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गहरा

A1 adjective #3,500 most common 8 min read

गहरा

gehra Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips गहरा in 30 Seconds

Explanation गहरा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'गहरा' (Gahra) primarily as a physical description for objects like wells, swimming pools, or simple colors. Think of it as the direct opposite of 'shallow' or 'light' (in color). You will use it in simple Subject-Adjective-Verb sentences. Focus on the physical world: 'The water is deep' or 'I want dark blue'. At this stage, don't worry too much about abstract meanings; just focus on basic physical depth and basic colors. Remember that it changes to 'गहरी' (Gahri) for feminine things like 'नदी' (river).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'गहरा' to describe more common experiences like sleep and simple emotions. You will learn the phrase 'गहरी नींद' (deep sleep) and 'गहरी दोस्ती' (deep friendship). You should also be comfortable using it with common colors to distinguish between shades (e.g., 'गहरा हरा' vs 'हल्का हरा'). You will start using it in slightly more complex sentences with conjunctions like 'क्योंकि' (because). You should also notice how the word changes to 'गहरे' in the oblique case, such as 'गहरे पानी में' (in deep water).

At the B1 level, you move into the realm of 'intensity' and 'impact'. You can use 'गहरा' to describe the effect something has on you, like 'गहरा असर' (deep impact/influence). You will use it to describe abstract nouns like 'विचार' (thought) or 'सांस' (breath). You are expected to understand the difference between 'गहरा' (dark/intense) and 'अंधेरा' (darkness/lack of light). You can also start using the verb form 'गहराना' (to deepen) to describe situations like a crisis or a relationship becoming more serious.

At the B2 level, you use 'गहरा' with more sophisticated vocabulary. You might describe a 'गहरा संकट' (deep crisis) or 'गहरा घाव' (deep wound - both literal and metaphorical). You should be able to appreciate the nuance of 'गहरा' in literature and news reports. You will use it to describe complex shades of meaning, such as 'गहरा रहस्य' (deep mystery). At this stage, you should be fluent in adjusting the adjective for gender and case without thinking, and you can use it to add descriptive flair to your writing and speaking.

At the C1 level, you understand the poetic and philosophical weight of 'गहरा'. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'अथाह' (unfathomable) or 'गंभीर' (grave/serious) in nuanced contexts. You might use it in academic discussions about 'गहरा चिंतन' (profound reflection) or 'गहरा विश्लेषण' (deep analysis). You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word to convey subtle shades of character or atmosphere. Your usage reflects an understanding of how 'गहरा' contributes to the 'rasa' (essence/flavor) of a sentence.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'गहरा'. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as discussing 'गहरी संरचना' (deep structure) in linguistics or 'गहरा पारिस्थितिकी' (deep ecology). You can play with the word in creative writing, using its multiple layers (physical, emotional, color, intensity) to create metaphors. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with other Sanskrit-derived terms to create high-register Hindi. You can effortlessly switch between its literal and most abstract applications in any formal or informal setting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

गहरा in 30 Seconds

Gahra means 'deep' for physical spaces like wells or rivers.
It means 'dark' when describing colors like blue, red, or green.
It describes 'intense' or 'profound' things like sleep, friendship, or thoughts.
The feminine form is 'Gahri' and the oblique/plural form is 'Gahre'.

The Hindi word गहरा (Gahra) is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to 'deep' in English. However, its application in Hindi is much broader than just physical depth. While you would certainly use it to describe a deep well or a deep ocean, it is equally common to find it describing the intensity of colors, the profoundness of human emotions, the darkness of a night, or even the soundness of one's sleep. Understanding 'गहरा' requires looking beyond the literal vertical distance from a surface and embracing the concept of intensity and significance.

