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लड़ाई

A2 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

लड़ाई

ladai Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लड़ाई in 30 Seconds

Explanation लड़ाई in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'ladaai' is introduced as a basic noun for 'fight'. Learners at this stage should focus on its primary meaning: a physical or verbal disagreement between people. You will most likely hear it in simple sentences like 'Bachche ladaai kar rahe hain' (Children are fighting). The focus here is on identifying the word and understanding that it is something to be avoided in social situations. You should learn that it is a feminine noun, meaning you use 'hui' instead of 'hua'. At this level, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings; just think of it as the opposite of 'dosti' (friendship) or 'shanti' (peace). You might also encounter it in basic stories where characters have a small disagreement over a toy or food. It's a high-frequency word because conflict is a basic part of human interaction, making it one of the first nouns you'll need to describe social dynamics.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ladaai' in more varied contexts. You learn to describe who the fight is with using the postposition 'se' (e.g., 'Bhai se ladaai'). You also start to see it used for larger events, like a 'battle' in a history lesson. You should be comfortable using it with common adjectives like 'badi' (big) or 'chhoti' (small). This is also the stage where you distinguish 'ladaai' (the noun) from 'ladna' (the verb). You might use it to talk about your day: 'Aaj meri dukan par ek ladaai hui' (Today a fight happened at my shop). You are also introduced to the idea of 'ladaai' as a struggle, such as 'paisa ki ladaai' (the struggle for money). Your grammatical accuracy regarding its feminine gender should be stabilizing now, and you should be able to form simple past, present, and future sentences using this word.

At the B1 level, you explore the metaphorical and social implications of 'ladaai'. You understand it as a 'struggle for rights' (haq ki ladaai) or a 'fight against injustice'. You start to use idioms like 'ladaai mol lena' (to pick a fight) and understand the nuances between 'ladaai' and its synonyms like 'jhagda' or 'vivad'. You can follow news reports that use 'ladaai' to describe political contests or legal battles. Your sentences become more complex, incorporating reasons for the conflict: 'Vah apni azadi ke liye ladaai lad raha hai' (He is fighting a fight for his freedom). You also begin to recognize the word in Bollywood dialogues and songs, where it often represents the climax of a story. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of a 'ladaai' and use it in the oblique plural form 'ladaaiyon' when talking about historical wars.

At the B2 level, 'ladaai' is used to discuss abstract concepts and complex social issues. You can use it to describe internal psychological conflicts, such as 'mann ki ladaai' (the battle of the mind). You understand its role in formal rhetoric, such as a politician's speech about the 'ladaai' against poverty or corruption. You are expected to use the word with sophisticated collocations like 'ghamaasaan ladaai' (fierce battle) or 'nirnayak ladaai' (decisive battle). You can distinguish between the emotional 'ladaai' and the more clinical 'muthbhed' (encounter) or 'sangharsh' (struggle). At this level, you should be able to write an essay about a historical 'ladaai', detailing the causes and consequences with grammatical precision. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in Indian history, specifically the 'Azaadi ki Ladaai'.

At the C1 level, your use of 'ladaai' is nuanced and stylistically varied. You can use it in literary analysis to describe the 'dwandva' (conflict) of a protagonist. You understand how the word functions in different registers, from the raw slang of the street to the poetic metaphors of Sufi literature, where 'ladaai' might represent the soul's struggle against the ego. You can use the word to critique social structures, discussing the 'varg ladaai' (class struggle) with academic vocabulary. You are comfortable with all idiomatic expressions and can even use the word sarcastically or ironically. Your understanding of the word is deeply tied to its historical and cultural evolution in the Indian subcontinent. You can engage in deep debates about whether a specific 'ladaai' was justified, using the word as a pivot for complex moral and ethical arguments.

At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like grasp of 'ladaai'. You can use it to describe the most subtle shifts in power or ideology. You might use it in legal drafting or high-level political analysis. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Indo-Aryan languages. You can appreciate and use the word in classical Hindi poetry where it might be used with archaic verbs. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can switch between the colloquial and formal meanings of the word effortlessly. You understand the 'ladaai' not just as a conflict, but as a philosophical necessity in certain worldviews. You can interpret the 'ladaai' in the Bhagavad Gita both literally and allegorically, demonstrating a profound cultural and linguistic mastery.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लड़ाई in 30 Seconds

Ladaai is the standard Hindi word for 'fight', 'battle', or 'conflict', used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
It is a feminine noun, so associated adjectives and verbs must take the feminine form (e.g., 'badi ladaai', 'ladaai hui').
Commonly used with verbs like 'karna' (to fight) and 'hona' (to happen), it covers everything from petty quarrels to major wars.
It is a high-frequency word essential for describing social interactions, historical events, and personal struggles in Hindi.

