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लगन रखना

B1 verb 12 min read

लगन रखना

lagan rakhna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लगन रखना in 30 Seconds

Explanation लगन रखना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'Lagan rakhna' as simply 'working hard with focus'. While the phrase itself might be a bit advanced for a complete beginner, you will encounter the word 'Lagan' in basic stories about successful people. Think of it as 'putting your heart into something'. At this stage, just remember that 'Lagan' is a good thing to have when you are learning something new, like Hindi! You might hear a teacher say 'Lagan se padho' (Study with dedication). It's similar to the English idea of 'being a good, focused student'.

At the A2 level, you start to see how 'Lagan rakhna' is used as a verb phrase. You might use it to describe your hobbies or your daily routine if you are very serious about them. For example, 'Main Hindi seekhne mein lagan rakhta hoon' (I maintain dedication in learning Hindi). You should notice that 'Lagan' is a feminine noun, so you use 'rakhti' if you are female and 'rakhta' if you are male in the present tense. It's a step up from 'mehnat' (hard work) because it shows you actually care about what you are doing.

At the B1 level (the target level for this word), you should be able to use 'Lagan rakhna' in various tenses and contexts. You understand that it implies a mix of persistence, passion, and discipline. You can use it to give advice to others, like 'Tumhe apne sapno mein lagan rakhni chahiye' (You should maintain dedication in your dreams). You also begin to understand the grammar of the past tense, where 'Usne lagan rakhi' uses the 'ne' postposition and the verb agrees with the feminine noun 'Lagan'. This level is about mastering the nuance of 'internal drive'.

At the B2 level, you can distinguish 'Lagan rakhna' from more formal words like 'Nishtha' (loyalty) or 'Samarpan' (total surrender). You can use it in professional settings, such as during a job interview to describe your work ethic: 'Main apne har project में पूरी लगन रखता हूँ' (I maintain full dedication in every project). You understand that 'Lagan' is a quality often praised in Indian culture and can discuss its importance in achieving long-term goals. You can also use it in more complex sentence structures involving conditional or subjunctive moods.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the cultural and literary depth of 'Lagan'. You might encounter it in Hindi literature or high-level journalism where it describes the lifelong commitment of artists, social reformers, or scientists. You can use the phrase to talk about abstract concepts, such as the 'Lagan' required for spiritual growth or social change. Your usage is natural, and you can easily swap it with synonyms like 'Dhunn' or 'Sadhana' to convey specific shades of meaning. You understand the historical weight of the word and its connection to the idea of 'vocation'.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's philosophical implications. You can analyze how 'Lagan rakhna' functions as a core value in Indian philosophy, similar to the concept of 'Karma Yoga' (selfless action). You can use it in sophisticated debates about ethics, education, and mastery. You are comfortable using it in poetic or highly rhetorical ways, and you understand its subtle presence in various dialects and registers of Hindi. For you, 'Lagan' is not just a vocabulary word but a window into the Indian psyche's view on perseverance and the soul's attachment to its work.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लगन रखना in 30 Seconds

Lagan Rakhna means maintaining deep dedication and persistent focus toward a goal or task, reflecting both passion and hard work.
It is a B1-level phrase that is commonly used in education, professional mastery, and spiritual contexts to praise someone's commitment.
Grammatically, 'Lagan' is a feminine noun, so the verb 'Rakhna' and any associated adjectives must agree with its feminine gender.
Compared to simple hard work (Mehnat), 'Lagan' implies an internal emotional investment and a sense of being 'attached' to the task.

The Hindi verb phrase लगन रखना (Lagan Rakhna) is a profound expression that transcends simple hard work. At its core, it refers to the act of maintaining a deep, heartfelt dedication or a persistent diligence toward a specific goal, task, or spiritual path. While the word 'Mehnat' refers to physical or mental labor, 'Lagan' implies an internal fire, a sense of devotion, and a psychological attachment to the objective. When you say someone has 'Lagan', you are suggesting that their work is not just a duty, but a calling. It is a B1-level phrase because it requires understanding the nuance between external effort and internal commitment. In Indian culture, this term is frequently used in the context of education, classical arts like music or dance, and professional mastery. It suggests a level of focus where the individual becomes one with the task at hand.

Literal Meaning: To keep or maintain an attachment/dedication.
Emotional Tone: Highly positive, respectful, and indicative of a strong character.
Contextual Usage: Used in academic encouragement, professional appraisals, and spiritual discourses.

सफलता पाने के लिए अपने काम में लगन रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है। (To achieve success, it is very important to have dedication in your work.)

The usage of 'Rakhna' (to keep/have) with 'Lagan' turns the noun into a continuous action. It isn't just a fleeting feeling; it is a state of being that one must actively maintain. For instance, a student might have the talent, but if they don't 'Lagan rakhte hain' (maintain dedication), they might fail to reach their potential. This phrase is often used by elders when advising the younger generation, emphasizing that consistency and passion are the keys to longevity in any field. In the modern corporate world in India, managers might use this phrase to describe a 'star employee' who goes above and beyond not because they are told to, but because they are genuinely invested in the project's success. It is the difference between doing a job and pursuing a craft.

