This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
बदी

A1 noun #6,000 most common 12 min read

बदी

badi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips बदी in 30 Seconds

Explanation बदी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'Badi' as a simple word for 'bad things' or 'doing something wrong.' Although it is a bit more formal than 'burai,' you might hear it in basic stories or moral lessons. It is most commonly used in the phrase 'Badi karna,' which means to say bad things about someone. For example, if you say 'Badi mat karo,' you are telling someone 'Don't be mean' or 'Don't talk bad about others.' At this stage, just remember that it is the opposite of 'Neki' (goodness). It's a feminine noun, so we say 'uski badi' (his/her badness). It's a good word to know to understand basic moral concepts in Hindi culture, which often emphasizes being a good person and avoiding bad deeds.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Badi' in slightly more complex sentences. You might use it to describe a 'bad habit' or a 'negative action' in a social context. You will notice it often appears in proverbs or common sayings. For example, 'Badi ka phal bura' (The result of evil is bad). This helps you understand how Hindi speakers think about consequences. You should also start distinguishing it from the adjective 'bura' (bad). Remember that 'Badi' is the 'thing' itself (the evil), while 'bura' describes something. So, you can have a 'bura kaam' (bad work), and that 'kaam' is a form of 'badi.' Using 'Badi' shows you are starting to pick up more formal and traditional Hindi vocabulary.

By B1, you should understand the social and ethical nuances of 'Badi.' It's not just 'badness'; it's often 'backbiting' or 'slander.' In a community, 'किसी की बदी करना' (to speak ill of someone) is considered a serious social flaw. You can use this word in discussions about character and reputation. You will also encounter it more in Bollywood songs and dialogues, where it adds a dramatic flair. For instance, a character might talk about the 'badi' of the world. You should be comfortable using it with different verbs like 'phailana' (to spread) or 'rokna' (to stop). This level is about moving beyond the literal meaning and seeing how the word functions to regulate social behavior and express moral judgment.

At the B2 level, you should be able to appreciate the literary and Persian-influenced roots of 'Badi.' It is a key word in Urdu-Hindi poetry (Ghazals). Here, it often represents the existential 'evil' or the 'cruelty' of fate and society. You can use 'Badi' in essays or formal debates to discuss 'social evils' (samajik badiyan). It carries more gravitas than 'burai.' You should also be able to use it in its plural form 'badiyan' to describe various vices. At this stage, you should be able to explain the difference between 'Badi' (moral evil), 'Paap' (sin), and 'Dushtata' (wickedness) to others. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its ability to evoke a sense of traditional morality.

At the C1 level, you can use 'Badi' with precision in academic or highly formal contexts. You might analyze how the concept of 'Badi' is used in the literature of Premchand to critique societal structures. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when 'Badi' is used in a political context versus a spiritual one. You can use it metaphorically to describe a 'stain' on one's character or a 'corruption' of an institution. Your command of the word includes knowing its collocations with high-level verbs and adjectives. You can discuss the etymological journey of the word from Persian into the Hindi heartland and how it maintains its distinct identity alongside its Sanskrit-derived synonyms. You use the word to add depth and historical resonance to your speech and writing.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'Badi.' You can use it to explore complex philosophical themes in Hindi, such as the duality of the human condition. You are aware of its rarest usages in archaic texts and can use it to mimic different historical or regional styles of Hindi. You can engage in deep literary criticism, discussing how 'Badi' serves as a motif in 20th-century Hindi drama. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can play with the word's connotations, using it ironically or with deep emotional pathos. You understand the full spectrum of its moral, social, and spiritual implications and can navigate them effortlessly in any high-stakes communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

बदी in 30 Seconds

Badi is a Hindi noun meaning evil or wickedness.
It is the direct antonym of Neki (goodness/virtue).
It often refers to the act of backbiting or speaking ill of someone.
It is a feminine noun of Persian origin used in formal and literary contexts.

The Hindi word बदी (Badi) is a profound noun that transcends simple 'badness' to encompass the philosophical concepts of evil, wickedness, and vice. Derived from Persian roots, it carries a weight of moral judgment and ethical consequence. When you encounter this word in Hindi literature, cinema, or formal discourse, it is almost always positioned as the cosmic and moral antithesis to नेकी (Neki), which represents goodness and virtue. While a child might use 'burā' for a bad taste or a bad day, Badi is reserved for actions that harm the soul or the social fabric. It is the intentionality of harm that defines Badi. It is not just an accident; it is a choice to stray from the path of righteousness.

Moral Weight: Badi signifies a deep-seated malice or a corrupt act that has long-term spiritual or social repercussions.

