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लोभ करना

B1 verb 7 min read

लोभ करना

lobh karna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लोभ करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation लोभ करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 'lobh karna' means 'to be greedy.' You might not use it often, but you will hear it in basic stories or when someone says 'don't be greedy' (lobh mat karo). It is a way to describe someone who wants too much of something, like toys or sweets. Think of it as a 'bad' kind of wanting. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning and the phrase 'lobh mat karo.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just recognize that 'lobh' is the thing (greed) and 'karna' is the action (to do). You might see it in simple moral stories where a character loses everything because they wanted more than they had. It is a very useful word for understanding basic right and wrong in Hindi culture. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand the values people talk about in India.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'lobh karna' in simple sentences with the postposition 'ka.' For example, 'paise ka lobh karna' (to be greedy for money). You should understand that this is a compound verb. This means 'lobh' is the noun and 'karna' changes based on the person (I, you, he/she). You can use it to describe simple situations, like a person wanting all the food or all the money. You will also notice that it is usually a negative word. If you want to say someone is acting selfishly, 'lobh karna' is a good choice. You might also learn the adjective 'lobhi' (greedy). At A2, focus on the structure: [Thing] + ka + lobh karna. Practice saying 'He is being greedy for the cake' as 'Vah cake ka lobh kar raha hai.' This level is about moving from just recognizing the word to using it in basic, everyday contexts.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the moral and social implications of 'lobh karna.' This is the level where you distinguish it from 'lalach karna.' You should know that 'lobh' is more serious and often used in discussions about character and ethics. You can use it in various tenses (past, present, future) and understand how it works in the perfective aspect (e.g., 'usne lobh kiya'). You should be able to follow a story or a news report where someone's downfall is attributed to their greed. You can also use it to give advice or express opinions on social issues, like corruption or environmental destruction. B1 learners should feel comfortable using 'ka' correctly and understanding that the verb refers to the action of avarice. You might also start seeing it in semi-formal contexts, like a school essay or a newspaper article about a financial scam.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'lobh karna.' You can use it fluently in debates about ethics, business, and politics. You understand that 'lobh' is one of the 'six enemies' in Indian philosophy and can use this cultural context to enrich your speech. You are able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Lobh karna manushya ke patan ka karan banta hai' (Acting greedily becomes the cause of a human's downfall). You can also recognize the word in literature and understand its symbolic weight. At this level, you should be able to compare 'lobh' with other words like 'moha' (attachment) and 'trishna' (craving) accurately. You can use it to describe systemic issues, such as 'corporate greed' (corporates ka lobh), and discuss the consequences of such behavior on society and the individual psyche.

At the C1 level, 'lobh karna' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it in formal academic writing, philosophical discussions, and literary analysis. You understand the subtle differences between 'lobh' and its synonyms in various regional dialects or historical registers of Hindi. You can use the word to critique complex social structures or to delve into the psychological aspects of human desire. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving greed and can use them naturally. Your understanding of the word includes its Sanskrit roots and how it has evolved in modern usage. You can discuss how the concept of 'lobh karna' is portrayed in classic Hindi cinema or literature, and you can use it to articulate nuanced arguments about morality in a modern, consumerist society.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native understanding of 'lobh karna.' You can perceive the tiniest shades of meaning when the word is used in poetry, ancient scriptures, or highly technical legal and philosophical texts. You can use the word with perfect grammatical precision and stylistic flair. You might use it to discuss the intersection of ancient Vedic thought and modern economic theory. You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial 'lalach' and the formal 'lobh' depending on the audience and the desired impact. You are capable of teaching the concept to others, explaining its cultural, historical, and linguistic significance. For a C2 speaker, 'lobh karna' is not just a verb; it is a gateway to understanding the deep-seated values and the intellectual history of the Hindi-speaking world. You can use it to create evocative imagery or to provide a sharp, incisive critique of human nature.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लोभ करना in 30 Seconds

A compound verb meaning 'to act greedily' or 'to covet'.
Strongly negative moral connotation in Hindi culture.
Commonly used with the postposition 'ka' (e.g., paise ka lobh).
Distinguished from 'lalach' by its higher level of formality and seriousness.

