At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'Matsar' yet, as it is quite advanced. However, it is good to know that it means a 'bad feeling' you get when someone else has something you want. Think of it like being 'sad-angry' because your friend got a bigger piece of cake. In simple Hindi, we say 'jalan'. 'Matsar' is just the very fancy, book-style version of that feeling. You might see it in a storybook or hear it in a very serious cartoon. Just remember: Matsar = Envy/Jealousy (Fancy Word).
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more formal words. 'Matsar' is a formal noun for 'envy'. It is used when you want to talk about characters in a story who are jealous. For example, 'The king felt matsar.' In Hindi: 'Raja ko matsar hua.' It is a masculine word. You use it with 'ka' or 'ke'. For example, 'uske matsar ke karan' (because of his envy). It's a great word to recognize in newspapers or on the news, even if you still use 'jalan' when talking to your friends.
At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between different types of feelings. 'Matsar' is not just 'jealousy'; it's a deeper, more spiteful envy. You can use it in your writing to describe complex emotions. For instance, instead of saying someone is 'bura' (bad), you can say they are 'matsari' (envious). This level involves understanding that 'matsar' is often used in moral lessons. You will hear it in speeches about being a good person and avoiding negative thoughts. It’s a key word for discussing character traits in Hindi literature.
At the B2 level, you can use 'Matsar' fluently in formal essays. You understand that it is a 'Tatsama' word, meaning it comes from Sanskrit. This gives your speech a sophisticated tone. You can use it in phrases like 'matsar-vash' (driven by envy). You also know the difference between 'matsar' and 'irshya'—that 'matsar' often implies a certain level of malice or ill-will. You are comfortable hearing this word in news editorials or literary critiques and can explain its meaning using other Hindi synonyms like 'dwesh' or 'dah'.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the philosophical weight of 'Matsar'. You know it is one of the 'Shadripu' (six internal enemies) in Indian philosophy. You can discuss how 'matsar' affects social cohesion and use it in academic or philosophical debates. You understand its nuances in classical poetry where it might be used to describe the internal struggle of a protagonist. Your usage is precise, and you know exactly when to choose 'matsar' over 'hasad' or 'irshya' to maintain the correct linguistic register and cultural context.
At the C2 level, 'Matsar' is a tool for subtle expression. You can analyze the etymology of the word and its evolution in Hindi literature. You can use it to critique modern society, perhaps discussing 'digital matsar' in the age of social media. You understand the deep-seated psychological implications the word carries in Vedic and Puranic texts. You can seamlessly switch between various synonyms to provide the exact shade of meaning required, and you might even use the word in creative writing to evoke a specific, high-classical atmosphere.

मत्सर in 30 Seconds

  • Matsar is a formal Hindi noun meaning envy or jealousy.
  • It is a 'Tatsama' word borrowed directly from Sanskrit literature.
  • It often implies a malicious desire to see others fail.
  • It is categorized as one of the six internal enemies in Indian philosophy.

The Hindi word मत्सर (Matsar) is a profound and somewhat formal term used to describe the complex human emotion of envy or jealousy. While everyday Hindi often uses words like 'jalan' or 'irshya', matsar carries a weightier, more literary, and often moralistic connotation. It is not just the simple desire for what someone else has; it frequently implies a sense of malice or a begrudging spirit toward another person's success or happiness. In classical Indian philosophy, matsar is identified as one of the internal enemies of the human mind, suggesting that it is a destructive force that one should strive to overcome.

Register
Formal, Literary, Academic, and Philosophical. You will rarely hear this in a casual conversation at a vegetable market, but you will certainly encounter it in literature, formal speeches, and spiritual discourses.

विद्वानों के बीच मत्सर शोभा नहीं देता। (Envy does not behoove scholars.)

Understanding the nuance of matsar requires looking at its psychological depth. Unlike 'spite' which is purely external, matsar is an internal burning. It is often used in contexts discussing character development. For instance, in a corporate setting, if a leader is described as having matsar toward their subordinates, it suggests a deep-seated insecurity and a desire to see others fail. The word is masculine in gender and functions as a noun. Because it is a 'Tatsama' word (borrowed directly from Sanskrit), it retains a high degree of prestige and is preferred in formal writing over its more colloquial counterparts.

Synonym Comparison
While 'Irshya' is the standard word for jealousy, 'Matsar' is more about the malicious intent that often accompanies it. It is the 'sting' in the jealousy.

उसके हृदय में मेरे प्रति मत्सर भरा हुआ है। (His heart is filled with envy toward me.)

