संकरा in 30 Seconds
- संकरा means narrow, describing things with little width.
- It's used for physical spaces like roads, paths, and openings.
- The opposite of संकरा is चौड़ा (wide).
- Focus on its literal meaning for A1 learners.
- Core Meaning
- The fundamental meaning of संकरा is 'narrow'. It describes something that is not wide. Think of it as the opposite of 'wide' or 'broad'.
- Physical Spaces
- This word is most commonly used to describe physical places. If a road is very thin, a path is difficult to walk on because it's so thin, or an opening is small, you would use संकरा. For example, a narrow alleyway or a tight squeeze through a gap.
- Figurative Usage (Less Common at A1)
- While primarily used for physical spaces, in more advanced contexts, संकरा can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe limited opportunities or a restricted viewpoint, though this is less common at the A1 level.
- Examples in Context
- Imagine walking through a dense forest where the path is barely wide enough for one person. That path is संकरा. Or consider a small, old door in a castle that you have to turn sideways to get through; that doorway is संकरा.
यह सड़क बहुत संकरा है।
रास्ता संकरा था।
मुझे संकरा रास्ता पसंद नहीं है।
- Opposite Concept
- The opposite of संकरा is 'चौड़ा' (chauda), which means 'wide'.
यह गली बहुत संकरा है, वह चौड़ी है।
- Basic Sentence Structure
- In Hindi, adjectives like संकरा usually come before the noun they describe. The structure is often: Subject + (Adverb) + Noun + is/was + संकरा.
- Describing Roads and Paths
- This is the most common use. You'll hear it when talking about difficult or tight routes. For example: 'यह रास्ता बहुत संकरा है।' (Yah rasta bahut sankara hai. - This path is very narrow.)
- Describing Openings and Spaces
- Use संकरा for doors, windows, or any space that feels cramped. For instance: 'दरवाजा संकरा था, इसलिए मुझे झुकना पड़ा।' (Darwaza sankara tha, isliye mujhe jhukna pada. - The door was narrow, so I had to stoop.)
- Using with 'Hai' (is) and 'Tha' (was)
- The verb 'hai' (is) or 'tha' (was) is often used after the noun and before or after संकरा to form a complete sentence.
पहाड़ों में सड़क संकरा हो जाती है।
यह गली बहुत संकरा है।
- Adding Adverbs
- You can add adverbs like 'बहुत' (bahut - very) or 'थोड़ा' (thoda - a little) before संकरा to modify its intensity. For example: 'यह रास्ता बहुत संकरा है।' (This path is very narrow.)
पुराना घर का दरवाज़ा संकरा था।
यह पुल बहुत संकरा है।
- Everyday Conversations
- You will hear संकरा frequently in daily conversations, especially when people are discussing directions, describing routes, or talking about places they have visited. If someone is giving you directions and mentions a 'संकरा रास्ता' (sankara rasta), they mean a narrow path or road.
- Travel and Tourism
- When tourists are exploring older cities or rural areas in India, guides or locals might use संकरा to describe narrow streets, alleyways, or even small entrances to historical sites. This helps visitors prepare for potentially tight spaces.
- Describing Homes and Buildings
- People might use संकरा to describe parts of their homes or other buildings. For example, a narrow corridor, a small doorway, or a cramped room could be described as संकरा.
- Driving and Navigation
- In discussions about driving, especially in areas with tight roads, drivers might warn each other about 'संकरा रास्ता' (sankara rasta) or 'संकरा मोड़' (sankara mod - narrow turn). This is crucial for safe navigation.
- Describing Nature
- When describing natural landscapes, संकरा might be used for narrow ravines, tight mountain passes, or small streams.
पुराने शहर की गलियाँ बहुत संकरी होती हैं।
हमें एक संकरा रास्ता चुनना पड़ा।
इस कमरे का दरवाज़ा बहुत संकरा है।
- Confusing with 'Chaunda' (Wide)
- The most common mistake is using संकरा when you mean 'wide'. Remember, संकरा means narrow, and its opposite is 'चौड़ा' (chauda).
- Incorrect Placement in Sentence
- While less common at the A1 level, learners might sometimes place the adjective after the noun incorrectly, or omit the verb 'hai' or 'tha'. The standard is usually 'Noun + is/was + Adjective'.
- Gender Agreement (Advanced Note)
- For A1 learners, focus on the masculine form 'संकरा'. However, be aware that Hindi adjectives can change form to agree with the gender of the noun. For feminine nouns, it becomes 'संकरी' (sankari). For example, 'एक संकरी गली' (ek sankari gali - a narrow lane).
- Overusing for Figurative Meanings
- At the A1 level, stick to the literal meaning of physical narrowness. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'limited opportunities' until you are more advanced.