The Hindi verb लोभ करना (lobh karnā) is a compound verb that translates to 'to act greedily,' 'to covet,' or 'to be avaricious.' While 'greed' is a universal concept, in the Hindi-speaking world, and more broadly in the Indian philosophical context, lobh is often categorized as one of the Arishadvargas—the six internal enemies of the mind that prevent spiritual and moral growth. When you use this term, you aren't just describing a desire for more; you are often implying a moral failing or an excessive, unhealthy attachment to material possessions, wealth, or power.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Sanskrit root 'lubh', which means 'to desire' or 'to be bewildered by desire'.
Moral Connotation: It is rarely used positively. Unlike 'ambition' (महत्वाकांक्षा), 'lobh karna' implies a lack of ethics or self-control.

In daily conversation, you might hear this word used by parents to warn children against being selfish, or in business contexts to describe predatory practices. It specifically targets the action of being greedy. For instance, if someone is eyeing a larger share of an inheritance than they deserve, they are said to be doing 'lobh'. It is a verb that demands an object—what is the person being greedy for? Usually, this is indicated by the postposition का (ka).

ज़्यादा मुनाफ़े का लोभ करना कभी-कभी व्यापार को डूबा देता है। (To act greedily for more profit sometimes sinks the business.)

Culturally, the concept of lobh is frequently paired with moha (attachment) and kama (desire). In literature and folk tales, characters who 'lobh karte hain' (perform greed) almost always meet a tragic or cautionary end. It is a word that carries the weight of centuries of ethical teaching, suggesting that one's internal peace is compromised the moment they begin to covet what is not theirs or more than what they need.

हमें दूसरों की सफलता देख कर लोभ नहीं करना चाहिए। (We should not act with greed upon seeing others' success.)

Using लोभ करना correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure. As a transitive compound verb, it typically follows the pattern: [Subject] + [Object] + का/की + लोभ + [Conjugated form of करना]. The postposition 'ka' (of/for) is essential to link the greed to its target. For example, if you are greedy for money, it is 'paise ka lobh karna'.

Tense Variations: Present: वह लोभ करता है (He acts greedily). Past: उसने लोभ किया (He acted greedily). Future: वह लोभ करेगा (He will act greedily).

It is important to distinguish this from the adjective form lobhi (greedy person). While you can say 'He is greedy' (वह लोभी है), using 'lobh karna' emphasizes the behavior or the specific instance of greed. This is particularly useful in legal or ethical discussions where a specific action of avarice is being condemned. In formal Hindi, you might see 'lobh karna' used in texts describing the downfall of kings or the corruption of officials.

उसने ज़मीन के छोटे से टुकड़े के लिए अपनी ईमानदारी का लोभ किया। (He compromised his honesty out of greed for a small piece of land.)

When using it in the imperative (giving advice), it is very common to say 'lobh mat karo' (don't be greedy). This is a standard phrase used to discourage someone from taking more than their share. In more academic or spiritual writing, 'lobh karna' is contrasted with 'santosh' (contentment). The phrase 'santosh rakho, lobh mat karo' (keep contentment, don't practice greed) is a staple of moral education in India.

मिठाइयों का लोभ करना तुम्हारी सेहत के लिए बुरा है। (Acting greedily for sweets is bad for your health.)

You will encounter लोभ करना in various domains, ranging from the highly formal to the domestic. Perhaps the most frequent setting is within the context of moral and religious discourses (Pravachans). If you visit a temple or listen to a spiritual talk in Hindi, the dangers of 'lobh karna' will be a recurring theme. It is cited as a primary cause of human suffering and social discord.

News & Media: Often used in headlines regarding scams (scam/ghotala) where individuals 'acted with greed' for public funds.
Literature: In stories by Premchand or other classic Hindi writers, 'lobh karna' is a character trait that leads to a protagonist's ruin.

In everyday life, parents use it to teach children about sharing. If a child refuses to share a toy, a parent might say, 'Khilone ka itna lobh mat karo' (Don't be so greedy for the toy). It is also heard in the workplace, though sometimes euphemistically. If a company is cutting corners to maximize profit, employees might whisper that the management is 'lobh kar rahi hai'.

आजकल के लोग सत्ता का लोभ करने में अंधे हो गए हैं। (People today have become blind in their greed for power.)

Furthermore, you will find this term in Hindi news editorials, especially when discussing environmental issues or economic crises. The phrase 'prakriti ka lobh karna' (to exploit nature greedily) is a common way to describe unsustainable development. It suggests that humans are taking more than what the Earth can replenish, which aligns with the philosophical roots of the word—taking beyond one's 'need'.

