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जलना

A2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

जलना

jalna Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips जलना in 30 Seconds

Explanation जलना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'jalna' is introduced as a simple verb meaning 'to burn.' Students learn it in the context of basic physical objects like 'light' (batti) or 'fire' (aag). The focus is on the present continuous tense: 'Light jal rahi hai' (The light is on) or 'Aag jal rahi hai' (The fire is burning). At this stage, learners are not expected to know the metaphorical meanings or the complex transitive/intransitive distinction, just the basic observation of fire or light.

At the A2 level, learners expand 'jalna' to include physical sensations and the kitchen context. They learn that 'jalna' can describe the mouth burning from spicy food or the skin burning from the sun. The distinction between 'jalna' (intransitive) and 'jalana' (transitive) becomes important here to avoid errors like 'I burnt the food' vs 'The food burnt.' Basic metaphorical use for jealousy ('He is jealous of me') is also introduced as a common conversational phrase.

By B1, students should be comfortable with the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'jalna.' This includes understanding phrases like 'dil jalna' (to be heart-broken or envious) and 'khoon jalna' (to be extremely annoyed). They also learn to use the compound verb form 'jal jana' to indicate completion or accidental events. The use of the postposition 'se' for jealousy is mastered at this level, allowing for more complex social descriptions.

At the B2 level, 'jalna' is used in more abstract and literary contexts. Learners understand the nuance between 'jalna' and synonyms like 'sulagna' (smoldering) or 'dahakna' (glowing). They can use the verb in passive-like constructions and understand its role in formal literature and news reporting (e.g., 'forest fires burning'). They also recognize the cultural weight of the word in Indian traditions and rituals.

C1 learners use 'jalna' with stylistic precision. They can distinguish between various types of 'burning' sensations in poetry and classical Hindi literature. They are familiar with obscure idioms and can use the verb to describe complex socio-political 'burning' issues. They understand the etymological roots and how the verb interacts with Sanskritized vocabulary in formal registers.

At the C2 level, a speaker has a native-like grasp of 'jalna.' They can use it to convey subtle irony, sarcasm, or deep philosophical concepts (like the 'burning' of the ego). They are aware of regional variations in usage and can flawlessly navigate between the literal, metaphorical, and slang uses of the word in any given context, from a scientific discussion on combustion to a poetic exploration of suffering.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

जलना in 30 Seconds

Jalna primarily means 'to burn' (intransitive) or 'to be lit' (like a bulb).
It is also used for physical stinging sensations from spices or the sun.
Metaphorically, it is the most common word for 'to be jealous' in Hindi.
Grammatically, it never takes a direct object; it describes the subject's state.

The Hindi verb जलना (jalna) is a foundational word that every learner must master because it bridges the gap between physical descriptions and complex human emotions. At its most basic level, it translates to 'to burn' or 'to be lit.' Unlike the English word 'burn,' which can be both transitive (I burn the paper) and intransitive (the paper burns), jalna is strictly intransitive. This means it describes the state of the object itself undergoing the process of burning, not the act of someone setting it on fire. If you want to say you are burning something, you would use the causative form जलाना (jalana). This linguistic distinction is vital for clear communication in Hindi.

Literal Combustion: Used when wood, paper, or any fuel is physically on fire. It describes the natural process of oxidation producing heat and light. For example, 'लकड़ी जल रही है' (The wood is burning).
Illumination: In modern Hindi, it refers to electrical lights being 'on.' If a bulb is 'jal raha hai,' it means the light is functioning and emitting brightness. This is a very common daily usage.
Physical Sensation: It describes the stinging sensation caused by spicy food (mirchi), acid, or a physical burn on the skin. If your eyes sting from smoke, you would say 'आँखें जल रही हैं' (My eyes are burning).

धूप में मेरी त्वचा जल रही है। (My skin is burning in the sun.)

Beyond the physical, jalna is the primary word for 'jealousy' or 'envy' in informal and semi-formal contexts. When someone is 'burning' with envy because of another person's success, Hindi speakers say 'वह मुझसे जलता है' (He is jealous of me). This metaphorical usage is incredibly prevalent in Bollywood movies, songs, and daily gossip. It captures the internal 'heat' or discomfort one feels when seeing someone else prosper. It is less formal than irshya (envy) but much more common in spoken language.

