At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'ख़रीदना' (kharīdnā) to mean 'to buy'. 'क्रय करना' (kray karnā) is a much more formal way to say the same thing. You don't need to use it in daily life, but you might see it on a sign in a very big shop or in a simple textbook. Think of it like the difference between 'buy' and 'purchase'. When you buy a toy, you use 'ख़रीदना'. If a big office buys 100 computers, they might use 'क्रय करना'. Just remember: 'Kray' = 'Purchase'. It is a formal word used for important things.
At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal Hindi. 'क्रय करना' is a compound verb. This means it is made of two parts: 'क्रय' (the noun for 'purchase') and 'करना' (the verb 'to do'). In A2, you should recognize that 'क्रय करना' is used in places like banks or news. For example, 'मैं सोना क्रय करना चाहता हूँ' (I want to purchase gold). You might use it if you are writing a formal application. It's good to know that its opposite is 'विक्रय करना' (to sell). Try to use it when talking about expensive things like a house or a car to sound more grown-up in Hindi.
As a B1 learner, you should actively distinguish between registers. 'क्रय करना' belongs to the 'Formal Register'. You should use it in business emails, official reports, and academic writing. It specifically implies a transaction that is documented or significant. Grammatically, remember the 'ne' rule in the past tense: 'सरकार ने भूमि क्रय की' (The government purchased land). Here, 'ki' agrees with 'bhumi' (feminine). You should also learn the related term 'क्रय शक्ति' (purchasing power), which is a common phrase in news and discussions about the economy. Using 'क्रय करना' instead of 'ख़रीदना' in a professional setting will significantly improve your perceived fluency.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'क्रय करना' in complex sentence structures, including the passive voice and conditional moods. For instance, 'यदि बजट स्वीकृत हो जाता, तो हम नई मशीनरी क्रय कर लेते' (If the budget had been approved, we would have purchased new machinery). You should also understand its role in bureaucratic Hindi, where it appears in terms like 'क्रय आदेश' (Purchase Order) and 'क्रय नीति' (Procurement Policy). At this stage, you should also be aware of how 'क्रय' functions as a prefix in various technical terms used in commerce and law, distinguishing it from the more colloquial 'kharid-dar' (buyer) by using 'kreta' instead.
For C1 learners, 'क्रय करना' is a tool for precision. You should use it to differentiate between simple buying and formal procurement. In a C1 context, you might discuss the nuances of 'सरकारी क्रय' (Government procurement) vs 'निजी क्रय' (Private purchase). You should be able to navigate legal documents where 'क्रय करना' defines the transfer of ownership. You should also be familiar with the Sanskritized synonyms like 'उपावाप्ति' (acquisition) and how 'क्रय' fits into the broader vocabulary of Indian economics. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight—it's not just an action, but a formal transfer of assets and rights.
At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the word's stylistic and historical connotations. You can analyze the use of 'क्रय करना' in high-level policy papers or classical-style modern literature. You understand how the choice of this Sanskrit-derived term over the Persian 'kharidna' can signal political or cultural positioning in certain texts. You use 'क्रय करना' effortlessly in spontaneous high-level debates about 'क्रय शक्ति समता' (Purchasing Power Parity - PPP) or the ethics of 'रक्षा क्रय' (Defense procurement). At this level, the word is part of a vast, nuanced lexicon that you use to navigate the most sophisticated professional and intellectual landscapes in India.

क्रय करना in 30 Seconds

  • A formal Sanskrit-derived verb meaning 'to purchase' or 'to acquire financially'.
  • Primarily used in business, legal, banking, and government contexts rather than daily life.
  • Functions as a compound verb (Kray + Karna) and requires 'ne' in the past tense.
  • Commonly paired with 'Vikray' (selling) to describe trade and commercial transactions.

Imagine you are reading a formal economic report or a legal contract in Hindi. You will likely encounter the phrase "क्रय करना" (kray karnā). While the word 'ख़रीदना' (kharīdnā) is the standard term for 'buying' in everyday conversation, 'क्रय करना' is its sophisticated, formal sibling. This verb phrase is used specifically to denote the act of purchasing or acquiring something through a financial transaction within a professional, legal, or academic context.

Etymological Root
The word 'क्रय' (kray) is derived directly from Sanskrit, where it refers to the act of buying, purchasing, or trading. In Hindi, it is combined with the helper verb 'करना' (karnā - to do) to form a compound verb. This Sanskrit heritage gives the word an air of authority and precision.
Register and Usage
You will find this word in news headlines discussing government acquisitions, corporate mergers, or real estate transactions. For example, a headline might read 'सरकार ने नई मिसाइलें क्रय करने का निर्णय लिया' (The government decided to purchase new missiles). Using 'ख़रीदना' here would sound slightly too casual for an official announcement.

कंपनी ने इस वर्ष भारी मात्रा में कच्चा माल क्रय करने की योजना बनाई है। (The company has planned to purchase raw materials in large quantities this year.)