सरकारी खजाने का लोभ करना उसे जेल ले गया। (Acting greedily for the government treasury took him to jail.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing लोभ करना with लालच करना (lālach karnā). While they are synonyms, 'lalach' is more common in colloquial, everyday speech and can sometimes be used in a lighter, almost playful way (like 'lalach' for a tasty snack). 'Lobh' is heavier, more formal, and almost always carries a serious moral judgment. Using 'lobh' in a lighthearted context might make you sound overly dramatic or archaic.

Mistake: Subject-Object Agreement: Incorrect: 'Main lobh hoon' (I am greed). Correct: 'Main lobh kar raha hoon' (I am acting greedily) or 'Mujhe lobh hai' (I have greed/I am greedy).

Another common error is forgetting the postposition का (ka). Because in English we say 'to covet [something]', learners often try to use the direct object in Hindi. However, in Hindi, you must say you are doing the 'lobh' *of* something. Forgetting the 'ka' makes the sentence grammatically incomplete. For example, 'Paisa lobh mat karo' is incorrect; it must be 'Paise ka lobh mat karo'.

❌ उसने सफलता लोभ किया। (Wrong)
✅ उसने सफलता का लोभ किया। (Right)

Finally, learners sometimes use 'lobh karna' when they actually mean 'to want' (chaahna) or 'to need' (zaroorat hona). Greed is an *excessive* desire. If you say you 'lobh' for water when you are thirsty, it sounds very strange. Use 'lobh karna' only when the desire is perceived as inappropriate, excessive, or unethical. It's about the boundary between a natural need and an insatiable want.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for desire and its various shades. Understanding the alternatives to लोभ करना will help you express nuance. The most common alternative is लालच करना (lalach karna). While 'lobh' is 'avarice', 'lalach' is closer to 'temptation' or 'greed' in a general sense. You 'lalach' for a chocolate, but you 'lobh' for a kingdom.

तृष्णा (Trishna): This refers to 'insatiable thirst' or 'craving'. It is more poetic and philosophical than 'lobh'.
मोह (Moha): Often confused with lobh, 'moha' is specifically 'delusional attachment' or 'infatuation'. You might 'lobh' for someone's money but have 'moha' for your own children.

For a more formal or administrative context, you might use atyadhik lipsa (excessive desire/greed). In a legal context, bhrashtachar (corruption) often implies 'lobh karna' as its root cause. If you want to describe someone who is simply very ambitious without the negative moral baggage, use महत्वाकांक्षा (mahatvakanksha). Ambition is generally seen as a positive drive in modern Hindi, whereas 'lobh' is always a vice.

लालच बुरी बला है। (Greed is a terrible curse.) - A very common proverb using the synonym 'lalach'.

Another interesting word is kripanata (stinginess), which is the flip side of greed. While 'lobh karna' is about wanting to *get* more, 'kripanata' is about being unwilling to *give*. Both are often discussed together in ethical texts as barriers to a virtuous life. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are emphasizing the craving (lobh), the temptation (lalach), or the attachment (moha).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'love' actually shares the same ancient Indo-European root (*leubh-) as the Hindi word 'lobh'. While they evolved into very different meanings (one positive, one negative), they both stem from the concept of 'desire'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /loːbʱ kəɾ.nɑː/

US /loʊbʱ kər.nɑ/

Stress is on the first syllable 'Lo'.

Rhymes With

क्षोभ करना (kshobh karna - to be agitated) उपभोग करना (upbhog karna - to consume) योग करना (yog karna - to practice yoga) भोग करना (bhog karna - to enjoy/suffer) सहयोग करना (sahyog karna - to cooperate) प्रयोग करना (prayog karna - to use) उद्योग करना (udyog karna - to make effort) विरोध करना (virodh karna - to oppose)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bh' as a simple 'b' (lob).
Pronouncing 'karna' as 'kar-naa' with too much stress on the last syllable.
Mixing up the 'o' sound with 'au' (laubh).
Ignoring the aspiration in 'bh', making it sound like 'lob'.
Forgetting the retroflex 'n' in some dialects, though standard Hindi uses a dental 'n'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of compound verbs.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the 'ka' postposition and conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce but must be used in the right social context.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in speeches and stories.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

करना (karna) लालच (lalach) बुरा (bura) पैसा (paisa) चाहिए (chahiye)

Learn Next

त्याग करना (tyag karna) संतोष (santosh) भ्रष्टाचार (bhrashtachar) ईमानदारी (imandari) स्वार्थ (swarth)

Advanced

अरिषड्वर्ग (Arishadvarga) अपरिग्रह (Aparigraha) लोलुपता (Loluptā) तृष्णा (Trishna) जिजीविषा (Jijivisha)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

लोभ + करना = लोभ करना (To act with greed).

