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नकल करना

A2 verb 8 min read

नकल करना

nakal karna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips नकल करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation नकल करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'नकल करना' (nakal karnā) as a simple action: 'to copy.' Think of it in the context of a classroom where a teacher might say 'Don't copy' (नकल मत करो - nakal mat karo). At this stage, focusing on the basic present and imperative forms is enough. You can use it to talk about copying homework or copying a drawing. It is a 'doing' word (verb) made of two parts: 'nakal' (the thing being done) and 'karna' (to do). Just remember that 'nakal' is a feminine word, so if you are talking about the past, you say 'ki' instead of 'ka.' This is a very useful word because it appears in many simple, everyday situations involving children, students, and learning. For an A1 learner, the most important thing is to recognize the word when a teacher or parent says it and to be able to say 'I am not copying' (मैं नकल नहीं कर रहा हूँ - Main nakal nahi kar raha hoon). Use it sparingly and in clear, simple contexts like 'copying words from a board' or 'copying a friend's answer.' Avoid complex grammar for now.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'नकल करना' in more varied sentences and understand its different shades of meaning. You should be able to conjugate it in past, present, and future tenses. For example, 'उसने मेरी नकल की' (He copied me) or 'वह नकल करेगा' (He will copy). You should also understand that it can mean 'to imitate' someone's behavior or voice, not just copying text. At this stage, you start to see the difference between 'nakal karna' (to copy/cheat) and 'nakal utarna' (to mimic/imitate). You should also be comfortable with the possessive 'ki' that always comes before 'nakal' when you are copying a person or an object (e.g., 'teacher ki nakal'). This level requires you to understand the context—is the person copying to learn, or are they cheating? A2 learners should be able to describe simple scenarios, like a monkey copying a man or a student getting caught for 'nakal' in a small test. You are moving beyond just commands and into describing actions and consequences.

At the B1 level, your understanding of 'नकल करना' should include its social and ethical implications. You can use it to discuss topics like 'cheating in exams' or 'plagiarism in art.' You should be able to form complex sentences using conjunctions, such as 'हालांकि उसने नकल की, फिर भी वह फेल हो गया' (Although he cheated, he still failed). You will also start using synonyms like 'अनुकरण करना' (anukaran karna) for more positive contexts, like emulating a role model. B1 learners should be aware of the noun form 'नकल' (nakal) being used for 'fake' or 'counterfeit' items in a market. You might say, 'यह असली ब्रांड नहीं है, यह उसकी नकल है' (This is not the real brand, it's a copy of it). Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'नकलची' (nakalchi - a person who copies/a copycat). At this level, you are expected to use the word in discussions about school life, honesty, and the entertainment industry (mimicry). You should also be able to distinguish between 'nakal' and 'dhokha' (deception) clearly in your speech.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'नकल करना' in professional, legal, and literary contexts. You understand that in legal terms, a 'nakal' can be a 'certified copy' (प्रमाणित नकल) and that the word isn't always negative. You can participate in debates about the morality of 'nakal' in the age of the internet and AI. You should be able to use the verb in passive constructions, like 'परीक्षा में नकल की जाती है' (Cheating is done in exams), and understand more nuanced idioms. Your grasp of the grammar should be perfect, especially the 'Ne' construction in the past tense. You can also explore the etymology of the word, knowing it comes from Arabic, which helps you understand its presence in other Indian languages as well. B2 learners should be able to write essays or give presentations where they compare 'nakal' (copying) with 'maulikta' (originality). You should also be comfortable using more advanced related verbs like 'प्रतिलिपि बनाना' (to duplicate) when appropriate for the register.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of 'नकल करना' and its place in Hindi literature and formal discourse. You can use it metaphorically and understand its role in philosophical discussions about 'mimesis' (the imitation of nature in art). You are aware of the subtle differences between 'nakal,' 'anukaran,' 'anulipi,' and 'pratilipi.' You can use the term to analyze social phenomena, such as the 'nakal mafia' in certain regions of India, and discuss the systemic issues in the education system that lead to such behavior. Your usage is sophisticated, employing the word in complex grammatical structures including conditional and subjunctive moods. You can also identify and use regional variations or slang associated with copying. At this level, you can read academic papers or legal documents where 'nakal' is used in its technical sense without confusion. You are also able to appreciate wordplay involving 'nakal' in poetry or high-level satire.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'नकल करना.' You can use it with complete spontaneity and precision in any context, from a street-side argument to a high-level academic symposium. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its various connotations across different eras of Hindi literature. You can use the word to express the finest shades of meaning—distinguishing between a 'sincere imitation,' a 'mocking parody,' a 'blatant forgery,' and a 'legal duplicate' using only the word 'nakal' and its associated modifiers. You are also proficient in the use of rare idioms and proverbs that feature the word. Your ability to switch registers—from using 'nakal' in a casual conversation to using 'anukaran' in a formal speech—is seamless. At this stage, you don't just know what the word means; you understand the entire cultural and psychological landscape that the word 'nakal' occupies in the Hindi-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

