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सूखा

A1 noun #3,000 most common 8 min read

सूखा

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सूखा in 30 Seconds

Explanation सूखा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'सूखा' primarily as an adjective to describe everyday objects. Focus on its meaning as 'not wet'. You will use it to talk about clothes, your hands, or the weather. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex environmental discussions. Just remember that if you wash something and it is ready to use, it is 'सूखा'. You should also learn the basic gender changes: 'सूखा' for masculine things like 'कपड़ा' (cloth) and 'सूखी' for feminine things like 'रोटी' (bread). Simple sentences like 'यह सूखा है' (This is dry) are perfect for this level. You might also hear it in the context of 'सूखा मेवा' (dry fruits), which is a very common term in Indian households. The goal at A1 is to recognize the word in simple physical contexts and use it with correct gender agreement for common nouns.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'सूखा' to describe more varied situations, including the weather and simple nature descriptions. You should be able to say things like 'आज धूप है, इसलिए कपड़े जल्दी सूख गए' (Today is sunny, so the clothes dried quickly). Here, you are seeing the transition to the verb form 'सूखना'. You will also encounter 'सूखा' as a noun meaning drought in simple news snippets or classroom topics. You should understand that 'सूखा पड़ना' is the standard way to say 'a drought occurred'. At this level, you can also distinguish between 'सूखी सब्जी' and 'तरी वाली सब्जी' when ordering food. Your vocabulary should expand to include common pairings like 'सूखे पत्ते' (dry leaves) and 'सूखी नदी' (dry river). You are moving from just describing objects to describing environments and simple logical sequences related to dryness.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'सूखा' in both its literal and slightly more abstract senses. You can discuss the consequences of a drought, such as 'सूखे के कारण किसानों को बहुत परेशानी हुई' (Farmers faced a lot of trouble due to the drought). You should be able to use the oblique form 'सूखे' correctly with postpositions. This is also the stage where you can start exploring compound verbs like 'सूख जाना' (to dry up completely) to add nuance to your speaking. You might describe a person's skin or hair in more detail using this word. You should also be aware of the word 'शुष्क' as a more formal alternative you might see in written texts. Your ability to explain *why* something is 'सूखा' and what the result is—using connectors like 'क्योंकि' (because) and 'इसलिए' (therefore)—is a key marker of this level.

By B2, you should be able to use 'सूखा' in discussions about social and environmental issues. You can participate in a debate about climate change and its role in causing 'बार-बार सूखा' (frequent droughts). You should understand the economic implications, such as the rise in food prices after a 'सूखा'. Metaphorical uses become more accessible now; you can describe a 'सूखा भाषण' (a dry, boring speech) or a 'सूखा व्यवहार' (a cold, dry demeanor). You should also be able to differentiate between 'सूखा' and its synonyms like 'अकाल' or 'बंजर' in complex sentences. Your reading comprehension should allow you to understand literature where 'सूखा' is used to set a mood of desolation or waiting. You are no longer just using the word; you are using it to express complex thoughts and social awareness.

At the C1 level, your use of 'सूखा' should be nuanced and contextually precise. You can use it in academic or professional settings to discuss 'सूखा प्रबंधन' (drought management) or 'सूखा प्रतिरोध' (drought resistance) in crops. You will understand the subtle registers—knowing that 'सूखा' is the common word while 'शुष्क' or 'निर्जल' might be used in technical or poetic contexts. You should be able to appreciate and use the word in idiomatic expressions and complex metaphors in creative writing. For example, you might write about a 'सूखा मन' (a parched mind) seeking inspiration. Your grasp of the word's history and its deep connection to the Indian landscape should inform your usage, allowing you to speak with a level of cultural fluency that goes beyond mere grammar. You can analyze how different regions of India deal with 'सूखा' using specific regional terminology.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'सूखा'. You can use it to discuss high-level policy, environmental science, or classical literature. You understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved in different Hindi dialects. You can switch between formal and informal registers effortlessly, using 'सूखा' in a casual conversation about laundry and 'अकाल' or 'अनावृष्टि' (a technical term for lack of rain) in a formal lecture. You can detect irony or sarcasm involving the word and can use it yourself to create subtle rhetorical effects. Your understanding of 'सूखा' is integrated into a vast web of related concepts, historical events, and cultural nuances, allowing you to use the word with total confidence and precision in any imaginable scenario, from a scientific paper to a poetic masterpiece.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सूखा in 30 Seconds

Primarily means 'dry' (adjective) or 'drought' (noun).
Essential for describing weather, food, and physical textures.
Changes form based on gender: सूखा (M), सूखी (F), सूखे (Plural).
Culturally significant in India due to dependence on monsoon rains.

