This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
डांटना-फटकारना

B1 verb 10 min read

डांटना-फटकारना

daantna-fatkarna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips डांटना-फटकारना in 30 Seconds

Explanation डांटना-फटकारना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know the first part of this word: 'डांटना' (dāntnā). It means 'to scold.' Imagine a mother telling her child not to touch a hot stove; if the child does it anyway, she might scold them. In simple sentences, you would say 'माँ डांटती है' (Mom scolds). The compound 'डांटना-फटकारना' is a bit too advanced for beginners, but you might hear it in movies. Just remember that 'डांटना' is the basic action of using angry words to correct someone. At this level, don't worry about the 'फटकारना' part yet. Focus on the simple 'डांटना' and how it changes for 'he' (डांटता है) or 'she' (डांटती है). You can use it when talking about teachers or parents. For example, 'शिक्षक डांटते हैं' (The teacher scolds). It's a useful word to describe basic discipline in a house or school setting.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize the compound 'डांटना-फटकारना.' You should know that 'डांटना' is scolding and 'फटकारना' is like a sharper rebuke. Together, they mean 'to scold very much.' You will see this in stories where a character does something wrong. You should practice the past tense: 'उसने मुझे डांटा' (He scolded me). Notice the 'ने' (ne) and 'को' (ko/mujhe). At this level, you can use 'डांटना-फटकारना' to add more emotion to your stories. Instead of saying 'He was angry,' you can say 'He scolded severely.' It helps you describe scenes more vividly. Remember that in Hindi, we often pair two similar words together to make the meaning stronger. This is one of those pairs. If you use both words, people will think your Hindi is getting much better and more expressive.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'डांटना-फटकारना' actively in your speaking and writing. This is the level where you move beyond simple facts and start expressing nuances. This compound verb is perfect for describing authority figures. You should understand the grammar behind it: it is a transitive verb. In the past tense, you must use 'ने' with the subject. For example, 'पिताजी ने बेटे को डांटा-फटकारा.' Note that even though 'बेटा' is the object, the verb ends in '-आ' because of the 'को.' You should also be able to use it in the continuous tense: 'वह उसे डांट-फटकार रहा है.' This word is very common in B1 level reading materials, like short stories by Premchand or modern news reports about social issues. It implies a 'corrective' anger—the person scolding believes they are doing the right thing. It's a great word to use when discussing family dynamics or school life in India.

At the B2 level, you should understand the stylistic choice of using 'डांटना-फटकारना' over just 'डांटना.' Using the compound form shows a command of 'Jodi' words (paired words) which are a hallmark of fluent Hindi. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with conjunctions. For example: 'हालांकि उसने अपनी गलती मान ली थी, फिर भी उसे डांटा-फटकारा गया.' (Although he had admitted his mistake, he was still severely reprimanded). You should also recognize the passive form 'डांटा-फटकारा जाना.' At this level, you should also be aware of the social implications. Using this word suggests a traditional power dynamic. You can use it in essays to describe the disciplinary methods in society. You should also be able to distinguish it from more formal terms like 'भर्त्सना करना' (to condemn) which you might find in political news. B2 learners should feel comfortable using this compound in both formal and informal spoken contexts to add emphasis and 'desi' (local) flavor to their speech.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the rhythmic and cultural depth of 'डांटना-फटकारना.' You should be able to use it metaphorically or in highly descriptive literary contexts. For instance, you might describe a judge's ruling as a 'फटकार' to the system. You should also be familiar with related idioms like 'आड़े हाथों लेना' or 'क्लास लगाना' and know exactly when to use 'डांटना-फटकारना' instead for a more classic, serious tone. You should be able to conjugate it flawlessly in all moods and aspects, including the presumptive (डांटता-फटकारता होगा) or the subjunctive (शायद वह उसे डांटे-फटकारे). C1 learners should also notice how the word is used in classical Hindi literature to establish the 'Rasa' (emotion) of a scene, often 'Raudra' (anger) or 'Vatsalya' (parental love expressed through discipline). You should be able to discuss the nuances of why a writer chose this specific compound over others, perhaps to emphasize the loud, vocal nature of the reprimand.

At the C2 level, 'डांटना-फटकारना' is a basic tool in your vast vocabulary, but your mastery lies in the subtle ways you deploy it. You understand that this compound is part of the 'doublet' tradition in Indo-Aryan languages that provides a specific phono-aesthetic quality to the language. You can use it in high-level discourse, perhaps analyzing the pedagogical shift in Indian schools from 'डांटना-फटकारना' to more psychological approaches. You are also aware of regional variations or how this compound might be replaced by specific dialectal words in Braj or Awadhi literature. You can use the word with perfect intonation, capturing the ' फटकार' (the sharp flick of the voice) that the word itself suggests. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, knowing exactly the level of 'shame' or 'correction' the word carries in different social strata. You might even use it ironically in a sophisticated conversation to mock an overbearing authority figure.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

डांटना-फटकारना in 30 Seconds

A powerful compound verb meaning 'to scold severely.'
Used by authority figures (parents, teachers, bosses) for discipline.
Requires the 'ne' postposition in the past tense (transitive).
Combines two words to intensify the feeling of a 'tongue-lashing.'

