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ललकना

B1 verb 12 min read

ललकना

lalakna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ललकना in 30 Seconds

Explanation ललकना in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of ललकना (lalaknā) as a strong 'want'. While you mostly use 'चाहना' (to want) for things like water or food, ललकना is used when you see something very nice, like a chocolate or a toy, and you really, really want it right now. Imagine a child looking at an ice cream. Their eyes are big, and they are moving toward it. That feeling is ललकना. In simple sentences, you can say: 'बच्चा खिलौने के लिए ललक रहा है' (The child is wanting/yearning for the toy). It is a verb that shows emotion. You don't need to use it for everything, just for things that make you feel very excited or 'greedy' in a cute way. Remember, it usually needs the words 'के लिए' (for) after the object you want. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you describe feelings more accurately than just saying 'I want'. It makes your Hindi sound more natural and expressive.

At the A2 level, you can start using ललकना to describe not just children, but also yourself and others in everyday situations. You might use it when talking about food you love: 'गर्म समोसे देखकर मेरा मन ललकने लगा' (Seeing hot samosas, my heart started yearning). Notice the use of 'मन' (heart/mind) with this verb—it's very common. At this level, you should also understand the basic conjugation: 'ललक रहा हूँ' (I am yearning), 'ललक रहे हैं' (they are yearning). It is an intransitive verb, so you don't use 'ने' in the past tense. Instead of 'I wanted the book', you might say 'I was yearning for the book' (मैं किताब के लिए ललक रहा था) to show you were very excited about it. This word adds a 'visual' element to your speaking, as if the listener can see your desire. It's a step up from 'चाहना' because it describes the *feeling* of wanting, not just the fact of wanting.

At the B1 level, ललकना becomes a tool for expressing ambition and deeper emotional states. You can use it to talk about your goals, like 'वह सफलता के लिए ललक रहा है' (He is yearning for success). Here, the yearning isn't for a physical object but for a life achievement. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar words like 'ललचाना' (to be tempted). While 'ललचाना' often has a slightly negative or greedy tone, ललकना is more about the intensity of the desire itself. You will see this word in Hindi stories and news articles describing people's aspirations. You should practice using it with compound verbs like 'ललक उठना' (to suddenly start yearning) to add more flavor to your storytelling. For example, 'पुरस्कार का नाम सुनते ही वह ललक उठा' (As soon as he heard the name of the prize, he suddenly yearned for it). At B1, you are expected to use this word to describe character motivations and more complex human emotions in your writing and speaking.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of ललकना in literary and metaphorical contexts. You will encounter it in poetry and classic Hindi literature (like Premchand's works) where it describes the profound longings of the human soul. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'freedom', 'justice', or 'truth'. For example, 'क्रांतिकारी देश की आज़ादी के लिए ललक रहे थे' (The revolutionaries were yearning for the country's freedom). At this level, you can also use the word to analyze social behaviors, such as how consumer culture makes people 'yearn' for things they don't need. You should also be comfortable with its adverbial forms like 'ललक-ललक कर' (yearningly). Understanding the subtle difference between 'ललकना' and 'तरसना' (pining due to lack) is crucial. While both involve desire, ललकना is more about the pull towards the future, whereas 'तरसना' is often about the pain of the present lack. Your use of this word should reflect an understanding of Indian emotional expression (bhava).

At the C1 level, your use of ललकना should show a sophisticated grasp of its psychological and cultural weight. You can use it in academic or philosophical discussions about the nature of desire ('इच्छा की प्रकृति'). You might discuss how 'ललक' is the driving force behind human innovation and exploration. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as: 'उसकी आँखों में छिपी वह ललक उसकी मेहनत का असली कारण थी' (That yearning hidden in his eyes was the real reason for his hard work). At this level, you can also explore the causative and passive nuances, even if they are rare, and understand how the word interacts with other high-level vocabulary like 'अभिलाषा', 'तृष्णा', and 'उत्कंठा'. You should be able to critique its use in media and literature, recognizing when a writer uses it to evoke empathy for a character. Your mastery should allow you to use ललकना to convey subtle shades of meaning—from the innocent greed of a child to the existential longing of a mystic.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of ललकना and can use it with absolute precision in any context, including high-level creative writing and formal oratory. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in different Hindi dialects. You can use it to create rich, evocative imagery in prose, perhaps using it as a central metaphor for human ambition or the restless nature of the mind. You are aware of its phonetic beauty and use it in poetry to achieve specific rhythmic effects. You can also use it to explain complex psychological states, like the 'ललक' that precedes a breakthrough or the 'ललक' that leads to one's downfall in a tragic narrative. Your understanding extends to how the word is perceived in different social strata—how a 'ललक' in a street child is viewed versus a 'ललक' in a corporate executive. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible instrument for expressing the deepest and most varied impulses of the human heart.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ललकना in 30 Seconds

Lalakna is a Hindi verb meaning to yearn or long for something with emotional intensity.
It is commonly used to describe the visible desires of children or strong personal ambitions.
Grammatically, it is intransitive and usually follows the pattern '[Subject] [Object] ke liye lalakna'.
It differs from 'wanting' by implying a deeper, more restless, and often visible craving.

