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खुराक

A2 noun #5,500 most common 10 min read

खुराक

khurak Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips खुराक in 30 Seconds

Explanation खुराक in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'खुराक' (khuraak) means a 'dose' of medicine. Think of it as one unit of medicine you take at one time. For example, if you have a headache and take one pill, that pill is one 'khuraak'. It is a feminine word. You will mostly hear this word from doctors or at a pharmacy. Just remember: one dose = ek khuraak. It is a very useful word if you need to buy medicine in India. You might also hear it when someone talks about how much a small baby eats. It is a simple concept of 'amount' for eating or medicine. At this stage, focus on the medical meaning.

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'खुराक' (khuraak) used for food intake as well. It doesn't just mean medicine anymore; it refers to the amount of food someone eats to stay healthy. For example, 'उसकी खुराक अच्छी है' means 'His appetite/intake is good'. You will notice that the word is feminine, so we use 'बड़ी' (big) or 'कम' (less) with it. You should be able to use it in sentences like 'दवा की दो खुराक' (two doses of medicine). This level requires you to understand that it's a specific amount, not just a general word for food. It is often used for children, pets, or athletes to describe how much they consume daily.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'खुराक' (khuraak) in more complex sentences involving prescriptions and health routines. You will encounter it in health-related articles or news. For instance, you might read about a 'दैनिक खुराक' (daily dose/intake) of vitamins. You should also understand the plural form 'खुराकें' and how it changes to 'खुराकों' when followed by words like 'में' or 'से'. At this level, you start to distinguish between 'khuraak' (amount) and 'bhojan' (meal). You can talk about the specific diet of an athlete or the required dosage for a treatment plan. It is a word that helps you discuss health and habits more precisely.

At the B2 level, 'खुराक' (khuraak) becomes a tool for discussing nutrition, pharmaceutical standards, and metaphorical concepts. You might hear it in a debate about public health, such as the 'बूस्टर खुराक' (booster dose) campaigns. You should be able to use it to describe the 'intake' of resources or energy in a more abstract sense, though medicine and food remain primary. You will also understand the nuances between 'khuraak', 'aahaar' (diet), and 'maatra' (quantity). You can explain why a certain 'khuraak' is necessary for a specific medical condition. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's feminine gender and its Persian roots.

At the C1 level, you can use 'खुराक' (khuraak) fluently in professional and literary contexts. You understand its metaphorical potential—for instance, a 'dose of reality' or a 'dose of inspiration'. You can read classical Hindi literature where 'khuraak' might be used to describe the sustenance of the soul or the mind. You are aware of the word's history and its place in the socio-cultural fabric of India, such as its importance in the 'Akhada' (wrestling) culture. You can use the word in pharmaceutical discussions, precisely describing dosages, intervals, and nutritional requirements for various demographics. Your grammar is flawless, especially with plural and oblique forms.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over 'खुराक' (khuraak) and its subtle connotations. You can use it to critique medical policies, discuss the linguistic evolution of Persian loanwords in Hindi, or use it in high-level creative writing. You understand the historical shift from the word meaning 'food' in Persian to its specific 'dose' meaning in modern Hindi. You can navigate any regional variation in its usage and understand when it might be used colloquially to mean a 'scolding' or a 'lesson'. For you, 'khuraak' is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural marker that you use with the same ease as a native speaker in any setting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

खुराक in 30 Seconds

Khuraak means a dose of medicine or a dietary intake.
It is a feminine noun derived from Persian.
Commonly used in medical prescriptions and sports diets.
Plural form is 'khuraaken'; oblique plural is 'khuraakon'.

The Hindi word खुराक (khuraak) is a versatile noun primarily used to describe a specific quantity of something consumed, most commonly medicine or food. Derived from the Persian word for 'food' or 'eating', it has evolved in the Indian linguistic landscape to carry two distinct but related weights. In a medical context, it refers to the precise dose of a drug or medicine prescribed by a professional. In a nutritional or general context, it refers to the amount of food a person or animal consumes in a single sitting or over a specific period, often implying the 'dietary capacity' or 'intake' of an individual. Understanding khuraak is essential for anyone navigating healthcare, fitness, or daily dining in Hindi-speaking regions.

Medical Context: In a pharmacy or hospital, the pharmacist will tell you how many 'khuraak' to take per day. It signifies a single unit of administration.

डॉक्टर ने कहा कि इस दवा की एक खुराक रात को सोने से पहले लेनी है। (The doctor said that one dose of this medicine is to be taken before sleeping at night.)

