This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
फ़ोटो खींचना

B1 verb 9 min read

फ़ोटो खींचना

photo kheenchana

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips फ़ोटो खींचना in 30 Seconds

Explanation फ़ोटो खींचना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'फ़ोटो खींचना' (Photo Kheenchna) means 'to take a photo.' You can use it in simple sentences like 'मैं फ़ोटो खींचता हूँ' (I take photos). Don't worry too much about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'photo' is the thing you are taking, and 'kheenchna' is the action. You might use this when you travel to India and want to ask someone to take a picture of you. You can say 'फ़ोटो खींचो' (Take a photo) as a simple command, though adding 'please' (कृपया) is better. At this stage, focus on the present tense and simple imperatives. You will hear this word often in markets and at monuments. It is one of the most useful 'survival' phrases for a tourist.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'फ़ोटो खींचना' with different subjects and in the present continuous tense. For example, 'वह फ़ोटो खींच रहा है' (He is taking a photo). You should also learn how to ask politely: 'क्या आप मेरी फ़ोटो खींच सकते हैं?' (Can you take my photo?). You will begin to notice that 'photo' is often treated as a feminine noun. You might start seeing the word in simple stories or social media captions. You should also be able to distinguish between 'photo' (the object) and the action. Start practicing the past tense, but don't worry if you forget the 'ne' particle occasionally; focus on being understood while describing your past holiday photos.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'फ़ोटो खींचना' with correct grammar, especially the 'ne' particle in the past tense. You should say 'मैंने फ़ोटो खींची' (I took a photo) and understand that the verb agrees with 'photo'. You should also be comfortable using postpositions, like 'दोस्त की फ़ोटो' (friend's photo). This level involves describing hobbies, so you might say 'मुझे फ़ोटो खींचना पसंद है' (I like taking photos). You should also be aware of the causative form 'खिंचवाना' (to have a photo taken), which is very common in social contexts like weddings. You can now handle more complex sentences involving 'when' and 'while', such as 'जब मैं घूम रहा था, तब मैंने बहुत सारी फ़ोटो खींचीं' (While I was traveling, I took many photos).

At the B2 level, you should use 'फ़ोटो खींचना' fluently in various registers. You understand the nuance between 'photo kheenchna' and 'tasveer utaarna' and can choose the appropriate one for the situation. You can discuss the technical aspects of photography in Hindi, such as lighting or composition, using this verb. You are proficient in using the perfective, imperfective, and subjunctive moods. For example, 'अगर मेरे पास कैमरा होता, तो मैं फ़ोटो खींचता' (If I had a camera, I would take photos). You also understand metaphorical uses or idiomatic expressions related to capturing moments. Your use of 'ne' and gender agreement should be mostly error-free, and you can handle plural feminine agreement ('खींचीं') with ease.

At the C1 level, you use 'फ़ोटो खींचना' with a high degree of precision and stylistic flair. You can engage in deep conversations about the ethics of photography or the impact of digital media on 'photo kheenchna' culture. You might use the phrase in complex grammatical structures, such as passive constructions or complex participles. You are well-versed in the synonyms like 'छायाचित्रण' and can navigate formal and informal environments perfectly. You might use the verb to describe more than just literal photography, perhaps capturing a scene in a story. You understand the historical etymology of 'kheenchna' and how it reflects the evolution of technology in the Hindi-speaking world.

At the C2 level, 'फ़ोटो खींचना' is part of your native-like repertoire. You can use it in academic discussions, poetic descriptions, or sharp social commentary. You understand the most subtle connotations—how the choice of 'kheenchna' over 'lena' might signal a certain regional dialect or social class. You can play with the language, using the verb in puns or high-level literature. Your mastery of the 'ne' particle, complex conjunct verb patterns, and all causative variations is absolute. You can explain the linguistic shift from 'tasveer' to 'photo' and its sociological implications. Photography is not just a verb to you; it's a window into the cultural history of the Hindi language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

फ़ोटो खींचना in 30 Seconds

The primary way to say 'to take a photo' in Hindi.
Uses the verb 'kheenchna' (to pull).
Requires the 'ne' particle in the past tense.
Common in both formal and informal conversations.