नकल करना in 30 Seconds

A verb meaning 'to copy', 'to imitate', or 'to cheat' in an exam.
Grammatically feminine: use 'ki' in the past tense (e.g., 'Maine nakal ki').
Commonly used in schools, art, mimicry, and legal contexts.
Can be neutral (learning), positive (emulating), or negative (cheating).

The Hindi verb नकल करना (nakal karnā) is a fascinating and multi-layered term that every Hindi learner should master. At its core, it translates to 'to copy,' 'to imitate,' or 'to mimic.' However, its usage spans a spectrum from innocent childhood play to serious academic dishonesty. In the context of learning, you might use it when a child copies a drawing from a book. In the context of entertainment, it refers to a mimicry artist imitating a famous Bollywood actor's voice. Most significantly in a social context, it is the standard term for 'cheating' in an examination. Understanding the nuance of नकल करना requires looking at the intent behind the action. If the intent is to learn or entertain, it is often seen as neutral or even positive. If the intent is to deceive, it carries a heavy negative connotation.

Literal Meaning: To perform the act of copying (Nakal = Copy, Karna = To do).
Academic Context: Specifically refers to cheating or using unfair means during a test.

बच्चे अक्सर अपने माता-पिता की नकल करते हैं। (Children often copy/imitate their parents.)

In Indian schools, the phrase is a constant warning from teachers. You will hear 'नकल मत करो' (Don't copy/cheat) echoing in hallways. Beyond the classroom, 'नकल' is also used in the world of fashion and products. A 'nakli' (adjective derived from nakal) item is a fake or a duplicate. Therefore, the verb नकल करना can also imply the act of counterfeiting or producing a replica of an original brand. Despite its potential negative meanings, it is also the word used for the sincere 'imitation' required in traditional arts, where a student must perfectly copy the master's movements to learn the craft. This duality makes it a versatile verb in daily Hindi conversation.

उसने परीक्षा में नकल की और पकड़ा गया। (He cheated in the exam and was caught.)

When you are using this verb, remember that it is a 'karna' (to do) compound verb. This means the noun 'nakal' (copy) is combined with 'karna' to form the action. In past tense, it becomes 'nakal ki' (because 'nakal' is feminine). For example, 'Maine nakal ki' (I copied). In future tense, 'Main nakal karunga' (I will copy). This grammatical structure is very common in Hindi and mastering it allows you to form hundreds of other verbs. The word is used across all social strata and is neither overly formal nor slang, making it a safe choice for any conversation where copying or imitation is the topic.

Using नकल करना correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and how it interacts with objects. Since 'नकल' (nakal) is a feminine noun, any adjectives or verbs that agree with it must be in the feminine form. When you say 'I copied the answer,' the Hindi structure is 'मैंने उत्तर की नकल की.' Notice the use of 'ki' instead of 'ka' because 'nakal' is feminine. This is a common point of confusion for beginners who assume the verb should agree with the subject.

Subject-Object Agreement: The action is directed towards the 'nakal' itself. Example: 'उसने मेरी नकल की' (He copied me).

क्या तुम मेरी आवाज़ की नकल कर सकते हो? (Can you mimic my voice?)

In more complex sentences, you can use it to describe habitual actions or specific instances. For example, 'वह हमेशा दूसरों की नकल करता है' (He always copies others). Here, 'karta hai' is the present habitual form. If you want to tell someone not to copy your style, you would say, 'मेरे स्टाइल की नकल मत करो.' The word 'ki' is essential here as it links the person being copied to the act of copying. Without the 'ki', the sentence would feel incomplete or grammatically broken.

बिना सोचे-समझे किसी की नकल करना बेवकूफी है। (To copy someone blindly is foolishness.)

Furthermore, in a professional or legal setting, 'nakal karna' can be replaced by more formal words like 'प्रतिलिपि बनाना' (pratilipi banana - to make a copy/duplicate), but in spoken Hindi, 'nakal karna' remains the most frequent choice. If you are talking about a computer context, like 'copy and paste,' people often use the English word 'copy' directly, but 'nakal karna' is the conceptual equivalent. In literature, you might see it used metaphorically, such as 'nature copying art.' No matter the context, the core structure remains a noun (nakal) followed by the helper verb (karna).