Genitive Postposition 'Ka'

धन का लोभ (Greed of/for wealth).

Perfective Aspect with 'Ne'

उसने लोभ किया (He did greed/He acted greedily).

Negative Imperative 'Mat'

लोभ मत करो (Don't act greedily).

Infinitive as Noun

लोभ करना बुरा है (To act greedily is bad).

Examples by Level

लोभ मत करो।

Don't be greedy.

Imperative form of the verb.

वह खाने का लोभ करता है।

He acts greedily for food.

Present simple tense.

पैसे का लोभ बुरा है।

Greed for money is bad.

Using the noun 'lobh' as a subject.

क्या तुम लोभ कर रहे हो?

Are you being greedy?

Present continuous interrogative.

छोटा बच्चा लोभ नहीं करता।

The small child does not act with greed.

Negative present simple.

ज़्यादा लोभ मत करना।

Don't do too much greed.

Future imperative (prohibitive).

वह खिलौनों का लोभ करता है।

He is greedy for toys.

Use of 'ka' with plural object.

लोभ करना अच्छी बात नहीं है।

To act greedily is not a good thing.

Infinitive as a subject.

उसने सोने का लोभ किया।

He acted greedily for gold.

Past simple (Perfective) with 'ne'.

हमें दूसरों की चीज़ों का लोभ नहीं करना चाहिए।

We should not be greedy for others' things.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

वे हमेशा मुनाफ़े का लोभ करते हैं।

They always act greedily for profit.

Present simple plural.

मिठाई का लोभ करना सेहत के लिए ठीक नहीं।

Being greedy for sweets is not good for health.

Gerundial use.

राम ने कभी लोभ नहीं किया।

Ram never acted greedily.

Negative past simple with 'ne'.

क्या तुम इस घर का लोभ कर रहे हो?

Are you coveting this house?

Present continuous interrogative.

ज़्यादा नंबरों का लोभ करना तनाव देता है।

Being greedy for more marks causes stress.

Abstract object 'number'.

वह अपनी बहन की गुड़िया का लोभ करती है।

She is greedy for her sister's doll.

Feminine subject, masculine noun 'lobh'.

लालच में आकर उसने चोरी का लोभ किया।

Coming into greed, he acted with avarice for theft.

Participle 'aakar' with compound verb.

अगर तुम लोभ करोगे, तो पछताओगे।

If you act greedily, you will regret it.

Conditional sentence.

व्यापारी ने अधिक धन का लोभ किया और पकड़ा गया।

The merchant acted greedily for more wealth and was caught.

Compound sentence with 'ne'.

समाज में लोभ करना एक बुराई मानी जाती है।

Acting greedily is considered an evil in society.

Passive construction 'maani jaati hai'.

वह अपनी पदवी का लोभ कर रहा था।

He was being greedy for his position/rank.

Past continuous.

इंसान को कभी भी किसी की ज़मीन का लोभ नहीं करना चाहिए।

A human should never be greedy for anyone's land.

Formal advice using 'chahiye'.

लोभ करने से मन की शांति चली जाती है।

By acting greedily, peace of mind goes away.

Causal construction with 'se'.

उसने अपनी ईमानदारी बेचकर लोभ किया।

He acted greedily by selling his honesty.

Conjunctive participle 'bechkar'.

सत्ता का लोभ करने वाले अक्सर जनता को भूल जाते हैं।

Those who act greedily for power often forget the public.

Noun phrase with '-waale'.

बिना सोचे-समझे लोभ करना विनाशकारी हो सकता है।

Acting greedily without thinking can be destructive.

Adverbial phrase 'bina soche-samajhe'.

प्राचीन कथाओं में लोभ करने के दुष्परिणाम बताए गए हैं।

The bad consequences of acting greedily are told in ancient stories.

Passive voice with plural subject.

