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जिज्ञासा करना

B1 verb #7,000 most common 9 min read

जिज्ञासा करना

jigyasa karna Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips जिज्ञासा करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation जिज्ञासा करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'जिज्ञासा करना' (jigyaasa karna) yet. It's better to stick to the simple word 'पूछना' (poochhna), which means 'to ask.' Think of 'jigyaasa' as a fancy version of curiosity. If you see this word, just know it means someone wants to know something. For example, 'He asks' is 'वह पूछता है.' The word 'jigyaasa' is like saying 'He has a big question about life.' You will mostly see this in children's books when a character is very curious about a magic forest or a new toy. Just remember: Jigyasa = Curiosity.

At the A2 level, you can start recognizing 'जिज्ञासा करना' in stories. It is a 'doing' word (verb). You use it when someone isn't just asking a quick question, but they are really interested. For example, if a student is very interested in Hindi, they might 'jigyaasa karna' about new words. Grammatically, remember that 'jigyaasa' is a feminine noun. So in the past, you say 'उसने जिज्ञासा की' (He/She inquired). It's a bit more formal than 'poochhna.' You might hear it in a classroom when a teacher says, 'Do you have any curiosity (questions)?'

At the B1 level, you should start using 'जिज्ञासा करना' to improve your formal Hindi. This verb is perfect for academic or professional settings. Instead of saying 'I want to ask about the project,' you can say 'मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में जिज्ञासा करना चाहता हूँ' (I want to inquire about this project). It shows that you are a serious learner. Notice the structure: [Subject] + [Topic] + [के बारे में / की] + जिज्ञासा करना. It is specifically used for intellectual seeking. It's a great word to use in a job interview or a formal letter to show your interest.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'जिज्ञासा करना' and its synonyms like 'पूछताछ करना' (to investigate) or 'छानबीन करना' (to scrutinize). 'जिज्ञासा करना' is inherently positive and implies a thirst for knowledge. You will find this word in news editorials, literature, and formal debates. You should be able to conjugate it fluently in all tenses, including the subjunctive ('यदि वह जिज्ञासा करे...' - If he were to inquire...). It is often used to describe the scientific temper or a philosophical mindset. Using this word correctly elevates your register from 'conversational' to 'intellectual.'

At the C1 level, 'जिज्ञासा करना' becomes a tool for precise expression. You can use it to discuss complex topics like 'Atma-jigyaasa' (self-inquiry) or 'Vigyanik jigyaasa' (scientific inquiry). You should be comfortable with its derived forms and related idioms. At this level, you understand that 'jigyaasa' is not just 'asking' but an 'epistemological drive.' You might use it in a thesis or a high-level corporate presentation to describe consumer behavior or research motives. You also recognize it in classical Hindi poetry and sophisticated literature where the 'seeker' is a central figure.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of 'जिज्ञासा करना.' You understand its Sanskrit roots and how it functions in the 'Shastrartha' (scholastic debate) tradition of India. You can use it to articulate subtle differences in human intent—distinguishing between a mundane query and a profound existential inquiry. You are capable of using it in highly abstract contexts, perhaps even poetically or metaphorically. You recognize the word's appearance in the opening verses of ancient texts like the Brahma Sutras and can discuss its significance in the history of Indian thought. Your usage is flawless, reflecting both grammatical precision and cultural depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

जिज्ञासा करना in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to inquire' or 'to express curiosity'.
Derived from the Sanskrit 'jigyaasa' meaning 'desire to know'.
Used in academic, philosophical, and professional contexts.
Requires 'karna' to be conjugated while 'jigyaasa' remains feminine.

The Hindi verb जिज्ञासा करना (jigyaasa karna) is a sophisticated and culturally rich term that transcends the simple English act of 'asking.' At its core, it translates to 'to inquire' or 'to express curiosity,' but it carries a weight of intellectual seeking. Derived from the Sanskrit root 'jña' (to know), the word 'jigyaasa' specifically denotes the 'desire to know.' When we combine it with the auxiliary verb 'karna' (to do), we describe the active process of seeking information out of a genuine, often deep-seated interest. This isn't just asking for the time or the price of a vegetable; it is the act of a student asking a profound question to a teacher, or a scientist investigating a phenomenon.

Register: Formal and Literary. While you might hear it in educational settings or high-level discussions, it is less common in casual street slang where 'poochhna' is preferred.
Intent: It implies a positive, intellectual curiosity rather than a suspicious interrogation.

