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लेखा-जोखा

B1 noun 9 min read

लेखा-जोखा

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लेखा-जोखा in 30 Seconds

Explanation लेखा-जोखा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'lekha-jokha' frequently, but it's helpful to recognize it. Think of it simply as 'the total money list.' Imagine you have a small piggy bank. If you write down every time you put a coin in or take one out, that list is your 'lekha-jokha.' In very simple Hindi, you can think of it like 'hisaab' (math/account). At this stage, just remember that it's a masculine word and it's about counting things like money or work. You might hear it in very simple stories where a king asks his minister for a list of things in the kingdom. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just see it as 'The Record.'

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'lekha-jokha' to talk about your daily routines or small expenses. You might say 'Mere kharch ka lekha-jokha' (The record of my expenses). You are moving beyond simple 'hisaab' and using a more 'adult' word. You should know that it is a masculine noun. So, you say 'Mera lekha-jokha' (My record) and not 'Meri lekha-jokha.' It’s a great word to use when you want to sound a bit more serious about your studies or your money. For example, 'Maine apni padhai ka lekha-jokha rakha hai' (I have kept a record of my studies). This shows you are organized!

At the B1 level, 'lekha-jokha' becomes a very useful word. You are now expected to talk about work, society, and more complex personal matters. You should use this word when discussing financial accountability or summarizing a project. It is the perfect word for 'taking stock.' For example, if you are finishing a volunteer project, you can provide a 'lekha-jokha' of what was achieved. You should also understand its metaphorical use—like looking back at your progress in learning Hindi. At this level, you should be comfortable using it with postpositions like 'ka' and 'mein,' and pairing it with verbs like 'pesh karna' (to present) or 'taiyar karna' (to prepare).

At B2, you should understand the nuance between 'lekha-jokha' and its synonyms like 'vivaran' or 'byaura.' You should be able to use it in formal writing, such as an essay about the economy or a formal letter to a landlord. You will encounter this word in news articles and TV debates. You should notice how it is used to hold people accountable. For example, 'Vipaksh ne sarkar se lekha-jokha maanga' (The opposition demanded an account from the government). You should also be able to use it in more abstract contexts, like the 'lekha-jokha' of a historical event or a political movement's successes and failures.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic value of 'lekha-jokha.' It is a 'dvandva' compound that adds a rhythmic, formal quality to your speech. You should be able to use it in academic or professional settings to describe complex audits, historical records, or philosophical evaluations of life and karma. You should understand the subtle difference in 'register'—where 'lekha-jokha' might be used to evoke a sense of traditional integrity or bureaucratic thoroughness. You should also be able to recognize it in classical literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used to critique social systems or institutional transparency.

For a C2 learner, 'lekha-jokha' is a tool for precision and rhetorical flair. You can use it to discuss the 'metaphysical accounting' of deeds in Indian philosophy or the 'socio-economic ledger' of a nation's history. You understand its etymological roots and how the combination of 'writing' and 'weighing' creates a powerful image of judgment and evaluation. You can use it fluently in any context, from a high-stakes legal argument to a poetic reflection on time. You are also aware of how the term has evolved in modern administrative Hindi and can use it to navigate the most complex bureaucratic or intellectual discussions in the Hindi-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लेखा-जोखा in 30 Seconds

A formal Hindi term for 'accounts' or 'detailed records'.
Commonly used in finance, business, and government contexts.
Can be used metaphorically to mean 'taking stock' of life or deeds.
It is a masculine compound noun usually paired with 'ka' and 'rakhna'.

The Hindi term लेखा-जोखा (Lekhā-jokhā) is a compound noun that serves as a cornerstone for discussing accountability, financial tracking, and comprehensive reviews. At its core, it refers to a detailed account or a systematic record of transactions, events, or actions. While it is most frequently encountered in the context of financial accounting—representing a balance sheet or a ledger—its usage extends far beyond the realm of money. It is a word that carries the weight of responsibility and the precision of documentation. When a manager asks for the 'lekha-jokha' of a project, they aren't just looking for numbers; they are seeking a holistic summary of what was done, what was spent, and what was achieved. This term is deeply embedded in the administrative and bureaucratic vocabulary of India, yet it remains accessible enough for everyday conversations about personal budgets or life reflections.