The Hindi word लड़ाई (Ladaai) is a versatile and essential noun that encompasses a broad spectrum of conflict, ranging from a minor verbal spat between siblings to a full-scale international war. At its core, it refers to any situation where two or more parties are in opposition, whether physically, verbally, or ideologically. Understanding 'ladaai' is crucial for any Hindi learner because it appears in daily conversations, news headlines, historical texts, and cinematic dialogues. It is not just a word for violence; it is a word for the friction that exists in human relationships and societal structures.

Physical Conflict: In its most literal sense, 'ladaai' refers to a physical fight or a battle. When used in the context of history or the military, it translates to 'battle' or 'warfare'. For example, the 'Ladaai of Panipat' refers to the historic battles fought there. In a modern urban context, it might describe a scuffle on the street or a fistfight.

सीमा पर भीषण लड़ाई चल रही है। (A fierce battle is going on at the border.)

Verbal Arguments: Interestingly, 'ladaai' is the most common word used for verbal arguments or disagreements in a household or social setting. If two friends are not speaking because of a disagreement, people will say they had a 'ladaai'. It implies a breakdown of harmony. Unlike 'behas' (debate/argument), 'ladaai' suggests a more emotional and potentially lasting conflict.

Metaphorical Struggles: Beyond physical and verbal clashes, 'ladaai' is used to describe the 'struggle' for rights, justice, or personal goals. The Indian independence movement is often called 'Azaadi ki Ladaai' (The Fight for Freedom). It represents the persistence and effort required to overcome an obstacle or an oppressor.

यह हक की लड़ाई है। (This is a fight for rights.)

The word is feminine in gender, which affects the adjectives and verbs associated with it. For instance, you 'do' a fight (ladaai karna) or a fight 'happens' (ladaai hona). In social contexts, 'ladaai' can also imply a rivalry. In Bollywood movies, the 'ladaai' between the hero and the villain is the central theme. In daily life, avoiding 'ladaai' is considered a mark of a peaceful person, yet standing up for oneself in a 'ladaai' is seen as courageous. The word carries a heavy emotional weight; it is rarely used lightly. Whether it is the 'ladaai' against poverty or a 'ladaai' with a neighbor over parking, the word captures the essence of human friction and the effort to resolve it.

Using लड़ाई (Ladaai) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical verb pairings. In Hindi, the most common verbs used with 'ladaai' are 'karna' (to do/to fight), 'hona' (to happen/to occur), and 'mol lena' (to invite/pick a fight). This section explores the structural nuances of the word across various contexts.

Subjective Use (The Fight as a Subject): When 'ladaai' is the subject of the sentence, it dictates the verb's gender. Since it is feminine, you use 'hui' (happened) or 'chal rahi hai' (is going on). For example, 'Kal ek ladaai hui' (A fight happened yesterday). This structure is used to report an event without necessarily blaming one party immediately.

उनके बीच पुरानी लड़ाई है। (There is an old conflict between them.)

Transitive Use (To Fight a Fight): To say someone is 'fighting', we often use 'ladaai ladna' or 'ladaai karna'. 'Ladna' is the verb root, but 'ladaai ladna' is a common tautology used for emphasis, especially in the context of wars or long struggles. 'Ladaai karna' is more common for verbal arguments. 'Bachche ladaai kar rahe hain' (The children are fighting).

The Postposition 'Se': When you want to say 'a fight with someone', you use the postposition 'se'. For example, 'Mohan se ladaai' (A fight with Mohan). This is different from English where we use 'with'. In Hindi, it's more like 'from/with' in a confrontational sense.

अपनी कमज़ोरियों से लड़ाई करो। (Fight against your weaknesses.)

In more complex sentences, 'ladaai' can take the oblique form 'ladaaiyon' in plural contexts. For instance, 'Ladaaiyon se kisi ka bhala nahi hota' (No one benefits from fights). Notice how the postposition 'se' changes the plural 'ladaaiyan' to 'ladaaiyon'. Understanding these shifts is key to moving from A2 to B1 level Hindi. Whether you are describing a 'ghamaasaan ladaai' (a fierce battle) or a 'chhoti-moti ladaai' (a minor tiff), the word 'ladaai' remains the anchor of the sentence, providing the necessary context for the type of conflict being discussed.