The Hindi verb ललकना (lalaknā) is a deeply evocative term that captures the essence of yearning, longing, or having a strong, almost irrepressible desire for something. Unlike the generic verb 'चाहना' (to want), which can be used for mundane needs, ललकना implies a certain level of emotional intensity or even physical restlessness associated with the desire. It often describes the way a child looks at a toy or a sweet—with wide eyes and a visible sense of craving. In a broader sense, it is used to describe an adult's intense aspiration for success, fame, or even the company of a loved one. The word is rooted in the noun 'ललक' (lalak), which means a whim, a fancy, or a keen desire. When you use ललकना, you are not just saying someone wants something; you are painting a picture of their heart reaching out for it.

Emotional Resonance: The word carries a nuance of innocence and raw emotion. It is frequently used in literature to describe the pure, unadulterated desires of the heart that haven't been filtered through societal expectations. It suggests a pull that is hard to resist.
Visual Imagery: In Hindi cinema and poetry, ललकना is often depicted through the eyes. If a character is 'ललक रहा' (yearning), their eyes are usually fixed on the object of desire, reflecting a mix of hope and desperation.

उस खिलौने को देखकर बच्चे का मन ललकने लगा। (Seeing that toy, the child's heart began to yearn.)

Example of innocent desire in a child.

Contextually, ललकना is most common in informal or semi-formal settings. You might hear it in a household when discussing what children want, or in a motivational speech when describing the fire of ambition. It is less common in strictly legal or technical documents, where 'इच्छा करना' or 'अभिलाषा करना' might be preferred for their formal tone. However, its emotional weight makes it a favorite for storytellers. It bridges the gap between a simple 'want' and a profound 'craving'. To truly understand ललकना, one must imagine the feeling of seeing something you've wanted for a long time suddenly appearing before you, causing your heart to skip a beat and your focus to narrow entirely onto that one thing.

सफलता के लिए ललकना ही जीतने की पहली सीढ़ी है। (Yearning for success is the first step to winning.)

The word also has a physical dimension. When someone is 'ललक-ललक कर' (yearning repeatedly/intensely) looking at something, it implies a physical leaning or reaching out. It is an active, dynamic state of being. It is not a passive wish; it is an active pull toward an object or goal. This is why it is so often paired with words related to 'मन' (mind/heart) or 'आंखें' (eyes). It is a whole-body experience of desire. Furthermore, the word can sometimes imply a lack of restraint, suggesting that the person is so overcome by their desire that they cannot hide it. This makes the word particularly useful in psychological descriptions and character development in Hindi prose.

Comparative Usage: While 'लालच' (greed) is negative, 'ललक' is often neutral or even positive, depending on the object. If you are 'ललक रहे' for knowledge, it is a virtue. If you are 'ललक रहे' for someone else's property, it borders on 'ललचाना' (to be tempted/greedy).

नई जगहों को देखने के लिए मेरा मन हमेशा ललकते रहता है। (My heart is always yearning to see new places.)

Using ललकना correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an intransitive verb that often takes a 'के लिए' (for) or 'को' (to/for) construction to specify the object of desire. Because it describes an internal state of yearning, the subject is the person who feels the desire. In its most basic form, the sentence structure follows: [Subject] + [Object] + [के लिए/को] + [ललकना]. For example, 'वह (Subject) घर जाने (Object) के लिए ललक रहा है (Verb)'. This translates to 'He is yearning to go home.' The verb changes according to the gender and number of the subject, following standard Hindi conjugation rules for '-ना' ending verbs.

Present Continuous Usage: This is perhaps the most common tense for this verb, as yearning is often an ongoing feeling. 'रहा है / रही है / रहे हैं' are added to the root 'ललक'. Example: 'बच्चे मिठाई के लिए ललक रहे हैं' (The children are yearning for sweets).
Past Tense Nuances: In the past tense, it becomes 'ललका' (masculine singular), 'ललकी' (feminine singular), or 'ललके' (plural). Example: 'उसका मन ललका' (His heart yearned/felt a sudden pull of desire).

आजादी की एक झलक पाने के लिए कैदी ललक उठा। (The prisoner suddenly yearned to get a glimpse of freedom.)

One important stylistic variation is the use of 'ललक उठना' (to suddenly start yearning). This compound verb structure adds a sense of spontaneity or suddenness to the feeling. It suggests that the desire wasn't there a moment ago but was triggered by a specific sight or thought. Another common pattern is 'ललक-ललक कर देखना' (to look with repeated yearning). This adverbial use of the verb root describes the action of looking at something with intense, visible longing. It is a very descriptive way to show a character's internal state without explicitly saying they want something. It focuses on the *manner* of their observation.

क्या तुम भी विदेश जाने के लिए ललक रहे हो? (Are you also yearning to go abroad?)

