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चेहरा

A1 noun #700 most common 8 min read

चेहरा

chehra Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips चेहरा in 30 Seconds

Explanation चेहरा in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'चेहरा' (Chehra) is introduced as a basic body part. Students learn to identify it alongside 'haath' (hand) and 'paon' (foot). The focus is on simple identification and basic descriptions like 'mera chehra' (my face) or 'sundar chehra' (beautiful face). You will learn that it is a masculine noun and how to use it in very simple sentences like 'This is my face' (यह मेरा चेहरा है). At this stage, the goal is simply to recognize the word in a list of body parts and understand its primary meaning. You might also learn the verb 'dhona' (to wash) in conjunction with it, as in 'अपना चेहरा धोओ' (Wash your face). The pronunciation is straightforward: 'cheh-raa'. Learners should focus on the 'ch' sound (like in 'chair') and the long 'aa' at the end.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'चेहरा' in more descriptive ways. You will learn adjectives to describe faces, such as 'gol' (round), 'lamba' (long), or 'chhota' (small). You will also start using the oblique case 'chehre' when followed by postpositions like 'par' (on) or 'se' (from/with). For example, 'चेहरे पर मुस्कान' (a smile on the face). You will also learn to use possessive pronouns correctly, ensuring they match the masculine gender of 'chehra' (e.g., 'uska chehra', 'apka chehra'). Simple emotional descriptions like 'khush chehra' (happy face) or 'udaas chehra' (sad face) are common at this level. You might also encounter the word in simple stories where characters are described by their facial features.

At the B1 level, you move beyond literal descriptions into more idiomatic and social uses of 'चेहरा'. You will learn common phrases like 'chehra utarna' (to look disappointed/sad) and 'chehra khil uthna' (to brighten up with joy). You will be able to describe people's expressions in more detail during conversations. You'll also start to see 'chehra' used in media, such as 'film ka naya chehra' (the new face of the film). Your understanding of the grammar will include more complex sentence structures, such as 'उसका चेहरा देखकर मुझे लगा कि वह बीमार है' (Looking at his face, I felt that he is sick). You will also begin to distinguish 'chehra' from its synonyms like 'shakal' and 'mukh' based on the context of the conversation.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'चेहरा' in metaphorical and abstract contexts. You will understand its use in political discourse ('party ka chehra') and in literary descriptions. You will be able to discuss topics like identity, facial recognition technology, and the importance of facial expressions in communication using this word. You will also encounter 'chehra' in more complex idioms and proverbs. For example, 'चेहरे पर हवाइयाँ उड़ना' (to turn pale with fear). Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'nain-naksh' (facial features). You can participate in debates or discussions about how a person's 'chehra' might not always reveal their true character, using the word fluently in various grammatical moods.

At the C1 level, you will appreciate the poetic and nuanced uses of 'चेहरा' in Hindi and Urdu literature. You will understand how poets use the 'chehra' as a central motif to represent beauty, transience, or the divine. You will be able to analyze the use of 'chehra' in classical texts and modern cinema, noticing the subtle shifts in meaning between 'chehra', 'mukh', and 'vadan'. You can use the word in sophisticated social commentary, such as discussing the 'changing face of India' (भारत का बदलता चेहरा). Your command over the oblique forms and pluralization in complex, multi-clause sentences will be near-native. You will also be familiar with rare idioms and literary metaphors involving the face.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'चेहरा' and all its linguistic variations. You can use it with absolute precision in any register, from the most colloquial slang to the most formal academic or poetic discourse. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Persian roots and its integration into the Hindi lexicon. You can effortlessly switch between 'chehra' and its synonyms to achieve specific stylistic effects in your writing or speaking. You are also aware of the cultural sensitivities and deep-seated metaphors associated with the 'chehra' in South Asian society, allowing you to communicate with profound cultural depth and accuracy. You can interpret and produce complex literary works where 'chehra' serves as a complex symbol.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

चेहरा in 30 Seconds

Chehra is the standard Hindi word for 'face', used in both daily conversation and poetic literature to describe appearance and emotion.
It is a masculine noun, meaning it takes masculine adjectives (e.g., sundar chehra) and possessive pronouns (e.g., mera chehra).
In the oblique case (before postpositions like 'par' or 'ko'), the word changes from 'chehra' to 'chehre'.
While synonyms like 'mukh' and 'shakal' exist, 'chehra' is the most versatile and common term for general use.

