This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
लोमड़ी

A2 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

लोमड़ी

lomdi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लोमड़ी in 30 Seconds

Explanation लोमड़ी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Lomṛī' is introduced as a basic animal name, similar to 'cat' or 'dog'. Learners should focus on identifying the animal and its most famous trait: cleverness (chaturāī). At this stage, the focus is on simple subject-verb-object sentences. For example, 'Lomṛī ek jānwar hai' (The fox is an animal). The goal is to recognize the word in pictures or simple stories. Learners should also start noticing that the word ends in 'ī', which usually indicates a feminine noun in Hindi. This is a great 'anchor word' for learning the feminine gender rule. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that 'Lomṛī' is a fox and it is 'chatur' (clever). You might see it in a picture book where a fox is eating grapes. This visual association is very helpful. Practice saying 'Lomṛī' with the retroflex 'ṛ' sound by tapping your tongue against the roof of your mouth. It might feel strange at first, but it's the key to being understood. Think of the fox as a character in a cartoon to help you remember the word.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Lomṛī' in more descriptive sentences. You should be able to describe what a fox looks like using adjectives. For example, 'Lomṛī kī pūñch lambī hotī hai' (A fox's tail is long). Notice how 'lambī' and 'hotī' agree with the feminine gender of 'pūñch' and 'Lomṛī'. You will also encounter 'Lomṛī' in the context of the 'ne' particle in the past tense, which is a major hurdle at this level. Sentences like 'Lomṛī ne murgī dekhī' (The fox saw a chicken) help you practice how the verb agrees with the object (murgī) rather than the subject (Lomṛī). You should also learn the plural form 'Lomṛiyā̃' and how to use it with numbers, such as 'Tīn Lomṛiyā̃' (Three foxes). This level is about building the grammatical foundation around the word. You might also learn the famous phrase 'Angūr khaṭṭe hain' (Grapes are sour) and know that it comes from a story about a 'Lomṛī'. This cultural link makes the vocabulary stick. You are now moving beyond just naming the animal to describing its actions and its place in simple stories.

At the B1 level, 'Lomṛī' starts appearing in more complex narrative contexts and metaphorical expressions. You should be comfortable using the word in compound sentences and with various postpositions. For instance, 'Agar tumne us Lomṛī ko dekhā hotā, to tum dar jāte' (If you had seen that fox, you would have been scared). You will also learn to use 'Lomṛī' as a metaphor for people. If a friend is being very strategic, you might jokingly call them a 'Lomṛī'. At B1, you should also be able to distinguish between 'Lomṛī' and 'Siyār' (jackal) and understand why a storyteller might choose one over the other. You will start reading longer versions of the Panchatantra where the fox's dialogue is more sophisticated. This involves learning more advanced adjectives like 'dhūrt' (cunning/deceptive) or 'yojanābaddh' (planned/strategic). Your ability to use the oblique plural form 'Lomṛiyõ' in sentences like 'Lomṛiyõ ke jhuñd ne shor machāyā' (The pack of foxes made a noise) should be solidified. You are now using the word to express more nuanced ideas about personality and behavior.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Lomṛī' in abstract discussions about literature, folklore, and even politics. You might analyze the role of the fox in Indian fables compared to Western ones (like Aesop's). You should be able to discuss the linguistic evolution of the word from its Sanskrit roots. For example, you could explain how 'Lomash' (hairy) became 'Lomṛī'. Your grammar should be near-perfect, allowing you to use the word in complex passive constructions or with subtle modal verbs. 'Lomṛī ko chatur mānā jātā hai' (The fox is considered clever). You will also encounter 'Lomṛī' in more formal news reports or environmental articles where the Bengal Fox's habitat loss is discussed. This requires a shift from the 'storytelling' register to a 'scientific/journalistic' register. You should be able to understand the word in fast-paced conversations or movies where it might be used as a quick slang term for someone who is 'slippery' or hard to pin down. Your vocabulary around the fox now includes its habitat (mānd - den), its prey (shikār), and its nocturnal nature (nishāchar).

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'Lomṛī' is deeply nuanced. You recognize the word's appearance in classical Hindi poetry and high-level literature where it might be used as a symbol for the transitory nature of wit or the dangers of deception. You can engage in a debate about the ethics of the 'clever fox' archetype in children's education. Your use of idioms involving 'Lomṛī' is natural and well-timed. You might use the word to describe a complex political maneuver, saying something like, 'Vah rājnīti kī ek purānī Lomṛī hai' (He is an old fox of politics), implying deep experience and survival skills. You are also aware of regional variations and how the word might be pronounced or substituted in different Hindi dialects. Your listening skills allow you to catch the word even in heavily accented or metaphorical speech. You can write essays comparing the 'Lomṛī' in the Panchatantra to the 'Renard' in French literature, using high-level academic Hindi. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a tool for sophisticated expression.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'Lomṛī' and its entire linguistic ecosystem. You can appreciate the most subtle puns and wordplay involving the term. You might explore the etymological links between 'Lomṛī' and other Indo-European languages or delve into the specific Vedic references to fox-like creatures. Your speech is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can use 'Lomṛī' in creative writing to evoke specific moods or cultural archetypes. You understand the sociological implications of why certain communities in India might have different names or stories for the fox. You can interpret the word's use in ancient Sanskrit plays where 'Shṛgāl' (the formal precursor) appears. For you, 'Lomṛī' is a gateway to the entire history of the Hindi language and Indian thought. You can provide expert-level translations that capture not just the meaning 'fox' but the exact cultural 'flavor' the word carries in a particular sentence. You are a true master of the language's nuances.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लोमड़ी in 30 Seconds

Lomṛī is the Hindi word for fox, categorized as a feminine noun.
It is culturally synonymous with cleverness and cunning in Indian folklore.
Grammatically, it requires feminine verb and adjective agreement in all contexts.
The word is essential for reading classic Indian fables like the Panchatantra.