The nuance of 'क्रय करना' lies in its transactional weight. It often implies a formal process, such as procurement, tendering, or official documentation. When a business 'purchases' assets, it 'क्रय' them. When you buy a chocolate bar at a shop, you 'ख़रीदना' it. Understanding this distinction is a key milestone for B1-level learners transitioning from conversational Hindi to professional or literary Hindi. It is also important to note the noun form 'क्रेता' (kretā), which means 'buyer' or 'purchaser' in a legal sense, corresponding to 'क्रय करना'.

संपत्ति को क्रय करना एक जटिल कानूनी प्रक्रिया है। (Purchasing property is a complex legal process.)

Contextual Appropriateness
While 'क्रय करना' is formal, using it in a very casual setting might make you sound like a textbook or overly stiff. However, in an office environment, during a business negotiation, or when writing a formal letter to a vendor, it is the most appropriate and respectful choice. It shows a high command of the language's formal registers.

Furthermore, 'क्रय करना' is often used in the context of 'शक्ति' (shakti - power) to form the term 'क्रय शक्ति' (kray shakti), which means 'purchasing power.' This is a vital term in economics. For instance, 'बढ़ती महंगाई के कारण लोगों की क्रय शक्ति कम हो गई है' (Due to rising inflation, people's purchasing power has decreased). This demonstrates that 'क्रय' is deeply embedded in the intellectual and economic discourse of the Hindi language, far beyond the simple act of shopping.

क्या आपने इस मशीन को क्रय करने से पहले इसकी जांच की थी? (Did you inspect this machine before purchasing it?)

Using "क्रय करना" correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's compound verb structures. Since it ends with 'करना' (to do), it conjugates based on the tense, aspect, and gender/number of the object (in perfective tenses) or the subject (in imperfective tenses). However, because 'क्रय' is a transitive concept, it often follows the 'ne' construction in the past tense.

हमने पिछले महीने एक नया कार्यालय क्रय किया

Translation: We purchased a new office last month. (Note: 'Kiya' agrees with 'Karyalay' which is masculine.)

In the sentence above, 'किया' is the past tense form of 'करना'. If the object were feminine, such as 'भूमि' (land), the sentence would change: 'हमने भूमि क्रय की' (We purchased land). This grammatical flexibility is essential for achieving fluency. Let's look at more complex structures involving modals and infinitives.

Using with Modals (Can/Should)
To express ability or necessity: 'आपको केवल प्रमाणित विक्रेताओं से ही सामान क्रय करना चाहिए' (You should purchase goods only from certified sellers). Here, 'chahiye' indicates obligation, and 'karna' remains in its infinitive form because it is part of the 'chahiye' construction.
Future Tense in Business Plans
'अगले वित्तीय वर्ष में, हम और अधिक शेयर क्रय करेंगे' (In the next financial year, we will purchase more shares). The use of 'karenge' (future plural) shows a formal commitment or strategic plan.

क्या आप इस उत्पाद को थोक भाव पर क्रय करना चाहते हैं?

Translation: Do you want to purchase this product at a wholesale price?

Another important aspect is the use of postpositions. Since 'क्रय करना' describes a transaction, you often use 'से' (from) to indicate the seller. 'मैंने यह पेंटिंग एक प्रसिद्ध कलाकार से क्रय की' (I purchased this painting from a famous artist). This reinforces the idea of a formal exchange. In more academic writing, you might see 'क्रय हेतु' (for the purpose of purchase), as in 'पुस्तकों के क्रय हेतु बजट' (Budget for the purchase of books).

Finally, consider the passive voice, which is frequent in formal reports: 'यह भूमि सरकार द्वारा क्रय की गई है' (This land has been purchased by the government). The use of 'dwara' (by) and the passive 'ki gayi' adds a layer of formal distance and objectivity, which is exactly what 'क्रय करना' is designed for. By mastering these patterns, you can use the word effectively in both spoken professional Hindi and written formal documents.

While you might not hear "क्रय करना" at a local vegetable market, it is omnipresent in specific professional and public spheres in India. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild.

1. News and Media
News anchors on channels like DD News or BBC Hindi use 'क्रय करना' when reporting on national interests. You will hear it in segments regarding defense deals (e.g., 'राफेल विमानों का क्रय'), economic policies, or big-ticket infrastructure projects. It provides a tone of seriousness and neutrality to the reporting.
2. Banking and Finance
If you visit a bank in India or use a Hindi-language banking app, 'क्रय' is the standard term for 'purchase'. When you buy insurance, stocks, or gold through a bank, the transaction receipts and terms and conditions will almost certainly use this word. For example, 'स्वर्ण क्रय करने की योजना' (Plan to purchase gold).

सरकारी विभाग ने नए कंप्यूटर क्रय करने के लिए निविदाएं आमंत्रित की हैं। (The government department has invited tenders to purchase new computers.)