Financial Context: In a business setting, it refers to the formal bookkeeping process. It encompasses every rupee spent and earned, ensuring that there is a clear trail for audits and tax purposes.
Metaphorical Context: Metaphorically, it can refer to the 'account of one's life' or the 'inventory of deeds.' In spiritual or philosophical discussions, people might talk about the 'lekha-jokha' of their karma before a higher power.

हमें पिछले साल के सभी खर्चों का पूरा लेखा-जोखा तैयार करना होगा। (We will have to prepare a complete account of all last year's expenses.)

The word is a 'dvandva' compound, where two words of similar or related meaning are joined together. 'Lekha' comes from the root for writing or drawing, and 'Jokha' relates to weighing or estimating. Together, they imply not just the act of recording but also the act of evaluating. This dual nature makes the word particularly potent; it suggests that the records are being scrutinized for accuracy and value. You will hear this word in news reports regarding government budgets, in corporate boardrooms during annual general meetings, and even in household arguments where one person demands to know where all the money went. It implies a level of detail that a simple 'hisaab' (calculation) might lack.

चुनाव के बाद, पार्टी अपनी हार का लेखा-जोखा कर रही है। (After the election, the party is analyzing/accounting for its defeat.)

Register: Semi-formal to Formal. It is more sophisticated than 'hisaab' and more descriptive than 'vivaran'.

Using लेखा-जोखा correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a masculine noun. It is typically used with verbs like 'rakhna' (to keep), 'karna' (to do/perform), 'dena' (to give/submit), and 'maangna' (to demand). Because it is a compound noun, it usually functions as a singular collective entity, though it refers to many individual pieces of data. For example, when you say 'paisa ka lekha-jokha,' you are referring to the entire system of recording those funds. It is essential to note that the hyphen is crucial in written Hindi to maintain the connection between the two components, though in casual digital typing, it is often omitted.

सरकार को जनता के सामने अपने कामों का लेखा-जोखा पेश करना चाहिए। (The government should present the account of its work before the public.)

In sentence construction, 'lekha-jokha' often takes the postposition 'ka' (of). For instance, 'vyapaar ka lekha-jokha' (accounts of the business). When you want to say someone is meticulous, you might say they keep a 'pukka lekha-jokha' (a solid/firm record). This phrase emphasizes the reliability of the information. In professional Hindi, you will see it paired with adjectives like 'vaarshik' (annual), 'purna' (complete), or 'vistrit' (detailed). These modifiers help define the scope of the records being discussed. It is also common in the passive voice, such as 'lekha-jokha taiyaar kiya gaya' (the account was prepared).

Pattern 1: Object + Ka + Lekha-Jokha: Example: 'Kharchon ka lekha-jokha' (Account of expenses). This is the most standard way to define what is being tracked.

क्या आपके पास इस संपत्ति का कोई लेखा-जोखा है? (Do you have any record of this property?)

When using it in a more abstract sense, such as 'zindagi ka lekha-jokha' (the account of life), the verb 'dekhna' (to see/look at) is often used to imply reflection. For example, 'Budhape mein log apni zindagi ka lekha-jokha dekhte hain' (In old age, people look at the account of their lives). This versatility makes it a favorite for writers and orators who want to sound precise yet evocative. In modern business Hindi, it is increasingly being used to translate 'audit trail' or 'financial statement' in a way that feels more native than the English loanwords.

If you are in India, you will encounter लेखा-जोखा in several specific environments. The most common is the news. During the 'Budget Session' of Parliament, news anchors incessantly use this word to describe the government's reports on spending. You will hear phrases like 'Sarkar ne pichle paanch saal ka lekha-jokha pesh kiya' (The government presented the account of the last five years). It is also a staple in regional newspapers, particularly in the business and local governance sections. If a local municipality is being questioned about its funds, the headline will almost certainly include this word.

आज के समाचारों में मुख्य सचिव ने विकास कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा दिया। (In today's news, the Chief Secretary gave an account of the development works.)

Another common place is in legal and administrative offices. A 'Lekhpal' (an officer who keeps land records) deals with the 'lekha-jokha' of land ownership and taxes. If you are dealing with property in India, you will hear lawyers and clerks use this term to refer to the history of the land's transactions. In a more domestic setting, elder members of a family—particularly those who manage the household finances—might use it when sitting down with a diary at the end of the month. It conveys a sense of seriousness and order that the word 'hisaab' doesn't quite reach.

