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ख्वाहिश

B1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

ख्वाहिश

khwahish Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ख्वाहिश in 30 Seconds

Explanation ख्वाहिश in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express your needs. While 'khwaahish' is a B1 word, you can think of it as a fancy version of 'want.' At this stage, you mostly use 'chahiye' (need/want) or 'chahta hoon' (I want). Learning 'khwaahish' now gives you a 'power word' to use when you want to talk about your big dreams, like 'Meri khwaahish hai... (My wish is...)'. It's like moving from saying 'I want a cookie' to 'I have a wish.' You don't need to know all the complex grammar yet, just that it's a feminine word used for special desires. Focus on the phrase 'Meri khwaahish hai' followed by a simple goal. This will make your basic Hindi sound much more advanced and polite to native speakers, as it shows an appreciation for the more poetic side of the language.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to form more complex sentences and talk about your personal life. 'Khwaahish' is perfect for describing your hobbies and future plans. You should start noticing that it is a feminine noun. This means you say 'Badi khwaahish' (big desire) and not 'Bada khwaahish.' You can also use it with 'poori karna' (to fulfill). For example, 'Main apni khwaahish poori karna chahta hoon' (I want to fulfill my desire). You are moving beyond simple survival Hindi and starting to express your inner world. At this stage, try to replace 'I want' with 'It is my desire' in a few sentences to practice the structure [Possessive Pronoun] + [Khwaahish] + [Hai]. It's a great way to talk about travel, career, or learning milestones.

As a B1 learner, 'khwaahish' should become a regular part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to describe dreams, hopes, and ambitions in detail. You should be comfortable with the plural form 'khwaahishein' and the oblique form 'khwaahishon.' You can use the word to add nuance to your storytelling. For instance, instead of saying you wanted to visit India, you can say 'Mere dil mein hamesha se Bharat dekhne ki ek khwaahish thi' (There was always a desire in my heart to see India). This level is about 'flavor,' and 'khwaahish' provides exactly that. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'iccha' (neutral) and 'tamanna' (more romantic/intense). Understanding the cultural context—how it's used in movies and songs—will also help you interpret the emotions behind what native speakers are saying.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'khwaahish' in abstract and metaphorical ways. You can discuss social issues, such as 'the desires of the youth' (yuvaon ki khwaahishein) or 'unfulfilled desires' (adhuri khwaahishein) in a societal context. You should be fluent in using the word with various postpositions, like 'khwaahishon ke peeche bhagna' (running after desires). Your grammar should be flawless—correctly matching the feminine gender with adjectives and verbs across long, complex sentences. You might also start using more literary constructions, like 'khwaahish-e-na-tamaam' (an incomplete desire), which shows a high level of sophistication. At this stage, 'khwaahish' is not just a word for 'want,' but a tool for discussing human psychology and motivation.

For C1 learners, 'khwaahish' is a gateway to high literature and philosophical debate. You should understand its nuances in Sufi poetry, where 'khwaahish' (desire for the material) is often contrasted with 'ishq' (divine love). You can use it to analyze characters in Hindi novels or to write persuasive essays about human ambition. You should be familiar with its various synonyms and be able to choose the exact right word for the register you are writing in. Whether it's the 'aas' (hope) of a farmer or the 'khwaahish' (aspiration) of an entrepreneur, you can navigate these subtle differences. You are also likely to encounter the word in legal or highly formal contexts, such as 'vasiyat' (wills), where a person's ' अंतिम ख्वाहिश' (final wish) is documented.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'khwaahish.' You understand its every nuance, its historical Persian roots, and its evolution in modern Hindi. You can use it with effortless irony, sarcasm, or profound emotional depth. You can appreciate the wordplay in advanced 'Shayari' (poetry) where 'khwaahish' might be personified or used as a complex metaphor for life itself. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether a life without 'khwaahish' is possible or desirable. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can switch between formal, poetic, and colloquial registers with ease. You don't just know the word; you feel its weight in the tapestry of the Hindi language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ख्वाहिश in 30 Seconds

Khwaahish means desire or wish.
It is a feminine noun of Persian origin.
It sounds more poetic and emotional than 'ichha'.
Commonly used in Bollywood songs and for life dreams.

The Hindi word ख्वाहिश (Khwaahish) is a beautiful, evocative noun that translates primarily to 'desire,' 'wish,' or 'longing.' Derived from Persian, it carries a certain poetic weight that sets it apart from more mundane Hindi words for 'wanting' like 'ichha' (इच्छा). While 'ichha' can be used for simple, everyday wants—like wanting a glass of water—'khwaahish' usually implies a deeper, more significant yearning. It often refers to dreams, aspirations, or romantic longings that reside deep within the heart. When an English speaker thinks of a 'heartfelt wish' or a 'burning desire,' they are entering the territory of 'khwaahish.' This word is ubiquitous in Bollywood lyrics, Urdu-influenced Hindi poetry (Ghazals), and formal conversations where one expresses their life goals or deep-seated hopes.