The Hindi word चेहरा (Chehra) is a masculine noun that primarily refers to the human face. It encompasses the entire front part of the head, from the hairline down to the chin. While its literal meaning is anatomical, in the Hindi-speaking world, the 'chehra' is considered the mirror of the soul and the primary vehicle for identity and emotion. Unlike the word 'मुँह' (Munh), which specifically refers to the mouth but is often used colloquially for the face in certain contexts, 'chehra' is more aesthetic and descriptive. It is the word you would use when discussing someone's beauty, their expressions, or their recognizable features.

Anatomical Scope: In a physical sense, 'chehra' includes the forehead (माथा), eyes (आँखें), nose (नाक), cheeks (गाल), and mouth (मुँह). When a doctor or a makeup artist speaks, they use this term to define the canvas of the human head.
Emotional Mirror: In Hindi literature and daily conversation, the 'chehra' is said to 'padhna' (read). One might say, 'I can read your face,' meaning I can see your hidden emotions. It is the site of 'bhaav' (expressions).

उसका चेहरा खुशी से चमक रहा था। (His/her face was shining with happiness.)

The word has deep roots in Persian (Chihra) and has been integrated into Hindi for centuries. It carries a certain poetic weight that the Sanskrit-derived 'mukh' (मुख) sometimes lacks in casual conversation. While 'mukh' is used in religious or highly formal contexts (like 'Mukh-mandal'), 'chehra' is the standard for movies, songs, and everyday interactions. You will hear it in Bollywood songs constantly—describing a lover's face as the moon (chaand sa chehra) or a face hidden behind a veil.

भीड़ में एक जाना-पहचाना चेहरा दिखा। (A familiar face was seen in the crowd.)

Metaphorical Usage: Beyond the physical, 'chehra' can represent the 'front' or 'representative' of an organization. For example, 'The face of the campaign' is translated as 'अभियान का चेहरा'.

In social contexts, 'chehra dikhana' (to show one's face) can mean to visit someone or to show up after a long absence. Conversely, 'chehra chhupana' (to hide one's face) implies shame or shyness. The versatility of this word makes it one of the first 500 words any Hindi learner should master, as it bridges the gap between basic anatomy and complex emotional expression.

धूप की वजह से मेरा चेहरा लाल हो गया। (My face turned red because of the sun.)

Using चेहरा (Chehra) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's gender-based grammar. Since it is a masculine noun ending in 'a', it follows the standard rules for masculine nouns. When it is the subject of a sentence, it remains 'chehra'. When it is followed by a postposition (like 'pe' - on, 'ka' - of), it changes to 'chehre' (oblique case). For example, 'on the face' becomes 'chehre par'.

Descriptive Adjectives: Common adjectives used with chehra include: गोल (round), लंबा (long), मासूम (innocent), हँसमुख (cheerful), and उदास (sad). Note that the adjective must agree with the masculine gender: 'masoom chehra', not 'masoomi chehra'.

बच्चे का चेहरा बहुत मासूम है। (The child's face is very innocent.)

When pluralized, 'chehra' becomes 'chehre'. For instance, 'many faces' is 'कई चेहरे'. In sentences where the face is the recipient of an action, such as washing or cleaning, we use the oblique form if a preposition is involved. 'Wash your face' is 'अपना चेहरा धो लो' (Apna chehra dho lo). Here, 'apna' is the masculine possessive pronoun agreeing with 'chehra'.

उसके चेहरे पर एक दाग है। (There is a mark on his/her face.)

In more advanced usage, 'chehra' is used to describe the 'look' or 'appearance' of things. You might hear someone say 'इस शहर का चेहरा बदल गया है' (The face of this city has changed), meaning the overall look or vibe of the city has transformed. This metaphorical usage is very common in journalism and social commentary.

क्या आपने उस आदमी का चेहरा देखा? (Did you see that man's face?)

In poetry, 'chehra' is often compared to the moon (chaand), a flower (phool), or a book (kitaab). These comparisons are standard tropes in Urdu-inflected Hindi poetry (Ghazals). If you are writing a letter or a poem, using 'chehra' instead of 'mukh' gives it a more romantic and soulful feel. For instance, 'तुम्हारा चेहरा मेरी यादों में है' (Your face is in my memories) sounds more natural and evocative than using more clinical terms.