The Hindi word सूखा (Sūkhā) is a versatile term that primarily functions as both an adjective meaning 'dry' and a noun meaning 'drought'. In the context of the natural environment, it signifies the absence of moisture, whether in the soil, the air, or as a catastrophic climatic event. When used as an adjective, it describes anything devoid of water or moisture, such as clothes after being in the sun, a throat needing water, or a piece of wood. However, when used as a masculine noun, it refers specifically to a drought—a prolonged period of time where a region receives significantly less rainfall than normal, leading to water shortages and agricultural failure. This dual nature makes it one of the most essential words for a beginner to master, as it bridges everyday household descriptions with significant environmental and social discussions in India.

Physical State: In everyday conversation, you will use 'सूखा' to describe textures. If you touch a towel and it is no longer wet, it is 'सूखा'. If you are eating bread without any curry or butter, it is 'सूखी रोटी' (dry bread). Note how the ending changes to 'ई' for feminine nouns like 'रोटी'.
Environmental Disaster: When the monsoon rains fail in India, the news will report on the 'सूखा'. In this sense, it is a noun representing a state of crisis. Farmers are the most affected, and the word carries a heavy emotional and economic weight in rural India.
Metaphorical Usage: The word can also describe personality or style. A 'सूखा जवाब' (dry answer) implies a blunt or curt response lacking emotion. Similarly, 'सूखी हँसी' refers to a dry, hollow laugh that lacks genuine joy.

गाँव में इस साल भारी सूखा पड़ा है। (There is a severe drought in the village this year.)

The cultural importance of this word cannot be overstated. India is an agrarian society where the economy is deeply tied to the monsoon. Therefore, 'सूखा' is not just a weather report; it is a matter of survival for millions. Historically, the word has appeared in literature and cinema to depict the struggle of the common man against nature. When you hear this word on the news, it is often accompanied by discussions about irrigation, water conservation, and government relief funds. Understanding 'सूखा' allows you to participate in meaningful conversations about climate change and its impact on the South Asian subcontinent.

Using 'सूखा' correctly requires understanding its role as either a descriptor or a subject. When you want to describe something as dry, you place the word before the noun. If you are talking about the phenomenon of drought, you use it as a standalone noun. Let's explore the various grammatical structures where this word appears frequently.

मेरे बाल अब सूखे हैं। (My hair is dry now.)

Here, 'सूखे' is the plural masculine form agreeing with 'बाल' (hair), which is usually treated as plural in Hindi.

As an Adjective: 'यह रास्ता बहुत सूखा है' (This path is very dry). In this sentence, 'सूखा' describes the state of the path. If you were describing a river (नदी - feminine), you would say 'नदी सूखी है'.
As a Noun (Drought): 'सूखे के कारण फसलें बर्बाद हो गईं' (The crops were destroyed because of the drought). Here, 'सूखे' is the oblique form of the noun 'सूखा' because it is followed by the postposition 'के कारण'.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter 'सूखा' in compound verbs or idiomatic expressions. For example, 'सूख जाना' means 'to dry up' or 'to wither'. 'पौधा सूख गया' means 'The plant dried up'. This indicates a change in state. In literary Hindi, 'सूखा' might be used to describe a lack of empathy or a barren emotional landscape. For instance, 'उसका जीवन सूखा है' could mean his life is devoid of excitement or love. As you progress, pay attention to how the word interacts with postpositions like 'में' (in), 'से' (from), and 'को' (to), as these will trigger the oblique form 'सूखे'.

In the daily life of a Hindi speaker, 'सूखा' is heard in a variety of settings ranging from the mundane to the critical. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when spoken quickly or in different dialects.

At Home and in the Kitchen: You will hear parents telling children to wipe their feet: 'पैर सूखे करो' (Make your feet dry). In the kitchen, people distinguish between 'सूखी सब्जी' (dry vegetable dish/stir-fry) and 'तरी वाली सब्जी' (curry with gravy). If you prefer your food without sauce, you might ask for 'सूखी रोटी'.
On the News and Media: During the summer months (April to June), news headlines frequently feature the word 'सूखा'. Reporters will discuss 'सूखा प्रभावित क्षेत्र' (drought-affected areas) or 'सूखे की मार' (the blow/impact of drought). It is a central theme in documentaries about climate change in India.
In Farming and Rural Areas: Farmers often talk about the 'सूखा पड़ना' (the falling/occurrence of a drought). They might say, 'इस बार बारिश नहीं हुई, सूखा पड़ गया' (This time it didn't rain, a drought occurred). This context is vital for anyone working in NGOs or rural development.