गलत: यह रास्ता चौड़ा है। (अगर रास्ता संकरा है)
सही: यह रास्ता संकरा है।
- Forgetting the Verb
- Sentences often require a verb. Forgetting 'hai' (is) or 'tha' (was) can make the sentence incomplete. Ensure you include it: 'सड़क संकरा है।' (The road is narrow.)
गलत: दरवाज़ा संकरा।
सही: दरवाज़ा संकरा है।
- Opposite: चौड़ा (Chauda - Wide)
- This is the most direct antonym. Use 'चौड़ा' when something has a great width.
- Similar (but not exact): तंग (Tang - Tight/Constricted)
- 'तंग' can also mean narrow, but it often implies a feeling of being constricted, cramped, or even a tight fit in clothing. While संकरा focuses on physical width, तंग can sometimes carry an emotional or discomforting connotation. For example, 'तंग कपड़े' (tang kapde - tight clothes) or 'तंग गली' (tang gali - a tight/cramped alley, similar to संकरी गली but emphasizing the feeling of being squeezed).
- Similar (but not exact): छोटा (Chhota - Small)
- 'छोटा' means small in size (length, width, or height). A narrow space is often small, but a space can be small without being particularly narrow (e.g., a small square room). संकरा specifically refers to the lack of width.
- Alternative for Specific Contexts: पतली (Patli - Thin)
- 'पतली' means thin. While a narrow object is often thin (like a thin stick), 'पतली' can also refer to thinness in other contexts, like thin paper or a thin person. For roads or paths, 'संकरा' is more specific to width than 'पतली'.
संकरा (Narrow) vs. चौड़ा (Chauda - Wide)
संकरा (Narrow) vs. तंग (Tang - Tight/Cramped)
- Comparison Table
Word Meaning Focus संकरा Narrow Lack of width चौड़ा Wide Abundance of width तंग Tight/Cramped Feeling of restriction, small fit छोटा Small General size (not specific to width)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The Sanskrit word 'saṅkara' also has a broader meaning related to 'adulteration' or 'hybridity' when referring to lineage or species. This sense of 'mixed' or 'not pure' might have indirectly contributed to the idea of something being 'restricted' or 'not standard', which can extend to physical narrowness.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'a' at the end as a long 'ah'.
- Placing stress on the wrong syllable.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding words.
Difficulty Rating
At the A1 level, reading 'संकरा' in simple sentences is straightforward. Understanding its core meaning of 'narrow' is easy. The challenge might come with gender agreement (संकरी) in slightly more complex texts.
Writing simple sentences with 'संकरा' is easy. The main point is to remember its meaning and basic sentence structure. Gender agreement for feminine nouns requires more attention.
Using 'संकरा' in spoken Hindi is relatively easy for basic descriptions. Pronunciation is key. Remembering to use 'संकरी' for feminine nouns might be a slight challenge initially.
Recognizing 'संकरा' and 'संकरी' in spoken Hindi is usually easy due to its common usage in describing physical spaces. Context will often make the meaning clear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement: Hindi adjectives change form to agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. 'संकरा' is masculine singular. For feminine singular nouns, it becomes 'संकरी'. For masculine plural nouns, it might be 'संकरे' or 'संकरा' depending on context.
यह संकरा रास्ता है। (Masculine singular noun 'रास्ता') / यह संकरी गली है। (Feminine singular noun 'गली') / वे संकरे रास्ते थे। (Masculine plural noun 'रास्ते' in oblique case)
Use of 'Hai' and 'Tha': The verbs 'hai' (is) and 'tha' (was) are commonly used with adjectives to form complete sentences.
सड़क संकरा है। (The road is narrow.) / वह गली संकरी थी। (That lane was narrow.)
Oblique Case: When an adjective is followed by a postposition or is part of a compound noun phrase, it often takes an oblique form.
संकरे रास्तों से गुजरना। (To pass through narrow paths.)
Adverbs Modifying Adjectives: Adverbs like 'बहुत' (very) or 'थोड़ा' (a little) can precede the adjective to intensify or lessen its meaning.
यह रास्ता बहुत संकरा है। (This path is very narrow.)
Comparison: To compare narrowness, one might use 'से ज़्यादा संकरा' (more narrow than).
यह गली उस गली से ज़्यादा संकरी है। (This lane is narrower than that lane.)
Examples by Level
यह सड़क बहुत संकरा है।
This road is very narrow.
Subject (सड़क) + Adverb (बहुत) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (है).
रास्ता संकरा था।
The path was narrow.
Subject (रास्ता) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (था).
दरवाजा संकरा है।
The door is narrow.
Subject (दरवाजा) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (है).
गली संकरा है।
The lane is narrow.