In modern usage, the word is also appearing more in psychological texts translated into Hindi. It serves as a precise translation for 'envy' in a clinical or analytical sense. When people talk about 'social envy' or 'professional jealousy' in a serious critique, matsar is the word of choice. It implies a lack of 'Mudita' (the joy in others' success). Therefore, to understand matsar is to understand a specific facet of human frailty that Hindi literature explores extensively. Using this word correctly will immediately elevate your Hindi to a more sophisticated, literate level.

सच्चा साधु वही है जो मत्सर से मुक्त हो। (A true sage is one who is free from envy.)

Using मत्सर (Matsar) correctly involves placing it in contexts that are serious, reflective, or formal. It is a masculine noun, so it takes masculine verbs and adjectives. For example, you would say 'bura matsar' (bad envy) or 'matsar badh gaya' (envy increased). Because it is a state of mind, it is often used with the verb 'hona' (to be/happen) or 'rakhna' (to keep/hold).

Common Structure
[Person] + के प्रति (towards) + मत्सर + [Verb]. Example: 'राम के प्रति मत्सर' (Envy towards Ram).

हमें दूसरों की उन्नति देखकर मत्सर नहीं करना चाहिए। (We should not feel envy seeing others' progress.)

In literature, matsar is frequently paired with other negative emotions to describe a character's downfall. It is part of the 'Arishadvarga' (six enemies), so you will often see it in a list: Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (attachment), Mada (pride), and Matsar (envy). This list defines the moral framework of many Indian stories. If you are writing an essay about ethics or human nature in Hindi, using this word is essential. It signals that you are discussing a deep character flaw rather than a passing mood.

उसकी आँखों में साफ मत्सर झलक रहा था। (Envy was clearly visible in his eyes.)

Another way to use it is as an adjective in its derivative form, 'matsari' (envious). A 'matsari vyakti' is an envious person. However, the noun matsar remains more common in philosophical discourse. When constructing sentences, remember that matsar is often something one 'leaves' (tyagna) or 'conquers' (jeetena). Sentences like 'Matsar ka tyag karo' (Renounce envy) are very common in ethical teachings. It's a word that demands respect and a serious tone, making it perfect for formal letters, academic papers, or deep conversations about life.

राजनीति में मत्सर एक आम बात है। (Envy is a common thing in politics.)

Collocation
'Matsar-vash' (under the influence of envy) is a common compound word used to explain why someone did something wrong.

The word मत्सर (Matsar) occupies a specific niche in the Hindi linguistic landscape. You are most likely to hear it in environments where high-standard Hindi is spoken. This includes news broadcasts on channels like Rajya Sabha TV (now Sansad TV), where intellectual debates occur. It is also a staple in the vocabulary of Hindi literature teachers and professors. If you attend a 'Kavi Sammelan' (poetry gathering), poets often use matsar to add a layer of classical beauty and gravity to their verses.

आज के युग में मत्सर ने सामाजिक संबंधों को बिगाड़ दिया है। (In today's era, envy has spoiled social relationships.)

Religious and spiritual contexts are perhaps the most common places to encounter this word. In a 'Pravachan' (religious discourse), a guru might speak about the 'Shadripu' (six enemies), and matsar will be discussed as a barrier to spiritual growth. It is found in the Hindi translations of ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita or the Puranas. When a character in a mythological TV show (like Ramayana or Mahabharata) speaks in 'Shuddh Hindi' (pure Hindi), they will use matsar instead of 'jalan' to express their grievances or to warn others about the dangers of jealousy.

Furthermore, matsar appears in formal editorials of Hindi newspapers like 'Jansatta' or 'Dainik Jagran'. When an author is critiquing the behavior of public figures or analyzing societal trends, they use matsar to give their critique a sense of intellectual authority. It is also found in legal or semi-legal documents when describing the motive behind a malicious act. Hearing this word is a sign that the conversation has moved beyond the mundane and into the realm of values, ethics, and deep human psychology.

लेखक ने समाज में व्याप्त मत्सर पर कड़ा प्रहार किया है। (The author has strongly attacked the envy prevalent in society.)

Media Usage
Used in high-brow talk shows, documentaries about history or philosophy, and in the 'Vichaar' (Opinion) sections of reputable newspapers.

In summary, while you might not use it to tell your friend you're jealous of their pizza, you will hear it when people discuss the fundamental flaws of humanity. It is a word of the pulpit, the podium, and the printed page. It carries the echoes of centuries of Indian thought regarding the purification of the self.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with मत्सर (Matsar) is using it in too casual a context. Because it is a high-register word, using it in a slang-filled conversation or a very informal setting can sound awkward or overly dramatic. It’s like using the word 'covetousness' in English when you just mean you're a bit jealous of a friend's new shoes. To avoid this, gauge the 'temperature' of the conversation; if people are using words like 'yaar', 'bindaas', or 'tension', stick to 'jalan' or 'irshya'.