The word लड़ाई (Ladaai) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world, appearing in diverse environments from the high-stakes world of politics to the intimate setting of a family dinner. Recognizing where and how it is used can help you understand the cultural temperament of the region.

In News and Media: News anchors frequently use 'ladaai' to describe geopolitical tensions, election battles, and legal disputes. You might hear 'Satta ki ladaai' (The fight for power) during election season or 'Aatankvaad ke khilaaf ladaai' (The fight against terrorism). Here, the word takes on a serious, high-register tone.

अदालत में लंबी लड़ाई के बाद जीत मिली। (Victory came after a long fight in court.)

In Daily Social Life: On the streets of Delhi or Mumbai, you might hear someone say 'Ladaai mat karo!' (Don't fight!) to children or arguing neighbors. It is the go-to word for any visible or audible conflict. In markets, a 'ladaai' might break out over prices or parking, and bystanders will often gather to watch, describing it as a 'tamasha' (spectacle).

In Cinema and Literature: Bollywood is famous for its 'action ladaai' scenes. Movie posters might feature slogans about 'insaaf ki ladaai' (the fight for justice). In literature, 'ladaai' is used to explore the internal conflicts of characters, their struggles against societal norms, and their personal 'inner battles' (mann ki ladaai).

यह फिल्म दो परिवारों की लड़ाई पर आधारित है। (This film is based on a fight between two families.)

You will also hear 'ladaai' in sports commentary, where a close match is described as a 'kaante ki ladaai' (a fight of thorns/a very close contest). Even in healthcare, doctors might talk about 'bimari se ladaai' (the fight against disease). This omnipresence makes 'ladaai' one of the most functional words in the Hindi vocabulary, bridging the gap between physical reality and abstract struggle.

While लड़ाई (Ladaai) is a common word, learners often make specific errors regarding its gender, its distinction from the verb 'ladna', and its usage with postpositions. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Hindi sound more natural and accurate.

The Gender Trap: The most frequent mistake is treating 'ladaai' as a masculine noun. Many learners assume that because conflict is 'aggressive', the word must be masculine. However, 'ladaai' is feminine. You must say 'achhi ladaai' (a good fight/struggle) and 'ladaai hui' (a fight happened). Using 'huā' (masculine) instead of 'hui' (feminine) is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Incorrect: कल बड़ा लड़ाई हुआ।
Correct: कल बड़ी लड़ाई हुई।

Noun vs. Verb Confusion: Learners often confuse 'ladaai' (noun) with 'ladna' (verb). If you want to say 'They are fighting', you can say 'Ve lad rahe hain' (using the verb) or 'Ve ladaai kar rahe hain' (using the noun + helping verb). A common mistake is saying 'Ve ladaai rahe hain', which is grammatically incomplete because 'ladaai' is a noun and cannot take the '-rahe hain' ending directly.

Using the Wrong Postposition: In English, we fight 'with' someone. In Hindi, while 'ke saath' (with) is occasionally used, 'se' (from/with) is much more common for conflict. 'Mohan se ladaai' is the standard. Using 'ke saath' can sometimes imply you and the other person are fighting together against a third party, rather than fighting each other.

उसने मुझसे लड़ाई की। (He fought with me.)

Finally, avoid using 'ladaai' for a formal debate or a logical disagreement where 'vivad' or 'behas' would be more appropriate. 'Ladaai' implies a level of emotional heat or physical confrontation that 'behas' does not. If you tell your boss you want a 'ladaai' about your salary, they might think you want to physically fight them! Use 'baat-cheet' (discussion) instead.

Hindi is rich with synonyms for conflict, each carrying a different nuance of scale, formality, and intensity. Understanding these alternatives to लड़ाई (Ladaai) will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Jhagda (झगड़ा): 'Jhagda' is perhaps the closest synonym to 'ladaai' but is often used for smaller, more petty arguments. A 'jhagda' is a spat or a quarrel. While 'ladaai' can mean a world war, 'jhagda' usually stays within the confines of a home or a neighborhood. It is masculine, unlike 'ladaai'.

Yuddh (युद्ध): 'Yuddh' is the formal, Sanskrit-derived word for 'war'. It is used in historical contexts, news reports about international conflicts, and epic literature (like the 'Mahabharata Yuddh'). It sounds much more grand and organized than 'ladaai'.

