मरीज़
मरीज़ in 30 Seconds
- मरीज़ (marīz) means patient in Hindi and is used in all medical contexts.
- It is a masculine noun of Arabic origin, widely used in daily conversation.
- The word changes to 'मरीज़ों' in the oblique plural (e.g., with 'ko', 'se').
- It is distinct from 'बीमार' (sick), which is an adjective describing the state.
The Hindi word मरीज़ (marīz) is a loanword from Arabic (via Persian and Urdu) that has become an integral part of everyday Hindi conversation. It primarily refers to a person who is suffering from an illness or is under medical care. While the Sanskrit-derived term 'रोगी' (rogī) is also common, 'मरीज़' is frequently used in both formal medical settings and informal daily talk. Understanding this word requires looking at its social context: it doesn't just label a biological state but identifies a person within a caregiving relationship. In the Indian healthcare ecosystem, a 'मरीज़' is often accompanied by 'तीमारदार' (tīmārdār - caregivers/relatives), highlighting the communal nature of recovery in the culture. The word carries a sense of vulnerability but also a call for empathy and professional attention. It is a masculine noun, but in modern standard Hindi, it is used generically for both male and female patients, although the feminine form 'मरीज़ा' (marīzā) exists in more formal or poetic Urdu-influenced contexts. When you walk into a 'अस्पताल' (aspatāl - hospital), the 'डॉक्टर' (ḍôkṭar) will first ask about the 'मरीज़ की हालत' (the patient's condition). This word bridges the gap between the technical world of medicine and the human experience of suffering.
- Etymology
- Derived from the Arabic root 'm-r-ḍ' (illness), entering Hindi through Persian influence during the Mughal era.
- Grammatical Role
- Functions as a common noun. It changes to 'मरीज़ों' (marīzoṃ) in the oblique plural form (e.g., 'मरीज़ों के लिए').
- Nuance
- Slightly more clinical and common than 'बीमार' (bīmār), which is usually an adjective meaning 'sick'.
'डॉक्टर साहब, मरीज़ को अब कैसा महसूस हो रहा है?' (Doctor, how is the patient feeling now?)
In a broader sense, 'मरीज़' can be used metaphorically in literature to describe someone 'sick' with love or grief, though this is less common in standard A2-level communication. For a learner, mastering this word is essential for navigating any health-related situation in India, from buying medicine at a 'केमिस्ट' (chemist) to explaining a family member's condition to a neighbor. It is often paired with verbs like 'देखना' (dekhnā - to examine/see) and 'जाँचना' (jāncnā - to check). The word reflects the linguistic synthesis of India, where an Arabic root sits comfortably in a sentence following Indo-Aryan grammar. It is a word of necessity, empathy, and professional interaction.
Using मरीज़ correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and its relationship with verbs of action and state. As a noun, it usually occupies the subject or object position. For example, 'मरीज़ सो रहा है' (The patient is sleeping) uses it as a subject. In 'डॉक्टर मरीज़ को देख रहा है' (The doctor is examining the patient), it is the object, marked by the postposition 'को'.
'अस्पताल में बहुत मरीज़ इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं।' (Many patients are waiting in the hospital.)
- Common Verb Pairings
- 'मरीज़ का इलाज करना' (To treat a patient), 'मरीज़ की देखभाल करना' (To take care of a patient).
- Adjective Pairings
- 'गंभीर मरीज़' (Serious/critical patient), 'पुराना मरीज़' (Old/long-term patient).
One must be careful with the plural forms. In direct cases, it remains 'मरीज़' (e.g., 'दो मरीज़ आए' - Two patients came). However, when followed by a postposition like 'का', 'को', 'से', or 'में', it changes to 'मरीज़ों' (e.g., 'मरीज़ों की मदद करें' - Help the patients). This is a standard rule for masculine nouns ending in a consonant in Hindi. Additionally, in spoken Hindi, the 'z' sound (ज़) is sometimes simplified to a 'j' sound (ज) by speakers from certain regions, resulting in 'मरीज' (marīj). While 'मरीज़' is the standard Urdu-influenced pronunciation, both are widely understood.
When describing a patient's condition, we often use the possessive 'का' (kā). For example: 'मरीज़ का बुखार कम हो गया है' (The patient's fever has decreased). Here, 'मरीज़' is the possessor of the condition. In a pharmacy, you might say, 'यह दवा मरीज़ के लिए है' (This medicine is for the patient). Notice how 'मरीज़' becomes 'मरीज़' (no change) but the postposition 'के लिए' follows it. If it were plural, it would be 'मरीज़ों के लिए'.
