नाराज़ होना
To become angry or displeased.
नाराज़ होना in 30 Seconds
- Means 'to be angry' or 'to be displeased'.
- Always use the postposition 'से' (se) for 'angry with'.
- It is a compound verb: adjective (नाराज़) + verb (होना).
- Often implies a hurt feeling that can be resolved by apologizing.
The Hindi verb नाराज़ होना (naaraaz hona) translates to 'to become angry,' 'to be displeased,' or 'to be upset.' It is a compound verb formed by the Persian-derived adjective नाराज़ (naaraaz), meaning angry or dissatisfied, and the Hindi auxiliary verb होना (hona), meaning to be or to become. Understanding this word is fundamental for expressing emotions, resolving conflicts, and navigating social relationships in Hindi-speaking cultures. Unlike the word 'गुस्सा' (gussa), which often implies a more intense, sometimes explosive anger, 'नाराज़' carries a nuance of displeasure, disappointment, or a sulking kind of anger. It is the kind of anger you feel when a friend forgets your birthday, or when a family member breaks a promise. It is deeply relational.
- Emotional Spectrum
- It ranges from mild annoyance to deep emotional hurt, usually directed at someone you care about.
वह मुझसे नाराज़ होना नहीं चाहता था, लेकिन मेरी गलती थी। (He did not want to be angry with me, but it was my fault.)
When you use this phrase, you are often signaling that a relationship needs repair. In Indian culture, expressing that you are 'naaraaz' is sometimes a way of seeking attention or an apology from a loved one. It is a very common trope in Bollywood movies where one lover is 'naaraaz' and the other must sing a song to appease them (this act of appeasing is called 'मनाना' - manaana).
- Cultural Context
- In South Asian families, being 'naaraaz' is a recognized social state. People might stop talking to each other (रूठना - roothna) until the issue is resolved.
अगर तुम नहीं आओगे, तो मैं नाराज़ होना शुरू कर दूँगी। (If you don't come, I will start getting angry.)
Let us delve deeper into the mechanics of this emotion. The state of being naaraaz is not permanent. It is a temporary emotional reaction to a specific trigger. For instance, a teacher might be naaraaz with a student for not doing homework. A boss might be naaraaz with an employee for being late. In these professional contexts, it translates more closely to 'displeased' or 'dissatisfied' rather than a furious rage.
- Professional Usage
- Used to express dissatisfaction with services, outcomes, or professional conduct without escalating to aggressive confrontation.
बॉस आज बहुत नाराज़ होना वाले हैं। (The boss is going to be very angry today.)
Furthermore, the adjective form 'नाराज़' can be used on its own without 'होना' when describing a noun, such as 'नाराज़ लोग' (angry people) or 'नाराज़ भीड़' (angry crowd). However, as a verb describing the transition into that emotional state, 'होना' is essential. The conjugation of 'होना' determines the tense, gender, and number of the subject experiencing the anger.
छोटी-छोटी बातों पर नाराज़ होना अच्छी बात नहीं है। (Getting angry over small things is not a good thing.)
In summary, mastering 'नाराज़ होना' allows learners to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of Hindi-speaking societies. It is a gentle yet powerful word that communicates hurt, demands respect, and ultimately seeks reconciliation. Whether you are watching a dramatic television serial, negotiating with a shopkeeper, or talking to a friend, recognizing when someone is naaraaz and knowing how to express it yourself is a crucial milestone in achieving fluency and cultural competence in Hindi.
मुझसे नाराज़ होना छोड़ दो। (Stop being angry with me.)
Using नाराज़ होना (naaraaz hona) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi sentence structure, specifically the use of postpositions and verb conjugation. Because it is a compound verb, the adjective part 'नाराज़' remains constant, while the auxiliary verb 'होना' changes according to the subject's gender, number, and the tense of the sentence. This is a standard rule for all adjective+hona compound verbs in Hindi.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- The verb 'होना' must agree with the subject experiencing the anger. For a masculine singular subject in the present tense, it becomes 'होता है' or 'हूँ'. For feminine, 'होती है'.
मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ। (I am angry with you.)