The word चेहरा (Chehra) is ubiquitous in Indian culture, appearing in everything from high-stakes political news to the most popular Bollywood dance numbers. If you turn on a Hindi news channel, you will often hear reporters talking about the 'नया चेहरा' (new face) of a political party. This refers to a new candidate or a fresh leader being introduced to the public. In this context, 'chehra' signifies representation and public image.

Bollywood and Music: Listen to songs like 'Chehra Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai' or 'Tera Chehra'. Here, the word is used to express admiration and romantic longing. It is almost always associated with beauty (khoobsurti) and light (noor).

फिल्म का मुख्य चेहरा कौन है? (Who is the main face/star of the film?)

In daily life, you will hear it in beauty parlors and salons. A 'facial' treatment is often described in relation to 'chehre ki chamak' (the glow of the face). Mothers often tell their children, 'अपना चेहरा साफ़ करो' (Clean your face) after they come home from playing outside. In crime dramas or police procedurals, witnesses are asked to describe the 'chehra' of the suspect to create a 'sketch'.

टीवी पर हर रोज़ नए चेहरे देखने को मिलते हैं। (New faces are seen on TV every day.)

Another common place to hear this word is in the context of 'pehchaan' (identity). Passports, ID cards, and biometric systems all focus on the 'chehra'. When someone says 'वह जाना-पहचाना चेहरा है' (He is a familiar face), they mean the person is well-known or a celebrity. In the digital age, 'Face ID' on smartphones is often translated or referred to in Hindi tech blogs as 'चेहरा पहचान' (Chehra Pehchaan) or simply 'Face ID' using the English loanword, but the concept remains rooted in the Hindi term.

Literature and Idioms: In Hindi stories, authors use 'chehra' to build character. A 'kathore chehra' (stern face) suggests a strict character, while a 'komal chehra' (soft face) suggests kindness.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Hindi is confusing चेहरा (Chehra) with मुँह (Munh). While 'Munh' technically means 'mouth', it is often used in Hindi to mean 'face' in specific idiomatic expressions (like 'munh dhona' for washing the face). However, you cannot use 'munh' when describing someone's beauty or features. Saying 'उसका मुँह सुंदर है' (His mouth is beautiful) sounds very different from 'उसका चेहरा सुंदर है' (His face is beautiful). Use 'chehra' for aesthetics and 'munh' for functional or biological actions related to the mouth.

Gender Errors: Because 'chehra' ends in 'a', many learners correctly identify it as masculine but forget to change the accompanying adjectives or possessives. Avoid saying 'मेरी चेहरा' (meri chehra); always use 'मेरा चेहरा' (mera chehra), regardless of your own gender.

Incorrect: उसकी चेहरा गोल है।
Correct: उसका चेहरा गोल है।

Another mistake is the incorrect use of the oblique case. When you say 'on the face', it must be 'चेहरे पर' (chehre par), not 'चेहरा पर' (chehra par). The 'a' at the end of 'chehra' must change to 'e' before a postposition. This is a fundamental rule of Hindi grammar that learners often overlook in fast speech.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the plural form. While 'chehre' is the plural, in many contexts where English uses the plural (e.g., 'They covered their faces'), Hindi might use the singular if referring to each person's individual face: 'उन्होंने अपना चेहरा ढँक लिया' (They covered their [respective] face). Using the plural 'chehre' here is not wrong, but the singular is often more idiomatic in collective singular contexts.

Incorrect: मेरे चेहरा में दर्द है।
Correct: मेरे चेहरे में दर्द है। (Though usually, we specify where on the face it hurts.)

While चेहरा (Chehra) is the most common word for 'face', Hindi offers several synonyms depending on the register and context. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and appreciate Hindi literature more deeply.

मुख (Mukh): This is the Sanskrit-derived (Tatsam) word. It is highly formal and often used in religious contexts (e.g., 'Mukh-darshan' of a deity) or in compound words like 'mukhya' (main/primary). It sounds more clinical or sacred than 'chehra'.
सूरत (Soorat): Also of Persian origin, 'Soorat' refers more to the 'appearance' or 'look' of the face. It is often used in the phrase 'shakal-soorat' (general appearance). If you say someone has a 'pyari soorat', you are focusing on their attractive look.
शक्ल (Shakal): This is an Arabic-derived word used frequently in spoken Hindi. It refers to the 'shape' or 'form' of the face. It is often used when comparing people: 'उसकी शक्ल अपने पिता से मिलती है' (His face/look resembles his father's).

