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ढकेलना

B2 verb 8 min read

ढकेलना

dhakelna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ढकेलना in 30 Seconds

Explanation ढकेलना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'dhakelna' is introduced as a basic action verb meaning 'to push'. Learners at this stage should focus on its simplest physical application, such as pushing a door or a toy. The focus is on the present tense and simple commands. For example, 'Darvaza dhakelo' (Push the door). It's important to distinguish it from its opposite, 'khinchna' (to pull), which is often found on signs in public places. At this level, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just associate the sound 'dhakel' with the physical motion of moving something away from you. You might use it when talking about moving furniture or playing with a ball. It's one of the first 500 words you might learn to describe basic physical interactions with objects in your immediate environment.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dhakelna' in more complete sentences and start exploring the past tense. You will learn that 'dhakelna' is a transitive verb. This means when you say 'I pushed the chair', you need to be aware of the object. You will start using it in the context of daily chores, like 'Maine mez ko dhakela' (I pushed the table). You also learn the continuous form: 'Woh gaadi dhakel raha hai' (He is pushing the car). At this stage, you might also encounter the word in simple stories or descriptions of crowded places like a bus or a market. You are building the foundation to describe sequences of actions where pushing is involved, such as 'He pushed the door and entered the room'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with all tenses of 'dhakelna' and start using it in more varied contexts. You will understand the difference between 'dhakelna' and 'dhakka dena'—using the former for sustained effort and the latter for a sudden shove. You also start to see the word used in more abstract ways, such as 'pushing a problem away' or 'pushing through a crowd'. Your grammar should be more accurate, especially the use of 'ne' in the past tense ('Usne bache को dhakela'). You can also use the word to describe more complex physical actions, like a tractor pushing a heavy load or a person pushing a cycle up a hill. You are moving from simple physical descriptions to more nuanced narrative uses.

At the B2 level, you explore the metaphorical and figurative uses of 'dhakelna'. You will encounter it in news reports and literature describing social and economic forces. For example, 'Gareebi ne use apradh ki duniya mein dhakel diya' (Poverty pushed him into the world of crime). You understand that in these contexts, the word implies a lack of choice and a forceful transition. You are also expected to use the word with more sophisticated adverbs, like 'zor-shor se dhakelna' (to push vigorously) or 'dhire-se dhakelna' (to push gently/nudge). You can participate in discussions about social issues where people are 'pushed' to the margins of society. Your understanding of the word now includes its emotional and social weight, not just its physical mechanics.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the stylistic nuances of 'dhakelna'. You can distinguish between its use in formal prose and colloquial speech. You might use it in complex sentence structures, such as passive constructions or as part of compound verbs. You understand how it can be used to create vivid imagery in creative writing—for instance, describing the wind 'pushing' the clouds across the sky or a person 'pushing' their boundaries. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between being 'pushed' (forced) and being 'led'. You can also analyze its use in political rhetoric, where 'pushing' someone into a corner is a common metaphor for aggressive negotiation or social pressure.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dhakelna' is near-native. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as philosophical discussions about 'pushing' the limits of human knowledge or in legal contexts describing physical assault. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to other Indo-Aryan languages. You can use the word with absolute precision, choosing it over synonyms like 'pelna' or 'agrasar karna' to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You might even use it in poetry or advanced literary analysis, exploring the nuances of force, resistance, and momentum. For you, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a tool for expressing complex dynamics of power, physics, and human destiny with elegance and accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ढकेलना in 30 Seconds

Dhakelna means to push or shove physically or metaphorically.
It is a transitive verb requiring an object to receive the action.
In the past tense, it uses the 'ne' particle with the subject.
It differs from 'dhakka dena', which is often a more sudden push.

The Hindi verb ढकेलना (dhakelna) is a fundamental action word that primarily translates to 'to push' or 'to shove' in English. At its core, it describes the physical act of applying force against an object or person to move them away from the source of the force. While English often uses 'push' for both a gentle nudge and a forceful shove, dhakelna frequently carries a connotation of continuous effort or a more vigorous movement compared to the more common synonym धक्का देना (dhakka dena), which often implies a single, sudden thrust.

Physical Displacement: This is the most direct usage. When you move a heavy cupboard across a room, push a stalled car to the side of the road, or shove a door open that is stuck, you are performing the action of dhakelna. It involves the transfer of kinetic energy from your body to the object to change its position in space.