The Hindi compound verb डांटना-फटकारना (dāntnā-phatkārnā) is a powerful linguistic tool used to describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone with significant intensity. In Hindi grammar, this is often referred to as a 'reduplicative' or 'echo' compound, where two words with similar or related meanings are paired to amplify the emotional weight of the action. While 'डांटना' (dāntnā) on its own means to scold, adding 'फटकारना' (phatkārnā), which literally means to lash or flick but metaphorically means to rebuke sharply, creates a sense of a thorough and stern verbal discipline. This isn't just a minor correction; it implies a 'dressing down' or a 'tongue-lashing' that leaves the recipient feeling the weight of their mistake.

Social Hierarchy: This term is almost always used in a top-down social dynamic. It is common for parents to use it with children, teachers with students, or senior officers with subordinates. It is rarely used among equals unless the situation is extremely grave, and it would be considered highly disrespectful if used by a junior toward a senior.

जब राहुल परीक्षा में फेल हुआ, तो उसके पिता ने उसे बहुत डांटा-फटकारा। (When Rahul failed the exam, his father scolded him severely.)

The nuance of 'फटकारना' adds a layer of 'shaking someone up.' Imagine a carpet being beaten to remove dust; that is the physical root of 'फटकारना.' When applied to a person, it means removing their 'laziness' or 'mistakes' through sharp words. People use this word when they want to emphasize that the scolding was not just a passing comment but a serious session of correction. It is frequently heard in household settings, educational institutions, and in dramatic narratives like Bollywood films or Hindi literature to depict a moment of high tension and discipline.

Emotional Context: The use of this word often implies a sense of authority and responsibility. The person scolding usually believes they have the right and the duty to correct the other person's behavior for their own good.

देर से आने पर बॉस ने कर्मचारी को सबके सामने डांटना-फटकारना शुरू कर दिया। (The boss started reprimanding the employee in front of everyone for being late.)

In modern urban Hindi, while English words like 'scold' or 'shout' are common, 'डांटना-फटकारना' remains the go-to expression for formal or intensive descriptions of reprimand. It carries a traditional weight that English loanwords sometimes lack. It describes a cultural practice where verbal discipline is seen as a necessary part of upbringing and professional growth. Understanding this word helps learners grasp the intensity of social interactions in Hindi-speaking cultures, where direct and stern verbal feedback is often more socially acceptable than in some Western contexts.

Using डांटना-फटकारना correctly involves understanding its nature as a transitive verb. In Hindi, transitive verbs in the perfective tense (past actions) require the subject to take the 'ने' (ne) postposition. The object of the scolding is usually followed by the postposition 'को' (ko). Because it is a compound verb, the conjugation follows the standard rules for verbs ending in '-ना'.

Past Tense (Perfective): In the past tense, both parts change to reflect the gender and number of the object if 'ने' is used. Example: 'मैंने उसे डांटा-फटकारा' (I scolded him/her). If the object is plural: 'मैंने उन्हें डांटा-फटकारा'. Notice that the compound behaves as a single semantic unit.

गलती करने पर माँ ने बेटी को बहुत डांटा-फटकारा। (The mother scolded the daughter severely upon making a mistake.)

In the continuous or habitual tenses, the verb follows the subject's gender and number. For example, 'वह हमेशा अपने छोटे भाई को डांटता-फटकारता रहता है' (He keeps scolding and reprimanding his younger brother). Here, 'डांटता-फटकारता' acts like a present participle. When used as an infinitive or a gerund, it remains 'डांटना-फटकारना', such as in the sentence: 'किसी को इस तरह डांटना-फटकारना ठीक नहीं है' (Reprimanding someone like this is not right).

Negative Sentences: To negate the action, place 'नहीं' (nahi) before the entire compound. Example: 'शिक्षक ने छात्र को नहीं डांटा-फटकारा' (The teacher did not reprimand the student). It sounds more natural to keep the compound together rather than splitting it with 'नहीं'.

बिना वजह किसी को डांटना-फटकारना बंद करो। (Stop reprimanding anyone without a reason.)

Furthermore, you can use adverbs like 'बुरी तरह' (badly/severely) or 'ज़ोर से' (loudly) to further emphasize the severity of the act. For example: 'उसे बुरी तरह डांटा-फटकारा गया' (He was severely reprimanded). This passive construction uses 'गया' (went/was) and is common in news reporting or formal complaints. Mastering the use of 'डांटना-फटकारना' allows a learner to express complex social interactions involving discipline and authority with the same weight a native speaker would.

You will encounter डांटना-फटकारना in a variety of real-world contexts in India. The most common setting is the Indian household. Parenting styles in South Asia often involve direct verbal correction, and children frequently talk about being 'डांटा-फटकारा' by their parents for things like poor grades, staying out late, or being disrespectful. It is a staple of 'Mummy-Papa' stories and childhood reminiscences.

In Schools: In the educational system, especially in government schools or traditional private schools, the term describes a teacher's method of maintaining discipline. If a student is caught cheating or misbehaving, other students might say, 'आज तो मास्टर जी ने उसे बहुत डांटा-फटकारा' (Today the teacher really gave him a piece of his mind).

प्रिंसिपल ने अनुशासन तोड़ने पर लड़कों को डांटा-फटकारा। (The principal reprimanded the boys for breaking discipline.)

In Bollywood movies and TV serials, this word is used to heighten drama. A father figure (often played by actors like Amrish Puri in the past) would 'डांटना-फटकारना' the protagonist for falling in love with someone against the family's wishes. It signifies the clash between tradition/authority and individual desire. News headlines also use it when a court 'reprimands' a government body or an official for negligence: 'हाईकोर्ट ने सरकार को डांटा-फटकारा' (The High Court reprimanded the government).