The most common place to hear नकल करना is in an academic environment. India's competitive education system makes 'nakal' a major topic of discussion, news, and even cinema. You will hear it in school assemblies, in parent-teacher meetings, and among students whispering in the library. Beyond schools, the world of entertainment is full of it. Mimicry artists, known as 'mimicry artists' even in Hindi, are often asked, 'क्या आप अमिताभ बच्चन की नकल कर सकते हैं?' (Can you imitate Amitabh Bachchan?). This shows the word's role in the arts and performance.

News & Media: Headlines often read 'परीक्षा में भारी नकल' (Massive cheating in the exam).

फिल्मों में अक्सर पुराने गानों की नकल की जाती है। (Old songs are often copied/remade in movies.)

In the marketplace, you will hear it when discussing 'first copies' or counterfeit goods. A shopkeeper might say, 'यह असली नहीं है, यह तो नकल है' (This isn't real, it's a copy). Here, 'nakal' is used as a noun, but the action of making it is 'nakal karna'. You'll also hear it in social settings when someone is mocking another person by imitating their mannerisms. If someone is annoyed, they might snap, 'मेरी नकल उतारना बंद करो!' (Stop mimicking me!). Note the variation 'nakal utarna' which is a common idiom meaning the same thing but with a slightly more mocking tone.

बंदर दूसरों की नकल करने में माहिर होते हैं। (Monkeys are experts at copying others.)

You might also hear it in the context of legal documents. A 'certified copy' of a document is called a 'प्रमाणित नकल' (Pramanit Nakal). In this formal sense, the word loses its negative 'cheating' connotation and becomes a purely technical term. This wide range of usage—from the courtroom to the classroom to the comedy club—makes it one of the most useful verbs to recognize in various social environments across India.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with नकल करना is regarding its gender. Because the subject of the sentence might be masculine (e.g., a boy), learners often say 'उसने नकल किया' (Usne nakal kiya). However, since 'नकल' is a feminine noun, the past tense of 'karna' must agree with the noun 'nakal', making it 'उसने नकल की' (Usne nakal ki). This is a classic 'Ne' construction rule in Hindi where the verb agrees with the object in the perfective tense.

The 'Ki' vs 'Ka' Error: Incorrect: 'राहुल का नकल मत करो' | Correct: 'राहुल की नकल मत करो' (Don't copy Rahul).

गलत: मैंने होमवर्क नकल किया। सही: मैंने होमवर्क की नकल की।

Another mistake is confusing 'नकल करना' (to copy) with 'धोखा देना' (to cheat/deceive). While 'nakal karna' is cheating in an exam, 'dhokha dena' is cheating in a relationship or a business deal. You wouldn't say someone 'nakal kiya' their business partner; you would say they 'dhokha diya'. Conversely, you usually wouldn't say a student 'dhokha diya' in an exam unless they specifically deceived a person; the act of looking at a paper is specifically 'nakal karna'.

उसने मेरी पेंटिंग की नकल की। (He copied my painting.)

Additionally, learners sometimes forget the 'ki' (of) when copying a person. In English, we say 'copy me,' but in Hindi, it is 'मेरी नकल' (my copy). Saying 'मुझको नकल करो' (Copy to me) sounds very unnatural. Always remember the possessive link: 'Person + ki + nakal'. Lastly, avoid using it for 'photocopying' in a modern office context. While technically correct, most people say 'photocopy karana' or 'xerox karana'. Using 'nakal karna' there might sound a bit archaic or overly literal to a native speaker.

While नकल करना is the most common way to say 'to copy,' Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of imitation. For instance, in formal or academic writing, you might encounter the word अनुकरण करना (anukaran karnā). This specifically means 'to follow' or 'to emulate.' It is almost always positive, used in sentences like 'हमें महापुरुषों का अनुकरण करना चाहिए' (We should emulate great men). Unlike 'nakal,' 'anukaran' never implies cheating.

Nakal vs. Anukaran: 'Nakal' can be negative (cheating); 'Anukaran' is usually positive (emulating virtues).
Nakal vs. Pratilipi: 'Pratilipi' is a formal 'duplicate' or 'manuscript copy,' used in legal/literary contexts.

अच्छे गुणों का अनुकरण करो, बुरी आदतों की नकल नहीं। (Emulate good qualities, don't copy bad habits.)