Comparison:
घर का झगड़ा (House quarrel)
सीमा की लड़ाई (Border fight)
विश्व युद्ध (World War)

Sangharsh (संघर्ष): 'Sangharsh' translates to 'struggle'. It is used for long-term social movements or personal internal battles. If you are working hard to succeed against the odds, you are doing 'sangharsh'. It has a more noble and persistent connotation than 'ladaai'.

Muthbhed (मुठभेड़): This specific word refers to an 'encounter' or a brief, violent clash, often between police and criminals. It is a more technical term than the general 'ladaai'.

पुलिस और चोरों के बीच मुठभेड़ हुई। (An encounter happened between the police and the thieves.)

Choosing between these words depends on the scale of the conflict. Use 'jhagda' for petty things, 'ladaai' for general fights and battles, 'yuddh' for formal wars, and 'sangharsh' for the noble struggle of life. By mastering these distinctions, you will communicate with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient contexts, the root related to 'playing' suggests that some forms of 'ladaai' (like wrestling or mock battles) were seen as a form of physical 'play' or display of skill.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lə.ɽaː.iː/

US /lə.raɪ.iː/

The stress is slightly more on the second syllable 'daa'.

Rhymes With

पढ़ाई (Padhaai - Study) कढ़ाई (Kadhaai - Embroidery/Cooking pot) सफ़ाई (Safaai - Cleanliness) भलाई (Bhalaai - Goodness) बुराई (Buraai - Evil) कमाई (Kamaai - Earning) दवाई (Davaai - Medicine) जुदाई (Judaai - Separation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ड़' (ṛ) as a simple 'd' or 'r'. It is a distinct flap sound.
Making the final 'i' too short. It should be a long 'ee' sound.
Treating the word as three distinct syllables without flow.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in script, common in headlines.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of retroflex 'ड़' and nasal 'याँ' for plural.

Speaking 4/5

The retroflex flap 'ड़' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common word, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

लड़ना (To fight) दोस्त (Friend) दुश्मन (Enemy) बात (Talk) गुस्सा (Anger)

Learn Next

युद्ध (War) शांति (Peace) समझौता (Compromise) बदला (Revenge) जीत (Victory)

Advanced

द्वंद्व (Duality/Conflict) विग्रह (Discord) रणनीति (Strategy) प्रतिरोध (Resistance) आंदोलन (Movement)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

लड़ाई अच्छी (F) है, झगड़ा अच्छा (M) है।

Postposition 'Se' for Conflict

उससे (from/with him) लड़ाई हुई।

Pluralization of 'i' ending nouns

लड़ाई -> लड़ाइयाँ (change 'i' to 'iy' and add 'aan').

Oblique Plural

लड़ाईयों (Ladaaiyon) में बहुत लोग मरे।

Compound Verb Formation

लड़ाई + करना (Noun + Verb to create action).

Examples by Level

बच्चों में लड़ाई हुई।

A fight happened among the children.

'Hui' is the feminine past tense of 'hona'.

लड़ाई मत करो।

Don't fight.

Imperative sentence using 'mat' for prohibition.

यह एक छोटी लड़ाई है।

This is a small fight.

'Chhoti' is the feminine form of 'chhota' (small).

मेरी भाई से लड़ाई है।

I have a fight with my brother.

Uses 'se' to indicate the person the fight is with.

क्या लड़ाई खत्म हुई?

Is the fight over?

Interrogative sentence.

वहाँ लड़ाई हो रही है।

A fight is happening there.

Present continuous tense.

लड़ाई अच्छी नहीं होती।

Fighting is not good.

'Achhi' agrees with the feminine 'ladaai'.

वे लड़ाई कर रहे हैं।

They are fighting.

Using 'karna' as a helping verb for the noun.

कल सड़क पर बड़ी लड़ाई हुई।

A big fight happened on the road yesterday.

'Badi' emphasizes the scale of the feminine noun.

हमें लड़ाई से बचना चाहिए।

We should avoid fighting.

'Chahiye' indicates should/ought to.

राजाओं के बीच लड़ाई हुई।

A battle happened between the kings.

'Ke beech' means 'between'.

यह लड़ाई क्यों शुरू हुई?

Why did this fight start?

'Kyun' is the question word for 'why'.

लड़ाई का कारण क्या था?

What was the reason for the fight?

'Ka' changes to 'ki' if it follows 'ladaai', but here it is 'ladaai ka' because 'kaaran' is masculine.

मैं लड़ाई नहीं चाहता।

I don't want a fight.

Negative sentence in present simple.