Workplace Context: In professional environments, it is used to describe a stern warning. If a project fails, the manager might 'डांटना-फटकारना' the team. It conveys a level of anger that goes beyond a simple 'feedback session' and moves into the realm of a serious rebuke.

जब काम पूरा नहीं हुआ, तो मैनेजर ने सबको डांटा-फटकारा। (When the work wasn't finished, the manager reprimanded everyone.)

Literary Hindi also makes great use of this compound. In short stories (kahaniyan) or novels (upanyas), it sets the tone for a character's personality—perhaps a stern grandmother or a strict landlord. Listening for this word in podcasts or news broadcasts will help you identify when a speaker is expressing strong disapproval or reporting on an exercise of authority. It is a word that carries the 'flavor' of Indian social dynamics, where loud and clear discipline is often part of the narrative.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with डांटना-फटकारना is forgetting that it is a transitive verb requiring the 'ने' postposition in the past tense. Many learners say 'वह उसे डांटा-फटकारा' instead of the correct 'उसने उसे डांटा-फटकारा.' Without 'ने', the sentence becomes grammatically incomplete in the perfective aspect. This is a fundamental hurdle for English speakers whose language doesn't have an ergative-absolutive alignment like Hindi.

Postposition Confusion: Another mistake is using the wrong postposition for the object. Learners sometimes use 'पर' (on) because in English we might say 'shout at someone.' However, in Hindi, you 'scold the person' directly, so 'को' (ko) is the correct postposition. Saying 'मुझ पर डांटा' is incorrect; it should be 'मुझे (मुझ + को) डांटा.'

Incorrect: पिता ने बेटे पर डांटा-फटकारा।
Correct: पिता ने बेटे को डांटा-फटकारा।

Learners also tend to split the compound verb unnecessarily. While 'डांटना' and 'फटकारना' can be used separately, when used together for emphasis, they should be kept side-by-side. Putting words between them, like 'डांटा और बहुत फटकारा', is possible but changes the rhythmic quality of the standard compound expression 'डांटा-फटकारा'. The compound form is a single lexical unit in the speaker's mind.

Gender Agreement: In the past tense with 'ने', the verb agrees with the object. If the object is feminine, the verb ends in '-ई'. Example: 'उसने लड़की को डांटा-फटकारा.' Wait! Actually, when the object is followed by 'को', the verb defaults to the masculine singular form '-आ'. This is a very common mistake. Many learners try to make the verb feminine if the object is feminine, but 'को' blocks that agreement.

Incorrect: माँ ने बेटी को डांटी-फटकारी।
Correct: माँ ने बेटी को डांटा-फटकारा।

Finally, using this word in a formal business email might be too aggressive unless you are explicitly documenting a disciplinary action. In professional writing, more neutral terms like 'चेतावनी दी' (gave a warning) or 'असंतोष व्यक्त किया' (expressed dissatisfaction) are often preferred. 'डांटना-फटकारना' has a visceral, vocal quality that might be seen as too emotional for a corporate report, although it is perfectly fine for spoken descriptions of what happened in a meeting.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for discipline and correction. While डांटना-फटकारना is the most common compound for a severe scolding, there are several alternatives depending on the intensity and context. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

डांटना (Dāntnā) vs. फटकारना (Phatkārnā): 'डांटना' is the general word for scolding. It can be mild or strong. 'फटकारना' is more formal and sharper. It often implies a public or official reprimand. When combined, they cover the entire spectrum of verbal discipline.

Comparison: 'माँ ने डांटा' (Mom scolded - common) vs 'अदालत ने फटकारा' (The court reprimanded - formal/severe).

Another common term is लगाड़ना (Lāṛnā) or दुत्कारना (Dutkārnā). 'दुत्कारना' specifically means to drive someone away with contempt or to treat them with scorn, which is harsher and more negative than a corrective scolding. झिड़कना (Jhiṛaknā) is another close synonym, meaning to snap at someone or to brush them off angrily. It usually describes a shorter, sharper interaction than the prolonged 'डांटना-फटकारना'.

More Alternatives: 1. कोसना (Kosnā): To curse or constantly grumble at someone.
2. भर्त्सना करना (Bhartsanā karnā): A very formal, Sanskritized term for 'to condemn' or 'to censure,' used in politics and high-level journalism.

विपक्ष ने सरकार की नीतियों की भर्त्सना की। (The opposition condemned the government's policies.)

In slang or very informal Hindi, you might hear क्लास लगाना (Class lagānā), which literally means 'to take a class' but idiomatically means to give someone a lecture or a scolding. For example, 'आज बॉस ने मेरी क्लास लगा दी' (Today the boss gave me a earful). This is very common among students and corporate employees. Choosing between 'डांटना-फटकारना' and 'क्लास लगाना' depends on whether you want to sound traditional and descriptive or modern and idiomatic. Finally, आड़े हाथों लेना (Āṛe hāthon lenā) is an idiom meaning to take someone to task or to rebuke them sharply, often used in political debates or competitive situations.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Hindi is famous for these 'echo-word' compounds. Often, the second word adds no new meaning but provides a rhythmic emphasis. In this case, both words have meaning, but they are almost always used together for maximum dramatic effect.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d̪ɑːɳʈ.nɑː pʰəʈ.kɑːɾ.nɑː/

US /d̪ɑːnt.nɑː fət.kɑːr.nɑː/

Primary stress on the first syllable of each word: 'DANT-na' and 'PHAT-kar-na'.

