This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
कामयाब

A2 adjective #1,500 most common 11 min read

कामयाब

kaamyaab Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips कामयाब in 30 Seconds

Explanation कामयाब in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'कामयाब' (Kāmyāb) is introduced as a simple word for 'successful'. Beginners learn it to describe people who do well in basic tasks, like passing a small test or winning a game. The focus is on the most common sentence structure: 'Subject + कामयाब + है' (Subject is successful). At this stage, learners don't need to worry about the Persian roots or complex synonyms. They just need to know that if someone reaches their goal, they are 'कामयाब'. For example, 'वह कामयाब है' (He is successful). It is often taught alongside other basic adjectives like 'अच्छा' (good) and 'बड़ा' (big). Teachers might use it to encourage students: 'आप कामयाब होंगे' (You will be successful). The pronunciation is the main hurdle here, ensuring the 'ā' sound in 'kām' is long enough. Learners are also taught that it doesn't change for boys or girls, which is a relief given how many other Hindi words do change. It's a 'safe' word to use early on to express positive outcomes in personal stories or simple descriptions of famous people.

At the A2 level, learners start using 'कामयाब' in more varied contexts, such as describing careers, films, or business ventures. They learn the difference between the adjective 'कामयाब' and the noun 'कामयाबी' (success). This is a crucial distinction to avoid common errors like 'He is success'. A2 students also begin to use the verb forms 'कामयाब होना' (to succeed) and 'कामयाब बनाना' (to make successful). They can now form slightly more complex sentences like 'मेहनत से हम कामयाब हो सकते हैं' (With hard work, we can be successful). The word is also introduced in the context of 'Bollywood' and 'News', where it appears frequently. Learners are encouraged to recognize it in listening exercises. They also learn the basic negative form 'नाकाम' or 'कामयाब नहीं'. The focus is on functional communication—being able to talk about one's ambitions and the success of others in a grammatically correct way. Understanding that 'कामयाब' is an invariant adjective helps them build confidence in sentence construction without worrying about gender-matching rules that apply to other Hindi adjectives.

At the B1 level, the nuance between 'कामयाब' and 'सफल' (Saphal) is introduced. Students learn that 'कामयाब' is more common in spoken, everyday Hindi and Hindustani, while 'सफल' is more formal. They start using 'कामयाब' to describe abstract concepts like a 'कामयाब रिश्ता' (successful relationship) or a 'कामयाब योजना' (successful plan). B1 learners are expected to use the word in conditional sentences, such as 'अगर आप रोज़ अभ्यास करेंगे, तो आप ज़रूर कामयाब होंगे' (If you practice every day, you will definitely be successful). They also encounter the word in more diverse media, like newspaper headlines and motivational speeches. The cultural significance of 'success' in South Asian society—often tied to family pride and social status—is discussed, providing context for why the word is used so frequently and with such emotion. Learners also begin to use common collocations like 'बेहद कामयाब' (extremely successful) and 'पूरी तरह कामयाब' (completely successful) to add emphasis to their speech and writing. They are now comfortable switching between 'कामयाब' and its synonyms based on the person they are talking to.

At the B2 level, learners explore the stylistic and regional variations of 'कामयाब'. They understand its Persian etymology ('kām' + 'yāb') and how this history influences its usage in modern Urdu-influenced Hindi. B2 students can use the word in complex argumentative essays or professional presentations. They might analyze why a certain marketing campaign was 'कामयाब' or discuss the factors that make a leader 'कामयाब'. They also learn to use the word in more idiomatic or metaphorical ways. For instance, describing a 'कामयाब प्रयोग' (successful experiment) in a scientific or social context. At this level, the focus is on precision. A B2 learner knows that while 'कामयाब' is versatile, there are times when 'विजयी' (victorious) or 'सार्थक' (meaningful/successful) might be more precise. They also start to notice the word in classical Bollywood lyrics and can explain the poetic resonance it carries. Their pronunciation is near-native, capturing the subtle 'y' sound and the long vowels perfectly. They can also handle the negative 'नाकाम' in various tenses and moods, such as 'वह नाकाम रहा' (He remained unsuccessful).

