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हमदर्दी रखना

B1 verb 9 min read

हमदर्दी रखना

hamdardi rakhna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips हमदर्दी रखना in 30 Seconds

Explanation हमदर्दी रखना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 'Hamdardi' means feeling sorry for someone. It is a big word, but you can think of it as 'sadness for a friend.' You don't need to know all the complex grammar yet. Just remember that if someone is crying, you should have 'hamdardi.' It is a way to be a good person in Hindi. You might hear it in simple stories. Think of it as 'I feel your pain.' Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you connect with Hindi speakers on a basic human level. You can use it simply like 'Mujhe hamdardi hai' (I have sympathy). This shows you care about others, which is very important in Indian culture. Don't worry about the Persian roots or the feminine gender rules yet; just focus on the feeling of kindness it represents. When you see someone in trouble, you can say 'Hamdardi' to show you understand they are having a hard time. It's a 'heart word.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Hamdardi rakhna' in simple sentences. You should know that 'rakhna' means 'to keep' or 'to have.' So, 'hamdardi rakhna' means 'to keep sympathy' in your heart. You can use it with friends or family. For example, 'I have sympathy for you' (Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai). You are learning that Hindi uses different postpositions like 'se' (with/from). You might see this word in basic news headlines or in simple Bollywood songs. It is a step up from just saying 'I am sad.' It shows you are thinking about the other person's feelings. You should also recognize that 'Hamdardi' is a feminine word. This means if you use a describing word with it, it will often end in 'i'. For example, 'acchi hamdardi' (good sympathy). Start practicing by telling your teacher or friends that you have sympathy for their busy schedules. This makes your Hindi sound more natural and polite.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Hamdardi rakhna' in various tenses. You understand that it is a compound verb and that 'hamdardi' is a feminine noun. This means in the past tense with 'ne', the verb becomes 'rakhi' (Usne hamdardi rakhi). You can now distinguish between 'Hamdardi' (sympathy) and 'Daya' (pity). You know that 'Hamdardi' is more about equality and sharing pain. You can use this phrase in discussions about social issues, such as poverty or health. You are also beginning to see how this word is used in more formal settings, like newspapers or television interviews. You can modify the word with adjectives like 'gehri' (deep) or 'sachi' (true). For example, 'Hamein gareebon se sachi hamdardi rakhni chahiye' (We should have true sympathy for the poor). This level is about nuance—knowing when to use this word to show genuine concern without sounding overly formal or cold.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Hamdardi rakhna' to express complex emotional states and social critiques. You understand the etymology—the Persian roots of 'Ham' (same) and 'Dard' (pain)—and how this influences its meaning. You can use it in debates about ethics or literature. You might analyze a character in a book by saying they lack 'hamdardi' for others. You are also aware of related idioms and phrases. You can use the word in the passive voice or in complex conditional sentences. For example, 'Agar logon mein hamdardi hoti, toh duniya behtar hoti' (If people had sympathy, the world would be better). You can also use it sarcastically to point out hypocrisy. Your pronunciation is becoming more refined, especially the dental 'd' sounds. You are able to switch between 'Hamdardi' and its Sanskrit equivalent 'Sahanubhuti' depending on the formality of the situation, showing a high degree of linguistic flexibility.

At the C1 level, 'Hamdardi rakhna' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You use it to discuss the philosophical underpinnings of empathy in South Asian thought. You can compare and contrast it with 'Karuna' (compassion) in Buddhist philosophy or 'Rahm' (mercy) in Islamic traditions. You understand the literary history of the 'Hamdard' figure in Urdu and Hindi poetry. You can use the phrase in high-level academic writing or professional speeches to evoke specific emotional responses. You are sensitive to the slight differences in register between 'hamdardi dikhana' (showing sympathy) and 'hamdardi rakhna' (possessing sympathy). You can navigate the social politics of the word—how it can be used to build solidarity or, conversely, how 'jhoothi hamdardi' (fake sympathy) is used in political manipulation. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, reflecting both the emotional weight and the structural requirements of the phrase perfectly.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'Hamdardi rakhna' and its place in the vast landscape of Hindustani vocabulary. You can use it to create poetry, write complex essays, or engage in deep psychological analysis. You understand the subtle socio-linguistic shifts that have occurred over decades in how this word is perceived. You can use it to explore the limits of human empathy in extreme situations. You are aware of how the word interacts with other high-level concepts like 'Insaniyat' (humanity) and 'Khidmat' (service). You can effortlessly use the word in archaic or highly stylized registers. Your understanding includes the rhythmic and tonal qualities of the phrase in spoken discourse. You can mentor others on the cultural 'weight' of the word, explaining why it is more than just a translation of 'sympathy.' For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a window into the collective soul of the Hindi-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

हमदर्दी रखना in 30 Seconds

A versatile Hindi phrase meaning to sympathize or hold compassion for someone, combining the Persian roots for 'shared pain'.
Grammatically, it functions as a compound verb where 'hamdardi' (feminine) is the object held by the subject.
Culturally significant, it represents a core human value of solidarity and emotional intelligence in South Asian societies.
Essential for B1 learners to distinguish from 'pity' and to use correctly with postpositions like 'se' and 'ke prati'.