The Hindi word लोमड़ी (Lomṛī) is a feminine noun that translates directly to 'fox' in English. In the vast landscape of Hindi vocabulary, this word carries a weight that extends far beyond a mere biological classification. To understand 'Lomṛī' is to understand a character that has been woven into the fabric of Indian folklore, literature, and daily metaphorical speech for centuries. Biologically, it refers to any of the small-to-medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. However, in a cultural context, when a Hindi speaker says 'Lomṛī', they are often invoking the image of the 'clever' or 'cunning' protagonist found in ancient texts like the Panchatantra and the Jataka tales.

Biological Context: In India, the term usually refers to the Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), also known as the Bengal Fox. These animals are smaller than the European Red Fox and are known for their long, bushy tails with black tips. When describing wildlife in a national park like Sariska or Ranthambore, you would use 'Lomṛī' to identify these swift, nocturnal creatures.

जंगल में एक भूखी लोमड़ी घूम रही थी। (A hungry fox was wandering in the forest.)

The word is predominantly used when discussing character traits. If someone is described as having the mind of a 'Lomṛī', it implies they are resourceful, perhaps a bit deceptive, but undeniably intelligent. Unlike the wolf (Bheṛiyā), which represents brute strength or predatory threat, the fox represents the victory of wit over power. This makes the word very common in educational settings where fables are taught to children to impart moral lessons about being alert and smart in a complex world.

Metaphorical Usage: In modern Hindi, you might hear this word in political commentary or business discussions. A 'Lomṛī' in a corporate boardroom is someone who knows how to navigate loopholes. It is not always an insult; sometimes it is a begrudging compliment to someone's strategic depth.

वह व्यापार में लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर है। (He is as clever as a fox in business.)

Furthermore, 'Lomṛī' appears frequently in children's nursery rhymes and bedtime stories. The most famous story associated with this word in the Hindi-speaking world is 'The Fox and the Grapes' (Lomṛī aur Angūr), which has been translated into Hindi and is a staple of primary education. Through this story, the word becomes synonymous with the concept of 'sour grapes' (Angūr khaṭṭe hain). This cultural saturation ensures that even a basic learner of Hindi will encounter 'Lomṛī' very early in their journey, making it a vital piece of the CEFR A2 vocabulary set.

Using लोमड़ी (Lomṛī) correctly in a sentence requires a solid grasp of Hindi's gender-based grammar system. Since 'Lomṛī' ends with the long 'ī' sound (ई), it follows the standard pattern for feminine nouns. This means that any adjective modifying it, and any verb it performs, must reflect this feminine nature. For example, if you want to say 'The big fox', you must use 'Baṛī' (feminine) instead of 'Baṛā' (masculine). This consistency is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Subject-Verb Agreement: When 'Lomṛī' is the subject, the verb ending changes. 'The fox is running' becomes 'Lomṛī dauṛ rahī hai'. Note the 'ī' at the end of 'rahī'. If you were to say 'rahā hai', it would be a grammatical error that stands out immediately to a Hindi speaker.

एक चालाक लोमड़ी ने कौवे को बेवकूफ बनाया। (A clever fox fooled the crow.)

In the oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'ne', 'ko', 'se', 'me', 'par'), the word 'Lomṛī' usually remains unchanged in the singular form, but the plural changes significantly. One fox is 'Lomṛī', but many foxes are 'Lomṛiyā̃'. If you are talking about 'to the foxes', it becomes 'Lomṛiyõ ko'. Mastering these plural forms is essential for intermediate learners moving from A2 to B1.

Common Comparisons: You will often use the word with 'jaisī' (like) to create similes. 'Lomṛī jaisī chāl' (A fox-like move/gait) or 'Lomṛī jaisā dhimāg' (A fox-like brain). Note that 'jaisī' is used because 'Lomṛī' is feminine, whereas 'jaisā' would be used for masculine nouns like 'Sher' (Lion).

गाँव वालों ने खेत में तीन लोमड़ियाँ देखीं। (The villagers saw three foxes in the field.)

When writing stories, 'Lomṛī' is often personified. You will see it used with honorifics or human-like actions. For instance, 'Lomṛī ne socha' (The fox thought). This usage helps learners practice the 'ne' postposition with transitive verbs in the past tense. Because 'Lomṛī' is the agent of the action, the 'ne' is required, but the verb will then agree with the object of the thought, not the fox itself. This nuanced grammar makes 'Lomṛī' an excellent practice word for those looking to perfect their Hindi sentence construction.

While you might not encounter a literal लोमड़ी (Lomṛī) in the middle of a bustling city like Delhi or Mumbai, the word is omnipresent in Indian life through various channels. The most common place an English speaker will hear this word is in the context of storytelling. India has a rich oral tradition, and grandmothers (Dādī/Nānī) often tell tales of the 'Chatur Lomṛī' (Clever Fox) to children. These stories are a primary source of linguistic input for native speakers and are equally valuable for language learners.

