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कमतर

A2 adjective 11 min read

कमतर

kamtar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips कमतर in 30 Seconds

Explanation कमतर in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. You might know 'कम' (Kam) which means 'less' or 'little'. At this stage, think of 'कमतर' (Kamtar) as a special way to say 'smaller' or 'not as good' when you are looking at two things. For example, if you have two apples and one is not very good, you can say it is 'kamtar'. It's a bit early to use this word often, but knowing it helps you understand when people are comparing things. Just remember: A1 is about 'less' (kam), and 'kamtar' is about 'lesser than' (se kamtar).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'कमतर' to make simple comparisons. You are learning to describe people, jobs, and products. 'कमतर' is very useful here. You can use it to say 'This phone is lesser (kamtar) than that one' or 'My work is not lesser (kamtar) than yours'. It helps you express your opinions more clearly. The key at this level is the structure: 'X से कमतर है' (is lesser than X). This is a great step up from just saying things are 'good' or 'bad'. It shows you can see the difference in levels between two things.

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with abstract ideas. You can use 'कमतर' to talk about feelings and social situations. For example, you can talk about 'inferiority complexes' or feeling 'lesser' than others in a group. At this stage, you should also notice that 'कमतर' doesn't change for gender or number, which makes your sentences smoother. You can use it in professional contexts too, like comparing the quality of two different services or the performance of two different teams. It's a word that adds a layer of politeness and objectivity to your comparisons.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'कमतर' in more complex sentence structures and formal contexts. You might use it in an essay to compare two different social policies or in a business presentation to discuss market competitors. You should also be aware of its Persian roots and how it differs from more Sanskritized words like 'निम्न' or 'गौण'. At this level, you're not just comparing two physical objects; you're comparing ideas, values, and complex systems. Using 'कमतर' shows a command over nuanced Hindi vocabulary.

At the C1 level, 'कमतर' becomes a tool for precise literary and academic expression. You will encounter it in high-level literature where authors use it to describe the subtle nuances of human emotion and societal hierarchy. You should be able to use it effortlessly in debates, perhaps arguing why one philosophical argument is 'kamtar' to another in terms of logic or evidence. You will also understand its use in idioms and more sophisticated collocations like 'कमतर आंकना' (to underestimate) and use them naturally in your own speech and writing.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'कमतर'. You understand its historical journey into Hindi and can appreciate its use in classical poetry versus modern news reporting. You can use it to express the most delicate comparisons, perhaps in a critique of a complex piece of art or a deep philosophical treatise. You are also fully aware of the social implications of the word and can use it to navigate sensitive topics with grace. For you, 'कमतर' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a precise instrument for measuring the world's complexities.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कमतर in 30 Seconds

Kamtar means 'lesser' or 'inferior' in quality or status.
It is a comparative adjective that doesn't change for gender.
It is often used with 'se' to compare two things (X se kamtar).
It is more formal and precise than the simple word 'kam' (less).

The Hindi word कमतर (Kamtar) is a comparative adjective that translates primarily to 'lesser', 'inferior', or 'lower' in quality, status, or degree. Derived from the Persian root 'Kam' (less) with the suffix '-tar' (which functions similarly to the English '-er' in 'lesser' or 'better'), it is a word that carries a weight of evaluation. In Hindi, while 'कम' (Kam) simply means 'less' or 'few', 'कमतर' (Kamtar) is explicitly used when comparing two or more things where one is judged to be of lower value or standard than the other. It is an essential word for learners at the A2 level because it moves beyond simple quantities into the realm of qualitative comparison.

Grammatical Category: Adjective (Comparative form). It does not change based on gender or number, making it relatively easy to use in various sentence structures.

You will encounter 'कमतर' in contexts ranging from commercial evaluations to social hierarchies. For instance, if you are comparing two fabrics, and one feels rougher or thinner, you might describe it as 'कमतर'. In a more abstract sense, it is frequently used in discussions about self-esteem and social standing. People often say 'किसी को कमतर नहीं समझना चाहिए' (One should not consider anyone inferior). This usage highlights the word's role in conveying respect and equality in modern Hindi discourse.

यह उत्पाद गुणवत्ता में पिछले वाले से कमतर है। (This product is lesser/inferior in quality compared to the previous one.)

Historically, the use of '-tar' as a comparative suffix is a hallmark of Persian influence on the Hindustani language. This suffix is cognate with the Sanskrit '-tara' and the Greek/Latin '-ter'. Understanding this linguistic link helps learners see Hindi not just as an isolated language but as part of a vast Indo-European family. When you use 'कमतर', you are participating in a linguistic tradition that values nuance in comparison. It is less about the lack of something and more about the ranking of something in a hierarchy of quality.

वह खुद को दूसरों से कमतर महसूस करता था। (He used to feel inferior to others.)

Social Nuance: In South Asian culture, the concept of 'kamtari' (inferiority) is often discussed in the context of social justice and mental health. Using the word 'kamtar' correctly shows a sensitivity to these social dynamics.