In more complex sentences, ललकना can be used to describe abstract desires. For instance, 'वह न्याय के लिए ललक रहा है' (He is yearning for justice). Here, the object is not a physical thing but a concept. This demonstrates the versatility of the word from B1 to C2 levels of Hindi. At a higher level, you might see it used in the causative form 'ललकाना' (to make someone yearn/tempt someone), though 'ललचाना' is more common for 'to tempt'. Understanding the difference between 'ललकना' (to yearn - internal) and 'ललचाना' (to tempt - external influence) is key for advanced learners. Using ललकना correctly adds a layer of sophistication and emotional depth to your spoken and written Hindi, making you sound more like a native speaker who understands the 'bhava' (emotion) behind the words.

Negative Sentences: To say someone does NOT yearn for something, simply add 'नहीं' before the verb. 'वह पैसों के लिए नहीं ललकती।' (She does not yearn for money.) This implies a sense of contentment or lack of greed.

ज्ञान के लिए ललकना एक अच्छी आदत है। (Yearning for knowledge is a good habit.)

You will encounter ललकना in various spheres of Indian life, ranging from the domestic to the artistic. In a typical Indian household, a mother might use this word to describe her child's behavior at a fair or a toy shop: "देखो कैसे खिलौनों के लिए ललक रहा है!" (Look how he is yearning for the toys!). It captures that specifically childlike, wide-eyed desire. This usage is very common in everyday colloquial Hindi across North India. It is a word that parents use both affectionately and sometimes as a mild critique of a child's impatience or greed. It's an intimate word, often used within families to describe the visible desires of loved ones.

Literature and Poetry: Hindi poets and novelists, such as Munshi Premchand, frequently used this word to describe the longing of the poor for basic necessities or the yearning of a lover. In poetry, it often rhymes with 'पलकना' (to blink/twinkle) or 'झलकना' (to shine/be reflected), creating a rhythmic and emotional resonance in verses about love and longing.
Bollywood and Music: In Bollywood songs, especially those dealing with 'birha' (separation) or 'intezaar' (waiting), ललकना describes the heart's restless desire to see the beloved. It adds a touch of 'desi' (local/authentic) flavor compared to more formal words like 'अभिलाषा'.

"उसके दिल में शहर जाने की एक ललक थी।" (There was a yearning in his heart to go to the city.)

Common phrasing in narrative storytelling.

Another place you'll hear this word is in motivational and spiritual discourses. Gurus or speakers might talk about the 'ललक' for truth or 'ईश्वर' (God). Here, the word is elevated from a simple physical craving to a high spiritual aspiration. They might say, "जब तक तुम्हारे मन में सत्य के लिए ललक नहीं होगी, तब तक तुम उसे पा नहीं सकोगे" (Until there is a yearning for truth in your heart, you will not be able to find it). This shows the word's range from the most mundane (sweets) to the most profound (divine truth). It is a word that resonates with the Indian cultural emphasis on 'tapasya' (effort/discipline) driven by 'ichha' (desire).

रेगिस्तान में प्यासा इंसान पानी की एक बूंद के लिए ललक रहा था। (The thirsty man in the desert was yearning for a single drop of water.)

In rural India, the word is even more pervasive. It is used to describe the way crops 'yearn' for rain during a drought. This personification of nature using ललकना is a common trope in rural folk songs and stories. It connects the human experience of desire with the natural world's needs. Whether it is a student yearning for a good grade, a villager yearning for rain, or a devotee yearning for a vision of the divine, ललकना is the go-to verb to describe that intense, visible, and deeply felt pull towards something that is currently out of reach.

Social Media: On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Hindi speakers might use 'ललक' in captions for travel photos or food: "पहाड़ों के लिए फिर से मन ललक रहा है" (The heart is yearning for the mountains again). It sounds more poetic and heartfelt than just saying 'I miss the mountains'.

Learners of Hindi often encounter a few specific hurdles when using ललकना. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with its phonetic relatives, particularly ललचाना (lalchānā) and ललकारना (lalkārnā). While they sound similar, their meanings are vastly different. ललचाना means 'to tempt' or 'to make someone greedy'. It is often transitive (you tempt someone else). ललकना is intransitive (you feel the yearning yourself). If you say "मैंने उसे ललका," it sounds like you are trying to say you made him yearn, but it's grammatically awkward. You should say "वह ललका" (He yearned) or "मैंने उसे ललचाया" (I tempted him).

Confusion with 'Lalkarna': 'ललकारना' (Lalkārnā) means 'to challenge' or 'to shout out a defiance'. It has a completely different energy—aggressive and outward-facing—whereas ललकना is emotional and inward-facing. Mixing these up can lead to very confusing sentences!
Transitive vs. Intransitive: Another common error is using the 'ने' particle in the past tense. Since ललकना is intransitive (describing a state of being/feeling), it does not take 'ने'. INCORRECT: उसने मिठाई के लिए ललका। CORRECT: वह मिठाई के लिए ललका।

Incorrect: मैं उसे ललक रहा हूँ। (I am yearning him - sounds like you are doing the action *to* him.)
Correct: मैं उसके लिए ललक रहा हूँ। (I am yearning *for* him.)

