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कराहा

B1 noun 6 min read

कराहा

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips कराहा in 30 Seconds

Explanation कराहा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'कराहा' is a sound people make when they are hurt. Think of it like the English word 'ouch', but longer and more serious. You might see it in simple stories where a character falls down. Focus on the connection between 'dard' (pain) and 'karaha' (groaned). It is a basic way to show that someone is not feeling well in a story. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize the sound of the word and its link to being hurt.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'कराहा' in simple past tense sentences. You can describe people in a doctor's office or after a small accident. You should also learn the female version, 'कराही'. For example, 'The girl groaned' would be 'लड़की कराही'. You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it to describe people's reactions. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'roya' (cried). Groaning is a specific sound, different from crying with tears.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the emotional weight of 'कराहा'. It is not just for physical pain anymore; it can be used for someone who is very tired or stressed. You should be able to use it with adverbs like 'zor se' (loudly) or 'dheere se' (softly). You will encounter this word in intermediate Hindi literature and news reports. You should also understand the noun form 'कराह' and how it functions as the subject of a sentence, such as 'The groan was heard by everyone'.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'कराहा' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and passive-like constructions. You should understand its use in figurative language. For instance, a 'groaning economy' or a 'groaning old house'. You should also be comfortable with the verb's conjugation in all tenses (present continuous: karah raha hai, future: karahega). You can use this word to add descriptive depth to your essays or during discussions about health and social issues.

At the C1 level, you will explore the poetic and nuanced uses of 'कराहा'. You should understand how it appears in classical Hindi poetry to describe the 'Viraha' (separation) of lovers. You will notice it in sophisticated literature where it might describe the 'groan' of a shifting landscape or a dying tradition. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing it from 'bilap' (lamentation) or 'aah' (sigh). You should also be able to discuss the etymology and how the word's sound mimics the actual physical action of groaning.

At the C2 level, 'कराहा' becomes a tool for stylistic mastery. You can use it to create specific atmospheres in creative writing. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic implications of the word—how different social classes might express pain and which words they would use. You can analyze the use of this word in the works of great Hindi writers like Premchand or Prasad. You are capable of using the word in high-level academic discourse about linguistics or cultural studies, discussing how Hindi vocalizes suffering compared to other languages.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कराहा in 30 Seconds

A vocal sound of pain or distress.
Commonly used in medical or tragic contexts.
Means 'groaned' (masculine singular).
Essential for describing human suffering in stories.

The Hindi word कराहा (Karāhā) primarily refers to a deep, involuntary sound of pain, distress, or physical suffering. While technically the past tense form of the verb कराहना (to groan), in many literary and colloquial contexts, it is used to denote the specific instance of a moan or a groan itself. It is a word that captures the raw, human response to discomfort, whether that discomfort is physical, like a broken bone, or emotional, like a broken heart. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'vocalized' nature of suffering in Indian linguistic expression, where sounds often bridge the gap between silent endurance and outward screaming.

Physical Context: When a person is injured or ill, the low-pitched sound they make is described as a 'कराहा'. It is less sharp than a scream (चीख) and more sustained than a gasp (साँस फूलना).

चोट लगने पर वह दर्द से कराहा। (Upon being injured, he groaned with pain.)

Emotional Nuance: In Hindi literature and poetry, 'कराहा' can represent the internal agony of a lover or the collective suffering of a community. It implies a burden that has become too heavy to bear silently.

उसकी गहरी कराह ने कमरे का सन्नाटा तोड़ दिया। (His deep groan broke the silence of the room.)

You will hear this word in hospitals, during intense athletic competitions when an athlete pushes their limits, or in dramatic Bollywood scenes where a character is dealing with tragic news. It is an essential word for B1 learners because it allows you to describe human vulnerability with more precision than just saying 'he was sad' or 'it hurt'. It provides a sensory layer to your descriptions, allowing your listener to actually 'hear' the pain in the story you are telling.

Using 'कराहा' correctly involves understanding its role as a verb-derived noun or a direct verb. In Hindi, verbs often change form based on the gender and number of the subject. Since 'कराहा' is the masculine singular past tense, it is used when a male subject groans. If a female subject groans, the word changes to 'कराही' (Karāhī). If multiple people groan, it becomes 'कराहे' (Karāhē).

