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मजबूरी

A1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

मजबूरी

majboori Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips मजबूरी in 30 Seconds

Explanation मजबूरी in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'मजबूरी' (majboori) as the word you use when you want to say 'I have to do this, but I don't want to.' It's a feminine noun. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Yeh meri majboori hai' (This is my helplessness/compulsion). It helps you explain your actions when you feel you don't have a choice. For example, if you can't come to a party because you have to work, you can say it's your 'majboori.' It's a very important word for daily life because it helps people understand that you are not being rude, you are just busy or stuck.

At the A2 level, you start using 'मजबूरी' in slightly more complex ways, often with prepositions. The most common phrase is 'मजबूरी में' (majboori mein), which means 'out of compulsion' or 'in a state of helplessness.' You can say 'Usne majboori mein kaam kiya' (He worked out of compulsion). You also learn that 'majboori' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'meri,' 'tumhari,' or 'uski' with it. It's often used to justify actions that might seem strange or wrong to others. At this level, you should be able to identify 'majboori' as an external force that limits someone's freedom.

At the B1 level, you understand 'मजबूरी' as a social and emotional concept. You can use it to talk about family responsibilities or economic situations. For instance, 'Ghar ki majboori' (family compulsion) is a very common phrase to describe why someone might take a certain job or live in a certain place. You also begin to see the word in media, like in movies or news stories, where characters are driven by their 'majboori.' You can distinguish it from 'zaroorat' (need) and 'pasand' (choice). You might also start using the adjective form 'majboor' (helpless) to describe people.

At the B2 level, you can use 'मजबूरी' to discuss abstract ideas and social issues. You might talk about 'siyasi majboori' (political compulsion) or 'arthik majboori' (economic compulsion). You understand the nuance of the famous idiom 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi' and can use it in conversation to describe making a virtue out of necessity. Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'lachari' or 'bebasi,' and you know when to use 'majboori' instead of these to sound more natural. You can also use the word in the passive voice or complex grammatical structures to explain systemic issues.

At the C1 level, 'मजबूरी' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You can use it in literary discussions to describe a character's internal conflict or in sociological debates to describe how structures of power create 'majboori' for marginalized groups. You are comfortable using formal synonyms like 'vivashtha' in academic writing. You understand the historical and cultural roots of the word and how it reflects Indian values regarding duty and sacrifice. You can use 'majboori' to express subtle ironies or to critique social norms that force individuals into difficult positions.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over the word 'मजबूरी.' You can use it to explore existential themes of human limitation and the lack of free will. You recognize its use in classical poetry (Ghazals) and high literature, where it is often contrasted with 'ikhtiyar' (power/authority). You can navigate the most complex social situations using this word to negotiate, empathize, or argue. You understand the deepest cultural nuances, including how 'majboori' can be used both as a genuine expression of suffering and as a strategic social performance. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

मजबूरी in 30 Seconds

Majboori means helplessness or compulsion due to circumstances.
It is a feminine noun commonly used to justify difficult actions.
It differs from 'need' by emphasizing a lack of choice.
It is a central theme in Indian social and emotional discourse.

The Hindi word मजबूरी (Majboori) is a deeply evocative noun that captures the essence of helplessness, compulsion, or the state of being forced by circumstances. At its core, it describes a situation where an individual’s agency is restricted, leaving them with no choice but to act against their personal desires or will. It is a word that carries a significant emotional weight in Indian culture, often used to explain why someone is unable to fulfill a promise, why they are stuck in a difficult job, or why they made a seemingly poor decision. Unlike the English word 'compulsion,' which can sometimes sound clinical or psychological, 'majboori' is visceral and social; it points to the external pressures—poverty, family obligations, or societal norms—that bind a person's hands.

The Nuance of Choice: In Hindi, 'majboori' implies a lack of alternatives. If you do something out of 'majboori,' you are signaling to others that your heart is not in it, but your survival or social standing depends on it. It is the ultimate justification for actions that might otherwise be judged harshly.
Social and Emotional Context: The word is frequently invoked in interpersonal relationships to seek forgiveness. By stating 'Meri majboori thi' (It was my compulsion/helplessness), a speaker is asking for empathy, suggesting that they were a victim of their situation rather than a willing participant in a mistake.

"पैसे की मजबूरी की वजह से उसे पढ़ाई छोड़नी पड़ी।" (Due to the compulsion of money/poverty, he had to leave his studies.)