उसने संपत्ति का लोभ किया, जिससे परिवार में दरार आ गई।

He acted greedily for property, which caused a rift in the family.

Relative clause starting with 'jisse'.

वैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का लोभ करना पर्यावरण के लिए खतरा है।

Scientists believe that acting greedily for natural resources is a threat to the environment.

Complex sentence with 'ki' clause.

क्या आपने कभी किसी और की सफलता का लोभ किया है?

Have you ever been greedy for someone else's success?

Present perfect interrogative.

लोभ करने की प्रवृत्ति को रोकना कठिन होता है।

It is difficult to stop the tendency to act greedily.

Genitive link 'ki pravritti'.

उसने अपने सिद्धांतों का त्याग करके लोभ किया।

He acted greedily by sacrificing his principles.

Compound sentence with 'karke'.

पूँजीवादी व्यवस्था में अक्सर मुनाफ़े का लोभ करना ही मुख्य उद्देश्य बन जाता है।

In a capitalist system, acting greedily for profit often becomes the main objective.

Formal academic register.

महाभारत का युद्ध धृतराष्ट्र के पुत्रों द्वारा किए गए लोभ का परिणाम था।

The Mahabharata war was the result of the greed acted upon by Dhritarashtra's sons.

Passive-style genitive construction.

दार्शनिकों के अनुसार, लोभ करना आत्मा के पतन की पहली सीढ़ी है।

According to philosophers, acting greedily is the first step in the soul's downfall.

Metaphorical usage.

उसने अपनी विरासत का लोभ किया और अंततः सब कुछ खो दिया।

He acted greedily for his inheritance and ultimately lost everything.

Narrative past.

भ्रष्टाचार की जड़ में सदैव किसी न किसी प्रकार का लोभ करना ही होता है।

At the root of corruption, there is always some form of acting greedily.

Emphatic particle 'hi'.

लेखक ने समाज में व्याप्त लोभ करने की भावना पर तीखा प्रहार किया है।

The author has made a sharp attack on the sentiment of acting greedily prevalent in society.

Literary criticism register.

विदेशी शक्तियों ने भारत की संपदा का लोभ किया और उसे लूटा।

Foreign powers acted greedily for India's wealth and looted it.

Historical narrative.

जब मनुष्य ज्ञान का लोभ करने लगता है, तो वह अहंकारी हो जाता है।

When a human begins to act greedily for knowledge, they become arrogant.

Inceptive construction 'lagne lagta hai'.

अध्यात्म में लोभ करना माया के जाल में फँसने के समान माना गया है।

In spirituality, acting greedily is considered equivalent to being caught in the web of Maya (illusion).

High philosophical register.

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता का मुख्य कारण नेताओं द्वारा निजी लाभ का लोभ करना है।

The main cause of political instability is the acting greedily for personal gain by leaders.

Complex nominalization.

उपभोक्तावाद की यह संस्कृति हमें निरंतर नई वस्तुओं का लोभ करने के लिए प्रेरित करती है।

This culture of consumerism constantly inspires us to act greedily for new objects.

Sociological critique.

उसने अपनी बौद्धिक संपदा का लोभ किया और उसे किसी के साथ साझा नहीं किया।

He acted greedily for his intellectual property and did not share it with anyone.

Modern abstract object.

यदि समाज का हर व्यक्ति लोभ करने लगे, तो सामाजिक ताना-बाना बिखर जाएगा।

If every individual in society begins to act greedily, the social fabric will unravel.

Conditional with 'lagne lage'.

कवि ने लोभ करने की मानवीय दुर्बलता को अपनी कविताओं में जीवंत किया है।

The poet has brought to life the human weakness of acting greedily in his poems.

Literary analysis.

इतिहास गवाह है कि साम्राज्यों का पतन अक्सर शासकों द्वारा किए गए लोभ के कारण हुआ।

History is witness that the downfall of empires often occurred due to the greed acted upon by rulers.

Formal historiography.

विवेकशील व्यक्ति वही है जो क्षणिक सुखों का लोभ नहीं करता।

A wise person is one who does not act greedily for fleeting pleasures.

Defining a character trait.

Common Collocations

पैसे का लोभ करना

सत्ता का लोभ करना

भोजन का लोभ करना

ज़मीन का लोभ करना

सफलता का लोभ करना

मुनाफ़े का लोभ करना

पद का लोभ करना

उपहार का लोभ करना

विदेशी मुद्रा का लोभ करना

ज्ञान का लोभ करना

Common Phrases

लोभ में आना

— To fall into the trap of greed. Used when someone is tempted.

