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बेईमानी

A1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

बेईमानी

beeemaani Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips बेईमानी in 30 Seconds

Explanation बेईमानी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'बेईमानी' (be-īmānī) is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'cheating' or 'dishonesty.' Learners should focus on its most basic application: not following rules in games or school. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex Persian roots, just that it is a 'bad thing.' It is usually taught alongside its opposite, 'ईमानदारी' (īmāndārī - honesty). You will most likely see it in sentences like 'Be-īmānī mat karo' (Don't cheat/Don't do dishonesty). It is a feminine noun, so it takes 'ki' (की) instead of 'ka' (का). For an A1 student, the goal is to recognize the word when someone is complaining about a game or a small lie. It is a very common word in the classroom and playground, making it a useful addition to a beginner's vocabulary. You should practice using it with the verb 'karna' (to do), as this is the most common way it appears in speech. Think of it as the Hindi equivalent of 'cheating' in a very broad, everyday sense.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'बेईमानी' in more varied contexts, such as simple transactions or social interactions. You should begin to distinguish between the noun 'be-īmānī' and the adjective 'be-īmān' (dishonest). At this level, you might describe a shopkeeper who gave you the wrong change as doing 'be-īmānī.' You can also start to use simple adjectives with it, like 'badi be-īmānī' (big dishonesty) or 'thodi be-īmānī' (a little dishonesty). Understanding the sentence structure '[Person] ne [Context] mein be-īmānī ki' is key. You might also hear this in simple stories or cartoons where a character tries to trick another. The focus at A2 is on moving beyond just 'bad' and understanding that it describes an action that violates trust in a specific situation. You should also be comfortable using it in questions, like 'Kya usne be-īmānī ki?' (Did he act dishonestly?).

At the B1 level, 'बेईमानी' becomes a tool for discussing moral and social issues. You can use it to talk about fairness in sports, business ethics, or community problems. You should be able to explain *why* something is considered 'be-īmānī' using more complex sentence structures. For example, 'Vah be-īmānī kar raha hai kyunki vah niyam tod raha hai' (He is acting dishonestly because he is breaking the rules). At this stage, you should also be introduced to related words like 'dhokha' (deceit) and 'bhrashtachar' (corruption) and begin to understand the nuances between them. B1 learners should be able to use 'be-īmānī' in the possessive form to describe consequences, like 'be-īmānī ka phal' (the fruit/result of dishonesty). You might also encounter it in news headlines or social media posts discussing public figures. This is the level where you start to feel the 'weight' of the word as a social critique rather than just a playground complaint.

By B2, you should have a firm grasp of 'बेईमानी' in abstract and institutional contexts. You can use it to debate the ethics of a political system or the corporate world. You will understand that 'be-īmānī' can be systemic, not just individual. At this level, you can use more sophisticated collocations like 'ghor be-īmānī' (extreme/grave dishonesty) or 'khuli be-īmānī' (open/blatant dishonesty). You should also be able to use it in more complex grammatical constructions, such as passive sentences or conditional clauses: 'Agar samaj mein be-īmānī badhti hai, toh vishwas kam ho jata hai' (If dishonesty increases in society, then trust decreases). You will also start to recognize the word in Bollywood movie dialogues and popular songs, where it often carries a heavy emotional or moral charge. Your ability to use the word should now reflect an understanding of the cultural importance of 'Iman' (integrity) in South Asian society.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'बेईमानी' with a high degree of nuance and precision. You can distinguish it from legal terms like 'dhokhādhari' (fraud) or 'kāda-chār' (misconduct) in a professional setting. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts of integrity and the erosion of values in the modern world. C1 learners should be able to analyze the use of 'be-īmānī' in literature or high-level journalism, noting how it is used to evoke specific emotions or cultural memories. You might use it in a sentence like, 'Yeh kewal ek vyakti ki be-īmānī nahi, balki pure tantra ki vifalta hai' (This is not just one person's dishonesty, but the failure of the entire system). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions that use the word and be able to use it metaphorically in creative writing or formal speeches. Your vocabulary should now include the historical and etymological background of the word, allowing you to use it with authority.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'बेईमानी' to the point where you can use it as effectively as a native speaker in any context—from a heated legal argument to a delicate poetic composition. You understand the subtle differences in tone when the word is used in different dialects or social strata. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether 'be-īmānī' can ever be justified (e.g., the 'white lie' concept) and use the word to critique complex socio-political structures. You are comfortable with all grammatical variations and can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical devices like irony or hyperbole. You can also identify and use the word's archaic or highly formal synonyms in appropriate contexts. At this stage, 'be-īmānī' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual tool that you use to navigate and describe the complexities of human behavior and societal ethics with absolute fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

बेईमानी in 30 Seconds

Be-īmānī is the Hindi word for dishonesty or cheating, often used when rules are broken for personal gain.
It is a feminine noun commonly paired with the verb 'karna' to describe the act of being dishonest.
The word has Persian roots ('be' + 'iman') and carries a strong moral weight in Indian culture.
It can describe anything from a small lie to major financial fraud or institutional corruption.