The Hindi phrase फ़ोटो खींचना (Photo Kheenchna) is the standard and most common way to say 'to take a photograph.' While it literally translates to 'to pull a photo,' the verb kheenchna (to pull/draw) has historically been used in Hindi to describe the act of capturing an image, much like 'drawing' a likeness in older times or 'pulling' the shutter mechanism of early cameras. In modern India, this phrase is ubiquitous, used by everyone from professional photographers at lavish weddings to teenagers capturing selfies in a park. It bridges the gap between formal and informal speech, though in very formal settings, one might hear 'तस्वीर लेना' (tasveer lena), 'फ़ोटो खींचना' remains the heart of conversational Hindi. You will hear this at every social gathering, tourist spot, and family event. The cultural importance of photography in India cannot be overstated; from the 'pout' culture on Instagram to the meticulously staged family portraits of the 1990s, the act of 'kheenchna' is a social ritual. It signifies the preservation of a moment, a duty to family history, or simply the joy of digital expression.

Literal Meaning: To pull or draw a photograph.
Functional Meaning: To capture a digital or film image using a camera or smartphone.

क्या आप मेरी एक फ़ोटो खींच सकते हैं? (Can you take a photo of me?)

Understanding the verb 'kheenchna' is crucial because it isn't just used for photos; it's used for pulling a rope, drawing a line, or even attracting a crowd. However, when paired with 'photo,' it becomes a fixed conjunct verb. In the digital age, even though there is no physical 'pulling' involved, the tradition of the word persists. If you are traveling in India, knowing this phrase is your ticket to social interaction. People are generally very friendly and love having their photos taken or helping you take yours. It’s also common to hear the English-influenced 'click karna' in urban areas, but 'photo kheenchna' remains the soulful, authentic choice for any Hindi learner. It carries a sense of active engagement with the subject. When someone says 'खींचो' (kheencho - pull/take it!), there is an anticipation of a shared memory being created. This phrase is also used metaphorically sometimes to describe capturing the essence of something, though its primary use remains strictly photographic.

उसने ताज़महल के सामने बहुत सारी फ़ोटो खींचीं। (He/She took many photos in front of the Taj Mahal.)

Using फ़ोटो खींचना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's transitive verb logic. Since it is a transitive verb, when you use it in the past tense (Perfective aspect), the subject takes the 'ने' (ne) particle, and the verb agrees with the object 'फ़ोटो'. For example, if you want to say 'I took a photo,' you would say 'मैंने फ़ोटो खींची' (Maine photo kheenchi). Notice how 'kheenchi' ends in 'i' to agree with the feminine gender of 'photo'. If you are taking multiple photos, it becomes 'खींचीं' (kheenchin). In the present tense, it follows standard conjugation: 'मैं फ़ोटो खींचता हूँ' (I take photos - male) or 'मैं फ़ोटो खींचती हूँ' (I take photos - female).

Present Continuous: वह अपनी बहन की फ़ोटो खींच रहा है। (He is taking his sister's photo.)
Future Tense: कल हम पहाड़ों में फ़ोटो खींचेंगे। (Tomorrow we will take photos in the mountains.)

कृपया मेरी एक फ़ोटो खींच दीजिए। (Please take a photo of me - using polite form.)

Another important aspect is the use of postpositions. When you take a photo *of* someone, you use 'की' (ki) because 'photo' is feminine. So, 'Ram ki photo' (Ram's photo). 'मैंने राम की फ़ोटो खींची' (I took Ram's photo). If you are using a device, you use 'से' (se). 'मैंने फ़ोन से फ़ोटो खींची' (I took a photo with a phone). Mastering these small particles will make your Hindi sound much more natural. In professional contexts, you might hear the causative form 'फ़ोटो खिंचवाना' (photo khinchwana), which means 'to have one's photo taken' (by someone else). For example, 'मैं अपनी फ़ोटो खिंचवा रहा हूँ' (I am getting my photo taken). This is very common at weddings or studios. Whether you are asking a stranger for a favor or describing your hobby, these patterns are foundational.

क्या तुमने मेरी फ़ोटो खींची? (Did you take my photo?)

In India, photography is a national pastime. You will hear फ़ोटो खींचना in a variety of vibrant contexts. At a bustling Indian wedding, the 'photographer-wale bhaiya' (the photographer brother) is constantly being instructed to 'photo kheencho!' by relatives. On social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Hindi speakers often caption their posts with 'फ़ोटो खींचने का शौक' (A hobby of taking photos). In tourist hotspots like the Red Fort or the beaches of Goa, you'll overhear groups of friends debating who 'kheenchoed' the best photo. It’s also a common phrase in Bollywood films, where a hero might take a photo of the heroine secretly, or a comic character might struggle with an old camera. The phrase is deeply embedded in the 'selfie' culture as well. While 'selfie lena' is common, many still say 'मेरी एक सेल्फ़ी खींच दो' (Take a selfie of me/with me).

