonyms with perfect grace and cultural appropriateness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

हमदर्दी in 30 Seconds

Hamdardi means sympathy or compassion in Hindi.
It is a feminine noun of Persian origin.
It literally means 'sharing pain' (Ham + Dard).
Commonly used to express emotional support to others.

The word हमदर्दी (Hamdardi) is a beautiful and deeply emotive noun in Hindi, primarily used to express sympathy, compassion, and a shared sense of pain. Derived from the Persian roots 'Ham' (meaning same or together) and 'Dard' (meaning pain), it literally translates to 'sharing the same pain.' In the social fabric of India, where community and emotional interdependence are vital, hamdardi is more than just a word; it is a social value. It is used when you want to convey that you are not just a spectator to someone's suffering but that you actually feel a portion of their distress within yourself. Unlike the English word 'pity,' which can sometimes carry a patronizing tone, hamdardi is rooted in equality and mutual human connection.

Emotional Resonance: It represents a bridge between two hearts, where one person's grief is acknowledged and held by another.

मुझे आपकी स्थिति से गहरी हमदर्दी है। (I have deep sympathy for your situation.)

People use this word in various scenarios: when a friend loses a job, when a neighbor is mourning a loss, or even in a broader political context when a leader expresses concern for the marginalized. It is an essential part of 'Tehzeeb' (etiquette) in Hindi-Urdu speaking cultures. To show hamdardi is to show that you are 'Insaan' (human). It is often paired with verbs like 'jatana' (to express) or 'rakhna' (to keep/have). When you say 'Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai,' you are offering a hand of support. It is different from 'Daya' (pity), which often implies the other person is helpless. Hamdardi implies 'I am with you in this.'

Social Context: In Indian culture, expressing hamdardi is considered a moral duty during times of crisis, strengthening communal bonds.

उसकी बातों में सच्ची हमदर्दी झलकती है। (True sympathy is reflected in his/her words.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently found in Hindi poetry and songs (Ghazals) to describe the longing for someone who understands one's inner turmoil. A 'Hamdard' is a person who shares your pain, a soulmate in suffering. Thus, 'Hamdardi' is the quality or the act of being a 'Hamdard.' It is a word that transcends mere vocabulary and enters the realm of spiritual empathy. When learning Hindi, mastering this word allows you to connect with native speakers on a much deeper, emotional level, showing that you understand the nuances of human relationships in South Asia.

सिर्फ शब्दों से हमदर्दी जताना काफी नहीं है। (Just expressing sympathy with words is not enough.)

In summary, use 'Hamdardi' when you want to describe a genuine feeling of concern. It is appropriate for formal letters of condolence, casual conversations with friends in distress, and literary compositions. It is a versatile, respectful, and profound term that captures the essence of shared human experience.

Using हमदर्दी correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and the specific verbs it pairs with. As a feminine noun, it dictates the form of nearby adjectives and verbs. For instance, you would say 'Badi hamdardi' (great sympathy) rather than 'Bada hamdardi.' The most common construction is '[Person A] ko [Person B] se hamdardi hai,' which translates to 'Person A has sympathy for Person B.'

Verb Pairing: Jatana (To Express): Use 'jatana' when someone is actively showing or voicing their concern to others.

नेता जी ने गरीबों के प्रति अपनी हमदर्दी जताई। (The leader expressed his sympathy towards the poor.)

Another frequent usage is with the verb 'dikhana' (to show). This is often used to describe visible actions taken out of compassion. However, be careful: sometimes 'hamdardi dikhana' can imply a superficial or fake display of concern, depending on the context. If you want to say someone is genuinely sympathetic, you might say 'Unke dil mein hamdardi hai' (There is sympathy in their heart).

Verb Pairing: Hona (To Be/Have): This is the simplest form, indicating a state of feeling sympathy.

क्या तुम्हें उससे कोई हमदर्दी नहीं है? (Do you have no sympathy for him/her?)

In more complex sentences, 'hamdardi' can be the subject. For example, 'Hamdardi ek mahan gun hai' (Sympathy is a great virtue). Here, it functions as an abstract concept. You can also use it in the negative to criticize someone's coldness: 'Uske paas hamdardi naam ki koi cheez nahi hai' (He has nothing called sympathy/He lacks any sense of sympathy). This emphasizes a total lack of human warmth.