Register and Nuance: Khwaahish sits in a middle-to-high register. It is sophisticated enough for literature but common enough for daily speech when discussing personal dreams. It sounds more elegant and emotional than the standard Sanskrit-derived 'ichha.' Using 'khwaahish' suggests that the desire is not just a passing thought but something meaningful to the speaker's identity or happiness.
Grammatical Gender: Crucially for learners, 'khwaahish' is a feminine noun. This means any adjectives or verbs associated with it must reflect this gender. For example, you say 'meri khwaahish' (my desire) rather than 'mera khwaahish,' and 'khwaahish poori hui' (the wish was fulfilled) rather than 'poora hua.'

मेरी बस एक ही ख्वाहिश है कि मैं पूरी दुनिया देखूँ। (My only desire is to see the whole world.)

In contemporary urban Hindi, you might hear people use it to describe a bucket list or a specific ambition. It is less about 'needing' something for survival and more about the 'soul' seeking fulfillment. If you are talking to a friend about your career goals, you might say, 'Meri khwaahish hai ki main ek bada artist banun' (It is my desire to become a great artist). This sounds much more passionate and determined than using 'chahta hoon' (I want).

उसकी आखिरी ख्वाहिश क्या थी? (What was his last wish?)

Common Verb Pairings: The most common verbs used with khwaahish are 'poori karna' (to fulfill a wish) and 'marna' (to die/fade away). For example, 'khwaahishon ka marna' refers to the death of one's dreams, a common theme in tragic literature.

इंसान की ख्वाहिशें कभी खत्म नहीं होतीं। (A human's desires never end.)

To truly master 'khwaahish,' one must understand its emotional resonance. It is the word used for the 'star' you wish upon. It captures the essence of human longing—whether it is for a person, a place, a status, or a feeling. In the context of the CEFR B1 level, you should be able to use this word to describe your future plans and personal motivations with more flair than a beginner.

क्या तुम्हारी कोई ऐसी ख्वाहिश है जो अधूरी रह गई? (Do you have any such desire that remained unfulfilled?)

Phonetic Elegance: The pronunciation starts with a soft 'kh' (a voiceless velar fricative, like the 'ch' in 'Bach'), followed by a 'waa' sound. This breathy opening adds to the word's romantic and aspirational feel, making it a favorite for singers and poets alike.

Using 'khwaahish' correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; you must understand the syntactic structures it inhabits. As a feminine noun, it dictates the grammar of the sentence. Let's explore the various ways to integrate this word into your Hindi communication, ranging from simple statements to complex emotional expressions.

Possession and Existence: To say 'I have a desire,' you use the construction: [Person] + ki + khwaahish + hai. Example: 'Rahul ki ek khwaahish hai' (Rahul has a desire). Note the use of 'ki' because khwaahish is feminine. If you were using a masculine noun like 'sapna' (dream), you would say 'Rahul ka ek sapna hai.'

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि हम फिर से मिलें। (My desire is that we meet again.)

When describing the *nature* of the desire, you often use the infinitive form of a verb followed by 'ki khwaahish.' For instance, 'Japan jaane ki khwaahish' (the desire to go to Japan). Here, the 'ki' links the action to the noun.

Fulfillment of Desires: To talk about fulfilling a wish, use the verb 'poori karna' (to make complete/fulfill). Example: 'उसने अपनी माँ की हर ख्वाहिश पूरी की' (He fulfilled every wish of his mother). If the wish is fulfilled on its own (intransitive), use 'poori hona.' Example: 'मेरी ख्वाहिश पूरी हो गई' (My wish was fulfilled).

क्या आपकी कोई ऐसी ख्वाहिश है जिसे आप पूरा करना चाहते हैं? (Is there any desire of yours that you want to fulfill?)

You can also use 'khwaahish' to express preference in a polite way. Instead of saying 'I want coffee,' which can sound demanding, saying 'Meri coffee peene ki khwaahish hai' sounds more like 'I have a longing/wish to drink coffee,' which is softer and more indirect, often used in formal hosting situations.

Negative Constructions: To say you have no desire for something, use 'koi khwaahish nahi.' Example: 'Mujhe ab kisi cheez ki khwaahish nahi hai' (I no longer have a desire for anything). This is often used to express contentment or, conversely, deep disappointment/renunciation.

बिना ख्वाहिश के जीना मुश्किल है। (It is difficult to live without desire.)

In literary contexts, you might see 'khwaahish-e-dil' (desire of the heart). This is an Izafat construction from Persian, where the '-e-' acts as 'of.' While not common in spoken Hindi, it is very frequent in Hindi/Urdu songs and poetry.

हज़ारों ख्वाहिशें ऐसी कि हर ख्वाहिश पे दम निकले। (Thousands of desires, such that each desire takes one's breath away - Ghalib)

By practicing these patterns, you move beyond simple vocabulary and start to understand the internal logic of Hindi expression. 'Khwaahish' is a versatile tool for adding depth to your conversations about goals, dreams, and feelings.