वह अपनी पढ़ाई में पूरी लगन रखता है। (He maintains full dedication in his studies.)

Furthermore, 'Lagan' has historical and spiritual roots. In Sufi and Bhakti poetry, 'Lagan' refers to the soul's intense longing for the Divine. While in everyday conversation it is more secular, that weight of 'soulful commitment' remains. If you are learning Hindi, 'Hindi seekhne mein lagan rakhiye' (maintain dedication in learning Hindi) means you should immerse yourself in the language, not just memorize grammar rules. It implies a holistic engagement. This phrase is also synonymous with 'Dhunn' (obsession/craze) but is more formal and grounded. It suggests a disciplined obsession rather than a wild one. Using this phrase correctly marks you as a speaker who understands the deeper values of Indian society regarding work ethic and perseverance.

अगर तुम खेल में लगन रखोगे, तो एक दिन ज़रूर जीतोगे। (If you maintain dedication in sports, you will surely win one day.)

Synonym Comparison: 'Mehnat' is labor; 'Lagan' is devotion. You can do 'Mehnat' without 'Lagan' (grudgingly), but 'Lagan' always includes 'Mehnat'.

संगीत सीखने के लिए लगन रखना अनिवार्य है। (Dedication is mandatory for learning music.)

बिना लगन रखे कोई भी बड़ा काम पूरा नहीं होता। (Without maintaining dedication, no great work is completed.)

Using लगन रखना correctly involves understanding its role as a compound verb where 'Lagan' acts as the noun of focus and 'Rakhna' acts as the auxiliary that carries the tense and aspect. Because 'Lagan' is a feminine noun, any adjectives modifying it must be feminine (e.g., 'Puri lagan' - full dedication). However, the verb 'Rakhna' will conjugate according to the subject. For example, 'Main lagan rakhta hoon' (Masculine) vs 'Main lagan rakhti hoon' (Feminine). It is most commonly used in the present habitual tense to describe a person's character or in the imperative to give advice. In more formal writing, it can be replaced by 'Lagan hona' (to have dedication) but 'Rakhna' emphasizes the agency of the person—they are actively *keeping* that focus alive.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Context/Field + mein] + [Adjective] + लगन + [Conjugated Rakhna]

वह समाज सेवा में सच्ची लगन रखती है। (She maintains true dedication in social service.)

When using it in the past tense, you would say 'Usne lagan rakhi' (He/She kept dedication). Note that because 'Rakhna' is a transitive verb, in the perfective aspect (past tense), the 'ne' postposition is used with the subject, and the verb agrees with the object 'Lagan' (which is feminine). This is a common grammatical hurdle for B1 learners. For example, 'Maine apne lakshya ke prati lagan rakhi' (I kept dedication towards my goal). The 'ne' marks the subject, and 'rakhi' matches 'Lagan'. If you want to express a continuous action, you might say 'Vah lagan rakh raha hai', though this is less common than the habitual 'rakhta hai'.

विद्यार्थियों को अपनी शिक्षा के प्रति लगन रखनी चाहिए। (Students should maintain dedication towards their education.)

In negative sentences, 'Lagan na rakhna' implies a lack of interest or a casual attitude. 'Vah kaam mein lagan nahi rakhta' (He doesn't have dedication in work) is a serious critique of someone's professional ethics. In interrogative forms, it is used to question someone's commitment: 'Kya tum is rishte mein lagan rakhoge?' (Will you maintain dedication in this relationship?). This shows how the phrase can be extended from work to personal life. The versatility of the phrase allows it to be used in almost any domain where effort and heart are required. Whether it is cooking, gardening, or rocket science, 'Lagan rakhna' is the ingredient that ensures quality.

मेरे पिता ने हमेशा अपने व्यापार में लगन रखी। (My father always maintained dedication in his business.)

Common Adjectives with Lagan: Sachi (True), Puri (Full), Atut (Unbreakable), Gehri (Deep).

अगर आप लगन रखेंगे, तो बाधाएं अपने आप दूर हो जाएंगी। (If you maintain dedication, obstacles will automatically vanish.)

कलाकार को अपनी कला में लगन रखनी पड़ती है। (An artist has to maintain dedication in their art.)

In contemporary India, you will hear लगन रखना in various settings ranging from the highly formal to the encouragingly personal. In schools and coaching centers, teachers often use it to motivate students who are preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC or IIT-JEE. They might say, 'Sirf padhne se nahi hoga, lagan rakhni hogi' (Just studying won't do, you must have dedication). This highlights that the intensity of the study matters more than the quantity. It is also a staple in 'Mann Ki Baat' or other motivational speeches where leaders talk about nation-building and the spirit of the youth. In such contexts, it carries a patriotic and moral weight, suggesting that every citizen should have 'Lagan' towards the country's progress.

News & Media: Often used in headlines describing the rags-to-riches stories of successful entrepreneurs or athletes.

उसने अपनी मेहनत और लगन से यह मुकाम हासिल किया है। (He has achieved this position through his hard work and dedication.)