Subject (गली) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (है).
यह पुल संकरा है।
This bridge is narrow.
Subject (पुल) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (है).
हमें संकरा रास्ता मिला।
We found a narrow path.
Subject (हमें) + Object (संकरा रास्ता) + Verb (मिला).
वह संकरा था।
It was narrow.
Pronoun (वह) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (था).
यह जगह संकरा है।
This place is narrow.
Subject (जगह) + Adjective (संकरा) + Verb (है).
पहाड़ों में सड़कें अक्सर बहुत संकरी होती हैं।
In the mountains, roads are often very narrow. (Note: 'संकरी' is the feminine plural form here for 'सड़कें')
Feminine plural adjective 'संकरी' used with feminine plural noun 'सड़कें'.
मैं एक संकरे रास्ते से गुज़रा।
I passed through a narrow path. (Note: 'संकरे' is the oblique form)
Oblique adjective form 'संकरे' used before the noun 'रास्ते' in a postpositional phrase.
पुराने घरों के दरवाज़े आमतौर पर संकरे होते थे।
The doors of old houses used to be typically narrow.
Plural noun 'दरवाज़े' with plural adjective 'संकरे' (oblique) and past habitual verb 'होते थे'.
यह गली इतनी संकरी है कि दो लोग साथ नहीं चल सकते।
This lane is so narrow that two people cannot walk together.
Using 'इतनी...कि' (so...that) structure to show consequence of narrowness.
हमें कार को संकरे गैराज में पार्क करना पड़ा।
We had to park the car in the narrow garage.
'संकरे' (oblique) used before 'गैराज'.
पुल के दोनों ओर संकरा रास्ता था।
There was a narrow path on both sides of the bridge.
Describing location with 'के दोनों ओर' (on both sides).
यह सुरंग बहुत संकरी है।
This tunnel is very narrow.
Describing a tunnel with 'संकरी' (feminine adjective).
उसने संकरे रास्ते को पार किया।
He crossed the narrow path.
Direct object 'संकरे रास्ते' (oblique) with verb 'पार किया'.
मेरी कार पुरानी है और थोड़ी संकरी जगह में भी फिट हो जाती है।
My car is old and fits even in a slightly narrow space.
Using 'थोड़ी संकरी' (slightly narrow) to modify the adjective.
यह गाँव अपनी संकरी गलियों और पुरानी वास्तुकला के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।
This village is famous for its narrow lanes and old architecture.
Using 'के लिए प्रसिद्ध है' (is famous for) with 'संकरी गलियों' (feminine plural oblique).
उसने संकरे रास्तों से यात्रा करने का फैसला किया ताकि वह कम भीड़ वाली जगहों को देख सके।
He decided to travel through narrow paths so that he could see less crowded places.
Using 'ताकि' (so that) to express purpose, with 'संकरे रास्तों' (oblique plural).
जब वे जंगल में थे, तो उन्हें एक बहुत संकरा रास्ता मिला।
When they were in the forest, they found a very narrow path.
Compound sentence using 'जब...तो' (when...then) structure.
यह जहाज एक संकरे जलडमरूमध्य से गुजरेगा।
This ship will pass through a narrow strait.
Using 'जलडमरूमध्य' (strait) described as 'संकरा'.
उसकी रचनात्मकता का दायरा काफी संकरा था।
The scope of his creativity was quite narrow.
Metaphorical use: 'दायरा' (scope) is described as 'संकरा'.
उन्होंने एक संकरे बाज़ार से गुजरते हुए स्थानीय लोगों से बात की।
They talked to the locals while passing through a narrow market.
Using the gerund form 'गुजरते हुए' (while passing).
यह सीढ़ी बहुत संकरी और खड़ी है।
This staircase is very narrow and steep.
Using two adjectives 'संकरी' and 'खड़ी' (steep) for 'सीढ़ी' (staircase).
शहरी नियोजन में, अक्सर संकरी गलियों को चौड़ा करने की आवश्यकता होती है।
In urban planning, there is often a need to widen narrow lanes.
Formal context of urban planning, using 'संकरी गलियों' (feminine plural oblique).
उसकी भाषा शैली में एक निश्चित संकरापन था, जो उसके विचारों की सीमा को दर्शाता था।
There was a certain narrowness in his writing style, which reflected the limitation of his ideas.
Abstract noun 'संकरापन' (narrowness) derived from 'संकरा'.
हमें एक संकरे पहाड़ी दर्रे से होकर गुजरना पड़ा, जहाँ केवल एक वाहन ही एक बार में जा सकता था।
We had to pass through a narrow mountain pass, where only one vehicle could go at a time.
Complex sentence describing a challenging geographical feature.