The most critical grammatical rule to remember when using this verb is the postposition used to indicate the target of the anger. In English, we say 'angry WITH someone' or 'mad AT someone'. In Hindi, you must use the postposition से (se), which generally translates to 'from' or 'with'. You are literally saying 'I am angry from you'. Using 'पर' (par - on), which is used with 'गुस्सा' (gussa - anger), is grammatically incorrect when used with 'नाराज़'.
- The Postposition 'से'
- Always attach 'से' to the noun or pronoun that represents the person you are angry with. (e.g., राम से, मुझसे, आपसे).
वह अपने भाई से नाराज़ हो गया। (He became angry with his brother.)
Let us look at different tenses. In the past tense, if you want to say 'I was angry', you say 'मैं नाराज़ था' (masculine) or 'मैं नाराज़ थी' (feminine). If you want to express the sudden onset of anger ('got angry'), you use the compound verb 'हो जाना' (ho jaana). So, 'वह नाराज़ हो गया' means 'he got angry'. The addition of 'जाना' adds a sense of completeness or sudden change of state, which is very common in spoken Hindi.
- Continuous Tense
- To say someone is currently getting angry, use 'हो रहा है' (ho raha hai). Example: वह नाराज़ हो रहा है (He is getting angry).
क्या तुम मुझसे नाराज़ हो? (Are you angry with me?)
You can also use adverbs of degree to modify the intensity of the anger. Common modifiers include 'बहुत' (bahut - very/a lot), 'थोड़ा' (thoda - a little), 'काफ़ी' (kaafi - quite), and 'बेवजह' (bevajah - without reason). Placing these right before 'नाराज़' adds depth to your sentence. For example, 'मैं तुमसे बहुत नाराज़ हूँ' (I am very angry with you).
वह बेवजह नाराज़ हो जाती है। (She gets angry without any reason.)
Finally, consider the negative form. To say 'do not be angry', you use the imperative 'मत' (mat) or 'न' (na). 'मुझसे नाराज़ मत होना' (Please don't be angry with me). This is a very common phrase used when you are about to deliver bad news or confess to a mistake. Mastering these structural nuances will make your Hindi sound natural, empathetic, and grammatically flawless.
कृपया मेरी बात सुनकर नाराज़ मत होना। (Please don't get angry after hearing what I have to say.)
The phrase नाराज़ होना (naaraaz hona) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world. You will encounter it in almost every facet of daily life, from intimate family conversations to professional environments, and extensively in popular media. Because Indian culture places a high value on interpersonal relationships and community harmony, the state of being 'naaraaz' is frequently discussed, analyzed, and resolved. It is not just a word; it is a social event.
- Family Dynamics
- In households, parents get naaraaz with children for poor grades, and children get naaraaz when denied toys. It is the standard term for domestic displeasure.
माँ आज सुबह से नाराज़ हैं। (Mother has been angry since this morning.)
Bollywood and Indian television serials are perhaps the greatest exporters of this phrase. Romantic storylines heavily rely on the 'रूठना-मनाना' (sulking and appeasing) dynamic. A classic scene involves the heroine becoming 'naaraaz' because the hero forgot an anniversary or looked at another woman. The hero then spends the rest of the episode or sings a three-minute song to cure her of her 'naaraazgi' (anger/displeasure). Songs with lyrics like 'तुम रूठी रहो, मैं मनाता रहूँ' or explicit mentions of 'नाराज़' are deeply embedded in the cultural psyche.
- Romantic Relationships
- It is the go-to word for lovers' quarrels. It implies a hurt that can be healed with affection, unlike hatred or permanent rage.
क्या मेरी जान मुझसे नाराज़ है? (Is my darling angry with me?)
In the workplace, 'नाराज़ होना' takes on a slightly more formal tone, translating to 'dissatisfied' or 'displeased'. A manager might be naaraaz with a team's performance. A client might be naaraaz with a delayed delivery. In these contexts, it is a polite yet firm way of expressing that expectations have not been met, without resorting to unprofessional shouting or aggressive vocabulary.
- Customer Service
- Customer service representatives often use this word to acknowledge a customer's frustration: 'हम समझते हैं कि आप नाराज़ हैं' (We understand that you are upset).
ग्राहक हमारी सेवा से नाराज़ हो गया। (The customer became displeased with our service.)