The phrase हमदर्दी रखना (Hamdardī rakhnā) is a profound expression in Hindi that translates to 'to sympathize' or 'to have compassion.' Rooted in the rich linguistic heritage of Hindustani, it combines two Persian-derived words: 'Ham' (meaning same or together) and 'Dard' (meaning pain). Literally, it suggests a state of 'sharing the same pain' with someone else. In everyday life, this isn't just a clinical term for sympathy; it carries a weight of emotional solidarity and human connection. It is used when one acknowledges the suffering or difficulties of another person and feels a genuine sense of concern or shared sorrow. Unlike 'pity' (daya), which can sometimes imply a power imbalance where the observer looks down upon the sufferer, hamdardi implies a level of equality—a recognition that the other person's pain could just as easily be one's own.

Emotional Resonance: The term is frequently used in social and interpersonal contexts to describe a person's character or their reaction to a specific tragic event. It is a hallmark of 'Insaaniyat' (humanity).
Social Context: In South Asian culture, showing 'hamdardi' is considered a vital social duty. When a neighbor is ill or a colleague loses a loved one, one is expected to 'hamdardi rakhna' to maintain the social fabric.

हमें दूसरों के दुख के प्रति हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए। (We should have sympathy towards the sorrows of others.)

The verb 'rakhna' (to keep/hold) is crucial here. It indicates that sympathy is not just a fleeting feeling but a state of mind or a quality that one possesses. You don't just 'do' sympathy in Hindi; you 'hold' it or 'keep' it in your heart. This nuance is vital for English speakers to understand because it shifts the focus from an action to a character trait. Whether you are discussing a character in a Bollywood film who helps the poor or a political leader advocating for the marginalized, this phrase will be the cornerstone of that description. It transcends religious and regional boundaries, being understood and used across the Hindi-speaking world, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the quiet villages of Bihar.

उसका दिल बहुत बड़ा है, वह हर किसी से हमदर्दी रखता है। (He has a very big heart; he sympathizes with everyone.)

In professional settings, having 'hamdardi' for employees is seen as a sign of modern, empathetic leadership. In literature, poets often use this word to describe the universal connection between all living beings. It is a word that softens the harsh realities of life, providing a linguistic bridge between two souls. When you use this word, you are signaling a deep level of emotional intelligence and cultural awareness.

Etymological Breakdown: 'Ham' (Same) + 'Dard' (Pain) = 'Hamdard' (Partner in pain). Adding 'i' makes it 'Hamdardi' (The state of being a partner in pain).

क्या तुम मेरे हालात के साथ हमदर्दी नहीं रखते? (Do you not have sympathy for my situation?)

Using हमदर्दी रखना (Hamdardī rakhnā) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugation and the use of postpositions. Since it is a compound verb where 'Hamdardi' is a feminine noun, the verb 'rakhna' must agree with the subject in gender and number in most tenses, but specifically, the object of sympathy is usually marked with the postposition 'se' (से) or 'ke prati' (के प्रति).

The 'Se' Construction: Example: 'Mujhse hamdardi rakho' (Have sympathy with me). Here, 'se' connects the person to the emotion.
The 'Ke Prati' Construction: Example: 'Gareebon ke prati hamdardi rakhna' (To have sympathy towards the poor). This is more formal.

वह अपनी टीम के खिलाड़ियों से बहुत हमदर्दी रखता है। (He has a lot of sympathy for his team's players.)

In the past tense, if you use the 'ne' (ने) construction, the verb will agree with 'hamdardi' (feminine). For example: 'Usne mujhse hamdardi rakhi' (He/She showed/held sympathy for me). Notice how 'rakhi' is feminine because 'hamdardi' is feminine. This is a common point of confusion for learners who expect the verb to agree with the person doing the sympathizing.

Furthermore, the intensity of sympathy can be modified using adjectives like 'gehri' (deep) or 'thodi' (a little). 'Mujhe tumse gehri hamdardi hai' means 'I have deep sympathy for you.' It is also common to use this phrase in the negative to describe someone who is cold or heartless: 'Uske dil mein kisi ke liye koi hamdardi nahi hai' (There is no sympathy for anyone in his heart).