बीमारों के साथ हमदर्दी रखना हमारा फर्ज है। (It is our duty to have sympathy for the sick.)

Finally, consider the register. In formal speeches, you might use 'Sahanubhuti' (the Sanskrit synonym), but 'Hamdardi' is much more common in everyday spoken Hindi and in Bollywood films. It feels more personal and less academic. Whether you are writing a story or talking to a friend, 'hamdardi' is the go-to word for emotional support.

You will encounter हमदर्दी in almost every corner of Hindi-speaking life. In Bollywood movies, this word is a staple in dramatic scenes. When a hero is wrongly accused, the heroine might say, 'Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai, par main majboor hoon' (I have sympathy for you, but I am helpless). It adds a layer of tragic emotional connection that is central to Indian storytelling.

In News and Media: News anchors often use it when reporting on natural disasters or tragic accidents to describe the public's reaction.

पूरी दुनिया की हमदर्दी पीड़ितों के साथ है। (The entire world's sympathy is with the victims.)

In the workplace, a manager might use it when discussing a colleague's personal problems: 'Hamein unke halaat ke saath hamdardi honi chahiye' (We should have sympathy for their circumstances). It is also very common in Hindi literature, especially in the works of Premchand, where characters often struggle with the balance between societal rules and personal hamdardi for the downtrodden.

In Daily Conversation: Friends use it to validate each other's feelings during breakups, exam failures, or bad days at work.

तुम्हारी झूठी हमदर्दी की मुझे ज़रूरत नहीं है। (I don't need your fake sympathy.)

Social media also sees a lot of this word. On platforms like Twitter or Instagram, Hindi speakers use hashtags like #Hamdardi when sharing stories of kindness or when reacting to global tragedies. It is a word that bridges the gap between traditional values and modern digital expression. Whether it's a grandmother comforting a grandchild or a stranger helping someone on the street, 'hamdardi' is the underlying sentiment that defines these interactions.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with हमदर्दी is confusing its gender. Because it ends with the 'ee' sound (ई), it is a feminine noun. Beginners often mistakenly treat it as masculine because 'Dard' (pain) is masculine. Remember: 'Dard' is he, but 'Hamdardi' is she. So, saying 'Mera hamdardi' is wrong; it must be 'Meri hamdardi.'

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Uska hamdardi achha hai.' Correct: 'Uskee hamdardi achhi hai.'

मुझे तुम्हारी हमदर्दी चाहिए। (I need your sympathy - Note the use of 'tumhari' feminine.)

Another common error is confusing 'Hamdardi' with 'Hamdard.' 'Hamdard' is the person (the sympathizer), while 'Hamdardi' is the feeling (sympathy). You cannot say 'I have hamdard for you.' You must say 'I have hamdardi for you' or 'I am your hamdard.' Using the abstract noun when you mean the person is a sign of a beginner level.

Contextual Misuse: Don't use 'hamdardi' when you mean 'empathy' in a scientific or clinical sense. For that, 'Samanubhuti' is more precise, though 'hamdardi' works in general talk.

वह मेरा सच्चा हमदर्द है। (He is my true sympathizer/well-wisher.)

Lastly, be careful with the preposition. In English, we have sympathy 'for' someone. In Hindi, we use 'se' (from/with) or 'ke prati' (towards). Saying 'Tumhare liye hamdardi' is okay, but 'Tumse hamdardi' is more idiomatic. Avoid translating directly from English 'for' to 'ke liye' every time, as it can sound a bit robotic to native ears.

While हमदर्दी is a versatile word, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. The most direct synonym is सहानुभूति (Sahanubhuti). This word is of Sanskrit origin and is preferred in formal writing, news reports, and academic contexts. It sounds slightly more detached and intellectual than 'hamdardi.'

Hamdardi vs. Sahanubhuti: Hamdardi is warm and conversational (Persian origin); Sahanubhuti is formal and precise (Sanskrit origin).

हमें एक-दूसरे के प्रति सहानुभूति रखनी चाहिए। (We should have sympathy towards each other - Formal.)

