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लड़खड़ाना

B1 verb #7,000 most common 10 min read

लड़खड़ाना

ladkhadana Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips लड़खड़ाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation लड़खड़ाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'लड़खड़ाना' (laṛkhaṛānā) as a word for 'walking badly'. It is like when a small child is learning to walk and they are not steady. You might say 'The baby staggers.' In Hindi: 'बच्चा लड़खड़ाता है'. It is a physical action. You see it when someone is very tired or when a floor is very slippery. Don't worry about the metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember it as 'staggering' or 'walking unsteadily'. It's a long word, so practice saying 'laṛ-kha-ṛā-nā' slowly. It's a verb, so for a boy it is 'लड़खड़ाता है' and for a girl it is 'लड़खड़ाती है'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'लड़खड़ाना' to describe people in specific situations. For example, if someone is sick or 'drunk' (नशे में). You can also use it to describe a voice that is not steady. If your friend is very nervous to speak in class, you can say 'उसकी आवाज़ लड़खड़ा रही थी' (His/her voice was faltering). This level is about adding context. You are moving from just the action to the *reason* for the action. You might also see it in simple stories where a character is walking through a dark forest and stumbles. It's a useful word to make your descriptions more vivid than just saying 'he walked'.

At the B1 level, 'लड़खड़ाना' becomes a very important word for expressing 'faltering' or 'wavering' in more abstract ways. This is the level where you use it for the economy, for sports teams, or for someone's confidence. For example, 'The team's performance faltered in the second half' (दूसरी छमाही में टीम का प्रदर्शन लड़खड़ा गया). You should understand that it implies a loss of momentum. It's not just about legs anymore; it's about progress. You will also start to notice it in news headlines. It's a 'bridge' word that connects physical descriptions to social and economic ones. You should be comfortable using it in the past, present, and future tenses.

At the B2 level, you should use 'लड़खड़ाना' to describe complex situations with nuance. It often appears in political analysis—describing a 'faltering government' or 'staggering reforms'. You will also encounter it in literature to describe internal emotional states. For instance, a character's 'resolve' or 'morality' might 'लड़खड़ाना' when faced with a difficult choice. At this level, you should also distinguish it from synonyms like 'डगमगाना' (swaying) or 'विचलित होना' (being disturbed). You can use it to create 'imagery' in your writing, making your Hindi sound more natural and sophisticated. You should also be aware of the noun form 'लड़खड़ाहट' (staggering/unsteadiness).

At the C1 level, 'लड़खड़ाना' is used for stylistic effect and precision in high-level discourse. You might use it in a critique of a philosophical argument, suggesting that the logic 'falters' at a certain point. It is used in formal speeches to describe the fragility of peace or the instability of global systems. You should be able to appreciate the onomatopoeic quality of the word and how it adds texture to poetry or prose. At this level, you are expected to understand subtle puns or metaphors involving the word in media and literature. Your usage should be flawless in terms of gender agreement and tense, even in complex, multi-clause sentences.

At the C2 level, 'लड़खड़ाना' is part of a vast repertoire of verbs describing states of being and motion. You can use it to discuss historical shifts where empires 'faltered' before collapsing. You might analyze its usage in classical Hindi literature or modern 'Nayee Kahani' movements where it symbolizes the existential instability of the modern man. You can use it with total control in technical, literary, or colloquial registers. For a C2 learner, 'लड़खड़ाना' is not just a verb but a tool to paint a picture of human vulnerability and the precarious nature of all things. You can effortlessly switch between its physical, psychological, and systemic meanings.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

लड़खड़ाना in 30 Seconds

A verb meaning to stagger or falter physically or metaphorically.
Commonly used for drunk people, nervous speakers, or failing economies.
Implies a moment of instability or weakness rather than a complete fall.
Essential for B1+ learners to describe unsteadiness in various life contexts.

The Hindi verb लड़खड़ाना (laṛkhaṛānā) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes a lack of physical or metaphorical stability. At its core, it refers to the physical act of stumbling, staggering, or walking unsteadily, often due to weakness, intoxication, or an uneven surface. However, its usage extends far beyond the physical realm into the psychological and systemic. When someone's voice 'stutters' or 'falters' due to nervousness, we use this word. When an economy or a business 'struggles' or 'wavers,' this is the word of choice. It captures the essence of a moment where balance—whether of the body, the mind, or an institution—is momentarily lost but not necessarily destroyed.

Physical Instability: This is the most common usage. It describes a person who cannot keep their footing. For example, an elderly person walking without a cane might 'लड़खड़ाना' on a slippery floor. It implies a series of unsteady steps rather than a single trip-and-fall incident.

थकान के कारण धावक के पैर लड़खड़ाने लगे। (Due to exhaustion, the runner's legs began to stagger.)

Verbal Hesitation: In a social or professional context, if someone is lying or extremely nervous, their speech might 'लड़खड़ाना'. This isn't just a stutter; it is the breakdown of the flow of words because the speaker is losing their confidence or 'footing' in the conversation.