Rhymes With

बांटना (baantna - to distribute) छांटना (chaantna - to sort) काटना (kaatna - to cut) चटकाना (chatkaana - to snap) लटकाना (latkaana - to hang) भटकाना (bhatkaana - to mislead) अटकाना (atkaana - to obstruct) सटकाना (satkaana - to slip away)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'd' like the English 'd' (it should be softer, dental).
Missing the aspiration in 'ph' (it's not 'p', it's 'p' with a puff of air).
Pronouncing 't' in 'phat' as an English 't' (it should be a sharp retroflex 'ʈ').
Failing to nasalize the 'an' in 'dantna' (though the 'n' sound is usually clear).
Treating them as two completely separate actions instead of one rhythmic unit.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Compound verbs are common but require recognizing both parts as one unit.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'ne' postposition and agreement rules with 'ko'.

Speaking 3/5

Aspiration in 'ph' and retroflex 'nt' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

The rhythm of 'dantna-phatkarna' is very distinctive in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

डांटना गुस्सा गलती बोलना सुनना

Learn Next

भर्त्सना आड़े हाथों लेना अनुशासन दंड तिरस्कार

Advanced

कठोर कारावास अवमानना धिक्कारना लांछन प्रताड़ना

Grammar to Know

Ergative alignment with 'ne' (ने)

उसने (Subject + ne) मुझे डांटा।

Verb agreement with 'ko' (को)

उसने लड़की को डांटा (Verb remains masculine singular).

Compound Verb reduction

In fast speech, people might just say 'डांट-फटकार' as a noun.

Causative Verbs

डांटवाना (dantvānā - to make someone else scold).

Present Participle as Adverb

वह डांटते-फटकारते हुए कमरे से बाहर गया।

Examples by Level

माँ बच्चे को डांटती है।

Mother scolds the child.

Simple present tense using 'डांटना'.

शिक्षक ने छात्र को डांटा।

The teacher scolded the student.

Past tense with 'ने' and 'को'.

क्या पापा डांटेंगे?

Will Dad scold?

Future tense of 'डांटना'.

वह मुझे हमेशा डांटता है।

He always scolds me.

Use of 'हमेशा' (always) with present habitual.

मुझे मत डांटो।

Don't scold me.

Imperative negative with 'मत'.

वह शोर करने पर डांटती है।

She scolds for making noise.

Reason given with 'पर'.

आज सबने उसे डांटा।

Everyone scolded him today.

Subject 'सबने' (everyone + ne).

दादी कम डांटती हैं।

Grandmother scolds less.

Adverb 'कम' (less).

गलती करने पर उसे डांट-फटकार मिली।

He got a scolding for making a mistake.

Noun form 'डांट-फटकार' used with 'मिलना'.

पापा ने उसे बहुत डांटा-फटकारा।

Dad scolded him a lot.

Compound verb in past tense.

तुम उसे क्यों डांट-फटकार रहे हो?

Why are you scolding him?

Present continuous compound.

बिना बात के किसी को डांटना-फटकारना बुरा है।

Scolding someone without reason is bad.

Infinitive as a subject.

माँ ने उसे प्यार से समझाया, डांटा-फटकारा नहीं।

Mom explained with love, didn't scold.

Contrast between two actions.

क्या शिक्षक तुम्हें डांटते-फटकारते हैं?

Do the teachers scold you?

Present habitual plural.

देर से आने पर उसे डांट-फटकार सुननी पड़ी।

He had to listen to a scolding for being late.

Compound noun with 'सुननी पड़ी' (had to listen).

वह अपने भाई को डांटता-फटकारता रहता है।

He keeps scolding his brother.

Continuative aspect with 'रहता है'.

जब उसने झूठ बोला, तो उसके माता-पिता ने उसे बुरी तरह डांटा-फटकारा।

When he lied, his parents scolded him severely.

Complex sentence with 'जब...तो'.

ऑफिस में मैनेजर ने कर्मचारी को लापरवाही के लिए डांटा-फटकारा।

In the office, the manager reprimanded the employee for negligence.

Specific reason 'लापरवाही के लिए'.

किसी को सबके सामने डांटना-फटकारना अपमानजनक हो सकता है।

Reprimanding someone in front of everyone can be insulting.

Infinitive used with 'हो सकता है'.

उसने मुझे डांटा-फटकारा ताकि मैं दोबारा ऐसी गलती न करूँ।

He scolded me so that I wouldn't make such a mistake again.

Purpose clause with 'ताकि'.

फिल्म में हीरो के पिता उसे डांटते-फटकारते हुए दिखाई देते हैं।

In the film, the hero's father is seen scolding him.

Present participle phrase 'डांटते-फटकारते हुए'.

अगर तुम काम नहीं करोगे, तो तुम्हें डांटना-फटकारना पड़ेगा।

If you don't work, I will have to scold you.

Conditional sentence.

पड़ोसी ने बच्चों को शोर मचाने पर खूब डांटा-फटकारा।

The neighbor scolded the children a lot for making noise.

Use of 'खूब' (a lot) for emphasis.

शिक्षक के डांटने-फटकारने का उस पर कोई असर नहीं हुआ।

The teacher's scolding had no effect on him.