Dietary Context: When talking about a wrestler or an athlete, people might discuss their massive 'khuraak' to highlight their strength and health.

पहलवानों की खुराक में दूध और घी की मात्रा बहुत अधिक होती है। (The diet/intake of wrestlers contains a very high amount of milk and clarified butter.)

Beyond the physical, khuraak can also appear in metaphorical senses. For instance, a 'dose of scolding' or a 'dose of advice' can sometimes be colloquially referred to using this term in specific regional dialects, though this is less common than the literal meanings. It is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine modifiers like 'बड़ी' (big) or 'कम' (less). When you are at a chemist's shop, you might hear the phrase 'तीन खुराक', meaning three doses, often referring to three small paper packets containing powdered medicine. This reflects the traditional way medicine was dispensed in India before the ubiquity of blister packs and tablets. The word carries a sense of necessity and measured quantity; it is not just any food, but the food required for sustenance or the medicine required for healing.

बच्चे को दवा की आधी खुराक ही देना। (Give only half a dose of the medicine to the child.)

Grammatical Note: Always remember that khuraak is a feminine noun. Therefore, use 'मेरी खुराक' (my diet) instead of 'मेरा खुराक'.

Using खुराक (khuraak) correctly requires an understanding of its dual nature as both 'dose' and 'diet'. When constructing sentences, the context usually dictates which meaning is intended. For medicine, it is often paired with verbs like 'लेना' (to take) or 'देना' (to give). For food, it is often paired with adjectives describing quantity like 'ज़्यादा' (more), 'कम' (less), or 'पौष्टिक' (nutritious). Because it is a feminine noun, any adjectives or verbs associated with it must agree in gender. For example, 'पूरी खुराक' (full dose) uses the feminine 'पूरी' rather than the masculine 'पूरा'.

Prescriptive Usage: This is common in medical prescriptions and instructions provided by healthcare workers.

क्या आपने आज की दूसरी खुराक ले ली है? (Have you taken today's second dose?)

In a nutritional context, khuraak emphasizes the volume of consumption. If you are talking about a growing child, you might say their 'khuraak' has increased. If you are discussing a horse's needs, you would talk about its 'khuraak' of hay and grain. It is a more formal or specific word than 'khana' (food). While 'khana' refers to the food itself, 'khuraak' refers to the amount or the regimen of eating. This distinction is vital for sounding like a native speaker.

Nutritional Capacity: Used to describe the appetite or the required food intake for physical growth or maintenance.

अच्छी सेहत के लिए संतुलित खुराक बहुत ज़रूरी है। (A balanced diet/intake is very important for good health.)

One can also use the word in the plural form, khuraaken (खुराकें). For instance, if a doctor gives you three packets of medicine, they are 'तीन खुराकें'. In modern urban Hindi, the English word 'dose' is frequently used as a synonym, but khuraak remains the standard term in formal writing, literature, and among older generations. It carries a certain weight that 'dose' lacks, often implying a traditional or holistic approach to health. If you want to describe someone who eats a lot, you can call them 'बड़ी खुराक वाला इंसान' (a person with a large appetite).

उसकी खुराक इतनी कम है कि मुझे उसकी चिंता होती है। (His intake/appetite is so low that I worry about him.)

Comparative Usage: Comparing the needs of different individuals often involves this term.

The word खुराक (khuraak) is heard in a variety of settings across India, ranging from clinical environments to traditional wrestling pits (akhadas). In a medical setting, it is the standard term used by doctors, nurses, and pharmacists when giving instructions to patients who might not be fluent in English. You will hear it in small clinics in villages and in large government hospitals in cities. It is also common in TV health shows and news segments discussing vaccination drives, such as the 'बूस्टर खुराक' (booster dose) for COVID-19 or the 'दो बूंद' (two drops) for polio, which is often described as a 'खुराक'.

In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists use it to explain how to take medicine. They might write '1-0-1' on a packet and say 'दो खुराकें' (two doses).

दवा की आखिरी खुराक खत्म हो गई है। (The last dose of the medicine is finished.)

In the world of sports, particularly traditional sports like wrestling (Kushti) and Kabaddi, khuraak is a buzzword. It refers to the special diet consisting of almonds, milk, ghee, and fruits that athletes consume to build muscle. When fans discuss their favorite wrestlers, they often talk about their 'khuraak' as much as their technique. This usage is very common in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, in rural agrarian settings, farmers use 'khuraak' to describe the feed given to livestock like cows and buffaloes to ensure high milk production.