Media and Entertainment: In Bollywood movies and Hindi TV serials, characters are often compared to foxes. If a villain is particularly slippery and hard to catch, the hero might call him a 'Lomṛī'. Similarly, in dubbing for international nature documentaries (like National Geographic or Discovery in Hindi), 'Lomṛī' is the standard term used by narrators to describe the behavior and ecology of these animals.

कार्टून में लोमड़ी हमेशा शरारती होती है। (In cartoons, the fox is always mischievous.)

In rural India, specifically in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the word is used in a very practical sense. Farmers might talk about a 'Lomṛī' entering their fields or stealing poultry. In these contexts, the word is used with a sense of caution and annoyance. You might hear phrases like 'Lomṛī se murgiyõ ko bachāo' (Save the chickens from the fox). This real-world usage provides a contrast to the mythical, clever fox of the stories.

Idiomatic Expressions: You will also hear this word in idioms. 'Lomṛī jaisī chaturāī dikhānā' (To show fox-like cunning) is a common phrase used in daily conversation to describe someone's behavior in a social or professional situation. It suggests that the person is being strategic and perhaps a bit manipulative.

क्या आपने कभी असली लोमड़ी देखी है? (Have you ever seen a real fox?)

Finally, in the age of the internet, Hindi memes and social media posts often use the 'Lomṛī' emoji or the word itself to label 'savage' or 'clever' replies. This shows how a word rooted in ancient Sanskrit (Lomash) and Prakrit has evolved to find a place in the digital vocabulary of Gen Z Hindi speakers. Whether you are reading a textbook, watching a nature show, or scrolling through Twitter, 'Lomṛī' remains a vibrant and essential part of the language.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with लोमड़ी (Lomṛī) is related to its grammatical gender. Many English speakers assume that if they are talking about a male fox, the word should become masculine. While 'Lomṛā' (लोमड़ा) technically exists as a masculine form, it is extremely rare in common speech. In almost all cases, 'Lomṛī' is used as an epicene noun—a noun that has one grammatical gender regardless of the biological sex of the animal. Using masculine verbs like 'Lomṛī bhāg rahā hai' is a classic mistake that marks a learner as a beginner.

Confusion with Similar Animals: Another common error is confusing 'Lomṛī' with 'Siyār' (सियार - Jackal) or 'Gīdaṛ' (गीदड़ - also Jackal). While they are different species, in many Hindi stories, the roles of the fox and the jackal are interchangeable, leading to confusion. However, 'Lomṛī' is specifically the fox. Confusing it with 'Bheṛiyā' (भेड़िया - Wolf) is also common, but a wolf is much larger and carries a much darker connotation in Hindi culture.

गलत: वह लोमड़ी बहुत बड़ा है। (Wrong: That fox is very big - using masculine 'baṛā')

Pronunciation is another hurdle. The 'ṛ' (ड़) in 'Lomṛī' is not an 'r' or a 'd'. If you pronounce it as 'Lom-ri' with an English 'r', it sounds incorrect. If you pronounce it as 'Lom-di' with a 'd', it's also wrong. The sound is a retroflex flap. Learners often skip the effort to learn the retroflex sounds, which leads to their speech being difficult to understand for native speakers in noisy environments.

Pluralization Pitfalls: Learners often forget to change the ending for plurals. They might say 'Do Lomṛī' (Two fox) instead of 'Do Lomṛiyā̃' (Two foxes). In Hindi, the plural form for feminine nouns ending in 'ī' always involves changing the 'ī' to a short 'i' and adding 'yā̃'. This is a consistent rule that 'Lomṛī' perfectly exemplifies.

सही: लोमड़ी चालाक होती है। (Correct: Foxes are clever - using feminine 'hotī')

Lastly, a subtle mistake is the misuse of 'Chatur' (clever) vs. 'Chālāk' (cunning). While both can describe a 'Lomṛī', 'Chatur' is generally positive (intelligent), while 'Chālāk' can be negative (deceptive). Using 'Chālāk' for a person might be offensive, even if you mean to compliment their 'fox-like' intelligence. Understanding this nuance helps in using 'Lomṛī' as a metaphor more effectively.

When studying लोमड़ी (Lomṛī), it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related words to build a more comprehensive canine vocabulary in Hindi. While 'Lomṛī' is the most common word for fox, there are other terms used in specific literary or regional contexts. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different levels of formality and regional dialects.

Lomṛī vs. Siyār (सियार): 'Siyār' refers to a jackal. In many parts of India, jackals are more common than foxes, and the two are often confused in colloquial speech. However, a 'Siyār' is usually depicted as less 'clever' and more 'cowardly' or 'opportunistic' compared to the 'Lomṛī'. Linguistically, 'Siyār' is masculine, while 'Lomṛī' is feminine.
Lomṛī vs. Gīdaṛ (गीदड़): 'Gīdaṛ' is another word for jackal, but it is often used as a derogatory term for a coward. While you might call a clever person a 'Lomṛī' as a backhanded compliment, calling someone a 'Gīdaṛ' is a direct insult to their bravery.

संस्कृत में लोमड़ी को 'शृगाल' भी कहा जाता है। (In Sanskrit, the fox is also called 'Shṛgāl'.)