At the C1 level, 'कामयाब' is treated as a gateway to understanding the broader spectrum of Hindustani vocabulary. Learners can discuss the socio-political implications of what it means to be 'कामयाब' in a developing economy like India. They can critique literature or films where the theme of 'कामयाबी' is central, using the word and its derivatives with ease. C1 students are aware of the register shifts; they know that using 'कामयाब' in a formal Sanskritized speech might sound slightly out of place, just as using 'कृतकार्य' in a Bollywood interview would be odd. They can use the word in sophisticated sentence structures involving passive voice or complex relative clauses. For example, 'वह कामयाबी, जिसके लिए उसने अपनी पूरी जवानी कुर्बान कर दी, अब उसके सामने थी' (That success, for which he sacrificed his entire youth, was now before him). They also explore the word's usage in different dialects and how it might be substituted by regional terms in rural settings. Their understanding is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural, recognizing the 'weight' the word carries in conversations about destiny (kismat) and hard work (mehnat).

At the C2 level, the learner has a masterly command over 'कामयाब' and can use it with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker. They can engage in philosophical debates about the definition of success, contrasting 'कामयाब' (attaining desires) with 'सफल' (bearing fruit) and 'सार्थक' (finding meaning). They can appreciate the word's role in the evolution of the Hindi language, from its Persian roots to its current status as a pillar of modern Hindustani. C2 learners can use 'कामयाब' in high-level creative writing, poetry, or oratory, playing with its sounds and connotations. They are also adept at using the word in legal or technical translations where the exact shade of 'success' must be conveyed. They can identify and explain the subtle differences in how 'कामयाब' is used in Delhi vs. Mumbai vs. Lucknow. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for expressing complex human experiences and social realities. They can use it to deconstruct the 'myth of success' in modern society or to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कामयाब in 30 Seconds

Kāmyāb is a Hindi adjective meaning 'successful', used for people, projects, and attempts.
It is of Persian origin and is extremely common in Bollywood and daily urban Hindi.
Unlike many Hindi adjectives, it is invariant and does not change based on gender or number.
The noun form is 'kāmyābī' (success), and the common verb is 'kāmyāb honā' (to succeed).

The Hindi word कामयाब (Kāmyāb) is a powerful adjective that translates primarily to 'successful' in English. It is a loanword from Persian, composed of two parts: 'kām' (meaning desire, wish, or work) and 'yāb' (the root of 'yāftan', meaning to find or obtain). Etymologically, a person who is 'kāmyāb' is one who has 'found their desire' or 'attained their goal'. In modern Hindi and Urdu, it is used ubiquitously to describe individuals who have achieved significant milestones in their careers, personal lives, or specific endeavors. Unlike the more formal Sanskrit-derived synonym 'सफल' (Saphal), 'कामयाब' carries a slightly more conversational yet deeply resonant tone, often associated with the grit and hustle of real-world achievement.

Grammatical Category: Adjective (विशेषण). It remains invariant regardless of the gender or number of the noun it qualifies.

मेहनत करने वाले हमेशा कामयाब होते हैं। (Those who work hard are always successful.)

To understand 'कामयाब' deeply, one must look at its socio-cultural weight. In South Asian society, success is often viewed through a collective lens. Being 'कामयाब' isn't just about personal wealth; it's about social standing, fulfilling family expectations, and overcoming adversity. The word appears frequently in Bollywood cinema, motivational literature, and daily news, symbolizing the ultimate destination of a journey marked by struggle (sangharsh). It describes both the state of being successful and the result of a specific action.

Nuance: While 'Saphal' is often used for 'fruitful' results, 'Kāmyāb' is more often applied to the person or the mission itself.

क्या आप अपनी ज़िंदगी में कामयाब होना चाहते हैं? (Do you want to be successful in your life?)

The word is also versatile in its application. It can describe a 'कामयाब फिल्म' (successful film), a 'कामयाब इंसान' (successful person), or even a 'कामयाब कोशिश' (successful attempt). In the context of technology, a 'कामयाब परीक्षण' (successful test) indicates that all parameters were met. This breadth makes it one of the most essential adjectives for any Hindi learner to master at the A2-B1 level.