Physical Depth: This is the most literal use. It describes objects or spaces that extend far downwards. Examples include a गहरा गड्ढा (deep hole), गहरी नदी (deep river), or गहरा बर्तन (deep vessel). It is the direct equivalent of the English 'deep' in a spatial context.
Intensity of Color: In Hindi, 'गहरा' is the standard way to say 'dark' when referring to colors. If you want to say 'dark blue,' you say गहरा नीला. For 'dark red,' it is गहरा लाल. It signifies a high concentration of pigment or a shade that is closer to black than white.
Abstract and Emotional Depth: This word is used to describe serious or profound internal states. A गहरा विचार is a deep thought, while गहरा दुख represents profound grief. It suggests that the feeling or thought is not superficial but rooted deep within the psyche.

समुद्र यहाँ बहुत गहरा है, इसलिए सावधानी से तैरें। (The sea is very deep here, so swim carefully.)

मुझे गहरा हरा रंग पसंद है। (I like the dark green color.)

उन दोनों के बीच गहरी दोस्ती है। (There is a deep friendship between those two.)

वह गहरी नींद में सोया हुआ है। (He is sleeping in a deep sleep.)

इस बात का मुझ पर गहरा असर पड़ा। (This matter had a deep impact on me.)

When you encounter 'गहरा', always check the noun it modifies. If it is a color, think 'dark'. If it is a physical space, think 'deep'. If it is an emotion or a social connection, think 'profound' or 'intense'. This word is a pillar of Hindi description, allowing speakers to add layers of meaning to otherwise simple observations. Whether you are describing the weather (गहरा कोहरा - thick/deep fog) or a wound (गहरा घाव - deep wound), this adjective provides the necessary weight to your sentence.

Using गहरा (Gahra) correctly in a sentence involves understanding Hindi's gender and number agreement for adjectives. As an 'ā-ending' adjective, it is declinable, meaning its suffix changes based on the noun it qualifies. This is the most crucial grammatical aspect for learners to master.

Masculine Singular: Use 'गहरा' (Gahra) for masculine singular nouns. For example: गहरा कुआँ (Deep well). If the noun is in an oblique case (followed by a postposition), 'गहरा' changes to 'गहरे'. Example: गहरे कुएँ में (In the deep well).
Masculine Plural: Use 'गहरे' (Gahre) for masculine plural nouns. For example: गहरे गड्ढे (Deep holes). This form remains 'गहरे' even in the oblique plural. Example: गहरे गड्ढों में (In the deep holes).
Feminine (Singular and Plural): Use 'गहरी' (Gahri) for all feminine nouns, regardless of number or case. Examples: गहरी नदी (Deep river), गहरी नदियाँ (Deep rivers), गहरी दोस्ती (Deep friendship).

In terms of sentence structure, 'गहरा' usually precedes the noun it describes, acting as an attributive adjective. However, it can also function as a predicative adjective, appearing after the noun and before the verb 'to be'.

नदी बहुत गहरी है। (The river is very deep.) - Predicative use.

उसने एक गहरा सांस लिया। (He took a deep breath.) - Attributive use.

When using 'गहरा' to describe colors in a sentence, it often acts as a compound adjective. For instance, in 'मुझे गहरा नीला स्वेटर चाहिए' (I want a dark blue sweater), 'गहरा' modifies 'नीला', and together they modify 'स्वेटर'. Note that while 'गहरा' can change to 'गहरी' if the color itself is treated as a feminine noun (which is rare), usually it stays in the masculine form when modifying another adjective like 'नीला' or 'लाल'. However, if you say 'दीवार का रंग गहरा है' (The wall's color is dark), 'गहरा' agrees with 'रंग' (masculine).

The word गहरा (Gahra) is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, spanning from formal news broadcasts to casual street conversations and emotional Bollywood dialogues. Its versatility makes it a favorite for adding gravitas to a situation.

