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महामारी

A2 noun #7,000 most common 10 min read

महामारी

mahamari Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips महामारी in 30 Seconds

Explanation महामारी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'महामारी' (Mahāmārī) means a very big sickness that many people get at the same time. Think of it like a 'super-cold' that everyone in the city has. You might see this word on the news or on posters in a hospital. It is a feminine word, so you use 'ki' and 'hai' (singular) or 'hain' (plural). At this stage, just remember that it is a serious word for a big disease. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just knowing that it's related to health and 'bimari' (sickness) is enough. You might hear someone say 'Mahāmārī khatarnak hai' (The epidemic is dangerous). This is a good starting point. Focus on the sound: Ma-haa-maa-ree. It sounds long and serious, which matches its meaning.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'महामारी' in simple sentences about the world or history. You know that it is a feminine noun. You should start pairing it with common verbs like 'phailna' (to spread). For example, 'Mahāmārī phail rahi hai' (The epidemic is spreading). You can also use it with 'ke dauran' (during). 'Mahāmārī ke dauran hum ghar par the' (During the epidemic, we were at home). This level requires you to distinguish between a regular 'bimari' (sickness) and a 'mahāmārī' (epidemic). You should also be aware of the word 'vaishvik' (global) to describe a pandemic. This is the level where you start reading simple news headlines that might contain this word.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the effects of a 'महामारी' on society and the economy. You can use more complex grammar, such as 'vajah se' (because of). 'Mahāmārī ki vajah se school band ho gaye' (Schools were closed because of the epidemic). You should be comfortable using the word in the plural ('mahāmāriyān') and understanding how it functions in the oblique case (it stays 'mahāmārī' when followed by 'ko', 'mein', 'se', etc.). You can also start using synonyms like 'sankramak rog' in formal contexts. You might discuss how governments try to 'rokna' (stop) or 'niyantrit karna' (control) a mahāmārī. Your vocabulary should now include related words like 'tika' (vaccine) and 'swasthya' (health).

At the B2 level, you can use 'महामारी' to talk about abstract concepts and historical analysis. You can participate in debates about how 'mahāmārīs' change the world. You should be able to understand news reports that use high-level vocabulary, such as 'vibhishika' (horrific impact) or 'unmulan' (eradication). You can use the word metaphorically, like 'Bhrashtachar ek mahāmārī ki tarah hai' (Corruption is like an epidemic). Your understanding of the word's Sanskrit roots (Maha + Mari) should help you recognize it in various literary forms. You can also discuss the difference between an 'endemic', 'epidemic', and 'pandemic' using Hindi descriptors.

At the C1 level, your use of 'महामारी' is nuanced and precise. You can use it in academic essays or professional medical discussions in Hindi. You understand its place in historical Hindi literature and can analyze how the portrayal of epidemics has changed over time. You are familiar with rare synonyms like 'waba' or 'jan-padiyak rog'. You can express complex ideas about public health policy, the ethics of lockdowns during a 'mahāmārī', and the sociological impact on marginalized communities. Your grammar is perfect, and you use the word with appropriate collocations and idiomatic expressions. You can read complex editorials that use 'mahāmārī' as a central theme for social critique.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over the word 'महामारी' and its entire semantic field. You can use it in creative writing, poetry, or high-level philosophical discourse. You understand the deepest etymological connections and can use the word to evoke specific emotional responses in your audience. You can discuss the 'mahāmārī' of the 1918 flu in India with the same ease as a native historian. You can navigate the most technical medical jargon and the most flowery poetic language involving the term. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be used or perceived across the Hindi-speaking world, from Bihar to Rajasthan.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

महामारी in 30 Seconds

Means 'Epidemic' or 'Pandemic'.
Feminine noun in Hindi.
Used for large-scale disease outbreaks.
Formal and serious tone.

The word महामारी (Mahāmārī) is a profound and heavy term in the Hindi language, primarily used to describe an epidemic or a pandemic. Etymologically rooted in Sanskrit, it is a compound of two words: 'Maha' (meaning great or massive) and 'Mari' (derived from 'Mar' meaning death or pestilence). When you use this word, you are not just talking about a common cold or a localized sickness; you are referring to a widespread infectious disease that affects a large number of people within a community, population, or region at a particular time. In modern contexts, especially after the global events of 2020, it has become a household term used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic, often specifically as 'वैश्विक महामारी' (Vaishvik Mahāmārī - Global Pandemic).