In literature and news, you will often find this word describing abstract concepts. A government might 'लड़खड़ाना' if it loses its majority, or a stock market might 'लड़खड़ाना' after bad economic news. It evokes a visual image of something large and seemingly stable suddenly becoming precarious. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it sits between 'standing firm' and 'falling down'. It is the state of being at risk of a fall. Culturally, it is often used with empathy for the weak or with criticism for the incompetent. If a leader's resolve 'लड़खड़ाता' (falters), it suggests a lack of character or strength. In contrast, if a child 'लड़खड़ाता' while taking first steps, it is seen as a natural part of growth.

झूठ बोलते समय उसकी आवाज़ लड़खड़ा रही थी। (His voice was faltering while telling a lie.)

Economic and Political Context: Used to describe systems that are failing to maintain growth or stability. It implies a loss of momentum and the presence of internal weaknesses.

Finally, 'लड़खड़ाना' is an onomatopoeic-adjacent word in Hindi phonetics. The repetition of the 'la' and 'kha' sounds creates a rhythmic, broken feel that mimics the very action it describes. When you say the word slowly, you can almost feel the tongue 'stumbling' over the syllables, which is a common feature in many Indic languages for words describing physical instability or repetitive motion.

Mastering लड़खड़ाना involves understanding its conjugation across various tenses and its application in different contexts. Because it is an intransitive verb, it never takes an object. You are the one doing the staggering, or the subject is the one faltering.

Present Continuous (Progressing Action): Used to describe someone in the middle of an unsteady act. 'वह शराब के नशे में लड़खड़ा रहा है' (He is staggering under the influence of alcohol).

तेज़ हवा में बूढ़ा आदमी लड़खड़ा रहा था। (The old man was staggering in the strong wind.)

Past Simple (Completed Action): Used to describe a moment of weakness that happened. 'अचानक उसके कदम लड़खड़ाए' (Suddenly his steps faltered). Note how the subject here is 'कदम' (steps), which is a common metaphorical personification.

In the future tense, it often serves as a warning. 'अगर तुम अभ्यास नहीं करोगे, तो मंच पर तुम्हारी आवाज़ लड़खड़ाएगी' (If you don't practice, your voice will falter on stage). This highlights the conditional nature of the word—staggering is often a result of a lack of preparation or external pressure. In professional Hindi, especially in news reporting, you will see it used in the present perfect to describe a state: 'अर्थव्यवस्था लड़खड़ा गई है' (The economy has faltered/stumbled). Here, it implies a significant event has occurred that has left the system unstable.

मुश्किल सवालों को सुनकर प्रवक्ता की जुबान लड़खड़ा गई। (Hearing the difficult questions, the spokesperson's tongue faltered.)

Habitual Present (General Tendency): Used for chronic conditions. 'कमज़ोरी की वजह से वह अक्सर लड़खड़ाता है' (He often staggers because of weakness).

One nuanced way to use this verb is in the potential mood (चाहिए/सकता). 'हमें ध्यान रखना चाहिए कि हमारी योजना न लड़खड़ाए' (We must ensure that our plan doesn't falter). This shows the preventative aspect of the word. It is a word about risk management and maintaining poise. Whether you are talking about a physical journey or a metaphorical one, 'लड़खड़ाना' is that critical moment where success hangs in the balance. In dramatic storytelling, a character's steps might 'लड़खड़ाना' just before a major revelation, symbolizing their internal turmoil and loss of control over their reality.

You will encounter लड़खड़ाना in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. Its versatility makes it a staple of Hindi media and daily conversation.

News and Media: In financial news, this word is used almost daily. Headlines like 'शेयर बाज़ार में लड़खड़ाते कदम' (Faltering steps in the stock market) or 'जीडीपी की दर लड़खड़ाई' (GDP rate faltered) are very common. It creates a vivid picture of a struggling economy without using overly technical jargon.

विपक्ष के हमलों के सामने सरकार का आत्मविश्वास लड़खड़ाता दिखा। (The government's confidence seemed to falter in the face of the opposition's attacks.)

Bollywood and Storytelling: In Hindi cinema, this word is used for high drama. A hero might be poisoned or shot and 'लड़खड़ाते हुए' (while staggering) reach his destination. Or a villain's voice might 'लड़खड़ाना' when his crimes are finally exposed. It is a key word for expressing vulnerability.

In sports commentary, particularly in cricket or marathons, 'लड़खड़ाना' describes a team or athlete losing their rhythm. If a cricket team loses three quick wickets, the commentator might say, 'भारतीय टीम की पारी लड़खड़ा गई है' (The Indian team's innings has faltered). This usage is very common during live broadcasts. In daily life, you might hear a parent telling a child, 'संभल कर चलो, वरना लड़खड़ा जाओगे' (Walk carefully, otherwise you will stumble). This is a very natural, colloquial way to use the word in a domestic setting.

मैच के अंतिम ओवरों में बल्लेबाज़ों का धैर्य लड़खड़ा गया। (The batsmen's patience faltered in the final overs of the match.)