The 'Pain' Construction: The most common way to use this is with the phrase 'दर्द से' (from/with pain). This clarifies the cause of the groan.

बूढ़ा आदमी ठंड और दर्द से कराहा। (The old man groaned from cold and pain.)

As a Narrative Device: In stories, 'कराहा' is often used to punctuate a moment of realization or defeat. It doesn't always have to be physical pain; it can be the sound of someone realizing they have made a terrible mistake.

जब उसे सच पता चला, तो वह दुख में कराहा। (When he found out the truth, he groaned in sorrow.)

When writing, try to pair 'कराहा' with adverbs to give more detail. For example, 'धीरे से कराहा' (groaned softly) or 'ज़ोर से कराहा' (groaned loudly). This helps create a vivid image for your reader. In spoken Hindi, the emphasis is usually on the second syllable 'rā', making it 'ka-RĀ-hā'.

'कराहा' is not a word you will hear in a casual greeting, but it is ubiquitous in specific environments. If you are watching a Bollywood drama, especially one involving a hospital scene or a tragic separation, you will hear the verb form 'कराहना' or the past tense 'कराहा' frequently. It is used to heighten the emotional stakes of the scene.

News and Media: In news reports about accidents or natural disasters, journalists often use this word to describe the condition of the survivors. 'घायल लोग दर्द से कराहा रहे थे' (The injured people were groaning with pain).

अस्पताल के गलियारों में मरीजों का कराहना गूंज रहा था। (The groaning of patients was echoing in the hospital corridors.)

Literature and Poetry: Hindi literature uses 'कराहा' to depict the soul's struggle. It is a favorite among poets who write about 'Viraha' (the pain of separation from a loved one).

Interestingly, in sports commentary, if a player takes a hard hit on the cricket field, the commentator might say 'वह दर्द से कराहा' to emphasize the impact. It is a word that immediately evokes empathy in the listener, as it is a universal human sound translated into a specific Hindi linguistic marker.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with 'कराहा' is often pronunciation and confusing it with similar-sounding words that have completely different meanings. Hindi is a phonetic language, and small changes in vowel length or aspiration can change a word's meaning entirely.

Confusion with 'Kada' (कड़ा): 'Kada' means hard or a metal bangle. Students often mispronounce the 'r' sound in 'Karaha' as a retroflex 'd', leading to confusion.

Incorrect: वह दर्द से कड़ा। (He 'hard' with pain - makes no sense.)

Confusion with 'Kadai' (कढ़ाई): 'Kadai' means a wok or embroidery. While the sounds are distinct to a native ear, a learner might mix up the 'ka-ra' start.

Another mistake is forgetting the gender agreement. If you are talking about a woman groaning, you must say 'वह कराही' (Vah karāhī). Using the masculine 'कराहा' for a female subject is a common grammatical error for beginners. Lastly, don't confuse it with 'कहा' (Kahā), which means 'said'. The extra 'ra' in the middle is crucial!

To truly master Hindi, you need to know the 'family' of words related to sounds of pain. 'कराहा' is just one point on a spectrum of vocal expressions. Depending on the intensity and nature of the sound, you might want to choose a different word.

कराहा vs. चीख (Cheekh): A 'कराहा' is a low, guttural moan. A 'चीख' is a high-pitched, sharp scream. Use 'चीख' for sudden shock and 'कराहा' for lingering pain.
कराहा vs. सिसकी (Siski): A 'सिसकी' is a sob or a whimper, usually associated with crying. 'कराहा' is more about physical agony, while 'सिसकी' is about emotional weeping.

वह सिसकियाँ ले रही थी, पर वह दर्द से कराहा। (She was sobbing, but he groaned with pain.)

Alternatives: If you want to sound more formal or poetic, you might use 'क्रंदन' (Krandan), which means wailing or lamentation. For a very soft moan, 'कुनमुनाना' (Kunmunānā) can sometimes be used, though that is more like mumbling in sleep.