Linguistic Weight: The term carries a sense of urgency and gravity. In literature and news, it evokes images of historical struggles against diseases like the plague or cholera. It is a feminine noun, which dictates the grammar of the sentences it inhabits.
Scope of Usage: While 'Bimari' means sickness, 'Mahāmārī' implies a collective crisis. It is used by health officials, historians, and common people when discussing public health emergencies that transcend individual suffering and impact the socio-economic fabric of a nation.

इतिहास गवाह है कि महामारी ने हमेशा समाज को बदल दिया है। (History is witness that epidemics have always changed society.)

Understanding this word involves recognizing its role in the collective consciousness of Hindi speakers. India has a long history with such events, from the Great Plague of Bombay to modern outbreaks. Therefore, the word is often associated with government interventions, lockdowns (तालाबंदी), and vaccination drives (टीकाकरण अभियान). It is a word of the newsroom, the history book, and the hospital ward. It is rarely used lightly; you wouldn't use it to describe a small group of friends getting food poisoning. It requires a scale of contagion that threatens the public order.

In a broader sense, writers sometimes use 'Mahāmārī' metaphorically to describe social evils that spread like a disease, such as corruption or hatred. However, its primary and most frequent use remains strictly medical and epidemiological. When discussing the word, one must also be familiar with related terms like 'Sankraman' (infection) and 'Roktham' (prevention), as they frequently appear in the same paragraph.

इस महामारी के दौरान डॉक्टरों ने अपनी जान जोखिम में डाली। (During this epidemic, doctors put their lives at risk.)

Formal Context: In official Hindi (Rajbhasha), the word is standard. You will find it in government gazettes and health advisories. It is the formal equivalent of the English 'epidemic'.

Using 'Mahāmārī' correctly requires attention to its gender and the verbs that typically accompany it. Since it is a feminine noun, adjectives and verbs must agree with it. Common verbs include 'Phailna' (to spread), 'Rokna' (to stop), 'Nipatna' (to deal with), and 'Gherna' (to surround/engulf). For example, to say 'The epidemic is spreading,' you would say 'Mahāmārī phail rahi hai.' Notice the 'rahi' indicating the feminine subject.

गाँव में हैजा की महामारी फैल गई। (The cholera epidemic spread in the village.)

When constructing complex sentences, 'Mahāmārī' often acts as the subject of a crisis. You might talk about the 'impact of the epidemic' (महामारी का प्रभाव) or the 'fear of the epidemic' (महामारी का डर). In these cases, the possessive particle 'ka' changes to match the gender of the noun it is modifying, but since 'Prabhav' (impact) and 'Dar' (fear) are masculine, we use 'ka'. However, if you were talking about the 'severity of the epidemic,' you would say 'महामारी की गंभीरता' because 'Gambhirta' is feminine.

Verb Pairings: 1. Phailna (To spread): महामारी तेज़ी से फैल रही है। 2. Ghoshit Karna (To declare): सरकार ने इसे महामारी घोषित कर दिया। 3. Ladna (To fight): हम इस महामारी से मिलकर लड़ेंगे।

In academic writing, 'Mahāmārī' is often preceded by descriptors like 'vibhishika' (horrific nature) to emphasize the tragedy. For example, 'Mahāmārī ki vibhishika ne sabko jhakjhor diya' (The horror of the epidemic shook everyone). This level of vocabulary is common in Hindi editorials and literature. For a learner, mastering the basic structure 'X ki mahāmārī' (The epidemic of X) is the first step toward fluency.

क्या हमें अगली महामारी के लिए तैयार रहना चाहिए? (Should we be prepared for the next epidemic?)

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in the context of time. 'Mahāmārī ke dauran' (During the epidemic) or 'Mahāmārī ke baad' (After the epidemic) are essential phrases for discussing history or recent events. These temporal markers help in situating narratives and providing context to the listener or reader about the timeline of events being discussed.

The word 'Mahāmārī' is most commonly encountered in formal settings. If you turn on a Hindi news channel like Aaj Tak or NDTV India, specifically during health crises or anniversaries of the COVID-19 outbreak, you will hear this word repeatedly. News anchors use it to describe the scale of infection rates and the government's response. It is a staple of the 'Samachar' (news) vocabulary, often paired with 'Sankraman' (infection) and 'Mritak' (deceased).

In Cinema and Literature: Hindi literature, especially the works of Premchand or Phanishwar Nath Renu, often depicts rural India's struggle with epidemics like plague or malaria. In these stories, 'Mahāmārī' is portrayed as a supernatural or unstoppable force of nature that tests the character of a village. In modern Bollywood films like 'Virus' (dubbed in Hindi) or '83' (mentioning historical contexts), the word is used to build tension and high stakes.