Usage of the wrong postposition is another pitfall. ललकना almost always requires 'के लिए' (for) or 'को' (to) to connect the subject to the object of desire. Simply placing the object before the verb without a postposition (e.g., "वह मिठाई ललक रहा है") is grammatically incomplete and sounds 'broken' to native ears. The postposition provides the necessary logical link. Furthermore, learners sometimes over-use ललकना for very minor things where 'चाहना' would be more appropriate. Yearning for a pencil is strange; yearning for a childhood home makes sense. Use ललकना when there is a significant emotional pull.

Don't confuse ललकना (to yearn) with लटकना (to hang). Swapping the 'ल' for a 'ट' changes the meaning entirely!

Finally, watch out for the intensity. ललकना can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being 'greedy' or 'undignified' if used for someone else's things. If you want to describe a noble desire, words like 'उत्सुक होना' (to be curious/eager) or 'लालायित होना' (to be longing - more formal) might be safer in formal contexts. Using ललकना in a professional setting to describe wanting a promotion might sound a bit too emotional or desperate. Keep it for personal, literary, or casual contexts where expressing deep feelings is appropriate.

Summary of Mistake Fixes: 1. Use 'के लिए' always. 2. No 'ने' in past tense. 3. Don't confuse with 'ललचाना' (tempt) or 'ललकारना' (challenge). 4. Reserve for intense/visible desires.

Hindi is rich in vocabulary for emotions, and ललकना has several synonyms and near-synonyms that vary in intensity, register, and nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the exactly right word for the context. The most common synonym is तरसना (tarasnā). While ललकना is about the *desire* itself, तरसना emphasizes the *deprivation*. You 'तरस' for something you cannot have or haven't had for a long time. ललकना is more about the active reaching out of the heart, while तरसना is the ache of the heart's emptiness.

तरसना (Tarasnā): Emphasis on lack/deprivation. Example: 'वह पानी के लिए तरस रहा है' (He is craving/pining for water because he has none).
लालायित होना (Lālāyit honā): A more formal, Sanskritized version of ललकना. Used in literature and formal speeches. Example: 'हम आपकी प्रतिक्रिया के लिए लालायित हैं' (We are eager for your feedback).

Comparison:
1. मिठाई के लिए ललकना (To yearn for sweets - active desire).
2. मिठाई के लिए तरसना (To pine for sweets - because you haven't had any).

Another alternative is तड़पना (taṛapnā). This is much more intense and usually implies pain or agony. You 'तड़प' for a lost lover or in extreme physical pain. ललकना is milder and can be joyful or hopeful, whereas तड़पना is almost always distressing. For a more neutral 'eagerness', you can use उत्सुक होना (utsuk honā). This is the best word for professional contexts, such as being 'eager' to start a new job or 'curious' about a result. It lacks the 'drooling' or physical craving aspect of ललकना.

"वह सफलता के लिए ललक रहा है, पर मेहनत नहीं करता।" (He yearns for success, but doesn't work hard.)

Lastly, consider ललचाना (lalchānā) again, but as an intransitive verb meaning 'to feel tempted'. While we warned against confusing the two, in some dialects, 'मन ललचाना' (the heart feeling tempted) is used synonymously with 'मन ललकना'. However, 'ललचाना' usually implies a slightly illicit or greedy desire, like wanting someone else's lunch. ललकना is broader and can be used for very noble things. By mastering these nuances, you can move from basic Hindi to a level where you can express the fine shades of human desire and motivation.

Summary Table

Word	Nuance	Best For
Lalakna	Visible Yearning	Children, Ambition
Tarasna	Pining/Lack	Loss, Thirst, Love
Utsuk Hona	Eagerness	Professionalism

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'ललक' is often used in Braj Bhasha and Awadhi poetry to describe the playful and innocent desires of the child Krishna.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lə.lək.nɑː/

US /lə.lək.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'lak'.

Rhymes With

झलकना (Jhalaknā) पलकना (Palaknā) छलकना (Chhalaknā) दहकना (Dahaknā) महकना (Mahaknā) चहकना (Chahaknā) बहकना (Bahaknā) लटकना (Lataknā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Lark-na' (adding an 'r' sound).
Confusing the 'l' sounds with 'r'.
Making the first 'a' too long (Lā-lak-na).
Confusing with 'Lalkarna' (challenging).
Pronouncing 'k' as 'kh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context once you know the root 'Lalak'.

Writing 4/5

Requires care with postpositions and avoiding 'ne' in past tense.

Speaking 4/5

Natural usage requires understanding the 'emotional intensity' of the word.