Finally, you will hear it in literature and cinema, often in a dramatic context. A protagonist might demand a 'lekha-jokha' from a villain who has cheated them, or a dying character might reflect on the 'lekha-jokha' of their sins. It is a word that bridges the gap between the dry world of mathematics and the emotional world of human consequences. In the workplace, during 'Appraisal Season,' employees and managers discuss the 'lekha-jokha' of the year's performance. It is the definitive word for 'taking stock' of a situation.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing लेखा-जोखा with the simpler word हिसाब (Hisaab). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Hisaab' is usually for simple math or a quick bill (like at a restaurant). You would never ask a waiter for the 'lekha-jokha' of your meal; that would sound absurdly formal, like you're asking for a full financial audit of the kitchen. Use 'hisaab' for daily transactions and 'lekha-jokha' for formal records or comprehensive reviews. Another mistake is forgetting the hyphen in formal writing, which can make the two words look disconnected.

Incorrect: मुझे खाने का लेखा-जोखा दो। (Give me the audit of the food.)
Correct: मुझे खाने का हिसाब दो। (Give me the bill/account for the food.)

Gender agreement is another stumbling block. Since 'lekha-jokha' is masculine, all adjectives and verbs must agree with it. Beginners often mistakenly use feminine markers because they might be thinking of 'report' (which is 'report' or 'soochana' - feminine). Always use 'ka,' 'achha,' 'bada,' etc. For example, say 'Lekha-jokha rakha gaya' (The account was kept) and not 'rakhi gayi.' Additionally, some learners try to pluralize it as 'lekhe-jokhe,' but this is rare and usually incorrect in standard Hindi; it is almost always used in its singular form to represent a collective set of records.

Confusion with 'Vivaran': 'Vivaran' means 'description' or 'details.' While a 'lekha-jokha' contains 'vivaran,' the latter is more about the narrative description, while the former is specifically about the systematic accounting of items or money.

To truly master the vocabulary of accounting and records in Hindi, it is helpful to compare लेखा-जोखा with its synonyms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' or register. While 'lekha-jokha' is the most comprehensive and slightly formal, other words might be more appropriate depending on the context. For instance, if you are talking about a bank statement, the word खाता (Khata) is used. If you are discussing a very detailed, itemized list, ब्यौरा (Byaura) is the preferred term. Understanding these nuances will make your Hindi sound more natural and precise.

हिसाब-किताब (Hisaab-Kitaab): This is the most common synonym. It is slightly more informal than 'lekha-jokha' and is used for daily bookkeeping. 'Lekha-jokha' sounds more like a final report, while 'hisaab-kitaab' sounds like the ongoing process of tracking money.
विवरण (Vivaran): This means 'description' or 'statement.' It is used in 'bank vivaran' (bank statement). It is more technical and less 'colorful' than 'lekha-jokha.'
आंकलन (Ankalan): This means 'assessment' or 'estimation.' Use this when the records are not yet final and you are trying to judge the value or impact of something.

Comparison: 'Hisaab' is the math; 'Byaura' is the detail; 'Lekha-jokha' is the complete record.

In some contexts, you might also use रिकॉर्ड (Record), which is a common English loanword in modern Hindi. However, using 'lekha-jokha' in a formal speech or a written article will earn you more respect for your language skills. It shows a deeper grasp of the Sanskrit-derived vocabulary that gives Hindi its formal structure. Conversely, if you are in a village or a traditional market, the term बही (Bahi) might be used, referring specifically to the physical red books used by merchants. Each of these words maps to a different part of the Indian social and economic landscape.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'jokha' part specifically relates to the ancient practice of weighing goods to determine their value, implying that every entry in the record has been 'weighed' for accuracy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /leː.kʰɑː d͡ʒoː.kʰɑː/

US /leɪ.kɑː d͡ʒoʊ.kɑː/

Equal stress on both parts of the compound noun.

