समानता in 30 Seconds
- Means 'equality' in social and political contexts.
- Means 'similarity' when comparing objects or ideas.
- It is a feminine abstract noun in Hindi grammar.
- Derived from the adjective 'समान' (equal) + suffix 'ता'.
The Hindi word समानता (samanata) is a deeply significant noun that translates primarily to 'equality' or 'similarity' in English. Understanding this word is fundamental for anyone learning Hindi, as it bridges basic descriptive language with complex social and political discourse. At its core, the word is derived from the adjective 'समान' (saman), which means 'equal', 'same', or 'similar'. By adding the suffix 'ता' (-ta), which functions much like the English suffixes '-ity' or '-ness', the adjective is transformed into an abstract noun. Therefore, 'समानता' literally means 'the state of being equal' or 'the quality of being similar'. This dual meaning is crucial. In a social, legal, or political context, it refers to equality—the idea that all individuals have the same rights, status, and opportunities. In a comparative or mathematical context, it refers to similarity or equivalence between two or more objects, ideas, or entities. To fully grasp its usage, one must pay attention to the surrounding context. When reading a newspaper, 'समानता' will almost always refer to social justice, gender equality, or constitutional rights. When reading a scientific or literary text, it might refer to the structural similarity between two concepts.
- Social Equality (सामाजिक समानता)
- This refers to the state of affairs in which all individuals within a specific society have equal rights, liberties, and status, possibly including civil rights, freedom of expression, autonomy, and equal access to certain public goods and social services.
- Gender Equality (लैंगिक समानता)
- A highly common collocation in modern Hindi, referring to the equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making.
- Similarity (समरूपता / समानता)
- Used when comparing two things that share characteristics, such as the similarity between two languages, two cultures, or two mathematical equations.
Let us look at some practical examples of how this word is embedded in everyday Hindi sentences to express these different nuances.
संविधान हमें समानता का अधिकार देता है। (The constitution gives us the right to equality.)
इन दोनों चित्रों में बहुत समानता है। (There is a lot of similarity between these two pictures.)
समाज में समानता लाना हमारा लक्ष्य है। (Bringing equality to society is our goal.)
पुरुषों और महिलाओं के बीच समानता आवश्यक है। (Equality between men and women is essential.)
विचारों की समानता से दोस्ती बढ़ती है। (Similarity of thoughts increases friendship.)
In conclusion, mastering the word 'समानता' unlocks a vast array of conversational and academic possibilities in Hindi. It allows learners to move beyond simple descriptions and engage in meaningful dialogues about fairness, comparative analysis, and societal structures. Whether you are discussing the identical nature of two twin siblings or debating the fundamental rights enshrined in a democratic constitution, this single word serves as a powerful linguistic tool. Its frequent appearance in both spoken and written Hindi makes it an indispensable part of any serious learner's vocabulary arsenal. By recognizing its dual function as both 'equality' and 'similarity', students can accurately interpret a wide range of texts and express complex thoughts with precision and cultural appropriateness.
Using the word समानता correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical properties as a feminine abstract noun in Hindi. Because it is a feminine noun, any adjectives modifying it, or verbs agreeing with it in certain tenses, must also take the feminine form. For example, you would say 'पूरी समानता' (complete equality) rather than 'पूरा समानता', and 'समानता स्थापित की गई' (equality was established) rather than 'समानता स्थापित किया गया'. This gender agreement is a fundamental rule in Hindi grammar and is essential for sounding natural and fluent. Furthermore, 'समानता' is typically used with specific postpositions (the Hindi equivalent of prepositions) depending on the context. When talking about equality 'between' two or more groups, the postposition 'के बीच' (ke beech) is used. When talking about the right 'to' equality, the genitive postposition 'का' (ka) is used, as in 'समानता का अधिकार' (the right of/to equality). Understanding these common grammatical structures will significantly improve your ability to construct accurate and meaningful sentences.
- Using with 'के बीच' (Between)
- To express equality or similarity between two entities, use the structure: [Entity 1] और [Entity 2] के बीच समानता है। (There is equality/similarity between Entity 1 and Entity 2).
- Using with 'लाना' (To bring)
- A common verb paired with this noun is 'लाना' (to bring). 'समाज में समानता लाना' means 'to bring equality to society'. This is often used in political or social contexts.