In summary, 'कमतर' is your go-to word for expressing that something is 'lesser than' something else in a qualitative sense. Whether you are critiquing a movie, comparing prices, or discussing complex human emotions, this word provides the necessary comparative edge. It is frequently paired with the postposition 'से' (se), which acts as 'than' in English, creating the structure 'X से कमतर' (lesser than X). Mastering this word allows you to express preferences and judgments with greater clarity and sophistication in Hindi.

आज की तकनीक पुरानी तकनीक से कहीं कमतर नहीं है। (Today's technology is by no means lesser than the old technology.)

Using कमतर (Kamtar) effectively requires understanding its relationship with the object of comparison. In Hindi grammar, comparisons are usually built using the word 'से' (se). The standard pattern is: [Subject] + [Object of Comparison] + से + [कमतर] + [Verb]. This structure is very stable and doesn't change much, which is great for learners. Because 'कमतर' is an adjective, it describes the subject of the sentence, but unlike many Hindi adjectives, it does not change its ending to match the gender or number of the noun it describes. It remains 'कमतर' whether you are talking about a 'कमरा' (room - masculine) or a 'किताब' (book - feminine).

उसका प्रदर्शन पिछले साल से कमतर रहा। (His performance was lesser/inferior compared to last year.)

One common way to use 'कमतर' is in negative sentences to express equality or superiority. For example, 'यह किसी भी तरह से कमतर नहीं है' (This is not lesser in any way). This is a powerful rhetorical tool in Hindi. It allows you to defend the quality of something without necessarily calling it the 'best'. It simply asserts that it is not 'lesser'. This is very common in marketing, debates, and personal affirmations. When you want to say something is 'second-rate', 'कमतर' is the perfect polite but firm choice.

Common Pattern 1: Quality Comparison: [Noun] + गुणवत्ता में (in quality) + कमतर है। Example: 'यह फोन कैमरे में कमतर है।' (This phone is lesser/inferior in terms of camera.)

Another important usage is in the psychological context of 'feeling lesser'. The phrase 'कमतर महसूस करना' (to feel inferior) is a standard way to describe a lack of confidence or the effect of social pressure. In this context, 'कमतर' acts as a predicative adjective describing the state of the subject. It is often used in self-help literature or in deep conversations about one's place in the world. Using 'कमतर' instead of 'छोटा' (small) in these cases adds a layer of intellectual depth to your Hindi.

समाज में किसी को कमतर आंकना गलत है। (It is wrong to underestimate/judge someone as lesser in society.)

Finally, consider the use of 'कमतर' in formal writing. In reports, academic papers, or news broadcasts, you will see it used to describe statistics or performance levels that have dropped. For instance, 'इस साल का उत्पादन लक्ष्य से कमतर रहा' (This year's production was lesser than the target). Here, it provides a precise, objective tone. Unlike 'घटिया' (ghatiya), which is highly subjective and often insulting, 'कमतर' is a neutral, descriptive term that simply notes a comparative difference in level or quality.

In daily life, you might not hear कमतर (Kamtar) as often as 'कम' (less), but it appears frequently in specific, high-impact situations. One of the most common places is in news debates and political discourse. Analysts often compare the current government's performance with previous ones, using 'कमतर' to highlight perceived failures or drops in economic indicators. For example, a news anchor might ask, 'क्या यह नीति पिछले वाली से कमतर साबित होगी?' (Will this policy prove to be lesser/inferior to the previous one?).

फिल्म समीक्षक ने कहा कि यह सीक्वल मूल फिल्म से कमतर है। (The film critic said that this sequel is lesser/inferior to the original film.)

You will also hear 'कमतर' in the world of sports. Commentary often involves comparing players' statistics or a team's current form. If a legendary player has a bad season, commentators might say their current play is 'कमतर' compared to their peak years. It’s a way of being critical without being disrespectful. In the workplace, during performance reviews, a manager might use 'कमतर' to describe an employee's output if it hasn't met the expected standards, providing a professional way to discuss improvement areas.

Context: Consumer Reviews: On YouTube or tech blogs, Hindi reviewers use 'कमतर' to compare gadgets. 'इस बजट में इसकी स्क्रीन क्वालिटी कमतर है।' (In this budget, its screen quality is lesser.)

Literary Hindi and poetry also make rich use of this word. Authors use 'कमतर' to describe the internal struggles of characters who feel inadequate. It is a word that resonates with the human experience of comparison. In Bollywood movies, particularly in intense dramas, characters might use 'कमतर' in dialogues to express their frustration with being treated as 'second-class' or 'less than' others. It adds a touch of sophistication and emotional weight to the dialogue that simpler words like 'छोटा' might miss.

वह अपनी मेहनत को किसी से कमतर नहीं मानता। (He does not consider his hard work lesser than anyone else's.)