3. Real Estate and Legal Documents
Property deeds (Registry) in Hindi-speaking states are full of Sanskritized Hindi. 'क्रय करना' and 'विक्रय करना' are used to define the rights of the buyer and seller. A lawyer might say, 'क्या आपने विक्रय विलेख (Sale Deed) के अनुसार संपत्ति क्रय की है?' (Have you purchased the property according to the sale deed?).
4. Academic and Competitive Exams
Students preparing for exams like the UPSC or state civil services must be proficient in 'Shuddh Hindi' (Pure Hindi). Textbooks on economics and history use 'क्रय करना' to discuss trade routes, consumer behavior, and fiscal policies. In this context, using 'ख़रीदना' might be seen as too informal for an essay.

उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम के तहत, क्रय की गई वस्तुओं पर वारंटी अनिवार्य है। (Under the Consumer Protection Act, warranty is mandatory on purchased items.)

In summary, 'क्रय करना' is the voice of the institution. It is the language of the state, the bank, the law, and the classroom. Hearing it signals that the conversation has moved from personal needs to professional or legal obligations.

Even for intermediate learners, "क्रय करना" can be tricky because of its formal register and Sanskrit roots. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Over-using it in Casual Conversation
The most frequent mistake is using 'क्रय करना' when 'ख़रीदना' is appropriate. If you tell a friend, 'मैंने आज एक पेन क्रय किया' (I purchased a pen today), it sounds hilariously formal—like saying 'I have acquired a writing instrument' in English while at a coffee shop. Correction: Use 'ख़रीदना' for daily chores and small items.
2. Confusing 'क्रय' (Kray) with 'विक्रय' (Vikray)
These two look and sound similar but are opposites. 'क्रय' is buying; 'विक्रय' is selling. Confusing them in a business context can lead to serious misunderstandings. Tip: Associate the 'K' in 'Kray' with 'Kharidna' (both mean buy) to remember the difference.

Incorrect: मैंने दुकान से दूध क्रय किया

Correct: मैंने दुकान से दूध ख़रीदा। (Because milk is a daily casual purchase.)

3. Misplacing the 'Karna'
Some learners try to use 'क्रय' as a verb directly without 'करना'. You cannot say 'मैंने घर क्रया'. You must always include the helper verb 'करना'.
4. Spelling Errors (Kray vs. Karay)
In Devanagari, the 'r' sound in 'Kray' is a conjunct (क्र). Some learners write it as 'करय' (Karay), which is incorrect and changes the pronunciation entirely. Ensure you use the 'prakar' (the slant line under 'Ka') correctly.

By being mindful of these errors, you ensure that your Hindi sounds both natural in casual settings and precise in professional ones. The key is register-matching: match the word to the gravity of the situation.

To truly master "क्रय करना", you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Hindi has a rich vocabulary for acquisition, ranging from the mundane to the spiritual.

1. ख़रीदना (Kharīdnā)
Comparison: This is the most common alternative. While 'क्रय करना' is formal and Sanskrit-based, 'ख़रीदना' is of Persian origin and used in 95% of daily life situations. Use this for groceries, clothes, and general shopping.
2. प्राप्त करना (Prāpt Karnā)
Comparison: Means 'to obtain' or 'to receive'. It is broader than 'क्रय करना'. You can 'obtain' (प्राप्त) a degree or a gift without paying for it, whereas 'क्रय' always implies a financial exchange.
3. अधिग्रहण करना (Adhigrahan Karnā)
Comparison: Means 'to acquire' or 'to take over'. This is even more formal than 'क्रय करना'. It is used for land acquisition by the state or corporate takeovers. It often implies a level of authority or force that 'क्रय' (a simple purchase) does not.

Difference in Context:

  • सब्ज़ी ख़रीदना (Buying vegetables - Casual)
  • मशीन क्रय करना (Purchasing a machine - Business)
  • कंपनी का अधिग्रहण करना (Acquiring a company - Corporate)

Another related term is 'खरीद-फ़रोख्त' (kharīd-farokht), which is an Urdu-origin term for buying and selling, often used in political contexts (like 'horse-trading'). While 'क्रय-विक्रय' is the formal/neutral term, 'खरीद-फ़रोख्त' often carries a slightly negative or cynical connotation in news reports. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning and tone will allow you to choose the exact word for your needs, showing a deep sensitivity to the Hindi language.

हमने विदेशी बाज़ार से तकनीक प्राप्त की, लेकिन उसके लिए उपकरण क्रय किए

Translation: We obtained the technology from the foreign market, but we purchased the equipment for it.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'trade' and the Sanskrit 'kraya' both point to ancient systems of commerce, but 'kraya' specifically focused on the acquisition side of the deal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /krəj kər.nɑː/
US /krəɪ kər.nɑ/
The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'kray' and the first syllable of 'karna'.
Rhymes With
नय (Nay) भय (Bhay) जय (Jay) लय (Lay) तय (Tay) क्षय (Kshay) व्यय (Vyay) उदय (Uday)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kray' as 'karay' (two syllables instead of a cluster).
  • Missing the retroflex 'n' in 'karna'.
  • Pronouncing 'kray' like 'cry' in English (it should be 'kruh-y').
  • Shortening the final 'aa' in 'karna' to a schwa.
  • Adding an 'i' sound before 'kray' (e.g., ikray).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal texts but requires knowing the Sanskrit root.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct gender agreement in past tense and proper conjunct spelling.