Another interesting alternative is नकल उतारना (nakal utārnā). While 'nakal karna' is the act of copying, 'nakal utarna' is specifically the act of mimicking someone's voice or behavior, often for comedic or mocking purposes. If a comedian is doing an impression, they are 'nakal utaar rahe hain.' Then there is जालसाज़ी (jālsāzī), which means 'forgery.' This is a much more serious legal term used for faking signatures or documents. While 'nakal' is the action, 'jalsazi' is the crime.

उसने कागज़ात की हूबहु नकल तैयार की। (He prepared an exact copy of the documents.)

In a modern tech context, you will also hear कॉपी करना (copy karnā), where the English word 'copy' is simply transliterated. This is ubiquitous in offices and among the youth. However, using 'नकल करना' gives your Hindi a more authentic, grounded feel. In summary, while 'nakal karna' is your 'go-to' verb, being aware of 'anukaran' for respect and 'nakal utarna' for mimicry will significantly elevate your Hindi vocabulary and help you sound more like a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Nakal' is also used in the context of 'Nakal-e-Makan,' which in administrative Hindi/Urdu means 'moving house' or 'changing residence,' staying true to its original Arabic root of 'transporting.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nə.kəl kəɾ.nɑː/

US /nə.kəl kər.nɑ/

Stress is evenly distributed, but a slight emphasis is placed on the first syllable of 'Nakal' and the first syllable of 'Karna'.

Rhymes With

सकल (Sakal - total) अकल (Akal - wisdom) नकल (Nakal - copy) दखल (Dakhal - interference) महल (Mahal - palace) टहल (Tahal - stroll) पहल (Pahal - initiative) चहल (Chahal - bustle)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Nakal' as 'Na-kaal' (long 'aa' in the second syllable). It should be short.
Pronouncing 'Karna' as 'Kar-naa' with a very heavy American 'R'. Keep the 'R' soft and tapped.
Confusing the 'L' in 'Nakal' with a retroflex sound. It is a standard dental 'L'.
Failing to aspirate consonants in other words, though 'Nakal' itself has no aspirated sounds.
Merging 'Nakal' and 'Karna' into one word. They are two distinct words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding the 'Ne' rule and feminine agreement in past tense.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but don't confuse it with 'Akal'.

Listening 2/5

Very common in schools and news; easily audible.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

करना काम सीखना लिखना गलत

Learn Next

अनुकरण धोखा असली नकली ईमानदार

Advanced

साहित्यिक चोरी प्रतिलिपि जालसाज़ी पुनरावृत्ति

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Noun + Karna)

नकल (Noun) + करना (Verb) = To copy.

Feminine Noun Agreement

Nakal is feminine, so 'Usne nakal ki' (not kiya).

Possessive Linker 'Ki'

Use 'ki' before nakal when copying someone: 'Teacher ki nakal'.

Imperative Mood

Nakal mat karo (Don't copy) - Command form.

Present Participle 'Karte Hue'

Nakal karte hue pakda gaya (Caught while copying).

Examples by Level

मेरी नकल मत करो।

Don't copy me.

Imperative negative form.

वह नकल कर रहा है।

He is copying.

Present continuous tense.

क्या तुमने नकल की?

Did you copy?

Past tense with feminine object 'nakal'.

बोर्ड से नकल करो।

Copy from the board.

Simple imperative.

मैं नकल नहीं करता।

I do not copy.

Present habitual negative.

उसने चित्र की नकल की।

He copied the drawing.

Past tense 'ki' agrees with 'nakal'.

नकल करना गलत है।

Copying is wrong.

Gerundial use of the verb.

राहुल नकल कर रहा था।

Rahul was copying.

Past continuous tense.

बंदर आदमी की नकल करता है।

The monkey imitates the man.

Present habitual tense.

उसने मेरी आवाज़ की नकल की।

He mimicked my voice.

Possessive 'ki' used for the object of imitation.

हमें नकल नहीं करनी चाहिए।

We should not copy/cheat.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

क्या आप इसकी नकल कर सकते हैं?

Can you copy this?

Use of 'sakna' (can).

वह बहुत अच्छी नकल करता है।

He copies/mimics very well.

Adverb 'bahut acchi' modifying the action.

मैंने होमवर्क की नकल नहीं की।

I didn't copy the homework.

Past negative with feminine agreement.

वह दूसरों की नकल करना पसंद करता है।

He likes to copy others.

Infinitive use with 'pasand karna'.

शिक्षक ने उसे नकल करते हुए पकड़ा।

The teacher caught him copying.

Present participle 'karte hue'.

बिना समझे नकल करना समय की बर्बादी है।

Copying without understanding is a waste of time.

Conditional phrase 'bina samjhe'.

उसने परीक्षा में नकल करने की कोशिश की।

He tried to cheat in the exam.

Compound verb 'koshish ki'.

