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कायम रखना

B1 verb 8 min read

कायम रखना

kaayam rakhna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips कायम रखना in 30 Seconds

Explanation कायम रखना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) often, but it's good to know its basic meaning: 'to keep something as it is.' Think of it as a stronger way to say 'keep.' For example, if you have a good habit, you want to keep it. In Hindi, you could say 'इसे कायम रखो' (Keep this/Maintain this). At this stage, just remember that 'rakhna' means 'to keep' and 'kayam' adds the idea of 'making it stay firm.' You might hear it in simple instructions about keeping a room clean or keeping a routine. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just focus on the idea of 'keeping something good going.' Focus on simple objects and direct actions. For example, 'Keep the silence' (Shanti kayam rakho). Even though this is a B1 word, understanding it early helps you recognize it in news or movies. It is a 'doing' word, so someone is always performing the action of keeping something stable.

For A2 learners, 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) starts to appear in more specific contexts like health, habits, and simple rules. You are beginning to learn about compound verbs, and this is a great example. You can use it to talk about maintaining your daily schedule (time-table) or maintaining your interest in learning Hindi. Example: 'अपनी पढ़ाई की आदत कायम रखें' (Maintain your habit of studying). At this level, you should start noticing that it is used for things you can't touch, like 'peace' or 'friendship.' It’s not just about putting a book on a shelf (which is just 'rakhna'); it’s about making sure your friendship stays strong. You will also start to see it in the past tense, like 'उसने रिकॉर्ड कायम रखा' (He maintained the record). Remember that 'rakhna' changes its ending based on the thing you are maintaining. If the thing is feminine, like 'shanti' (peace), it becomes 'rakhi.' If it's masculine, like 'anushasan' (discipline), it becomes 'rakha.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) confidently in various situations. This is the stage where you discuss abstract topics like social issues, professional goals, and personal values. You will use this verb to talk about 'maintaining law and order' (kanoon-vyavastha kayam rakhna) or 'maintaining a standard' (stariya kayam rakhna). You should understand that this verb implies a conscious effort. It's not just that something 'stays' (rahna); it's that you 'keep' it (rakhna). This distinction is vital. You should also be comfortable with the 'ne' construction in the past tense: 'सरकार ने शांति कायम रखी' (The government maintained peace). You will also encounter this word in news headlines and formal letters. It's a key word for expressing sustainability and commitment. For example, in a job interview, you might say, 'मैं कंपनी के मानकों को कायम रखूँगा' (I will maintain the company's standards). This shows a higher level of vocabulary than just saying 'banae rakhna.'

B2 learners should master the nuances of 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) and be able to differentiate it from synonyms like 'बरकरार रखना' (barkaraar rakhna) or 'अक्षुण्ण रखना' (akshunn rakhna). At this level, you are expected to use it in complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences: 'अगर हम आपसी भाईचारा कायम रखेंगे, तो देश प्रगति करेगा' (If we maintain mutual brotherhood, the country will progress). You should also understand its use in idiomatic expressions and collocations related to prestige, dignity, and historical records. You might use it to discuss the challenges of maintaining a cultural identity in a globalized world. The verb often appears in debates where you argue for the preservation of certain laws or traditions. You should also be aware of its passive-like usage in the form of 'कायम रखा जाना' (to be maintained). For example, 'नियमों को हर हाल में कायम रखा जाना चाहिए' (Rules must be maintained in every circumstance). This level requires you to use the word with precision in both speech and formal writing.

At the C1 level, 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) becomes a tool for sophisticated rhetorical expression. You will use it to discuss philosophical concepts, geopolitical stability, and the maintenance of complex systems. You should be able to weave it into academic essays or high-level professional reports. For instance, discussing the 'maintenance of the ecological balance' (paryavaran ka santulan kayam rakhna) or 'maintaining the integrity of the judicial system' (nyayik pranali ki akhandta kayam rakhna). You will recognize the subtle shift in tone when a speaker chooses 'kayam rakhna' over 'banae rakhna' to signal authority and permanence. You should also be able to use it in literary analysis, discussing how a character maintains their resolve or 'dhairya' (patience) despite adversity. At this level, you understand the historical and linguistic weight the word carries, including its Persian/Arabic roots which give it a formal, slightly 'official' flavor. You can use it to create balanced, rhythmic sentences that are common in Hindi oratory.

