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हिम्मत करना

A2 verb #5,500 most common 9 min read

हिम्मत करना

himmat karna Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips हिम्मत करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation हिम्मत करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of 'Himmat karna' as 'to be brave' or 'to dare.' At this stage, you might use it in very simple sentences to describe basic actions. Think of it as 'doing bravery.' You don't need to worry too much about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'Himmat' means courage and 'Karna' means to do. For example, if you want to say 'I dare to go,' you can say 'मैं जाने की हिम्मत करता हूँ' (Main jaane ki himmat karta hoon). It is a useful word to express your feelings and intentions when facing something new or scary in a foreign country. You will hear it often when people encourage you to speak Hindi: 'हिम्मत करो और बोलो!' (Have courage and speak!). Start by practicing the present tense and simple imperative forms. This word will help you express basic human emotions and actions that involve overcoming a small fear, like eating spicy food or talking to a stranger. It is one of the first 'conjunct verbs' you will encounter, which is a great introduction to how Hindi verbs are often formed by combining a noun with 'karna'.

At the A2 level, you are expected to understand the 'ki' (की) connection in the phrase 'हिम्मत करना'. You should know that when you dare to do an action, the action verb takes the 'ne' form (oblique infinitive) and is followed by 'ki'. For example: 'बोलने की हिम्मत' (courage to speak). You should also begin to use it in the past tense. This is where it gets slightly tricky because 'Himmat' is feminine. So, even if you are a man, you must say 'मैंने हिम्मत की' (Maine himmat ki) because the verb agrees with the feminine noun 'Himmat'. At this level, you can use the word to describe personal experiences, like 'मैंने अकेले यात्रा करने की हिम्मत की' (I dared to travel alone). You will also encounter it in more varied contexts, such as describing the plot of a story or a movie. You should be able to distinguish between 'himmat karna' (action) and 'himmat hona' (state). This distinction is a key milestone in reaching A2 proficiency in Hindi. Practice using it with modal verbs like 'sakna' (to be able to), as in 'वह बोलने की हिम्मत नहीं कर सका' (He could not dare to speak).

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'हिम्मत करना' in a variety of tenses and moods, including the conditional and subjunctive. You can use it to talk about social issues, personal challenges, and abstract concepts. For example, 'अगर उसने हिम्मत की होती, तो वह सफल हो जाता' (If he had dared, he would have been successful). You should also start recognizing synonyms like 'साहस करना' and understand when to use them (formal vs. informal). At this stage, you can use the phrase to express opinions on more complex topics, such as 'हमें अन्याय के खिलाफ बोलने की हिम्मत करनी चाहिए' (We should dare to speak out against injustice). You will also notice the word appearing in news reports and more sophisticated media. Your understanding of the word should move beyond simple physical bravery to include moral and intellectual courage. You should also be able to use the negative form 'हिम्मत न करना' or 'हिम्मत नहीं करना' to describe reluctance or fear in more nuanced ways, such as 'उसने सच स्वीकार करने की हिम्मत नहीं की' (He didn't dare to accept the truth).

At the B2 level, your usage of 'हिम्मत करना' should reflect a deep understanding of its idiomatic and cultural nuances. You should be able to use it fluently in debates and discussions about complex societal changes. For instance, you might discuss whether people 'himmat karte hain' to challenge traditional norms. You should also be familiar with the Urdu-inflected synonym 'जुर्रत करना' and be able to use it for dramatic effect or in more poetic contexts. At this level, you can handle complex sentence structures, such as 'इतने बड़े बदलाव के लिए हिम्मत करना कोई छोटी बात नहीं है' (To dare for such a big change is no small matter). You should also understand the difference between 'himmat karna' and other related expressions like 'जोखिम उठाना' (to take a risk) or 'चुनौती स्वीकार करना' (to accept a challenge). Your ability to use the word in the passive voice or in complex causative constructions should also be developing. You will find this word in literary works and editorials, and you should be able to analyze its impact on the tone of the text.

At the C1 level, you should have a near-native grasp of 'हिम्मत करना' and its place in the Hindi lexicon. You can use it to express subtle nuances of human behavior and existential choices. You might use it in philosophical discussions, such as 'अस्तित्व के अर्थ को खोजने की हिम्मत करना ही मनुष्यता है' (To dare to find the meaning of existence is humanity itself). You should be able to appreciate and use the word in high-level literary analysis, recognizing how it functions as a motif in Hindi literature. Your vocabulary should include various idiomatic uses and proverbs related to 'himmat.' You should also be able to switch between 'himmat karna,' 'saahas karna,' and 'jurrat karna' effortlessly, choosing the one that perfectly fits the register and emotional tone of your speech or writing. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its connotations to influence your audience. You can also use it in complex professional contexts, such as discussing corporate strategy or political defiance, where the 'daring' involves significant foresight and risk management.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'हिम्मत करना' and can use it with total spontaneity and precision. You understand its historical evolution and its resonance in different dialects of Hindi. You can use it in the most sophisticated creative writing, employing it in metaphors and allegories. Your understanding of the word is deeply rooted in the cultural and psychological fabric of the Hindi-speaking world. You can discuss the nuances of 'himmat' in the context of classical Indian philosophy or modern political theory. You are capable of using the word to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep pathos. For example, you might use it to describe the 'courage' of a fool or the 'defiance' of a tragic hero. At this level, you can also mentor others on the subtle grammatical and stylistic points of conjunct verbs in Hindi. You are comfortable with all archaic and contemporary variations of the word and can engage in high-level academic discourse about its linguistic properties and socio-cultural impact.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