मजदूरों ने भारी पत्थर को नीचे ढकेला। (The laborers pushed the heavy stone down.)

Metaphorical Pressure: Beyond the physical, dhakelna is used to describe forcing someone into a situation, often a negative one. You might hear about a person being 'pushed' into poverty, 'shoved' into a life of crime, or 'pushed' toward a decision they didn't want to make. In these contexts, the word captures the lack of agency the victim has in the face of overwhelming external pressure.

In social settings, the word can also describe the act of crowding or jostling. In a packed Delhi Metro or a busy Mumbai local train, the constant movement of people against one another is often described using variations of this verb. It evokes a sense of struggle and physical interaction that is central to navigating high-density urban environments in India. Understanding this word requires recognizing the physical resistance involved; you don't just 'dhakelna' something light like a feather; you 'dhakelna' something that offers some degree of pushback.

भीड़ ने उसे मंच की ओर ढकेल दिया। (The crowd shoved him toward the stage.)

Regional Variations: In some North Indian dialects, you might hear 'dhakeln' or 'dhakelo'. However, in standard Modern Hindi, 'dhakelna' is the infinitive form used in formal writing, news broadcasting, and standard conversation. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes an object (the thing being pushed).

Using ढकेलना (dhakelna) correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular transitive verb. Because it is transitive, in the perfective tenses (past tense), the subject takes the postposition ने (ne) and the verb agrees with the object. This is a crucial grammatical point for English speakers who are used to the verb always agreeing with the subject.

उसने गाड़ी को सड़क के किनारे ढकेला। (He pushed the car to the side of the road.)

In the sentence above, 'usne' (he + ne) is the subject. Since 'gaadi' (car) is feminine, if we were using a different construction, the verb might change, but here 'dhakela' is in the masculine singular default form because the object 'gaadi' is followed by 'ko'. If 'ko' were absent (which is rare for 'dhakelna' with specific objects), the verb would agree with the object's gender.

Imperative Forms: When giving commands, use 'dhakelo' (informal/neutral) or 'dhakeliye' (formal). For example, 'Is mez ko us kone mein dhakelo' (Push this table into that corner). This is common when directing movers or friends helping with furniture.

Continuous Action: To describe an ongoing action, use 'dhakel raha hai' (is pushing). 'Woh deewar ko dhakel raha hai par woh hil nahi rahi' (He is pushing the wall but it isn't moving). This highlights the effort and the duration of the push.

बच्चे एक-दूसरे को पानी में ढकेल रहे थे। (The children were pushing each other into the water.)

Metaphorical usage in sentences often involves abstract nouns. For instance, 'Bhrashtachar ne desh ko vinash ki or dhakel diya hai' (Corruption has pushed the country toward destruction). Here, the verb functions exactly like the English 'pushed', indicating a forced trajectory into a state of being. It is powerful imagery that suggests the country is like a heavy object being forced down a dangerous path.

The word ढकेलना (dhakelna) is ubiquitous in various sectors of Indian life. From the chaotic streets to the formal language of news reports, its presence is felt wherever force and movement are discussed. Understanding these contexts helps a learner move beyond dictionary definitions into real-world fluency.

At the Marketplace: In traditional Indian markets (mandis) or busy bazaars, you will often see 'thela-walas' (cart-pullers/pushers). The act of maneuvering these heavy wooden carts through narrow lanes is always described as thela dhakelna. You might hear a vendor shouting to a colleague, 'Thoda aur dhakelo!' (Push a little more!) to clear a path.

सब्जीवाला अपनी रेहड़ी को गली में ढकेल रहा था। (The vegetable seller was pushing his cart in the lane.)

News and Media: In Hindi news bulletins, dhakelna is frequently used in political and economic reporting. A common headline might be: 'Nayi nitiyon ne arthvyavastha ko sankat mein dhakel diya' (New policies have pushed the economy into a crisis). It adds a dramatic flair, suggesting that the crisis was an avoidable state that the economy was forced into.

In everyday household settings, parents might use it when playing with children or when moving furniture. 'Apne khilone ko mat dhakelo, toot jayega' (Don't push your toy, it will break). It is also used in sports, particularly in wrestling (Kushti) or Kabaddi, where pushing the opponent out of bounds is a key tactic. In these sports, 'dhakelna' is not just a verb but a strategic maneuver requiring strength and timing.