In the world of sports, commentators frequently use this phrase to describe a player's focus during a difficult match. If a batsman is playing a long innings under pressure, the commentator might say, 'Unki lagan hi unhe maidan par tikaye hue hai' (It is only his dedication that is keeping him on the field). Similarly, in reality shows—especially those focused on singing or dancing—judges use 'Lagan' to differentiate between a performer who is technically sound and one who is emotionally connected to their craft. They might tell a contestant, 'Aapki gayaki mein lagan dikhti hai' (Dedication is visible in your singing). This usage reinforces the idea that 'Lagan' is something visible through one's output.

वैज्ञानिकों ने अपनी लगन से मिशन को सफल बनाया। (The scientists made the mission successful through their dedication.)

At home, parents use this phrase when talking about their children's hobbies or chores. If a child is building a complex Lego set or learning a new game, a parent might remark, 'Dekho, kitni lagan se kaam kar raha hai' (Look, with how much dedication he is working). It is a way of acknowledging the child's concentration. Conversely, if someone is doing something half-heartedly, they might be told, 'Thodi toh lagan rakho!' (Have some dedication at least!). In religious or spiritual gatherings (Satsangs), 'Lagan' is used to describe the devotee's focus on God. Here, it is often paired with 'Preet' (love), creating a sense of 'Devotional Love'.

भक्त ने ईश्वर की भक्ति में लगन रखी। (The devotee maintained dedication in the worship of God.)

Workplace Usage: 'Lagan se kaam karna' is a common instruction given during onboarding or project kick-offs.

नई नौकरी में लगन रखना आपकी तरक्की के लिए ज़रूरी है। (Maintaining dedication in a new job is essential for your progress.)

बिना लगन के ज्ञान प्राप्त नहीं होता। (Without dedication, knowledge is not attained.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing लगन रखना with 'Lagan hona'. While both are related, 'Lagan hona' (to have dedication) often describes a passive state or an inherent quality, whereas 'Lagan rakhna' (to maintain dedication) implies an active, continuous choice by the subject. Another common mistake is the gender of 'Lagan'. Since 'Lagan' is feminine, learners often incorrectly say 'Bada lagan' or 'Mera lagan'. The correct forms are 'Badi lagan' and 'Meri lagan'. This gender error also affects the verb in past tense constructions: you should say 'Usne lagan rakhi' (feminine ending) even if the person you are talking about is male. This is because the verb 'rakhi' agrees with the object 'lagan', not the subject.

Incorrect Gender Usage: Saying 'Usne bahut lagan rakha' (Wrong) instead of 'Usne bahut lagan rakhi' (Correct).

गलत: वह अपने काम में बड़ा लगन रखता है। (Wrong: He keeps 'big' (masc) dedication.)

Another nuance that learners miss is the difference between 'Lagan' and 'Shauk' (hobby/interest). 'Shauk' is something you do for fun or leisure, while 'Lagan' is something you do with serious intent and commitment. Using 'Lagan' for a very casual, low-effort activity can sound hyperbolic or sarcastic. For example, saying someone has 'Lagan' for eating pizza might sound like a joke unless they are a professional food critic. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget the postposition 'mein' (in) or 'ke prati' (towards). You don't just 'Lagan rakhna' an object; you 'Lagan rakhna' *in* a field or *towards* a goal. 'Vah padhai lagan rakhta hai' is grammatically incomplete; it should be 'Vah padhai *mein* lagan rakhta hai'.

सही: उसने अपनी चित्रकारी में पूरी लगन रखी। (Correct: She kept full dedication in her painting.)

Lastly, don't confuse 'Lagan' with 'Lagna' (to feel/to seem). 'Mujhe lagta hai' (I feel) is a very common phrase, but it has nothing to do with 'Lagan'. Beginners often mix these up because of the similar phonetic root. 'Lagan' is a noun meaning dedication, while 'Lagna' is a versatile verb used for feelings, physical contact, or starting an action. To avoid this, remember that 'Lagan' always refers to a deep, sustained commitment. If you are talking about a temporary feeling, 'Lagan' is the wrong word. Using 'Lagan rakhna' implies a long-term duration. You wouldn't usually use it for a task that takes five minutes; it's reserved for journeys, careers, and lifelong skills.

गलत: मुझे आज पढ़ने की लगन लग रही है। (Wrong: I am 'feeling' dedication today - sounds unnatural.)

Vocabulary Distinction: Lagan (Dedication) vs. Mehnat (Hard work) vs. Lagna (To feel/seem).

सही: वह लगन से पढ़ रहा है। (Correct: He is studying with dedication.)

अगर आप भाषा में लगन नहीं रखेंगे, तो उन्नति कठिन होगी। (If you don't maintain dedication in the language, progress will be difficult.)

While लगन रखना is a powerful phrase, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of dedication you wish to express. One of the most common synonyms is 'Nishtha rakhna' (to have faith/allegiance). 'Nishtha' is more formal and is often used in political, religious, or organizational contexts. It implies a loyalty-based dedication. For example, 'Desh ke prati nishtha rakhna' (To have loyalty toward the country). Another alternative is 'Samarpan' (Surrender/Dedication). 'Samarpan' is much stronger than 'Lagan'; it implies giving up one's entire self to a cause. You might hear this in spiritual contexts or extreme acts of sacrifice.

