निर्वहन करना
निर्वहन करना in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb meaning to discharge or carry out duties.
- Used in professional, legal, and official Hindi contexts.
- Always paired with the genitive postposition 'ka' (का).
- Essential for B1+ level for formal communication and news.
The Hindi verb निर्वहन करना (Nirvahan Karnā) is a sophisticated, formal term that primarily translates to 'to discharge,' 'to carry out,' 'to fulfill,' or 'to perform' in the context of duties, responsibilities, or functions. It is not a word you would typically use while chatting with friends at a café; instead, it belongs to the realms of professional life, legal documents, official speeches, and serious literature. When you talk about a soldier performing their duty to the nation, or a CEO discharging their responsibilities to the board, this is the precise word you need. It carries a sense of gravity and completion, implying that the task at hand is not just being 'done' but is being executed with a sense of obligation and adherence to a standard.
- Formal Duty
- The most common use involves the discharge of professional or official obligations. For example, 'कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन' (discharge of duties).
The term is derived from Sanskrit roots, where 'Nir' acts as a prefix often indicating outward movement or completion, and 'Vah' relates to carrying or bearing. Thus, the literal essence is 'to carry something through to its conclusion.' In modern Hindi, it functions as a compound verb where 'निर्वहन' acts as the noun component and 'करना' as the verbalizer. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone aiming for B1 level proficiency or higher, as it appears frequently in news broadcasts and formal correspondence.
वह अपनी ज़िम्मेदारियों का कुशलतापूर्वक निर्वहन कर रहा है। (He is discharging his responsibilities efficiently.)
In a cultural context, 'निर्वहन करना' often implies a moral or ethical commitment. It suggests that the person performing the action is aware of the weight of their role. For instance, a judge 'निर्वहन' their duty not just as a job, but as a commitment to justice. This nuance distinguishes it from the simpler 'करना' (to do) or 'पूरा करना' (to complete). While you might 'पूरा करना' your homework, you 'निर्वहन करना' your role as a citizen. This distinction is vital for learners who wish to sound more native and precise in their vocabulary choices. Furthermore, the word is often found in the passive or formal active voice in administrative Hindi (Rajbhasha), which is the standard for government communication in India.
- Professional Context
- Used in job descriptions, performance reviews, and official contracts to specify what an employee must execute.
संविधान के अनुसार, राष्ट्रपति अपने कार्यों का निर्वहन करते हैं। (According to the Constitution, the President discharges his functions.)
To master this word, one must observe how it interacts with abstract nouns. Words like 'दायित्व' (responsibility), 'भूमिका' (role), 'कर्तव्य' (duty), and 'कार्यभार' (charge/load of work) are the constant companions of 'निर्वहन करना'. If you are writing a formal letter in Hindi or preparing for a professional interview, using this word correctly will immediately signal a high level of linguistic competence. It reflects a grasp of 'Shuddh Hindi' (pure/formal Hindi) which is highly respected in academic and bureaucratic circles.
- Legal Usage
- Found in legal statutes to describe the execution of powers granted by law.
पुलिस को अपने कर्तव्यों का ईमानदारी से निर्वहन करना चाहिए। (The police should discharge their duties honestly.)
Finally, remember that 'निर्वहन' is a noun that can also be used independently in some contexts, though its verbal form is much more frequent. As you advance in Hindi, you will notice that formal verbs like this provide the structural backbone for serious discourse. Practicing the conjugation of 'करना' within this compound verb will allow you to use it across all tenses—past, present, and future—making your Hindi sound polished and authoritative.
Using निर्वहन करना requires an understanding of Hindi's transitive verb structures. Since it is a compound verb ending in 'करना', it takes the object with the postposition 'का' (of). The structure usually follows: [Subject] + [Object] + का/के/की + निर्वहन + [Conjugated form of करना]. Because 'निर्वहन' is masculine, the preceding postposition is typically 'का' unless the object itself forces a change, though in most standard phrases like 'कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन', it remains 'का'.
- Active Voice (Present)
- In the present tense, it indicates an ongoing or habitual discharge of duties. 'मैं अपने दायित्वों का निर्वहन करता हूँ' (I discharge my obligations).
When using the past tense, specifically the 'Perfective' aspect, remember the 'ne' (ने) rule. If the sentence is in the past and transitive, the subject takes 'ने'. For example, 'उसने अपनी भूमिका का निर्वहन किया' (He performed his role). Here, 'किया' agrees with 'निर्वहन' (masculine singular), not the subject 'उसने'. This is a common point of confusion for learners, so paying attention to the gender of 'निर्वहन' is key to grammatical accuracy.
मंत्री जी ने अपने पद की शपथ का निर्वहन किया। (The Minister discharged the oath of his office.)