Speaking 4/5

Tricky to know when to use it vs 'kharidna' without sounding stiff.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ख़रीदना करना पैसा सामान बाज़ार

Learn Next

विक्रय करना अधिग्रहण उपभोक्ता निविदा पूंजी

Advanced

विनिमय दर राजकोषीय मुद्रास्फीति आयात-निर्यात परिसंपत्ति

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

Kray (Noun) + Karna (Verb) = To purchase.

Past Tense Ne-Construction

Maine ghar kray kiya (I purchased a house).

Gender Agreement with Object

Maine car (fem) kray ki.

Infinitive as Noun

Kray karna asan nahi hai (Purchasing is not easy).

Oblique Case before Postpositions

Kray karne se pehle (Before purchasing).

Examples by Level

1

मुझे फल क्रय करना है।

I have to purchase fruits.

Simple use of 'karna hai' for obligation.

2

क्या आप यह किताब क्रय करेंगे?

Will you purchase this book?

Future tense 'karenge' for 'you' (formal).

3

वह एक घर क्रय करना चाहता है।

He wants to purchase a house.

Subject-verb agreement with 'chahta hai'.

4

हमने टिकट क्रय किया।

We purchased the ticket.

Past tense 'kiya' agreeing with 'ticket' (masculine).

5

राम ने पेन क्रय किया।

Ram purchased a pen.

Use of 'ne' with the subject in past tense.

6

यहाँ से सामान क्रय करें।

Purchase goods from here.

Imperative form 'karen' for polite request.

7

यह क्रय करने के लिए अच्छा है।

This is good to purchase.

Infinitive 'karna' used as a noun phrase.

8

मैं गाड़ी क्रय कर रहा हूँ।

I am purchasing a car.

Present continuous tense 'kar raha hoon'.

1

कंपनी ने नए कंप्यूटर क्रय किए।

The company purchased new computers.

Plural agreement 'kiye' with 'computers'.

2

क्या आपने सोना क्रय किया है?

Have you purchased gold?

Present perfect tense.

3

हमें अच्छी गुणवत्ता वाली वस्तुएं ही क्रय करनी चाहिए।

We should purchase only good quality items.

Use of 'chahiye' with feminine plural 'vastuen'.

4

वह बाज़ार से सब्जियाँ क्रय करने गया है।

He has gone to the market to purchase vegetables.

Infinitive of purpose 'karna' + 'gaya hai'.

5

क्या यह जमीन क्रय करना सुरक्षित है?

Is it safe to purchase this land?

Interrogative sentence structure.

6

मैंने ऑनलाइन एक घड़ी क्रय की।

I purchased a watch online.

Past tense 'ki' agreeing with 'ghadi' (feminine).

7

वे अगले साल नया वाहन क्रय करेंगे।

They will purchase a new vehicle next year.

Future tense 'karenge'.

8

कम कीमत पर सामान क्रय करना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to purchase goods at a low price.

Gerundial use of 'karna'.

1

सरकार अनाज क्रय करने के लिए नई नीति बना रही है।

The government is making a new policy to purchase grain.

Formal compound sentence.

2

व्यापारी ने विदेश से कच्चा माल क्रय किया।

The merchant purchased raw material from abroad.

Transitive verb with 'ne' particle.

3

उपभोक्ता को सामान क्रय करते समय रसीद मांगनी चाहिए।

The consumer should ask for a receipt while purchasing goods.

Simultaneous action using 'karte samay'.

4

क्या आपने इस शेयर को क्रय करने का जोखिम समझा है?

Have you understood the risk of purchasing this share?

Genitive case 'karna ka' used before 'risk'.

5

संस्थान ने शोध के लिए नए उपकरण क्रय किए हैं।

The institution has purchased new equipment for research.

Present perfect with plural object.

6

संपत्ति क्रय करने से पहले कानूनी सलाह लें।

Take legal advice before purchasing property.

Oblique infinitive 'karna se pehle'.

7

यह विभाग केवल स्थानीय उत्पादों को ही क्रय करता है।

This department purchases only local products.

Habitual present tense.

8

हमने प्रदर्शनी से कुछ कलाकृतियाँ क्रय कीं।

We purchased some artifacts from the exhibition.

Feminine plural agreement 'keen'.

1

रक्षा मंत्रालय ने लड़ाकू विमान क्रय करने हेतु समझौता किया है।

The Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement to purchase fighter jets.

Use of 'hetu' (for the purpose of) in formal Hindi.

2

यदि कंपनी लाभ में होती, तो वह और अधिक संपत्ति क्रय करती।

If the company were in profit, it would have purchased more property.

Conditional mood 'karti'.

3

थोक में सामान क्रय करने पर विशेष छूट उपलब्ध है।

A special discount is available on purchasing goods in bulk.

Locative use of infinitive 'karna par'.

4

विदेशी निवेशकों ने भारतीय स्टार्टअप्स में हिस्सेदारी क्रय की है।

Foreign investors have purchased stakes in Indian startups.

Complex noun phrase 'hissedari kray ki'.