For C2 mastery, 'कायम रखना' (Kayam rakhna) is used with total native-like intuition, including its most subtle connotations. You can use it to describe the maintenance of abstract philosophical stances or the 'status quo' in highly nuanced diplomatic contexts. You might use it in poetry or creative writing to describe maintaining a 'shoonya' (void) or an 'ehsaas' (feeling). At this level, you are also aware of the archaic or highly formal variants like 'स्तंभित रखना' or 'अविचलित रखना' and when 'kayam rakhna' is the more appropriate, powerful choice. You can participate in high-level debates about 'maintaining the sovereignty of a nation' (rashtra ki samprabhuta kayam rakhna) and understand the legal implications of the term in constitutional law. Your usage reflects an understanding of the word's ability to command respect and imply a long-term, unyielding commitment. You can use it to explain the 'sthapana' (establishment) and subsequent 'anurakshan' (maintenance) of complex cultural paradigms, demonstrating a deep grasp of Hindi's expressive range.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कायम रखना in 30 Seconds

Kayam rakhna means to maintain or uphold a state, record, or tradition.
It is a transitive verb, often used with abstract nouns like peace and discipline.
The word is slightly formal and implies deliberate, continuous effort.
It is essential for news, professional settings, and discussing values.

The Hindi verb कायम रखना (Kayam rakhna) is a sophisticated yet commonly used expression that translates to 'to maintain,' 'to keep in existence,' or 'to uphold.' It is a compound verb consisting of the word 'कायम' (Kayam), which has its roots in Arabic meaning 'established,' 'firm,' or 'standing,' and the Hindi verb 'रखना' (Rakhna), which means 'to keep' or 'to put.' When combined, they describe the active effort required to ensure that a state, a relationship, a tradition, or a record remains unchanged and stable over time. This word is essential for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple everyday actions and more abstract, formal communication. You will encounter it in various contexts, ranging from personal discipline to international diplomacy.

Stability and Continuity: At its core, the phrase implies that something already exists and the subject is working to prevent it from fading or breaking. For example, maintaining peace (shanti) or maintaining a high standard (stariya).

हमें अपनी दोस्ती को हमेशा कायम रखना चाहिए। (We should always maintain our friendship.)

In Indian culture, the concept of 'Maryada' (dignity/limit) and 'Parampara' (tradition) are often paired with this verb. To 'Kayam rakhna' one's family honor or cultural values is seen as a significant responsibility. It suggests a sense of duty and persistence. Unlike the word 'bachana' (to save), which implies protection from an immediate threat, 'kayam rakhna' implies a continuous, steady effort to ensure longevity. It is often used in political speeches regarding 'aman aur shanti' (peace and harmony), in sports regarding 'record' (records), and in professional settings regarding 'vishwaas' (trust).

Formal vs. Informal: While 'banae rakhna' is a more common everyday synonym, 'kayam rakhna' carries a slightly more formal and resolute weight. Use it when you want to sound serious about your commitment to something.

पुलिस शहर में कानून-व्यवस्था कायम रखने की कोशिश कर रही है। (The police are trying to maintain law and order in the city.)

The word is versatile. If you are a student, you might want to 'kayam rakhna' your grades. If you are an athlete, you want to 'kayam rakhna' your fitness. If you are a leader, you must 'kayam rakhna' the trust of your followers. The beauty of this phrase lies in its ability to apply to both tangible and intangible assets. In the following sections, we will explore the grammatical nuances, common collocations, and practical scenarios where this verb becomes indispensable for your Hindi fluency journey.

Using कायम रखना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's transitive verb structure. Since it is a transitive verb (Sakalmak Kriya), it takes a direct object—the thing that is being maintained. In the perfective tenses (past tense), the subject will take the postposition 'ने' (ne), and the verb will agree with the object in gender and number. This is a crucial point for B1 learners who are often transitioning into more complex grammatical structures.

Grammatical Agreement: In the sentence 'उसने शांति कायम रखी' (He/She maintained peace), 'shanti' is feminine, so 'rakhna' becomes 'rakhi'. If the object was masculine, like 'anushasan' (discipline), it would be 'उसने अनुशासन कायम रखा'.

आपको अपना धैर्य कायम रखना होगा। (You will have to maintain your patience.)

When using it in the imperative form (giving commands or advice), it is often paired with 'चाहिए' (should) or used as an infinitive to express necessity. For instance, 'परंपराओं को कायम रखो' (Keep the traditions alive/Maintain the traditions). Note that the object is often followed by the particle 'को' (ko) if it is specific or human, though for abstract concepts like 'peace' or 'order', 'ko' is frequently omitted unless emphasis is needed.