In future tenses or when using modal verbs like 'चाहिए' (should), the verb remains straightforward. 'हमें अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्वों का निर्वहन करना चाहिए' (We should discharge our social responsibilities). This sentence structure is very common in educational and motivational contexts in India. It emphasizes the 'should'—the moral imperative of performing one's duties to society.
- Continuous Tense
- 'अधिकारी कार्यभार का निर्वहन कर रहे हैं' (The officers are discharging the workload/charge).
One interesting aspect of this verb is its use in the passive voice in formal reports. You might see: 'कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन किया जा रहा है' (The duties are being discharged). This is standard 'Bureaucratic Hindi' where the focus is on the action rather than the actor. For a learner, being able to recognize and use this passive construction is a sign of advanced proficiency. It shows you understand the register of the language being used in official Indian government documents.
क्या आप इस ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन करने के लिए तैयार हैं? (Are you ready to discharge this responsibility?)
To vary your sentences, you can use adverbs. Since 'निर्वहन करना' is formal, it is often paired with formal adverbs like 'कुशलतापूर्वक' (efficiently), 'निष्ठापूर्वक' (faithfully/with integrity), or 'सफलतापूर्वक' (successfully). Adding these adverbs provides more detail about *how* the duty is being performed, which is often as important as the performance itself in a professional setting.
- Imperative Form
- 'अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करो!' (Discharge your duties!) - Used as a formal command or call to action.
Finally, let's look at complex sentences. 'यदि प्रत्येक नागरिक अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करे, तो देश प्रगति करेगा।' (If every citizen discharges their duties, the country will progress.) This uses the subjunctive 'करे' to express a condition. Notice how the word elevates the tone of the entire sentence, making it sound like a line from a patriotic speech or a textbook. Mastering these variations ensures you can use 'निर्वहन करना' in any grammatical scenario.
You will encounter निर्वहन करना most frequently in formal environments. If you listen to 'All India Radio' (Akashvani) or watch 'DD News', the news anchors often use this term when reporting on the activities of government officials, the military, or the judiciary. For example, when a new Governor is appointed, the news report will inevitably mention how they will 'निर्वहन' their constitutional duties. This is the language of the state, meant to convey seriousness and stability.
- News Media
- Used to describe the actions of public figures. 'प्रधानमंत्री ने अपनी विदेशी यात्रा के दौरान महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका का निर्वहन किया।'
In the corporate world in India, particularly in HR documents, job descriptions, and performance appraisal forms, 'निर्वहन करना' is the standard way to describe the execution of job functions. An employee's contract might state: 'कर्मचारी को सौंपे गए सभी कार्यों का संतोषजनक ढंग से निर्वहन करना होगा' (The employee will have to discharge all assigned tasks satisfactorily). If you are working in a Hindi-speaking professional environment, you will see this word in almost every official email regarding roles and responsibilities.
कंपनी के निदेशक मंडल ने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारियों का निर्वहन पूरी पारदर्शिता के साथ किया। (The company's Board of Directors discharged their responsibilities with full transparency.)
Legal and academic settings are other prime locations for this word. In a courtroom, a lawyer might argue about whether a party 'निर्वहन' their contractual obligations. In university textbooks, especially those concerning Political Science (Rajniti Shastra) or Ethics (Niti Shastra), the word is used to discuss the duties of individuals toward the state and vice versa. It is a foundational word for discussing the concept of 'Dharma' in a modern, secular legal sense—the 'dharma' or duty of a professional.
- Educational Textbooks
- Explaining citizenship: 'नागरिकों को अपने मौलिक कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करना चाहिए।' (Citizens should discharge their fundamental duties.)
Even in public service announcements (PSAs), you might hear this word. For example, during elections, the Election Commission of India might release advertisements urging polling officers to 'निर्वहन' their duties impartially to ensure a fair election. This reinforces the idea that the word is tied to public trust and institutional integrity. If you are listening to a formal speech (Bhashan) by a political leader or a social reformer, listen for this word—it usually precedes a list of important tasks they have accomplished or intend to accomplish.
मुख्य चुनाव आयुक्त ने शांतिपूर्ण मतदान के लिए अपनी टीम के निर्वहन की सराहना की। (The Chief Election Commissioner praised his team's discharge [of duties] for peaceful voting.)
Lastly, in the context of environment and science, you might occasionally hear 'निर्वहन' used for the 'discharge' of substances (like water from a dam or waste from a factory), though 'निकासी' (nikāsi) is more common for physical waste. However, in technical reports, 'जल निर्वहन' (water discharge) is a standard term. This shows the word's versatility in formal technical Hindi. So, whether you are reading a newspaper, a legal contract, or a technical manual, 'निर्वहन करना' is an essential part of your formal Hindi toolkit.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with निर्वहन करना is using it in a casual context. Because it translates to 'to do' or 'to carry out,' a student might say, 'मैंने अपने गृहकार्य का निर्वहन किया' (I discharged my homework). While grammatically correct, this sounds incredibly strange—almost like saying, 'I executed the discharge of my domestic academic obligations' instead of 'I did my homework.' Stick to 'पूरा करना' or 'करना' for daily chores and save 'निर्वहन' for duties and roles.