Comparison:
1. चेहरा (General/Poetic)
2. मुख (Formal/Religious)
3. शक्ल (Colloquial/Resemblance)

In poetic Hindi (Urdu-Hindi), you might also encounter वदन (Vadan) or आनन (Aanan). 'Vadan' usually refers to the face or body, while 'Aanan' is a very formal Sanskrit word often found in ancient texts or names (like 'Gajanan' - the one with an elephant face, referring to Lord Ganesha). For a learner, sticking to 'chehra' is the safest bet for 95% of situations, while 'shakal' is great for casual talk about resemblances.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रार्थी का चेहरा स्पष्ट नहीं है।"

Neutral

"उसका चेहरा बहुत सुंदर है।"

Informal

"अरे, अपना चेहरा तो दिखा!"

Child friendly

"चलो, अपना प्यारा चेहरा साफ़ करो।"

Slang

"क्या थका हुआ चेहरा बना रखा है?"

Fun Fact

In the Mughal army, a 'Chihra' was also a descriptive roll or a written description of a soldier's physical features used for identification, similar to a modern ID card description.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtʃeɪ.rɑː/

US /ˈtʃeɪ.rə/

The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Cheh'.

Rhymes With

हरा (Hara - Green) भरा (Bhara - Full) डरा (Dara - Scared) खरा (Khara - Pure) मरा (Mara - Died) ज़रा (Zara - A little) सेहरा (Sehra - Groom's veil) गहरा (Gahra - Deep)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Shehra' (using 'sh' instead of 'ch').
Making the 'h' too heavy; it should be a light aspiration.
Shortening the final 'a' sound like 'chehr'.
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'ee' (e.g., 'chihra' - which is the original Persian but not modern Hindi).
Mixing it up with 'chahra' (which is not a word).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read; standard characters and common word.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the dot (bindu) is not needed, just simple 'cha', 'ha', 'ra'.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is intuitive for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

आँख (Eye) नाक (Nose) मुँह (Mouth) सिर (Head) मेरा/आपका (My/Your)

Learn Next

शरीर (Body) सुंदर (Beautiful) पहचान (Identity) मुस्कान (Smile) भाव (Expression)

Advanced

व्यक्तित्व (Personality) अभिव्यक्ति (Expression) नैन-नक्श (Features) प्रतिबिंब (Reflection)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Nouns ending in -a

Chehra (Singular) -> Chehre (Plural/Oblique).

Adjective Agreement

Sundar (Beautiful) stays same, but 'Chhota' becomes 'Chhote' for plural faces.

Possessive Agreement

Mera (My) agrees with masculine 'Chehra'.

Oblique Case with Postpositions

Chehra + par = Chehre par.

Compound Verbs with 'Ho'

Chehra laal hona (To turn red/blush).

Examples by Level

यह मेरा चेहरा है।

This is my face.

Uses 'mera' (masculine) to agree with 'chehra'.

अपना चेहरा धो लो।

Wash your face.

Imperative sentence using 'apna'.

उसका चेहरा गोल है।

His/her face is round.

'Gol' is the adjective describing 'chehra'.

छोटा चेहरा।

Small face.

Basic adjective-noun pair.

साफ़ चेहरा।

Clean face.

'Saaf' means clean.

क्या यह तुम्हारा चेहरा है?

Is this your face?

Interrogative sentence.

एक चेहरा।

One face.

Singular count.

सुंदर चेहरा।

Beautiful face.

'Sundar' is a common adjective.

तुम्हारे चेहरे पर क्या है?

What is on your face?

Uses oblique form 'chehre' because of 'par'.

वह अपना चेहरा छिपा रहा है।

He is hiding his face.

Present continuous tense.

उसके चेहरे पर मुस्कान थी।

There was a smile on his/her face.

Past tense with 'thi' agreeing with 'muskan'.

मुझे तुम्हारा चेहरा याद है।

I remember your face.

Uses 'yaad' (memory).

ठंडे पानी से चेहरा धोओ।

Wash your face with cold water.

Uses 'se' (with/from).

उसका चेहरा लाल हो गया।

His/her face turned red.

Compound verb 'ho gaya'.

भीड़ में बहुत से चेहरे थे।

There were many faces in the crowd.

Plural form 'chehre'.

यह क्रीम चेहरे के लिए अच्छी है।

This cream is good for the face.

Oblique 'chehre' with 'ke liye'.

उसका चेहरा देखकर मुझे खुशी हुई।

I felt happy seeing his/her face.