Mistake 1: Register Mismatch
Incorrect: 'ओ भाई, मुझे तेरी गाड़ी से मत्सर हो रहा है!' (O brother, I am feeling 'matsar' for your car!) - This sounds very strange. Better: 'मुझे तेरी गाड़ी से जलन हो रही है।'

गलत: वह मुझसे मत्सर करती है। (Incorrect grammar: She 'matsar' me.) सही: वह मुझसे मत्सर रखती है। (She holds envy for me.)

Another common error is confusing matsar with 'Dvesh' (hatred/animosity). While they are related, matsar specifically requires a trigger of someone else's success or possession. 'Dvesh' is a broader feeling of dislike that might not involve envy at all. Using them interchangeably can lose the specific nuance of the sentence. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that matsar is a noun and try to use it as a verb directly. In Hindi, you usually 'have' matsar (matsar hona) or 'do' matsar (matsar karna), though 'karna' is also slightly less formal than 'rakhna'.

Finally, there is the confusion between 'Matsar' and 'Matsarya'. 'Matsarya' is the abstract quality of being envious (envy-ness), whereas 'Matsar' is the feeling itself. In most cases, they are interchangeable, but 'Matsar' is the more common root used in compound words and general literature. Beginners often struggle with the pronunciation of the conjunct 'ts' (त् + स). It should be a sharp, quick transition, similar to the sound in 'cats' in English, not two separate syllables.

Mistake 2: Gender Confusion
Since it ends in 'r', some might mistake it for feminine. It is masculine. Say 'उसका मत्सर' (his envy), not 'उसकी मत्सर'.

Avoiding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the dignity it deserves. Remember, matsar is a 'heavy' word—use it when the situation has weight.

To truly master मत्सर (Matsar), one must understand its neighbors in the Hindi vocabulary. Hindi is rich in words for emotions, and each has a specific shade of meaning. The most common alternative is ईर्ष्या (Irshya). While both mean envy, irshya is the standard, everyday word. It can be used for a child being jealous of a sibling or a professional rival. Matsar, however, is more about the 'malice' or 'spite' that accompanies that envy.

मत्सर (Matsar) vs. ईर्ष्या (Irshya)
'Irshya' is the feeling of wanting what another has. 'Matsar' is that feeling plus a desire for the other person to lose what they have. It is a darker, more philosophical term.

जलन (Jalan) - Literal meaning 'burning'. This is the most colloquial and common way to say 'jealousy' in spoken Hindi.

Another word is द्वेष (Dvesh). This translates to 'malice', 'hostility', or 'hatred'. While matsar is triggered by someone else's success, dvesh can exist without any specific trigger of envy; it's just a general ill-will toward someone. Then there is डाह (Daah), a beautiful, slightly poetic word that also means a burning jealousy, often used in rural or older literary contexts. It evokes the image of a heart smoldering with envy.

कुढ़न (Kudhan)
This refers to a 'fretting' or 'simmering' resentment. It’s less about wanting what others have and more about being annoyed by their presence or success.

For those looking for an Islamic/Urdu-influenced alternative, हसद (Hasad) is the word. It is very common in Urdu poetry and common parlance in many parts of India. Like matsar, hasad also carries a strong moral warning in religious contexts (especially in Islam). Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of envy you want to describe, making your Hindi much more expressive and precise.

स्पर्धा (Spardha) - This means 'competition'. It is a positive alternative. Instead of 'matsar' (negative envy), one should have 'spardha' (healthy competition).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Vedic texts, 'matsara' was sometimes used to describe the exhilarating effect of Soma juice, but over centuries, its meaning shifted entirely to the negative emotion of envy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mət̪.səɾ/
US /mət̪.sər/
The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Mat'.
Rhymes With
अक्षर (Akshar) अवसर (Avsar) बंजर (Banjar) मंज़र (Manzar) दफ़्तर (Daftar) स्तर (Star) अंतर (Antar) सुंदर (Sundar)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ts' as two separate syllables (Ma-ta-sar). It must be a quick conjunct.
  • Using a long 'aa' sound at the end (Matsaar). It is a short 'a'.
  • Confusing the dental 't' with a retroflex 'T'. Keep the tongue against the teeth.
  • Softening the 's' into a 'sh' sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'r' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Requires knowledge of Sanskrit-derived words and conjuncts.

Writing 8/5

Spelling the conjunct 'ts' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 6/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if 'ts' is mastered, but register awareness is key.

Listening 7/5

Easily confused with 'machar' (mosquito) if not heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ईर्ष्या जलन मन शत्रु भावना

Learn Next

द्वेष अहंकार लोभ मोह अरिषड्वर्ग

Advanced

मात्सर्य असूया विद्वेष स्पर्धा मुदिता

Grammar to Know

Tatsama Nouns

Words like 'Matsar' follow Sanskrit-based logic and are usually masculine if they end in 'a'.

