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खुशी

A1 noun #500 most common 12 min read

खुशी

khushi Top 500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips खुशी in 30 Seconds

Explanation खुशी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Khushi' is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'happiness'. Learners focus on simple sentences like 'Mujhe khushi hai' (I am happy/glad). The primary goal is to distinguish it from the adjective 'Khush' (happy). At this stage, you learn that 'Khushi' is a feminine word, which is important for basic grammar. You use it to express simple emotions and respond to good news. For example, when someone says they passed a test, you say 'Bahut khushi hui' (Very happy to hear that). It's one of the first 'emotion' words you learn because it's so common in daily greetings and polite conversation. You also learn that it's a common name for girls. The focus is on immediate, personal joy and basic social etiquette.

At the A2 level, you start using 'Khushi' in more complex structures, such as with postpositions like 'se' (with/from) and 'mein' (in). You learn phrases like 'Khushi se' (happily/with joy) and 'Khushi mein' (in happiness). You also begin to understand the plural form 'Khushiyaan' (joys) and how to use it in sentences like 'Zindagi mein bahut khushiyaan hain' (There are many joys in life). You might start using the reduplicated form 'Khushi-khushi' to describe how an action is performed ('Usne khushi-khushi kaam kiya'). At this stage, the focus shifts from just knowing the word to using it to describe actions and states in a more detailed way. You also learn to use it with 'ki' to show possession, like 'Maa ki khushi' (Mother's happiness).

By B1, you can use 'Khushi' to discuss abstract concepts and personal values. You might participate in a conversation about what brings 'Asli khushi' (true happiness) or how 'Khushi' differs from 'Sukh' (comfort/prosperity). You understand more idiomatic expressions like 'Khushi ka thikana na rehna' (to be extremely happy). Your grammar becomes more precise, correctly using the oblique plural 'khushiyon' in phrases like 'Khushiyon ka tyohaar' (festival of joys). You can also use 'Khushi' in compound verbs like 'Khushi manana' (to celebrate). At this level, 'Khushi' becomes a tool for expressing more nuanced opinions and describing social events or cultural traditions in detail, such as explaining why a particular festival is a 'khushi ka mauka' (occasion of happiness).

At the B2 level, you use 'Khushi' with a high degree of fluency and can distinguish it from its many synonyms like 'Anand', 'Prasannata', and 'Harsh'. You understand the subtle registers of these words—using 'Khushi' for friends and 'Prasannata' for a formal speech. You can follow complex narratives in Bollywood movies or literature where 'Khushi' is a central theme. You are comfortable with advanced idioms like 'Ghee ke deeye jalana' (to celebrate with great joy). You can also use 'Khushi' in hypothetical or conditional sentences, such as 'Agar mujhe yeh naukri mili, toh meri khushi ka thikana nahi rahega' (If I get this job, my joy will know no bounds). Your usage reflects an understanding of the cultural weight the word carries in Indian society.

At the C1 level, your use of 'Khushi' is sophisticated and culturally nuanced. You can use it in literary analysis, discussing how 'Khushi' is portrayed in Hindi poetry or classical texts. You understand the philosophical debates surrounding 'Khushi' vs. 'Anand' in spiritual contexts. You can use the word in professional and academic settings with precision, choosing it or its synonyms to strike the exact right tone. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word (its Persian origin) and how that influences its usage compared to Sanskrit-derived synonyms. You can use 'Khushi' to express irony, sarcasm, or deep empathy, showing a mastery of the emotional range the word can convey in different social dynamics.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'Khushi'. You can use it in creative writing, poetry, or high-level oratory. You understand every subtle connotation and can play with the word's meaning in complex puns or metaphors. You can navigate the most formal and the most colloquial environments with equal ease, using 'Khushi' and its alternatives flawlessly. You might even use archaic or very rare synonyms in specific literary contexts. Your understanding of 'Khushi' is deeply integrated with your understanding of Indian philosophy, culture, and history. You can discuss the evolution of the word's usage in Hindi cinema over the decades or its role in defining modern Indian identity. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a part of your own emotional and linguistic identity in Hindi.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

खुशी in 30 Seconds

Khushi means 'happiness' or 'joy' in Hindi and is a feminine noun.
It is commonly used with verbs like 'hona' (to be) and 'milna' (to get).
Distinguish it from the adjective 'khush' (happy), which describes a person's state.
It is a very popular name for girls and a central theme in Indian culture.

The Hindi word खुशी (Khushi) is a cornerstone of emotional expression in the Hindi language. At its simplest level, it translates to 'happiness' or 'joy'. However, its usage spans a vast spectrum of human experience, from the fleeting delight of eating a favorite sweet to the profound, long-lasting contentment of a life well-lived. As a feminine noun, it requires specific grammatical agreement, which is one of the first things a learner must master. Understanding 'Khushi' is not just about learning a vocabulary word; it is about tapping into the vibrant emotional landscape of North Indian culture, where collective celebration and personal well-being are deeply intertwined. Whether you are at a wedding, celebrating a festival like Diwali, or simply sharing a pleasant moment with a friend, 'Khushi' is the word that bridges the gap between internal feeling and external expression.