मोमबत्ती धीरे-धीरे जल रही थी। (The candle was burning slowly.)

Culinary Context: When food is overcooked or charred, it is 'jala hua' (burnt). In a kitchen, you might hear 'दाल जल गई!' (The lentils got burnt!), usually implying a minor disaster in the cooking process.

ज़्यादा मिर्च से मेरा मुँह जल रहा है। (My mouth is burning from too much chili.)

पड़ोसी की नई कार देखकर वह जल उठा। (He flared up with jealousy seeing the neighbor's new car.)

क्या लाइट जल रही है? (Is the light on?)

Using जलना (jalna) correctly requires an understanding of its tense and aspect markers, as it is a verb that frequently appears in the continuous and perfective forms. Because it is an intransitive verb, the subject is the thing that is experiencing the burning. You will often see it paired with auxiliary verbs like जाना (jana) to indicate a completed action or a change of state, such as 'जल जाना' (to get burnt completely).

Present Continuous (Ongoing Action): This is used for things currently on fire or lights that are currently on. Structure: [Subject] + जल रहा/रही/रहे + [Auxiliary]. Example: 'दीपक जल रहा है' (The lamp is burning).
Past Simple (Completed Event): Used when something caught fire or was burnt. Example: 'कल सारा कचरा जल गया' (Yesterday all the trash got burnt). Note the use of 'गया' (from jana) to show completion.
Habitual/General Truth: Used for general properties. Example: 'गीली लकड़ी नहीं जलती' (Wet wood does not burn).

रोटी तवे पर जल गई। (The bread/roti got burnt on the griddle.)

When using jalna to express jealousy, the person one is jealous of is usually followed by the postposition से (se). This is a crucial grammatical detail. You don't 'burn someone'; you 'burn from someone.' For example, 'वह अपनी बहन की सफलता से जलती है' (She is jealous of her sister's success). This 'se' indicates the source or cause of the internal burning sensation of envy.

दूसरों की तरक्की देखकर जलना बुरी बात है। (It is a bad thing to be jealous seeing others' progress.)

Metaphorical Heat: Often used in poetry or intense conversation to describe passion or anger. 'गुस्से में मेरा खून जल रहा है' (My blood is boiling/burning in anger).

शहर की सारी बत्तियाँ जल रही थीं। (All the lights of the city were burning/on.)

धूप में मत जाओ, चेहरा जल जाएगा। (Don't go in the sun, your face will get burnt.)

In summary, whether you are talking about a forest fire, a kitchen mishap, a glowing lightbulb, or a jealous neighbor, jalna is your go-to verb. Its simplicity lies in its intransitive nature, but its depth lies in its emotional versatility. Practice using it with 'se' for jealousy and with 'jana' for completion to sound like a native speaker.

The frequency of जलना (jalna) in daily life cannot be overstated. From the moment you wake up and turn on a light to the evening gossip sessions, this word is everywhere. In Indian households, the kitchen is the primary 'theatre' for this word. You will hear mothers warning children, 'हाथ जल जाएगा!' (Your hand will get burnt!) or complaining that the 'दूध जल गया' (The milk got burnt/scorched).

In the Kitchen: Used constantly for food. If someone says 'सब्जी में जलने की महक आ रही है' (There's a smell of burning in the vegetable curry), it's a sign to turn off the stove immediately.
Social Interactions: In social circles, especially among youth or in dramatic TV serials, 'jalna' is the standard for jealousy. A common taunt is 'तुम जल रहे हो न?' (You're jealous, aren't you?).
Religious and Festive contexts: During Diwali or daily prayers, you'll hear about 'दीया जलना' (lighting the lamp). During Holika Dahan, people talk about the 'होली का जलना' (the burning of the Holi bonfire).

अरे देखो! रसोई में कुछ जल रहा है। (Hey look! Something is burning in the kitchen.)