- Register Mismatch
- Using 'निर्वहन करना' for simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, or shopping. It sounds overly dramatic and robotic.
Another common error involves the postposition. Learners often forget the 'का' (kā) and try to use 'को' (ko) or nothing at all. Remember: you discharge *of* a duty in Hindi logic. Incorrect: 'वह अपनी ड्यूटी निर्वहन कर रहा है।' Correct: 'वह अपनी ड्यूटी *का* निर्वहन कर रहा है।' Without the 'का', the sentence feels incomplete and disjointed to a native speaker. The 'का' links the responsibility to the action of discharging.
गलत: उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी को निर्वहन किया।
सही: उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन किया।
Confusing 'निर्वहन' (Nirvahan) with 'निर्वाह' (Nirvah) is a subtle mistake even some native speakers might make in haste. 'निर्वाह करना' (Nirvah karna) usually means 'to survive,' 'to manage,' or 'to sustain a living' (as in 'Guzara karna'). For example, 'कम पैसों में निर्वाह करना मुश्किल है' (It is hard to survive on little money). While they share a root, 'निर्वहन' is about performing a duty, while 'निर्वाह' is about sustaining life or a situation. Using one for the other can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
- Word Confusion
- Nirvahan (Discharge/Performance) vs. Nirvah (Sustenance/Survival). Don't mix them up!
Learners also struggle with the placement of adverbs. In formal Hindi, the adverb usually comes before the noun part of the compound verb. So, 'कुशलतापूर्वक निर्वहन करना' is much better than 'निर्वहन कुशलतापूर्वक करना'. The latter is not 'wrong', but the former sounds more like the standard administrative Hindi found in newspapers and reports. Keeping the adverb close to the action it modifies helps in maintaining the formal flow of the sentence.
बेहतर: उन्होंने अपने दायित्वों का निष्ठापूर्वक निर्वहन किया। (They discharged their obligations faithfully.)
Finally, avoid over-complicating the sentence by adding too many formal words. If you use 'निर्वहन करना', the rest of the sentence should match that level of formality. Mixing slang with this word—like 'Bro, उसने अपनी ड्यूटी का निर्वहन किया'—creates a 'linguistic whiplash'. If you are using 'Bro', use 'निभाना' (nibhānā) or 'किया' (kiyā). If you are using 'निर्वहन करना', use formal address like 'महोदय' (Sir) or 'श्रीमान' (Mr.). Consistency in register is the hallmark of a fluent speaker.
Understanding the synonyms of निर्वहन करना helps you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is निभाना (Nibhānā). While both can mean 'to fulfill,' 'निभाना' is much broader and more emotional. You 'निभाना' a friendship (dosti), a promise (vaada), or a relationship (rishta). You *can* use it for duty (farz nibhana), but 'निर्वहन करना' is more formal and specific to professional or constitutional roles.
- निभाना (Nibhānā)
- More common in daily speech and emotional contexts. 'उसने अपनी दोस्ती निभाई' (He fulfilled his friendship).
Another synonym is पालन करना (Pālan Karnā). This usually means 'to follow' or 'to obey.' You 'पालन करना' rules (niyam), laws (kanoon), or orders (aadesh). While 'निर्वहन' is about the *action* of performing a role, 'पालन' is about *adherence* to a set of guidelines. For example, a driver 'पालन' the traffic rules, but a police officer 'निर्वहन' their duty to enforce them. The distinction is subtle but important for high-level Hindi.
नियमों का पालन करना अनिवार्य है, जबकि कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करना एक उत्तरदायित्व है। (Following rules is mandatory, while discharging duties is a responsibility.)
Then we have सम्पादन करना (Sampādan Karnā). This is often used for 'performing' or 'executing' a specific task or 'editing' a document. In the context of tasks, it is very close to 'निर्वहन करना' but is more mechanical. You might 'सम्पादन' an experiment or a technical process. 'निर्वहन', however, carries the weight of 'duty' or 'office'. You wouldn't say a scientist 'निर्वहन' an experiment; they 'सम्पादन' it. But they 'निर्वहन' their duty as a scientist.
- सम्पादन करना (Sampādan Karnā)
- To execute or perform a task/process. Also means 'to edit' in journalism.