Let's look at different tenses. Present Continuous: 'वह अपनी लय कायम रख रहा है' (He is maintaining his rhythm). Future: 'हम इस रिश्ते को कायम रखेंगे' (We will maintain this relationship). The verb 'rakhna' is the part that conjugates, while 'kayam' remains constant as an adjective functioning within the compound verb structure. This stability of 'kayam' makes it easier to remember, as you only need to master the conjugation of 'rakhna'.

क्या तुम अपनी बात कायम रखोगे? (Will you stand by your word / maintain your stance?)

Negation: To negate, place 'नहीं' (nahi) before 'कायम'. Example: 'वह अपना संतुलन नहीं कायम रख सका' (He could not maintain his balance). However, it is also common to place 'नहीं' between the two words: 'कायम नहीं रख सका', though the former is more standard in formal writing.

In the real world, कायम रखना is a staple of news broadcasts, political discourse, and motivational speaking. If you tune into an Indian news channel like NDTV India or Aaj Tak, you will frequently hear news anchors discussing 'shanti aur vyavastha' (peace and order). Phrases like 'इलाके में शांति कायम रखने के लिए भारी पुलिस बल तैनात है' (Heavy police force is deployed to maintain peace in the area) are ubiquitous in reporting on sensitive regions or events.

Sports Commentary: In cricket-obsessed India, commentators often use this word when a player is trying to maintain a strike rate or a team is trying to maintain its winning streak. 'विराट कोहली ने अपनी फॉर्म कायम रखी है' (Virat Kohli has maintained his form).

सचिन का रिकॉर्ड कायम रखना मुश्किल है। (It is difficult to maintain/keep Sachin's record.)

Beyond the media, you will hear this in professional environments. During performance reviews, a manager might tell an employee, 'आपको अपना प्रदर्शन कायम रखना होगा' (You will have to maintain your performance). In legal contexts, lawyers talk about 'status quo' using this phrase, referring to maintaining the current state of affairs until a judgment is passed. It's also found in literature and poetry, often referring to maintaining one's 'aan, baan, aur shaan' (pride, style, and glory).

Lastly, in daily life, parents use it with children regarding habits. 'अपनी अच्छी आदतों को कायम रखो' (Maintain your good habits). It is a word that signifies maturity and the understanding that building something is only half the battle; the real challenge is keeping it going. Whether it's a fitness regime, a spiritual practice, or a business reputation, 'kayam rakhna' is the verb of choice for sustainability.

सफलता पाना आसान है, लेकिन उसे कायम रखना कठिन। (Getting success is easy, but maintaining it is difficult.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing कायम रखना with 'बनाए रखना' (Banae rakhna) or 'जारी रखना' (Jari rakhna). While they are similar, 'Jari rakhna' specifically means 'to continue' an action (like continuing to run), whereas 'kayam rakhna' means to maintain a state or condition. You wouldn't say 'running' kayam rakho; you would say 'speed' kayam rakho.

The 'Ne' Postposition Mistake: As mentioned in the grammar section, many students forget to use 'ने' in the past tense. They might say 'वह शांति कायम रखा' (Wah shanti kayam rakha) instead of the correct 'उसने शांति कायम रखी' (Usne shanti kayam rakhi). Remember: Subject + Ne + Object + Verb (agreeing with object).

Incorrect: मैं अपना वादा कायम रहा। (I stayed maintained my promise - makes no sense). Correct: मैंने अपना वादा कायम रखा।

Another mistake is using 'kayam hona' (to be established) when they mean 'kayam rakhna' (to maintain). 'Hona' is intransitive and happens by itself or describes a state, while 'rakhna' requires an agent. For example, 'Shanti कायम है' (Peace is established/prevails) vs 'Humne shanti कायम रखी' (We maintained peace). Confusing these two changes the focus from the effort to the result.

Lastly, learners sometimes over-use 'kayam rakhna' for physical maintenance like 'maintaining a car'. While not entirely wrong, it sounds a bit too grand for a car. For physical objects, 'dekhbhal karna' (to look after) or 'service karwana' is more natural. 'Kayam rakhna' is best reserved for abstract concepts, standards, records, and relationships.

Avoid: मैंने अपनी कार कायम रखी। Better: मैंने अपनी कार की अच्छी हालत बनाए रखी।

Understanding the nuances between कायम रखना and its synonyms will elevate your Hindi from functional to fluent. The most common alternative is 'बनाए रखना' (Banae rakhna). In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 'banae rakhna' is slightly more informal and emphasizes the 'making' or 'building' part of the maintenance. If you want to say 'keep it up,' you'd say 'इसे बनाए रखो'.