In everyday usage, you will find this word in literature, news reports regarding scientific inquiries, and philosophical discourses. For example, if a child is constantly asking why the sky is blue, a Hindi speaker might say the child is 'jigyaasa kar raha hai.' It frames the questioning as a noble pursuit of knowledge. In a professional context, if a stakeholder wants to know more about a project's future, they might 'jigyaasa prakat karna' (manifest curiosity) or 'jigyaasa karna' (inquire) about the details. It adds a layer of politeness and intellectualism to the conversation.

छात्र ने ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों के बारे में जिज्ञासा की। (The student inquired about the mysteries of the universe.)

Furthermore, the term is often used in the context of 'Satsang' (spiritual gatherings) or academic seminars. When a person 'jigyaasa karta hai' in these settings, they are seen as a 'Jigyaasu' (a seeker). This distinction is vital: whereas 'poochhna' is a functional verb for information retrieval, 'jigyaasa karna' is an ontological verb for the expansion of the self through knowledge. It suggests that the asker is not just looking for a 'yes' or 'no' but is looking for an explanation that satisfies the mind's hunger.

Historically, the concept of Jigyaasa is central to Indian philosophy. The 'Brahma Sutras,' for instance, begin with the phrase 'Athato Brahma Jigyasa' (Now, therefore, the inquiry into Brahman). Thus, when you use this verb, you are tapping into a long tradition of intellectual and spiritual inquiry that has defined South Asian thought for millennia. It is a word that commands respect and indicates a high level of Hindi proficiency.

Using जिज्ञासा करना correctly requires understanding its status as a 'conjunct verb.' In Hindi, many verbs are formed by taking a noun (jigyaasa) and adding a functional verb (karna). This means that the verb 'karna' will change based on the tense, gender, and number of the subject, while 'jigyaasa' remains constant as the object of the action.

Past Tense: Since 'jigyaasa' is a feminine noun, when using the perfective tense with 'ne', the verb 'kiya' becomes 'ki'. Example: 'उसने प्रश्न की जिज्ञासा की' (He/She inquired about the question).

मैंने अपने भविष्य के बारे में जिज्ञासा की। (I inquired about my future.)

When using the continuous tense, you look at the subject. If a boy is inquiring, it is 'जिज्ञासा कर रहा है'. If a girl is inquiring, it is 'जिज्ञासा कर रही है'. It is important to note that 'jigyaasa karna' is often followed by the postposition 'की' (ki) or 'के बारे में' (ke baare mein) to indicate what is being inquired about. However, grammatically, 'जिज्ञासा करना' is often treated as a single unit meaning 'to inquire.'

Let's look at the future tense. 'वह सत्य को जानने की जिज्ञासा करेगा' (He will inquire/seek to know the truth). Here, the focus is on the future intent. In more formal writing, you might see 'जिज्ञासा प्रकट करना' (to manifest curiosity), which is a slightly more passive but equally common way to express the same sentiment. For example, 'दर्शकों ने नई फिल्म की कहानी के बारे में जिज्ञासा प्रकट की' (The audience manifested curiosity about the story of the new film).

क्या आप इस विषय पर जिज्ञासा करना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to inquire about this topic?)

In summary, while 'poochhna' is the workhorse of Hindi questions, 'jigyaasa karna' is the elegant choice for deep inquiry. It fits perfectly in essays, formal speeches, and when describing the inquisitive nature of children or scholars. Always remember to match the auxiliary 'karna' with the appropriate tense and subject/object rules to maintain grammatical accuracy.

If you are navigating the streets of Delhi or Mumbai, you might not hear a fruit seller use जिज्ञासा करना. However, the moment you step into a classroom, a bookstore, or a corporate boardroom where a new strategy is being discussed, this word becomes highly relevant. It is a staple of 'Shuddh Hindi' (Pure Hindi) and is frequently used in media broadcasts, especially on channels like Rajya Sabha TV or in documentaries where the narrator describes a scientist's journey.

Literature: In novels by Premchand or modern Hindi writers, characters often 'jigyaasa' about the world around them. It is used to build a character's intellectual depth.

समाचार वाचक ने कहा, 'जनता इस नए कानून के बारे में जिज्ञासा कर रही है।' (The news reader said, 'The public is inquiring about this new law.')

In the context of the Indian education system, teachers often encourage students by saying, 'जिज्ञासा करना अच्छी बात है' (To be inquisitive/to inquire is a good thing). It is also very common in the titles of educational programs or YouTube channels that explain 'how things work.' You might see a video titled 'विज्ञान की जिज्ञासा' (The curiosity of science), and the host will frequently use the verb to describe the process of discovery.