इंसान को हमेशा बदी के रास्ते से दूर रहना चाहिए। (A human should always stay away from the path of evil.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word in the context of reputations. If someone says, "उसकी बदी मत करो" (Don't do his 'badi'), they aren't just saying don't be bad; they are specifically advising against backbiting or speaking ill of someone behind their back. This nuance makes the word versatile—it functions as both 'metaphysical evil' and 'social malice.' Understanding Badi requires an appreciation for the duality of human nature often explored in Indian storytelling, where the struggle between light and dark is framed as the struggle between Neki and Badi. It is a word that calls for reflection on one's deeds and the legacy one leaves behind in the hearts of others.

Literary Usage: Often found in Sufi poetry and Urdu-influenced Hindi ghazals to describe the darkness of the world or the ego.

दुनिया में बदी और नेकी का खेल सदियों से चल रहा है। (The game of evil and goodness has been going on in the world for centuries.)

Furthermore, Badi is frequently used in proverbs. For instance, the phrase "बदी का फल बुरा" (The fruit of evil is bad) serves as a moral warning that negative actions will inevitably lead to negative consequences. This karmic association is central to the word's usage in Indian culture. It is not just about the act itself, but the 'vibe' or the 'stain' that the act leaves on the doer. When someone is accused of Badi, it is a serious allegation against their character. It suggests a lack of empathy and a disregard for the well-being of the community. In modern times, while 'burai' is more common in casual speech, 'Badi' remains a powerful tool for speakers who wish to invoke a sense of gravity and timeless morality.

Etymological Connection: The root 'Bad' is shared with many Indo-European languages, including the English word 'Bad', though the Hindi 'Badi' specifically denotes the noun form of wickedness.

किसी की बदी करने से अपना ही नुकसान होता है। (Speaking ill of someone only harms oneself.)

वह बदी के साये से भी डरता है। (He is afraid even of the shadow of evil.)

Using बदी (Badi) correctly requires understanding its role as an abstract noun. It is rarely used to describe physical objects (you wouldn't call a rotten apple 'badi'). Instead, it describes actions, reputations, and moral paths. One of the most common grammatical structures involves the verb करना (karna - to do) or छोड़ना (chhodna - to leave/abandon). When you say "बदी करना", you are usually referring to speaking ill of someone or performing a harmful act. Conversely, "बदी छोड़ना" implies a reformation of character, a turning away from vice. It is a word that demands a certain level of seriousness in the sentence structure.

As a Direct Object: The word often functions as the object of a moral action. 'उसने कभी किसी की बदी नहीं की' (He never spoke ill of anyone).

सच्चा इंसान वही है जो बदी के बदले नेकी करे। (A true human is one who returns evil with goodness.)

Another frequent usage is in comparisons. Because Badi is the natural antonym of Neki, they are often paired together to create a rhetorical balance. This is common in speeches, sermons, and educational texts. For example, a teacher might say, "नेकी और बदी के बीच का फर्क समझो" (Understand the difference between goodness and evil). This duality helps learners grasp the word's intensity. It's not just 'not good'; it's the active presence of something detrimental. In modern Hindi, you might see it used in news headlines regarding social evils, though 'burai' is slightly more common in journalistic prose.

In Proverbs: Proverbs use 'Badi' to provide timeless wisdom. 'बदी का नाम बुरा' (Even the name of evil is bad) suggests that even being associated with evil is harmful.

जो दूसरों के लिए बदी चाहता है, उसका अपना भला नहीं होता। (He who wishes evil for others does not find his own well-being.)

When using Badi in a sentence about backbiting, it often takes the postposition की (ki). For instance, "पीठ पीछे किसी की बदी करना कायरता है" (Speaking ill of someone behind their back is cowardice). Here, Badi acts as the 'ill-repute' or 'slander' being generated. This specific usage is very common in community settings and family discussions. It serves as a social corrective, reminding people to maintain integrity in their speech. By using Badi instead of the more common Burai, the speaker elevates the conversation to a more formal and morally serious level, emphasizing the gravity of the social transgression.

Metaphorical Use: Badi can represent the 'darkness' in one's heart or a 'shadow' over one's life. 'उसके मन में बदी घर कर गई है' (Evil has made a home in his heart).

समाज से बदी को मिटाना हम सबका कर्तव्य है। (It is the duty of all of us to erase evil from society.)

हमें बदी से नहीं, गुनहगार से नफरत नहीं करनी चाहिए। (We should hate the evil, not the sinner.)

While बदी (Badi) might not be the first word you hear in a bustling Delhi vegetable market, it is a staple of several specific domains of Indian life. First and foremost is the world of **classical and semi-classical literature and poetry**. If you are reading the works of Premchand or listening to a Ghazal by Mirza Ghalib or Jagjit Singh, Badi will appear as a thematic anchor. It is the poetic way to describe the cruelty of the world or the flaws within the human soul. In these contexts, the word sounds elegant and carries a historical resonance that 'burai' lacks. It evokes an era of courtly manners and deep philosophical inquiry.