Phonetic Note: The 'z' sound in 'kām-yāb' is actually a 'y' sound. Beginners often confuse it with 'kamyab' (short 'a'), but the long 'ā' in 'kām' is crucial for correct pronunciation.

उसका कामयाब करियर सबको प्रेरित करता है। (His successful career inspires everyone.)

मिशन कामयाब रहा। (The mission was successful.)

Finally, the word is often paired with the auxiliary verb 'होना' (to be) or 'बनाना' (to make). For instance, 'कामयाब होना' means 'to succeed', while 'कामयाब बनाना' means 'to make something successful'. This functional flexibility allows it to operate across various sentence structures, from simple declarations to complex conditional clauses.

वह एक कामयाब व्यवसायी है। (He is a successful businessman.)

Using कामयाब correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that usually follows the noun it modifies or acts as a predicate. Because it is of Persian origin, it does not change its ending based on the gender or number of the noun. Whether you are talking about a successful woman (कामयाब औरत), a successful man (कामयाब आदमी), or successful projects (कामयाब प्रोजेक्ट्स), the word 'कामयाब' remains exactly the same. This makes it much easier for learners compared to Sanskrit-origin adjectives that might change to 'सफला' in certain poetic contexts.

Verb Pairing: To say 'to succeed', use 'कामयाब होना' (Kāmyāb honā). To say 'to make someone successful', use 'कामयाब बनाना' (Kāmyāb banānā).

अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तो कामयाब हो जाओगे। (If you work hard, you will become successful.)

In terms of sentence placement, 'कामयाब' can appear before the noun: 'एक कामयाब इंसान' (A successful person). Or it can appear after the subject as a predicate: 'वह इंसान कामयाब है' (That person is successful). In negative sentences, the word 'नाकामयाब' (unsuccessful) or 'नाकाम' is used, though 'कामयाब नहीं' is also perfectly acceptable and very common in spoken Hindi.

Common Collocations: बेहद कामयाब (extremely successful), पूरी तरह कामयाब (completely successful), काफी कामयाब (quite successful).

यह फिल्म बॉक्स ऑफिस पर कामयाब रही। (This film remained successful at the box office.)

When discussing professional achievements, 'कामयाब' is often used to describe the outcome of a strategy or a business venture. For example, 'कामयाब रणनीति' (successful strategy). It is also used in social contexts to describe a 'कामयाब शादी' (successful marriage) or a 'कामयाब आयोजन' (successful event). The key is to remember that 'कामयाब' describes the state of having achieved the desired result.

Syntactic Patterns: Subject + [Adverb] + कामयाब + [Auxiliary Verb]. Example: 'वह बहुत कामयाब है।'

डॉक्टरों ने एक कामयाब ऑपरेशन किया। (The doctors performed a successful operation.)

क्या यह तरीका कामयाब होगा? (Will this method be successful?)

For advanced learners, it is useful to note the difference between 'कामयाब' (adjective) and 'कामयाबी' (noun). You 'get' कामयाबी (success), but you 'are' कामयाब (successful). Mixing these up is a common error. For instance, you wouldn't say 'वह कामयाबी है' to mean 'He is successful'; you must say 'वह कामयाब है'.

हमें कामयाब होने के लिए धैर्य चाहिए। (We need patience to be successful.)

The word कामयाब is a staple of Hindi popular culture. You will encounter it most frequently in Bollywood movies, particularly in those revolving around the 'underdog' story or the 'rags-to-riches' trope. Characters often express their desire to 'become someone' by saying 'मुझे कामयाब होना है' (I have to become successful). The word resonates with the aspirations of millions, making it a recurring theme in song lyrics. Famous songs often use 'कामयाबी' and 'कामयाब' to rhyme with words like 'ख्वाब' (dream) or 'जवाब' (answer), creating a poetic link between dreaming and achieving.

Media & News: News anchors use it to report on successful satellite launches (e.g., 'ISRO का मिशन कामयाब'), successful police raids, or the success of a new government policy.