Rhymes With

देखा-देखी (Dekha-dekhi) लेखा (Lekha) जोखा (Jokha) अनोखा (Anokha) धोखा (Dhokha) चोखा (Chokha) झोका (Jhoka) रोका (Roka)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a plain 'k' (Leka-joka).
Failing to elongate the vowels 'e' and 'o'.
Treating it as two separate words with a long pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but requires understanding of compound words.

Writing 4/5

The hyphen and aspirated 'kh' are important.

Speaking 3/5

Common in formal speech; sounds sophisticated.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with 'hisaab' if not heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

हिसाब लिखना पैसा काम रखना

Learn Next

विवरण ब्यौरा आंकलन पारदर्शिता उत्तरदायित्व

Advanced

लेखापरीक्षक (Auditor) वित्तीय विवरण (Financial statement) बही-खाता (Ledger)

Grammar to Know

Dvandva Compounds

Words like लेखा-जोखा join two related terms to form a collective noun.

Masculine Noun Agreement

Adjectives must be masculine: 'पूरा लेखा-जोखा' (not पूरी).

Postposition 'Ka'

Always use 'का' with लेखा-जोखा: 'खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा'.

Singular Collective Use

Even if it refers to many items, use singular verbs: 'लेखा-जोखा तैयार है'.

Aspiration of 'Kh'

The 'kh' in both parts must be aspirated for correct pronunciation.

Examples by Level

यह मेरे पैसों का लेखा-जोखा है।

This is the record of my money.

Uses 'ka' (masculine) to connect money and record.

क्या आपके पास लेखा-जोखा है?

Do you have the account?

Simple question structure.

राम लेखा-जोखा लिखता है।

Ram writes the account.

Subject-Object-Verb order.

यह लेखा-जोखा छोटा है।

This account is small.

Adjective 'chhota' (masculine) agrees with 'lekha-jokha'.

दुकानदार लेखा-जोखा रखता है।

The shopkeeper keeps the records.

Present simple tense.

मुझे लेखा-जोखा दिखाओ।

Show me the account.

Imperative form 'dikhao'.

लेखा-जोखा कहाँ है?

Where is the account?

Interrogative 'kahan'.

यह पुराना लेखा-जोखा है।

This is an old record.

Adjective 'purana' matches the masculine noun.

मैंने अपने खर्च का लेखा-जोखा बनाया।

I made a record of my expenses.

Past tense 'banaya'.

इस डायरी में सब लेखा-जोखा है।

Everything is recorded in this diary.

Use of 'mein' (in).

हमें सही लेखा-जोखा रखना चाहिए।

We should keep correct records.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

पिताजी घर का लेखा-जोखा देखते हैं।

Father looks after the household accounts.

Habitual present tense.

क्या तुमने काम का लेखा-जोखा दिया?

Did you give the account of the work?

Transitive verb 'diya'.

यह लेखा-जोखा बहुत ज़रूरी है।

This record is very important.

Adjective 'zaroori' is invariable.

उसने सारा लेखा-जोखा खो दिया।

He lost all the records.

Use of 'sara' (all/entire).

नया लेखा-जोखा कल तैयार होगा।

The new account will be ready tomorrow.

Future tense 'hoga'.

कंपनी ने अपना वार्षिक लेखा-जोखा पेश किया।

The company presented its annual accounts.

Formal verb 'pesh kiya'.

सफलता का लेखा-जोखा करना कठिन है।

It is difficult to account for success.

Infinitive 'karna' used as a noun.

उसने अपनी गलतियों का लेखा-जोखा किया।

He accounted for his mistakes.

Metaphorical use for 'accounting' for actions.

हर विभाग को अपना लेखा-जोखा देना होगा।

Every department will have to give its account.

Compulsion 'hoga' (will have to).

बिना लेखा-जोखा के व्यापार नहीं चलता।

Business doesn't run without records.

Postposition 'ke' used with 'bina'.

मंत्री जी ने विकास का लेखा-जोखा पढ़ा।

The minister read the account of development.

Formal context.

क्या आप इस प्रोजेक्ट का लेखा-जोखा दे सकते हैं?

Can you provide the account of this project?

Polite request using 'sakte hain'.

हमें अपने समय का लेखा-जोखा रखना चाहिए।

We should keep an account of our time.

Abstract usage of the noun.

सरकार को जनता को पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा देना चाहिए।

The government should give the public an account of every single penny.