Understanding these distinctions helps you avoid repetitive language in your writing. If a character is injured, they might first 'चीख' (scream) and then later, as the pain becomes a dull ache, they will 'कराहा' (groan). This progression makes your storytelling much more realistic and engaging for native speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"रोगी वेदना से कराहा।"

Neutral

"वह दर्द से कराहा।"

Informal

"अरे, वह तो कराहा और सो गया।"

Child friendly

"छोटा भालू चोट लगने पर कराहा।"

Slang

"भाई, वो तो बुरी तरह कराहा।"

Fun Fact

The word is onomatopoeic; the sound 'ka-ra-ha' mimics the rhythmic intake and release of breath during a physical groan.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kə.ɾɑː.ɦɑː/

US /kə.rɑ.hɑ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'rā'.

Rhymes With

सहा (Sahā - endured) कहा (Kahā - said) बहा (Bahā - flowed) रहा (Rahā - stayed) जहा (Jahā - world/rare) ढहा (Dhahā - collapsed) गहा (Gahā - grasped/rare) लहा (Lahā - found/rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ra' as 'da' (retroflex).
Making the 'h' silent like in English 'hour'.
Shortening the final 'aa' vowel.
Adding an extra 'n' sound (karahan).
Confusing it with 'kaha' (said).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is easy to read once you know the 'ra' and 'ha' sounds.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct placement of vowels and understanding gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Needs correct emphasis on the middle syllable to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, but can be confused with 'kaha' if spoken fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दर्द (Pain) आवाज़ (Sound) शरीर (Body) चोट (Injury) बीमार (Sick)

Learn Next

चीखना (To scream) चिल्लाना (To shout) सिसकना (To sob) तड़पना (To writhe in pain) सहन करना (To endure)

Advanced

क्रंदन (Lamentation) आर्तनाद (Cry of distress) व्यथा (Deep agony) मर्मांतक (Heart-rending) पीड़ादायक (Painful)

Grammar to Know

Past Tense Agreement

वह (M) कराहा vs वह (F) कराही।

Intransitive Verbs

कराहना does not take 'ne' in the past tense (e.g., उसने कराहा is incorrect).

Adverbial Modification

Using 'से' with nouns to create adverbs (दर्द से कराहा).

Conjunctive Participles

चोट लगकर कराहा (Groaned after getting hurt).

Verbal Nouns

उसका कराहा (His groaning/groan) used as a noun.

Examples by Level

बच्चा दर्द से कराहा।

The child groaned with pain.

Simple past tense for a masculine subject.

वह धीरे से कराहा।

He groaned softly.

Adverb 'धीरे से' modifies the action.

क्या वह कराहा?

Did he groan?

Interrogative sentence in past tense.

राम चोट की वजह से कराहा।

Ram groaned because of the injury.

Using 'की वजह से' to show cause.

वह ज़ोर से कराहा।

He groaned loudly.

Adverb 'ज़ोर से' for intensity.

मरीज बिस्तर पर कराहा।

The patient groaned on the bed.

Locative postposition 'पर'.

शेर चोट खाकर कराहा।

The lion groaned after being hurt.

Subject is an animal, still masculine.

वह रात को कराहा।

He groaned at night.

Time expression 'रात को'.

जब वह गिरा, तो वह कराहा।

When he fell, he groaned.

Complex sentence with 'जब... तो'.

लड़का इंजेक्शन देख कर कराहा।

The boy groaned seeing the injection.

Conjunctive participle 'देख कर'.

वह बुखार में कराहा।

He groaned in fever.

Postposition 'में' for state.

मेरा दोस्त कल दर्द से कराहा।

My friend groaned with pain yesterday.

Time adverb 'कल'.

वह सोने से पहले कराहा।

He groaned before sleeping.

Infinitivized verb + 'से पहले'.

खिलाड़ी मैदान पर कराहा।

The player groaned on the field.

Specific context: sports.

वह अपनी दवा खाकर कराहा।

He groaned after taking his medicine.

Reflexive pronoun 'अपनी'.

बूढ़ा आदमी सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ते हुए कराहा।

The old man groaned while climbing the stairs.

Present participle 'चढ़ते हुए'.

वह अपनी हार की खबर सुनकर कराहा।

He groaned upon hearing the news of his defeat.