Social Media: 'आज मैंने बहुत अच्छी फ़ोटो खींची।' (I took a very good photo today.)
Tourism: 'यहाँ फ़ोटो खींचना मना है।' (Taking photos is prohibited here.)

चलो, सब साथ में एक फ़ोटो खींचते हैं! (Come on, let's all take a photo together!)

In news reporting or journalism, the terminology might become slightly more formal, using 'छायाचित्र' (chhayachitra) for photograph, but the action verb remains 'खींचना' or 'लेना'. Even in the digital tech world of India, where English terms are rampant, the colloquial 'kheenchna' is the default. It’s a word that evokes a sense of action and result. If you visit a rural area, you might find that people are even more excited about 'photo kheenchna,' often asking to see the result on the screen immediately. This interaction—the 'pulling' of the image and the immediate sharing—is a core part of modern Indian social fabric. It's not just about the technology; it's about the connection made during the process. When a street vendor asks you to 'photo kheencho,' they are inviting you into their world for a split second.

शादी में फ़ोटोग्राफ़र फ़ोटो खींच रहा है। (The photographer is taking photos at the wedding.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the verb 'लेना' (lena - to take) exclusively because it directy translates to 'to take a photo'. While 'फ़ोटो लेना' is understood and occasionally used, फ़ोटो खींचना is far more idiomatic. Using 'lena' can sometimes sound a bit 'translated' or stiff. Another major pitfall is the gender of 'photo'. Because 'photo' is a loanword, learners often default to masculine. However, in standard Hindi, it is treated as feminine. This affects the past tense: 'मैंने फ़ोटो खींचा' (incorrect/masculine) vs. 'मैंने फ़ोटो खींची' (correct/feminine). Incorrectly applying the 'ne' particle is also a common hurdle. Remember, in present and future tenses, 'ne' is not used, but in the past tense, it is mandatory because 'kheenchna' is transitive.

Mistake: Wrong Verb: 'मैंने फ़ोटो बनाया' (I made a photo) - Incorrect. Use 'खींची'.
Mistake: Gender Agreement: 'उसने फ़ोटो खींचा' - Often sounds wrong to native ears; 'खींची' is preferred.

Incorrect: मैं फ़ोटो पकड़ रहा हूँ। (I am catching/holding a photo - implies holding a physical copy, not taking one.)

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'खींचना' (to take/pull) and 'खिंचवाना' (to have taken). If you say 'मैं फ़ोटो खींच रहा हूँ,' you are the one holding the camera. If you want to say you are posing for a photo, you must use 'मैं फ़ोटो खिंचवा रहा हूँ.' Confusing these two can lead to funny situations where you claim to be taking a photo while you are actually just standing still posing. Lastly, watch out for the pluralization. 'Photos' in Hindi remains 'फ़ोटो' in many colloquial contexts, but the verb must reflect the plurality in the past tense: 'खींचीं' (nasalized 'n' at the end). Paying attention to these nuances will elevate your Hindi from 'basic traveler' to 'fluent speaker'.

Correct: उसने मेरी बहुत अच्छी फ़ोटो खींची। (He/She took a very good photo of me.)

While फ़ोटो खींचना is the most common phrase, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. In formal writing, literature, or news, you will encounter 'तस्वीर लेना' (tasveer lena) or 'तस्वीर उतारना' (tasveer utaarna). 'Tasveer' is a beautiful Urdu-origin word for picture or image. 'Utaarna' (to take down/off) gives a sense of capturing something from reality onto a canvas or film. For very high-register, Sanskritized Hindi, the word is 'छायाचित्रण' (chhayachitran - shadow-picturing) or 'चित्र लेना' (chitra lena). These are rarely used in daily conversation but are common in government signs or art galleries.

तस्वीर लेना (Tasveer Lena): More poetic and formal than 'photo kheenchna'. Often used in songs.
क्लिक करना (Click Karna): Very common among urban youth and tech-savvy speakers. 'एक फोटो क्लिक कर दो' (Click a photo).

उसने मेरी तस्वीर उतारी। (He/She captured my portrait/picture.)

There is also the term 'स्नैप लेना' (snap lena), borrowed from English, used mostly by the younger generation referring to Snapchat or quick casual photos. If you are talking about video, you don't use 'kheenchna'; you use 'वीडियो बनाना' (video banana - to make a video) or 'शूट करना' (shoot karna). Understanding these distinctions prevents confusion. You wouldn't say 'video kheenchna'—that would sound very strange. Similarly, for painting a picture, you use 'चित्र बनाना' (chitra banana). Each of these words carries a different 'vibe'. 'Photo kheenchna' is the reliable, everyday workhorse of the language. It’s friendly, clear, and universally understood from Delhi to Mumbai to London's Southall.