वह सस्ते सामान के लोभ में आ गया।

लोभ संवरण करना

— To restrain or control one's greed. A very formal expression.

उसने बड़ी मुश्किल से अपने लोभ का संवरण किया।

लोभ से अंधा होना

— To be blinded by greed. Used for extreme cases.

वह लोभ से अंधा हो गया है।

लोभ की सीमा

— The limit of greed. Often used to say someone has no limits.

उसके लोभ की कोई सीमा नहीं है।

लोभ वश

— Out of greed. Used as an adverbial phrase.

उसने लोभ वश यह अपराध किया।

लोभ का त्याग

— Giving up greed. A common spiritual goal.

लोभ का त्याग ही शांति का मार्ग है।

लोभ की अग्नि

— The fire of greed. Metaphor for how greed consumes a person.

वह लोभ की अग्नि में जल रहा है।

लोभ का फल

— The fruit of greed. Usually implies a bad result.

लोभ का फल हमेशा कड़वा होता है।

लोभ मुक्त

— Free from greed. Used to describe a saintly person.

हमें लोभ मुक्त समाज बनाना चाहिए।

लोभ की प्रवृत्ति

— The tendency of greed. Used in psychological contexts.

मानव मन में लोभ की प्रवृत्ति स्वाभाविक है।

Often Confused With

लोभ करना vs लालच करना (Lalach karna)

Lalach is more for temporary temptations; Lobh is for deep-seated avarice.

लोभ करना vs मोह करना (Moh karna)

Moh is about emotional attachment; Lobh is about wanting to possess more.

लोभ करना vs इच्छा करना (Iccha karna)

Iccha is a neutral 'to wish/want'; Lobh is a negative 'to covet'.

Idioms & Expressions

"लालच बुरी बला है"

— Greed is a great evil/curse. The most famous proverb about greed.

ज़्यादा मत माँगो, याद रखो लालच बुरी बला है।

Common/Proverb

"लोभ पाप का मूल है"

— Greed is the root of sin. A classic ethical teaching.

शास्त्रों में कहा गया है कि लोभ पाप का मूल है।

Formal/Spiritual

"कौड़ी-कौड़ी का लोभ करना"

— To be greedy for every single penny. Used for extreme stinginess or petty greed.

वह अमीर है फिर भी कौड़ी-कौड़ी का लोभ करता है।

Informal

"दोनों हाथों से समेटना"

— To gather with both hands. Implies acting with extreme greed to accumulate wealth.

भ्रष्ट अफसर दोनों हाथों से पैसा समेट रहे हैं।

Colloquial

"हाथ मारना"

— To strike a hand (at something). Slang for grabbing something greedily or illegally.

उसने तिजोरी पर हाथ मारा।

Slang

"मुँह में पानी आना"

— Mouth watering. Used for greed/temptation, usually for food.

सोना देखकर उसके मुँह में पानी आ गया।

Common

"पेट नहीं भरना"

— Stomach not getting full. Metaphor for insatiable greed.

कितना भी मिल जाए, उसका पेट नहीं भरता।

Informal

"आँखें गड़ाना"

— To fix one's eyes on something greedily.

वह मेरी ज़मीन पर आँखें गड़ाए बैठा है।

Informal

"जी ललचाना"

— To feel tempted or greedy.

नयी कार देखकर मेरा जी ललचा गया।

Neutral

"माया जाल"

— The web of illusion/wealth. Often refers to the 'lobh' of the world.

वह माया जाल में फँसकर लोभ करने लगा।

Spiritual

Easily Confused

लोभ करना vs लोभी (Lobhi)

Noun/Adjective vs Verb.

Lobhi is the person (The greedy one); Lobh karna is the act (To act greedily).

वह लोभी आदमी है (He is a greedy man). उसने लोभ किया (He acted greedily).

लोभ करना vs लाभ (Labh)

Similar sound.

Labh means 'Profit/Benefit' (Positive/Neutral). Lobh means 'Greed' (Negative).

व्यापार में लाभ हुआ (There was profit in business). उसने लाभ के लिए लोभ किया (He acted with greed for profit).