5

बिना जांच किए कोई भी इलेक्ट्रॉनिक उपकरण क्रय न करें।

Do not purchase any electronic equipment without testing.

Negative imperative 'na karen'.

6

पुस्तकालय ने इस वर्ष दुर्लभ पांडुलिपियों को क्रय करने का निर्णय लिया।

The library decided to purchase rare manuscripts this year.

Infinitive phrase as object of 'nirnay liya'.

7

क्या आप जानते हैं कि यह मशीनरी कहाँ से क्रय की गई थी?

Do you know from where this machinery was purchased?

Passive voice 'ki gayi thi'.

8

नगर निगम ने स्वच्छता के लिए नए ट्रक क्रय किए।

The municipal corporation purchased new trucks for cleanliness.

Formal administrative context.

1

सरकार की क्रय नीति में पारदर्शिता का अभाव एक गंभीर चिंता है।

The lack of transparency in the government's procurement policy is a serious concern.

Using 'kray' as a noun in a compound phrase.

2

बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनियों द्वारा स्थानीय संसाधनों को क्रय करना विवादास्पद हो सकता है।

The purchase of local resources by multinational companies can be controversial.

Gerundial subject with 'dwara'.

3

क्या यह संभव है कि हम भविष्य की आवश्यकताओं को देखते हुए अभी से भंडार क्रय कर लें?

Is it possible that we purchase stock right now, keeping future requirements in mind?

Subjunctive mood 'kar len'.

4

इस सौदे के तहत, हमने न केवल तकनीक बल्कि पेटेंट भी क्रय किए हैं।

Under this deal, we have purchased not only the technology but also the patents.

Correlative conjunctions 'na keval... balki'.

5

मुद्रास्फीति सीधे तौर पर आम आदमी की क्रय शक्ति को प्रभावित करती है।

Inflation directly affects the purchasing power of the common man.

Economic terminology 'kray shakti'.

6

बैंकों को डूबते ऋणों (NPA) को क्रय करने से बचना चाहिए।

Banks should avoid purchasing non-performing assets (NPAs).

Complex financial context.

7

कला समीक्षक ने उस पेंटिंग को क्रय करने के पीछे के सौंदर्यशास्त्रीय कारणों की व्याख्या की।

The art critic explained the aesthetic reasons behind purchasing that painting.

High-level vocabulary integration.

8

न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य पर अनाज क्रय करना किसानों के हित में है।

Purchasing grain at the Minimum Support Price is in the interest of farmers.

Political/Economic policy context.

1

वैश्विक भू-राजनीति में, रक्षा उपकरणों का क्रय करना केवल सैन्य आवश्यकता नहीं, बल्कि एक कूटनीतिक वक्तव्य भी है।

In global geopolitics, purchasing defense equipment is not just a military necessity, but also a diplomatic statement.

Sophisticated analytical sentence structure.

2

पूंजीवादी व्यवस्था में, उपभोग हेतु वस्तुओं का निरंतर क्रय करना ही अर्थव्यवस्था का आधार माना जाता है।

In a capitalist system, the continuous purchase of goods for consumption is considered the basis of the economy.

Philosophical/Theoretical context.

3

क्या आपने कभी सोचा है कि डेटा को क्रय करना व्यक्तिगत गोपनीयता के लिए कितना बड़ा खतरा है?

Have you ever thought about how big a threat purchasing data is to personal privacy?

Rhetorical question in formal discourse.

4

विरासत संपत्तियों को क्रय करने के पश्चात उनके संरक्षण का दायित्व भी क्रेता पर होता है।

After purchasing heritage properties, the responsibility for their conservation also lies with the purchaser.

Use of 'paschat' (after) and 'kretā' (purchaser).

5

किसी भी राष्ट्र की संप्रभुता इस बात पर निर्भर करती है कि वह अपने रणनीतिक संसाधन कहाँ से क्रय करता है।

The sovereignty of any nation depends on where it purchases its strategic resources from.

Abstract political reasoning.

6

कॉर्पोरेट जगत में, प्रतिद्वंद्वी कंपनी के शेयरों को क्रय करना अक्सर शत्रुतापूर्ण अधिग्रहण की शुरुआत होती है।

In the corporate world, purchasing shares of a rival company is often the beginning of a hostile takeover.

Industry-specific jargon.

7

बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकारों को क्रय करना आधुनिक नवाचार की दौड़ में एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम है।

Purchasing intellectual property rights is a crucial step in the race for modern innovation.

Metaphorical use in formal context.

8

पर्यावरण के अनुकूल विकल्पों को क्रय करना अब एक विकल्प नहीं, बल्कि एक वैश्विक अनिवार्यता बन गया है।

Purchasing eco-friendly options has now become not just a choice, but a global imperative.

Moral/Global discourse.