Grammatical Gender: Feminine. This means adjectives and verbs must agree. For example, 'Badi khushi' (Great happiness) uses the feminine 'Badi' instead of the masculine 'Bada'.
Social Context: Used in greetings, congratulations, and everyday conversation to express positivity and well-wishes.

In everyday life, you will hear 'Khushi' used in various idiomatic ways. It is often paired with the verb 'hona' (to be/happen) or 'milna' (to receive). For instance, 'Mujhe khushi hui' literally translates to 'To me, happiness happened,' which is the standard way to say 'I am happy' or 'I was glad' about a specific event. This construction highlights a subtle cultural nuance: happiness is often viewed as something that arrives or is experienced, rather than just a state of being that one 'is'. This perspective encourages a sense of gratitude for the moments of joy that come one's way.

आज मेरे घर में बहुत खुशी का माहौल है। (Today there is an atmosphere of great happiness in my house.)

Furthermore, 'Khushi' is a very popular name for girls in India, symbolizing the parents' desire for their child to bring joy to the family and lead a happy life. This cultural naming convention reinforces the word's positive connotations. In literature and Bollywood cinema, 'Khushi' is a recurring theme, often contrasted with 'Gham' (sadness). The famous movie title 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness) perfectly encapsulates the rhythmic nature of life as perceived in the Indian worldview. By mastering this word, you gain access to a fundamental building block of Hindi communication, allowing you to share in the joys of those around you and express your own satisfaction with clarity and cultural resonance.

आपकी सफलता देखकर मुझे बहुत खुशी हुई। (I felt very happy seeing your success.)

Formal Usage: In formal letters or speeches, 'Khushi' might be replaced by 'Prasannata' or 'Harsh', but 'Khushi' remains perfectly acceptable and widely understood.

To truly use 'Khushi' like a native, one must understand its collocations. Phrases like 'Khushi ke aansu' (tears of joy) or 'Khushi se jhoom uthna' (to dance with joy) add color and depth to your speech. It is a word that breathes life into descriptions of celebrations, personal achievements, and the simple pleasures of companionship. As you progress in your Hindi journey, you will find that 'Khushi' is more than just a translation; it is an invitation to participate in the collective emotional spirit of the Hindi-speaking world.

Using खुशी (Khushi) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its role as a feminine noun and its common verb pairings. Unlike English, where 'happy' is primarily an adjective, Hindi frequently uses the noun form 'Khushi' to describe the experience of happiness. This leads to several unique sentence structures that learners must internalize. The most common pattern involves the postposition 'ki' (feminine possessive) or using it as the subject of a sentence where an emotion is 'happening' to someone.

The 'Experience' Pattern: [Person] + ko + [Amount] + khushi + hui. Example: 'Mujhe bahut khushi hui' (I felt very happy / Happiness happened to me).
The 'Possessive' Pattern: [Noun] + ki + khushi. Example: 'Bachon ki khushi' (The happiness of children).

When you want to describe the cause of happiness, you often use the word 'se' (from/with). For example, 'Woh khushi se rone laga' (He started crying with/from joy). Here, 'Khushi' acts as the source of the action. It is also important to note that because 'Khushi' is feminine, any accompanying adjectives must end in 'i'. You would say 'Badi khushi' (big happiness) or 'Asli khushi' (real happiness). Using the masculine 'Bada' or 'Asla' would be grammatically incorrect and sound jarring to a native speaker.

सच्ची खुशी दूसरों की मदद करने में है। (True happiness lies in helping others.)

In more complex sentences, 'Khushi' can be part of a compound verb or a phrasal expression. For instance, 'Khushi manana' means 'to celebrate' or 'to observe happiness'. You might say, 'Humne jeet ki khushi manayi' (We celebrated the victory). Notice how 'manayi' agrees with the feminine 'khushi'. Another common usage is 'Khushi-khushi', a reduplicated adverbial form meaning 'happily' or 'gladly'. 'Usne khushi-khushi kaam kiya' (He did the work happily). This reduplication is a common feature in Hindi to add emphasis or create an adverb from a noun.

क्या आप मेरे साथ चलकर मुझे खुशी देंगे? (Will you give me happiness by coming with me? / Would you do me the pleasure of coming with me?)

Finally, consider the use of 'Khushi' in the oblique case. When referring to 'in happiness', we say 'khushi mein'. For example, 'Khushi mein log naachte hain' (People dance in happiness). If you are talking about multiple instances of joy, the plural 'khushiyaan' is used: 'Zindagi mein bahut si khushiyaan aati hain' (Many joys come in life). By practicing these various structures, you will move beyond simple translations and start thinking in the grammatical logic of Hindi, where 'Khushi' is a dynamic force that flows through sentences.