Bollywood music is another major source. Songs often use 'jalna' to describe the 'fire of love' (pyaar ki aag) or the 'burning' of the heart in separation. Lyrics like 'मेरा दिल जल रहा है' (My heart is burning) are common tropes. It also appears in idioms about revenge, like 'कलेजा जलना' (to feel deep pain or envy).

पूरी रात दीया जलता रहा। (The lamp kept burning all night.)

In urban slang, 'jalna' can be used playfully. If a friend gets a new phone and you don't, they might say 'जलो मत, बराबरी करो' (Don't be jealous, just match me/get your own). This shows how the word has shifted from a serious description of fire to a lighthearted social tool.

उसकी बातों से मेरा बदन जल उठा। (My body flared up [with anger] from his words.)

क्या धूप में बैठने से हाथ जल जाते हैं? (Does sitting in the sun burn the hands?)

The most frequent mistake learners make with जलना (jalna) is confusing it with its transitive counterpart जलाना (jalana). Because English uses the same word 'burn' for both situations, it's easy to forget that Hindi requires two different verbs depending on whether you are the cause of the fire or just observing it.

Confusing Intransitive and Transitive: Mistake: 'मैंने कागज़ जला' (I burnt the paper - Incorrect). Correct: 'मैंने कागज़ जलाया' (I [caused the] paper to burn). 'Jalna' is for when the paper burns by itself or simply 'is' burning.
Incorrect Postposition for Jealousy: Learners often say 'वह मुझको जलता है' (He burns me). This is wrong. You must use 'से' (se). Correct: 'वह मुझसे जलता है' (He is jealous of me).
Using for 'Turn On' (Electronic Devices): While 'jalna' works for lights and stoves, it does NOT work for computers, TVs, or phones. For those, use 'chalna' (to run/function) or 'on hona'. Saying 'मेरा लैपटॉप जल रहा है' means your laptop is literally on fire, which is probably not what you meant!

Incorrect: वह मुझको जलता है।
Correct: वह मुझसे जलता है।

Another nuance involves the difference between jalna and pakna (to cook). If you say 'खाना जल रहा है,' you are saying the food is being ruined by fire. If you mean the food is cooking, use 'पक रहा है.' New learners often use 'jalna' when they just mean the stove is on and the food is being prepared. Only use 'jalna' if there is actual smoke or charring involved!

Incorrect: मैंने लाइट जली।
Correct: मैंने लाइट जलाई। (I turned on/lit the light.)

Finally, watch out for the perfective form. Using 'जल गया' (jal gaya) implies a total loss or a completed state. If you say 'मेरा घर जल गया,' it means your house is gone. If it's just a small part, specify the part. Precision in these cases prevents unnecessary panic in conversation.

While जलना (jalna) is the most common word for burning, Hindi offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific imagery or formal alternatives. Depending on whether you're writing poetry, a technical report, or just chatting, you might choose a different term.

दहकना (Dahakna): This refers to burning with a bright glow or intense heat, like embers in a fireplace. It's more poetic and visual than 'jalna.' Example: 'कोयले दहक रहे हैं' (The coals are glowing/burning intensely).
सुलगना (Sulagna): This means to smolder or to burn slowly without a flame. It's often used metaphorically for a brewing conflict or a slow-building passion. Example: 'बीड़ी सुलग रही है' (The bidi is smoldering).
ईर्ष्या करना (Irshya Karna): The formal, Sanskrit-derived alternative for 'to be jealous.' Use this in literature or formal speeches. Unlike 'jalna,' which is a verb itself, 'irshya' is a noun that requires 'karna' (to do).

Comparison:
Informal: वह मुझसे जलता है।
Formal: वह मुझसे ईर्ष्या करता है।

In terms of physical sensation, if something is 'burning' due to spice, you can also use charparana (specifically for the tingle of spices) or teekha lagna (to feel the spiciness). For a stinging sensation in the eyes, chubhan (pricking) is sometimes used alongside 'jalna.'

