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मुड़ना

A2 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

मुड़ना

mudna Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips मुड़ना in 30 Seconds

Explanation मुड़ना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'मुड़ना' (muṛnā) is taught as a basic command for giving and following directions. You will mostly use it in the imperative form: 'बाएँ मुड़ो' (Turn left) or 'दाएँ मुड़ो' (Turn right). It is one of the first verbs you learn to navigate a physical space. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses; just focus on the basic meaning 'to turn'. Remember that 'baayein' is left and 'daayein' is right. When someone tells you where to go, they will likely use this word. It's also used for simple physical actions like 'पीछे मुड़ो' (Turn back/around). Focus on the 'ṛ' sound, which is a flap of the tongue. Practice it with simple objects: 'This road turns' (यह सड़क मुड़ती है). Keeping it simple is key here.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'मुड़ना' in different tenses, especially the simple past and future. You learn that it is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take 'ne' in the past tense. You might say 'मैं मुड़ा' (I turned) instead of 'मैंने मुड़ा'. You also start using it to describe the physical properties of objects, like 'यह तार आसानी से मुड़ता है' (This wire bends easily). You are now able to give more detailed directions, such as 'चौराहे से दाएँ मुड़ना' (Turn right from the crossroads). You also start to recognize the difference between 'मुड़ना' (to turn oneself) and 'मोड़ना' (to turn something). This distinction is vital for basic fluency. You can now describe a journey: 'The bus turned near the station' (बस स्टेशन के पास मुड़ी).

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple directions into more descriptive and slightly metaphorical language. You start using the conjunctive form 'मुड़कर' (muṛkar), which means 'having turned'. For example, 'उसने मुड़कर मेरी तरफ देखा' (He turned and looked at me). This allows you to combine actions into a single sentence. You also encounter 'मुड़ना' in descriptions of nature or complex paths, like 'पहाड़ी रास्ता बार-बार मुड़ता है' (The mountain path turns repeatedly). You begin to understand the nuances of subject-verb agreement more deeply, ensuring the verb matches the gender and number of the subject in all tenses. You might also hear it in instructions for physical exercises or yoga, where precision is needed to describe how the body should move.

At the B2 level, you use 'मुड़ना' with greater flexibility and in more abstract contexts. You can discuss 'turning points' in a story or history using the noun form 'मोड़', but you also use the verb to describe shifts in situations. You might say 'हालात इस तरह मुड़े कि...' (Situations turned in such a way that...). You are comfortable using it in the passive voice or with auxiliary verbs to add shades of meaning, such as 'मुड़ जाना' (to turn away completely). You can distinguish between 'मुड़ना' and other similar verbs like 'झुकना' (to bend/lean) or 'बल खाना' (to twist) in creative writing. Your pronunciation of the retroflex 'ड़' is now consistent, and you can use the verb in conditional sentences: 'अगर तुम यहाँ से मुड़ते, तो जल्दी पहुँच जाते' (If you had turned from here, you would have arrived sooner).

At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic uses of 'मुड़ना' in Hindi literature and formal discourse. You understand its role in creating imagery—how a river 'मुड़ती' through a valley or how a character's life 'मुड़' (turns) after a specific event. You can analyze the use of the verb in poetry, where it might symbolize change, hesitation, or a return to roots. You are also aware of regional variations in usage and can use the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as the habitual past or the presumptive mood. You can discuss the etymology of the word and its relationship to Sanskrit roots. Your usage is idiomatic, and you can use phrases like 'पीछे मुड़कर न देखना' with full cultural context, explaining its philosophical implications in a conversation or essay.

At the C2 level, 'मुड़ना' is a tool for nuanced expression. You use it with native-level precision, capturing subtle differences in movement and intent. You might use it in legal or technical descriptions (e.g., describing the bending of light or the structural integrity of materials). You are capable of using the verb in highly abstract philosophical discussions about the 'bending' of the will or the 'turning' of fate. You can identify and use rare idiomatic expressions involving the root. Your mastery includes the ability to play with the word in puns or sophisticated wordplay. You understand the historical evolution of the verb within Indo-Aryan languages and can compare its usage with its cognates in other Indian languages. At this stage, the word is not just a verb but a flexible concept you can manipulate to suit any rhetorical need.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

मुड़ना in 30 Seconds

Muṛnā is an intransitive verb meaning 'to turn' or 'to bend'.
It is used for directions (turning left/right) and physical states (bending wire).
In the past tense, it never takes the 'ne' particle because it is intransitive.
It is often confused with 'moṛnā', which means to turn something else.