Religious & Spiritual Settings: In temples, mosques, and gurdwaras, during sermons (Pravachans or Khutbahs), 'Badi' is used to warn the faithful against the temptations of the material world.

धर्म हमें बदी के मार्ग को त्यागने की शिक्षा देता है। (Religion teaches us to abandon the path of evil.)

Another place you will frequently encounter Badi is in **Bollywood films**, particularly those with a dramatic or historical setting. When a hero confronts a villain, or a mother gives a moral lesson to her son, Badi is used to heighten the emotional and moral stakes. It sounds more dramatic and definitive. For example, a character might say, "तुम्हारी बदी का घड़ा भर चुका है" (The jar of your sins/evils is full), a classic cinematic trope indicating that justice is imminent. This usage cements the word in the public imagination as something that has eventual consequences.

Social & Community Discussions: When community leaders speak about social reforms, they use 'Badi' to refer to systemic issues like dowry or corruption.

दहेज एक ऐसी बदी है जो हमारे समाज को खोखला कर रही है। (Dowry is such an evil that is hollowing out our society.)

Lastly, Badi is found in **legal and ethical debates** in Hindi media. While legal terms are often more technical, commentators discussing the 'moral bankruptcy' of a situation will pivot to Badi to express their disdain. It is also used in historical narratives to describe the reign of tyrants. For a learner, hearing Badi is a signal that the conversation has moved from the mundane to the significant. It is a word that demands attention and respect for the cultural values it represents. Whether it is a grandfather telling a story or a politician making a moral appeal, Badi remains a vital part of the Hindi lexicon's moral vocabulary.

Folk Wisdom: In village 'Panchayats' (councils), 'Badi' is used to describe actions that bring shame to the village or family name.

बुजुर्गों ने कहा है कि बदी का अंत हमेशा बुरा होता है। (The elders have said that the end of evil is always bad.)

आजकल के जमाने में बदी करना आसान है, पर नेकी करना मुश्किल। (In today's times, it is easy to do evil, but difficult to do good.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using बदी (Badi) is confusing it with the adjective बुरा (Bura) or बुरी (Buri). Remember, Badi is a **noun** (wickedness/evil), while Bura is an **adjective** (bad). You cannot say "यह बदी लड़का है" (This is a 'wickedness' boy); you must say "यह बुरा लड़का है" (This is a bad boy). However, you can say "उस लड़के में बहुत बदी है" (There is much wickedness in that boy). Understanding this grammatical distinction is crucial for sounding natural in Hindi.

Noun vs. Adjective: Incorrect: 'वह बदी काम करता है' (He does 'evilness' work). Correct: 'वह बदी करता है' (He does evil) or 'वह बुरा काम करता है' (He does bad work).

लोग अक्सर बदी और बुराई को एक ही समझ लेते हैं। (People often think 'Badi' and 'Burai' are the same.)

Another common error is failing to recognize the gender of the word. Badi is a **feminine noun**. This affects the verbs and postpositions that follow it. For example, you should say "बदी की गई" (Evil was done) rather than "बदी किया गया". Using the wrong gender can make the sentence sound clunky and technically incorrect to a native speaker's ear. Pay close attention to the 'i' ending, which is a common (though not universal) marker for feminine nouns in Hindi.

Contextual Overuse: Avoid using 'Badi' for trivial things. Don't use it for a bad movie or a bad meal; it's too 'heavy' for those contexts.

खाने में नमक ज्यादा होना बदी नहीं है, सिर्फ एक गलती है। (Too much salt in food is not 'evil', just a mistake.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the phrase "बदी करना". In English, we 'speak ill' of someone, but in Hindi, we 'do' their Badi. This literal translation can be confusing. If you say "I am speaking your badi," it sounds strange in English, but in Hindi, "मैं तुम्हारी बदी कर रहा हूँ" is the standard way to say "I am backbiting about you." Don't try to find a verb that means 'to backbite' specifically when this noun-verb combination works so effectively. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse Badi (evil) with Badi (big - as in 'badi behan' / big sister). The pronunciation is similar, but the context and the 'd' sound (retroflex vs. dental) are different.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'd' in 'Badi' (evil) is a dental 'd' (soft), whereas in 'Badi' (big), it is a retroflex 'd' (hard). Confusing these can lead to misunderstandings.

शुद्ध उच्चारण के बिना बदी और 'बड़ी' में अंतर करना मुश्किल है। (Without pure pronunciation, it's hard to distinguish between 'Badi' and 'Badi'.)

गलत संदर्भ में बदी का प्रयोग करने से बचें। (Avoid using 'Badi' in the wrong context.)