'Khwaahish' is one of those words that bridges the gap between the street and the stage. You will encounter it in diverse settings, each providing a different flavor to its meaning. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the emotional temperature of a conversation.

Bollywood and Pop Culture: This is arguably the most common place to hear the word. Songwriters love 'khwaahish' because it rhymes well and carries romantic weight. If a hero is singing about his beloved, he won't just say he 'wants' her; he will speak of his 'khwaahish' for her. It elevates the emotion from a simple need to a grand, cinematic longing.

फिल्म का नाम ही 'ख्वाहिश' था। (The name of the movie itself was 'Khwaahish'.)

In movies, you'll hear lines like 'Meri bas ek hi khwaahish hai...' (I have only one desire...) right before a major plot turning point or a sacrifice. It signals to the audience that what follows is the character's deepest motivation.

Literature and Poetry (Shayari): In the world of Urdu-Hindi poetry, 'khwaahish' is a central theme. Poets like Mirza Ghalib have used it to describe the endless and often painful nature of human desire. When you read a Ghazal, 'khwaahish' often represents the struggle between the heart's longing and the reality of the world.

शायरी में ख्वाहिश अक्सर 'अधूरी' होती है। (In poetry, desire is often 'incomplete'.)

Daily Life and Ambitions: In everyday life, parents might use it when talking about their children's future: 'Meri khwaahish hai ki mera beta doctor bane' (It is my desire that my son becomes a doctor). It is also used in the context of 'last wishes' (aakhiri khwaahish) in news reports or stories, giving it a somber, respectful tone.

क्या आपकी कोई ऐसी ख्वाहिश है जो आप आज बताना चाहेंगे? (Is there any desire of yours you'd like to share today?)

Social media also sees a lot of this word. Captions on Instagram like 'Khwaahishein' over a photo of a travel destination or a luxury item are common. It serves as a shorthand for 'goals' or 'aspirations' in a way that feels more soulful than the English equivalents.

Religious and Spiritual Contexts: In spiritual discourses, 'khwaahish' (or its synonyms) is often discussed as something to be mastered or surrendered. A guru might speak about 'khwaahishon se mukti' (freedom from desires) as a path to peace. Here, the word takes on a more philosophical, slightly negative connotation as a source of attachment.

संतों का कहना है कि ख्वाहिशों का कोई अंत नहीं है। (Saints say there is no end to desires.)

Even for intermediate learners, certain nuances of 'khwaahish' can be tricky. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Hindi sound more natural and grammatically precise.

Gender Confusion: The most frequent mistake is treating 'khwaahish' as a masculine noun. Many learners assume that because 'sapna' (dream) is masculine, 'khwaahish' must be too. This leads to errors like 'Mera khwaahish' instead of the correct 'Meri khwaahish.' Always remember: if it ends in a soft consonant and comes from Persian/Urdu, there is a high chance it's feminine in Hindi.

Wrong: मेरा ख्वाहिश पूरा हो गया।
Right: मेरी ख्वाहिश पूरी हो गई।

Another mistake involves the verb agreement. Since 'khwaahish' is feminine, the verb 'poori' must end in 'i'. If you say 'poora ho gaya,' you are making a gender mismatch that native speakers will immediately notice.

Overusing the Word: While 'khwaahish' is a great word, using it for every small 'want' can sound overly dramatic. For instance, if you're at a restaurant and want to order water, saying 'Meri paani peene ki khwaahish hai' sounds like you've been wandering the desert for forty days. In such cases, use 'Mujhe paani chahiye' or 'Main paani peena chahta hoon.'

छोटी चीज़ों के लिए 'इच्छा' या 'चाहना' बेहतर है, बड़े सपनों के लिए 'ख्वाहिश'। (For small things 'ichha' or 'chahna' is better; for big dreams, 'khwaahish'.)

Pronunciation Errors: Many English speakers pronounce the 'kh' as a hard 'k' (like 'kite'). In Hindi, 'kh' (ख) is aspirated, but the 'kh' in 'khwaahish' (ख़) is a fricative, like the 'ch' in 'Loch Ness.' While most Indians will understand a hard 'k,' the fricative 'kh' gives the word its authentic Persian soul.

उच्चारण पर ध्यान दें: 'ख़्वाहिश' (Pay attention to pronunciation: Kh-waa-hish).

Finally, don't confuse 'khwaahish' with 'khush' (happy). Although they share some phonetic similarities (starting with 'kh'), they are unrelated. One is a noun (desire), and the other is an adjective (happy).

Pluralization Mistake: Learners sometimes say 'khwaahishen' (without the nasal 'n') or 'khwaahisho' in the wrong case. Remember that the direct plural is 'khwaahishein' (ख्वाहिशें) and the oblique plural (used with prepositions) is 'khwaahishon' (ख्वाहिशों). Example: 'Khwaahishon ka silsila' (A series of desires).

