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लेखा-जोखा करना

C1 verb 10 min read

लेखा-जोखा करना

lekha-jokha karna

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

Explanation लेखा-जोखा करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) yet, as it is very advanced. However, you can understand it as a very serious way of saying 'counting' or 'checking.' Imagine you have five apples and you want to be very sure they are all there. In simple Hindi, you say 'गिनना' (ginna - to count). 'Lekha-jokha' is like 'counting' but for big companies or important people. It means looking at a list and making sure everything is correct. It is a word for adults and business. For now, focus on simple words like 'हिसाब' (hisab - account/math) which is used in shops. If you hear 'lekha-jokha,' just think of a big, official list of things being checked carefully. It is always about numbers or things that happened in the past.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about daily activities and work. 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) is a formal phrase that you might see in a Hindi newspaper or hear on the news. It means 'to audit' or 'to take a full account of something.' Think of it as a more professional version of 'हिसाब करना' (hisab karna - to do the math). While 'hisab' is for small things like a grocery bill, 'lekha-jokha' is for big things like a company's money for the whole year. You use it when you want to sound more serious or official. For example, if you are talking about your office work, you might say you are 'checking the accounts.' In Hindi, that is 'lekha-jokha karna.' It is a compound word, which means it is made of two parts that sound good together. It always uses 'का' (ka) before it, like 'पैसे का लेखा-जोखा' (audit of money).

As a B1 learner, you can begin to use 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) in formal contexts, such as writing a report or discussing business. This phrase means more than just checking numbers; it implies a systematic review or a formal inspection of records. It is often used in the context of accountability. If a manager asks for a 'lekha-jokha' of a project, they want to know every detail of what was spent and what was achieved. It's also used metaphorically to mean 'taking stock' of a situation. For instance, at the end of a semester, you might perform a 'lekha-jokha' of your studies to see what you learned and what you missed. It is a masculine noun phrase, so you should say 'लेखा-जोखा किया' (did the audit) and not 'की.' It adds a professional polish to your Hindi that simpler verbs like 'देखना' (to see) or 'चेक करना' (to check) cannot provide.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuance that 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) brings to a conversation. It is a powerful tool for expressing the concept of 'evaluation' and 'transparency.' In Indian society, this phrase is deeply linked to the idea of being answerable to others. You will hear it in political debates where the opposition asks the government to present its 'lekha-jokha' of the last five years. It suggests a comprehensive, data-driven assessment. Grammatically, you should notice how it often pairs with words like 'संपूर्ण' (complete) or 'वार्षिक' (annual). You can also use it in personal essays to describe self-reflection. Instead of just saying 'I thought about my life,' saying 'मैंने अपने जीवन का लेखा-जोखा किया' implies a much deeper, more organized analysis of your past actions. It shows you have a high level of vocabulary and understand the formal registers of the language.

For a C1 learner, 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) is an essential part of your formal and academic lexicon. It represents the concept of 'auditing' in its most holistic sense—both financial and existential. At this level, you should be able to use it to discuss complex topics like corporate governance, historical analysis, or philosophical introspection. The phrase carries an inherent weight of authority and finality. It is not just an inspection; it is a 'reckoning.' You should be able to distinguish it from related terms like 'मूल्यांकन' (evaluation), 'समीक्षा' (review), and 'हिसाब-किताब' (bookkeeping). Use it when you want to emphasize that an assessment is exhaustive and intended to establish a clear record of truth. In writing, it helps you structure arguments about accountability and results. It is also a key term in 'Prashasanik Hindi' (Administrative Hindi), used in official government documents and high-level journalism.

At the C2 mastery level, 'लेखा-जोखा करना' (lekha-jokha karna) is a word you use with stylistic precision. You understand its rhythmic quality and its ability to evoke a sense of 'cosmic' or 'ultimate' accounting. You might use it in a speech to challenge an audience to reflect on their legacy, or in a high-level policy paper to describe the rigorous auditing processes required for international compliance. You are aware of its etymological roots and its resonance in classical and modern Hindi literature. You can manipulate the phrase into various grammatical structures, such as passive constructions or as part of complex relative clauses, without losing its impact. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural concept—the 'Bahi-Khata' (ledger) of life and society. You can use it to weave together themes of history, responsibility, and truth in a way that sounds native and deeply intellectual.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लेखा-जोखा करना in 30 Seconds

A formal Hindi verb phrase meaning to audit, assess, or take stock of something comprehensively.
Commonly used in financial, political, and personal contexts to ensure transparency and accountability.
A compound of 'Lekha' (records) and 'Jokha' (measurement), reflecting its deep analytical nature.
Essential for C1 learners to master for professional communication and understanding formal Hindi media.

The Hindi verb phrase लेखा-जोखा करना (Lekha-jokha karna) is a sophisticated expression that carries both literal and metaphorical weight in the Hindi language. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of auditing, accounting, or conducting a formal inspection of financial records. However, its usage extends far beyond the walls of a bank or an accounting firm. In a broader sense, it signifies the act of taking stock of a situation, evaluating progress, or performing a comprehensive review of actions, events, or a period of time. When you use this phrase, you are not just 'checking' something; you are performing a deep, systematic analysis to ensure everything is in order or to understand the final outcome of an endeavor.