The Hindi word बेईमानी (be-īmānī) is a powerful and frequently used noun that encapsulates the broad concept of dishonesty, fraud, or unfairness. Derived from the Persian prefix 'be-' (meaning 'without') and 'iman' (meaning 'faith' or 'integrity'), it literally translates to the state of being 'without faith' or 'without integrity.' In the Indian cultural context, having 'iman' is considered a high moral virtue, so be-īmānī represents a significant moral failing. It is a versatile word used to describe everything from a child sneaking an extra cookie to a high-level corporate embezzlement scheme. When you use this word, you are pointing out a breach of trust or a violation of established rules for personal gain.

Core Concept: The act of deceiving others or acting unfairly to gain an advantage.
Social Context: Highly negative; it carries a weight of social disapproval and moral judgment.

परीक्षा में बेईमानी करना गलत है। (Cheating/dishonesty in the exam is wrong.)

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word in sports when a player breaks the rules, in business when a contract is not honored, and in personal relationships when someone feels cheated. It is often paired with the verb 'karna' (to do), as in 'be-īmānī karna' (to act dishonestly). The word is so deeply embedded in the social fabric that it often appears in Bollywood dialogues, where the hero might accuse the villain of 'be-īmānī' regarding money or love. It transcends simple 'lying' and suggests a deeper corruption of character. Whether it is a shopkeeper using faulty weights or a politician taking a bribe, बेईमानी is the standard term used to condemn the action.

व्यापार में बेईमानी से अल्पकालिक लाभ तो मिल सकता है, लेकिन सम्मान नहीं। (One can get short-term gain through dishonesty in business, but not respect.)

Understanding the weight of this word requires recognizing that 'Iman' (faith/honesty) is a cornerstone of character in South Asian ethics. Therefore, accusing someone of be-īmānī is a serious matter. It isn't just saying they made a mistake; it's saying they have abandoned their moral compass. In modern Hindi, it is also used colloquially to describe unfair situations that aren't necessarily criminal, like a referee making a bad call in a cricket match. Fans might shout, "Yeh be-īmānī hai!" (This is unfair/dishonesty!).

Common Collocations: बेईमानी की कमाई (dishonest earnings), बेईमानी का खेल (game of dishonesty), घोर बेईमानी (extreme dishonesty).

उसने मेरे साथ बेईमानी की। (He acted dishonestly with me.)

Using बेईमानी (be-īmānī) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an abstract noun. In Hindi, abstract nouns often function as the object of the verb 'करना' (karnā - to do) to describe an action. For example, 'dishonesty doing' is the literal way to say 'acting dishonestly.' It can also be used with 'होना' (honā - to be/happen) to describe a situation where dishonesty is present. Because it is a feminine noun, any adjectives modifying it must take the feminine form (e.g., 'बड़ी बेईमानी' - big dishonesty).

Sentence Structure 1: [Subject] + [Context/Indirect Object + के साथ] + बेईमानी + [Verb: करना]. Example: "उसने अपने दोस्तों के साथ बेईमानी की।" (He did dishonesty with his friends.)

क्या तुम बेईमानी से जीतना चाहते हो? (Do you want to win by dishonesty?)

When describing a person as dishonest, you do not use 'be-īmānī'; instead, you use the adjective form बेईमान (be-īmān). This is a common point of confusion for learners. Remember: be-īmānī is the 'act' or 'quality,' while be-īmān is the 'person.' For instance, "वह एक बेईमान आदमी है" (He is a dishonest man) vs. "उसने बेईमानी की" (He did dishonesty). The word can also appear in the possessive case to describe things born out of dishonesty, like 'बेईमानी का पैसा' (money obtained through dishonesty).

यह सरासर बेईमानी है! (This is sheer dishonesty!)

Another nuanced use is in the context of 'cheating' in games. Whether it's a board game like Ludo or a professional cricket match, any deviation from the rules is labeled as be-īmānī. Children often use it while playing: "तुम बेईमानी कर रहे हो!" (You are cheating!). It is also used metaphorically in poetry and song lyrics to describe 'unfaithful' eyes or 'unfair' fate, though this is less common than its literal use in ethical contexts.

Sentence Structure 2: [Noun/Situation] + [Possessive: की] + बेईमानी. Example: "चुनावों की बेईमानी" (The dishonesty of the elections.)

समाज में बेईमानी बढ़ती जा रही है। (Dishonesty is increasing in society.)

In India, बेईमानी (be-īmānī) is a word that echoes through various spheres of life. Perhaps the most frequent place you'll hear it is in the marketplace. Bargaining is a way of life, and if a customer feels a shopkeeper is overcharging or using a skewed scale, the word be-īmānī is often used as a direct accusation. It’s also a staple in the world of sports. Cricket is a religion in India, and any perceived bias by an umpire or 'fixing' by a player is immediately labeled as be-īmānī. You’ll hear fans in stadiums or living rooms shouting it at the television screen when a decision goes against their team.