Understanding 'majboori' requires looking at the socio-economic landscape of South Asia, where family responsibilities often take precedence over individual desires. A young man might take a low-paying job to support his aging parents; he doesn't do it out of passion, but out of 'majboori.' This word bridges the gap between 'want' and 'must.' It is also a very common theme in Hindi cinema (Bollywood), where heroes and villains alike are often driven by their 'majboori'—a sick mother, a debt-ridden father, or a kidnapped sibling. In these narratives, 'majboori' serves as a powerful plot device to create conflict and evoke sympathy from the audience.

"इंसान कभी-कभी मजबूरी में गलत कदम उठा लेता है।" (Sometimes, a person takes a wrong step out of helplessness.)

Grammatical Note: 'Majboori' is a feminine noun. Therefore, you would use feminine possessive pronouns like 'meri' (my) or 'uski' (his/her) and adjectives like 'badi' (big/great) with it. For example, 'Badi majboori hai' (It is a great helplessness).

The word also has a specific idiomatic usage in the famous saying 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi,' which suggests making a virtue out of necessity or adopting a peaceful stance because one lacks the power to fight back. This phrase highlights how the word permeates everyday philosophy and political discourse in India. Whether you are dealing with a delayed flight, a demanding boss, or a difficult family situation, 'majboori' is the word you will hear and use to describe that feeling of being trapped by the inevitable forces of life.

Using मजबूरी correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun and its typical placement within common Hindi sentence structures. It usually acts as the subject or the object of a preposition (like 'mein' - in, or 'ki wajah se' - because of). Because it is an abstract noun, it often appears in existential sentences (using 'hona' - to be) to describe a state of being.

Pattern 1: X ki Majboori (The compulsion of X): This is used to specify what is causing the helplessness. Example: 'Waqt ki majboori' (The compulsion of time/circumstances).

"मेरी मजबूरी को समझने की कोशिश करो।" (Try to understand my helplessness.)

When you want to say you are forced to do something, you often use the phrase 'majboori mein' (in compulsion). This phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, explaining the manner in which an action was performed. It suggests that the actor had no internal desire to perform the action but was pressured by external factors. For instance, 'Usne majboori mein jhooth bola' means 'He told a lie out of compulsion.'

"क्या आपकी कोई मजबूरी है?" (Do you have some compulsion/helplessness?)

Pattern 2: Majboori hona (To be a compulsion): This is the most common way to state that one is helpless. 'Majboori hai' literally means 'It is a helplessness,' but translates to 'I have no choice.'

In formal Hindi, you might encounter the word in more complex legal or bureaucratic contexts, such as 'kanooni majboori' (legal obligation/compulsion). However, in daily conversation, it remains a word of the heart. You will often hear it paired with verbs like 'samajhna' (to understand) or 'fayda uthana' (to take advantage). 'Meri majboori ka fayda mat uthao' (Don't take advantage of my helplessness) is a powerful and common plea in Hindi discourse.

"यह काम करना मेरी मजबूरी बन गया है।" (Doing this work has become my compulsion.)

Finally, remember that 'majboori' is the noun form. If you want to describe a person who is helpless, you use the adjective 'majboor' (मजबूर). For example, 'Main majboor hoon' (I am helpless). While 'majboori' is the situation, 'majboor' is the state of the person in that situation. Mastering both allows for a full range of expression regarding lack of choice.

The word मजबूरी is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, from the high-drama scenes of Bollywood films to the quiet, stressful conversations over a kitchen table. If you are in India, Pakistan, or any Hindi/Urdu speaking community, you will hear it in various contexts that touch upon the constraints of life.

In Daily Life and Family: You'll hear parents talking about their 'majboori' when they can't afford a gift for their child, or children talking about their 'majboori' when they have to move to a different city for work, leaving their family behind. It is the language of sacrifice.

"घर की मजबूरी की वजह से वह विदेश गया।" (Due to family compulsions, he went abroad.)

In the workplace, 'majboori' is often cited when an employee has to work overtime or take on a task they dislike. A manager might say, 'Yeh meri majboori hai ki mujhe tumhe nikaalna pad raha hai' (It is my compulsion that I have to fire you), attempting to soften the blow by suggesting that the decision was forced by the company's financial state rather than personal malice.

"प्यार में कोई मजबूरी नहीं होनी चाहिए।" (There should be no compulsion in love.)

News and Media: News anchors often use 'majboori' when discussing economic crises or political alliances. A party might join a coalition out of 'siyasi majboori' (political compulsion), even if they disagree with the other party's ideology.