एक अच्छे इंसान को जानवरों से भी हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए। (A good human should have sympathy even for animals.)

Imperative Use: 'Hamdardi rakhiye' (Please have sympathy). This is used when appealing to someone's better nature.

शिक्षक को अपने छात्रों की समस्याओं से हमदर्दी रखनी होगी। (The teacher will have to have sympathy for their students' problems.)

You will encounter हमदर्दी रखना in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from high-stakes political rhetoric to intimate family discussions. In the world of Hindi cinema (Bollywood), this phrase is a staple. Protagonists often appeal to the 'hamdardi' of the villain, or a mother might express her 'hamdardi' for her struggling son. It adds a layer of emotional depth that words like 'pyaar' (love) or 'madad' (help) don't quite capture.

News and Media: News anchors often use this phrase when reporting on natural disasters or social injustices. For example, 'The whole nation has sympathy for the victims' (Poora desh peediton se hamdardi rakhta hai).
Political Speeches: Politicians use it to show they are in touch with the common man's struggles. 'We have sympathy for the farmers' is a common refrain during election seasons.

फिल्म के अंत में, विलेन को अपनी गलतियों पर पछतावा हुआ और उसने नायक से हमदर्दी रखी। (At the end of the film, the villain regretted his mistakes and showed sympathy for the hero.)

In daily life, you might hear it when someone is being criticized for being too harsh. A friend might say, 'Thodi toh hamdardi rakho!' (Have at least some sympathy!). It's also common in literature and poetry (Shayari), where the 'hamdard' (the sympathizer/friend) is a recurring figure who understands the poet's inner turmoil. In these contexts, the word feels timeless and deeply romanticized.

Social media platforms also see a high usage of this word. When a public figure goes through a rough patch, comments sections are often filled with messages of 'hamdardi.' It serves as a linguistic tool for building community and showing support across digital distances.

आजकल के दौर में, लोगों के पास एक-दूसरे के लिए हमदर्दी रखने का समय नहीं है। (In today's era, people don't have time to have sympathy for each other.)

Legal and Formal Use: Even in courtrooms, a judge might mention having 'hamdardi' for a defendant's circumstances while still upholding the law.

अख़बारों में अक्सर बाढ़ पीड़ितों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखने की अपील की जाती है। (In newspapers, appeals are often made to have sympathy towards flood victims.)

Learning to use हमदर्दी रखना involves navigating some common pitfalls. One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is using the wrong postposition. In English, we sympathize 'with' someone. In Hindi, while 'se' (with/from) is used, learners often accidentally use 'ka' (of) or 'ko' (to) incorrectly because they are translating literally from other phrases.

Gender Mismatch: Mistake: 'Usne hamdarda rakha'. Correction: 'Usne hamdardi rakhi'. Remember, 'Hamdardi' is feminine, so the verb 'rakhna' must become 'rakhi' in the past tense with 'ne'.
Confusion with 'Daya': Learners often use 'Daya' (pity) when they mean 'Hamdardi' (sympathy). 'Daya' can sound condescending, whereas 'Hamdardi' is respectful and shared.

गलत: वह मुझसे हमदर्दी करता है। (Incorrect: He 'does' sympathy with me.) सही: वह मुझसे हमदर्दी रखता है। (Correct: He 'holds/has' sympathy with me.)

Another mistake is using 'karna' (to do) instead of 'rakhna' (to keep/hold). While 'hamdardi dikhana' (to show sympathy) is acceptable, 'hamdardi karna' is less common and sounds slightly unnatural in many contexts. 'Rakhna' emphasizes the internal state of the person feeling the sympathy.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'h' in 'Ham' and the 'd' in 'Dard' (which is a dental 'd', not a retroflex 'd') need to be precise. If you pronounce the 'd' in 'Dard' like the 'd' in 'Dog', it will sound like a foreign accent. It should be soft, with the tongue touching the back of the upper teeth.

गलत: मैं तुम्हारे लिए हमदर्दी हूँ। (Incorrect: I am sympathy for you.) सही: मुझे तुमसे हमदर्दी है। (Correct: I have sympathy for you.)

Contextual Appropriateness: Using 'hamdardi' in a very casual or joking setting might come off as too heavy or dramatic. It is best reserved for sincere emotional moments.

सावधान: 'हमदर्दी' और 'हमदर्दी जताना' में अंतर है। 'रखना' एक भावना है, 'जताना' उसका प्रदर्शन है।

Hindi has several words that touch upon the concept of sympathy and compassion, each with its own specific flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct formal alternative is सहानुभूति (Sahanubhuti), which is widely used in literature, news, and official documents.