In formal literature or high Hindi (Shuddh Hindi), you might encounter the word शृगाल (Shṛgāl). This word is directly borrowed from Sanskrit. While it's rarely used in daily conversation, it's common in classical texts and formal speeches. Another related term is लोमश (Lomash), which means 'hairy' or 'shaggy' and is the root from which 'Lomṛī' evolved. Knowing this root helps you connect 'Lomṛī' with other words related to hair and fur.

For those interested in regional variations, in some dialects of Bihar or Eastern Uttar Pradesh, you might hear the word 'Khekhṛī'. This is a very localized term but refers to the same animal. However, for any learner aiming for standard Hindi (Khari Boli), 'Lomṛī' is the only word you need to master. It is universally understood across the Hindi belt, from Himachal Pradesh down to Madhya Pradesh.

भेड़िया (Bheṛiyā) लोमड़ी से बड़ा और खतरनाक होता है। (A wolf is bigger and more dangerous than a fox.)

In summary, while there are many related canines in Hindi—the dog (Kuttā), the wolf (Bheṛiyā), the jackal (Siyār)—the 'Lomṛī' occupies a unique niche. It is the small, feminine, clever, and bushy-tailed protagonist of the Indian wild and the Indian imagination. By learning to distinguish it from its cousins, you not only improve your vocabulary but also your cultural literacy in the Hindi language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In many Indian languages, the word for fox is linked to the word for hair or fur, whereas in English, 'fox' comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'thick-tailed'. Both focus on the animal's most prominent physical feature!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /loːm.ɽiː/

US /loʊm.ri/

The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Lom', but Hindi generally has even syllable stress.

Rhymes With

झोपड़ी (Jhopṛī - Hut) पकड़ी (Pakṛī - Caught) लकड़ी (Lakṛī - Wood) तगड़ी (Tagṛī - Strong) मकड़ी (Makṛī - Spider) ककड़ी (Kakṛī - Cucumber) पपड़ी (Papṛī - Crust) बकड़ी (Bakṛī - Goat - though usually Bakrī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a standard English 'r'.
Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a standard 'd'.
Making the final 'ī' too short.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'l' and 'm'.
Nasalizing the 'o' when it shouldn't be.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the distinct 'L' and 'm' characters.

Writing 3/5

The retroflex 'ṛ' with a dot can be tricky for beginners to remember.

Speaking 4/5

The retroflex flap 'ṛ' is one of the hardest sounds for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear, but might be confused with 'Lomṛā' or 'Siyār' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

जानवर (Animal) जंगल (Forest) चालाक (Clever) पूँच (Tail) लाल (Red)

Learn Next

भेड़िया (Wolf) सियार (Jackal) शिकारी (Hunter) बुद्धि (Intelligence) धोखा (Deception)

Advanced

शृगाल (Sanskrit Fox) कूटनीति (Diplomacy) अनुकूलन (Adaptation) पारिस्थितिकी (Ecology) स्तनधारी (Mammal)

Grammar to Know

Feminine nouns ending in 'ī' change to 'iyā̃' in plural.

लोमड़ी -> लोमड़ियाँ

Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'Lomṛī'.

बड़ी लोमड़ी (not बड़ा लोमड़ी)

Verbs in present/past/future must use feminine endings.

लोमड़ी आई (The fox came).

The 'ne' particle in past tense makes the verb agree with the object.

लोमड़ी ने फल खाया (The fox ate fruit - 'khāyā' agrees with masculine 'phal').

Oblique plural of 'ī' ending nouns ends in 'iyõ'.

लोमड़ियों को (To the foxes).

Examples by Level

यह एक लोमड़ी है।

This is a fox.

Simple demonstrative sentence (Yah + object + hai).

लोमड़ी लाल है।

The fox is red.

Adjective 'lāl' describes the noun 'Lomṛī'.

लोमड़ी जंगल में रहती है।

The fox lives in the forest.

Present habitual tense with feminine verb ending 'rehtī hai'.

लोमड़ी छोटी है।

The fox is small.

Feminine adjective 'choṭī' agrees with 'Lomṛī'.

क्या वह लोमड़ी है?

Is that a fox?

Interrogative sentence starting with 'Kyā'.

लोमड़ी तेज़ दौड़ती है।

The fox runs fast.

Adverb 'tez' and feminine verb 'dauṛtī hai'.

मेरे पास एक खिलौना लोमड़ी है।

I have a toy fox.

Possession using 'ke pās'.

लोमड़ी को देखो!

Look at the fox!

Imperative sentence with the postposition 'ko'.

चालाक लोमड़ी ने अंगूर देखे।

The clever fox saw the grapes.

Past tense with 'ne'; verb 'dekhe' agrees with plural object 'angūr'.

लोमड़ी के कान बड़े होते हैं।

A fox's ears are big.

Genitive 'ke' used for plural 'kān'.

वह लोमड़ी रात को बाहर आती है।

That fox comes out at night.

Time expression 'rāt ko' and feminine verb 'ātī hai'.

मैंने कल दो लोमड़ियाँ देखीं।

I saw two foxes yesterday.

Plural feminine noun 'Lomṛiyā̃' and matching verb 'dekhī̃'.

लोमड़ी अपनी माँद में सो रही है।

The fox is sleeping in its den.

Feminine possessive 'apnī' and continuous 'so rahī hai'.

क्या लोमड़ी कुत्ते जैसी दिखती है?

Does a fox look like a dog?

Comparison using 'jaisī' (feminine).

लोमड़ी बहुत चालाकी से शिकार करती है।

The fox hunts very cleverly.

Abstract noun 'chālākī' used as an adverbial phrase.