हिम्मत करना in 30 Seconds

Himmat karna means 'to dare' or 'to summon courage' for a specific action.
It is a conjunct verb (Noun + Verb) and is very common in spoken Hindi.
In the past tense, it usually becomes 'himmat ki' because 'himmat' is feminine.
It is used in contexts ranging from daily motivation to high-stakes defiance.

The Hindi verb phrase हिम्मत करना (Himmat karnā) is a quintessential expression used to describe the act of summoning courage, daring to take a step, or showing the grit necessary to face a challenge. In the linguistic landscape of Hindi, this is a 'conjunct verb,' where the noun 'हिम्मत' (courage/bravery) is paired with the functional verb 'करना' (to do). While English speakers might simply say 'to dare,' the Hindi expression carries a weight of internal struggle and the eventual triumph of the will over fear. It is not merely about being brave; it is about the action of being brave when the circumstances are daunting.

Cultural Weight: In South Asian culture, 'Himmat' is a highly valued trait. It is often associated with resilience (patience/sabr) and determination. When someone says 'Himmat karo,' they aren't just giving a command; they are offering a motivational push, suggesting that the power to act resides within the person.

मुश्किल समय में भी उसने सच बोलने की हिम्मत की। (Even in difficult times, he dared to speak the truth.)

People use this phrase in various contexts: from mundane daily tasks like asking for a raise to life-altering decisions like moving to a new country. It is frequently heard in motivational speeches, sports coaching, and high-stakes cinematic dialogues. Because it is a CEFR A2 level word, it is fundamental for learners to understand that it implies an active choice. You don't just 'have' courage (हिम्मत होना); you 'do' courage (हिम्मत करना) when the moment demands it.

क्या तुम अकेले वहाँ जाने की हिम्मत करोगे? (Will you dare to go there alone?)

Daily Usage: In a typical Hindi-speaking household, you might hear a parent telling a child 'हिम्मत मत हारो' (Don't lose courage) or 'हिम्मत करके आगे बढ़ो' (Step forward with courage). It is a word that bridges the gap between formal literature and street slang, making it incredibly versatile.

उसने पहाड़ चढ़ने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to climb the mountain.)

नया व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए हिम्मत करनी पड़ती है। (One has to dare to start a new business.)

Synonym Note: While 'साहस करना' (Saahas karna) is a more Sanskritized synonym, 'हिम्मत करना' is the preferred choice in spoken Hindi and Urdu-influenced Hindustani due to its rhythmic flow and emotional resonance.

तुमने उसे सच बताने की हिम्मत क्यों नहीं की? (Why didn't you dare to tell him the truth?)

To use हिम्मत करना effectively, you must understand its grammatical behavior as a transitive conjunct verb. In Hindi, when you 'do' something to a noun like courage, the gender of that noun dictates the verb's agreement in perfective tenses. Since 'हिम्मत' (Himmat) is a feminine noun, the verb 'करना' (karna) will always take the feminine form 'की' (ki) in the past tense when used with the 'ne' (ने) postposition.

The 'Infinitival' Pattern: The most common way to use this verb is to follow an infinitive ending in 'ne' (ने). For example: [Verb-ne] + ki + himmat karna. Example: 'बोलने की हिम्मत करना' (Bolne ki himmat karna - to dare to speak). This 'ki' (की) connects the action to the courage required for it.

वह स्टेज पर जाने की हिम्मत नहीं कर सका। (He could not dare to go on stage.)

Let's look at the tenses. In the present habitual tense, it becomes 'हिम्मत करता हूँ' (Himmat karta hoon) for males and 'हिम्मत करती हूँ' (Himmat karti hoon) for females. However, the action of 'daring' is usually a specific event, so you will see the past tense more often. 'उसने हिम्मत की' (He/She dared). Notice that the 'ne' subject marker is used here because 'karna' is transitive. The 'ki' is feminine because it agrees with 'himmat'.

क्या आप उनसे सवाल पूछने की हिम्मत करेंगे? (Will you dare to ask them a question?)

Negative Constructions: To say someone 'didn't dare,' you use 'हिम्मत नहीं की' (Himmat nahi ki). This is a very powerful way to describe hesitation or fear. 'मैंने उसे फोन करने की हिम्मत नहीं की' (I didn't dare to call him).