The Hindi verb मुड़ना (muṛnā) is a foundational intransitive verb that every Hindi learner must master. At its core, it signifies the act of turning or bending. Unlike its transitive counterpart 'मोड़ना' (moṛnā), which implies that an external agent is turning something else, 'मुड़ना' focuses on the subject itself undergoing the change in direction or shape. Imagine you are walking down a vibrant street in Delhi; when you reach the end of the lane and change your direction to the left, you are performing the action of 'मुड़ना'. It is spontaneous, self-contained, and describes the movement of the subject.

Physical Direction: Used primarily when giving or following directions. If a road curves or a person changes their heading, this is the verb of choice. For example, 'The road turns right' translates to 'सड़क दाईं ओर मुड़ती है'.
Physical Flexibility: Refers to the capacity of an object to bend without breaking. A thin wire might 'मुड़ना' easily, whereas a thick iron rod might not. It describes the state of becoming curved or folded.
Metaphorical Progress: Commonly used in life advice, specifically the phrase 'पीछे मुड़कर मत देखना' (Don't look back), suggesting that one should focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

अगले चौराहे से बाएँ मुड़ना। (Turn left from the next intersection.)

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word in various tenses. A mother might tell her child, 'सावधानी से मुड़ो' (Turn carefully), or a taxi driver might say, 'गाड़ी यहाँ से नहीं मुड़ेगी' (The car will not turn from here). The versatility of 'मुड़ना' extends from the simple physical act of rotating one's body to the complex description of a winding mountain path (घुमावदार रास्ता). Understanding the nuance between 'मुड़ना' (to turn oneself/to be turned) and 'मोड़ना' (to turn something) is the key to reaching intermediate proficiency in Hindi.

लोहा गरम होने पर आसानी से मुड़ता है। (Iron bends easily when it is hot.)

Whether you are navigating the streets of Mumbai or reading a Hindi novel, 'मुड़ना' appears constantly. It captures the essence of change—be it a change in path, a change in posture, or a change in life's trajectory. Its simplicity belies its importance in the grammatical structure of Hindi verbs, serving as a prime example of the intransitive-transitive pairs that characterize the language.

Using मुड़ना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugation across different tenses and moods. Since it is an intransitive verb (अकर्मक क्रिया), the subject performs the action, and there is no direct object receiving the action. Let's break down its usage in various grammatical contexts.

Present Tense: To describe habitual actions or general truths. 'वह हमेशा दाईं ओर मुड़ता है' (He always turns right). Here, 'मुड़ता' agrees with the masculine singular subject.
Past Tense: Since it is intransitive, we do NOT use the 'ne' (ने) construction. 'मैं मुड़ा' (I turned), 'वह मुड़ी' (She turned). Note how the verb ending changes to match the gender of the subject.
Imperative (Commands): Used when giving directions. 'यहाँ से मुड़िए' (Please turn from here - polite) or 'वहाँ मुड़ो' (Turn there - informal).

जब मैंने उसका नाम पुकारा, वह तुरंत पीछे मुड़ा। (When I called his name, he immediately turned back.)

In complex sentences, 'मुड़ना' often appears in its conjunctive form 'मुड़कर' (muṛkar), meaning 'having turned'. This is extremely common in narrative descriptions. 'उसने मुड़कर देखा' (He turned and looked / Having turned, he looked). This structure allows for a fluid description of sequential actions.

रास्ता आगे जाकर अचानक मुड़ता है, इसलिए धीरे चलाएं। (The road turns suddenly further ahead, so drive slowly.)

For learners, the biggest challenge is often the pronunciation of the retroflex 'ड़' (ṛ). Ensure your tongue flicks against the roof of your mouth to distinguish 'मुड़ना' (to turn) from a potential mispronunciation like 'मुन्ना' (a nickname). Practice saying 'Mu-ṛ-nā' repeatedly to get the flap right.