Literal Business Usage: In professional environments, it specifically means to audit books of accounts. For example, a government body might perform a लेखा-जोखा of a company's tax filings to ensure transparency and legal compliance.

नये वित्तीय वर्ष की शुरुआत से पहले, कंपनी को अपने पिछले साल के खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा करना होगा। (Before the start of the new financial year, the company will have to audit its expenses from the previous year.)

The phrase is a compound of two words: Lekha (meaning writing, record, or account) and Jokha (derived from measuring or estimating). Together, they create a rhythmic, alliterative term that resonates with the idea of 'measuring the records.' This makes it a favorite in Hindi journalism and political discourse. You will often hear news anchors asking for the लेखा-जोखा of a politician's five-year term, implying a complete evaluation of their promises versus their actual achievements.

Metaphorical Life Usage: On a personal level, it refers to self-reflection. At the end of a year, an individual might sit down to evaluate their personal growth, failures, and successes—essentially auditing their own life.

रिटायरमेंट के बाद, उन्होंने अपने जीवन के उतार-चढ़ाव का लेखा-जोखा किया। (After retirement, he took stock of the ups and downs of his life.)

Furthermore, the phrase implies a sense of accountability. If someone is asked to present their लेखा-जोखा, they are being held responsible for explaining their actions and the resulting consequences. It is not a casual check; it is a formal, serious, and often public evaluation. This is why it is classified as a C1 level word—it requires an understanding of formal systems, abstract evaluation, and the cultural importance of accountability in Hindi-speaking societies.

Administrative Context: In government offices, this phrase is used for the physical verification of assets and inventory, ensuring that what is on paper matches what is in reality.

जांच समिति ने परियोजना के फंड का लेखा-जोखा करने का आदेश दिया है। (The investigation committee has ordered an audit of the project's funds.)

चुनावों से पहले जनता सरकार के कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा करती है। (Before elections, the public assesses the works of the government.)

Using लेखा-जोखा करना correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure as a compound verb. The noun part 'लेखा-जोखा' functions as the object of the verb 'करना' (to do). Because 'लेखा-जोखा' is masculine in gender, any adjectives or possessive pronouns modifying it must also be in the masculine form (e.g., 'पूरा लेखा-जोखा', 'अपना लेखा-जोखा'). It is most commonly used in the 'X का लेखा-जोखा करना' construction, where 'X' is the entity or subject being audited or evaluated.

Formal/Financial Sentence Structure: Subject + [Possessive 'का/के/की'] + लेखा-जोखा + करना. This is the standard way to describe a professional audit.

सरकारी विभाग हर साल अपनी संपत्तियों का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं। (Government departments audit their assets every year.)

In more abstract or literary contexts, the verb 'करना' can be replaced by 'रखना' (to keep) to mean 'to maintain a record of' or 'to keep track of.' However, 'करना' specifically emphasizes the active process of evaluation or inspection. When you are writing a sentence about a historical review or a critical analysis of a person's career, लेखा-जोखा करना provides a sense of thoroughness and authority that simpler words like 'जांचना' (to check) lack.

Abstract/Philosophical Usage: When evaluating life, time, or relationships, the phrase adds a layer of solemnity. It suggests a moment of truth and clarity.

इतिहासकार अक्सर युद्धों के परिणामों का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं। (Historians often evaluate the consequences of wars.)

Another common variation is the use of the passive voice: 'लेखा-जोखा किया जाना' (to be audited/assessed). This is very frequent in news reporting where the focus is on the action rather than the actor. For instance, 'The budget will be audited' becomes 'बजट का लेखा-जोखा किया जाएगा.' This construction is essential for formal writing and reporting in Hindi.

Reflective Usage: Used in first-person narratives to show introspection. 'मैंने अपनी गलतियों का लेखा-जोखा किया' (I took stock of my mistakes).

क्या आपने कभी अपने समय का लेखा-जोखा किया है कि वह कहाँ खर्च होता है? (Have you ever audited your time to see where it is spent?)

संस्था के ट्रस्टियों ने दान में मिली राशि का लेखा-जोखा किया। (The trustees of the organization audited the amount received in donations.)

If you are navigating the world of Hindi-speaking professionals, journalists, or intellectuals, लेखा-जोखा करना will be a recurring part of your vocabulary. It is not a word you would typically use while buying vegetables at a local market, but it is exactly the word you would hear during a prime-time news debate or read in an editorial piece in a newspaper like Dainik Jagran or The Navbharat Times.

In the Media: Journalists use this phrase to demand transparency. You'll hear phrases like 'सरकार के 100 दिनों का लेखा-जोखा' (An assessment of the government's first 100 days). It implies a critical and thorough review.

आज के कार्यक्रम में हम पिछले दशक की आर्थिक नीतियों का लेखा-जोखा करेंगे। (In today's program, we will evaluate the economic policies of the last decade.)

The corporate world in India, especially in finance and auditing sectors, uses this term as a direct translation for 'auditing' or 'finalizing accounts.' During the 'March Ending' (the end of the financial year in India), the phrase becomes ubiquitous in offices. Chartered Accountants (CAs) and account managers are constantly involved in the लेखा-जोखा of various departments. It carries a sense of finality and legal weight in these contexts.