Abstract cause: defeat.

मरीज पूरी रात दर्द से कराहा।

The patient groaned with pain all night.

Duration 'पूरी रात'.

वह भारी बोझ उठाते हुए कराहा।

He groaned while lifting a heavy load.

Physical exertion.

उसका कराहा सुनकर सब डर गए।

Everyone got scared hearing his groan.

Using 'कराहा' as a verbal noun subject.

वह अकेलेपन के कारण कराहा।

He groaned due to loneliness.

Compound postposition 'के कारण'.

डॉक्टर के आते ही वह कराहा।

As soon as the doctor arrived, he groaned.

Participle 'आते ही' (as soon as).

वह अपनी पुरानी यादों में कराहा।

He groaned in his old memories.

Emotional pain.

वह गहरी नींद में भी कराहा।

He groaned even in deep sleep.

Inclusive particle 'भी'.

वह अपनी गलतियों का बोझ महसूस करते हुए कराहा।

He groaned while feeling the burden of his mistakes.

Metaphorical burden.

जब उसे धक्का लगा, तो वह अनजाने में कराहा।

When he was pushed, he groaned involuntarily.

Adverb 'अनजाने में' (unintentionally).

वह समाज की बुराइयों को देखकर कराहा।

He groaned seeing the evils of society.

Societal context.

वह अपनी थकान मिटाने के लिए कराहा।

He groaned to relieve his fatigue.

Purpose 'के लिए'.

उसका मन दुख से कराहा उठा।

His heart groaned with sorrow.

Compound verb 'कराहा उठा'.

वह हर बार इंजेक्शन लगने पर कराहा।

He groaned every time he got an injection.

Frequency 'हर बार'.

वह अपनी बेबसी पर कराहा।

He groaned at his helplessness.

Abstract noun 'बेबसी'.

वह अंततः दर्द के आगे झुक गया और कराहा।

He finally yielded to the pain and groaned.

Adverb 'अंततः' (finally).

उसकी आत्मा के भीतर से एक गहरा कराहा निकला।

A deep groan emerged from within his soul.

Literary use as a noun.

वह समय की क्रूरता को सहते हुए कराहा।

He groaned while enduring the cruelty of time.

Philosophical context.

उसका कराहा सन्नाटे को चीरता हुआ गया।

His groan went piercing through the silence.

Vivid imagery 'चीरता हुआ'.

वह न्याय की गुहार लगाते-लगाते अंत में कराहा।

While pleading for justice, he finally groaned in the end.

Repetitive participle 'लगाते-लगाते'.

उसने अपने अस्तित्व के संकट में कराहा।

He groaned in his existential crisis.

Academic/Existential theme.

उसका कराहा किसी प्राचीन वेदना का प्रतीक था।

His groan was a symbol of some ancient agony.

Symbolic usage.

वह अपनी नियति के सामने बेबस होकर कराहा।

He groaned, being helpless before his destiny.

Thematic word 'नियति' (destiny).

उसका कराहा उसकी आखिरी आवाज़ थी।

His groan was his last sound.

Finality in narrative.

उसका कराहा मानवता की सामूहिक पीड़ा का स्वर था।

His groan was the voice of humanity's collective suffering.

Sociological/High literary.

वह मौन की गहराइयों में डूबा हुआ कराहा।

He groaned, immersed in the depths of silence.

Oxymoron-like construction.

उसका कराहा इतिहास के पन्नों पर अंकित हो गया।

His groan became inscribed on the pages of history.

Historical metaphor.

उसने अपनी अंतरात्मा के द्वंद्व में कराहा।

He groaned in the conflict of his conscience.

Internal conflict 'द्वंद्व'.

वह सभ्यता के पतन को देखकर मन ही मन कराहा।

He groaned inwardly seeing the decline of civilization.

Internalized action 'मन ही मन'.

उसका कराहा ब्रह्मांडीय शून्यता में खो गया।

His groan was lost in the cosmic void.

Cosmic scale imagery.

वह सत्य की कठोरता को स्वीकार करते हुए कराहा।

He groaned while accepting the harshness of truth.

Philosophical acceptance.