क्या आपके कपड़े सूख गए? (Did your clothes dry?)

Additionally, in the fashion and beauty industry, 'सूखी त्वचा' (dry skin) is a common term used in advertisements for moisturizers and lotions. If you go to a pharmacy or a beauty shop in India, you might see labels or hear consultants mentioning this. In literature, poets use 'सूखा' to describe 'सूखे पत्ते' (dry/fallen leaves) to evoke feelings of autumn, sadness, or the passage of time. By listening for the word in these specific environments, you'll start to grasp the nuances of its pronunciation and the emotional weight it carries depending on the topic.

Learning 'सूखा' seems straightforward, but there are several pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. These mistakes usually relate to gender agreement, confusion with similar-sounding verbs, and using the wrong word for specific types of 'dryness'.

Gender and Number Mismatch: Hindi adjectives must change to match the noun. A common error is saying 'सूखा घास' instead of 'सूखी घास' (dry grass is feminine) or 'सूखा आँखें' instead of 'सूखी आँखें' (dry eyes). Always check the gender of the noun you are describing.
Confusing Noun and Verb: Beginners often confuse the adjective 'सूखा' (dry) with the verb 'सुखाना' (to dry). If you want to say 'I am drying the clothes', do not say 'मैं कपड़े सूखा हूँ'. The correct form is 'मैं कपड़े सुखा रहा हूँ'. 'सूखा' is a state, while 'सुखाना' is an action.

Another mistake is using 'सूखा' when 'प्यासा' (thirsty) is intended. In English, we might say 'My throat is dry' to mean 'I am thirsty'. While you can say 'मेरा गला सूखा है' in Hindi, it is more common and natural to say 'मुझे प्यास लगी है' (I am feeling thirst). Using 'सूखा' here is grammatically correct but might sound slightly clinical or overly literal. Finally, when talking about a drought, remember that 'अकाल' (Akāl) is a more formal synonym often used for 'famine' or 'extreme drought'. Using 'सूखा' is perfect for everyday conversation, but 'अकाल' might be better for formal writing or history.

To truly master Hindi, you need to know when to use 'सूखा' and when a more specific synonym is appropriate. Hindi has a rich vocabulary for describing various states of dryness and environmental conditions.

सूखा (Sūkhā) vs. अकाल (Akāl): 'सूखा' is the general word for drought and dryness. 'अकाल' specifically refers to a famine or a severe shortage of food and water. While every 'अकाल' often involves a 'सूखा', not every 'सूखा' becomes an 'अकाल'. Use 'अकाल' for more dire, large-scale disasters.
सूखा (Sūkhā) vs. शुष्क (Shushk): 'शुष्क' is a formal, Sanskritized word for 'dry'. You will find it in weather reports ('शुष्क मौसम' - dry weather) or scientific texts. In casual conversation, 'सूखा' is much more common. Using 'शुष्क' at a dinner table would sound out of place.
सूखा (Sūkhā) vs. बंजर (Banjar): 'बंजर' means 'barren' or 'infertile'. While a drought ('सूखा') can make land look 'बंजर', the latter refers to the quality of the soil rather than just its current moisture level. A desert is 'बंजर', but a field might just be 'सूखा' temporarily until the next rain.

रेगिस्तान की हवा शुष्क होती है। (The desert air is arid/dry.)

Other related words include 'निर्जल' (waterless), often used in the context of religious fasts where one does not drink water ('निर्जला व्रत'). There is also 'खुरदरा' (rough), which sometimes describes dry skin that has become textured. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right word for the right context, making your Hindi sound more natural and sophisticated. For instance, describing a dry joke as 'सूखा मज़ाक' works, but calling it 'शुष्क मज़ाक' would be technically correct but awkwardly formal.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'shush' in Sanskrit is related to the English word 'sear' and the Persian 'khoshk'. It is an ancient root that has traveled across many Indo-European languages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsuː.kʰɑː/

US /ˈsu.kʰɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'Sū-'.