क्या आप एक ग्रुप फ़ोटो ले सकते हैं? (Can you take a group photo? - 'Lena' is also acceptable here.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the early days of photography in India, the term 'kheenchna' was used because the photographer literally had to pull a plate or a shutter cord to take the picture.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfəʊ.təʊ ˈkiːntʃ.nɑː/

US /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊ ˈkiːntʃ.nɑː/

Stress is on the first syllable of 'photo' and the 'kheen' syllable of 'kheenchna'.

Rhymes With

खींचना (kheenchna) rhymes with सींचना (seenchna - to irrigate). पींचना (peenchna) मींचना (meenchna) छींचना (chheenchna) रींचना (reenchna) भींचना (bheenchna) लींचना (leenchna) दींचना (deenchna)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' without aspiration.
Misplacing the nasalization in 'kheenchna'.
Treating 'photo' and 'kheenchna' as two unrelated words rather than a single action.
Pronouncing the 'n' in 'kheenchna' too harshly.
Shortening the 'ee' sound in 'kheenchna'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The script is simple, but the conjunct verb needs recognition.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ne' particle and feminine agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common phrase, easily recognizable in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

फ़ोटो खींचना कैमरा मैं करना

Learn Next

तस्वीर खिंचवाना मुस्कुराना यादें साफ़

Advanced

छायाचित्रण दृष्टिकोण संपादन प्रकाश-व्यवस्था प्रतिबिंब

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Past Tense

Maine photo kheenchi (Subject + ne + Object + Verb agreement with Object).

Conjunct Verbs

Photo (Noun) + Kheenchna (Verb) functions as a single unit.

Honorific Plural

Pitaji photo kheench rahe hain (using plural verb for respect).

Causative Verbs

Photo khinchwana (to have someone else take the photo).

Infinitive as Noun

Photo kheenchna achha hai (Taking photos is good).

Examples by Level

मैं फ़ोटो खींचता हूँ।

I take photos.

Simple present tense, masculine subject.

मेरी फ़ोटो खींचो।

Take my photo.

Imperative (command) form.

यह अच्छी फ़ोटो है।

This is a good photo.

Descriptive sentence.

क्या तुम फ़ोटो खींचते हो?

Do you take photos?

Interrogative present tense.

वह फ़ोटो खींचती है।

She takes photos.

Simple present tense, feminine subject.

यहाँ फ़ोटो खींचो।

Take a photo here.

Adverb of place + imperative.

एक फ़ोटो, प्लीज!

One photo, please!

Informal request.

माँ फ़ोटो खींच रही हैं।

Mother is taking a photo.

Present continuous with respect (honorific plural).

मैं फ़ोन से फ़ोटो खींच रहा हूँ।

I am taking a photo with a phone.

Present continuous with 'se' (instrumental).

क्या आप हमारी फ़ोटो खींच सकते हैं?

Can you take our photo?

Polite request using 'sakna' (can).

कल मैंने एक फ़ोटो खींची।

I took a photo yesterday.

Simple past tense with 'ne' particle.

उसे फ़ोटो खींचना पसंद है।

He/She likes taking photos.

Dative subject (use of 'ko' implied) with infinitive.

बच्चे फ़ोटो खींच रहे हैं।

The children are taking photos.

Masculine plural present continuous.

मेरी बहन बहुत फ़ोटो खींचती है।

My sister takes many photos.

Habitual present tense.

क्या तुमने फ़ोटो खींची?

Did you take a photo?

Past tense question.

हम यहाँ फ़ोटो नहीं खींच सकते।

We cannot take photos here.

Negative modal 'sakna'.

मैंने ताजमहल के सामने अपनी फ़ोटो खिंचवाई।

I had my photo taken in front of the Taj Mahal.

Causative verb 'khinchwana'.

जब सूरज डूब रहा था, तब मैंने फ़ोटो खींची।

I took a photo when the sun was setting.

Complex sentence with 'jab...tab'.

उसने मेरी बहुत सारी बेकार फ़ोटो खींचीं।

He/She took many useless photos of me.

Plural feminine agreement in past tense.

फ़ोटो खींचते समय कैमरा मत हिलाओ।

Don't shake the camera while taking a photo.

Participle 'kheenchte samay' (while taking).

क्या आपको फ़ोटो खींचने का शौक है?