नए नियमों के कारण, इस उद्योग में अवसरों का दायरा काफी संकरा हो गया है।
Due to the new regulations, the scope of opportunities in this industry has become quite narrow.
Metaphorical use: 'अवसरों का दायरा' (scope of opportunities) is described as 'संकरा'.
उसने जानबूझकर एक संकरा रास्ता चुना, जो उसे मुख्य सड़क से दूर ले जाता था।
He deliberately chose a narrow path, which led him away from the main road.
Using 'जानबूझकर' (deliberately) and a relative clause.
कलाकार ने अपनी उत्कृष्ट कृतियों में अक्सर संकरे परिप्रेक्ष्य का उपयोग किया।
The artist often used a narrow perspective in his masterpieces.
Metaphorical use: 'परिप्रेक्ष्य' (perspective) is described as 'संकरा'.
संकरी सड़कों पर गाड़ी चलाते समय अतिरिक्त सावधानी बरतनी चाहिए।
Extra caution should be exercised while driving on narrow roads.
Using the passive voice 'बरतनी चाहिए' (should be exercised) with 'संकरी सड़कों' (feminine plural oblique).
उसकी सोच का तरीका काफी संकरा था, जो उसे नए विचारों को अपनाने से रोकता था।
His way of thinking was quite narrow, which prevented him from adopting new ideas.
Metaphorical use: 'सोच का तरीका' (way of thinking) is described as 'संकरा'.
आधुनिक शहरी विकास ने अक्सर ऐतिहासिक संकरी गलियों के चरित्र को धूमिल कर दिया है।
Modern urban development has often blurred the character of historic narrow lanes.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('शहरी विकास', 'ऐतिहासिक', 'चरित्र', 'धूमिल') and complex sentence structure.
उसकी कला में संकरापन एक जानबूझकर की गई अभिव्यक्ति थी, जो समाज की रूढ़ियों पर सवाल उठाती थी।
The narrowness in his art was a deliberate expression, questioning societal stereotypes.
Abstract noun 'संकरापन' used for artistic expression, 'जानबूझकर की गई अभिव्यक्ति' (deliberate expression).
यह संकरा जलमार्ग, जो प्राचीन व्यापार मार्गों का हिस्सा था, आज भी नौकायन के लिए एक चुनौती प्रस्तुत करता है।
This narrow waterway, which was part of ancient trade routes, still presents a challenge for navigation today.
Complex relative clause ('जो...था') and sophisticated vocabulary ('जलडमरूमध्य', 'प्राचीन व्यापार मार्ग', 'नौकायन', 'चुनौती प्रस्तुत करता है').
उसकी राजनीतिक विचारधारा का संकरापन उसे व्यापक जनसमर्थन प्राप्त करने से रोकता था।
The narrowness of his political ideology prevented him from gaining broad public support.
Metaphorical use for political ideology, 'व्यापक जनसमर्थन' (broad public support).
पुरातत्वविदों को एक संकरे मकबरे के अंदर प्राचीन कलाकृतियाँ मिलीं, जो सीमित स्थान के कारण संरक्षित थीं।
Archaeologists found ancient artifacts inside a narrow tomb, which were preserved due to the limited space.
Describing a tomb as 'संकरा' and explaining preservation due to limited space.
उसकी आलोचनाएँ अक्सर संकरे दृष्टिकोण पर आधारित होती थीं, जो बहुआयामी विश्लेषण का अभाव दर्शाती थीं।
His criticisms were often based on a narrow perspective, showing a lack of multidimensional analysis.
Metaphorical use: 'दृष्टिकोण' (perspective) is 'संकरा', 'बहुआयामी विश्लेषण का अभाव' (lack of multidimensional analysis).
यह संकरा मार्ग, जो कभी एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यावसायिक केंद्र था, अब केवल पर्यटकों के आकर्षण का केंद्र है।
This narrow passage, once an important commercial center, is now only a tourist attraction.
Contrast between past importance and present state, using 'कभी...अब' (once...now).
संकरी सोच अक्सर प्रगति में बाधक होती है, जिससे समाज में ठहराव आ जाता है।
Narrow thinking often hinders progress, leading to stagnation in society.
Abstract concept 'संकरी सोच' (narrow thinking) and its consequence 'प्रगति में बाधक' (hinders progress), 'ठहराव' (stagnation).
आधुनिकता के विस्तार ने कई प्राचीन शहरों की संकरी, भूलभुलैया जैसी गलियों के ताने-बाने को अपूरणीय क्षति पहुंचाई है।
The expansion of modernity has caused irreparable damage to the fabric of the narrow, labyrinthine lanes of many ancient cities.
Highly sophisticated vocabulary ('आधुनिकता के विस्तार', 'भूलभुलैया जैसी', 'ताने-बाने', 'अपूरणीय क्षति'), complex sentence structure, and evocative imagery.