- Using with 'दिखना' (To appear/be seen)
- When discussing similarity, you might say 'दोनों में समानता दिखती है' (Similarity is seen in both / Both look similar). This highlights the visual or conceptual resemblance.
Let us review some structured examples to see these grammatical rules in action across different contexts.
हमें सभी धर्मों के बीच समानता का सम्मान करना चाहिए। (We should respect the equality between all religions.)
उनकी कहानियों में एक अद्भुत समानता पाई जाती है। (An amazing similarity is found in their stories.)
आर्थिक समानता के बिना सच्चा लोकतंत्र संभव नहीं है। (Without economic equality, true democracy is not possible.)
शिक्षक ने छात्रों के साथ समानता का व्यवहार किया। (The teacher treated the students with equality.)
कानून की नज़र में सब में समानता है। (In the eyes of the law, there is equality among all.)
To summarize the usage of 'समानता', always remember its feminine gender and its abstract nature. It is not a physical object you can hold, but a concept you can establish, observe, respect, or fight for. When writing essays or participating in debates in Hindi, using this word correctly with the appropriate verbs (like स्थापित करना - to establish, या बढ़ावा देना - to promote) will elevate your language from a beginner level to an intermediate or advanced level. Practice forming sentences that contrast 'समानता' with 'असमानता' to build complex, compound sentences. For instance, 'यद्यपि कानून समानता की बात करता है, फिर भी समाज में असमानता है' (Although the law speaks of equality, there is still inequality in society). Such sentence structures demonstrate a strong command of both vocabulary and syntax.
The word समानता is ubiquitous in both formal and informal Hindi, though its specific meaning shifts depending on the environment in which it is used. You will encounter this word frequently across various media, daily conversations, academic settings, and political discourse. In the realm of news and politics, it is a buzzword. Indian news channels, newspapers like Dainik Jagran or Navbharat Times, and political speeches heavily feature 'समानता' when discussing government policies, constitutional rights, social justice movements, and caste or gender issues. In these contexts, it carries the weighty meaning of 'equality'. Conversely, in everyday casual conversation, or in educational settings like a science or literature class, you will hear it used to mean 'similarity'. For instance, a teacher might point out the 'समानता' between two mathematical formulas, or a friend might notice the 'समानता' between your shirt and theirs. This dual presence makes it a highly versatile word that learners must be prepared to interpret based on situational cues.
- News and Politics
- Frequently heard in debates about reservations, constitutional rights (Article 14), and social welfare programs. It represents the democratic ideal of equal treatment.
- Academic and Educational Settings
- Used by teachers and students to draw comparisons, highlight patterns, or explain the equivalence between different subjects, theories, or historical events.
- Everyday Social Interaction
- Used casually to comment on physical resemblances between people (like twins), shared tastes in music or food, or similar life experiences.
Here are examples of how you might hear this word in different real-world scenarios.
[News Anchor]: आज की बहस का मुख्य विषय समाज में समानता और न्याय है। (Today's main debate topic is equality and justice in society.)
[Teacher]: इन दोनों कविताओं की शैली में क्या समानता है? (What is the similarity in the style of these two poems?)
[Friend]: तुम्हारी और मेरी सोच में बहुत समानता है। (There is a lot of similarity in your and my thinking.)
[Activist]: हम महिलाओं के लिए वेतन में समानता की मांग करते हैं। (We demand equality in pay for women.)
[Lawyer]: भारतीय संविधान का अनुच्छेद 14 सभी नागरिकों को समानता की गारंटी देता है। (Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens.)
Being aware of where and how 'समानता' is used helps learners adapt their vocabulary to the appropriate register. In formal writing, using 'समानता' is highly recommended over colloquial alternatives. If you are preparing for proficiency exams, writing essays, or engaging with native speakers on serious topics, this word is unavoidable. Furthermore, understanding its cultural resonance in India—a country with a complex history of social hierarchies and a strong constitutional commitment to democratic ideals—adds depth to your language comprehension. When an Indian speaker talks about 'समानता', they are often invoking decades of social reform and constitutional promises, making it a word charged with historical and emotional significance, not just a simple dictionary translation.