Sahanubhuti (सहानुभूति): This is the Tatsam (Sanskrit-derived) equivalent. It is considered more 'pure' Hindi and is often used in writing. It literally means 'equal feeling'.
Daya (दया): Meaning 'pity' or 'mercy'. It implies a sense of kindness from a superior position. You have 'daya' on a beggar, but 'hamdardi' with a friend.
Karuna (करुणा): Meaning 'compassion' or 'pathos'. This is a very deep, often spiritual or artistic term. It is one of the 'Rasas' (emotions) in Indian aesthetics.

मुझे आपकी स्थिति से सहानुभूति है। (I have sympathy with your situation - Formal.)

Another related word is रह़म (Rahm), which is Persian for 'mercy'. It is often used in religious or legal contexts (e.g., 'Rahm ki appeal' - appeal for mercy). Then there is संवेदना (Samvedna), which means 'sensitivity' or 'condolence'. When someone dies, you offer 'samvedna'.

In colloquial speech, you might just say 'dukh hona' (to feel sad). 'Mujhe tumhare liye dukh hai' (I feel sad for you) is a simpler way to express sympathy without the weight of the word 'hamdardi.' However, using 'hamdardi' shows a higher level of vocabulary and emotional nuance.

भगवान बुद्ध के मन में सभी जीवों के लिए करुणा थी। (Lord Buddha had compassion for all living beings.)

Summary Table: Hamdardi: Friendly/Warm Sympathy | Sahanubhuti: Formal/Standard Sympathy | Karuna: Deep/Spiritual Compassion | Samvedna: Sensitivity/Condolence.

हमें दूसरों के प्रति संवेदना दिखानी चाहिए। (We should show sensitivity towards others.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'Hamdard' is also the name of a very famous herbal medicine company in India and Pakistan, known for the drink 'Rooh Afza'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɦəm.d̪ər.d̪iː rəkʰ.nɑː/

US /hʌm.dər.di rɑk.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the second syllable of 'Hamdardi' (-dar-) and the first syllable of 'rakhna' (rakh-).

Rhymes With

Zardī (yellowness) Sardī (coldness) Bardī (uniform) Gardī (dust/chaos) Namardī (cowardice) Khud-garzī (selfishness) Be-darzī (tailor-less) Arzī (application)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' as a retroflex (like English 'dog') instead of dental.
Missing the aspiration in the 'kh' of 'rakhna'.
Stress on the final 'i' of 'Hamdardi' making it sound unnatural.
Mispronouncing 'Ham' as 'Hum' (like the English word).
Treating 'Hamdardi' as three distinct words instead of a compound concept.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once the roots 'Ham' and 'Dard' are known.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct verb conjugation and postposition usage.

Speaking 4/5

Dental 'd' sounds need practice for native-like fluency.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used in movies and news, making it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दर्द (Pain) रखना (To keep) से (With/From) इंसान (Human) दोस्त (Friend)

Learn Next

सहानुभूति (Sympathy - Formal) संवेदना (Condolence) मजबूरी (Compulsion) सहयोग (Cooperation) मानवता (Humanity)

Advanced

परोपकार (Altruism) आत्मसात (Internalization) संवेदनशीलता (Sensitivity) मर्मस्पर्शी (Touching/Poignant) करुणा (Compassion)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Rakhna'

ध्यान रखना (Take care), याद रखना (Remember), हमदर्दी रखना (Sympathize).

Gender of Nouns

Hamdardi is feminine, so adjectives are 'acchi', 'gehri'.

Postposition 'Se'

Used to connect the emotion to the target: 'Mujhse hamdardi'.

Ergative construction with 'Ne'

Usne hamdardi rakhi (The verb agrees with the feminine noun).

Imperatives

Rakho (Casual), Rakhiye (Formal).

Examples by Level

मुझे तुमसे हमदर्दी है।

I have sympathy for you.

Simple present with 'hai'.

क्या आपके पास हमदर्दी है?

Do you have sympathy?

Interrogative sentence.

वह हमदर्दी रखता है।

He has sympathy.

Present indefinite masculine singular.

हमदर्दी अच्छी बात है।

Sympathy is a good thing.

Noun as subject.

मेरे पास हमदर्दी नहीं है।

I don't have sympathy.

Negative sentence.

बच्चों से हमदर्दी रखो।

Have sympathy with children.

Imperative form.

वह रो रहा है, हमदर्दी दिखाओ।

He is crying, show sympathy.

Two simple clauses.

माँ को हमदर्दी है।

Mother has sympathy.

Subject with 'ko' postposition.

हमें गरीबों से हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

We should have sympathy for the poor.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

उसने मुझसे हमदर्दी रखी।

He/She showed/held sympathy for me.

Past tense with 'ne', verb agrees with 'hamdardi'.