Comparison: Lagan vs. Nishtha: 'Lagan' is focused effort and passion; 'Nishtha' is principled loyalty and steadfastness.

उसने अपनी संस्था के प्रति पूरी निष्ठा रखी। (He maintained full loyalty/dedication toward his organization.)

For a more everyday, informal vibe, you can use 'Dhunn hona' or 'Dhunn lagna'. This implies a sort of 'craze' or 'obsession' with something. It's often used for creative pursuits. 'Use sangeet ki dhunn sawar hai' means he is obsessed with music. While 'Lagan' is disciplined, 'Dhunn' can be a bit more chaotic but equally intense. Then there is 'Parishram' (Hard work/Exertion). This is a purely academic or formal word for 'Mehnat'. It focuses on the physical or mental labor involved rather than the emotional dedication. If you are writing a formal essay, 'Parishram' is a great word to use alongside 'Lagan' to show both the heart and the hands are involved.

लक्ष्य को पाने के लिए समर्पण की आवश्यकता होती है। (Surrender/Dedication is required to achieve the goal.)

In the context of concentration, you might use 'Ekagrata' (One-pointedness/Concentration). While 'Lagan' is the spirit of dedication, 'Ekagrata' is the technical ability to focus the mind. 'Padhai mein ekagrata rakhiye' means 'Keep concentration in studies'. You can have 'Lagan' (the desire and drive) but struggle with 'Ekagrata' (the actual focus). Lastly, 'Dil lagana' (to apply the heart) is a more poetic and common way to say you are putting your heart into something. It is used both for work ('Kaam mein dil lagao') and for falling in love. 'Lagan rakhna' is more stable and less emotional than 'Dil lagana', making it more suitable for professional or serious personal growth contexts.

अगर तुम दिल लगाकर काम करोगे, तो थकान नहीं होगी। (If you work with your heart in it, you won't get tired.)

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Nishtha (Loyalty) 2. Samarpan (Total Devotion) 3. Ekagrata (Focus) 4. Dhunn (Obsession) 5. Parishram (Hard Labor).

उसकी एकाग्रता ही उसकी सबसे बड़ी ताकत है। (His concentration is his greatest strength.)

सच्ची लगन के बिना कोई भी हुनर नहीं सीखा जा सकता। (No skill can be learned without true dedication.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"कर्मचारियों को अपने दायित्वों के प्रति पूर्ण लगन रखनी चाहिए।"

Neutral

"सफलता के लिए काम में लगन रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है।"

Informal

"भाई, थोड़ी लगन रख, काम अपने आप हो जाएगा।"

Child friendly

"अपनी ड्राइंग में लगन रखो, वह बहुत सुंदर बनेगी!"

Slang

"फुल लगन मोड में हूँ आज! (I am in full dedication mode today!)"

Fun Fact

The word 'Lagan' is also used in Hindi to mean an auspicious time for a wedding, signifying the 'attachment' of two souls. The famous movie 'Lagaan' uses a variant meaning 'tax', which was an 'attachment' on the land's produce.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lə.ɡən rəkʰ.nɑː/

US /lə.ɡən rɑːk.nɑː/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'Lagan' (LA-gan) and the first syllable of 'Rakhna' (RAKH-na).

Rhymes With

Jagan (Awakening) Magan (Absorbed) Gagan (Sky) Chakhna (To taste) Lakhna (To see/perceive) Dakhna (South - dialectal) Bhagan (Running) Sagan (Dense)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Lagan' as 'Lay-gan' (Incorrect). It should be a short 'a' as in 'cup'.
Merging 'kh' into a simple 'k', making it 'Rakna' (Incorrect).
Using a retroflex 'n' instead of a dental 'n' in 'Lagan'.
Stress on the last syllable of 'Rakhna'.
Failing to aspirate the 'kh' in 'Rakhna'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the root is known.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of 'ne' rule and feminine gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Natural use requires understanding the nuance between 'mehnat' and 'lagan'.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used in motivational and formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

काम (Work) मेहनत (Hard work) रखना (To keep) ज़रूरी (Important) सफलता (Success)

Learn Next

निष्ठा (Loyalty) समर्पण (Dedication/Surrender) अनुशासन (Discipline) धैर्य (Patience) लक्ष्य (Goal)

Advanced

साधना (Disciplined practice) संकल्प (Resolution) तपस्या (Penance/Deep focus) एकाग्रता (Concentration) नैरंतर्य (Continuity)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Rakhna'

Lagan Rakhna, Dhairya Rakhna, Yaad Rakhna.

Feminine Noun Agreement

Badi lagan (Large dedication), Meri lagan (My dedication).

Transitive Verbs in Past Tense (Ergative Case)

Maine lagan rakhi (I maintained dedication).

Postposition 'Mein' with Verbs of Focus

Padhai mein lagan rakhna (To maintain dedication IN studies).

Infinitive as Subject

Lagan rakhna acchi baat hai (To maintain dedication is a good thing).