Oblique infinitive 'डांटने-फटकारने' with 'का'.

अदालत ने पुलिस की निष्क्रियता पर उसे कड़ी फटकार लगाई।

The court severely reprimanded the police for their inactivity.

Formal use of 'फटकार लगाना' (to apply a rebuke).

अनुशासन बनाए रखने के लिए कभी-कभी बच्चों को डांटना-फटकारना आवश्यक हो जाता है।

To maintain discipline, it sometimes becomes necessary to reprimand children.

Gerund subject with 'आवश्यक हो जाता है'.

उसे अपनी छोटी सी भूल के लिए इतनी बुरी तरह डांटा-फटकारा गया कि वह रोने लगा।

He was scolded so badly for his small mistake that he started crying.

Passive voice 'डांटा-फटकारा गया'.

बॉस के डांटने-फटकारने के बावजूद उसने अपना इस्तीफा नहीं दिया।

Despite the boss's reprimand, he did not give his resignation.

Use of 'के बावजूद' (despite).

समाज में बड़ों का छोटों को डांटना-फटकारना एक सामान्य बात मानी जाती है।

In society, elders scolding youngsters is considered a normal thing.

Complex gerund phrase as a subject.

वह इस तरह डांट-फटकार रहा था जैसे वह कोई बहुत बड़ा अधिकारी हो।

He was scolding as if he were some big officer.

Subjunctive 'हो' with 'जैसे' (as if).

बिना किसी ठोस कारण के कर्मचारियों को डांटना-फटकारना नेतृत्व की कमी दर्शाता है।

Reprimanding employees without any solid reason shows a lack of leadership.

Abstract noun 'कमी' (lack) and 'दर्शाता है' (shows).

उसे उम्मीद नहीं थी कि उसकी ज़रा सी देरी पर उसे इतना डांटा-फटकारा जाएगा।

He didn't expect that he would be scolded so much for his slight delay.

Future passive 'जाएगा'.

संपादकीय में सरकार की आर्थिक नीतियों को लेकर उसे काफी डांटा-फटकारा गया है।

The government has been heavily reprimanded in the editorial regarding its economic policies.

Formal journalistic passive.

उनके स्वर में जो डांट-फटकार थी, उससे पूरी सभा में सन्नाटा छा गया।

The reprimand in his voice caused silence to spread throughout the assembly.

Relative-correlative 'जो...उससे'.

लेखक ने अपनी आत्मकथा में पिता द्वारा किए गए डांटने-फटकारने के दौर का मार्मिक वर्णन किया है।

In his autobiography, the author has given a poignant description of the period of scolding by his father.

Agentive phrase 'पिता द्वारा किए गए'.

भले ही आप उसे डांटें-फटकारें, पर उसके व्यवहार में बदलाव आना मुश्किल है।

Even if you scold him, it's hard for a change to come in his behavior.

Concessive 'भले ही' with subjunctive.

उच्च न्यायालय ने नगर निगम को कचरा प्रबंधन में विफलता के लिए कड़ी फटकार लगाई।

The High Court severely reprimanded the Municipal Corporation for failure in waste management.

Legal/Administrative context.

वह केवल डांटता-फटकारता ही नहीं, बल्कि सुधार के रास्ते भी बताता है।

He doesn't just reprimand, but also shows paths for improvement.

Correlative 'न केवल...बल्कि' (not only...but also).

इस डांट-फटकार के पीछे छिपे प्रेम को पहचानना हर किसी के बस की बात नहीं।

Recognizing the love hidden behind this scolding is not everyone's cup of tea.

Idiomatic 'बस की बात नहीं'.

राजनीतिक गलियारों में इस बयान को लेकर काफी डांट-फटकार मची हुई है।

There is a lot of reprimanding/uproar in political circles over this statement.

Metaphorical use of 'मची हुई है'.

उनकी डांट-फटकार में एक ऐसी गरिमा होती है जो सुनने वाले को आत्मचिंतन के लिए विवश कर देती है।

There is such dignity in his reprimand that it compels the listener to self-reflect.

Sophisticated abstract vocabulary.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में किसी कृति को इस तरह डांटना-फटकारना उसकी मौलिकता के प्रति अन्याय हो सकता है।

In literary criticism, reprimanding a work in this way can be an injustice to its originality.

Academic register.

प्रशासनिक स्तर पर होने वाली यह डांट-फटकार अक्सर केवल कागज़ी खानापूर्ति बनकर रह जाती है।

This reprimanding at the administrative level often remains merely a paper formality.

Idiomatic 'खानापूर्ति' (formality/filling gaps).

यद्यपि गुरु का स्वभाव डांटने-फटकारने का था, किंतु उनका हृदय नवनीत के समान कोमल था।

Although the Guru's nature was prone to scolding, his heart was as soft as butter.

Sanskritized vocabulary 'यद्यपि...किंतु' and 'नवनीत'.

फिल्म के उस दृश्य में नायक का अपनी अंतरात्मा को डांटना-फटकारना दर्शकों को झकझोर गया।

In that scene of the film, the protagonist's scolding of his own conscience shook the audience.

Metaphorical/Psychological usage.

वह अपनी ज़ुबान की डांट-फटकार से किसी भी अहंकारी व्यक्ति का गर्व चूर कर सकता है।

With the reprimand of his tongue, he can shatter the pride of any arrogant person.