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers use 'कमतर' when discussing comparative literature, history, or science. Comparing two different theories or two different eras often involves identifying where one might be 'कमतर' in terms of evidence or impact. For a learner, hearing 'कमतर' in these contexts is a signal that a serious, evaluative comparison is taking place. It is a bridge word that takes you from basic communication to meaningful analysis in Hindi.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing कम (Kam) with कमतर (Kamtar). While 'कम' simply means 'less' in terms of quantity (e.g., 'कम चीनी' - less sugar), 'कमतर' is a comparative adjective used for quality or rank. You wouldn't usually say 'चीनी कमतर है' unless you are comparing the quality of the sugar itself to another type of sugar. If you just want to say there isn't enough sugar, stick to 'कम'. Using 'कमतर' for quantity sounds unnatural and can confuse native speakers.

Incorrect: मुझे कमतर पानी चाहिए। (I want 'lesser' water.)
Correct: मुझे कम पानी चाहिए। (I want less water.)

Another mistake involves the word 'घटिया' (Ghatiya). Some learners use 'घटिया' when they really mean 'कमतर'. 'घटिया' is a very strong word that means 'trashy', 'useless', or 'vile'. It is often an insult. 'कमतर', on the other hand, is a neutral comparative. If you say a product is 'कमतर', you are saying it is 'not as good as' another one. If you say it is 'घटिया', you are saying it is 'bad' in absolute terms. In professional settings, using 'घटिया' can be seen as rude, whereas 'कमतर' is considered an objective critique.

Mistake: Double Comparison: Avoid saying 'ज्यादा कमतर' (more lesser). Since 'कमतर' is already a comparative form (the '-tar' part means 'more'), adding 'ज्यादा' is redundant. Just use 'कमतर' or 'कहीं कमतर' (much lesser).

Learners also sometimes forget the postposition 'से' (se). In Hindi, you cannot compare two things without it. Saying 'यह फोन वह फोन कमतर है' is grammatically broken. You must say 'यह फोन उस फोन से कमतर है'. The 'se' is the glue that makes the comparison work. Without it, the sentence loses its comparative logic. Also, ensure you are using the oblique form of the noun before 'से' (e.g., 'उस' instead of 'वह').

Mistake: यह फिल्म वह फिल्म से कमतर है।
Correct: यह फिल्म उस फिल्म से कमतर है।

Finally, be careful with word order. While Hindi is relatively flexible, 'कमतर' usually comes right before the verb or the auxiliary verb (like 'है' or 'था'). Placing it too far from the subject or the object of comparison can make the sentence difficult to parse. Practice the standard [A B से कमतर है] structure until it becomes second nature. This will help you avoid the 'translation-ese' that often plagues intermediate learners.

While कमतर (Kamtar) is a precise word, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. The most common alternative is simply using 'कम' (Kam) with a comparative structure. Instead of saying 'यह कमतर है', you can say 'यह उससे कम अच्छा है' (This is less good than that). This is very common in spoken Hindi and feels slightly more natural in casual conversation. However, 'कमतर' is more concise and carries a more academic or formal weight.

Comparison: कमतर vs. निम्न (Nimn): 'निम्न' means 'low' or 'inferior' in a more technical or bureaucratic sense. You'll see it on forms (e.g., 'निम्न वर्ग' - lower class) or in science. 'कमतर' is more versatile and used for general comparisons of quality.

Another word often used in similar contexts is 'हीन' (Heen). 'हीन' implies a lack or a deficiency, often used in terms like 'आत्म-हीनता' (self-inferiority/inferiority complex). While 'कमतर' is a neutral comparison, 'हीन' often has a negative or tragic connotation. If someone is 'हीन', they are lacking something essential. If they are 'कमतर', they are simply ranked lower in a specific comparison. Understanding this distinction is key for advanced communication.

उसकी बुद्धि किसी से कमतर नहीं है। (His intellect is not lesser than anyone's.) vs. वह बुद्धि-हीन है। (He is devoid of intellect.)

For more informal situations, you might use 'छोटा' (Chhota). While 'छोटा' literally means 'small', in a comparative sense, it can mean 'lesser in rank'. For example, 'वह मुझसे पद में छोटा है' (He is junior/lesser to me in rank). However, 'कमतर' is more appropriate when talking about abstract qualities like talent, beauty, or effort. 'छोटा' is very physical, whereas 'कमतर' is evaluative. If you want to say a movie was 'lesser' than the previous one, 'कमतर' is the correct choice; 'छोटा' would make no sense here.

Lastly, consider 'गौण' (Gaun). This is a highly formal Sanskritized word meaning 'secondary' or 'subordinate'. You would use this in literary analysis or philosophical debates. For example, 'यह मुद्दा मुख्य विषय के सामने गौण है' (This issue is secondary/lesser compared to the main subject). Compared to 'गौण', 'कमतर' is much more common and useful for everyday learners. By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your Hindi to the specific situation, whether you're at a vegetable market or in a business meeting.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-tar' is one of the oldest comparative markers in the Indo-European family, showing up in languages as diverse as Greek (heteros) and Latin (alter).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəm.t̪əɾ/

US /kʌm.t̪ər/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Kam'.