आपको सच का सामना करने की हिम्मत करनी चाहिए। (You should dare to face the truth.)

उसने अकेले जंगल में जाने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to go into the forest alone.)

हम साथ मिलकर लड़ने की हिम्मत करेंगे। (We will dare to fight together.)

Sentence Structure Tip: Subject + [Action-ne] + ki + Himmat + [Verb 'karna' conjugated]. This formula works for almost 90% of sentences involving this word.

किसी ने भी बोलने की हिम्मत नहीं की। (No one dared to speak.)

If you are watching a Bollywood movie, you are almost guaranteed to hear हिम्मत करना within the first hour. It is the language of the hero. Whether it's the protagonist deciding to fight a corrupt villain or a lover deciding to confess their feelings against all odds, 'himmat' is the fuel for the plot. In movies like 'Lagaan' or 'Dangal,' the theme of 'हिम्मत करना' (daring to achieve the impossible) is central to the narrative. You'll hear coaches screaming 'हिम्मत करो!' to motivate their athletes.

In the News and Politics: News anchors often use this phrase when reporting on whistleblowers or brave citizens. 'उस महिला ने अपराधियों के खिलाफ गवाही देने की हिम्मत की' (That woman dared to testify against the criminals). In political rallies, leaders often challenge their opponents with 'मुझसे बहस करने की हिम्मत करो' (Dare to debate with me).

फिल्म के नायक ने विलेन का सामना करने की हिम्मत की। (The hero of the film dared to face the villain.)

In everyday street life in cities like Delhi or Mumbai, the phrase takes on a more confrontational or colloquial tone. If someone cuts you off in traffic, you might hear a frustrated driver yell, 'तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुई?' (How dare you?). This specific idiomatic usage is ubiquitous. On the flip side, in a corporate setting in Bangalore, a manager might encourage a team by saying, 'हमें नए आइडियाज पर काम करने की हिम्मत करनी चाहिए' (We should dare to work on new ideas).

जनता ने सरकार से सवाल पूछने की हिम्मत की। (The public dared to ask questions to the government.)

Literature and Poetry: Urdu and Hindi poetry (Shayari) frequently use 'himmat' to describe the resilience of the human spirit. Poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz or Ghalib have used similar concepts to describe the courage to love or the courage to revolt against tyranny.

बच्चे ने अंधेरे कमरे में जाने की हिम्मत की। (The child dared to go into the dark room.)

क्या तुम अपनी नौकरी छोड़ने की हिम्मत करोगे? (Will you dare to quit your job?)

Sports Commentary: During a cricket match, if a batsman plays a risky shot, the commentator might say, 'बल्लेबाज ने बड़ा शॉट खेलने की हिम्मत की' (The batsman dared to play a big shot).

उसने अपनी गलती मानने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to admit his mistake.)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Hindi is confusing हिम्मत करना (to dare/act courageously) with हिम्मत होना (to have courage). In English, 'to have the courage to do something' and 'to dare to do something' are often interchangeable. In Hindi, however, 'hona' describes a state or possession, while 'karna' describes an action. If you say 'Mujhe himmat ki' (incorrect), you are mixing up the structures. It should be 'Maine himmat ki' (I dared) or 'Mujhme himmat hai' (I have courage).

Gender Disagreement: As mentioned, 'Himmat' is feminine. Many learners mistakenly use the masculine past tense 'किया' (kiya) instead of 'की' (ki). Even if a man is speaking, he must say 'मैंने हिम्मत की' (Maine himmat ki). The verb agrees with the object 'himmat' in this 'ne' construction, not the subject.

Incorrect: उसने सच बोलने की हिम्मत किया।
Correct: उसने सच बोलने की हिम्मत की।

Another mistake involves the preposition. English uses 'dare to [verb]'. Hindi uses '[verb]-ne ki himmat karna'. Learners often forget the 'ki' (की) or use 'ko' (को). Remember that 'ki' is the bridge between the infinitive and the noun 'himmat'. Without it, the sentence sounds disjointed and grammatically incorrect to a native speaker.

Incorrect: मैं जाने का हिम्मत करूँगा।
Correct: मैं जाने की हिम्मत करूँगा।

Overusing 'Dussahas': Learners sometimes find the word 'दुस्साहस' (Dussaahas) in a dictionary and use it as a synonym. Be careful: 'Dussaahas' often implies 'recklessness' or 'bad courage' (audacity in a negative sense). 'Himmat karna' is much safer and more neutral/positive for general use.

Mistake: उसने मदद माँगने की हिम्मत नहीं किया।
Fix: उसने मदद माँगने की हिम्मत नहीं की।

Mistake: तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुआ?
Fix: तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुई?

Confusion with 'Darna': Sometimes learners use 'himmat karna' when they mean 'to be afraid of' (darna). Remember they are opposites. If you want to say 'I dared to face the lion,' use 'himmat ki.' If you say 'I was afraid of the lion,' use 'dara'.