You will also hear it in political discourse and news reporting. Journalists might report that a particular community or political faction is 'naaraaz' with the government's new policies. Here, it scales up from personal emotion to collective dissatisfaction. 'नाराज़ गुट' (angry faction) or 'नाराज़ मतदाता' (angry voters) are common phrases during election seasons in India.
किसान सरकार के फैसले से नाराज़ हैं। (Farmers are angry with the government's decision.)
Whether you are eavesdropping on a conversation in a Delhi metro, watching a dramatic soap opera, or reading a Hindi newspaper, 'नाराज़ होना' is a phrase that will constantly appear. It is the linguistic glue that helps Hindi speakers navigate the boundaries of acceptable behavior, express their boundaries, and negotiate their social standing. Recognizing its varied applications across different spheres of life is essential for true fluency.
दोस्त की बात पर नाराज़ होना स्वाभाविक है। (It is natural to get angry at a friend's words.)
While नाराज़ होना (naaraaz hona) is a common and relatively straightforward verb, learners frequently make a few specific grammatical and contextual errors. The most prevalent mistake involves the incorrect use of postpositions. Because English speakers say 'angry AT' or 'angry ON' (in some dialects), they often translate this directly into Hindi, leading to awkward and incorrect sentences. Understanding the correct case markers is vital for sounding natural.
- The 'पर' (Par) Mistake
- Learners often say 'मैं तुम पर नाराज़ हूँ' (I am angry ON you). This is incorrect. You must use 'से' (se): 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ'.
गलत: वह मुझ पर नाराज़ है। सही: वह मुझसे नाराज़ है। (Wrong: He is angry on me. Right: He is angry with me.)
Another common confusion arises between 'नाराज़ होना' (to be angry) and 'गुस्सा होना' (to be angry) or 'गुस्सा आना' (anger to come). While 'नाराज़' is an adjective, 'गुस्सा' can function as both a noun and an adjective. You can say 'मुझे गुस्सा आ रहा है' (Anger is coming to me / I am getting angry), but you cannot say 'मुझे नाराज़ आ रहा है'. 'नाराज़' must always be paired with 'होना' (to be) or 'करना' (to do/make).
- Noun vs. Adjective
- 'नाराज़' is an adjective. The noun form is 'नाराज़गी' (naaraazgi). Do not use 'नाराज़' as a noun.
मेरी नाराज़गी जायज़ है। (My displeasure is justified. - Here naaraazgi is used, not naaraaz.)
Pronunciation also trips up some learners. The word originates from Persian and contains the 'ज़' (z) sound, which is represented by a dot (nuqta) under the Devanagari letter 'ज' (j). Many native speakers, especially in rural areas, might pronounce it as 'नाराज' (naaraaj) with a hard 'j' sound. While understood, the standard and more elegant pronunciation retains the 'z' sound. Furthermore, the second 'a' is long: naa-raa-z. Shortening it to 'naraz' sounds unnatural.
- Pronunciation Error
- Failing to elongate the vowels or substituting the 'z' sound with a hard 'j' sound.
उसका नाराज़ होना मुझे अच्छा नहीं लगता। (I don't like his being angry.)
Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the causative form. If you want to say 'You made me angry', you cannot say 'तुमने मुझे नाराज़ हुआ'. You must change 'होना' (to be) to 'करना' (to do/make). The correct sentence is 'तुमने मुझे नाराज़ किया' (You made me angry). Mixing up the intransitive 'होना' with the transitive 'करना' leads to significant grammatical breakdown in Hindi.
तुमने उसे क्यों नाराज़ किया? (Why did you make him angry?)
By paying attention to the postposition 'से', respecting the adjective status of the word, practicing the 'z' pronunciation, and mastering the difference between 'होना' and 'करना', learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use 'नाराज़ होना' with native-like fluency.
अब मुझसे नाराज़ होना बंद करो। (Now stop being angry with me.)
The Hindi language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing anger, displeasure, and frustration. While नाराज़ होना (naaraaz hona) is the most common and versatile term, understanding its synonyms and related words helps learners express exact emotional nuances. The closest and most frequently used alternative is गुस्सा होना (gussa hona). However, 'गुस्सा' generally implies a stronger, more active, and sometimes aggressive form of anger. If you are 'naaraaz', you might give someone the silent treatment; if you are 'gussa', you might yell.