Rhymes With

बेहतर (Behtar) बदतर (Badtar) अकसर (Aksar) दफ्तर (Daftar) मंजर (Manzar) खंजर (Khanjar) बंजर (Banjar) स्तर (Star)

Common Errors

Using a hard English 't' (alveolar) instead of the soft Hindi dental 't'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too softly; it should be a clear tap or roll.
Lengthening the first 'a' to 'aa' (Kaam-tar), which changes the meaning (Work-tar).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the root 'kam'.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of the comparative 'se' structure.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'kam' if not listening carefully for the '-tar'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

कम (Kam) से (Se) अच्छा (Achha) बड़ा (Bada) छोटा (Chhota)

Learn Next

बेहतर (Behtar) बदतर (Badtar) श्रेष्ठ (Shreshth) तुलना (Tulna) गुणवत्ता (Gunvatta)

Advanced

हीनता (Heenta) गौण (Gaun) निम्नतम (Nimnatam) अपेक्षाकृत (Apekshakrit) सर्वश्रेष्ठ (Sarvashreshth)

Grammar to Know

Comparative Degree with 'से'

राम श्याम से कमतर है।

Adjective Invariability

यह लड़की/लड़का कमतर है। (No change for gender)

Oblique Case before 'से'

उस (oblique of वह) से कमतर।

Adverbial Modifiers with Adjectives

बेहद (extremely) कमतर।

Negative Comparison

किसी से कमतर नहीं।

Examples by Level

यह पेन उस पेन से कमतर है।

This pen is lesser/inferior to that pen.

Simple comparison using 'se kamtar'.

मेरा बैग कमतर नहीं है।

My bag is not lesser/inferior.

Negative sentence to show quality.

यह खाना थोड़ा कमतर है।

This food is a bit lesser/inferior (in taste).

Using 'thoda' (a bit) as a modifier.

उसका घर कमतर है।

His house is lesser/smaller/inferior.

Predicate adjective use.

यह रंग कमतर लगता है।

This color looks lesser/inferior.

Using 'lagta hai' (seems/looks).

क्या यह कमतर है?

Is this lesser?

Simple question form.

वह कमतर नहीं होना चाहता।

He does not want to be lesser.

Using 'hona chahta' (wants to be).

यह कमतर क्वालिटी है।

This is lesser quality.

Attributive use before a noun.

यह नया मॉडल पुराने से कमतर है।

This new model is lesser than the old one.

Comparison between two versions.

हमें किसी को कमतर नहीं समझना चाहिए।

We should not consider anyone lesser/inferior.

Using 'samajhna' (to consider/understand).

उसकी आवाज़ मुझसे कमतर नहीं है।

Her voice is not lesser than mine.

Comparing abstract qualities (voice).

क्या आपको लगता है कि यह कमतर है?

Do you think that this is lesser?

Asking for an opinion.

यह कपड़ा गुणवत्ता में कमतर है।

This cloth is lesser in quality.

Specifying the area of comparison (quality).

उसका काम पिछले महीने से कमतर रहा।

His work was lesser compared to last month.

Comparing performance over time.

मैं खुद को कमतर महसूस कर रहा हूँ।

I am feeling lesser/inferior.

Using 'mahsus karna' (to feel).

यह होटल उस होटल से कमतर है।

This hotel is lesser than that hotel.

Comparison of establishments.

समाज में किसी भी काम को कमतर नहीं मानना चाहिए।

In society, no work should be considered lesser.

Passive-style advice.

उसकी उपलब्धि मेरी उपलब्धि से कमतर नहीं है।

His achievement is not lesser than my achievement.

Comparing abstract nouns (achievements).

अक्सर हम दूसरों के सामने खुद को कमतर आंकते हैं।

Often we underestimate/judge ourselves as lesser before others.

Use of 'aankna' (to evaluate).

यह फिल्म अपनी पिछली कड़ी से कमतर साबित हुई।

This film proved to be lesser than its previous installment.

Using 'saabit hui' (proved to be).

क्या तकनीक के मामले में भारत किसी से कमतर है?

Is India lesser than anyone in terms of technology?

Rhetorical question in a formal context.

उसने अपनी कमतर स्थिति को सुधारने की कोशिश की।

He tried to improve his lesser/inferior situation.

Attributive use with 'stithi' (situation).

दोनों टीमों का खेल एक-दूसरे से कमतर नहीं था।

Both teams' play was not lesser than each other's.

Comparing two subjects simultaneously.

विदेशी उत्पादों को कमतर समझना एक गलती है।

It is a mistake to consider foreign products inferior.

Infinitive as a subject.

लेखक ने समाज के कमतर वर्गों की समस्याओं को उजागर किया है।

The author has highlighted the problems of the lesser/marginalized sections of society.

Using 'kamtar' to describe social classes.

यह तर्क पिछले तर्क की तुलना में कमतर लगता है।

This argument seems lesser compared to the previous argument.

