This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 verb #2,000 most common 11 min read

निर्भर रहना

To depend on; to rely on someone or something.

nirbhar rahna
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic forms of survival vocabulary. While 'निर्भर रहना' (nirbhar rahnā) might seem slightly complex due to its compound nature, the concept of 'depending on someone' is fundamental. At this stage, learners should focus on recognizing the word and understanding its core meaning: 'to depend'. The primary goal is to associate the sound 'nirbhar' with reliance. Learners at this level will primarily use it in the present tense with the first person ('मैं' - I) or third person ('वह' - he/she). The most crucial grammatical rule introduced here is the necessity of the postposition 'पर' (par - on). A1 learners should practice simple, rote-learned sentences like 'मैं तुम पर निर्भर हूँ' (I depend on you) or 'बच्चा माँ पर निर्भर है' (The child depends on the mother). They do not need to worry about complex conjugations or conditional sentences yet. The focus is purely on expressing basic needs and relationships. Vocabulary exercises at this level will involve matching the Hindi phrase to its English equivalent and filling in the missing postposition 'पर' in simple sentences. Understanding that 'निर्भर' means dependent and 'रहना' means to remain is sufficient for A1 comprehension.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, learners begin to construct more varied and practical sentences. 'निर्भर रहना' becomes a highly useful tool for describing daily life, family structures, and basic conditions. Learners are expected to conjugate the verb 'रहना' correctly according to gender and number in the present and simple past tenses. They should be able to say 'हम माता-पिता पर निर्भर रहते हैं' (We depend on our parents) and 'वह अपने भाई पर निर्भर रहती थी' (She used to depend on her brother). At this stage, the distinction between 'निर्भर रहना' (state of living dependently) and 'निर्भर करना' (conditional dependency) is gently introduced. A2 learners will start using the phrase to talk about weather, plans, and simple conditions, such as 'यह मौसम पर निर्भर करता है' (It depends on the weather). They will also learn to form negative sentences using 'नहीं' (nahī̃), expressing independence: 'मैं किसी पर निर्भर नहीं हूँ' (I am not dependent on anyone). Practice at this level involves translating slightly longer sentences, choosing the correct verb ending based on the subject, and understanding short dialogues where people discuss their reliance on public transport, family, or friends. The vocabulary becomes a bridge to discussing personal autonomy.
At the B1 intermediate level, learners are expected to use 'निर्भर रहना' with confidence across various tenses, including the future tense and with modal verbs. They should be able to express desires and compulsions, such as 'मैं दूसरों पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहता' (I do not want to depend on others) or 'मुझे उस पर निर्भर रहना पड़ता है' (I have to depend on him). B1 learners will encounter this vocabulary in broader contexts, such as reading news articles about the economy, agriculture, or technology. They will understand sentences like 'भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था कृषि पर निर्भर रहती है' (India's economy depends on agriculture). At this level, learners are also introduced to common synonyms like 'भरोसा करना' (to trust/rely) and antonyms like 'आत्मनिर्भर' (self-reliant). They should be able to explain *why* someone is dependent using conjunctions like 'क्योंकि' (because). The focus shifts from merely forming correct sentences to using the phrase to express opinions, describe societal norms, and discuss advantages and disadvantages of dependency. Exercises will include reading comprehension passages about self-reliance, writing short paragraphs about personal goals, and engaging in conversations about the importance of independence in modern life.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the usage of 'निर्भर रहना' becomes more nuanced and abstract. Learners are expected to handle complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses (अगर... तो...) and relative clauses. They can effortlessly produce sentences like 'अगर तुम सफल होना चाहते हो, तो तुम्हें दूसरों पर निर्भर रहना छोड़ना होगा' (If you want to be successful, you will have to stop depending on others). B2 learners will engage with authentic Hindi materials—podcasts, news debates, and literature—where dependency is discussed in political, psychological, or environmental contexts. They will understand the subtle differences between 'निर्भर रहना' (continuous dependency), 'आश्रित होना' (formal dependency/refuge), and 'अधीन होना' (subordination). They will also be comfortable using idiomatic expressions related to dependency, such as 'मुँह ताकना' (to look to others for help). At this stage, learners can debate topics like economic self-sufficiency, the impact of technology on human reliance, and traditional family structures versus modern individualism. Writing exercises will require them to argue a point of view using this vocabulary accurately, ensuring perfect postposition usage and sophisticated verb conjugations, including passive constructions if necessary.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of 'निर्भर रहना' and its entire semantic field. They use it seamlessly in academic, professional, and highly formal contexts. C1 learners understand the etymology of the word (Sanskrit 'nir' + 'bhar') and how it shapes its formal tone. They can navigate complex socio-political discourse, such as discussing a nation's geopolitical dependencies, energy reliance, or intricate psychological codependency. They are adept at using nominalized forms and abstract nouns like 'निर्भरता' (dependency) and 'आत्मनिर्भरता' (self-reliance) in complex arguments. For example: 'वैश्वीकरण के इस युग में, किसी भी राष्ट्र का पूर्णतः आत्मनिर्भर होना एक मिथक है; हम सभी एक-दूसरे पर निर्भर रहते हैं' (In this era of globalization, any nation being completely self-reliant is a myth; we all depend on each other). C1 learners can effortlessly switch registers, using 'आश्रित' in legal documents and 'निर्भर' in standard discourse. They can identify and correct subtle errors in tone or prepositional logic that lower-level learners might miss. Exercises at this level involve analyzing editorial articles, writing comprehensive essays on socio-economic policies, and participating in spontaneous, high-level debates where precise vocabulary is paramount.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 mastery level, the learner's use of 'निर्भर रहना' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess an intuitive grasp of the word's cultural, historical, and literary connotations. C2 learners can play with the language, using dependency-related vocabulary in metaphorical, poetic, or deeply philosophical ways. They understand how the concept of 'निर्भरता' ties into Indian philosophical concepts of duty (dharma) and detachment. They can appreciate classical literature or poetry where dependency on the divine or fate is a central theme. At this level, learners are not just using the word to communicate facts; they are using it to persuade, evoke emotion, and analyze complex human conditions. They can critique texts based on the author's choice of words—why an author chose 'आश्रित' over 'निर्भर' to convey a specific power dynamic. C2 exercises involve deep literary analysis, translating complex literary works while maintaining the exact shade of meaning, and producing original, publication-quality writing in Hindi that explores the multifaceted nature of human and societal interdependence with absolute grammatical and stylistic perfection.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