पहलवान ने अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को रिंग से बाहर ढकेल दिया। (The wrestler pushed his opponent out of the ring.)

For English speakers, the most common pitfall when using ढकेलना (dhakelna) is confusing it with its close cousin, धक्का देना (dhakka dena). While both translate to 'push', they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the subtle differences in energy and intent is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Suddenness vs. Duration: धक्का देना (Dhakka dena) usually implies a sudden, momentary push—like a shove in a crowd or a quick tap. ढकेलना (Dhakelna), on the other hand, often implies a more sustained effort to move something over a distance. You 'dhakka dena' a doorbell or a small button, but you 'dhakelna' a heavy trolley.

Incorrect: उसने बटन को ढकेला। (He pushed the button - sounds like he's trying to move the button across the wall.)
Correct: उसने बटन दबाया या धक्का दिया। (He pressed or pushed the button.)

Transitive Grammar (Ne-Rule): Many learners forget to use the 'ne' particle in the past tense. They might say 'Main gaadi dhakela' instead of 'Maine gaadi dhakeli'. Remember: Subject + ne + Object + Verb (agreeing with object). If the object has 'ko', the verb stays masculine singular 'dhakela'.

Another mistake is using 'dhakelna' for 'pushing' someone to do something in a positive way (encouragement). In English, we say 'My teacher pushed me to study hard.' In Hindi, using 'dhakelna' here would sound like the teacher literally shoved you or forced you into a bad situation. For positive encouragement, use प्रेरित करना (prerit karna) or बढ़ावा देना (badhava dena).

Incorrect: उसने मुझे सफलता की ओर ढकेला। (He pushed me toward success - sounds violent.)
Correct: उसने मुझे सफलता के लिए प्रेरित किया। (He inspired/encouraged me for success.)

While ढकेलना (dhakelna) is a versatile word, Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances. Choosing the right one can elevate your speaking from basic to sophisticated.

धक्का देना (Dhakka Dena): The most common alternative. It literally means 'to give a push'. Use this for sudden movements, pushing someone out of the way, or if an engine needs a 'jump start' push. It is more colloquial than 'dhakelna'.
पेलना (Pelna): This is a very informal, sometimes crude or slangy word. It implies a very forceful, almost violent pushing or cramming. It's often used in street slang or very casual settings among friends to describe pushing something into a tight space.
अग्रसर करना (Agrasar Karna): A highly formal, Sanskritized term meaning 'to move forward' or 'to advance'. You would see this in academic papers or formal business reports. 'Prastav ko agrasar karein' (Advance/Push the proposal forward).

भीड़ में लोग एक-दूसरे को धक्का दे रहे थे। (People were pushing each other in the crowd.)

In literary Hindi, you might encounter प्रेरित करना (prerit karna) when the 'pushing' is psychological or motivational. Even though 'dhakelna' can be used metaphorically for negative situations (pushing into darkness), 'prerit karna' is the go-to for positive 'pushing'. Another interesting word is खिसकाना (khiskana), which means 'to slide' or 'to nudge slightly'. If you just want someone to move their chair an inch, 'khiskana' is much better than the forceful 'dhakelna'.

Summary Table

Dhakelna: Physical/Metaphorical sustained push.
Dhakka Dena: Sudden shove/jolt.
Khiskana: To slide or nudge.
Prerit Karna: To push/motivate (positive).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is related to 'dhakka' (push), which is one of the most common words heard in crowded Indian streets.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɖʱəˈkeːl.nɑː/

US /ɖʱəˈkeɪl.nɑː/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'ke'.