Comparing logical arguments.

अल्पसंख्यकों को कभी भी कमतर नागरिक नहीं माना जाना चाहिए।

Minorities should never be considered lesser citizens.

Formal political/ethical statement.

बाजार में कमतर गुणवत्ता वाले सामानों की भरमार है।

The market is flooded with lesser quality goods.

Complex noun phrase 'kamtar gunvatta vale'.

उसकी कलात्मक दृष्टि किसी भी प्रसिद्ध कलाकार से कमतर नहीं है।

His artistic vision is not lesser than any famous artist.

Comparing abstract vision/talent.

आर्थिक मंदी के कारण विकास दर पिछले साल से कमतर रही।

Due to economic recession, the growth rate was lesser than last year.

Formal economic reporting.

हमें अपने सांस्कृतिक मूल्यों को कमतर नहीं आंकना चाहिए।

We should not underestimate/undervalue our cultural values.

Moral/cultural advice.

यह समाधान समस्या की जटिलता के सामने कमतर है।

This solution is lesser/inadequate in the face of the problem's complexity.

Expressing inadequacy.

उपन्यास का दूसरा भाग कथानक की दृष्टि से अत्यंत कमतर प्रतीत होता है।

The second part of the novel seems extremely lesser from the perspective of the plot.

Formal literary criticism.

किसी भी भाषा को दूसरी भाषा से कमतर मानना भाषाई संकीर्णता है।

To consider any language lesser than another is linguistic narrow-mindedness.

Complex philosophical/sociolinguistic statement.

वैज्ञानिकों ने पाया कि नया डेटा पिछले निष्कर्षों को कमतर बनाता है।

Scientists found that the new data makes the previous conclusions lesser/obsolete.

Scientific reporting.

उसकी दार्शनिक समझ किसी भी विद्वान से कमतर नहीं आँकी जा सकती।

His philosophical understanding cannot be evaluated as lesser than any scholar's.

Passive voice with potentiality.

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने देश की अंतरराष्ट्रीय साख को कमतर कर दिया है।

Political instability has made the country's international credibility lesser/lower.

Transitive use with 'kar diya' (made/rendered).

कविता की गहराई शब्दों की कमतर संख्या के बावजूद बहुत अधिक है।

The depth of the poem is very high despite the lesser number of words.

Concessive clause using 'ke bavajood'.

मानवीय गरिमा को किसी भी भौतिक सुख से कमतर नहीं तोला जा सकता।

Human dignity cannot be weighed as lesser than any material pleasure.

Metaphorical use of 'tolna' (to weigh).

इतिहासकारों के अनुसार, यह सभ्यता अपने पड़ोसियों से कमतर नहीं थी।

According to historians, this civilization was not lesser than its neighbors.

Historical analysis.

अस्तित्ववादी दर्शन में, मनुष्य की स्वतंत्रता को किसी भी दैवीय सत्ता से कमतर नहीं रखा गया है।

In existentialist philosophy, human freedom is not placed as lesser to any divine power.

High-level philosophical discourse.

कला की यह अभिव्यक्ति पारंपरिक मानदंडों के समक्ष कमतर भले ही लगे, किंतु इसकी मौलिकता अतुलनीय है।

This expression of art may seem lesser before traditional standards, but its originality is incomparable.

Complex contrastive structure 'bhale hi... kintu'.

वैश्विक मंच पर उभरती अर्थव्यवस्थाओं को अब कमतर शक्ति के रूप में नहीं देखा जाता।

Emerging economies are no longer seen as a lesser power on the global stage.

Geopolitical analysis.

न्याय की अवधारणा में, पीड़ित के अधिकारों को अपराधी के अधिकारों से कमतर नहीं समझा जा सकता।

In the concept of justice, the rights of the victim cannot be understood as lesser than the rights of the perpetrator.

Legal/Ethical argumentation.

उनकी बौद्धिक क्षमता का ह्रास होने के बावजूद, उनका अनुभव किसी भी युवा से कमतर नहीं है।

Despite the decline in his intellectual capacity, his experience is not lesser than any youth.

Contrasting decline with persistent value.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में, अनुवादित कृति को मूल कृति से कमतर मानना एक विवादास्पद विषय है।

In literary criticism, considering a translated work lesser than the original work is a controversial subject.

Academic debate context.

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में, सबसे छोटे जीव की भूमिका भी किसी बड़े जीव से कमतर नहीं होती।

In an ecosystem, the role of even the smallest organism is not lesser than any large organism.

Scientific/Philosophical observation.

संविधान की आत्मा यह सुनिश्चित करती है कि कोई भी नागरिक विधि के समक्ष कमतर न हो।

The soul of the constitution ensures that no citizen is lesser before the law.

Constitutional law phrasing.

Common Collocations

कमतर आंकना

कमतर महसूस करना

कमतर गुणवत्ता

कमतर साबित होना

कमतर वर्ग

कहीं कमतर

कमतर समझना

कमतर स्थिति

गुणवत्ता में कमतर

कमतर प्रदर्शन

Common Phrases

किसी से कमतर नहीं

— Not lesser than anyone; equal or better.