कलाकार ने अपने कैनवास पर संकरेपन को एक शक्तिशाली रूपक के रूप में इस्तेमाल किया, जो मानवीय चेतना की सीमाओं का प्रतीक था।
The artist used narrowness on his canvas as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing the limitations of human consciousness.
Deep metaphorical use of 'संकरापन' as a 'शक्तिशाली रूपक' (powerful metaphor) for 'मानवीय चेतना की सीमाएँ' (limitations of human consciousness).
उसकी दार्शनिक प्रणाली का संकरापन, जो कुछ चुनिंदा सिद्धांतों पर केंद्रित था, उसे सार्वभौमिक सत्य की खोज से दूर ले गया।
The narrowness of his philosophical system, which was focused on a few select principles, led him away from the pursuit of universal truth.
Abstract philosophical context, 'दार्शनिक प्रणाली' (philosophical system), 'सार्वभौमिक सत्य की खोज' (pursuit of universal truth).
संकरी सड़कों पर वाहन चलाते समय, न केवल भौतिक बाधाओं का ध्यान रखना होता है, बल्कि स्थानीय सांस्कृतिक संवेदनशीलता का भी सम्मान करना पड़ता है।
When driving on narrow roads, one must not only be mindful of physical obstacles but also respect local cultural sensitivities.
Integrates physical and cultural aspects, using 'न केवल...बल्कि' (not only...but also) and 'सांस्कृतिक संवेदनशीलता' (cultural sensitivity).
यह संकरा इतिहास केवल जीत की गाथाओं का वर्णन करता है, उन अनगिनत आवाजों को अनसुना कर देता है जो हाशिये पर रह गईं।
This narrow history only narrates tales of victory, leaving unheard countless voices that remained on the margins.
Critique of historical narratives, 'जीत की गाथाएँ' (tales of victory), 'अनगिनत आवाजें' (countless voices), 'हाशिये पर रह गईं' (remained on the margins).
उसकी राजनीतिक बयानबाजी का संकरापन, जो केवल एक संकीर्ण विचारधारा से प्रेरित था, देश को विभाजित करने का काम कर रहा था।
The narrowness of his political rhetoric, which was inspired only by a narrow ideology, was serving to divide the country.
Repetition of 'संकरा' for emphasis, 'राजनीतिक बयानबाजी' (political rhetoric), 'संकीर्ण विचारधारा' (narrow ideology), 'देश को विभाजित करना' (to divide the country).
संकरी गलियों में छिपी अनकही कहानियाँ, शहरी विकास की चकाचौंध में अक्सर खो जाती हैं।
The untold stories hidden in narrow lanes are often lost in the glare of urban development.
Poetic language, 'अनकही कहानियाँ' (untold stories), 'चकाचौंध' (glare), 'खो जाती हैं' (are lost).
ज्ञान के क्षेत्र में संकरापन किसी भी प्रकार की प्रगति का सबसे बड़ा शत्रु है।
Narrowness in the field of knowledge is the greatest enemy of any kind of progress.
Abstract and philosophical statement, 'ज्ञान का क्षेत्र' (field of knowledge), 'प्रगति का शत्रु' (enemy of progress).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This phrase directly translates to 'narrow path' or 'narrow road'. It's used to describe a path that is not wide.
गाँव के बाहर एक संकरा रास्ता था।
— This means 'very narrow'. It emphasizes the extreme lack of width in a particular space or object.
पहाड़ों में सड़क बहुत संकरा हो जाती है।
— This means 'is narrow'. It's a simple statement affirming the narrowness of something.
यह पुल संकरा है।
— This means 'was narrow'. It's used to describe something that was narrow in the past.
वह गली संकरा था।
— This is the noun form, meaning 'narrowness'. It refers to the state or quality of being narrow.
इस कमरे का संकरापन असहज था।
— This specifically means 'narrow lane' or 'narrow alley'. The feminine form 'संकरी' is used because 'गली' (lane) is a feminine noun.
हम शहर की संकरी गलियों में खो गए।
— This phrase means 'narrow turn' or 'sharp turn'. It's used for turns in roads or paths that are tight.
गाड़ी चलाते समय संकरा मोड़ आया।
— This refers to a 'narrow waterway' or 'narrow channel'.
नाव संकरे जलमार्ग से गुजर रही थी।
— This means 'narrow strait', a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
जहाज को संकरे जलडमरूमध्य से निकलना था।
— This is a figurative use, meaning 'narrow thinking' or 'limited perspective'.
उसकी सोच बहुत संकरा है।
Often Confused With
'चौड़ा' means 'wide', which is the direct opposite of 'संकरा'. Confusing these two will reverse the intended meaning.