Conjunct Consonants

The 'ts' in Matsar is a 'Sanyukt Vyanjan' where the first sound is half.

Abstract Noun Usage

Abstract nouns like 'Matsar' often take the postposition 'ka/ke/ki' to show relation.

Compound Formation

Adding '-vash' or '-purn' to nouns to create adverbs/adjectives.

Verb Pairing

Abstract emotions in Hindi are often 'done' (karna) or 'held' (rakhna).

Examples by Level

1

मत्सर एक बुरी भावना है।

Envy is a bad feeling.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

2

उसे मत्सर मत करो।

Don't do envy to him (Don't be envious of him).

Imperative negative.

3

क्या यह मत्सर है?

Is this envy?

Simple question.

4

राम को मत्सर हुआ।

Ram felt envy.

Use of 'hua' to show a state of being.

5

मत्सर अच्छा नहीं होता।

Envy is not good.

General statement.

6

मेरे मन में मत्सर नहीं है।

There is no envy in my mind.

Negation with 'mein'.

7

वह मत्सर से भरा है।

He is full of envy.

Adjective phrase 'bhara hai'.

8

मत्सर छोड़ दो।

Leave envy.

Direct command.

1

हमें मत्सर से बचना चाहिए।

We should avoid envy.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

2

मत्सर इंसान को दुखी करता है।

Envy makes a person sad.

Transitive verb 'karta hai'.

3

उसके पास मत्सर का कोई कारण नहीं था।

He had no reason for envy.

Possessive 'ka' with 'karan'.

4

मत्सर एक मानसिक शत्रु है।

Envy is a mental enemy.

Noun as an adjective.

5

सच्चे मित्र में मत्सर नहीं होता।

A true friend doesn't have envy.

Locative 'mein' with 'hota'.

6

मत्सर की आग में मत जलो।

Don't burn in the fire of envy.

Metaphorical usage.

7

वह अपनी सफलता पर मत्सर नहीं करता।

He doesn't feel envy at his success (implied: others' success).

Negative habitual present.

8

मत्सर का फल मीठा नहीं होता।

The fruit of envy is not sweet.

Proverbial style.

1

मत्सर के कारण उसने अपना ही नुकसान किया।

Due to envy, he caused his own loss.

Compound preposition 'ke karan'.

2

विद्वान लोग मत्सर से दूर रहते हैं।

Learned people stay away from envy.

Plural subject with 'rehte hain'.

3

उसकी आँखों में मत्सर की चमक थी।

There was a glint of envy in his eyes.

Possessive 'ki' with 'chamak'.

4

मत्सर को त्यागना ही शांति का मार्ग है।

Renouncing envy is the path to peace.

Gerund 'tyagna' as a subject.

5

समाज में मत्सर की भावना बढ़ रही है।

The feeling of envy is increasing in society.

Present continuous.

6

वह मत्सर-वश दूसरों की बुराई करता है।

Driven by envy, he speaks ill of others.

Sanskrit-style compound 'matsar-vash'.

7

क्या तुम मत्सर को जीत सकते हो?

Can you conquer envy?

Modal verb 'sakte ho'.

8

मत्सर और प्रेम एक साथ नहीं रह सकते।

Envy and love cannot stay together.

Compound subject.

1

मत्सर व्यक्ति की बुद्धि को भ्रष्ट कर देता है।

Envy corrupts a person's intellect.

Complex transitive verb 'bhrasht kar dena'.

2

साहित्य में मत्सर को एक गंभीर दोष माना गया है।

In literature, envy is considered a serious flaw.

Passive construction 'mana gaya hai'.

3

प्रतिस्पर्धा अच्छी है, पर मत्सर हानिकारक है।

Competition is good, but envy is harmful.

Contrastive conjunction 'par'.

4

उसके हृदय में मत्सर का बीज बोया गया था।

The seed of envy was sown in his heart.

Metaphorical passive.

5

मत्सर से मुक्त होना ही वास्तविक स्वतंत्रता है।

Being free from envy is true freedom.

Abstract definition.

6

उसने मत्सर को अपनी प्रगति में बाधक पाया।

He found envy to be an obstacle in his progress.

Object complement structure.

7

मत्सर की जड़ें बहुत गहरी होती हैं।

The roots of envy are very deep.

Plural feminine noun 'jaden'.

8

लेखक ने नायक के मत्सर का मनोवैज्ञानिक चित्रण किया है।

The author has given a psychological portrayal of the protagonist's envy.

Genitive construction.

1

मत्सर की उत्पत्ति प्रायः असुरक्षा की भावना से होती है।

The origin of envy usually stems from a feeling of insecurity.