You will also hear it in markets. A vendor might say, 'Bhai sahab, majboori hai, daam badh gaye hain' (Brother, it's a compulsion, the prices have gone up). Here, it serves as a shield against the customer's frustration. By invoking 'majboori,' the vendor is saying, 'I am not greedy; I am also a victim of the system.' This pervasive use makes it one of the most important words to understand for anyone navigating the social nuances of North India.

While मजबूरी is a common word, learners often trip up on its gender, its intensity, and its distinction from similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Hindi sound much more natural and empathetic.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: Many learners assume abstract nouns are masculine. However, 'majboori' is feminine. Saying 'Mera majboori' is a common error. Always use 'Meri majboori' or 'Uski majboori.'

❌ "यह मेरा मजबूरी है।" (Incorrect)
✅ "यह मेरी मजबूरी है।" (Correct)

Another common mistake is confusing 'majboori' with 'zaroorat' (need). While they are related—a extreme need can become a compulsion—they are not interchangeable. 'Zaroorat' is about requirement (I need water), while 'majboori' is about the lack of choice (I am forced to work here). Using 'majboori' for minor needs can sound overly dramatic or even manipulative.

"उसने मजबूरी से काम किया।" (He worked with/out of compulsion.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition. While 'majboori mein' (in compulsion) is the standard way to say 'out of necessity,' some try to translate the English 'out of' literally using 'se.' While 'majboori se' is occasionally used, 'majboori mein' is much more idiomatic and common in spoken Hindi. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'majbooti' (strength). They sound similar but are opposites in meaning!

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'j' in 'majboori' is a soft 'j' like in 'jump,' not a 'z' sound. Some people mispronounce it as 'mazboori,' which is technically incorrect in standard Hindi, though influenced by Persian/Urdu phonetics where the 'z' sound is more common.

Hindi is rich with synonyms for 'helplessness,' each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one can help you express the exact nature of the constraint you are describing. While मजबूरी is the most versatile, these alternatives are worth knowing.

विवशता (Vivashtha): This is a more formal, Sanskrit-derived word. It is often used in literature or formal speeches. It carries a sense of being 'bound' or 'without control.' Use this in formal writing.
लाचारी (Lachari): This word emphasizes the 'pitiful' aspect of helplessness. If 'majboori' is about the situation, 'lachari' is about the pathetic state of the person. It evokes more pity.
बेबसी (Bebasi): Common in poetry and songs, 'bebasi' (be-basi) literally means 'without power/control.' It has a very emotional, almost romanticized tone of despair.

"उसकी आँखों में बेबसी साफ़ दिख रही थी।" (The helplessness was clearly visible in his eyes.)

When comparing these, 'majboori' is the 'workhorse' word—it fits almost everywhere. 'Vivashtha' is for your essay, 'Lachari' is when you want to sound particularly tragic, and 'Bebasi' is for when you are writing a poem about a broken heart. There is also 'badhyata' (obligation/binding), which is used in legal or official contexts to denote a requirement that must be met.

"यह मेरी मजबूरी नहीं, मेरी पसंद है।" (This is not my compulsion, it is my choice/preference.)

Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate Hindi conversations with greater sensitivity. If a friend tells you they are doing something out of 'majboori,' they are asking for your understanding of their lack of choice. If they say 'vivashtha,' they are perhaps being a bit more formal or dramatic. In any case, 'majboori' remains the central concept for the shared human experience of being caught between a rock and a hard place.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The mathematical term 'Algebra' comes from the same Arabic root 'al-jabr,' referring to the 'restoration' of broken parts of an equation. So, 'Majboori' and 'Algebra' are linguistic cousins!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mədʒ.buː.riː/

US /mədʒ.buː.riː/

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

Rhymes With

दूरी (Doori - distance) पूरी (Poori - complete) चूरी (Choori - bangle/crushed) नूरी (Noori - luminous) हज़ूरी (Hazoori - presence) मज़दूरी (Mazdoori - labor/wages) सिंदूरी (Sindoori - vermilion colored) ज़रूरी (Zaroori - necessary)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'j' as a 'z' (mazboori).
Making the 'oo' sound too short.
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing it with 'majbooti' (strength).
Failing to aspirate or soften the final 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the root 'majboor' is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender for correct agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Very common and easy to slip into conversation.

Listening 1/5

Heard very frequently in movies and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

काम (Work) पैसे (Money) घर (Home) क्यों (Why) करना (To do)

Learn Next

विवशता (Vivashtha) आज़ादी (Azaadi) अधिकार (Adhikar) विकल्प (Vikalp) फैसला (Faisla)

Advanced

नियतिवाद (Determinism) बाध्यकारी (Compulsive) स्वायत्तता (Autonomy) अपरिहार्यता (Inevitability) निरुपाय (Remediless/Helpless)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (feminine) मजबूरी (feminine) बहुत बड़ी (feminine) है।

Oblique Case with Prepositions

मजबूरी में (In compulsion) - noun stays the same as it's abstract.