Rhymes With

खेलना (khelna - to play) झेलना (jhelna - to endure) पेलना (pelna - to push forcefully) बेलना (belna - to roll dough) तेलना (telna - to oil) रेलना (relna - to push along) सहेलना (sahelna - to arrange) अकेला (akela - alone - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dh' as a dental 'd' (like 'the'). It must be retroflex and aspirated.
Shortening the 'e' sound in 'ke'. It should be a long 'ay' sound.
Neglecting the aspiration in 'dh', making it sound like 'dakelna'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in narrative descriptions.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of the 'ne' rule in past tense.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the retroflex 'dh' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'dhakka' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

हाथ (hand) ज़ोर (force) गाड़ी (car) दरवाज़ा (door) देना (to give)

Learn Next

खींचना (to pull) दबाना (to press) उठाना (to lift) गिराना (to drop) हटाना (to move/remove)

Advanced

प्रेरित करना (to motivate) अग्रसर (advanced) विस्थापित (displaced) बलपूर्वक (forcefully) प्रतिरोध (resistance)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Past Tense (Ne Rule)

उसने (Subject + ne) दरवाज़ा (Object) ढकेला (Verb agrees with object).

Compound Verbs with 'Dena'

ढकेल देना (Dhakel dena) - means to push away completely/forcefully.

Infinitive as Noun

ढकेलना (Dhakelna) सेहत के लिए अच्छा व्यायाम है।

Causative Form

ढकेलवाना (Dhakelvana) - 'Maine usse gaadi dhakelvaayi' (I made him push the car).

Adverbial Participle

वह ढकेलते हुए (dhakelte hue) थक गया।

Examples by Level

दरवाज़े को ढकेलो।

Push the door.

Simple imperative (command) form.

वह खिलौना ढकेल रहा है।

He is pushing the toy.

Present continuous tense.

क्या मैं इस कुर्सी को ढकेल सकता हूँ?

Can I push this chair?

Use of 'sakta hoon' for permission/ability.

इसे मत ढकेलो।

Don't push this.

Negative imperative using 'mat'.

बच्चा गेंद ढकेलता है।

The child pushes the ball.

Present simple tense.

मेज को वहाँ ढकेलो।

Push the table there.

Directional adverb 'vahan' used with the verb.

साइकिल को ढकेलो।

Push the bicycle.

Object 'cycle' with postposition 'ko'.

हम गाड़ी ढकेलते हैं।

We push the car.

First person plural subject.

कल हमने पुरानी अलमारी को ढकेला।

Yesterday we pushed the old cupboard.

Past tense with 'ne' (humne) and object agreement.

क्या तुमने उसे ढकेला?

Did you push him/it?

Interrogative in the past tense.

वह धीरे-धीरे गाड़ी ढकेल रहा था।

He was pushing the car slowly.

Past continuous tense with adverb 'dhire-dhire'.

माँ ने पालने को ढकेला।

Mother pushed the cradle.

Specific object 'palne' with 'ko'.

उसने मुझे पानी में ढकेल दिया।

He pushed me into the water.

Compound verb 'dhakel diya' for completed action.

भारी संदूक को ढकेलना मुश्किल है।

Pushing a heavy chest is difficult.

Verbal noun (gerund) 'dhakelna' as the subject.

वे पत्थर को पहाड़ से नीचे ढकेलेंगे।

They will push the stone down from the mountain.

Future tense 'dhakelenge'.

तुमने उसे क्यों ढकेला?

Why did you push him?

Question word 'kyun' in past tense.

भीड़ ने मुझे आगे की ओर ढकेल दिया।

The crowd pushed me forward.

Use of 'aage ki or' (forward) as a direction.

उसने अपनी सारी ताकत लगाकर दरवाज़ा ढकेला।

He pushed the door using all his strength.

Participial phrase 'taqat lagakar' (applying strength).

मजदूर भारी मशीन को ढकेलने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं।

The laborers are trying to push the heavy machine.

Infinitive 'dhakelne' used with 'koshish karna'.

अगर तुम ढकेलोगे, तो यह खुल जाएगा।

If you push, it will open.

Conditional sentence (if... then).

उसने गलती से मेज को ढकेल दिया और फूलदान गिर गया।

He accidentally pushed the table and the vase fell.

Adverbial phrase 'galti se' (by mistake).

क्या आप इस ट्रॉली को थोड़ा और ढकेल सकते हैं?

Can you push this trolley a bit more?

Polite request using 'aap' and 'sakte hain'.

बच्चे एक-दूसरे को झूलों पर ढकेल रहे थे।

The children were pushing each other on the swings.

Reciprocal pronoun 'ek-dusre ko'.

उसने बिना सोचे-समझे उसे मुसीबत में ढकेल दिया।

He pushed him into trouble without thinking.

Metaphorical use of 'musibat mein' (in trouble).