In the real world, मुड़ना is ubiquitous. From the chaotic traffic of Old Delhi to the serene instructions in a Yoga class, you will encounter this verb in diverse settings. Here are the most common scenarios where 'मुड़ना' takes center stage.

Navigation and GPS: If you set your Google Maps to Hindi, you will constantly hear: 'दो सौ मीटर के बाद बाएँ मुड़ें' (Turn left after two hundred meters). It is the standard term for directional changes in transit.
Physical Education and Yoga: Instructors use it to describe body movements. 'अपनी कमर से दाईं ओर मुड़ें' (Turn to the right from your waist). It describes the rotation of the torso or limbs.
Daily Chores and Objects: When describing the state of things. 'यह तार मुड़ गया है' (This wire has bent). Or 'किताब का कोना मुड़ गया है' (The corner of the book has folded/bent).

ऑटो वाले ने बिना इशारा दिए अचानक मुड़ लिया। (The auto driver turned suddenly without signaling.)

In Bollywood movies and Hindi literature, 'मुड़ना' is often used dramatically. A hero might say, 'मैं अब कभी पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखूँगा' (I will never look back now), symbolizing a point of no return. This emotional weight makes the word more than just a directional cue; it’s a symbol of life’s transitions.

क्या यह प्लास्टिक गरम करने पर मुड़ता है? (Does this plastic bend upon heating?)

Listen for it in news reports about traffic or weather: 'तूफान की वजह से पेड़ों की टहनियां मुड़ गईं' (Branches of trees bent due to the storm). The word is versatile enough to describe both intentional human movement and the involuntary reaction of physical matter to force.

Learning मुड़ना involves navigating a few linguistic traps that often catch English speakers off guard. The most frequent errors involve transitivity and pronunciation.

Confusing Muṛnā with Moṛnā: This is the #1 mistake. 'मुड़ना' is intransitive (the subject turns). 'मोड़ना' is transitive (the subject turns something else). You cannot say 'मैंने रास्ता मुड़ा' (I turned the road); you must say 'रास्ता मुड़ा' (The road turned) or 'मैंने गाड़ी मोड़ी' (I turned the car).
Incorrect Past Tense with 'Ne': Since 'मुड़ना' is intransitive, never use 'ने' (ne) with it. Say 'मैं मुड़ा' (I turned), NOT 'मैंने मुड़ा'. This is a common carry-over error for students who have just learned the 'ne' rule for transitive verbs.
Pronouncing 'ड़' as 'द' or 'र': The retroflex flap 'ड़' is distinct. If you pronounce it as a hard 'd' (like 'mudna'), it sounds incorrect. If you pronounce it as a soft 'r', it might be confused with other words. The tongue must strike the palate and flick forward.

Incorrect: मैंने कोने से मुड़ा। (I turned from the corner - using 'ne')
Correct: मैं कोने से मुड़ा। (I turned from the corner.)

Another mistake is using 'घूमना' (ghūmnā) when 'मुड़ना' is required. While 'घूमना' can mean 'to turn', it often implies rotating in a circle or roaming around. If you are just changing direction at a corner, 'मुड़ना' is the specific and correct term. Using 'घूमना' for a simple left turn sounds slightly unnatural in a directional context.

सावधान! यह सड़क आगे जाकर बहुत तेजी से मुड़ती है। (Careful! This road turns very sharply ahead.)

Finally, ensure subject-verb agreement. If the subject is feminine (like 'सड़क' - road), the verb must be 'मुड़ती' or 'मुड़ी'. If masculine (like 'रास्ता' - path), it is 'मुड़ता' or 'मुड़ा'. Misgendering nouns is a common hurdle but crucial for sounding native.

While मुड़ना is the standard word for 'to turn' or 'to bend', Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the specific type of movement or the object involved. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

घूमना (Ghūmnā): Often confused with 'मुड़ना'. 'घूमना' means to rotate, revolve, or roam. Use it for 'turning around' (180/360 degrees) or 'roaming in a park'. 'मुड़ना' is specifically for a change in direction (like at a T-junction).
झुकना (Jhuknā): Means 'to bend down' or 'to lean'. While 'मुड़ना' can mean bending into a curve, 'झुकना' implies a downward or forward inclination, often from the waist or a hinge point.
मोड़ना (Moṛnā): The transitive sibling. Use this when YOU are turning an object. 'मैंने पन्ना मोड़ा' (I turned/folded the page). 'मुड़ना' is what the page does; 'मोड़ना' is what you do to it.