In Literature and Essays: Hindi authors use it to describe a character's internal monologue. A protagonist might perform a 'lekhā-jokhā' of their life's choices in a moment of crisis. It suggests a heavy, meaningful contemplation.

उपन्यास के अंत में, नायक अपने अतीत का लेखा-जोखा करता है। (At the end of the novel, the protagonist takes stock of his past.)

Another interesting place where you hear this is in religious or spiritual discourses. Preachers might talk about the लेखा-जोखा of one's 'Karma' (deeds) in the afterlife. In this context, it takes on a divine or cosmic meaning—the ultimate accounting of good and bad deeds before a higher power. This demonstrates the phrase's versatility across the spectrum of human experience, from the mundane tax return to the soul's final judgment.

Political Rallies: Opposition leaders often challenge the ruling party by saying, 'जनता आपके कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा मांग रही है' (The public is demanding an account of your works).

धर्मगुरु ने कहा कि मृत्यु के बाद ईश्वर हमारे पाप-पुण्य का लेखा-जोखा करेगा। (The religious leader said that after death, God will audit our sins and virtues.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make when using लेखा-जोखा करना is treating it as a synonym for simple mathematical addition or basic bookkeeping. While it involves numbers, it is a much more formal and analytical term. If you are just splitting a bill with a friend, you would use 'हिसाब करना' (hisab karna), not लेखा-जोखा करना. Using the latter in a casual setting can make you sound overly dramatic or unintentionally funny, as if you are launching a full-scale government audit on a dinner tab.

Mistake 1: Casual Overuse: Incorrect: 'चलो रेस्टोरेंट के बिल का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं।' (Let's audit the restaurant bill.) Correct: 'चलो बिल का हिसाब करते हैं।' (Let's calculate the bill.)

साधारण बातचीत में 'हिसाब' का प्रयोग करें, जबकि लेखा-जोखा को औपचारिक स्थितियों के लिए बचाकर रखें। (Use 'hisab' in ordinary conversation, while saving 'lekha-jokha' for formal situations.)

Another error involves gender agreement. As mentioned earlier, 'लेखा-जोखा' is a masculine noun. Learners often mistakenly use feminine possessives like 'की' instead of 'का' because they might be thinking of the word 'जांच' (investigation), which is feminine. Always remember: 'X का लेखा-जोखा.' Misgendering the phrase immediately signals a lack of fluency at the C1 level, where precision is expected.

Mistake 2: Gender Errors: Incorrect: 'कंपनी की लेखा-जोखा हो गई।' Correct: 'कंपनी का लेखा-जोखा हो गया।'

याद रखें: 'लेखा-जोखा' पुल्लिंग (masculine) है, इसलिए इसके साथ 'का' और 'किया' का प्रयोग करें। (Remember: 'lekha-jokha' is masculine, so use 'ka' and 'kiya' with it.)

A third common mistake is confusing 'लेखा-जोखा करना' with 'लिखना' (to write). While 'Lekha' comes from the root for writing, the full phrase implies analysis, not just the act of putting pen to paper. If you are just recording entries in a diary, you are 'लिख रहे हैं' (writing) or 'दर्ज कर रहे हैं' (recording/registering), not necessarily performing a 'लेखा-जोखा.' The latter requires a comparative element—looking at what was planned versus what actually happened.

Mistake 3: Confusing Writing with Auditing: If you are just writing down a list of items, don't use this phrase. Use it when you are analyzing that list against a budget or a goal.

केवल जानकारी लिखना 'लेखा-जोखा' नहीं है; उसका विश्लेषण (analysis) करना 'लेखा-जोखा' है। (Just writing info isn't 'lekha-jokha'; analyzing it is.)

To truly master लेखा-जोखा करना, it is helpful to understand its place among other similar Hindi terms. Depending on the context—whether it's financial, legal, or personal—you might choose a different word to be more precise. Here is a comparison of common alternatives and how they differ from our target phrase.

लेखा-जोखा करना vs. ऑडिट करना (Audit Karna): 'ऑडिट करना' is a direct English loanword used very frequently in modern Indian business. While लेखा-जोखा करना is more formal and 'pure' Hindi, 'ऑडिट करना' is more common in day-to-day office talk. However, लेखा-जोखा is much broader and can be used for non-financial evaluations, whereas 'audit' is strictly technical.

व्यावसायिक संदर्भ में ऑडिट आम है, लेकिन साहित्यिक और व्यापक चर्चा में लेखा-जोखा बेहतर है। (Audit is common in business, but lekha-jokha is better in literary and broad discussions.)

Another close relative is मूल्यांकन करना (Mulyankan karna), which means 'to evaluate' or 'to assess.' While लेखा-जोखा करना focuses on the records and the factual history, मूल्यांकन करना focuses more on the value or quality of something. You would 'mulyankan' a student's performance or a piece of art, but you would 'lekha-jokha' the total work done by a department over a year.

लेखा-जोखा करना vs. मूल्यांकन करना: Use लेखा-जोखा for a comprehensive review of facts and records. Use मूल्यांकन for judging the quality or worth of something.

शिक्षक छात्र की प्रगति का मूल्यांकन करता है, जबकि प्रिंसिपल स्कूल के बजट का लेखा-जोखा करता है। (Teacher evaluates student progress; Principal audits school budget.)