Synonyms

ख़रीदना प्राप्त करना अधिग्रहण करना उपावाप्ति करना मोल लेना बयाना देना सौदा करना हथियाना

Antonyms

विक्रय करना बेचना दान करना त्यागना

Common Collocations

थोक में क्रय करना
संपत्ति क्रय करना
ऑनलाइन क्रय करना
शेयर क्रय करना
लाइसेंस क्रय करना
कच्चा माल क्रय करना
अधिकार क्रय करना
विदेशी मुद्रा क्रय करना
उपकरण क्रय करना
टिकट क्रय करना

Common Phrases

क्रय शक्ति

— Purchasing power. It refers to the financial ability to buy goods.

महंगाई ने आम आदमी की क्रय शक्ति घटा दी है।

क्रय आदेश

— Purchase order. A formal document issued by a buyer to a seller.

मैनेजर ने नया क्रय आदेश जारी किया।

क्रय मूल्य

— Cost price. The price at which something is bought.

इस वस्तु का क्रय मूल्य क्या है?

क्रय-विक्रय

— Trading/Buying and selling. The general activity of commerce.

बाज़ार में क्रय-विक्रय जारी है।

क्रय प्रबंधक

— Purchase Manager. A professional role in a company.

हमारे क्रय प्रबंधक बहुत अनुभवी हैं।

क्रय केंद्र

— Purchase center. A place where goods (like crops) are bought by the government.

किसान अनाज लेकर क्रय केंद्र पहुंचे।

क्रय संविदा

— Purchase contract. A legal agreement for a transaction.

दोनों पक्षों ने क्रय संविदा पर हस्ताक्षर किए।

क्रय विभाग

— Purchase department. The section of a company that handles buying.

क्रय विभाग ने नई निविदाएं मांगी हैं।

क्रय सीमा

— Purchase limit. The maximum amount one can buy.

क्रेडिट कार्ड की क्रय सीमा बढ़ा दी गई है।

क्रय कर

— Purchase tax. A tax levied on the purchase of goods.

सरकार ने क्रय कर में वृद्धि की है।

Often Confused With

क्रय करना vs विक्रय करना

This means to sell. 'Kray' is buying, 'Vikray' is selling.

क्रय करना vs किराया

Sounds similar but means 'Rent'. Don't confuse 'Kray' with 'Kiraya'.

क्रय करना vs कार्य करना

Means 'to work'. Some beginners mishear 'Kray' as 'Karya'.

Idioms & Expressions

"मुसीबत मोल लेना"

— To invite trouble intentionally. (Uses the root concept of buying).

उससे बहस करके तुमने मुसीबत मोल ले ली है।

Informal
"आ बैल मुझे मार"

— To invite trouble (similar to buying trouble).

गलत दस्तावेज़ क्रय करना 'आ बैल मुझे मार' जैसा है।

Informal
"हाथ का मैल"

— Something very cheap or easy to buy (money).

उसके लिए गाड़ी क्रय करना हाथ का मैल है।

Informal
"कौड़ियों के भाव क्रय करना"

— To buy something extremely cheap.

उसने नीलामी में पुरानी कार कौड़ियों के भाव क्रय की।

Neutral
"महंगा रोए एक बार, सस्ता रोए बार-बार"

— Buying quality is better than buying cheap stuff.

हमेशा अच्छी मशीन ही क्रय करें, क्योंकि महंगा रोए एक बार...

Proverb
"सिर मुंडाते ही ओले पड़ना"

— To face trouble right at the start of a purchase or task.

घर क्रय करते ही विवाद शुरू हो गया, यह तो वही बात हुई...

Idiomatic
"अंधा क्या चाहे दो आँखें"

— Getting exactly what one wanted to buy/acquire.

उसे वही घर क्रय करने को मिल गया जो उसे पसंद था।

Idiomatic
"ऊँची दुकान फीका पकवान"

— Great appearance but poor quality purchase.

उस शोरूम से कपड़े क्रय करना बेकार था, बस ऊँची दुकान...

Idiomatic
"दूध का जला छाछ भी फूँक-फूँक कर पीता है"

— Once bitten, twice shy (careful in next purchase).

धोखा खाने के बाद वह बहुत सावधानी से सामान क्रय करता है।

Proverb
"हथेली पर सरसों जमाना"

— Expecting instant results after a purchase or action.

शेयर क्रय करते ही मुनाफ़ा नहीं होता, हथेली पर सरसों नहीं जमती।

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

क्रय करना vs विक्रय (Vikray)

Similar sound and both are parts of a transaction.

'Kray' is the act of purchasing (inflow of goods), while 'Vikray' is the act of selling (outflow of goods).

दुकानदार ने विक्रय किया और ग्राहक ने क्रय किया।

क्रय करना vs किराया (Kiraya)

Phonetically similar start.

'Kray' is buying/ownership, 'Kiraya' is renting/temporary usage.

मैंने घर क्रय नहीं किया, मैं किराया देता हूँ।

क्रय करना vs क्रिया (Kriya)

Similar Devanagari spelling structure.

'Kray' is purchase, 'Kriya' is action or verb in grammar.

वाक्य में क्रिया क्या है?

क्रय करना vs कर (Kar)

Both relate to money and government.

'Kray' is purchase, 'Kar' is tax. 'Kray kar' is purchase tax.