उसने पानी में कूदने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to jump into the water.)

While हिम्मत करना is the most versatile term, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of courage being described. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation.

साहस करना (Saahas Karnā): This is a more formal, Sanskrit-derived word. You will find it in literature, textbooks, and formal speeches. While it means the same thing, it feels slightly more 'noble' or 'epic' than 'himmat'. Use this when writing an essay or a formal letter.
जुर्रत करना (Jurrat Karnā): Coming from Urdu, this word is often used in the context of 'audacity' or 'defiance.' It sounds more poetic and slightly more intense. When someone says 'तुम्हारी जुर्रत कैसे हुई?', it sounds even more dramatic than 'तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुई?'.
मर्दानगी दिखाना (Mardaangi Dikhaana): Literally 'to show manliness,' this is often used colloquially to mean 'to show guts' or 'to man up.' However, it is gendered and can be seen as outdated or sexist in certain modern contexts. Use with caution.

उसने सच बोलने का साहस किया। (He had the courage to speak the truth - Formal.)

In terms of 'not daring,' you might hear 'डरना' (Darna - to be afraid) or 'हिचकिचाना' (Hichkichana - to hesitate). If someone lacks the courage to do something, they are 'hichkicha rahe hain'.

तुमने मुझसे झूठ बोलने की जुर्रत कैसे की? (How did you dare to lie to me? - Dramatic.)

निडर होना (Nidar Hona): While not a direct replacement for the verb, 'Nidar' means 'fearless.' If someone 'himmat karta hai,' they are acting 'nidar'.

उसने समाज के नियमों को तोड़ने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to break the rules of society.)

सिपाही ने सीमा पर खड़े होने की हिम्मत की। (The soldier dared to stand on the border.)

दम दिखाना (Dam Dikhaana): 'Dam' means breath or strength. 'Dam dikhaana' is slang for showing your strength or guts in a physical or competitive situation.

उसने फिर से कोशिश करने की हिम्मत की। (He dared to try again.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Arabic, 'Himmah' is a very spiritual term used in Sufism to describe the heart's focused energy toward God. In Hindi, it became a more general term for physical and moral bravery.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhɪm.mət kʌr.nɑː/

US /ˈhɪm.mət kər.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'Himmat'.

Rhymes With

Kismat (Fate) Khidmat (Service) Aadat (Habit) Barkat (Blessing) Keemat (Price) Dawat (Feast) Izzat (Respect) Zaroorat (Necessity)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Himmat' as 'Hee-mat'. It should be a short 'i'.
Ignoring the double 'm' sound.
Pronouncing 'karna' with a very hard American 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The script is simple, but the 'ne' construction in the past tense can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of feminine verb agreement for 'ki'.

Speaking 2/5

Very common and easy to slip into conversation once the pattern is learned.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognizable in movies and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

करना डर सच बोलना काम

Learn Next

साहस करना कोशिश करना सामना करना जोखिम उठाना हार मानना

Advanced

जुर्रत दुस्साहस निर्भीकता शौर्य पराक्रम

Grammar to Know

Conjunct Verbs with 'Karna'

हिम्मत + करना, कोशिश + करना, मदद + करना.

Ergative 'ne' construction

उसने (Subject + ne) हिम्मत की (Object-Verb agreement).

Oblique Infinitive with 'ki'

जाने (Jaane) + की (ki) + हिम्मत (Himmat).

Feminine Noun Agreement

हिम्मत is feminine, so 'ki' (past) and 'karti' (present habitual for female subject).

Modal Verbs with Conjuncts

हिम्मत कर सकना (To be able to dare).

Examples by Level

मैं बोलने की हिम्मत करता हूँ।

I dare to speak.

Simple present tense with 'himmat karna'.

हिम्मत करो!

Have courage! / Dare!

Imperative form.

क्या तुम हिम्मत करोगे?

Will you dare?

Future tense question.

वह चलने की हिम्मत करती है।

She dares to walk.

Present habitual feminine.

हिम्मत मत हारो।

Don't lose courage.

Negative imperative.

हम सच बोलने की हिम्मत करते हैं।

We dare to speak the truth.

Present habitual plural.

यहाँ आने की हिम्मत करो।

Dare to come here.

Imperative with infinitive.

उसने हिम्मत की।

He/She dared.

Simple past with 'ne'.

मैंने अकेले जाने की हिम्मत की।

I dared to go alone.

Past tense with feminine agreement 'ki'.

उसने सवाल पूछने की हिम्मत नहीं की।

He/She didn't dare to ask a question.

Negative past tense.

क्या आपने उनसे बात करने की हिम्मत की?

Did you dare to talk to them?

Interrogative past tense.

वह पहाड़ चढ़ने की हिम्मत कर रहा है।

He is daring to climb the mountain.

Present continuous.

तुम्हें सच बताने की हिम्मत करनी चाहिए।

You should dare to tell the truth.

Using 'chahiye' for advice.