Medical and Health Contexts: Doctors or caregivers use it to describe symptoms. 'क्या मरीज़ चलते समय लड़खड़ाता है?' (Does the patient stagger while walking?). It is an important diagnostic term for neurological or physical issues.

Lastly, in religious or philosophical discourses (Satsangs), 'लड़खड़ाना' is used to describe a devotee losing faith or failing in their spiritual discipline. 'माया के प्रभाव में आकर इंसान के पैर लड़खड़ा जाते हैं' (Under the influence of illusion, a person's feet falter). This metaphorical usage is deeply embedded in the Indian psyche, representing the struggle between the higher self and worldly distractions. Whether in a hospital, a stadium, a stock exchange, or a temple, 'लड़खड़ाना' remains a powerful descriptor of human and systemic fragility.

While लड़खड़ाना is a common word, learners often make specific errors in its application, particularly concerning its transitivity and its distinction from similar verbs.

Confusion with 'गिरना' (To Fall): The most frequent mistake is using 'लड़खड़ाना' when you actually mean 'गिरना'. 'लड़खड़ाना' is the unsteady movement *before* a potential fall. If someone has already hit the ground, you must use 'गिरना'. You can say 'वह लड़खड़ाकर गिर गया' (He staggered and fell), but you cannot use 'लड़खड़ाना' to mean the act of landing on the floor.

Incorrect: वह सीढ़ियों से लड़खड़ाया और चोट लग गई। (He staggered from the stairs and got hurt.)
Correct: वह सीढ़ियों पर लड़खड़ाया और गिर पड़ा। (He staggered on the stairs and fell down.)

Gender and Number Agreement: Since it is a verb, it must agree with the subject. Beginners often forget to change the ending. For a female subject: 'वह लड़खड़ा रही है'. For plural: 'वे लड़खड़ा रहे हैं'. A common error is keeping it in the masculine singular form regardless of the subject.

Another mistake involves using it transitively. You cannot 'stagger' someone else. If you want to say 'I made him stagger', you would need to use a causative construction (which is rare for this specific word) or a different phrasing like 'मैंने उसे धक्का दिया जिससे वह लड़खड़ा गया' (I pushed him, causing him to stagger). Beginners often try to say 'उसने मुझे लड़खड़ाया', which is grammatically incorrect in Hindi. The verb is purely about the subject's own state of imbalance.

Incorrect: उसने अपनी बातों से मुझे लड़खड़ाया।
Correct: उसकी बातें सुनकर मैं लड़खड़ा गया। (Hearing his words, I faltered.)

Misusing 'हकलाना' (Stammering): When talking about speech, learners sometimes confuse 'लड़खड़ाना' with 'हकलाना'. 'हकलाना' is a chronic speech impediment (stuttering). 'लड़खड़ाना' in speech is a temporary faltering due to emotion, fear, or exhaustion. Using the wrong one can change the meaning from 'he was nervous' to 'he has a speech disorder'.

Finally, be careful with the spelling. The 'ड़' (ṛ) sound is often confused with 'र' (r) by non-native speakers. It is 'laṛ-kha-ṛā-nā', not 'lar-kha-rā-nā'. The retroflex 'ड़' involves flicking the tongue against the roof of the mouth, which is essential for proper pronunciation and being understood by native speakers.

To truly enrich your Hindi vocabulary, you must know when to use लड़खड़ाना and when a synonym might be more precise. Hindi has several words for unsteadiness, each with its own flavor.

डगमगाना (Dagmagānā) vs. लड़खड़ाना: These two are very close. 'डगमगाना' often refers to a swaying motion, like a boat on water or a tall building during an earthquake. While 'लड़खड़ाना' is usually about feet or voice, 'डगमगाना' is about the whole object swaying. Metaphorically, 'डगमगाना' is more common for 'wavering faith' (विश्वास डगमगाना).

तूफान में नाव डगमगा रही थी। (The boat was swaying/wavering in the storm.)

हकलाना (Haklānā): As mentioned before, this specifically means 'to stutter'. Use this for the physical speech impediment. Use 'लड़खड़ाना' for the emotional faltering of speech.

Another interesting alternative is 'डोलना' (Ḍolnā), which means 'to swing' or 'to waver'. It is often used for the mind—'मन डोलना' (the mind wavering/being tempted). While 'लड़खड़ाना' implies a loss of control, 'डोलना' implies a movement away from a center point. For more formal contexts, 'विचलित होना' (Vichlit honā) means 'to become disturbed or deviated'. If a person's resolve falters, 'विचलित होना' is the more sophisticated, academic term, whereas 'लड़खड़ाना' is more descriptive and visual.

संकट के समय भी उसका साहस नहीं लड़खड़ाया। (Even in times of crisis, his courage did not falter.)

ठोकर खाना (Ṭhokar khānā): This means 'to trip' or 'to stumble' due to an obstacle. 'लड़खड़ाना' is the general state of unsteadiness, while 'ठोकर खाना' is the specific event of hitting an object with your foot. Metaphorically, 'ठोकर खाना' means to suffer a setback or learn a hard lesson.