Another word is दया (Daya), which means 'pity' or 'mercy.' While related, 'daya' often implies a power imbalance where the person feeling it is in a superior position. Use 'daya' for a beggar or a stray animal, but use 'hamdardi' for a friend or equal. Then there is करुणा (Karuna), which means 'compassion.' This is a much deeper, spiritual term, often associated with Buddhist or Hindu religious teachings.

Comparison Table: - Hamdardi: Shared pain (Common)
- Sahanubhuti: Formal sympathy (Professional)
- Daya: Pity/Mercy (Power dynamic)
- Karuna: Deep Compassion (Spiritual)

भगवान हम पर दया करें। (May God have mercy on us.)

Finally, you might hear तरस (Taras), which is a more colloquial way of saying pity. 'Mujhe us par taras aa raha hai' means 'I feel sorry/pity for him.' It's less noble than hamdardi and more about feeling bad for someone's miserable state. Choosing the right word among these depends on the relationship you have with the person and the emotion you want to highlight.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The prefix 'Ham-' is very productive in Persian and Hindi-Urdu, appearing in words like 'Hamsafar' (fellow traveler) and 'Hamshakal' (look-alike).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɦəm.d̪əɾ.d̪iː/

US /hʌm.dər.diː/

The stress is slightly on the second syllable 'dar'.

Rhymes With

बेखुदी (Bekhudi) सादगी (Saadgi) गंदगी (Gandagi) ताजगी (Taazgi) बंदगी (Bandagi) ज़िंदगी (Zindagi) खुशी (Khushi) दुश्मनी (Dushmani)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'd' as an alveolar 'd' (like in 'dog') instead of a dental 'd' (tongue touching teeth).
Shortening the final 'i' to a quick 'i' instead of a long 'ee'.
Pronouncing 'ham' as 'ham' (meat) instead of 'hum' (rhyming with 'come').
Missing the 'r' sound entirely.
Confusing it with 'Hamdard' (the person).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'm' half-letter and the dental 'd'.

Speaking 2/5

Very common word, easy to pronounce once the 'd' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Clear sounds, easily identifiable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दर्द (Dard) दिल (Dil) भावना (Bhavna) दुख (Dukh) दोस्त (Dost)

Learn Next

सहानुभूति (Sahanubhuti) संवेदना (Samvedna) इंसानियत (Insaniyat) मदद (Madad) सहयोग (Sahyog)

Advanced

परोपकार (Paropkar) सहिष्णुता (Sahishnuta) आत्मीयता (Aatmiyata) मनोदशा (Manodasha) सहानुभूतिपूर्ण (Sahanubhutipurn)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (Meri) हमदर्दी, अच्छी (Achhi) हमदर्दी।

Postposition 'Se'

मुझसे (Mujhse) हमदर्दी, उससे (Usse) हमदर्दी।

Compound Verbs with 'Jatana'

हमदर्दी जताना (To express sympathy).

Abstract Noun Usage

हमदर्दी एक गुण है (Sympathy is a virtue).

Oblique Case in Plural

हमदर्दियाँ (Hamdardiyan) becomes हमदर्दिय़ों (Hamdardiyon) before postpositions.

Examples by Level

मुझे उससे हमदर्दी है।

I have sympathy for him/her.

Simple present tense with 'hai'.

क्या तुम्हें हमदर्दी है?

Do you have sympathy?

Interrogative sentence.

मेरी हमदर्दी तुम्हारे साथ है।

My sympathy is with you.

'Meri' is used because hamdardi is feminine.

वह बहुत हमदर्दी दिखाता है।

He shows a lot of sympathy.

Present habitual tense.

हमें हमदर्दी चाहिए।

We need sympathy.

Usage of 'chahiye' (need).

यह सच्ची हमदर्दी है।

This is true sympathy.

Adjective 'sachchi' matches feminine 'hamdardi'.

मां को मुझसे हमदर्दी है।

Mother has sympathy for me.

Usage of 'ko' with the subject.

उसके दिल में हमदर्दी नहीं है।

There is no sympathy in his/her heart.

Negative sentence with 'nahi'.

मुझे आपके दुख से हमदर्दी है।

I have sympathy for your grief.

Using 'se' to connect the cause of sympathy.

हमें गरीबों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

We should have sympathy towards the poor.

Usage of 'ke prati' (towards).