युद्ध ने हज़ारों लोगों को गरीबी में ढकेल दिया है।

The war has pushed thousands of people into poverty.

Metaphorical use in a socio-political context.

उसने अपने डर को पीछे ढकेल कर आगे बढ़ने का फैसला किया।

He decided to push back his fear and move forward.

Abstract object 'dar' (fear).

सरकार की नीतियों ने छोटे व्यापारियों को किनारे ढकेल दिया है।

Government policies have pushed small traders to the sidelines.

Idiomatic use of 'kinare dhakelna' (to sideline).

वह अपनी सीमाओं को ढकेलने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is trying to push his boundaries.

Abstract use of 'seemaon' (boundaries).

भीड़ ने पुलिस के घेरे को पीछे ढकेल दिया।

The crowd pushed back the police cordon.

Collective noun 'bheed' as subject.

गलत फैसलों ने कंपनी को दिवालियापन की ओर ढकेल दिया।

Wrong decisions pushed the company toward bankruptcy.

Directional 'ki or' (toward) with abstract noun.

उसने अपनी भावनाओं को मन के किसी कोने में ढकेल दिया।

He pushed his emotions into some corner of his mind.

Poetic/Psychological metaphorical use.

विपक्ष ने सरकार को रक्षात्मक स्थिति में ढकेल दिया।

The opposition pushed the government into a defensive position.

Political context.

वैश्वीकरण ने स्थानीय उद्योगों को अस्तित्व की लड़ाई में ढकेल दिया है।

Globalization has pushed local industries into a battle for existence.

Complex abstract object 'astitva ki ladai'.

लेखक ने अपने पात्र को नैतिक दुविधा के गहरे कुएँ में ढकेल दिया।

The author pushed his character into a deep well of moral dilemma.

Literary metaphor using 'kuan' (well).

समाज के रूढ़िवादी ढाँचे ने उसे विद्रोह की ओर ढकेल दिया।

The conservative structure of society pushed her toward rebellion.

Sociological context.

उसने अपनी पिछली विफलताओं को विस्मृति के गर्त में ढकेल दिया।

He pushed his past failures into the abyss of oblivion.

High-register vocabulary: 'vismriti ka gart' (abyss of oblivion).

तकनीकी प्रगति ने पुराने व्यवसायों को अप्रासंगिकता की ओर ढकेल दिया है।

Technological progress has pushed old businesses toward irrelevance.

Abstract noun 'aprasangikta' (irrelevance).

सत्ता की भूख ने उसे अपनों के ही विरुद्ध षड्यंत्र में ढकेल दिया।

The hunger for power pushed him into a conspiracy against his own people.

Complex motivation 'satta ki bhookh'.

जलवायु परिवर्तन ने कई प्रजातियों को विलुप्ति के कगार पर ढकेल दिया है।

Climate change has pushed many species to the brink of extinction.

Scientific/Environmental context.

उसकी कठोर टिप्पणियों ने चर्चा को विवाद की ओर ढकेल दिया।

His harsh comments pushed the discussion toward controversy.

Context of interpersonal communication.

नियति ने उसे एक ऐसे चौराहे पर ढकेल दिया जहाँ से कोई वापसी नहीं थी।

Destiny pushed him to a crossroads from which there was no return.

Philosophical/Fatalistic use.

पूँजीवादी व्यवस्था अक्सर कमज़ोर वर्गों को हाशिए पर ढकेल देती है।

The capitalist system often pushes the weaker sections to the margins.

Academic sociological terminology 'hashiye par' (on the margins).

उसने अपनी अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ को दबाकर खुद को अनैतिकता के दलदल में ढकेल लिया।

By suppressing the voice of his conscience, he pushed himself into the swamp of immorality.

Reflexive 'khud ko' with metaphorical 'daldal' (swamp).

दार्शनिक ने तर्क की सीमाओं को ढकेलते हुए नए सत्यों की खोज की।

The philosopher discovered new truths while pushing the limits of logic.

Intellectual metaphor.

इस खोज ने मानव ज्ञान के क्षितिज को और आगे ढकेल दिया है।

This discovery has pushed the horizon of human knowledge further.

Grand, expansive metaphor using 'kshitij' (horizon).