Hindi is rich with words for 'desire,' each with its own history and emotional coloring. Knowing when to use 'khwaahish' versus its alternatives will significantly improve your fluency and expressive range.

इच्छा (Iccha): This is the most common Sanskrit-origin word for 'wish' or 'desire.' It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from 'I wish to go home' to 'Divine will' (Ishwar ki iccha). Compared to 'khwaahish,' it is less poetic and more functional. Use 'iccha' for general preferences.
तमन्ना (Tamanna): Like 'khwaahish,' this is of Persian origin and is highly poetic. However, 'tamanna' often carries a stronger sense of 'yearning' or 'longing' for something that might be difficult to achieve. It is very common in romantic songs. You 'have' a khwaahish, but you 'harbor' a tamanna.

दिल में कोई तमन्ना नहीं बची। (No longing remains in the heart.)

Another word is आरज़ू (Aarzoo). This is perhaps the most formal and literary of the bunch. It implies a deep, almost prayer-like wish. You will find this in classical literature and very formal Urdu-inflected Hindi.

Comparison Table

Word	Origin	Best For...
इच्छा (Iccha)	Sanskrit	General, neutral wants
ख्वाहिश (Khwaahish)	Persian	Dreams, personal goals
तमन्ना (Tamanna)	Persian	Romantic longing
आरज़ू (Aarzoo)	Persian	Formal, poetic prayer

मेरी अभिलाषा है कि देश उन्नति करे। (It is my aspiration that the country prospers - 'Abhilasha' is more formal/patriotic.)

Lastly, चाहत (Chahat) is worth mentioning. While it also means desire, it is much closer to 'love' or 'affection.' You have a 'chahat' for a person, but a 'khwaahish' for a goal or an experience. 'Chahat' is about the feeling of liking, whereas 'khwaahish' is about the object of the desire.

Summary of Choice: Choose 'khwaahish' when you want to sound expressive and slightly more sophisticated than the average speaker without sounding overly archaic. It is the perfect 'Goldilocks' word for intermediate learners—not too simple, not too obscure.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रबंधक की ख्वाहिश है कि सभी कर्मचारी समय पर आएं।"

Neutral

"मेरी एक ख्वाहिश है कि मैं गिटार सीखूँ।"

Informal

"तेरी क्या ख्वाहिश है भाई?"

Child friendly

"नन्हे मुन्ने बच्चों की छोटी-छोटी ख्वाहिशें होती हैं।"

Slang

"ज़्यादा ख्वाहिशें मत पाल, भाई!"

Fun Fact

The root 'khwaah' is the same as in the word 'Khush-khwaah' (well-wisher) and 'Khwaah-ma-khwaah' (unnecessarily/willy-nilly).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkʰwɑː.hɪʃ/

US /ˈkwɑː.hɪʃ/

Stress is on the first syllable 'khwaa'.

Rhymes With

बारिश (Baarish - Rain) कोशिश (Koshish - Effort) साज़िश (Saazish - Conspiracy) नवाज़िश (Nawaazish - Kindness) गुज़ारिश (Guzaarish - Request) आतिश (Aatish - Fire) पैदाइश (Paidaish - Birth) नुमाइश (Numaish - Exhibition)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (Kwahish).
Treating 'waa' as a short 'wa'.
Missing the 'h' in the middle.
Pronouncing 'sh' as 's' (Khwaahis).
Adding an extra vowel at the end (Khwaahishi).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common but the spelling with the dot (nukta) and half-letter can be slightly tricky for beginners.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'khwaahish' requires knowledge of half-consonants (conjuncts) and Urdu-origin sounds.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the fricative 'kh' requires practice for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

The word is very distinct and frequently used in media, making it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

इच्छा चाहना सपना पूरा दिल

Learn Next

तमन्ना आरज़ू कोशिश मंज़िल मकसद

Advanced

अभिलाषा आकांक्षा लालसा तृष्णा मुमुक्षु

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

Adjectives must end in 'i' (Badi khwaahish) and verbs must match (Khwaahish poori hui).

Possessive 'ki'

Use 'ki' with khwaahish (Meri/Uski/Ram ki khwaahish).

Subjunctive Mood

After 'khwaahish hai ki...', the following verb often uses the subjunctive (e.g., 'jaaoon', 'kare').

Oblique Plural

When followed by a postposition, 'khwaahishein' becomes 'khwaahishon' (Khwaahishon mein).

Infinitive + ki

To link an action: [Verb-ne] + ki + khwaahish (Khaane ki khwaahish).

Examples by Level

मेरी एक ख्वाहिश है।

I have a wish.

Simple possession using 'Meri' (feminine).

क्या यह तुम्हारी ख्वाहिश है?

Is this your wish?

Interrogative sentence.

मेरी ख्वाहिश छोटी है।

My wish is small.