हवा के झोंके से पेड़ झुक गया, पर टूटा नहीं। (The tree bent/leaned due to the gust of wind, but didn't break.)

In formal or poetic Hindi, you might encounter 'वक्र' (vakra) for 'curved' or 'परिवर्तन' (parivartan) for a 'turn' in events. However, for physical turning, 'मुड़ना' remains the most common and natural choice. When describing a river's winding path, the word 'बल खाना' (bal khānā) is a beautiful, idiomatic way to describe 'twisting and turning'.

नदी पहाड़ों के बीच से मुड़ती हुई बहती है। (The river flows, turning through the mountains.)

Choosing between these depends on the 'flavor' of the action. If you are following a path, use 'मुड़ना'. If you are doing a 180-degree flip, 'पीछे घूमना' (pīche ghūmnā) is more common, though 'पीछे मुड़ना' is also perfectly valid and widely used.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The retroflex 'ṛ' in 'muṛnā' is a characteristic sound of Indo-Aryan languages that is absent in most European languages, making it a 'shibboleth' for native-like pronunciation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mʊɽ.nɑː/

US /mʊɽ.nɑ/

Stress is slightly on the first syllable 'muṛ'.

Rhymes With

जुड़ना (juṛnā - to join) उड़ना (uṛnā - to fly) तुड़ना (tuṛnā - to be broken) फुड़ना (phuṛnā - to throb/twitch) कुड़ना (kuṛnā - to fret) छुड़ना (chuṛnā - to be released) गुड़ना (guṛnā - to be hoed) धुड़ना (dhuṛnā - to be washed - rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ṛ' as 'd' (sounds like mud-na).
Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a standard English 'r' (sounds like mur-na).
Making the 'u' too long (sounds like moo-dna).
Nasalizing the 'n' unnecessarily.
Failing to flap the tongue for the retroflex 'ṛ'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the 'ṛ' character is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation and avoiding 'ne' in past tense.

Speaking 4/5

The retroflex 'ṛ' flap is difficult for many English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'moṛnā' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

बाएँ दाएँ पीछे सड़क जाना

Learn Next

मोड़ना घूमना झुकना रास्ता सीधा

Advanced

परिवर्तन विचलित वक्र आवृत्ति मोड़

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Past Tense

मैं मुड़ा (I turned) - No 'ne' particle.

Conjunctive Participle

मुड़कर (Having turned) - Used to link actions.

Verb Gender Agreement

सड़क (f) मुड़ती है vs रास्ता (m) मुड़ता है.

Causative Formation

मुड़ना (to turn) -> मोड़ना (to make something turn).

Compound Verbs

मुड़ जाना (to turn away completely).

Examples by Level

बाएँ मुड़ो।

Turn left.

Imperative form for 'you' (informal).

यहाँ से मुड़ना।

Turn from here.

Infinitive used as a mild command.

दाएँ मुड़िए।

Please turn right.

Polite imperative form.

पीछे मुड़ो।

Turn back / Turn around.

Directional adverb 'पीछे' + imperative.

वह मुड़ता है।

He turns.

Present simple masculine singular.

गाड़ी मुड़ती है।

The car turns.

Present simple feminine singular (car is feminine).

हम मुड़ते हैं।

We turn.

Present simple masculine plural.

क्या मैं यहाँ से मुड़ूँ?

Should I turn from here?

Subjunctive for seeking permission/advice.

मैं बाएँ मुड़ा।

I turned left.

Simple past masculine singular. No 'ne' used.

वह अचानक मुड़ी।

She turned suddenly.

Simple past feminine singular.

सड़क आगे जाकर मुड़ती है।

The road turns further ahead.

Present habitual describing a fact.

यह तार नहीं मुड़ता।

This wire does not bend.

Negative present simple.

क्या आप यहाँ से मुड़ेंगे?

Will you turn from here?

Future tense polite.

बच्चा डर कर मुड़ा।

The child turned out of fear.

Past tense with a reason.

बस दाईं तरफ मुड़ गई।

The bus turned to the right.

Compound verb 'मुड़ जाना' for completed action.

कोने से मत मुड़ना।

Don't turn from the corner.