फिल्म 'दंगल' एक कामयाब फिल्म साबित हुई। (The film 'Dangal' proved to be a successful film.)

In the corporate world in India, during meetings or performance reviews, 'कामयाब' is used to describe project outcomes. A manager might say, 'हमारा पिछला क्वार्टर काफी कामयाब रहा' (Our last quarter was quite successful). It carries a sense of professional validation. Similarly, in educational settings, teachers encourage students by telling them that consistent study is the only way to be 'कामयाब' in exams.

Daily Conversation: Parents often use the word when discussing their children's future: 'मैं चाहता हूँ कि मेरा बेटा एक कामयाब इंसान बने' (I want my son to become a successful person).

क्या मंगलयान का मिशन कामयाब था? (Was the Mangalyaan mission successful?)

Social media influencers and motivational speakers in India (like Sandeep Maheshwari or Vivek Bindra) use 'कामयाब' as a keyword in their titles. 'कामयाब होने के 5 तरीके' (5 ways to be successful) is a classic headline. It taps into the collective ambition of the youth. Furthermore, in sports commentary, a 'कामयाब रन-चेज़' (successful run-chase) in cricket is a common phrase heard during matches.

Literature: In modern Hindi novels and short stories, the word is used to describe the internal and external journey of characters seeking validation in a changing world.

वह अपनी मेहनत से कामयाब हुआ। (He became successful through his hard work.)

एक कामयाब लीडर वही है जो सबको साथ लेकर चले। (A successful leader is one who takes everyone along.)

Lastly, in religious or spiritual discourses, speakers might talk about a 'कामयाब जीवन' (a successful life) not in terms of money, but in terms of peace and service. This shows the word's ability to adapt to different value systems while maintaining its core meaning of 'attainment'.

उनका वैवाहिक जीवन बहुत कामयाब रहा है। (Their married life has been very successful.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with कामयाब is confusing it with its noun form, कामयाबी (Kāmyābī). Remember: 'कामयाब' is an adjective (successful), while 'कामयाबी' is a noun (success). You cannot say 'वह बहुत कामयाबी है' to mean 'He is very successful.' The correct sentence is 'वह बहुत कामयाब है' or 'उसे बहुत कामयाबी मिली' (He got a lot of success). This distinction is vital for grammatical accuracy.

Gender Agreement Error: Learners often try to change the ending to 'कामयाबी' for females (e.g., 'वह कामयाब है' vs. 'वह कामयाबी है'). This is wrong. The adjective 'कामयाब' is gender-neutral.

Incorrect: वह एक कामयाबी महिला है।
Correct: वह एक कामयाब महिला है।

Another common error is pronunciation. The 'kām' part has a long 'ā' sound (like 'calm'). If you pronounce it with a short 'a' (like 'come'), it might sound like 'कम-याब', which is not a word. Also, the 'y' sound should be distinct. In some dialects, people might drop the 'y' and say 'kam-ab', which is non-standard. Ensuring the full 'kām-yāb' articulation will make your Hindi sound more sophisticated and clear.

Usage with 'Karna': Learners sometimes say 'कामयाब करना' to mean 'to succeed'. While 'कामयाब करना' means 'to make (something) successful', the correct way to say 'I succeeded' is 'मैं कामयाब हुआ' (using 'hona').

Incorrect: मैंने परीक्षा में कामयाब किया।
Correct: मैं परीक्षा में कामयाब हुआ।

Overusing 'कामयाब' in very formal Sanskritized Hindi contexts can also be a stylistic mistake. If you are writing a formal academic paper or a government document, 'सफल' (Saphal) might be more appropriate. 'कामयाब' is perfect for movies, business, and daily life, but 'सफल' is the 'standard' for formal literature. Knowing when to switch between the two shows a high level of linguistic awareness.

Confusion with 'Kabil': 'Kabil' means 'capable'. A person can be 'kabil' (capable) but not yet 'kāmyāb' (successful). Don't use them interchangeably.

सिर्फ काबिल होना काफी नहीं, कामयाब होना भी ज़रूरी है। (Just being capable isn't enough, being successful is also important.)

उसकी पहली कोशिश नाकाम रही। (His first attempt was unsuccessful.)