इस कहानी में लोमड़ी बोलती है।

In this story, the fox speaks.

Locative 'meñ' and personified verb 'boltī hai'.

जब लोमड़ी ने शेर को देखा, तो वह छिप गई।

When the fox saw the lion, she hid.

Complex sentence with 'jab... to' and feminine verb 'chip gaī'.

गाँव के लोग लोमड़ी की आवाज़ से डरते हैं।

The villagers are afraid of the fox's voice.

Genitive 'kī' agreeing with 'āwāz'.

लोमड़ी ने अपनी बुद्धि से अपनी जान बचाई।

The fox saved its life with its intelligence.

Use of 'se' for instrument/means and 'apnī' for possession.

क्या आपको पता है कि लोमड़ी क्या खाती है?

Do you know what a fox eats?

Indirect question using 'ki'.

लोमड़ी ने कौवे को अपनी मीठी बातों में फँसा लिया।

The fox trapped the crow in its sweet talk.

Compound verb 'phañsā liyā'.

अगर मैं लोमड़ी होता, तो मैं बहुत चतुर होता।

If I were a fox, I would be very clever.

Subjunctive/Conditional 'hotā' (assuming the speaker is male).

लोमड़ी के बारे में कई कहानियाँ मशहूर हैं।

Many stories are famous about the fox.

Postpositional phrase 'ke bāre meñ'.

पहाड़ों पर रहने वाली लोमड़ी सफ़ेद होती है।

The fox living on the mountains is white.

Relative clause 'rehne vālī' modifying 'Lomṛī'.

लोमड़ी की प्रजातियाँ पूरी दुनिया में पाई जाती हैं।

Species of fox are found all over the world.

Passive construction 'pāī jātī haiñ'.

उसकी आँखों में लोमड़ी जैसी चमक थी।

There was a fox-like glint in his eyes.

Metaphorical use of 'Lomṛī jaisī'.

लोमड़ी ने बड़ी सावधानी से मुर्गीखाने में प्रवेश किया।

The fox entered the hen house with great caution.

Formal vocabulary like 'sāvdhānī' and 'pravesh kiyā'.

वैज्ञानिक लोमड़ी के व्यवहार का अध्ययन कर रहे हैं।

Scientists are studying the behavior of the fox.

Continuous tense 'kar rahe haiñ' with plural subject 'vaigyānik'.

लोमड़ी को अक्सर धोखेबाज़ जानवर के रूप में चित्रित किया जाता है।

The fox is often portrayed as a deceptive animal.

Passive voice 'chitrit kiyā jātā hai'.

हालांकि वह छोटा है, लेकिन वह लोमड़ी की तरह तेज़ है।

Although he is small, he is as quick as a fox.

Conjunctions 'hālāñki... lekin'.

लोमड़ी का प्राकृतिक आवास तेज़ी से कम हो रहा है।

The fox's natural habitat is decreasing rapidly.

Environmental vocabulary 'prākṛtik āvās'.

क्या लोमड़ी वास्तव में उतनी ही चालाक होती है जितना हम सोचते हैं?

Is the fox really as clever as we think?

Comparative structure 'utnī... jitnā'.

पंचतंत्र की कहानियों में लोमड़ी कूटनीति का प्रतीक है।

In Panchatantra stories, the fox is a symbol of diplomacy.

High-level vocabulary 'kūṭnīti' (diplomacy) and 'pratīk' (symbol).

उस राजनीतिज्ञ ने अपनी लोमड़ी जैसी चालों से सबको हैरान कर दिया।

That politician surprised everyone with his fox-like moves.

Metaphorical 'Lomṛī jaisī chālõ' in a political context.

लोमड़ी की पारिस्थितिक भूमिका को नज़रअंदाज़ नहीं किया जा सकता।

The ecological role of the fox cannot be ignored.

Formal academic phrasing 'pāristhitik bhūmikā' and 'nazarandāz'.

साहित्य में लोमड़ी का चित्रण अक्सर मानवीय दुर्बलताओं को दर्शाता है।

The portrayal of the fox in literature often reflects human weaknesses.

Abstract literary analysis using 'chitran' and 'darshātā hai'.

लोमड़ी की सूंघने की शक्ति अद्भुत होती है, जो उसे शिकार में मदद करती है।

The fox's sense of smell is amazing, which helps it in hunting.

Complex sentence with relative pronoun 'jo'.

यदि लोमड़ी लुप्त हो गई, तो जंगल का संतुलन बिगड़ जाएगा।

If the fox goes extinct, the forest's balance will be disrupted.

Conditional 'yadi... to' with future tense.

लोमड़ी की चपलता उसे कठिन परिस्थितियों से निकलने में सक्षम बनाती है।

The fox's agility enables it to escape difficult situations.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'chaplatā' and 'saksham banātī hai'.

लोक कथाओं में लोमड़ी को अक्सर 'लोमड़ी मौसी' कहकर संबोधित किया जाता है।

In folk tales, the fox is often addressed as 'Aunt Fox'.

Cultural reference to personification and honorifics.

लोमड़ी के अस्तित्व का दार्शनिक विवेचन उसकी उत्तरजीविता की प्रवृत्ति पर आधारित है।

The philosophical discussion of the fox's existence is based on its survival instinct.

Extremely formal Sanskritized Hindi used in philosophy.