उसने अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को मनोवैज्ञानिक रूप से रक्षात्मक स्थिति में ढकेल दिया।

He pushed his opponent into a psychologically defensive position.

Adverbial 'manovaigyanik roop se'.

इतिहास की धारा ने राष्ट्रों को अपरिहार्य संघर्षों की ओर ढकेल दिया।

The current of history pushed nations toward inevitable conflicts.

Historical determinism context.

कलाकार ने अपनी कला के माध्यम से सामाजिक चेतना को एक नई दिशा में ढकेलने का प्रयास किया।

The artist tried to push social consciousness in a new direction through his art.

Artistic/Transformative context.

Common Collocations

गाड़ी ढकेलना

दरवाज़ा ढकेलना

मुसीबत में ढकेलना

गरीबी में ढकेलना

आगे ढकेलना

ट्रॉली ढकेलना

पीछे ढकेलना

सीमाओं को ढकेलना

हाशिए पर ढकेलना

अंधेरे में ढकेलना

Common Phrases

ज़ोर से ढकेलना

— To push with great force.

भारी पत्थर को ज़ोर से ढकेलो।

धीरे से ढकेलना

— To push gently or nudge.

उसने दरवाज़े को धीरे से ढकेला।

अंदर ढकेलना

— To push something inside.

सामान को कमरे के अंदर ढकेलो।

बाहर ढकेलना

— To push something out.

उसे कमरे से बाहर ढकेल दिया गया।

नीचे ढकेलना

— To push something down.

उसने गेंद को सीढ़ियों से नीचे ढकेला।

ऊपर ढकेलना

— To push something up.

पहाड़ पर साइकिल को ऊपर ढकेलना कठिन है।

एक-दूसरे को ढकेलना

— To push each other.

बच्चे खेल में एक-दूसरे को ढकेल रहे थे।

हाथ से ढकेलना

— To push with hands.

उसने गाड़ी को हाथ से ढकेला।

कंधे से ढकेलना

— To push with the shoulder.

उसने कंधे से दरवाज़ा ढकेला।

पैर से ढकेलना

— To push with the foot.

उसने गेंद को पैर से ढकेला।

Often Confused With

ढकेलना vs दबाना (Dabana)

Dabana is for pressing down or pushing a button, while dhakelna is for moving something forward.

ढकेलना vs खींचना (Khinchna)

These are opposites. Pulling (khinchna) vs. Pushing (dhakelna).

ढकेलना vs फेंकना (Phenkna)

Phenkna is to throw, which involves letting go, while dhakelna usually involves continuous contact.

Idioms & Expressions

"गड्ढे में ढकेलना"

— To lead someone to ruin or disaster.

उसकी बुरी आदतों ने उसे गड्ढे में ढकेल दिया।

Colloquial

"हाशिए पर ढकेलना"

— To marginalize someone socially or politically.

नई व्यवस्था ने गरीबों को हाशिए पर ढकेल दिया है।

Formal

"आग में ढकेलना"

— To push someone into a very dangerous situation.

तुम उसे इस खतरनाक खेल में ढकेल रहे हो।

Neutral

"अंधेरे में ढकेलना"

— To keep someone in ignorance or push them into a bleak future.

शिक्षा की कमी बच्चों को अंधेरे में ढकेलती है।

Literary

"विनाश की ओर ढकेलना"

— To push toward destruction.

लालच ने उसे विनाश की ओर ढकेल दिया।

Neutral

"मजबूरी में ढकेलना"

— To force someone into a state of helplessness.

हालात ने उसे चोरी की मजबूरी में ढकेल दिया।

Neutral

"गहरी खाई में ढकेलना"

— To push into an irrecoverable situation.

कर्ज़ ने उसे गहरी खाई में ढकेल दिया।

Metaphorical

"पीछे ढकेलना"

— To set someone or something back in progress.

बीमारी ने उसकी पढ़ाई को दो साल पीछे ढकेल दिया।

Neutral

"मौत के मुँह में ढकेलना"

— To push someone into a life-threatening situation.

बिना तैयारी के युद्ध में जाना सैनिकों को मौत के मुँह में ढकेलना है।

Dramatical

"दलदल में ढकेलना"

— To push someone into a situation they cannot escape from.

नशे की लत ने उसे अपराध के दलदल में ढकेल दिया।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

ढकेलना vs धक्का (Dhakka)

Both mean push.