In News and Media: Journalists frequently use 'गहरा' to describe the severity of a crisis or the intensity of a conflict. You might hear: 'आर्थिक संकट गहराता जा रहा है' (The economic crisis is deepening). Here, the verb form 'गहराना' (to deepen) is used. It is also used in weather reports to describe 'गहरा कोहरा' (dense fog) during North Indian winters.
In Bollywood and Music: Songs are filled with 'गहरी' emotions. Phrases like 'गहरी तन्हाई' (deep loneliness) or 'गहरी आँखें' (deep/soulful eyes) are common poetic tropes. A famous movie title, 'Gehraiyaan' (Depths), directly uses the abstract noun form of this word to explore the complexities of modern relationships.
Daily Life and Shopping: When shopping for clothes or paint, you will use 'गहरा' constantly. 'क्या आपके पास इससे गहरा शेड है?' (Do you have a darker shade than this?) is a standard question. In the kitchen, a cook might ask for a 'गहरा बर्तन' (deep pot) to boil milk.

फिल्म की कहानी बहुत गहरी है। (The movie's story is very deep/profound.)

Whether you are listening to a philosophical discourse on the 'गहरे राज' (deep secrets) of the universe or simply talking about the 'गहरी खाई' (deep abyss) in a mountain trek, the word 'गहरा' serves as a bridge between the physical and the metaphorical. Its frequent use in expressions like 'गहरी सांस' (deep breath) for relaxation or 'गहरी नींद' (deep sleep) for health makes it an essential part of the Hindi vocabulary for well-being and daily existence.

Even though गहरा (Gahra) seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'deep' or 'dark' into Hindi. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Confusing 'Dark' (Color) vs. 'Dark' (Light): In English, 'dark' can mean a dark color or a lack of light. In Hindi, 'गहरा' is only for color intensity. If you want to say 'It is dark in the room' (lack of light), you must use अंधेरा (Andhera), not 'गहरा'. Saying 'कमरे में गहरा है' is incorrect; it should be 'कमरे में अंधेरा है'.
Gender Disagreement: Many learners forget to change 'गहरा' to 'गहरी' for feminine nouns. A common mistake is saying 'गहरा नींद' instead of the correct गहरी नींद. Since 'नींद' (sleep) is feminine, the adjective must match.
Using 'Gahra' for 'Heavy': In English, we sometimes say 'deep voice'. While 'गहरी आवाज़' is understood, native speakers often prefer भारी आवाज़ (Bhaari aawaaz) meaning 'heavy/thick voice'. Similarly, for 'deep traffic,' Hindi uses भारी ट्रैफिक.

Incorrect: यह कुआँ बहुत ~~गहरी~~ है।
Correct: यह कुआँ बहुत गहरा है। (The well is masculine.)

Another subtle mistake is using 'गहरा' for 'thick' in contexts where गाढ़ा (Gaadha) is more appropriate. For liquids like milk or soup, 'thick' is 'गाढ़ा'. If you say 'गहरा दूध', it sounds like the milk has a deep color, not that it is creamy or thick in consistency. Use 'गहरा' for the spatial or color dimension, and 'गाढ़ा' for the density of liquids.

While गहरा (Gahra) is the most common word for 'deep', Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances depending on the context.

गंभीर (Gambhir): This word is often translated as 'serious' or 'grave'. While 'गहरा' can describe a deep thought, 'गंभीर' is used for a serious situation, a grave illness, or a person with a serious temperament. It carries a sense of weight and importance rather than just physical depth.
अथाह (Athah): This is a more poetic and extreme version of deep. It literally means 'bottomless' or 'unfathomable' (a-thah, where 'thah' means bottom/limit). You use this for the ocean or for infinite love: अथाह प्रेम.
सघन (Saghan): Meaning 'dense' or 'thick', this is used for forests (सघन वन) or clouds. While you can say 'गहरा जंगल', 'सघन जंगल' specifically emphasizes how closely the trees are packed together.

Comparison:
1. गहरा नीला: Dark blue (Color).
2. गंभीर मामला: A serious matter (Situation).
3. अथाह सागर: The bottomless ocean (Poetic).