दुकानदार ने वजन में बेईमानी की। (The shopkeeper did dishonesty in the weight.)

Bollywood cinema has immortalized this word. In the classic era of Indian cinema (the 1970s and 80s), movies often revolved around the conflict between an 'Imandar' (honest) hero and a 'Beiman' (dishonest) villain. Iconic dialogues often feature the hero refusing to take a 'be-īmānī ka paisa' (dishonest money) even if he is starving. This cultural trope reinforces the idea that be-īmānī is not just a crime, but a stain on one's soul. In news broadcasts, while 'bhrashtachar' (corruption) is the formal term for political scandals, reporters often use be-īmānī when interviewing common people to capture their raw emotion and sense of betrayal.

Real-world Scenario: A student getting caught with a cheat sheet in school: "शिक्षक ने उसे बेईमानी करते हुए पकड़ा।" (The teacher caught him doing dishonesty.)

नेताओं की बेईमानी ने देश को नुकसान पहुँचाया है। (The dishonesty of leaders has harmed the country.)

In households, parents use this word to teach morality to children. If a child cheats in a game of hide-and-seek or hides their mistakes, a parent might say, "Be-īmānī mat karo" (Don't do dishonesty). It serves as a foundational moral lesson. Interestingly, the word is also used in a lighter, teasing sense among friends. For example, if someone takes a larger share of a snack, a friend might jokingly say, "Yeh toh be-īmānī hai!" (This is totally unfair!). In this context, the sting of the word is removed, and it becomes a way to comment on minor unfairness.

रिश्तों में बेईमानी बर्दाश्त नहीं की जाती। (Dishonesty in relationships is not tolerated.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Hindi is confusing the noun बेईमानी (be-īmānī) with its adjective counterpart बेईमान (be-īmān). In English, 'dishonesty' (noun) and 'dishonest' (adjective) are distinct, and the same applies to Hindi. You cannot say "वह बेईमानी है" to mean "He is dishonest." That would literally mean "He is dishonesty." Instead, you must say "वह बेईमान है" (He is dishonest). Conversely, you cannot say "उसने बेईमान की" to mean "He did dishonesty"; you must use the noun form: "उसने बेईमानी की।"

Mistake 1: Noun vs. Adjective: Incorrect: "यह आदमी बहुत बेईमानी है।" (This man is very dishonesty.)
Correct: "यह आदमी बहुत बेईमान है।" (This man is very dishonest.)

सिर्फ एक बार की बेईमानी भरोसा तोड़ सकती है। (Just one instance of dishonesty can break trust.)

Another error involves gender agreement. Since be-īmānī is a feminine noun, many learners forget to use the feminine possessive 'की' (kī) and instead use the masculine 'का' (kā). For example, saying "पैसे का बेईमानी" is incorrect; it should be "पैसे की बेईमानी." Similarly, verbs and adjectives must align with the feminine gender of the noun. If you say "बड़ा बेईमानी" (big dishonesty - masculine), it sounds unnatural to a native speaker; the correct form is "बड़ी बेईमानी" (big dishonesty - feminine).

उसने व्यापार में बेईमानी दिखाई। (He showed dishonesty in business.)

A subtle mistake is using be-īmānī when 'dhokha' (deceit/betrayal) might be more appropriate. While be-īmānī is about lack of integrity or breaking rules, 'dhokha' is specifically about misleading someone or breaking their heart. If a partner cheats in a relationship, 'dhokha' is more common, whereas if someone cheats in a game of cards, be-īmānī is the go-to word. Using the wrong one doesn't make the sentence grammatically wrong, but it might miss the specific emotional nuance of the situation.

Mistake 2: Wrong Context: Using 'be-īmānī' for a romantic betrayal (use 'dhokha' instead) or 'dhokha' for a simple rule-breaking in a game (use 'be-īmānī').

बिना बेईमानी के खेलना ही असली खेल है। (Playing without dishonesty is the real game.)

While बेईमानी (be-īmānī) is the most versatile word for dishonesty, Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific shades of meaning. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is धोखाधड़ी (dhokhādhari), which specifically refers to fraud or swindling, often in a financial or legal context. While be-īmānī is a general moral failing, dhokhādhari implies a deliberate, often complex, scheme to cheat someone.

Comparison: Be-īmānī vs. Dhokhādhari: Be-īmānī: General dishonesty, cheating in games, lack of integrity.
Dhokhādhari: Formal fraud, financial scams, legal deception.

बैंक में करोड़ों की धोखाधड़ी हुई। (A fraud of millions occurred in the bank.)

Another important word is भ्रष्टाचार (bhrashtāchār), which means 'corruption.' This is almost exclusively used for institutional or systemic dishonesty, particularly in government, politics, or large organizations. You wouldn't use bhrashtāchār to describe a child cheating on a test; that would be be-īmānī. However, if a government official takes a bribe to pass a building plan, it is both be-īmānī (on a personal level) and bhrashtāchār (on a systemic level).