Finally, 'काँपना' (Kāmpnā) means 'to shiver' or 'to tremble'. While someone who is 'लड़खड़ा रहा है' might also be 'काँप रहा है', they are distinct actions. Shivering is a rapid, small vibration; staggering is a large, clumsy movement of the limbs. In a sentence like 'डर के मारे उसके पैर काँप रहे थे और वह लड़खड़ा कर गिर पड़ा' (His legs were trembling with fear and he staggered and fell), you can see how these words work together to build a complete picture of instability.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Many Hindi verbs ending in '-ānā' with repeated consonants (like baṛbaṛānā, phaṛphaṛānā) are echo-words that describe sounds or physical sensations vividly.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ləɾ.kʰə.ɽaː.naː/

US /lər.kʰə.rɑː.nɑː/

The primary stress is on the third syllable 'ṛā'.

Rhymes With

बड़बड़ाना (baṛbaṛānā - to mutter) फड़फड़ाना (phaṛphaṛānā - to flutter) झुंझलाना (jhunjhlānā - to be irritated) हड़बड़ाना (haṛbaṛānā - to be in a hurry) चमचमाना (chamchamānā - to shine) गरमाना (garmānā - to get hot) मुस्कुराना (muskurānā - to smile) पछताना (pachtānā - to regret)

Common Errors

Using a normal 'r' instead of the retroflex 'ṛ'.
Ignoring the aspiration on 'kh', making it sound like 'k'.
Pronouncing 'la' like 'lay'. It should be a short 'uh' sound (schwa).
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Merging the 'kh' and 'ṛ' sounds into a single garbled sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long and contains the retroflex 'ड़', which can be tricky for beginners to recognize quickly.

Writing 4/5

Correct spelling with the dots under 'ड़' is often missed by learners.

Speaking 5/5

Pronouncing the aspirated 'kh' followed by the retroflex 'ṛ' twice is a significant phonetic challenge.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive enough to be recognized once the learner is familiar with the 'ṛ' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

चलना (to walk) गिरना (to fall) आवाज़ (voice) पैर (legs) डर (fear)

Learn Next

डगमगाना (to sway) हकलाना (to stutter) संभलना (to recover) असंतुलित (unbalanced) स्थिरता (stability)

Advanced

विचलित (deviated) अडिग (unshakeable) डाँवाडोल (unsteady/precarious) लड़खड़ाहट (staggering - noun)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Usage

लड़खड़ाना does not take an object. You cannot say 'उसने मुझे लड़खड़ाया'.

Gender Agreement

लड़का लड़खड़ा रहा है (M) vs लड़की लड़खड़ा रही है (F).

Causative Formation

To say 'to make someone stagger', use 'लड़खड़वाना' or a phrase like 'लड़खड़ाने पर मजबूर करना'.

Participle as Adjective

'लड़खड़ाते कदम' (Staggering steps) where the verb acts as an adjective.

Compound Verbs

Often used with 'जाना' (लड़खड़ा जाना) to indicate a sudden or complete state.

Examples by Level

बच्चा लड़खड़ा रहा है।

The child is staggering.

Present continuous tense, masculine singular.

वह लड़खड़ाता है।

He staggers.

Simple present tense.

क्या तुम लड़खड़ा रहे हो?

Are you staggering?

Interrogative present continuous.

वह नहीं लड़खड़ाती।

She does not stagger.

Negative simple present, feminine.

मेरे पैर लड़खड़ाते हैं।

My legs stagger/falter.

Subject is plural 'पैर' (legs).

बूढ़ा आदमी लड़खड़ाया।

The old man staggered.

Simple past tense.

जमीन गीली है, मत लड़खड़ाओ।

The floor is wet, don't stagger/slip.

Imperative negative.

वह धीरे-धीरे लड़खड़ाता है।

He staggers slowly.

Adverb 'धीरे-धीरे' modifying the verb.

बीमारी की वजह से वह लड़खड़ा रहा था।

He was staggering because of illness.

Past continuous with reason.

उसकी आवाज़ डर से लड़खड़ाने लगी।

His voice began to falter with fear.

Inceptive construction (began to).

शराब पीकर आदमी लड़खड़ा रहा था।

The man was staggering after drinking alcohol.

Participle 'पीकर' used as a reason.

अंधेरे में मेरे कदम लड़खड़ा गए।

My steps faltered in the dark.

Compound verb 'लड़खड़ा गए'.

वह बोलते समय थोड़ा लड़खड़ाता है।

He falters a bit while speaking.

Habitual present with 'बोलते समय'.

क्या वह थकावट से लड़खड़ा रही थी?

Was she staggering from exhaustion?

Interrogative past continuous, feminine.

भारी बैग के साथ वह लड़खड़ाया।

He staggered with the heavy bag.

Past simple with accompaniment.

सावधान! तुम लड़खड़ा सकते हो।

Watch out! You might stagger.

Modal verb 'सकते हो' (can/might).

बाज़ार की स्थिति देखकर निवेशकों का भरोसा लड़खड़ा गया।

Seeing the market situation, investors' confidence faltered.

Metaphorical use for confidence.