The word खुशी (Khushi) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world, appearing in everything from high-budget cinema to the most humble street conversations. If you walk through a market in Delhi or Mumbai, you might hear a shopkeeper say, 'Aapki khushi mein hamari khushi hai' (Our happiness lies in your happiness), a classic way of expressing customer-centric service. In the realm of Bollywood, 'Khushi' is a thematic staple. Songs often revolve around the search for happiness, the pain of losing it, or the sheer ecstasy of finding it. Titles like 'Khushi', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', and lyrics featuring 'Khushiyon ka mela' (a fair of joys) are part of the cultural fabric.

In Festivals: During Diwali, Eid, or Holi, people greet each other saying 'Tyohaar ki khushiyaan' (The joys of the festival).
In Family Life: Parents often talk about 'Bachon ki khushi' as their primary motivation in life.

In news broadcasts and formal media, 'Khushi' is used to report on public sentiment or national achievements. A news anchor might say, 'Poore desh mein khushi ki lahar hai' (There is a wave of happiness across the whole country) after a major sports victory or a successful space mission. In this context, 'Khushi' represents a collective, national emotion. You will also find it in religious and spiritual discourses, where 'Asli Khushi' (True Happiness) is often debated and defined as something internal rather than material. This philosophical usage is common in satsangs (spiritual gatherings) and motivational talks.

यह खबर सुनकर पूरे गाँव में खुशी की लहर दौड़ गई। (A wave of happiness ran through the entire village upon hearing this news.)

Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are also full of this word. Captions like 'Khushi ke pal' (Moments of happiness) or 'Meri khushi' (My happiness) accompany photos of family, travel, and food. In these digital spaces, 'Khushi' is often used as a hashtag to signify a positive vibe. Even in professional settings, while 'Prasannata' might be used in a very formal letter, 'Khushi' is frequently used in emails and meetings to express satisfaction with a project's progress or a colleague's performance. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the personal and the professional.

हमें आपको यह बताते हुए बहुत खुशी हो रही है कि आपका चयन हो गया है। (We are very happy to inform you that you have been selected.)

Lastly, you will hear 'Khushi' in the context of personal boundaries and consent. The phrase 'Aapki khushi' (Your happiness/wish) is often used to mean 'As you wish' or 'Whatever makes you happy'. It shows a level of respect for the other person's preferences. For example, if you ask someone where they want to eat and they reply 'Jisme aapki khushi ho' (In whatever lies your happiness), they are deferring to your choice. This subtle usage highlights how the word is woven into the etiquette of Hindi conversation.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Hindi is confusing the noun खुशी (Khushi) with the adjective खुश (Khush). In English, 'happy' serves both as a state of being ('I am happy') and an abstract concept ('Happiness is key'). In Hindi, these are distinct. If you say 'Main khushi hoon', you are literally saying 'I am happiness', which sounds like you are a personification of the concept. To say 'I am happy', you must use the adjective: 'Main khush hoon'. This distinction is vital for sounding natural.

Noun vs. Adjective: Incorrect: Main khushi hoon. Correct: Main khush hoon (I am happy). Correct: Mujhe khushi hai (I have happiness/I am glad).
Gender Agreement: Incorrect: Bada khushi. Correct: Badi khushi (Great happiness). Adjectives must be feminine.

Another common error involves the use of 'Khushi' with verbs. Many learners try to translate 'I feel happy' directly as 'Main khushi mehsoos karta hoon'. While technically correct, it sounds overly formal or slightly 'translated'. A more native way to express this is 'Mujhe khushi ho rahi hai' (Happiness is happening to me). Understanding that emotions are often treated as things that happen to a person (using the 'ko' postposition) is a major hurdle for English speakers, but it is essential for achieving fluency.

गलत: वह बहुत खुशी है। सही: वह बहुत खुश है। (Incorrect: He is very happiness. Correct: He is very happy.)

Wait until you get to the plural! Some learners forget that 'Khushi' becomes 'Khushiyaan' in the plural. They might say 'Bahut saari khushi' when they mean 'Many joys'. While 'Bahut saari khushi' (a lot of happiness) is fine for an uncountable amount, 'Khushiyaan' is used when referring to multiple happy events or a general abundance of joy. For example, 'Diwali ki khushiyaan' (The joys of Diwali). Also, be careful with the oblique plural 'khushiyon'. If you say 'Khushiyon ka din' (Day of joys), it is correct, but 'Khushiyaan ka din' is wrong because the postposition 'ka' requires the oblique form.

गलत: खुशियाँ का समय। सही: खुशियों का समय। (Incorrect: Time of joys [direct plural]. Correct: Time of joys [oblique plural].)

Finally, learners often struggle with the difference between 'Khushi' and 'Sukh'. While both can mean happiness, 'Sukh' often refers to physical comfort or worldly prosperity, whereas 'Khushi' is more about the emotional state of joy. Saying 'Mujhe bahut sukh mila' after seeing a friend might sound a bit odd; 'Mujhe bahut khushi hui' is the appropriate emotional response. Distinguishing between these nuances will help you express your feelings more accurately and avoid cultural misunderstandings.

While खुशी (Khushi) is the most common word for happiness, Hindi offers a rich palette of synonyms, each with its own specific 'flavor' and register. Choosing the right one can elevate your speech from basic to sophisticated. For instance, आनंद (Anand) is often translated as 'bliss' or 'deep joy'. It has a more spiritual or profound connotation than 'Khushi'. You might use 'Anand' when describing a beautiful piece of music or a meditative experience. It is a masculine noun, unlike 'Khushi'.