Uses 'dekhkar' (having seen).

बुरी खबर सुनकर उसका चेहरा उतर गया।

His face fell after hearing the bad news.

Idiom 'chehra utarna'.

वह पार्टी का नया चेहरा है।

He/she is the new face of the party.

Metaphorical use of 'chehra'.

धूप में चेहरा काला पड़ जाता है।

The face gets tanned/darkened in the sun.

Habitual present tense.

तुम्हारे चेहरे से लग रहा है कि तुम थके हो।

It looks from your face that you are tired.

Inferring state from facial expression.

उसने अपने चेहरे पर मास्क लगा रखा था।

He was wearing a mask on his face.

Perfective state 'laga rakha tha'.

क्या आपने कभी यह चेहरा पहले देखा है?

Have you ever seen this face before?

Present perfect interrogative.

उसके चेहरे की बनावट बहुत अलग है।

The structure of his/her face is very different.

'Banawat' means structure/build.

सफलता की खबर मिलते ही उसका चेहरा खिल उठा।

His face lit up as soon as he got the news of success.

Idiom 'chehra khil uthna'.

अपराधी ने अपना चेहरा ढँकने की कोशिश की।

The criminal tried to cover his face.

Infinitive 'dhankne ki koshish'.

वह एक जाना-पहचाना चेहरा बन गया है।

He has become a well-known face.

Compound adjective 'jaana-pehchaana'.

झूठ बोलते समय उसके चेहरे पर हवाइयाँ उड़ने लगीं।

He turned pale with fear while lying.

Advanced idiom 'hawaiyan udna'.

इस विज्ञापन के लिए हमें एक मासूम चेहरे की तलाश है।

We are looking for an innocent face for this advertisement.

Uses 'ki talaash' (in search of).

चेहरे के भावों से इंसान की नीयत का पता चलता है।

A person's intentions are revealed by their facial expressions.

Abstract concept of 'niyat' (intention).

आजकल तकनीक चेहरे को आसानी से पहचान लेती है।

Nowadays, technology recognizes faces easily.

Subject 'takneek' (technology).

उसने अपने चेहरे पर कोई शिकन नहीं आने दी।

He didn't let a single wrinkle/worry show on his face.

Idiomatic use of 'shikan' (crease/worry).

साहित्य में चेहरा अक्सर आत्मा का दर्पण माना जाता है।

In literature, the face is often considered the mirror of the soul.

Formal academic tone.

उसकी बातों और चेहरे के हाव-भाव में विरोधाभास था।

There was a contradiction between his words and facial expressions.

Uses 'virodhabhas' (contradiction).

बढ़ती उम्र ने उसके चेहरे पर अपने निशान छोड़ दिए थे।

Increasing age had left its marks on his/her face.

Metaphorical use of 'nishan' (marks).

वह समाज का असली चेहरा दुनिया के सामने लाना चाहता है।

He wants to bring the true face of society before the world.

Abstract 'asli chehra' (true face/reality).

ग़ज़लों में महबूब के चेहरे की तुलना चाँद से की जाती है।

In Ghazals, the lover's face is compared to the moon.

Passive construction 'ki jaati hai'.

उसने नकाब हटाकर अपना असली चेहरा दिखाया।

He removed the veil and showed his true face.

Symbolic action.

चेहरे की झुर्रियां उसके अनुभवों की कहानी बयां करती हैं।

The wrinkles on the face narrate the story of his/her experiences.

Poetic verb 'bayan karna'.

उसका चेहरा एक खुली किताब की तरह है।

His/her face is like an open book.

Simile 'khuli kitaab'.

महानगरों का बदलता चेहरा मानवीय संवेदनाओं को निगल रहा है।

The changing face of metropolises is swallowing human sensibilities.

High-level sociological commentary.

उसने अपने चेहरे पर एक ऐसा मुखौटा ओढ़ रखा था जिसे भेदना असंभव था।

He had donned such a mask on his face that it was impossible to pierce.

Complex relative clause 'jise bhedna...'.

इतिहास के पन्नों में कई गुमनाम चेहरे दफन हैं।

Many anonymous faces are buried in the pages of history.

Metaphorical 'gumnaam chehre'.

उसके चेहरे की आभा किसी दिव्य ज्योति से कम नहीं थी।

The radiance of his face was no less than a divine light.

Sanskritized vocabulary 'aabha', 'divya'.