Examples by Level

वह लगन से काम करता है।

He works with dedication.

Uses 'se' (with) as an adverbial phrase.

अच्छी लगन रखो।

Maintain good dedication.

Simple imperative form.

मेरी बहन में बहुत लगन है।

My sister has a lot of dedication.

Uses 'mein... hai' to show possession of a quality.

पढ़ाई में लगन रखना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to have dedication in studies.

Infinitive form used as a subject.

वह लगन वाला लड़का है।

He is a dedicated boy.

Uses '-wala' to create an adjective.

काम में लगन लगाओ।

Apply dedication to the work.

Alternative verb 'lagana' (to apply).

बिना लगन के मत पढ़ो।

Don't study without dedication.

Negative imperative with 'bina'.

सच्ची लगन फल देती है।

True dedication gives results.

Simple present tense statement.

मैं रोज़ाना अपनी लगन रखता हूँ।

I maintain my dedication daily.

Present habitual tense.

क्या तुम इस खेल में लगन रखते हो?

Do you maintain dedication in this sport?

Interrogative present habitual.

उसने अपनी चित्रकारी में लगन रखी।

She maintained dedication in her painting.

Past tense with feminine object agreement.

हमें अपने काम में पूरी लगन रखनी चाहिए।

We should maintain full dedication in our work.

Use of 'chahiye' for obligation.

वह खेल में लगन नहीं रखता था।

He did not use to maintain dedication in sports.

Past habitual negative.

मेरी माँ खाना बनाने में लगन रखती हैं।

My mother maintains dedication in cooking.

Honorific plural verb form.

सफलता के लिए लगन रखना सीखो।

Learn to maintain dedication for success.

Compound verb 'rakhna seekho'.

तुम अपनी लगन क्यों नहीं रखते?

Why don't you maintain your dedication?

Question with 'kyun'.

अगर आप लगन रखेंगे, तो मंज़िल मिल जाएगी।

If you maintain dedication, you will reach the destination.

Conditional sentence with future tense.

उसने मुश्किल समय में भी अपनी लगन रखी।

He maintained his dedication even in difficult times.

Past tense with 'bhi' for emphasis.

किसी भी कौशल को सीखने के लिए लगन रखना ज़रूरी है।

Maintaining dedication is necessary to learn any skill.

Infinitive phrase used as a subject.

वह अपनी नई नौकरी में बहुत लगन रख रही है।

She is maintaining a lot of dedication in her new job.

Present continuous tense.

क्या आपने कभी किसी काम में इतनी लगन रखी है?

Have you ever maintained so much dedication in any work?

Present perfect interrogative.

बिना लगन रखे आप महान नहीं बन सकते।

Without maintaining dedication, you cannot become great.

Absolutive form 'rakhe' used with 'bina'.

वे अपने व्यापार में सच्ची लगन रखते थे।

They used to maintain true dedication in their business.

Past habitual plural.

मुझे विश्वास है कि तुम लगन रखोगे।

I am confident that you will maintain dedication.

Subordinate clause with 'ki'.

वैज्ञानिकों ने इस शोध में वर्षों तक लगन रखी।

Scientists maintained dedication in this research for years.

Perfective aspect with a duration.

जब तक आप लगन नहीं रखेंगे, तब तक सुधार नहीं होगा।

As long as you don't maintain dedication, there won't be improvement.

Correlative 'jab tak... tab tak'.

उसकी सफलता का राज़ उसकी अटूट लगन रखना है।

The secret of his success is maintaining unbreakable dedication.

Gerundive use of 'rakhna' with an adjective.

क्या आप अपनी टीम में लगन रखने की भावना जगा सकते हैं?

Can you awaken the spirit of maintaining dedication in your team?

Causative concept 'jaga sakte hain'.

उसने संगीत की साधना में अपनी पूरी लगन रखी थी।

She had maintained her full dedication in the practice of music.

Past perfect tense.

समाज सुधारकों ने परिवर्तन लाने के लिए लगन रखी।

Social reformers maintained dedication to bring about change.

Purpose clause with 'laane ke liye'.

बिना लगन रखे कोई भी लक्ष्य प्राप्त करना असंभव है।

Without maintaining dedication, achieving any goal is impossible.

Formal statement structure.

हमें अपनी संस्कृति को बचाने में लगन रखनी होगी।

We will have to maintain dedication in saving our culture.

Future obligation with 'hogi'.

साधना में लगन रखना ही मोक्ष का मार्ग है।

Maintaining dedication in spiritual practice is the path to liberation.

Highly formal/spiritual register.

लेखक ने अपनी पांडुलिपि को पूरा करने में असाधारण लगन रखी।

The author maintained extraordinary dedication in completing his manuscript.

Use of advanced adjective 'asadharan'.

यदि वह लगन न रखता, तो आज यह ऊंचाइयां न छूता।

Had he not maintained dedication, he wouldn't be touching these heights today.

Counterfactual conditional.

प्रशासन को सार्वजनिक सेवाओं की गुणवत्ता में लगन रखनी चाहिए।

The administration should maintain dedication in the quality of public services.

Formal administrative context.