Khushi vs. Anand: Khushi (Feminine): General happiness, everyday joy. Anand (Masculine): Bliss, profound spiritual or aesthetic joy.
Khushi vs. Prasannata: Prasannata (Feminine): Formal happiness, satisfaction. Often used in official documents or polite formal speech.

Another alternative is हर्ष (Harsh). This is a highly formal, Sanskritized word for joy. You will mostly encounter it in literature, formal invitations, or news reports. For example, 'Hamein harsh hai...' (We are pleased/joyful...). Then there is सुख (Sukh), which refers to comfort, peace, and prosperity. While 'Khushi' is an emotion, 'Sukh' is often a state of life. A person might have all the 'Sukh' (comforts) in the world but still lack 'Khushi' (happiness). The opposite of 'Sukh' is 'Dukh' (suffering/pain).

ईश्वर आपको जीवन में सुख और खुशी दोनों दे। (May God give you both comfort/prosperity and happiness in life.)

For a more colloquial or Urdu-influenced flavor, you might hear मौज (Mauj) or मज़ा (Maza). 'Mauj' refers to fun, enjoyment, or a carefree state. 'Maza' means fun or pleasure. While not direct synonyms for 'Khushi', they are often used in similar contexts. 'Aaj toh mauj ho gayi!' (Today was a blast/so much fun!). Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate different social circles and literary texts with ease. In poetry, you might also find उल्लास (Ullas), which denotes enthusiasm and exuberant joy, often associated with festivals or victory.

त्योहार के इस अवसर पर चारों ओर उल्लास का वातावरण है। (On this occasion of the festival, there is an atmosphere of exuberance all around.)

Lastly, consider तृप्ति (Tripti), which means satisfaction or contentment. While 'Khushi' can be loud and energetic, 'Tripti' is the quiet happiness that comes from being full—either literally after a meal or metaphorically after achieving a goal. By learning these alternatives, you don't just learn more words; you learn the nuances of the Indian emotional experience, allowing you to express exactly what you feel in any given moment.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because of its Persian roots, 'Khushi' is a 'Hindustani' word, meaning it is shared between Hindi and Urdu. It is often considered more 'poetic' or 'warm' than its Sanskrit counterpart 'Prasannata'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkʰʊ.ʃiː/

US /ˈkʊ.ʃi/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Khu-'.

Rhymes With

हंसी (Hansi - laughter) शीशी (Sheeshi - small bottle) दोषी (Doshi - guilty) जोशी (Joshi - energetic/surname) बासी (Baasi - stale) काशी (Kashi - Varanasi) राशि (Rashi - zodiac sign) खुशखबरी (Khushkhabri - good news - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k' without aspiration.
Making the first 'u' sound too long like 'oo' in 'moon'.
Pronouncing the final 'i' too short.
Confusing the 'sh' sound with a simple 's' (saying 'khusi' instead of 'khushi').
Putting the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The characters are simple and common. Easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Requires correct use of the 'u' matra and the 'sh' character.

Speaking 2/5

Aspiration of 'kh' and the 'sh' sound need practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, frequently used in songs and speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मैं (I) है (is) बहुत (very) आज (today) नाम (name)

Learn Next

दुख (Sadness) प्यार (Love) दोस्त (Friend) परिवार (Family) सफलता (Success)

Advanced

प्रसन्नता (Satisfaction) संतोष (Contentment) उल्लास (Exuberance) विषाद (Deep sorrow) कृतज्ञता (Gratitude)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

बड़ी (F) खुशी, मेरी (F) खुशी, अच्छी (F) खुशी।

Oblique Case with Postpositions

खुशी में (in happiness), खुशी से (with happiness).

Pluralization of '-i' ending feminine nouns

खुशी (Singular) -> खुशियाँ (Plural).

Dative Subject Construction

मुझे (To me) खुशी हुई (Happiness happened).

Reduplication for Adverbs

खुशी-खुशी (Happily).

Examples by Level

मुझे बहुत खुशी है।

I am very happy/glad.

Uses 'Mujhe' (to me) + 'khushi' (happiness) + 'hai' (is).

यह मेरी खुशी है।

This is my happiness/pleasure.

'Meri' is feminine to agree with 'khushi'.

खुशी एक अच्छी लड़की है।

Khushi is a good girl.

Here 'Khushi' is used as a proper noun (a name).

क्या आप खुश हैं?

Are you happy?

Uses the adjective 'khush' for a person's state.

आज खुशी का दिन है।

Today is a day of happiness.

'Ka' is masculine to agree with 'din', but it refers to 'khushi'.

मुझे खुशी हुई।

I became happy / I was glad.

'Hui' is the feminine past tense of 'hona'.

घर में खुशी है।

There is happiness in the house.

Simple locative sentence.

बड़ी खुशी की बात है!

It is a matter of great happiness!

'Badi' (big) is feminine to agree with 'khushi'.