रेडियो पर घोषणा हुई कि महामारी अब नियंत्रण में है। (It was announced on the radio that the epidemic is now under control.)

In everyday conversation, while people might use 'Bimari' (illness) for their personal health, they switch to 'Mahāmārī' when talking about the collective state of the world. For instance, during a casual chat at a tea stall (chai ki tapri), someone might say, 'Jab se yeh mahāmārī aayi hai, kaam dhandha thap ho gaya hai' (Ever since this epidemic came, business has come to a standstill). This shows how the word bridges the gap between formal news and personal economic reality.

Educationally, 'Mahāmārī' is taught in schools within the context of 'Nagrik Shastra' (Civics) and 'Vigyan' (Science). Students learn about the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the definition of a pandemic. Therefore, any educated Hindi speaker will have a precise understanding of the term. It also appears in religious or mythological discussions when referring to 'Kalyug' (the age of vice) where diseases are said to become more frequent and severe.

स्वास्थ्य मंत्रालय ने महामारी से निपटने के लिए नई गाइडलाइंस जारी कीं। (The Health Ministry issued new guidelines to tackle the epidemic.)

Finally, in the digital age, 'Mahāmārī' is a trending keyword on Hindi Twitter (X) and Facebook. During health alerts, hashtags containing the word trend as people share information, seek help, or express their anxieties. It has transitioned from a dusty word in history books to a dynamic, frequently typed word on smartphone screens across the Hindi-speaking belt.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'Mahāmārī' is treating it as a masculine noun. In Hindi, nouns ending in 'i' (ई) are often feminine, and 'Mahāmārī' follows this rule. Using masculine adjectives or verbs, such as saying 'Mahāmārī phaila hai' instead of 'Mahāmārī phaili hai,' is a frequent error. This mistake can change the rhythm of the sentence and alert a native speaker to your learner status immediately.

Confusing with 'Bimari': A common semantic mistake is using 'Mahāmārī' when you actually mean 'Bimari'. If you have the flu, you have a 'Bimari'. If the whole city has the flu and the hospitals are full, it's a 'Mahāmārī'. Using the latter for a personal ailment sounds overly dramatic or linguistically incorrect.

गलत: वह महामारी से बीमार है। (Wrong: He is sick with the epidemic - implies he is the only one.) सही: वह एक गंभीर बीमारी से जूझ रहा है। (Right: He is struggling with a serious illness.)

Another mistake involves the distinction between 'Epidemic' and 'Pandemic'. While 'Mahāmārī' can cover both, in formal Hindi, a pandemic is often called 'Vaishvik Mahāmārī' (Global Epidemic) or 'Sarvavyapi Mahāmārī'. Using just 'Mahāmārī' for a global event is not wrong, but failing to specify 'Vaishvik' in a formal report might lack the precision required in professional settings.

Pronunciation is also a key area for errors. Some learners might shorten the long 'ā' sounds. It is 'Ma-hā-mā-rī', not 'Mahamari'. Each 'a' with a macron (ā) should be pronounced clearly and held slightly longer. Mispronouncing it can sometimes make it sound like 'Mahamari' (which isn't a word but sounds like a rushed version of 'great death'), losing the formal clarity of the term.

गलत: पिछले साल एक बड़ा महामारी आया था। (Wrong: A big epidemic came last year - gender error.) सही: पिछले साल एक बड़ी महामारी आई थी। (Correct: A big epidemic came last year.)

Lastly, learners often struggle with the oblique case. When a preposition follows 'Mahāmārī', it doesn't change its form (unlike masculine nouns ending in 'ā'). So, 'In the epidemic' is 'Mahāmārī mein'. Some learners mistakenly try to change the ending to 'e' as they do with 'Kamra' (room) becoming 'Kamre mein'. Remember: feminine nouns ending in 'ī' remain stable in the singular oblique case.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding health and crises, it is important to understand how 'Mahāmārī' compares to its synonyms and related terms. While 'Mahāmārī' is the most common word for an epidemic, there are other words used depending on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific nature of the disease.

Bimari (बीमारी) vs. Mahāmārī: 'Bimari' is a general term for illness or disease. It can refer to anything from a headache to cancer. 'Mahāmārī' is a subset of 'Bimari' that specifically refers to contagious diseases spreading through a population. All mahāmārīs are bimārīs, but not all bimārīs are mahāmārīs.
Rog (रोग) vs. Mahāmārī: 'Rog' is a more formal or clinical word for disease. 'Sankramak Rog' (Infectious Disease) is often the technical term used in medical journals. 'Mahāmārī' is the social and historical manifestation of a 'Sankramak Rog' reaching mass proportions.
Waba (वबा): This is an Urdu-origin word used in Hindi poetry and older literature. It specifically means epidemic. While less common in modern scientific news, you will encounter it in Urdu-heavy Hindi (Hindustani) and classical ghazals.