When describing a 'deep' hole or cavity, खोखला (Khokhla) might be relevant if the object is 'hollow'. If you are talking about 'deep' inside something, भीतरी (Bheetari) or आंतरिक (Aantarik) meaning 'internal' might be better choices. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are emphasizing the distance from the top (गहरा), the lack of a bottom (अथाह), the seriousness (गंभीर), or the density (सघन).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"इस योजना के गहरे निहितार्थ हैं।"

Neutral

"यह कुआँ गहरा है।"

Informal

"भाई, गहरी दोस्ती है हमारी!"

Child friendly

"देखो, गहरा नीला आसमान!"

Slang

"उसने बड़ा गहरा हाथ मारा है आज।"

Fun Fact

The word 'Gabhira' in Sanskrit was often used to describe the roar of a lion or the sound of thunder, signifying something 'deep' in tone as well.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡəɦ.ɾɑː/

US /ɡəh.rɑ/

The stress is slightly on the second syllable 'ra'.

Rhymes With

हरा (Hara - Green) भरा (Bhara - Full) डरा (Dara - Scared) मरा (Mara - Dead) खरा (Khara - Pure) पर (Para - Other) ज़रा (Zara - A little) खरा (Khara - Upright)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' too strongly like 'ga-HA-ra'.
Using an American curled 'r' instead of a tap.
Making the 'a' in 'gah' too long like 'gaah-ra'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it is a common word.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering gender agreement (Gahra vs Gahri).

Speaking 2/5

The tapped 'r' and breathy 'h' need practice for perfect pronunciation.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

नीला (Blue) पानी (Water) बड़ा (Big) नींद (Sleep) दोस्त (Friend)

Learn Next

गहराई (Depth) गहराना (To deepen) हल्का (Light/Mild) उथला (Shallow) गंभीर (Serious)

Advanced

अथाह (Bottomless) गूढ़ (Mysterious) प्रगाढ़ (Intense) निहितार्थ (Implications)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

गहरा (M), गहरी (F), गहरे (Plural/Oblique).

Oblique Case

गहरे कुएँ में (In the deep well) - Gahra becomes Gahre before postpositions.

Compound Adjectives

गहरा लाल (Dark red) - intensity modifier.

Abstract Noun Formation

गहरा + ई = गहराई (Depth).

Intransitive Verb Formation

गहरा + आना = गहराना (To deepen).

Examples by Level

यह कुआँ बहुत गहरा है।

This well is very deep.

Gahra (masculine) agrees with Kuan (masculine).

मुझे गहरा नीला पेन चाहिए।

I want a dark blue pen.

Gahra modifies the color Neela.

नदी यहाँ गहरी नहीं है।

The river is not deep here.

Gahri (feminine) agrees with Nadi (feminine).

यह थाली गहरी है।

This plate/vessel is deep.

Gahri agrees with Thali (feminine).

क्या पानी गहरा है?

Is the water deep?

Interrogative sentence using Gahra.

मेरे पास गहरा लाल कुर्ता है।

I have a dark red kurta.

Gahra used for color intensity.

वह गहरा गड्ढा देखो।

Look at that deep hole.

Gahra used as an attributive adjective.

समुद्र गहरा होता है।

The sea is deep.

General statement about the sea (masculine).

बच्चा गहरी नींद में है।

The child is in a deep sleep.

Gahri agrees with Neend (feminine).

उनकी दोस्ती बहुत गहरी है।

Their friendship is very deep.

Gahri agrees with Dosti (feminine).

गहरे पानी में मत जाओ।

Do not go into deep water.

Gahre is the oblique form of Gahra before 'mein'.

उसने एक गहरी सांस ली।

He/She took a deep breath.

Saans (breath) is feminine in this context.

मुझे गहरे रंग के कपड़े पसंद हैं।

I like dark-colored clothes.

Gahre is masculine plural to match Rang (colors).

इस जंगल में गहरा अंधेरा है।

There is deep darkness in this forest.

Here Gahra emphasizes the intensity of Andhera.

यह कटोरी काफी गहरी है।

This bowl is quite deep.

Katori is feminine.

गहरे नीले आसमान को देखो।

Look at the dark blue sky.

Oblique form before 'ko'.