Rhymes With

भूखा (Bhūkhā - hungry) दूखा (Dūkhā - pained/rare) चूखा (Chūkhā - tasted/rare) मुखा (Mukhā - face-related) रूखा (Rūkhā - rough) अनोखा (Anokhā - unique) धोखा (Dhokhā - betrayal) झोखा (Jhokhā - gust/rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (it should have air breath).
Shortening the 'ū' to a short 'u' (which changes it to the verb root).
Forgetting to change the ending for feminine nouns (saying 'सूखा रोटी').
Pronouncing the final 'ā' too short, making it sound clipped.
Confusing it with 'सुख' (Sukha - happiness), which has a short 'u' and no final 'ā'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in its basic form.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'kh' (ख) and the long 'u' (ू).

Speaking 2/5

Aspiration of 'kh' and gender agreement are the main challenges.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पानी (Water) बारिश (Rain) कपड़ा (Cloth) ज़मीन (Land) रोटी (Bread)

Learn Next

गीला (Wet) मौसम (Weather) अकाल (Famine) नदी (River) किसान (Farmer)

Advanced

अनावृष्टि (Lack of rain) मरुस्थलीकरण (Desertification) सिंचाई (Irrigation) पारिस्थितिकी (Ecology) जलस्तर (Water level)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

सूखा (M), सूखी (F), सूखे (Plural/Oblique).

Oblique Case

सूखे में (In the drought) - 'सूखा' becomes 'सूखे' before 'में'.

Intransitive vs Transitive Verbs

सूखना (to dry/self) vs सुखाना (to dry/something).

Compound Verbs

सूख जाना (to dry up completely).

Gender of Nouns

घास (Grass) is feminine, so it takes 'सूखी'.

Examples by Level

यह कपड़ा सूखा है।

This cloth is dry.

Simple adjective usage with a masculine noun.

मुझे सूखी रोटी चाहिए।

I want dry bread.

'सूखी' is the feminine form to match 'रोटी'.

मेरे हाथ सूखे हैं।

My hands are dry.

'सूखे' is the masculine plural form matching 'हाथ'.

क्या वह सूखा है?

Is that dry?

Basic interrogative sentence.

सूखा मेवा सेहत के लिए अच्छा है।

Dry fruit is good for health.

'सूखा मेवा' is a common compound noun.

यहाँ बहुत सूखा है।

It is very dry here.

Using 'सूखा' as an abstract description of a place.

सूखा पत्ता गिर गया।

The dry leaf fell.

Adjective-noun agreement (masculine singular).

वह सूखी घास है।

That is dry grass.

Adjective-noun agreement (feminine singular).

धूप में कपड़े जल्दी सूखे हो जाते हैं।

Clothes become dry quickly in the sun.

Using 'हो जाते हैं' to show a change in state.

इस साल गाँव में सूखा पड़ा है।

A drought has occurred in the village this year.

'सूखा पड़ना' is the standard idiom for a drought happening.

नदी अब पूरी तरह सूखी है।

The river is now completely dry.

Feminine agreement with 'नदी'.

पेड़ के सारे पत्ते सूखे हैं।

All the leaves of the tree are dry.

Plural agreement with 'पत्ते'.

क्या आपको सूखी सब्जी पसंद है?

Do you like dry vegetable dishes?

Context of food types.

बारिश के बाद भी ज़मीन सूखी थी।

Even after the rain, the ground was dry.

Use of 'भी' (even/also) and past tense.

मेरा गला सूख रहा है।

My throat is drying up (I am thirsty).

Present continuous verb form 'सूख रहा है'.

सूखे फूलों को फेंक दो।

Throw away the dry flowers.

Oblique plural 'सूखे' before the postposition 'को'.

सूखे की वजह से अनाज की कीमतें बढ़ गईं।

Grain prices increased because of the drought.

Using 'की वजह से' (because of) with the oblique noun.

अगर बारिश नहीं हुई, तो सूखा पड़ सकता है।

If it doesn't rain, a drought might occur.

Conditional sentence with 'सकता है' (possibility).

उसने बहुत सूखा जवाब दिया।

He gave a very dry/curt answer.

Metaphorical use of 'सूखा' for behavior.

पौधे पानी के बिना सूख जाते हैं।

Plants dry up without water.

General truth using 'जाते हैं'.

राजस्थान के कुछ इलाकों में हमेशा सूखा रहता है।

In some areas of Rajasthan, it is always dry.

Describing a permanent state.

सूखी लकड़ियाँ जलाने के लिए अच्छी होती हैं।

Dry wood is good for burning.

Feminine plural agreement 'सूखी लकड़ियाँ'.