शहर में फैला यह रोग अब महामारी का रूप ले चुका है। (This disease spread in the city has now taken the form of an epidemic.)

In some contexts, you might hear 'Janmar' (जनमार), though it is very rare. It literally means 'killer of people'. This is more of a descriptive epithet than a standard medical term. Another related term is 'Aafat' (आफ़त), which means calamity. While an epidemic is an 'Aafat', the word 'Aafat' is much broader, covering floods, earthquakes, and even personal troubles.

For 'Pandemic', the most accurate modern Hindi term is 'Sarvavyapi Mahāmārī' (All-pervading epidemic). In common parlance, however, the English word 'Pandemic' is often transliterated into Hindi script (पैंडेमिक) because of global media influence. However, 'Mahāmārī' remains the soulful, culturally resonant choice that conveys the true weight of the situation to a Hindi speaker.

यह कोई साधारण बीमारी नहीं, बल्कि एक महामारी है। (This is not an ordinary illness, but an epidemic.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'Mari' was also the name of a goddess associated with plague and rain in some folk traditions, representing the dual nature of nature's power.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mə.ɦɑː.mɑː.riː/

US /mə.hɑ.mɑ.ri/

Stress is primarily on the second syllable 'hā' and secondary on 'mā'.

Rhymes With

बारी (Bārī - Turn) जारी (Jārī - Continue) भारी (Bhārī - Heavy) तैयारी (Taiyārī - Preparation) नारी (Nārī - Woman) प्यारी (Pyārī - Dear) बीमारी (Bīmārī - Sickness) सवारी (Sawārī - Ride)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Mahamari' with short 'a' sounds.
Skipping the 'h' sound.
Pronouncing the final 'i' as a short 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is clear, but it often appears in complex news articles.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct feminine gender agreement and pluralization.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if long vowels are respected.

Listening 3/5

Common in news broadcasts, usually spoken clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

बीमारी (Bīmārī) रोग (Rog) स्वास्थ्य (Swasthya) सफाई (Safai) दवा (Dawa)

Learn Next

संक्रमण (Sankraman) टीकाकरण (Tikakaran) प्रतिबंध (Pratibandh) अर्थव्यवस्था (Arthavyavastha) प्रशासन (Prashasan)

Advanced

जनसांख्यिकी (Demographics) सूचकांक (Index) विभीषिका (Catastrophe) उन्मूलन (Eradication) प्रोटोकॉल (Protocol)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

महामारी अच्छी नहीं है (The epidemic is not good). Adjective 'achhi' is feminine.

Oblique Case in Feminine 'i' nouns

महामारी में (In the epidemic). Form remains the same.

Pluralization of 'i' ending nouns

महामारी -> महामारियाँ (Mahāmāriyān).

Possessive 'ki'

महामारी की लहर (The wave of the epidemic). 'Ki' used because 'Lahar' is feminine.

Compound Verb usage

महामारी फैल गई (The epidemic spread). Use of 'gai' for completion.

Examples by Level

यह एक महामारी है।

This is an epidemic.

'Yeh' (This) + 'ek' (one) + 'mahāmārī' (epidemic) + 'hai' (is).

महामारी बहुत खराब है।

The epidemic is very bad.

'Bahut' (very) + 'kharab' (bad).

क्या यह महामारी है?

Is this an epidemic?

Question structure using 'Kya' at the beginning.

महामारी और बीमारी अलग हैं।

Epidemic and illness are different.

'Aur' (and) joins two nouns.

वह महामारी से डरता है।

He is afraid of the epidemic.

'Se darta hai' (is afraid of).

महामारी में घर पर रहो।

Stay at home during the epidemic.

'Mein' (in/during) + 'Raho' (stay - imperative).

डॉक्टर महामारी को रोकते हैं।

Doctors stop the epidemic.

'Ko' (object marker) + 'rokte hain' (stop - habitual).

महामारी कब खत्म होगी?

When will the epidemic end?

'Kab' (when) + 'khatm hogi' (will end - feminine future).

गाँव में महामारी फैल गई है।

The epidemic has spread in the village.

'Phail gai hai' (has spread) - feminine perfective.