लोभ करना vs क्षोभ (Kshobh)

Rhyming sound.

Kshobh means 'Agitation/Grief'. Lobh means 'Greed'.

उसे अपनी हार पर क्षोभ हुआ (He felt grief over his defeat).

लोभ करना vs भोग (Bhog)

Often used in similar spiritual contexts.

Bhog is the 'enjoyment' or 'consumption' of things. Lobh is the 'desire' to have them.

वह सुखों का भोग कर रहा है (He is enjoying pleasures).

लोभ करना vs लुभाना (Lubhana)

Same root.

Lubhana means 'to entice/attract someone else'. Lobh karna is your own feeling of greed.

विज्ञापन ग्राहकों को लुभाते हैं (Ads entice customers).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] का लोभ मत करो।

मिठाई का लोभ मत करो।

वह [Object] का लोभ करता है।

वह पैसों का लोभ करता है।

[Subject] ने [Object] का लोभ किया।

उसने सत्ता का लोभ किया।

[Object] का लोभ करना [Adjective] है।

ज़मीन का लोभ करना गलत है।

अगर तुम [Object] का लोभ करोगे, तो [Consequence]।

अगर तुम धन का लोभ करोगे, तो शांति खो दोगे।

[Subject] द्वारा [Object] का लोभ करना [Result] का कारण बना।

राजा द्वारा स्वर्ण का लोभ करना उसके विनाश का कारण बना।

समाज में [Object] का लोभ करने की प्रवृत्ति बढ़ रही है।

समाज में भौतिक सुखों का लोभ करने की प्रवृत्ति बढ़ रही है।

लोभ करने की मानवीय दुर्बलता [Context] में स्पष्ट दिखती है।

लोभ करने की मानवीय दुर्बलता युद्धों के इतिहास में स्पष्ट दिखती है।

Word Family

Nouns

लोभ (lobh - greed)

लोभी (lobhi - greedy person)

लोभिता (lobhita - greediness/state of being greedy)

Verbs

लोभना (lobhna - to be enticed/archaic)

लुभाना (lubhana - to entice/attract)

Adjectives

लोभी (lobhi - greedy)

लुभावना (lubhavna - attractive/enticing)

लोभपूर्ण (lobhpurn - full of greed)

लालच (lalach)

तृष्णा (trishna)

लालसा (lalsa)

स्पृहा (spriha)

लिप्सा (lipsa)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in moral, religious, and news contexts. Less common in casual 'slang' talk.

Common Mistakes

Using 'lobh' for hunger. → Bhookh (Hunger)
If you are hungry, say 'Mujhe bhookh lagi hai'. Saying you 'lobh' for food sounds like you are a glutton.
Saying 'Main lobh hoon'. → Main lobhi hoon / Main lobh kar raha hoon.
You cannot 'be' the noun greed. You are either a greedy person or you are acting greedily.
Omitting 'Ka'. → Satta ka lobh karna.
The target of greed must be linked with 'ka'.
Confusing 'Lobh' with 'Labh'. → Labh (Profit), Lobh (Greed).
One is a business result, the other is a moral vice.
Using 'lobh karna' for 'loving'. → Pyar karna (To love).
Even though they share a root, 'lobh' is never 'love' in modern Hindi.

Tips

Use 'Ka' correctly

Always put 'ka' after the thing being coveted. 'Paisa lobh' is wrong; 'Paise ka lobh' is right.

Avoid accusing friends

Calling a friend's action 'lobh karna' is quite harsh. Use 'lalach' for a lighter touch.

Pair with 'Santosh'

Learning 'Santosh' (contentment) alongside 'Lobh' helps you understand the cultural duality.

Aspirate the 'Bh'

Practice the 'bh' sound by blowing out a little air while saying 'b'.

Use in Moral Essays

It's a great 'power word' for essays on corruption or ethics.

Look for it in Fables

Classic stories like Panchatantra use this word frequently to teach lessons.

News Context

When you hear 'ghotala' (scam), listen for 'lobh' as the motivation.

Understand the 'Enemy'

Knowing it's one of the '6 enemies' helps you see why it's so negative in India.

Low-Behavior

Remember: Lobh = Low Behavior.

Verb vs Noun

Remember 'Lobh' is the greed, 'Karna' is the doing. You can't just say 'He is lobh'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Lobh' as 'Low Behavior'. Acting with 'Lobh' is 'low behavior' because it is greedy and selfish.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to carry ten watermelons at once and dropping them all. This visual of 'too much' helps remember the action of 'lobh karna'.