Idiomatic 'pai-pai' (every penny).

ऑडिट के दौरान सारा लेखा-जोखा जाँचा गया।

During the audit, all the accounts were checked.

Passive voice 'jaancha gaya'.

जीवन के अंत में हम अपने कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा देखते हैं।

At the end of life, we look at the account of our deeds.

Philosophical usage.

इस रिपोर्ट में पिछले दशक का लेखा-जोखा है।

This report contains the account of the last decade.

Use of 'dashak' (decade).

उसने बड़ी सावधानी से अपना लेखा-जोखा तैयार किया।

He prepared his account with great care.

Adverbial phrase 'badi saavdhani se'.

पार्टी की हार का लेखा-जोखा अभी जारी है।

The accounting for the party's defeat is still ongoing.

Used as 'analysis' or 'review'.

पारदर्शिता के लिए लेखा-जोखा सार्वजनिक करना ज़रूरी है।

To ensure transparency, it is necessary to make the accounts public.

Complex noun phrase 'paardarshtaa ke liye'.

उसने अपने व्यापार का पूरा लेखा-जोखा बदल दिया।

He changed the entire accounting of his business.

Transitive action.

इतिहासकारों ने उस साम्राज्य का विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा लिखा है।

Historians have written a detailed account of that empire.

Use of 'vistrit' (detailed).

न्यायालय ने घोटाले का पूरा लेखा-जोखा माँगा।

The court demanded a full account of the scam.

Legal context.

यह पुस्तक भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था का लेखा-जोखा प्रस्तुत करती है।

This book presents an account of the Indian economy.

Formal verb 'prastut karti hai'.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में लेखक के कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा होता है।

In literary criticism, there is an account of the author's works.

Academic context.

उसकी बातों में सच्चाई का कोई लेखा-जोखा नहीं था।

There was no account/trace of truth in his words.

Abstract metaphorical use.

पर्यावरण के नुकसान का लेखा-जोखा करना अब अनिवार्य है।

Accounting for environmental damage is now mandatory.

Use of 'anivaarya' (mandatory).

सामाजिक परिवर्तनों का लेखा-जोखा रखना समाजशास्त्रियों का काम है।

Keeping an account of social changes is the job of sociologists.

Professional context.

इस संधि के लाभ और हानि का लेखा-जोखा अभी बाकी है।

The accounting of the pros and cons of this treaty is still pending.

Phrase 'baaki hai' (is remaining).

ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों का लेखा-जोखा मानवीय समझ से परे है।

The account of the universe's mysteries is beyond human understanding.

High-level philosophical usage.

दार्शनिकों ने आत्मा के सफर का सूक्ष्म लेखा-जोखा दिया है।

Philosophers have given a subtle account of the soul's journey.

Use of 'sookshm' (subtle/minute).

वैश्वीकरण के दौर में सांस्कृतिक ह्रास का लेखा-जोखा डरावना है।

The account of cultural erosion in the era of globalization is frightening.

Complex socio-political vocabulary.

संसद में बजट के दौरान विपक्ष ने आंकड़ों के लेखा-जोखा पर सवाल उठाए।

During the budget in Parliament, the opposition raised questions on the accounting of the figures.

Specific political register.

मानवीय सभ्यता का लेखा-जोखा युद्धों और शांति के बीच झूलता है।

The account of human civilization swings between wars and peace.

Rhetorical flair.

सरकारी फाइलों में दबे उस घोटाले का लेखा-जोखा आखिरकार बाहर आया।

The account of that scam buried in government files finally came out.

Narrative style.

नैतिकता का लेखा-जोखा किसी तराजू पर नहीं तौला जा सकता।

The account of morality cannot be weighed on any scale.

Metaphorical depth.

डिजिटल युग में हमारे डेटा का लेखा-जोखा बड़ी कंपनियों के पास है।

In the digital age, the account of our data is with large companies.

Modern technological context.