महामारी के कारण स्कूल बंद हैं।

Schools are closed because of the epidemic.

'Ke karan' (because of).

हमें महामारी से लड़ना चाहिए।

We should fight the epidemic.

'Chahiye' (should) + 'ladna' (to fight).

यह महामारी बहुत पुरानी है।

This epidemic is very old.

'Purani' (old) matches feminine 'mahāmārī'.

महामारी के दौरान मास्क पहनें।

Wear a mask during the epidemic.

'Pahnen' (wear - polite imperative).

क्या महामारी खत्म हो गई?

Did the epidemic end?

Past tense 'ho gai'.

सरकार महामारी को रोक रही है।

The government is stopping the epidemic.

Present continuous 'rok rahi hai'.

महामारी से बहुत लोग बीमार हुए।

Many people became sick because of the epidemic.

'Bahut log' (many people) + 'bimar hue' (became sick).

महामारी ने अर्थव्यवस्था को नुकसान पहुँचाया।

The epidemic caused damage to the economy.

'Ne' (ergative marker) + 'nuksan pahunchaya' (caused damage).

इस महामारी का कोई इलाज नहीं था।

There was no cure for this epidemic.

'Ka' (possessive) + 'ilaj' (cure).

महामारी के समय लोग डरे हुए थे।

People were scared during the epidemic.

'Ke samay' (at the time of).

वैज्ञानिक महामारी का अध्ययन कर रहे हैं।

Scientists are studying the epidemic.

'Adhyayan kar rahe hain' (are studying).

महामारी की वजह से यात्रा पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया गया।

Travel was banned because of the epidemic.

'Ki vajah se' (due to) + 'pratibandh' (ban).

इतिहास में कई महामारियाँ आई हैं।

Many epidemics have come in history.

Plural 'mahāmāriyān'.

महामारी से बचने के लिए स्वच्छता ज़रूरी है।

Hygiene is necessary to avoid the epidemic.

'Bachne ke liye' (to avoid).

क्या आप महामारी के बारे में जानते हैं?

Do you know about the epidemic?

'Ke bare mein' (about).

महामारी की गंभीरता को समझना आवश्यक है।

It is necessary to understand the severity of the epidemic.

'Gambhirta' (severity) is feminine.

वैश्विक महामारी ने पूरी दुनिया को बदल दिया।

The global pandemic changed the whole world.

'Vaishvik' (global) modifies 'mahāmārī'.

महामारी के प्रसार को रोकने के लिए लॉकडाउन लगाया गया।

A lockdown was imposed to stop the spread of the epidemic.

'Prasar' (spread) + 'rokne ke liye' (to stop).

महामारी के दौरान मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर ध्यान देना चाहिए।

Attention should be paid to mental health during the epidemic.

'Mansik swasthya' (mental health).

इस महामारी ने स्वास्थ्य प्रणाली की कमियों को उजागर किया।

This epidemic exposed the flaws in the health system.

'Ujagar kiya' (exposed/highlighted).

महामारी के खिलाफ टीकाकरण ही एकमात्र उपाय है।

Vaccination is the only way against the epidemic.

'Ke khilaf' (against).

महामारी के बाद के युग में तकनीक का महत्व बढ़ गया है।

The importance of technology has increased in the post-epidemic era.

'Post-epidemic' is 'mahāmārī ke baad ke'.

समाज को महामारी से निपटने के लिए एकजुट होना होगा।

Society will have to unite to deal with the epidemic.

'Nipatna' (to deal with).

महामारी की विभीषिका ने मानवता को झकझोर कर रख दिया।

The horror of the epidemic shook humanity.

'Vibhishika' (horror/catastrophe).

महामारी के सामाजिक और आर्थिक परिणामों का विश्लेषण करना कठिन है।

It is difficult to analyze the social and economic consequences of the epidemic.

'Parinamon' (consequences - plural oblique).

इतिहासकार काली मौत जैसी महामारियों का अध्ययन करते हैं।

Historians study epidemics like the Black Death.

'Kali maut' (Black Death).

महामारी के दौरान सूचनाओं की सत्यता की जाँच करना महत्वपूर्ण है।

It is important to check the truthfulness of information during an epidemic.

'Satyata ki janch' (verification of truth).

महामारी ने वैश्वीकरण के खतरों को भी स्पष्ट कर दिया है।

The epidemic has also made clear the dangers of globalization.

'Vaishvikaran' (globalization).

महामारी के उन्मूलन के लिए वैश्विक सहयोग अनिवार्य है।

Global cooperation is mandatory for the eradication of the epidemic.

