At the A1 level, the focus is on basic identification and counting. Learners are introduced to 'kamre' as the plural of 'kamra'. You will learn to state how many rooms are in a house (e.g., 'Mere ghar mein do kamre hain'). This involves understanding the simple rule that masculine nouns ending in '-a' change to '-e' in the plural. You also learn the most common use of the oblique singular: 'kamre mein' (in the room). The goal is to be able to describe your immediate environment using simple sentences. You should be able to identify different rooms and use basic adjectives like 'saaf' (clean) or 'bada' (big) with 'kamre'. Vocabulary at this level is very concrete and revolves around daily life. You might practice with phrases like 'kamre ki chabi' (the key of the room) or 'kamre ka darwaza' (the door of the room). The emphasis is on recognizing the word in both its plural and oblique singular forms in short, clear sentences.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'kamre' in more varied grammatical structures and contexts. You will learn to use postpositions more confidently, such as 'kamre ke bahar' (outside the room) or 'kamre ke pas' (near the room). You will also start to see the word in the context of routines and simple narratives. For example, describing your morning routine might involve moving between different 'kamre'. You will also be introduced to the oblique plural 'kamron' to distinguish it from 'kamre'. At this stage, you should be able to handle simple interactions at a hotel, such as asking for a change of rooms ('Kya main kamre badal sakta hoon?') or complaining about room service. You will also learn to use 'kamre' with possessive pronouns like 'hamare kamre' (our rooms) or 'unke kamre' (their rooms). The focus is on expanding the range of adjectives and verbs used with the noun, moving beyond basic descriptions to more functional communication.
At the B1 level, 'kamre' is used in more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and passive constructions. You might discuss the layout of a building or the history of your home. For example, 'Vah kamre jo upar hain, bahut thande hain' (Those rooms which are upstairs are very cold). You will also encounter 'kamre' in more abstract or idiomatic contexts, such as 'band kamre mein baithak' (a meeting in a closed room/behind closed doors). Learners at this level should be able to describe the atmosphere of a room using more nuanced vocabulary. Instead of just 'sundar' (beautiful), you might use 'sajavti' (decorative) or 'hawaydar' (airy). You will also start to understand the use of 'kamre' in literature and news reports, where it might be used to describe scenes of events. The focus shifts from simple identification to providing detailed descriptions and participating in more extended conversations about living spaces and architecture.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'kamre' in various registers of Hindi. You will be able to distinguish between 'kamre' and its more formal synonyms like 'kaksh' or 'prakoshth' and choose the appropriate word based on the context. You might discuss urban planning, the psychological impact of living in small 'kamre', or the architectural evolution of Indian homes. At this level, you can follow complex instructions or explanations related to interior design or construction. You will also be familiar with the word's use in formal documents, such as rental agreements or property deeds. You should be able to express opinions and arguments about housing issues, using 'kamre' as a base for broader discussions. Your understanding of the oblique case should be flawless, and you should be able to use 'kamre' and 'kamron' correctly in all postpositional phrases without hesitation.
At the C1 level, your use of 'kamre' reflects a deep cultural and linguistic fluency. You will encounter the word in high-level literary works where it might be used metaphorically to represent the mind or a state of isolation. You can appreciate the subtle differences in meaning when an author chooses 'kamre' over 'kaksh' or 'hujra'. You are capable of discussing the sociological implications of 'kamre' in crowded metropolitan areas compared to rural settings. Your speech and writing will include sophisticated collocations and idiomatic expressions involving 'kamre'. You can participate in professional discussions about architecture, heritage conservation, or real estate law where 'kamre' is a central term. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for nuanced expression, allowing you to convey precise shades of meaning and cultural context in both spoken and written Hindi.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'kamre' and all its linguistic variations. You can use the word in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse. You are able to interpret and produce complex texts where 'kamre' might be used in intricate wordplay or as a central motif in poetry and prose. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it has interacted with other languages like Urdu and Sanskrit. You can provide expert commentary on the use of 'kamre' in different Hindi dialects and regional variations. Your ability to use the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. Whether you are analyzing a classic film, writing a technical report on building codes, or engaging in a deep philosophical debate about space and privacy, 'kamre' is a word you use with absolute precision, elegance, and cultural resonance.

कमरे in 30 Seconds

  • Kamre is the plural of kamra, meaning rooms.
  • It is also the oblique singular form used before postpositions.
  • It is a masculine noun essential for describing buildings.
  • Commonly used in hotel bookings and house descriptions.

The Hindi word कमरे (kamre) is a fundamental noun that every beginner learner must master. It serves two primary grammatical functions: it is the direct plural form of the masculine noun 'कमरा' (kamrā), meaning 'rooms,' and it is also the oblique singular form used before postpositions. Understanding this word is essential for describing living spaces, navigating buildings, and discussing architecture. In the vast landscape of Hindi vocabulary, 'kamre' acts as a cornerstone for domestic and professional descriptions. Whether you are booking a hotel in Jaipur, describing your childhood home in a conversation, or reading a floor plan, this word will appear frequently. The transition from the singular 'kamrā' to the plural 'kamre' follows the standard rule for masculine nouns ending in the long 'ā' vowel, which is a key milestone in A1-level grammar studies.