For a simpler, more common alternative, there is पूरा करना (Pūrā Karnā), which simply means 'to complete' or 'to fulfill'. It is the 'workhorse' of the Hindi language. If you are unsure which formal word to use, 'पूरा करना' is almost always safe, though it lacks the professional 'polish' of 'निर्वहन करना'. It is used for goals, targets, homework, and dreams. 'उसने अपना लक्ष्य पूरा किया' (He fulfilled/completed his goal).
उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी पूरी की। (He fulfilled his responsibility - Neutral/Common style.)
Lastly, अंजाम देना (Anjām Denā) is a phrase often used in the context of 'carrying out' an action, but it frequently has a negative or dramatic connotation, like 'carrying out a crime' or 'carrying out a plot'. 'आतंकवादियों ने हमले को अंजाम दिया' (The terrorists carried out the attack). You would never use 'निर्वहन करना' for a crime, as 'निर्वहन' implies a legitimate, often moral duty. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the legitimacy and the formality of the action you are describing.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root 'vah' (to carry) is the same root found in 'vahan' (vehicle), meaning you are literally 'carrying' your duty to its destination.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Nirvahan' as 'Nir-vaan' (missing the 'ha').
- Treating 'v' as a hard English 'v' rather than the softer Hindi 'v/w' sound.
- Over-stressing the 'h' in 'vahan'.
Difficulty Rating
Common in newspapers but requires knowledge of formal vocabulary.
Hard to use correctly without sounding too stiff or making 'ka' errors.
Rare in casual speech; sounds very formal if used in a café.
Easily recognizable once you know the word 'karna' and the 'Nir' prefix.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verbs with 'Karna'
निर्वहन + करना = To discharge.
Genitive Postposition 'Ka'
कर्तव्यों 'का' निर्वहन (Duty 'of' discharge).
Ergative Subject with 'Ne' in Past Tense
उसने (Subject + Ne) निर्वहन किया (Verb agrees with 'Nirvahan').
Adverb Placement in Formal Hindi
कुशलतापूर्वक (Adverb) निर्वहन करना.
Passive Voice in Formal Reports
निर्वहन किया गया (Was discharged).
Examples by Level
वह अपना काम करता है।
He does his work.
A1 alternative using simple 'karna'.
मैं अपनी ड्यूटी करता हूँ।
I do my duty.
Simple present tense.
क्या आप काम करेंगे?
Will you do the work?
Future tense of karna.
उसने काम किया।
He did the work.
Simple past tense.
पुलिस अपना काम करती है।
The police do their work.
Subject-verb agreement.
यह मेरा काम है।
This is my work.
Possessive pronoun with work.
अच्छे बच्चे काम करते हैं।
Good children do work.
Plural subject.
वह रोज़ काम करता है।
He works every day.
Habitual present.
अधिकारी अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करते हैं।
Officers discharge their duties.
Introduction of 'nirvahan' with 'ka'.
हमें अपना कर्तव्य निर्वहन करना चाहिए।
We should discharge our duty.
Use of 'chahiye' (should).
उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन किया।
He discharged his responsibility.
Past tense with 'ne'.
क्या आपने अपना कार्य निर्वहन किया?
Did you discharge your task?
Interrogative past tense.
वे अपनी भूमिका का निर्वहन कर रहे हैं।
They are discharging their role.
Present continuous tense.
मैं इस पद का निर्वहन करूँगा।
I will discharge (the duties of) this post.
Future tense.
ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन करना ज़रूरी है।
It is important to discharge responsibility.
Infinitive as a subject.
वह ईमानदारी से निर्वहन करता है।
He discharges (duties) with honesty.
Use of adverb 'imandari se'.
मंत्री जी अपने दायित्वों का कुशलतापूर्वक निर्वहन कर रहे हैं।
The Minister is efficiently discharging his obligations.
Formal vocabulary 'dayitv' and 'kushaltapurvak'.
सैनिकों ने देश की सेवा का निर्वहन किया।
The soldiers discharged the service of the nation.
Past tense with plural subject 'ne'.
आपको अपने कार्यों का समय पर निर्वहन करना होगा।
You will have to discharge your tasks on time.
Compulsion using 'hoga'.
वह अपनी नई भूमिका का निर्वहन करने के लिए तैयार है।
He is ready to discharge his new role.
Infinitive 'karne ke liye'.
क्या उन्होंने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारियों का सही से निर्वहन किया?
Did they discharge their responsibilities correctly?
Past tense question.
प्रबंधक ने कार्यभार का निर्वहन सफलतापूर्वक किया।
The manager successfully discharged the workload.
Compound verb with adverb.
हम सबको अपने सामाजिक कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करना चाहिए।
We all should discharge our social duties.
Moral obligation.
संस्था अपने लक्ष्यों का निर्वहन कर रही है।
The organization is discharging (achieving) its goals.
Corporate context.
न्यायाधीश ने निष्पक्ष रूप से अपने न्यायपीठ का निर्वहन किया।
The judge discharged his bench (duties) impartially.