क्या तुम जानवरों से हमदर्दी रखते हो?

Do you have sympathy for animals?

Interrogative present indefinite.

उसके दिल में बहुत हमदर्दी है।

There is a lot of sympathy in his heart.

Locative case with 'mein'.

दोस्त हमेशा हमदर्दी रखते हैं।

Friends always have sympathy.

Plural subject.

मुझे आपकी परेशानी से हमदर्दी है।

I have sympathy for your trouble.

Abstract noun as object.

वह किसी से हमदर्दी नहीं रखता था।

He used to have no sympathy for anyone.

Past habitual negative.

हमदर्दी रखना एक गुण है।

Having sympathy is a virtue.

Infinitive as subject.

बीमार लोगों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to have sympathy towards sick people.

Use of 'ke prati' (towards).

जब मैं उदास था, उसने मुझसे गहरी हमदर्दी रखी।

When I was sad, he/she had deep sympathy for me.

Complex sentence with 'jab' (when).

एक अच्छे नेता को जनता से हमदर्दी रखनी होगी।

A good leader will have to have sympathy for the public.

Future obligation with 'hogi'.

तुम्हारी बातों में हमदर्दी नहीं झलकती।

Sympathy doesn't reflect in your words.

Verb 'jhalakna' (to reflect).

हमें एक-दूसरे की मजबूरियों से हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

We should have sympathy for each other's compulsions.

Possessive 'ki' with 'majbooriyon'.

क्या समाज में अब हमदर्दी रखने वाले लोग कम हो गए हैं?

Have people who have sympathy become fewer in society now?

Participle 'rakhne wale' (those who have).

उसने अपनी झूठी हमदर्दी से सबको धोखा दिया।

He deceived everyone with his fake sympathy.

Adjective 'jhoothi' modifying 'hamdardi'.

अगर आप किसी से हमदर्दी रखते हैं, तो उसकी मदद करें।

If you have sympathy for someone, then help them.

Conditional 'agar' clause.

मानवता का तकाज़ा है कि हम पीड़ितों से हमदर्दी रखें।

Humanity demands that we have sympathy for victims.

Subjunctive mood 'rakhein'.

उसकी आँखों में मेरे लिए साफ़ हमदर्दी दिख रही थी।

Clear sympathy was visible in her eyes for me.

Continuous past 'dikha rahi thi'.

बिना हमदर्दी रखे कोई भी रिश्ता मज़बूत नहीं हो सकता।

Without having sympathy, no relationship can be strong.

Absolutive 'bina... rakhe'.

लेखक ने अपनी कहानी में शोषित वर्ग से गहरी हमदर्दी रखी है।

The author has held deep sympathy for the exploited class in his story.

Present perfect with 'ne'.

क्या आप वाकई मुझसे हमदर्दी रखते हैं या यह सिर्फ दिखावा है?

Do you really have sympathy for me or is this just a show?

Contrastive 'ya' (or).

हमें दुश्मनों के प्रति भी थोड़ी हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए, वे भी इंसान हैं।

We should have some sympathy even towards enemies; they are also humans.

Concessive 'bhi' (even).

उसकी कठोरता के पीछे शायद किसी के लिए हमदर्दी रखने का डर है।

Behind his harshness, perhaps there is a fear of having sympathy for someone.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

समाज के हर तबके से हमदर्दी रखना एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Having sympathy for every section of society is a big challenge.

Gerundial phrase.

सच्ची हमदर्दी रखने के लिए खुद को दूसरे के स्थान पर रखना पड़ता है।

To have true sympathy, one has to put oneself in another's place.

Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.

आधुनिक युग की विडंबना यह है कि हम मशीनों से तो जुड़ गए हैं, पर इंसानों से हमदर्दी रखना भूल गए हैं।

The irony of the modern age is that we have connected with machines, but forgotten to have sympathy for humans.

Compound sentence with 'par' (but).

न्यायाधीश ने अपराधी की पारिवारिक स्थिति को देखते हुए उसके प्रति हमदर्दी रखी।

The judge, seeing the criminal's family situation, held sympathy towards him.

Participial phrase 'dekhte hue'.

उनकी कविताओं में प्रकृति के प्रति जो हमदर्दी झलकती है, वह अद्वितीय है।

The sympathy towards nature that reflects in his poems is unique.

Relative clause 'jo... woh'.

क्या राजनीतिक दल वाकई जनता से हमदर्दी रखते हैं, या यह महज़ वोट बैंक की राजनीति है?

Do political parties really have sympathy for the public, or is this merely vote-bank politics?

Rhetorical question.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन्होंने मानवता से हमदर्दी रखी, उन्हें ही दुनिया ने याद रखा।

History is witness that only those who had sympathy for humanity were remembered by the world.