राजनीतिक उठापटक के बीच सत्ता का चेहरा रातों-रात बदल गया।

Amidst political upheaval, the face of power changed overnight.

Idiomatic 'raaton-raat' (overnight).

कलाकार ने कैनवास पर चेहरे की बारीकियों को बखूबी उकेरा है।

The artist has masterfully carved the nuances of the face on the canvas.

Artistic register 'baariqiyan', 'ukera'.

चेहरे की बनावट और वंशानुगत गुणों का गहरा संबंध होता है।

There is a deep connection between facial structure and hereditary traits.

Scientific/Academic register.

उसकी आँखों में झाँककर देखो, चेहरा तो सिर्फ एक पर्दा है।

Look into his eyes; the face is merely a curtain.

Philosophical/Mystical tone.

Synonyms

मुख मुखड़ा सूरत वदन आनन

Antonyms

पीठ पिछला भाग

Common Collocations

चेहरा धोना

मासूम चेहरा

जाना-पहचाना चेहरा

चेहरे पर मुस्कान

नया चेहरा

चेहरा चमकना

चेहरा छिपाना

चेहरे की बनावट

उतरा हुआ चेहरा

चेहरा पढ़ना

Common Phrases

चेहरा साफ़ करना

— To clean the face, either with water or a towel.

रुमाल से अपना चेहरा साफ़ करो।

चेहरा दिखाना

— To show one's face; often used to mean visiting someone.

बहुत दिनों बाद तुमने अपना चेहरा दिखाया है।

चेहरा बिगाड़ना

— To disfigure the face or to make a weird expression.

गुस्से में उसने अपना चेहरा बिगाड़ लिया।

हँसता हुआ चेहरा

— A laughing/smiling face; used to describe a cheerful person.

मुझे उसका हँसता हुआ चेहरा बहुत याद आता है।

चेहरा पहचानना

— To recognize a face.

क्या तुम इस चेहरे को पहचानते हो?

चेहरे का रंग उड़ना

— To turn pale, usually due to fear or shock.

पुलिस को देखते ही चोर के चेहरे का रंग उड़ गया।

चेहरा लटकाना

— To pull a long face; to look sad or disappointed.

चेहरा लटका कर क्यों बैठे हो?

चेहरे की रौनक

— The glow or brightness of a face.

शादी के दिन उसके चेहरे की रौनक देखने लायक थी।

दोहरे चेहरे वाला

— Two-faced; a hypocritical person.

उससे बचकर रहना, वह दोहरे चेहरे वाला इंसान है।

चेहरे पर झुर्रियां

— Wrinkles on the face.

बुढ़ापे के कारण उसके चेहरे पर झुर्रियां आ गई हैं।

Often Confused With

चेहरा vs मुँह (Munh)

Munh is mouth. Don't use it to describe beauty, but you can use it for washing.

चेहरा vs सिर (Sir)

Sir is the whole head. Chehra is just the front part.

चेहरा vs शक्ल (Shakal)

Shakal is more about the 'look' or 'resemblance' than the anatomical face.

Idioms & Expressions

"चेहरे पर हवाइयाँ उड़ना"

— To be struck with terror or anxiety; to turn pale.

परीक्षा का परिणाम देखते ही उसके चेहरे पर हवाइयाँ उड़ने लगीं।

Common

"चेहरा उतरना"

— To look sad, disappointed, or dejected.

हारने के बाद पूरी टीम का चेहरा उतर गया।

Common

"चेहरा खिल उठना"

— To beam with joy; to look very happy suddenly.

माँ को देखते ही बच्चे का चेहरा खिल उठा।

Common

"चेहरे पर कालिख पोतना"

— To disgrace someone; to bring a bad name to someone.

उसने गलत काम करके अपने परिवार के चेहरे पर कालिख पोत दी।

Strong/Metaphorical

"चेहरा पढ़ना"

— To understand someone's hidden thoughts or feelings by looking at them.

वह माहिर है, वह किसी का भी चेहरा पढ़ सकता है।

Common

"एक ही सिक्के के दो चेहरे"

— Two sides of the same coin; two aspects of the same thing.

सुख और दुःख एक ही सिक्के के दो चेहरे हैं।

Literary

"चेहरा तमतमाना"

— To flush with anger or heat.

अपमान सुनकर उसका चेहरा तमतमा उठा।

Descriptive

"चेहरा देख कर तिलक करना"

— To show favoritism; to treat people based on their status or appearance.