You will encounter the word मरीज़ in several distinct environments in India and Hindi-speaking regions. The most obvious is the अस्पताल (hospital) or क्लीनिक (clinic). Here, it is the standard term used by receptionists, nurses, and doctors. You'll hear announcements like 'अगला मरीज़ अंदर आए' (Next patient, please come in). It is also ubiquitous in news reporting, especially during health crises or when reporting on the state of public health infrastructure.
'आज सरकारी अस्पताल में मरीज़ों की भारी भीड़ देखी गई।' (A huge crowd of patients was seen at the government hospital today.)
In daily life, people use it when discussing the health of neighbors or relatives. Instead of saying 'He is sick,' someone might say 'वह अब एक मरीज़ की तरह बिस्तर पर है' (He is now on the bed like a patient). In Bollywood movies or TV dramas (especially medical dramas), the word is used to heighten emotional stakes. A doctor might gravely say, 'मरीज़ की हालत बहुत नाज़ुक है' (The patient's condition is very critical).
- Public Announcements
- Found on hospital signage: 'मरीज़ों के मिलने का समय' (Visiting hours for patients).
- Pharmacy/Chemist
- 'मरीज़ को यह दवा दिन में दो बार दें' (Give this medicine to the patient twice a day).
Furthermore, in the context of health insurance or government schemes (like Ayushman Bharat), 'मरीज़' is the legal and administrative term for a beneficiary receiving treatment. Whether you are reading a newspaper article about medical breakthroughs or listening to a podcast about mental health, 'मरीज़' remains the go-to term for the individual at the heart of the medical experience.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing मरीज़ (noun) with बीमार (adjective). While both relate to illness, 'मरीज़' is the person, whereas 'बीमार' describes the state. You can say 'वह बीमार है' (He is sick), but you cannot say 'वह मरीज़ है' unless you mean 'He is a patient' (implying he is under treatment). If someone has a cold but isn't seeing a doctor, they are 'बीमार', but not necessarily a 'मरीज़'.
❌ Incorrect: 'मैं मरीज़ हूँ' (when you just feel unwell at home).
✅ Correct: 'मैं बीमार हूँ' (I am sick) or 'मैं डॉक्टर का मरीज़ हूँ' (I am the doctor's patient).
- The 'Z' vs 'J' Confusion
- Writing 'मरीज' instead of 'मरीज़' is common but technically incorrect in formal Hindi/Urdu. The dot (nuqta) under the 'j' makes it a 'z'.
- Gender Misuse
- Using 'मरीज़ा' (marīzā) for a female patient is correct but often sounds overly formal or poetic. Stick to 'मरीज़' for both genders in modern Hindi to avoid sounding archaic.
Another mistake is the pluralization in oblique cases. Learners often forget to change 'मरीज़' to 'मरीज़ों' when adding a postposition. For example, saying 'मरीज़ को फल दो' is correct for one patient, but for multiple patients, it must be 'मरीज़ों को फल दो'. Using 'मरीज़ों' without a postposition (e.g., 'मरीज़ों आए हैं') is also a common error; it should be 'मरीज़ आए हैं'.
Lastly, avoid using 'मरीज़' for animals in casual conversation. While technically possible, people usually use 'बीमार जानवर' (sick animal) or specific terms. 'मरीज़' almost always carries a human connotation in general usage.
To truly master the vocabulary around health, it is helpful to compare मरीज़ with its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym is रोगी (rogī). 'रोगी' comes from the Sanskrit 'रोग' (rog - disease). It is used more in formal literature, Ayurveda, and government health posters. While 'मरीज़' sounds more natural in a modern hospital setting, 'रोगी' sounds more clinical or traditional.
- बीमार (Bīmār)
- An adjective meaning 'sick' or 'unwell'. It is the most common way to describe the state of being ill.
- अस्वस्थ (Asvasth)
- A formal Sanskritized term meaning 'unhealthy' or 'not well'. Used in medical reports or formal letters.
- पीड़ित (Pīṛit)
- Means 'sufferer' or 'victim'. Often used for someone suffering from a specific disease, e.g., 'कैंसर पीड़ित' (cancer sufferer).
'हर रोगी को सही इलाज का अधिकार है।' (Every patient/sick person has the right to proper treatment.)