निर्भर रहना in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'.
  • Always requires the postposition 'पर' (par - on).
  • Used for people, objects, and abstract conditions.
  • Can be conjugated in all tenses using the verb 'रहना' (rahnā).

The Hindi verb निर्भर रहना (nirbhar rahnā) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates to 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'. It is an essential compound verb used to express reliance, trust, or dependency on a person, object, situation, or condition. Understanding this verb requires a deep dive into its components. The word 'निर्भर' (nirbhar) is an adjective derived from Sanskrit, where 'निर्' (nir) implies completeness or sometimes 'without', and 'भर' (bhar) relates to weight or burden. Together, in modern Hindi, it conveys the state of placing one's weight, trust, or sustenance entirely on someone or something else. The verb 'रहना' (rahnā) means 'to live' or 'to remain'. Thus, 'निर्भर रहना' literally translates to 'remaining dependent'.

When learning Hindi, grasping the nuances of this verb is crucial for both daily conversations and formal discourse. It is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from financial dependency to emotional reliance, and even conditional outcomes (e.g., 'It depends on the weather'). The grammatical structure typically requires the postposition 'पर' (par), meaning 'on'. Therefore, the standard sentence structure is '[Subject] + [Object] + पर (par) + निर्भर रहता/रहती/रहते + है/हैं'.

Emotional Dependency
Relying on family or friends for emotional support during tough times.
Financial Dependency
Depending on parents, a spouse, or a specific job for financial stability and income.
Conditional Dependency
When an event's occurrence relies on another factor, like a picnic depending on good weather.

बच्चे पूरी तरह से अपने माता-पिता पर निर्भर रहते हैं। (Children completely depend on their parents.)

मेरी सफलता मेरी मेहनत पर निर्भर रहती है। (My success depends on my hard work.)

हमें दूसरों पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए। (We should not depend on others.)

यह मौसम पर निर्भर रहता है। (It depends on the weather.)

क्या तुम हमेशा मुझ पर निर्भर रहोगे? (Will you always depend on me?)

The concept of dependency in Indian culture is multifaceted. In traditional joint families, interdependence is highly valued, and 'निर्भर रहना' is often seen as a natural part of community living rather than a weakness. However, in modern, urban contexts, there is a growing emphasis on 'आत्मनिर्भरता' (ātamnirbhartā), which means self-reliance. Therefore, the connotation of 'निर्भर रहना' can shift from positive (community support) to negative (lack of independence) depending on the context. For instance, a government urging its citizens to be self-reliant will use the antonym 'आत्मनिर्भर' (ātamnirbhar) to discourage people from 'निर्भर रहना' on foreign imports.