दोनों देशों में लड़ाई चल रही है।

A fight (war) is going on between both countries.

'Chal rahi hai' indicates ongoing action.

वह हमेशा लड़ाई के लिए तैयार रहता है।

He is always ready for a fight.

'Ke liye' means 'for'.

यह आज़ादी की लड़ाई थी।

This was the fight for freedom.

Possessive 'ki' connects 'azaadi' and 'ladaai'.

उसने बिना किसी वजह के लड़ाई मोल ली।

He picked a fight without any reason.

Idiom 'ladaai mol lena' means to invite trouble/fight.

हक की लड़ाई लड़ना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to fight for one's rights.

Tautological use of 'ladaai ladna'.

फिल्म में नायक और खलनायक की लड़ाई दिखाई गई है।

The fight between the hero and the villain is shown in the film.

Passive construction 'dikhayi gayi hai'.

लड़ाई के बाद शांति आई।

Peace came after the fight.

'Ke baad' means 'after'.

बचपन की लड़ाइयाँ अक्सर मीठी होती हैं।

Childhood fights are often sweet.

Plural form 'ladaaiyan'.

पैसे के लिए लड़ाई करना गलत है।

It is wrong to fight for money.

Infinitive 'karna' as a subject.

सीमा पर लड़ाई तेज़ हो गई है।

The fight on the border has intensified.

'Tez ho gayi' means 'has become fast/intense'.

यह एक लंबी कानूनी लड़ाई होगी।

This will be a long legal battle.

Future tense with 'hogi'.

समाज में वर्ग-लड़ाई हमेशा रही है।

There has always been a class struggle in society.

Compound word 'varg-ladaai'.

भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई जारी रहनी चाहिए।

The fight against corruption must continue.

'Ke khilaaf' means 'against'.

उसकी अपने आप से लड़ाई चल रही है।

He is having a fight with himself (internal conflict).

'Apne aap se' indicates self-reflection/conflict.

पानीपत की तीसरी लड़ाई बहुत प्रसिद्ध है।

The third battle of Panipat is very famous.

Ordinal number 'teesri' agrees with 'ladaai'.

विचारों की लड़ाई हथियारों से नहीं जीती जाती।

A battle of ideas is not won with weapons.

Passive voice 'jeeti jaati'.

गरीबी से लड़ाई हमारा मुख्य लक्ष्य है।

The fight against poverty is our main goal.

Abstract usage of 'ladaai'.

उसने अपनी बीमारी से बहादुरी से लड़ाई की।

He fought his illness with bravery.

Adverbial use 'bahaduri se'.

यह लड़ाई अस्तित्व की रक्षा के लिए है।

This fight is for the protection of existence.

Formal vocabulary like 'astitva' and 'raksha'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि लड़ाइयाँ सिर्फ विनाश लाती हैं।

History is witness that fights only bring destruction.

Complex clause structure.

साहित्य में आंतरिक लड़ाई का चित्रण गहरा होता है।

The depiction of internal conflict in literature is deep.

Subject-object-verb complexity.

राजनीतिक दलों के बीच की लड़ाई अब व्यक्तिगत हो गई है।

The fight between political parties has now become personal.

Adjectival phrase 'beech ki'.

सत्य और असत्य की लड़ाई सनातन है।

The fight between truth and falsehood is eternal.

Philosophical register.

अन्याय के विरुद्ध लड़ाई में सबको साथ आना होगा।

Everyone must come together in the fight against injustice.

Formal postposition 'viruddh'.

युद्ध केवल मैदानों में नहीं, मन में भी लड़ा जाता है।

War is fought not only in fields but also in the mind.

Correlative conjunction 'keval... bhi'.

उसकी खामोशी भी एक तरह की लड़ाई है।

Her silence is also a kind of fight.

Metaphorical usage.

वैश्विक शक्तियों के मध्य वर्चस्व की लड़ाई तीव्र हो रही है।

The fight for hegemony among global powers is intensifying.

High-register Sanskritized Hindi.

इस वैचारिक लड़ाई का परिणाम युग-परिवर्तनकारी होगा।

The result of this ideological fight will be era-changing.

Compound adjective 'yug-parivartankari'.

मानवीय गरिमा की लड़ाई कभी समाप्त नहीं होती।

The fight for human dignity never ends.

Abstract philosophical subject.

कूटनीति जब विफल होती है, तब लड़ाई का मार्ग प्रशस्त होता है।

When diplomacy fails, the path to fight/war is paved.

Conditional 'jab... tab' structure.