देश से भ्रष्टाचार मिटाना ज़रूरी है। (It is necessary to erase corruption from the country.)

In literary or highly formal contexts, you might encounter कपट (kapat) or छल (chhal). These words often appear in mythology and classical literature. Chhal refers to trickery or a ruse, often used by a clever character to outwit an opponent. Kapat refers to deceit or hypocrisy—having something else in one's heart while showing something else on the face. Finally, अन्याय (anyāy) means 'injustice' or 'unfairness.' While be-īmānī often causes anyāy, they are not identical; anyāy focuses on the result (the lack of justice), whereas be-īmānī focuses on the actor's lack of integrity.

Synonym Summary: धोखा (Dhokha) - Deceit/Betrayal; भ्रष्टाचार (Bhrashtachar) - Corruption; छल (Chhal) - Trickery; अन्याय (Anyay) - Injustice.

किसी के साथ छल करना पाप है। (Trickery/deceit against someone is a sin.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In its original Arabic context, 'Iman' specifically refers to religious faith. In Hindi/Urdu, it evolved to mean general secular honesty and character integrity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /beɪ.iːˈmɑː.ni/

US /beɪ.iˈmɑ.ni/

The primary stress is on the third syllable 'mā'.

Rhymes With

परेशानी (pareshānī) मेहरबानी (meherbānī) कहानी (kahānī) जवानी (jawānī) पानी (pānī) रानी (rānī) नादानी (nādānī) निशानी (nishānī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'be' as 'bee' (it should be 'bay').
Shortening the long 'ī' sounds in 'ī' and 'nī'.
Confusing it with 'be-iman' (the adjective).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize once you know the 'be-' prefix and 'iman' root.

Writing 3/5

Spelling the 'ī' and 'ī' sounds correctly requires attention.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used and follows standard pronunciation rules.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually emphasized in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ईमान (Integrity) करना (To do) नहीं (No/Not) गलत (Wrong) बात (Matter/Word)

Learn Next

ईमानदारी (Honesty) धोखा (Deceit) भ्रष्टाचार (Corruption) लालच (Greed) भरोसा (Trust)

Advanced

कदाचार (Misconduct) जालसाजी (Forgery) सत्यनिष्ठा (Probity) नैतिकता (Ethics) पारदर्शिता (Transparency)

Grammar to Know

Noun-Verb Pairing (Karna)

बेईमानी (Noun) + करना (Verb) = To act dishonestly.

Gender Agreement (Feminine)

बड़ी (F) बेईमानी (F). Not 'बड़ा' बेईमानी.

Possessive Postpositions

उसकी (F) बेईमानी. Not 'उसका' बेईमानी.

Adjective Formation

Removing the final 'ī' from 'be-īmānī' gives 'be-īmān' (the person).

Abstract Noun Usage

Abstract nouns like 'be-īmānī' don't usually take plural markers in common speech.

Examples by Level

बेईमानी मत करो।

Don't do dishonesty.

Imperative sentence using 'mat' for prohibition.

क्या यह बेईमानी है?

Is this dishonesty?

Simple question using 'kya' at the beginning.

उसने खेल में बेईमानी की।

He did dishonesty in the game.

Past tense 'ki' because 'be-īmānī' is feminine.

बेईमानी बुरी बात है।

Dishonesty is a bad thing.

Simple descriptive sentence.

वह बेईमानी करता है।

He does dishonesty.

Present habitual tense.

मुझे बेईमानी पसंद नहीं है।

I don't like dishonesty.

Expressing preference using 'pasand'.

तुमने बेईमानी क्यों की?

Why did you do dishonesty?

Interrogative sentence with 'kyon'.

यह एक बेईमानी है।

This is a dishonesty (act).

Using 'be-īmānī' as a specific act.

दुकानदार ने पैसे में बेईमानी की।

The shopkeeper did dishonesty in the money.

Past tense with a specific context (money).

परीक्षा में बेईमानी करना गलत है।

Doing dishonesty in the exam is wrong.

Infinitival phrase 'be-īmānī karna' as the subject.

उसने मुझसे बेईमानी की।

He did dishonesty with me.

Use of 'se' to indicate the person affected.

वह कभी बेईमानी नहीं करता।

He never does dishonesty.

Use of 'kabhi nahi' for 'never'.

यह छोटी सी बेईमानी है।

This is a small dishonesty.

Adjective 'chhoti si' matching the feminine noun.

हमें बेईमानी से बचना चाहिए।

We should avoid dishonesty.

Use of 'chahiye' for 'should'.

क्या तुमने कोई बेईमानी देखी?

Did you see any dishonesty?

Past tense question with 'koi' (any).

बेईमानी का रास्ता मुश्किल होता है।

The path of dishonesty is difficult.

Possessive 'ka' matching 'rasta' (masculine).