उसने अपनी हमदर्दी दिखाई।

He/she showed his/her sympathy.

Past tense 'dikhayi' (feminine).

क्या आपको मुझसे कोई हमदर्दी नहीं?

Do you have no sympathy for me?

Rhetorical question.

थोड़ी हमदर्दी दिखाओ।

Show some sympathy.

Imperative sentence.

उसकी हमदर्दी नकली थी।

His/her sympathy was fake.

Adjective 'nakli' (fake).

मेरे पास उसके लिए बहुत हमदर्दी है।

I have a lot of sympathy for him/her.

Using 'ke liye' (for).

बच्चे को चोट लगी, मुझे हमदर्दी हुई।

The child got hurt, I felt sympathy.

Usage of 'hui' (became/felt).

डॉक्टर ने मरीज के परिवार के साथ अपनी गहरी हमदर्दी जताई।

The doctor expressed his deep sympathy with the patient's family.

Formal usage of 'geheri' and 'jatai'.

बिना हमदर्दी के दुनिया बहुत क्रूर हो जाएगी।

Without sympathy, the world will become very cruel.

Conditional/Abstract usage.

मुझे तुम्हारी परेशानियों से पूरी हमदर्दी है।

I have full sympathy for your troubles.

Use of 'puri' (full/complete).

वह सिर्फ हमदर्दी बटोरने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is just trying to gather sympathy.

Idiomatic use of 'batorna' (to gather/seek).

तुम्हारी बातों से लगता है कि तुम्हें कोई हमदर्दी नहीं है।

From your words, it seems you have no sympathy.

Complex sentence structure.

सच्ची हमदर्दी शब्दों में नहीं, कामों में दिखती है।

True sympathy is seen in actions, not words.

Philosophical statement.

क्या आप मेरी स्थिति के साथ थोड़ी हमदर्दी रख सकते हैं?

Can you have a little sympathy for my situation?

Polite request with 'sakte hain'.

हमें उन लोगों के साथ हमदर्दी होनी चाहिए जो हार गए हैं।

We should have sympathy for those who have lost.

Usage of 'honi chahiye' (should be).

उसकी हमदर्दी सिर्फ एक दिखावा थी ताकि उसे वोट मिल सकें।

His sympathy was just a show so that he could get votes.

Complex subordinating clause.

एक अच्छे नेता में जनता के प्रति हमदर्दी का होना अनिवार्य है।

It is essential for a good leader to have sympathy for the public.

Formal vocabulary like 'anivarya' (essential).

समाज में हमदर्दी की कमी की वजह से अपराध बढ़ रहे हैं।

Crimes are increasing due to the lack of sympathy in society.

Causal relationship sentence.

मुझे उन पर हमदर्दी आती है जो अपनी गलतियों से नहीं सीखते।

I feel sympathy for those who do not learn from their mistakes.

Usage of 'aati hai' (comes/is felt).

लेखक ने अपनी कहानी में हमदर्दी और न्याय के बीच के संघर्ष को दिखाया है।

The author has shown the conflict between sympathy and justice in his story.

Literary analysis context.

किसी की मजबूरी का फायदा उठाना हमदर्दी के खिलाफ है।

Taking advantage of someone's helplessness is against sympathy.

Ethical statement.

उन्होंने अपनी हमदर्दी का हाथ बढ़ाया और मदद की।

They extended their hand of sympathy and helped.

Metaphorical usage.

हमें अपनी हमदर्दी को केवल शब्दों तक सीमित नहीं रखना चाहिए।

We should not limit our sympathy to just words.

Modal verb 'chahiye' with 'seemit' (limited).

उनकी बातों में जो हमदर्दी झलक रही थी, वह हृदयस्पर्शी थी।

The sympathy that was reflecting in their words was heart-touching.

Relative clause 'jo... vah' and advanced adjective 'hridaysparshi'.

राजनीतिक लाभ के लिए हमदर्दी का कार्ड खेलना एक आम बात हो गई है।

Playing the 'sympathy card' for political gain has become a common thing.

Idiomatic 'card khelna' translated to Hindi.

हमदर्दी की यह भावना ही हमें जानवरों से अलग करती है।

This feeling of sympathy itself distinguishes us from animals.