हम नया काम शुरू करने की हिम्मत करेंगे।

We will dare to start a new work.

Future tense plural.

उसने पानी में कूदने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to jump into the water.

Past tense with 'ki'.

क्या तुम वहाँ जाने की हिम्मत कर सकते हो?

Can you dare to go there?

Using 'sakna' for ability.

अन्याय के खिलाफ बोलने की हिम्मत करना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to dare to speak against injustice.

Gerundial use as a subject.

अगर उसने हिम्मत की होती, तो वह जीत जाता।

If he had dared, he would have won.

Past conditional.

उसने अपनी नौकरी छोड़ने की हिम्मत दिखाई।

He showed the courage to quit his job.

Using 'dikhaana' (to show) with 'himmat'.

वह हमेशा सच का सामना करने की हिम्मत रखता है।

He always has the courage to face the truth.

Using 'rakhna' (to keep/possess) with 'himmat'.

हमें अपने सपनों को पूरा करने की हिम्मत करनी होगी।

We will have to dare to fulfill our dreams.

Future necessity with 'hoga'.

किसी ने भी सच बोलने की हिम्मत नहीं दिखाई।

No one showed the courage to speak the truth.

Negative past with 'dikhaayi'.

वह बड़ी मुश्किल से हिम्मत जुटा पाया।

He was able to gather courage with great difficulty.

Using 'jutaana' (to gather) and 'paana' (to manage to).

क्या आप अनजान लोगों से मदद माँगने की हिम्मत करेंगे?

Will you dare to ask strangers for help?

Future interrogative.

समाज के नियमों को चुनौती देने की हिम्मत हर कोई नहीं कर सकता।

Not everyone can dare to challenge the rules of society.

Negative ability with 'sakta'.

उसने अपनी गलती सार्वजनिक रूप से मानने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to admit his mistake publicly.

Adverbial phrase 'saarvajanik roop se'.

इतने बड़े निवेश की हिम्मत करना एक बड़ा जोखिम था।

Daring for such a large investment was a big risk.

Noun phrase as subject.

जब सब चुप थे, तब उसने आवाज़ उठाने की हिम्मत की।

When everyone was silent, he dared to raise his voice.

Temporal clauses 'jab... tab'.

वह अपनी भावनाओं को व्यक्त करने की हिम्मत नहीं जुटा सका।

He could not gather the courage to express his feelings.

Compound verb with 'juta sakna'.

क्या तुम इस भ्रष्ट तंत्र के खिलाफ लड़ने की हिम्मत करोगे?

Will you dare to fight against this corrupt system?

Political context.

उसने अपने डर पर काबू पाने की हिम्मत दिखाई।

He showed the courage to overcome his fear.

Idiomatic 'kaabu paana' (to control/overcome).

बिना किसी सहारे के आगे बढ़ने की हिम्मत करना ही असली बहादुरी है।

To dare to move forward without any support is true bravery.

Definitional sentence structure.

सत्ता के सामने सच बोलने की हिम्मत करना ही लोकतंत्र की बुनियाद है।

Daring to speak truth to power is the foundation of democracy.

Abstract political concept.

उसने अपनी विरासत को त्यागकर अपनी नई पहचान बनाने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to renounce his heritage and create his own new identity.

Conjunctive participle 'tyaagkar'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन्होंने हिम्मत की, उन्होंने ही दुनिया बदली।

History is witness that those who dared are the ones who changed the world.

Complex relative clause.

उसने अपनी कमियों को स्वीकार करने और उन्हें सुधारने की हिम्मत दिखाई।

He showed the courage to accept his shortcomings and improve them.

Dual infinitives.

क्या आप अपने सिद्धांतों के लिए सब कुछ दांव पर लगाने की हिम्मत करेंगे?

Will you dare to put everything at stake for your principles?

Idiomatic 'daanv par lagaana'.

बिना किसी गारंटी के एक नए विचार पर काम करने की हिम्मत करना ही उद्यमिता है।

Daring to work on a new idea without any guarantee is what entrepreneurship is.

Academic/Professional definition.

उसने समाज के संकीर्ण नजरिए को बदलने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to change the narrow perspective of society.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'sankeern nazariya'.

अपनी हार को गरिमा के साथ स्वीकार करने की हिम्मत करना भी एक जीत है।

Daring to accept your defeat with dignity is also a victory.

Philosophical paradox.

अस्तित्व के शून्य में झाँकने और फिर भी मुस्कुराने की हिम्मत करना ही जीवन है।

To dare to peer into the void of existence and yet smile is what life is.

Existentialist philosophy.

उसने अपनी आत्मा के गहनतम अंधकार का सामना करने की अदम्य हिम्मत दिखाई।

He showed indomitable courage to face the deepest darkness of his soul.

Literary adjectives 'gahanatam' and 'adamy'.

वैश्विक उथल-पुथल के बीच शांति की बात करने की हिम्मत करना एक क्रांतिकारी कदम है।

Daring to speak of peace amidst global turmoil is a revolutionary step.