Listening 3/5

Phonetically distinct, but can be confused with 'Lalchana' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

चाहना इच्छा मन मिठाई खिलौना

Learn Next

तरसना लालायित तड़पना उत्सुक

Advanced

तृष्णा अभिलाषा उत्कंठा जिज्ञासा

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Past Tense

वह ललका (He yearned) - No 'ne' used.

Postposition 'Ke Liye'

इनाम के लिए ललकना (Yearning for the prize).

Inceptive Verb 'Lagna'

वह ललकने लगा (He started to yearn).

Compound Verb 'Uthna'

वह ललक उठा (He suddenly yearned).

Adverbial Reduplication

ललक-ललक कर देखना (To look yearningly).

Examples by Level

बच्चा चॉकलेट के लिए ललक रहा है।

The child is yearning for chocolate.

Present continuous tense: ललक + रहा है.

क्या तुम पानी के लिए ललक रहे हो?

Are you yearning for water?

Interrogative sentence using 'क्या'.

वह खिलौने को देखकर ललका।

He yearned upon seeing the toy.

Simple past tense (intransitive).

मेरा मन आम के लिए ललक रहा है।

My heart is yearning for mangoes.

Subject is 'मेरा मन' (my heart/mind).

वे खेलने के लिए ललक रहे हैं।

They are yearning to play.

Plural subject 'वे' with 'रहे हैं'.

बिल्ली दूध के लिए ललक रही है।

The cat is yearning for milk.

Feminine subject 'बिल्ली' with 'रही है'.

मैं घर जाने के लिए ललका।

I yearned to go home.

Past tense showing a sudden feeling.

वह खाने के लिए ललकती है।

She yearns for food.

Present simple tense (habitual).

नया फोन देखकर उसका मन ललकने लगा।

Seeing the new phone, his heart started yearning.

Inceptive construction: 'ललकने लगा' (started to yearn).

बारिश के लिए किसान का मन ललक रहा था।

The farmer's heart was yearning for rain.

Past continuous tense.

हम छुट्टियों के लिए ललक रहे हैं।

We are yearning for the holidays.

Plural subject 'हम' with 'रहे हैं'.

मिठाई की दुकान देखकर बच्चे ललक उठे।

Seeing the sweet shop, the children suddenly yearned.

Compound verb 'ललक उठना' for sudden action.

वह अपनी माँ से मिलने के लिए ललक रही है।

She is yearning to meet her mother.

Feminine continuous tense.

क्या वे भी इस इनाम के लिए ललक रहे हैं?

Are they also yearning for this prize?

Interrogative plural.

उसका मन बार-बार ललक रहा था।

His heart was yearning again and again.

Adverbial 'बार-बार' modifying the frequency.

मैं सच जानने के लिए ललक रहा हूँ।

I am yearning to know the truth.

Abstract object 'सच' (truth).

वह अपनी पुरानी यादों के लिए ललक रहा है।

He is yearning for his old memories.

Abstract longing for the past.

सफलता के लिए ललकना अच्छी बात है।

Yearning for success is a good thing.

Gerundial use of 'ललकना' as a subject.

उसकी आँखों में जीत की ललक साफ दिख रही थी।

The yearning for victory was clearly visible in his eyes.

Using the noun form 'ललक' (yearning).

वह नौकरी पाने के लिए ललक रहा है।

He is yearning to get the job.

Yearning for a professional goal.

क्या तुम भी पहाड़ों पर जाने के लिए ललक रहे हो?

Are you also yearning to go to the mountains?

Expressing travel desire.

गरीब आदमी रोटी के लिए ललक रहा था।

The poor man was yearning for bread.

Yearning for basic needs.

उसका मन विदेश जाने के लिए ललक उठा।

His heart suddenly yearned to go abroad.

Sudden onset of desire.

हम शांति के लिए ललक रहे हैं।

We are yearning for peace.

Yearning for a social state.

कवि अपनी कल्पनाओं को शब्दों में ढालने के लिए ललक रहा है।

The poet is yearning to mold his imaginations into words.

Complex literary context.

वह न्याय पाने के लिए सालों से ललक रहा है।

He has been yearning for years to get justice.

Long-term yearning for an abstract goal.

स्वतंत्रता सेनानी देश की आजादी के लिए ललक रहे थे।

The freedom fighters were yearning for the country's independence.

Historical/Patriotic context.

उसका मन संगीत की गहराई को समझने के लिए ललक उठा।

His heart suddenly yearned to understand the depth of music.

Intellectual/Artistic yearning.

समाज में बदलाव के लिए लोग ललक रहे हैं।

People are yearning for a change in society.

Collective yearning for social change.

वह अपने खोए हुए सम्मान को वापस पाने के लिए ललक रहा है।

He is yearning to regain his lost honor.

Yearning for a personal moral state.

उसकी आँखों में ज्ञान की एक अजीब सी ललक थी।

There was a strange yearning for knowledge in his eyes.

Noun form describing a character trait.

क्या तुम सचमुच इस बदलाव के लिए ललक रहे हो?

Are you truly yearning for this change?

Probing internal motivation.