Philosophical focus.

क्या हमदर्दी कभी-कभी न्याय के मार्ग में बाधा बन सकती है?

Can sympathy sometimes become an obstacle in the path of justice?

Abstract interrogative.

उसकी आंखों में एक ऐसी हमदर्दी थी जिसे शब्दों में बयान नहीं किया जा सकता।

There was such a sympathy in his/her eyes that cannot be described in words.

Passive structure 'kiya ja sakta'.

साहित्य हमें दूसरों के प्रति हमदर्दी विकसित करना सिखाता है।

Literature teaches us to develop sympathy towards others.

Educational context.

उनकी हमदर्दी में कोई स्वार्थ नहीं छिपा था।

There was no selfishness hidden in their sympathy.

Advanced negative construction.

हमदर्दी और दया में एक बहुत ही सूक्ष्म अंतर होता है।

There is a very subtle difference between sympathy and pity.

Using 'sukshma' (subtle).

वैश्विक स्तर पर हमदर्दी का अभाव मानवता के लिए एक गंभीर चुनौती है।

The lack of sympathy on a global level is a serious challenge for humanity.

High-level academic vocabulary.

लेखक ने पात्रों के माध्यम से हमदर्दी की सार्वभौमिकता को रेखांकित किया है।

The author has underlined the universality of sympathy through the characters.

Formal literary terms like 'sarvabhaumikta' and 'rekhankit'.

हमदर्दी की पराकाष्ठा तब होती है जब व्यक्ति दूसरे के दुख को अपना मान लेता है।

The pinnacle of sympathy is when a person considers another's pain as their own.

Use of 'parakashta' (pinnacle/climax).

क्या कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता कभी वास्तविक हमदर्दी महसूस करने में सक्षम होगी?

Will artificial intelligence ever be capable of feeling real sympathy?

Future tense with 'saksham' (capable).

उनकी हमदर्दी केवल एक कूटनीतिक चाल थी, जिससे सब अनजान थे।

Their sympathy was merely a diplomatic move, which everyone was unaware of.

Advanced political context.

हमदर्दी का यह सोता कभी नहीं सूखना चाहिए।

This spring of sympathy should never dry up.

Metaphorical 'sota' (spring/source).

समाज के हाशिए पर खड़े लोगों के प्रति हमदर्दी दिखाना ही सच्ची नैतिकता है।

Showing sympathy towards those on the margins of society is true morality.

Sociological term 'hashiye par' (on the margins).

उनकी कविताएँ हमदर्दी के विभिन्न आयामों को खूबसूरती से उकेरती हैं।

His/her poems beautifully carve out the various dimensions of sympathy.

Artistic verb 'ukerna' (to carve/etch).

Synonyms

सहानुभूति दया करुणा संवेदना रहम

Antonyms

बेरुखी क्रूरता उदासीनता

Common Collocations

गहरी हमदर्दी (Geheri Hamdardi)

हमदर्दी जताना (Hamdardi Jatana)

झूठी हमदर्दी (Jhoothi Hamdardi)

हमदर्दी का हाथ (Hamdardi ka haath)

सच्ची हमदर्दी (Sachchi Hamdardi)

हमदर्दी मिलना (Hamdardi Milna)

हमदर्दी की लहर (Hamdardi ki lahar)

हमदर्दी के बोल (Hamdardi ke bol)

हमदर्दी दिखाना (Hamdardi Dikhana)

कोई हमदर्दी नहीं (Koi hamdardi nahi)

Common Phrases

मुझे तुम पर हमदर्दी आती है।

— I feel sympathy for you. Often used when someone is in a pitiful state.

तुम्हारी हालत देख कर मुझे तुम पर हमदर्दी आती है।

अपनी हमदर्दी अपने पास रखो।

— Keep your sympathy to yourself. A rude way to reject someone's support.

मुझे तुम्हारी मदद नहीं चाहिए, अपनी हमदर्दी अपने पास रखो।

सिर्फ हमदर्दी से काम नहीं चलेगा।

— Sympathy alone won't work. Used when practical help is needed.

उसे पैसे चाहिए, सिर्फ हमदर्दी से काम नहीं चलेगा।

हमदर्दी के दो शब्द।

— A few words of sympathy. A common way to describe a brief condolence.