Finally, consider समीक्षा करना (Sameeksha karna), which means 'to review.' This is often used for books, movies, or policies. A sameeksha is usually more critical and opinion-based, whereas a lekha-jokha aims to be more factual and exhaustive. If a journalist writes a 'sameeksha' of a government policy, they are giving their opinion; if they do a 'lekha-jokha,' they are presenting the data and results of that policy.

Comparison Table: 1. हिसाब करना: Casual, math-based. 2. जांच करना: To investigate/check. 3. लेखा-जोखा करना: Comprehensive audit/stock-taking.

आलोचक फिल्म की समीक्षा करता है, लेकिन निर्माता फिल्म की कमाई का लेखा-जोखा करता है। (Critic reviews the film, but producer audits the film's earnings.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"संसद में बजट का लेखा-जोखा प्रस्तुत किया गया।"

Neutral

"हमें अपने खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।"

Informal

"भाई, अपनी लाइफ का भी थोड़ा लेखा-जोखा कर ले।"

Child friendly

"चलो देखते हैं तुमने आज कितनी अच्छी बातें कीं, इसका लेखा-जोखा करते हैं।"

Slang

"उसका तो सारा लेखा-जोखा मेरे पास है।"

Fun Fact

In ancient Indian markets, a merchant wouldn't just look at the numbers; they would 'weigh' the goods against the records. This is why we have 'Jokha' (measuring/weighing) in the phrase. It reflects a time when physical weighing was the primary way to verify an account.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈleɪ.kʰɑː dʒoʊ.kʰɑː kəɾ.nɑː/

US /ˈleɪ.kʰɑː dʒoʊ.kʰɑː kər.nɑː/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Le' and the first syllable of the second word 'Jo'.

Rhymes With

देखा-देखी (Dekha-dekhi) लेखा-पढ़ी (Lekha-padhi) रोखा-टोखा (Rokha-tokha) अनोखा (Anokha) धोखा (Dhokha) चोखा (Chokha) झोखा (Jhokha) मौका (Mauka - slant rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Kha' as a simple 'Ka' (without aspiration).
Treating 'Lekha' and 'Jokha' as two separate sentences instead of a rhythmic compound.
Mispronouncing the 'J' in 'Jokha' as a 'Z' sound.
Failing to flap the 'r' in 'karna'.
Incorrectly stressing the final 'na' in 'karna'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 8/5

Requires knowledge of formal script and compound words found in news/literature.

Writing 9/5

Spelling the aspirated 'kha' and using the correct gender 'ka' is tricky for learners.

Speaking 7/5

The rhythm is easy once learned, but choosing the right context is hard.

Listening 8/5

Often spoken quickly in news broadcasts; requires recognizing the 'L-J' pattern.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

लिखना हिसाब करना पैसे जांच

Learn Next

मूल्यांकन समीक्षा पारदर्शिता उत्तरदायित्व अंकेक्षण

Advanced

परिसंपत्ति देयता राजस्व वित्तीय विवरण प्रशासनिक शब्दावली

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Noun + Karna)

जैसे 'प्रतीक्षा करना' (to wait), 'लेखा-जोखा करना' भी एक संयुक्त क्रिया है।

Possessive Postpositions (Ka/Ke/Ki)

चूंकि 'लेखा-जोखा' पुल्लिंग है, इसलिए हमेशा 'का' का प्रयोग होता है: 'काम का लेखा-जोखा'।

Transitive Verb Agreement

भूतकाल में क्रिया कर्म (Object) के अनुसार बदलती है: 'उसने लेखा-जोखा किया'।

Echo Words/Rhythmic Pairs

Hindi uses pairs like 'Lekha-jokha' or 'Chai-wai' to expand meaning or add rhythm.

Passive Voice in Formal Hindi

'किया जाना' construction: 'लेखा-जोखा किया जाना चाहिए' (Audit should be done).

Examples by Level

मेरे पास पैसों का लेखा-जोखा है।

I have a record of the money.

Simple 'has' construction with 'ka' (of).

क्या आप इसका लेखा-जोखा करेंगे?

Will you check this record?

Future tense of 'karna'.

यह पुराना लेखा-जोखा है।

This is an old record.

Adjective 'purana' matches masculine 'lekha-jokha'.

वह अपना लेखा-जोखा करता है।

He checks his accounts.

Present simple tense.

हमें लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।

We should keep an account.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

दुकानदार लेखा-जोखा करता है।

The shopkeeper audits the accounts.

Subject-verb agreement.

यह लेखा-जोखा सही है।

This audit is correct.

'Sahi' as an adjective.

पापा घर का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं।

Dad manages the house accounts.

Familiar subject.

मैनेजर ने ऑफिस के खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा किया।

The manager audited the office expenses.

Past tense 'kiya'.

हमें हर महीने लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।

We should audit the accounts every month.

Adverbial phrase 'har mahine'.

क्या आपने अपनी पढ़ाई का लेखा-जोखा किया है?

Have you assessed your studies?

Present perfect tense.

वह कंपनी के सामान का लेखा-जोखा कर रहा है।

He is taking stock of the company's goods.

Present continuous tense.

बिना लेखा-जोखा किए पैसे खर्च मत करो।

Don't spend money without auditing.

Conjunctive participle 'kiye'.

आज हम अपनी गलतियों का लेखा-जोखा करेंगे।

Today we will evaluate our mistakes.