Plurality and Form
As a plural noun, 'kamre' refers to multiple rooms. For instance, 'do kamre' means two rooms. This form is used when the rooms are the subject or direct object of a sentence without any following postpositions like 'mein' (in) or 'se' (from).

मेरे घर में पाँच कमरे हैं। (Mere ghar mein pāñch kamre haiñ.) - There are five rooms in my house.

Oblique Singular Case
Crucially, 'kamre' is also used when referring to a single room if a postposition follows. For example, 'kamre mein' means 'in the room'. This dual identity is a common source of confusion for English speakers but becomes intuitive with practice.

वह कमरे के अंदर है। (Vah kamre ke andar hai.) - He is inside the room.

In Indian culture, the concept of 'kamre' has evolved significantly. Traditional 'havelis' or large ancestral homes often featured many 'kamre' organized around a central courtyard ('aangan'). Each 'kamra' might have had a specific purpose, though many were multi-functional. In modern urban settings, the number of 'kamre' in an apartment is a primary indicator of its size and value, often referred to as '1BHK' (one bedroom, hall, kitchen) or '2BHK'. When visiting an Indian household, you might hear the host say, 'Kamre mein chaliye' (Please come into the room), usually referring to the drawing room or guest room. The word is polite, neutral, and universally understood across all Hindi-speaking regions, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the quiet villages of Bihar.

Using कमरे (kamre) correctly requires a solid grasp of Hindi noun declension. Since it is a masculine noun ending in '-ā' (kamrā), it belongs to the most common category of Hindi nouns. In the direct plural, the '-ā' ending changes to '-e'. This is the form you use when counting rooms or making general statements about rooms. However, the complexity increases when we introduce postpositions. In Hindi, when a noun is followed by a postposition, it enters the 'oblique case'. For masculine '-ā' nouns, the oblique singular is identical to the direct plural: 'kamre'. This means that 'kamre' can represent both 'rooms' (plural) and 'the room' (singular + postposition).

The Direct Plural Usage
Use 'kamre' when you are talking about more than one room and there is no postposition acting on the noun. This is common in descriptions and existential sentences using 'haiñ' (are).

ये कमरे बहुत बड़े हैं। (Ye kamre bahut baṛe haiñ.) - These rooms are very big.

The Oblique Singular Usage
When you want to say 'in the room', 'from the room', or 'of the room', the word 'kamrā' shifts to 'kamre'. This is one of the first grammatical hurdles for learners because the word looks plural but functions as a singular.

बच्चा कमरे में सो रहा है। (Bachchā kamre meiñ so rahā hai.) - The child is sleeping in the room.

Furthermore, in the oblique plural (rooms + postposition), the word changes again to 'kamroñ'. For example, 'kamroñ meiñ' means 'in the rooms'. Understanding this three-way distinction (kamrā vs. kamre vs. kamroñ) is vital for sentence construction. When you are describing a house, you might say, 'Is ghar mein chāre kamre haiñ' (There are four rooms in this house). Here, 'kamre' is the direct plural. If you then say, 'Sabhi kamre sāf haiñ' (All rooms are clean), it remains 'kamre'. But if you say, 'Kamre ki khiṛkī khulī hai' (The window of the room is open), it is the oblique singular. Practice identifying the presence of postpositions to determine the intended meaning instantly.

The word कमरे (kamre) is omnipresent in daily Hindi life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of hospitality and real estate. If you are traveling in India and looking for accommodation, you will constantly use and hear this word. Hotel receptionists will ask, 'Aapko kitne kamre chāhiye?' (How many rooms do you need?). Similarly, when browsing rental listings or talking to a 'broker' (real estate agent), the conversation will revolve around the number and quality of 'kamre'. In Indian households, the 'kamre' are the center of family life. You might hear a mother calling out, 'Apne kamre mein jaao aur paṛhāī karo!' (Go to your room and study!). In this context, it is the oblique singular form.

In Hotels and Tourism
When checking in, you might hear: 'Hamāre pās do hī kamre khālī haiñ' (We only have two rooms vacant). Or when asking for a service: 'Kamre kī safāī kab hogī?' (When will the room cleaning happen?).

क्या आपके पास दो बेड वाले कमरे हैं? (Kyā āpke pās do bed vāle kamre haiñ?) - Do you have rooms with two beds?

In Academic and Office Settings
In schools or universities, 'kamre' refers to classrooms. A teacher might say, 'Sabhi bachche kamre se bāhar nikaliye' (All children, come out of the room). In offices, it refers to cabins or meeting rooms.