दार्शनिक सत्य की खोज में जीवन भर ललकते रहे।

Philosophers yearned for the search for truth throughout their lives.

Continuous habitual past.

उसकी लेखनी में समाज के वंचित वर्ग के लिए एक ललक दिखती है।

In his writing, a yearning for the marginalized sections of society is visible.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

वह मोक्ष की प्राप्ति के लिए ललक रहा है।

He is yearning for the attainment of salvation (Moksha).

Spiritual/Philosophical context.

उसके हर शब्द में घर लौटने की ललक बसी थी।

In every word of his, a yearning to return home was embedded.

Descriptive narrative style.

वैज्ञानिक ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों को सुलझाने के लिए ललक रहे हैं।

Scientists are yearning to solve the mysteries of the universe.

Scientific/Intellectual yearning.

उसकी आत्मा शांति और सुकून के लिए ललक रही थी।

His soul was yearning for peace and tranquility.

Personification of the soul.

कलाकार अपनी कला में पूर्णता के लिए ललक रहा है।

The artist is yearning for perfection in his art.

Yearning for an ideal state.

क्या यह ललक केवल एक भ्रम है या वास्तविक प्रेरणा?

Is this yearning merely an illusion or real inspiration?

Philosophical inquiry.

उसकी आँखों की वह व्याकुल ललक उसके आंतरिक द्वंद्व को व्यक्त कर रही थी।

That restless yearning in his eyes was expressing his internal conflict.

High-level psychological description.

इतिहास गवाह है कि मानवता हमेशा प्रगति के लिए ललकती आई है।

History is witness that humanity has always been yearning for progress.

Universal/Historical generalization.

उसकी कविताओं में विरह की ललक और मिलन की आशा का अद्भुत संगम है।

In his poems, there is a wonderful confluence of the yearning of separation and the hope of union.

Formal literary analysis.

वह अपनी जड़ों से फिर से जुड़ने के लिए ललक रहा है, पर समय की धारा उसे पीछे छोड़ आई है।

He is yearning to reconnect with his roots, but the stream of time has left him behind.

Metaphorical and complex sentence structure.

सत्ता की ललक ने उसे अंधा कर दिया था।

The yearning for power had blinded him.

Noun form in a moralistic/narrative context.

क्या यह ललक ही है जो हमें मनुष्य बनाती है?

Is it this yearning that makes us human?

Existential rhetorical question.

उसके संगीत में एक ऐसी ललक थी जो सुनने वाले के हृदय को झकझोर देती थी।

There was such a yearning in his music that it would shake the heart of the listener.

Describing the emotional impact of art.

निर्वाण की उस परम ललक ने उसे सांसारिक मोह-माया से मुक्त कर दिया।

That ultimate yearning for Nirvana freed him from worldly attachments.

High spiritual/philosophical register.

Common Collocations

मन ललकना

पाने के लिए ललकना

देखने के लिए ललकना

जीत की ललक

ज्ञान की ललक

मिलने के लिए ललकना

घर जाने की ललक

खाने के लिए ललकना

बदलाव के लिए ललकना

सीखने की ललक

Common Phrases

ललक-ललक कर देखना

— To look at something repeatedly with great longing.

बच्चा खिलौने को ललक-ललक कर देख रहा था।

मन में ललक उठना

— To have a sudden feeling of yearning arise in the heart.

उसकी बात सुनकर मेरे मन में ललक उठी।

ललक पैदा करना

— To create a sense of yearning or interest in someone.

शिक्षक ने बच्चों में विज्ञान के प्रति ललक पैदा की।

ललक के मारे

— Out of sheer yearning/longing.

ललक के मारे वह चुप न रह सका।

सफलता की ललक

— The fire or yearning for success.

सफलता की ललक ही आपको आगे ले जाएगी।

बचपन की ललक

— The innocent yearning characteristic of childhood.

उसकी बातों में आज भी बचपन की ललक है।

झलक के लिए ललकना

— To yearn for just a single glimpse.

भीड़ अपने नेता की एक झलक के लिए ललक रही थी।

अधूरी ललक

— An unfulfilled yearning.

उसकी आँखों में एक अधूरी ललक रह गई।

सीखने की तीव्र ललक

— An intense yearning to learn.

उसमें कुछ नया सीखने की तीव्र ललक है।

प्यार की ललक

— Yearning for love.

इंसान हमेशा प्यार की ललक में रहता है।

Often Confused With

ललकना vs ललचाना

Lalchana means to tempt or make someone feel greedy. Lalakna is the feeling of yearning itself.

ललकना vs ललकारना

Lalkarna means to challenge someone to a fight or competition. It sounds similar but has a totally different meaning.

ललकना vs लटकना

Latakna means to hang. Be careful with the 't' vs 'l' sound.

Idioms & Expressions

"जी ललचाना"

— To feel tempted (often used interchangeably with 'man lalakna').

चाट देखकर किसका जी नहीं ललचाता?

Informal

"आंखें ललकना"

— The eyes showing a visible yearning.