सरकार ने सूखा प्रभावित क्षेत्रों की मदद की।

The government helped the drought-affected areas.

Compound adjective 'सूखा प्रभावित' (drought-affected).

उसकी आँखों में एक भी आँसू नहीं था, वे सूखी थीं।

There wasn't a single tear in her eyes; they were dry.

Expressing emotion through physical state.

भीषण सूखे ने पूरी अर्थव्यवस्था को हिला दिया।

The severe drought shook the entire economy.

Using 'भीषण' (severe/terrible) to qualify 'सूखा'.

वैज्ञानिक सूखे को रोकने के नए तरीके खोज रहे हैं।

Scientists are searching for new ways to prevent drought.

Formal sentence structure.

यह फिल्म ग्रामीण भारत में सूखे की समस्या को दर्शाती है।

This film depicts the problem of drought in rural India.

Using 'दर्शाती है' (depicts/shows).

सूखे पत्तों की सरसराहट शांति को भंग कर रही थी।

The rustling of dry leaves was breaking the silence.

Literary and descriptive language.

उसकी त्वचा सर्दियों में बहुत सूखी और बेजान हो जाती है।

Her skin becomes very dry and lifeless in winter.

Using 'बेजान' (lifeless) as a synonym/complement.

सूखे का संकट हर साल गहराता जा रहा है।

The crisis of drought is deepening every year.

Using 'गहराता जा रहा है' (is deepening).

बिना किसी भावना के, उसने एक सूखी हँसी हँसी।

Without any emotion, he laughed a dry laugh.

Internal object 'हँसी हँसी' (laughed a laugh).

सूखे कुएँ अब कचरे से भरे हुए हैं।

The dry wells are now filled with trash.

Plural masculine agreement 'सूखे कुएँ'.

जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण सूखे की आवृत्ति और तीव्रता बढ़ गई है।

The frequency and intensity of drought have increased due to climate change.

Technical vocabulary: 'आवृत्ति' (frequency) and 'तीव्रता' (intensity).

लेखक ने अपनी कहानी में सूखे को निराशा के प्रतीक के रूप में उपयोग किया है।

The author used drought as a symbol of despair in his story.

Abstract literary analysis.

सूखा केवल पानी की कमी नहीं, बल्कि एक सामाजिक त्रासदी है।

Drought is not just a lack of water, but a social tragedy.

Complex sentence with 'नहीं, बल्कि' (not, but rather).

उसका लेखन काफी शुष्क और तकनीकी है, जिसमें भावनाओं के लिए कोई जगह नहीं है।

His writing is quite dry and technical, with no room for emotions.

Using 'शुष्क' in a formal, critical sense.

नदी के सूखने से जलीय पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र पूरी तरह से नष्ट हो गया।

The drying up of the river completely destroyed the aquatic ecosystem.

Using the gerund 'सूखने' with a postposition.

सूखा राहत कार्यों में भ्रष्टाचार एक बड़ी बाधा है।

Corruption in drought relief works is a major obstacle.

Political and administrative context.

उसकी सूखी आवाज़ में एक अजीब सी बेबसी थी।

There was a strange helplessness in his dry voice.

Synesthetic description (dry voice).

सदियों पुराने सूखे तालाबों का पुनरुद्धार आवश्यक है।

The revival of centuries-old dry ponds is necessary.

Formal term 'पुनरुद्धार' (revival/restoration).

अनावृष्टि और मरुस्थलीकरण की प्रक्रिया ने उपजाऊ भूमि को सूखे रेगिस्तान में बदल दिया है।

The process of lack of rain and desertification has turned fertile land into a dry desert.

High-level scientific terms: 'अनावृष्टि' and 'मरुस्थलीकरण'.

सूखे की विभीषिका ने इतिहास के कई महान साम्राज्यों के पतन में भूमिका निभाई है।

The horror of drought has played a role in the fall of many great empires in history.

Sophisticated term 'विभीषिका' (horror/catastrophe).

इस शोध पत्र में सूखे के प्रति सहनशील फसलों के आनुवंशिक विकास पर चर्चा की गई है।

This research paper discusses the genetic development of drought-tolerant crops.

Academic research context.

उसकी बातों में एक सूखापन था जो किसी भी संवाद की संभावना को समाप्त कर देता था।

There was a dryness in his words that ended any possibility of dialogue.

Abstract noun 'सूखापन' (dryness/bruntness).