High formal register.
संविधान के तहत शक्तियों का निर्वहन सावधानी से किया जाना चाहिए।
The discharge of powers under the Constitution should be done carefully.
Passive voice 'kiya jana chahiye'.
वह पिछले दस वर्षों से इस पद का निर्वहन कर रहे हैं।
He has been discharging (the duties of) this post for the last ten years.
Present perfect continuous equivalent.
यदि आप अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन नहीं करेंगे, तो दंड मिलेगा।
If you do not discharge your duties, you will be punished.
Conditional sentence.
उन्होंने विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी अपने दायित्व का निर्वहन किया।
He discharged his obligation even in adverse circumstances.
Use of 'bhi' for emphasis.
अधिकारी को अपने विवेकाधीन शक्तियों का निर्वहन करना पड़ा।
The officer had to discharge his discretionary powers.
Compulsion in past 'karna pada'.
क्या सरकार अपने वादों का निर्वहन करने में सक्षम है?
Is the government capable of discharging its promises?
Abstract object 'vaadon' (promises).
उनका पूरा जीवन राष्ट्र सेवा के निर्वहन में बीता।
His entire life was spent in the discharge of service to the nation.
Noun form 'nirvahan' in a locative phrase.
लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों के निर्वहन हेतु स्वतंत्र प्रेस का होना अनिवार्य है।
A free press is essential for the discharge of democratic values.
Sophisticated 'hetu' (for the sake of).
प्रशासक ने अपनी शक्तियों का निर्वहन जनहित में किया।
The administrator discharged his powers in the public interest.
Legal/Administrative vocabulary.
नैतिकता के बिना कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन केवल एक यांत्रिक प्रक्रिया है।
Discharging duties without morality is merely a mechanical process.
Philosophical context.
संसद सदस्य के रूप में उन्होंने अपनी भूमिका का उत्कृष्ट निर्वहन किया।
As a Member of Parliament, he performed his role excellently.
Appositive phrase 'as a member'.
संवैधानिक मर्यादाओं का निर्वहन करना हर संस्थान का धर्म है।
It is the duty of every institution to discharge (observe) constitutional boundaries.
Abstract 'maryada' (boundaries/dignity).
उन्होंने अपने पारिवारिक और व्यावसायिक दायित्वों के बीच संतुलन बनाकर निर्वहन किया।
He discharged (his duties) by balancing family and professional obligations.
Complex sentence structure.
आयोग ने अपनी रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत कर अपने कार्य का निर्वहन कर दिया है।
The commission has discharged its task by submitting its report.
Present perfect 'kar diya hai'.
क्या आप इन जटिल उत्तरदायित्वों का निर्वहन कर पाएंगे?
Will you be able to discharge these complex responsibilities?
Ability with 'paenge'.
न्यायपालिका को कार्यपालिका के हस्तक्षेप के बिना अपने कार्यों का निर्वहन करना चाहिए।
The judiciary should discharge its functions without executive interference.
Political science terminology.
उनके कृतित्व में आदर्शवाद और कर्तव्य-निर्वहन का अद्भुत संगम दिखता है।
An amazing confluence of idealism and discharge of duty is seen in his work.
Literary Hindi.
अंतरराष्ट्रीय संधियों के निर्वहन में भारत की भूमिका सराहनीय रही है।
India's role in the discharge (fulfillment) of international treaties has been commendable.
Diplomatic context.
किसी भी उच्च पद पर आसीन व्यक्ति के लिए शक्तियों का निर्वहन एक अग्निपरीक्षा होती है।
For anyone holding a high office, the discharge of powers is a trial by fire.
Use of idiom 'agnipariksha'.
उन्होंने अपनी वसीयत के माध्यम से अंतिम इच्छाओं का निर्वहन सुनिश्चित किया।
He ensured the discharge of his final wishes through his will.
Legal context.
पर्यावरण संरक्षण के प्रति अपने दायित्वों का निर्वहन करना समय की मांग है।
Discharging our obligations toward environmental protection is the need of the hour.
Contemporary social issue.
प्रशासकों को बिना किसी पूर्वाग्रह के अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन करना अनिवार्य है।
It is mandatory for administrators to discharge their duties without any prejudice.
Administrative ethics.
विद्वानों का मत है कि ज्ञान का प्रसार भी एक सामाजिक निर्वहन है।
Scholars believe that the spread of knowledge is also a social discharge (duty).
Academic discourse.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To carry out the duties of a specific office or position.
वह अध्यक्ष के पद का निर्वहन कर रहे हैं।
— To perform a service, usually for the public or nation.
देश की सेवा का निर्वहन करना गर्व की बात है।
— The act of discharging obligations (noun form).