To fully master this phrase, one must practice conjugating the auxiliary verb 'रहना' according to the subject's gender and number, as well as the tense of the sentence. In the present tense, it becomes निर्भर रहता है (masculine singular), निर्भर रहती है (feminine singular), or निर्भर रहते हैं (masculine plural). In the past tense, it transforms into निर्भर रहता था or निर्भर रहा. In the future tense, it becomes निर्भर रहेगा. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool in a Hindi learner's vocabulary arsenal, allowing for nuanced expression of reliance across different timeframes and situations.

Using निर्भर रहना (nirbhar rahnā) correctly in a sentence requires a solid understanding of Hindi postpositions and verb conjugation. As a compound verb, the primary meaning is carried by the adjective 'निर्भर' (dependent), while the grammatical function—tense, gender, and number—is handled by the verb 'रहना' (to remain/live). The most critical rule to remember is that the object of dependency must be followed by the postposition पर (par), which translates to 'on' or 'upon'. The formula is: Subject + Object + पर + निर्भर + conjugated form of रहना.

Present Tense Usage
Used to describe general facts or current states of dependency. Example: वह अपने भाई पर निर्भर रहता है। (He depends on his brother.)
Past Tense Usage
Used for historical dependency. Example: भारत पहले आयात पर निर्भर रहता था। (India used to depend on imports earlier.)
Future Tense Usage
Used to predict or state future reliance. Example: मैं भविष्य में तुम पर निर्भर नहीं रहूँगा। (I will not depend on you in the future.)

किसान बारिश पर निर्भर रहते हैं। (Farmers depend on the rain.)

यह आपकी पसंद पर निर्भर करता है। (It depends on your choice. Note: 'करता' is often used interchangeably with 'रहता' for abstract concepts.)

हमें विदेशी तेल पर निर्भर रहना पड़ता है। (We have to depend on foreign oil. Here, 'पड़ता है' shows compulsion.)

क्या तुम हमेशा माता-पिता पर निर्भर रहोगी? (Will you always depend on your parents? - Feminine subject)

अर्थव्यवस्था कृषि पर निर्भर रहती है। (The economy depends on agriculture.)

Another important aspect of using 'निर्भर रहना' is its negative form. To say 'not to depend', you simply place 'नहीं' (nahī̃) before the verb 'रहना'. For example, 'मैं किसी पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहता' (I do not want to depend on anyone). Notice how 'रहना' is used in its infinitive form here because it is followed by the modal verb 'चाहता' (want). This shows the flexibility of the phrase when combined with other grammatical structures like modals, compulsions (पड़ना), and continuous tenses.

When constructing complex sentences, 'निर्भर रहना' often appears in conditional clauses. For instance, 'अगर तुम पास होना चाहते हो, तो तुम्हें खुद पर निर्भर रहना होगा' (If you want to pass, you will have to depend on yourself). Here, the phrase is used to give advice or state a necessary condition for success. Understanding these sentence patterns will significantly enhance your ability to express complex thoughts and conditions in Hindi, making your speech sound much more fluent and native-like.

The phrase निर्भर रहना (nirbhar rahnā) is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Hindi, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts. Because dependency is a universal human experience and a fundamental concept in economics, politics, and social dynamics, you will encounter this verb frequently. In everyday conversation, it is commonly heard in discussions about family dynamics, career choices, and personal independence. For example, parents might discuss when their children will stop depending on them financially, or friends might talk about not wanting to rely on public transportation.

News and Politics
Politicians and journalists frequently use this term when discussing national economy, imports, exports, and self-reliance campaigns (like 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat').
Daily Conversations
Used when making plans. For instance, 'हमारा जाना मौसम पर निर्भर रहता है' (Our going depends on the weather).
Academic and Formal Writing
Used in essays and reports to describe cause-and-effect relationships or statistical dependencies.

देश की प्रगति युवाओं पर निर्भर रहती है। (The country's progress depends on the youth.)

मैं पूरी तरह से अपनी टीम पर निर्भर रहता हूँ। (I completely depend on my team.)

यह प्रोजेक्ट फंडिंग पर निर्भर रहेगा। (This project will depend on funding.)

मरीज़ की जान दवाओं पर निर्भर रहती है। (The patient's life depends on medicines.)

हमें तकनीक पर बहुत अधिक निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए। (We should not depend too much on technology.)

In Bollywood movies and television serials, the emotional weight of 'निर्भर रहना' is often explored. A common trope involves a protagonist striving to break free from the dependency of a wealthy but oppressive family member, declaring their intention to no longer 'निर्भर रहना' on anyone. This emotional resonance makes the phrase powerful in storytelling. Furthermore, in the context of modern Indian society, where there is a massive shift towards entrepreneurship and startup culture, the dialogue often revolves around moving away from depending on traditional jobs (नौकरी पर निर्भर रहना) towards creating one's own opportunities.