मेरी बेटी किसी से कमतर नहीं है।

कमतर समझना छोड़ो

— Stop considering yourself or others inferior.

खुद को कमतर समझना छोड़ो और मेहनत करो।

उम्मीद से कमतर

— Lesser than expected; disappointing.

फिल्म का अंत उम्मीद से कमतर था।

कमतर होने का अहसास

— The feeling of being inferior.

उसे हमेशा कमतर होने का अहसास रहता था।

कमतर दिखाना

— To portray something or someone as inferior.

विज्ञापन में दूसरे ब्रांड को कमतर दिखाया गया।

कमतर मान लेना

— To accept something as inferior.

उसने अपनी किस्मत को कमतर मान लिया।

कमतर श्रेणी

— Lower category or rank.

इसे कमतर श्रेणी में रखा गया है।

कमतर प्रभाव

— Lesser impact or influence.

दवा का इस बार कमतर प्रभाव हुआ।

कमतर मूल्य

— Lesser value or price.

इसकी बाजार में कमतर मूल्य है।

कमतर प्रयास

— Lesser effort.

तुम्हारे कमतर प्रयास ही तुम्हारी असफलता का कारण हैं।

Often Confused With

कमतर vs कम (Kam)

Kam means 'less' (quantity). Kamtar means 'lesser' (quality/rank).

कमतर vs बदतर (Badtar)

Badtar means 'worse'. Kamtar means 'lesser'. Something can be kamtar without being bad.

कमतर vs छोटा (Chhota)

Chhota is physical size. Kamtar is abstract quality or status.

Idioms & Expressions

"किसी को कमतर आंकना"

— To underestimate someone's power or capability.

उसकी चुप्पी को उसकी कमजोरी मत समझो और उसे कमतर मत आँको।

Common

"कमतर तराजू में तोलना"

— To judge someone by a lower or unfair standard.

तुम मुझे हमेशा कमतर तराजू में तोलते हो।

Literary

"खुद को कमतर समझना"

— To suffer from an inferiority complex.

सफलता के लिए खुद को कमतर समझना छोड़ना होगा।

Psychological

"कमतर साबित करना"

— To prove someone or something is inferior.

विपक्ष ने सरकार के दावों को कमतर साबित कर दिया।

Political

"कमतर नज़र से देखना"

— To look down upon someone.

गरीबों को कमतर नज़र से देखना पाप है।

Social

"कमतर मिट्टी का होना"

— To be of 'lesser clay' (metaphor for being weaker or inferior).

क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि मैं किसी कमतर मिट्टी का बना हूँ?

Poetic

"कमतर के आगे झुकना"

— To submit to something inferior.

वह कभी किसी कमतर विचार के आगे नहीं झुका।

Philosophical

"कमतर की पहचान"

— The mark of something inferior.

जल्दबाजी अक्सर कमतर काम की पहचान होती है।

General

"कमतर का साथ"

— Associating with lesser quality or ideas.

कमतर का साथ तुम्हें भी कमतर बना देगा।

Moral

"कमतर राह चुनना"

— To choose an easier but less noble path.

उसने कमतर राह चुनने के बजाय संघर्ष को चुना।

Inspiring

Easily Confused

कमतर vs कम (Kam)

Both mean 'less' in English.

Kam is used for quantity (how much), while Kamtar is used for comparison of quality or rank (how good).

मेरे पास कम पानी है (I have less water). यह पानी कमतर है (This water is inferior/lesser quality).

कमतर vs बदतर (Badtar)

Both carry a negative comparison.

Badtar is the comparative of 'bad' (worse). Kamtar is the comparative of 'less' (lesser). Badtar is more negative.

हालत बदतर हो गई (The situation became worse).

कमतर vs घटिया (Ghatiya)

Both imply something is not good.

Ghatiya is an absolute judgment (bad quality). Kamtar is a relative judgment (less good than something else).

यह बहुत घटिया कपड़ा है (This is very bad quality cloth).

कमतर vs हीन (Heen)

Both relate to inferiority.

Heen is often a noun or part of a formal term (deficiency). Kamtar is a standard comparative adjective.

वह हीन भावना का शिकार है (He is a victim of an inferiority complex).

कमतर vs निम्न (Nimn)

Both mean 'low' or 'lesser'.

Nimn is formal/technical (low level). Kamtar is general comparative (lesser than).

निम्न तापमान (Low temperature).