अँगीठी में आग दहक रही है। (The fire is glowing/burning in the hearth.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to move from A2 to B1 and beyond. While 'jalna' will get the point across 90% of the time, knowing when to use 'sulagna' for a smoldering cigarette or 'dahakna' for a roaring fire makes your Hindi sound much more sophisticated and descriptive.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"वनों में अग्नि जलने के कारण पर्यावरण को क्षति पहुँच रही है।"

Neutral

"क्या रसोई में गैस जल रही है?"

Informal

"अरे भाई, तू क्यों इतना जल रहा है?"

Child friendly

"देखो, मोमबत्ती कैसे जल रही है!"

Slang

"उसकी नई बाइक देखकर मेरी तो जल गई!"

Fun Fact

The root 'jval' is also the source of the English-borrowed word 'Jewel' via Old French, though the connection is distant and debated. In Hindi, 'Jwala' (flame) remains a very common female name.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d͡ʒəl.nɑː/

US /d͡ʒəl.nɑ/

The stress is primarily on the second syllable 'na'.

Rhymes With

चलना (chalna - to walk) पलना (palna - to be raised) गलना (galna - to melt) ढलना (dhalna - to set/mold) तलना (talna - to fry) कलना (kalna - to rest/machine) मचलना (machalna - to be restless) बदलना (badalna - to change)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'j' with too much air (as 'jh').
Making the first 'a' too long (like 'jaal-na').
Confusing it with 'jalana' by adding an extra 'a' sound in the middle.
Pronouncing 'n' as a retroflex 'N'.
Shortening the final 'aa' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears at the end of sentences.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the spelling with 'l' and 'n'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice to use the correct tense and the 'se' postposition for jealousy.

Listening 2/5

Very common in songs and movies; easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

आग (fire) बत्ती (light) गरम (hot) खाना (food) से (from/with)

Learn Next

जलाना (to burn - transitive) बुझाना (to extinguish) ईर्ष्या (envy) पकाना (to cook) रोशनी (light/brightness)

Advanced

प्रज्वलित (ignited) दहन (combustion) भस्म (ashes/sacred ash) अग्निहोत्र (fire ritual) दावानल (forest fire)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive nature

लकड़ी जल रही है (The wood is burning - Correct). मैंने लकड़ी जली (Incorrect).

Compound Verbs with 'Jana'

कागज़ जल गया (The paper burnt up - emphasizes completion).

Postposition 'Se' for Envy

राम श्याम से जलता है (Ram is jealous of Shyam).

Continuous Aspect

बत्ती जल रही है (The light is currently on).

Causative Forms

जलाना (to burn) -> जलवाना (to get someone to burn something).

Examples by Level

आग जल रही है।

The fire is burning.

Present continuous tense.

बत्ती जल रही है।

The light is on.

In Hindi, 'burning' is used for lights being on.

क्या मोमबत्ती जल रही है?

Is the candle burning?

Interrogative sentence.

सूरज जल रहा है।

The sun is burning.

Literal use for the sun.

लकड़ी जलती है।

Wood burns.

Habitual present tense.

वहाँ क्या जल रहा है?

What is burning there?

Question word 'kya'.

घर में लाइट जल रही थी।

The light was on in the house.

Past continuous tense.

दीपक जल गया।

The lamp was lit.

Perfective aspect.

मेरा हाथ जल गया।

My hand got burnt.

Use of 'gaya' for completion.

मिर्च से मेरा मुँह जल रहा है।

My mouth is burning from the chili.

Physical sensation.

सब्जी जल गई है।

The vegetable curry has burnt.

Present perfect tense.

वह मुझसे जलता है।

He is jealous of me.

Metaphorical use for jealousy.

धूप में त्वचा जल जाती है।

The skin gets burnt in the sun.

General fact.

क्या खाना जल रहा है?

Is the food burning?

Kitchen context.

मेरी आँखें जल रही हैं।

My eyes are burning.

Sensation caused by irritants.

गर्म चाय से जीभ जल गई।

The tongue got burnt by hot tea.

Specific body part.

उसकी कामयाबी देखकर सब जलते हैं।

Everyone is jealous seeing his success.

Social context of envy.

पुरानी यादें दिल में जल रही हैं।

Old memories are burning in the heart.