उसकी बातों का मुझ पर गहरा असर हुआ।

His words had a deep impact on me.

Asar (impact) is masculine.

वह किसी गहरे विचार में डूबा है।

He is immersed in some deep thought.

Vichaar (thought) is masculine; oblique form used.

दोनों देशों के बीच गहरा संकट है।

There is a deep crisis between the two countries.

Sankat (crisis) is masculine.

उसने गहरी निराशा व्यक्त की।

He expressed deep disappointment.

Niraasha (disappointment) is feminine.

घाव काफी गहरा है, डॉक्टर को दिखाओ।

The wound is quite deep, show it to a doctor.

Ghaav (wound) is masculine.

शहर पर गहरा कोहरा छाया हुआ है।

Deep fog is spread over the city.

Kohra (fog) is masculine.

यह एक गहरा रहस्य है।

This is a deep mystery.

Rahasya (mystery) is masculine.

वह गहरी चिंता में है।

She is in deep worry.

Chinta (worry) is feminine.

उसकी आँखों में एक गहरा दर्द था।

There was a deep pain in his eyes.

Dard (pain) is masculine.

यह फिल्म मानवीय स्वभाव की गहरी समझ देती है।

This film gives a deep understanding of human nature.

Samajh (understanding) is feminine.

नदी की गहराई मापना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to measure the depth of the river.

Gahraayi is the abstract noun 'depth'.

उनके संबंधों में अब गहरी दरार आ गई है।

A deep rift has now appeared in their relationship.

Daraar (rift/crack) is feminine.

गहरा अध्ययन करने के बाद ही निर्णय लें।

Decide only after doing a deep study.

Adhyayan (study) is masculine.

यह रंग बहुत गहरा और पक्का है।

This color is very deep and fast (durable).

Describing quality of color.

उसने अपनी गहरी भावनाओं को छुपाया।

He hid his deep emotions.

Bhaavna (emotion) is feminine plural.

समस्या की जड़ें बहुत गहरी हैं।

The roots of the problem are very deep.

Jadein (roots) is feminine plural.

लेखक ने समाज की बुराइयों पर गहरा कटाक्ष किया है।

The author has made a deep/sharp satire on social evils.

Kataaksh (satire) is masculine.

यह विषय गहरी शोध की मांग करता है।

This subject demands deep research.

Shodh (research) is feminine.

उनकी बातों में गहरा दार्शनिक अर्थ छिपा है।

A deep philosophical meaning is hidden in his words.

Arth (meaning) is masculine.

उसने अपनी कला में गहरे रंगों का प्रयोग किया है।

He has used deep colors in his art.

Gahre matches Rang (plural).

वहाँ का सांस्कृतिक प्रभाव बहुत गहरा है।

The cultural influence there is very deep.

Prabhaav (influence) is masculine.

गहरी शांति के लिए ध्यान ज़रूरी है।

Meditation is necessary for deep peace.

Shaanti (peace) is feminine.

यह एक गहरा राजनीतिक खेल है।

This is a deep political game.

Khel (game) is masculine.

उसकी आवाज़ में एक गहरा ठहराव है।

There is a deep poise/stillness in his voice.

Thahraav (stillness) is masculine.

अस्तित्ववाद की गहरी परतों को समझना कठिन है।

It is difficult to understand the deep layers of existentialism.

Parat (layer) is feminine plural.

कविता की पंक्तियों में गहरा वैराग्य झलकता है।

A deep detachment is reflected in the lines of the poem.

Vairaagya (detachment) is masculine.

यह विश्लेषण मुद्दे के गहरे आयामों को उजागर करता है।

This analysis highlights the deep dimensions of the issue.

Aayaam (dimension) is masculine plural.

वैज्ञानिक ब्रह्मांड के गहरे रहस्यों की खोज कर रहे हैं।

Scientists are searching for the deep secrets of the universe.

Rahasya (secrets) is masculine plural.

उसकी भक्ति में एक गहरा समर्पण था।

There was a deep surrender in his devotion.

Samarpan (surrender) is masculine.