Negative imperative.

उसने मुड़कर देखा।

He turned and looked.

Conjunctive participle 'मुड़कर' (having turned).

नदी पहाड़ के पास से मुड़ती है।

The river turns near the mountain.

Descriptive present tense.

हमें अगले सिग्नल से मुड़ना होगा।

We will have to turn from the next signal.

Future necessity (hoga).

लोहा गरम होने पर मुड़ता है।

Iron bends when it is hot.

Conditional present describing a property.

वह बिना मुड़े चलता रहा।

He kept walking without turning.

Negative conjunctive participle 'बिना मुड़े'.

क्या यह रास्ता शहर की ओर मुड़ता है?

Does this path turn towards the city?

Interrogative present.

पेड़ की डाली हवा से मुड़ गई।

The tree branch bent due to the wind.

Feminine subject agreement in past tense.

सावधानी से मुड़ना क्योंकि रास्ता संकरा है।

Turn carefully because the path is narrow.

Instruction with a reason.

हालात अचानक दूसरी दिशा में मुड़ गए।

Situations suddenly turned in another direction.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

वह अपनी बात से मुड़ गया।

He went back on his word.

Idiomatic use meaning to retract a statement.

जहाँ से रास्ता मुड़ता है, वहीं मेरा घर है।

My house is exactly where the road turns.

Relative clause 'जहाँ... वहीं'.

उसने पीछे मुड़कर अपनी यादों को देखा।

He looked back at his memories.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

अगर तुम समय पर मुड़ जाते, तो दुर्घटना न होती।

If you had turned on time, the accident wouldn't have happened.

Past conditional (irrealis).

प्लास्टिक की यह बोतल गरम पानी से मुड़ गई।

This plastic bottle bent/warped from the hot water.

Resultative past tense.

कहानी का रुख अब मुड़ रहा है।

The story's direction is now turning.

Present continuous metaphorical.

बिना मुड़े आगे बढ़ते रहना ही जीवन है।

To keep moving forward without looking back is life.

Infinitive as a subject in a philosophical statement.

जैसे ही सूरज ढला, पक्षी अपने घोंसलों की ओर मुड़े।

As soon as the sun set, the birds turned towards their nests.

Correlative sentence structure.

उसकी आँखों में आँसू थे जब वह मुड़ा।

There were tears in his eyes when he turned.

Evocative narrative past.

सभ्यता का पहिया अब किस ओर मुड़ेगा?

Which way will the wheel of civilization turn now?

Rhetorical future question.

धातु के मुड़ने की आवाज़ सन्नाटे में गूँज उठी।

The sound of metal bending echoed in the silence.

Gerundial use (noun form of the verb).

वह अपने सिद्धांतों से कभी नहीं मुड़ा।

He never strayed/turned from his principles.

Abstract usage for integrity.

किताब के पन्ने मुड़ चुके थे, जो उसकी उम्र बताते थे।

The pages of the book had bent/curled, showing its age.

Past perfect describing state.

नदी की धारा विपरीत दिशा में मुड़ गई।

The river's current turned in the opposite direction.

Complex subject with compound verb.

इतिहास गवाह है कि सत्ता का रुख अक्सर अचानक मुड़ता है।

History is witness that the tide of power often turns suddenly.

Formal/Academic register.

अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ सुनकर वह अधर्म के मार्ग से मुड़ गया।

Hearing the voice of his conscience, he turned away from the path of unrighteousness.

High-register spiritual vocabulary.

प्रकाश की किरणें जब सघन माध्यम में प्रवेश करती हैं, तो वे मुड़ जाती हैं।

When light rays enter a dense medium, they bend (refract).

Scientific/Technical usage (refraction).

उसका व्यक्तित्व परिस्थितियों के दबाव में मुड़ गया।

His personality warped/bent under the pressure of circumstances.

Psychological metaphorical usage.

समय का प्रवाह कभी पीछे की ओर नहीं मुड़ता।

The flow of time never turns backwards.

Philosophical absolute statement.

कवि ने मुड़ती हुई पगडंडियों को जीवन की अनिश्चितता का प्रतीक बताया है।

The poet has described the turning paths as a symbol of life's uncertainty.

Literary analysis register.