आजकल व्यापार में बहुत बेईमानी हो रही है।

Nowadays, a lot of dishonesty is happening in business.

Present continuous tense 'ho rahi hai'.

उसने अपनी बेईमानी स्वीकार कर ली।

He accepted his dishonesty.

Use of compound verb 'swikar kar li'.

बेईमानी से कमाया हुआ धन टिकता नहीं है।

Wealth earned through dishonesty does not last.

Participial phrase 'kamaya hua dhan'.

लोग बेईमानी के खिलाफ आवाज उठा रहे हैं।

People are raising their voices against dishonesty.

Postposition 'ke khilaf' (against).

सफलता के लिए बेईमानी की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

Dishonesty is not needed for success.

Use of 'ki zarurat' (need of).

उसकी बेईमानी की वजह से सब परेशान हैं।

Everyone is troubled because of his dishonesty.

Reasoning phrase 'ki vajah se'.

बिना बेईमानी के जीतना ज़्यादा गर्व की बात है।

Winning without dishonesty is a matter of more pride.

Comparative 'zyada' and 'ki baat' construction.

सरकार को बेईमानी रोकने के लिए कड़े नियम बनाने होंगे।

The government will have to make strict rules to stop dishonesty.

Future obligation 'banane honge'.

चुनावों में बेईमानी के आरोप लगे हैं।

Allegations of dishonesty have been made in the elections.

Passive-style construction 'aarop lage hain'.

वह अपनी बेईमानी को चतुराई समझता है।

He considers his dishonesty to be cleverness.

Verb 'samajhna' used to indicate perception.

इतनी बड़ी बेईमानी छिप नहीं सकती।

Such a big dishonesty cannot be hidden.

Modal verb 'sakna' in the negative.

सिस्टम में फैली बेईमानी को मिटाना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to erase the dishonesty spread in the system.

Adjectival participle 'faili' modifying 'be-īmānī'.

उसने बेईमानी का सहारा लेकर अपना साम्राज्य खड़ा किया।

He built his empire by taking the help of dishonesty.

Conjunctive participle 'lekar'.

समाज में बेईमानी का बोलबाला है।

Dishonesty is prevalent (has a loud voice) in society.

Idiomatic expression 'bolbala hona'.

बेईमानी की जड़ें बहुत गहरी हैं।

The roots of dishonesty are very deep.

Metaphorical use of 'jadein' (roots).

उसकी बेईमानी ने पूरे परिवार का नाम खराब कर दिया।

His dishonesty ruined the name of the whole family.

Causative-style verb phrase 'naam kharab kar diya'.

बौद्धिक बेईमानी किसी भी लेखक के लिए घातक हो सकती है।

Intellectual dishonesty can be fatal for any writer.

Abstract adjective 'bauddhik' (intellectual).

यह नीति बेईमानी को बढ़ावा देने वाली है।

This policy is one that encourages dishonesty.

Agentive suffix 'wali' indicating tendency.

उसने अपनी बेईमानी पर परदा डालने की कोशिश की।

He tried to put a veil over (hide) his dishonesty.

Idiomatic phrase 'parda dalna'.

जब बेईमानी शिष्टाचार बन जाए, तो समाज का पतन निश्चित है।

When dishonesty becomes etiquette, the downfall of society is certain.

Conditional 'jab... toh' structure.

न्यायपालिका में बेईमानी का लेशमात्र भी होना खतरनाक है।

The presence of even a trace of dishonesty in the judiciary is dangerous.

Use of 'leshmatra' (even a trace).

उसकी बेईमानी का पर्दाफाश हो गया।

His dishonesty was exposed.

Idiomatic phrase 'pardafash hona'.

बेईमानी की बुनियाद पर कोई भी रिश्ता टिक नहीं सकता।

No relationship can stand on the foundation of dishonesty.

Metaphorical use of 'buniyad' (foundation).

उसने बेईमानी को एक कला के रूप में विकसित कर लिया था।

He had developed dishonesty into an art form.

Past perfect tense with 'ke roop mein'.

संस्थागत बेईमानी लोकतंत्र की जड़ों को खोखला कर देती है।

Institutional dishonesty hollows out the roots of democracy.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'sansthagat' and 'khokhla'.

उसका पूरा जीवन बेईमानी और छल-कपट का एक पुलिंदा था।

His entire life was a bundle of dishonesty and deceit.

Idiomatic 'pulinda' (bundle/heap).

बेईमानी की इस गहरी खाई को पाटना असंभव है।

It is impossible to bridge this deep chasm of dishonesty.

Metaphorical 'khai' (chasm) and 'patna' (to bridge/fill).

दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण से बेईमानी स्वयं के प्रति विश्वासघात है।

From a philosophical perspective, dishonesty is a betrayal of oneself.

Abstract phrase 'darshanik drishtikon se'.

उसने बेईमानी के दलदल में धंसते हुए भी अपना अहंकार नहीं छोड़ा।

Even while sinking into the swamp of dishonesty, he did not give up his ego.