Another place you will hear this is in spiritual or motivational speeches. Gurus often talk about 'Atma-jigyaasa' (inquiry into the soul). They will tell their followers to 'जिज्ञासा करो' (Inquire!) to find the truth about existence. This gives the word a meditative and serious quality. If you use this word in a conversation with a native speaker, they will immediately perceive you as someone who has studied Hindi formally and appreciates the nuance of the language.

दार्शनिक ने जीवन के अर्थ की जिज्ञासा की। (The philosopher inquired about the meaning of life.)

Finally, in formal correspondence or applications, you might see phrases like 'मैं इस पद के विवरण के बारे में जिज्ञासा करना चाहता हूँ' (I would like to inquire about the details of this position). While 'jaankari lena' (to take information) is also used, 'jigyaasa karna' sounds more professional and shows a higher level of vocabulary. It suggests you aren't just looking for data, but you are interested in the substance of the matter.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with जिज्ञासा करना is treating it like the simple verb 'poochhna' (to ask). While they are related, you cannot always swap them. For instance, you wouldn't say 'मैंने उससे रास्ता जिज्ञासा की' (I inquired him the way) in a casual setting. That sounds overly dramatic and stiff. Instead, 'jigyaasa karna' is reserved for topics of substance—science, philosophy, future plans, or complex details.

Mistake 1: Gender Agreement: Learners often say 'उसने जिज्ञासा किया' (He inquired - Masculine). However, since 'jigyaasa' is feminine, it must be 'उसने जिज्ञासा की'.

Incorrect: राम ने जिज्ञासा किया।
Correct: राम ने जिज्ञासा की।

Another mistake is using the wrong postposition. Many learners try to use 'को' (ko) like 'मैंने उसको जिज्ञासा की.' While not entirely unheard of in some dialects, the standard usage is 'से' (se) for the person being asked or 'के बारे में' (ke baare mein) for the topic. 'मैंने शिक्षक से जिज्ञासा की' (I inquired from the teacher) is the correct way to structure the sentence.

Confusing 'jigyaasa' (the noun) with 'jigyaasu' (the adjective/noun for the person) is also common. You 'do' (karna) jigyaasa, but you 'are' (hona) a jigyaasu. For example, 'वह एक जिज्ञासु छात्र है' (He is an inquisitive student) vs 'उसने जिज्ञासा की' (He inquired). Mixing these up can lead to sentences that don't make sense to a native ear.

Mistake: वह जिज्ञासा है। (He is curiosity.)
Correct: वह जिज्ञासु है। (He is inquisitive.)

Lastly, pronunciation can be a hurdle. The 'gya' sound in Hindi is often pronounced like 'gya' in 'yoga' or 'dnya' depending on the region. In standard Hindi, it is 'jig-yaa-saa'. Mispronouncing it as 'jig-na-sa' is a common error for English speakers. Practice the 'gya' sound carefully as it is a conjunct consonant (J + Ñ + Ya).

To truly master Hindi, you must understand the spectrum of verbs related to asking and inquiring. जिज्ञासा करना sits on the formal/intellectual end of this spectrum. Knowing when to use its alternatives will make your Hindi sound more natural and context-aware.

पूछना (Poochhna): The most common verb for 'to ask.' Use this for everyday questions: 'What's the time?', 'Where is the bus?', 'Did you eat?' It is neutral and versatile.
पूछताछ करना (Poochh-taachh karna): This means 'to investigate' or 'to make inquiries.' It often has a slightly more official or suspicious tone, like a policeman questioning a witness or a customer inquiring about a missing package.

तुलना: 'मैंने समय पूछा' (I asked the time) vs 'मैंने सत्य की जिज्ञासा की' (I inquired about the truth).

Another alternative is प्रश्न करना (Prashn karna), which literally means 'to question.' This is slightly more active than 'jigyaasa karna.' If 'jigyaasa' is the feeling of curiosity, 'prashn karna' is the formal act of putting that curiosity into a specific question. In a classroom, a student might 'prashn karna' to satisfy their 'jigyaasa'.

For a more intense or academic inquiry, one might use अन्वेषण करना (Anveshan karna) which means 'to research' or 'to explore.' This is common in scientific papers. If you are 'inquiring' in the sense of 'digging deep into a mystery,' छानबीन करना (Chhaan-been karna) is the colloquial term for 'scrutinizing' or 'sifting through' information.

वैज्ञानिक नए ग्रहों की जिज्ञासा कर रहे हैं। (Scientists are inquiring/curious about new planets.)