मैंने बस हमदर्दी के दो शब्द कहे।

हमदर्दी का पात्र।

— An object of sympathy. Someone who deserves or receives sympathy.

वह हमदर्दी का पात्र है।

दिखावे की हमदर्दी।

— Showy or fake sympathy. Sympathy done for public image.

यह सब दिखावे की हमदर्दी है।

हमदर्दी की भावना।

— The feeling of sympathy. Refers to the internal emotion.

हमदर्दी की भावना हर इंसान में होनी चाहिए।

हमदर्दी के नाते।

— Out of sympathy. Used to explain an action done for that reason.

मैंने हमदर्दी के नाते उसे पैसे दिए।

हमदर्दी बटोरना।

— To gather sympathy. Often used negatively for seeking attention.

वह रो कर हमदर्दी बटोर रही है।

हमदर्दी खो देना।

— To lose sympathy. When people stop feeling sorry for you.

अपनी हरकतों से उसने सबकी हमदर्दी खो दी।

Often Confused With

हमदर्दी vs Hamdard

Hamdard is the person who feels sympathy; Hamdardi is the sympathy itself.

हमदर्दी vs Daya

Daya is pity/mercy, often implying a hierarchy. Hamdardi is more about shared pain.

हमदर्दी vs Sahanubhuti

Sahanubhuti is the more formal Sanskrit version of hamdardi.

Idioms & Expressions

"हमदर्दी का कार्ड खेलना (Hamdardi ka card khelna)"

— To play the sympathy card. Using one's misfortune to gain an advantage.

चुनाव जीतने के लिए उसने हमदर्दी का कार्ड खेला।

Informal/Political

"मगरमच्छ के आँसू बहाना (Magarmach ke aansu bahana)"

— To shed crocodile tears. Often related to fake hamdardi.

वह हमदर्दी नहीं जता रहा, मगरमच्छ के आँसू बहा रहा है।

Informal

"दुखती रग पर हाथ रखना (Dukhti rag par haath rakhna)"

— To touch a sore spot. Sometimes done under the guise of hamdardi.

उसने हमदर्दी जताते हुए मेरी दुखती रग पर हाथ रख दिया।

Informal

"जख्मों पर नमक छिड़कना (Zakhmon par namak chhidakna)"

— To rub salt in wounds. The opposite of showing hamdardi.

उसने हमदर्दी दिखाने के बजाय जख्मों पर नमक छिड़क दिया।

Informal

"दिल जीत लेना (Dil jeet lena)"

— To win the heart. Often done through genuine hamdardi.

उसकी हमदर्दी ने सबका दिल जीत लिया।

General

"कंधा देना (Kandha dena)"

— To give a shoulder. Symbolizes providing hamdardi and support.

मुश्किल समय में उसने मुझे कंधा दिया।

Informal/Metaphorical

"आँखें नम होना (Aankhen nam hona)"

— Eyes becoming moist. A physical sign of hamdardi.

उसकी कहानी सुनकर मेरी आँखें नम हो गईं।

Literary

"मरहम लगाना (Marham lagana)"

— To apply ointment. Metaphor for providing comfort via hamdardi.

उसकी हमदर्दी ने मेरे दुखों पर मरहम लगाया।

Poetic

"साये की तरह साथ रहना (Saaye ki tarah saath rehna)"

— To stay like a shadow. Showing constant hamdardi.

वह हमदर्दी के कारण साये की तरह मेरे साथ रही।

Literary

"पत्थर दिल पिघलना (Patthar dil pighalna)"

— A heart of stone melting. When hamdardi affects even a cruel person.

सच्ची हमदर्दी देखकर पत्थर दिल भी पिघल गया।

Literary

Easily Confused

हमदर्दी vs दर्द (Dard)

Root word.

Dard is physical or mental pain itself. Hamdardi is the feeling of sharing that pain.

मेरे पैर में दर्द है, पर उसे मुझसे हमदर्दी नहीं।

हमदर्दी vs हमदम (Hamdam)

Similar prefix.

Hamdam means a close friend or companion (sharing the same breath). Hamdard shares the pain.

वह मेरा हमदम भी है और हमदर्द भी।

हमदर्दी vs हमराह (Hamrah)

Similar prefix.