बिना तैयारी के उसकी स्पीच लड़खड़ाने लगी।

Without preparation, his speech began to falter.

Use of 'बिना' (without).

महंगाई के कारण घर का बजट लड़खड़ा गया है।

The household budget has faltered due to inflation.

Present perfect tense.

मैच के आखिरी ओवर में गेंदबाज़ की लय लड़खड़ा गई।

The bowler's rhythm faltered in the last over of the match.

Sports context.

झूठ पकड़ने पर उसकी जुबान लड़खड़ाने लगी।

His tongue began to falter when his lie was caught.

Abstract use for speech.

सीढ़ियाँ उतरते समय वह अचानक लड़खड़ा गया।

While coming down the stairs, he suddenly staggered.

Sudden action in the past.

कमज़ोर नींव के कारण इमारत लड़खड़ा रही है।

The building is staggering/shaking due to a weak foundation.

Physical instability of an object.

सवालों की बौछार से नेता जी लड़खड़ा गए।

The leader faltered under the barrage of questions.

Metaphorical use for a person's poise.

आर्थिक मंदी ने देश की विकास दर को लड़खड़ाने पर मजबूर कर दिया।

The economic recession forced the country's growth rate to falter.

Causative-like construction with 'मजबूर करना'.

उसका संकल्प कभी नहीं लड़खड़ाया, चाहे कितनी भी मुश्किलें आईं।

His resolve never faltered, no matter how many difficulties came.

Metaphorical use for 'resolve'.

नई नीति के आने से पुरानी व्यवस्था लड़खड़ा गई है।

With the arrival of the new policy, the old system has faltered.

Systemic failure.

वह अपनी बात कहते-कहते लड़खड़ा गया और चुप हो गया।

He faltered while speaking and became silent.

Reduplicated participle 'कहते-कहते'.

क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि इस दबाव में वह लड़खड़ा जाएगा?

Do you think he will falter under this pressure?

Future tense in a complex question.

लड़खड़ाते कदमों से वह मंज़िल की ओर बढ़ता रहा।

With staggering steps, he kept moving towards the goal.

Adjectival use of the participle 'लड़खड़ाते'.

अचानक आए संकट ने कंपनी के भविष्य को लड़खड़ा दिया है।

The sudden crisis has made the company's future falter.

Transitive usage with 'देना' auxiliary.

उसकी ईमानदारी पर कोई शक नहीं था, पर आज वह लड़खड़ा गया।

There was no doubt about his honesty, but today he faltered.

Moral faltering.

वैश्विक राजनीति के बदलते समीकरणों के बीच कई गठबंधन लड़खड़ा रहे हैं।

Amidst the changing equations of global politics, many alliances are faltering.

Political/Academic register.

लेखक की भाषा वहाँ लड़खड़ा जाती है जहाँ वह भावनाओं को व्यक्त करने की कोशिश करता है।

The author's language falters where he tries to express emotions.

Literary criticism.

सत्य के मार्ग पर चलते हुए कभी-कभी इंसान के पैर लड़खड़ा सकते हैं, पर उसे रुकना नहीं चाहिए।

While walking on the path of truth, a person's feet may sometimes falter, but they should not stop.

Philosophical/Moral context.

तकनीकी खामियों के कारण पूरी संचार प्रणाली लड़खड़ा गई।

The entire communication system faltered due to technical glitches.

Technical/Systemic context.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जब भी शासक अहंकारी हुए, उनके साम्राज्य लड़खड़ा गए।

History is witness that whenever rulers became arrogant, their empires faltered.

Historical narrative.

उसकी दलीलों में वह दम नहीं था, इसलिए जिरह के दौरान वह लड़खड़ाने लगा।

His arguments lacked strength, so he began to falter during the cross-examination.

Legal context.

शेयर बाज़ार की इस गिरावट ने मध्यम वर्ग की कमर तोड़ दी और उनकी बचत की योजनाएं लड़खड़ा गईं।

This stock market crash broke the back of the middle class and their savings plans faltered.

Socio-economic context.

बिना किसी ठोस आधार के, यह वैज्ञानिक सिद्धांत जल्द ही लड़खड़ा जाएगा।

Without any solid basis, this scientific theory will soon falter.

Scientific/Academic context.

अस्तित्ववाद की गहरी परतों में मनुष्य का आत्मविश्वास अक्सर लड़खड़ाता नज़र आता है।

In the deep layers of existentialism, man's self-confidence often appears to falter.

Philosophical/C2 vocabulary.

संस्कृति और आधुनिकता के द्वंद्व में हमारी पारंपरिक मान्यताएं लड़खड़ा रही हैं।

In the conflict between culture and modernity, our traditional beliefs are faltering.

Sociological analysis.

उनका काव्य शिल्प प्रशंसनीय है, किंतु छंदों के प्रयोग में उनकी पकड़ कहीं-कहीं लड़खड़ाती है।

His poetic craft is commendable, but his grip on the use of meters falters here and there.

Advanced literary critique.

भू-राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने विश्व की आपूर्ति श्रृंखला को बुरी तरह लड़खड़ा दिया है।

Geopolitical instability has severely made the world's supply chain falter.