उसका कराहा एक युग के अंत की घोषणा थी।

His groan was the announcement of the end of an era.

Epic narrative style.

Common Collocations

दर्द से कराहा

ज़ोर से कराहा

धीरे से कराहा

दुख में कराहा

गहरी कराह

बेबसी में कराहा

रात भर कराहा

अंतिम बार कराहा

बुखार में कराहा

चोट खाकर कराहा

Common Phrases

दर्द की कराह

— The sound of pain. Used as a noun phrase.

अंधेरे में दर्द की कराह सुनाई दी।

कराह उठना

— To suddenly start groaning. Emphasizes the suddenness.

वह अचानक दर्द से कराहा उठा।

कराहते हुए कहना

— To say something while groaning.

उसने कराहते हुए मदद माँगी।

कराह बंद होना

— The groaning to stop. Often implies relief or death.

दवा के बाद उसकी कराह बंद हो गई।

कराह से गूंजना

— To echo with groans.

अस्पताल का कमरा कराहों से गूंज रहा था।

कराह दबाना

— To suppress a groan. Showing strength.

उसने अपनी कराह दबाने की कोशिश की।

बेजान कराह

— A lifeless or weak groan.

उसके मुँह से एक बेजान कराह निकली।

कराह की आवाज़

— The sound of a groan.

क्या तुम्हें कराह की आवाज़ आई?

कराह में डूबा

— Immersed in groaning/pain.

पूरा शहर युद्ध की कराह में डूबा था।

कराह का सिलसिला

— A series of groans.

रात भर कराह का सिलसिला चलता रहा।

Often Confused With

कराहा vs कहा

Means 'said'. Lacks the 'ra' in the middle.

कराहा vs कड़ा

Means 'hard' or 'bangle'. Uses a retroflex 'd' instead of 'r'.

कराहा vs करहा

Often a misspelling of 'कराहा' or 'कराह' (groan).

Idioms & Expressions

"कराह-कराह कर जीना"

— To live a life of constant suffering or misery.

वह गरीबी में कराह-कराह कर जी रहा है।

Colloquial

"दिल कराहा उठना"

— To feel deep pity or sorrow for someone else.

उसकी हालत देखकर मेरा दिल कराहा उठा।

Emotional

"पत्थर भी कराहा उठे"

— A situation so tragic that even a stone would feel pain.

ऐसी घटना देखकर तो पत्थर भी कराहा उठे।

Hyperbolic

"कराहों में खो जाना"

— To be overwhelmed by one's own or others' suffering.

वह अपनी पुरानी कराहों में खो गया।

Literary

"कराह को गीत बनाना"

— To turn one's suffering into art or poetry.

कवि ने अपनी कराह को एक सुंदर गीत बना दिया।

Poetic

"कराह का गला घोंटना"

— To forcefully silence one's own pain.

उसने अपनी कराह का गला घोंट दिया और मुस्कुराया।

Dramatic

"कराहों की बस्ती"

— A place of immense suffering (e.g., a slum or hospital).

यह अस्पताल कराहों की बस्ती बन गया है।

Metaphorical

"कराह सुनाना"

— To complain bitterly about one's problems.

वह रोज़ अपनी कराह सुनाने आ जाता है।

Informal

"हवाओं का कराहना"

— The whistling sound of the wind (personification).

तूफान में हवाएँ कराहा रही थीं।

Literary

"कराह से आसमान हिलाना"

— To suffer so much that it moves the heavens.

उसकी कराह ने आसमान हिला दिया।

Epic/Religious

Easily Confused

कराहा vs कहा (Kahā)

Similar spelling and sound.

'Kahā' means 'said'. 'Karāhā' means 'groaned'. The 'ra' makes all the difference.

उसने कहा (He said) vs वह कराहा (He groaned).

कराहा vs खड़ा (Khaḍā)

The 'kh' and 'k' sounds can be mixed up by beginners.

'Khaḍā' means 'standing'. 'Karāhā' is a sound of pain.

वह खड़ा था (He was standing) vs वह कराहा (He groaned).

कराहा vs कड़ा (Kaḍā)

The 'r' and retroflex 'd' are hard to distinguish.