Sentence Patterns

[A] [B] से कमतर है।

यह आम उस आम से कमतर है।

[A] कमतर नहीं है।

मेरा काम कमतर नहीं है।

[A] को कमतर मत समझो।

उसे कमतर मत समझो।

[A] [B] के सामने कमतर है।

यह पैसा खुशी के सामने कमतर है।

[A] में कमतर होना।

वह पढ़ाई में कमतर है।

[A] का कमतर साबित होना।

उसका दावा कमतर साबित हुआ।

किसी को कमतर आंकना।

अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी को कमतर आंकना भूल है।

[A] के समक्ष [B] का कमतर प्रतीत होना।

सूर्य के समक्ष दीपक कमतर प्रतीत होता है।

Word Family

Nouns

कमतरी (Kamtari) - Inferiority

कमी (Kami) - Lack/Deficiency

Verbs

कम करना (Kam karna) - To reduce

कमतर समझना (Kamtar samajhna) - To consider inferior

Adjectives

कम (Kam) - Less

कमतर (Kamtar) - Lesser

बेहतर (Behtar) - Better

बदतर (Badtar) - Worse

ज्यादा (Zyada) - More

अधिक (Adhik) - More

निम्न (Nimn) - Low

How to Use It

frequency

Common in evaluative contexts, rare in simple counting.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kamtar' for simple quantity. → Using 'kam'.
You wouldn't say 'I have lesser apples' when you mean 'fewer apples'. Similarly, in Hindi, use 'kam' for quantity. 'Mere paas kam seb hain' is correct.
Saying 'zyada kamtar'. → Saying 'kamtar' or 'kahin kamtar'.
Adding 'zyada' (more) to 'kamtar' is redundant because 'kamtar' is already comparative. Use 'kahin' for emphasis instead.
Omitting 'se' in a comparison. → Always using 'se' (A B se kamtar hai).
Without 'se', the sentence doesn't make grammatical sense as a comparison. 'Se' is the equivalent of 'than'.
Confusing 'kamtar' with 'ghatiya'. → Use 'kamtar' for objective comparison, 'ghatiya' for absolute bad quality.
Ghatiya is more emotional and insulting. Kamtar is more neutral and comparative. Use 'kamtar' in professional settings.
Changing 'kamtar' for gender (e.g., 'kamtari' as an adjective). → Keeping it as 'kamtar'.
'Kamtari' is a noun (inferiority), not an adjective. The adjective 'kamtar' is invariable and works for all genders.

Tips

Quality over Quantity

Always use 'kamtar' for quality and 'kam' for quantity. If you're talking about how much water is in a glass, use 'kam'. If you're talking about how good the water tastes compared to another brand, use 'kamtar'.

Don't forget 'Se'

In Hindi, comparisons need the word 'se' (than). Never say 'A B kamtar hai'. Always say 'A B se kamtar hai'. The 'se' is the bridge that makes the comparison possible.

The '-tar' Suffix

Recognize that '-tar' is a comparative suffix. If you see words like 'behtar' (better), 'badtar' (worse), or 'kamtar' (lesser), you know a comparison is happening. This helps you decode new words quickly.

Soft 'T' Sound

The 't' in 'kamtar' is dental. Touch your tongue to your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth. This small adjustment will make your Hindi sound much more authentic to native speakers.

Be Sensitive

When describing people as 'kamtar', be aware that it can be offensive. It's usually better to say 'someone's work' or 'someone's performance' is 'kamtar' rather than the person themselves being 'kamtar'.

Academic Tone

If you are writing an essay for a Hindi exam, using 'kamtar' instead of 'kam achha' (less good) will earn you higher marks for vocabulary. It shows you know the specific comparative forms of adjectives.

Context Clues

If you hear 'kam' but aren't sure if the speaker said 'kam' or 'kamtar', look at the context. If they are comparing two specific things, they likely said 'kamtar' or used 'kam' in a comparative way.

Persian Connection

Remember that 'kamtar' is Persian. If you know any Persian or Urdu, this word will be very familiar. It's part of the 'Hindustani' core that bridges Hindi and Urdu together.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'zyada kamtar'. It's like saying 'more lesser' in English. 'Kamtar' already contains the 'more' part of the comparison. If you want to emphasize it, use 'kahin kamtar' (much lesser).

News Vocabulary

Expect to see 'kamtar' in news headlines about the economy. 'Vikas dar kamtar' (Growth rate lesser) is a very common headline structure. Reading the business section of a Hindi newspaper is a great way to see it in action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kam' as 'Less' and '-tar' as the 'er' in 'lesser'. Kam-tar = Less-er. It sounds like 'Come-Tear', as if a small tear makes something 'lesser' in value.

Visual Association

Imagine two trophies, one large and gold, the other small and silver. The silver one is 'kamtar' than the gold one.

Word Web

Less Inferior Quality Comparison Status Persian Suffix Evaluation

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room today and rank them using 'kamtar'. For example: 'This chair is kamtar than that sofa'.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Persian 'کمتر' (kamtar). It is composed of the Persian 'کم' (kam), meaning 'less', and the comparative suffix '-तर' (-tar).

Original meaning: The original meaning in Persian is exactly the same: 'lesser' or 'fewer'.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch). The suffix '-tar' is cognate with Sanskrit '-tara' and English '-ter' in 'better'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'kamtar' to describe people, as it can sound insulting or dismissive if not used in a constructive or sensitive context.