वह खुशी से नाचने लगा।

He started dancing with joy.

'Khushi se' means 'with/from joy'.

हम सब मिलकर खुशी मनाएंगे।

We all will celebrate together.

'Khushi manana' is a compound verb meaning 'to celebrate'.

उसकी आँखों में खुशी के आँसू थे।

There were tears of joy in her eyes.

'Khushi ke aansu' is a common collocation.

बच्चे खुशी-खुशी स्कूल गए।

The children went to school happily.

'Khushi-khushi' is a reduplicated adverb.

मिठाई बाँटना खुशी की बात है।

Distributing sweets is a matter of happiness.

Shows the cultural link between sweets and joy.

मुझे आपकी सफलता से बहुत खुशी मिली।

I received much happiness from your success.

Uses 'milna' (to receive/get) with 'khushi'.

ज़िंदगी में छोटी-छोटी खुशियाँ ढूँढो।

Find small joys in life.

'Khushiyaan' is the plural of 'khushi'.

क्या आपको मेरी खुशी की परवाह है?

Do you care about my happiness?

'Meri khushi' shows possession.

असली खुशी पैसों से नहीं खरीदी जा सकती।

True happiness cannot be bought with money.

Passive construction with 'khareedi ja sakti'.

जब वह घर आया, तो मेरी खुशी का ठिकाना न रहा।

When he came home, my joy knew no bounds.

Idiom: 'Khushi ka thikana na rehna'.

हमें दूसरों की खुशी में अपनी खुशी देखनी चाहिए।

We should see our happiness in the happiness of others.

Reflexive pronoun 'apni' used with 'khushi'.

त्योहारों का मतलब ही खुशियाँ बाँटना है।

The very meaning of festivals is to share joys.

Uses the plural 'khushiyaan'.

वह अपनी खुशी जाहिर नहीं कर पा रहा था।

He was not able to express his happiness.

'Zahir karna' means to express/manifest.

खुशी एक मानसिक स्थिति है।

Happiness is a state of mind.

Abstract definition.

उसने बहुत खुशी-खुशी मेरा प्रस्ताव स्वीकार कर लिया।

He accepted my proposal very happily.

Adverbial usage for emphasis.

यह जानकर मुझे बड़ी खुशी हुई कि आप ठीक हैं।

I was very happy to know that you are fine.

Complex sentence with 'yeh jaankar'.

सफलता और खुशी दो अलग-अलग चीज़ें हैं।

Success and happiness are two different things.

Comparative structure.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे दुखी मन में खुशी का संचार कर दिया।

His words infused happiness into my sad heart.

'Sanchar karna' means to infuse or circulate.

खुशी के इस माहौल में कोई भी उदास नहीं रहना चाहता।

In this atmosphere of happiness, no one wants to remain sad.

Uses 'mahaul' (atmosphere).

हमें अपनी खुशियों के लिए दूसरों पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए।

We should not depend on others for our joys.

Oblique plural 'khushiyon' with postposition 'ke liye'.

आज के युग में लोग बाहरी खुशी के पीछे भाग रहे हैं।

In today's era, people are running after external happiness.

'Bahari' means external.

बेटे की नौकरी लगने पर पिता ने खुशी में घी के दीये जलाए।

When the son got a job, the father celebrated with great joy (lit. lit ghee lamps).

Idiom: 'Ghee ke deeye jalana'.

आपकी खुशी में ही मेरी जीत है।

My victory lies in your happiness.

Emphatic 'hi' used for 'in your happiness *only*'.

खुशी का कोई शॉर्टकट नहीं होता।

There is no shortcut to happiness.

Modern colloquial usage.

दार्शनिकों ने सदियों से खुशी की परिभाषा खोजने की कोशिश की है।

Philosophers have tried to find the definition of happiness for centuries.

Formal vocabulary: 'Darshanik' (philosopher), 'Paribhasha' (definition).

साहित्य में खुशी को अक्सर वसंत ऋतु के समान माना गया है।

In literature, happiness has often been considered similar to the spring season.

Literary comparison.

आंतरिक खुशी ही मनुष्य को विपरीत परिस्थितियों में अडिग रखती है।

Only internal happiness keeps a person steadfast in adverse circumstances.

Formal vocabulary: 'Aantrik' (internal), 'Vipreet' (adverse), 'Adig' (steadfast).

उसकी मुस्कान में एक अजीब सी बेबसी और खुशी का मिश्रण था।

In her smile, there was a strange mixture of helplessness and happiness.

Complex emotional description.

समाज की खुशी के लिए व्यक्तिगत बलिदान कभी-कभी आवश्यक होता है।

For the happiness of society, personal sacrifice is sometimes necessary.

Social/Political context.

खुशी की तलाश में हम अक्सर यह भूल जाते हैं कि वह हमारे भीतर ही है।

In search of happiness, we often forget that it is within us.

Philosophical reflection.

कलाकार की असली खुशी उसकी कृति की सराहना में होती है।

An artist's true happiness lies in the appreciation of their work.

Professional context.