There is also the term क्लाइंट (Client), which is increasingly used in private mental health practices in urban India, mirroring the English shift from 'patient' to 'client'. However, for physical ailments, 'मरीज़' remains supreme. Another related term is घायल (ghāyal), which specifically means 'injured' (as in an accident), whereas 'मरीज़' is broader and usually implies an internal illness or a long-term medical condition.
In summary, while 'रोगी' is the formal sibling and 'बीमार' is the descriptive cousin, 'मरीज़' is the everyday worker-word that you will use 90% of the time in Hindi-speaking environments when referring to someone under medical care.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Oblique case for masculine nouns ending in consonants
Use of 'को' with verbs of needing/wanting
Possessive 'का/के/की' with human subjects
Examples by Level
मरीज़ यहाँ है।
The patient is here.
Simple subject-verb structure.
क्या आप मरीज़ हैं?
Are you the patient?
Interrogative sentence.
मरीज़ सो रहा है।
The patient is sleeping.
Present continuous tense.
मरीज़ का नाम क्या है?
What is the patient's name?
Use of possessive 'का'.
वहाँ एक मरीज़ है।
There is a patient there.
Existential sentence.
मरीज़ खुश है।
The patient is happy.
Noun + Adjective.
यह मरीज़ का कमरा है।
This is the patient's room.
Possessive construction.
मरीज़ पानी पीता है।
The patient drinks water.
Present simple tense.
मरीज़ को दवा चाहिए।
The patient needs medicine.
Use of 'को' with 'चाहिए'.
डॉक्टर मरीज़ को देख रहे हैं।
The doctor is examining the patient.
Present continuous with object marker 'को'.
मरीज़ अब ठीक महसूस कर रहा है।
The patient is feeling better now.
Adverb 'अब' and compound verb 'महसूस करना'.
अस्पताल में दस मरीज़ हैं।
There are ten patients in the hospital.
Plural noun (no change in direct case).
मरीज़ को आराम की ज़रूरत है।
The patient needs rest.
Abstract noun 'ज़रूरत' with 'को'.
क्या मरीज़ ने खाना खाया?
Did the patient eat food?
Past tense with 'ने'.
मरीज़ धीरे-धीरे चल रहा है।
The patient is walking slowly.
Adverbial phrase 'धीरे-धीरे'.
मरीज़ों को बाहर इंतज़ार करना होगा।
The patients will have to wait outside.
Oblique plural 'मरीज़ों' with 'को'.
मरीज़ की हालत कल से बेहतर है।
The patient's condition is better than yesterday.
Comparison using 'से बेहतर'.
नर्स मरीज़ की देखभाल कर रही है।
The nurse is taking care of the patient.
Genitive 'की' with 'देखभाल'.
मरीज़ को कल अस्पताल से छुट्टी मिलेगी।
The patient will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.
Future tense with 'छुट्टी मिलना'.
डॉक्टर ने मरीज़ को फल खाने की सलाह दी।
The doctor advised the patient to eat fruits.
Indirect speech/Advice structure.
हर मरीज़ का रिकॉर्ड रखना ज़रूरी है।
It is necessary to keep a record of every patient.
Infinitive as subject 'रखना'.
मरीज़ के परिवार वाले बाहर बैठे हैं।
The patient's family members are sitting outside.
Possessive 'के' with plural 'परिवार वाले'.
मरीज़ को समय पर दवा देना मत भूलना।
Don't forget to give the medicine to the patient on time.
Imperative 'मत भूलना'.
इस दवा का मरीज़ पर अच्छा असर हुआ।
This medicine had a good effect on the patient.
Postposition 'पर' (on).
मरीज़ की मानसिक स्थिति की भी जाँच की जानी चाहिए।
The patient's mental state should also be examined.
Passive voice 'की जानी चाहिए'.
गंभीर मरीज़ों के लिए आईसीयू में जगह नहीं है।
There is no space in the ICU for critical patients.
Adjective 'गंभीर' modifying oblique plural.
मरीज़ ने इलाज के दौरान बहुत धैर्य दिखाया।
The patient showed a lot of patience during the treatment.
Postpositional phrase 'के दौरान'.
डॉक्टर और मरीज़ के बीच विश्वास होना चाहिए।
There should be trust between the doctor and the patient.
Compound postposition 'के बीच'.
मरीज़ को अपनी बीमारी के बारे में पूरी जानकारी है।
The patient has full information about their illness.
Possessive 'अपनी' referring back to subject.