'Kaḍā' means hard. 'Karāhā' is a verb.

यह पत्थर कड़ा है (This stone is hard).

कराहा vs करा (Karā)

Short form of 'karnā' (to do) in some dialects.

'Karā' means 'did'. 'Karāhā' means 'groaned'.

उसने काम करा (He did the work).

कराहा vs कढ़ाई (Kaḍhāī)

Similar looking script.

'Kaḍhāī' is embroidery or a pan. 'Karāhā' is a sound.

कढ़ाई में खाना बनाओ (Cook in the pan).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + [Cause] + से + कराहा।

राम दर्द से कराहा।

जब [Action], तो [Subject] कराहा।

जब वह गिरा, तो वह कराहा।

[Subject] + [Time] + भर + कराहा।

मरीज रात भर कराहा।

[Subject] + [Action] + हुए + कराहा।

वह बोझ उठाते हुए कराहा।

[Subject] + का + कराहा + [Verb].

उसका कराहा दिल को छू गया।

[Metaphorical Subject] + कराहा।

उसका अतीत दर्द से कराहा।

[Subject] + [Adverb] + कराहा।

वह अचानक कराहा।

[Subject] + [Object] + देखकर + कराहा।

वह खून देखकर कराहा।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in narrative and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

उसने दर्द से कराहा। → वह दर्द से कराहा।
You should not use the 'ne' particle with intransitive verbs like 'कराहा'.
लड़की दर्द से कराहा। → लड़की दर्द से कराही।
The verb must agree with the feminine gender of the subject.
वह दर्द से कहा। → वह दर्द से कराहा।
Confusing 'kaha' (said) with 'karaha' (groaned). The 'ra' sound is essential.
वह दर्द से कड़ा। → वह दर्द से कराहा।
Confusing the 'r' sound with the retroflex 'd' sound of 'kada' (hard).
वे दर्द से कराहा। → वे दर्द से कराहे।
The plural subject 'वे' (they) requires the plural verb form 'कराहे'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember to change the ending based on gender. 'वह कराहा' (He) vs 'वह कराही' (She). This is the most common mistake for learners.

The Voiced 'H'

Don't drop the 'h'. In Hindi, the 'h' in 'कराहा' is fully voiced and audible. Practice saying 'ha' like you are breathing out heavily.

Pair with 'Dard'

To sound more natural, pair it with 'दर्द से' (with pain). This is the most common collocation and helps set the context immediately.

Context Clues

If you hear this word in a movie, look at the character's body language. If they are clutching a body part, they are definitely 'कराहा'-ing.

Use in Narrative

Use 'कराहा' to break up long descriptions of pain. It adds a sensory element that makes your writing more vivid and emotional.

Empathy

Understand that 'कराहा' is a word that evokes empathy. Using it shows that you understand the person's suffering on a deeper level.

Rhythm

The rhythm is short-long-long (ka-RA-HA). Getting the vowel lengths right will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

Intransitive nature

Never use 'ne' with this verb. It's a common trap because many other past tense verbs use it. Just 'Vah karaha' is correct.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme it with 'Saha' (endured). If someone 'Saha' (endured) pain, they 'Karaha' (groaned). This link helps remember both words.

Emotional Pain

Don't be afraid to use it for emotional pain. It's very common in Hindi poetry to describe a broken heart 'groaning'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Car' (Ka) hitting a 'Rah' (road/path) and making a 'Ha' sound of pain. Ka-Ra-Ha.

Visual Association

Imagine a person leaning against a wall, clutching their side, and the word 'कराहा' appearing in a speech bubble like a comic book sound effect.

Word Web

Pain Hospital Injury Sadness Sound Voice Human Reaction

Challenge

Try to say 'कराहा' five times, each time imagining a different reason for the groan (e.g., a stomach ache, a heavy box, a sad movie).

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'कथ' (kath - to tell) or more likely 'क्रन्द्' (krand - to cry out/lament). In Middle Indo-Aryan, it evolved through Prakrit forms.

Original meaning: To vocalize pain or to cry out in distress.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful using this word jokingly. In Hindi culture, mocking someone's 'कराहा' (groan of pain) is considered very disrespectful and insensitive.