Complex compound verb usage.

न्यायपालिका की निष्पक्षता पर उठते सवालों ने लोकतंत्र के इस स्तंभ को लड़खड़ाने पर विवश किया है।

Questions arising about the judiciary's impartiality have forced this pillar of democracy to falter.

High-level political discourse.

उसकी आवाज़ की वह लड़खड़ाहट उसके अंतर्मन के द्वंद्व को साफ बयां कर रही थी।

That faltering in his voice was clearly expressing the conflict of his inner soul.

Noun form 'लड़खड़ाहट' used descriptively.

जब नैतिकता के पैमाने बदलते हैं, तो समाज की नींव लड़खड़ाना स्वाभाविक है।

When the scales of morality change, it is natural for the foundation of society to falter.

Abstract sociological statement.

इस महाकाव्य का नायक अपनी नियति के सामने कभी नहीं लड़खड़ाया, जो उसकी महानता का परिचायक है।

The hero of this epic never faltered before his destiny, which is indicative of his greatness.

Epic/Formal narrative style.

Synonyms

डगमगाना हकलाना लथपथ होना विचलित होना डोलना ठोकर खाना हिचकिचाना काँपना

Antonyms

संभलना स्थिर रहना अडिग रहना तेजी से चलना

Common Collocations

कदम लड़खड़ाना

आवाज़ लड़खड़ाना

जुबान लड़खड़ाना

अर्थव्यवस्था लड़खड़ाना

भरोसा लड़खड़ाना

सत्ता लड़खड़ाना

लय लड़खड़ाना

नशे में लड़खड़ाना

कमज़ोरी से लड़खड़ाना

नींव लड़खड़ाना

Common Phrases

लड़खड़ाते हुए

— While staggering. Used to describe the manner of walking.

वह लड़खड़ाते हुए कमरे से बाहर निकला।

कदम-कदम पर लड़खड़ाना

— To stumble at every step. Implies extreme difficulty or lack of skill.

नया खिलाड़ी मैदान पर कदम-कदम पर लड़खड़ा रहा था।

लड़खड़ाकर गिरना

— To stagger and then fall down.

वह लड़खड़ाकर ज़मीन पर गिर पड़ा।

पैर लड़खड़ाना

— Legs/feet faltering. Often used for physical weakness.

बूढ़े आदमी के पैर अब लड़खड़ाते हैं।

बोलते-बोलते लड़खड़ाना

— To falter while in the middle of speaking.

वह अपनी बात कहते-कहते लड़खड़ा गया।

विश्वास का लड़खड़ाना

— The faltering of faith or trust.

इतने झूठ के बाद मेरा विश्वास लड़खड़ा गया है।

सरकार का लड़खड़ाना

— The instability of a government.

गठबंधन टूटने से सरकार लड़खड़ा गई।

लड़खड़ाती चाल

— A staggering gait or walk.

उसकी लड़खड़ाती चाल से पता चला कि वह बीमार है।

हिम्मत लड़खड़ाना

— Courage faltering.

अँधेरी गुफा देखकर उसकी हिम्मत लड़खड़ा गई।

योजना का लड़खड़ाना

— A plan failing or becoming shaky.

पैसे की कमी से पूरी योजना लड़खड़ा गई।

Often Confused With

लड़खड़ाना vs गिरना

Girna means to fall completely. Larkhadana is the unsteadiness before falling.

लड़खड़ाना vs हकलाना

Haklana is a physical stutter. Larkhadana in speech is temporary faltering due to nerves.

लड़खड़ाना vs डगमगाना

Dagmagana is more about swaying (like a boat); Larkhadana is more about feet/steps.

Idioms & Expressions

"ज़ुबान लड़खड़ाना"

— To be unable to speak clearly due to fear or guilt.

पुलिस के सामने उसकी ज़ुबान लड़खड़ाने लगी।

Common

"कदम लड़खड़ाना"

— To lose one's moral way or to be physically weak.

बुढ़ापे में कदम लड़खड़ाना स्वाभाविक है।

Common

"ईमान लड़खड़ाना"

— To have one's integrity or honesty waver.

रिश्वत देखकर उसका ईमान लड़खड़ा गया।

Metaphorical

"नींव लड़खड़ाना"

— For the very basis of something to become unstable.

घोटाले ने बैंक की नींव लड़खड़ा दी।

Formal

"रास्ते में लड़खड़ाना"

— To face difficulties in completing a journey or task.

सफलता के रास्ते में कई बार इंसान लड़खड़ाता है।

Inspirational

"धैर्य लड़खड़ाना"

— To lose patience.

लंबी लाइन देखकर मेरा धैर्य लड़खड़ा गया।

Neutral

"संकल्प लड़खड़ाना"

— To have one's determination weaken.

कठिन परीक्षा देखकर उसका संकल्प लड़खड़ा गया।

Formal

"चाल लड़खड़ाना"

— For one's strategy or physical walk to become unsteady.