यह पेंटिंग असली नहीं, बस एक नकल है।

This painting is not real, just a copy.

Nakal used as a noun.

लोग अक्सर अमीरों की नकल करते हैं।

People often copy the rich.

General social observation.

सावधान! यहाँ नकल करना मना है।

Beware! Copying is forbidden here.

Formal prohibition.

उसने अपनी बहन के लिखावट की नकल की।

He copied his sister's handwriting.

Complex possessive structure.

नकल करने के लिए भी अक्ल चाहिए।

Even to copy, you need brains (intelligence).

Common Hindi proverb/idiom.

उसने पूरी किताब की नकल कर डाली।

He copied the entire book.

Intensive verb 'kar daali'.

कलाकार ने प्रकृति की नकल करने का प्रयास किया।

The artist attempted to copy nature.

Formal word 'prayas' (attempt).

डिजिटल युग में नकल करना बहुत आसान हो गया है।

In the digital age, copying has become very easy.

Abstract subject.

साहित्य में नकल करना साहित्यिक चोरी कहलाता है।

In literature, copying is called plagiarism.

Passive naming 'kehlata hai'.

उसने दस्तावेज़ की एक प्रमाणित नकल प्राप्त की।

He obtained a certified copy of the document.

Technical/Formal context.

हमें दूसरों की नकल करने के बजाय अपनी राह बनानी चाहिए।

Instead of copying others, we should make our own path.

Comparative 'ke bajaye'.

उसने मंत्री के भाषण की हुबहू नकल की।

He copied the minister's speech exactly.

Adverb 'hubahu' (exactly).

फिल्म निर्माता पर कहानी की नकल करने का आरोप लगा।

The filmmaker was accused of copying the story.

Passive 'aarop laga' (was accused).

अगर तुम नकल करोगे, तो पकड़े जाओगे।

If you cheat, you will be caught.

Conditional 'agar... toh'.

पश्चिमी संस्कृति की अंधी नकल समाज के लिए हानिकारक है।

Blind imitation of Western culture is harmful to society.

Abstract sociological context.

उसने प्राचीन मूर्तियों की इतनी बारीकी से नकल की कि फर्क करना मुश्किल था।

He copied the ancient statues so meticulously that it was hard to tell the difference.

Adverbial phrase 'itni bariki se'.

बौद्धिक संपदा कानूनों का उद्देश्य नकल को रोकना है।

The purpose of intellectual property laws is to prevent copying.

Legal/Academic register.

लेखक ने समाज की विसंगतियों की नकल अपने व्यंग्य में की है।

The author has mirrored (copied) the anomalies of society in his satire.

Metaphorical usage.

वह अपनी शैली में मौलिक है, वह किसी की नकल नहीं करता।

He is original in his style; he does not copy anyone.

Contrast between 'maulik' and 'nakal'.

न्यायालय ने उसे जाली नोटों की नकल करने के जुर्म में सजा सुनाई।

The court sentenced him for the crime of counterfeiting (copying) currency notes.

Criminal law context.

आधुनिक कला में नकल और प्रेरणा के बीच की रेखा बहुत धुंधली है।

In modern art, the line between copying and inspiration is very blurred.

Philosophical discussion.

उसने अपनी सफलता के लिए अपने गुरु के पदचिह्नों की नकल की।

He followed (copied) the footsteps of his mentor for his success.

Idiomatic usage of 'padchinh'.

अरस्तू के अनुसार, कला प्रकृति की एक सचेत नकल है।

According to Aristotle, art is a conscious imitation of nature.

High academic/philosophical register.

उसकी कृतियाँ मात्र नकल नहीं, बल्कि एक गहन पुनर्व्याख्या हैं।

His works are not merely copies, but a profound reinterpretation.

Use of 'matra' (merely) and 'punarvyakhya'.

क्या अनुवाद मूल पाठ की एक सफल नकल हो सकता है?

Can a translation be a successful imitation of the original text?

Inquiry into translation theory.

राजनीतिक परिदृश्य में एक दल दूसरे की नीतियों की नकल करने में लगा है।

In the political landscape, one party is busy copying the policies of the other.

Political analysis.

उसने इतनी कुशलता से हस्ताक्षर की नकल की कि बैंक भी धोखा खा गया।

He copied the signature so skillfully that even the bank was deceived.

Resultative clause 'ki... bhi'.

संस्कृति का संचरण अक्सर नकल और अनुकूलन की प्रक्रिया के माध्यम से होता है।

The transmission of culture often occurs through the process of imitation and adaptation.

Sociological terminology.