दायित्व निर्वहन में कोताही न बरतें।
Often Confused With
Means to survive or sustain life. 'कम आय में निर्वाह करना' (To survive on low income).
Less formal, used for relationships and promises. 'दोस्ती निभाना' (To keep a friendship).
Physical discharge (like water or waste). 'पानी की निकासी' (Drainage of water).
Idioms & Expressions
— At the altar of duty; often used with performing one's duty even at great cost.
उसने कर्तव्य की वेदी पर अपने प्राणों का निर्वहन (बलिदान) किया।
Literary— To take responsibility on one's shoulders; often followed by its 'nirvahan'.
उसने ज़िम्मेदारी कंधे पर लेकर उसका निर्वहन किया।
Neutral— To acknowledge someone's strength; used when someone discharges duties so well others are impressed.
सबने उसके कर्तव्य-निर्वहन का लोहा माना।
Informal/Idiomatic— To lose something; used if one fails to discharge duties and loses their job.
निर्वहन न करने पर वह नौकरी से हाथ धो बैठा।
Informal— To move heaven and earth; to work very hard to discharge a duty.
उसने कार्य के निर्वहन के लिए आकाश-पाताल एक कर दिया।
Neutral— To destroy completely; used in contexts of discharging a duty to defeat an enemy.
सेना ने कर्तव्य का निर्वहन करते हुए दुश्मन की ईंट से ईंट बजा दी।
Dramatic— To be indifferent; used when someone refuses to discharge their duty despite being told.
उसे कर्तव्य निर्वहन के लिए कहा गया पर उसके कान पर जूँ न रेंगी।
Informal— To win a battle/attain success; successfully discharging a tough duty.
उसने कठिन कार्य का निर्वहन कर मैदान मार लिया।
Informal— To do one's own thing; used when someone fails to discharge collective duties.
वह सामूहिक निर्वहन के बजाय अपनी खिचड़ी अलग पका रहा है।
Informal— To do justice; a judge discharging their duty perfectly.
न्यायाधीश ने निर्वहन करते हुए दूध का दूध पानी का पानी कर दिया।
NeutralEasily Confused
Sounds almost identical.
Nirvahan is about duty/performance; Nirvah is about survival/living.
उसने कर्तव्य का निर्वहन किया vs उसने गरीबी में निर्वाह किया।
Same English translation 'to fulfill'.
Nibhana is emotional/personal; Nirvahan is official/formal.
रिश्ता निभाना vs पद का निर्वहन करना।
Used for 'following' duties.
Palan is about obeying rules; Nirvahan is about the act of doing the job.
नियमों का पालन vs ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन।
Both mean 'performance'.
Sampadan is more technical/task-oriented; Nirvahan is duty-oriented.
प्रोजेक्ट का सम्पादन vs कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन।
Basic root verb.
Karna is general; Nirvahan karna is specific to formal duties.
काम करना vs दायित्व का निर्वहन करना।
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [Object] का निर्वहन करता है।
वह अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन करता है।
[Subject] ने [Object] का निर्वहन किया।
मैंने अपने कर्तव्य का निर्वहन किया।
[Subject] को [Object] का निर्वहन करना चाहिए।
हमें अपने दायित्वों का निर्वहन करना चाहिए।
[Object] का [Adverb] निर्वहन किया गया।
कार्य का सफलतापूर्वक निर्वहन किया गया।
[Object] के निर्वहन हेतु [Reason]...
कर्तव्यों के निर्वहन हेतु अनुशासन आवश्यक है।
यदि [Subject] [Object] का निर्वहन करे, तो...
यदि सब निर्वहन करें, तो समाज बदलेगा।
[Abstract Concept] का निर्वहन [Philosophical Context]...
न्याय का निर्वहन ही राज्य का आधार है।
[Passive Subject] द्वारा [Object] का निर्वहन...
अधिकारी द्वारा शक्तियों का निर्वहन किया गया।
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in formal writing; Low in casual speech.
-
मैं अपना काम निर्वहन करता हूँ।
→
मैं अपने काम का निर्वहन करता हूँ।
Missing the genitive postposition 'ka'.
-
उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी निर्वहन की।
→
उसने अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का निर्वहन किया।
The verb 'kiya' must be masculine to agree with 'nirvahan', and 'ka' is needed.
-
दोस्ती का निर्वहन करना।
→
दोस्ती निभाना।
'Nirvahan' is too formal for personal relationships like friendship.
-
उसने अपना निर्वाह किया। (meaning duty)
→
उसने निर्वहन किया।
Confusing 'Nirvah' (survival) with 'Nirvahan' (discharge).
-
खाना बनाने का निर्वहन करना।
→
खाना बनाना।
Over-formalizing a simple daily task.
Tips
The 'Ka' Rule
Always ensure there is a 'ka' (का) before 'nirvahan'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Pair with Formal Nouns
Use it with words like 'Dayitv' (obligation) and 'Kartavya' (duty) to sound like a pro.