Adjective 'chhoti' matches feminine 'khwaahish'.

उसकी ख्वाहिश क्या है?

What is his/her wish?

Asking about someone else's desire.

यह मेरी आखिरी ख्वाहिश है।

This is my last wish.

'Aakhiri' (last) is an adjective.

मेरी ख्वाहिश घर जाना है।

My wish is to go home.

Infinitive 'jaana' as the object.

तुम्हारी ख्वाहिश पूरी हो।

May your wish be fulfilled.

A common blessing/wish.

मुझे कोई ख्वाहिश नहीं है।

I have no desire.

Negative construction.

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि मैं हिंदी बोलूँ।

My desire is that I speak Hindi.

Using 'ki' to introduce a clause.

क्या तुम अपनी ख्वाहिश पूरी करोगे?

Will you fulfill your desire?

Future tense with 'poori karna'.

उसकी ख्वाहिशें बहुत बड़ी हैं।

His/her desires are very big.

Plural 'khwaahishein' and 'badi'.

मेरी माँ की एक ख्वाहिश थी।

My mother had a wish.

Past tense 'thi' for feminine noun.

मैं अपनी ख्वाहिश के बारे में सोच रहा हूँ।

I am thinking about my desire.

Use of 'ke baare mein' (about).

क्या यह आपकी पुरानी ख्वाहिश है?

Is this an old desire of yours?

Adjective 'purani' (old).

वह अपनी ख्वाहिश पूरी करने के लिए मेहनत कर रहा है।

He is working hard to fulfill his desire.

Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि सब खुश रहें।

It is my wish that everyone stays happy.

Expressing a general wish.

बचपन से ही मेरी यह ख्वाहिश रही है।

This has been my desire since childhood.

Present perfect continuous nuance with 'rahi hai'.

इंसान अपनी ख्वाहिशों का गुलाम होता है।

A human is a slave to their desires.

Oblique plural 'khwaahishon' with 'ka'.

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि मैं एक दिन पेरिस जाऊँ।

It is my desire to go to Paris one day.

Subjunctive mood 'jaaoon'.

उसकी आँखों में एक अजीब सी ख्वाहिश थी।

There was a strange kind of desire in his/her eyes.

Descriptive adjective 'ajeeb si'.

बिना ख्वाहिश के जीवन में कोई मज़ा नहीं है।

There is no fun in life without desire.

Use of 'bina' (without).

क्या आप अपनी अधूरी ख्वाहिशों के बारे में बता सकते हैं?

Can you tell me about your unfulfilled desires?

'Adhuri' means incomplete/unfulfilled.

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि मेरा काम दुनिया भर में मशहूर हो।

My desire is that my work becomes famous worldwide.

Complex sentence with 'ki'.

उसने अपनी हर ख्वाहिश को दबा दिया।

He/she suppressed every desire of theirs.

Verb 'daba dena' (to suppress).

कभी-कभी ख्वाहिशें ही दुख का कारण बनती हैं।

Sometimes desires themselves become the cause of sorrow.

Focus on 'hi' for emphasis.

मेरी बस यही ख्वाहिश है कि समाज में बदलाव आए।

My only desire is that change comes to society.

Abstract desire for social change.

उसकी ख्वाहिशों की कोई सीमा नहीं है।

There is no limit to his/her desires.

Genitive construction 'khwaahishon ki'.

अपनी ख्वाहिशों को हकीकत में बदलना आसान नहीं होता।

Turning your desires into reality is not easy.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

उसकी एक मामूली सी ख्वाहिश ने सब कुछ बदल दिया।

A simple desire of his/hers changed everything.

'Maamuli si' means ordinary/slight.

वह अपनी ख्वाहिशों के जाल में फंस गया है।

He is caught in the web of his desires.

Metaphorical use of 'jaal' (web).

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि आने वाली पीढ़ी शांति से रहे।

My desire is that the coming generation lives in peace.

Desire for the future.

उसने अपनी ख्वाहिशों को दूसरों के लिए कुर्बान कर दिया।

He/she sacrificed their desires for others.

Verb 'kurbaan karna' (to sacrifice).

हज़ारों ख्वाहिशें ऐसी कि हर ख्वाहिश पे दम निकले।

Thousands of desires, such that each desire takes one's breath away.

Famous quote from Ghalib.

दार्शनिकों के अनुसार, ख्वाहिश ही पुनर्जन्म का आधार है।

According to philosophers, desire itself is the basis of rebirth.

Academic/Philosophical register.

उसकी बेतहाशा ख्वाहिशों ने उसे बर्बादी की कगार पर खड़ा कर दिया।

His wild desires brought him to the brink of ruin.

'Betahasha' means excessive/wild.

साहित्य में ख्वाहिश अक्सर एक अप्राप्य लक्ष्य का प्रतीक होती है।

In literature, desire is often a symbol of an unattainable goal.

Literary analysis register.