भाषाई दृष्टिकोण से 'लोमड़ी' शब्द का विकास अत्यंत रोचक है।

From a linguistic perspective, the evolution of the word 'Lomṛī' is very interesting.

Academic terminology 'bhāshāī dṛshṭikoṇ' and 'vikās'.

कवि ने लोमड़ी की धूर्तता को समाज के पाखंड के रूपक के रूप में इस्तेमाल किया।

The poet used the fox's cunning as a metaphor for society's hypocrisy.

Literary criticism using 'rūpak' (metaphor) and 'pākhand' (hypocrisy).

लोमड़ी के व्यवहारिक मनोविज्ञान पर गहन शोध की आवश्यकता है।

Deep research is needed on the behavioral psychology of the fox.

Scientific register using 'vyavahārik manovigyān'.

क्या लोमड़ी की चालाकी केवल एक मिथक है या इसके पीछे कोई ठोस जैविक आधार है?

Is the fox's cunning merely a myth, or is there a solid biological basis behind it?

Complex interrogative structure with 'yā' (or).

लोमड़ी की आवाज़ की तीव्रता और आवृत्ति का विश्लेषण ध्वन्यात्मकता के क्षेत्र में एक नया विषय है।

The analysis of the intensity and frequency of the fox's voice is a new subject in the field of phonetics.

Technical scientific Hindi.

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में 'शृगाल' के माध्यम से मानवीय बुद्धि की सीमाओं का चित्रण किया गया है।

In ancient texts, the limits of human intelligence have been depicted through the character of the 'Shṛgāl'.

Historical and literary analysis.

लोमड़ी की अनुकूलन क्षमता उसे विविध जलवायु क्षेत्रों में जीवित रहने में मदद करती है।

The fox's adaptability helps it survive in diverse climatic zones.

Advanced environmental science terminology.

Common Collocations

चालाक लोमड़ी

लोमड़ी की माँद

लोमड़ी जैसी चाल

भूखी लोमड़ी

लोमड़ी और अंगूर

जंगली लोमड़ी

लोमड़ी की आवाज़

नन्ही लोमड़ी

लोमड़ी की पूँछ

बूढ़ी लोमड़ी

Common Phrases

अंगूर खट्टे हैं

— When someone disparages something they cannot achieve, referring to the fox fable.

जब उसे नौकरी नहीं मिली, तो उसने कहा कि वेतन कम था—वही बात हुई कि अंगूर खट्टे हैं।

लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर

— Extremely clever or strategic.

मेरा वकील लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर है।

लोमड़ी मौसी

— A playful, personified way to refer to a fox in stories.

बच्चों, आज हम लोमड़ी मौसी की कहानी सुनेंगे।

लोमड़ी की खाल में भेड़िया

— A dangerous person pretending to be harmless (similar to wolf in sheep's clothing).

उस पर भरोसा मत करो, वह लोमड़ी की खाल में भेड़िया है।

लोमड़ी जैसी नज़र

— Very sharp or observant eyes.

उसकी लोमड़ी जैसी नज़र से कुछ नहीं छिपता।

लोमड़ी का दिमाग

— A very sharp and calculating mind.

व्यापार के लिए लोमड़ी का दिमाग चाहिए।

लोमड़ी की तरह छिपना

— To hide very effectively and quietly.

चोर लोमड़ी की तरह गलियों में छिप गया।

लोमड़ी की तरह हँसना

— A sly or mocking laugh.

वह लोमड़ी की तरह हँसकर चला गया।

लोमड़ी सा स्वभाव

— A cunning or unpredictable nature.

उसके लोमड़ी से स्वभाव को समझना मुश्किल है।

लोमड़ी की पुकार

— The specific cry of a fox, often considered an omen.

सन्नाटे में लोमड़ी की पुकार गूँज रही थी।

Often Confused With

लोमड़ी vs सियार (Siyār)

Often confused because both are clever wild canids, but Siyār is a Jackal and is grammatically masculine.

लोमड़ी vs भेड़िया (Bheṛiyā)

Both are wild dogs, but Bheṛiyā is a Wolf, much larger and usually the 'villain' rather than the 'trickster'.

लोमड़ी vs कुत्ता (Kuttā)

While related, Kuttā is domestic. Some children might confuse a fox with a stray dog.

Idioms & Expressions

"लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर होना"

— To be exceptionally clever and resourceful, often in a self-serving way.

वह राजनीति में लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर है।

General

"अंगूर खट्टे होना"

— To pretend to dislike something just because you can't have it.

जब वह रेस हार गया, तो कहने लगा कि मेडल बेकार है—साफ़ है कि अंगूर खट्टे हैं।

Common

"लोमड़ी की चाल चलना"

— To use a cunning strategy to achieve a goal.

उसने प्रमोशन पाने के लिए लोमड़ी की चाल चली।

Informal

"शेर की खाल में लोमड़ी"

— A weak person pretending to be powerful.

वह बाहर से सख्त दिखता है, पर असल में शेर की खाल में लोमड़ी है।

Literary

"लोमड़ी जैसा धूर्त"

— As deceptive as a fox.

उस धूर्त लोमड़ी जैसे आदमी से बचकर रहना।

Formal

"लोमड़ी का न्याय"

— Unfair or biased judgment where the judge benefits.

पंचायत का फैसला तो लोमड़ी का न्याय निकला।

Rural/Idiomatic

"लोमड़ी की पूँछ पकड़ना"

— To try to catch or control someone very slippery.