You will also encounter 'kamre' in Bollywood movies and literature. A famous trope involves the 'band kamre' (closed rooms) where secrets are shared or dramatic confrontations occur. Song lyrics often mention 'kamre' to evoke a sense of intimacy or loneliness, such as 'is sūne kamre mein' (in this lonely room). Because it is such a basic building block of the language, it appears in news reports about property, police reports about 'ghatnā-sthal' (the scene of the incident), and even in technical architectural discussions. Whether formal or informal, 'kamre' is the go-to word for any enclosed space within a building, making it an indispensable part of your Hindi toolkit.

For English speakers, the word कमरे (kamre) presents a unique set of challenges primarily due to the Hindi case system. The most frequent error is failing to distinguish between the plural 'kamre' and the oblique singular 'kamre'. Learners often assume that because the word ends in '-e', it must always be plural. This leads to confusion when they see 'kamre mein' and translate it as 'in the rooms'. Remember: 'in the rooms' is actually 'kamroñ meiñ'. Another common mistake is using the singular 'kamrā' when a postposition is present. Saying 'kamrā mein' is grammatically incorrect in standard Hindi; it must be 'kamre mein'.

Mistake: Plural vs. Oblique Confusion
Incorrect: 'Do kamrā' (Two room). Correct: 'Do kamre' (Two rooms). Masculine '-ā' nouns must change to '-e' in the plural.

गलत (Wrong): वह कमरा में है। (Vah kamrā meiñ hai.)
सही (Right): वह कमरे में है। (Vah kamre meiñ hai.)

Mistake: Forgetting the Oblique Plural
Learners often say 'kamre mein' when they mean 'in the rooms'. If you are referring to multiple rooms followed by a postposition, you must use the '-oñ' ending.

Additionally, gender agreement is a frequent stumbling block. Since 'kamrā' is masculine, all associated adjectives and verbs must reflect this. In the plural, adjectives also change their ending to '-e'. For example, 'baṛā kamrā' (big room) becomes 'baṛe kamre' (big rooms). A common mistake is saying 'baṛā kamre', which mixes singular adjective forms with plural nouns. Similarly, verbs must agree: 'kamre khule haiñ' (rooms are open) rather than 'kamre khulā hai'. Paying close attention to these surrounding words will help you use 'kamre' naturally and accurately in any context. Mastery of these patterns is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker.

While कमरे (kamre) is the most common word for rooms, Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms depending on the level of formality and the specific type of room being discussed. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to be more precise. The word 'kamrā' itself is of Persian origin and has been fully integrated into Hindi. However, in more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter Sanskrit-derived words like 'kaksh' or 'koshth'. Knowing when to use which word is key to sounding natural.

कमरे (Kamre) vs. कक्ष (Kaksh)
'Kamre' is the everyday word used in homes and hotels. 'Kaksh' is formal and often used in academic or official settings (e.g., 'parīkshā kaksh' for examination room). 'Kaksh' is a masculine noun but its plural form 'kaksh' remains the same in the direct case.

स्कूल में बीस कक्षाएं (classes) या कक्ष हैं।
घर में तीन कमरे हैं।

Specific Room Types
Instead of just saying 'kamre', you can be specific: 'shayan-kaksh' (bedroom), 'rasoī-ghar' (kitchen), or 'snān-ghar' (bathroom). Note that 'ghar' is often used as a suffix for specific utility rooms.

Another interesting alternative is 'khānā', which can mean 'compartment' or 'section' in certain contexts, though it's less common for living rooms. In historical contexts, you might hear 'hujrā' (a small room or cell, often in a religious context). When comparing 'kamre' to 'jagah' (place/space), 'kamre' implies a physically partitioned area with walls, whereas 'jagah' is more general. For instance, 'Is kamre mein jagah nahi hai' (There is no space in this room). By learning these distinctions, you can navigate diverse social situations—from a casual chat with a friend about their new apartment to a formal meeting in a government office—with confidence and linguistic accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'camera' (as in a photo camera) and 'kamra' share the same linguistic root! A camera was originally a 'camera obscura' or a 'dark room'. So, every time you take a photo, you are using a word related to your living room.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəm.reː/
US /kəm.reɪ/
The stress is balanced, but slightly more weight falls on the first syllable 'kam'.
Rhymes With
दमरे (damre) नमरे (namre) जमरे (jamre) हमरे (hamre - dialectal) भमरे (bhamre) गमरे (gamre) चमरे (chamre) समरे (samre)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a short 'i' (like 'kam-ri').
  • Over-aspirating the initial 'k' (making it sound like 'khamre').
  • Nasalizing the final vowel when it is not necessary (sounding like 'kamreñ').
  • Rolling the 'r' too heavily like in Spanish; it should be a single tap.
  • Stretching the first 'a' vowel into a long 'aa' (sounding like 'kaamre').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is easy to read as it follows standard phonetics.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'e' matra correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Needs practice to distinguish between plural and oblique singular in speech.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'kamron' if the listener doesn't catch the nasalization.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

कमरा (kamra) घर (ghar) में (mein) है (hai) हैं (hain)

Learn Next

किचन (kitchen) बाथरूम (bathroom) खिड़की (khidki) दरवाज़ा (darwaza) फर्नीचर (furniture)

Advanced

वास्तुकला (vastukala - architecture) नक्काशी (nakkashi - carving) प्रवेशद्वार (praveshdwar - entrance)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Pluralization

कमरा (Kamra) -> कमरे (Kamre)

Oblique Case Transformation

कमरे में (In the room) - singular kamra changes to kamre before 'mein'.