Conjunctive 'dhansate hue' (while sinking).

साहित्य में बेईमानी के चित्रण अक्सर मानव स्वभाव की जटिलता को दर्शाते हैं।

Portrayals of dishonesty in literature often reflect the complexity of human nature.

Formal academic structure.

क्या बेईमानी की कोई नैतिक सीमा हो सकती है?

Can there be any moral limit to dishonesty?

Philosophical inquiry.

उसने बेईमानी के माध्यम से सत्ता तो प्राप्त कर ली, परंतु शांति खो दी।

He attained power through dishonesty, but lost his peace.

Contrastive 'parantu' (but).

Synonyms

धोखाधड़ी छल कपट हेराफेरी जालसाजी

Antonyms

ईमानदारी सच्चाई निष्ठा

Common Collocations

बेईमानी करना

बेईमानी का पैसा

घोर बेईमानी

बेईमानी की कमाई

खुली बेईमानी

बेईमानी से जीतना

बौद्धिक बेईमानी

बेईमानी की हद

बेईमानी का आरोप

थोड़ी सी बेईमानी

Common Phrases

बेईमानी की भी सीमा होती है।

— Even dishonesty has a limit. Used when someone is being excessively unfair.

बस करो, बेईमानी की भी सीमा होती है!

बिना बेईमानी के काम करो।

— Work without dishonesty. A common instruction for ethical behavior.

अपना व्यापार बिना बेईमानी के करो।

यह सरासर बेईमानी है।

— This is absolute/sheer dishonesty. Used for blatant unfairness.

बिना बताए जाना सरासर बेईमानी है।

बेईमानी का अंत बुरा होता है।

— The end of dishonesty is bad. A moral warning.

हमेशा याद रखना, बेईमानी का अंत बुरा होता है।

बेईमानी में क्या रखा है?

— What is there in dishonesty? A rhetorical question questioning the value of cheating.

भाई, बेईमानी में क्या रखा है? सच बोलो।

बेईमानी से पेट नहीं भरता।

— Dishonesty doesn't fill the stomach. Meaning it doesn't provide long-term sustenance.

मेहनत करो, बेईमानी से पेट नहीं भरता।

उसकी रग-रग में बेईमानी है।

— Dishonesty is in his every vein. Used for someone who is habitually dishonest.

उस पर भरोसा मत करो, उसकी रग-रग में बेईमानी है।

बेईमानी का फल कड़वा होता है।

— The fruit of dishonesty is bitter. A proverb about consequences.

आज तुम जीत गए, पर बेईमानी का फल कड़वा होता है।

बेईमानी की आदत छोड़ दो।

— Leave the habit of dishonesty.

अगर सफल होना है, तो बेईमानी की आदत छोड़ दो।

यहाँ कोई बेईमानी नहीं चलेगी।

— No dishonesty will work here. A warning that cheating won't be tolerated.

सावधान! यहाँ कोई बेईमानी नहीं चलेगी।

Often Confused With

बेईमानी vs बेईमान (Be-īmān)

This is the adjective (dishonest). Use it to describe a person: 'वह बेईमान है' (He is dishonest).

बेईमानी vs धोखा (Dhokhā)

Means deceit or betrayal. It's more about the emotional impact or misleading someone specifically.

बेईमानी vs झूठ (Jhūth)

Means a lie. While lies are part of be-īmānī, be-īmānī includes actions like cheating in a race which aren't necessarily verbal lies.

Idioms & Expressions

"बेईमानी का चश्मा पहनना"

— To see everything through the lens of dishonesty/To be biased.

उसने बेईमानी का चश्मा पहन रखा है, उसे सच नहीं दिखेगा।

Informal

"बेईमानी की रोटी खाना"

— To live off dishonest earnings.

मैं बेईमानी की रोटी खाने से अच्छा भूखा मरना पसंद करूँगा।

Moral/Common

"बेईमानी का खेल खेलना"

— To engage in a deceptive plot or scheme.

वह मेरे साथ बेईमानी का खेल खेल रहा है।

Neutral

"ईमान बेचना"

— To sell one's integrity (to act dishonestly for money).

उसने चंद रुपयों के लिए अपना ईमान बेच दिया।

Strong/Moral

"आँखों में धूल झोंकना"

— To throw dust in someone's eyes (to deceive them - a form of be-īmānī).

उसने सबकी आँखों में धूल झोंककर बेईमानी की।

Informal

"दो नंबर का काम करना"

— To do 'number two' work (illegal or dishonest business).

वह दो नंबर का काम करके अमीर बना है।

Slang

"बगल में छुरी मुँह में राम"

— A knife in the pocket, 'Ram' (God) on the lips (Hypocritical dishonesty).

उससे बचके रहना, वह 'बगल में छुरी मुँह में राम' वाला आदमी है।

Proverbial

"दाल में काला होना"

— Something is fishy (suspicion of dishonesty).