सूखा केवल वर्षा की अनुपस्थिति नहीं, बल्कि जल प्रबंधन की विफलता का भी परिचायक है।

Drought is not just the absence of rain, but also an indicator of the failure of water management.

Sophisticated philosophical/political argument.

कवि ने सूखे खेतों को माँ के फटे हुए आँचल के समान बताया है।

The poet has described dry fields as similar to a mother's torn veil.

High-level literary metaphor.

सूखे की मार झेल रहे किसानों के लिए ऋण माफ़ी केवल एक तात्कालिक समाधान है।

Loan waivers for farmers suffering from drought are only a temporary solution.

Complex socio-economic commentary.

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मंचों पर सूखे को एक वैश्विक सुरक्षा खतरे के रूप में देखा जा रहा है।

On international platforms, drought is being seen as a global security threat.

Geopolitical context.

Synonyms

अकाल अनावृष्टि निर्जलता शुष्कता कमी

Antonyms

बाढ़ सुकाल वर्षा

Common Collocations

सूखा पड़ना

सूखा मेवा

सूखी सब्जी

सूखा पत्ता

सूखा कुआँ

सूखा कचरा

सूखा राशन

सूखा मज़ाक

सूखा प्रभावित

सूखा नशा

Common Phrases

सूखे की मार

— The devastating impact or 'blow' of a drought.

किसान सूखे की मार झेल रहे हैं।

सूखा-गीला

— Refers to the classification of waste or general moisture states.

कूड़े को सूखे-गीले में बाँटें।

सूखी रोटी खाना

— To eat plain bread, often implying poverty or simplicity.

वह गरीब सूखी रोटी खाकर सो गया।

गला सूखना

— To feel extremely thirsty or nervous.

डर के मारे मेरा गला सूखने लगा।

सूखे हाथ

— Having dry hands, often used in beauty/care contexts.

सूखे हाथों पर क्रीम लगाओ।

सूखी घास का ढेर

— A haystack; often used in the 'needle in a haystack' idiom.

यह सूखी घास के ढेर में सुई ढूँढने जैसा है।

सूखा इलाका

— An arid or drought-prone region.

यह बहुत सूखा इलाका है।

सूखा पड़ना

— The occurrence of a drought.

पिछले साल यहाँ भीषण सूखा पड़ा था।

सूखी त्वचा

— Dry skin, a common dermatological term.

सर्दियों में सूखी त्वचा की समस्या बढ़ जाती है।

सूखे होंठ

— Chapped or dry lips.

तुम्हारे होंठ सूखे लग रहे हैं।

Often Confused With

सूखा vs सुख (Sukh)

Means 'happiness'. Has a short 'u' and no 'ā' at the end.

सूखा vs सुखा (Sukha)

The root of the verb 'to dry'. Used in commands like 'इसे सुखा दो'.

सूखा vs संख्या (Sankhya)

Means 'number'. Sounds slightly similar to beginners but has a different start.

Idioms & Expressions

"सूखे में भी हरा रहना"

— To remain prosperous or happy even in difficult times.

वह अपनी सकारात्मकता की वजह से सूखे में भी हरा रहता है।

Literary

"गला सूखना"

— To be very scared or nervous.

स्टेज पर जाते ही मेरा गला सूख गया।

Common

"सूखी हँसी हँसना"

— To laugh without feeling joy; a hollow laugh.

उसने अपनी हार पर एक सूखी हँसी हँसी।

Literary

"सूखा जवाब देना"

— To give a blunt, rude, or emotionless reply.

मैंने मदद माँगी पर उसने सूखा जवाब दे दिया।

Colloquial

"सूखी लकड़ी की तरह जलना"

— To be very thin or to burn/anger very quickly.

वह आजकल सूखी लकड़ी की तरह जल रहा है।

Metaphorical

"सूखे के साथ गीला भी जलता है"

— When the bad are punished, the innocent often suffer too.

जब दंगे होते हैं, तो सूखे के साथ गीला भी जलता है।

Proverbial

"सूखा मेवा"

— Often used metaphorically for something valuable but hard to get.

यह अवसर किसी सूखे मेवे से कम नहीं है।

Metaphorical

"सूख कर काँटा होना"

— To become extremely thin due to illness or lack of food.

बीमारी के बाद वह सूख कर काँटा हो गया है।

Common

"सूखी आँखों से रोना"

— To feel deep grief without actually shedding tears.

वह सूखी आँखों से अपना दुख सहती रही।

Poetic

"सूखे खेत हरी होना"

— The return of hope or prosperity after a long struggle.