उस अपराधी को पकड़ना लोमड़ी की पूँछ पकड़ने जैसा है।

Metaphorical

"लोमड़ी की गवाही"

— A witness who is as untrustworthy as the accused.

उसकी बात का क्या भरोसा? यह तो लोमड़ी की गवाही है।

Legal/Informal

"लोमड़ी का रोना"

— Hypocritical or fake grief.

उसका दुख सिर्फ लोमड़ी का रोना है।

Informal

"लोमड़ी की शादी"

— A weather phenomenon where it rains while the sun is shining.

देखो, धूप में बारिश हो रही है, आज लोमड़ी की शादी है!

Folk/Children

Easily Confused

लोमड़ी vs लड़की (Ladkī)

Similar ending and rhythm.

Ladkī means girl, Lomṛī means fox. One starts with 'La', the other with 'Lo'.

लड़की कहानी पढ़ रही है। लोमड़ी जंगल में है।

लोमड़ी vs लकड़ी (Lakṛī)

Very similar spelling and sound (L-k-ṛī vs L-m-ṛī).

Lakṛī means wood/stick, Lomṛī means fox. Only the middle consonant 'k' vs 'm' differs.

लोमड़ी लकड़ी के पीछे छिपी है।

लोमड़ी vs लोम (Lom)

Root word.

Lom means body hair/fur. Lomṛī is the animal.

लोमड़ी के लोम बहुत नरम होते हैं।

लोमड़ी vs लोमड़ी (Lomṛī) vs लोमड़ा (Lomṛā)

Gender variations.

Lomṛī is the standard feminine (used for all). Lomṛā is specifically for a male fox but rarely used.

आमतौर पर हम सिर्फ 'लोमड़ी' शब्द का प्रयोग करते हैं।

लोमड़ी vs पकड़ी (Pakṛī)

Rhyming and similar ending.

Pakṛī is the feminine past tense of 'to catch'. Lomṛī is the noun fox.

मैंने लोमड़ी पकड़ी।

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] hai.

लोमड़ी चालाक है।

[Noun] [Postposition] [Verb].

लोमड़ी जंगल में रहती है।

Jab [Sentence], tab [Sentence].

जब लोमड़ी भूखी होती है, तब वह शिकार करती है।

[Noun] ko [Adjective] mānā jātā hai.

लोमड़ी को बहुत चतुर माना जाता है।

Hālāñki [Sentence], phir bhī [Sentence].

हालांकि लोमड़ी छोटी है, फिर भी वह शेर को बेवकूफ बना सकती है।

[Abstract Noun] ke rūp meñ [Noun]...

धूर्तता के रूप में लोमड़ी का प्रयोग साहित्य में आम है।

[Noun] kī [Body Part] [Adjective] hai.

लोमड़ी की पूँछ लंबी है।

[Noun] ne [Object] [Verb].

लोमड़ी ने अंगूर देखे।

Word Family

Nouns

लोमड़ी (Fox)

लोमड़ा (Male fox - rare)

लोमड़ीपन (Foxiness/Cunningness)

Verbs

लोमड़ी की तरह व्यवहार करना (To act like a fox)

Adjectives

लोमश (Hairy/Shaggy - archaic root)

लोमड़ी जैसा (Fox-like)

जंगल (Jungle)

शिकार (Hunt)

चालाकी (Cunning)

माँद (Den)

पूँछ (Tail)

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in literature, educational content, and metaphorical speech.

Common Mistakes

Lomṛī chatur hai (using masculine 'hai' is fine, but 'hotā hai' is wrong). → Lomṛī chatur hotī hai.
Even though 'chatur' is gender-neutral, the auxiliary verb 'hotā' must be 'hotī' to match the feminine noun.
Using 'Lomṛī' for a wolf. → Use 'Bheṛiyā' for wolf.
Foxes and wolves are different archetypes in Hindi. A fox is clever, a wolf is dangerous.
Writing 'लोमडी' (Lomḍī) without the dot. → Writing 'लोमड़ी' (Lomṛī).
The sound 'ḍ' and 'ṛ' are different. 'Lomṛī' requires the flap sound indicated by the dot.
Saying 'Do Lomṛī'. → Saying 'Do Lomṛiyā̃'.
Plural nouns must be used when the count is more than one in Hindi.
Lomṛī ne murgī khāī (thinking 'khāī' matches Lomṛī). → Lomṛī ne murgī khāī (it matches 'murgī').
This is a tricky one! In 'ne' sentences, the verb matches the object. If the object was 'phal' (fruit), it would be 'Lomṛī ne phal khāyā'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'Lomṛī' as a girl. Use 'hotī hai', 'āī', and 'merī'. This is the most important rule for this word.

The Flap Sound

Don't say 'Lom-ree'. Say 'Lom-ṛī'. The flap sound 'ṛ' makes you sound like a native. Practice it with words like 'Ladkī' and 'Lakṛī'.

Story Context

Learn 'Lomṛī' alongside 'Angūr' (grapes) and 'Chatur' (clever). These three words are almost always used together in Hindi learning.

Panchatantra

If you want to see 'Lomṛī' in action, read Panchatantra stories. They are simple, fun, and provide great context for animal vocabulary.

The Dot Matters

In Hindi script, the dot under ड (making it ड़) is crucial. Without it, the word is wrong. Always remember the 'bindu' (dot).

Metaphor Use

Use 'Lomṛī jaisā dhimāg' (fox-like brain) to compliment someone's sharpness. It sounds very idiomatic and natural.