Correlative ' जिन्होंने... उन्हें'.

हमें अपने प्रतिस्पर्धियों से भी हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए, क्योंकि संघर्ष सबका साझा है।

We should have sympathy even for our competitors, because the struggle is shared by all.

Causal 'kyunki' (because).

उसकी चुप्पी में भी एक तरह की हमदर्दी छिपी हुई थी।

In her silence too, a kind of sympathy was hidden.

Passive participle 'chipi hui'.

अस्तित्ववाद के परिप्रेक्ष्य में, किसी अन्य के अस्तित्व से हमदर्दी रखना ही उसे अर्थ प्रदान करना है।

In the perspective of existentialism, having sympathy with another's existence is to provide it meaning.

Highly formal academic register.

साहित्य का मूल उद्देश्य पाठक के भीतर उन चरित्रों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना है जिनसे वह वास्तविक जीवन में कभी नहीं मिलता।

The fundamental purpose of literature is to foster sympathy in the reader for characters they never meet in real life.

Complex objective clause.

वैश्विक संकटों के इस दौर में, भौगोलिक सीमाओं से परे हमदर्दी रखना ही एकमात्र विकल्प है।

In this era of global crises, having sympathy beyond geographical boundaries is the only option.

Adverbial phrase 'se pare' (beyond).

क्या हमदर्दी रखना एक जन्मजात प्रवृत्ति है या यह सामाजिक परिवेश की उपज है?

Is having sympathy an innate instinct or a product of the social environment?

Philosophical inquiry.

उनकी दार्शनिक मीमांसा में, 'हमदर्दी रखना' ही नैतिक आचरण की कसौटी माना गया है।

In his philosophical discourse, 'having sympathy' has been considered the touchstone of ethical conduct.

Passive voice 'mana gaya hai'.

जब तक हम अपनी पीड़ा के साथ-साथ दूसरों की पीड़ा से हमदर्दी नहीं रखते, हमारा आध्यात्मिक विकास अधूरा है।

Until we have sympathy with others' pain along with our own, our spiritual development is incomplete.

Conditional 'jab tak... tab tak'.

तटस्थता के नाम पर हमदर्दी न रखना अक्सर क्रूरता का ही एक रूप होता है।

Not having sympathy in the name of neutrality is often just a form of cruelty.

Negative infinitive as subject.

उनकी लेखनी में शोषितों के प्रति जो हमदर्दी रची-बसी है, वह उनके निजी अनुभवों का निचोड़ है।

The sympathy for the exploited that is ingrained in his writing is the essence of his personal experiences.

Compound adjective 'rachi-basi' (ingrained).

Common Collocations

गहरी हमदर्दी

झूठी हमदर्दी

इंसानी हमदर्दी

हमदर्दी की लहर

हमदर्दी के दो बोल

वोटों के लिए हमदर्दी

आपसी हमदर्दी

हमदर्दी भरा व्यवहार

हमदर्दी का पात्र

दिल में हमदर्दी

Common Phrases

हमदर्दी जताना

— To express or show sympathy outwardly.

लोग अक्सर सोशल मीडिया पर हमदर्दी जताते हैं।

हमदर्दी बटोरना

— To try to gain sympathy from others, often manipulative.

वह अपनी बीमारी का बहाना करके हमदर्दी बटोर रहा है।

हमदर्दी का हाथ बढ़ाना

— To offer help out of sympathy.

पड़ोसियों ने मुसीबत के समय हमदर्दी का हाथ बढ़ाया।

हमदर्दी खो देना

— To lose the sympathy of others due to bad behavior.

अपनी बदतमीजी की वजह से उसने सबकी हमदर्दी खो दी।

हमदर्दी की उम्मीद

— Expecting sympathy from someone.

मुझे तुमसे हमदर्दी की उम्मीद नहीं थी।

हमदर्दी के काबिल

— Deserving of sympathy.

उसकी मेहनत उसे हमदर्दी के काबिल बनाती है।

हमदर्दी में कहना

— To say something out of sympathy.

मैंने जो भी कहा, हमदर्दी में कहा।

हमदर्दी का रिश्ता

— A relationship based on mutual sympathy.

उन दोनों के बीच हमदर्दी का रिश्ता है।

हमदर्दी का दिखावा

— A pretense of sympathy.

यह सब सिर्फ हमदर्दी का दिखावा है।

हमदर्दी मिलना

— To receive sympathy from others.

उसे हर तरफ से हमदर्दी मिल रही है।

Often Confused With

हमदर्दी रखना vs Daya (दया)

Daya is pity/mercy, often hierarchical. Hamdardi is equal/shared.