You will also hear it in environmental and scientific contexts. Documentaries about nature in Hindi will explain how certain animals 'निर्भर रहते हैं' on specific plants or ecosystems for their survival. Similarly, discussions about renewable energy will focus on reducing the extent to which we 'निर्भर रहते हैं' on fossil fuels. This broad applicability—from the deeply personal to the globally significant—makes 'निर्भर रहना' a high-frequency vocabulary item that learners must internalize to comprehend a vast array of Hindi media and conversations.

While निर्भर रहना (nirbhar rahnā) is a straightforward concept, learners frequently make grammatical and structural errors when trying to incorporate it into their Hindi sentences. The most prevalent mistake involves the incorrect use or complete omission of the postposition 'पर' (par). Because English uses 'depend ON', learners sometimes try to translate the preposition literally or confuse it with other Hindi postpositions like 'से' (se - from/with) or 'में' (meñ - in). Using 'से' instead of 'पर' is a classic error that immediately marks the speaker as a non-native.

Mistake 1: Missing Postposition
Incorrect: मैं तुम निर्भर हूँ।
Correct: मैं तुम पर निर्भर हूँ। (I depend on you.)
Mistake 2: Wrong Postposition
Incorrect: यह मौसम से निर्भर है।
Correct: यह मौसम पर निर्भर है। (It depends on the weather.)
Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Agreement
Incorrect: वह (female) अपने पिता पर निर्भर रहता है।
Correct: वह अपने पिता पर निर्भर रहती है।

Wrong: हम सरकार को निर्भर रहते हैं। -> Right: हम सरकार पर निर्भर रहते हैं।

Wrong: सफलता किस्मत में निर्भर है। -> Right: सफलता किस्मत पर निर्भर करती है।

Wrong: बच्चे माँ से निर्भर हैं। -> Right: बच्चे माँ पर निर्भर रहते हैं।

Wrong: मैं आप पर निर्भर कर रहा हूँ। -> Right: मैं आप पर निर्भर हूँ / निर्भर रहता हूँ।

Wrong: वह निर्भर रहना है। -> Right: उसे निर्भर रहना पड़ता है। (He has to depend.)

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'निर्भर रहना' (to remain dependent) and 'निर्भर करना' (to depend - as a condition). While they are often interchangeable, 'रहना' implies a continuous state of living or existing in dependency (e.g., a child depending on parents), whereas 'करना' is better suited for conditional statements (e.g., the outcome depends on the decision). Using 'रहना' for abstract conditions (यह बात उस पर निर्भर रहती है) is grammatically acceptable but sometimes sounds slightly less natural than 'यह बात उस पर निर्भर करती है'.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of 'निर्भर'. The 'r' sound in 'निर्' (nir) is a half 'r' (reph) that sits on top of the 'भ' (bha). It should be pronounced quickly before the 'bha' sound. Mispronouncing it as 'nibar' or 'nirbar' (without the aspirated 'bh') can lead to confusion. Paying attention to the aspiration in 'भ' (bha) is crucial for clear communication. Practicing the phrase as a single phonetic unit—'nir-bhar rah-na'—will help smooth out these pronunciation and grammatical wrinkles.

Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of dependency will greatly enhance your fluency in Hindi. While निर्भर रहना (nirbhar rahnā) is the most common and versatile term, several other words and phrases convey similar meanings, each with its own subtle nuance and appropriate context. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the perfect word for the specific shade of meaning you wish to express, whether you are writing a formal essay, speaking with friends, or reading classic literature.

आश्रित रहना (āśrit rahnā)
This is a more formal, often literary synonym. 'आश्रय' means shelter or refuge. So, 'आश्रित रहना' implies taking shelter or being completely dependent on someone for survival or support. It is often used for dependents in a family or refugees.
भरोसा करना (bharosā karnā)
Meaning 'to trust' or 'to rely on'. While 'निर्भर रहना' focuses on dependency, 'भरोसा करना' focuses on the emotional trust placed in someone. You can trust someone without being financially dependent on them.
अधीन होना (adhīn honā)
This translates to 'to be subordinate to' or 'to be under the control of'. It carries a stronger sense of lack of freedom compared to 'निर्भर रहना'. A colony is 'अधीन' to an empire.

वह अपने चाचा पर आश्रित है। (He is dependent/taking shelter with his uncle.)

मैं तुम्हारे वादे पर भरोसा करता हूँ। (I rely on/trust your promise.)

कर्मचारी बॉस के अधीन होते हैं। (Employees are subordinate to the boss.)

वह दाने-दाने का मोहताज हो गया। (He became dependent/desperate for every grain.)