Adjective Agreement

बड़ा कमरा (Big room) -> बड़े कमरे (Big rooms).

Verb Agreement with Plural Nouns

कमरे खुले हैं (Rooms are open).

Oblique Plural Formation

कमरों में (In the rooms) - plural kamre changes to kamron before 'mein'.

Examples by Level

1

मेरे घर में तीन कमरे हैं।

There are three rooms in my house.

Direct plural: 'kamrā' becomes 'kamre' after the number 'teen' (three).

2

यह कमरे साफ़ हैं।

These rooms are clean.

Adjective agreement: 'saaf' (clean) remains the same, but 'ye' (these) and 'hain' (are) show plurality.

3

वह कमरे में है।

He/She is in the room.

Oblique singular: 'kamrā' becomes 'kamre' because of the postposition 'mein' (in).

4

कमरे का दरवाज़ा खुला है।

The door of the room is open.

Oblique singular: 'kamrā' changes to 'kamre' before the postposition 'ka' (of).

5

दो कमरे खाली हैं।

Two rooms are vacant.

Direct plural used with a numeral.

6

कमरे छोटे हैं।

The rooms are small.

Plural subject with plural adjective 'chhote'.

7

अपने कमरे में जाओ।

Go to your room.

Oblique singular used in an imperative sentence with 'mein'.

8

क्या ये आपके कमरे हैं?

Are these your rooms?

Interrogative sentence with plural demonstrative pronoun 'ye'.

1

होटल में बहुत सारे कमरे हैं।

There are many rooms in the hotel.

Direct plural with the quantifier 'bahut saare' (many).

2

वह अपने कमरे से बाहर आया।

He came out of his room.

Oblique singular with the compound postposition 'se bahar' (out of).

3

कमरे के अंदर मत जाओ।

Don't go inside the room.

Oblique singular with 'ke andar' (inside).

4

सब कमरे एक जैसे हैं।

All rooms are alike.

Plural subject 'sab kamre' (all rooms).

5

मेरे कमरे की खिड़की टूटी है।

The window of my room is broken.

Oblique singular with 'ki' (of - feminine agreement with khidki).

6

क्या आप कमरे साफ़ कर सकते हैं?

Can you clean the rooms?

Direct plural as the object of the verb.

7

कमरे के पास एक पेड़ है।

There is a tree near the room.

Oblique singular with 'ke paas' (near).

8

इन कमरों में रोशनी कम है।

There is less light in these rooms.

Contrast: Here 'kamron' is used because it is plural + postposition 'mein'.

1

कमरे की सजावट बहुत सुंदर है।

The decoration of the room is very beautiful.

Oblique singular used to show possession.

2

पुराने घर के कमरे बड़े होते थे।

Rooms of old houses used to be large.

General statement using direct plural.

3

वह पूरे दिन कमरे में बंद रहता है।

He stays locked in the room all day.

Oblique singular indicating state and location.

4

कमरे को पेंट करने में दो दिन लगेंगे।

It will take two days to paint the room.

Oblique singular with the object marker 'ko'.

5

क्या आपने कमरे का किराया दे दिया?

Did you pay the room rent?

Oblique singular with 'ka' (of).

6

इस कमरे से अच्छी हवा आती है।

Good air comes from this room.

Oblique singular with 'se' (from).

7

कमरे में फर्नीचर कम होना चाहिए।

There should be less furniture in the room.

Oblique singular with modal 'chahiye'.

8

हमने पाँच कमरे बुक किए हैं।

We have booked five rooms.

Direct plural as a specific quantity object.

1

बंद कमरे में हुई बातचीत गुप्त रखी गई।

The conversation that took place in a closed room was kept secret.

Oblique singular in a complex descriptive sentence.

2

कमरे की बनावट आधुनिक शैली की है।

The layout of the room is of modern style.

Abstract noun 'banavat' (layout) associated with 'kamre'.

3

वह कमरे के कोने में चुपचाप बैठी थी।

She was sitting quietly in the corner of the room.

Double oblique: 'kamre ke kone mein'.

4

किराए के कमरे ढूंढना आजकल मुश्किल है।

Finding rooms for rent is difficult nowadays.

Direct plural used as a gerundial object.

5

कमरे की लंबाई और चौड़ाई नाप लो।

Measure the length and width of the room.

Technical usage of oblique singular.

6

उसके कमरे की हालत बहुत खराब थी।

The condition of his room was very bad.

Oblique singular with 'ki' (condition).

7

कमरे में रोशनी का प्रबंध अच्छा है।

The lighting arrangement in the room is good.