यह लड़ाई केवल संसाधनों की नहीं, बल्कि अस्मिता की है।

This fight is not just about resources, but about identity.

Contrastive conjunction 'balki'.

इतिहास की धूल में दबी अनेक लड़ाइयाँ आज भी प्रासंगिक हैं।

Many fights buried in the dust of history are relevant even today.

Participial phrase 'dhul mein dabi'.

अध्यात्म में काम और क्रोध के विरुद्ध लड़ाई ही असली विजय है।

In spirituality, the fight against lust and anger is the real victory.

Religious/spiritual context.

सत्ता के गलियारों में चलने वाली यह लड़ाई लोकतंत्र के लिए घातक है।

This fight going on in the corridors of power is fatal for democracy.

Metaphorical 'galiyaaron mein'.

Common Collocations

बड़ी लड़ाई

कानूनी लड़ाई

आज़ादी की लड़ाई

हक की लड़ाई

आपसी लड़ाई

भीषण लड़ाई

पुरानी लड़ाई

छोटी-मोटी लड़ाई

वैचारिक लड़ाई

घर की लड़ाई

Common Phrases

लड़ाई करना

— To engage in a fight or argument.

बच्चों से लड़ाई मत करो।

लड़ाई होना

— For a fight to occur or happen.

बाज़ार में लड़ाई हो गई।

लड़ाई बंद करना

— To stop fighting.

अब लड़ाई बंद करो।

लड़ाई छेड़ना

— To start or provoke a fight/war.

उसने बेवजह लड़ाई छेड़ दी।

लड़ाई लड़ना

— To fight a battle or a cause.

सैनिक वीरता से लड़ाई लड़ते हैं।

लड़ाई का जड़

— The root cause of a fight.

यह ज़मीन ही लड़ाई की जड़ है।

लड़ाई में पड़ना

— To get involved in a fight.

मैं इस लड़ाई में नहीं पड़ना चाहता।

लड़ाई जीतना

— To win a fight or battle.

हमने अंततः लड़ाई जीत ली।

लड़ाई हारना

— To lose a fight or battle.

वह अपनी ज़िंदगी की लड़ाई हार गया।

लड़ाई की तैयारी

— Preparation for a fight or war.

सेना लड़ाई की तैयारी कर रही है।

Often Confused With

लड़ाई vs लड़का (Ladka)

Means 'boy'. Sounds similar but completely different meaning.

लड़ाई vs लकड़ी (Lakdi)

Means 'wood'. Also has a retroflex 'd' but different vowels.

लड़ाई vs लड़ी (Ladi)

Means 'a string' or 'a chain' (like of lights). Feminine noun.

Idioms & Expressions

"लड़ाई मोल लेना"

— To intentionally invite trouble or start a fight.

उस गुंडे से बात करके तुमने लड़ाई मोल ली है।

Colloquial

"ईंट से ईंट बजाना"

— To destroy completely in a fight or war.

हमारी सेना दुश्मन की ईंट से ईंट बजा देगी।

Formal/Aggressive

"आस्तीन का साँप"

— A hidden enemy who fights you from within.

वह तो आस्तीन का साँप निकला, उसने पीठ पीछे लड़ाई की।

Colloquial

"लोहा लेना"

— To face a strong opponent in a fight.

झांसी की रानी ने अंग्रेजों से लोहा लिया।

Formal/Historical

"दो-दो हाथ करना"

— To have a quick physical fight or confrontation.

आओ, आज दो-दो हाथ हो ही जाएं।

Informal

"खून की नदियाँ बहना"

— A very violent fight with many casualties.

उस लड़ाई में खून की नदियाँ बह गईं।

Literary

"पीठ दिखाना"

— To run away from a fight.

वीर सिपाही लड़ाई में पीठ नहीं दिखाते।

Formal

"मैदान मारना"

— To win a battle or competition.

अंत में उसने ही मैदान मारा और लड़ाई जीती।

Colloquial

"सिर आँखों पर बिठाना"

— To respect someone, often after a fight/struggle.

लड़ाई जीतने के बाद जनता ने उसे सिर आँखों पर बिठाया।

Formal

"नाकों चने चबवाना"

— To make someone struggle immensely in a fight.

भारतीय टीम ने विरोधियों को नाकों चने चबवा दिए।

Colloquial

Easily Confused

लड़ाई vs झगड़ा (Jhagda)

Both mean fight.

Jhagda is masculine and usually refers to smaller, verbal quarrels. Ladaai is feminine and can be much larger (war).