Causative Verbs with Majboor

उसने मुझे काम करने के लिए मजबूर किया (He forced me to work).

Compound Verbs with Hona/Banna

यह काम मेरी मजबूरी बन गया है (This work has become my compulsion).

Genitive 'Ki' for Possession

हालात की मजबूरी (The compulsion of circumstances).

Examples by Level

यह मेरी मजबूरी है।

This is my helplessness/compulsion.

'Meri' is feminine because 'majboori' is feminine.

क्या आपकी कोई मजबूरी है?

Do you have some compulsion/problem?

Interrogative sentence using 'kya'.

मजबूरी अच्छी नहीं होती।

Helplessness is not good.

Adjective 'achhi' is feminine to match 'majboori'.

वह मजबूरी में यहाँ है।

He is here out of compulsion.

'Majboori mein' acts as an adverbial phrase.

मेरी मजबूरी समझो।

Understand my helplessness.

Imperative sentence (command/request).

यह उसकी मजबूरी थी।

It was his/her compulsion.

Past tense using 'thi' (feminine).

पैसे की मजबूरी है।

There is a compulsion of money (lack of money).

Genitive 'ki' links 'paisa' and 'majboori'.

मजबूरी में मत हँसो।

Don't laugh out of compulsion (fake laugh).

Negative imperative using 'mat'.

काम की मजबूरी की वजह से मैं नहीं आ सका।

I couldn't come because of work compulsion.

'Ki wajah se' means 'because of'.

उसने मजबूरी में झूठ बोला था।

He had told a lie out of compulsion.

Past perfect tense.

क्या यह तुम्हारी सबसे बड़ी मजबूरी है?

Is this your biggest compulsion?

Superlative 'sabse badi' (feminine).

मजबूरी इंसान को बहुत कुछ सिखाती है।

Helplessness teaches a person a lot.

Simple present tense with 'sikhati hai'.

हमें उनकी मजबूरी का फायदा नहीं उठाना चाहिए।

We should not take advantage of their helplessness.

'Chahiye' means 'should'.

वहाँ जाना मेरी मजबूरी बन गई।

Going there became my compulsion.

'Ban gayi' is feminine past tense.

बिना किसी मजबूरी के उसने मदद की।

He helped without any compulsion.

'Bina kisi... ke' means 'without any'.

उसकी मजबूरी सबको पता थी।

Everyone knew his/her helplessness.

Subject-Object-Verb structure.

गरीबी एक ऐसी मजबूरी है जो सब कुछ छीन लेती है।

Poverty is such a compulsion that it takes away everything.

Relative clause using 'jo'.

मैंने मजबूरी में वह घर बेच दिया।

I sold that house out of compulsion.

Transitive verb 'bech diya' in past tense.

कभी-कभी मजबूरी में कड़वे घूँट पीने पड़ते हैं।

Sometimes, one has to drink bitter gulps (endure hardship) out of compulsion.

Idiomatic expression 'karve ghoont peena'.

वह अपनी मजबूरी किसी को नहीं बताता।

He doesn't tell his helplessness to anyone.

Habitual present tense.

रिश्तों में मजबूरी नहीं, प्यार होना चाहिए।

In relationships, there should be love, not compulsion.

Contrastive sentence structure.

मेरी मजबूरी का गलत मतलब मत निकालो।

Don't misinterpret my helplessness.

'Galat matlab nikalna' means 'to misinterpret'.

हालात की मजबूरी ने उसे चोर बना दिया।

The compulsion of circumstances made him a thief.

Causative sense in the sentence.

क्या तुम मेरी मजबूरी को अपनी ताकत बनाओगे?

Will you make my helplessness your strength?

Future tense 'banaoge'.

राजनीतिक मजबूरी के कारण उन्होंने गठबंधन किया।

They formed an alliance due to political compulsion.

Formal phrase 'ke kaaran' (due to).

मजबूरी का नाम महात्मा गांधी - यह कहावत प्रसिद्ध है।

The name of helplessness is Mahatma Gandhi - this proverb is famous.

Cultural idiom usage.

उसकी मजबूरी का फायदा उठाना अनैतिक है।

Taking advantage of his/her helplessness is unethical.

Gerundive use of 'uthana'.