Do you have a hobby of taking photos?

Genitive 'ke' + 'shauk'.

मैंने उसकी फ़ोटो बिना पूछे खींची।

I took his/her photo without asking.

Adverbial phrase 'bina poochhe'.

वह अच्छी फ़ोटो खींचने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is trying to take a good photo.

Compound verb 'koshish karna'.

मेरी माँ को फ़ोटो खिंचवाना पसंद नहीं है।

My mother doesn't like having her photo taken.

Causative infinitive as object.

अगर रोशनी अच्छी होती, तो मैं और फ़ोटो खींचता।

If the light were good, I would have taken more photos.

Conditional mood.

उसने इस तरह फ़ोटो खींची कि सब दंग रह गए।

He took the photo in such a way that everyone was stunned.

Resultative clause with 'ki'.

फ़ोटो खींचने से पहले लेंस साफ़ कर लेना चाहिए।

One should clean the lens before taking a photo.

Obligation with 'chahiye'.

वह फ़ोटो खींचने में इतना मग्न था कि उसे समय का पता ही नहीं चला।

He was so engrossed in taking photos that he didn't realize the time.

Adjective 'magn' (engrossed).

जैसे ही उसने फ़ोटो खींची, पक्षी उड़ गया।

As soon as he took the photo, the bird flew away.

Correlative 'jaise hi...waise hi'.

मुझे पुरानी इमारतों की फ़ोटो खींचना बहुत रोमांचक लगता है।

I find taking photos of old buildings very exciting.

Verb phrase as subject of 'lagna'.

बिना अनुमति के किसी की फ़ोटो खींचना गलत है।

It is wrong to take someone's photo without permission.

Formal moral statement.

उसने अपनी पूरी यात्रा के दौरान हज़ारों फ़ोटो खींचीं।

He took thousands of photos throughout his journey.

Postposition 'ke dauran' (during).

फ़ोटो खींचना केवल एक तकनीक नहीं, बल्कि एक कला है।

Taking photos is not just a technique, but an art.

Contrastive 'nahi balki' structure.

उसने अपनी यादों को फ़ोटो खींचकर सहेज लिया।

He preserved his memories by taking photos.

Conjunctive participle 'kheenchkar'.

आजकल हर कोई फ़ोटो खींचने में व्यस्त है, पर कोई पल को जी नहीं रहा।

Nowadays everyone is busy taking photos, but no one is living the moment.

Social commentary.

उसने युद्ध की ऐसी फ़ोटो खींचीं जो इतिहास बन गईं।

He took such photos of the war that they became history.

Relative clause 'jo'.

यद्यपि वह पेशेवर नहीं है, फिर भी वह कमाल की फ़ोटो खींचता है।

Although he is not a professional, he still takes amazing photos.

Concessive 'yadyapi...phir bhi'.

फ़ोटो खींचने की उसकी शैली सबसे अलग और प्रभावशाली है।

His style of taking photos is unique and impactful.

Abstract noun 'shaili' (style).

कैमरा उठाते ही वह हर चीज़ की फ़ोटो खींचने लगता है।

As soon as he picks up the camera, he starts taking photos of everything.

Inceptive 'lagne lagna'.

उसने गरीबी की फ़ोटो खींचकर समाज का असली चेहरा दिखाया।

By taking photos of poverty, he showed the true face of society.

Participle used for instrumental purpose.

फ़ोटो खींचने की लत ने मानवीय संवेदनाओं को कहीं पीछे छोड़ दिया है।

The addiction to taking photos has left human sensibilities far behind.

High-level philosophical subject.

उसकी खींची हुई फ़ोटो में एक अजीब सा सन्नाटा पसरा हुआ था।

In the photo he had taken, a strange silence was spread.

Adjectival participle 'kheenchi hui'.

क्या फ़ोटो खींचना वास्तविकता को चुराने के समान है?

Is taking a photo akin to stealing reality?

Abstract comparison 'ke samaan'.

उसने प्रकृति के अंतर्मन की फ़ोटो खींचने का दुस्साहस किया।

He had the audacity to try and take a photo of nature's inner soul.

Sanskritized vocabulary 'antarmaan', 'dussahas'.

बिना प्रकाश के फ़ोटो खींचना वैसा ही है जैसे बिना शब्दों के कविता लिखना।

Taking a photo without light is like writing poetry without words.

Complex metaphor.

उसने क्षणभंगुरता को फ़ोटो खींचकर अमर कर दिया।

He made the ephemeral immortal by taking a photo.

Philosophical concept 'kshanbhangurta'.