हमें क्रय पर कर देना पड़ता है।

क्रय करना vs खरीद (Kharid)

Same meaning.

'Kharid' is the common Urdu-origin noun, 'Kray' is the formal Sanskrit-origin noun.

यह मेरी सबसे अच्छी खरीद/क्रय है।

Sentence Patterns

A1

मुझे [Object] क्रय करना है।

मुझे कार क्रय करनी है।

A2

क्या आपने [Object] क्रय किया?

क्या आपने टिकट क्रय किया?

B1

[Subject] ने [Object] क्रय करने का निर्णय लिया।

कंपनी ने नई मशीन क्रय करने का निर्णय लिया।

B2

[Object] क्रय करने हेतु [Noun] आवश्यक है।

घर क्रय करने हेतु ऋण आवश्यक है।

C1

[Object] का क्रय करना [Context] के लिए [Adjective] है।

हथियारों का क्रय करना देश के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

C2

यदि [Condition], तो [Subject] [Object] क्रय कर लेता।

यदि धन होता, तो मैं यह महल क्रय कर लेता।

B1

[Object] क्रय करते समय [Caution] रखें।

सोना क्रय करते समय सावधानी रखें।

B2

[Subject] द्वारा [Object] क्रय किया गया।

सरकार द्वारा अनाज क्रय किया गया।

Word Family

Nouns

क्रय (Kray) - Purchase
क्रेता (Kreta) - Buyer
विक्रय (Vikray) - Sale

Verbs

क्रय करना (Kray karna) - To purchase
विक्रय करना (Vikray karna) - To sell

Adjectives

क्रय-योग्य (Kray-yogya) - Purchasable
क्रीत (Kreet) - Purchased (Sanskritized)

Related

विक्रेता (Vikreta) - Seller
पण्य (Panya) - Commodity
विनिमय (Vinimay) - Exchange
मुद्रा (Mudra) - Currency
व्यापार (Vyapar) - Trade

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, banking, and law; low in daily speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'kray karna' for small daily items. Use 'kharidna' for bread, milk, etc.

    'Kray karna' is too formal for casual shopping.

  • मैंने गाड़ी क्रय किया। (Maine gaadi kray kiya) मैंने गाड़ी क्रय की। (Maine gaadi kray ki)

    The verb must agree with the feminine object 'gaadi'.

  • Confusing 'kray' with 'vikray'. Use 'kray' for buying and 'vikray' for selling.

    Mixing them up changes the direction of the transaction.

  • Writing it as 'करय' (Karay). Write it as 'क्रय' (Kray).

    The 'r' sound is a conjunct, not a full syllable.

  • Using 'kray' without 'karna'. मैंने घर क्रय किया।

    'Kray' is a noun; it needs a helper verb to function as an action.

Tips

Formal Writing

Always use 'kray karna' in business proposals or formal letters to sound professional.

Gender Check

Remember: 'Maine car kray ki' (fem) but 'Maine ghar kray kiya' (masc).

The Pair

Memorize 'kray' (buy) and 'vikray' (sell) together as a single concept.

The Cluster

Don't break the 'kr' sound. It should be one smooth sound, not 'ka-ray'.

Office Talk

In an office, use 'kray vibhag' for the 'Purchase Department'.

K for Kharidna

Since both 'Kray' and 'Kharidna' start with 'K', they both mean 'Buy'.

News Clues

When you hear 'raksha kray' on the news, it means 'defense purchase'.

Contract Tip

In a contract, you are the 'kreta' (purchaser).

Buying Power

Use 'kray shakti' when discussing the economy or inflation.

Kray vs Adhigrahan

Use 'kray' for buying and 'adhigrahan' for taking over or acquiring land.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'K' in 'Kray' as 'Kharidna' (Buy) and the 'Ray' as 'Rate'. You buy something at a formal rate.

Visual Association

Imagine a formal contract being signed with a fancy pen. The word 'KRAY' is written at the top of the document.

Word Web

Business Legal Money Contract Asset Formal Trade Economy

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about buying a house, a car, and a computer using 'kray karna' instead of 'kharidna'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'क्री' (krī), which means to buy or purchase. It has been a part of the Indo-Aryan vocabulary for millennia.

Original meaning: The act of exchanging wealth for goods or property.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Indo-Aryan > Sanskrit > Hindi.

Cultural Context

None, it is a neutral professional term.

It is similar to the English distinction between 'buy' (casual) and 'procure' or 'purchase' (formal).

UPSC Hindi Literature syllabus Indian Constitution (Hindi Version) Economic Survey of India (Hindi)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate

  • फ्लैट क्रय करना
  • ज़मीन क्रय करना
  • पंजीकरण शुल्क
  • क्रेता और विक्रेता

Stock Market

  • शेयर क्रय करना
  • पोर्टफोलियो
  • लाभांश
  • क्रय मूल्य

Government Procurement

  • निविदा (Tender)
  • अनुबंध (Contract)
  • आपूर्ति (Supply)
  • क्रय आदेश

Banking

  • विदेशी मुद्रा क्रय
  • बीमा क्रय करना
  • ऋण (Loan)
  • ब्याज दर

Legal Matters

  • स्वामित्व (Ownership)
  • विलेख (Deed)
  • हस्तांतरण (Transfer)
  • वैध क्रय

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपकी कंपनी इस साल नई मशीनरी क्रय करने की योजना बना रही है?"