अस्पताल प्रशासन मरीज़ों की शिकायतों पर ध्यान दे रहा है।
The hospital administration is paying attention to patients' complaints.
Complex subject and object.
मरीज़ को स्ट्रेचर पर ऑपरेशन थिएटर ले जाया गया।
The patient was taken to the operation theater on a stretcher.
Passive past tense.
क्या मरीज़ को किसी दवा से एलर्जी है?
Is the patient allergic to any medicine?
Interrogative with 'से' postposition.
मरीज़ की स्वायत्तता का सम्मान करना चिकित्सा नैतिकता का मूल सिद्धांत है।
Respecting patient autonomy is a fundamental principle of medical ethics.
Abstract noun 'स्वायत्तता' (autonomy).
ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में मरीज़ों को विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों की कमी का सामना करना पड़ता है।
In rural areas, patients have to face a shortage of specialist doctors.
Compulsion 'पड़ता है'.
मरीज़ के लक्षणों का सूक्ष्म विश्लेषण करना अनिवार्य है।
A subtle analysis of the patient's symptoms is mandatory.
Sanskritized vocabulary 'सूक्ष्म विश्लेषण'.
नई स्वास्थ्य नीति का उद्देश्य मरीज़ों पर वित्तीय बोझ को कम करना है।
The objective of the new health policy is to reduce the financial burden on patients.
Genitive and postpositional complexity.
मरीज़ की सहमति के बिना कोई भी बड़ा ऑपरेशन नहीं किया जा सकता।
No major operation can be performed without the patient's consent.
Conditional phrase 'के बिना'.
दीर्घकालिक मरीज़ों को अक्सर मनोवैज्ञानिक सहायता की आवश्यकता होती है।
Long-term patients often require psychological support.
Compound adjective 'दीर्घकालिक' (long-term).
मरीज़ की रिकवरी में पोषण की भूमिका को नकारा नहीं जा सकता।
The role of nutrition in a patient's recovery cannot be denied.
Potential passive 'नकारा नहीं जा सकता'.
अस्पताल में मरीज़ों की बढ़ती संख्या बुनियादी ढाँचे पर दबाव डाल रही है।
The increasing number of patients in the hospital is putting pressure on the infrastructure.
Participial adjective 'बढ़ती'.
मरीज़ और चिकित्सक का संबंध केवल व्यावसायिक नहीं, बल्कि मानवीय संवेदनाओं पर आधारित होना चाहिए।
The relationship between patient and physician should not be merely professional, but based on human sensibilities.
Complex correlative 'केवल... बल्कि'.
आधुनिक चिकित्सा पद्धति में मरीज़ को केवल एक 'केस' के रूप में देखना चिंताजनक है।
In modern medical practice, viewing the patient merely as a 'case' is worrying.
Gerundial subject 'देखना'.
मरीज़ की पीड़ा को केवल शारीरिक दृष्टि से नहीं, बल्कि समग्रता में समझना आवश्यक है।
It is necessary to understand the patient's suffering not just from a physical perspective, but in its entirety.
Adverbial phrase 'समग्रता में'.
पूरी दुनिया में मरीज़ों के अधिकारों के प्रति जागरूकता एक वैश्विक आंदोलन बन चुकी है।
Awareness of patient rights has become a global movement across the world.
Present perfect 'बन चुकी है'.
मरीज़ की सामाजिक-आर्थिक पृष्ठभूमि उसके उपचार के परिणामों को गहराई से प्रभावित करती है।
The patient's socio-economic background deeply influences the outcomes of their treatment.
Compound noun 'सामाजिक-आर्थिक पृष्ठभूमि'.
चिकित्सा विज्ञान की प्रगति का अंतिम लाभ अंतिम पंक्ति में खड़े मरीज़ तक पहुँचना चाहिए।
The ultimate benefit of medical science's progress should reach the patient standing in the last line.
Metaphorical 'अंतिम पंक्ति'.
मरीज़ की इच्छाशक्ति अक्सर दवाओं से अधिक प्रभावी सिद्ध होती है।
A patient's willpower often proves to be more effective than medicines.
Comparative 'से अधिक'.
क्या हम एक ऐसी स्वास्थ्य प्रणाली विकसित कर सकते हैं जहाँ मरीज़ का कल्याण ही सर्वोपरि हो?
Can we develop a health system where the patient's well-being is paramount?
Relative clause 'जहाँ... हो'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sounds similar but unrelated to health.
Phonetically distinct but sometimes confused by beginners.