वह किसी भी बोली की ऐसी सटीक नकल उतारता है कि आप दंग रह जाएंगे।

He mimics any dialect so accurately that you will be stunned.

Use of 'dang reh jana' (to be stunned).

इतिहास गवाह है कि विजेताओं ने अक्सर पराजितों की प्रशासनिक प्रणालियों की नकल की।

History is witness that victors often copied the administrative systems of the defeated.

Historical narrative style.

Synonyms

अनुकरण करना नकल उतारना प्रतिलिपि बनाना दोहराना चेपना उतारना छापना नकल मारना

Antonyms

मौलिक होना सृजन करना आविष्कार करना ईमानदारी बरतना

Common Collocations

भारी नकल

हुबहू नकल

अंधी नकल

नकल माफिया

हस्ताक्षर की नकल

आवाज़ की नकल

नकल सामग्री

प्रमाणित नकल

नकल रोकना

नकल की प्रवृत्ति

Common Phrases

नकल के लिए अक्ल चाहिए

— Even to copy/cheat effectively, one needs intelligence.

तुमने गलत उत्तर भी कॉपी कर लिया? सच है, नकल के लिए अक्ल चाहिए।

नकल मत करो

— The standard command for 'Don't copy' or 'Don't cheat'.

अपना काम खुद करो, नकल मत करो।

नकल की नकल

— A copy of a copy; something very far from the original.

यह तो असली पेंटिंग की नकल की नकल है।

नकल करना मना है

— A formal sign meaning 'Copying/Cheating is prohibited'.

दीवार पर लिखा था—नकल करना मना है।

किसी की नकल उतारना

— To make fun of someone by imitating them.

वह टीचर की नकल उतार रहा था।

नकल का सहारा लेना

— To resort to copying or cheating.

उसने पास होने के लिए नकल का सहारा लिया।

नकल में माहिर

— Expert at copying or mimicry.

वह आवाज़ों की नकल में माहिर है।

बिना सोचे-समझे नकल

— Blind or mindless imitation.

बिना सोचे-समझे नकल करना खतरनाक है।

नकल पकड़ी जाना

— The act of being caught while copying/cheating.

उसकी नकल पकड़ी गई और उसे बाहर निकाल दिया गया।

नकल की गुंजाइश

— Scope or possibility of copying.

इस परीक्षा में नकल की कोई गुंजाइश नहीं है।

Often Confused With

नकल करना vs धोखा देना

Means to betray or deceive a person emotionally or financially, whereas 'nakal karna' is specifically copying or cheating in a task.

नकल करना vs अनुकरण करना

Often used interchangeably but 'anukaran' is positive (follow a path) while 'nakal' can be negative (cheat).

नकल करना vs दोहराना

Means 'to repeat'. You repeat a lesson, but you copy (nakal) a design.

Idioms & Expressions

"नकलची बंदर"

— A copycat (literally: a copying monkey). Used for someone who blindly follows others.

तुम अपनी अक्ल लगाओ, नकलची बंदर मत बनो।

Informal

"नकल पर अक्ल का पर्दा"

— Being so focused on copying that one loses their own common sense.

उसकी नकल पर अक्ल का पर्दा पड़ा है, उसे सही गलत नहीं दिख रहा।

Literary

"अक्ल के पीछे लट्ठ लिए फिरना"

— To be stubbornly foolish (often used when someone copies badly).

वह तो अक्ल के पीछे लट्ठ लिए फिरता है, नकल भी ठीक से नहीं कर पाता।

Colloquial

"लकीर का फ़कीर होना"

— To follow something blindly or traditionally without change (a form of nakal).

वह लकीर का फ़कीर है, बस पुरानी बातों की नकल करता है।

Neutral

"भेड़ चाल चलना"

— To follow the crowd blindly (imitation of the masses).

सब इंजीनियरिंग कर रहे हैं, तुम भेड़ चाल में नकल मत करो।

Informal

"हवा का रुख देखना"

— To see which way the wind blows before imitating a trend.

वह हमेशा हवा का रुख देखकर दूसरों की नकल करता है।

Neutral

"अपना उल्लू सीधा करना"

— To serve one's own ends (sometimes by copying others' hard work).

उसने मेरी रिसर्च की नकल करके अपना उल्लू सीधा कर लिया।

Informal

"थाली का बैंगन"

— A person without principles who copies whoever is winning.

वह तो थाली का बैंगन है, जो जीतता है उसी की नकल करने लगता है।

Informal

"आँखें मूँदकर पीछे चलना"

— To follow or copy someone with closed eyes (blindly).