When learning the word समानता, students frequently make a few predictable errors, primarily revolving around parts of speech, gender agreement, and confusing it with similar-sounding words. The most common mistake is confusing the abstract noun 'समानता' (equality/similarity) with the adjective 'समान' (equal/similar) or the noun 'सामान' (luggage/goods). Because these words share a similar phonetic root, learners often interchange them, leading to grammatically incorrect or nonsensical sentences. For instance, a learner might say 'वे दोनों समानता हैं' (They both are equality) instead of the correct 'वे दोनों समान हैं' (They both are equal). Another frequent error involves gender agreement. As a feminine noun, 'समानता' requires feminine modifiers. Saying 'बड़ा समानता' instead of 'बड़ी समानता' is a classic beginner mistake. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial for accurate communication.
- Noun vs. Adjective Confusion
- Using 'समानता' (noun) when 'समान' (adjective) is required. Remember: 'समानता' is the concept; 'समान' describes the state of the object.
- Phonetic Confusion with 'सामान'
- 'सामान' (saamaan) means luggage, stuff, or goods. 'समानता' (samaanataa) means equality. Mixing the vowel lengths changes the meaning entirely.
- Gender Agreement Errors
- Failing to use feminine verbs and adjectives with 'समानता'. It must be 'अच्छी समानता' (good similarity), not 'अच्छा समानता'.
Let's look at some examples of these common mistakes and how to correct them.
Incorrect: राम और श्याम समानता हैं।
Correct: राम और श्याम समान हैं। (Ram and Shyam are equal/similar.)
Incorrect: मुझे अपना समानता पैक करना है।
Correct: मुझे अपना सामान पैक करना है। (I need to pack my luggage.)
Incorrect: उनके बीच बहुत बड़ा समानता है।
Correct: उनके बीच बहुत बड़ी समानता है। (There is a very big similarity between them.)
Incorrect: हम समानता अधिकार चाहते हैं।
Correct: हम समानता का अधिकार चाहते हैं। (We want the right to equality.)
Incorrect: दोनों देशों में समानता किया गया।
Correct: दोनों देशों में समानता स्थापित की गई। (Equality was established in both countries.)
By paying close attention to these common mistakes, learners can significantly refine their Hindi. Always double-check whether you are trying to describe a noun (use 'समान') or name the concept itself (use 'समानता'). Furthermore, consistently applying the feminine gender rules to 'समानता' will make your spoken and written Hindi sound much more natural to native speakers. Overcoming these specific hurdles is a key step in progressing from a beginner to an intermediate level, as it demonstrates a solid grasp of Hindi morphology and syntax.
The Hindi language is rich in vocabulary, and there are several words that share similar meanings or nuances with समानता. Understanding these synonyms and related terms helps to enrich your vocabulary and allows for more precise expression. While 'समानता' is the most common and versatile word for equality and similarity, words like 'बराबरी' (barabari), 'समरूपता' (samaroopata), and 'एकता' (ekata) are often used in overlapping contexts. 'बराबरी' is a very common, slightly more colloquial Urdu-derived alternative that specifically means equality in status, competition, or level. 'समरूपता' is a more formal, Sanskrit-derived word that strictly means similarity in form or appearance (isomorphism). 'एकता' means unity, which is related to equality but emphasizes togetherness rather than identical status. Knowing when to use which word depends on the specific register (formal vs. informal) and the exact nuance you wish to convey.
- बराबरी (Barabari)
- Means equality or being on par. Often used in social contexts, competitions, or when talking about equal status. It is slightly less formal than 'समानता'.
- समरूपता (Samaroopata)
- Means similarity in form, uniformity, or symmetry. It is a formal word used mostly in academic, scientific, or literary contexts.
- एकता (Ekata)
- Means unity or oneness. While related to equality (as in people standing together as equals), it focuses on the bond rather than the equal status.
Let's look at how these similar words are used in sentences to understand their subtle differences.
वह हमेशा लड़कों की बराबरी करना चाहती है। (She always wants to be on par with the boys.)
इन दो प्रजातियों के बीच बहुत समरूपता है। (There is a lot of morphological similarity between these two species.)
देश की एकता बनाए रखना ज़रूरी है। (It is important to maintain the unity of the country.)
दोनों भाइयों के स्वभाव में काफी समानता है। (There is quite a bit of similarity in the nature of both brothers.)
हमें समाज में बराबरी का दर्जा चाहिए। (We want a status of equality in society.)
Expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms allows you to express yourself with greater precision and elegance. While 'समानता' is an excellent, all-purpose word that will rarely be incorrect in contexts of equality or similarity, using 'बराबरी' in a casual setting or 'समरूपता' in a formal academic setting demonstrates a higher level of language mastery. It shows that you not only know the basic translation but also understand the cultural and contextual nuances of Hindi vocabulary. Practice substituting these words in different sentences to feel the subtle shifts in tone and meaning they create.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Feminine Abstract Nouns ending in -ता.
Using 'के बीच' (between) for comparisons.
Noun vs. Adjective usage in Hindi.
Genitive case agreement (समानता का/की/के).
Verbs commonly paired with abstract nouns (स्थापित करना, लाना).
Examples by Level
इन दो चित्रों में समानता है।
There is similarity in these two pictures.
Basic use of noun with 'में' (in) and 'है' (is).
सबको समानता चाहिए।
Everyone wants equality.
Used as the direct object of the implicit desire.
यह समानता अच्छी है।
This similarity is good.
Feminine adjective 'अच्छी' modifying 'समानता'.
क्या यहाँ समानता है?
Is there equality here?
Simple interrogative sentence.
मुझे समानता पसंद है।
I like equality.
Used with 'पसंद है' (is liked).
समानता एक शब्द है।
Samanata is a word.
Definitional sentence structure.
हम समानता देखते हैं।
We see similarity.
Used as object of the verb 'देखना' (to see).
समानता कहाँ है?
Where is the equality?
Question word 'कहाँ' (where) with the noun.
लड़कों और लड़कियों के बीच समानता होनी चाहिए।
There should be equality between boys and girls.
Use of 'के बीच' (between) and 'होनी चाहिए' (should be).
दोनों कहानियों में बहुत समानता है।
There is a lot of similarity in both stories.
Use of 'बहुत' (a lot) to quantify the noun.
हमें समानता का अधिकार है।
We have the right to equality.
Genitive phrase 'समानता का अधिकार'.
क्या तुम दोनों में कोई समानता है?
Is there any similarity between you two?
Use of 'कोई' (any) with the noun.
शिक्षक ने समानता के बारे में बताया।
The teacher told about equality.
Use of postposition 'के बारे में' (about).
समानता से शांति आती है।
Peace comes from equality.
Use of 'से' (from/by) indicating cause.
मुझे उनकी सोच में समानता दिखी।
I saw similarity in their thinking.
Past tense feminine verb 'दिखी' agreeing with 'समानता'.
खेल में समानता ज़रूरी है।
Equality (fairness) is important in sports.
Used with adjective 'ज़रूरी' (important).
समाज में लैंगिक समानता लाना बहुत आवश्यक है।
It is very necessary to bring gender equality in society.
Collocation 'लैंगिक समानता' and verb 'लाना'.
संविधान सभी नागरिकों को समानता की गारंटी देता है।
The constitution guarantees equality to all citizens.
Complex sentence with indirect object 'नागरिकों को'.
इन दो भाषाओं के व्याकरण में काफी समानता पाई जाती है।
Quite a bit of similarity is found in the grammar of these two languages.
Passive voice construction 'पाई जाती है'.
असमानता को दूर करके ही हम समानता स्थापित कर सकते हैं।
Only by removing inequality can we establish equality.
Contrasting antonyms and using conjunctive participle 'करके'.
वेतन में समानता की मांग को लेकर हड़ताल हुई।
A strike occurred demanding equality in pay.
Complex postpositional phrase 'की मांग को लेकर'.
विज्ञान और धर्म के विचारों में शायद ही कोई समानता हो।
There is hardly any similarity in the ideas of science and religion.
Subjunctive mood 'हो' expressing doubt.
समानता का मतलब यह नहीं है कि सब एक जैसे दिखें।
Equality does not mean that everyone looks the same.
Defining a concept using 'का मतलब यह नहीं है कि'.
हमें अवसर की समानता पर ध्यान देना चाहिए।
We should focus on equality of opportunity.
Phrase 'अवसर की समानता' (equality of opportunity).
आर्थिक समानता के अभाव में राजनीतिक समानता अर्थहीन हो जाती है।
In the absence of economic equality, political equality becomes meaningless.
Advanced abstract concepts and conditional implication.
आलोचकों ने दोनों लेखकों की शैली में अंतर्निहित समानता को उजागर किया।
Critics highlighted the underlying similarity in the style of both authors.