Formal vocabulary 'prabandh' (arrangement).

8

ये कमरे मेहमानों के लिए आरक्षित हैं।

These rooms are reserved for guests.

Passive-style construction with plural subject.

1

कमरे का सन्नाटा उसकी बेचैनी बढ़ा रहा था।

The silence of the room was increasing his restlessness.

Literary usage where 'kamre' sets the psychological tone.

2

उसने अपने कमरे को एक पुस्तकालय में बदल दिया।

He transformed his room into a library.

Oblique singular with 'ko' indicating transformation.

3

कमरे की दीवारों पर स्मृतियों के निशान थे।

There were marks of memories on the walls of the room.

Metaphorical and descriptive oblique singular.

4

इस छोटे से कमरे में ही उसका पूरा संसार सिमटा था।

In this small room alone, his entire world was contained.

Emphatic construction 'kamre mein hi'.

5

कमरे के वातावरण में एक अजीब सी गंध थी।

There was a strange smell in the atmosphere of the room.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'vatavaran' (atmosphere).

6

कमरे की वास्तुकला मुग़लकालीन प्रभाव दर्शाती है।

The architecture of the room shows Mughal-era influence.

Historical/Technical context.

7

वे कमरे अब केवल खंडहर बनकर रह गए हैं।

Those rooms have now remained only as ruins.

Plural subject in a melancholic narrative.

8

कमरे के एकांत में उसने अपनी कविताएँ लिखीं।

In the solitude of the room, he wrote his poems.

Abstract usage 'ekant' (solitude) of the room.

1

कमरे की रिक्तता उसके जीवन के खालीपन का प्रतीक थी।

The emptiness of the room was a symbol of the void in his life.

Highly abstract and symbolic use of oblique singular.

2

उसने कमरे के प्रत्येक कोने को अपनी कला से जीवंत कर दिया।

He brought every corner of the room to life with his art.

Sophisticated phrasing 'jeevant kar diya'.

3

कमरे की चारदीवारी के भीतर ही सारे षड्यंत्र रचे गए।

All the conspiracies were hatched within the four walls of the room.

Idiomatic use of 'chardivari' (four walls).

4

कमरे के संकुचित स्थान ने उसके विचारों को भी सीमित कर दिया था।

The cramped space of the room had limited his thoughts as well.

Philosophical observation using oblique singular.

5

कमरे की साज-सज्जा में उसकी सूक्ष्म अभिरुचि झलकती थी।

His subtle taste was reflected in the room's decor.

High-level vocabulary 'sukshm abhiruchi' (subtle taste).

6

कमरे के उस पार एक नई दुनिया की दस्तक सुनाई दे रही थी।

Beyond that room, the knock of a new world was being heard.

Metaphorical 'us paar' (beyond).

7

कमरे की ध्वनिकी (acoustics) संगीत के अभ्यास के लिए उत्तम थी।

The acoustics of the room were perfect for music practice.

Technical term 'dhvaniki' (acoustics).

8

कमरे के झरोखों से छनकर आती धूप मन को सुकून देती थी।

The sunlight filtering through the room's vents gave peace to the mind.

Poetic and complex sentence structure.

Common Collocations

कमरे की सफ़ाई
खाली कमरे
बंद कमरे में
किराए के कमरे
कमरे का किराया
हवादार कमरे
सजे हुए कमरे
कमरे की चाबी
बगल वाला कमरा
ऊपर वाले कमरे

Common Phrases

कमरे में चलो

— Let's go into the room. A common invitation.

अंदर कमरे में चलो, बाहर गर्मी है।

कितने कमरे हैं?

— How many rooms are there? Used when house hunting.

इस फ्लैट में कितने कमरे हैं?

कमरे से बाहर निकलो

— Get out of the room. Often used as a command.

अभी कमरे से बाहर निकलो!

कमरे का दरवाज़ा बंद करो

— Close the room door.

जाते समय कमरे का दरवाज़ा बंद कर देना।

कमरे में अंधेरा है

— It is dark in the room.

कमरे में अंधेरा है, लाइट जलाओ।

कमरे की खिड़की खोलो

— Open the room window.

कमरे की खिड़की खोलो, ताज़ा हवा आने दो।

छोटा कमरा

— A small room.

यह बहुत छोटा कमra है।

बड़ा कमरा

— A big room.

ड्राइंग रूम एक बड़ा कमरा है।

कमरे को सजाना

— To decorate the room.

त्योहार के लिए कमरे को सजाना है।

कमरे में शांति है

— There is peace/silence in the room.

कमरे में बहुत शांति है।

Often Confused With

कमरे vs कमरा (kamra)

Kamra is singular (one room), Kamre is plural (rooms) or oblique singular.

कमरे vs कमरों (kamron)

Kamron is the plural form used only with postpositions (e.g., in the rooms).

कमरे vs कमरी (kamri)

This is not a standard word, but learners sometimes mistakenly feminize 'kamra'.