दुश्मन की चाल अब लड़खड़ा रही है।

Strategic

"भरोसा लड़खड़ाना"

— To lose trust in someone or something.

बार-बार हारने से टीम पर मेरा भरोसा लड़खड़ा गया।

Informal

"साहस लड़खड़ाना"

— For bravery to give way to fear.

शेर की दहाड़ सुनकर शिकारी का साहस लड़खड़ा गया।

Literary

Easily Confused

लड़खड़ाना vs हकलाना

Both involve broken speech.

Haklana is a speech impediment; Larkhadana is situational faltering.

वह डर से लड़खड़ाया, पर वह हकलाता नहीं है।

लड़खड़ाना vs काँपना

Both show physical instability.

Kampna is shivering; Larkhadana is unsteady walking/staggering.

वह काँप रहा था और फिर लड़खड़ा गया।

लड़खड़ाना vs फिसलना

Both lead to falling.

Fisalna is to slip on a surface; Larkhadana is unsteadiness of the person.

वह केले के छिलके पर फिसला, पर पहले वह लड़खड़ाया।

लड़खड़ाना vs डगमगाना

Very similar meanings.

Dagmagana is swaying (often of objects); Larkhadana is staggering (often of humans/legs).

नाव डगमगाई और मल्लाह लड़खड़ाया।

लड़खड़ाना vs लड़ना

Similar first syllable.

Ladna means to fight; Larkhadana means to stagger. No semantic link.

वे आपस में लड़ रहे थे और लड़खड़ा कर गिर गए।

Sentence Patterns

Subject + [Verb in present].

वह लड़खड़ाता है।

Subject + [Reason] + से + [Verb].

वह डर से लड़खड़ाया।

Subject + [Noun] + के कारण + [Verb].

अर्थव्यवस्था मंदी के कारण लड़खड़ा गई।

Subject + [Participle] + हुए + [Action].

वह लड़खड़ाते हुए चला गया।

[Abstract Subject] + [Context] + में + [Verb].

उसका आत्मविश्वास जिरह में लड़खड़ाने लगा।

[Complex Clause], इसलिए [Subject] + [Verb].

चूँकि आधार कमज़ोर था, इसलिए सिद्धांत लड़खड़ा गया।

Subject + की + [Body Part/Voice] + [Verb].

उसकी जुबान लड़खड़ा गई।

Subject + [Verb] + रहा/रही + [Auxiliary].

बच्चा लड़खड़ा रहा है।

Word Family

Nouns

लड़खड़ाहट (laṛkhaṛāhaṭ) - staggering, unsteadiness, faltering

Verbs

लड़खड़ाना (laṛkhaṛānā) - to stagger/falter

Adjectives

लड़खड़ाता (laṛkhaṛātā) - staggering (present participle used as adj)

लड़खड़ाया हुआ (laṛkhaṛāyā huā) - staggered

गिरना (to fall)

डगमगाना (to sway)

संभलना (to recover balance)

काँपना (to tremble)

हकलाना (to stutter)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Hindi, especially in news and literature.

Common Mistakes

उसने मुझे लड़खड़ाया। → उसने मुझे धक्का दिया और मैं लड़खड़ा गया।
'लड़खड़ाना' is intransitive; it cannot have a direct object.
वह लड़खड़ा कर नीचे गिर गया। (when he just tripped) → वह ठोकर खाकर लड़खड़ाया।
Use 'लड़खड़ाना' for the unsteadiness, not just the single act of tripping.
उसकी आवाज़ हकला रही थी। (when they mean faltering) → उसकी आवाज़ लड़खड़ा रही थी।
'हकलाना' is for a permanent stutter; 'लड़खड़ाना' is for temporary nervousness.
वह लड़खड़ाता है (for a girl). → वह लड़खड़ाती है।
Verb endings must agree with the gender of the subject.
बाज़ार लड़खड़ा रहा था (when it's stable). → बाज़ार स्थिर था।
Don't use 'लड़खड़ाना' if there is no volatility or unsteadiness.

Tips

Master the Retroflex

The 'ड़' sound is key. Practice by putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth and flicking it forward quickly while saying 'D'.

Noun vs Verb

Use the noun 'लड़खड़ाहट' to describe the sound or the quality of the movement: 'उसकी आवाज़ में लड़खड़ाहट थी'.

Metaphorical Power

Don't just use it for walking. Use it for 'confidence', 'economy', or 'resolve' to sound like a native speaker.

Intransitive Alert

Remember you can't stagger someone else. If you pushed them, they staggered *because* of you, but you didn't 'stagger them'.

Vivid Imagery

Combine it with adverbs like 'बुरी तरह' (badly) or 'अचानक' (suddenly) to create more impact in your stories.

News Watch

Watch business news in Hindi. You will hear this word almost every time the market goes down.

Not 'Falling'

Remember: Staggering is the struggle. Falling (गिरना) is the result. Don't use them interchangeably.

Movie Tropes

Notice how actors in old Bollywood movies use exaggerated staggering to show they are drunk. It's a classic performance style.

Literature

In Hindi novels, this word is often used to show a character's moral crisis. Look for it in the works of Premchand.