Idiomatic 'गर्व चूर करना'.

इस डांट-फटकार का उद्देश्य दमन नहीं, बल्कि चरित्र का परिमार्जन था।

The objective of this reprimand was not suppression, but the refinement of character.

Philosophical contrast 'दमन' vs 'परिमार्जन'.

जब तक व्यवस्था में जवाबदेही नहीं आती, डांटने-फटकारने का कोई सार्थक परिणाम नहीं निकलेगा।

Until accountability comes into the system, scolding will not yield any meaningful result.

Conditional 'जब तक...नहीं'.

Synonyms

डांटना फटकारना झिड़कना लगाड़ना दुत्कारना भर्त्सना करना आड़े हाथों लेना क्लास लगाना

Antonyms

सराहना तारीफ़ करना दुलारना शाबाशी देना

Common Collocations

बुरी तरह डांटना-फटकारना

सबके सामने डांटना-फटकारना

ज़ोर से डांटना-फटकारना

बिना वजह डांटना-फटकारना

गलती पर डांटना-फटकारना

खूब डांटना-फटकारना

अदालत की फटकार

डांट-फटकार मिलना

डांट-फटकार सहना

डांटने-फटकारने की आदत

Common Phrases

डांट-फटकार का दौर

— A period or session of continuous scolding.

घर में डांट-फटकार का दौर शुरू हो गया।

दो बातें सुनाना

— To give someone a piece of one's mind (mild scolding).

मैंने उसे दो बातें सुना दीं।

कान खींचना

— Literally 'to pull ears,' but idiomatically to reprimand or warn.

गलती की तो पापा कान खींचेंगे।

नसीहत देना

— To give advice, often in a stern or scolding manner.

बड़े हमेशा नसीहत देते हैं।

आंखें दिखाना

— To show anger through eyes, a silent scolding.

माँ ने उसे आंखें दिखाईं।

खबर लेना

— To take someone to task; to scold them for something.

आज मैं उसकी खबर लूँगा।

सबक सिखाना

— To teach a lesson, often involving a scolding.

उसे सबक सिखाना ज़रूरी है।

फटकार लगाना

— To reprimand or rebuke officially.

बॉस ने उसे फटकार लगाई।

झाड़ पिलाना

— Slang for giving someone a severe scolding.

उसने मुझे अच्छी झाड़ पिलाई।

बोलती बंद करना

— To silence someone by scolding them or proving them wrong.

डांट-फटकार ने उसकी बोलती बंद कर दी।

Often Confused With

डांटना-फटकारना vs चिल्लाना (Chillaana)

Chillaana means just to shout or yell, which might be out of pain or excitement. Dantna-Phatkarna always implies a reprimand.

डांटना-फटकारना vs समझाना (Samjhaana)

Samjhaana means to explain or advise calmly. It is the opposite of the angry tone of Dantna-Phatkarna.

डांटना-फटकारना vs पीटना (Peetna)

Peetna means to beat physically. Dantna-Phatkarna is strictly verbal discipline.

Idioms & Expressions

"आड़े हाथों लेना"

— To rebuke someone sharply or take them to task.

जनता ने नेता को आड़े हाथों लिया।

Journalistic/Formal

"क्लास लगाना"

— To scold someone thoroughly, like a lecture.

मम्मी ने मेरी क्लास लगा दी।

Colloquial

"बाल की खाल निकालना"

— To nitpick, often leading to a scolding.

वह हर चीज़ में बाल की खाल निकालता है और फिर डांटता है।

General

"ज़मीन आसमान एक करना"

— To make a huge fuss, often while scolding someone.

ज़रा सी बात पर उसने ज़मीन आसमान एक कर दिया।

Emphasis

"तिल का ताड़ बनाना"

— To make a mountain out of a molehill, often the cause of a scolding.

तुम हर छोटी बात का तिल का ताड़ बनाते हो।

General

"घिग्घी बंधना"

— To be unable to speak out of fear while being scolded.

डांट सुनकर उसकी घिग्घी बंध गई।

Descriptive

"कान भरना"

— To poison someone's ears against another, leading to a scolding.

उसने मेरे खिलाफ पापा के कान भर दिए।

General

"नाक में दम करना"

— To harass or annoy someone, which usually invites a scolding.

बच्चों ने मेरी नाक में दम कर रखा है।

General

"लोहे के चने चबाना"

— To face a very tough situation, like a severe scolding from a strict boss.

बॉस की डांट सहना लोहे के चने चबाने जैसा है।

Metaphorical

"सिर पर चढ़ना"

— To become too pampered or spoiled, requiring a 'डांट-फटकार'.

वह लड़का सिर पर चढ़ गया है, उसे डांटना ज़रूरी है।

General

Easily Confused

डांटना-फटकारना vs झिड़कना

Both involve anger.

Jhirakna is a quick, sharp snap or dismissal. Dantna-Phatkarna is a longer, more thorough scolding.

उसने मुझे झिड़क दिया (He snapped at me/brushed me off).

डांटना-फटकारना vs कोसना

Both involve negative words.

Kosna means to curse or grumble about someone's fate or character. Dantna-Phatkarna is about correcting a specific action.

वह अपनी किस्मत को कोस रहा है (He is cursing his luck).

डांटना-फटकारना vs धमकाना

Both involve authority and fear.

Dhamkaana means to threaten with future consequences. Dantna-Phatkarna is about a current or past mistake.