Idioms & Expressions

"चारदीवारी के भीतर"

— Within the four walls. Refers to something happening inside a room/house, often implies privacy or confinement.

जो भी हुआ, वह चारदीवारी के भीतर ही रहा।

Literary
"बंद कमरे की राजनीति"

— Closed-door politics. Refers to decisions made in secret without public knowledge.

देश का भविष्य बंद कमरे की राजनीति से तय नहीं होना चाहिए।

Journalistic
"कमरे में हाथी"

— Elephant in the room (translated). Though not a native Hindi idiom, it is increasingly used in corporate Hindi translation.

यह समस्या कमरे में हाथी की तरह है जिसे कोई नहीं देख रहा।

Modern/Translated
"घर का कोना-कोना"

— Every nook and cranny. Often implies searching every 'kamra'.

मैंने घर का कोना-कोना छान मारा।

Informal
"सूनसान कमरा"

— A deserted room. Often used to describe a feeling of loneliness.

उसका जीवन एक सूनसान कमरे की तरह हो गया है।

Poetic
"कमरे में कैद होना"

— To be imprisoned/confined in a room.

वह बीमारी के कारण कमरे में कैद हो गया है।

General
"कमरा गर्म करना"

— To heat the room. Literally used, but can imply preparing a space.

सर्दियों में हीटर से कमरा गर्म करना पड़ता है।

General
"कमरे की रौनक"

— The life/brightness of the room. Refers to a person who makes a space lively.

उसके आते ही कमरे की रौनक बढ़ गई।

Informal
"अंधेरा कमरा"

— A dark room. Can metaphorically refer to ignorance or depression.

वह अपने अतीत के अंधेरे कमरे से बाहर नहीं आ पा रहा।

Literary
"खुला कमरा"

— An open room. Can imply a welcoming nature.

मेरा कमरा हमेशा दोस्तों के लिए खुला रहता है।

Informal

Easily Confused

कमरे vs कक्षा (kaksha)

Sounds similar to 'kaksh' (room).

Kaksha specifically means 'class' or 'grade', while 'kamre' refers to the physical room.

मेरी कक्षा (class) उस कमरे (room) में है।

कमरे vs कमर (kamar)

Spelling and sound are very close.

Kamar means 'waist' (part of the body). It is a feminine noun.

उसकी कमर में दर्द है (Her waist hurts) vs वह कमरे में है (He is in the room).

कमरे vs कंबल (kambal)

Starts with the same sound.

Kambal means 'blanket'.

कमरे में कंबल लाओ (Bring the blanket into the room).

कमरे vs कमाई (kamai)

Similar root sound.

Kamai means 'earnings' or 'income'.

कमरे का किराया उसकी कमाई से ज़्यादा है।

कमरे vs कम (kam)

It is the first syllable of 'kamre'.

Kam means 'less' or 'few'.

कमरे में रोशनी कम है।

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Number] + कमरे + हैं।

दो कमरे हैं।

A1

कमरे + [Adjective] + हैं।

कमरे साफ़ हैं।

A1

कमरे + में + [Verb]।

कमरे में बैठो।

A2

[Possessive] + कमरे + [Adjective] + हैं।

हमारे कमरे बड़े हैं।

A2

कमरे + के + [Postposition] + [Noun] + है।

कमरे के बाहर कुत्ता है।

B1

कमरे + को + [Verb Infinitve] + है।

कमरे को साफ़ करना है।

B1

कमरे + की + [Feminine Noun] + [Adjective] + है।

कमरे की दीवार नीली है।

B2

कमरे + के + [Oblique Noun] + में + [Verb]।

कमरे के कोने में बैठो।

Word Family

Nouns

कमरा (kamrā - room singular)
कमरे (kamre - rooms plural)
कमरों (kamroñ - rooms oblique)

Adjectives

कमरेनुमा (kamrenumā - room-like)

Related

मकान (makān - house)
घर (ghar - home)
दीवार (dīvār - wall)
छत (chhat - roof/ceiling)
फर्श (farsh - floor)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'kamra mein' instead of 'kamre mein'. कमरे में (kamre mein)

    Masculine nouns ending in '-a' must change to '-e' before a postposition.

  • Saying 'do kamra' for two rooms. दो कमरे (do kamre)

    You must use the plural form 'kamre' when the count is more than one.

  • Confusing 'kamre' (plural) with 'kamron' (oblique plural). कमरों में (kamron mein) for 'in the rooms'.

    If it's plural AND has a postposition, the ending must be '-on'.

  • Using feminine adjectives like 'badi kamre'. बड़े कमरे (bade kamre)

    'Kamra' is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine plural 'bade'.

  • Pronouncing 'kamre' with a nasal 'n' at the end. कमरे (kamre) - clear vowel.

    Adding a nasal sound changes the meaning or makes it grammatically incorrect.

Tips

Mastering the Oblique

Remember that 'kamre' is the form for ONE room if a postposition like 'mein' follows. This is the 'oblique singular' rule for masculine nouns ending in '-a'.