English speakers might use 'moan' or 'groan'. 'Groan' is usually the closer translation for 'कराहा' as it implies a deeper, more guttural sound.

Premchand's stories often describe the 'कराहा' of the poor and oppressed. Bollywood movie 'Devdas' features many moments where the protagonist 'कराहा' in emotional agony. Traditional 'Birha' folk songs often incorporate the 'कराहा' sound to signify separation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Hospital

मरीज दर्द से कराहा।
क्या मरीज कराहा?
वह इंजेक्शन के समय कराहा।
पूरी रात कराहा।

Sports/Accidents

वह गिरने के बाद कराहा।
खिलाड़ी मैदान पर कराहा।
चोट लगने पर वह कराहा।
वह ज़ोर से कराहा।

Literature/Stories

उसकी कराह गूंज उठी।
वह दुख में कराहा।
एक गहरी कराह निकली।
वह बेबसी में कराहा।

Daily Life/Elderly

दादाजी उठते हुए कराहे।
वह थकान से कराहा।
कमर दर्द में वह कराहा।
वह धीरे से कराहा।

Emotional Distress

वह हार मानकर कराहा।
बुरी खबर सुनकर कराहा।
वह यादों में कराहा।
मन ही मन कराहा।

Conversation Starters

"क्या तुमने कल रात उसे सुना? वह दर्द से कराहा था।"

"जब उसे चोट लगी, तो वह ज़ोर से कराहा।"

"अस्पताल में हर कोई दर्द से कराहा रहा था।"

"वह क्यों कराहा? क्या उसे बहुत दर्द है?"

"बूढ़ा आदमी भारी सामान उठाते हुए कराहा।"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि जब आपने आखिरी बार किसी को दर्द से कराहा सुना था, तो आपको कैसा लगा।

एक कहानी लिखिए जिसमें मुख्य पात्र अपनी कराह को छुपाने की कोशिश करता है।

क्या शारीरिक दर्द से कराहा और मानसिक दर्द से कराहा में कोई अंतर है? चर्चा कीजिए।

अस्पताल के एक दृश्य का वर्णन करें जहाँ कराहों की आवाज़ गूंज रही हो।

एक कविता लिखिए जिसका शीर्षक 'एक अनसुनी कराह' हो।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is very common for physical pain, it can also be used for deep emotional distress or exhaustion. For example, 'वह अपनी हार पर कराहा' (He groaned at his defeat). It signifies a deep, internal suffering that finds a vocal outlet.

'कराहना' is the infinitive form of the verb (to groan). 'कराहा' is the masculine singular past tense form (groaned). In narrative Hindi, 'कराहा' can also function as a noun describing the specific instance of the groan.

You would say 'वह कराही' (Vah karāhī). The ending changes from 'ā' to 'ī' to match the feminine subject. This is a standard rule for past tense verbs in Hindi.

Generally, no. 'कराहा' implies genuine distress. For a funny or sarcastic groan (like when someone tells a bad joke), you might use a different expression or just the English loanword 'groan' in a Hindi sentence.

It is a neutral word. It is appropriate for formal writing, news reports, and casual conversation. If you want to be extremely formal, you might use 'क्रंदन' or 'वेदनापूर्ण स्वर'.

No. 'कराहना' is an intransitive verb (it doesn't have a direct object). In Hindi, only transitive verbs take the 'ne' particle in the past tense. So, you say 'वह कराहा', not 'उसने कराहा'.

For masculine subjects, it is 'कराहे' (Karāhē). For example, 'वे दर्द से कराहे' (They groaned with pain). For feminine subjects (plural), it is 'कराहीं' (Karāhīm).

It comes from ancient Indo-Aryan roots, likely related to the Sanskrit 'krand', which means to cry out or lament. It has been part of the Hindi language for centuries.

Yes, you can use it for animals that make a groaning sound when injured, like a dog, a cow, or a lion. 'कुत्ता दर्द से कराहा' (The dog groaned with pain).

Yes. A 'सिसकी' (siski) is a sob, often accompanied by tears and short, gasping breaths. A 'कराहा' is a deeper, more vocalized sound of pain or exhaustion.