कला के प्रति उसकी लगन रखना ही उसे अन्यों से अलग करता है।

His maintaining of dedication toward art is what sets him apart from others.

Complex subject phrase.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन्होंने लगन रखी, उन्होंने ही दुनिया बदली।

History is witness that only those who maintained dedication changed the world.

Rhetorical/Literary style.

वह अपने सिद्धांतों के प्रति सदैव लगन रखता आया है।

He has always been maintaining dedication toward his principles.

Present perfect continuous aspect 'rakhta aaya hai'.

बिना लगन रखे बौद्धिक विकास की कल्पना करना व्यर्थ है।

It is futile to imagine intellectual development without maintaining dedication.

Philosophical/Academic tone.

उनकी कृतियों में जो सूक्ष्मता है, वह उनकी लगन रखने का ही परिणाम है।

The subtlety in their works is the result of their maintaining dedication.

Relative-correlative structure.

जीवन की सार्थकता कर्म में लगन रखने में ही निहित है।

The meaning of life is inherent in maintaining dedication to action.

Abstract philosophical statement.

उन्होंने राष्ट्र की एकता अक्षुण्ण रखने में अटूट लगन रखी।

They maintained unbreakable dedication in keeping the nation's unity intact.

Use of Sanskritized vocabulary like 'akshunn'.

वैज्ञानिक चेतना के विकास हेतु लगन रखना अनिवार्य है।

Maintaining dedication is mandatory for the development of scientific consciousness.

Academic/Policy-making register.

वह अपनी कला के प्रति जिस प्रकार की लगन रखता है, वह वंदनीय है।

The kind of dedication he maintains toward his art is praiseworthy.

Complex descriptive clause.

निरंतरता और लगन रखना ही किसी भी महान उपलब्धि की आधारशिला है।

Consistency and maintaining dedication are the foundation of any great achievement.

Metaphorical language.

यदि समाज में परोपकार के प्रति लगन रखी जाए, तो कलह समाप्त हो जाएगी।

If dedication toward altruism is maintained in society, strife will end.

Passive voice 'rakhi jaaye'.

उनकी विद्वत्ता के पीछे वर्षों की लगन रखने का तप छिपा है।

Behind their scholarship lies the penance of years of maintaining dedication.

Poetic/Metaphorical academic style.

Common Collocations

सच्ची लगन

पूरी लगन

अटूट लगन

लगन के साथ

गहरी लगन

कार्य के प्रति लगन

पढ़ाई में लगन

खेल में लगन

सीखने की लगन

धार्मिक लगन

Common Phrases

लगन से पढ़ना

— To study with deep concentration and dedication.

अगर तुम लगन से पढ़ोगे तो ज़रूर पास होगे।

लगन लग जाना

— To suddenly become obsessed or deeply attached to something.

उसे अचानक पेंटिंग की लगन लग गई।

लगन का फल

— The reward or result of one's dedication.

यह सफलता उसकी सालों की लगन का फल है।

बिना लगन के

— Doing something half-heartedly or without interest.

बिना लगन के किया गया काम सफल नहीं होता।

लगन की कमी

— A lack of dedication or focus.

उसकी असफलता का कारण लगन की कमी थी।

लगन बनाए रखना

— To keep maintaining dedication over a long period.

मुश्किलों में भी अपनी लगन बनाए रखें।

सच्ची लगन रखना

— To have genuine, heartfelt commitment.

सच्ची लगन रखने वाले कभी हारते नहीं।

काम में लगन

— Dedication specifically in one's professional duties.

काम में लगन रखना तरक्की का रास्ता है।

सीखने में लगन रखना

— To be diligent in the process of learning.

भाषा सीखने में लगन रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है।

लक्ष्य के प्रति लगन

— Dedication focused toward a specific goal.

अपने लक्ष्य के प्रति लगन रखो।

Often Confused With

लगन रखना vs लगना (Lagna)

A very common verb meaning 'to feel', 'to seem', or 'to be applied'. It has no connection to the noun 'Lagan' (dedication) in usage.

लगन रखना vs लगाम (Lagaam)

Means 'reins' or 'control'. Phonetically similar but completely different meaning.

लगन रखना vs लगन (Lagan) - Wedding

In some contexts, 'Lagan' refers to the wedding invitation or auspicious time, but the context usually makes the difference clear.

Idioms & Expressions

"दिन-रात एक करना"

— To work extremely hard (day and night) with great dedication.

उसने परीक्षा के लिए दिन-रात एक कर दिया।

Informal/Common

"खून-पसीना एक करना"

— To put in immense effort and hard labor.

किसान अपनी फसल के लिए खून-पसीना एक कर देता है।

Neutral

"कमर कसना"

— To prepare oneself with great dedication for a difficult task.

चुनाव के लिए सभी पार्टियों ने कमर कस ली है।

Neutral

"हथेली पर जान रखना"

— To be ready to risk one's life with total dedication to a cause.

सैनिक हथेली पर जान रखकर सीमा की रक्षा करते हैं।

Formal

"लोहा मानना"

— To acknowledge someone's greatness or dedication.