Poetic/Metaphorical.

सारा जंगल आग में जलकर राख हो गया।

The whole forest burnt to ashes in the fire.

Compound verb 'jal kar raakh hona'.

तुम बेकार में क्यों जल रहे हो?

Why are you being jealous for no reason?

Conversational idiom.

एसिड गिरने से फर्श जल गया।

The floor got burnt/damaged by the acid spill.

Chemical burning.

दीवाली पर पूरा शहर दीपों से जल उठता है।

On Diwali, the whole city lights up with lamps.

Inchoative aspect 'jal uthna'.

बिना तेल के दीया कैसे जलेगा?

How will the lamp burn without oil?

Future tense.

रोटी थोड़ी जल गई पर खाने लायक है।

The roti is a bit burnt but edible.

Degree of action.

क्रोध की अग्नि में वह खुद जल रहा है।

He himself is burning in the fire of anger.

Abstract metaphor.

जंग लगी लोहे की तरह उसका भविष्य जल रहा है।

His future is burning away like rusted iron.

Literary simile.

अफ़वाहों की वजह से पूरा इलाका जल उठा।

The whole area flared up [in riots/anger] due to rumors.

Figurative use for social unrest.

उसकी आँखों में बदले की आग जल रही थी।

The fire of revenge was burning in his eyes.

Common narrative trope.

ईंधन के बिना मशाल नहीं जल सकती।

A torch cannot burn without fuel.

Modal verb 'sakna'.

क्या तुम्हें जलने की बदबू आ रही है?

Do you smell something burning?

Sensory perception.

वह ईर्ष्या की आग में जलकर खाक हो गया।

He was destroyed by the fire of envy.

Intense idiom.

बिजली के तारों में शॉर्ट-सर्किट से आग जल पड़ी।

Fire broke out due to a short-circuit in the wires.

Technical context.

समाज की कुरीतियों की आग में निर्दोष जल रहे हैं।

The innocent are burning in the fire of social evils.

High-level social commentary.

उसकी कविताएँ विरह की अग्नि में जलती प्रतीत होती हैं।

His poems seem to burn in the fire of separation.

Literary criticism.

चिता की अग्नि शांत होने तक वह वहीं बैठा रहा।

He sat there until the fire of the funeral pyre subsided.

Cultural ritual context.

अहंकार की ज्वाला में विवेक जल जाता है।

Wisdom is burnt away in the flame of ego.

Philosophical maxim.

भीषण गर्मी में पत्तियाँ जलकर पीली पड़ गईं।

In the scorching heat, the leaves burnt and turned yellow.

Botanical description.

सपनों का जलना किसी मौत से कम नहीं होता।

The burning of dreams is no less than death.

Gerundial use 'jalna'.

राजनीतिक द्वेष में पूरा तंत्र जल रहा है।

The whole system is burning in political malice.

Metaphorical systemic critique.

वह अपनी ही इच्छाओं की आग में जलने लगा।

He began to burn in the fire of his own desires.

Psychological depth.

अद्वैत दर्शन के अनुसार, अज्ञान की अग्नि में ही संसार जलता है।

According to Advaita philosophy, the world burns only in the fire of ignorance.

Philosophical/Scriptural register.

शमशान की राख में अभी भी कुछ चिंगारियाँ जल रही थीं।

In the ashes of the crematorium, some sparks were still burning.

Evocative imagery.

उसका मौन किसी जलते हुए अंगारे की तरह था।

His silence was like a burning ember.

Advanced simile.

सत्य की खोज में उसने अपना सर्वस्व जलने दिया।

In the search for truth, he let his everything burn away.

Permissive construction 'jalne diya'.

वैश्विक तापवृद्धि से धरती धीरे-धीरे जल रही है।

The earth is slowly burning due to global warming.

Environmental scientific context.

अंतरात्मा की जलन बाहरी मरहम से ठीक नहीं होती।

The burning of the soul is not cured by external ointments.

Metaphysical noun usage.

इतिहास के पन्नों में कई सभ्यताएँ जलकर मिट गईं।

Many civilizations were burnt and erased in the pages of history.