In the Gym or Akhada: Trainers and athletes use it to refer to the substantial amount of food needed for strength training.

बिना अच्छी खुराक के शरीर नहीं बनता। (Without a good diet/intake, the body doesn't build up.)

In literature and old Bollywood movies, you might hear the word used in a more poetic or dramatic sense. A character might say they need a 'khuraak' of love or a 'khuraak' of revenge. While this is figurative, it highlights the word's core meaning as something that sustains or fulfills a requirement. In everyday households, elders use the word when scolding children for not eating enough or when making sure everyone has had their vitamins. It is a word that bridges the gap between the clinical and the domestic, making it a staple of the Hindi language.

गाय की खुराक में खल और चोकर मिला दो। (Mix oil cake and bran in the cow's feed/diet.)

Metaphorical Use: Used to describe a 'dose' of something non-physical, like music or scolding.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with खुराक (khuraak) is confusing its gender. Since many Hindi nouns ending in a consonant are masculine, beginners often assume khuraak is masculine too. However, it is feminine. Using 'मेरा खुराक' (mera khuraak) instead of 'मेरी खुराक' (meri khuraak) is a dead giveaway that the speaker is not fully comfortable with the language. Always pair it with feminine adjectives (बड़ी, छोटी, अच्छी) and feminine possessive pronouns (मेरी, तुम्हारी, उसकी).

Gender Mismatch: Using masculine modifiers with this feminine noun.

गलत: वह बहुत बड़ा खुराक खाता है। (Wrong: He eats a very big diet.)
सही: उसकी खुराक बहुत बड़ी है। (Right: His diet/intake is very big.)

Another common error is using khuraak as a direct synonym for 'meal' (खाना). While a 'meal' is an event, khuraak is the quantity or the substance consumed. You wouldn't say 'मैंने अपनी खुराक खाई' (I ate my dose) in a casual lunch setting unless you were specifically talking about a prescribed diet or a measured amount. Using it in place of 'meal' can sound overly technical or strange in social situations. It is better to use 'खाना' for general meals and 'खुराक' for specific amounts or medical doses.

Contextual Misuse: Using 'khuraak' when you simply mean 'food' or a 'meal' in a social context.

सावधानी: खुराक का मतलब हमेशा 'खाना' नहीं होता। (Caution: Khuraak doesn't always mean 'food'.)

Learners also sometimes confuse khuraak with 'khurachna' (to scrape) or 'khuraafat' (mischief) due to similar phonetic beginnings. These words are entirely unrelated. Lastly, in pluralization, remember that the plural of khuraak is khuraaken, and the oblique plural (used with postpositions like 'में', 'से', 'को') is khuraakon. Forgetting to change the form in oblique cases is a common mistake for intermediate students. For example, 'इन खुराकों को' (these doses) is correct, while 'इन खुराक को' is grammatically incomplete.

इन तीन खुराकों को पानी के साथ लें। (Take these three doses with water.)

Oblique Case Error: Failing to use 'khuraakon' when a postposition follows the plural noun.

To truly master खुराक (khuraak), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym in a medical context is the English loanword डोज़ (dose), which is widely understood in urban India. However, khuraak feels more native and is preferred in formal Hindi and regional dialects. Another close synonym is मात्रा (maatra), which means 'quantity' or 'amount'. While maatra is a general term for any quantity (like the quantity of sugar in tea), khuraak is specifically for something consumed by a living being.

Khuraak vs. Maatra: 'Maatra' is general quantity; 'Khuraak' is specific to consumption/dose.
Khuraak vs. Aahaar: 'Aahaar' is a formal word for 'diet' or 'sustenance', often used in health and philosophy. 'Khuraak' is more common in daily speech and medicine.

दवा की मात्रा (quantity of medicine) vs. दवा की खुराक (dose of medicine).

In the context of food, आहार (aahaar) and भोजन (bhojan) are alternatives. Bhojan is the most common word for a meal, especially in a respectful or formal sense. Aahaar is more academic or medical, referring to the entire nutritional intake of a person. Khuraak sits in the middle; it's less formal than aahaar but more specific about quantity than bhojan. If you want to say someone has a healthy appetite, you could say 'उनका आहार अच्छा है' (their diet is good) or 'उनकी खुराक अच्छी है' (their intake is good). The latter sounds more natural in a conversation about physical strength.