सामाजिक मजबूरियों ने उसे गाँव छोड़ने पर विवश किया।

Social compulsions forced him to leave the village.

'Vivash kiya' is a formal synonym for 'forced'.

क्या कानून की मजबूरी नैतिकता से बड़ी हो सकती है?

Can the compulsion of law be bigger than morality?

Philosophical question structure.

मजबूरी इंसान के चरित्र की परीक्षा लेती है।

Helplessness tests a person's character.

Personification of 'majboori'.

उसने अपनी मजबूरी को अपनी ढाल बना लिया।

He made his helplessness his shield.

Metaphorical usage.

बिना किसी मजबूरी के किया गया दान ही श्रेष्ठ है।

Donation made without any compulsion is the best.

Adjectival phrase 'kiya gaya'.

साहित्य में मजबूरी को अक्सर एक त्रासदी के रूप में दिखाया जाता है।

In literature, helplessness is often shown as a tragedy.

Formal literary analysis register.

आर्थिक मजबूरियों के चलते कई बच्चे शिक्षा से वंचित रह जाते हैं।

Due to economic compulsions, many children remain deprived of education.

'Ke chalte' is a sophisticated way to say 'due to'.

उसकी चुप्पी उसकी मजबूरी का मौन साक्ष्य थी।

His silence was the silent evidence of his helplessness.

Metaphorical and formal vocabulary.

क्या मजबूरी में किए गए वादे कानूनी रूप से वैध होते हैं?

Are promises made under compulsion legally valid?

Legal context question.

लेखक ने समाज की मजबूरियों का सजीव चित्रण किया है।

The author has vividly depicted the compulsions of society.

Sophisticated verb 'chitran kiya' (depicted).

मजबूरी और विवशता के बीच का अंतर बहुत सूक्ष्म है।

The difference between compulsion and helplessness is very subtle.

Comparative analysis.

उसने अपनी मजबूरी को अपनी कला का प्रेरणा स्रोत बनाया।

He made his helplessness the source of inspiration for his art.

Complex noun phrase 'prerna srot'.

वैश्वीकरण ने विकासशील देशों के सामने कई मजबूरियां खड़ी कर दी हैं।

Globalization has created many compulsions for developing countries.

Socio-political context.

अस्तित्ववादी दर्शन में मजबूरी को मानव नियति का एक अभिन्न अंग माना गया है।

In existential philosophy, compulsion is considered an integral part of human destiny.

High-level philosophical register.

राज्य की संरचनात्मक मजबूरियों ने नागरिकों को विद्रोह के लिए उकसाया।

The structural compulsions of the state incited the citizens to revolt.

Academic political terminology.

उसकी मजबूरी का परिष्कार उसकी सहनशीलता में झलकता है।

The refinement of his helplessness is reflected in his endurance.

Highly abstract and poetic language.

क्या हम वास्तव में स्वतंत्र हैं, या हमारी स्वतंत्रता भी एक प्रकार की मजबूरी है?

Are we truly free, or is our freedom also a type of compulsion?

Paradoxical philosophical inquiry.

ग़ज़ल की दुनिया में 'मजबूरी' विरह की वेदना का पर्याय बन जाती है।

In the world of Ghazal, 'majboori' becomes a synonym for the pain of separation.

Literary criticism context.

उसने अपनी ऐतिहासिक मजबूरी को एक क्रांतिकारी विमर्श में बदल दिया।

He transformed his historical compulsion into a revolutionary discourse.

Advanced sociological vocabulary.

मानवीय संवेदनाओं का ह्रास अक्सर आर्थिक मजबूरियों का सह-उत्पाद होता है।

The erosion of human sensitivities is often a by-product of economic compulsions.

Formal scientific/sociological tone.

मजबूरी के साये में पनपी यह संस्कृति आज भी प्रासंगिक है।

This culture, which flourished in the shadow of compulsion, is relevant even today.

Historical cultural analysis.

Synonyms

लाचारी विवशता बेबसी बाध्यता अपरिहार्यता

Antonyms

आज़ादी विकल्प स्वेच्छा

Common Collocations

बड़ी मजबूरी

मजबूरी का फायदा

मजबूरी में करना

वक्त की मजबूरी

आर्थिक मजबूरी

पारिवारिक मजबूरी

कानूनी मजबूरी

मजबूरी समझना

मजबूरी बताना

मजबूरी बनना

Common Phrases

मजबूरी है

— It is a compulsion / I have no choice. Used to explain one's lack of agency.

क्या करें, मजबूरी है।

कैसी मजबूरी?

— What kind of compulsion? Used to question the validity of someone's excuse.