राजनीतिक समीकरणों के मुड़ने से नए गठबंधन की संभावना बढ़ गई है।

With the shifting of political equations, the possibility of a new alliance has increased.

Journalistic/Political register.

यदि तर्क की धारा मुड़ जाए, तो निष्कर्ष भी बदल जाता है।

If the flow of logic turns, the conclusion also changes.

Logical/Philosophical conditional.

उसकी मुस्कान में एक ऐसा मोड़ था जहाँ शब्द मुड़कर मौन हो जाते थे।

There was such a turn in her smile where words would turn and become silent.

Highly poetic/Abstract usage.

Common Collocations

बाएँ मुड़ना

दाएँ मुड़ना

पीछे मुड़ना

अचानक मुड़ना

वापस मुड़ना

आसानी से मुड़ना

तेजी से मुड़ना

कोने से मुड़ना

भीतर मुड़ना

रास्ता मुड़ना

Common Phrases

पीछे मुड़कर देखना

— To look back physically or reflect on the past.

उसने कभी पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा।

बाएँ-दाएँ मुड़ना

— To turn left and right; to navigate.

शहर की गलियों में बहुत बाएँ-दाएँ मुड़ना पड़ता है।

मुड़कर आना

— To return or turn back to a place.

वह मुड़कर वापस मेरे पास आया।

रास्ते का मुड़ना

— The turning of a path.

रास्ते का मुड़ना बहुत खतरनाक था।

किताब मुड़ना

— The bending/folding of a book (pages).

मेरी किताब का कोना मुड़ गया है।

सिर मुड़ना

— To turn one's head.

आवाज़ सुनकर सबका सिर उस तरफ मुड़ा।

हवा का मुड़ना

— The shifting of wind direction.

शाम को हवा का रुख मुड़ गया।

मुड़ते हुए

— While turning.

मुड़ते हुए उसने हाथ हिलाया।

जहाँ से मुड़ना है

— The point where one must turn.

मुझे बताओ कि कहाँ से मुड़ना है।

बिना मुड़े

— Without turning; straight ahead.

बिना मुड़े सीधे चलते रहो।

Often Confused With

मुड़ना vs मोड़ना

Moṛnā is transitive (you turn something). Muṛnā is intransitive (it turns).

मुड़ना vs घूमना

Ghūmnā implies rotation or roaming, while Muṛnā is a directional shift.

मुड़ना vs मुड़ना vs झुकना

Muṛnā is bending into a curve; Jhuknā is leaning or bending down.

Idioms & Expressions

"पीछे मुड़कर न देखना"

— To make continuous progress without dwelling on the past.

सफलता मिलने के बाद उसने पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा।

Common

"अपनी बात से मुड़ना"

— To go back on one's promise or statement.

तुम अब अपनी बात से मुड़ नहीं सकते।

Colloquial

"किस्मत का मुड़ना"

— A sudden change in luck or fortune.

उसकी किस्मत ऐसी मुड़ी कि वह रातों-रात अमीर हो गया।

Literary

"रुख मुड़ना"

— A change in the general direction or trend of something.

चुनाव के बाद राजनीति का रुख मुड़ गया।

Journalistic

"पैर मुड़ना"

— To sprain an ankle (literally 'foot turned').

सीढ़ियों से उतरते वक्त मेरा पैर मुड़ गया।

Common

"मुंह मुड़ना"

— To lose interest or turn away from someone.

बुरा वक्त आते ही दोस्तों ने मुंह मुड़ लिया।

Informal

"धारा मुड़ना"

— The course of events changing significantly.

इस घटना ने इतिहास की धारा मुड़ दी।

Formal

"उंगली मुड़ना"

— To have a finger bent (sometimes implies a fight).

लड़ाई में उसकी उंगली मुड़ गई।

Common

"रास्ता मुड़ जाना"

— To lose one's way or take a different life path.

कॉलेज के बाद हम दोनों के रास्ते मुड़ गए।

Metaphorical

"दिल मुड़ना"

— To have a change of heart.

उसकी मासूमियत देखकर मेरा दिल मुड़ गया।

Poetic

Easily Confused

मुड़ना vs मोड़ना

Similar sound and related meaning.

Moṛnā requires an object (transitive), Muṛnā does not (intransitive).

मैंने तार मोड़ा (I bent the wire) vs तार मुड़ गया (The wire bent).