Comparison Table

खुराक (Khuraak): Dose/Intake (Medicine or Food). Common.
डोज़ (Dose): Dose (Medicine). Modern/English Loanword.
मात्रा (Maatra): Amount/Quantity. General.
आहार (Aahaar): Diet/Nutrition. Formal/Scientific.
भोजन (Bhojan): Meal/Food. Common/Respectful.

For animals, चारा (chaara) is used for fodder/hay, but the total nutritional intake can still be called khuraak. For example, 'घोड़े की खुराक' refers to everything the horse eats to stay fit for racing. In summary, while several words overlap with khuraak, its unique position as a bridge between medicine and nutrition makes it an indispensable part of the Hindi vocabulary. Mastery of this word allows you to discuss health, prescriptions, and physical fitness with precision and cultural nuance.

संतुलित आहार ही जीवन का आधार है। (A balanced diet is the basis of life.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While in Persian it still broadly means 'food', in Hindi, its meaning narrowed significantly to 'dose' of medicine, though the 'diet' meaning remains.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kʰʊ.ɾɑːk/

US /kʊ.rɑːk/

The stress is slightly on the second syllable '-raak'.

Rhymes With

चाक (chaak) पाक (paak) खाक (khaak) नाक (naak) ताक (taak) बेबाक (bebaak) पोशाक (poshaak) मज़ाक (mazaak)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k'. It should have a breath of air.
Making the 'u' too long. It is a short vowel.
Pronouncing it as 'khuraak' with a soft 'kh' (like in German 'Bach'), which is actually closer to the original Persian but less common in standard Hindi.
Confusing the final 'k' with a 'g' sound.
Shortening the 'aa' vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in medical contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender.

Speaking 3/5

Aspiration of 'kh' needs practice.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in clinics and pharmacies.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दवा (dawa) खाना (khana) मात्रा (maatra) लेना (lena) देना (dena)

Learn Next

नुस्खा (nuskha) - prescription परहेज (parhez) - dietary restriction इलाज (ilaaj) - treatment सेहत (sehat) - health बीमारी (beemari) - illness

Advanced

औषधि (aushadhi) पोषण (poshan) यथार्थ (yathaarth) सूक्ष्म (sukshm) घातक (ghaatak)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी (feminine) खुराक (feminine) अच्छी (feminine) है।

Pluralization of -ak nouns

खुराक -> खुराकें (Simple Plural)

Oblique Plural Construction

खुराकों (Oblique Plural) में (Postposition)

Possessive 'Ki' usage

दवा की (feminine) खुराक

Compound Verb with 'Lena'

खुराक ले (root) लेना (auxiliary) - to take the dose.

Examples by Level

यह दवा की एक खुराक है।

This is one dose of medicine.

A1: Simple identification of the word.

बच्चे की खुराक कम है।

The baby's intake is small.

A1: Using 'khuraak' for food quantity.

दो खुराक पानी के साथ लें।

Take two doses with water.

A1: Imperative sentence with quantity.

मेरी खुराक क्या है?

What is my dose/intake?

A1: Simple question using possessive pronoun.

यह खुराक बहुत बड़ी है।

This dose is very large.

A1: Adjective agreement (feminine).

दिन में तीन खुराक।

Three doses in a day.

A1: Expressing frequency.

दवा की खुराक कहाँ है?

Where is the dose of medicine?

A1: Simple 'where' question.

एक खुराक खाओ।

Eat/take one dose.

A1: Simple command.

डॉक्टर ने दवा की दो खुराकें दीं।

The doctor gave two doses of medicine.

A2: Plural form 'khuraaken'.

घोड़े की खुराक बहुत ज़्यादा होती है।

A horse's diet/intake is very much.

A2: Possessive case with animal.

क्या आपने आज की खुराक ली?

Did you take today's dose?

A2: Past tense question.

अच्छी खुराक से सेहत बनती है।

Health is built with a good diet.

A2: Using 'se' (with/by).

बच्चे को आधी खुराक देना।

Give half a dose to the child.

A2: Fractional quantity 'aadhi'.

यह उसकी दैनिक खुराक है।

This is his daily intake.

A2: Using 'dainik' (daily).

ज्यादा खुराक मत खाओ।

Don't eat too much (intake).

A2: Negative command.

दवा की आखिरी खुराक बची है।

The last dose of medicine is left.

A2: Using 'aakhiri' (last).

मरीज़ को हर छह घंटे में एक खुराक दी जानी चाहिए।

The patient should be given one dose every six hours.

B1: Passive construction 'di jaani chahiye'.