कायम रखना vs. जारी रखना: 'जारी रखना' (Jari rakhna) means 'to continue' or 'to keep doing' an action. Use this for processes. Example: 'अपनी पढ़ाई जारी रखो' (Continue your studies). 'Kayam rakhna' is for the status or quality of those studies.

सुरक्षित रखना (Surakshit rakhna) means 'to keep safe' or 'to preserve'. This is used when there is a risk of damage or loss, like preserving a monument.

Another interesting alternative is 'संभालना' (Sambhalna). This usually translates to 'to handle' or 'to take care of'. It is used when something is fragile or prone to falling apart. For instance, 'रिश्तों को संभालना' (to handle/nurture relationships). While 'kayam rakhna' is about stability, 'sambhalna' is about care and prevention of collapse. In a business context, you might hear 'बरकरार रखना' (Barkaraar rakhna), which is a direct synonym of 'kayam rakhna' with a strong Urdu influence, often used in professional and legal settings.

निभाना (Nibhana): Specifically for promises and relationships. 'वादा निभाना' means to fulfill/maintain a promise. 'Kayam rakhna' can also be used here, but 'nibhana' is more common for the emotional aspect of fulfilling a duty.

अक्षुण्ण रखना (Akshunn rakhna) is a very high-level, Sanskritized term used in the constitution or formal documents meaning 'to keep intact/unbroken'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रशासन को क्षेत्र में शांति कायम रखनी चाहिए।"

Neutral

"हमें अपनी दोस्ती कायम रखनी चाहिए।"

Informal

"यार, अपनी टशन कायम रख!"

Child friendly

"अच्छी आदतें हमेशा कायम रखो।"

Slang

"अपना जलवा कायम है!"

Fun Fact

The root 'Qā'im' is the same root used for the word 'Qayamat' (Judgment Day/Resurrection), implying a state where everything 'stands' for judgment.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaː.jəm rəkʰ.naː/

US /kaɪ.əm rɑːk.nə/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'Kayam' (KA-yam) and the first syllable of 'Rakhna' (RAKH-na).

Rhymes With

लायक रखना (Layak rakhna) गायक रखना (Gayak rakhna) साया रखना (Saaya rakhna) माया रखना (Maaya rakhna) बनाए रखना (Banae rakhna) सजाए रखना (Sajae rakhna) दबाए रखना (Dabae rakhna) छिपाए रखना (Chipae rakhna)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Kayam' as 'Kayam' (with a short 'a'). It must be long 'Kā'.
Missing the aspiration in 'kh' of 'rakhna'. It's not 'rak-na'.
Treating 'Kayam' and 'Rakhna' as one word. They are distinct components of a compound verb.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and books; once you know the root, it's easy to spot.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'ne' in past tense and agreement with objects.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for sounding more professional and articulate.

Listening 3/5

Very frequent in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

रखना शांति नियम दोस्ती बनाना

Learn Next

बरकरार रखना अक्षुण्ण परिपालन संवर्धन स्थायित्व

Advanced

यथास्थिति (Status quo) प्रतिष्ठा (Prestige) मर्यादा (Dignity) अखंडता (Integrity)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Past Tense

Subject + ने + Object + कायम रखा/रखी/रखे।

Infinitive as Noun

शांति कायम रखना ज़रूरी है। (Maintaining peace is necessary.)

Modal 'Should'

हमें मर्यादा कायम रखनी चाहिए।

Future Tense

मैं अपनी मेहनत कायम रखूँगा।

Present Continuous

वह अपना रिकॉर्ड कायम रख रहा है।

Examples by Level

शांति कायम रखो।

Keep the peace.

Simple imperative (command).

सफाई कायम रखना अच्छी बात है।

Maintaining cleanliness is a good thing.

Infinitive used as a subject.

हमें खुशियाँ कायम रखनी चाहिए।

We should maintain happiness.

Use of 'chahie' for advice.

नियम कायम रखें।

Maintain the rules.

Formal imperative.

वह अपनी मुस्कान कायम रखता है।

He maintains his smile.

Present simple tense.

क्या तुम चुपचाप कायम रख सकते हो?

Can you maintain silence?

Use of 'sakna' (can).

अच्छी आदतें कायम रखो।

Maintain good habits.