Specific Rooms

While 'kamre' is general, learn specific names like 'shayan-kaksh' (bedroom) or 'baithak' (living room) to sound more advanced.

The Long 'E'

Ensure the final 'e' in 'kamre' is a clear, long 'ay' sound. Don't let it turn into an 'i' or a short 'e'.

Counting Practice

Practice counting objects in your house: 'ek kamra, do kamre, teen kamre'. This builds muscle memory for the plural shift.

BHK System

In India, apartment sizes are called 1BHK, 2BHK, etc. This is useful to know when talking about 'kamre' in cities.

Agreement is Key

Always make sure your adjectives and verbs match 'kamre'. Use 'hain' (are) and adjectives ending in '-e'.

Contextual Clues

If you hear 'kamre' followed by a small word like 'ka, ki, ke, mein, se, ko', it's almost certainly singular.

The Camera Link

Link 'kamra' to 'camera'. Both originally meant a 'chamber' or 'room'. It's an easy way to never forget the word.

Don't Over-nasalize

Be careful not to say 'kamreñ'. The plural of kamra is just 'kamre'. Nasalization only happens in the oblique plural 'kamroñ'.

Beyond the Home

Use 'kamre' for classrooms and hotel rooms too. It is not limited only to houses.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Camera' taking a picture of several 'Kamre' (rooms). The 'Camera' is in the 'Kamra'.

Visual Association

Visualize a floor plan with multiple boxes. Each box is a 'kamra', and together they are 'kamre'.

Word Web

House Building Walls Door Window Furniture Space Living

Challenge

Try to describe your house in Hindi using the word 'kamre' at least four times, focusing on the count and the location (using 'mein').

Word Origin

The word 'kamrā' comes from the Portuguese 'câmara' or Persian 'kamrah', which in turn stems from the Latin 'camera' meaning 'chamber' or 'vaulted roof'. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian and later European trade and colonial presence. Unlike the Sanskrit 'kaksh', 'kamra' became the dominant everyday term due to its widespread usage in administrative and domestic contexts during the Mughal and British periods.

Original meaning: A vaulted chamber or a private room.

Indo-European (via Persian/Portuguese influence)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and safe for all contexts.

English speakers often use 'room' for both singular and plural without changing the word's stem, whereas Hindi requires the '-a' to '-e' shift.

Band Kamre (A common title for suspense stories in Hindi literature). The song 'Ek Kamra Khali Hai' from Bollywood. Premchand's stories often describe the humble 'kamre' of the poor.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Hotel

  • क्या कमरे खाली हैं?
  • कमरे का किराया क्या है?
  • मुझे दो कमरे चाहिए।
  • कमरे में ए.सी. है?

House Hunting

  • फ्लैट में कितने कमरे हैं?
  • कमरे बड़े हैं या छोटे?
  • क्या कमरे हवादार हैं?
  • कमरे की खिड़की कहाँ है?

Cleaning/Organization

  • कमरे साफ़ करो।
  • कमरे में सामान फैला है।
  • कमरे को सजाओ।
  • सारे कमरे व्यवस्थित हैं।

In an Office

  • मीटिंग कमरे में है।
  • वह अपने कमरे में व्यस्त है।
  • कॉन्फ्रेंस कमरे की बुकिंग।
  • कमरे से बाहर फाइल ले आओ।

Daily Conversation

  • मैं अपने कमरे में हूँ।
  • बच्चे कमरे में खेल रहे हैं।
  • कमरे की लाइट बंद कर दो।
  • वह बगल वाले कमरे में सो रहा है।

Conversation Starters

"आपके घर में कितने कमरे हैं?"

"क्या आपको अपने कमरे में अकेले रहना पसंद है?"

"आपका पसंदीदा कमरा कौन सा है?"

"क्या आपके कमरे की खिड़की से अच्छा नज़ारा दिखता है?"

"आप अपने कमरे को कैसे सजाते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

अपने सपनों के घर के कमरों के बारे में लिखिए।

बताइए कि आपके कमरे में कौन-कौन सी चीज़ें हैं।

अपने बचपन के कमरे की यादों के बारे में विस्तार से लिखिए।

यदि आपको एक नया कमरा सजाना हो, तो आप उसे कैसा बनाएंगे?

घर के अलग-अलग कमरों का आपके जीवन में क्या महत्व है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'kamre' is not always plural. While it is the plural of 'kamra' (rooms), it is also the oblique singular form. This means if you see a postposition like 'mein' (in), 'se' (from), or 'ka' (of) after it, it refers to just one room. For example, 'kamre mein' means 'in the room'. Context is key to understanding the intended number.

'Kamre' is used for 'rooms' when they are the subject or direct object (direct plural). 'Kamron' is used for 'rooms' only when a postposition follows (oblique plural). So, 'do kamre' (two rooms) but 'do kamron mein' (in two rooms). This distinction is a vital part of Hindi grammar for plural nouns.