Similar to how 'inferior' is used in English, but 'kamtar' is slightly more common in everyday Hindi evaluations than 'inferior' is in everyday English.

Commonly used in Bollywood dialogues to express feelings of inadequacy. Appears in Hindi translations of self-help books like 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. Frequently heard in news debates on channels like NDTV or Aaj Tak.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

यह क्वालिटी कमतर है।
क्या इससे कमतर कुछ है?
कीमत कमतर होनी चाहिए।
यह ब्रांड कमतर नहीं है।

Self-Esteem

खुद को कमतर मत समझो।
वह कमतर महसूस कर रहा है।
किसी को कमतर मत आँको।
मैं किसी से कमतर नहीं हूँ।

Work/Review

प्रदर्शन कमतर रहा है।
काम की गुणवत्ता कमतर है।
पिछले साल से कमतर।
हमें कमतर नहीं होना है।

News/Politics

विकास दर कमतर है।
नीति कमतर साबित हुई।
आंकड़े कमतर हैं।
विपक्ष इसे कमतर मानता है।

Education

अंक कमतर आए हैं।
तैयारी कमतर थी।
यह उत्तर कमतर है।
ज्ञान किसी से कमतर नहीं।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि नया वाला मॉडल पुराने से कमतर है?"

"अक्सर लोग दूसरों को कमतर क्यों समझते हैं?"

"अगर काम कमतर हो, तो उसे कैसे सुधारें?"

"क्या आपने कभी खुद को किसी से कमतर महसूस किया है?"

"इस फिल्म का दूसरा भाग पहले से कमतर क्यों लगा?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि आप अपनी मेहनत को किसी से कमतर क्यों नहीं मानते।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में बताएं जब आपको लगा कि कोई चीज़ उम्मीद से कमतर थी।

क्या समाज में कोई भी काम वास्तव में कमतर होता है? अपने विचार लिखें।

आत्म-विश्वास बढ़ाने के लिए 'कमतर महसूस करना' कैसे बंद करें?

तकनीक के क्षेत्र में पुरानी चीज़ें नई चीज़ों से कमतर क्यों हो जाती हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Kamtar' is considered more formal than the simple word 'Kam'. It is frequently used in literature, news, and professional evaluations to denote a comparative inferiority in quality or rank. While it can be used in daily speech, it adds a touch of precision and sophistication to the conversation.

Yes, you can use it for people, but be careful. Saying 'वह कमतर है' can mean 'He is inferior', which is often an insult. However, in contexts like 'वह किसी से कमतर नहीं है' (He is not lesser than anyone), it is used as a compliment to his worth and equality. Always consider the social sensitivity of the situation.

No, 'Kamtar' is an invariable adjective. It does not change whether the noun it describes is masculine (e.g., कमरा - room) or feminine (e.g., किताब - book). For example: 'यह कमरा कमतर है' and 'यह किताब कमतर है'. This makes it easier for learners to use correctly in various sentences.

'Kam' means 'less' or 'little' and is usually used for quantity (e.g., less sugar, less time). 'Kamtar' means 'lesser' or 'inferior' and is used to compare quality, status, or rank between two things. You use 'Kamtar' when you want to say one thing is 'lower' in standard than another.

To say 'lesser than', you use the structure '[Object] + से (se) + कमतर (kamtar)'. For example, 'यह फोन उस फोन से कमतर है' (This phone is lesser than that phone). The 'se' acts like 'than' in English and is essential for making the comparison work grammatically.

Yes! The '-tar' suffix in 'Kamtar' is cognate with the English '-ter' in words like 'better', 'faster', and 'lesser'. Both come from the same ancient Indo-European root used to form comparative adjectives. This connection makes it a fascinating word for language enthusiasts to learn and remember.

While 'Kamtar' means 'lesser', it is often used in situations where English speakers might say 'worse' in terms of quality. However, the specific Hindi word for 'worse' is 'बदतर' (Badtar). 'Kamtar' is a bit more neutral; it just says something is 'lower' in rank, while 'Badtar' explicitly says it is more 'bad'.

The word 'Kamtar' comes from Persian. It was brought into Hindi during the period of Persian cultural and linguistic influence in India. Many words in Hindi that end in '-tar' (like 'behtar' for better or 'badtar' for worse) share this Persian heritage, reflecting the rich history of the Hindustani language.

Yes, although perhaps less frequently than 'kam'. It appears in more poetic or dramatic songs where a character is expressing feelings of humility, inadequacy, or comparing the value of material things to love. It's a word that resonates well with the emotional depth often found in Bollywood lyrics.

The most direct opposite of 'Kamtar' (lesser) is 'बेहतर' (Behtar), which means 'better'. Other opposites include 'श्रेष्ठ' (Shreshth - superior) and 'बड़ा' (Bada - bigger/greater). Just like 'Kamtar', 'Behtar' also uses the Persian comparative suffix '-tar' and is used in a very similar grammatical way.