Formal vocabulary 'अंतर्निहित' (underlying) and 'उजागर किया' (highlighted).
यद्यपि कानून समानता की बात करता है, व्यवहार में भेदभाव अब भी मौजूद है।
Although the law speaks of equality, discrimination still exists in practice.
Concessive clause using 'यद्यपि... फिर भी/व्यवहार में'.
वैश्वीकरण ने विभिन्न संस्कृतियों के बीच एक नई प्रकार की समानता को जन्म दिया है।
Globalization has given birth to a new kind of similarity between different cultures.
Abstract cause and effect using 'को जन्म दिया है'.
समानता के सिद्धांत को लागू करना किसी भी लोकतांत्रिक सरकार की प्राथमिकता होनी चाहिए।
Implementing the principle of equality should be the priority of any democratic government.
Infinitive phrase as subject 'सिद्धांत को लागू करना'.
इन दो ऐतिहासिक घटनाओं के कारणों में एक स्पष्ट समानता देखी जा सकती है।
A clear similarity can be seen in the causes of these two historical events.
Passive potential construction 'देखी जा सकती है'.
पूर्ण समानता एक आदर्श स्थिति है जिसे प्राप्त करना अत्यंत कठिन है।
Absolute equality is an ideal state which is extremely difficult to achieve.
Relative clause 'जिसे प्राप्त करना...'.
सामाजिक न्याय की लड़ाई मूल रूप से समानता की ही लड़ाई है।
The fight for social justice is fundamentally a fight for equality.
Emphatic particle 'ही' used for stress.
संविधान निर्माताओं ने एक ऐसे समाज की परिकल्पना की थी जहाँ अवसर की समानता महज़ एक नारा न होकर यथार्थ हो।
The constitution framers envisioned a society where equality of opportunity is not merely a slogan but a reality.
Highly formal vocabulary and complex subjunctive structure.
उत्तर-आधुनिक विमर्श में, पूर्ण समानता की अवधारणा को अक्सर एक भ्रामक यूटोपिया के रूप में देखा जाता है।
In postmodern discourse, the concept of absolute equality is often viewed as a deceptive utopia.
Academic register, passive voice, and specialized terminology.
दोनों जैविक प्रणालियों की कार्यप्रणाली में जो संरचनात्मक समानता है, वह विकासवाद के सिद्धांत को पुष्ट करती है।
The structural similarity in the functioning of both biological systems corroborates the theory of evolution.
Scientific register with relative-correlative clause (जो... वह).
कानूनी समानता और वास्तविक सामाजिक समानता के बीच की खाई को पाटने के लिए नीतिगत हस्तक्षेप अनिवार्य है।
Policy intervention is imperative to bridge the gap between legal equality and actual social equality.
Complex nominal phrase 'के बीच की खाई को पाटने के लिए'.
इस शोध पत्र का उद्देश्य विभिन्न आर्थिक मॉडलों के बीच की गणितीय समानता का विश्लेषण करना है।
The objective of this research paper is to analyze the mathematical similarity between various economic models.
Formal academic objective statement.
पितृसत्तात्मक ढांचे को ध्वस्त किए बिना लैंगिक समानता की बात करना बेमानी है।
Talking about gender equality without dismantling the patriarchal structure is meaningless.
Use of negative participle phrase 'किए बिना'.
उनकी कविताओं में रूपक और उपमेय के बीच एक अभूतपूर्व समानता दृष्टिगोचर होती है।
An unprecedented similarity between the metaphor and the subject is visible in his poems.
Literary vocabulary 'दृष्टिगोचर होती है' (is visible).
समानता का अधिकार केवल राज्य के विरुद्ध ही नहीं, बल्कि निजी संस्थाओं के संदर्भ में भी प्रासंगिक होना चाहिए।
The right to equality should be relevant not only against the state but also in the context of private institutions.
Correlative conjunction 'केवल... ही नहीं, बल्कि...'.
समानता की अमूर्त अवधारणा को जब व्यावहारिक धरातल पर उतारा जाता है, तो इसके अंतर्विरोध स्वतः ही मुखर हो उठते हैं।
When the abstract concept of equality is brought to practical grounds, its inherent contradictions automatically become vocal.
Philosophical discourse, highly formal phrasing.