खिलाड़ियों को अपनी खुराक का विशेष ध्यान रखना पड़ता है।

Athletes have to take special care of their diet.

B1: Use of 'padta hai' for obligation.

अगर आप एक खुराक भूल जाएँ, तो अगली खुराक समय पर लें।

If you forget one dose, take the next dose on time.

B1: Conditional sentence 'agar... toh'.

इस विटामिन की खुराक शरीर के लिए आवश्यक है।

This dose of vitamin is essential for the body.

B1: Using 'aavashyak' (essential).

उसकी खुराक में अब फल भी शामिल हैं।

Fruits are now also included in his diet.

B1: Using 'shaamil' (included).

क्या यह खुराक खाली पेट लेनी है?

Is this dose to be taken on an empty stomach?

B1: Compound phrase 'khaali pet'.

दवा की सही खुराक ही असर करती है।

Only the correct dose of medicine works.

B1: Emphatic 'hi'.

उसने अपनी खुराक बढ़ा दी है।

He has increased his intake.

B1: Transitive verb 'badha dena'.

टीकाकरण अभियान के तहत बूस्टर खुराक दी जा रही है।

A booster dose is being given under the vaccination campaign.

B2: Formal vocabulary 'abhiyaan', 'tikaakaran'.

पहलवान की खुराक में बादाम और दूध का मिश्रण होता है।

A wrestler's diet consists of a mixture of almonds and milk.

B2: Descriptive noun phrase.

अत्यधिक खुराक स्वास्थ्य के लिए हानिकारक हो सकती है।

An excessive dose can be harmful to health.

B2: Using 'atyadhik' (excessive) and 'haanikaarak' (harmful).

खुराकों के बीच का अंतर डॉक्टर के अनुसार होना चाहिए।

The interval between doses should be according to the doctor.

B2: Oblique plural 'khuraakon'.

पौष्टिक खुराक बच्चों के विकास के लिए अनिवार्य है।

A nutritious diet is mandatory for the development of children.

B2: Formal words 'paushtik', 'anivaarya'.

इस दवा की खुराक उम्र के हिसाब से तय की जाती है।

The dose of this medicine is decided according to age.

B2: Passive voice 'tay ki jaati hai'.

उसकी खुराक देखकर सब हैरान रह गए।

Everyone was surprised to see his appetite.

B2: Complex sentence with 'dekhkar'.

नियमित खुराक से ही सुधार संभव है।

Improvement is only possible with a regular dose.

B2: Using 'niyamit' (regular) and 'sambhav' (possible).

दवा की खुराक में ज़रा सी भी चूक घातक सिद्ध हो सकती है।

Even a slight lapse in the dose of medicine can prove fatal.

C1: Advanced vocabulary 'chuk' (lapse), 'ghaatak' (fatal).

साहित्य की एक अच्छी खुराक मन को शांति प्रदान करती है।

A good dose of literature provides peace to the mind.

C1: Metaphorical usage of 'khuraak'.

वैज्ञानिकों ने इस टीके की इष्टतम खुराक निर्धारित की है।

Scientists have determined the optimum dose of this vaccine.

C1: Academic terms 'ishtatam' (optimum), 'nirdhaarit' (determined).

उसकी खुराक और कसरत का तालमेल अद्भुत है।

The coordination between his diet and exercise is amazing.

C1: Abstract noun 'taalmel' (coordination).

मरीज़ की स्थिति के अनुसार खुराक को समायोजित किया गया।

The dose was adjusted according to the patient's condition.

C1: Using 'samayojit' (adjusted).

क्या यह खुराक दीर्घकालिक प्रभावों के लिए सुरक्षित है?

Is this dose safe for long-term effects?

C1: Formal term 'deerghkaalik' (long-term).

उसकी बातों में सच्चाई की एक खुराक थी।

There was a dose of truth in his words.

C1: Figurative expression.

खुराक की अधिकता विषाक्तता पैदा कर सकती है।

An excess of dose can cause toxicity.

C1: Technical terms 'adhikta', 'vishaaktata'.

दार्शनिक विचारों की खुराक ने उसके जीवन की दिशा बदल दी।

The dose of philosophical thoughts changed the direction of his life.

C2: Highly abstract and literary usage.

प्रशासन ने प्रत्येक नागरिक के लिए खुराक की उपलब्धता सुनिश्चित की।

The administration ensured the availability of the dose for every citizen.

C2: Administrative and formal Hindi.