Choosing between these depends entirely on your intent. Use 'poochhna' for the 'what,' 'poochh-taachh' for the 'who/where/how' of a problem, and 'jigyaasa karna' for the 'why' and the 'essence.' Mastering these distinctions marks the transition from a basic learner to an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रार्थी ने योजना के नियमों की जिज्ञासा की है।"

Neutral

"लोग नए फोन के बारे में जिज्ञासा कर रहे हैं।"

Informal

"अरे, इतनी जिज्ञासा क्यों कर रहे हो?"

Child friendly

"चलो, इस जादुई दुनिया की जिज्ञासा करते हैं!"

Slang

"इतनी जिज्ञासा मत झाड़ो।"

Fun Fact

The term 'Athato Brahma Jigyasa' is the famous first line of the Brahma Sutras, meaning 'Now begins the inquiry into the Absolute.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʒɪɡ.jɑː.sɑː kəɾ.nɑː/

US /d͡ʒɪɡ.jɑ.sɑ kɑr.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'gyaa' of 'jigyaasa'.

Rhymes With

अभिलाषा (Abhilasha) आशा (Aasha) भाषा (Bhasha) तमाशा (Tamasha) निराशा (Nirasha) पिपासा (Pipasa) दुराशा (Durasha) प्रत्याशा (Pratyasha)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gya' as 'gna' (common in some regional dialects but not standard).
Shortening the final 'aa' in 'jigyaasa'.
Confusing the 'j' with a 'z' sound.
Failing to aspirate or tap the 'r' in 'karna'.
Pronouncing 'jigyaasa' as three equal syllables instead of emphasizing 'gyaa'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The script is standard, but the word is long and requires recognizing the conjunct 'gya'.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'jigyaasa' correctly in Devanagari (ज + ि + ज्ञ + ा + स + ा) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

The 'gya' sound needs practice to sound native.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable once the 'jig-' prefix is heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पूछना इच्छा ज्ञान करना प्रश्न

Learn Next

अन्वेषण संवाद विवेचन अनुसंधान दृष्टिकोण

Advanced

मीमांसा जिज्ञासु अपरिहार्य संशय समाधान

Grammar to Know

Conjunct Verbs with 'Karna'

In 'Jigyaasa karna', 'karna' handles all the tense and aspect marking.

Feminine Noun Agreement

Because 'Jigyaasa' is feminine, the past tense is 'ki' (उसने जिज्ञासा की).

Postposition 'Ki'

Often used as 'Subject ने [Object] की जिज्ञासा की'.

Postposition 'Ke Baare Mein'

Used for 'inquire about' (विषय के बारे में जिज्ञासा करना).

Agentive 'Ne' Case

Used in the perfective tense because 'karna' is a transitive verb.

Examples by Level

बच्चे ने जिज्ञासा की।

The child inquired.

Simple past tense with feminine noun 'jigyaasa'.

क्या आप जिज्ञासा करना चाहते हैं?

Do you want to inquire?

Present tense interrogative.

मेरी एक जिज्ञासा है।

I have a curiosity (question).

Using 'jigyaasa' as a noun.

वह हमेशा जिज्ञासा करता है।

He always inquires.

Habitual present tense.

जिज्ञासा करना अच्छा है।

To inquire is good.

Infinitive as a subject.

उसने खाने के बारे में जिज्ञासा की।

He inquired about the food.

'Ke baare mein' (about) usage.

शिक्षक से जिज्ञासा करो।

Inquire from the teacher.

Imperative form.

यहाँ जिज्ञासा करना मना है।

Inquiring here is forbidden.

Negative construction.

उसने अपने भविष्य के बारे में जिज्ञासा की।

He inquired about his future.

Past tense with postposition.

छात्रों ने बहुत जिज्ञासा की।

The students inquired a lot.

Plural subject, feminine verb agreement.

वह नई भाषा की जिज्ञासा कर रहा है।

He is inquiring about the new language.

Present continuous tense.

क्या तुमने इस बारे में जिज्ञासा की?

Did you inquire about this?

Informal past interrogative.

हमें सच की जिज्ञासा करनी चाहिए।

We should inquire about the truth.

Modal verb 'chahiye'.

वह किताब के लेखक की जिज्ञासा कर रही थी।

She was inquiring about the author of the book.

Past continuous tense.

आप जिज्ञासा क्यों कर रहे हैं?

Why are you inquiring?

Question word 'kyon'.

मैंने उससे नौकरी की जिज्ञासा की।

I inquired from him about the job.

Transitive construction.

पर्यटकों ने महल के इतिहास की जिज्ञासा की।

The tourists inquired about the history of the palace.

Formal past tense usage.

वैज्ञानिकों ने इस रहस्य की जिज्ञासा करना शुरू कर दिया है।

Scientists have started to inquire into this mystery.

Compound verb 'shuru kar diya'.