- गुस्सा होना (Gussa Hona)
- Means 'to be angry'. It is more intense than naaraaz and can be used with the postposition 'पर' (par - on).
वह मुझ पर गुस्सा है, लेकिन नाराज़ नहीं। (He is mad at me, but not upset/displeased.)
Another beautiful and poetic synonym is खफ़ा होना (khafa hona). Like 'naaraaz', it has Persian/Urdu roots. 'Khafa' is slightly softer and is predominantly used in romantic contexts, poetry (Shayari), and classic Bollywood songs. It translates to being displeased, annoyed, or slightly estranged from a loved one. You wouldn't typically say your boss is 'khafa' with you; you would use 'naaraaz'.
- खफ़ा होना (Khafa Hona)
- A poetic, romantic term for being upset or displeased with a lover or close friend.
तुम मुझसे खफ़ा क्यों हो? (Why are you displeased with me?)
If we look at more formal or Sanskrit-derived vocabulary (Shuddh Hindi), the word is क्रोधित होना (krodhit hona). 'Krodh' is the pure Hindi word for wrath or severe anger. 'Krodhit hona' is highly formal and is usually reserved for literature, news broadcasts, religious texts (like the Ramayana or Mahabharata), or very serious situations. It sounds unnatural in casual daily conversation.
- क्रोधित होना (Krodhit Hona)
- Formal, Sanskrit-derived term for being enraged or wrathful.
राजा बहुत क्रोधित हुए। (The king became very enraged.)
There is also the concept of रूठना (roothna). This is a very culturally specific word that means to sulk, to give the silent treatment, or to be playfully angry, usually expecting to be coaxed or appeased (मनाना - manaana). When someone is 'naaraaz', their behavior is often described as 'roothna'. It is the physical and social manifestation of the internal feeling of being naaraaz.
बच्चा खिलौना न मिलने पर रूठ गया। (The child sulked upon not getting the toy.)
In conclusion, while 'गुस्सा' is for hot anger, 'खफ़ा' is for romantic displeasure, 'क्रोधित' is for formal wrath, and 'रूठना' is the act of sulking, नाराज़ होना remains the perfectly balanced, everyday term for expressing that you are upset or displeased with someone. Knowing these distinctions allows you to paint a much more accurate emotional picture in Hindi.
मैं नाराज़ हूँ, लेकिन क्रोधित नहीं। (I am upset, but not enraged.)
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Examples by Level
मैं नाराज़ हूँ।
I am angry.
Simple present tense with 'हूँ' (am).
वह नाराज़ है।
He/She is angry.
Third-person singular with 'है' (is).
क्या तुम नाराज़ हो?
Are you angry?
Question format using 'क्या' at the beginning.
राम नाराज़ नहीं है।
Ram is not angry.
Negative sentence using 'नहीं' (not).
हम नाराज़ हैं।
We are angry.
First-person plural with 'हैं' (are).
आप नाराज़ क्यों हैं?
Why are you angry? (Formal)
Using the question word 'क्यों' (why) before the verb.
लड़का नाराज़ है।
The boy is angry.
Noun-adjective agreement.
मैं बहुत नाराज़ हूँ।
I am very angry.
Using 'बहुत' (very) to intensify the adjective.
मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ।
I am angry with you.
Using the postposition 'से' (with) combined with pronoun 'तुम'.
वह अपने दोस्त से नाराज़ हो गया।
He got angry with his friend.
Past tense using 'हो गया' (became/got).
मुझसे नाराज़ मत होना।
Don't be angry with me.
Negative imperative using 'मत' (don't).
क्या वह मुझसे नाराज़ थी?
Was she angry with me?
Past tense feminine 'थी' (was).
तुमने उसे नाराज़ किया।
You made him/her angry.
Transitive use with 'करना' (to do/make).
बॉस आज बहुत नाराज़ हैं।
The boss is very angry today.
Formal plural 'हैं' used for respect for the boss.
वह छोटी बातों पर नाराज़ हो जाती है।
She gets angry over small things.
Habitual present tense 'हो जाती है'.
मैं अब नाराज़ नहीं हूँ।
I am not angry anymore.