तुम्हारी ऐसी कैसी मजबूरी थी कि तुम नहीं आए?

मजबूरी का मारा

— Victim of circumstances. Someone who is constantly suffering due to lack of choice.

वह तो मजबूरी का मारा है, उसे दोष मत दो।

मजबूरी में फँसना

— To be trapped in a compulsion. To find oneself without any alternatives.

मैं ऐसी मजबूरी में फँस गया हूँ कि निकलना मुश्किल है।

बिना मजबूरी के

— Without any compulsion. Doing something voluntarily.

उसने बिना किसी मजबूरी के अपनी संपत्ति दान कर दी।

मजबूरी का नाम...

— The synonym for helplessness is... (Usually followed by Mahatma Gandhi).

लोग कहते हैं, मजबूरी का नाम महात्मा गांधी।

मजबूरी की आग

— The fire of helplessness. Poetic way to describe the pain of having no choice.

वह मजबूरी की आग में जल रहा है।

अपनी मजबूरी सुनाना

— To narrate one's woes or compulsions to someone.

वह हर किसी को अपनी मजबूरी सुनाता रहता है।

मजबूरी की हद

— The limit of helplessness. A point where one can endure no more.

यह तो मजबूरी की हद है!

मजबूरी जताना

— To express or show one's helplessness.

उसने अपनी मजबूरी जताकर मदद माँगी।

Often Confused With

मजबूरी vs मजबूती (Majbooti)

This means 'strength' or 'durability'. It sounds similar but is the opposite of being helpless.

मजबूरी vs ज़रूरत (Zaroorat)

This means 'need'. You might need something, but you are 'majboor' only when you have no other choice.

मजबूरी vs जिम्मेदारी (Jimmedari)

This means 'responsibility'. A responsibility is a duty you accept, while a 'majboori' is a duty forced upon you.

Idioms & Expressions

"मजबूरी का नाम महात्मा गांधी"

— To make a virtue of necessity; to pretend you are acting out of principle when you actually have no choice.

जब उसके पास लड़ने की ताकत नहीं रही, तो उसने शांति की बात की—मजबूरी का नाम महात्मा गांधी।

Common/Sarcastic

"मजबूरी के घूँट पीना"

— To endure a situation silently because one has no choice; to swallow one's pride.

नौकरी बचाने के लिए उसे मजबूरी के घूँट पीने पड़े।

Emotional

"मजबूरी की लाठी"

— The support of helplessness; when one's only motivation is their desperate situation.

उसकी मजबूरी की लाठी ही उसे आगे बढ़ा रही है।

Metaphorical

"मजबूरी में गधे को बाप बनाना"

— To flatter or serve someone unworthy because you are in a desperate situation and need their help.

काम निकालने के लिए मजबूरी में गधे को भी बाप बनाना पड़ता है।

Slang/Proverb

"मजबूरी का फायदा उठाना"

— To exploit someone's desperate situation for one's own gain.

साहूकार गरीबों की मजबूरी का फायदा उठाते हैं।

Common

"मजबूरी की जंजीरें"

— The chains of compulsion; feeling completely trapped by circumstances.

वह मजबूरी की जंजीरों में जकड़ा हुआ है।

Poetic

"मजबूरी का सौदा"

— A deal made out of desperation, usually unfavorable to the desperate party.

उसने मजबूरी का सौदा किया और अपनी ज़मीन सस्ते में बेच दी।

Neutral

"मजबूरी की मार"

— The blow of helplessness; suffering caused by unavoidable circumstances.

वह बेचारा मजबूरी की मार झेल रहा है।

Common

"मजबूरी का रोना रोना"

— To constantly complain about one's helplessness as an excuse for not doing something.

हमेशा मजबूरी का रोना रोने से काम नहीं चलेगा।

Informal/Critical

"मजबूरी में हाथ पाँव फूलना"

— To panic when faced with a situation of helplessness.

मुसीबत और मजबूरी में उसके हाथ पाँव फूल जाते हैं।

Informal

Easily Confused

मजबूरी vs मजबूर (Majboor)

It is the adjective form of the same root.

Majboori is the noun (helplessness), Majboor is the adjective (helpless). You 'are' majboor, but you 'have' a majboori.

मैं मजबूर (adjective) हूँ क्योंकि यह मेरी मजबूरी (noun) है।

मजबूरी vs लाचार (Lachar)

Both mean helpless.

Lachar sounds more pathetic and physical, while Majboor/Majboori sounds more circumstantial and structural.