Formal vocabulary 'utpatti', 'prayah'.

2

भारतीय दर्शन में मत्सर को 'अरिषड्वर्ग' में गिना जाता है।

In Indian philosophy, envy is counted among the 'Arishadvarga'.

Technical philosophical term.

3

मत्सर का अंधकार विवेक को ढक लेता है।

The darkness of envy covers one's discernment.

Poetic subject-verb agreement.

4

राजनीतिक गलियारों में मत्सर का खेल निरंतर चलता रहता है।

In the corridors of power, the game of envy continues incessantly.

Idiomatic 'galiyaron mein'.

5

क्या मत्सर को पूरी तरह समूल नष्ट किया जा सकता है?

Can envy be completely uprooted and destroyed?

Passive with 'samool nasht'.

6

मत्सर के वशीभूत होकर व्यक्ति अपना विवेक खो बैठता है।

Being under the control of envy, a person loses their discernment.

Compound 'vashibhoot'.

7

उसकी कृतियों में मत्सर के विरुद्ध एक स्पष्ट स्वर सुनाई देता है।

In his works, a clear voice against envy is heard.

Metonymy 'swar'.

8

मत्सर सामाजिक समरसता के लिए एक बड़ा खतरा है।

Envy is a major threat to social harmony.

Formal abstract noun 'samrasata'.

1

मत्सर की सूक्ष्म परतों का विश्लेषण करना अत्यंत कठिन है।

It is extremely difficult to analyze the subtle layers of envy.

Highly formal 'sukshm parat', 'vishleshan'.

2

अद्वैत वेदांत के अनुसार, मत्सर द्वैत की भावना का ही परिणाम है।

According to Advaita Vedanta, envy is a result of the feeling of duality.

Philosophical terminology.

3

मत्सर का उन्मूलन ही चित्त की शुद्धि का आधार है।

The eradication of envy is the basis of the purification of the mind.

Sanskritized nouns 'unmoolan', 'shuddhi'.

4

समकालीन विमर्श में मत्सर को एक संरचनात्मक समस्या के रूप में देखा जा रहा है।

In contemporary discourse, envy is being seen as a structural problem.

Passive continuous 'dekha ja raha hai'.

5

मत्सर की विभीषिका ने कई साम्राज्यों का पतन सुनिश्चित किया।

The horror of envy ensured the downfall of many empires.

Grandiloquent 'vibhishika', 'patan'.

6

वैयक्तिक मत्सर जब सामूहिक रूप धारण कर लेता है, तो वह प्रलयंकारी बन जाता है।

When personal envy takes a collective form, it becomes cataclysmic.

Conditional 'jab... toh'.

7

मत्सर के निवारण हेतु आत्म-चिन्तन अनिवार्य है।

Self-reflection is mandatory for the prevention of envy.

Formal 'hetu', 'anivarya'.

8

मत्सर की प्रकृति आत्म-विनाशकारी होती है, जो कर्ता को ही भस्म कर देती है।

The nature of envy is self-destructive, which incinerates the doer themselves.

Relative clause 'jo...'

Common Collocations

मत्सर का त्याग
मत्सर-वश
मत्सर से मुक्त
घोर मत्सर
मत्सर की भावना
मत्सर करना
मत्सर रखना
मत्सर का भाव
मत्सर की अग्नि
मत्सर रहित

Common Phrases

मत्सर छोड़ो, प्रेम जोड़ो

— Leave envy, connect with love. A common moral slogan.

समाज को बदलने के लिए 'मत्सर छोड़ो, प्रेम जोड़ो' का मंत्र अपनाएं।

मत्सर का फल

— The consequence of envy. Usually implies a negative outcome.

मत्सर का फल हमेशा कड़वा होता है।

मत्सर की दीवार

— The wall of envy. Refers to emotional distance between people.

उनके बीच मत्सर की दीवार खड़ी हो गई है।

मत्सर का विष

— The poison of envy. Describes the toxic nature of the emotion.

मत्सर का विष सारे रिश्तों को खत्म कर देता है।

मत्सर से ग्रस्त

— Afflicted by envy. Used for someone consumed by it.

वह मत्सर से ग्रस्त होकर गलत निर्णय ले रहा है।

मत्सर का अंधकार

— The darkness of envy. Suggests a lack of clarity.

मत्सर का अंधकार उसे सच देखने नहीं दे रहा।

मत्सर का शिकार

— Victim of envy. Can refer to the envied person or the envious one.

बेचारा अपनी ही सफलता के कारण मत्सर का शिकार हो गया।

मत्सर की जड़

— The root of envy. Used to analyze causes.

अहंकार ही मत्सर की जड़ है।

मत्सर का अंत

— The end of envy. Refers to resolution.