बिना जिज्ञासा किए आप कुछ नहीं सीख सकते।

You cannot learn anything without inquiring.

Absolutive 'kiya' with 'bina'.

उसने विनम्रता से अपनी जिज्ञासा प्रकट की।

He politely expressed his inquiry/curiosity.

Using 'prakat karna' as a synonym.

क्या आप इस योजना के लाभों की जिज्ञासा करेंगे?

Will you inquire about the benefits of this scheme?

Future tense formal.

वह हमेशा नई तकनीकों की जिज्ञासा करता रहता है।

He keeps inquiring about new technologies.

Continuative aspect 'karta rehta hai'.

मैंने उनसे प्रोजेक्ट की समय सीमा की जिज्ञासा की।

I inquired from them about the project deadline.

Professional context.

उसकी जिज्ञासा करने की आदत ने उसे सफल बनाया।

His habit of inquiring made him successful.

Gerundive use of 'karna'.

दार्शनिक ने जीवन और मृत्यु के चक्र की जिज्ञासा की।

The philosopher inquired about the cycle of life and death.

Abstract noun usage.

जनता ने सरकार की नई नीतियों पर जिज्ञासा की है।

The public has inquired about the government's new policies.

Present perfect tense.

यदि आप जिज्ञासा नहीं करेंगे, तो आपका ज्ञान अधूरा रहेगा।

If you do not inquire, your knowledge will remain incomplete.

Conditional sentence.

उसने ब्रह्मांड की उत्पत्ति के विषय में जिज्ञासा की।

He inquired concerning the origin of the universe.

Complex postposition 'ke vishay mein'.

इस शोध का उद्देश्य सत्य की जिज्ञासा करना है।

The objective of this research is to inquire into the truth.

Infinitive as a complement.

उन्होंने बिना किसी डर के कठिन प्रश्न की जिज्ञासा की।

They inquired about a difficult question without any fear.

Adverbial phrase 'bina kisi darr ke'.

वह अपनी जिज्ञासा को शांत करने के लिए पुस्तकालय गया।

He went to the library to satisfy (quieten) his inquiry.

Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.

समाज के बुद्धिजीवियों ने इस घटना की जिज्ञासा की।

The intellectuals of society inquired about this incident.

High-level vocabulary subject.

अध्यात्म में 'कोऽहम्' की जिज्ञासा करना सर्वोपरि है।

In spirituality, inquiring 'Who am I?' is paramount.

Philosophical context.

लेखक ने अपनी पुस्तक में मानवीय संवेदनाओं की जिज्ञासा की है।

The author has inquired into human emotions in his book.

Literary analysis.

वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण का आधार ही जिज्ञासा करना है।

The basis of a scientific outlook is to inquire.

Abstract definition.

उन्होंने प्राचीन सभ्यताओं के पतन की जिज्ञासा करने का निर्णय लिया।

They decided to inquire into the fall of ancient civilizations.

Infinitive within a decision clause.

यह लेख आधुनिक समाज की बदलती मूल्यों की जिज्ञासा करता है।

This article inquires into the changing values of modern society.

Subject-verb agreement with 'lekh'.

बिना बौद्धिक जिज्ञासा किए, मानवता प्रगति नहीं कर सकती थी।

Without intellectual inquiry, humanity could not have progressed.

Counter-factual conditional.

उन्होंने रहस्यमयी संकेतों की जिज्ञासा की जो उन्हें जंगल में मिले।

They inquired about the mysterious signs they found in the forest.

Relative clause usage.

उनकी जिज्ञासा करने की तीव्र इच्छा ने उन्हें एक महान अन्वेषक बना दिया।

His intense desire to inquire made him a great explorer.

Complex noun phrase.

उपनिषदों का मुख्य स्वर ब्रह्म की जिज्ञासा करना ही है।

The main tone of the Upanishads is to inquire about Brahman.

High academic register.

दार्शनिक विवेचन में जिज्ञासा करना केवल प्रश्न पूछना नहीं, अपितु सत्य की खोज है।

In philosophical discourse, inquiring is not merely asking a question but seeking the truth.

Complex contrastive structure.

उन्होंने अस्तित्व के उन आयामों की जिज्ञासा की जो इंद्रियों से परे हैं।

He inquired into those dimensions of existence that are beyond the senses.

Metaphysical vocabulary.

इस महाकाव्य में नायक निरंतर धर्म की सूक्ष्मताओं की जिज्ञासा करता है।

In this epic, the protagonist constantly inquires into the nuances of Dharma.

Literary epic context.