उसकी खामोशी में भी एक गहरी ख्वाहिश छिपी थी।

Even in his/her silence, a deep desire was hidden.

Poetic nuance.

क्या हम कभी अपनी ख्वाहिशों के दायरे से बाहर निकल सकते हैं?

Can we ever step outside the boundaries of our desires?

Rhetorical question.

उसकी ख्वाहिशों का गला घोंटना समाज की पुरानी आदत है।

Strangling one's desires is an old habit of society.

Strong metaphor 'gala ghotna'.

एक कलाकार की सबसे बड़ी ख्वाहिश उसकी कला की अमरता होती है।

An artist's greatest desire is the immortality of their art.

Abstract noun 'amarta' (immortality).

ख्वाहिशों का यह अंतहीन सिलसिला ही मानव इतिहास की जननी है।

This endless cycle of desires is the mother of human history.

Philosophical and grand tone.

उसकी ख्वाहिशों की परवाज़ आसमानों को छूने लगी थी।

The flight of his desires began to touch the skies.

Persian-influenced word 'parvaaz' (flight).

जब तक हृदय में ख्वाहिश का एक भी अंकुर शेष है, शांति संभव नहीं।

As long as even one sprout of desire remains in the heart, peace is not possible.

Metaphorical and spiritual.

उसकी ख्वाहिशों ने उसे एक ऐसे भंवर में डाल दिया जिससे निकलना असंभव था।

His desires threw him into a whirlpool from which escape was impossible.

Metaphor 'bhanwar' (whirlpool).

ख्वाहिश और हकीकत के बीच का द्वंद्व ही नाटक का मुख्य विषय है।

The conflict between desire and reality is the main theme of the play.

Intellectual critique register.

उसने अपनी निजी ख्वाहिशों को राष्ट्रहित के लिए पूरी तरह विलीन कर दिया।

He completely merged his personal desires for the national interest.

Highly formal/patriotic register.

ख्वाहिशों का मरना ही आत्मज्ञान की पहली सीढ़ी है।

The death of desires is the first step toward self-realization.

Spiritual/Esoteric context.

उसकी हर ख्वाहिश उसकी नियति के साथ गुंथी हुई थी।

Every desire of his was intertwined with his destiny.

Literary word 'gunthi' (intertwined).

Common Collocations

ख्वाहिश पूरी करना

आखिरी ख्वाहिश

अधूरी ख्वाहिश

दिल की ख्वाहिश

ख्वाहिश रखना

मामूली ख्वाहिश

ख्वाहिश मारना

गहरी ख्वाहिश

ख्वाहिशों का समंदर

बेमतलब की ख्वाहिश

Common Phrases

ख्वाहिशों का सिलसिला

— A series or chain of desires that never ends.

ज़िंदगी ख्वाहिशों का एक सिलसिला है।

जैसी आपकी ख्वाहिश

— As you wish/As per your desire. A polite formal phrase.

जैसी आपकी ख्वाहिश, हम वैसा ही करेंगे।

बस एक ही ख्वाहिश है

— I have only one single desire. Used for emphasis.

बस एक ही ख्वाहिश है कि तुम खुश रहो।

ख्वाहिश के मुताबिक

— According to one's wish.

सब कुछ मेरी ख्वाहिश के मुताबिक हुआ।

ख्वाहिश जतााना

— To express or voice a desire.

उसने अपनी ख्वाहिश सबके सामने जताई।

अपनी ख्वाहिश थोपना

— To impose one's wishes on someone else.

बच्चों पर अपनी ख्वाहिश मत थोपो।

ख्वाहिशों के पीछे भागना

— To chase after desires/dreams.

वह अपनी ख्वाहिशों के पीछे भाग रहा है।

ख्वाहिश का गला घोंटना

— To suppress or kill one's own desire.

उसने परिवार के लिए अपनी ख्वाहिश का गला घोंट दिया।

ख्वाहिश जागना

— A desire arising in the mind.

मेरे मन में फिर से पढ़ने की ख्वाहिश जागी।

ख्वाहिश अधूरी रहना

— A desire remaining unfulfilled.

उसकी विदेश जाने की ख्वाहिश अधूरी रह गई।

Often Confused With

ख्वाहिश vs कोशिश (Koshish)

Koshish means 'effort'. They rhyme, but 'khwaahish' is what you want, and 'koshish' is what you do to get it.

ख्वाहिश vs खुश (Khush)

Khush means 'happy'. It starts with the same 'kh' sound but is an adjective, not a noun for desire.

ख्वाहिश vs खर्च (Kharch)

Kharch means 'expense/spending'. Unrelated, but sometimes confused by beginners due to the 'kh' start.

Idioms & Expressions

"ख्वाहिशों का महल बनाना"

— To build castles in the air; to have unrealistic desires.

खयाली पुलाव पकाना और ख्वाहिशों का महल बनाना बंद करो।

Informal

"ख्वाहिशों पर लगाम कसना"

— To control or restrain one's desires.