Synonyms

हिसाब-किताब विवरण ब्यौरा खाता गणना आंकलन फेहरिस्त लेखा

Antonyms

अव्यवस्था गड़बड़ अनदेखी अज्ञान

Common Collocations

पूरा लेखा-जोखा

वार्षिक लेखा-जोखा

लेखा-जोखा रखना

लेखा-जोखा पेश करना

लेखा-जोखा माँगना

पक्का लेखा-जोखा

गलत लेखा-जोखा

खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा

काम का लेखा-जोखा

अंतिम लेखा-जोखा

Common Phrases

पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा

— Account of every single cent; extreme precision.

उसने पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा दिया।

लेखा-जोखा बराबर करना

— To settle accounts; to make things even.

आज हम अपना लेखा-जोखा बराबर करेंगे।

पुराना लेखा-जोखा

— Past records or past history of someone's actions.

उसका पुराना लेखा-जोखा ठीक नहीं है।

लेखा-जोखा देखना

— To review or inspect the records.

मैनेजर कल लेखा-जोखा देखेगा।

लिखित लेखा-जोखा

— Written records (as opposed to oral accounts).

क्या आपके पास कोई लिखित लेखा-जोखा है?

जीवन का लेखा-जोखा

— The summary of one's life achievements and failures.

मृत्यु के समय जीवन का लेखा-जोखा याद आता है।

लेखा-जोखा विभाग

— The accounting department.

वह लेखा-जोखा विभाग में काम करता है।

लेखा-जोखा करना

— To calculate or evaluate a situation.

हार के बाद टीम ने अपना लेखा-जोखा किया।

साफ लेखा-जोखा

— Transparent and honest records.

हमेशा साफ लेखा-जोखा रखना चाहिए।

सरकारी लेखा-जोखा

— Official government records or budgets.

सरकारी लेखा-जोखा जनता के लिए खुला है।

Often Confused With

लेखा-जोखा vs हिसाब

Hisaab is for simple math or bills; Lekha-jokha is for formal, comprehensive records.

लेखा-जोखा vs ब्यौरा

Byaura means 'details' in general; Lekha-jokha is specifically about 'accounting' of those details.

लेखा-जोखा vs विवरण

Vivaran is a 'statement' or 'description'; Lekha-jokha implies a more evaluative record.

Idioms & Expressions

"लेखा-जोखा लेना"

— To hold someone accountable or to take an audit of their actions.

भगवान सबका लेखा-जोखा लेता है।

Metaphorical/Religious

"बही-खाते का लेखा-जोखा"

— The traditional way of keeping accounts in red ledgers.

पुराने मुनीम बही-खाते का लेखा-जोखा रखते थे।

Cultural

"कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा"

— The accounting of one's good and bad deeds (Karma).

चित्रगुप्त कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा रखते हैं।

Mythological

"लेखा-जोखा चुकता करना"

— To pay off all debts or settle a score.

उसने अपना सारा लेखा-जोखा चुकता कर दिया।

General

"लेखा-जोखा माँग बैठना"

— To suddenly demand an explanation or account.

वह अचानक पुरानी बातों का लेखा-जोखा माँग बैठा।

Informal

"लेखा-जोखा में गड़बड़ होना"

— To have discrepancies in the records; something is fishy.

लगता है इस कंपनी के लेखा-जोखा में गड़बड़ है।

Business

"लेखा-जोखा सामने आना"

— For the truth or the records to be revealed.

जल्द ही सारा लेखा-जोखा सामने आ जाएगा।

News

"लेखा-जोखा करना-धरना"

— To manage and maintain accounts (colloquial pairing).

वही सारा लेखा-जोखा करता-धरता है।

Informal

"लेखा-जोखा की फाइल"

— The 'dossier' or file containing someone's history.

पुलिस के पास उसका पूरा लेखा-जोखा है।

Legal

"लेखा-जोखा में उलझना"

— To get stuck in complex calculations or paperwork.

वह दिन भर लेखा-जोखा में उलझा रहता है।

General

Easily Confused

लेखा-जोखा vs लिखा-पढ़ी

Both involve writing and records.

Likha-padhi refers to 'paperwork' or 'legal documentation,' whereas Lekha-jokha is specifically about 'accounting.'

कोर्ट में बहुत लिखा-पढ़ी करनी पड़ती है।

लेखा-जोखा vs खाता-बही

Both refer to accounts.

Khata-bahi refers to the physical 'ledger books,' while Lekha-jokha is the 'content/account' itself.