Direct object 'habits'.

दोस्ती कायम रखना।

Maintain the friendship.

Infinitive as a suggestion.

उसने अपना रिकॉर्ड कायम रखा।

He maintained his record.

Past tense with 'ne' and masculine object 'record'.

पुलिस ने व्यवस्था कायम रखी।

The police maintained order.

Past tense with feminine object 'vyavastha'.

हमें अपना विश्वास कायम रखना होगा।

We will have to maintain our faith.

Future necessity with 'hoga'.

अपनी मेहनत कायम रखो।

Maintain your hard work.

Imperative for abstract noun.

वे परंपरा कायम रख रहे हैं।

They are maintaining the tradition.

Present continuous tense.

क्या आपने अपनी फिटनेस कायम रखी?

Did you maintain your fitness?

Interrogative past tense.

हमें एकता कायम रखनी है।

We have to maintain unity.

Infinitive of obligation.

वह अपना नाम कायम रखना चाहता है।

He wants to maintain his name (reputation).

Use of 'chahna' (to want).

दोनों देशों को शांति कायम रखनी चाहिए।

Both countries should maintain peace.

Moral obligation for plural subjects.

सफलता के लिए अनुशासन कायम रखना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to maintain discipline for success.

Abstract noun as object.

उसने मुश्किल समय में भी अपना धैर्य कायम रखा।

He maintained his patience even in difficult times.

Past tense highlighting persistence.

क्या आप अपनी गुणवत्ता कायम रख पाएंगे?

Will you be able to maintain your quality?

Future ability with 'paana'.

हमें पर्यावरण का संतुलन कायम रखना होगा।

We will have to maintain the ecological balance.

Genitive construction 'ka santulan'.

लेखक ने अपनी शैली कायम रखी है।

The writer has maintained his style.

Present perfect tense.

अपनी मर्यादा कायम रखना आपके हाथ में है।

Maintaining your dignity is in your hands.

Possessive 'aapke haath mein'.

वे बाज़ार में अपनी पकड़ कायम रखना चाहते हैं।

They want to maintain their grip on the market.

Metaphorical use of 'pakad' (grip).

लोकतंत्र की जड़ों को कायम रखना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

It is our duty to maintain the roots of democracy.

Metaphorical 'roots'.

उसने अपनी बातों पर कायम रहने की कोशिश की।

He tried to stay firm on his words.

Note: 'Kayam rehna' (to stay firm) is related but intransitive.

वैज्ञानिकों ने डेटा की सटीकता कायम रखी।

Scientists maintained the accuracy of the data.

Technical context.

क्या सरकार अपनी छवि कायम रख सकेगी?

Will the government be able to maintain its image?

Future possibility.

हमें आपसी संवाद कायम रखना चाहिए ताकि गलतफहमी न हो।

We should maintain mutual dialogue so that there is no misunderstanding.

Purpose clause with 'taki'.

पुरानी इमारतों की भव्यता कायम रखना मुश्किल काम है।

Maintaining the grandeur of old buildings is a difficult task.

Describing difficulty.

उसने खेल के प्रति अपना जुनून कायम रखा।

He maintained his passion for the sport.

Prepositional phrase 'ke prati'.

कंपनियों को ग्राहकों का भरोसा कायम रखना पड़ता है।

Companies have to maintain the trust of customers.

Compulsion with 'padta hai'.

संविधान की गरिमा कायम रखना न्यायपालिका का उत्तरदायित्व है।

Maintaining the dignity of the constitution is the responsibility of the judiciary.

Formal/Legal vocabulary.

वैश्वीकरण के दौर में अपनी संस्कृति कायम रखना चुनौतीपूर्ण है।

Maintaining one's culture in the era of globalization is challenging.

Sociological context.

उसने अपनी विचारधारा को अंत तक कायम रखा।

He maintained his ideology until the end.

Abstract ideological use.

अशांति के बावजूद उसने मानसिक संतुलन कायम रखा।

Despite the unrest, he maintained mental balance.

Concessive clause 'ke bawajood'.

इस शोध की निष्पक्षता कायम रखना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to maintain the impartiality of this research.

Academic context.

कलाकार ने अपनी कला की मौलिकता कायम रखी है।

The artist has maintained the originality of his art.

Artistic context.

राजनयिकों ने दोनों देशों के बीच संबंधों को कायम रखा।

Diplomats maintained the relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic context.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिसने अपनी हिम्मत कायम रखी, वही जीता।

History is witness that he who maintained his courage, won.