'Unmulan' (eradication).

लेखक ने अपनी पुस्तक में महामारी के मनोवैज्ञानिक पहलुओं का वर्णन किया है।

The author has described the psychological aspects of the epidemic in his book.

'Manovaigyanik pahluon' (psychological aspects).

महामारी के साये में जीना अब एक नई वास्तविकता बन गया है।

Living in the shadow of the epidemic has now become a new reality.

'Saye mein' (in the shadow).

महामारी की विभीषिका ने अस्तित्ववाद के नए प्रश्नों को जन्म दिया।

The catastrophe of the epidemic gave birth to new existential questions.

'Astitvavad' (existentialism).

महामारी के प्रकोप ने शासन व्यवस्था की संवेदनशीलता को परखा।

The outbreak of the epidemic tested the sensitivity of the governance system.

'Prakop' (outbreak/wrath).

साहित्य में महामारी को अक्सर एक दैवीय प्रकोप के रूप में चित्रित किया गया है।

In literature, epidemics have often been portrayed as a divine wrath.

'Chitrit kiya gaya hai' (has been portrayed).

महामारी के संक्रमण की दर को गणितीय मॉडलों के माध्यम से समझा जा सकता है।

The rate of infection of the epidemic can be understood through mathematical models.

'Ganitiya modelon' (mathematical models).

महामारी ने जैव-राजनीति (biopolitics) के नए आयामों को उजागर किया है।

The epidemic has exposed new dimensions of biopolitics.

'Ayamon' (dimensions).

महामारी के कालखंड को भविष्य में एक ऐतिहासिक मोड़ के रूप में देखा जाएगा।

The period of the epidemic will be seen as a historic turning point in the future.

'Kalkhand' (time period).

महामारी की भयावहता ने सामाजिक असमानता की गहरी खाइयों को और चौड़ा कर दिया।

The dreadfulness of the epidemic widened the deep chasms of social inequality.

'Bhayavahta' (dreadfulness).

महामारी के विरुद्ध मानवता का संघर्ष निरंतर और बहुआयामी रहा है।

Humanity's struggle against the epidemic has been continuous and multidimensional.

'Bahu-ayami' (multidimensional).

Common Collocations

वैश्विक महामारी

महामारी का प्रकोप

महामारी की मार

महामारी घोषित करना

महामारी से बचाव

महामारी का दौर

महामारी की विभीषिका

महामारी का इतिहास

महामारी के विरुद्ध

महामारी की दूसरी लहर

Common Phrases

महामारी की चपेट में आना

— To be caught or affected by the epidemic.

पूरा शहर महामारी की चपेट में आ गया।

महामारी से निपटना

— To deal with or tackle the epidemic.

सरकार महामारी से निपटने की कोशिश कर रही है।

महामारी का अंत

— The end of the epidemic.

हम महामारी के अंत का इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं।

महामारी का फैलना

— The spreading of the epidemic.

महामारी का फैलना चिंताजनक है।

महामारी का डर

— The fear of the epidemic.

लोगों में महामारी का डर है।

महामारी के बाद

— After the epidemic (post-epidemic).

महामारी के बाद दुनिया बदल गई।

महामारी के दौरान

— During the epidemic.

महामारी के दौरान मास्क पहनें।

महामारी का टीका

— The vaccine for the epidemic.

महामारी का टीका आ गया है।

महामारी की रोकथाम

— Prevention of the epidemic.

महामारी की रोकथाम ज़रूरी है।

महामारी के लक्षण

— Symptoms of the epidemic.

इस महामारी के लक्षण क्या हैं?

Often Confused With

महामारी vs बीमारी (Bīmārī)

Bimari is any sickness; Mahāmārī is a widespread epidemic.

महामारी vs रोग (Rog)

Rog is a formal word for disease, often used for chronic conditions, whereas Mahāmārī is infectious and sudden.

महामारी vs आफ़त (Aafat)

Aafat is a general disaster; Mahāmārī is specifically a health disaster.

Idioms & Expressions

"महामारी की तरह फैलना"

— To spread like wildfire (referring to news, rumors, or disease).

यह खबर शहर में महामारी की तरह फैल गई।

Common

"मौत का तांडव"

— The dance of death (often used to describe the peak of an epidemic).

महामारी के दौरान शहर में मौत का तांडव दिखा।

Literary

"काल का ग्रास बनना"

— To fall into the jaws of death (becoming a victim).