उसने मुझे मारने की धमकी दी (He threatened to hit me).

डांटना-फटकारना vs टोकना

Both involve correcting someone.

Tokna is a mild interruption or a small correction. It lacks the anger and intensity of a scolding.

मम्मी ने मुझे बीच में टोका (Mom interrupted/corrected me in the middle).

डांटना-फटकारना vs लगाड़ना

Very similar meaning.

Lagarna is more colloquial and can sound a bit more aggressive/crude depending on the region.

उसने उसे खूब लगाड़ा (He gave him a heavy scolding).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Object + को + डांटता/ती है।

पापा राहुल को डांटते हैं।

Subject + ने + Object + को + डांटा-फटकारा।

माँ ने मुझे डांटा-फटकारा।

Reason + पर + Subject + ने + Object + को + डांटा-फटकारा।

देरी पर बॉस ने सबको डांटा-फटकारा।

Object + को + बुरी तरह + डांटा-फटकारा गया।

चोर को पुलिस द्वारा डांटा-फटकारा गया।

Subject + के + डांटने-फटकारने + के बावजूद + ...

उसके डांटने-फटकारने के बावजूद बच्चा नहीं माना।

जो + डांट-फटकार + X ने + Y को + लगाई, वह ...

जो फटकार कोर्ट ने लगाई, वह ज़रूरी थी।

X का + Y को + डांटना-फटकारना + Z दर्शाता है।

पिता का पुत्र को डांटना-फटकारना उनका प्रेम दर्शाता है।

बिना + किसी + पूर्व सूचना + के + डांटना-फटकारना ...

बिना किसी पूर्व सूचना के डांटना-फटकारना अनुचित है।

Word Family

Nouns

डांट (dānt) - scolding

फटकार (phatkār) - rebuke

डांट-डपट (dānt-ḍapaṭ) - another compound for scolding

Verbs

डांटना (dāntnā) - to scold

फटकारना (phatkārnā) - to reprimand

डांट खाना (dānt khānā) - to get scolded (literally 'to eat a scolding')

Adjectives

डांटने वाला (dāntne vālā) - one who scolds

फटकारने योग्य (phatkārne yogya) - blameworthy / deserving a reprimand

गुस्सा (gussā) - anger

अनुशासन (anushāsan) - discipline

गलती (galatī) - mistake

सज़ा (sazā) - punishment

चेतावनी (chetāvanī) - warning

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in domestic and educational contexts; medium-high in news and literature.

Common Mistakes

मैंने उसे डांटी-फटकारी (when scolding a girl). → मैंने उसे डांटा-फटकारा।
Because of the postposition 'को' (hidden in 'उसे'), the verb must be in the neutral masculine singular form in the past tense.
वह मुझ पर डांटा। → उसने मुझे डांटा।
You don't scold 'on' someone in Hindi. You scold the person directly (Direct Object + ko). Also, 'ne' is missing.
शिक्षक ने छात्र को डांटा और फटकारा। → शिक्षक ने छात्र को डांटा-फटकारा।
While grammatically okay, adding 'और' breaks the natural flow of the compound verb which is usually used as a single unit.
मैं मेरे बॉस को डांटता हूँ। → मेरा बॉस मुझे डांटता है।
Socially, a junior does not 'डांटना-फटकारना' a senior. The direction of the action is almost always downward in the social hierarchy.
उसने बहुत फटकारना किया। → उसने बहुत फटकारा।
फटकारना is a verb itself, so you don't need 'करना' (to do) unless you use the noun form 'फटकार लगाना'.

Tips

The 'Ko' Block

Remember that when you use 'को' with the object, the verb 'डांटा-फटकारा' will always end in '-आ' in the past tense, regardless of the gender of the person being scolded. This is a common trap for learners.

Echo Words

Notice how many Hindi verbs come in pairs like 'डांटना-फटकारना'. Learning these pairs together makes your Hindi sound much more natural and rhythmic. It's a key feature of the language.

Tough Love

In India, being scolded by an elder is often seen as a sign that they care about your future. Don't always interpret 'डांटना-फटकारना' as pure hostility; it often has a corrective, protective intent.

Stress the 'Phat'

When saying 'फटकारना', make the 'Phat' sound sharp. This mimics the onomatopoeic origin of the word and helps convey the sharpness of the reprimand you are describing.

Workplace Nuance

In a modern office, saying someone was 'डांटा-फटकारा' sounds quite dramatic. If you want to be more professional, use 'फीडबैक दिया' (gave feedback) or 'असंतोष जताया' (expressed dissatisfaction).

News Keywords

If you hear 'फटकार लगाई' in a news broadcast, pay attention. It usually means a major legal or political development where a judge or leader has taken someone to task.

Compound Consistency

When writing, keep 'डांटना' and 'फटकारना' together with a hyphen if possible. This shows you recognize them as a single compound verb.

The Sound of Anger

Associate the 'Da' in Dantna with a deep, angry voice. Associate the 'Phat' with a sharp, snapping sound. This sensory link will help the word stick in your memory.

Infinitive Use

You can use the whole compound as a noun phrase: 'उनका डांटना-फटकारना' (Their scolding). This is a great way to start a sentence when discussing someone's behavior.

Hierarchy Check

Before using this word, check the social levels. It's for parents to kids, teachers to students, or bosses to staff. Using it 'upward' is a major social faux pas.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dant' (tooth/sting) and 'Phat' (the sound of a slap). When you 'Dantna-Phatkarna', your words sting like a bite and hit like a slap.