Future tense plural.

बैंक अधिकारी बैंक का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं।

Bank officials audit the bank.

Professional context.

यह लेखा-जोखा करना बहुत ज़रूरी है।

It is very important to do this audit.

Infinitive as a subject.

सरकार को जनता के सामने अपने कामों का लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।

The government should present an account of its works to the public.

Complex sentence with 'ke samne'.

नए साल पर लोग अक्सर अपने जीवन का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं।

On New Year, people often take stock of their lives.

Metaphorical usage.

कंपनी ने बाहरी ऑडिटर से अपना लेखा-जोखा कराया।

The company got its audit done by an external auditor.

Causative verb 'karaya'.

बिना सही लेखा-जोखा के व्यापार में घाटा हो सकता है।

Without a proper audit, there can be a loss in business.

Conditional context.

वह अपनी संपत्ति का पूरा लेखा-जोखा रखता है।

He keeps a complete record of his assets.

Using 'rakhna' instead of 'karna'.

जांच टीम घोटाले का लेखा-जोखा करने आई है।

The investigation team has come to audit the scam.

Purpose clause with 'ne'.

हमें अपनी सफलताओं और विफलताओं का लेखा-जोखा करना होगा।

We will have to evaluate our successes and failures.

Compulsion with 'hoga'.

यह रिपोर्ट पिछले पांच सालों का लेखा-जोखा करती है।

This report audits the last five years.

Abstract subject (Report).

निर्वाचन आयोग ने चुनाव खर्चों का कड़ाई से लेखा-जोखा किया।

The Election Commission strictly audited the election expenses.

Use of adverb 'kadai se' (strictly).

इतिहासकार उस राजा के शासनकाल का लेखा-जोखा कर रहे हैं।

Historians are evaluating the reign of that king.

Academic context.

संस्था की पारदर्शिता के लिए नियमित लेखा-जोखा करना अनिवार्य है।

Regular auditing is mandatory for the transparency of the organization.

Formal vocabulary like 'anivarya' (mandatory).

उन्होंने अपनी यात्रा के अनुभवों का एक विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा किया।

They made a detailed account of their travel experiences.

Adjective 'vistrit' (detailed).

विपक्ष ने सरकार से बजट का पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा मांगा।

The opposition demanded a penny-by-penny account of the budget from the government.

Idiomatic 'pai-pai ka' (every penny).

क्या आप अपनी टीम के प्रदर्शन का निष्पक्ष लेखा-जोखा कर सकते हैं?

Can you perform an unbiased assessment of your team's performance?

Interrogative with 'nishpaksh' (unbiased).

सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं ने सरकारी योजनाओं का लेखा-जोखा किया।

Social workers audited the government schemes.

Social audit context.

समय के साथ, हर किसी को अपनी प्राथमिकताओं का लेखा-जोखा करना पड़ता है।

With time, everyone has to evaluate their priorities.

Habitual compulsion 'padta hai'.

दार्शनिकों का मानना है कि मृत्यु के क्षण में मनुष्य अपने संपूर्ण अस्तित्व का लेखा-जोखा करता है।

Philosophers believe that at the moment of death, a human audits their entire existence.

Philosophical and complex structure.

कंपनी के बोर्ड ने वित्तीय अनियमितताओं का गहन लेखा-जोखा करने का निर्णय लिया है।

The company's board has decided to conduct a deep audit of the financial irregularities.

Formal 'gahan' (deep/intensive).

इस पुस्तक में भारतीय लोकतंत्र के पिछले सात दशकों का लेखा-जोखा किया गया है।

This book provides an account of the last seven decades of Indian democracy.

Passive voice 'kiya gaya hai'.

बिना किसी पूर्वाग्रह के अपने अतीत का लेखा-जोखा करना एक कठिन कार्य है।

Auditing one's past without any prejudice is a difficult task.

Gerundial subject 'lekha-jokha karna'.

पर्यावरणविदों ने औद्योगिक विकास के कारण हुए नुकसान का लेखा-जोखा किया।

Environmentalists assessed the damage caused by industrial development.

Scientific/Environmental context.

कैग (CAG) ने रक्षा सौदों का विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा संसद में प्रस्तुत किया।

The CAG presented a detailed audit of defense deals in Parliament.

Highly formal administrative usage.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में लेखक की कृतियों का समग्र लेखा-जोखा किया जाता है।

In literary criticism, a comprehensive assessment of the author's works is performed.

Passive voice 'kiya jata hai'.

उसने अपनी आध्यात्मिक यात्रा का लेखा-जोखा एक डायरी में दर्ज किया।

He recorded the account of his spiritual journey in a diary.

Spiritual/Personal context.

वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था के इस संक्रमण काल में, नीति-निर्माताओं को अपनी रणनीतियों का पुन: लेखा-जोखा करना होगा।

In this transition period of the global economy, policymakers will have to re-evaluate their strategies.

Advanced 'punah' (again/re-) prefix.

मानवीय सभ्यता के विकास का लेखा-जोखा करना किसी एक शास्त्र के बस की बात नहीं है।

Taking stock of the development of human civilization is not within the scope of a single discipline.

Idiomatic 'bas ki baat nahi' (not possible for).