Historical narrative.

यह प्रेम नहीं, वासना की आग है जो तुम्हें जला रही है।

This is not love; it is the fire of lust that is burning you.

Distinguishing subtle emotional states.

Common Collocations

आग जलना

बत्ती जलना

मुँह जलना

हाथ जलना

दिल जलना

खून जलना

धूप में जलना

रोटी जलना

दीया जलना

पेट में जलन

Common Phrases

जलो मत

— Don't be jealous. Used often as a playful or serious command.

मेरी नई गाड़ी देखकर जलो मत।

जलकर राख होना

— To burn to ashes. Indicates total destruction.

पूरी इमारत जलकर राख हो गई।

जल-भुन जाना

— To be consumed with rage or envy. Emphasizes the intensity.

वह मेरी तरक्की देखकर जल-भुन गया।

जलती आग में घी डालना

— To add fuel to the fire. Making a bad situation worse.

उसने पुरानी बातें याद दिलाकर जलती आग में घी डाल दिया।

हाथ जल बैठना

— To accidentally burn one's hand. Focuses on the mishap.

खाना बनाते समय वह हाथ जल बैठी।

अंदर ही अंदर जलना

— To burn internally (with secret envy or pain).

वह अपनी हार से अंदर ही अंदर जल रहा है।

लाइट जल छोड़ना

— To leave the light on.

तुमने फिर से लाइट जलती छोड़ दी।

आँखें जलना

— Eyes stinging (from smoke, lack of sleep, or chemicals).

प्रदूषण से सबकी आँखें जल रही हैं।

जी जलना

— To feel distressed or envious (similar to dil jalna).

उसका व्यवहार देखकर मेरा जी जलता है।

मिट्टी के तेल से जलना

— To burn using kerosene (describing old lamps).

पुराने ज़माने में चिराग मिट्टी के तेल से जलते थे।

Often Confused With

जलना vs जलाना (jalana)

This is the transitive form. Use 'jalana' when you are the one doing the burning (e.g., lighting a candle).

जलना vs जल (jal)

This means 'water'. Though they sound the same, the context (noun vs verb) usually makes it clear.

जलना vs जाल (jaal)

This means 'net' or 'trap'. The vowel is longer 'aa' in 'jaal'.

Idioms & Expressions

"कलेजा जलना"

— To feel extreme envy or deep sorrow. Literally 'burning of the liver/heart'.

उसका बंगला देखकर पड़ोसियों का कलेजा जलने लगा।

Informal

"जलती आग में कूदना"

— To knowingly take a huge risk or enter a dangerous situation.

बिना तैयारी के व्यापार शुरू करना जलती आग में कूदने जैसा है।

Neutral

"जले पर नमक छिड़कना"

— To rub salt in the wound. To make someone's pain worse.

हारने के बाद उसका मज़ाक उड़ाना जले पर नमक छिड़कने जैसा है।

Common

"अपना खून जलाना"

— To work extremely hard or to worry excessively to the point of exhaustion.

बच्चों के भविष्य के लिए माँ-बाप अपना खून जलाते हैं।

Emotional

"दिये तले अँधेरा"

— The darkness under the lamp. Used when someone who advises others has problems themselves.

शिक्षक का बेटा ही अनपढ़ निकला, इसे कहते हैं दिये तले अँधेरा।

Proverbial

"आग लगने पर कुआँ खोदना"

— To start digging a well after the fire has started. Trying to find a solution when it's too late.

परीक्षा के एक दिन पहले पढ़ना आग लगने पर कुआँ खोदना है।

Proverbial

"घर फूँक तमाशा देखना"

— To watch the show after burning one's own house. Ruining oneself for temporary pleasure.

उसने जुए में सब लुटा दिया, वह तो घर फूँक तमाशा देखने वाला आदमी है।

Critical

"पेट में आग जलना"

— To be extremely hungry. Literally 'fire burning in the stomach'.

सुबह से कुछ नहीं खाया, पेट में आग जल रही है।

Informal

"हाथ कंगन को आरसी क्या"

— Truth doesn't need proof (related to seeing things clearly in light).