क्षमा से ही मत्सर का अंत संभव है।

मत्सर और द्वेष

— Envy and malice. A common pairing in formal speech.

हमें मत्सर और द्वेष से ऊपर उठना होगा।

Often Confused With

मत्सर vs मच्छर (Machar)

Means 'mosquito'. The pronunciation is similar but 'ch' is different from 'ts'.

मत्सर vs मस्तर (Mastar)

Not a common word, but might be confused by learners with 'Master' (teacher).

मत्सर vs मत्स्य (Matsya)

Means 'fish'. Both start with 'Mats' but have very different meanings.

Idioms & Expressions

"मत्सर की आग में जलना"

— To be extremely envious. Similar to 'burning with envy'.

वह पड़ोसी की नई कार देखकर मत्सर की आग में जल रहा है।

Literary
"मत्सर का चश्मा पहनना"

— To see everything through the lens of envy. To be biased.

उसने मत्सर का चश्मा पहन रखा है, उसे मेरी मेहनत नहीं दिखेगी।

Colloquial/Metaphorical
"मत्सर की भेंट चढ़ना"

— To be sacrificed to envy. Used when something good is destroyed by envy.

उनकी दोस्ती मत्सर की भेंट चढ़ गई।

Formal
"मत्सर का ज़हर घोलना"

— To spread envy or create discord.

वह सबके बीच मत्सर का ज़हर घोल रहा है।

Neutral
"मत्सर की धूल उड़ाना"

— To try to tarnish someone's reputation out of envy.

विरोधियों ने उसकी साख पर मत्सर की धूल उड़ाने की कोशिश की।

Poetic
"मत्सर का कीड़ा"

— The 'bug' of envy. Used when someone is constantly envious.

उसे मत्सर का कीड़ा काट गया है।

Informal
"मत्सर की बेड़ियाँ"

— The shackles of envy. Feeling trapped by one's own jealousy.

वह मत्सर की बेड़ियों में जकड़ा हुआ है।

Literary
"मत्सर का घूँट पीना"

— To suppress one's envy or endure the envy of others.

उसे सभा में मत्सर का घूँट पीकर रहना पड़ा।

Poetic
"मत्सर की फसल काटना"

— To reap the (bad) results of being envious.

आज वह अकेला है, वह अपने ही मत्सर की फसल काट रहा है।

Moralistic
"मत्सर का साया"

— The shadow of envy. A lingering feeling of jealousy.

उनके सुखी परिवार पर मत्सर का साया पड़ गया।

Literary

Easily Confused

मत्सर vs ईर्ष्या (Irshya)

Both mean envy.

Irshya is common; Matsar is formal and implies malice.

उसकी ईर्ष्या साधारण है, पर उसका मत्सर खतरनाक है।

मत्सर vs द्वेष (Dvesh)

Both are negative emotions toward others.

Dvesh is general hatred; Matsar is specifically triggered by others' success.

द्वेष बिना कारण हो सकता है, पर मत्सर के लिए किसी की उन्नति चाहिए।

मत्सर vs स्पर्धा (Spardha)

Both involve comparing oneself to others.

Spardha is positive competition; Matsar is negative envy.

स्पर्धा करो, मत्सर नहीं।

मत्सर vs घृणा (Ghrina)

Both are strong negative feelings.

Ghrina is disgust/hatred; Matsar is specifically envy.

मुझे गंदगी से घृणा है, पर सफल लोगों से मत्सर नहीं।

मत्सर vs क्रोध (Krodha)

Often felt together.

Krodha is anger; Matsar is envy. One can lead to the other.

उसका मत्सर अब क्रोध में बदल गया है।

Sentence Patterns

A2

मुझे [Person] से मत्सर है।

मुझे उससे मत्सर है।

B1

[Person] के मन में मत्सर भरा है।

उसके मन में मत्सर भरा है।

B2

मत्सर के कारण [Action].

मत्सर के कारण उसने झूठ बोला।

C1

मत्सर-वश किया गया कार्य [Result].

मत्सर-वश किया गया कार्य दुखदायी होता है।

A2

मत्सर मत करो।

किसी से मत्सर मत करो।

B1

यह मत्सर की बात है।

यह केवल मत्सर की बात है।

B2

मत्सर से बचना कठिन है।

आज के दौर में मत्सर से बचना कठिन है।

C2

मत्सर का समूल नाश अनिवार्य है।

आध्यात्मिक उन्नति के लिए मत्सर का समूल नाश अनिवार्य है।

Word Family

Nouns

मत्सर (Matsar - Envy)
मत्सर्य (Matsarya - Enviousness)
मत्सरी (Matsari - An envious person)

Verbs

मत्सर करना (Matsar karna - To envy)

Adjectives

मत्सरी (Matsari - Envious)
मत्सरपूर्ण (Matsarpurn - Envy-filled)

Related

ईर्ष्या
द्वेष
अरिषड्वर्ग
क्रोध
लोभ

How to Use It

frequency

Low in daily speech, High in literature and ethics.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'Matsar' for a mosquito. Machar (मच्छर).