Using 'अब' (now) with a negative sentence.
अगर तुम झूठ बोलोगे, तो मैं नाराज़ हो जाऊँगा।
If you lie, I will get angry.
Conditional sentence with future tense 'हो जाऊँगा'.
उसके बर्ताव से सब नाराज़ हो रहे हैं।
Everyone is getting angry because of his behavior.
Present continuous tense 'हो रहे हैं'.
मुझे लगा कि तुम मुझसे नाराज़ हो।
I thought that you were angry with me.
Complex sentence using 'कि' (that).
बिना वजह नाराज़ होना अच्छी बात नहीं है।
Getting angry without reason is not a good thing.
Using the infinitive 'होना' as a gerund/subject.
वह नाराज़ होकर कमरे से बाहर चला गया।
Being angry, he went out of the room.
Conjunctive participle 'होकर' (having become).
मैंने उसे मनाने की कोशिश की, पर वह नाराज़ ही रहा।
I tried to appease him, but he remained angry.
Using 'ही रहा' to show continuous state in the past.
क्या तुम अभी तक उसी बात पर नाराज़ हो?
Are you still angry about that same thing?
Using 'अभी तक' (still/until now).
तुम्हारी इस हरकत ने मुझे सच में नाराज़ कर दिया है।
This action of yours has truly made me angry.
Present perfect tense with causative 'कर दिया है'.
जनता बढ़ती महंगाई से खासी नाराज़ है।
The public is quite angry about the rising inflation.
Using 'खासी' (quite) and collective noun 'जनता'.
यदि उसने माफ़ी नहीं माँगी, तो मैं हमेशा के लिए नाराज़ रहूँगा।
If he doesn't apologize, I will remain angry forever.
Formal conditional 'यदि... तो' with future state.
उनके फैसले से नाराज़ होकर कई कर्मचारियों ने इस्तीफा दे दिया।
Angered by his decision, many employees resigned.
Participle 'होकर' linking cause and effect in a formal context.
यह स्वाभाविक है कि ग्राहक खराब सेवा से नाराज़ होंगे।
It is natural that customers will be displeased with bad service.
Impersonal construction 'यह स्वाभाविक है कि'.
मुझे तुम्हारी नाराज़गी का कारण समझ नहीं आ रहा है।
I am not able to understand the reason for your displeasure.
Using the noun form 'नाराज़गी' (displeasure).
विपक्ष ने सरकार की नीतियों पर अपनी नाराज़गी ज़ाहिर की।
The opposition expressed its displeasure over the government's policies.
Formal phrasing 'नाराज़गी ज़ाहिर करना' (to express displeasure).
वह इतनी आसानी से नाराज़ होने वालों में से नहीं है।
He is not among those who get angry so easily.
Complex structure '...वालों में से नहीं है'.
चाहे तुम कितने भी नाराज़ हो, तुम्हें उससे बात करनी चाहिए।
No matter how angry you are, you should talk to him.
Concessive clause 'चाहे... भी'.
उनकी खामोशी इस बात का प्रमाण थी कि वे भीतर ही भीतर गहरे नाराज़ थे।
Their silence was proof that they were deeply displeased on the inside.
Literary phrasing with 'भीतर ही भीतर' (deep inside).
इस तरह की तुच्छ बातों पर नाराज़ होना तुम्हारी गरिमा के अनुकूल नहीं है।
Getting angry over such trivial matters does not suit your dignity.
Advanced vocabulary 'तुच्छ' (trivial) and 'गरिमा' (dignity).
उसने अपनी नाराज़गी को शब्दों में बयां करने के बजाय अपने काम से ज़ाहिर किया।
Instead of expressing his displeasure in words, he showed it through his work.
Using 'के बजाय' (instead of) and formal expression.
मुझे अंदेशा था कि मेरा यह कदम उन्हें नाराज़ कर सकता है, फिर भी मैंने यह जोखिम उठाया।
I had a suspicion that this step of mine could anger them, yet I took the risk.
Complex sentence with modal 'सकता है' and conjunction 'फिर भी'.
अक्सर लोग अपनी नाकामी का गुस्सा दूसरों पर निकालकर अपनी नाराज़गी को सही ठहराते हैं।
Often people justify their displeasure by taking out the frustration of their failure on others.