सबके सामने सच आ गया है, अब हाथ कंगन को आरसी क्या?

Literary

"उँगली जलना"

— To get a minor setback or a 'burn'.

शेयर बाज़ार में उसकी उँगली जल गई।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

जलना vs पकना (pakna)

Both happen on a stove.

Pakna means to cook/ripen (positive/neutral). Jalna means to burn/char (usually negative).

खाना पक रहा है (Food is cooking) vs खाना जल रहा है (Food is burning).

जलना vs गर्म होना (garm hona)

Both involve heat.

Garm hona is just getting hot. Jalna is the actual process of fire or being damaged by heat.

पानी गर्म हो रहा है (Water is heating) vs कागज़ जल रहा है (Paper is burning).

जलना vs बुझना (bujhna)

Related to fire.

Bujhna is the opposite; it means to be extinguished.

आग बुझ गई (The fire went out).

जलना vs सुलगना (sulagna)

Both mean to burn.

Sulagna is specifically for smoldering (no flame). Jalna is more general.

कोयला सुलग रहा है (Coal is smoldering).

जलना vs नाराज़ होना (naraz hona)

Both relate to negative feelings.

Naraz hona is to be angry/upset. Jalna is specifically to be envious/jealous.

वह मुझसे नाराज़ है (He is angry with me) vs वह मुझसे जलता है (He is jealous of me).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] जल रहा है।

दीपक जल रहा है।

[Body Part] जल रहा है।

मेरा हाथ जल रहा है।

[Person] [Person] से जलता है।

वह मुझसे जलता है।

[Object] जलकर [Result] हो गया।

मकान जलकर राख हो गया।

[Abstract] में जलना।

वह गुस्से में जल रहा है।

बिना [Noun] के जलना।

बिना तेल के दीया नहीं जलता।

[Noun] की अग्नि में जलना।

वह विरह की अग्नि में जल रहा है।

जैसे [Noun] जलता है, वैसे ही...

जैसे मोम जलता है, वैसे ही उम्र घटती है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, cooking, and emotional descriptions.

Common Mistakes

मैंने मोमबत्ती जली। (Maine mombatti jali) → मैंने मोमबत्ती जलाई। (Maine mombatti jalai)
You cannot use 'jalna' as a transitive verb. You must use 'jalana' when you are the agent.
वह मुझको जलता है। (Woh mujhko jalta hai) → वह मुझसे जलता है। (Woh mujhse jalta hai)
Jealousy requires the postposition 'se', not 'ko'.
लैपटॉप जल रहा है। (Laptop jal raha hai) → लैपटॉप चल रहा है। (Laptop chal raha hai)
Using 'jalna' for a laptop means it is on fire. Use 'chalna' to mean it is working.
आग जलाओ! (Aag jalao - when meaning the fire is already on) → आग जल रही है। (Aag jal rahi hai)
Don't use the imperative 'jalana' if you are just describing the state of the fire.
मेरा पेट गरम हो रहा है। (Mera pet garm ho raha hai - when meaning heartburn) → मेरे पेट में जलन हो रही है। (Mere pet mein jalan ho rahi hai)
For acidity or heartburn, use the noun form 'jalan' or the verb 'jalna'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Remember that 'jalna' is an intransitive verb. The thing that is burning is the subject. 'Aag jalti hai' (Fire burns).

Spicy Context

If you eat something spicy in India, don't say 'it's hot' (garam). Say 'munh jal raha hai' or 'teekha hai' to be understood correctly.

Light Usage

Use 'jalna' for lightbulbs, lamps, and candles. It's the standard way to say the light is 'on'.

Jealousy Postposition

Always use 'se' with 'jalna' for jealousy. 'Main tumse jalta hoon' - I am jealous of you.

Burning vs Smoldering

Use 'jalna' for a clear flame. Use 'sulagna' if there is only smoke and no visible fire.

Transitive Trap

Don't say 'Main batti jalta hoon'. Say 'Main batti jalata hoon' (I light the lamp).

Salt and Burn

The idiom 'jale par namak chhidakna' is very common. Use it when someone makes a bad situation worse with their words.