यह फिल्म खुशी और गम के मानवीय पहलुओं को खूबसूरती से दर्शाती है।

This film beautifully depicts the human aspects of happiness and sadness.

Critical analysis.

निर्वाण की प्राप्ति ही परम खुशी का मार्ग है।

Attaining Nirvana is the path to ultimate happiness.

Spiritual/Theological context.

उनकी कविताओं में खुशी की क्षणभंगुरता का मार्मिक चित्रण मिलता है।

In his poems, one finds a poignant depiction of the fleeting nature of happiness.

High literary vocabulary: 'Kshanbhangurta' (transience), 'Maarmik' (poignant).

खुशी का यह अतिरेक कहीं किसी अनहोनी का संकेत तो नहीं?

Is this excess of happiness perhaps a sign of some impending misfortune?

Sophisticated inquiry/Irony.

आत्म-साक्षात्कार के बिना सच्ची खुशी मृगतृष्णा के समान है।

Without self-realization, true happiness is like a mirage.

Metaphorical usage: 'Mrigtrishna' (mirage).

उन्होंने अपनी पूरी संपत्ति जन-कल्याण की खुशी में दान कर दी।

He donated his entire property for the joy of public welfare.

Altruistic context.

खुशी की अभिव्यक्ति के लिए शब्द अक्सर अपर्याप्त सिद्ध होते हैं।

Words often prove inadequate for the expression of happiness.

Linguistic philosophy.

विद्वानों के अनुसार, खुशी और संतोष एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू हैं।

According to scholars, happiness and contentment are two sides of the same coin.

Academic/Scholarly discourse.

उनकी आँखों में तैरती वह खुशी उनके संघर्षों की विजय गाथा कह रही थी।

The happiness floating in their eyes was telling the victory saga of their struggles.

Poetic narrative style.

Synonyms

प्रसन्नता आनंद हर्ष उल्लास सुख मौज

Antonyms

दुख उदासी गम

Common Collocations

बड़ी खुशी

खुशी के आँसू

खुशी मनाना

खुशी मिलना

खुशी देना

असली खुशी

खुशी का माहौल

खुशी की लहर

खुशी-खुशी

खुशी का ठिकाना

Common Phrases

खुशी की बात है

— It is a matter of happiness / That's great news.

आपका प्रमोशन हो गया, यह खुशी की बात है।

मुझे खुशी होगी

— I would be happy / I would be glad.

अगर आप आएंगे, तो मुझे खुशी होगी।

आपकी खुशी में मेरी खुशी

— My happiness lies in your happiness.

आप जो भी फैसला लें, आपकी खुशी में मेरी खुशी है।

खुशी के पल

— Moments of happiness.

हमें खुशी के पल संजो कर रखने चाहिए।

ढेर सारी खुशियाँ

— Lots of joys/happiness (common birthday wish).

जन्मदिन पर आपको ढेर सारी खुशियाँ मिलें।

खुशी से पागल होना

— To be crazy with joy / extremely happy.

रिजल्ट देखकर वह खुशी से पागल हो गया।

खुशी का दिन

— A happy day.

आज हमारे परिवार के लिए खुशी का दिन है।

जहाँ खुशी मिले

— Wherever one finds happiness.

वही काम करो जहाँ खुशी मिले।

खुशी का ठिकाना न रहना

— To have no bounds to one's joy.

इनाम जीतकर उसकी खुशी का ठिकाना न रहा।

खुशी-खुशी विदा करना

— To bid farewell happily.

हमने मेहमानों को खुशी-खुशी विदा किया।

Often Confused With

खुशी vs खुश (Khush)

Khush is the adjective (happy). Use it to describe a person: 'Main khush hoon'. Khushi is the noun (happiness).

खुशी vs सुख (Sukh)

Sukh refers more to physical comfort and prosperity, while Khushi is the emotional feeling of joy.

खुशी vs हंसी (Hansi)

Hansi means laughter (the physical act), whereas Khushi is the internal feeling.

Idioms & Expressions

"फूले न समाना"

— To be overjoyed; to be so happy that one cannot contain it.

नई कार पाकर वह फूले नहीं समा रहा था।

Common

"घी के दीये जलाना"

— To celebrate with great joy, usually after a long wait or a great victory.

राम के वनवास से लौटने पर अयोध्या में घी के दीये जलाए गए।

Literary/Cultural

"खुशी का ठिकाना न रहना"

— To be extremely happy; for joy to have no limits.

लॉटरी लगने पर उसकी खुशी का ठिकाना नहीं रहा।

Common

"बाँछें खिल जाना"

— To be very happy; to beam with joy.

पुराने दोस्त को देखकर उसकी बाँछें खिल गईं।

Colloquial

"गदगद होना"

— To be overwhelmed with joy or emotion.

शिष्य की सफलता देखकर गुरु गदगद हो गए।

Formal

"खुशी से झूम उठना"

— To start dancing or swaying with joy.

बारिश की पहली बूंद देखकर मोर खुशी से झूम उठा।

Common

"दिल बाग-बाग होना"

— To be very happy; for the heart to feel like a blooming garden.