इस औषधि की सूक्ष्म खुराक भी अत्यंत प्रभावशाली है।

Even a microscopic dose of this medicine is extremely effective.

C2: Precision in description 'sukshm' (microscopic).

लेखक ने समाज को यथार्थ की एक कड़वी खुराक पिलाई।

The author gave the society a bitter dose of reality.

C2: Idiomatic/Metaphorical 'kadvi khuraak pilaana'.

खुराक का निर्धारण नैदानिक परीक्षणों के आधार पर किया जाता है।

The determination of the dose is done on the basis of clinical trials.

C2: Academic/Medical Hindi 'naidaanik pareekshan'.

उसकी आध्यात्मिक खुराक उसे हर संकट से उबारती है।

His spiritual intake/sustenance saves him from every crisis.

C2: Deeply metaphorical usage.

मृदा की उर्वरता बढ़ाने के लिए पोषक तत्वों की खुराक आवश्यक है।

A dose of nutrients is necessary to increase the fertility of the soil.

C2: Agricultural/Scientific context.

खुराक की मात्रा में निरंतरता ही उपचार की सफलता की कुंजी है।

Consistency in the amount of dose is the key to the success of the treatment.

C2: Complex sentence structure with abstract concepts.

Common Collocations

दवा की खुराक

दैनिक खुराक

पूरी खुराक

आधी खुराक

बूस्टर खुराक

संतुलित खुराक

भारी खुराक

नियमित खुराक

अंतिम खुराक

पौष्टिक खुराक

Common Phrases

खुराक मिलना

— To receive a dose or a meal. Often used for animals.

जानवरों को समय पर खुराक मिलनी चाहिए।

खुराक बांधना

— To fix a specific amount of food or medicine.

डॉक्टर ने उसकी खुराक बांध दी है।

खुराक कम करना

— To reduce the intake or dose.

उसने अपनी खुराक कम कर दी है।

खुराक बढ़ाना

— To increase the intake or dose.

सर्दियों में खुराक बढ़ जाती है।

खुराक का समय

— The time for a dose or meal.

यह आपकी खुराक का समय है।

एक खुराक की मार

— Something that can be solved with just one dose (colloquial).

यह बीमारी बस एक खुराक की मार है।

खुराक का हिसाब

— The calculation of intake or dose.

अपनी खुराक का हिसाब रखो।

खुराक पूरी होना

— To complete a dose or a nutritional requirement.

आज की खुराक पूरी हो गई।

खुराक की कमी

— Shortage of dose or nutrition.

खुराक की कमी से कमजोरी आती है।

ताज़ा खुराक

— A fresh dose or fresh food intake.

उसे ताज़ा खुराक की ज़रूरत है।

Often Confused With

खुराक vs खुरचना (khurachna)

Phonetically similar but means 'to scrape'.

खुराक vs खुराफ़ात (khurafat)

Phonetically similar but means 'mischief' or 'nonsense'.

खुराक vs खुराक (khuraak) vs डोज़ (dose)

Khuraak is Hindi/Persian; Dose is English. They are interchangeable in cities.

Idioms & Expressions

"दिमाग की खुराक"

— Sustenance for the mind, like reading or learning.

किताबें दिमाग की खुराक होती हैं।

Literary

"कड़वी खुराक"

— A bitter dose, usually referring to an unpleasant truth or experience.

हार उसके लिए एक कड़वी खुराक थी।

Figurative

"गाली की खुराक"

— To be habituated to being scolded (negative colloquial).

उसे रोज़ गाली की खुराक चाहिए।

Slang/Informal

"आत्मा की खुराक"

— Sustenance for the soul, often music or prayer.

संगीत आत्मा की खुराक है।

Poetic

"डंडे की खुराक"

— Referring to someone who only listens after being beaten or punished.

वह बिना डंडे की खुराक के नहीं मानेगा।

Informal/Harsh

"प्यार की खुराक"

— The need for affection to thrive.

बच्चों को प्यार की खुराक भी चाहिए।

Emotional

"रोज़ की खुराक"

— Something that happens every day, often something annoying.

ट्रैफ़िक जाम यहाँ की रोज़ की खुराक है।

Colloquial

"खुराक पिलाना"

— To teach someone a lesson (metaphorical).

उसने उसे अच्छी खुराक पिलाई।

Informal

"हिम्मत की खुराक"

— Something that gives courage.

दोस्तों का साथ हिम्मत की खुराक जैसा है।

Inspirational

"नींद की खुराक"

— A dose of sleep, often referring to a sleeping pill or a nap.