'तंग' can also mean narrow, but it often implies a feeling of being cramped, restricted, or a tight fit, sometimes with a negative connotation. 'संकरा' is more about the physical dimension of width.
'पतला' means 'thin'. While narrow things are often thin, 'पतला' can refer to thinness in general, not specifically width. For example, a thin sheet of paper is 'पतली', but not necessarily 'संकरी'.
Idioms & Expressions
— A person with narrow thinking; someone who is not open-minded or progressive.
वह एक संकरी सोच का व्यक्ति है, नई बातें नहीं मानता।
— To choose a difficult or less popular path; to take a challenging route.
उन्होंने जीवन में संकरा रास्ता चुना, पर वे सफल हुए।
— To make a narrow or displeased face; to look unhappy or pouty.
जब उसे डाँट पड़ी तो उसने संकरा मुंह बना लिया।
— To get stuck in a difficult or tight situation, often with no easy way out.
यह आर्थिक समस्या हमें संकरी गली में फँसा रही है।
— A narrow heart; someone who is stingy, ungenerous, or lacks empathy.
वह बहुत कंजूस है, उसका दिल संकरा है।
— Literally 'narrow corridor', but can metaphorically refer to a limited path or a restrictive situation.
उसके करियर का गलियारा संकरा होता जा रहा था।
— Literally 'narrow stomach', implying someone who is picky about food or has a delicate appetite. Less common idiom.
उसका पेट संकरा है, वह ज्यादा नहीं खाता।
— The limited scope of one's thinking; a narrow worldview.
उसके विचारों का दायरा बहुत संकरा है।
— To traverse a difficult or challenging path; to overcome obstacles.
उसने अपनी पढ़ाई में संकरा रास्ता तय किया।
Easily Confused
Both describe dimensions of space.
'संकरा' means narrow (lacking width), while 'चौड़ा' means wide (having ample width). They are direct opposites. Using 'संकरा' when you mean 'चौड़ा' would convey the opposite meaning.
गलत: यह सड़क चौड़ी है। (अगर सड़क संकरी है।) / सही: यह सड़क संकरा है।
Both can imply a lack of space or ease of passage.
'संकरा' specifically refers to a lack of width. 'तंग' can mean narrow but also implies being cramped, tight-fitting, or causing discomfort due to lack of space. For example, 'तंग कपड़े' (tight clothes) or a 'तंग गली' (cramped alley). 'संकरा' focuses on the dimension, 'तंग' on the feeling of restriction.
यह गली संकरी है (It's narrow), लेकिन यह बहुत तंग भी है (but it's also very cramped).
Narrow objects are often thin.
'संकरा' refers to the width of an object or space. 'पतला' refers to the thickness or diameter. A pencil is 'पतला' (thin), and the path leading to it might be 'संकरा' (narrow). A wide but thin plank of wood is 'चौड़ा' but 'पतला'.
यह पेंसिल पतली है, और यह रास्ता संकरा है।
Narrow spaces are often small.
'संकरा' specifically denotes a lack of width. 'छोटा' means small in general size (length, width, height, volume). A small square room is 'छोटा' but not necessarily 'संकरा'. A long, narrow corridor is 'संकरा' but might not be considered 'छोटा' in length.
यह कमरा छोटा है, लेकिन यह संकरा नहीं है।
Both can imply restriction or a lack of extent.
'संकरा' is primarily used for physical narrowness. 'सीमित' means 'limited' and is often used for abstract concepts like scope, opportunities, or understanding. While a 'संकरा' path might lead to limited views, 'सीमित' describes the limitation itself.
उसका ज्ञान सीमित है (His knowledge is limited), जबकि वह रास्ता संकरा था (whereas that path was narrow).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + संकरा + है/था।
सड़क संकरा है।
Noun + संकरी + है/था।
गली संकरी है।
Adverb + संकरा/संकरी + Noun
बहुत संकरा रास्ता।
Noun + इतनी + संकरा/संकरी + है कि + Clause
यह गली इतनी संकरी है कि कार नहीं जा सकती।
Noun + के/की + संकरा/संकरा/संकरी + Noun
पहाड़ों के संकरे रास्ते।
Gerund + संकरा/संकरी + Noun
संकरा रास्ता चलते हुए।
Abstract Noun + का + संकरापन
सोच का संकरापन।
Complex sentence with relative clauses describing narrowness
वह संकरा जलडमरूमध्य, जो प्राचीन व्यापार मार्ग का हिस्सा था, आज भी नौकायन के लिए एक चुनौती है।
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High (especially for describing physical spaces)
-
Using 'संकरा' when meaning 'wide'.