    Learners often confuse the 'ts' sound with 'ch'.

  • Saying 'Mujhe matsar ho rahi hai'. Mujhe matsar ho raha hai.

    Matsar is masculine, so the verb must be 'raha'.

  • Using it in a text message to a friend about a burger. Jalan.

    Matsar is too formal for food jealousy.

  • Spelling it as मस्तर (Mastar). मत्सर (Matsar).

    The 't' is dental and half, not a full 's' sound.

  • Thinking it means 'competition'. Spardha.

    Matsar is negative; competition is usually positive.

Tips

Context is King

Only use 'Matsar' when discussing serious topics like ethics, character, or literature.

The 'ts' conjunct

Don't add a vowel between 't' and 's'. It's not 'mat-a-sar'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'Matsar' if you want to imply that the envy is malicious or deep-rooted.

Gender Check

Always treat it as masculine. Adjectives should end in 'a' or 'e', not 'i'.

Formal Essays

Include 'Matsar' in essays about social issues to increase your score for vocabulary.

Half 'ta'

Remember to write the 't' as a half-letter (त्) attached to 'sa' (स).

Spiritual Context

When reading about yoga or meditation in Hindi, look for this word.

News Vocabulary

Listen to Sansad TV to hear this word used in intellectual discussions.

Don't Overuse

Using it too much in one paragraph can make your Hindi sound archaic.

The 'Enemy' List

Memorize it as part of the 'Shadripu' list to remember its meaning and weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mat' (Don't) and 'Sir' (Head). 'Don't let it get to your head'—that's what you say about envy. Or associate 'Mat-sar' with 'Mad-Sir' (an angry, jealous gentleman).

Visual Association

Imagine a dark, green smoke (the traditional color of envy) rising from a heart and clouding a person's vision. Label the smoke 'MATSAR'.

Word Web

Envy Shadripu Malice Sanskrit Formal Internal Enemy Spite Literary

Challenge

Write three sentences about a character in a movie who failed because of their 'matsar'. Try to use the word in the masculine form correctly.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Sanskrit 'मत्सर' (matsara).

Original meaning: In Sanskrit, it meant 'selfish', 'greedy', or 'envious'. It is derived from the root 'mad' (to be drunk or excited), suggesting a state of being intoxicated by one's own ego.

Indo-Aryan.

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'matsari' is a very strong insult to their character. Use it carefully.

The closest English equivalent in register is 'covetousness' or 'malice', rather than just 'jealousy'.

The 'Shadripu' mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita and various Puranas. Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas where various characters' downfalls are attributed to matsar. Modern Hindi poetry by Jaishankar Prasad often explores these deep human emotions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moral Education

  • मत्सर का त्याग
  • अच्छे संस्कार
  • मन की शुद्धि
  • दूसरों की खुशी

Literary Critique

  • पात्र का मत्सर
  • कथानक का मोड़
  • मानवीय स्वभाव
  • मनोवैज्ञानिक चित्रण

Religious Discourse

  • अरिषड्वर्ग
  • साधना में बाधा
  • निर्मत्सर होना
  • परमात्मा की कृपा

Workplace Conflict

  • पेशेवर मत्सर
  • टीम भावना
  • प्रगति में बाधक
  • स्वस्थ प्रतिस्पर्धा

History/Mythology

  • साम्राज्य का पतन
  • भ्रातृ मत्सर
  • वरदान और श्राप
  • अहंकार की पराकाष्ठा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि सोशल मीडिया मत्सर को बढ़ावा देता है?"

"मत्सर और स्वस्थ प्रतिस्पर्धा के बीच आप क्या अंतर देखते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी कहानी में मत्सर के कारण किसी का पतन देखा है?"

"हम अपने मन से मत्सर की भावना को कैसे दूर कर सकते हैं?"

"क्या विद्वानों के बीच मत्सर होना स्वाभाविक है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने कब और क्यों मत्सर महसूस किया? इस भावना का मेरे व्यवहार पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ा?

मत्सर के विरुद्ध तीन सकारात्मक विचार लिखें जो मुझे दूसरों की सफलता पर खुश होने में मदद करें।

एक काल्पनिक कहानी लिखें जहाँ मत्सर मुख्य खलनायक है।

मेरे जीवन में मत्सर ने कब एक बाधा के रूप में कार्य किया है?