यह उपन्यास मानव चेतना की गहरी पड़ताल करता है।

This novel does a deep investigation of human consciousness.

Padaatal (investigation) is feminine.

गहरे पानी की शांति अक्सर तूफ़ान का संकेत होती है।

The stillness of deep water is often a sign of a storm.

Metaphorical and literal usage.

उसने जीवन के गहरे सत्यों का साक्षात्कार किया।

He realized/encountered the deep truths of life.

Satya (truth) is masculine plural.

Common Collocations

गहरी नींद

गहरी दोस्ती

गहरा नीला

गहरा असर

गहरी सांस

गहरा घाव

गहरा कुआँ

गहरा विचार

गहरा संकट

गहरा रहस्य

Common Phrases

गहरे पानी में उतरना

— To take a big risk or get into a complex situation.

सोच-समझकर ही इस गहरे पानी में उतरो।

गहरी पैठ बनाना

— To establish a deep reach or influence in a field.

उसने बाज़ार में गहरी पैठ बना ली है।

गहरा धक्का लगना

— To be deeply shocked or hurt.

खबर सुनकर उसे गहरा धक्का लगा।

गहरी छानबीन

— A deep or thorough investigation.

पुलिस गहरी छानबीन कर रही है।

गहरी चोट

— A deep injury (physical or emotional).

उसके दिल पर गहरी चोट लगी है।

गहरे रंग का

— Of a dark color.

मुझे गहरे रंग के कपड़े पसंद हैं।

गहरी रुचि

— Deep interest.

उसकी संगीत में गहरी रुचि है।

गहरी समझ

— Deep understanding.

उसे विषय की गहरी समझ है।

गहरा संबंध

— Deep connection/relation.

इन दोनों बातों में गहरा संबंध है।

गहरी खाई

— A deep abyss or canyon.

रास्ते में एक गहरी खाई थी।

Often Confused With

गहरा vs अंधेरा (Andhera)

Andhera is the noun for 'darkness' (lack of light), while Gahra is an adjective for 'dark' (intensity of color).

गहरा vs गाढ़ा (Gaadha)

Gaadha means 'thick' for liquids, while Gahra means 'deep' for space or 'dark' for color.

गहरा vs भारी (Bhaari)

Bhaari means 'heavy'. While 'deep voice' is 'bhaari aawaaz', 'deep water' is 'gahra paani'.

Idioms & Expressions

"गहरे पानी में होना"

— To be in deep trouble or a difficult situation.

बिना तैयारी के परीक्षा देना मतलब गहरे पानी में होना है।

Informal

"गहरी नींद सोना"

— To be completely unaware of what is happening around (often used critically).

जब घर में चोरी हो रही थी, तुम गहरी नींद सो रहे थे?

Neutral

"गहरा हाथ मारना"

— To make a large, often illicit, profit.

उसने इस सौदे में गहरा हाथ मारा है।

Slang/Colloquial

"गहरी छनना"

— To be very close friends (literally: to strain deeply together).

आजकल उन दोनों में गहरी छन रही है।

Informal

"गहरा रंग चढ़ना"

— To be deeply influenced by something or someone.

उस पर पाश्चात्य संस्कृति का गहरा रंग चढ़ा है।

Neutral

"गहरे गड्ढे में गिरना"

— To fall into a trap or a bad situation.

लालच के कारण वह गहरे गड्ढे में गिर गया।

Neutral

"गहरी सांस लेना"

— To feel relieved after a period of tension.

काम खत्म होने पर उसने गहरी सांस ली।

Neutral

"गहरा घाव देना"

— To hurt someone deeply emotionally.

तुम्हारी बातों ने उसे गहरा घाव दिया है।

Neutral

"गहरी जड़ें जमाना"

— To become firmly established.

भ्रष्टाचार ने समाज में गहरी जड़ें जमा ली हैं।

Formal

"गहरे उतरना"

— To go deep into a subject or meditation.