Hamrah means a fellow traveler on a path. It is more about the journey than the emotion.

सफर में कई हमराह मिले, पर कोई हमदर्द नहीं मिला।

हमदर्दी vs बेदर्दी (Bedardi)

Opposite prefix.

Bedardi means ruthlessness or lack of feeling. It is the direct opposite state of hamdardi.

उसकी बेदर्दी ने मेरा दिल तोड़ दिया।

हमदर्दी vs खुशखबरी (Khushkhabri)

Not confused, but used in contrast.

You show hamdardi for bad news, not for खुशखबरी (good news).

खुशखबरी पर बधाई दी जाती है, दुख पर हमदर्दी।

Sentence Patterns

[Person] को हमदर्दी है।

राम को हमदर्दी है।

मुझे [Person] से हमदर्दी है।

मुझे तुमसे हमदर्दी है।

[Person] ने अपनी हमदर्दी जताई।

उसने अपनी हमदर्दी जताई।

[Subject] हमदर्दी का पात्र है।

गरीब आदमी हमदर्दी का पात्र है।

बिना [Adjective] हमदर्दी के...

बिना किसी सच्ची हमदर्दी के यह रिश्ता नहीं चलेगा।

हमदर्दी की [Noun]...

हमदर्दी की पराकाष्ठा ही प्रेम है।

क्या तुम्हें हमदर्दी है?

हमें [Group] के प्रति हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

हमें अनाथ बच्चों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

Word Family

Nouns

हमदर्द (Hamdard) - Sympathizer

दर्द (Dard) - Pain

Verbs

हमदर्दी करना (Hamdardi karna) - To sympathize

दर्द होना (Dard hona) - To have pain

Adjectives

हमदर्द (Hamdard) - Sympathetic (used as an adjective)

दर्दनाक (Dardnak) - Painful

सहानुभूति (Sahanubhuti)

भावना (Bhavna)

दुख (Dukh)

मदद (Madad)

इंसानियत (Insaniyat)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Mera hamdardi. → Meri hamdardi.
Hamdardi is a feminine noun, so the possessive pronoun must be feminine.
Mujhe tum par hamdardi hai. → मुझे तुमसे हमदर्दी है।
While 'par' is sometimes used, 'se' is the more idiomatic postposition for hamdardi.
Using 'Hamdard' when meaning the feeling. → Hamdardi.
Hamdard is the person; Hamdardi is the abstract noun (the feeling).
Pronouncing 'D' as in 'Dog'. → Dental 'D'.
The 'd' in hamdardi is dental. Your tongue should touch your upper teeth.
Using 'Hamdardi' for positive news. → Badhai (Congratulations).
Hamdardi is only for sharing pain or suffering, not for sharing joy.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember 'Hamdardi' is feminine. If you use 'mera' instead of 'meri', native speakers will immediately know you are a learner. Practice saying 'Meri hamdardi' ten times.

Showing Solidarity

In India, showing hamdardi is often about showing up. If a friend is in trouble, saying 'Mujhe hamdardi hai' over the phone is good, but visiting them is better.

The 'Ham' Prefix

Learn other 'Ham' words like Hamsafar (traveler) and Hamshakal (look-alike). This will help you see the logic of the language and expand your vocabulary faster.

Avoid 'Daya' for Equals

Don't tell a friend 'Mujhe tum par daya aa rahi hai' unless you want to sound like you are looking down on them. Use 'hamdardi' instead.

Tone Matters

Hamdardi is a soft word. When you speak it, lower your volume slightly and speak slowly. This conveys genuine emotion.

Formal Condolences

When writing a condolence note, use 'Geheri hamdardi' (deep sympathy). It is the standard professional and respectful phrase.

Bollywood Clues

Listen for 'hamdardi' in sad songs. It usually appears when a character is comforting another. This will help you hear it in natural, emotional contexts.

Persian Roots

Knowing it comes from Persian 'Dard' (pain) makes it easier to remember. Many emotional words in Hindi have Persian roots.

The 'Hamdard' Connection

A 'Hamdard' is more than just a sympathizer; it's a soulmate in pain. Use this to describe very close, supportive friends.