While बदी (Badi) is a powerful word, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the shade of meaning you wish to convey. The most common synonym is **बुराई (Burai)**. While Badi has a more formal or Persian-literary feel, Burai is the standard, everyday word for 'badness' or 'evil'. If you are talking to a friend about a bad habit, Burai is more appropriate. If you are discussing the philosophical nature of sin in a poem, Badi is your best bet. Both can mean backbiting, but Badi often implies a more malicious intent.

Badi vs. Burai: 'Badi' is literary/formal; 'Burai' is common/general. Use 'Badi' for moral gravity and 'Burai' for general negativity.

उसकी बातों में बदी की झलक साफ दिखती है। (A glimpse of evil is clearly visible in his words.)

Another related word is **पाप (Paap)**, which translates to 'sin'. While Badi is a general term for evil or wickedness, Paap specifically refers to a religious or spiritual transgression. You commit a Paap against God or divine law. Badi is broader; it can be a social wrong or a personal character flaw. Similarly, **दुष्टता (Dushtata)** refers to 'wickedness' or 'villainy' and is often used to describe the character of a person (a 'dusht' person). Badi is more about the act or the concept itself rather than just the personality trait.

Comparison Table

Badi: Formal, Persian origin, moral evil/backbiting.
Burai: Common, Sanskrit origin, general badness.
Paap: Spiritual, religious sin.
Dushtata: Character-based wickedness.

नेकी का रास्ता कठिन है, पर बदी का रास्ता विनाश की ओर ले जाता है। (The path of goodness is difficult, but the path of evil leads to destruction.)

For those interested in the Urdu influence on Hindi, the word **खराबी (Kharabi)** is also relevant. However, Kharabi usually refers to a defect, a malfunction, or a 'badness' in quality (like a 'kharab' machine). It lacks the moral dimension of Badi. When you want to emphasize the 'dark side' of human nature, Badi remains the most evocative choice. It suggests a certain depth and intentionality. By learning these distinctions, you can choose the exact word that fits the emotional and social register of your conversation, making your Hindi much more nuanced and expressive.

Antonyms to Remember: The most important pair is Badi/Neki. Other opposites include Achhai (goodness) and Bhalai (well-being/kindness).

संसार में बदी कम करने का एक ही तरीका है—नेकी बढ़ाना। (There is only one way to reduce evil in the world—to increase goodness.)

उसने अपनी सारी बदी सुधार ली। (He reformed all his wickedness.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'Bad' is actually a cognate with the English word 'bad'. Both languages share an ancient Indo-European ancestry, making 'Badi' a distant relative of 'badness'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bə.diː/

US /bə.di/

The stress is slightly more on the second syllable 'di'.

Rhymes With

नेकी (Neki) सदी (Sadi) नदी (Nadi) वदी (Vadi) हंसी (Hansi) बंसी (Bansi) नमी (Nami) कमी (Kami)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard retroflex 'D' (like in 'dog'), which makes it sound like 'Badi' (big).
Making the first 'a' sound too long (like 'baadi').
Confusing it with the English word 'buddy'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but requires context to distinguish from 'Badi' (big).

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of feminine gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Dental 'd' pronunciation is key to avoid confusion.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in formal and poetic contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

बुरा (Bura) अच्छा (Achha) करना (Karna) रास्ता (Raasta) फल (Phal)

Learn Next

नेकी (Neki) पाप (Paap) पुण्य (Punya) चरित्र (Charitra) संस्कार (Sanskar)

Advanced

मीमांसा (Meemansa) पराकाष्ठा (Parakaashtha) विभीषिका (Vibheeshika) उन्मूलन (Unmoolan)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

बदी अच्छी नहीं होती (Badi is not good - 'acchi' and 'hoti' are feminine).

Genitive Case with Feminine Nouns

राम की बदी (Ram's wickedness - uses 'ki').

Oblique Case (Plural)

बदियों से दूर रहो (Stay away from evils - 'badiyan' becomes 'badiyon').

Noun + Karna (Compound Verb)

बदी करना (To do evil/speak ill).

Antonym Pairing

नेकी-बदी (Often used together as a single concept of morality).

Examples by Level

बदी मत करो।

Don't do evil/speak ill.

Simple imperative sentence.

वह बदी से डरता है।

He is afraid of evil.

Use of 'se' (from/of) with 'darna' (to fear).

नेकी और बदी दो रास्ते हैं।

Goodness and evil are two paths.

Pairing antonyms.

उसकी बदी मत सुनो।

Don't listen to his/her backbiting.

'Ki' is used because 'badi' is feminine.

बदी बुरी चीज़ है।

Evil is a bad thing.

Using an adjective (buri) to describe the noun (badi).