मुझे बस एक अच्छी नींद की खुराक चाहिए।

Common

Easily Confused

खुराक vs मात्रा (maatra)

Both mean 'quantity'.

Maatra is for any quantity (sugar, water, light). Khuraak is specifically for something consumed (medicine, food).

दवा की खुराक (dose) vs पानी की मात्रा (quantity of water).

खुराक vs आहार (aahaar)

Both mean 'diet'.

Aahaar is formal and refers to the whole nutritional concept. Khuraak is everyday and refers to the specific amount eaten.

संतुलित आहार (balanced diet) vs पहलवान की खुराक (wrestler's intake).

खुराक vs भोजन (bhojan)

Both relate to food.

Bhojan is the meal itself. Khuraak is the amount or the capacity to eat.

भोजन स्वादिष्ट है (the meal is tasty) vs उसकी खुराक बड़ी है (his intake is large).

खुराक vs चारा (chaara)

Both used for animal food.

Chaara is the specific fodder (grass/hay). Khuraak is the total nutritional intake (including grains, vitamins).

गाय का चारा (cow's hay) vs गाय की खुराक (cow's total diet).

खुराक vs डोज़ (dose)

Direct synonyms.

Dose is an English loanword used in modern contexts. Khuraak is the traditional and formal Hindi term.

वैक्सीन की डोज़ vs दवा की खुराक.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] की खुराक है।

यह दवा की खुराक है।

[Possessive] खुराक [Adjective] है।

उसकी खुराक कम है।

[Time] में [Number] खुराक लें।

दिन में तीन खुराक लें।

[Condition] के लिए [Adjective] खुराक ज़रूरी है।

विकास के लिए पौष्टिक खुराक ज़रूरी है।

खुराक की [Noun] [Verb].

खुराक की मात्रा बढ़ानी पड़ेगी।

[Abstract Noun] की खुराक ने [Result].

सच्चाई की खुराक ने उसे बदल दिया।

अगर खुराक भूल गए तो...

अगर खुराक भूल गए तो डॉक्टर से पूछें।

खुराक के साथ [Noun] लें।

खुराक के साथ दूध लें।

Word Family

Nouns

खुश-खुराक (khush-khuraak) - someone who eats well/enjoys food

खुराकी (khuraaki) - related to food or allowance

Adjectives

खुराकी (khuraaki) - dietary/nutritional

खाना (khana)

खिलाना (khilana)

खोर (khor) - suffix meaning eater (e.g., rishwat-khor)

खुराक-नामा (khuraak-nama) - diet chart (rare)

दवा (dawa)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech, especially regarding health and athletes.

Common Mistakes

मेरा खुराक (Mera khuraak) → मेरी खुराक (Meri khuraak)
Khuraak is a feminine noun, so the possessive pronoun must be feminine.
दो खुराक (Do khuraak) → दो खुराकें (Do khuraaken)
When counting more than one, use the plural form 'khuraaken' unless it's an informal setting.
खुराक खाना (Khuraak khana) for medicine → खुराक लेना (Khuraak lena)
For medicine, 'lena' (to take) is more appropriate than 'khana' (to eat).
Using 'khuraak' for 'meal' in a restaurant. → Using 'bhojan' or 'khana'.
Khuraak refers to the quantity or dose, not the social event of a meal.
खुराक में (Khuraak mein) for plural. → खुराकों में (Khuraakon mein).
In the presence of a postposition, the plural 'khuraaken' changes to the oblique 'khuraakon'.

Tips

Gender Memory

Imagine a 'khuraak' as a 'queen' (feminine) who decides how much you eat. This will help you remember it's feminine.

Medical Accuracy

When at a pharmacy, always specify the number of 'khuraak' you need if the medicine is dispensed in loose packets.

Sports Talk

Use 'khuraak' when talking about gym diets or athletes to sound more like a native sports enthusiast.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'khuraak' over 'maatra' when the quantity is something that goes into a living body.

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't ignore the dot (nukta) often implied under 'kh'. It's a deep breathy sound from the throat.

Plural Forms

In formal writing, always use 'खुराकें' for multiple doses. Avoid using the singular for plural counts.

Polio Campaign

Remember the phrase 'दो बूंद की खुराक' to connect with a major part of Indian public health history.

Doctor's Orders

Listen for 'khuraak' followed by 'khali pet' (empty stomach) or 'khane ke baad' (after food).