मुनीम ने खाता-बही खोली।

लेखा-जोखा vs आंकड़े

Both involve numbers.

Ankre means 'statistics' or 'data points,' while Lekha-jokha is the 'systematic record' of those numbers.

ये आंकड़े गलत हैं।

लेखा-जोखा vs रिपोर्ट

Both are summaries.

Report is a general loanword; Lekha-jokha specifically focuses on the accounting aspect.

अपनी रिपोर्ट जमा करो।

लेखा-जोखा vs गणना

Both involve counting.

Ganana is the 'act of counting/calculating,' while Lekha-jokha is the 'resulting record.'

मतों की गणना शुरू हो गई है।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा है।

यह पैसों का लेखा-जोखा है।

मैंने [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा रखा।

मैंने खर्च का लेखा-जोखा रखा।

[Subject] ने [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा पेश किया।

मैनेजर ने काम का लेखा-जोखा पेश किया।

[Noun] का लेखा-जोखा करना [Adjective] है।

सफलता का लेखा-जोखा करना ज़रूरी है।

बिना [Noun] के लेखा-जोखा के, [Result] संभव नहीं।

बिना आंकड़ों के लेखा-जोखा के, सुधार संभव नहीं।

[Abstract Concept] का लेखा-जोखा [Verb Phrase] है।

नैतिकता का लेखा-जोखा शब्दों में बयान करना कठिन है।

क्या आप [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा दे सकते हैं?

क्या आप मुनाफे का लेखा-जोखा दे सकते हैं?

[Organization] का लेखा-जोखा [Adverb] जाँचा गया।

कंपनी का लेखा-जोखा बारीकी से जाँचा गया।

Word Family

Nouns

लेखक (Writer)

लेखन (Writing)

लेखा (Account)

लेखाकार (Accountant)

लेखपाल (Land Record Officer)

Verbs

लिखना (To write)

लिखवाना (To cause to write)

जोखना (To weigh/measure)

Adjectives

लिखित (Written)

लेखकीय (Authorial)

हिसाब (Account)

किताब (Book)

ब्यौरा (Detail)

विवरण (Description)

खाता (Ledger)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and formal settings; Moderate in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ki' instead of 'ka'. → Ka
Since 'lekha-jokha' is masculine, the preceding possessive must be 'ka'. Example: 'Kharch ka lekha-jokha' (Correct) vs 'Kharch ki lekha-jokha' (Incorrect).
Using it for a simple restaurant bill. → Hisaab / Bill
Lekha-jokha is too formal for a quick transaction. It implies a detailed audit or comprehensive record.
Pronouncing it as 'Leka-Joka'. → Lekha-Jokha
The 'kh' sound must be aspirated. Failing to do so can make the word hard to recognize for native speakers.
Pluralizing it as 'Lekhe-Jokhe'. → Lekha-Jokha
It is almost always used as a singular collective noun. Pluralization is non-standard and sounds awkward.
Omitting the hyphen in formal writing. → लेखा-जोखा
In formal Hindi, compound nouns (dvandva) should be connected with a hyphen for grammatical correctness.

Tips

Use in Business

When writing a professional email in Hindi, use 'lekha-jokha' to refer to project summaries or financial reports to sound more polished.

Aspirate the 'KH'

Ensure you don't say 'Leka-Joka.' The breathy 'kh' sound is essential for being understood correctly by native speakers.

Check the Gender

Always remember it's masculine. Beginners often make the mistake of using feminine markers because it ends in 'a', but it's a collective masculine noun.

Synonym Choice

Use 'hisaab' for friends and 'lekha-jokha' for your boss. Register matters in Hindi culture.

Don't Forget the Hyphen

The hyphen in लेखा-जोखा is important for clarity in formal writing. It shows the words are a single conceptual unit.

Spiritual Nuance

Be aware that in a spiritual context, this word can sound quite heavy, as it relates to the judgment of one's soul.

News keywords

When listening to the news, 'lekha-jokha' is often followed by 'pesh kiya' (presented) or 'maanga' (demanded).

Pair with Adjectives

Use adjectives like 'vistrit' (detailed) or 'purna' (complete) to enhance the meaning of 'lekha-jokha' in your writing.

The Weight of Words

Remember: Lekha (Write) + Jokha (Weight). You write it down and then you weigh its value.