यह विडंबना ही है कि वैश्वीकरण, जो समानता का दावा करता है, उसने वास्तव में आर्थिक विषमता की खाइयों को और गहरा कर दिया है।
It is an irony that globalization, which claims equality, has actually deepened the chasms of economic disparity.
Complex irony and metaphorical language.
न्यायशास्त्र के परिप्रेक्ष्य में, 'समान के साथ समान व्यवहार' का सिद्धांत ही समानता की मूल कसौटी है।
In the perspective of jurisprudence, the principle of 'treating equals equally' is the fundamental criterion of equality.
Legal/jurisprudential terminology.
सांस्कृतिक सापेक्षवाद के युग में सार्वभौमिक समानता की वकालत करना एक जटिल बौद्धिक चुनौती प्रस्तुत करता है।
Advocating for universal equality in the era of cultural relativism presents a complex intellectual challenge.
Advanced sociological/anthropological context.
क्वांटम भौतिकी के कुछ सिद्धांतों और पूर्वी दर्शन के बीच जो वैचारिक समानता है, वह वैज्ञानिकों को चकित करती रही है।
The conceptual similarity between certain principles of quantum physics and Eastern philosophy has continued to astonish scientists.
Cross-disciplinary academic comparison.
समानता को केवल परिणामों की समरूपता के रूप में देखना इसकी बहुआयामी प्रकृति का सरलीकरण होगा।
Viewing equality merely as the uniformity of outcomes would be a simplification of its multidimensional nature.
Analytical critique of a concept.
हाशिए पर खड़े समुदायों के लिए समानता कोई अकादमिक विमर्श नहीं, बल्कि अस्तित्व रक्षा का संघर्ष है।
For marginalized communities, equality is not an academic discourse, but a struggle for survival.
Emotive, powerful socio-political rhetoric.
भाषाई संरचनाओं की अंतर्निहित समानता चॉम्स्की के सार्वभौमिक व्याकरण के सिद्धांत को एक मजबूत आधार प्रदान करती है।
The underlying similarity of linguistic structures provides a strong foundation for Chomsky's theory of universal grammar.
Linguistic academic register.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
While 'समानता' can be pluralized to 'समानताएं' (similarities) when listing multiple specific points of comparison, it is almost always used in the singular when referring to the abstract concept of equality.
- Using 'समानता' as an adjective instead of a noun.
- Pronouncing it with a long 'a' at the beginning, confusing it with 'सामान' (luggage).
- Using masculine verbs or adjectives with it (e.g., 'बड़ा समानता' instead of 'बड़ी समानता').
- Forgetting the postposition 'के बीच' when comparing two things.
- Using it to mean 'same' in a physical sense (e.g., 'I want the समानता shirt' instead of 'I want the समान shirt').
Tips
Feminine Gender Rule
Always treat 'समानता' as feminine. Use 'की', 'मेरी', 'अच्छी', etc., with it. This applies to all abstract nouns ending in '-ता'.
Noun vs Adjective
Don't use 'समानता' to describe someone. You cannot say 'वह समानता है' (He is equality). Say 'वह समान है' (He is equal).
Short First Vowel
Keep the first 'sa' short. If you say 'saa-maan-taa', native speakers might get confused with 'saamaan' (luggage).
Context is Everything
Look at the surrounding words. If you see 'अधिकार' (right) or 'समाज' (society), it means equality. If you see 'चित्र' (picture) or 'कहानी' (story), it means similarity.
Use 'बराबरी' for Casual Speech
If you are chatting with friends about sharing a bill equally, 'बराबरी' sounds more natural than the formal 'समानता'.
Learn Chunks
Memorize 'लैंगिक समानता' (gender equality) as a single phrase. It will make you sound highly fluent in discussions.
The 'अ' Prefix
Remember that adding 'अ' makes it negative: असमानता (inequality). This is a common pattern in Sanskrit-derived Hindi words.
Using 'के बीच'
When comparing two things, use 'के बीच' (between). 'A और B के बीच समानता है' is the standard sentence structure.
Formal Essays
In exams or formal writing, always prefer 'समानता' over Urdu synonyms. It elevates the academic tone of your Hindi.
Constitutional Weight
Understand that in India, this word carries the weight of constitutional rights (Article 14). It's a powerful word in social contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
SAM and ANNA are TAll. They have SAM-ANNA-TA (equality) in height.
Word Origin
Sanskrit
Cultural Context
The word is a rallying cry in Dalit and feminist movements in India.