किसी के पीछे आँखें मूँदकर मत चलो, अपनी राह बनाओ।

Neutral

"मुँह की खाना"

— To suffer a defeat (often as a result of failed copying/cheating).

नकल करते हुए पकड़े जाने पर उसे मुँह की खानी पड़ी।

Informal

Easily Confused

नकल करना vs अक्ल (Akal)

Sounds similar to Nakal.

Akal means wisdom/intelligence; Nakal means copy. They are often used together in the proverb 'Nakal ke liye akal chahiye'.

उसमें अक्ल नहीं है, इसलिए वह नकल करता है।

नकल करना vs शक्ल (Shakal)

Rhymes with Nakal.

Shakal means face or appearance. Nakal is an action.

उसकी शक्ल अपने पिता से मिलती है।

नकल करना vs सकल (Sakal)

Rhymes with Nakal.

Sakal means 'all' or 'total' in formal Hindi.

सकल घरेलू उत्पाद (GDP).

नकल करना vs नक़ल (Naql)

Same word, different spelling.

The dot (nuqta) under 'q' is the Urdu/Persian style. In modern Hindi, it is usually written as 'नकल'.

नक़ल करना।

नकल करना vs नकली (Nakli)

Adjective form.

Nakli describes the object (fake); Nakal karna is the action (to copy).

यह नकली नोट है।

Sentence Patterns

Nakal mat karo.

नकल मत करो।

[Person] ki nakal mat karo.

मेरी नकल मत करो।

[Subject] ne [Object] ki nakal ki.

उसने मेरी पेंटिंग की नकल की।

Nakal karna [Adjective] hai.

नकल करना गलत है।

Agar tum nakal karoge, toh...

अगर तुम नकल करोगे, तो फेल हो जाओगे।

Nakal karne ke liye [Noun] chahiye.

नकल करने के लिए अक्ल चाहिए।

Bina soche-samjhe nakal karna...

बिना सोचे-समझे नकल करना मूर्खता है।

[Noun] ki nakal utarna [Verb]...

उसकी आवाज़ की नकल उतारना नामुमकिन है।

Word Family

Nouns

नकल A copy, imitation, or duplicate.

नकलची A copycat; someone who habitually copies.

नकल-नवीस A copyist or scribe (archaic/formal).

Verbs

नकल उतारना To mimic or parody someone.

नकल करना To copy, imitate, or cheat.

Adjectives

नकली Fake, counterfeit, or artificial.

नकलशुदा Copied or duplicated (formal).

अनुकरण

प्रतिलिपि

छापा

बनावटी

धोखा

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in school and family contexts.

Common Mistakes

Usne nakal kiya. → Usne nakal ki.
Nakal is feminine, so the verb 'karna' must take the feminine past form 'ki' in the perfective aspect.
Mujhe nakal mat karo. → मेरी नकल मत करो (Meri nakal mat karo).
You don't copy 'to someone'; you copy 'someone's imitation'. It requires the possessive 'ki'.
Using 'nakal' for cheating in cards. → धोखाधड़ी/बेईमानी (Dhokhadhari/Beimani).
'Nakal' is specifically for replication. Cheating in games of chance is 'beimani'.
Nakal karna for photocopying. → फोटोकॉपी कराना (Photocopy karana).
While 'nakal' means copy, modern technology uses the English loanword 'photocopy'.
Confusing 'Nakal' with 'Nikal'. → Nakal (Copy) vs Nikal (Get out/Remove).
These are two very different words. 'Nikal' comes from 'Nikalna'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'Nakal' is feminine. This affects the past tense and adjectives. Practice saying 'Badi nakal' (big cheating) and 'Nakal ki' to get used to it.

Positive vs. Negative

If you want to praise someone for following a good example, use 'Anukaran karna'. Using 'Nakal karna' might sound like you are accusing them of being unoriginal.

The Copycat Phrase

Teach children 'Nakalchi bandar, dabba hai andar'—a common playful rhyme used to tease someone who copies.

Exam Warnings

In an Indian exam hall, if you hear 'Nakal karte hue pakde gaye toh rusticate kar diye jaoge', it means 'If caught cheating, you will be rusticated/expelled'.

Sound Association

Nakal sounds like 'Neck-all'. Imagine everyone in an exam turning their 'necks all' around to copy. That is 'Nakal'.

Certified Copies

If you need a legal copy of a document in India, ask for the 'Pramanit Nakal'. This is the standard official term.

Tone Matters

When saying 'Nakal mat karo', use a soft tone for a request to a friend, but a sharp, falling tone for a strict command.

Avoiding Repetition

In an essay, alternate between 'nakal karna', 'anukaran karna', and 'copy karna' to show a wider range of vocabulary.