वह न्याय नहीं करता, वह तो चेहरा देख कर तिलक करता है।

Proverbial

"चेहरे पर शिकन न आना"

— To remain completely calm; to show no sign of worry or stress.

इतनी बड़ी मुसीबत में भी उसके चेहरे पर शिकन नहीं आई।

Common

"चेहरा काला करना"

— To humiliate or to be humiliated (literally or figuratively).

मुँह काला करना/चेहरा काला करना समाज में अपमान का प्रतीक है।

Informal/Cultural

Easily Confused

चेहरा vs चेहरा (Chehra)

Sounds like 'Sehra'.

Chehra is face; Sehra is a groom's floral veil.

उसका चेहरा सुंदर है vs उसने सेहरा पहना है।

चेहरा vs चेहरा (Chehra)

Sounds like 'Chitra'.

Chehra is face; Chitra is a picture/painting.

मेरा चेहरा vs एक चित्र।

चेहरा vs चेहरा (Chehra)

Confusion with 'Munh'.

Chehra is aesthetic face; Munh is functional mouth.

चेहरा चमक रहा है vs मुँह खोलो।

चेहरा vs चेहरा (Chehra)

Sounds like 'Chinta'.

Chehra is face; Chinta is worry.

चेहरा साफ़ है vs मुझे चिंता है।

चेहरा vs चेहरा (Chehra)

Sounds like 'Chahra' (not a word).

Ensure the 'e' sound is clear.

Correct: Chehra.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Possessive] चेहरा है।

यह मेरा चेहरा है।

[Possessive] चेहरा [Adjective] है।

उसका चेहरा गोल है।

[Possessive] चेहरे पर [Noun] है।

तुम्हारे चेहरे पर धूल है।

[Noun] देखकर चेहरा [Verb].

खबर सुनकर उसका चेहरा खिल उठा।

वह [Context] का चेहरा है।

वह इस कंपनी का चेहरा है।

चेहरे की [Noun] [Verb].

चेहरे की झुर्रियां बुढ़ापा दर्शाती हैं।

चेहरा [Metaphor] की तरह है।

उसका चेहरा एक अनसुलझी पहेली की तरह है।

बिना चेहरे का [Noun].

भीड़ में कई बिना चेहरे के लोग थे (metaphorical).

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

मेरी चेहरा (Meri chehra) → मेरा चेहरा (Mera chehra)
'Chehra' is masculine, so it requires the masculine possessive 'mera'.
चेहरा पर (Chehra par) → चेहरे पर (Chehre par)
Before a postposition like 'par', 'chehra' must change to its oblique form 'chehre'.
उसकी चेहरा सुंदर है (Uski chehra sundar hai) → उसका चेहरा सुंदर है (Uska chehra sundar hai)
The possessive pronoun must be masculine to match 'chehra'.
Using 'Munh' for beauty. → Using 'Chehra' for beauty.
'Munh' refers to the mouth and can sound blunt or clinical when used for beauty.
चेहराएँ (Chehrayen) as plural. → चेहरे (Chehre) as plural.
Masculine nouns ending in -a change to -e in plural, not -ayen.

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always treat 'chehra' as masculine. Even if you are a woman, you say 'मेरा चेहरा' (mera chehra).

Poetic Usage

In poetry, 'chehra' is often compared to the moon (chaand). Use this to sound more expressive.

Reading Expressions

Indians value facial expressions highly. Use 'chehra padhna' to show you understand someone's feelings.

Soft 'H'

Don't over-pronounce the 'h'. It should be a smooth transition from 'che' to 'ra'.

Oblique Form

Remember to change 'chehra' to 'chehre' whenever a word like 'par', 'ko', or 'se' follows it.

Compliments

A common compliment is 'आपके चेहरे पर नूर है' (There is a light/glow on your face).

Bollywood Hits

Listen to songs with 'chehra' in the title to get used to how it's used in romantic contexts.

Avoid 'Chehri'

There is no word 'chehri'. The feminine version does not exist because the noun itself is masculine.

Visual Cues

Label a drawing of a face with 'chehra' and its parts (aankh, naak) to build your vocabulary.

Metaphorical Faces

Use 'chehra' to describe the representative of a group, like 'the face of the brand'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHAIR-ah'. You sit on a chair, but you look at a 'Chehra'. Or imagine a 'Cheery' face to remember 'Cheh-ra'.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright, glowing sun with a human face drawn on it. The sun is 'chamakta' (shining) and its 'chehra' is happy.