पूरी दुनिया ने उसकी प्रतिभा का लोहा माना।

Neutral

"आकाश-पाताल एक करना"

— To leave no stone unturned; to work with extreme dedication.

उसने नौकरी पाने के लिए आकाश-पाताल एक कर दिया।

Common

"जान झोंक देना"

— To put all one's energy and life into a task.

उसने इस प्रोजेक्ट में अपनी जान झोंक दी।

Informal

"पसीने की कमाई"

— Hard-earned money through dedication and labor.

यह मेरे पसीने की कमाई का घर है।

Neutral

"चिराग लेकर ढूंढना"

— To look for something rare (like a dedicated person) with great care.

आजकल ऐसे लगन रखने वाले लोग चिराग लेकर ढूंढने से भी नहीं मिलते।

Poetic/Common

"पत्थर की लकीर"

— Something unchangeable; often used for a dedicated promise or rule.

मेरी बात पत्थर की लकीर है, मैं यह काम ज़रूर करूँगा।

Neutral

Easily Confused

लगन रखना vs मेहनत (Mehnat)

Both relate to working hard.

Mehnat is physical/mental effort; Lagan is the internal passion and focus that drives that effort.

He did 'mehnat' (hard work) but lacked 'lagan' (heart/dedication).

लगन रखना vs शौक (Shauk)

Both involve interest in a task.

Shauk is a hobby or leisure interest; Lagan is a serious, disciplined commitment.

Painting is his 'shauk', but he has 'lagan' for his medical studies.

लगन रखना vs ध्यान (Dhyan)

Both involve focus.

Dhyan is temporary attention or meditation; Lagan is long-term dedication.

Give 'dhyan' (attention) to this page, but keep 'lagan' (dedication) for the whole subject.

लगन रखना vs आदत (Aadat)

Both involve repeated actions.

Aadat is a routine habit (often unconscious); Lagan is a conscious, goal-oriented devotion.

Early rising is an 'aadat', but exercising daily is his 'lagan'.

लगन रखना vs इच्छा (Iccha)

Both involve wanting something.

Iccha is a mere wish or desire; Lagan is the active pursuit of that desire through work.

He has the 'iccha' to be rich, but no 'lagan' to work for it.

Sentence Patterns

Vah [Noun] mein lagan rakhta hai.

Vah sangeet mein lagan rakhta hai.

Mujhe [Noun] mein lagan rakhni hai.

Mujhe padhai mein lagan rakhni hai.

Agar tum lagan rakhoge, toh [Result].

Agar tum lagan rakhoge, toh safal hoge.

[Subject] ne [Noun] mein lagan rakhi.

Usne apne kaam mein lagan rakhi.

[Noun] ke prati lagan rakhna [Adjective] hai.

Lakshya ke prati lagan rakhna zaroori hai.

Bina lagan rakhe [Action] mushkil hai.

Bina lagan rakhe seekhna mushkil hai.

[Subject] ki safalta ka raaz lagan rakhna hai.

Uski safalta ka raaz lagan rakhna hai.

[Abstract Concept] mein lagan rakhna hi [Conclusion] है।

Sadhana mein lagan rakhna hi moksh ka marg hai.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in educational and professional Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Usne bahut lagan rakha. → Usne bahut lagan rakhi.
Lagan is a feminine noun, so the verb in the past tense must be feminine ('rakhi').
Vah padhai lagan rakhta hai. → Vah padhai mein lagan rakhta hai.
You need the postposition 'mein' (in) to show where the dedication is being applied.
Mera lagan sangeet mein hai. → Meri lagan sangeet mein hai.
Possessive adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'Lagan'.
Mujhe lagan lag raha hai. → Main lagan rakhta hoon.
'Lagan' is not a temporary feeling like 'bhook' (hunger). It is a sustained quality you 'keep' (rakhna).
Vah bada lagan rakhta hai. → Vah badi lagan rakhta hai.
'Bada' is masculine; 'Badi' is feminine. Adjectives must agree with 'Lagan'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'Lagan' is feminine. This is the most common mistake for learners. Say 'Sachi lagan' and 'Lagan rakhi'.

Professional Use

Use 'Lagan rakhna' in resumes or interviews to show you are committed to your career. It sounds more impressive than just saying you work hard.

Respect

When you say someone has 'Lagan', you are showing deep respect for their character. Use it to compliment people you admire.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more poetic, use 'Dhunn'. If you want to sound more official, use 'Nishtha'. For general use, stick with 'Lagan'.

Daily Routine

Try to identify one thing you do with 'Lagan' every day and say it out loud in Hindi: 'Main [Activity] mein lagan rakhta hoon'.

Listen for the 'kh'

Pay attention to the aspirated 'kh' in 'Rakhna'. It's a breathy sound that distinguishes it from 'Rakna'.

Essay Tip

In essays about success, use 'Lagan aur Parishram' (Dedication and Hard work) as a pair. They go together like bread and butter.

Log-On

Remember: Lagan = Log-on. You log on to your heart to start your work with dedication.

Internal vs External

Remember that 'Lagan' is internal. If someone is forced to work hard, they are doing 'Mehnat', but they might not have 'Lagan'.