क्या यह बदी है?

Is this evil?

Simple question structure.

हमें बदी छोड़नी चाहिए।

We should leave/abandon evil.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

बदी का अंत बुरा होता है।

The end of evil is bad.

Genitive 'ka' matching the masculine 'ant'.

बदी का फल हमेशा कड़वा होता है।

The fruit of evil is always bitter.

Metaphorical use of 'phal' (fruit/result).

उसने अपनी बदी मान ली।

He admitted his wickedness/wrongdoing.

'Maanna' used for admitting/accepting.

दुनिया में बहुत बदी फैल गई है।

Much evil has spread in the world.

Present perfect tense with 'phailna'.

अच्छे लोग बदी नहीं करते।

Good people don't do evil.

General habitual present tense.

बदी से किसी का भला नहीं होता।

No one benefits from evil.

Negative construction emphasizing 'no one'.

वह बदी के रास्ते पर चल रहा है।

He is walking on the path of evil.

Continuous tense with a metaphorical 'path'.

अपनी बदी को सुधारो।

Improve/Reform your wickedness.

Imperative with 'sudharna'.

बदी करना आसान है।

It is easy to do evil.

Infinitive as a subject.

पीठ पीछे किसी की बदी करना कायरता है।

Speaking ill of someone behind their back is cowardice.

Complex subject phrase.

उसने बदी के बदले नेकी की।

He returned evil with goodness.

Use of 'ke badle' (in exchange for).

समाज की बदी को मिटाना होगा।

The evil of society will have to be erased.

Future obligation with 'hoga'.

बदी की बातें दिल को दुखाती हैं।

Words of evil/backbiting hurt the heart.

Plural feminine 'baatein' with 'ki'.

वह बदी के साये से भी दूर रहता है।

He stays away even from the shadow of evil.

Emphatic 'bhi' (even).

बदी का नाम लेना भी पाप है।

Even taking the name of evil is a sin.

Gerund 'naam lena' as subject.

सच्चा दोस्त कभी बदी नहीं करता।

A true friend never speaks ill (of you).

Adverb 'kabhi nahi' (never).

बदी की जड़ें बहुत गहरी होती हैं।

The roots of evil are very deep.

Metaphorical use of 'jadein' (roots).

साहित्य हमें बदी और नेकी के संघर्ष को दिखाता है।

Literature shows us the struggle between evil and goodness.

Abstract noun usage in formal context.

उसकी बदी ने उसे अकेला कर दिया।

His wickedness made him lonely.

Causal relationship expressed with 'ne' and 'kar diya'.

बदी के अंधकार में नेकी की किरण ढूँढो।

Find the ray of goodness in the darkness of evil.

Poetic imagery.

राजनीति में बदी का बोलबाला है।

Evil is prevalent/dominant in politics.

Idiomatic 'bolbala hona' (to be dominant).

बदी से प्राप्त धन कभी सुख नहीं देता।

Wealth obtained from evil never gives happiness.

Past participle 'praapt' (obtained) used as an adjective.

इतिहास गवाह है कि बदी की हार निश्चित है।

History is witness that the defeat of evil is certain.

Formal 'itihaas gawah hai' phrase.

बदी को जड़ से उखाड़ फेंकना चाहिए।

Evil should be uprooted completely.

Compound verb 'ukhad phenkna'.

मन की बदी सबसे खतरनाक होती है।

The evil of the mind is the most dangerous.

Superlative 'sabse' with adjective 'khatarnak'.

प्रेमचंद की कहानियाँ सामाजिक बदी पर कड़ा प्रहार करती हैं।

Premchand's stories make a strong attack on social evil.

Academic literary analysis style.

बदी का अस्तित्व नेकी की महत्ता को रेखांकित करता है।

The existence of evil underlines the importance of goodness.

High-level vocabulary like 'astitva' and 'rekhaankit'.

नैतिक पतन ही बदी का मुख्य कारण है।

Moral degradation is the main cause of evil.

Formal philosophical statement.

बदी के विरुद्ध आवाज़ उठाना हर नागरिक का कर्तव्य है।

Raising a voice against evil is the duty of every citizen.

Use of 'ke viruddh' (against).

उसने अपनी लेखनी के माध्यम से बदी का पर्दाफाश किया।

He exposed evil through his writing.

Idiomatic 'pardaafash karna' (to expose).

बदी की पराकाष्ठा ही विनाश का द्वार खोलती है।

The pinnacle of evil opens the door to destruction.

Sophisticated word choice 'parakaashtha' (pinnacle).

आंतरिक बदी का दमन ही मोक्ष का मार्ग है।

The suppression of inner evil is the path to salvation.

Spiritual/Philosophical register.