"संपत्ति क्रय करते समय आप किन कानूनी बातों का ध्यान रखते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि ऑनलाइन सॉफ्टवेयर क्रय करना सुरक्षित है?"

"अगले वित्तीय वर्ष में आप कौन से शेयर क्रय करना चाहेंगे?"

"क्या सरकार को स्थानीय किसानों से सीधे अनाज क्रय करना चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

यदि आपके पास असीमित धन हो, तो आप सबसे पहले क्या क्रय करना चाहेंगे और क्यों?

किसी बड़ी संपत्ति को क्रय करने के अपने अनुभव के बारे में लिखें।

भारत में क्रय शक्ति और महंगाई के संबंधों पर अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

क्या आपको लगता है कि भविष्य में लोग केवल डिजिटल संपत्तियां ही क्रय करेंगे?

एक औपचारिक पत्र लिखें जिसमें आप किसी कंपनी से उपकरण क्रय करने की इच्छा जताएं।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. It's like saying 'I have completed the procurement of a beverage.' Use 'chai kharidna' instead.

'Kray' is a noun meaning 'purchase'. 'Kray karna' is the compound verb meaning 'to purchase'.

It means 'purchasing power'. For example, 'The purchasing power of the dollar is high.' (डॉलर की क्रय शक्ति अधिक है।)

The formal word is 'क्रेता' (kretā). The casual word is 'खरीददार' (kharīddār).

Yes, very frequently. You will see buttons for 'Kray' (Buy) and 'Vikray' (Sell) on Hindi trading apps.

Yes, in the past tense because it is a transitive verb. Example: 'Maine kray kiya'.

The formal opposite is 'विक्रय करना' (vikray karna), which means 'to sell'.

Yes, in many compound words like 'kray-mulya' (cost price) or 'kray-niti' (procurement policy).

Hindi news often uses Sanskrit-derived vocabulary (Shuddh Hindi) to sound more official and neutral.

In Hindi, it is 'kray'. In Sanskrit, it is 'kraya'. The final 'a' is dropped in modern Hindi pronunciation.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a formal sentence about a company purchasing new land.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain the difference between 'Kray' and 'Vikray' in two sentences.

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writing

Use 'Kray Shakti' in a sentence about inflation.

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writing

Translate: 'The government has purchased missiles from Russia.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'kray karna' in the future tense.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'kray karna' in the passive voice.

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writing

Create a formal question about purchasing shares.

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writing

Write a sentence about purchasing books for a library.

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writing

Use 'kray karna' with 'chahiye' (should).

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writing

Describe a transaction using both 'kray' and 'vikray'.

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writing

Write a sentence about buying a software license.

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writing

Translate: 'Is it safe to purchase property here?'

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writing

Write a sentence about bulk purchase.

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writing

Use 'kray' as a noun in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a purchase manager.

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writing

Create a sentence using 'kray karne hetu'.

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writing

Translate: 'He wants to purchase gold coins.'

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writing

Write a sentence about purchasing raw materials.

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writing

Use 'kray karna' in a conditional sentence (if...then).

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writing

Write a sentence about digital assets.

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speaking

Say 'I want to purchase a new house' in formal Hindi.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask a shopkeeper formally: 'Is this item available for purchase?'

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speaking

Tell your boss: 'We should purchase new computers.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'Kray' correctly.

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speaking

Say: 'Purchasing power is decreasing.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Where did you purchase this machinery from?'

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speaking

Explain 'Kray-Vikray' to a friend.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I have purchased some shares.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Don't purchase anything without a bill.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The government purchased the land.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Wholesale purchase is cheaper.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am planning to purchase gold.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The cost price of this book is 500 rupees.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Is this software purchasable?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I purchased a painting from an artist.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We will purchase raw materials next month.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The library purchased rare books.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Have you signed the purchase contract?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I want to increase my purchasing power.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We purchased this for the office.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the word 'क्रय'. Does it sound like 'Kharidna'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the verb in: 'सरकार ने गेहूं क्रय किया।'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is the speaker talking about buying or selling? 'हमने शेयर क्रय किए।'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the gender agreement: 'Maine gaadi kray ki.' Is it masculine or feminine?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What is the speaker buying in: 'Maine sona kray kiya'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Does 'kray' sound like 'cry' or 'kruh-y'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify 'kray shakti' in a sentence about inflation.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is 'kray' used for small or large transactions in the sentence heard?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for 'kray adesh'. What is it?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the number of items in: 'Humne teen truck kray kiye.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is the tone formal or informal? 'Kripya kray prapatra bharen.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What is the context? 'Raksha vibhag ne naye viman kray kiye.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the opposite: 'Kray aur Vikray'. What does it mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the tense: 'Hum kray karenge.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is 'kray' used as a noun or verb in: 'Kray ka samay'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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