मुड़ना vs मुन्ना

Phonetically similar for beginners.

Munna is a nickname; Muṛnā is a verb.

मुन्ना खेल रहा है vs वह मुड़ रहा है।

मुड़ना vs मरना

Similar vowel and consonant structure.

Marnā means 'to die'; Muṛnā means 'to turn'.

वह मुड़ा (He turned) vs वह मरा (He died).

मुड़ना vs मुड़ना vs मुंडना

Nasalization difference.

Muṛnā (turn) vs Muṇḍnā (to be shaved).

रास्ता मुड़ा vs सिर मुंडा।

मुड़ना vs घूमना

Both involve changing orientation.

Ghūmnā is for walking around or spinning; Muṛnā is for a specific turn.

पार्क में घूमना vs बाएँ मुड़ना।

Sentence Patterns

[Direction] + मुड़ो।

बाएँ मुड़ो।

मैं [Direction] + मुड़ा।

मैं दाएँ मुड़ा।

[Subject] + मुड़कर + [Verb]।

वह मुड़कर हँसा।

[Subject] + [Direction] + मुड़ + गया।

रास्ता बाएँ मुड़ गया।

जैसे ही... वैसे ही... मुड़ना।

जैसे ही सिग्नल हुआ, गाड़ियाँ मुड़ गईं।

[Abstract Subject] + [Direction] + मुड़ना।

इतिहास का पहिया मुड़ गया।

[Object] + आसानी से + मुड़ना।

यह तार आसानी से मुड़ता है।

क्या + [Subject] + यहाँ से + मुड़ता है?

क्या यह रास्ता यहाँ से मुड़ता है?

Word Family

Nouns

मोड़ (moṛ - a turn/curve)

मुड़ाई (muṛāī - the act/cost of bending)

Verbs

मोड़ना (moṛnā - to turn/bend something - transitive)

मरोड़ना (maroṛnā - to twist)

Adjectives

मुड़ा हुआ (muṛā huā - bent/folded)

घुमावदार (ghumāvdār - winding/curvy)

घूमना

झुकना

लौटना

बदलना

हटना

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily navigation and physical descriptions.

Common Mistakes

मैंने बाएँ मुड़ा। → मैं बाएँ मुड़ा।
You used 'ne' with an intransitive verb. 'Muṛnā' does not take 'ne'.
वह दाएँ मोड़ा। → वह दाएँ मुड़ा।
You used the transitive 'moṛnā' instead of the intransitive 'muṛnā'.
सड़क मुड़ता है। → सड़क मुड़ती है।
The noun 'सड़क' (road) is feminine, so the verb must be 'मुड़ती'.
मैं पीछे घूमकर देखा। → मैंने पीछे मुड़कर देखा।
While 'ghūmkar' is possible, 'muṛkar' is more specific for 'turning back to look'. Also, 'dekhnā' is transitive, so the main subject needs 'ne'.
यह तार मुड़ती है। → यह तार मुड़ता है।
'Tar' (wire) is masculine in most contexts, so 'muṛtā' is preferred.

Tips

No 'Ne' in Past

Remember that 'muṛnā' is intransitive. Unlike 'khānā' (to eat), you don't use 'ne' in the past tense. Just say 'Main muṛā'.

The Flap Factor

The 'ṛ' is not a 'd'. If you say 'mud-na', people will understand but it sounds very foreign. Practice the tongue flick!

GPS Hindi

If you want to master this word, use a GPS app in Hindi while driving or walking. You'll hear 'muṛiye' every few minutes.

Compound Power

Adding 'jānā' makes it 'muṛ jānā', which sounds more natural for 'turned away' or 'got bent'.

Bollywood Connection

Listen to the song 'Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh'. It's a perfect way to remember the meaning 'don't look back'.

Conjunctive Form

Use 'muṛkar' (having turned) to combine two actions like 'turning and seeing' into one smooth sentence.

Muṛnā vs Ghūmnā

Don't use 'ghūmnā' for a simple left/right turn. Use 'muṛnā' for direction and 'ghūmnā' for rotation.

Bending Materials

In technical contexts, 'muṛnā' describes the deformation of materials. 'Lohā muṛtā hai' (Iron bends).