उसकी आंखें इनाम के लिए ललक रही थीं।

Descriptive

"ललक उठना"

— To be suddenly seized by a strong desire.

पुराना घर देख कर वह वहां रहने के लिए ललक उठा।

General

"मन मसोस कर रह जाना"

— The opposite of lalakna—to suppress a yearning.

पैसे न होने के कारण वह मन मसोस कर रह गया।

Common

"मुंह में पानी आना"

— To yearn for food (mouth watering).

मिठाई देख उसके मुंह में पानी आ गया।

Informal

"प्यास जगना"

— A metaphorical yearning (thirst) for something like knowledge.

उसके मन में ज्ञान की प्यास जग गई।

Literary

"दिल बाग-बाग होना"

— Not yearning, but the joy after the yearning is fulfilled.

बेटे को देख माँ का दिल बाग-बाग हो गया।

Informal

"हाथ मलते रह जाना"

— To miss out on something one yearned for.

अवसर निकल गया और वह हाथ मलता रह गया।

Informal

"पलकें बिछाना"

— To yearn and wait eagerly for someone.

वह मेहमानों के लिए पलकें बिछाए बैठा है।

Poetic

"तड़प उठना"

— A more painful version of lalakna.

दुख भरी खबर सुनकर वह तड़प उठा।

Emotional

Easily Confused

ललकना vs ललचाना

Phonetic similarity and related to desire.

Lalchana is usually transitive (to tempt someone), while Lalakna is intransitive (to feel yearning).

मिठाई ने मुझे ललचाया (The sweet tempted me) vs मैं मिठाई के लिए ललका (I yearned for the sweet).

ललकना vs तरसना

Both mean a form of craving.

Tarasna implies you are suffering because you don't have it. Lalakna is the active feeling of wanting it.

वह पानी के लिए तरस रहा है (He is dying of thirst) vs वह कोल्ड ड्रिंक के लिए ललक रहा है (He is yearning for a cold drink).

ललकना vs तड़पना

Both are intense desires.

Tadapna is much more painful and restless. Lalakna can be a happy or excited yearning.

वह दर्द से तड़प रहा है (He is writhing in pain) vs वह खेलने के लिए ललक रहा है (He is yearning to play).

ललकना vs ललकारना

Similar prefix 'lal-'.

Lalkarna is aggressive (to challenge). Lalakna is emotional (to yearn).

उसने दुश्मन को ललकारा (He challenged the enemy).

ललकना vs लालायित

Formal synonym.

Lalayit is an adjective/participle, while Lalakna is the verb. Lalayit is more formal.

मैं आपके उत्तर के लिए लालायित हूँ (I am eager for your answer).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] के लिए ललक रहा है।

राम फल के लिए ललक रहा है।

[Subject] का मन [Object] के लिए ललकने लगा।

मेरा मन चाय के लिए ललकने लगा।

[Object] पाने के लिए [Subject] ललक रहा है।

इनाम पाने के लिए वह ललक रहा है।

[Subject] [Object] की एक झलक के लिए ललक रहा था।

भीड़ नेता की एक झलक के लिए ललक रही थी।

[Abstract Object] की ललक में [Subject] [Action] कर रहा है।

सत्य की ललक में वह तपस्या कर रहा है।

[Subject] [Object] के लिए ललक-ललक कर देख रहा है।

वह पुरानी तस्वीरों को ललक-ललक कर देख रहा है।

[Noun Phrase] की वह ललक [Description] थी।

उसकी आँखों की वह ललक अविस्मरणीय थी।

जब तक [Subject] में [Object] की ललक नहीं होगी, तब तक [Result] नहीं होगा।

जब तक तुममें सीखने की ललक नहीं होगी, तब तक तुम सफल नहीं होगे।

Word Family

Nouns

ललक Yearning, whim, longing

लालसा Strong desire, greed

लालच Greed, temptation

Verbs

ललचाना To tempt, to entice

लालच देना To offer a bribe or temptation

Adjectives

ललकीला Yearning-natured (rare/dialectal)

लालायित Eager, longing

लालची Greedy

इच्छा

चाहत

उमंग

जोश

उत्सुकता

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, media, and everyday speech about desires.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ne' in past tense. → वह मिठाई के लिए ललका।
Lalakna is intransitive; it does not take 'ne'.
Confusing with 'Lalkarna'. → वह इनाम के लिए ललक रहा है।
Lalkarna means to challenge, which makes no sense here.
Omitting 'ke liye'. → वह घर जाने के लिए ललक रहा है।
The postposition is needed to link the subject to the object of desire.
Using it for minor things. → मैं पेन चाहता हूँ।
Lalakna is for strong yearning. Using it for a pen sounds overly dramatic.
Confusing with 'Lalchana'. → मेरा मन ललका।
Use Lalakna for your own feeling. Lalchana is usually for being tempted by something else.

Tips

Context Matters

Use ललकना when the desire is strong enough that it shows on your face or in your actions.