While 'समानता' is formal, rural dialects might use 'बराबरी' more often.
Fundamental Rights in India begin with the Right to Equality (Articles 14-18).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको लगता है कि हमारे समाज में पूर्ण समानता है?"
"इन दो फिल्मों की कहानी में क्या समानता है?"
"लैंगिक समानता प्राप्त करने के लिए हमें क्या करना चाहिए?"
"क्या समानता और न्याय एक ही बात है?"
"आपके अनुसार, शिक्षा में समानता कैसे लाई जा सकती है?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time when you noticed a striking 'समानता' (similarity) between two strangers.
Discuss the importance of 'समानता' (equality) in the workplace.
How does the concept of 'समानता' differ in your home country compared to India?
Write a short paragraph comparing two of your friends, focusing on their 'समानता'.
Reflect on the phrase 'समानता का अधिकार' and what it means to you personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsसमानता is a noun meaning 'equality' or 'similarity'. समान is an adjective meaning 'equal' or 'similar'. You use समानता to talk about the concept itself. You use समान to describe a noun. For example, 'वे समान हैं' (They are equal) vs 'उनमें समानता है' (There is equality in them).
समानता is a feminine noun in Hindi. This is because words ending in the suffix '-ता' are generally feminine abstract nouns. Therefore, adjectives modifying it must be feminine, like 'अच्छी समानता' (good similarity). Verbs must also agree, like 'समानता होती है' (equality happens/is).
Yes, it has a dual meaning. In a social or political context, it translates to 'equality' (e.g., gender equality). In a comparative context, it translates to 'similarity' (e.g., similarity between two pictures). The context of the sentence makes the meaning clear.
The exact phrase is 'समानता का अधिकार' (samanata ka adhikar). 'अधिकार' means right, and 'का' is the postposition meaning 'of'. This is a very common phrase, especially in legal and civic contexts in India.
The direct antonym is 'असमानता' (asamanata), which means inequality or dissimilarity. It is formed by adding the negative prefix 'अ-' (a-) to the word. Like समानता, असमानता is also a feminine noun.
बराबरी (barabari) is an Urdu-derived synonym that is very common in spoken Hindi. It is slightly less formal than समानता. People use it in everyday conversation to mean equality in status or competition, whereas समानता is preferred in formal writing and news.
It is pronounced sa-MAAN-taa. The first 'a' is short, the second 'aa' is long and stressed, and the final 'aa' is also long. Be careful not to lengthen the first 'a', or it will sound like 'सामान' (saamaan), which means luggage.
Yes, but only when it means 'similarities'. The plural is 'समानताएं' (samanataen). For example, 'इन दोनों में कई समानताएं हैं' (There are many similarities between these two). When it means 'equality', it is always singular.
Common verbs include 'लाना' (to bring), 'स्थापित करना' (to establish), 'दिखना' (to be seen/appear), and 'होना' (to be). For example, 'समानता लाना' means to bring equality, and 'समानता दिखती है' means similarity is seen.
Extremely common. It is a core vocabulary word that you will encounter frequently in newspapers, political speeches, textbooks, and everyday conversations. Mastering it is essential for intermediate and advanced Hindi proficiency.
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Summary
The word 'समानता' is essential for discussing both social justice (equality) and comparative analysis (similarity). Remember it is a feminine noun, so it requires feminine adjectives and verbs, and it is distinct from the adjective 'समान'.
- Means 'equality' in social and political contexts.
- Means 'similarity' when comparing objects or ideas.
- It is a feminine abstract noun in Hindi grammar.
- Derived from the adjective 'समान' (equal) + suffix 'ता'.
Feminine Gender Rule
Always treat 'समानता' as feminine. Use 'की', 'मेरी', 'अच्छी', etc., with it. This applies to all abstract nouns ending in '-ता'.
Noun vs Adjective
Don't use 'समानता' to describe someone. You cannot say 'वह समानता है' (He is equality). Say 'वह समान है' (He is equal).
Short First Vowel
Keep the first 'sa' short. If you say 'saa-maan-taa', native speakers might get confused with 'saamaan' (luggage).
Context is Everything
Look at the surrounding words. If you see 'अधिकार' (right) or 'समाज' (society), it means equality. If you see 'चित्र' (picture) or 'कहानी' (story), it means similarity.
Example
समानता है।
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More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.