डिजिटल क्रांति ने फ़ोटो खींचने के मायने ही बदल दिए हैं।

The digital revolution has changed the very meaning of taking photos.

Sociological impact statement.

वह केवल फ़ोटो नहीं खींचता, वह प्रकाश के साथ खेलता है।

He doesn't just take photos; he plays with light.

Rhetorical contrast.

Synonyms

तस्वीर लेना तस्वीर उतारना क्लिक करना छायाचित्रण करना चित्र लेना स्नैप लेना कैप्चर करना फ़ोटो उतारना

Antonyms

फ़ोटो मिटाना फ़ोटो नष्ट करना फ़ोटो छुपाना कैमरा बंद करना

Common Collocations

अच्छी फ़ोटो खींचना

चुपके से फ़ोटो खींचना

फ़ोन से फ़ोटो खींचना

ग्रुप फ़ोटो खींचना

सेल्फ़ी खींचना

मुस्कुराते हुए फ़ोटो खींचना

शादी की फ़ोटो खींचना

प्रकृति की फ़ोटो खींचना

साफ़ फ़ोटो खींचना

ज़ूम करके फ़ोटो खींचना

Common Phrases

फ़ोटो खींचने का शौकीन

— Someone who is fond of taking photos.

मेरा भाई फ़ोटो खींचने का शौकीन है।

यहाँ फ़ोटो खींचना मना है

— Photography is prohibited here.

मंदिर के अंदर फ़ोटो खींचना मना है।

मेरी एक फ़ोटो खींच दो

— Take a photo of me.

भैया, मेरी एक फ़ोटो खींच दो।

साथ में फ़ोटो खींचना

— To take a photo together.

हमें साथ में फ़ोटो खींचनी चाहिए।

बचपन की फ़ोटो खींचना

— To take photos during childhood.

उसने मेरे बचपन की बहुत फ़ोटो खींचीं।

कैमरे से फ़ोटो खींचना

— To take a photo with a camera.

वह नए कैमरे से फ़ोटो खींच रहा है।

बिना पूछे फ़ोटो खींचना

— Taking a photo without asking.

बिना पूछे फ़ोटो खींचना बदतमीजी है।

अच्छी यादों की फ़ोटो खींचना

— Taking photos of good memories.

हम अपनी अच्छी यादों की फ़ोटो खींचते हैं।

प्रोफ़ेशनल फ़ोटो खींचना

— To take professional photos.

वह प्रोफ़ेशनल फ़ोटो खींचना जानता है।

फ़ोटो खींचने की अनुमति

— Permission to take photos.

क्या मुझे फ़ोटो खींचने की अनुमति है?

Often Confused With

फ़ोटो खींचना vs फ़ोटो लेना

Understood, but 'kheenchna' is more idiomatic in Hindi.

फ़ोटो खींचना vs चित्र बनाना

Means 'to draw/paint a picture' by hand, not with a camera.

फ़ोटो खींचना vs वीडियो बनाना

Used for moving images/videos, never use 'kheenchna' for video.

Idioms & Expressions

"दिमाग में फ़ोटो खींचना"

— To memorize something perfectly as if taking a picture.

मैंने उस दृश्य की अपने दिमाग में फ़ोटो खींच ली।

Metaphorical

"नज़रों से फ़ोटो खींचना"

— To look at someone/something so intently that you capture the image in your mind.

वह उसे नज़रों से फ़ोटो खींच रहा था।

Literary

"फ़ोटो खींचना (slang)"

— Sometimes used to mean 'to catch someone in a lie' or 'to expose someone' in specific contexts.

आज मैंने उसकी फ़ोटो खींच ली (exposed him).

Slang

"पल को खींचना"

— To capture a moment (often associated with photography).

उसने उस खुशी के पल को खींच लिया।

Poetic

"यादों को खींचना"

— To bring back or capture memories.

पुरानी फ़ोटो यादों को खींच लाती हैं।

Poetic

"ज़िंदगी की फ़ोटो"

— A snapshot of life.

यह फ़िल्म ज़िंदगी की फ़ोटो है।

Metaphorical

"सपनों की फ़ोटो खींचना"

— To visualize dreams clearly.

वह अपने सपनों की फ़ोटो खींच रहा है।

Abstract

"चेहरे की फ़ोटो खींचना"

— To read someone's face.

मैंने उसके उदास चेहरे की फ़ोटो खींच ली।

Metaphorical

"वक्त की फ़ोटो"

— A capture of time.