Complex adverbial phrase 'ke beech'.

उसने अपनी कला के माध्यम से स्थापित प्रतिमानों को ध्वस्त करने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to demolish established paradigms through his art.

High-level vocabulary 'pratimaan' and 'dhvast'.

अपनी मान्यताओं को तर्क की कसौटी पर कसने की हिम्मत करना ही बौद्धिक ईमानदारी है।

Daring to test your beliefs on the touchstone of logic is intellectual honesty.

Metaphorical 'kasauti par kasna'.

शब्दों की सीमाओं से परे सत्य को खोजने की हिम्मत करना ही मौन की साधना है।

Daring to find truth beyond the limits of words is the practice of silence.

Mystical/Spiritual context.

उसने मृत्यु के सन्नाटे में भी प्रेम का गीत गाने की हिम्मत की।

He dared to sing the song of love even in the silence of death.

Poetic imagery.

क्या हम अपनी सभ्यता के पतन को रोकने के लिए अप्रिय निर्णय लेने की हिम्मत करेंगे?

Will we dare to take unpleasant decisions to stop the decline of our civilization?

Rhetorical question.

Synonyms

साहस करना जुर्रत करना दुस्साहस करना बहादुरी दिखाना दम दिखाना हिम्मत जुटाना खतरा मोल लेना पाँव जमाना

Antonyms

डरना घबराना हिम्मत हारना पीछे हटना

Common Collocations

सच बोलने की हिम्मत

सवाल पूछने की हिम्मत

अकेले जाने की हिम्मत

सामना करने की हिम्मत

विरोध करने की हिम्मत

कोशिश करने की हिम्मत

बदलाव की हिम्मत

खिलाफ खड़े होने की हिम्मत

नया करने की हिम्मत

माफी माँगने की हिम्मत

Common Phrases

हिम्मत करो

— Have courage. A common way to encourage someone.

हिम्मत करो, सब ठीक हो जाएगा।

हिम्मत मत हारना

— Don't lose heart. Used to tell someone not to give up.

चाहे जो हो, हिम्मत मत हारना।

हिम्मत की बात है

— It's a matter of courage. Used to praise a brave act.

वहाँ अकेले जाना हिम्मत की बात है।

हिम्मत बढ़ाना

— To encourage someone or boost their morale.

दोस्तों ने मेरी हिम्मत बढ़ाई।

हिम्मत से काम लेना

— To act with courage. To handle a situation bravely.

मुसीबत में हिम्मत से काम लो।

हिम्मत टूटना

— To lose all courage or be broken-spirited.

हार के बाद उसकी हिम्मत टूट गई।

पूरी हिम्मत के साथ

— With all one's courage.

उसने पूरी हिम्मत के साथ लड़ाई की।

हिम्मत वाला

— A courageous person (adjective).

वह बहुत हिम्मत वाला लड़का है।

हिम्मत का काम

— A brave task.

यह बहुत हिम्मत का काम है।

थोड़ी हिम्मत करो

— Have a little courage.

बस थोड़ी हिम्मत करो और बोल दो।

Often Confused With

हिम्मत करना vs हिम्मत होना

This means 'to have courage' (state), while 'himmat karna' means 'to dare' (action).

हिम्मत करना vs कोशिश करना

This means 'to try'. You can try without being brave, but you can't dare without trying.

हिम्मत करना vs मदद करना

A different conjunct verb meaning 'to help'. Sometimes confused by beginners because of the 'karna' ending.

Idioms & Expressions

"तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुई?"

— How dare you? A very common expression of anger or shock.

तुम्हारी मुझे छूने की हिम्मत कैसे हुई?

Informal/Aggressive

"हिम्मत के आगे लक्ष्मी"

— Fortune favors the brave.

मेहनत और हिम्मत करो, क्योंकि हिम्मत के आगे लक्ष्मी है।

Proverbial

"हिम्मत-ए-मर्दा तो मदद-ए-खुदा"

— God helps those who help themselves (lit. if a man has courage, God helps).

कोशिश करो, सुना नहीं है—हिम्मत-ए-मर्दा तो मदद-ए-खुदा।

Urdu Proverb

"कलेजा होना (हिम्मत होना)"

— To have 'liver' (guts/courage).

शेर का सामना करने के लिए कलेजा चाहिए।

Colloquial

"लोहा लेना"

— To challenge or fight someone bravely.

उसने दुश्मनों से लोहा लेने की हिम्मत की।

Idiomatic/Historical

"मैदान मारना"

— To win a battle or a difficult situation through courage.

उसने अपनी हिम्मत से मैदान मार लिया।

Colloquial

"छाती ठोकना"

— To challenge boldly or show extreme confidence.

उसने छाती ठोक कर सच बोलने की हिम्मत की।

Informal

"पसीने छूटना"

— To lose courage (lit. to start sweating).