→
चौड़ा
This is the most fundamental error. 'संकरा' means narrow, and 'चौड़ा' means wide. They are direct opposites.
-
Forgetting gender agreement (using 'संकरा' for feminine nouns).
→
संकरी
Hindi adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun. For feminine nouns like 'गली' (lane) or 'सड़क' (road), use 'संकरी'. Example: 'यह संकरी गली है।'
-
Confusing 'संकरा' (narrow) with 'तंग' (tight/cramped).
→
'संकरा' for physical width, 'तंग' for feeling of restriction.
'संकरा' is about the dimension. 'तंग' implies a feeling of being squeezed or restricted, often with discomfort. While related, they are not always interchangeable.
-
Using 'संकरा' for 'thin'.
→
पतला
'संकरा' refers to width. 'पतला' refers to thickness or diameter. A pencil is 'पतला', a narrow path is 'संकरा'.
-
Omitting the verb 'hai' or 'tha' in simple descriptive sentences.
→
Noun + संकरा/संकरी + है/था।
Sentences describing a state usually require a verb. Forgetting 'है' (is) or 'था' (was) makes the sentence incomplete. Example: 'सड़क संकरा है।' not just 'सड़क संकरा।'
Tips
Visualize Narrowness
When you hear or read 'संकरा', immediately picture a very narrow space – a tight alley, a thin road, or a small doorway. This strong visual association will help you remember the meaning.
Practice the 'a' ending
The final 'a' in 'संकरा' is usually a short 'uh' sound, not a long 'ah'. Practice saying 'sun-kuh-rah' to get the pronunciation right.
Gender Matters!
Remember that Hindi adjectives agree with the noun's gender. Use 'संकरा' for masculine nouns and 'संकरी' for feminine nouns like 'गली' (lane) or 'सड़क' (road).
Opposite Word Power
Learning the opposite word, 'चौड़ा' (chauda - wide), is a powerful way to reinforce the meaning of 'संकरा'. Think of them as a pair: narrow vs. wide.
Describe Your Surroundings
Look around you and try to identify things that are narrow. Practice saying sentences like 'यह मेज संकरा है।' (This table is narrow) or 'कमरे का दरवाज़ा संकरा है।' (The room's door is narrow).
Know Your Synonyms
While 'संकरा' is the primary word for narrow, understanding 'तंग' (tight/cramped) can add nuance to your vocabulary, especially when describing feelings of restriction.
Sanskrit Roots
Knowing that 'संकरा' comes from a Sanskrit word related to 'mixture' or 'junction' might help you remember its sense of being constricted or not straightforward.
Listen for Context
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'संकरा' in conversations. The context of them describing roads, paths, or tight spaces will solidify its meaning.
Narrow vs. Thin
Remember that 'संकरा' is about width, while 'पतला' is about thickness. A ruler can be narrow and thin, but a wall is usually described by its thickness ('पतली') and the corridor by its width ('संकरा').
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a snake (Sank) trying to get through a narrow (kara) hole. The snake's name is Sank, and the hole is kara (like 'car-a' hole, a small car can't fit). So, Sank's kara hole is narrow.
Visual Association
Picture a very thin, long road winding through mountains, so narrow that only one vehicle can pass at a time. This visual of a 'संकरा' road should help cement the meaning.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five things you see around you using the word 'संकरा' or its feminine form 'संकरी'. For example, 'My desk is narrow', 'The gap between the chairs is narrow'.
Word Origin
The word 'संकरा' originates from the Sanskrit word 'सङ्कर' (saṅkara), which has meanings like 'mixture', 'confusion', 'junction', or 'narrow'. Over time, the meaning evolved specifically towards 'narrowness' in the context of physical spaces.
Original meaning: In Sanskrit, 'saṅkara' could mean a mix, confusion, or a junction point, which can sometimes imply a constricted or complex state. The sense of 'narrowness' became more prominent in its Hindi usage.
Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit root)Cultural Context
When describing spaces as 'संकरा', be mindful of the context. While it's a neutral descriptor for physical dimensions, in abstract or figurative uses (like 'संकरी सोच'), it can carry negative connotations of being closed-minded or limited.
In English, we use words like 'narrow', 'tight', 'cramped', 'confined', 'slender', or 'thin' depending on the context. 'Narrow' is the most direct translation for 'संकरा' when referring to width.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Giving directions in a city or village.
- आगे जाकर सड़क संकरा हो जाती है।
- यह गली बहुत संकरी है, आपको चलना पड़ेगा।
- संकरा रास्ता दाहिनी ओर है।
Describing a place or building.
- पुराने किले के गलियारे संकरे थे।
- यह कमरा बहुत संकरा है।
- इस पुल का डिज़ाइन संकरा है।
Talking about travel or journeys.