Tone

Say it with a sincere tone. Since it's a word about heart and passion, your voice should reflect that sincerity.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Lagan' as 'Log-on'. Just like you 'log on' to a computer to start working, you must 'Lagan' (log on) your heart to your task to be successful.

Visual Association

Imagine a person carving a statue out of a rock. They are so focused that they don't notice the rain or the crowd. That intense focus is 'Lagan'.

Word Web

Focus Heart Persistence Work Ethic Passion Consistency Discipline Devotion

Challenge

Try to use 'Lagan rakhna' in three different contexts today: once for your studies, once for a hobby, and once to describe a successful person you admire.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'लग्' (Lag), which means 'to adhere', 'to cling', or 'to be attached'. The evolution from physical attachment to mental/spiritual dedication is common in Indo-Aryan languages.

Original meaning: To be physically stuck or attached to something.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Prakrit -> Hindi).

Cultural Context

It is a very positive word. Using it to describe someone's efforts is considered a high compliment. There are no negative or sensitive connotations.

The closest English equivalents are 'Diligence', 'Dedication', or 'Devotion', but none capture the 'soulful' aspect of Lagan perfectly.

The movie 'Lagaan' (2001) - though it refers to tax, the characters' spirit is pure 'Lagan'. Kabir's poetry often mentions 'Lagan' in the context of devotion to God. Motivational speakers in India frequently use the phrase 'Lagan, Mehnat, aur Vishwas' (Dedication, Hard work, and Faith).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

पढ़ाई में लगन
सीखने की लगन
लगन से परीक्षा देना
ज्ञान के प्रति लगन

Career

काम में पूरी लगन
व्यापार में लगन रखना
प्रोजेक्ट के प्रति लगन
पेशेवर लगन

Sports

खेल में लगन
जीतने की लगन
अभ्यास में लगन
मैदान पर लगन

Arts

कला में लगन
संगीत की लगन
रियाज़ में लगन
रचनात्मक लगन

Spirituality

ईश्वर में लगन
भक्ति की लगन
साधना में लगन
आध्यात्मिक लगन

Conversation Starters

"आप अपने काम में लगन कैसे बनाए रखते हैं? (How do you maintain dedication in your work?)"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि लगन किस्मत से ज़्यादा ज़रूरी है? (Do you think dedication is more important than luck?)"

"बचपन में आपकी किस चीज़ में सबसे ज़्यादा लगन थी? (In childhood, what were you most dedicated to?)"

"किसी नए कौशल को सीखने के लिए कितनी लगन चाहिए? (How much dedication is needed to learn a new skill?)"

"क्या आप किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति को जानते हैं जिसकी लगन प्रेरणादायक है? (Do you know someone whose dedication is inspiring?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने किस काम में सबसे ज़्यादा लगन रखी और क्यों? (In which task did I maintain the most dedication today and why?)

अगले पाँच सालों में मैं अपने किस लक्ष्य के प्रति लगन रखना चाहता हूँ? (Toward which goal do I want to maintain dedication in the next five years?)

जब मेरा मन काम में नहीं लगता, तब मैं अपनी लगन कैसे वापस लाता हूँ? (When I don't feel like working, how do I bring back my dedication?)

सच्ची लगन और केवल मेहनत के बीच क्या अंतर है, मेरे अनुभव में? (What is the difference between true dedication and just hard work, in my experience?)

क्या लगन रखने से मेरा मानसिक स्वास्थ्य बेहतर होता है या तनाव बढ़ता है? (Does maintaining dedication improve my mental health or increase stress?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Lagan' is a feminine noun. Therefore, you should use feminine adjectives like 'Sachi lagan' and feminine verb forms in the perfective aspect, like 'Usne lagan rakhi'.

While 'Lagan' implies attachment, 'Lagan rakhna' is rarely used for romantic love. 'Dil lagana' or 'Prem karna' are more appropriate. 'Lagan' is usually reserved for work, skills, or divine devotion.

'Mehnat' is the labor itself (sweat and effort). 'Lagan' is the focus and passion behind the labor. You can do 'Mehnat' without 'Lagan' (like a chore), but you can't have 'Lagan' without doing 'Mehnat'.

You can say 'Main lagansheel hoon' (I am dedicated) or 'Main apne kaam में लगन रखता हूँ' (I maintain dedication in my work).

It is a neutral to formal word. It is perfectly fine to use in everyday conversation, but it is also used in high-level literature and professional settings.

In historical contexts, yes, 'Lagaan' refers to land tax. However, in modern Hindi, 'Lagan' almost always refers to dedication. They share the same root (attachment).

Common adjectives include 'Sachi' (true), 'Puri' (full), 'Atut' (unbreakable), 'Gehri' (deep), and 'Asadharan' (extraordinary).

Yes, especially when describing the journey of a successful person. Example: 'Usne barson tak lagan rakhi' (He maintained dedication for years).

Yes, if you are serious about the hobby. If you are learning a language or an instrument, 'Lagan rakhna' is the perfect phrase.

As an abstract noun, it is usually used in the singular. However, the verb 'rakhna' will change to 'rakhte hain' for plural subjects.