Rhyme Time

Listen for words that rhyme with 'Lomṛī' like 'Lakṛī' (wood). This helps you distinguish the 'm' and 'k' sounds in the middle.

Plural Rule

Any feminine noun ending in 'ī' follows the same plural rule as 'Lomṛī'. Master this one, and you master hundreds of words.

Avoid 'Lomṛā'

Unless you are a biologist or writing a very specific technical paper, avoid 'Lomṛā'. Stick to 'Lomṛī' for all foxes.

The 'Lo' Start

Associate 'Lo' with 'Look'. 'Look at the fox!' -> 'Lomṛī ko dekho!'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Low' 'Muddy' fox. 'Lom' sounds like 'Low', and 'ṛī' sounds like 'Muddy' (if you say it fast). A low, muddy fox in the jungle.

Visual Association

Imagine a fox with a giant 'L' shaped tail. The 'L' stands for 'Lomṛī'.

Word Web

Animal Clever Feminine Forest Panchatantra Bushy tail Cunning Den

Challenge

Try to use 'Lomṛī' in three sentences today: one about its color, one about its behavior, and one about where it lives.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Lomash' (लोमश), which means hairy, woolly, or shaggy. This refers to the fox's distinctive thick fur.

Original meaning: The hairy one.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Calling a person a 'Lomṛī' can be taken as a compliment for their intelligence or an insult for their deceptiveness. Use with caution in formal settings.

The 'clever fox' trope is identical in both cultures, making this an easy concept to transfer.

The Panchatantra story 'The Fox and the Drum' The Jataka tale of the 'Wise Fox' The Hindi translation of Aesop's 'The Fox and the Grapes'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reading Fables

एक बार एक लोमड़ी थी...
लोमड़ी ने योजना बनाई...
चालाक लोमड़ी हँसने लगी...
अन्त में लोमड़ी हार गई...

Nature Documentary

लोमड़ी रात में शिकार करती है।
यह लोमड़ी का प्राकृतिक आवास है।
लोमड़ी की सुनने की शक्ति तेज़ है।
भारतीय लोमड़ी आकार में छोटी होती है।

Metaphorical Conversation

वह बहुत बड़ी लोमड़ी है।
लोमड़ी जैसी चाल मत चलो।
उसका दिमाग लोमड़ी जैसा तेज़ है।
सावधान, वह लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर है।

At the Zoo

देखो, वहाँ एक लोमड़ी है!
लोमड़ी क्या खा रही है?
क्या लोमड़ी सो रही है?
लोमड़ी की पूँछ कितनी सुंदर है!

Proverbs and Sayings

अंगूर खट्टे हैं।
लोमड़ी की शादी में बारिश।
सौ दिन चोर के, एक दिन लोमड़ी का (Variation).
लोमड़ी कभी अपना स्वभाव नहीं बदलती।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी पंचतंत्र की लोमड़ी वाली कहानियाँ पढ़ी हैं?"

"आपके देश में लोमड़ी को किस चीज़ का प्रतीक माना जाता है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि लोमड़ी वास्तव में चालाक होती है?"

"अगर आपको लोमड़ी पालने का मौका मिले, तो क्या आप पालेंगे?"

"क्या आपने कभी रात में लोमड़ी की आवाज़ सुनी है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने 'लोमड़ी और अंगूर' की कहानी पढ़ी और सीखा कि...

अगर मैं एक दिन के लिए लोमड़ी बन जाऊँ, तो मैं क्या करूँगा?

मेरे जीवन में एक ऐसा व्यक्ति है जो लोमड़ी की तरह चतुर है क्योंकि...

लोमड़ी और भेड़िये के बीच के अंतर को अपने शब्दों में लिखें।

क्या चालाकी हमेशा एक बुरा गुण है? लोमड़ी के उदाहरण से समझाएं।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in standard Hindi, 'Lomṛī' is a feminine noun. Even when referring to a male fox, you use feminine grammar. A specific masculine word 'Lomṛā' exists but is almost never used in daily life.

'Lomṛī' is a fox, while 'Siyār' is a jackal. They are different species. Culturally, the fox is seen as clever and the jackal as cowardly or opportunistic.

You say 'Lomṛī chatur hai'. Because 'Lomṛī' is feminine, if you used a gendered adjective like 'chālāk', it remains the same, but the verb 'hotī' would be used in general statements: 'Lomṛī chālāk hotī hai'.

It is a retroflex flap. Curl your tongue back to touch the roof of your mouth and then quickly flick it forward. It's a sound between 'd' and 'r'.

The plural is 'लोमड़ियाँ' (Lomṛiyā̃). In the oblique case (with postpositions), it becomes 'लोमड़ियों' (Lomṛiyõ).

It comes from the Sanskrit word 'Lomash', which means hairy. The fox was named for its very thick and bushy fur.

It can be. If you call someone a 'Lomṛī', you are calling them cunning or deceptive. However, in some contexts, it can also mean they are very smart.

The story of 'The Fox and the Grapes' (Lomṛī aur Angūr) is the most famous one, known by almost every Hindi speaker.

Yes, you can and should. In Hindi, many animal names have a fixed grammatical gender regardless of the biological sex. 'Lomṛī' is one of them.

It literally means 'Grapes are sour'. It's a proverb used when someone fails at something and then claims they didn't want it anyway, based on the fox story.