Landmarks

In India, people often say 'Mudir se muṛnā' (Turn from the temple). Practice using landmarks with the verb.

The Muddy Turn

Associate 'Muṛnā' with a 'Muddy' road that you have to 'Turn' on.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **MUD** road that **turns** suddenly. MUD-na (though it's a flap 'ṛ', the 'mud' helps you remember the 'turn').

Visual Association

Picture a U-turn sign on a dusty Indian road with the word मुड़ना written on it in bright saffron letters.

Word Web

Turn Bend Fold Curve Direction Navigation Flexibility Change

Challenge

Try to use 'muṛnā' in three different contexts today: giving directions, describing a bent object, and talking about looking back.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Indo-Aryan roots, likely related to the Sanskrit root 'मुट्' (muṭ) or 'मृद्' (mṛd), involving twisting, crushing, or folding.

Original meaning: To twist, to break, or to fold back.

Indo-Aryan > Prakrit > Hindi

Cultural Context

Be careful with the idiom 'मुंह मुड़ना' as it can imply a serious social rift.

In English, 'turn' covers both transitive and intransitive. In Hindi, you must distinguish between 'muṛnā' (I turn) and 'moṛnā' (I turn the key).

The song 'Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh' from the movie Shree 420. Road signs across India saying 'Aage Mod Hai' (Turn ahead). Yoga instructions for 'Bharadvajasana' (Torso turn).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving/Directions

बाएँ मुड़िए
दाएँ मुड़ना
अगले मोड़ से मुड़ना
यू-टर्न मुड़ना

Physical Objects

तार मुड़ गया
कागज मुड़ना
लोहा मुड़ना
हड्डी मुड़ना

Human Movement

पीछे मुड़ो
मुड़कर देखना
गर्दन मुड़ना
तेजी से मुड़ना

Metaphorical/Life

बात से मुड़ना
किस्मत मुड़ना
इतिहास मुड़ना
रास्ते मुड़ जाना

Nature/Geography

नदी मुड़ती है
रास्ता मुड़ता है
हवा मुड़ना
पहाड़ से मुड़ना

Conversation Starters

"क्या मुझे यहाँ से बाएँ मुड़ना चाहिए?"

"क्या यह रास्ता स्टेशन की तरफ मुड़ता है?"

"क्या आप मुड़कर मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?"

"क्या यह तार गरम करने पर मुड़ जाएगा?"

"आप अपनी बात से क्यों मुड़ रहे हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपनी यात्रा में कहाँ-कहाँ मुड़ना पड़ा? (Where did I have to turn during my journey today?)

क्या कभी आप अपनी बात से मुड़े हैं? क्यों? (Have you ever gone back on your word? Why?)

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपके जीवन का रुख मुड़ दिया। (Write about an event that turned the direction of your life.)

अगर रास्ता अचानक मुड़ जाए और आप खो जाएं, तो आप क्या करेंगे? (If the road turns suddenly and you get lost, what will you do?)

पीछे मुड़कर देखने पर आपको अपने बचपन की कौन सी बात याद आती है? (Looking back, what childhood memory do you recall?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is intransitive. This means the subject performs the action on itself or the action happens to the subject without an external object. For example, 'I turn' is 'मैं मुड़ता हूँ'.

No, you should never use 'ne' with 'muṛnā'. Say 'वह मुड़ा' (He turned), never 'उसने मुड़ा'.

'Muṛnā' means 'to turn' (intransitive), while 'moṛnā' means 'to turn something' (transitive). For example: 'The road turns' (सड़क मुड़ती है) vs 'I turn the car' (मैंने गाड़ी मोड़ी).

You should say 'बाएँ मुड़िए' (baayein muṛiye).

Yes, it can mean to bend or fold, especially when describing objects like wire, paper, or metal. 'कागज मुड़ गया' means 'the paper got folded'.

The most common noun form is 'मोड़' (moṛ), which means 'a turn' or 'a curve'.

It is a retroflex flap. Curl your tongue back and flick it against the roof of your mouth as you say the sound.

Yes, it is often used for 'turning points' in life or 'going back on one's word' (अपनी बात से मुड़ना).

The opposite would be 'सीधा जाना' (sīdhā jānā), which means 'to go straight'.

Absolutely. It is used to describe twisting or turning the body in various asanas.