Finally, avoid using 'कामयाब' to describe objects that simply 'work' or 'function'. For example, if a machine is working, you say 'मशीन चल रही है' (the machine is running) or 'मशीन ठीक है'. You only use 'कामयाब' if the machine's *invention* or *deployment* was a success. Using it for daily functionality is a common 'translation' error from English 'working'.

यह नया मॉडल बाज़ार में बहुत कामयाब है। (This new model is very successful in the market.)

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for success, and choosing the right word depends on the context and the 'flavor' of the sentence. The most direct synonym for कामयाब is सफल (Saphal). While both mean 'successful', 'सफल' is of Sanskrit origin and is preferred in formal, literary, and academic contexts. 'कामयाब' is of Persian origin and is the go-to word for conversational Hindi, Bollywood scripts, and business settings. If you want to sound poetic or formal, use 'सफल'; if you want to sound natural and modern, use 'कामयाब'.

विजयी (Vijayī): Means 'victorious'. It is used specifically in the context of battles, sports, or competitions where there is a clear winner and loser.
कृतकार्य (Kritakārya): A very formal Sanskrit term meaning 'one who has accomplished their task'. You will mostly find this in classical literature.

वह अपनी मेहनत से सफल हुआ। (He became successful through his hard work - Formal.)

Another related word is कुशल (Kushal), which means 'skilled' or 'proficient'. While a 'कामयाब' person is often 'कुशल', the two are not the same. 'Kushal' refers to the ability, while 'Kāmyāb' refers to the result. Then there is लोकप्रिय (Lokpriya), meaning 'popular'. Often, success and popularity go together, but a 'कामयाब' person might not always be 'लोकप्रिय' (e.g., a successful but private investor).

Comparison: Kāmyāb vs. Saphal: 'Kāmyāb' sounds more 'street-smart' and modern. 'Saphal' sounds more 'educated' and traditional. In a job interview, 'सफल' might impress more; in a cafe with friends, 'कामयाब' is better.

भारतीय टीम विजयी रही। (The Indian team was victorious.)

For the opposite of success, we have नाकाम (Nākām) and असफल (Asaphal). 'नाकाम' is the direct Persian-origin antonym of 'कामयाब', while 'असफल' is the Sanskrit-origin antonym of 'सफल'. Interestingly, 'नाकाम' is often used more frequently than 'नाकामयाब' because it is shorter and more impactful in speech. 'विफल' (Viphal) is another formal word for 'failed'.

Fortunate: भाग्यशाली (Bhāgyashālī): Sometimes success is attributed to luck. While a 'कामयाब' person might be 'भाग्यशाली', the former implies effort while the latter implies chance.

उसका प्रयास विफल रहा। (His attempt was unsuccessful/failed.)

वह एक कुशल कारीगर है। (He is a skilled craftsman.)

In summary, while 'कामयाब' is your primary tool for 'successful', having these synonyms and related words in your repertoire allows you to navigate different social and formal landscapes in India with confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Adjective placement in Hindi

Invariant vs. Variant adjectives

Compound verbs with 'hona' and 'karna'

Future tense conjugation

Using 'ke liye' for purpose

Examples by Level

वह एक कामयाब डॉक्टर है।

He is a successful doctor.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Noun structure.

क्या आप कामयाब हैं?

Are you successful?

Interrogative sentence with 'kya'.

मेरी बहन कामयाब है।

My sister is successful.

Shows that 'कामयाब' doesn't change for female subjects.

वह बहुत कामयाब है।

He/She is very successful.

Use of 'बहुत' (very) as an intensifier.

कामयाब लोग मेहनत करते हैं।

Successful people work hard.

Adjective preceding the plural noun 'लोग'.

यह एक कामयाब दिन था।

It was a successful day.

Describing a period of time.

राम कामयाब होना चाहता है।

Ram wants to be successful.

Using 'कामयाब होना' (to be successful) with 'chahta hai' (wants).

क्या वह कामयाब होगा?

Will he be successful?

Future tense of 'hona'.

उसका नया व्यापार बहुत कामयाब रहा।

His new business was very successful.