बेटे की नौकरी लगते ही माँ के सूखे खेत हरे हो गए।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

सूखा vs रूखा

Sounds similar and also means dry/rough.

सूखा is 'lack of moisture', while रूखा is 'rough texture' or 'rude behavior'.

उसकी त्वचा रूखी है (rough/dry skin) vs कपड़ा सूखा है (dry cloth).

सूखा vs अकाल

Both refer to drought.

सूखा is general; अकाल is a severe famine or catastrophic drought.

इस साल सूखा पड़ा है vs 1943 का बंगाल अकाल।

सूखा vs प्यासा

Both relate to needing water.

सूखा describes the state of an object or land; प्यासा describes a person or animal.

गला सूखा है vs मैं प्यासा हूँ।

सूखा vs बंजर

Both describe dry land.

सूखा is a temporary state; बंजर is a permanent quality of soil (infertile).

सूखा खेत (dry field) vs बंजर ज़मीन (barren land).

सूखा vs शुष्क

Synonyms for dry.

शुष्क is formal/academic; सूखा is everyday language.

शुष्क हवा (arid air) vs सूखा हाथ (dry hand).

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] सूखा है।

यह रुमाल सूखा है।

[Place] में सूखा पड़ गया है।

गाँव में सूखा पड़ गया है।

[Noun] सूख गया है।

पौधा सूख गया है।

[Noun] के कारण सूखा पड़ा।

कम बारिश के कारण सूखा पड़ा।

सूखे ने [Object] को प्रभावित किया।

सूखे ने फसलों को प्रभावित किया।

सूखे की [Noun] बढ़ रही है।

सूखे की समस्या बढ़ रही है।

[Noun] से सूखा राहत मिली।

बारिश से सूखा राहत मिली।

सूखे की विभीषिका [Verb]...

सूखे की विभीषिका ने सबको डरा दिया।

Word Family

Nouns

सूखा (Drought)

सूखापन (Dryness)

सुखावट (Drying/Desiccation)

Verbs

सूखना (To dry up/intransitive)

सुखाना (To dry something/transitive)

सुखवाना (To cause something to be dried)

Adjectives

सूखा (Dry)

सूखने वाला (That which dries)

सुखाया हुआ (Dried)

अकाल (Famine)

प्यास (Thirst)

रेगिस्तान (Desert)

पानी (Water)

बारिश (Rain)

How to Use It

frequency

High (Top 1000 words)

Common Mistakes

सूखा रोटी → सूखी रोटी
Rotī (bread) is feminine, so the adjective must be Sūkhī.
मैं कपड़े सूखा हूँ → मैं कपड़े सुखा रहा हूँ
You cannot use the adjective 'सूखा' as a verb. You must use the verb 'सुखाना'.
सूखा पड़ गई → सूखा पड़ गया
'सूखा' (drought) is a masculine noun, so the verb 'पड़ना' must be masculine.
मेरा गला सुखी है → मेरा गला सूखा है
Galā (throat) is masculine, so it takes 'सूखा'.
सूखा मेवाएँ → सूखा मेवा
'मेवा' is usually used as a collective masculine noun and doesn't need a plural ending here.

Tips

Gender Matching

Always look at the ending of the noun. If it's feminine, change 'सूखा' to 'सूखी'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't pronounce it like 'K'. It's 'KH', like in 'Khan' or 'Khaki'. There should be a distinct puff of air.

Food Context

When eating out, knowing 'सूखी सब्जी' vs 'तरी वाली सब्जी' will help you get exactly what you want.

Monsoon Awareness

Understand that 'सूखा' is a sensitive topic in rural India. It's often linked to the failure of the monsoon.

Metaphorical Dryness

You can use 'सूखा' to describe a boring or blunt person, but be careful as it can be slightly rude.

Oblique Form

Remember that 'सूखा' becomes 'सूखे' before words like 'में', 'से', 'को', and 'के लिए'.

News Keywords

If you hear 'सूखा' on the news, look for related words like 'किसान' (farmer) and 'बारिश' (rain).

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'सूखा' (dry) with 'भूखा' (hungry). A 'सूखा' land often leads to 'भूखा' people.

Verb vs Adjective

Use 'सूखा' for the state and 'सूखना' for the process of drying up.

Waste Management

In Indian cities, you'll see bins labeled 'सूखा कचरा' (dry waste). This is a great real-world way to remember the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'SU-per' 'KHA-li' (empty) well. 'Sūkhā' sounds like 'Sucked'—all the water has been sucked out of the ground.