इतिहास वक्त की फ़ोटो खींचता है।

Philosophical

"सच्चाई की फ़ोटो खींचना"

— To reveal the truth through imagery.

उसकी पत्रकारिता सच्चाई की फ़ोटो खींचती है।

Journalistic

Easily Confused

फ़ोटो खींचना vs खींचना (kheenchna)

Literal meaning is 'to pull'.

In the context of photos, it specifically means 'to take/capture'.

रस्सी खींचो (Pull the rope) vs फ़ोटो खींचो (Take a photo).

फ़ोटो खींचना vs लेना (lena)

Direct translation of 'to take'.

Less common for photos than 'kheenchna'.

चाय लो (Take tea) vs फ़ोटो खींचो (Take a photo).

फ़ोटो खींचना vs बनाना (banana)

Translation of 'to make'.

Used for videos or paintings, not photos.

वीडियो बनाओ (Make a video).

फ़ोटो खींचना vs उतारना (utaarna)

Means 'to take off' or 'to descend'.

Used formally with 'tasveer' to mean 'to capture'.

कपड़े उतारो (Take off clothes) vs तस्वीर उतारो (Capture a picture).

फ़ोटो खींचना vs पकड़ना (pakadna)

Means 'to catch/hold'.

You hold a camera, but you 'pull' a photo.

कैमरा पकड़ो (Hold the camera).

Sentence Patterns

मैं [Object] खींचता हूँ।

मैं फ़ोटो खींचता हूँ।

क्या आप [Object] खींच सकते हैं?

क्या आप फ़ोटो खींच सकते हैं?

मैंने [Object] खींची।

मैंने फ़ोटो खींची।

[Subject] को [Action] पसंद है।

मुझे फ़ोटो खींचना पसंद है।

जब [Condition], तब मैंने खींची।

जब मैं वहाँ था, तब मैंने फ़ोटो खींची।

[Action] के बजाय [Alternative]।

फ़ोटो खींचने के बजाय नज़ारे का आनंद लें।

[Participle] हुए [Action]।

हँसते हुए फ़ोटो खींचना अच्छा लगता है।

[Noun] की [Action] की कला।

प्रकृति की फ़ोटो खींचने की कला अद्भुत है।

Word Family

Nouns

फ़ोटो (photo)

फ़ोटोग्राफ़र (photographer)

फ़ोटोग्राफ़ी (photography)

खींच (pull/tension)

Verbs

खींचना (to pull/take)

खिंचवाना (to cause to be taken)

खिंचना (to be pulled/taken)

Adjectives

फ़ोटो खींचने वाला (photogenic/photographer)

खींचा हुआ (pulled/taken)

कैमरा (camera)

तस्वीर (picture)

लेंस (lens)

फ्लैश (flash)

सेल्फी (selfie)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and travel.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kheencha' for a single photo. → खींची (kheenchi)
Since 'photo' is feminine, the verb must agree. 'Maine photo kheenchi' is correct.
Saying 'Main photo kheencha'. → मैंने फ़ोटो खींची (Maine photo kheenchi)
In the past tense, the subject 'Main' needs the 'ne' particle, becoming 'मैंने'.
Using 'kheenchna' for videos. → वीडियो बनाना (video banana)
You 'pull' (kheenchna) a still photo, but you 'make' (banana) a moving video.
Pronouncing 'kheenchna' as 'keench-na'. → खींचना (kheenchna)
The 'kh' is aspirated. Without the breath, it sounds like a different word or simply incorrect.
Confusing 'kheenchna' with 'khinchwana'. → Use 'kheenchna' for taking, 'khinchwana' for having taken.
If you want someone to take your photo, you are 'khinchwaing' it.

Tips

Past Tense Agreement

Always remember that in 'Maine photo kheenchi', the 'i' ending is because 'photo' is feminine. If you took many photos, it's 'kheenchin'.

Asking Strangers

When asking someone to take your photo, use 'kya aap meri photo kheench sakte hain?' It is polite and effective.

Digital vs. Film

The phrase 'photo kheenchna' applies to both digital smartphones and old film cameras. It's a versatile term.

Aspiration Matters

The 'kh' in 'kheenchna' is aspirated. Practice blowing a little air out when you say the 'kh' sound.

Nasalization

Don't forget the dot (bindu) over the 'ee' in 'kheenchna' (खींचना) and 'kheenchin' (खींचीं) for correct spelling and pronunciation.

Group Photos

In India, people love group photos. Use 'Chalo, group photo kheenchte hain' to break the ice with a new group of friends.

Phone Settings

If you set your phone language to Hindi, you will see 'फ़ोटो लें' or 'फ़ोटो खींचें' in the camera app.