सच्चाई जानने के लिए गहरे उतरना पड़ता है।

Literary

Easily Confused

गहरा vs अंधेरा

Both translate to 'dark' in English.

Andhera is 'lack of light' (It is dark here). Gahra is 'intensity' (Dark blue).

कमरे में अंधेरा है, लेकिन मेरी कमीज का रंग गहरा नीला है।

गहरा vs गाढ़ा

Both can imply 'intensity'.

Gaadha is for viscosity (thick soup). Gahra is for depth or color.

सूप गाढ़ा है, लेकिन कटोरा गहरा है।

गहरा vs गंभीर

Both translate to 'deep' in abstract contexts.

Gambhir is 'serious/grave'. Gahra is 'profound/intense'.

वह एक गंभीर व्यक्ति है और गहरे विचार रखता है।

गहरा vs उथला

Opposite of Gahra.

Uthla is shallow. Used for water or character.

नदी यहाँ उथली है, वहाँ गहरी है।

गहरा vs सघन

Used for 'thick' forests.

Saghan is 'dense' (closely packed). Gahra is 'deep'.

सघन जंगल में गहरा अंधेरा था।

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + गहरा + है।

तालाब गहरा है।

मुझे + गहरा + [Color] + पसंद है।

मुझे गहरा हरा पसंद है।

[Noun] + का + गहरा + असर + हुआ।

दवा का गहरा असर हुआ।

वह + [Noun] + में + डूबा है।

वह गहरे विचार में डूबा है।

यह + [Noun] + गहरी + [Abstract Noun] + की मांग करता है।

यह काम गहरी मेहनत की मांग करता है।

[Topic] + की + गहरी + परतों + को + समझना।

इतिहास की गहरी परतों को समझना।

गहरी + [Feminine Noun]

गहरी नदी।

गहरे + [Masculine Plural Noun]

गहरे गड्ढे।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily speech and literature.

Common Mistakes

गहरा अंधेरा (for a room) → अंधेरा
Don't use 'गहरा' for lack of light; 'अंधेरा' is sufficient as a noun.
गहरा नींद → गहरी नींद
'Neend' (sleep) is feminine, so the adjective must be 'गहरी'.
गहरा पानी में → गहरे पानी में
Before the postposition 'में', 'गहरा' must change to its oblique form 'गहरे'.
गहरा दूध → गाढ़ा दूध
Use 'गाढ़ा' for the thickness of liquids, not 'गहरा'.
गहरी कुआँ → गहरा कुआँ
'Kuan' (well) is masculine, so it takes 'गहरा'.

Tips

Check the Noun Gender

Always determine if the noun is masculine or feminine. 'गहरी' is for feminine nouns like 'नदी', 'दोस्ती', 'नींद'. 'गहरा' is for masculine ones like 'कुआँ', 'रंग', 'विचार'.

Dark vs. Deep

In Hindi, 'गहरा' covers both 'deep' (spatial) and 'dark' (chromatic). This simplifies your vocabulary as one word does the work of two English words.

The Oblique Form

Don't forget to change 'गहरा' to 'गहरे' if it's followed by a postposition like 'में', 'से', or 'को'. For example: 'गहरे पानी में'.

Deep Sleep

The most common way to describe a sound sleep is 'गहरी नींद'. It's a very useful phrase for daily conversation.

Abstract Depth

Use 'गहरा' to describe the impact of something. 'गहरा असर' (deep impact) makes your Hindi sound more natural and expressive.

Foggy Days

In North India, you will hear 'गहरा कोहरा' (dense fog) on the news every winter. It's a standard weather term.

Poetic Depth

In songs, 'गहरी' is often used for eyes. 'गहरी आँखें' implies eyes that are soulful and mysterious.

Gahra vs. Gaadha

Remember: 'Gahra' is for depth/color. 'Gaadha' is for the thickness of liquids like milk or dal.

Dangerous Depths

In signs near lakes or rivers, look for 'पानी गहरा है'. It means 'The water is deep' and serves as a safety warning.