बेटे के अच्छे नंबर देखकर पिता का दिल बाग-बाग हो गया।

Urdu-influenced/Common

"खुशी के मारे"

— Out of joy / Because of happiness.

वह खुशी के मारे बोल नहीं पा रहा था।

Common

"खुशियाँ बटोरना"

— To gather or collect joys; to live a happy life.

वह छोटी-छोटी चीज़ों में खुशियाँ बटोर लेता है।

Poetic

"खुशी में चार चाँद लगाना"

— To enhance the joy; to make a happy occasion even better.

आपके आने से हमारी खुशी में चार चाँद लग गए।

Common

Easily Confused

खुशी vs खुश (Khush)

Both relate to happiness.

Khush is an adjective (I am happy), Khushi is a noun (Happiness is good). You cannot say 'Main khushi hoon'.

Main khush hoon (I am happy) vs Mujhe khushi hai (I have happiness).

खुशी vs खुशबू (Khushboo)

Starts with the same root 'khush'.

Khushboo means fragrance or good smell. It has nothing to do with the emotion of joy directly.

Phoolon ki khushboo achhi hai (The fragrance of flowers is good).

खुशी vs खुशामद (Khushamad)

Starts with 'khush'.

Khushamad means flattery or sycophancy. It is often used in a negative sense.

Boss की खुशामद करना बंद करो (Stop flattering the boss).

खुशी vs खुशहाल (Khushhaal)

Relates to a positive state.

Khushhaal means prosperous or well-off. It refers to a person's overall life condition.

Woh ek khushhaal parivaar hai (That is a prosperous family).

खुशी vs खुशखबरी (Khushkhabri)

Relates to happiness.

Khushkhabri specifically means 'good news'.

Main ek khushkhabri laya hoon (I have brought some good news).

Sentence Patterns

मुझे [Noun] की खुशी है।

मुझे आपकी खुशी है।

[Subject] खुशी से [Verb] रहा है।

बच्चा खुशी से खेल रहा है।

यह जानकर खुशी हुई कि [Clause]।

यह जानकर खुशी हुई कि आप आ रहे हैं।

खुशी इस बात में है कि [Clause]।

खुशी इस बात में है कि हम साथ हैं।

[Abstract Noun] ही असली खुशी का आधार है।

संतोष ही असली खुशी का आधार है।

खुशी की पराकाष्ठा तब होती है जब [Clause]।

खुशी की पराकाष्ठा तब होती है जब लक्ष्य प्राप्त हो।

आज बहुत खुशी का दिन है।

वह खुशी-खुशी घर गया।

Word Family

Nouns

खुशखबरी (Good news)

खुशहाली (Prosperity)

खुशमिजाजी (Good-naturedness)

Verbs

खुश करना (To make happy)

खुश होना (To be happy)

Adjectives

खुश (Happy)

खुशनुमा (Pleasant)

खुशहाल (Prosperous)

खुशमिजाज (Cheerful)

मुस्कान (Smile)

हंसी (Laughter)

उत्सव (Festival)

बधाई (Congratulations)

मिठाई (Sweets)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Main khushi hoon. → Main khush hoon.
You are saying 'I am happiness' instead of 'I am happy'. Use the adjective 'khush' for people.
Bada khushi hui. → Badi khushi hui.
'Khushi' is feminine, so the adjective 'bada' must become 'badi'.
Khushiyaan ka din. → Khushियों ka din.
When a noun is followed by a postposition like 'ka', it must be in the oblique form. The oblique plural of 'khushi' is 'khushiyon'.
Mujhe bahut sukh mila (when meaning emotional joy). → Mujhe bahut khushi hui.
'Sukh' is more about physical comfort. For emotional joy, 'khushi' is better.
Main khushi mehsoos karta hoon. → Mujhe khushi ho rahi hai.
While not strictly wrong, the second version is much more natural in spoken Hindi.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'Khushi' is feminine. Use 'meri', 'teri', 'uski', and 'badi' with it. Never use 'mera' or 'bada'.

Noun vs Adjective

Don't say 'Main khushi hoon'. Use 'Main khush hoon' for 'I am happy'. Use 'Khushi' as the subject or object of a sentence.

Sharing Joy

In India, 'Khushi' is often shared with sweets. If you say you have 'khushi', people might jokingly ask for 'mithai'.

The 'Kh' Sound

The 'kh' in 'Khushi' is aspirated. Imagine you are blowing out a candle while saying 'k'.

Idiomatic Expressions

Learn 'Khushi ka thikana na rehna' to express extreme joy. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

Plural Form

Use 'Khushiyaan' for festivals and general well-wishes. It sounds more poetic and inclusive.

Polite Responses

When someone thanks you, saying 'Meri khushi hai' (It's my pleasure) is a very polite and warm response.

Bollywood Connection

Listen for 'Khushi' in movie titles and songs. It will help you understand the emotional weight the word carries.

Mnemonic

Associate 'Khushi' with 'Cushy'. A cushy life leads to Khushi (happiness).