Mimicry

If someone is doing a great impression, say 'Wah! Kya nakal utari hai!' to compliment their mimicry skills.

The Brainy Cheat

Remember the proverb 'Nakal ke liye bhi akal chahiye'. It's a great way to bond with Hindi speakers over the ironies of the education system.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nakal' as 'No-Kal' (No tomorrow). If you 'Nakal' (cheat) today, you will have 'No-Kal' (no future).

Visual Association

Imagine a monkey (the ultimate 'nakalchi') holding a pencil and copying a student's paper. This links the animal behavior to the human act of cheating.

Word Web

Exam Copycat Monkey Fake Cheating Mimicry Duplicate Handwriting

Challenge

Try to spend one hour observing someone and then 'nakal karna' (imitate) their walk or speech patterns to practice the verb's mimicry sense.

Word Origin

The word 'नकल' (nakal) originates from the Arabic word 'Naql' (نقل), which means 'to transport,' 'to move,' or 'to transmit.' In Arabic, it refers to the transmission of stories or texts. When it entered Persian and subsequently Hindi/Urdu, it evolved to mean 'making a copy' of a text or 'imitating' an action.

Original meaning: Transmission or carrying from one place to another.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi)

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of 'nakal karna' as it is a direct accusation of cheating or lack of originality.

English speakers often use 'cheat' for exams and 'copy' for files. Hindi uses 'nakal karna' for both, but 'dhokha' for emotional cheating.

The movie '3 Idiots' critiques the 'nakal' (rote learning) culture in Indian engineering colleges. The song 'Nakalchi Bandar' is a popular nursery rhyme/insult for kids. Famous comedian Johnny Lever is known for his 'Nakal Utarna' (mimicry) skills.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Exam

नकल की पर्ची (Cheat sheet)
नकल करते पकड़े जाना
नकल रोकना
नकल मत करो

Art/Drawing

चित्र की नकल
रंगों की नकल
शैली की नकल
हुबहू नकल

Mimicry/Comedy

आवाज़ की नकल
एक्टिंग की नकल
नकल उतारना
मज़ाकिया नकल

Market/Products

ब्रांड की नकल
नकली सामान
सस्ती नकल
नकल से सावधान

Social Behavior

दूसरों की नकल
अंधी नकल
नकलची बंदर
नकल करना छोड़ो

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी परीक्षा में नकल की है?"

"आप किस अभिनेता की अच्छी नकल कर सकते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि नकल करना हमेशा बुरा होता है?"

"आजकल लोग पश्चिमी देशों की अंधी नकल क्यों कर रहे हैं?"

"अगर आप किसी को नकल करते हुए देखें, तो क्या करेंगे?"

Journal Prompts

अपने स्कूल के दिनों की कोई घटना लिखें जब किसी ने नकल की हो।

नकल और प्रेरणा के बीच क्या अंतर है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

क्या आपको कभी किसी ने नकलची कहा है? वह कैसा महसूस हुआ?

भारतीय शिक्षा प्रणाली में नकल को रोकने के लिए क्या उपाय किए जाने चाहिए?

एक ऐसी स्थिति के बारे में लिखें जहाँ नकल करना किसी की जान बचा सकता है।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. It can also mean imitating someone for fun, copying a drawing to learn, or making a legal duplicate of a document. The context determines if it is 'cheating'.

'Nakal karna' is the general act of copying. 'Nakal utarna' specifically refers to mimicking someone's personality, voice, or behavior, often to mock or entertain.

'Nakal' is a feminine noun. This is why we say 'उसने नकल की' (He did a copy) instead of 'किया'.

You should say 'मेरी नकल मत करो' (Meri nakal mat karo). Note the use of 'meri' (my) instead of 'mujhe' (me).

Technically yes, but it sounds old-fashioned. Most people use 'photocopy karana' or 'xerox karana' in modern Hindi.

A 'nakalchi' is a person who habitually copies others. It is the Hindi equivalent of a 'copycat'.

Yes, 'अनुकरण करना' (anukaran karna) is used for positive imitation, and 'प्रतिलिपि बनाना' (pratilipi banana) is used for formal duplication.

Yes, in a general sense. In academic circles, the specific term is 'साहित्यिक चोरी' (sahityik chori), but 'nakal karna' is understood by everyone.

Because in the past tense with 'Ne', the verb agrees with the object. Since 'Nakal' is feminine, 'karna' becomes 'ki'.

It has Arabic roots and is common in both Hindi and Urdu. In Hindi, it is a 'Tadbhava/Deshaj' or 'Videshi' loanword that is fully integrated.