Using 'raha' (remained/was) to show the state of the business.

हमें कामयाब होने के लिए पढ़ना होगा।

We will have to study to be successful.

Infinitive 'hona' used with 'ke liye' (for/to).

यह फिल्म बहुत कामयाब हुई।

This film became very successful.

Using 'hui' (became) for a completed event.

वह एक कामयाब लेखिका है।

She is a successful writer.

Adjective 'कामयाब' qualifying the feminine noun 'लेखिका'.

क्या आपकी कोशिश कामयाब रही?

Was your attempt successful?

Describing the outcome of an 'attempt' (koshish).

कामयाब होने का कोई छोटा रास्ता नहीं है।

There is no shortcut to being successful.

Genitive 'ka' used with the infinitive 'hona'.

वे सब अपने काम में कामयाब हैं।

They are all successful in their work.

Plural subject 'वे' with plural verb 'हैं'.

वह एक कामयाब खिलाड़ी बनना चाहता है।

He wants to become a successful athlete.

Using 'banna' (to become) with 'कामयाब'.

अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तो ज़रूर कामयाब होगे।

If you work hard, you will definitely be successful.

Conditional sentence structure (Agar... to).

उसने अपनी मेहनत से खुद को कामयाब बनाया।

He made himself successful through his hard work.

Using 'banaya' (made) as a causative-style construction.

यह मिशन पूरी तरह से कामयाब रहा।

This mission was completely successful.

Use of 'पूरी तरह से' (completely) as an adverbial phrase.

एक कामयाब इंसान हमेशा दूसरों की मदद करता है।

A successful person always helps others.

Generalizing the traits of a 'कामयाब इंसान'.

क्या आपको लगता है कि यह योजना कामयाब होगी?

Do you think this plan will be successful?

Complex sentence with 'ki' (that).

उसका करियर काफी कामयाब रहा है।

His career has been quite successful.

Present perfect continuous sense with 'raha hai'.

कामयाब होने के लिए धैर्य बहुत ज़रूरी है।

Patience is very important to be successful.

Using 'ke liye' to express purpose.

वह एक कामयाब और ईमानदार अफसर है।

He is a successful and honest officer.

Using two adjectives to describe a noun.

उसकी कामयाब रणनीति ने कंपनी को बचा लिया।

His successful strategy saved the company.

Using 'कामयाब' to describe an abstract noun 'रणनीति' (strategy).

वैज्ञानिकों ने एक कामयाब प्रयोग किया।

Scientists conducted a successful experiment.

Standard phrase for scientific success.

वह समाज के लिए एक कामयाब उदाहरण है।

He is a successful example for society.

Metaphorical use of 'उदाहरण' (example).

कामयाब होने का मतलब सिर्फ पैसा कमाना नहीं है।

Being successful doesn't just mean earning money.

Gerundial use of 'hona' as a subject.

उनकी शादी बीस सालों से कामयाब रही है।

Their marriage has been successful for twenty years.

Describing the longevity of success.

क्या यह नया कानून कामयाब साबित होगा?

Will this new law prove to be successful?

Using 'saabit hona' (to prove to be).

वह अपनी ज़िंदगी के हर मोड़ पर कामयाब रहा।

He was successful at every turn of his life.

Idiomatic expression 'zindagi ke har mod par'.

एक कामयाब लीडर वही है जो अपनी टीम को प्रेरित करे।

A successful leader is one who inspires their team.

Relative-correlative structure (Wahi... jo).

उसकी कामयाबी के पीछे वर्षों का कड़ा संघर्ष था।

Behind his success was years of hard struggle.

Using the noun 'कामयाबी' to provide context for the adjective.

यह फिल्म कला और व्यापार दोनों में कामयाब रही।

This film was successful in both art and commerce.

Describing dual success.

कामयाब होने की चाहत इंसान को बहुत कुछ सिखाती है।

The desire to be successful teaches a person a lot.

Abstract subject 'chahat' (desire).

उसने साबित कर दिया कि वह एक कामयाब राजनेता है।

He proved that he is a successful politician.

Complex sentence with 'saabit kar diya' (proved).