जब तक मनुष्य जिज्ञासा करना नहीं छोड़ेगा, तब तक विकास की संभावना बनी रहेगी।

As long as man does not stop inquiring, the possibility of development will remain.

Correlative 'jab tak... tab tak'.

उन्होंने समाज के हाशिए पर रहने वाले लोगों की समस्याओं की जिज्ञासा की।

They inquired into the problems of the people living on the margins of society.

Sociological terminology.

उनकी जिज्ञासा का केंद्र बिंदु चेतना की प्रकृति की जिज्ञासा करना था।

The focal point of his inquiry was to inquire into the nature of consciousness.

Recursive use of the concept.

किसी भी सभ्यता की जीवंतता इस बात पर निर्भर करती है कि वह कितनी जिज्ञासा करती है।

The vitality of any civilization depends on how much it inquires.

Complex dependent clause.

Common Collocations

तीव्र जिज्ञासा

बौद्धिक जिज्ञासा

जिज्ञासा प्रकट करना

जिज्ञासा शांत करना

स्वाभाविक जिज्ञासा

वैज्ञानिक जिज्ञासा

जिज्ञासा जगाना

अथाह जिज्ञासा

विषय की जिज्ञासा

जिज्ञासा का समाधान

Common Phrases

जिज्ञासा वश

— Out of curiosity. Used to explain why someone did something.

जिज्ञासा वश मैंने वह संदूक खोल दिया।

जिज्ञासा होना

— To have curiosity. A state of being rather than an action.

मुझे इस बारे में बहुत जिज्ञासा है।

जिज्ञासा की संतुष्टि

— Satisfaction of curiosity. Finding the answer.

सत्य जानकर मेरी जिज्ञासा की संतुष्टि हुई।

अदम्य जिज्ञासा

— Indomitable curiosity. A curiosity that cannot be suppressed.

उसकी अदम्य जिज्ञासा उसे चाँद तक ले गई।

जिज्ञासा का भाव

— The feeling of curiosity.

उसके चेहरे पर जिज्ञासा का भाव था।

बाल जिज्ञासा

— Childlike curiosity.

बाल जिज्ञासा को कभी दबाना नहीं चाहिए।

ज्ञान की जिज्ञासा

— Curiosity for knowledge.

ज्ञान की जिज्ञासा ही मनुष्य को श्रेष्ठ बनाती है।

जिज्ञासा की अग्नि

— The fire of curiosity. A metaphor for intense seeking.

उसके भीतर जिज्ञासा की अग्नि जल रही थी।

जिज्ञासा का केंद्र

— The center of inquiry.

यह रहस्य उसकी जिज्ञासा का केंद्र बन गया।

जिज्ञासा का विस्तार

— The expansion of inquiry.

हमें अपनी जिज्ञासा का विस्तार करना चाहिए।

Often Confused With

जिज्ञासा करना vs जिज्ञासु

Jigyaasu is the person (the seeker), while Jigyaasa is the act/feeling.

जिज्ञासा करना vs पूछताछ

Poochh-taachh is often for investigation/police, whereas Jigyaasa is for learning.

जिज्ञासा करना vs अन्वेषण

Anveshan is specific to research/exploration, Jigyaasa is more general curiosity.

Idioms & Expressions

"जिज्ञासा का पिटारा"

— A box of curiosity. Refers to a person who asks too many questions.

यह बच्चा तो जिज्ञासा का पिटारा है।

Informal

"जिज्ञासा की प्यास"

— Thirst for curiosity/knowledge.

उसकी जिज्ञासा की प्यास कभी नहीं बुझती।

Literary

"जिज्ञासा को पंख मिलना"

— To give wings to curiosity. To encourage someone to ask more.

नई लाइब्रेरी मिलने से उसकी जिज्ञासा को पंख मिल गए।

Poetic

"जिज्ञासा का गला घोंटना"

— To choke one's curiosity. To suppress someone's questions.

पुरानी शिक्षा पद्धति जिज्ञासा का गला घोंट देती थी।

Critical

"जिज्ञासा का अंकुर फूटना"

— The sprouting of the seed of curiosity. The beginning of interest.

उसके मन में पहली बार विज्ञान के प्रति जिज्ञासा का अंकुर फूटा।

Literary

"जिज्ञासा की लहर"

— A wave of curiosity. When a group of people suddenly becomes interested.

घोषणा के बाद जनता में जिज्ञासा की लहर दौड़ गई।

Journalistic

"जिज्ञासा के घेरे में"

— In the circle of inquiry. To be under scrutiny.

उसका व्यवहार अब जिज्ञासा के घेरे में है।

Formal

"जिज्ञासा की डोर"

— The thread of curiosity. What keeps one engaged in a mystery.