हमें अपने पैरों पर खड़ा होना चाहिए। (We should stand on our own feet - antonym phrase.)

Another interesting idiomatic expression is 'मुँह ताकना' (muñh tāknā), which literally means 'to stare at someone's face'. Metaphorically, it means to look to someone else for help or to be dependent on someone's charity or assistance. For example, 'हमें दूसरों का मुँह नहीं ताकना चाहिए' (We should not look to others for help / depend on others). This idiom paints a vivid picture of dependency and is frequently used in spoken Hindi to encourage self-reliance.

By mastering these related terms, you can avoid repeating 'निर्भर रहना' constantly and add color and precision to your Hindi. If you are talking about emotional trust, lean towards 'भरोसा करना'. If you are discussing legal or formal dependents, 'आश्रित' is your best choice. If you want to use a colorful idiom to tell someone to stop relying on others, 'मुँह ताकना बंद करो' is highly effective. Understanding these boundaries will elevate your Hindi from intermediate to advanced.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Slang

""

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

मैं तुम पर निर्भर हूँ।

I depend on you.

Uses basic present tense 'हूँ' with postposition 'पर'.

2

बच्चा माँ पर निर्भर है।

The child depends on the mother.

Third person singular present tense.

3

वह मुझ पर निर्भर रहता है।

He depends on me.

Masculine singular present habitual 'रहता है'.

4

हम बस पर निर्भर हैं।

We depend on the bus.

Using 'पर' with an inanimate object (bus).

5

क्या तुम उस पर निर्भर हो?

Are you dependent on him?

Interrogative sentence structure.

6

मैं पिता पर निर्भर नहीं हूँ।

I do not depend on my father.

Negative sentence using 'नहीं'.

7

कुत्ता मालिक पर निर्भर है।

The dog depends on the owner.

Animal dependency example.

8

पेड़ पानी पर निर्भर रहते हैं।

Trees depend on water.

Plural subject 'पेड़' with plural verb 'रहते हैं'.

1

मेरा काम इंटरनेट पर निर्भर रहता है।

My work depends on the internet.

Inanimate abstract subject 'काम'.

2

यह मौसम पर निर्भर करता है।

It depends on the weather.

Using 'करता है' instead of 'रहता है' for conditions.

3

वह अपने पति पर निर्भर रहती थी।

She used to depend on her husband.

Past tense feminine singular 'रहती थी'.

4

हमें दूसरों पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए।

We should not depend on others.

Using modal 'चाहिए' (should) with infinitive 'रहना'.

5

क्या तुम्हारा जाना मुझ पर निर्भर है?

Does your going depend on me?

Verbal noun 'जाना' as the subject.

6

किसान बारिश पर निर्भर रहते हैं।

Farmers depend on rain.

Plural masculine habitual tense.

7

मैं भविष्य में तुम पर निर्भर नहीं रहूँगा।

I will not depend on you in the future.

Future tense masculine singular 'रहूँगा'.

8

उसकी खुशी पैसों पर निर्भर नहीं रहती।

Her happiness does not depend on money.

Abstract noun 'खुशी' as subject.

1

मुझे अपनी पढ़ाई के लिए माता-पिता पर निर्भर रहना पड़ता है।

I have to depend on my parents for my studies.

Compulsion structure 'पड़ता है'.

2

अगर तुम मेहनत नहीं करोगे, तो दूसरों पर निर्भर रहोगे।

If you don't work hard, you will depend on others.

Conditional 'अगर... तो...' structure.

3

भारत अपनी ऊर्जा जरूरतों के लिए आयात पर निर्भर रहता है।

India depends on imports for its energy needs.

Formal vocabulary 'ऊर्जा जरूरतें' and 'आयात'.

4

वह इतना गरीब है कि उसे दान पर निर्भर रहना पड़ रहा है।

He is so poor that he is having to depend on charity.

Continuous compulsion 'पड़ रहा है'.

5

मैं किसी पर निर्भर रहना पसंद नहीं करता।

I do not like to depend on anyone.

Using infinitive 'रहना' with 'पसंद करना'.

6

यह योजना सरकार की मंजूरी पर निर्भर करेगी।

This plan will depend on the government's approval.

Future tense with abstract noun 'मंजूरी'.

7

हमें अपनी तकनीक पर बहुत अधिक निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए।

We shouldn't depend too much on our technology.

Using adverb 'बहुत अधिक' (too much).

8

बीमारी के कारण उसे दूसरों पर निर्भर रहना पड़ा।

Due to illness, he had to depend on others.

Past compulsion 'पड़ा' with 'के कारण' (due to).

1

आधुनिक समाज पूरी तरह से बिजली पर निर्भर हो गया है।

Modern society has become completely dependent on electricity.