उसकी हिम्मत जवाब दे गई और पसीने छूटने लगे।

Idiomatic

"हौसला बुलंद होना"

— To have high spirits/courage.

उसका हौसला बुलंद है, वह हिम्मत नहीं हारेगा।

Neutral/Positive

"जान पर खेलना"

— To risk one's life bravely.

उसने बच्चे को बचाने के लिए अपनी जान पर खेलने की हिम्मत की।

Dramatic

Easily Confused

हिम्मत करना vs साहस

Both mean courage.

Saahas is Sanskrit-based and formal. Himmat is common and Persian-based. Himmat is used more in spoken Hindi.

साहस दिखाओ (Formal) vs हिम्मत करो (Common).

हिम्मत करना vs जुर्रत

Both mean dare.

Jurrat is more intense and often implies audacity or 'how dare you'. It is used in poetic or confrontational contexts.

उसकी जुर्रत तो देखो! (Look at his audacity!)

हिम्मत करना vs हौसला

Both mean morale/courage.

Hausla is more about morale, spirit, or enthusiasm. Himmat is more about the grit or bravery to act.

हौसला बढ़ाओ (Boost morale) vs हिम्मत करो (Summon courage).

हिम्मत करना vs बहादुरी

Both mean bravery.

Bahaduri is a quality (bravery). Himmat is the internal resource (courage). You show bahaduri by doing himmat.

उसकी बहादुरी (His bravery) vs उसने हिम्मत की (He dared).

हिम्मत करना vs धैर्य

Often used together.

Dhairya means patience. Himmat is active; Dhairya is passive/waiting. You need both to succeed.

हिम्मत और धैर्य से काम लो (Work with courage and patience).

Sentence Patterns

मैं [Verb-ne] की हिम्मत करता हूँ।

मैं बोलने की हिम्मत करता हूँ।

उसने [Verb-ne] की हिम्मत की।

उसने जाने की हिम्मत की।

क्या तुम [Verb-ne] की हिम्मत करोगे?

क्या तुम पूछने की हिम्मत करोगे?

[Verb-ne] की हिम्मत करना ज़रूरी है।

सच बोलने की हिम्मत करना ज़रूरी है।

उसने हिम्मत नहीं हारी।

उसने मुश्किल में हिम्मत नहीं हारी।

अगर [Subject] ने हिम्मत की होती, तो...

अगर तुमने हिम्मत की होती, तो हम जीत जाते।

[Noun] के खिलाफ हिम्मत करना [Noun] है।

अन्याय के खिलाफ हिम्मत करना ही धर्म है।

[Abstract Noun] की सीमाओं को तोड़ने की हिम्मत करना...

मानवीय सोच की सीमाओं को तोड़ने की हिम्मत करना ही विज्ञान है।

Word Family

Nouns

हिम्मत (Courage)

हिम्मतवाला (Courageous person)

बेहिम्मती (Lack of courage)

Verbs

हिम्मत करना (To dare)

हिम्मत हारना (To lose courage)

हिम्मत बढ़ाना (To encourage)

हिम्मत जुटाना (To gather courage)

Adjectives

हिम्मती (Courageous)

बेहिम्मत (Spiritless/Cowardly)

साहस

बहादुरी

वीरता

जुर्रत

हौसला

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kiya' instead of 'ki' in the past tense. → उसने हिम्मत की।
Because 'Himmat' is a feminine noun, the verb 'karna' must take the feminine past form 'ki' in the 'ne' construction.
Saying 'Mujhe himmat ki'. → मैंने हिम्मत की।
You use 'Maine' (Subject + ne) for the action of daring. 'Mujhe' is used for states of being or possession (e.g., 'Mujhe dukh hai').
Omitting the 'ki' in 'Jaane ki himmat'. → जाने की हिम्मत करना।
The 'ki' is essential to link the infinitive (jaane) to the noun (himmat). Without it, the sentence is ungrammatical.
Using 'himmat karna' when they mean 'to be afraid'. → मैं डरा हुआ था।
Beginners sometimes confuse related emotional verbs. 'Himmat' is courage; 'Darna' is fear.
Using 'himmat' for 'strength' in a physical lifting sense. → मुझमें ताकत है।
'Himmat' is mental/moral courage. For physical strength to lift something heavy, use 'Taakat' or 'Shakti'.

Tips

Past Tense Agreement

Always remember that 'Himmat' is feminine. In sentences like 'Usne himmat ki', the 'ki' agrees with 'Himmat', not the person doing the action.

The 'Ki' Bridge

When daring to do an action, always use 'ki' between the verb and 'himmat'. Example: 'Jaane KI himmat karna'.

Encouragement

If you want to motivate a friend, simply say 'Himmat karo!' It is a very natural and powerful way to offer support.

Movie Dialogues

Listen for this word in Bollywood climax scenes. It is almost always used when the hero makes a final, brave decision.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Himmat karna' for everyday stories and 'Saahas karna' for formal reports or essays to sound more academic.