Avoid 'Banana'

Never say 'photo banana' unless you are literally creating a photo from scratch in a darkroom or digital art.

Context Clues

If you hear 'kheencho', look around; someone is likely posing for a photo or needs help taking one.

Action Link

Perform the action of 'pulling' something towards you while saying 'kheenchna' to lock the meaning in your brain.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'pulling' (kheenchna) the image out of the air into your camera. You 'pull' a photo.

Visual Association

Imagine a photographer in the 1920s pulling a black cloth over their head and pulling a lever to take a photo.

Word Web

Camera Lens Smile Memory Shutter Flash Instagram Selfie

Challenge

Try to say 'I took a photo' in Hindi every time you take a picture on your phone today.

Word Origin

Compound of English 'photo' and Hindi 'kheenchna'. 'Photo' is short for photograph (Greek: light + writing). 'Kheenchna' comes from Sanskrit 'kṛṣ' (to draw/pull).

Original meaning: To draw a likeness using light.

Indo-European (English/Sanskrit mix).

Cultural Context

Always ask before taking photos of people, especially women, children, or religious ceremonies. Some temples strictly forbid 'photo kheenchna'.

In English, we 'take' a photo. In Hindi, we 'pull' it. This difference in metaphor is key to sounding native.

The song 'Selfie Le Le Re' from Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The constant 'pout' culture in Indian celebrity Instagrams. National Geographic's famous 'Afghan Girl' photo taken in a refugee camp.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

मेरी फ़ोटो खींच दो
यहाँ फ़ोटो खींचना मना है?
एक और फ़ोटो खींचो
अच्छी लोकेशन

Social Media

फ़ोटो अपलोड करना
फ़िल्टर लगाना
टैग करना
कैप्शन लिखना

Family Events

ग्रुप फ़ोटो
सब साथ आओ
हँसो!
एक और बार

Photography Hobby

लेंस बदलना
फोकस करना
लाइट कम है
ट्राइपॉड

Professional

पोर्ट्रेट खींचना
शूट करना
क्लाइंट
एडिटिंग

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको फ़ोटो खींचना पसंद है?"

"आप आमतौर पर किस चीज़ की फ़ोटो खींचते हैं?"

"क्या मैं आपकी एक फ़ोटो खींच सकता हूँ?"

"आपकी खींची हुई सबसे अच्छी फ़ोटो कौन सी है?"

"क्या आप मुझे फ़ोटो खींचना सिखा सकते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किस चीज़ की फ़ोटो खींची और क्यों?

अगर आपको केवल एक फ़ोटो खींचने का मौका मिले, तो आप क्या खींचेंगे?

फ़ोटो खींचना आपकी यादों को कैसे सुरक्षित रखता है?

क्या आपको लगता है कि लोग आजकल बहुत ज़्यादा फ़ोटो खींचते हैं?

अपने पसंदीदा फ़ोटोग्राफ़र के बारे में लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In standard Hindi, 'photo' is treated as a feminine noun, largely because it is a synonym for the feminine word 'tasveer'. Therefore, you say 'photo kheenchi' (feminine past) rather than 'photo kheencha'.

Yes, 'photo lena' is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, 'photo kheenchna' is the more natural, idiomatic expression used by native speakers in most parts of India.

'Kheenchna' means you are taking the photo yourself. 'Khinchwana' is the causative form, meaning you are having someone else take your photo (e.g., 'I am getting my photo taken').

You can say 'सेल्फ़ी खींचो' (Selfie kheencho) or 'सेल्फ़ी लो' (Selfie lo). Both are very common in modern Hindi.

Historically, early cameras required pulling a lever or cord to operate the shutter. The language adapted this physical action into the standard verb for photography.

Yes, in the past tense (Perfective aspect), you must use 'ne' with the subject (e.g., 'Maine photo kheenchi') because 'kheenchna' is a transitive verb.

In casual speech, 'photo' remains 'photo'. In formal grammar, the plural is 'फ़ोटो' (oblique: फ़ोटोओं). The verb changes to reflect plurality in the past: 'खींचीं'.

Many temples strictly prohibit 'photo kheenchna' inside the sanctum. Always look for signs that say 'फ़ोटो खींचना मना है' or ask a guard first.

'Tasveer' is an Urdu-origin word for picture/photo. It is more formal and poetic than 'photo'. You can use 'tasveer kheenchna' or 'tasveer lena'.

You say 'मेरी फ़ोटो मत खींचो' (Meri photo mat kheencho).