Dhakka is a noun (push) used with 'dena' (to give). Dhakelna is a verb itself. Dhakka is usually a quick jolt; Dhakelna is a sustained effort.

उसने धक्का दिया (He gave a push). उसने गाड़ी ढकेली (He pushed the car).

ढकेलना vs पेलना (Pelna)

Both involve pushing.

Pelna is informal and can be rude. It often implies shoving something into a space or doing something with excessive force.

सामान को पेलो (Shove the stuff).

ढकेलना vs खिसकाना (Khiskana)

Both involve moving an object.

Khiskana is a gentle nudge or slide. Dhakelna is more forceful.

कुर्सी खिसकाओ (Slide the chair). भारी मेज ढकेलो (Push the heavy table).

ढकेलना vs चलाना (Chalana)

Both move a vehicle.

Chalana is to drive or operate. Dhakelna is to move it manually by pushing.

मैं कार चलाता हूँ (I drive the car). मैं कार ढकेलता हूँ (I push the car).

ढकेलना vs दबाना (Dabana)

English 'push' covers both.

Dabana is for pressure (buttons, pressing a wound). Dhakelna is for displacement.

बटन दबाओ (Push the button).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] को ढकेलो।

दरवाज़े को ढकेलो।

[Subject] ने [Object] को ढकेला।

राम ने मेज को ढकेला।

[Subject] [Object] को [Direction] ढकेल रहा है।

वह ट्रॉली को अंदर ढकेल रहा है।

[Abstract Noun] ने [Person] को [Situation] में ढकेल दिया।

गरीबी ने उसे चोरी में ढकेल दिया।

[Complex Subject] [Object] को [Metaphorical State] की ओर ढकेल रहा है।

आधुनिकीकरण पुरानी परंपराओं को विस्मृति की ओर ढकेल रहा है।

बिना [Action], [Subject] खुद को [Consequence] में ढकेल लेता है।

बिना सोचे-समझे, वह खुद को विनाश में ढकेल लेता है।

Any

[Object] को ढकेलना [Adjective] है।

गाड़ी को ढकेलना मुश्किल है।

Any

मत ढकेलो!

मुझे मत ढकेलो!

Word Family

Nouns

ढकेला (dhakela - a push/shove)

ढकेल (dhakel - push/propulsion)

Verbs

ढकेलना (dhakelna - to push)

ढकेलवाना (dhakelvana - to cause someone to push)

Adjectives

ढकेला हुआ (dhakela hua - pushed)

धक्का (dhakka - push)

प्रेरणा (prerna - push/motivation)

बल (bal - force)

गति (gati - motion)

दबाव (dabav - pressure)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both speech and writing.

Common Mistakes

Using 'dhakelna' for buttons. → बटन दबाओ (Press the button).
Dhakelna is for physical displacement, not for pressing a small area.
Maine gaadi dhakela (when gaadi is feminine). → मैंने गाड़ी धकेली।
In past tense, the verb agrees with the gender of the object (gaadi - feminine).
Using 'dhakelna' for positive motivation. → उसने मुझे प्रेरित किया।
Dhakelna implies force or a negative situation. Motivation is 'prerit karna'.
Forgetting the 'ne' in past tense. → उसने दरवाज़ा ढकेला।
Transitive verbs like dhakelna require 'ne' with the subject in the past tense.
Confusing dhakelna with khinchna. → दरवाज़े को ढकेलो (Push the door).
Learners often mix up push and pull. Khinchna is pull.

Tips

Master the 'Ne' Rule

Since 'dhakelna' is transitive, remember to use 'ne' with the subject in the past tense. The verb will then agree with the object.

Push vs. Press

Never use 'dhakelna' for buttons. Use 'dabana' for pressing and 'dhakelna' for moving objects.

Street Vendors

Notice 'thelawalas' in India. They 'dhakelna' their carts. This is a great real-world visual for the word.

Retroflex Sound

The 'dh' in dhakelna is retroflex. Curl your tongue back to the roof of your mouth for a native sound.

Negative Contexts

Use 'dhakelna' for being forced into bad situations (poverty, crime). It adds weight to your sentences.

Dhakka Dena

If you forget 'dhakelna', 'dhakka dena' is a safe alternative for almost any kind of push.