क्या हम इस प्रोजेक्ट को कामयाब बना पाएंगे?

Will we be able to make this project successful?

Using 'paana' (to be able to) with 'कामयाब बनाना'.

उसका कामयाब होना तो तय था, क्योंकि वह बहुत मेहनती है।

His being successful was certain, because he is very hardworking.

Using 'hona' as a verbal noun with 'tay tha' (was certain).

एक कामयाब समाज वही है जहाँ सबको समान अवसर मिलें।

A successful society is one where everyone gets equal opportunities.

Sociological definition of success.

उसकी कामयाब वापसी ने सबको हैरान कर दिया।

His successful comeback surprised everyone.

Using 'कामयाब' with 'waapsi' (comeback).

कामयाब होने की अंधी दौड़ में हम अक्सर सुकून खो देते हैं।

In the blind race to be successful, we often lose our peace.

Metaphorical 'andhi daud' (blind race).

उसकी रचनाएँ आज भी उतनी ही कामयाब हैं जितनी पहले थीं।

His works are as successful today as they were before.

Comparison across time using 'utni hi... jitni'.

क्या कामयाबी का कोई सार्वभौमिक पैमाना हो सकता है?

Can there be a universal yardstick for success?

Philosophical inquiry using 'saarvbhaumik paimana'.

वह एक कामयाब लेकिन तन्हा इंसान था।

He was a successful but lonely person.

Contrastive conjunction 'lekin' (but).

इस कामयाब तख्तापलट ने देश की राजनीति बदल दी।

This successful coup changed the country's politics.

Political context using 'takhtapalat' (coup).

कामयाब होने के लिए सिर्फ प्रतिभा ही नहीं, सही समय भी चाहिए।

To be successful, not just talent, but the right time is also needed.

Emphatic 'hi' and 'bhi'.

उनकी कामयाब कूटनीति ने युद्ध को टाल दिया।

Their successful diplomacy averted the war.

Formal context 'kootneeti' (diplomacy).

वह अपनी कामयाबी को अपनी टीम का श्रेय देता है।

He gives the credit for his success to his team.

Using the noun 'kaamyabi' with 'shrey dena' (to give credit).

Common Collocations

बेहद कामयाब (extremely successful)

कामयाब करियर (successful career)

कामयाब फिल्म (successful film)

कामयाब कोशिश (successful attempt)

कामयाब इंसान (successful person)

पूरी तरह कामयाब (completely successful)

कामयाब ऑपरेशन (successful operation)

कामयाब मिशन (successful mission)

कामयाब शादी (successful marriage)

कामयाब छात्र (successful student)

Common Phrases

कामयाब होना (to be successful)

कामयाब बनाना (to make successful)

कामयाब साबित होना (to prove to be successful)

कामयाब रहने की दुआ (prayer to remain successful)

कामयाब होने का राज (secret of being successful)

कामयाब ज़िंदगी (successful life)

कामयाब सफर (successful journey)

कामयाब नेतृत्व (successful leadership)

कामयाब प्रयोग (successful experiment)

कामयाब अंत (successful end)

Often Confused With

कामयाब vs कामयाबी

कामयाब vs काम

कामयाब vs काबिल

Idioms & Expressions

"कामयाबी के झंडे गाड़ना (To achieve great success/to plant the flags of success)"

"कामयाबी कदम चूमना (Success kisses one's feet - to be very successful)"

"कामयाबी के शिखर पर पहुँचना (To reach the pinnacle of success)"

"कामयाबी का स्वाद चखना (To taste success)"

"कामयाबी का डंका बजना (To be famously successful)"

"कामयाबी की सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ना (To climb the ladders of success)"

"नाकामयाबी का मुँह देखना (To face failure)"

"कामयाबी के लिए दिन-रात एक करना (To work day and night for success)"

"कामयाबी की राह पर चलना (To walk on the path of success)"

"कामयाबी का नशा (The intoxication of success)"

Easily Confused

कामयाब vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

gender

Invariant. Same for all genders.

origin

Persian loanword.

formality

Neutral to slightly informal/conversational.