Visual Association

Picture a cracked, brown earth under a blazing sun. This visual represents both the adjective (dry) and the noun (drought).

Word Web

Water Rain Desert Sun Thirst Crops Hardship Moisture

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room that are 'सूखा' and 3 things that are 'गीला' (wet). Say the sentences out loud: 'यह किताब सूखी है' (This book is dry).

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'शुष्क' (śuṣka), which means dry, parched, or withered.

Original meaning: Describing a state devoid of moisture or sap.

Indo-Aryan family.

Cultural Context

When discussing 'सूखा' in India, be sensitive to the fact that it is a serious issue involving farmer suicides and extreme poverty. Avoid treating it as a light topic in rural settings.

In English, 'drought' is strictly a noun, whereas 'dry' is the adjective. Hindi uses the same word 'सूखा' for both, which can be confusing for English speakers at first.

The classic Bollywood film 'Lagaan' (2001) revolves around a village facing a severe drought (सूखा) and their struggle against British taxes. The novel 'Godan' by Munshi Premchand vividly describes the impact of drought and debt on Indian farmers. The song 'Ghanan Ghanan' from Lagaan expresses the joy of rain after a long 'सूखा'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Laundry

कपड़े सूख गए?
बाहर सूखा है?
धूप में सुखाओ
अभी गीला है

Weather/Environment

सूखा पड़ गया
बारिश नहीं हुई
सूखे की मार
पानी की कमी

Cooking

सूखी सब्जी
सूखा मसाला
सूखी रोटी
सूखा मेवा

Personal Care

सूखी त्वचा
सूखे बाल
होंठ सूखना
हाथ सूखे करो

Nature

सूखे पत्ते
सूखी लकड़ी
सूखी नदी
सूखा पेड़

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपके शहर में भी इस साल सूखा पड़ा है?"

"आपको सूखी सब्जी ज़्यादा पसंद है या तरी वाली?"

"सर्दियों में आप अपनी सूखी त्वचा का ख्याल कैसे रखते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी सूखे मेवे की खीर खाई है?"

"अगर गाँव में सूखा पड़ जाए, तो किसानों की मदद कैसे करनी चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

आज का मौसम कैसा है? क्या सब कुछ सूखा है या बारिश हो रही है?

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक सूखा गाँव अचानक बारिश से हरा-भरा हो जाता है।

सूखे और गीले कचरे को अलग करना क्यों ज़रूरी है? अपने विचार लिखें।

जब आपको बहुत प्यास लगती है और आपका गला सूख जाता है, तो आपको कैसा महसूस होता है?

भारत में सूखे की समस्या पर एक छोटा लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'सूखा' is used for anything that lacks moisture. You can use it for clothes, food (dry vegetable dishes), body parts (dry skin), and even personality (a dry response). It is a very common everyday adjective.

The feminine form is 'सूखी' (Sūkhī). You must use it with feminine nouns like 'रोटी' (bread), 'नदी' (river), or 'लकड़ी' (wood). For example: 'सूखी लकड़ी' means dry wood.

While you can say 'मेरा गला सूखा है' (My throat is dry), it is more natural to say 'मुझे प्यास लगी है' (I am feeling thirst). 'सूखा' is more descriptive of the physical state.

'सूखना' (Sūkhnā) is intransitive, meaning 'to dry' (the clothes dried by themselves). 'सुखाना' (Sukhānā) is transitive, meaning 'to dry something' (I dried the clothes).

Yes, if someone is very thin, people might say 'वह सूख गया है' (He has dried up/become very thin). It can also describe a blunt or emotionless person ('सूखा इंसान').

It literally means 'dry fruit'. It refers to almonds, cashews, raisins, etc. It is a very common term in Indian culture, especially during festivals.

When used as a noun meaning 'drought', it is masculine. For example: 'भीषण सूखा पड़ा' (A severe drought occurred).

The masculine plural is 'सूखे'. For example: 'सूखे पत्ते' (dry leaves). If you are using a postposition, 'सूखा' also becomes 'सूखे', like 'सूखे में' (in the drought).

Yes, 'शुष्क' (Shushk) is the formal/scientific word for dry, and 'अकाल' (Akāl) is a more formal word for drought/famine.

'सूखी सब्जी' (Sūkhī sabzī) refers to a vegetable dish that is stir-fried or sautéed without a gravy or sauce. It is a staple in Indian meals, often eaten with roti.