Using 'हो गया है' (has become) instead of 'रहता है'.

2

हमारी सफलता इस बात पर निर्भर करती है कि हम कितनी मेहनत करते हैं।

Our success depends on how hard we work.

Complex sentence with 'इस बात पर... कि...'.

3

आत्मनिर्भर बनने के लिए, तुम्हें दूसरों पर निर्भर रहना छोड़ना होगा।

To become self-reliant, you will have to stop depending on others.

Using 'छोड़ना होगा' (will have to leave/stop).

4

यह दावा पूरी तरह से गवाहों के बयानों पर निर्भर करता है।

This claim depends entirely on the statements of the witnesses.

Legal/formal vocabulary context.

5

पर्यटन उद्योग काफी हद तक विदेशी सैलानियों पर निर्भर रहता है।

The tourism industry depends to a large extent on foreign tourists.

Using phrase 'काफी हद तक' (to a large extent).

6

बिना किसी पर निर्भर रहे अपना जीवन जीना एक कला है।

Living one's life without depending on anyone is an art.

Participial phrase 'बिना... निर्भर रहे'.

7

अर्थव्यवस्था का विकास शेयर बाजार की स्थिरता पर निर्भर रहता है।

The development of the economy depends on the stability of the stock market.

Advanced vocabulary 'स्थिरता' (stability).

8

उसने कसम खाई कि वह कभी किसी का मोहताज नहीं रहेगा, न ही किसी पर निर्भर रहेगा।

He swore that he would never be destitute, nor depend on anyone.

Combining synonyms 'मोहताज' and 'निर्भर'.

1

वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में कोई भी देश पूर्णतः आत्मनिर्भर नहीं हो सकता; सभी एक-दूसरे पर निर्भर रहते हैं।

In this era of globalization, no country can be completely self-reliant; all depend on each other.

Complex socio-economic statement with 'पूर्णतः' (completely).

2

मानसिक स्वास्थ्य काफी हद तक व्यक्ति के सामाजिक परिवेश पर निर्भर करता है।

Mental health depends to a large extent on a person's social environment.

Academic vocabulary 'सामाजिक परिवेश' (social environment).

3

यह एक विडंबना है कि हम तकनीक पर जितने अधिक निर्भर होते जा रहे हैं, उतने ही अकेले होते जा रहे हैं।

It is an irony that the more dependent we are becoming on technology, the lonelier we are getting.

Correlative structure 'जितने... उतने'.

4

नीति निर्माण की सफलता जमीनी हकीकत के सटीक आकलन पर निर्भर रहती है।

The success of policy-making depends on the accurate assessment of ground realities.

Highly formal administrative vocabulary.

5

किसी भी लोकतांत्रिक संस्था की प्रासंगिकता जनता के विश्वास पर निर्भर करती है।

The relevance of any democratic institution depends on public trust.

Political science context.

6

कलाकार की रचनात्मकता अक्सर उसकी भावनात्मक स्वतंत्रता पर निर्भर रहती है।

An artist's creativity often depends on their emotional freedom.

Abstract psychological concepts.

7

जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने की हमारी क्षमता वैश्विक सहयोग पर निर्भर करेगी।

Our ability to tackle climate change will depend on global cooperation.

Global issues context.

8

यह तर्क इस पूर्वधारणा पर निर्भर करता है कि मनुष्य स्वभाव से स्वार्थी है।

This argument depends on the premise that humans are inherently selfish.

Philosophical/logical argument structure.

1

अस्तित्ववादी दर्शन के अनुसार, हमारी स्वतंत्रता इस बात पर निर्भर नहीं करती कि परिस्थितियाँ क्या हैं, बल्कि इस पर कि हम उनके प्रति क्या दृष्टिकोण अपनाते हैं।

According to existentialist philosophy, our freedom does not depend on what the circumstances are, but on what attitude we adopt towards them.

Deep philosophical structure with 'इस बात पर... बल्कि इस पर...'.

2

साहित्यिक कृतियों की अमरता केवल उनकी भाषा पर निर्भर नहीं रहती, अपितु उनके द्वारा संप्रेषित सार्वभौमिक मानवीय संवेदनाओं पर निर्भर करती है।

The immortality of literary works does not depend solely on their language, but on the universal human emotions they convey.

High literary vocabulary 'अमरता', 'संप्रेषित', 'सार्वभौमिक'.

3

आर्थिक निर्भरता अंततः राजनीतिक अधीनता को जन्म देती है, यह इतिहास का एक कटु सत्य है।

Economic dependency ultimately gives birth to political subjugation; this is a bitter truth of history.

Using the noun form 'निर्भरता' in a historical analysis.