बदी के प्रभाव से कोई भी अछूता नहीं रहा।

No one remained untouched by the influence of evil.

Formal negative 'achoota nahi raha'.

बदी की मीमांसा करते हुए दार्शनिकों ने इसे अज्ञान का पर्याय माना है।

While analyzing evil, philosophers have considered it synonymous with ignorance.

Complex participial phrase 'meemansa karte hue'.

सत्ता का मद अक्सर मानवीय संवेदनाओं को बदी में परिवर्तित कर देता है।

The intoxication of power often converts human sensitivities into wickedness.

Highly abstract and formal sentence structure.

बदी का यह तांडव मानवता के माथे पर एक कलंक है।

This dance of evil is a blot on the forehead of humanity.

Metaphorical use of 'taandav' (dance of destruction) and 'kalank' (blot).

सभ्यता के विकास के साथ-साथ बदी के स्वरूप भी सूक्ष्म होते गए हैं।

Along with the development of civilization, the forms of evil have also become subtle.

Observation on societal evolution.

बदी की उर्वर भूमि में ही अधर्म के बीज पनपते हैं।

The seeds of unrighteousness thrive only in the fertile soil of evil.

Rich metaphorical language.

साधु वही है जो बदी के सागर में रहकर भी निर्लिप्त रहे।

A sage is one who remains detached even while living in the ocean of evil.

Classical spiritual ideal.

बदी के इस चक्रव्यूह से निकलना अत्यंत दुष्कर है।

It is extremely difficult to emerge from this labyrinth of evil.

Mythological reference 'chakravyuh' (labyrinth).

बदी की विभीषिका ने संपूर्ण राष्ट्र को झकझोर कर रख दिया।

The horror of evil shook the entire nation.

Intense vocabulary 'vibheeshika' (horror/terror).

Synonyms

बुराई दुष्टता पाप अधर्म खोट खराबी

Antonyms

नेकी भलाई अच्छाई

Common Collocations

बदी करना

बदी का रास्ता

बदी से बचना

बदी का फल

बदी छोड़ना

बदी फैलाना

बदी और नेकी

बदी का अंत

बदी की जड़

बदी का साया

Common Phrases

बदी का नाम बुरा

— Even the mention of evil is considered bad. It suggests avoiding any association with wickedness.

उससे दूर रहो, क्योंकि बदी का नाम भी बुरा होता है।

नेकी कर बदी से बच

— Do good and stay away from evil. A fundamental moral instruction in Hindi culture.

मेरे दादाजी हमेशा कहते थे—नेकी कर बदी से बच।

बदी का बदला नेकी

— To return evil with goodness. This phrase advocates for extreme forgiveness and virtue.

महात्मा गांधी ने हमेशा बदी का बदला नेकी से देने की सीख दी।

बदी के रास्ते

— On the wrong path. Refers to someone who has started doing immoral things.

बुरी संगत उसे बदी के रास्ते पर ले गई।

बदी की बातें

— Malicious talk or gossip. Usually refers to talking behind someone's back.

यहाँ बैठकर बदी की बातें मत करो।

बदी का घड़ा

— The 'jar' of one's sins. Used to say that someone's wrongdoings have reached their limit.

अब उस अत्याचारी की बदी का घड़ा भर गया है।

बदी को पालना

— To nurture evil. Refers to allowing negative thoughts or habits to grow.

मन में बदी को पालना खुद को ज़हर देने जैसा है।

बदी का अंत

— The end of evil. Usually implies a dramatic or karmic conclusion to wicked deeds.

हर फिल्म में बदी का अंत सुखद होता है।

बदी से तौबा

— Repenting from evil. A phrase often used in a religious context (specifically Islamic/Urdu influence).

उसने अपनी पुरानी बदी से तौबा कर ली है।

बदी का जाल

— The trap of evil. Refers to how one bad deed can lead to a cycle of more bad deeds.

वह बदी के जाल में ऐसा फँसा कि निकल न सका।

Often Confused With

बदी vs बड़ी (Badi - Big)

The most common confusion. 'Badi' (evil) has a dental 'd', while 'Badi' (big) has a retroflex 'd'.

बदी vs बुराई (Burai - Badness)

They are synonyms, but 'Badi' is more formal/Persian, while 'Burai' is common/Sanskrit-derived.

बदी vs बद (Bad - Bad/Wicked)

'Bad' is an adjective or prefix, while 'Badi' is the noun form.

Idioms & Expressions

"बदी का फल चखना"

— To face the negative consequences of one's own evil actions.

आज नहीं तो कल, उसे अपनी बदी का फल चखना ही पड़ेगा।

Moralistic

"बदी पर कमर कसना"

— To be determined to do something harmful or wicked.