सुकून के लिए ख्वाहिशों पर लगाम कसना ज़रूरी है।

Neutral

"ख्वाहिशों की बलि चढ़ाना"

— To sacrifice one's desires for a cause.

देशभक्तों ने अपनी ख्वाहिशों की बलि चढ़ा दी।

Formal

"ख्वाहिशों का बोझ"

— The burden of many desires.

वह अपनी ख्वाहिशों के बोझ तले दबा है।

Poetic

"ख्वाहिशों की आग"

— The burning fire of desire.

उसके अंदर सफलता की ख्वाहिशों की आग है।

Dramatic

"ख्वाहिशों का गुलाम"

— A slave to one's desires.

इंसान को ख्वाहिशों का गुलाम नहीं होना चाहिए।

Philosophical

"ख्वाहिशों के पंख लगना"

— When desires start to take flight or become ambitious.

नौकरी मिलते ही उसकी ख्वाहिशों को पंख लग गए।

Metaphorical

"ख्वाहिशों की दुनिया"

— A world of dreams and desires.

वह हमेशा अपनी ख्वाहिशों की दुनिया में रहता है।

Common

"ख्वाहिशों का मरघट"

— A place where desires die (very dark/poetic).

उसका दिल अब ख्वाहिशों का मरघट बन चुका है।

Literary

"ख्वाहिशों का दरिया"

— A river of desires (implying depth and flow).

मन ख्वाहिशों का एक गहरा दरिया है।

Poetic

Easily Confused

ख्वाहिश vs इच्छा (Iccha)

Both mean 'desire'.

'Iccha' is neutral/Sanskrit; 'Khwaahish' is poetic/Persian. Use 'iccha' for basics, 'khwaahish' for dreams.

Mujhe paani ki iccha hai (I want water). Meri vishwa-bhraman ki khwaahish hai (I desire world travel).

ख्वाहिश vs तमन्ना (Tamanna)

Both mean 'desire'.

'Tamanna' is even more intense and poetic than 'khwaahish', often used for impossible or romantic longings.

Dil mein tumhari tamanna hai.

ख्वाहिश vs सपना (Sapna)

Both relate to future goals.

'Sapna' is a dream (visualized), 'khwaahish' is the feeling of wanting it.

Mera sapna hai pilot banna. Meri khwaahish hai pilot banna.

ख्वाहिश vs जरूरत (Zaroorat)

Both involve wanting something.

'Zaroorat' is a need (essential), 'khwaahish' is a desire (optional/heartfelt).

Paani zaroorat hai, sona (gold) khwaahish है।

ख्वाहिश vs आरज़ू (Aarzoo)

Both mean 'desire'.

'Aarzoo' is very formal and often found in Urdu poetry; 'khwaahish' is more common in modern Hindi.

Meri bas ek aarzoo hai.

Sentence Patterns

मेरी एक ख्वाहिश है।

मेरी [Noun] की ख्वाहिश है।

मेरी कॉफी की ख्वाहish है।

मेरी [Verb-ne] की ख्वाहिश है।

मेरी घर जाने की ख्वाहिश है।

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि [Clause]।

मेरी ख्वाहिश है कि तुम जीतो।

उसकी ख्वाहिश पूरी हो गई।

बिना ख्वाहिश के [Clause]।

बिना ख्वाहिश के जीना उदास है।

ख्वाहिशों का [Noun]...

ख्वाहिशों का समंदर बहुत गहरा है।

[Clause] ही मेरी ख्वाहिश है।

तुम्हारी खुशी ही मेरी ख्वाहिश है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in emotional/personal contexts, medium in professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Mera khwaahish → Meri khwaahish
Khwaahish is feminine, so it must take the feminine possessive pronoun 'meri'.
Khwaahish poora hua → Khwaahish poori hui
The verb and adjective must agree with the feminine gender of the noun.
Mujhe paani ki khwaahish hai (at a cafe) → Mujhe paani chahiye
'Khwaahish' is too dramatic for a simple glass of water.
Khwaahishein (without nasalization) → Khwaahishein (nasal 'n' at end)
The plural of feminine nouns ending in a consonant usually takes 'ein' with a nasal sound.
Using 'khwaahish' for 'dream' in sleep → Sapna
'Khwaahish' is a desire, not a dream you see while sleeping.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always remember 'Khwaahish' is feminine. Use 'meri' (my) and 'poori' (fulfilled).

Use Synonyms Wisely

Use 'Iccha' for daily needs and 'Khwaahish' for deeper life goals.

Soft 'Kh'

Don't say 'Kwahish' with a hard K. Make it breathy for a native sound.

Listen to Songs

Bollywood songs are the best place to hear this word used in various emotional contexts.

Poetic Flair

Adding 'khwaahish' to your writing instantly makes it sound more sophisticated.

Bucket List

Think of 'khwaahish' as the items on your bucket list.