उसकी बातों से लगता है कि दाल में कुछ काला है।

Informal

"अपना उल्लू सीधा करना"

— To serve one's own end through any means, often dishonest.

वह सिर्फ अपना उल्लू सीधा करने के लिए बेईमानी कर रहा है।

Informal

"दूध का दूध पानी का पानी"

— To separate truth from falsehood (revealing dishonesty).

अदालत में दूध का दूध और पानी का पानी हो जाएगा।

Neutral

Easily Confused

बेईमानी vs ईमानदारी (Īmāndārī)

It is the antonym.

Īmāndārī is positive (honesty); Be-īmānī is negative (dishonesty).

ईमानदारी का फल मीठा होता है, बेईमानी का नहीं।

बेईमानी vs बदमाशी (Badmāshī)

Both are negative behaviors.

Badmāshī is mischief or naughtiness; Be-īmānī is specifically about lack of integrity or cheating.

बच्चों ने बदमाशी की, लेकिन बेईमानी नहीं।

बेईमानी vs चोरी (Chorī)

Both involve taking something unfairly.

Chorī is physical theft; Be-īmānī is broader and includes breaking rules or fraud.

उसने पैसे चुराए (चोरी) और हिसाब में हेरफेर की (बेईमानी)।

बेईमानी vs अन्याय (Anyāy)

Both feel 'unfair'.

Anyāy is injustice (the result); Be-īmānī is the dishonest act that often leads to it.

बेईमानी के कारण मेरे साथ अन्याय हुआ।

बेईमानी vs भ्रष्टाचार (Bhrashtāchār)

Both mean corruption.

Bhrashtāchār is formal/systemic; Be-īmānī is general/personal.

सरकारी दफ्तरों में भ्रष्टाचार (systemic) और बेईमानी (personal) दोनों हैं।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Noun] मत करो।

तुम बेईमानी मत करो।

[Subject] ने [Context] में बेईमानी की।

उसने खेल में बेईमानी की।

बेईमानी से [Result] नहीं मिलता।

बेईमानी से सम्मान नहीं मिलता।

[Situation] में बेईमानी का आरोप है।

चुनावों में बेईमानी का आरोप है।

[Type] बेईमानी [Impact] होती है।

बौद्धिक बेईमानी बहुत हानिकारक होती है।

बेईमानी की बुनियाद पर [Noun] खड़ा करना [Adjective] है।

बेईमानी की बुनियाद पर साम्राज्य खड़ा करना असंभव है।

Mixed

अगर तुम बेईमानी करोगे, तो [Consequence] होगा।

अगर तुम बेईमानी करोगे, तो सब तुम्हें छोड़ देंगे।

Mixed

यह बेईमानी की [Limit/Extent] है।

यह तो बेईमानी की इंतहा है।

Word Family

Nouns

ईमानदारी (īmāndārī) - Honesty

ईमान (īmān) - Faith/Integrity

बेईमानी (be-īmānī) - Dishonesty

Verbs

बेईमानी करना (be-īmānī karnā) - To act dishonestly

Adjectives

बेईमान (be-īmān) - Dishonest

ईमानदार (īmāndār) - Honest

धोखा (dhokhā) - Deceit

भ्रष्ट (bhrasht) - Corrupt

झूठ (jhūth) - Lie

पाप (pāp) - Sin

नीति (nīti) - Policy/Ethics

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily speech, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'be-īmānī' as an adjective. → वह बेईमान है। (He is dishonest.)
You cannot say 'Vah be-īmānī hai'. Use 'be-īmān' for the person and 'be-īmānī' for the act.
Using masculine grammar. → बड़ी बेईमानी (Big dishonesty)
Learners often say 'Bada be-īmānī', but since it's a feminine noun, it must be 'Badi'.
Using 'ka' instead of 'ki'. → उसकी बेईमानी (His dishonesty)
Always use 'ki' with 'be-īmānī' because it is feminine.
Confusing it with 'dhokha' in all contexts. → मैच में बेईमानी हुई। (Dishonesty happened in the match.)
'Dhokha' is better for betrayal; 'be-īmānī' is better for rule-breaking.
Using 'bhrashtachar' for small things. → खेल में बेईमानी मत करो। (Don't cheat in the game.)
'Bhrashtachar' is too heavy/formal for a simple game; use 'be-īmānī'.

Tips

Master the Noun-Verb Pair

Always remember 'be-īmānī karnā'. It's the most natural way to express the action of cheating in Hindi.

Tone Matters

If you say 'Yeh be-īmānī hai' with a smile, it's a joke. If you say it with a frown, it's a serious accusation. Use your tone to match the situation.

Check the Gender

Since it ends in 'ī', it's feminine. Use 'ki' (उसकी बेईमानी) and 'thi' (बेईमानी हुई थी).

Learn the Root

Learning 'Iman' (integrity) will help you remember 'Imandar' (honest), 'Imandari' (honesty), 'Be-īmān' (dishonest), and 'Be-īmānī' (dishonesty) all at once.