वह तो दूसरों की बदी पर कमर कसे बैठा है।

Descriptive

"नेकी और बदी तौलना"

— To weigh the pros and cons of a moral choice, or to judge someone's character.

भगवान के दरबार में सबकी नेकी और बदी तौली जाएगी।

Spiritual

"बदी का बीज बोना"

— To do something that will cause major trouble or evil in the future.

झूठ बोलकर उसने समाज में बदी का बीज बो दिया।

Literary

"बदी का कीड़ा"

— Someone who is habitually inclined towards doing bad things or creating mischief.

वह तो बदी का कीड़ा है, उसे शांति पसंद नहीं।

Informal/Derogatory

"बदी की आग"

— The destructive nature of evil that consumes everything.

बदी की आग में पूरा शहर जल गया।

Dramatic

"बदी का चश्मा"

— Seeing the world through a negative or malicious lens.

उसने बदी का चश्मा पहन रखा है, उसे सब बुरे ही दिखते हैं।

Metaphorical

"बदी को हवा देना"

— To encourage or incite evil/wrongdoing.

उसकी बातों ने लोगों की बदी को हवा दी।

Neutral

"बदी के दलदल में गिरना"

— To get stuck in a situation of moral corruption from which it is hard to escape.

लालच के कारण वह बदी के दलदल में गिर गया।

Literary

"बदी का डंका बजना"

— When evil is openly prevalent and celebrated.

उस राज्य में आजकल बदी का डंका बज रहा है।

Dramatic

Easily Confused

बदी vs बड़ी

Similar sound.

Badi (evil) is a noun with a dental 'd'. Badi (big) is an adjective with a retroflex 'd'.

यह बड़ी (big) बदी (evil) है।

बदी vs वादी

Rhymes with Badi.

Vadi means a valley or a litigant in a court case.

वादी (valley) में बदी (evil) नहीं है।

बदी vs नदी

Rhymes with Badi.

Nadi means a river.

बदी की नदी।

बदी vs बुराई

Same meaning.

Burai is used for small things; Badi is used for moral/ethical issues.

झूठ बोलना एक बुराई है, पर किसी का घर उजाड़ना बदी है।

बदी vs पाप

Related to evil.

Paap is a religious sin; Badi is general wickedness or backbiting.

बदी करना भी एक पाप है।

Sentence Patterns

[Person] [Noun] mat karo.

तुम बदी मत करो।

[Noun] ka phal [Adjective] hota hai.

बदी का फल बुरा होता है।

Kisi ki [Noun] karna [Quality] hai.

किसी की बदी करना पाप है।

[Noun] ke badle [Antonym] karna.

उसने बदी के बदले नेकी की।

[Abstract Noun] hi [Noun] ka kaaran hai.

अज्ञान ही बदी का कारण है।

[Noun] ki [Sophisticated Noun] karna.

दार्शनिक बदी की मीमांसा करते हैं।

[Noun] se [Verb].

बदी से बचो।

[Pronoun] ki [Noun].

उसकी बदी।

Word Family

Nouns

बद (Bad - meaning 'bad' as a prefix)

बदनाम (Badnaam - bad name/infamy)

बदकिस्मती (Badkismati - bad luck)

Verbs

बदगोई करना (Badgoi karna - to speak ill/backbite)

Adjectives

बद (Bad - bad, often used in compounds)

बुरा (Bura - the more common adjective form)

नेकी (Neki)

बुराई (Burai)

पाप (Paap)

गुनाह (Gunaah)

अधर्म (Adharma)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literary, religious, and cinematic contexts; less common in modern tech/slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Badi' as an adjective. → Using 'Bura' as an adjective.
You cannot say 'Badi aadmi'. You must say 'Bura aadmi' (Bad man) or 'Badi karne wala aadmi' (A man who does evil).
Using masculine agreement. → Using feminine agreement.
Saying 'Uska badi' is wrong. It must be 'Uski badi' because the noun is feminine.
Confusing 'Badi' with 'Badi' (Big). → Correct dental 'd' pronunciation.
Saying 'Badi (hard D) mat karo' means 'Don't do big', which makes no sense.
Using 'Badi' for physical defects. → Using 'Kharabi' or 'Dosh'.
'Badi' is for moral evil. If a car is broken, it has a 'kharabi', not 'badi'.
Thinking 'Badi karna' means 'doing big'. → Knowing it means 'to backbite'.
This is an idiomatic use. 'Badi karna' specifically refers to speaking ill of someone.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'Badi' as feminine. Use 'ki' and feminine verb endings like 'thi', 'hai', 'hogi'.

Avoid Triviality

Don't use 'Badi' for small mistakes. Reserve it for moral failings or intentional harm.

Dental vs Retroflex

Practice the soft 'd' to avoid telling people you are doing 'Big' (Badi) instead of 'Evil' (Badi).