Keep it Professional
Only use this word in formal writing or professional speech. It's too stiff for friends.
The Silent 'H'?
Don't skip the 'h' in 'vahan'. It's 'nir-va-han', not 'nir-vaan'.
Essay Booster
Using this word in a Hindi essay immediately signals to the examiner that you have an advanced vocabulary.
Bureaucratic Standard
This is a key word in 'Rajbhasha' (official government Hindi). Useful if you work with Indian authorities.
Know your Nibhānā
Remember: Nibhānā for friends, Nirvahan for the boss.
The Vehicle Link
Think of 'vahan' (vehicle) carrying your duty to the finish line.
News Watch
Listen for this word on DD News to hear its perfect formal context.
Confidence
When you use this word, say it with confidence. Formal Hindi requires a steady, clear tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Nir' as 'Near' the end and 'Vahan' as a 'Vehicle'. You are using a vehicle to get your duty near its end/completion.
Visual Association
Imagine a soldier in a formal parade carrying a heavy but honorable flag across a finish line. The flag is the 'duty' and the act of carrying it is 'निर्वहन'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'निर्वहन करना' in your next professional email or when describing your job to a Hindi speaker. Avoid using 'karna' for one whole conversation about work.
Word Origin
Derived from Sanskrit 'निर्वहण' (Nirvahaṇa).
Original meaning: Completion, carrying out, accomplishing, or the end of a task.
Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit branch).Cultural Context
This is a very safe, respectful, and formal word. There are no negative connotations unless used sarcastically to mock someone's over-formality.
Comparable to the formal use of 'discharge' in legal English (e.g., 'discharge of duties').
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Office/Work
- कार्यभार का निर्वहन
- ज़िम्मेदारियों का निर्वहन
- कुशल निर्वहन
- समय पर निर्वहन
Legal/Government
- शक्तियों का निर्वहन
- संवैधानिक निर्वहन
- शपथ का निर्वहन
- कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन
Social/Moral
- सामाजिक निर्वहन
- नैतिक निर्वहन
- नागरिक कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन
- परोपकार का निर्वहन
Finance (Formal)
- ऋण का निर्वहन
- वित्तीय दायित्वों का निर्वहन
- अनुबंध का निर्वहन
- भुगतान का निर्वहन
Military
- देश सेवा का निर्वहन
- आदेशों का निर्वहन
- मोर्चे पर निर्वहन
- वीरतापूर्वक निर्वहन
Conversation Starters
"आप अपने कार्यालय में किन मुख्य ज़िम्मेदारियों का निर्वहन करते हैं?"
"क्या आपको लगता है कि आज के समय में लोग अपने नागरिक कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन कर रहे हैं?"
"एक अच्छे नेता के लिए अपने दायित्वों का निर्वहन करना क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?"
"आपने कभी किसी कठिन परिस्थिति में अपने कर्तव्य का निर्वहन कैसे किया?"
"क्या तकनीक हमें अपने कार्यों के निर्वहन में मदद करती है?"
Journal Prompts
आज मैंने अपनी कौन-कौन सी ज़िम्मेदारियों का सफलतापूर्वक निर्वहन किया? विस्तार से लिखें।
मेरे जीवन का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कर्तव्य क्या है और मैं उसका निर्वहन कैसे कर रहा हूँ?
एक आदर्श समाज में, हर व्यक्ति को अपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन कैसे करना चाहिए?
क्या कभी ऐसा हुआ है जब आप अपने किसी दायित्व का निर्वहन नहीं कर पाए? उसके क्या कारण थे?
भविष्य में मैं समाज के प्रति किन नए दायित्वों का निर्वहन करना चाहता हूँ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is rarely used in casual talk. It is reserved for formal settings like offices, news, and legal contexts. In daily life, people use 'निभाना' or 'पूरा करना'.
'निर्वाह' (Nirvah) means survival or sustenance (e.g., 'living on a salary'). 'निर्वहन' (Nirvahan) means discharging or performing a duty.
Yes, almost always. You discharge 'of' a duty. For example: 'ज़िम्मेदारी *का* निर्वहन' (Discharge of responsibility).
No. For a battery, the word is 'डिस्चार्ज' (English loanword) or 'निरावेशन' (technical Hindi). 'निर्वहन' is for duties.
The noun 'निर्वहन' is masculine. Therefore, in the past tense, you say 'निर्वहन किया' (masculine singular).
Usually, 'निभाना' is used for acting roles. However, 'भूमिका का निर्वहन' can be used in a very formal critique or academic discussion about acting.
Formal adverbs like 'कुशलतापूर्वक' (efficiently), 'सफलतापूर्वक' (successfully), and 'निष्ठापूर्वक' (faithfully).