अदालत ने आदेश दिया कि ट्रस्ट की चल-अचल संपत्ति का फोरेंसिक लेखा-जोखा किया जाए।

The court ordered that a forensic audit of the trust's movable and immovable assets be conducted.

Subjunctive/Imperative 'kiya jaye'.

उनकी कविताओं में समय की क्रूरता और मानवीय संवेदनाओं का अद्भुत लेखा-जोखा मिलता है।

An amazing accounting of the cruelty of time and human emotions is found in his poems.

Using 'milta hai' (is found) with the phrase.

क्या हम कभी अपनी अंतरात्मा के न्यायालय में अपने कर्मों का सच्चा लेखा-जोखा कर पाएंगे?

Will we ever be able to perform a true audit of our deeds in the court of our conscience?

Rhetorical question with 'antaratma' (conscience).

युद्ध के उपरांत, पराजित राष्ट्र को अपनी सैन्य और राजनीतिक भूलों का लेखा-जोखा करना पड़ा।

After the war, the defeated nation had to audit its military and political blunders.

Post-positional 'uprant' (after).

वैज्ञानिक अनुसंधान के परिणामों का सांख्यिकीय लेखा-जोखा करना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to perform a statistical audit of the results of scientific research.

Technical 'sankhyikiya' (statistical).

इस महाकाव्य में युगों-युगों के मानवीय संघर्षों का जीवंत लेखा-जोखा प्रस्तुत है।

A vivid account of human struggles across ages is presented in this epic.

Literary 'jeevant' (vivid/lifelike).

Common Collocations

पूरा लेखा-जोखा

वार्षिक लेखा-जोखा

वित्तीय लेखा-जोखा

कड़ा लेखा-जोखा

सरकारी लेखा-जोखा

अतीत का लेखा-जोखा

कामकाज का लेखा-जोखा

पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा

अंतिम लेखा-जोखा

निष्पक्ष लेखा-जोखा

Common Phrases

लेखा-जोखा मांगना

— To demand an account or explanation for actions or spending.

जनता ने सरकार से जवाब और लेखा-जोखा मांगा।

लेखा-जोखा पेश करना

— To present or submit an audit report or summary of work.

मैनेजर ने बोर्ड के सामने वार्षिक लेखा-जोखा पेश किया।

लेखा-जोखा रखना

— To maintain a record or keep track of something continuously.

वह अपने हर खर्च का लेखा-जोखा रखता है।

लेखा-जोखा होना

— To be audited or assessed (passive usage).

अगले हफ्ते विभाग का लेखा-जोखा होना है।

लेखा-जोखा लेना

— To take an account from someone else; to review someone's work.

बॉस ने शाम को सभी कर्मचारियों का लेखा-जोखा लिया।

जीवन का लेखा-जोखा

— A life review or assessment of one's entire life journey.

बुढ़ापे में इंसान अपने जीवन का लेखा-जोखा करता है।

लेखा-जोखा मिलाना

— To reconcile accounts or match the records with actual physical stock.

खजांची ने कैश और लेखा-जोखा मिलाया।

गहरा लेखा-जोखा

— An in-depth or profound analysis of a situation.

इस किताब में गरीबी का गहरा लेखा-जोखा है।

सटीक लेखा-जोखा

— An accurate and precise audit or record.

हमें स्टॉक का सटीक लेखा-जोखा चाहिए।

लेखा-जोखा समिति

— An audit committee or a team formed for assessment.

लेखा-जोखा समिति ने अपनी रिपोर्ट सौंप दी है।

Often Confused With

लेखा-जोखा करना vs लिखना (Likhna)

Likhna is just the act of writing. Lekha-jokha is auditing or assessing what was written or done.

लेखा-जोखा करना vs गिनना (Ginna)

Ginna is simple counting. Lekha-jokha is a systematic and formal verification of those counts.

लेखा-जोखा करना vs जांचना (Janchna)

Janchna means to check or test. Lekha-jokha is a specific type of checking focused on records and history.

Idioms & Expressions

"पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा करना"

— To account for every single penny; to be extremely meticulous in financial auditing.

इनकम टैक्स विभाग ने उसके व्यापार का पाई-पाई का लेखा-जोखा किया।

Formal/Legal

"कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा"

— The accounting of one's deeds (often in a spiritual or karmic sense).

कहते हैं कि ऊपरवाला सबके कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा करता है।

Spiritual/Literary

"लेखा-जोखा चुकता करना"

— To settle all accounts or to finally resolve a long-standing issue or debt.

उसने पुरानी दुश्मनी का लेखा-जोखा चुकता कर दिया।

Metaphorical/Informal

"बाल की खाल निकालकर लेखा-जोखा करना"

— To audit something with excessive, almost annoying attention to tiny details.

नया मैनेजर बाल की खाल निकालकर लेखा-जोखा करता है।

Colloquial/Critical

"कच्चा लेखा-जोखा"

— A rough or preliminary assessment/account.

अभी तो बस एक कच्चा लेखा-जोखा तैयार किया गया है।

Neutral

"लेखा-जोखा बराबर करना"

— To balance the books or to get even with someone.

दोनों टीमों ने जीत-हार का लेखा-जोखा बराबर कर लिया।

Metaphorical

"साफ-सुथरा लेखा-जोखा"

— A clean audit; a record showing no signs of corruption or error.