हमदर्दी रखना vs Hamdard (हमदर्द)

Hamdard is the person (noun). Hamdardi is the feeling (abstract noun).

हमदर्दी रखना vs Samvedna (संवेदना)

Samvedna is more about formal condolences or general sensitivity.

Idioms & Expressions

"दुख-सुख का साथी"

— A companion in both pain and happiness; a true sympathizer.

वह मेरे हर दुख-सुख का साथी है।

Informal

"कंधा देना"

— To give a shoulder (to cry on); to offer deep sympathy and support.

जब मैं टूटा हुआ था, उसने मुझे कंधा दिया।

Informal

"दिल पसीजना"

— To have one's heart melt; to suddenly feel deep sympathy.

बच्चे की हालत देखकर मेरा दिल पसीज गया।

Neutral

"आँसू पोंछना"

— To wipe someone's tears; to comfort someone in sympathy.

मुसीबत में उसने मेरे आँसू पोंछे।

Neutral

"मरहम लगाना"

— To apply ointment (to a wound); to soothe someone's emotional pain.

उसके हमदर्दी भरे शब्दों ने मेरे घावों पर मरहम लगाया।

Literary

"दर्द बाँटना"

— To share the pain; the essence of hamdardi.

सच्चा दोस्त वही है जो आपका दर्द बाँटे।

Neutral

"सीने से लगाना"

— To embrace someone; to show deep acceptance and sympathy.

उसने अपनी गलती मानी तो पिता ने उसे सीने से लगा लिया।

Informal

"जी भर आना"

— To be overcome with emotion/sympathy.

उसकी कहानी सुनकर मेरा जी भर आया।

Neutral

"आँखें नम होना"

— Eyes becoming moist out of sympathy.

शहीद की माँ को देखकर सबकी आँखें नम हो गईं।

Neutral

"हाथ थामना"

— To hold someone's hand; to provide support out of sympathy.

मुश्किल वक्त में उसने मेरा हाथ थामा।

Informal

Easily Confused

हमदर्दी रखना vs Taras (तरस)

Both involve feeling bad for someone.

Taras is more impulsive and often implies the other person is helpless.

मुझे उस पर तरस आ रहा है।

हमदर्दी रखना vs Rahm (रहम)

Both involve compassion.

Rahm is specifically 'mercy' shown by someone in power.

मुझ पर रहम करो।

हमदर्दी रखना vs Moh (मोह)

Both are emotional attachments.

Moh is often deluded attachment or infatuation, not necessarily sympathy.

उसे अपने बेटे से बहुत मोह है।

हमदर्दी रखना vs Prem (प्रेम)

Both are positive emotions.

Prem is love, which is broader. Hamdardi is specifically about sharing pain.

प्रेम और हमदर्दी अलग हैं।

हमदर्दी रखना vs Sahanubhuti (सहानुभूति)

They are synonyms.

Sahanubhuti is Sanskrit-based and formal; Hamdardi is Persian-based and warmer.

मेरी सहानुभूति आपके साथ है।

Sentence Patterns

मुझे [Noun] है।

मुझे हमदर्दी है।

[Subject] [Person] से हमदर्दी रखता है।

वह मुझसे हमदर्दी रखता है।

[Subject] को [Person] से हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

हमें उनसे हमदर्दी रखनी चाहिए।

[Subject] ने [Person] से हमदर्दी रखी।

राम ने मुझसे हमदर्दी रखी।

[Person] के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना [Adjective] है।

गरीबों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना पुण्य है।

बिना हमदर्दी रखे [Result].

बिना हमदर्दी रखे शांति संभव नहीं है।

जितनी हमदर्दी [Subject] रखता है, [Comparison].

जितनी हमदर्दी वह रखता है, उतनी कोई नहीं रखता।

[Abstract Concept] में हमदर्दी का पुट होना।

उसकी न्यायप्रियता में हमदर्दी का पुट था।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Usne hamdarda rakha. → Usne hamdardi rakhi.
Hamdardi is feminine, and in past tense with 'ne', the verb agrees with the noun.
Mujhe tumse hamdard hai. → Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai.
Hamdard is the person; Hamdardi is the emotion.
Mein tumko hamdardi rakhta hoon. → Mein tumse hamdardi रखता हूँ।
The postposition 'se' is required, not 'ko'.
Hamdardi karna. → Hamdardi rakhna.
While understandable, 'rakhna' is the more standard idiomatic pairing.
Pronouncing 'Dard' like English 'Dirt'. → Pronouncing 'Dard' with a soft dental 'd'.
The 'd' should be dental, and the 'a' is a short 'uh' sound.

Tips

Watch the Gender

Always remember 'Hamdardi' is feminine. Say 'gehri hamdardi', not 'gehra hamdardi'.