4

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र का संतुलन इस सूक्ष्म तथ्य पर निर्भर करता है कि प्रत्येक जीव दूसरे के अस्तित्व का पूरक है।

The balance of the ecosystem depends on the subtle fact that every organism is complementary to the existence of another.

Scientific/ecological mastery.

5

सत्ता का विकेंद्रीकरण इस बात पर निर्भर करता है कि स्थानीय निकाय कितने सशक्त और स्वायत्त हैं।

The decentralization of power depends on how empowered and autonomous the local bodies are.

Advanced political administration terminology.

6

भाषा का विकास केवल व्याकरणिक नियमों पर निर्भर नहीं रहता, बल्कि उसके जीवंत प्रयोग और सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदान पर भी निर्भर करता है।

The evolution of language does not depend solely on grammatical rules, but also on its living usage and cultural exchange.

Linguistic analysis context.

7

किसी भी सभ्यता का पतन तब सुनिश्चित हो जाता है जब वह अपने ही अतीत के गौरव पर अत्यधिक निर्भर रहने लगती है।

The downfall of any civilization becomes certain when it starts depending excessively on the glory of its own past.

Historical/sociological critique.

8

आध्यात्मिक मुक्ति बाह्य कर्मकांडों पर निर्भर नहीं करती, वरन् अंतःकरण की शुद्धि पर निर्भर है।

Spiritual liberation does not depend on external rituals, but rather on the purification of the inner conscience.

Deep spiritual/religious vocabulary 'अंतःकरण', 'कर्मकांड'.

Common Collocations

पूरी तरह से निर्भर रहना (to depend completely)
दूसरों पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on others)
माता-पिता पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on parents)
मौसम पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on weather)
आर्थिक रूप से निर्भर रहना (to be financially dependent)
दवाओं पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on medicines)
तकनीक पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on technology)
किस्मत पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on luck)
सरकार पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on the government)
परिस्थितियों पर निर्भर रहना (to depend on circumstances)

Common Phrases

यह आप पर निर्भर करता है (It depends on you)

मैं किसी पर निर्भर नहीं हूँ (I don't depend on anyone)

दूसरों पर निर्भर मत रहो (Don't depend on others)

सब कुछ किस्मत पर निर्भर है (Everything depends on luck)

यह स्थिति पर निर्भर करता है (It depends on the situation)

वह अपने परिवार पर निर्भर है (He is dependent on his family)

आत्मनिर्भर बनो, निर्भर मत रहो (Be self-reliant, don't be dependent)

हम पूरी तरह से उन पर निर्भर हैं (We are completely dependent on them)

क्या तुम हमेशा मुझ पर निर्भर रहोगे? (Will you always depend on me?)

यह मौसम पर निर्भर रहेगा (This will depend on the weather)

Often Confused With

निर्भर रहना vs आश्रित रहना (āśrit rahnā) - More formal, implies taking shelter.

निर्भर रहना vs भरोसा करना (bharosā karnā) - Means to trust, not necessarily to depend financially or physically.

निर्भर रहना vs इंतज़ार करना (intazār karnā) - Means to wait. Sometimes learners confuse depending on someone with waiting for them.

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

निर्भर रहना vs

निर्भर रहना vs

निर्भर रहना vs

निर्भर रहना vs

निर्भर रहना vs

Sentence Patterns

Sign up free to see all examples

How to Use It

nuance

'निर्भर रहना' implies a continuous state, while 'निर्भर होना' implies a state of being. 'निर्भर करना' is used for conditional outcomes.

regional

Universally understood in standard Hindi.

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality. 'आश्रित' is a more formal alternative.

Common Mistakes
  • Omitting the postposition 'पर' (par) entirely.
  • Using the wrong postposition, such as 'से' (se - from) instead of 'पर'.
  • Failing to conjugate 'रहना' to match the gender and number of the subject.
  • Confusing 'निर्भर' (dependent) with 'निर्भय' (fearless) due to similar sounds.
  • Translating the English continuous tense literally (मैं निर्भर रह रहा हूँ instead of मैं निर्भर हूँ).

Tips

Don't Forget 'Par'

The most common mistake is forgetting the postposition 'पर' (par). Always link 'निर्भर' with 'पर'. Think of it as 'depending ON'.

Learn the Antonym

Pair learning 'निर्भर' (dependent) with 'आत्मनिर्भर' (self-reliant). Knowing opposites helps cement the meaning in your memory.

Aspirate the 'Bh'

Make sure to pronounce the 'भ' (bh) with a strong puff of air. Saying 'nirbar' instead of 'nirbhar' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Conditions vs. People

Use 'निर्भर रहता है' when talking about people relying on others. Use 'निर्भर करता है' when talking about situations depending on conditions.