No 'Ne' in Past

Remember: Vah lalka, not Usne lalka. It describes a state, not a transitive action.

Compound Power

Use ललक उठना to describe a sudden spark of desire.

The 'L' Sound

Keep the 'L' sounds soft and dental (tongue touching the back of the upper teeth).

Innocence

The word often implies a certain raw or innocent honesty in the desire.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'He was happy', say 'He was yearning (ललक रहा था) for the prize' to show his motivation.

Colloquialism

Use 'मेरा मन ललक रहा है' to sound like a native speaker when you have a craving.

Rhyme Check

It rhymes with 'Jhalakna' (to shine). If you hear a word ending in '-lakna' in a poem, it's likely one of these.

Lalakna vs. Tarasna

Use ललकना for 'wanting to get' and तरसना for 'missing what you don't have'.

Lollipop

Associate it with a kid wanting a lollipop. It's an easy way to remember the meaning and the 'L' sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'L' sounds as 'Longing'. L-L-K: 'Longing Looks Keenly'. When you 'Lalakna', you are Looking Keenly with Longing.

Visual Association

Imagine a child standing on their tiptoes (reaching up) to see a jar of cookies on a high shelf. That physical 'reaching' is the essence of 'Lalakna'.

Word Web

Desire Children Eyes Heart Sweets Success Yearning Impulse

Challenge

Try to use 'ललकना' in three different contexts today: once for food, once for a personal goal, and once to describe someone else's behavior.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hindi/Prakrit root 'Lalak' (ललक). It is an onomatopoeic or expressive root common in Indo-Aryan languages that describes a certain movement or vibration of desire.

Original meaning: The root originally implied a 'wavering' or 'reaching out', much like a flame or a tongue reaching for food.

Indo-Aryan -> Sanskrit-influenced Prakrit -> Hindi.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds like you are mocking someone's genuine needs. While it can be used for 'greed', it's usually more about 'desire'.

The English equivalent 'yearn' is often more formal or poetic. 'Lalakna' is more versatile and can be used for small things like a snack, which 'yearn' usually isn't.

Munshi Premchand's stories often describe the 'ललक' of poor children for simple joys. Bollywood songs like 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa' play on the similar sounding 'Jhalak' and the underlying 'Lalak'. Surdas's poetry about 'Bal Krishna' (child Krishna) frequently evokes this feeling.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Food/Dining

स्वाद के लिए ललकना
पकवानों को देखकर ललकना
भूख में ललकना
चटपटे खाने की ललक

Childhood/Parenting

खिलौनों के लिए ललकना
मेले में ललकना
जिद और ललक
बच्चे की ललक

Career/Ambition

सफलता के लिए ललकना
नाम कमाने की ललक
तरक्की के लिए ललक
सीखने की ललक

Relationships

मिलने के लिए ललकना
प्यार की ललक
साथ रहने की ललक
एक झलक के लिए ललकना

Travel

घूमने के लिए ललकना
पहाड़ों की ललक
नई जगहों की ललक
सफर के लिए ललकना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपका मन कभी किसी पुरानी जगह जाने के लिए ललक रहा है?"

"आजकल बच्चे किस चीज़ के लिए सबसे ज्यादा ललकते हैं?"

"क्या आप नई भाषा सीखने के लिए ललक रहे हैं?"

"जब आप भूखे होते हैं, तो आपका मन किस खाने के लिए ललकने लगता है?"

"सफलता पाने के लिए मन में कितनी ललक होनी चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

आज आप किस चीज़ के लिए ललक रहे थे? विस्तार से लिखें।

अपने बचपन की किसी ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आप किसी खिलौने के लिए बहुत ललके थे।

क्या 'ललक' एक सकारात्मक भावना है या नकारात्मक? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

एक कहानी लिखें जिसका शीर्षक हो: 'सफलता की ललक' ।

उन तीन चीज़ों की सूची बनाएं जिनके लिए आपका मन हमेशा ललकते रहता है।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use it to describe yearning to see or meet someone, e.g., 'मैं उससे मिलने के लिए ललक रहा हूँ।' It shows a strong emotional pull.

Not necessarily. It depends on what you are yearning for. Yearning for knowledge is positive; yearning for someone else's property might be seen as greedy.

Chahna is a general 'to want'. Lalakna is more intense and usually describes a visible or deeply felt yearning. Think of it as 'craving' vs 'wanting'.

You say 'मैं ललक रहा हूँ' (masculine) or 'मैं ललक रही हूँ' (feminine).

It is used in literature and speeches, but for very formal business contexts, 'उत्सुक' or 'लालायित' are more common.

No, because it is an intransitive verb. You say 'वह ललका', not 'उसने ललका'.

The noun form is 'ललक' (lalak), which means yearning or whim.

Yes, it is very commonly used for food cravings, especially for children.

No, 'to tempt' is 'ललचाना'. 'ललकना' means 'to feel the yearning/temptation yourself'.

Yes, it is often used to describe the longing of lovers or the desire for a glimpse of the beloved.