हजारों लोग महामारी में काल का ग्रास बन गए।

Formal

"हाहाकार मचना"

— A state of great panic and outcry.

महामारी की खबर से पूरे देश में हाहाकार मच गया।

Common

"जान की बाजी लगाना"

— To risk one's life (doctors during an epidemic).

डॉक्टरों ने महामारी में अपनी जान की बाजी लगा दी।

Common

"संकट की घड़ी"

— The hour of crisis.

यह महामारी हमारे लिए संकट की घड़ी है।

Neutral

"अंधेरे में तीर चलाना"

— To shoot an arrow in the dark (trying unknown cures).

शुरुआत में डॉक्टर महामारी के खिलाफ अंधेरे में तीर चला रहे थे।

Informal

"कमर तोड़ना"

— To break the back of something (usually economy).

महामारी ने व्यापार की कमर तोड़ दी।

Common

"आँखों का तारा होना"

— To be very dear (lost in epidemic).

उसने महामारी में अपनी आँखों का तारा खो दिया।

Emotional

"दीवार खड़ी करना"

— To build a wall (quarantine/prevention).

हमने महामारी के खिलाफ एक दीवार खड़ी की है।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

महामारी vs मरी (Mari)

Sounds like the root.

Mari is an archaic or very poetic term for pestilence; Mahāmārī is the standard modern word.

गाँव में मरी फैली (Old) vs गाँव में महामारी फैली (Modern).

महामारी vs समान (Saman)

Rhythm.

Saman means equal; Mahāmārī means epidemic. No relation in meaning.

सब समान हैं vs महामारी खतरनाक है.

महामारी vs महारानी (Maharani)

Similar spelling.

Maharani means Queen; Mahāmārī means epidemic. Be careful with the 'n' vs 'm'.

महारानी महल में है vs महामारी शहर में है.

महामारी vs महामारी-विज्ञान (Epidemiology)

Long compound word.

This is the study of epidemics, not the epidemic itself.

वह महामारी-विज्ञान पढ़ रहा है.

महामारी vs वैश्विक (Vaishvik)

Often used together.

Vaishvik means global; Mahāmārī means epidemic. Together they mean pandemic.

यह एक वैश्विक महामारी है.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] है।

यह महामारी है।

[Noun] फैल रही है।

महामारी फैल रही है।

[Noun] की वजह से [Result] हुआ।

महामारी की वजह से लॉकडाउन हुआ।

[Noun] को रोकने के लिए [Action] ज़रूरी है।

महामारी को रोकने के लिए टीका ज़रूरी है।

[Noun] की विभीषिका ने [Object] को प्रभावित किया।

महामारी की विभीषिका ने व्यापार को प्रभावित किया।

[Noun] के कालखंड को [Context] के रूप में देखा जाएगा।

महामारी के कालखंड को एक सबक के रूप में देखा जाएगा।

[Noun] के दौरान [Subject] ने [Action] किया।

महामारी के दौरान लोगों ने मदद की।

[Noun] के खिलाफ [Subject] का संघर्ष।

महामारी के खिलाफ डॉक्टरों का संघर्ष।

Word Family

Nouns

महामारी (Epidemic)

मारी (Pestilence)

मार (Death/Hit)

Verbs

मारना (To kill)

मरना (To die)

Adjectives

महामारिक (Epidemiological - rare)

मारू (Lethal)

बीमारी (Sickness)

संक्रमण (Infection)

अस्पताल (Hospital)

वैश्विक (Global)

टीका (Vaccine)

How to Use It

frequency

High (post-2020)

Common Mistakes

महामारी फैला है। → महामारी फैली है।
The word is feminine, so the verb must be 'phaili' (feminine) not 'phaila' (masculine).
एक बड़ा महामारी। → एक बड़ी महामारी।
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of the noun.
वह महामारी से बीमार था। → उसे उस बीमारी (या महामारी) ने जकड़ लिया था।
'Mahāmārī' describes the event, not the state of being sick. Use 'bimari' for personal sickness.
महामरी (Mahamari) → महामारी (Mahāmārī)
Spelling error: missing the long 'ā' sounds which are crucial for correct Hindi.
इस महामारी को खतम करो। → इस महामारी का अंत करो।
'Khatam' is often used for objects; for a crisis like an epidemic, 'ant' or 'unmulan' is more appropriate.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'महामारी' is feminine. Ensure your verbs end in 'i' or 'in' and adjectives end in 'i'.

Expand with Adjectives

Use words like 'भयानक' (terrible), 'घातक' (deadly), or 'अदृश्य' (invisible) to describe the epidemic.