वह बीमारी से लाचार है, लेकिन गरीबी से मजबूर है।

मजबूरी vs विवश (Vivash)

Both mean forced.

Vivash is formal/Sanskritized, Majboor is common/Persian-derived.

वह विवश होकर वहाँ से चला गया।

मजबूरी vs बेबस (Bebas)

Both mean without power.

Bebas is more emotional/poetic, Majboor is more practical.

उसकी बेबसी देखकर मेरा दिल भर आया।

मजबूरी vs बाध्य (Badhya)

Both mean obligated.

Badhya is very formal, often used in legal or strict rule contexts.

हम नियमों का पालन करने के लिए बाध्य हैं।

Sentence Patterns

यह मेरी [noun] है।

यह मेरी मजबूरी है।

[Noun] की मजबूरी की वजह से [Action]।

पैसे की मजबूरी की वजह से मैं नहीं जा सका।

मजबूरी में [Verb] पड़ता है।

मजबूरी में यह काम करना पड़ता है।

[Person] की मजबूरी का फायदा उठाना [Adjective] है।

उसकी मजबूरी का फायदा उठाना गलत है।

[Abstract Noun] की मजबूरियों ने [Result] किया।

समाज की मजबूरियों ने उसे चुप रहने पर विवश किया।

क्या [Concept] मात्र एक [Noun] है?

क्या स्वतंत्रता मात्र एक मजबूरी है?

Mixed

बिना किसी मजबूरी के...

उसने बिना किसी मजबूरी के सच बोल दिया।

Mixed

[Verb] मेरी मजबूरी बन गई है।

झूठ बोलना मेरी मजबूरी बन गई है।

Word Family

Nouns

मजबूरी (Majboori - helplessness)

मजबूर (Majboor - the helpless person, though often used as an adjective)

Verbs

मजबूर करना (Majboor karna - to force/compel)

मजबूर होना (Majboor hona - to be forced/compelled)

Adjectives

मजबूर (Majboor - helpless/compelled)

मजबूरन (Majbooran - forcedly/compulsively - used as an adverb)

बेबसी (Bebasi)

लाचारी (Lachari)

विवशता (Vivashtha)

ज़रूरत (Zaroorat)

दबाव (Dabaav)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech, literature, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Mera majboori'. → Using 'Meri majboori'.
Majboori is a feminine noun, so the possessive pronoun must be feminine ('meri').
Confusing 'Majboori' with 'Majbooti'. → Use 'Majboori' for helplessness and 'Majbooti' for strength.
They sound similar but have opposite meanings. One comes from 'Majboor' (helpless) and the other from 'Mazboot' (strong).
Using 'Majboori' for simple preferences. → Use 'Pasand' or 'Zaroorat'.
'Majboori' implies a serious lack of choice. Using it because you 'had' to buy chocolate instead of vanilla sounds overly dramatic.
Saying 'Main majboori hoon'. → Say 'Main majboor hoon' or 'Yeh meri majboori hai'.
You cannot 'be' the abstract concept of helplessness; you are either a helpless person (majboor) or you possess a helplessness (majboori).
Using 'Majboori se' instead of 'Majboori mein'. → Use 'Majboori mein'.
While 'se' is sometimes understood, 'mein' (in compulsion) is the idiomatic standard for saying 'out of necessity'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'Majboori' is feminine. Your adjectives and verbs must reflect this. Say 'Badi majboori thi' (It was a big compulsion) instead of 'Bada majboori tha'.

Majboor vs. Majboori

Use 'Majboor' as an adjective (I am helpless) and 'Majboori' as a noun (This is my helplessness). Distinguishing these two will make your Hindi sound much more accurate.

Seeking Empathy

When you want to apologize for something you couldn't help, use the word 'majboori'. It signals to the listener that you are a victim of circumstances and helps build empathy.

The 'J' Sound

Ensure you pronounce the 'j' clearly as in 'joy'. Avoid the 'z' sound (mazboori) which is a common mispronunciation for beginners.

Idiomatic Usage

Learn the phrase 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi'. Even if you don't use it, knowing it will help you understand a lot of Indian social commentary and humor.

Money Matters

In many contexts, if someone says 'Majboori hai,' they specifically mean they don't have enough money. It's a polite way of saying they are broke without using the word 'poor'.

Creative Writing

Use 'majboori' to create tension in your stories. A character forced by 'majboori' is always more interesting than one who just chooses to do something.

Song Lyrics

Listen to old Bollywood songs. The word 'majboori' appears frequently and will help you understand the emotional range the word can cover.