Formal vs Informal

While 'Khushi' is neutral, use 'Prasannata' in very formal emails to show a higher level of Hindi proficiency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Cushy'. A 'cushy' life brings 'Khushi' (happiness). Both sound somewhat similar and share a positive vibe.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow smiley face holding a blooming lotus flower. The smiley face represents the feeling 'Khush', and the flower represents the noun 'Khushi' that you can hold and share.

Word Web

Smile Joy Celebration Sweets Family Peace Laughter Success

Challenge

Try to use 'Khushi' in three different ways today: once to describe a feeling (Mujhe khushi hui), once to describe a day (Khushi ka din), and once as an adverb (Khushi-khushi).

Word Origin

The word 'Khushi' comes from the Persian word 'khush' (خوش), which means good, pleasant, or happy. The suffix '-i' is added to turn the adjective into a noun. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the medieval period.

Original meaning: Pleasantness, goodness, or a state of being well.

Indo-European (via Indo-Aryan and Iranian branches).

Cultural Context

While 'Khushi' is positive, be mindful when using it in contexts of extreme grief or mourning, where 'Shanti' (peace) or 'Sahanbhuti' (sympathy) might be more appropriate.

In English, we often say 'I am happy'. In Hindi, while you can say 'Main khush hoon', using 'Khushi' (I have happiness) adds a layer of depth often found in English phrases like 'It gives me great pleasure'.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Iconic Bollywood Movie) Khushi (2003 Film starring Kareena Kapoor) The song 'Khushiyan hi khushiyan' from various films.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Wedding

शादी की बहुत-बहुत खुशी है।
जोड़ी को देखकर खुशी हुई।
खुशियों भरा जीवन हो।
आज खुशी का माहौल है।

In a Job Interview (as a response)

मुझे यह अवसर पाकर खुशी होगी।
आपकी कंपनी से जुड़ना मेरी खुशी होगी।
काम करके खुशी मिलेगी।
चयन होने पर बहुत खुशी हुई।

Celebrating a Birthday

जन्मदिन की ढेर सारी खुशियाँ!
आपका दिन खुशी से बीते।
खुशी-खुशी केक काटो।
हमेशा खुशियाँ मिलती रहें।

Meeting an Old Friend

तुम्हें देखकर बड़ी खुशी हुई।
पुरानी यादें ताज़ा करके खुशी मिली।
तुम्हारी सफलता सुनकर खुशी हुई।
मिलकर बहुत खुशी हुई।

Philosophical Discussion

असली खुशी क्या है?
खुशी मन के अंदर होती है।
दूसरों को खुशी देना सीखो।
खुशी और शांति ज़रूरी हैं।

Conversation Starters

"आज आपको किस बात से सबसे ज्यादा खुशी मिली?"

"आपके लिए खुशी का क्या मतलब है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पैसा खुशी खरीद सकता है?"

"बचपन की कोई ऐसी याद बताइए जो आपको खुशी देती है।"

"आजकल आप अपनी खुशी के लिए क्या कर रहे हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज के दिन की तीन ऐसी बातें लिखें जिन्होंने आपको खुशी दी।

क्या आप मानते हैं कि खुशी एक चुनाव है? विस्तार से लिखें।

अपने जीवन के सबसे खुशी भरे दिन के बारे में वर्णन करें।

आप दूसरों के जीवन में खुशी कैसे ला सकते हैं? कुछ विचार लिखें।

खुशी और सफलता के बीच के संबंध पर अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Khushi' is an extremely popular name for girls in India. It symbolizes joy and is considered very auspicious. You will meet many people named Khushi in India and the diaspora.

'Khushi' is general happiness or joy used in everyday life. 'Anand' is a more profound, often spiritual bliss. While you feel 'khushi' when you get a gift, you might feel 'anand' during meditation or while listening to soulful music.

You have two main options: 'Main khush hoon' (using the adjective 'khush') or 'Mujhe khushi hai' (using the noun 'khushi'). Both are correct, but 'Main khush hoon' is more direct for a general state of being.

'Khushi' is a feminine noun. This is important because adjectives like 'badi' (big) or 'meri' (my) must take the feminine form to agree with it. For example, 'Badi khushi' is correct, but 'Bada khushi' is wrong.

Yes, in contexts like 'It is my pleasure', you can say 'Yeh meri khushi hai'. It conveys a sense of being glad to do something.

The plural is 'Khushiyaan'. It is used when referring to multiple joys or a general abundance of happy moments, such as in 'Diwali ki khushiyaan' (The joys of Diwali).

In formal settings, you can use 'Prasannata' instead of 'Khushi', or you can use 'Khushi' with formal verbs like 'Hamein khushi hai ki...' (We are happy that...).

It is a reduplicated adverb meaning 'happily' or 'gladly'. For example, 'Usne khushi-khushi kaam kiya' means 'He did the work happily/willingly'.

Yes, 'Khushi' is a Persian-origin word and is used identically in both Hindi and Urdu. It is one of the many words that make up the shared Hindustani vocabulary.

The most common opposite is 'Dukh' (sadness/pain). Other opposites include 'Gam' (sorrow) and 'Udasi' (melancholy).