Literary/Oratory style.

सत्य और अहिंसा के सिद्धांतों को कायम रखना आज भी प्रासंगिक है।

Maintaining the principles of truth and non-violence is relevant even today.

Philosophical discourse.

किसी भी सभ्यता के लिए अपने नैतिक मूल्यों को कायम रखना अस्तित्व का प्रश्न है।

Maintaining moral values is a question of existence for any civilization.

Existential/Societal context.

उसने अपनी संप्रभुता कायम रखने के लिए कड़ा संघर्ष किया।

He struggled hard to maintain his sovereignty.

Political/Historical context.

ब्रह्मांड की जटिलता में एक व्यवस्था कायम रखना प्रकृति का चमत्कार है।

Maintaining an order in the complexity of the universe is a miracle of nature.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

लेखक ने अपनी रचनाओं में जो रहस्य कायम रखा है, वह अतुलनीय है।

The mystery that the author has maintained in his works is incomparable.

Literary criticism.

वैयक्तिक स्वतंत्रता और सामाजिक सुरक्षा के बीच संतुलन कायम रखना कठिन है।

It is difficult to maintain a balance between individual freedom and social security.

Complex societal trade-offs.

न्यायाधीश ने सुनवाई के दौरान न्यायालय की शुचिता कायम रखी।

The judge maintained the purity/sanctity of the court during the hearing.

High-register legal term 'shuchita'.

अपनी पहचान को कायम रखने की जद्दोजहद हर इंसान की कहानी है।

The struggle to maintain one's identity is the story of every human being.

Deep existential reflection.

Common Collocations

शांति कायम रखना

रिकॉर्ड कायम रखना

अनुशासन कायम रखना

मर्यादा कायम रखना

विश्वास कायम रखना

परंपरा कायम रखना

कानून-व्यवस्था कायम रखना

मानक कायम रखना

संपर्क कायम रखना

दबदबा कायम रखना

Common Phrases

अपनी बात कायम रखना

— To stick to one's word or stance.

वह अपनी बात पर कायम रहा।

वर्चस्व कायम रखना

— To maintain dominance or hegemony.

टीम ने अपना वर्चस्व कायम रखा।

अस्तित्व कायम रखना

— To maintain existence.

छोटे उद्योगों के लिए अपना अस्तित्व कायम रखना कठिन है।

दूरी कायम रखना

— To maintain distance.

बुरी आदतों से दूरी कायम रखें।

संतुलन कायम रखना

— To maintain balance.

काम और जीवन के बीच संतुलन कायम रखना ज़रूरी है।

गरिमा कायम रखना

— To maintain dignity.

पद की गरिमा कायम रखें।

एकता कायम रखना

— To maintain unity.

संकट के समय एकता कायम रखना चाहिए।

लय कायम रखना

— To maintain rhythm/flow.

लेखक ने कहानी की लय कायम रखी।

प्रभाव कायम रखना

— To maintain influence.

उसने जनता पर अपना प्रभाव कायम रखा।

रिश्ता कायम रखना

— To maintain a relationship.

मुश्किलों के बाद भी उन्होंने अपना रिश्ता कायम रखा।

Often Confused With

कायम रखना vs कायम रहना

This is intransitive. It means 'to remain firm' or 'to stay established' (e.g., I stayed firm on my word). 'Kayam rakhna' is 'to maintain something else'.

कायम रखना vs जारी रखना

This means 'to continue an action'. You continue running, but you maintain speed.

कायम रखना vs बनाना

This means 'to make'. You make a record, then you 'kayam rakhna' (maintain) it.

Idioms & Expressions

"अपनी आन कायम रखना"

— To maintain one's honor and pride at any cost.

राजपूतों ने अपनी आन कायम रखने के लिए युद्ध किया।

Literary/Historical

"पकड़ कायम रखना"

— To keep a firm grip or control over a situation.

मैच पर भारत ने अपनी पकड़ कायम रखी है।

Sports/General

"सिक्का कायम रखना"

— To maintain great influence or power (literally 'to keep one's coin').

बाजार में आज भी उनका सिक्का कायम है।

Metaphorical

"नाक कायम रखना"

— To save face or maintain reputation (similar to 'naak bachana').

उसने परिवार की नाक कायम रखी।

Informal

"परचम कायम रखना"

— To keep the flag flying; to maintain success.

उसने विदेश में भी भारत का परचम कायम रखा।

Formal/Patriotic

"धाक कायम रखना"

— To maintain awe or a formidable reputation.