Common Mistakes

Don't use the noun 'success' where the adjective 'successful' is needed.
Adjectives don't change for gender in this case.
To succeed is 'कामयाब होना', not 'कामयाब करना' (unless you made something else successful).
The long vowel is essential for correct Persian-origin pronunciation.
'कामयाब' is for success, not for mechanical functioning.

Tips

Invariance

Remember that 'कामयाब' never changes its ending. This is a common mistake for learners who are used to adjectives like 'achā/achī'.

Natural Flow

Use 'कामयाब' in casual conversations to sound more like a native speaker from Delhi or Mumbai.

Noun vs Adjective

Always double-check if you need the adjective (कामयाब) or the noun (कामयाबी). 'He is successful' vs 'He got success'.

Blessings

If you want to wish someone well, say 'कामयाब रहो'. It's a very warm and common blessing.

Song Lyrics

Listen for 'कामयाब' in Bollywood songs. It often rhymes with 'khwaab' (dream), helping you remember both words.

Formal vs Informal

In a formal essay, try to use 'सफल' once or twice, but keep 'कामयाब' for the more expressive parts.

Long Vowels

Don't rush the word. Say 'Kaaaam-yaaaab' to get the vowel lengths right.

Verb Pairs

Memorize 'कामयाब होना' as a single unit meaning 'to succeed'.

Business Hindi

In a professional setting, 'कामयाब' is perfectly acceptable and sounds very confident.

Antonyms

Learn 'नाकाम' alongside 'कामयाब' to double your vocabulary for outcomes.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Kām (Work) + Yāb (Found). You found success in your work!

Word Origin

Persian

Cultural Context

The 'success story' is the most popular genre in Bollywood (e.g., Guru, Gully Boy).

Elders often bless youngsters by saying 'कामयाब बनो' (Become successful).

Hashtags like #Kamyabi are common for sharing achievements.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप एक कामयाब इंसान बनना चाहते हैं?"

"आपके लिए कामयाब होने का क्या मतलब है?"

"क्या यह फिल्म कामयाब होगी?"

"कामयाब होने के लिए सबसे ज़रूरी चीज़ क्या है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी कामयाब व्यक्ति से मुलाकात की है?"

Journal Prompts

आज का दिन मेरे लिए कितना कामयाब रहा?

मैं भविष्य में कैसे कामयाब होना चाहता हूँ?

एक कामयाब इंसान के गुण क्या होते हैं?

मेरी सबसे बड़ी कामयाबी क्या थी?

क्या कामयाबी सिर्फ पैसों से आती है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'कामयाब' is an invariant adjective, meaning it stays the same regardless of the gender of the person it describes. You can say 'वह कामयाब है' for both a man and a woman. Do not use 'कामयाबी' as an adjective for women.

'कामयाब' is of Persian origin and is more common in spoken Hindi, Bollywood, and daily life. 'सफल' is of Sanskrit origin and is preferred in formal writing, textbooks, and official speeches. Both mean 'successful'.

You should say 'मैं कामयाब हुआ' (masculine) or 'मैं कामयाब हुई' (feminine). The verb 'hona' (to be/become) changes, but 'कामयाब' remains the same.

No, 'कामयाब' refers to achieving a goal or success. For a machine that is functioning, use 'मशीन चल रही है' (the machine is running) or 'मशीन ठीक है' (the machine is fine).

It is neutral. It is formal enough for business and news, but in high-level literary or government Hindi, 'सफल' is more common. In conversational Hindi, 'कामयाब' is the standard.

The most common opposites are 'नाकाम' (Nākām) or 'असफल' (Asaphal). 'नाकामयाब' is also used but is less common in speech than 'नाकाम'.

No, 'कामयाब' is only an adjective. The noun form is 'कामयाबी' (Kāmyābī), which means 'success'.

No, it comes from Persian. The Sanskrit equivalent is 'सफल' (Saphal).

There is no 'z' sound in 'Kāmyāb'. It is pronounced with a 'y' sound: Kām-yāb. Some people might mispronounce it, but 'y' is the correct sound.

Yes, it is the primary word for 'successful' in Urdu as well, as it is a Persian loanword.