'Kamre' is masculine. Because it comes from the masculine noun 'kamra', all adjectives and verbs associated with it must follow masculine agreement. For example, you say 'baṛe kamre' (big rooms) using the masculine plural adjective ending '-e'. If it were feminine, the endings would be different.

Yes, the English word 'room' is widely understood and frequently used by Hindi speakers, especially in urban areas. However, for proper Hindi grammar and to sound more natural in traditional settings, using 'kamra' and 'kamre' is preferred. Even when using the English word, people often apply Hindi grammar to it, like saying 'room mein' (in the room).

To say 'in the rooms', you should use 'kamroñ meiñ' (कमरों में). You cannot use 'kamre mein' because that would mean 'in the (single) room'. The '-oñ' suffix is specifically for plural nouns followed by a postposition. This is one of the most common mistakes for beginners, so keep an eye on that nasal 'n' sound at the end.

To count rooms, you simply place the number before 'kamre'. For example: 'ek kamra' (one room), 'do kamre' (two rooms), 'teen kamre' (three rooms), and so on. Notice that for 'one', you use the singular 'kamra', but for any number greater than one, you must use the plural 'kamre'.

Yes, 'kamre' is a general term for any enclosed room, including those in offices. However, in professional settings, people might also use 'cabin' or 'conference room'. You could say 'meeting is kamre mein hai' (the meeting is in this room). It is a very versatile word that covers domestic, commercial, and educational spaces.

In Indian real estate, '1BHK' stands for '1 Bedroom, Hall, and Kitchen'. In Hindi, you would describe this as having one 'sone ka kamra' (bedroom), one 'baithak' (hall/living room), and a 'rasoi' (kitchen). So, a 1BHK essentially has two main 'kamre' (the bedroom and the hall) plus a kitchen and bathroom.

No, the word 'kamre' does not change based on the gender of the speaker. It only changes based on its own gender (which is always masculine), its number (singular or plural), and its case (direct or oblique). Whether a man or a woman says 'mere kamre' (my rooms), the word remains the same.

Common adjectives include 'baṛe' (big), 'chhote' (small), 'saaf' (clean), 'gande' (dirty), 'hawaydar' (airy), 'saje-sajaye' (decorated), and 'khali' (empty). Remember that most of these adjectives must also end in '-e' to agree with the masculine plural noun 'kamre'. For example, 'hawaydar kamre' (airy rooms).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'kamre' as a plural.

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writing

Translate: 'The room is clean.' (using oblique form).

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writing

Describe your room in three Hindi words.

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writing

Write 'In the room' in Hindi.

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writing

Translate: 'How many rooms?'

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writing

Use 'kamre' in a sentence with 'ke bahar'.

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writing

Translate: 'These rooms are big.'

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writing

Write 'The key of the room'.

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writing

Translate: 'There are no rooms vacant.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue asking for a hotel room.

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writing

Translate: 'Go to your room.'

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writing

Describe a house with four rooms.

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writing

Translate: 'The window of the room'.

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writing

Write 'In two rooms'.

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writing

Translate: 'I am in my room.'

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writing

Use 'kamre' to describe a school.

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writing

Translate: 'The rooms are airy.'

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writing

Write 'Inside the room'.

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writing

Translate: 'Room rent is high.'

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writing

Write a sentence about cleaning rooms.

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speaking

Say 'Two rooms' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'In the room' in Hindi.

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speaking

Ask 'How many rooms are there?'

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speaking

Say 'Clean the room'.

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speaking

Say 'The room is big'.

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speaking

Say 'I am in my room'.

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speaking

Say 'These rooms are airy'.

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speaking

Say 'Close the door of the room'.

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speaking

Say 'The rooms are empty'.

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speaking

Say 'Go outside the room'.

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speaking

Say 'Give me the room key'.

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speaking

Say 'The room rent is 5000 rupees'.

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speaking

Say 'There is no light in the room'.

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speaking

Say 'We have booked three rooms'.

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speaking

Say 'This room is for guests'.

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speaking

Say 'Which room is yours?'

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speaking

Say 'The walls of the room are white'.

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speaking

Say 'I like large rooms'.

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speaking

Say 'Wait in the room'.

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speaking

Say 'The rooms are on the second floor'.

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे में बैठो' and translate.

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listening

Identify the number: 'यहाँ चार कमरे हैं।'

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे की चाबी कहाँ है?' and translate.

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listening

Does the speaker mean one room or many? 'कमरे साफ़ करो।' (plural context)

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listening

Listen to 'वह कमरे से बाहर गया' and translate.

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listening

Identify the adjective: 'बड़े कमरे अच्छे होते हैं।'

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे का किराया बढ़ गया है' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'सारे कमरे बुक हैं' and translate.

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listening

Is 'kamre' singular or plural here? 'कमरे के अंदर आओ।'

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे की खिड़की खुली है' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'दो कमरे खाली हैं' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे को सजाओ' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'मेरे कमरे में मत आओ' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे की दीवारें नीली हैं' and translate.

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listening

Listen to 'कमरे में शांति है' and translate.

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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