छोटा झगड़ा vs बड़ी लड़ाई।

लड़ाई vs युद्ध (Yuddh)

Both mean war/battle.

Yuddh is highly formal and Sanskrit-based. Ladaai is common and colloquial.

विश्व युद्ध vs आज़ादी की लड़ाई।

लड़ाई vs बहस (Behas)

Both involve disagreement.

Behas is a debate or logical argument. Ladaai involves emotions or physical force.

तार्किक बहस vs गुस्से वाली लड़ाई।

लड़ाई vs विवाद (Vivad)

Both mean conflict.

Vivad is a 'dispute', often legal or public. Ladaai is more personal or physical.

भूमि विवाद vs भाइयों की लड़ाई।

लड़ाई vs मुकाबला (Muqabla)

Both involve two sides.

Muqabla is a 'competition' or 'match'. Ladaai is a 'conflict'.

क्रिकेट मुकाबला vs बॉर्डर पर लड़ाई।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Subject] की लड़ाई

राम और श्याम की लड़ाई।

[Subject] ने [Object] से लड़ाई की

उसने मुझसे लड़ाई की।

यह [Noun] की लड़ाई है

यह हक की लड़ाई है।

[Abstract Noun] से लड़ाई ज़रूरी है

भ्रष्टाचार से लड़ाई ज़रूरी है।

बिना [Noun] के लड़ाई नहीं जीती जा सकती

बिना एकता के लड़ाई नहीं जीती जा सकती।

लड़ाई का परिणाम [Adjective] होगा

लड़ाई का परिणाम भयानक होगा।

[Clause], फिर भी लड़ाई जारी रही

सब कुछ खत्म हो गया, फिर भी लड़ाई जारी रही।

लड़ाई के मूल में [Noun] है

लड़ाई के मूल में अज्ञानता है।

Word Family

Nouns

लड़ाकू (Ladaaku - Fighter/Aggressive person)

लड़प्पन (Ladappan - Fighting nature/playfulness)

Verbs

लड़ना (Ladna - To fight)

लड़वाना (Ladvaana - To cause others to fight)

Adjectives

लड़ाकू (Ladaaku - Combative/Fighter)

लड़ा (Lada - Fought)

युद्ध

झगड़ा

विवाद

संग्राम

रण

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

बड़ा लड़ाई (Bada ladaai) → बड़ी लड़ाई (Badi ladaai)
Ladaai is feminine, so the adjective must be 'badi'.
लड़ाई हुआ (Ladaai hua) → लड़ाई हुई (Ladaai hui)
The verb must agree with the feminine gender of 'ladaai'.
वे लड़ाई रहे हैं (Ve ladaai rahe hain) → वे लड़ रहे हैं (Ve lad rahe hain) OR वे लड़ाई कर रहे हैं
Ladaai is a noun, not a verb. Use the verb 'ladna' or the noun-verb combination 'ladaai karna'.
उसने मेरे साथ लड़ाई की (Usne mere saath ladaai ki) → उसने मुझसे लड़ाई की (Usne mujhse ladaai ki)
While 'ke saath' is understood, 'se' is the standard postposition for conflict with someone.
लड़ाइयों (Ladaaiyon) as a subject without postposition → लड़ाइयाँ (Ladaaiyan)
Use 'ladaaiyan' for the simple plural and 'ladaaiyon' only when followed by a postposition like 'mein', 'se', or 'ka'.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'ladaai' with feminine verbs like 'hui', 'thi', or 'hogi'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

The Pair Word

Native speakers often say 'ladaai-jhagda' together to mean 'fighting and quarreling' in general. Using this makes you sound more fluent.

The Flap Sound

Practice the 'ड़' sound by flicking your tongue. It shouldn't sound like a hard 'D'. It's the same sound as in 'Sari'.

Picking a Fight

Use 'ladaai mol lena' when someone is being unnecessarily provocative. It's a very common and useful idiom.

Professional Settings

In an office, avoid saying you had a 'ladaai' with a colleague. Say 'matbhed' (difference of opinion) to sound more professional.

Plural Spelling

When pluralizing, the long 'ee' (ई) becomes a short 'i' (इ) before adding 'yaan'. So, लड़ाई becomes लड़ाइयाँ.

Epic Contexts

Understanding that 'ladaai' can be 'dharmic' (righteous) helps in understanding Indian literature and films.

News Keywords

Listen for 'ladaai' in news reports; it often signals a major conflict or a high-stakes election battle.