Daily Challenge

Try to find one news story today where 'hamdardi' would be an appropriate reaction and write a sentence about it in Hindi.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ham' as 'Human' and 'Dard' as 'Dirt' (pain). A Human shares the Dirt/pain of another. Ham-Dard-i.

Visual Association

Imagine two hearts with a bridge connecting them, and water (tears) flowing across the bridge.

Word Web

Dard (Pain) Ham (Same) Dil (Heart) Aansu (Tears) Madad (Help) Sath (Together) Dost (Friend) Pyar (Love)

Challenge

Try to use 'Hamdardi' in three different sentences today: once for a family member, once for a news event, and once for an animal.

Word Origin

Derived from Persian 'Hamdardi'. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the Mughal courts and the development of Urdu-Hindi.

Original meaning: Sharing of pain or suffering.

Indo-Iranian (Persian) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound patronizing. Genuine hamdardi should feel like solidarity, not looking down on someone.

English speakers might use 'sympathy' and 'empathy' distinctly, but in Hindi, 'hamdardi' covers both in casual speech.

The song 'Hamdard' from the movie Ek Villain explores this theme deeply. Premchand's short stories often feature characters struggling with hamdardi vs. duty. The brand 'Hamdard' (producers of Rooh Afza) takes its name from this concept of being a 'healer/sympathizer'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Condolence

मेरी गहरी हमदर्दी आपके साथ है।
हमदर्दी के दो शब्द।
पूरी हमदर्दी जताना।
दुख में हमदर्दी।

Friendship

तू मेरा हमदर्द है।
मुझे तेरी परेशानी से हमदर्दी है।
सच्ची हमदर्दी दिखाना।
हमदर्दी के नाते मदद करना।

News/Politics

हमदर्दी की लहर।
हमदर्दी का कार्ड।
जनता की हमदर्दी।
सरकारी हमदर्दी।

Medical

मरीज के प्रति हमदर्दी।
डॉक्टर की हमदर्दी।
हमदर्दी भरा व्यवहार।
बीमारी में हमदर्दी।

Movies/Songs

हमदर्द बनना।
हमदर्दी का रिश्ता।
दिल की हमदर्दी।
झूठी हमदर्दी के आंसू।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल लोगों में हमदर्दी कम हो गई है?"

"आपने आखिरी बार किसके प्रति हमदर्दी जताई थी?"

"क्या हमदर्दी और दया एक ही चीज़ हैं?"

"क्या जानवरों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना ज़रूरी है?"

"क्या कभी किसी की हमदर्दी ने आपकी मदद की है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किसके प्रति हमदर्दी महसूस की और क्यों?

सच्ची हमदर्दी और दिखावे की हमदर्दी में क्या फर्क है? अपने अनुभव लिखें।

अगर दुनिया में हमदर्दी न होती, तो जीवन कैसा होता?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी अजनबी ने आपके प्रति हमदर्दी दिखाई।

क्या हमदर्दी सिखाया जा सकता है या यह जन्मजात होती है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Hamdardi is a feminine noun. You should use feminine adjectives and verb forms with it. For example, 'geheri hamdardi' and 'hamdardi jatai'.

Yes, you can certainly use it for animals. For example, 'Mujhe bejuban janvaron se hamdardi hai' (I have sympathy for voiceless animals).

Hamdardi is of Persian origin and is very common in daily speech and Bollywood. Sahanubhuti is of Sanskrit origin and is preferred in formal, academic, or news contexts.

You can say 'Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai' or more informally 'Mujhe tum par taras aa raha hai' (though 'taras' can sound a bit like pity).

Yes, Hamdard is a famous Unani medicine company in India and Pakistan, named after the concept of being a 'sympathizer' to those in pain.

Yes, if you add 'jhoothi' (fake) or 'dikhaave ki' (showy), it implies the sympathy is not genuine.

The most common opposites are 'Berukhi' (indifference) or 'Nirdayta' (cruelty).

Yes, it is exactly the same in Urdu. It is a very common word in the shared Hindustani vocabulary.

The plural is 'Hamdardiyan,' though it is mostly used in the singular as an abstract noun.

While it is often used for both sympathy and empathy, 'Samanubhuti' is the technical Hindi word for empathy (feeling exactly what the other feels).