Audacity

Remember that 'Tumhari himmat...' can be an accusation of audacity. Use it carefully as it can sound very aggressive.

Him-Mat

Think of a man named 'Him' on a 'Mat'. He needs courage to step off. Him-Mat.

Hona vs Karna

Use 'hona' for having courage in general and 'karna' for the specific act of being brave in a moment.

Stress the M

The double 'm' in 'Himmat' should be pronounced clearly. It's not 'Himat', it's 'Him-mat'.

Daily Dare

Try to say 'Maine himmat ki' every time you do something slightly outside your comfort zone, like ordering food in Hindi.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Him' + 'Mat'. Imagine a man named 'Him' standing on a 'Mat'. He has to 'do' (karna) something brave to step off the mat into the unknown. Him-Mat Karna.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny person standing before a giant mountain. The person takes a deep breath and steps forward. That step is 'Himmat karna'.

Word Web

Courage Action Fear Bollywood Heart Risk Decision Strength

Challenge

Try to use 'Himmat karna' in three different tenses today: once for something you did in the past, once for something you do generally, and once for something you will do.

Word Origin

The word 'Himmat' comes from the Arabic word 'Himmah' (همة), which means ambition, resolve, or spiritual energy. It entered Hindi through Persian influence during the medieval period.

Original meaning: Resolve, intention, or high-mindedness.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) -> Indo-European (Persian) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive and safe word. However, avoid saying 'हिम्मत दिखाओ' (show courage) to someone who is genuinely suffering from clinical anxiety, as it can be dismissive.

English speakers often use 'dare' or 'have the guts'. 'Himmat karna' is slightly more formal than 'have the guts' but less formal than 'endeavor'.

The movie 'Himmatwala' (The Courageous One). The song 'Himmat Mat Haar' from various motivational playlists. The dialogue 'Tumhari himmat kaise hui?' from almost every 90s Bollywood thriller.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal Growth

डर का सामना करने की हिम्मत
खुद को बदलने की हिम्मत
अकेले चलने की हिम्मत
गलती सुधारने की हिम्मत

Professional Life

नौकरी छोड़ने की हिम्मत
नया आईडिया देने की हिम्मत
बॉस से बात करने की हिम्मत
रिस्क लेने की हिम्मत

Social/Political

अन्याय का विरोध करने की हिम्मत
सच बोलने की हिम्मत
वोट देने की हिम्मत
आवाज़ उठाने की हिम्मत

Relationships

प्यार का इज़हार करने की हिम्मत
माफी माँगने की हिम्मत
सच बताने की हिम्मत
रिश्ता तोड़ने की हिम्मत

Sports

मैदान में हिम्मत दिखाना
हार न मानने की हिम्मत
बड़ा शॉट खेलने की हिम्मत
वापसी करने की हिम्मत

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी अपनी नौकरी छोड़ने की हिम्मत की है?"

"आपने अपनी ज़िंदगी में सबसे बड़ी हिम्मत कब की थी?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि सच बोलने के लिए हिम्मत चाहिए?"

"अगर आपको पहाड़ से कूदने की हिम्मत करनी पड़े, तो क्या आप करेंगे?"

"क्या समाज में बदलाव के लिए युवाओं को हिम्मत करनी चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किस छोटी सी चीज़ के लिए हिम्मत की? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने हिम्मत नहीं की और बाद में पछतावा हुआ।

क्या हिम्मत करना हमेशा सही होता है? क्या कभी-कभी डरना भी ज़रूरी है?

मेरे जीवन का कौन सा लक्ष्य है जिसके लिए मुझे सबसे ज़्यादा हिम्मत की ज़रूरत है?

अगर मैं पूरी तरह निडर होता, तो मैं आज क्या करने की हिम्मत करता?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Himmat is a feminine noun. This is important because in the past tense, you say 'Maine himmat ki' (I dared), regardless of your own gender.

The most common way is 'तुम्हारी हिम्मत कैसे हुई?' (Tumhari himmat kaise hui?).

'Himmat karna' is the everyday, common way to say 'to dare.' 'Saahas karna' is more formal and used in books or official speeches.

Yes, you can use it for physical tasks like jumping into water, climbing a tree, or fighting someone.

Absolutely. It is very common for mental or social tasks like telling the truth, asking for a raise, or admitting a mistake.

No, 'Himmat' comes from Arabic via Persian. The Sanskrit equivalent is 'Saahas'.

For 'I will dare', it is 'मैं हिम्मत करूँगा' (male) or 'मैं हिम्मत करूँगी' (female).

Yes, it is treated as a transitive conjunct verb, which is why we use the 'ne' postposition in the past tense.

'Himmat harana' means 'to discourage someone' (to make them lose courage). 'Himmat haarna' (with a long 'aa') means 'to lose courage' yourself.

A colloquial alternative is 'दम दिखाना' (Dam dikhaana), which means to show your guts or strength.