Daily Usage

Try to describe your morning walk or a nervous moment using this word to make it part of your active vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Lark' (the bird) trying to walk on 'Hard' ground but failing—Laṛ-Kha-ṛā-nā. It's 'hard' for the 'lark' so it staggers.

Visual Association

Visualize a man coming out of a pub, his legs zigzagging as he tries to reach his car. That zigzag movement is 'लड़खड़ाना'.

Word Web

Stagger Falter Unsteady Drunk Nervous Economy Voice Steps

Challenge

Try to use 'लड़खड़ाना' in three different ways today: once for a physical movement, once for a voice, and once for a situation (like your internet connection).

Word Origin

Derived from the Prakrit and Old Hindi roots. It is likely an onomatopoeic formation where the repeated sounds mimic the jerky, uneven movements of staggering.

Original meaning: To move in a broken or uneven manner.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe a person's speech if they have a permanent disability; 'हकलाना' is more specific, but both should be used with empathy.

English speakers might use 'stumble' or 'falter' separately, but Hindi uses 'लड़खड़ाना' for both physical and vocal unsteadiness.

In the movie 'Devdas', the protagonist is often seen 'लड़खड़ाते हुए' due to his alcoholism. News headlines often use 'लड़खड़ाता बाज़ार' to describe a volatile Sensex. Poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan used similar imagery of unsteadiness in 'Madhushala'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Physical Illness/Weakness

कमज़ोरी से लड़खड़ाना
बुखार में लड़खड़ाना
चक्कर आना और लड़खड़ाना
पैर लड़खड़ाना

Intoxication

नशे में लड़खड़ाना
शराब पीकर लड़खड़ाना
लड़खड़ाती चाल
झूमते-लड़खड़ाते

Public Speaking/Nervousness

आवाज़ लड़खड़ाना
जुबान लड़खड़ाना
स्टेज पर लड़खड़ाना
बोलते-बोलते लड़खड़ाना

Economics/Business

अर्थव्यवस्था का लड़खड़ाना
बाज़ार का लड़खड़ाना
मुनाफा लड़खड़ाना
विकास दर लड़खड़ाना

Sports

लय लड़खड़ाना
पारी लड़खड़ाना
प्रदर्शन लड़खड़ाना
कदम लड़खड़ाना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी स्टेज पर बोलते समय अपनी आवाज़ को लड़खड़ाते हुए महसूस किया है?"

"अगर कोई सड़क पर लड़खड़ा रहा हो, तो आप उसकी मदद कैसे करेंगे?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि इस साल देश की अर्थव्यवस्था लड़खड़ाएगी या स्थिर रहेगी?"

"जब बच्चा पहली बार चलना सीखता है और लड़खड़ाता है, तो आपको कैसा लगता है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी फिल्म में किसी अभिनेता को बहुत अच्छी तरह 'लड़खड़ाते हुए' अभिनय करते देखा है?"

Journal Prompts

उस समय के बारे में लिखें जब आप बहुत थके हुए थे और आपके पैर लड़खड़ा रहे थे।

एक कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक नायक का साहस संकट के समय लड़खड़ा जाता है, लेकिन फिर वह खुद को संभालता है।

क्या आपको लगता है कि झूठ बोलने पर इंसान की आवाज़ हमेशा लड़खड़ाती है? अपने विचार विस्तार से लिखें।

एक ऐसी स्थिति का वर्णन करें जहाँ किसी बड़ी कंपनी की नींव लड़खड़ा गई हो।

अपने जीवन के उस क्षण के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी को लड़खड़ाते हुए देखा और आपने उसकी मदद की।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, metaphorically. If a machine is not working smoothly and making jerky movements, you can say its rhythm is 'लड़खड़ा रही है', though 'अटकना' (to get stuck) is more common.

'लड़खड़ाया' is simple past (staggered). 'लड़खड़ा गया' is a compound verb emphasizing the suddenness or completion of the action (staggered/faltered completely).

Usually, yes, as it implies a lack of control or weakness. However, for a toddler learning to walk, it is seen as a positive, natural developmental stage.

You wouldn't use 'लड़खड़ाना' here. You would use 'चौंका देने वाली सुंदरता' or 'अदभुत सुंदरता'. 'लड़खड़ाना' is only for unsteadiness.

It's rare. Usually, we say 'धड़कन अनियमित होना' (heartbeat being irregular), but in poetic Hindi, you might hear 'धड़कनें लड़खड़ाना' to show extreme emotion.

The correct spelling and pronunciation use the retroflex 'ड़' (laṛkhaṛānā). 'लरखराना' is a common mispronunciation by non-native speakers.

No, for that use 'टिमटिमाना' (timtimānā) or 'लपलपाना' (laplapānā).

The noun is 'लड़खड़ाहट' (laṛkhaṛāhaṭ), meaning the act of staggering or the unsteadiness itself.

Yes, very often to describe failing growth rates, unstable markets, or poor quarterly results.

Yes, you can say 'फैसला लेते समय वह लड़खड़ा गया' (He faltered while making the decision).