Yes, it can be. For example: 'कर्तव्य-निर्वहन' (The discharge of duty) acts as a compound noun.
Yes, it is extremely common in administrative Hindi exams and official translations.
You should say: 'मैं अपने कर्तव्य का निर्वहन कर रहा हूँ।'
Test Yourself 190 questions
Write a formal sentence about an officer discharging their duty.
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Translate: 'He discharged his responsibilities efficiently.'
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Use 'निर्वहन करना' in a sentence about a soldier.
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Write a sentence using the word 'दायित्व' and 'निर्वहन करना'.
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Translate: 'The judge discharged his duties impartially.'
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Write a sentence about a manager discharging their role.
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Translate: 'It is important to discharge constitutional duties.'
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Use 'निर्वहन करना' in a future tense sentence.
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Translate: 'Are you ready to discharge this task?'
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Write a sentence with the adverb 'निष्ठापूर्वक'.
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Translate: 'The Minister discharged the oath of office.'
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Use 'निर्वहन करना' in a conditional sentence (If... then...).
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Translate: 'The company is discharging its social responsibilities.'
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Write a sentence using 'भूमिका' (role) and 'निर्वहन'.
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Translate: 'He has been discharging this duty for ten years.'
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Write a sentence about a citizen's duty.
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Translate: 'The discharge of duties is necessary for progress.'
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Use 'निर्वहन' as a noun in a sentence.
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Translate: 'They discharged the contract faithfully.'
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Write a sentence using 'शक्तियों का निर्वहन'.
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Pronounce correctly: 'निर्वहन करना'
Read this aloud:
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Say: 'I discharge my duties.'
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Say: 'He discharged his responsibility.'
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Say: 'We should discharge our duties.'
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Say: 'She is discharging her role.'
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Say: 'They will discharge the task.'
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Say: 'Did you discharge your duty?'
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Say: 'He discharged the workload efficiently.'
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Say: 'It is my duty to discharge this.'
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Say: 'The judge discharged justice.'
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Say: 'I want to discharge my social duties.'
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Say: 'He is capable of discharging this.'
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Say: 'Discharge your duties faithfully.'
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Say: 'The mission was successfully discharged.'
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Say: 'Who is discharging this role?'
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Say: 'Discharging duties is important.'
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Say: 'I will discharge my promise.'
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Say: 'She discharged her duty with honesty.'
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Say: 'We are discharging our functions.'
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Say: 'The officer discharged his powers.'
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Listen and write: 'अधिकारी ने निर्वहन किया।'
Listen and identify the verb: 'क्या आपने कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन किया?'
Listen and write the object: 'ज़िम्मेदारियों का निर्वहन करना ज़रूरी है।'
Listen and write: 'कुशलतापूर्वक निर्वहन।'
Listen and identify the tense: 'वह निर्वहन कर रहा है।'
Listen and write: 'कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'शक्तियों का निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'निष्ठापूर्वक निर्वहन किया गया।'
Listen and identify the subject: 'मंत्री जी ने निर्वहन किया।'
Listen and write: 'दायित्वों का निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'भूमिका का निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'सफलतापूर्वक निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'सामाजिक निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'पद का निर्वहन।'
Listen and write: 'शपथ का निर्वहन।'
/ 190 correct
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Summary
निर्वहन करना is the formal 'gold standard' for saying 'to do a duty'. While 'karna' is general, 'nirvahan karna' shows professional respect and seriousness. Example: 'कर्तव्यों का निर्वहन' (Discharge of duties).
- A formal verb meaning to discharge or carry out duties.
- Used in professional, legal, and official Hindi contexts.
- Always paired with the genitive postposition 'ka' (का).
- Essential for B1+ level for formal communication and news.
The 'Ka' Rule
Always ensure there is a 'ka' (का) before 'nirvahan'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Pair with Formal Nouns
Use it with words like 'Dayitv' (obligation) and 'Kartavya' (duty) to sound like a pro.
Keep it Professional
Only use this word in formal writing or professional speech. It's too stiff for friends.
The Silent 'H'?
Don't skip the 'h' in 'vahan'. It's 'nir-va-han', not 'nir-vaan'.
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More family words
आबाद
B1Inhabited, prosperous; populated and flourishing.
आँचल
B1Corner of a sari (symbol of mother's protection).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2Courtyard; an unroofed area that is completely or mostly enclosed by the walls of a house.
आंगन
A2An open, uncovered area, often paved, adjacent to a house; a courtyard.
आग्रह करना
B1To request; to insist; to ask earnestly or formally.
आज्ञा
B1An instruction or command; permission.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1To obey orders or commands.
आज्ञाकारी
B1Complying with commands or requests; obedient.
आज्ञकारी
B1Obedient; complying or willing to comply with an order or request.