पहलवान ने अखाड़े में अपनी धाक कायम रखी।

Colloquial

"नाम कायम रखना"

— To uphold the family or personal name.

अपने पिता का नाम कायम रखना उसका लक्ष्य है।

General

"मर्यादा कायम रखना"

— To stay within the bounds of decency/dignity.

बहस के दौरान मर्यादा कायम रखनी चाहिए।

Formal

"सिलसिला कायम रखना"

— To keep the series/chain of events going.

जीत का सिलसिला कायम रखें।

Neutral

"हुकूमत कायम रखना"

— To maintain rule or authority.

राजा अपनी हुकूमत कायम नहीं रख सका।

Historical

Easily Confused

कायम रखना vs बरकरार रखना

Both mean 'to maintain'.

'Barkaraar' is more Persian/Urdu and common in news. 'Kayam' is slightly more versatile.

उसने अपनी बढ़त बरकरार रखी।

कायम रखना vs संभालना

Both involve keeping something.

'Sambhalna' implies taking care of something that might break or fall. 'Kayam rakhna' is about stability.

बच्चे को संभालो।

कायम रखना vs बचाना

Maintaining can feel like saving.

'Bachana' is to save from danger. 'Kayam rakhna' is to keep a state going.

पैसे बचाओ।

कायम रखना vs रखना

It's the second part of the verb.

'Rakhna' alone is just 'to put' or 'to keep' a physical object.

किताब मेज़ पर रखो।

कायम रखना vs निभाना

Used for relationships/promises.

'Nibhana' is more about fulfilling a duty or role emotionally.

रिश्ता निभाना पड़ता है।

Sentence Patterns

[Object] कायम रखो।

शांति कायम रखो।

[Subject] ने [Object] कायम रखा।

उसने रिकॉर्ड कायम रखा।

[Subject] को [Object] कायम रखना चाहिए।

हमें एकता कायम रखनी चाहिए।

[Subject] [Object] कायम रख सकता है।

वह अपना संतुलन कायम रख सकता है।

[Object] कायम रखना [Adjective] है।

विश्वास कायम रखना कठिन है।

[Concept] की [Quality] को कायम रखना [Responsibility] है।

लोकतंत्र की गरिमा को कायम रखना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

बिना [Action] के [Object] कायम रखना असंभव है।

बिना अनुशासन के सफलता कायम रखना असंभव है।

अगर [Condition], तो [Subject] [Object] कायम रखेगा।

अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तो तुम अपना स्थान कायम रखोगे।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/news contexts, Medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

मैं शांति कायम रखा। → मैंने शांति कायम रखी।
Missing 'ne' and incorrect gender agreement with 'shanti' (feminine).
वह अपनी पढ़ाई कायम रख रहा है। → वह अपनी पढ़ाई जारी रख रहा है।
Use 'jari rakhna' for continuing an action/process like studying.
मैंने कार कायम रखी। → मैंने कार की अच्छी हालत बनाए रखी।
'Kayam rakhna' is too formal/abstract for car maintenance.
शांति कायम हो रही है। → शांति कायम रखी जा रही है।
'Kayam hona' is 'to be established'. To say 'is being maintained', use the passive 'rakhi ja rahi hai'.
तुम अपनी बात कायम रखो। → तुम अपनी बात पर कायम रहो।
For staying firm on one's own word, 'kayam rehna' is more idiomatic.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always check if the object is masculine or feminine. For 'Shanti' (F), use 'Rakhi'. For 'Anushasan' (M), use 'Rakha'.

Use for Abstracts

Reserve this word for abstract concepts like peace, records, and standards to sound more like a native speaker.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Kayam rakhna' in your office or writing, and 'Banae rakhna' with friends for a more natural feel.

The 'Kh' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'kh' in 'rakhna' with a puff of air. It’s an aspirated sound, not a hard 'k'.

Pair with 'Shanti'

The most common pairing is with 'Shanti' (peace). Memorize this pair first to understand the word's usage.

Firm Foundation

Think of 'Kayam' as 'Keeping it Firm'. It helps you remember the 'maintenance' aspect of the word.

Past Tense 'Ne'

Don't forget the 'ne' after the subject in the past tense. It's the most common mistake for B1 learners.

Confidence

Using this word in a sentence about your professional goals will make you sound very confident and articulate.

News Anchors

Watch Hindi news for 10 minutes; you are almost guaranteed to hear this word in a political or social context.