Visual Association

Imagine a teacher with a wooden ruler hitting the table ('Phat!') while yelling a stern warning. That is the essence of this word.

Word Web

Authority Anger Correction Loud Parents Mistake Discipline Rebuke

Challenge

Write a short dialogue where a boss 'डांटना-फटकारना' an employee for being late three days in a row. Try to use at least three different tenses of the verb.

Word Origin

The word 'डांटना' comes from the Sanskrit root 'दंश्' (daṃś) meaning to bite or sting, evolving through Prakrit. 'फटकारना' is onomatopoeic in origin, derived from the sound 'फट' (phat), representing the sound of a whip or a sharp strike. Together, they represent a 'stinging rebuke' that 'strikes' the recipient.

Original meaning: To sting and to lash.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about someone else's parents, as it can sound critical of their parenting style. In a professional context, use it only when a serious rebuke is actually happening.

English speakers might find the intensity of 'डांटना-फटकारना' surprising, as Western parenting often emphasizes 'positive reinforcement' over loud reprimands.

Premchand's stories often feature strict fathers who 'डांटना-फटकारना' their sons. Bollywood movie 'Baghban' shows the emotional weight of a father's reprimand. The idiom 'माँ की डांट और घी की रोटी' (Mother's scold and bread with ghee) implies both are good for health.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Parenting

शरारत मत करो वरना डांट पड़ेगी
मम्मी बहुत डांटती हैं
पापा ने उसे डांटा-फटकारा
डांट सुनकर बच्चा चुप हो गया

School/Education

होमवर्क न करने पर डांट मिली
टीचर ने सबको डांटा-फटकारा
प्रिंसिपल की डांट
क्लास में डांट खाना

Workplace

बॉस ने मीटिंग में डांटा-फटकारा
काम में देरी पर डांट
मैनेजर की फटकार
बिना गलती के डांट खाना

Legal/News

कोर्ट की फटकार
सरकार को फटकारा गया
कड़ी भर्त्सना
अधिकारियों को डांटा-फटकारा

Personal Relationships

दोस्त ने मुझे डांटा-फटकारा
उसने मुझे बहुत सुनाया
डांट-फटकार के बाद सुलह
मुझे डांटना बंद करो

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपके माता-पिता आपको बचपन में बहुत डांटते-फटकारते थे?"

"जब आपको ऑफिस में डांट-फटकार मिलती है, तो आप कैसा महसूस करते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि बच्चों को डांटना-फटकारना ज़रूरी है?"

"आखिरी बार आपको किसने और क्यों डांटा-फटकारा था?"

"अगर आपका बॉस आपको सबके सामने डांटे-फटकारे, तो आप क्या करेंगे?"

Journal Prompts

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपको अपनी किसी बड़ी गलती के लिए डांट-फटकार सुननी पड़ी हो।

क्या आपको लगता है कि आधुनिक शिक्षा में डांटने-फटकारने की जगह प्यार से समझाना ज़्यादा प्रभावी है?

अपने बचपन की एक याद लिखें जब आपके किसी शिक्षक ने आपको डांटा-फटकारा था और उसका आप पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ा।

एक काल्पनिक कहानी लिखें जिसमें एक सख्त दादाजी अपने पोते को डांटते-फटकारते हैं, लेकिन उसके पीछे उनका प्यार छिपा है।

कार्यस्थल पर अनुशासन बनाए रखने के लिए डांट-फटकार के फायदों और नुकसानों पर चर्चा करें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a compound verb made of two words. In Hindi, these are called 'Sanyukt Kriya' or reduplicative pairs. They function together to provide a single, intensified meaning. You should treat them as a single semantic unit when translating.

No, unless you are the one in a higher position. Using this word for a superior would be considered very disrespectful and linguistically incorrect, as the word implies a top-down authority dynamic. If you want to say you were angry at your boss, use 'नाराज़ होना'.

'डांट' (Dant) is a general scolding. 'फटकार' (Phatkar) is a sharper, often more public or formal reprimand. When you use them together, you are saying the scolding was both thorough and sharp.

Hindi is an ergative language in the perfective aspect. For transitive verbs like 'डांटना-फटकारना', the subject must take 'ने' when the action is completed in the past. For example, 'मैंने उसे डांटा' (I scolded him).

If you use 'को' after the girl's name (which you should), the verb stays in the masculine singular form: 'मैंने लड़की को डांटा-फटकारा.' It does NOT become 'डांटी-फटकारी' because the postposition 'को' blocks the agreement with the object.

No, it is not a swear word or slang. It is a perfectly standard, though emotionally charged, word used in families, schools, and newspapers. It describes a stern disciplinary action.

You can say 'मुझे डांट पड़ी' (I fell into a scolding) or 'मुझे डांटा-फटकारा गया' (I was scolded - passive). Both are very common.

The opposite would be 'तारीफ़ करना' (to praise) or 'सराहना करना' (to appreciate). These words describe positive feedback instead of negative reprimand.

Yes, you can use it if you are scolding a pet like a dog. 'मैंने कुत्ते को डांटा-फटकारा क्योंकि उसने जूता चबा लिया था' (I scolded the dog because he chewed the shoe).

Yes, 'फटकारना' or the noun 'फटकार' is very common in formal news reports, especially when a court or a high official reprimands a subordinate department.