यदि समाज से मत्सर पूरी तरह समाप्त हो जाए, तो दुनिया कैसी दिखेगी?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. You would use 'jalan' or 'irshya' in daily life. 'Matsar' is reserved for books, news, and formal talks.

It is a masculine noun. You say 'मेरा मत्सर' (my envy).

It's a dental 't' followed quickly by 's'. Like the 'ts' in 'tsunami' or 'cats'.

Always negative. It describes a harmful emotion.

It sounds too formal. Use 'shak' (doubt) or 'jalan' for romantic jealousy.

Matsar is the noun (envy); Matsarya is the abstract state (enviousness). They are often interchangeable.

No, that is 'Matsya'. They look similar but have different roots.

Yes, it is a Tatsama word, meaning it's borrowed directly from Sanskrit.

Kama (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Attachment), Mada (Pride), and Matsar (Envy).

No, it's a noun. You must add a verb like 'karna' or 'rakhna' to use it as an action.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'मत्सर' to describe a jealous king.

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writing

Translate: 'We should stay away from envy.'

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writing

Use 'मत्सर-वश' in a sentence.

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writing

Describe why 'Matsar' is bad in 20 words.

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writing

Write a short dialogue between two friends using 'मत्सर'.

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writing

Translate: 'Envy corupts the mind.'

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writing

Write an antonym-based sentence using 'मुदिता' and 'मत्सर'.

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writing

Create a slogan against envy.

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writing

Translate: 'He is full of envy.'

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writing

Explain 'Shadripu' briefly including 'Matsar'.

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writing

Write a formal email sentence complaining about professional envy.

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writing

Translate: 'Envy was visible in his eyes.'

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writing

Use 'मत्सरी' in a sentence about a character.

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writing

Translate: 'Renounce envy for peace.'

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writing

Write a sentence about social media and envy.

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writing

Translate: 'Envy is a barrier to success.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'मत्सर की अग्नि'.

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writing

Translate: 'A scholar should not have envy.'

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writing

Create a sentence using 'निर्मत्सर'.

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writing

Translate: 'Envy is a mental disease.'

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'मत्सर' clearly.

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speaking

Say: 'मुझे मत्सर नहीं करना चाहिए।' (I should not envy.)

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर एक आंतरिक शत्रु है।' (Envy is an internal enemy.)

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speaking

Describe a time you felt 'matsar' in Hindi.

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speaking

Explain the meaning of 'Matsar' in Hindi to a friend.

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर का त्याग करो।' (Renounce envy.)

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speaking

Give a short speech on why 'Matsar' is bad for a team.

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speaking

Say: 'क्या यह मत्सर है या प्रतिस्पर्धा?' (Is this envy or competition?)

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speaking

Pronounce: 'मत्सर-वश'.

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speaking

Say: 'वह मत्सर से भरा है।' (He is full of envy.)

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर की अग्नि भयंकर होती है।' (The fire of envy is terrible.)

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speaking

Ask: 'क्या आपके मन में मेरे लिए मत्सर है?' (Do you have envy for me in your mind?)

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speaking

Say: 'निर्मत्सर जीवन सुखद होता है।' (An envy-free life is pleasant.)

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर का फल कड़वा होता है।' (The fruit of envy is bitter.)

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speaking

Pronounce 'अरिषड्वर्ग' and 'मत्सर'.

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर सफलता में बाधा है।' (Envy is a barrier to success.)

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speaking

Say: 'उसने मत्सर के कारण अपना घर खो दिया।' (He lost his home because of envy.)

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर को पहचानो और उसे जीतो।' (Recognize envy and conquer it.)

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speaking

Say: 'सच्चा मित्र मत्सर नहीं करता।' (A true friend does not envy.)

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speaking

Say: 'मत्सर का विष रिश्तों को नष्ट करता है।' (The poison of envy destroys relationships.)

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listening

Listen to the word: 'मत्सर'. Is it 'mosquito' or 'envy'?

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listening

Listen: 'उसे मत्सर है।' Does he have a cold or envy?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर एक दोष है।' Is Matsar a virtue or a flaw?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर-वश काम मत करो।' Should you work driven by envy?

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listening

Listen: 'निर्मत्सर बनो।' What should you become?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर की आग।' What is being described?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सरी स्वभाव।' What kind of nature is this?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर का त्याग।' What is being advised?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर बुद्धि को भ्रष्ट करता है।' What does it do to the intellect?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर के कारण युद्ध हुआ।' What caused the war?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर समाज के लिए विष है।' Is it medicine or poison?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर और प्रेम।' Are they the same or different?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर का बीज।' What was sown?

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listening

Listen: 'मत्सर से मुक्ति।' What is desired?

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Listen: 'मत्सर की परते।' What are being analyzed?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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