Abstract Use

Use 'दिमाग की खुराक' when talking about your favorite books or podcasts.

Complimenting Health

In a village setting, saying someone has a 'good khuraak' is a way of saying they look strong and healthy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Khuraak' as 'Core-Act'. Taking your medicine is a 'core act' for your health, and the amount you take is the 'Khuraak'.

Visual Association

Imagine a small paper packet (pudiya) used by traditional Indian doctors to give a single 'khuraak' of powdered medicine.

Word Web

Dose Diet Medicine Nutrition Intake Prescription Appetite Amount

Challenge

Try to use 'khuraak' in three different sentences today: one about medicine, one about an animal's food, and one about a person's appetite.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'خوراک' (khorāk), which comes from the verb 'خوردن' (khordan) meaning 'to eat'. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the Mughal courts and administration.

Original meaning: Food, victuals, or provisions.

Indo-European (Indo-Iranian branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it metaphoricaly for scolding (dande ki khuraak) as it can sound harsh or outdated.

English speakers might just say 'dose' or 'meal'. 'Khuraak' is more specific about the quantity required for a purpose.

Government of India's Polio campaign: 'दो बूंद ज़िंदगी की' (often referred to as a khuraak). Wrestling movies like 'Dangal' where the diet (khuraak) of athletes is central. Traditional Unani medicine shops that sell 'khuraak' packets.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Doctor's Clinic

दिन में कितनी खुराक?
क्या यह पूरी खुराक है?
खुराक कब लेनी है?
खुराक के बाद पानी पीना है?

Gym or Training

मेरी डाइट/खुराक क्या होनी चाहिए?
प्रोटीन की खुराक
खुराक बढ़ाओ
भारी खुराक

Pharmacy

पाँच खुराक दे दो
खुराक की कीमत
एक खुराक की पुड़िया
खुराक कैसे लें?

Home (Elders)

बच्चे की खुराक बढ़ाओ
उसकी खुराक कम हो गई है
अच्छी खुराक लो
खुराक का समय हो गया

Veterinary/Farm

गाय की खुराक
खुराक में खल मिलाना
बीमार पशु की खुराक
खुराक का इंतज़ाम

Conversation Starters

"डॉक्टर साहब, इस दवा की कितनी खुराक लेनी है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पहलवानों की खुराक बहुत महंगी होती है?"

"आजकल बच्चों की खुराक में जंक फूड बहुत बढ़ गया है, है ना?"

"क्या आपने कोविड की बूस्टर खुराक ले ली है?"

"आपके कुत्ते की रोज़ की खुराक क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपनी सेहत के लिए कौन सी अच्छी खुराक (भोजन या दवा) ली?

क्या मेरी खुराक संतुलित है? मैं इसे कैसे सुधार सकता हूँ?

एक समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपको दवा की एक कड़वी खुराक लेनी पड़ी थी।

आपके पसंदीदा खिलाड़ी की खुराक और मेहनत के बारे में आप क्या जानते हैं?

क्या आपको लगता है कि 'दिमाग की खुराक' (पढ़ना) शरीर की खुराक जितनी ही ज़रूरी है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You should always use feminine modifiers with it, such as 'बड़ी खुराक' or 'मेरी खुराक'. Using masculine modifiers is a common mistake for learners.

Not really. 'Khuraak' refers to the quantity or the dose. If you want to say 'the food is good', use 'खाना' or 'भोजन'. Use 'khuraak' if you are discussing how much you can eat or a specific diet.

The simple plural is 'खुराकें' (khuraaken). If it's followed by a postposition like 'in' or 'to', it becomes 'खुराकों' (khuraakon), for example 'खुराकों के बीच' (between doses).

Yes, very commonly. It refers to the total daily feed or the specific amount of nutrition given to livestock or pets to keep them healthy.

You say 'एक खुराक' (ek khuraak). For two doses, say 'दो खुराकें' (do khuraaken).

No, it also means food intake or diet. While its most frequent use is for medicine doses, its use in the context of sports and animal husbandry is also very high.

It is a standard, neutral word. It is more formal than the English loanword 'dose' but less formal than the academic word 'aahaar'.

It comes from the Persian word 'khorāk', which means food. It entered Hindi centuries ago and has since become a core part of the language.

Yes, it can mean a 'dose' of something non-physical, like a 'dose of scolding' (गाली की खुराक) or 'food for thought' (दिमाग की खुराक).

It is the Hindi term for a 'booster dose' of a vaccine. It became very common during the COVID-19 vaccination drives.