The 'na' sound

Ensure the final 'aa' in 'jalna' is long. If it's too short, it might sound like 'jalan' (the noun).

Kitchen Alert

If you smell smoke in an Indian home, say 'kuch jal raha hai!' to alert everyone.

Romantic Fire

In poetry, 'jalna' often represents the 'tapas' or the purifying heat of love and longing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Jal' (water) being poured on something that is 'Jalna' (burning) to put it out. The irony of the words sounding similar can help you remember.

Visual Association

Picture a 'J' shaped candle 'jalna'-ing (burning) on a table. The 'J' stands for 'Jalna'.

Word Web

Fire Light Spice Envy Sunburn Stove Heart Ashes

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that can 'jalna' (a lamp, a candle, a paper) and one person you might 'jalna' (be jealous of) even just a little bit!

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'ज्वल' (jval), which means 'to burn, blaze, or glow.' It has evolved through Prakrit into modern Hindi 'jalna.'

Original meaning: To shine, to be bright, or to be consumed by fire.

Indo-Aryan family.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'jalna' for jealousy; it can be seen as an accusation. In formal settings, 'irshya' is safer.

English speakers often confuse 'burn' (transitive/intransitive). In Hindi, you must separate the two. Also, 'jealous' in English is an adjective, but in Hindi, it's a verb 'to burn'.

Song: 'Jalta Hai Jiya Mera' (My heart burns) from the movie Zakhmee. Truck Art: 'Buri nazar wale tera munh kala' (One with the evil eye, may your face be blackened/burnt). Mythology: Holika 'jalna' during the festival of Holi.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In the Kitchen

दूध जल गया
सब्जी जल रही है
गैस जला दो (transitive use)
जलने की गंध

Social Gossip

वो जलती है
जलने वाले जलते रहें
इतना मत जलो
जलन महसूस करना

Physical Pain

पेट में जलन
आँखें जलना
घाव जल रहा है
धूप से जलना

Festivals

दीये जलना
पटाखे जलना
होली जलना
रावण जलना

Poetry/Music

दिल जलना
यादों में जलना
प्यार की आग
शमा का जलना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको मसालेदार खाना खाने से मुँह जलता है?"

"दीवाली पर आपके घर में कितने दीये जलते हैं?"

"क्या कभी आपका खाना बनाते समय हाथ जला है?"

"लोग दूसरों की सफलता से क्यों जलते हैं?"

"अगर घर की सारी बत्तियाँ एक साथ जलें, तो क्या होगा?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने रसोई में कुछ जला दिया, उसका अनुभव लिखिए।

क्या आप कभी किसी से जले हैं? उस भावना के बारे में विस्तार से लिखिए।

एक जलती हुई मोमबत्ती को देखकर आपके मन में क्या विचार आते हैं?

भारत के त्योहारों में 'आग के जलने' का क्या महत्व है?

जब आपका दिल किसी बात से जलता है, तो आप खुद को कैसे शांत करते हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is very commonly used for lights being 'on' and for the emotion of jealousy. It also describes stinging sensations from spice or sun.

You must use the transitive verb 'jalana': 'Main kaagaz jala raha hoon.' Using 'jalna' would mean you yourself are burning.

It is informal. In formal writing or polite company, 'irshya karna' is preferred, but 'jalna' is what you will hear 90% of the time in conversation.

No. For electronics like TVs or computers, use 'chalna' (running) or 'on hona'. 'Jalna' is for lights, stoves, and fire.

It's a metaphor for the pain of love or separation, comparing the emotional suffering to the physical pain of fire.

'Jalna' is the action/state of burning. 'Jal jana' adds 'jana' to show completion or that something has 'burnt up' entirely.

You say 'Mirch se mera munh jal raha hai' (My mouth is burning from the chili).

Yes, it is a standard unaspirated 'j' sound as in 'jackal' or 'jump'.

Yes, you can say 'Sharir bukhar se jal raha hai' (The body is burning with fever) to show high temperature.

It literally means 'those who burn,' but it's used to refer to 'jealous people' or 'haters'.