Respect the Word

In Hindi, this word often implies a moral duty. Use it when you want to show that you take a commitment seriously.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kayam' as 'Calm'. To keep a situation 'Calm' and stable, you need to 'Kayam rakhna'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding up a falling pillar. The act of keeping that pillar 'standing' (Kayam) is 'Kayam rakhna'.

Word Web

Stability Peace Record Tradition Standard Trust Discipline Order

Challenge

Try to use 'Kayam rakhna' in three different contexts today: once for a habit, once for a relationship, and once for a professional goal.

Word Origin

The word 'कायम' (Kāyam) is borrowed from Arabic 'Qā'im' (قائم), meaning standing, upright, or steadfast. 'रखना' (Rakhnā) is a native Indo-Aryan verb derived from Sanskrit 'rakṣati' (to protect/keep).

Original meaning: To cause something to remain standing or upright.

Indo-European (Hindi) + Afro-Asiatic (Arabic root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a positive, constructive verb. However, in political contexts, it can be used by authorities to justify control.

English speakers might use 'sustain' or 'uphold' in similar formal contexts, though 'maintain' is the most direct equivalent.

Political slogans like 'Shanti aur Aman Kayam Rakhen'. Bollywood dialogues: 'Main apne baap ki izzat hamesha kayam rakhunga'. News headlines during elections about maintaining law and order.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Law and Order

शांति कायम रखना
कानून कायम रखना
व्यवस्था कायम रखना
सुरक्षा कायम रखना

Sports

रिकॉर्ड कायम रखना
बढ़त कायम रखना
फॉर्म कायम रखना
लय कायम रखना

Personal Life

दोस्ती कायम रखना
विश्वास कायम रखना
संपर्क कायम रखना
धैर्य कायम रखना

Professional

गुणवत्ता कायम रखना
मानक कायम रखना
छवि कायम रखना
अनुशासन कायम रखना

Cultural/Moral

परंपरा कायम रखना
मर्यादा कायम रखना
मूल्य कायम रखना
संस्कृति कायम रखना

Conversation Starters

"आप अपनी फिटनेस कैसे कायम रखते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि सोशल मीडिया के दौर में पुरानी परंपराएं कायम रखना मुश्किल है?"

"एक अच्छे नेता को अपनी टीम का विश्वास कायम रखने के लिए क्या करना चाहिए?"

"आप अपने काम और निजी जीवन के बीच संतुलन कैसे कायम रखते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी कोई ऐसा रिकॉर्ड बनाया है जिसे आप कायम रखना चाहते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

उन तीन आदतों के बारे में लिखें जिन्हें आप इस साल कायम रखना चाहते हैं।

क्या कभी आपके लिए अपना धैर्य कायम रखना मुश्किल हुआ? उस घटना का वर्णन करें।

आपके परिवार की ऐसी कौन सी परंपरा है जिसे आप भविष्य में कायम रखना चाहेंगे?

सफलता पाने और उसे कायम रखने के बीच क्या अंतर है? अपने विचार लिखें।

आज के समाज में शांति कायम रखने के लिए सबसे बड़ी चुनौती क्या है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The word 'Kayam' comes from Arabic and literally means 'standing', 'upright', or 'firm'. In 'Kayam rakhna', it implies keeping something in that 'standing' or 'established' position.

It's better to use 'banae rakhna' or 'dekhbhal karna' for physical objects like a car. 'Kayam rakhna' is usually for abstract things like peace, records, or standards.

'Kayam rakhna' is transitive (to maintain something), while 'Kayam rehna' is intransitive (to stay firm on something). For example: 'मैंने वादा कायम रखा' (I maintained the promise) vs 'मैं वादे पर कायम रहा' (I stayed firm on the promise).

Yes, it is more formal than 'banae rakhna' and is very common in journalism, law, and formal speeches.

The standard phrase is 'शांति कायम रखना' (Shanti kayam rakhna).

In the past tense, it changes with the object, not the subject. In the present and future, it changes with the subject.

Yes, 'Barkaraar rakhna' is a very close synonym, often used in news broadcasts to mean 'to maintain' a status or lead.

No, for secrets, use 'गुप्त रखना' (gupt rakhna) or 'राज रखना' (raaz rakhna).

The opposite would be 'खत्म करना' (to end), 'तोड़ना' (to break), or 'गंवाना' (to lose).

Yes, but mostly when talking about serious things like trust, friendship, or habits. For mundane things, simpler words are used.