Word Web

Money Power Property Sin Desire Selfishness Avarice Corruption

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a famous movie villain using 'lobh karna'. Focus on what they were greedy for.

Word Origin

Rooted in the Sanskrit word 'लोभ' (lobha), which comes from the root 'लुभ्' (lubh). In Sanskrit, this root signifies 'to be bewildered,' 'to desire eagerly,' or 'to be disordered.'

Original meaning: Excessive desire or covetousness that leads to mental distraction.

Indo-Aryan / Indo-European.

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of 'lobh karna' as it is a strong moral judgment. It is safer to use 'lalach' for minor things.

In English, 'greed' can sometimes be used in business as 'greed is good' (Wall Street), but in Hindi, 'lobh' almost never has a positive spin.

The story of the 'Greedy Dog' (Lalchi Kutta) in schoolbooks. Kabir's dohas (couplets) criticizing greed. Mahatma Gandhi's quote: 'The world has enough for everyone's need, but not everyone's greed (lobh).'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial Scams

पैसे का लोभ करना
धोखाधड़ी करना
सरकारी धन का लोभ
घोटाला करना

Family Disputes

जायदाद का लोभ करना
हिस्से का लोभ
भाई-भाई में झगड़ा
लोभ वश रिश्ता तोड़ना

Spiritual Discourses

लोभ का त्याग
मन का लोभ
शांति और संतोष
पाप का मूल

Environmental Issues

प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का लोभ
जंगलों का लोभ करना
धरती का शोषण
विनाशकारी लोभ

Child Education

खिलौनों का लोभ
बाँटना सीखो
लोभ बुरी बात है
लालच मत करो

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि लोभ करना इंसान की फितरत है?"

"आज के दौर में लोग सफलता का इतना लोभ क्यों करते हैं?"

"क्या व्यापार में थोड़ा लोभ करना ज़रूरी है?"

"आपने आख़िरी बार कब किसी चीज़ का लोभ किया था?"

"लोभ करने और महत्वाकांक्षी होने में क्या अंतर है?"

Journal Prompts

क्या कभी आपने किसी ऐसी चीज़ का लोभ किया जिसने आपको बाद में दुखी किया? विस्तार से लिखें।

समाज में बढ़ते लोभ को कैसे कम किया जा सकता है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

एक कहानी लिखें जहाँ मुख्य पात्र का लोभ उसे एक बड़ी मुसीबत में डाल देता है।

क्या आपको लगता है कि आधुनिक विज्ञापन हमें लोभ करने के लिए मजबूर करते हैं?

संतोष और लोभ के बीच के संघर्ष पर एक निबंध लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In 99% of contexts, yes. It implies an unhealthy, excessive, or unethical desire. However, in some rare philosophical debates, one might speak of 'gyan ka lobh' (greed for knowledge) as a positive drive, but even then, 'jigyasa' (curiosity) is the preferred positive word.

Think of 'lalach' as 'temptation' (like wanting an extra cookie) and 'lobh' as 'avarice' (like wanting to take over a company unethically). 'Lobh' is heavier and more formal.

The word 'lobh' is masculine, but the verb 'karna' conjugates based on the subject in tenses like the present. Example: 'Vah (female) lobh karti hai.' However, in the past tense with 'ne', it stays masculine: 'Usne (female) lobh kiya.'

Usually, 'lobh karna' is for objects, money, or power. If you have an obsessive desire for a person, words like 'moh' (attachment) or 'hawas' (lust) are more common, though 'lobh' can be used metaphorically.

'Lalach buri bala hai' is the most common. Another one is 'Lobh paap ka mool hai' (Greed is the root of sin).

Yes, it is directly derived from Sanskrit 'Lobha', retaining its original meaning and moral weight.

Yes, 'Mujhe lobh ho raha hai' means 'I am feeling greedy.' 'Lobh karna' is the action, 'Lobh hona' is the feeling.

A greedy person is called a 'lobhi' (masculine/feminine) or 'lalchi'.

Yes, often to describe unethical profit-seeking or predatory behavior. 'Munāfe ka lobh karna' is a common phrase.

No, it is very important. It is an aspirated 'b'. If you omit the 'h' sound, the word won't be understood correctly.