Use 'Ke Prati'

For a more sophisticated and formal sound, use 'ke prati' instead of 'se'.

Equality Matters

Use 'Hamdardi' when you want to show you are standing with the person, not just looking down on them.

Soft D

Keep your 'd' sounds dental. Touch your tongue to your teeth, not the roof of your mouth.

Pair with 'Dard'

Remember the root 'Dard' (pain) to never forget the meaning.

Avoid 'Karna'

In writing, prefer 'rakhna' or 'jatana' over 'karna' for better style.

Sincerity

In India, showing 'hamdardi' is often more about listening than speaking.

Vs Sahanubhuti

Use 'Hamdardi' for close friends and 'Sahanubhuti' for colleagues or in formal letters.

Rooh Afza

Associate the word with the brand 'Hamdard' to remember it's about being a 'friend' or 'sharer'.

Dramatic Use

Don't be afraid to use it in emotional situations; it's a very expressive word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ham' as 'Human' and 'Dard' as 'Dread/Pain'. To have Hamdardi is to share a Human's Pain.

Visual Association

Imagine two people holding a heavy box (the pain) together. They are 'Ham-Dard' (together-pain).

Word Web

Compassion Empathy Solidarity Kindness Shared Sorrow Mercy Humanity Support

Challenge

Try to identify three people today who might need 'Hamdardi' and write a sentence in Hindi about why you feel for them.

Word Origin

Derived from Persian 'Ham' (هم) meaning 'together/same' and 'Dard' (درد) meaning 'pain'.

Original meaning: To be a partner in pain; a co-sufferer.

Indo-Iranian / Indo-European.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'Hamdardi' in a way that sounds patronizing. It should come from a place of equality.

In English, 'sympathy' can sometimes feel distant. 'Hamdardi' is closer to 'empathy' in its depth but used as commonly as 'sympathy'.

The brand 'Hamdard' (Rooh Afza makers). The poem 'Hamdard' by various Urdu poets exploring the role of a sympathizer. Bollywood movies often feature a 'Hamdard' character who sacrifices for the lead.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Service

समाज के प्रति हमदर्दी
गरीबों से हमदर्दी
सेवा और हमदर्दी
हमदर्दी का काम

Personal Relationships

मुझसे हमदर्दी रखो
तुम्हारी हमदर्दी चाहिए
सच्ची हमदर्दी
हमदर्दी की कमी

Politics/News

जनता से हमदर्दी
पीड़ितों के लिए हमदर्दी
राजनीतिक हमदर्दी
दिखावे की हमदर्दी

Literature/Art

चरित्र की हमदर्दी
लेखक की हमदर्दी
हमदर्दी भरा दृश्य
काव्यात्मक हमदर्दी

Health/Medicine

मरीज़ से हमदर्दी
डॉक्टर की हमदर्दी
हमदर्दी भरा स्पर्श
मानसिक हमदर्दी

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल लोगों में हमदर्दी कम हो गई है?"

"आप मुसीबत में फंसे लोगों के प्रति कैसे हमदर्दी रखते हैं?"

"क्या हमदर्दी रखना एक कमजोरी है या ताकत?"

"किसी अजनबी से हमदर्दी रखना क्यों ज़रूरी है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी की झूठी हमदर्दी पकड़ी है?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किसके प्रति हमदर्दी रखी और क्यों? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी की हमदर्दी ने आपकी जान बचाई या मदद की।

क्या हमदर्दी और दया एक ही हैं? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

अगर दुनिया के हर इंसान के दिल में हमदर्दी हो, तो समाज कैसा दिखेगा?

क्या जानवरों के प्रति हमदर्दी रखना इंसानों जितनी ही ज़रूरी है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It comes from Persian 'Ham' (same) and 'Dard' (pain), meaning 'sharing the same pain'.

It is a feminine noun. Adjectives and verbs in certain tenses must reflect this.

It's better to say 'Hamdardi rakhna' (to have/keep) or 'Hamdardi dikhana' (to show). 'Karna' sounds slightly unnatural.

You can say 'Mujhe tumse hamdardi hai' or 'Mein tumse hamdardi rakhta hoon'.

Yes, but 'Sahanubhuti' is the more formal Sanskrit alternative often used in government or academic contexts.

Only if qualified, like 'jhoothi hamdardi' (fake sympathy) or 'dikhave ki hamdardi' (showy sympathy).

Hamdard is a person (a sympathizer), while Hamdardi is the emotion (sympathy).

Yes, if using 'rakhna' as a transitive verb: 'Usne hamdardi rakhi'.

Usually 'se' (with/from) or 'ke prati' (towards).

Extremely. It's a key word in emotional dialogues and songs.