जिज्ञासा की डोर उसे रहस्य के करीब ले गई।

Poetic

"जिज्ञासा का सागर"

— An ocean of curiosity. Infinite questions.

ब्रह्मांड एक जिज्ञासा का सागर है।

Philosophical

"जिज्ञासा की लौ"

— The flame of curiosity. Keeping interest alive.

एक अच्छे शिक्षक का काम जिज्ञासा की लौ जलाना है।

Inspirational

Easily Confused

जिज्ञासा करना vs इच्छा (Iccha)

Both involve wanting something.

Iccha is a general desire (for food, money), Jigyaasa is specifically a desire to know.

मेरी खाने की इच्छा है, पर विज्ञान की जिज्ञासा है।

जिज्ञासा करना vs शंका (Shanka)

Both involve questions.

Shanka is a doubt or suspicion (negative), Jigyaasa is a positive inquiry (positive).

मुझे उस पर शंका है, पर उसके काम की जिज्ञासा है।

जिज्ञासा करना vs परीक्षा (Pariksha)

Both involve testing/asking.

Pariksha is an exam/test of someone else's knowledge, Jigyaasa is seeking knowledge for oneself.

शिक्षक ने परीक्षा ली, छात्र ने जिज्ञासा की।

जिज्ञासा करना vs तलाश (Talaash)

Both involve seeking.

Talaash is searching for a physical object or a person, Jigyaasa is seeking information/truth.

वह चाबी की तलाश कर रहा है, और सत्य की जिज्ञासा।

जिज्ञासा करना vs सवाल (Sawaal)

Both involve questions.

Sawaal is the question itself (noun), Jigyaasa is the drive behind the question.

उसका सवाल छोटा था, पर उसकी जिज्ञासा बड़ी थी।

Sentence Patterns

मुझे [Topic] की जिज्ञासा है।

मुझे अंतरिक्ष की जिज्ञासा है।

[Subject] ने [Topic] की जिज्ञासा की।

उसने सच की जिज्ञासा की।

[Topic] के बारे में जिज्ञासा करना [Adjective] है।

इतिहास के बारे में जिज्ञासा करना रोमांचक है।

बिना जिज्ञासा किए [Result].

बिना जिज्ञासा किए ज्ञान प्राप्त नहीं होता।

[Subject] की जिज्ञासा का मुख्य केंद्र [Topic] है।

उसकी जिज्ञासा का मुख्य केंद्र दर्शन है।

ज्यों-ज्यों [Subject] जिज्ञासा करता है, त्यों-त्यों...

ज्यों-ज्यों वह जिज्ञासा करता है, त्यों-त्यों उसे नए तथ्य मिलते हैं।

[Abstract Concept] की जिज्ञासा करना ही जीवन का सार है।

परमात्मा की जिज्ञासा करना ही जीवन का सार है।

किसी भी [Entity] की प्रगति उसकी जिज्ञासा करने की क्षमता पर निर्भर है।

किसी भी राष्ट्र की प्रगति उसकी जिज्ञासा करने की क्षमता पर निर्भर है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, rare in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

उसने जिज्ञासा किया। → उसने जिज्ञासा की।
Jigyaasa is feminine, so the auxiliary verb must be 'ki' in the perfective tense.
मैंने उसे जिज्ञासा की। → मैंने उससे जिज्ञासा की।
Use the postposition 'se' (from/with) for the person you are inquiring from.
मैं जिज्ञासा हूँ। → मैं जिज्ञासु हूँ।
Jigyaasa is the noun 'curiosity'; Jigyaasu is the adjective 'curious'.
रास्ता जिज्ञासा करो। → रास्ता पूछो।
Using 'jigyaasa' for mundane things like directions sounds unnatural.
जिज्ञासा करना पानी। → पानी माँगना।
You don't 'inquire' for water; you 'ask for' (maangna) or 'ask about' (poochhna) it.

Tips

Context Matters

Save 'jigyaasa karna' for when you want to impress someone with your depth of thought or when discussing serious topics.

Gender Agreement

Always remember: Jigyaasa is a girl (feminine noun). Treat the verb accordingly in the past tense.

Pronounce 'gya' clearly. If you struggle, think of it as a very fast 'g-ya'.

Pair with Adjectives

Use words like 'tivra' (intense) or 'bauddhik' (intellectual) with jigyaasa to sound more native.

Respect the Seekers

In India, being called a 'jigyaasu' is a compliment. It means you are a lifelong learner.

Formal Letters

Use it in letters to government offices or universities to sound more educated.

TV Shows

Watch Hindi documentaries; you will hear this word much more often than in soap operas.