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Use 'मरीज़' for people, 'बीमार' for the state, and 'रोगी' for formal/Sanskrit contexts.
Tips
Hospital Context
When you see 'मरीज़' on a door, it usually means the room is for patients only.
Plural Rule
Remember: 'दो मरीज़' (2 patients) but 'मरीज़ों के लिए' (for patients).
The Buzzing Z
Try to make the 'z' sound buzz. It distinguishes the word from 'marij'.
Visiting
If you visit a 'मरीज़', it's polite to ask 'अब आपकी तबियत कैसी है?' (How is your health now?).
Nuqta
In exams, always put the dot under the 'ज' in 'मरीज़'.
On the Phone
If calling a hospital, say 'मुझे एक मरीज़ के बारे में पूछना है' (I want to ask about a patient).
Word Pair
Learn 'डॉक्टर' and 'मरीज़' together as a pair.
Don't confuse
Don't use 'मरीज़' to describe a broken machine; use 'खराब' (kharāb).
Empathy
The word 'मरीज़' often evokes a feeling of sympathy in Hindi culture.
Shortened
In very casual speech, some might just say 'patient' (English word), but 'मरीज़' is better.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Arabic
Cultural Context
In formal settings, patients are addressed as 'मरीज़ जी' or by their name to show respect.
When visiting a patient, it is common to bring fruits or juice, but avoid heavy food.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"क्या आप इस अस्पताल के मरीज़ हैं?"
"मरीज़ की हालत कैसी है?"
"डॉक्टर मरीज़ को कब देखेंगे?"
"मरीज़ को क्या बीमारी है?"
"क्या मरीज़ को दवा मिल गई?"
Journal Prompts
अस्पताल में एक मरीज़ के अनुभव के बारे में लिखें।
अगर आप डॉक्टर होते, तो आप अपने मरीज़ों से कैसे बात करते?
क्या आपने कभी किसी मरीज़ की देखभाल की है? अपना अनुभव लिखें।
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in modern Hindi, 'मरीज़' is used as a common noun for both genders. While 'मरीज़ा' is the feminine form, it is mostly used in Urdu poetry or very formal Urdu-Hindi and is not necessary for daily conversation.
'मरीज़' is from Arabic/Urdu and is the most common word in daily life. 'रोगी' is from Sanskrit and is used in formal, academic, or traditional (like Ayurveda) contexts. Both mean patient.
It's better to use 'बीमार कुत्ता' (sick dog). 'मरीज़' is almost exclusively used for humans in a medical setting.
You say 'मैं मरीज़ हूँ' (Maiṃ marīz hūm). However, if you just want to say you are sick, say 'मैं बीमार हूँ' (Maiṃ bīmār hūm).
The plural is 'मरीज़' (e.g., 'पाँच मरीज़'). But if you use a postposition like 'ko', it becomes 'मरीज़ों' (e.g., 'मरीज़ों को').
The correct pronunciation and spelling is 'मरीज़' (with a 'z'). However, many people in India pronounce it as 'marij' (with a 'j') due to regional accents.
No. This is a common mistake for English speakers. 'Patience' is 'सब्र' (sabr) or 'धैर्य' (dhairya).
You say 'गंभीर मरीज़' (gambhīr marīz).
It is standard. It's not overly formal like 'रोगी', but it's perfectly acceptable in all professional medical settings.
A 'तीमारदार' (tīmārdār) is the person who looks after the 'मरीज़', usually a family member.
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Summary
The word 'मरीज़' is the most practical and common way to say 'patient' in Hindi. While 'रोगी' is a formal alternative, 'मरीज़' is essential for navigating hospitals, pharmacies, and general discussions about health and illness.
- मरीज़ (marīz) means patient in Hindi and is used in all medical contexts.
- It is a masculine noun of Arabic origin, widely used in daily conversation.
- The word changes to 'मरीज़ों' in the oblique plural (e.g., with 'ko', 'se').
- It is distinct from 'बीमार' (sick), which is an adjective describing the state.
Hospital Context
When you see 'मरीज़' on a door, it usually means the room is for patients only.
Plural Rule
Remember: 'दो मरीज़' (2 patients) but 'मरीज़ों के लिए' (for patients).
The Buzzing Z
Try to make the 'z' sound buzz. It distinguishes the word from 'marij'.
Visiting
If you visit a 'मरीज़', it's polite to ask 'अब आपकी तबियत कैसी है?' (How is your health now?).
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