Diwali Connection

Think of the red ledger books used during Diwali to remember this word—it's the 'lekha-jokha' of the year.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Lekha' as 'Link' (writing connects things) and 'Jokha' as 'Joke' (it's no joke to balance the accounts). A 'Lekha-Jokha' is a serious record.

Visual Association

Imagine a large, heavy red ledger book (Bahi-Khata) on a wooden desk with a quill pen and a weighing scale next to it.

Word Web

Finance Audit Records Accountability Ledger Summary Review History

Challenge

Try to write down the 'lekha-jokha' of your last three meals in Hindi using the word at least once.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit 'Lekha' (writing/line) and 'Jokha' (from 'Jyok' or 'Yogya' - measure/estimate). It is a classic Indo-Aryan compound.

Original meaning: A written estimate or a measured record.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Indo-Aryan.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, professional term.

Translates best as 'Accounts' or 'Audit', but carries a more holistic sense of 'taking stock' like an end-of-year review.

Chitragupta (The mythological accountant) Government Budget Speeches Premchand's stories about village accountants

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business/Finance

वार्षिक लेखा-जोखा
ऑडिट रिपोर्ट
मुनाफे का लेखा-जोखा
टैक्स का लेखा-जोखा

Government/Politics

बजट का लेखा-जोखा
विकास का लेखा-जोखा
जनता को लेखा-जोखा देना
घोटाले का लेखा-जोखा

Personal Life

खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा
समय का लेखा-जोखा
गलतियों का लेखा-जोखा
डायरी में लेखा-जोखा

Legal

संपत्ति का लेखा-जोखा
पुराना लेखा-जोखा
लिखित लेखा-जोखा
अदालत में लेखा-जोखा

Spirituality

कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा
पाप-पुण्य का लेखा-जोखा
जीवन का लेखा-जोखा
चित्रगुप्त का लेखा-जोखा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपने मासिक खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा रखते हैं?"

"इस प्रोजेक्ट के सफल होने का क्या लेखा-जोखा है?"

"क्या सरकार को अपने कामों का लेखा-जोखा सोशल मीडिया पर देना चाहिए?"

"आपके अनुसार, जीवन का सबसे ज़रूरी लेखा-जोखा क्या है?"

"क्या आप ऑफिस में लेखा-जोखा विभाग में काम करना पसंद करेंगे?"

Journal Prompts

पिछले एक साल की अपनी उपलब्धियों का लेखा-जोखा लिखिए।

अगर आपको अपनी गलतियों का लेखा-जोखा करना हो, तो आप क्या बदलाव करेंगे?

एक आदर्श सरकारी लेखा-जोखा कैसा होना चाहिए?

अपने सपनों का एक लेखा-जोखा तैयार करें।

क्या डिजिटल दुनिया में हमारा लेखा-जोखा सुरक्षित है? अपने विचार लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You should use masculine adjectives like 'पूरा' (pura) and masculine verbs like 'रखा' (rakha) with it. For example: 'पूरा लेखा-जोखा तैयार है।'

No, that would sound too formal. For a restaurant bill, use 'हिसाब' (hisaab) or simply 'बिल' (bill). 'Lekha-Jokha' is for more serious or comprehensive records.

Not always. While it is mostly used for financial accounts, it can also refer to an account of work done, historical events, or even a person's life deeds (karma).

'Hisaab-Kitaab' is a more common, everyday term for bookkeeping. 'Lekha-Jokha' is slightly more formal and implies a more thorough or official audit/record.

It is written as लेखा-जोखा. Note the hyphen between the two words, which is standard in formal Hindi writing.

In standard Hindi, 'Lekha-Jokha' is used as a collective noun and remains the same in plural contexts. You don't usually say 'Lekhe-Jokhe'.

'Lekha' means an account, writing, or a line. It comes from the Sanskrit root for writing.

'Jokha' is derived from words meaning 'to weigh' or 'to estimate.' On its own, it is rarely used today except in this compound or in some dialects.

Yes, it is very common in Indian business journalism and formal corporate communications in Hindi to describe financial statements.

Yes! You can talk about the 'lekha-jokha' of a relationship or the 'lekha-jokha' of your progress in a hobby.