Linking Verbs

Use the '-ne ki' pattern: 'Khaane ki khwaahish', 'Jaane ki khwaahish'.

Wish Rhyme

Remember that 'hish' at the end sounds like 'wish'.

Long 'aa'

The middle sound 'waa' is long. Don't rush it.

Universal Word

This word is understood in both India and Pakistan, making it very versatile.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Khwaahish' as 'Quiet-Wish'. The 'Kh' is a quiet, breathy sound, and 'hish' sounds like a soft 'wish'. A quiet wish from the heart.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a bright star in the night sky and silently making a deep, heartfelt wish. That feeling of longing is 'khwaahish'.

Word Web

Dream Heart Goal Poetry Feminine Persian Longing Fulfillment

Challenge

Write three sentences about things you want to achieve in the next five years using the word 'khwaahish' each time.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'khwāhish' (خواهش). It entered Hindi through the influence of the Mughal courts and the development of Urdu-Hindi as a lingua franca.

Original meaning: The act of wishing, wanting, or requesting.

Indo-Iranian (Persian branch).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a positive and widely respected word.

English speakers often use 'dream' or 'wish' interchangeably. In Hindi, 'khwaahish' is more specifically the internal feeling of the wish, whereas 'sapna' is the mental image (dream).

The movie 'Khwahish' (2003) starring Mallika Sherawat. Mirza Ghalib's famous couplet: 'Hazaaron khwaahishein aisi...' The song 'Khwaahishein' from the movie 'Heroine'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Career Goals

Meri khwaahish hai ki...
Promotion ki khwaahish
Safal hone ki khwaahish
Nayi naukri ki khwaahish

Travel

Duniya ghoomne ki khwaahish
Pahadon mein jaane ki khwaahish
Samandar dekhne ki khwaahish
Videsh ki khwaahish

Relationships

Saath rehne ki khwaahish
Pyar ki khwaahish
Dosti nibhane ki khwaahish
Milne ki khwaahish

Food

Kuch meetha khane ki khwaahish
Chai peene ki khwaahish
Ghar ke khaane ki khwaahish
Naya swaad try karne ki khwaahish

Life/Philosophy

Aakhiri khwaahish
Adhuri khwaahish
Khwaahishon se mukti
Dil ki khwaahish

Conversation Starters

"आपकी सबसे बड़ी ख्वाहिश क्या है? (What is your biggest desire?)"

"क्या आपकी कोई ऐसी ख्वाहिश है जो बचपन से है? (Do you have a desire that you've had since childhood?)"

"अगर आपको तीन ख्वाहिशें मांगनी हों, तो आप क्या मांगेंगे? (If you had to ask for three wishes, what would you ask for?)"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि ख्वाहिशें पूरी करना ज़रूरी है? (Do you think it's important to fulfill desires?)"

"आपकी कौन सी ख्वाहिश हाल ही में पूरी हुई? (Which desire of yours was fulfilled recently?)"

Journal Prompts

अपनी पाँच ऐसी ख्वाहिशों के बारे में लिखें जिन्हें आप अगले साल पूरा करना चाहते हैं। (Write about five desires you want to fulfill next year.)

क्या कोई ऐसी ख्वाहish है जिसे आपने दूसरों के लिए छोड़ दिया? उसके बारे में विस्तार से लिखें। (Is there a desire you gave up for others? Write about it in detail.)

ख्वाहिश और ज़रूरत के बीच क्या अंतर है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें। (What is the difference between desire and need? Express your thoughts.)

एक ऐसी 'अधूरी ख्वाहिश' के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपको कुछ सिखाया। (Write about an 'unfulfilled desire' that taught you something.)

अगर आज आपकी आखिरी ख्वाहिश पूरी होनी हो, तो वह क्या होगी? (If your last wish were to be fulfilled today, what would it be?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You must use feminine adjectives like 'meri', 'badi', and 'adhuri', and the verb must agree, such as 'poori hui'.

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal or dramatic. Use it if you have a special craving. For everyday food, 'man' or 'chahna' is better.

The plural is 'khwaahishein' (ख्वाहिशें). If you use it with a preposition like 'of' (ki), it becomes 'khwaahishon' (ख्वाहिशों).

You say 'Meri ek khwaahish hai.' (मेरी एक ख्वाहिश है।)

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal speech and writing, though 'iccha' is also common.

It means an 'unfulfilled' or 'incomplete' desire. It's a very common phrase in Hindi literature and songs.

It is close, but 'aasha' or 'umeed' is better for 'hope'. 'Khwaahish' is specifically about what you *want* to happen.

It comes from Persian. Many Hindi words related to emotions and poetry have Persian roots.

It's a soft, scratchy sound made at the back of the throat, like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or 'Loch'. It is not a hard 'k'.

Yes, 'Khwaahish' is sometimes used as a girl's name in India, reflecting its feminine and beautiful meaning.