Combine with Directions

Use 'aage' (forward), 'peeche' (back), 'andar' (in), and 'bahar' (out) with dhakelna to be precise.

Don't be Rude

Pushing people is usually rude. In a crowd, use 'zara rasta dijiye' (please give way) instead of pushing.

Physicality

Think of the effort. If it requires muscles to move the object, 'dhakelna' is likely the right word.

Opposites

Always learn 'dhakelna' (push) and 'khinchna' (pull) together. They are the most common pair on doors.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dhakelna' as 'The-Car-Na'. Imagine pushing a car that has broken down. The 'Dha' sound is forceful like the push itself.

Visual Association

Visualize a man leaning his entire body weight against a giant boulder, trying to move it. That sustained effort is 'dhakelna'.

Word Web

Force Movement Resistance Effort Shove Displace Propel Manual Labor

Challenge

Try to use 'dhakelna' in three different sentences today: one about a door, one about a car, and one about a metaphorical situation.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'dhakk' meaning to strike or push, evolving through Prakrit into Modern Hindi.

Original meaning: To strike or move something by force.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'dhakelna' with people; it can sound aggressive or imply physical assault if used in the wrong context.

English speakers use 'push' for everything from buttons to life choices. In Hindi, 'dhakelna' is specifically for physical moving of objects or negative forced situations.

A common scene in Bollywood is the villain pushing (dhakelna) the hero off a cliff. The phrase 'dhakka-mukk' is a popular way to describe the jostling in Indian crowds. In the movie 'Lagaan', the villagers have to push (dhakelna) through many obstacles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Broken Vehicle

गाड़ी को ढकेलो
धक्का लगाना
किनारे ढकेलना
ताकत लगाओ

Moving Furniture

मेज ढकेलना
अलमारी खिसकाना
कोने में ढकेलना
सावधानी से ढकेलो

Crowded Places

भीड़ में ढकेलना
धक्का-मुक्की
आगे ढकेलो
मत ढकेलो

Metaphorical/News

गरीबी में ढकेलना
संकट में ढकेलना
पीछे ढकेलना
मजबूर करना

Sports (Wrestling/Kabaddi)

बाहर ढकेलना
घेरे से बाहर
ज़ोर आज़माना
प्रतिद्वंद्वी को ढकेलो

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप इस भारी मेज को ढकेलने में मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?"

"भीड़ ने आपको बस के अंदर कैसे ढकेला?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी बंद गाड़ी को ढकेला है?"

"आपको क्या लगता है, क्या तकनीक हमें आलस्य की ओर ढकेल रही है?"

"बचपन में क्या आप अपने दोस्तों को पानी में ढकेलते थे?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक बहुत भारी चीज़ को ढकेला और मुझे महसूस हुआ कि...

एक समय के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने आपको एक कठिन परिस्थिति में ढकेल दिया था।

क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज लोगों को हाशिए पर ढकेल रहा है? अपने विचार लिखें।

अगर आपको दुनिया की एक बुराई को दूर ढकेलना हो, तो वह क्या होगी?

लिखें कि कैसे एक छोटे से 'धक्के' ने आपके जीवन की दिशा बदल दी।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for pushing a button, Hindi uses 'dabana' (to press) or sometimes 'dhakka dena'. 'Dhakelna' is for moving objects from one place to another.

It is a standard verb used in both formal writing and daily neutral conversation. It is more descriptive than 'dhakka dena'.

No, that would sound like you are physically shoving them. Use 'prerit karna' (to motivate) for positive encouragement.

It depends on the object. 'Maine dhakela' (masculine object), 'Maine dhakeli' (feminine object). This is because of the 'ne' rule.

'Dhakka dena' is a sudden shove or jolt. 'Dhakelna' is a more continuous, forceful push to move something over a distance.

Yes, in wrestling or kabaddi, it is used when one player pushes another out of the boundary.

Yes, metaphorically you can 'push' (dhakelna) your feelings to the back of your mind.

You can say 'Dhakeliye mat' (formal) or 'Dhakelo mat' (informal). You can also say 'Dhakka mat do'.

Yes, it is very common, especially when talking about manual labor, crowds, or difficult situations.

Not 'dhakelna' itself, but its synonym 'pelna' is often used as slang for various forceful actions.