Emphasis

To say 'a huge fight', use the adjective 'ghamaasaan'. 'Ghamaasaan ladaai' sounds very dramatic and powerful.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'ladaai' with 'padhaai' (study). 'Padhaai ke liye ladaai' (A struggle/fight for education) is a good phrase to remember.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ladaai' as 'La-Die'. If you get into a serious 'ladaai' (fight), someone might 'die'. (Note: This is just for sound association!).

Visual Association

Imagine two people pulling a rope in a tug-of-war. The tension in the rope is the 'ladaai'.

Word Web

War Argument Struggle Battle Quarrel Conflict Fighter Peace (Antonym)

Challenge

Try to use 'ladaai' in three different ways today: once for a small argument, once for a historical event, and once for a personal struggle.

Word Origin

The word 'लड़ाई' is derived from the Hindi verb 'लड़ना' (ladna), which has its roots in the Sanskrit word 'लड़ति' (ladati), meaning to play, dally, or move to and fro. Over time, the meaning shifted from movement/agitation to the specific agitation of conflict.

Original meaning: Agitation, movement, or a state of being in motion/conflict.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'ladaai' in professional settings; it might sound too aggressive. Use 'matbhed' (difference of opinion) instead.

English speakers might use 'fight' for everything, but in Hindi, 'ladaai' is more emotional than 'argument' (behas).

1857 ki Ladaai (The 1857 Revolt) Mahabharat ki Ladaai Ladaai (1989 Bollywood Film)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

भाई से लड़ाई
लड़ाई मत करो
छोटी लड़ाई
पुरानी लड़ाई

In History

पानीपत की लड़ाई
आज़ादी की लड़ाई
भीषण लड़ाई
लड़ाई का मैदान

In Law

कानूनी लड़ाई
हक की लड़ाई
अदालती लड़ाई
लड़ाई जीतना

In Sports

कांटे की लड़ाई
मैदान की लड़ाई
अंतिम लड़ाई
ज़ोरदार लड़ाई

Internal/Personal

मन की लड़ाई
अपने आप से लड़ाई
बीमारी से लड़ाई
विचारों की लड़ाई

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कल न्यूज़ में लड़ाई के बारे में सुना? (Did you hear about the fight in the news yesterday?)"

"आपके हिसाब से लड़ाई को कैसे रोका जा सकता है? (In your opinion, how can fighting be stopped?)"

"क्या आपकी कभी अपने सबसे अच्छे दोस्त से लड़ाई हुई है? (Have you ever had a fight with your best friend?)"

"इतिहास की कौन सी लड़ाई सबसे महत्वपूर्ण थी? (Which battle in history was the most important?)"

"क्या आप 'हक की लड़ाई' में विश्वास रखते हैं? (Do you believe in the 'fight for rights'?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक लड़ाई देखी और मुझे ऐसा महसूस हुआ... (Today I saw a fight and I felt...)

मेरे जीवन की सबसे बड़ी लड़ाई वह थी जब... (The biggest struggle/fight of my life was when...)

शांति और लड़ाई के बीच का अंतर मेरे लिए यह है कि... (The difference between peace and fighting for me is...)

अगर दुनिया में कोई लड़ाई न होती, तो... (If there were no fights in the world, then...)

क्या 'विचारों की लड़ाई' हथियारों की लड़ाई से बेहतर है? (Is a 'battle of ideas' better than a battle of weapons?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You can remember this because most Hindi nouns ending in 'ee' (ई) are feminine. Example: 'Badi ladaai'.

Yes, absolutely. While 'yuddh' is more formal, 'ladaai' is very common for battles and wars. Example: 'Panipat ki ladaai'.

'Ladna' is the verb (to fight), and 'ladaai' is the noun (a fight). You 'do' a 'ladaai' (ladaai karna).

The common idiom is 'ladaai mol lena', which literally means 'to buy a fight'.

They are very close, but 'jhagda' is masculine and usually implies a smaller, noisier quarrel. 'Ladaai' is more serious.

The plural is 'लड़ाइयाँ' (ladaaiyan). In the oblique case (with postpositions), it becomes 'लड़ाईयों' (ladaaiyon).

Yes, to describe a very competitive or tough match, often called 'kaante ki ladaai'.

You say 'bimari se ladaai'. Hindi uses 'se' (from/with) for 'against' in this context.

It means an 'inner battle' or psychological conflict within oneself.

It is a neutral word, but since it describes conflict, the context is usually negative unless it's a 'fight for justice'.