उसकी कंपनी का लेखा-जोखा हमेशा साफ-सुथरा रहता है।

Professional

"लेखा-जोखा उलझना"

— For accounts to become complicated or messy.

गलत प्रविष्टियों के कारण सारा लेखा-जोखा उलझ गया।

Neutral

"लेखा-जोखा साफ करना"

— To clear all records or to finalize an assessment.

रिटायरमेंट से पहले उसने अपना सारा लेखा-जोखा साफ किया।

Neutral

"लेखा-जोखा मांगना"

— To call someone to account for their behavior or decisions.

पिता ने बेटे से उसकी बुरी आदतों का लेखा-जोखा मांगा।

Metaphorical/Family

Easily Confused

लेखा-जोखा करना vs हिसाब (Hisab)

Both involve numbers and money.

Hisab is general and can be casual (splitting a bill). Lekha-jokha is formal and implies an official inspection or a deep life review.

चाय का हिसाब करो। (Casual) vs. कंपनी का लेखा-जोखा करो। (Formal)

लेखा-जोखा करना vs मूल्यांकन (Mulyankan)

Both mean assessment.

Mulyankan is about value and quality (evaluating a student). Lekha-jokha is about records and facts (auditing a budget).

कविता का मूल्यांकन। (Quality) vs. बजट का लेखा-जोखा। (Facts)

लेखा-जोखा करना vs समीक्षा (Sameeksha)

Both mean review.

Sameeksha is often an opinion-based review (movie review). Lekha-jokha is a data-driven, exhaustive audit.

फिल्म की समीक्षा। (Opinion) vs. चुनावी खर्च का लेखा-जोखा। (Data)

लेखा-जोखा करना vs विवरण (Vivran)

Both provide details.

Vivran is just a description or a list. Lekha-jokha involves the active process of verifying and analyzing that list.

घटना का विवरण। (Description) vs. फंड का लेखा-जोखा। (Verification)

लेखा-जोखा करना vs अंकेक्षण (Ankekshan)

Both mean audit.

Ankekshan is a highly technical, Sanskritized term used in textbooks. Lekha-jokha is the standard formal term used in real-life news and business.

अंकेक्षण रिपोर्ट। (Technical) vs. सरकारी लेखा-जोखा। (Standard Formal)

Sentence Patterns

मेरे पास [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा है।

मेरे पास खर्चों का लेखा-जोखा है।

हमें [Noun] का लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।

हमें स्टॉक का लेखा-जोखा करना चाहिए।

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

सरकार ने बाढ़ राहत कोष का पूरा लेखा-जोखा किया।

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

बिना बजट के लेखा-जोखा के, पारदर्शिता संभव नहीं है।

[Noun] का गहन लेखा-जोखा करना समय की मांग है।

शिक्षा प्रणाली का गहन लेखा-जोखा करना समय की मांग है।

यह पुस्तक [Noun] का विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा प्रस्तुत करती है।

यह पुस्तक स्वाधीनता संग्राम का विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा प्रस्तुत करती है।

[Noun] का लेखा-जोखा किए बिना किसी निष्कर्ष पर पहुँचना अनुचित होगा।

तथ्यों का लेखा-जोखा किए बिना किसी निष्कर्ष पर पहुँचना अनुचित होगा।

मानवीय मूल्यों का लेखा-जोखा करना ही साहित्य का उद्देश्य है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and literature; low in casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'की' instead of 'का'. → बजट का लेखा-जोखा।
'लेखा-जोखा' is masculine, so it requires the masculine postposition 'का'.
Using it for a simple math problem. → सवाल का हल करो (Solve the problem) or हिसाब करो।
'लेखा-जोखा' is for comprehensive audits, not simple arithmetic.
Pronouncing 'Kha' as 'Ka'. → Lekha (aspirated).
Missing the aspiration changes the sound and can make the word hard to recognize for native speakers.
Treating it as a feminine verb. → उसने लेखा-जोखा किया।
Because the noun 'lekha-jokha' is masculine, the verb 'karna' becomes 'kiya' in the past tense.
Writing it as two separate words without a hyphen. → लेखा-जोखा
Standard Hindi grammar requires a hyphen for this specific rhyming compound.

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always remember that 'लेखा-जोखा' is masculine. This is the #1 mistake. Say 'पूरा लेखा-जोखा' not 'पूरी लेखा-जोखा'.

Professionalism

Use this phrase in job interviews or business meetings to show you have a high level of Hindi and understand accountability.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound technical, use 'ऑडिट'. If you want to sound literary or formal, use 'लेखा-जोखा'.

Aspiration Matters

The 'kh' in both 'Lekha' and 'Jokha' is aspirated. Practice by holding a piece of paper in front of your mouth; it should move when you say 'kha'.

News Watching

Watch Hindi news debates. You will almost certainly hear this word when they discuss government performance or scams.

The Hyphen

In formal writing, always use the hyphen. It shows you know the rules of Hindi compound words.

The L-J Rule

L is for Ledger, J is for Judging. Lekha-Jokha is Judging the Ledger.

Diwali Connection

Associate the word with Diwali and 'Chopda Pujan' to remember its connection to honesty and new beginnings.

Accountability

Remember that this word carries a 'weight'. It's not just checking; it's making sure things are right because it matters.