Polite Refusal

If you have to say 'no' to an invitation, saying 'Meri thodi majboori hai' (I have a bit of a compulsion/problem) is a very soft and polite way to decline.

Formal Alternatives

Once you are comfortable with 'majboori', try using 'vivashtha' in your writing to sound more sophisticated and academic.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Majboori' as 'Must-Be-Or-I...'. It sounds like you are saying you 'must' do something 'or' else there will be trouble. The 'boo' sound can remind you of something sad or scary that forces you to act.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with their hands tied by golden chains. They are in a beautiful place (like a palace), but they cannot leave because of the chains. Those chains represent 'majboori'—they are forced to stay.

Word Web

Helplessness Compulsion No Choice Poverty Family Duty Pressure Sacrifice Constraint

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a time you had to do something you didn't want to do, using 'majboori' to explain the reason. Then, try to find a synonym that fits the same context.

Word Origin

The word 'मजबूरी' comes from the Arabic root 'J-B-R' (جبر), which relates to 'compulsion,' 'restoration,' or 'forcing.' It entered Hindi through Persian (Majburī).

Original meaning: The original Arabic sense involved 'setting a bone' or 'restoring,' which evolved into 'forcing' something back into place, and eventually to general compulsion.

Indo-Aryan (with Arabic/Persian roots).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it to mock someone. Calling someone's genuine struggle 'majboori ka rona' (crying about helplessness) can be very offensive.

English speakers might use 'I had no choice' or 'I was forced,' but 'majboori' carries a more pathetic and socially acceptable tone than the English equivalents.

The movie 'Majboor' (1974) starring Amitabh Bachchan. The phrase 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi' used in political satires. Countless Bollywood songs like 'Majboori' from the movie 'Gully Boy'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial Struggle

पैसों की मजबूरी
कर्ज की मजबूरी
गरीबी की मजबूरी
आर्थिक तंगी

Family Obligations

घर की मजबूरी
बच्चों की मजबूरी
शादी की मजबूरी
रिश्तों की मजबूरी

Work/Job

नौकरी की मजबूरी
बॉस की मजबूरी
समय की मजबूरी
काम का दबाव

Legal/Social Rules

कानून की मजबूरी
समाज की मजबूरी
नियमों की मजबूरी
मर्यादा की मजबूरी

Health/Physical Limits

शरीर की मजबूरी
बीमारी की मजबूरी
उम्र की मजबूरी
लाचारी

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको कभी मजबूरी में कोई काम करना पड़ा है?"

"आपकी नज़र में सबसे बड़ी मजबूरी क्या हो सकती है?"

"क्या मजबूरी में बोला गया झूठ गलत होता है?"

"हम किसी की मजबूरी में कैसे मदद कर सकते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि मजबूरी इंसान को बदल देती है?"

Journal Prompts

ऐसी एक घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने मजबूरी में कोई बड़ा फैसला लिया हो।

क्या 'मजबूरी का नाम महात्मा गांधी' कहावत आज के समय में भी सही है? अपने विचार लिखें।

मजबूरी और पसंद के बीच के संघर्ष पर एक छोटा निबंध लिखें।

अगर आपके पास कोई मजबूरी न होती, तो आप अपना जीवन कैसे बिताते?

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति की कहानी लिखें जो अपनी मजबूरी से लड़कर सफल हुआ हो।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You should use 'meri' and 'badi' with it. For example, 'Meri majboori samjho' (Understand my helplessness).

'Zaroorat' means a need or requirement (like needing food). 'Majboori' means being forced to do something because you have no other choice, often against your will.

Rarely. It almost always refers to a difficult or unpleasant situation. However, the idiom 'Majboori ka naam Mahatma Gandhi' suggests finding a peaceful or virtuous path within that compulsion.

It means 'out of necessity' or 'under compulsion.' It describes how someone did an action they didn't really want to do.

Yes, it is very common. It is used in songs and dialogues to describe the tragic circumstances of the characters, especially in romantic or family dramas.

You would use the adjective form: 'Main majboor hoon.' If you want to use the noun, you say: 'Yeh meri majboori hai' (This is my helplessness).

The most common opposites are 'Azaadi' (freedom), 'Swechha' (own will), or 'Vikalp' (alternative/choice).

Yes, though in very formal or literary contexts, 'Vivashtha' or 'Badhyata' might be preferred. 'Majboori' is perfect for neutral and daily speech.

Yes, the plural is 'Majbooriyan' (मजबूरियाँ). It refers to multiple compulsions or constraints.

It comes from the Arabic-Persian root 'Majbur,' which means 'forced' or 'compelled.'