Jigsaw Connection

Recall the Jigsaw puzzle mnemonic whenever you forget the word.

Don't Forget Poochhna

Don't stop using 'poochhna' for simple things; balance is key.

Build Rapport

Asking about someone's work with 'jigyaasa' shows you are genuinely interested, not just polite.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jig' as in a 'Jigsaw' puzzle and 'Yaasa' as 'Searching' for the pieces. To 'Jigyaasa' is to search for the missing pieces of knowledge.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark made of books. A person is climbing it to reach the top. That action of climbing to find out is 'jigyaasa karna'.

Word Web

Curiosity Knowledge Teacher Student Why? How? Research Philosophy

Challenge

Try to use 'jigyaasa karna' in a sentence about your favorite hobby today. For example: 'I inquired about the history of photography.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Jijñāsā' (जिज्ञासा). It is a desiderative noun from the root 'jñā' (to know).

Original meaning: The desire or wish to know. It is one of the four components of intellectual activity in Vedic philosophy.

Indo-Aryan -> Sanskrit -> Hindi.

Cultural Context

It is a very polite and respectful word. Using it shows you value the other person's knowledge.

Translates best to 'to inquire' or 'to be inquisitive', but carries a more positive, intellectual weight than 'being nosy'.

Brahma Sutras (First verse) Vivekananda's speeches on the 'Seeker' Jigyasa - A popular science program on Doordarshan (Indian TV)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

विषय की जिज्ञासा
शिक्षक से जिज्ञासा
ज्ञान की खोज
नया सीखना

Science

प्रयोग की जिज्ञासा
रहस्य की जिज्ञासा
तथ्यों की खोज
कारण जानना

Philosophy

सत्य की जिज्ञासा
जीवन का अर्थ
आत्म-साक्षात्कार
गहन चिंतन

Business

बाजार की जिज्ञासा
ग्राहक की रुचि
उत्पाद की जानकारी
भविष्य की योजना

Travel

इतिहास की जिज्ञासा
संस्कृति जानना
स्थानीय परंपरा
मार्ग पूछना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी इस विषय पर जिज्ञासा की है? (Have you ever inquired about this topic?)"

"मेरे मन में आपकी सफलता को लेकर एक जिज्ञासा है। (I have an inquiry/curiosity regarding your success.)"

"क्या मैं इस प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में थोड़ी जिज्ञासा कर सकता हूँ? (May I inquire a bit about this project?)"

"बच्चों की जिज्ञासा को हम कैसे बढ़ा सकते हैं? (How can we increase children's curiosity?)"

"आज की सभा में कई लोगों ने नई नीतियों पर जिज्ञासा की। (In today's meeting, many people inquired about the new policies.)"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किस नई चीज़ के बारे में जिज्ञासा की? (What new thing did you inquire about today?)

क्या आपकी जिज्ञासा ने कभी आपको मुश्किल में डाला है? (Has your curiosity ever put you in trouble?)

एक ऐसी चीज़ का वर्णन करें जिसके बारे में आप हमेशा जिज्ञासा करते हैं। (Describe one thing you always inquire about.)

जिज्ञासा करना ज्ञान की पहली सीढ़ी क्यों है? (Why is inquiring the first step to knowledge?)

अगर आपको किसी महान व्यक्ति से जिज्ञासा करने का मौका मिले, तो आप क्या पूछेंगे? (If you got a chance to inquire from a great person, what would you ask?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. Use 'Rasta poochhna' instead. 'Jigyaasa karna' is for deeper topics.

It is feminine. This is why we say 'Jigyaasa ki' in the past tense, never 'Jigyaasa kiya'.

Kutuhal (कुतूहल) is more like 'wonder' or 'amazement'. Jigyaasa is more active 'seeking of knowledge'.

Yes! It sounds very professional. 'I inquired about your company' = 'मैंने आपकी कंपनी के बारे में जिज्ञासा की।'

You can say 'मुझे जिज्ञासा है' (I have curiosity) or 'मैं जिज्ञासु हूँ' (I am inquisitive).

Rarely in songs, but often in historical or serious dramas where characters speak formal Hindi.

It means 'Self-inquiry' or inquiring into the nature of one's own soul/self.

It's a part of research, but 'Anveshan karna' or 'Research karna' are more specific for the whole process.

Yes, news anchors use it to describe public interest in a new policy or event.

Technically 'Jigyaasa-heen' (lacking curiosity) or 'Udasin' (indifferent).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi using 'jigyaasa karna' to inquire about a new book's plot.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'ke baare mein' and correct past tense feminine agreement.