Pandemic vs Epidemic

In formal writing, add 'वैश्विक' (Vaishvik) before 'महामारी' to specifically mean a global pandemic.

Vowel Length

The 'ā' in 'hā' and 'mā' must be long. Practice saying 'Ma-HAAA-MAAA-ree' to get the rhythm right.

News Reading

Read Hindi news headlines daily; 'महामारी' appears frequently in health and international sections.

Maha = Big

Associate 'Maha' with 'Maharaja' (Great King). A 'Mahāmārī' is a 'Great Sickness'.

Post-position Rule

When using 'mein' or 'se', the word 'महामारी' does not change its spelling. It is a stable feminine noun.

Metaphorical Use

You can use the word to describe social problems like 'corruption' to sound more sophisticated in Hindi.

Pacing

Because it's a long word, don't rush it. Clear articulation shows a higher level of fluency.

Audio Cues

Listen for the nasal 'n' at the end of 'Mahāmāriyān' to distinguish between singular and plural in speech.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

'Maha' means Big. 'Mari' sounds like 'Mar' (Die). So, 'Maha-Mari' = Big Dying = Epidemic.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant (Maha) scythe (Mari) sweeping over a map of the world.

Word Web

Infection Vaccine Hospital Death Lockdown Mask Doctor Government

Challenge

Try to use 'Mahāmārī' in a sentence that also includes the word 'Tika' (Vaccine) and 'Sarkar' (Government).

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit. 'Maha' (Great) + 'Mari' (Death/Plague).

Original meaning: A great pestilence or a mass death event.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

This is a sensitive word as it relates to loss of life. Use it with empathy.

In English, we distinguish between 'epidemic' (local) and 'pandemic' (global). In Hindi, 'Mahāmārī' is the umbrella term for both, though 'Vaishvik' is added for pandemic.

The novel 'Maila Aanchal' by Phanishwar Nath Renu. The movie 'Virus' (Malayalam movie dubbed in Hindi). Government of India COVID-19 awareness campaigns.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News Report

महामारी का बढ़ता प्रकोप
नए मामले सामने आए
अस्पतालों में भीड़
सरकार की एडवाइजरी

History Class

प्राचीन महामारियाँ
इतिहास पर प्रभाव
काली मौत का दौर
महामारी और युद्ध

Doctor's Office

संक्रमण से बचाव
टीका लगवाना
सावधानी बरतें
लक्षणों की पहचान

Economic Discussion

जीडीपी में गिरावट
व्यापार पर असर
बेरोजगारी और महामारी
राहत पैकेज

Social Media

घर पर रहें
सुरक्षित रहें
महामारी अपडेट
मदद के लिए संपर्क

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि हम अगली महामारी के लिए तैयार हैं?"

"महामारी के दौरान आपने कौन सी नई चीज़ सीखी?"

"आपके देश में महामारी का प्रभाव कैसा रहा?"

"क्या महामारी के बाद दुनिया सच में बदल गई है?"

"महामारी को रोकने के लिए सबसे ज़रूरी कदम क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

महामारी के दौरान मेरे अनुभव।

अगर मैं स्वास्थ्य मंत्री होता, तो महामारी से कैसे निपटता?

महामारी ने समाज की कमियों को कैसे दिखाया?

भविष्य की महामारियों से बचने के लिए हमें क्या करना चाहिए?

महामारी के दौरान मानसिक स्वास्थ्य का महत्व।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is the most common word used in Hindi news and daily life to describe the COVID-19 pandemic, often as 'कोरोना महामारी'.

It is a feminine noun. You should say 'बड़ी महामारी' (big epidemic) and 'महामारी आई' (the epidemic came).

You can say 'वैश्विक महामारी' (Vaishvik Mahāmārī) or 'सर्वव्यापी महामारी' (Sarvavyapi Mahāmārī).

Metaphorically, yes, you could say 'वायरस एक महामारी की तरह फैल गया', but usually, 'virus' or 'sankraman' is preferred.

'Bimari' is any illness (like a headache). 'Mahāmārī' is an outbreak affecting thousands of people simultaneously.

The 'h' is voiced and clear, like in the English word 'ahead'. It is not silent.

Common verbs include 'phailna' (to spread), 'rokna' (to stop), and 'nipatna' (to deal with).

Yes, 'Waba' is the Urdu equivalent and is often used in Hindustani or poetic contexts.

No, it is a noun. To use it as an adjective, you would say 'महामारी जैसा' (epidemic-like).

The plural form is 'महामारियाँ' (Mahāmāriyān).