Bollywood Connection

Watch old Bollywood movies to hear how heroes talk about 'Iman' and 'Be-īmānī'. It's a great way to understand the word's emotional weight.

Vary Your Synonyms

Don't use 'be-īmānī' for everything. Use 'bhrashtachar' for politics and 'dhokhādhari' for financial scams to sound more advanced.

Contextual Clues

In cricket commentary, if you hear 'be-īmānī', look for a controversial decision on the screen.

Be Careful with Accusations

Calling a stranger 'be-īmān' or accusing them of 'be-īmānī' can lead to a heated argument. Use it wisely.

Bay-Money

Think of someone acting 'dishonestly' for 'money' at a 'bay'. Be-īmānī.

Daily Use

Try to identify one thing every day that feels 'unfair' and label it 'be-īmānī' in your mind.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bay' (the prefix 'be') and 'Money' (often the cause of dishonesty). 'Bay-Money' sounds like Be-īmānī. If you act dishonestly at the Bay for Money, you are doing be-īmānī.

Visual Association

Imagine a person hiding a card behind their back or a shopkeeper with a thumb on the weighing scale. Label this image 'BE-ĪMĀNĪ'.

Word Web

Cheating Fraud Unfair Corruption Lies Deceit Theft Integrity (Opposite)

Challenge

Try to spot one instance of 'be-īmānī' in a movie or news story today and describe it in Hindi using the phrase 'उसने बेईमानी की'.

Word Origin

Derived from Persian. The prefix 'Be-' (without) is combined with 'Iman' (faith/belief/integrity).

Original meaning: Literally 'the state of being without faith' or 'lack of religious/moral integrity.'

Indo-Aryan (Hindi) with heavy Persian-Arabic influence.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word directly toward someone in a professional setting, as it is a very strong accusation of character failure.

English speakers often use 'cheating' for games and 'fraud' for money. 'Be-īmānī' covers both and carries a stronger moral judgment of character.

The 1972 Bollywood film 'Be-īmān' starring Amitabh Bachchan. The song 'Be-īmān' from the movie 'Race 2'. Kabir's poetry often contrasts the 'Imandar' with those who practice 'Be-īmānī'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports/Games

बेईमानी मत करो
यह बेईमानी है
अंपायर ने बेईमानी की
खेल में बेईमानी

Business/Money

बेईमानी का पैसा
व्यापार में बेईमानी
पैसे की बेईमानी
दुकानदार की बेईमानी

Education

परीक्षा में बेईमानी
नकल और बेईमानी
बेईमानी करना पाप है
शिक्षक ने बेईमानी पकड़ी

Relationships

रिश्ते में बेईमानी
मुझसे बेईमानी मत करो
उसकी बेईमानी ने दिल तोड़ दिया
भरोसा और बेईमानी

Politics

चुनाव में बेईमानी
नेताओं की बेईमानी
सिस्टम की बेईमानी
भ्रष्टाचार और बेईमानी

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल बेईमानी बढ़ गई है?"

"अगर कोई आपके साथ बेईमानी करे, तो आप क्या करेंगे?"

"क्या कभी आपने खेल में छोटी सी बेईमानी की है?"

"समाज से बेईमानी को कैसे खत्म किया जा सकता है?"

"क्या बेईमानी से मिली सफलता असली सफलता है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किसी को बेईमानी करते हुए देखा...

बेईमानी और ईमानदारी के बीच का अंतर मेरे लिए यह है कि...

एक बार जब मेरे साथ किसी ने बेईमानी की थी, तब मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ...

क्या बेईमानी कभी सही हो सकती है? अपने विचार लिखें।

अगर दुनिया से बेईमानी खत्म हो जाए, तो जीवन कैसा होगा?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a neutral word. It is used in daily conversation, movies, and news. For very formal legal documents, 'dhokhādhari' or 'kādāchār' might be preferred, but 'be-īmānī' is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

'Be-īmān' is an adjective used to describe a person (e.g., 'He is a dishonest man'). 'Be-īmānī' is a noun used to describe the act or quality (e.g., 'He did dishonesty').

Yes, you can, but 'dhokhā' (betrayal) or 'bewafāī' (unfaithfulness) are much more common in romantic contexts. 'Be-īmānī' sounds a bit more like a business or rule-based violation.

Yes, 'be-īmānī' is a feminine noun. You should always use feminine grammar with it, such as 'ki', 'rahi hai', or 'acchi/buri'.

The most common way is to say 'be-īmānī karnā' (literally: to do dishonesty).

Yes, 'iman' means faith or integrity. The prefix 'be-' means 'without'. So 'be-īmānī' literally means 'without integrity'.

Absolutely! It is the most common word for cheating or unfair play in sports like cricket, football, or even board games.

The opposite is 'īmāndārī' (honesty/integrity).

While it has religious roots (iman), in modern Hindi it is used as a secular moral term for any kind of dishonesty.

Yes, parents often say 'be-īmānī mat karo' to children who are not following the rules of a game.