- पहाड़ी रास्ते अक्सर संकरे होते हैं।
- हमें एक संकरे दर्रे से गुजरना पड़ा।
- उसने एक संकरा रास्ता चुना।
Describing objects or spaces.
- यह बॉक्स संकरा है।
- दरवाज़ा संकरा था, इसलिए उसे झुकना पड़ा।
- मेज की चौड़ाई संकरी है।
Figurative language (for advanced learners).
- उसकी सोच संकरी है।
- यह अवसर संकरा है।
- संकरी गलियों में खोई हुई कहानियाँ।
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपने कभी ऐसी सड़क देखी है जो बहुत संकरा हो?"
"आपके शहर में सबसे संकरी गली कौन सी है?"
"क्या आपको संकरे रास्ते पर चलना पसंद है या चौड़े रास्ते पर?"
"अगर आपको किसी संकरे दरवाज़े से गुजरना पड़े तो आप क्या करेंगे?"
"क्या आप किसी ऐसी जगह के बारे में बता सकते हैं जहाँ सब कुछ बहुत संकरा था?"
Journal Prompts
आज मैंने एक संकरा रास्ता देखा। इसका वर्णन करें और बताएं कि आपको कैसा महसूस हुआ।
एक ऐसी स्थिति के बारे में लिखें जहाँ आपको 'संकरा' शब्द का प्रयोग करना पड़े, चाहे वह भौतिक हो या लाक्षणिक।
कल्पना करें कि आप एक प्राचीन शहर की संकरी गलियों में घूम रहे हैं। अपने अनुभवों को लिखें।
संकरा और चौड़ा के बीच क्या अंतर है? अपने शब्दों में समझाएं।
क्या कोई ऐसी चीज़ है जिसे आप 'संकरा' या 'संकरी' कहेंगे? क्यों?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most direct English translation of 'संकरा' is 'narrow'. It specifically refers to something that has little width.
'संकरा' is used for masculine singular nouns, while 'संकरी' is used for feminine singular nouns. For example, 'संकरा रास्ता' (narrow path - masculine) and 'संकरी गली' (narrow lane - feminine).
The opposite of 'संकरा' is 'चौड़ा' (chauda), which means 'wide'.
Yes, in more advanced Hindi, 'संकरा' can be used metaphorically to describe limited scope, ideas, or opportunities, similar to 'limited' or 'narrow-minded'. For example, 'संकरी सोच' (narrow thinking).
It is pronounced 'sun-kuh-rah', with the stress on the first syllable 'sunk'.
Yes, 'संकरा' is a very common word in Hindi, especially when describing physical spaces like roads, paths, alleys, and doorways.
'संकरा' refers to the physical dimension of narrowness. 'तंग' can also mean narrow but often implies a feeling of being cramped, tight-fitting, or uncomfortable due to lack of space. 'तंग' can have more negative connotations than 'संकरा'.
While narrow objects are often thin, 'संकरा' specifically refers to width. For thinness, the word 'पतला' is more appropriate. For example, a thin pencil is 'पतली', but a narrow road is 'संकरा'.
Yes, there are idioms like 'संकरी सोच का व्यक्ति' (person with narrow thinking) or 'संकरी गली में फँसना' (to get stuck in a difficult situation).
A basic sentence structure is: Noun + (Adverb) + संकरा/संकरी + है/था। For example, 'यह सड़क संकरा है।' (This road is narrow.)
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Summary
संकरा (sankara) is a fundamental Hindi adjective meaning 'narrow'. It is primarily used to describe physical spaces like roads, paths, and openings that lack width. For example, 'यह रास्ता संकरा है' means 'This path is narrow'. Remember its opposite, 'चौड़ा' (chauda), meaning 'wide'.
- संकरा means narrow, describing things with little width.
- It's used for physical spaces like roads, paths, and openings.
- The opposite of संकरा is चौड़ा (wide).
- Focus on its literal meaning for A1 learners.
Visualize Narrowness
When you hear or read 'संकरा', immediately picture a very narrow space – a tight alley, a thin road, or a small doorway. This strong visual association will help you remember the meaning.
Practice the 'a' ending
The final 'a' in 'संकरा' is usually a short 'uh' sound, not a long 'ah'. Practice saying 'sun-kuh-rah' to get the pronunciation right.
Gender Matters!
Remember that Hindi adjectives agree with the noun's gender. Use 'संकरा' for masculine nouns and 'संकरी' for feminine nouns like 'गली' (lane) or 'सड़क' (road).
Context is Key
While 'संकरा' primarily means physically narrow, be aware of its metaphorical uses in advanced Hindi. For A1 learners, focus on the literal meaning of physical spaces.
Example
संकरा रास्ता है।
Related Content
More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.