G-G-G

Gahra = Great Gap. This helps you remember it refers to a large vertical gap or distance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gahra' as 'Grand Abyss'. Both start with 'G' and relate to something deep.

Visual Association

Imagine a deep well with dark blue water. The well is 'Gahra' (deep) and the water is 'Gahra' (dark blue).

Word Web

Ocean Well Dark Blue Deep Sleep Friendship Crisis Thought Wound

Challenge

Try to find 3 things in your room that are 'गहरे रंग' (dark colored) and name them in Hindi.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'गभीर' (Gabhīra), which means deep, profound, or grave.

Original meaning: In Sanskrit, it referred to physical depth and also to the mysterious or unfathomable nature of the divine.

Indo-Aryan family.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but when describing a person as 'gahra', ensure the context makes it clear if you mean 'wise' or 'secretive/shady'.

English speakers use 'deep' for space and 'dark' for colors. Hindi uses 'गहरा' for both. Don't look for a word for 'dark blue' other than 'gahra neela'.

Movie: Gehraiyaan (2022) - explores deep emotional complexities. Poetry: Kabir often speaks of the 'gahra' nature of the soul. Song: 'Gahri neend mein' is a common lullaby theme.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a clothing store

क्या यह गहरा रंग है?
मुझे गहरा नीला चाहिए।
यह बहुत गहरा है।
इससे गहरा दिखाओ।

Near a water body

पानी गहरा है।
गहरे पानी से बचो।
नदी कितनी गहरी है?
गहरा गड्ढा है।

Talking about health

गहरी सांस लो।
गहरी नींद आई।
गहरा घाव है।
गहरी चिंता मत करो।

Discussing relationships

हमारी गहरी दोस्ती है।
गहरा संबंध है।
गहरा असर पड़ा।
गहरा विश्वास है।

Describing weather

गहरा कोहरा है।
गहरा अंधेरा है।
गहरे बादल हैं।
गहरी धुंध है।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको गहरे रंग के कपड़े पसंद हैं?"

"क्या आप रात को गहरी नींद सोते हैं?"

"क्या आप जानते हैं कि यह तालाब कितना गहरा है?"

"आपकी संगीत में कितनी गहरी रुचि है?"

"क्या इस फिल्म का आप पर गहरा असर हुआ?"

Journal Prompts

अपने किसी गहरे अनुभव के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपका जीवन बदल दिया।

आपको गहरा नीला रंग क्यों पसंद है या नहीं पसंद है?

एक गहरी दोस्ती के गुणों का वर्णन करें।

आज आपने जो गहरी सांस ली, उसके बाद आपको कैसा महसूस हुआ?

क्या आपको कभी गहरे पानी से डर लगा है? अपनी कहानी लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a dark room (lack of light), use 'अंधेरा' (Andhera). 'गहरा' is only for dark colors or depth. Example: 'कमरे में अंधेरा है' (The room is dark).

The feminine form is 'गहरी' (Gahri). Use it with feminine nouns like 'नींद' (sleep), 'नदी' (river), and 'दोस्ती' (friendship).

You say 'गहरा नीला' (Gahra Neela). 'गहरा' acts as the modifier for the color name.

Sometimes. It can mean 'profound' (गहरा विचार), but for 'serious' in terms of a problem or a person, 'गंभीर' (Gambhir) is usually better.

For physical depth, the opposite is 'उथला' (Uthla - shallow). For colors, the opposite is 'हल्का' (Halka - light).

Yes, as 'गहराना' (Gahraana), which means 'to deepen' or 'to become more intense'. Example: 'संकट गहरा गया' (The crisis deepened).

Rarely. For a deep voice, 'भारी' (Bhaari - heavy) is more common, though 'गहरी आवाज़' might be used in poetic contexts.

You say 'गहरी सांस' (Gahri saans). 'Saans' is usually treated as feminine in this phrase.

It is an idiom meaning to be in a very difficult or risky situation, similar to 'to be in deep water' in English.

The noun form is 'गहराई' (Gahraayi), which means 'depth'.