News Vocabulary

Watch Hindi news channels. You will frequently hear 'निर्भरता' (dependency) and 'आत्मनिर्भर' (self-reliant) during economic or political discussions.

Formal Synonyms

If you are writing a formal essay, try using 'आश्रित' (āśrit) instead of 'निर्भर' to sound more advanced and literary.

Expressing Compulsion

To say 'I HAVE to depend', use the structure 'निर्भर रहना पड़ता है'. This is very common when expressing frustration about dependency.

Verb Agreement

Remember that the verb 'रहना' must agree with the subject (the person who is depending), not the object (the person being depended on).

Family Dynamics

Understand that 'निर्भर रहना' within a family context in India is often seen as a positive sign of unity, not necessarily a lack of independence.

Translate Daily

Look around you and translate dependencies. 'The plant depends on water' -> 'पौधा पानी पर निर्भर रहता है'. Daily practice builds fluency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nirbhar' as 'Near Bar'. If you are 'Near a Bar', you might 'depend on' it for a drink. (Silly, but memorable!). Alternatively, think of 'bhar' (weight) - you put your weight ON someone when you depend on them.

Word Origin

Sanskrit

Cultural Context

Calling an able-bodied adult 'पूरी तरह से दूसरों पर निर्भर' (completely dependent on others) is generally an insult, implying laziness or failure.

Telling an elder 'मैं आप पर निर्भर हूँ' shows respect and trust. Telling a peer 'तुम मुझ पर निर्भर मत रहो' can be a harsh wake-up call.

In pure Urdu contexts, you might hear 'मुनहसिर होना' (munhasir honā) instead of 'निर्भर होना', but 'निर्भर' is universally understood across Hindi-speaking regions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आज की पीढ़ी तकनीक पर बहुत अधिक निर्भर है?"

"आप अपनी खुशी के लिए किस पर निर्भर रहते हैं?"

"क्या एक देश पूरी तरह से आत्मनिर्भर हो सकता है?"

"जब आप बच्चे थे, तो आप किस बात के लिए माता-पिता पर सबसे ज्यादा निर्भर थे?"

"क्या दोस्तों पर आर्थिक रूप से निर्भर रहना सही है?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you had to depend entirely on a stranger.

Discuss the pros and cons of being financially dependent on your family.

How does depending on a smartphone affect your daily life?

Write a short story about a character who decides to stop depending on others.

What does 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) mean to you personally?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, almost always. The postposition 'पर' (on) is grammatically required to indicate the object of dependency. Without it, the sentence is incomplete. For example, 'मैं तुम पर निर्भर हूँ' is correct, while 'मैं तुम निर्भर हूँ' is wrong.

'निर्भर रहना' (to remain dependent) is usually used for living beings or continuous states of reliance (e.g., a child depending on parents). 'निर्भर करना' (to depend/act as a condition) is used for abstract conditions or outcomes (e.g., success depends on hard work).

Yes, 'निर्भर होना' (to be dependent) is perfectly fine and very common. 'मैं तुम पर निर्भर हूँ' (I am dependent on you) uses the 'होना' verb. 'रहना' just emphasizes the continuous state of remaining dependent.

The most direct antonym is 'आत्मनिर्भर' (ātamnirbhar), which means self-reliant. You can also use 'स्वतंत्र' (svatantra) or 'आज़ाद' (āzād), which mean free or independent in a broader sense.

'निर्भर' itself is an adjective meaning 'dependent'. It becomes a verb phrase when combined with verbs like 'रहना', 'होना', or 'करना'.

The 'r' is a half-consonant (reph) that is pronounced quickly before the 'bh' sound. It is not a full rolling 'r'. Think of it like the 'r' in the English word 'near' spoken quickly.

Yes. For example, 'यह मशीन बिजली पर निर्भर रहती है' (This machine depends on electricity). It is widely used for objects, systems, and abstract concepts.

The noun form is 'निर्भरता' (nirbhartā), which translates to 'dependency' or 'reliance'. For example, 'तकनीक पर हमारी निर्भरता बढ़ रही है' (Our dependency on technology is increasing).

It depends on the context. Saying a child is dependent on parents is a neutral fact. Telling an adult they are 'दूसरों पर निर्भर' (dependent on others) can be seen as a criticism or insult, implying they are not self-sufficient.

Conjugate 'रहना' in the future tense. For a masculine singular subject: 'मैं तुम पर निर्भर रहूँगा' (I will depend on you). For feminine: 'रहूँगी'. For plural: 'रहेंगे'.

Sign up free for tips & notes

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Sign up free to practice

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!