Pair with Neki

Learning 'Neki' alongside 'Badi' will help you remember both words as they are often used together.

Proverbs

Memorize 'Badi ka phal bura' to sound more like a native speaker who understands local wisdom.

Context Clues

In songs, 'Badi' often refers to the 'evil world' or 'cruelty'. Look for emotional context.

Poetic Flair

Use 'Badi' in your creative writing to add a touch of classical elegance.

Backbiting

Understand that 'Badi karna' is a specific social term for gossiping negatively.

Inner Evil

In spiritual contexts, 'Badi' often refers to one's own internal flaws like greed or anger.

The 'Bad' Connection

Since it sounds like 'Bad', use that English connection to anchor the meaning in your mind.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Badi' as 'Bad-ee'. It's the 'Bad' thing that makes you feel 'ee-vil'.

Visual Association

Imagine a dark shadow (Badi) trying to cover a bright lamp (Neki).

Word Web

Evil Backbiting Vice Wickedness Neki (Antonym) Burai (Synonym) Character Morality

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'Badi' to describe a villain in a story you know.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'Badī' (بدی), which itself comes from the root 'Bad' meaning 'bad' or 'evil'.

Original meaning: Wickedness, vice, or badness.

Indo-Iranian (Persian branch).

Cultural Context

While it's a common word, calling someone's actions 'Badi' is a strong moral judgment. Use it carefully in social settings.

English speakers might find 'Badi' similar to 'Vice' or 'Wickedness'. However, unlike 'Vice,' which often refers to specific habits like gambling, 'Badi' is more general and moralistic.

Famous proverb: 'Neki kar aur darya mein daal' (Do good and throw it in the river) is often contrasted with 'Badi'. Kabir's poetry often discusses the internal 'Badi' of the ego. Bollywood song: 'Neki ki raah pe chal' often mentions avoiding 'Badi'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moral Education

बदी से दूर रहो
नेकी अपनाओ
बदी का अंत
अच्छे बच्चे बदी नहीं करते

Gossip/Socializing

किसी की बदी करना
पीठ पीछे बदी
बदी की बातें
बदी मत फैलाओ

Literature/Poetry

नेकी और बदी का द्वंद्व
बदी का साया
बदी की आग
बदी का संसार

Religion/Spirituality

बदी से तौबा
मन की बदी
बदी का त्याग
बदी का फल नरक

Movies/Drama

बदी का घड़ा भर गया
बदी का विनाश
बदी की जीत नहीं होगी
बदी का बदला

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि दुनिया में बदी बढ़ रही है?"

"हमें किसी की बदी क्यों नहीं करनी चाहिए?"

"क्या बदी का बदला नेकी से देना मुमकिन है?"

"बदी और बुराई में आपके हिसाब से क्या अंतर है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी की बदी सुनी है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने नेकी और बदी के बारे में क्या सीखा? क्या मैंने आज कोई बदी की?

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखें जहाँ बदी की हार और नेकी की जीत होती है।

आपके समाज में कौन सी 'बदी' सबसे ज्यादा हानिकारक है और क्यों?

क्या 'बदी करना' सिर्फ शब्दों तक सीमित है या यह कार्यों से भी जुड़ी है?

अपने मन की किसी एक 'बदी' (बुरी आदत) को सुधारने के लिए आप क्या करेंगे?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is moderately common. While 'Burai' is used more for general badness, 'Badi' is very common when referring to backbiting ('किसी की बदी करना') or in moral discussions. You will hear it frequently in movies and from elders.

It is a dental 'd'. Place the tip of your tongue against your upper front teeth and release. It is much softer than the 'd' in the English word 'Dog' or the Hindi word 'Badi' (big).

No, that would sound very strange. 'Badi' is a moral term. For a bad movie, use the adjective 'buri' (e.g., 'buri film'). 'Badi' is for wickedness and malice.

'Paap' is specifically a 'sin'—a transgression against divine law. 'Badi' is broader and can mean general wickedness, mischief, or the social act of speaking ill of others.

Because they are the ultimate opposites in the Persian-influenced moral vocabulary of Hindi/Urdu. They represent the duality of human choices—virtue vs. vice.

It is a feminine noun. This is important for grammar: you say 'uski badi' (her/his evil) and 'badi ki gayi' (evil was done).

Yes, 'किसी की बदी करना' is a very common way to say 'to speak ill of someone behind their back' or 'to backbite'.

It comes from the Persian word for badness/evil. It shares a common Indo-European root with the English word 'bad'.

The plural is 'Badiyan' (बदियाँ). It is used to refer to multiple vices or bad deeds.

Link it to 'Bad'. Badi is the 'Bad-ee' (Bad deed). Just remember the 'd' is soft!