Word Web

आँखें (Eyes) मुस्कान (Smile) पहचान (Identity) सुंदरता (Beauty) दर्पण (Mirror) भाव (Expression) नाक (Nose) त्वचा (Skin)

Challenge

Try to describe three people's 'chehra' today using one adjective each (e.g., gol chehra, masoom chehra, khush chehra).

Word Origin

The word 'चेहरा' comes from the Persian word 'Chihra' (چہرہ). It entered Hindi during the medieval period through the influence of Persian in the Mughal courts and administration.

Original meaning: In Persian, 'Chihra' referred to the face, countenance, or even a portrait/sketch.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Persian -> Hindi-Urdu.

Cultural Context

Avoid commenting on someone's 'chehra' being 'kaala' (black/dark) as it can carry colorist overtones in South Asia, even if meant literally about a tan.

English speakers often use 'face' for both the anatomical part and the front of objects (face of a clock). Hindi uses 'chehra' mostly for humans/animals and 'saamna' or 'mukhauta' for objects.

Song: 'Chehra hai ya chand khila hai' (Is it a face or the moon blooming?) from the movie Saagar. Song: 'Tera Chehra' by Adnan Sami. Book: 'Chehre' by various Hindi authors often exploring identity.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Beauty & Skincare

चेहरे की क्रीम (Face cream)
चेहरा चमकना (Glowing face)
साफ़ चेहरा (Clear face)
चेहरे की मालिश (Face massage)

Police & Identification

चेहरा पहचानना (To identify the face)
संदिग्ध का चेहरा (Suspect's face)
चेहरे का स्केच (Sketch of the face)
नकाबपोश चेहरा (Masked face)

Emotions

उदास चेहरा (Sad face)
गुस्सैल चेहरा (Angry face)
चेहरे के हाव-भाव (Facial expressions)
चेहरा खिलना (To brighten up)

Social/Idiomatic

जाना-पहचाना चेहरा (Familiar face)
नया चेहरा (New face)
चेहरा दिखाना (To show up)
दोहरा चेहरा (Double-faced/Hypocrite)

Anatomy

चेहरे की हड्डियाँ (Facial bones)
चेहरे की मांसपेशियां (Facial muscles)
चेहरे का आकार (Face shape)
चेहरे पर चोट (Injury on the face)

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि चेहरा इंसान का आईना होता है?"

"आपके परिवार में आपकी शक्ल या चेहरा किससे मिलता है?"

"क्या आप चेहरे के हाव-भाव पढ़ने में माहिर हैं?"

"किसी का चेहरा पहली बार देखकर आप उसके बारे में क्या सोचते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी भीड़ में कोई जाना-पहचाना चेहरा देखा है?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने आईने में अपना चेहरा देखा तो आपको क्या महसूस हुआ? विस्तार से लिखें।

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति के चेहरे का वर्णन करें जिसने आपको बहुत प्रभावित किया हो।

क्या चेहरे की बनावट किसी के व्यक्तित्व को दर्शाती है? अपने विचार साझा करें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी के चेहरे के भावों ने सब कुछ कह दिया हो।

अगर आपको अपना चेहरा बदलने का मौका मिले, तो क्या आप बदलेंगे? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You should always use masculine adjectives and pronouns with it, such as 'मेरा चेहरा' (mera chehra) or 'सुंदर चेहरा' (sundar chehra).

In some cases like 'washing your face' (मुँह धोना), yes. But for describing beauty or identity, 'Chehra' is the correct and more polite word.

The plural is 'चेहरे' (Chehre). For example, 'वहाँ बहुत से चेहरे थे' (There were many faces there).

You say 'चेहरे पर' (chehre par). Note that 'chehra' changes to 'chehre' because of the postposition 'par'.

It is originally Persian, but it is used equally in both Hindi and Urdu. It is a part of the common Hindustani vocabulary.

It is an idiom meaning to look sad or disappointed. For example, 'हार के बाद उसका चेहरा उतर गया' (His face fell after the loss).

You can say 'गोल चेहरा' (Gol chehra).

The formal, Sanskrit-derived word is 'मुख' (Mukh).

Yes, you can use it for animals, though 'मुँह' (munh) or 'थूथन' (thoothan - snout) is also common depending on the animal.

It is a compound term that refers to the overall facial features and structure of a person.