Rhythmic Flow

Enjoy the alliteration! The 'kh' sound repeating makes the phrase sound very authoritative and traditional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Lekha' as a 'Ledger' (both start with L). Think of 'Jokha' as 'Joking'. You 'Lekha-Jokha' so that you are not 'Joking' with your 'Ledger'. It’s a serious audit!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant old-fashioned balance scale. On one side are handwritten books (Lekha), and on the other is a heavy weight being used to measure them (Jokha). This is the audit process.

Word Web

Audit Accountability Transparency Ledger Evaluation Review Finance Integrity

Challenge

Try to write a paragraph about your achievements this year using 'लेखा-जोखा करना' at least twice. One should be about money, and one should be about personal growth.

Word Origin

The phrase is a 'dvandva' compound in Hindi. 'Lekha' originates from the Sanskrit root 'likh' (to write). 'Jokha' is a dialectal or Prakrit-derived form related to the Sanskrit 'yukti' (joining/logic) or 'yogyata' (fitness/measure), often associated with the verb 'jokhna' meaning to weigh or estimate. The combination of 'writing' and 'weighing' creates the concept of 'auditing.'

Original meaning: The act of weighing or measuring written records to ensure they are accurate.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking for someone's 'lekha-jokha' personally; it can sound accusatory, as if you suspect them of hiding something. Use it for systems or self-reflection mostly.

In English-speaking cultures, we often use 'auditing' for business and 'taking stock' for life. Hindi combines these into one powerful phrase.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is often described in Hindi media as the supreme authority for 'sarkari lekha-jokha'. Kabir's poetry often mentions the accounting of life's deeds. The 'Economic Survey of India' is frequently introduced in Hindi news as the 'arthvyavastha ka lekha-jokha'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Corporate Finance

त्रैमासिक लेखा-जोखा
ऑडिट रिपोर्ट
बैलेंस शीट
मुनाफे का लेखा-जोखा

Politics

विकास कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा
चुनावी घोषणापत्र
जनता की अदालत
घोटालों की जांच

Personal Growth

आत्म-चिंतन
लक्ष्यों का लेखा-जोखा
समय का सदुपयोग
पुरानी यादें

History

ऐतिहासिक साक्ष्य
साम्राज्य का पतन
सांस्कृतिक विरासत
दस्तावेजीकरण

Law

संपत्ति का विवरण
कानूनी कार्यवाही
शपथ पत्र
साक्ष्यों का लेखा-जोखा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप मानते हैं कि हर कंपनी को अपना लेखा-जोखा सार्वजनिक करना चाहिए?"

"नए साल के संकल्प लेने से पहले क्या आप अपने पिछले साल का लेखा-जोखा करते हैं?"

"एक अच्छे नेता के लिए अपने कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा देना क्यों ज़रूरी है?"

"अगर आपको अपने जीवन का लेखा-जोखा लिखना हो, तो उसका शीर्षक क्या होगा?"

"क्या सोशल मीडिया हमारे समय के लेखा-जोखा को बिगाड़ रहा है?"

Journal Prompts

आज रात सोने से पहले अपने दिन भर के कार्यों का लेखा-जोखा करें। आपने क्या सीखा?

पिछले पांच वर्षों में आपने जो सबसे बड़े बदलाव देखे हैं, उनका एक विस्तृत लेखा-जोखा लिखें।

कल्पना करें कि आप एक ऐतिहासिक पात्र हैं। अपने शासनकाल का लेखा-जोखा अपनी प्रजा के लिए लिखें।

क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज में ईमानदारी के लिए कड़ा लेखा-जोखा अनिवार्य है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

अपने वित्तीय लक्ष्यों का लेखा-जोखा करें। आप अगले एक साल में खुद को कहाँ देखते हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically you can, but it would sound very strange. It's like saying 'I am conducting a federal audit of my milk and eggs.' Use 'हिसाब करना' or 'लिस्ट बनाना' for groceries. Use 'लेखा-जोखा' for important things like your yearly savings or a business report.

It is masculine. You should always use 'का' (ka) and 'किया' (kiya). For example, 'काम का लेखा-जोखा किया गया' (The audit of the work was done).

'हिसाब-किताब' is slightly more common in daily life and covers general bookkeeping. 'लेखा-जोखा' is more formal and is often used when someone is being held accountable or when a very deep review is happening.

Yes, but metaphorically. You can do a 'lekha-jokha' of a person's career or their life's work. It means you are looking at everything they have done and evaluating it.

In modern business Hindi, many people just say 'ऑडिट करना' (audit karna). However, 'लेखा-जोखा करना' is much more elegant and is preferred in formal writing and news.

No. It often involves money, but it can also be about time, actions, historical events, or even your own thoughts and progress.

It is written as 'लेखा-जोखा'. Don't forget the hyphen (-) between the two words; it's a standard part of the compound.

Rarely, because it's a very formal word. However, you might find it in soulful or philosophical songs that talk about life and destiny.

The opposite would be 'अनदेखी करना' (to ignore) or 'लापरवाही बरतना' (to be negligent). It's the act of not checking or not being accountable.

Yes! You can say 'यह मेरा लेखा-जोखा है' (This is my account/audit). You don't always need the verb 'karna' if you are just referring to the record itself.