Nuanced psychological description using multiple verbs.
उनकी नाराज़गी महज़ एक दिखावा थी ताकि वे अपनी शर्तें मनवा सकें।
Their anger was merely a pretense so that they could get their conditions accepted.
Using 'महज़' (merely) and causative 'मनवा सकें'.
साहित्यिक हलकों में इस नई किताब को लेकर काफी नाराज़गी देखी जा रही है।
A lot of displeasure is being observed in literary circles regarding this new book.
Passive voice 'देखी जा रही है' in a formal context.
मैं तुम्हारी इस बेरुखी से नाराज़ नहीं, बल्कि आहत हूँ।
I am not angry at this apathy of yours, rather I am hurt.
Contrasting emotions using 'नहीं, बल्कि' (not, but rather).
ग़ालिब के अशआर में महबूब की नाराज़गी का जो मंज़र खींचा गया है, वह अद्वितीय है।
The scene of the beloved's displeasure drawn in Ghalib's couplets is unparalleled.
Highly literary, incorporating Urdu poetic vocabulary (अशआर, मंज़र).
राजनयिक स्तर पर व्यक्त की गई यह नाराज़गी दोनों देशों के रिश्तों में एक नए शीत युद्ध का आगाज़ हो सकती है।
This displeasure expressed at the diplomatic level could be the beginning of a new cold war in the relations of the two countries.
Diplomatic register, highly formal vocabulary (राजनयिक, आगाज़).
यह महज़ इत्तेफाक नहीं कि समाज का हाशिए पर खड़ा तबका व्यवस्था से इतना नाराज़ है; यह दशकों की उपेक्षा का परिणाम है।
It is not mere coincidence that the marginalized section of society is so angry with the system; it is the result of decades of neglect.
Socio-political discourse using complex sociological terms.
उसकी नाराज़गी में भी एक अजीब सी कशिश थी, जो मुझे उसकी ओर और खींचती थी।
Even in her displeasure, there was a strange attraction that drew me closer to her.
Poetic and abstract expression of emotion.
जब तक हम इस अंतर्निहित नाराज़गी के मूल कारणों का शमन नहीं करते, तब तक कोई भी सतही समझौता कारगर नहीं होगा।
Until we mitigate the root causes of this underlying displeasure, no superficial agreement will be effective.
Academic/formal structure 'जब तक... तब तक' with high-register vocabulary (अंतर्निहित, शमन).
उन्होंने अपनी नाराज़गी को इस कदर पी लिया था कि उनके चेहरे पर एक सर्द खामोशी के सिवा कुछ न था।
He had swallowed his anger to such an extent that there was nothing but a cold silence on his face.
Idiomatic use of 'नाराज़गी को पीना' (to swallow anger).
लोकतंत्र में असहमति और नाराज़गी दर्ज कराने का अधिकार ही उसे जीवंत बनाए रखता है।
In a democracy, the right to register disagreement and displeasure is what keeps it alive.
Political philosophy register.
उनकी यह तथाकथित नाराज़गी उनके अपने अंतर्विरोधों का ही एक मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रक्षेपण मात्र है।
This so-called displeasure of theirs is merely a psychological projection of their own inner contradictions.
Psychological/analytical register (अंतर्विरोध, प्रक्षेपण).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
नाराज़ मत होना (Don't be angry)
मुझसे नाराज़ हो क्या? (Are you angry with me?)
वह जल्दी नाराज़ हो जाता है (He gets angry easily)
नाराज़ होने की कोई बात नहीं है (There is nothing to be angry about)
बिना बात के नाराज़ होना (Getting angry for no reason)
मैं तुमसे बहुत नाराज़ हूँ (I am very angry with you)
बॉस नाराज़ हैं (The boss is angry)
नाराज़ होकर बैठना (To sit sulking)
किसी को नाराज़ करना (To make someone angry)
अपनी नाराज़गी दूर करो (Let go of your anger)
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
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Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It carries a sense of expectation. You are usually 'naaraaz' with someone you expect better from.
Primarily used for interpersonal displeasure. Not typically used for inanimate objects (e.g., you wouldn't say the weather is naaraaz, though poets might).
Extremely high. Top 500 spoken words in Hindi.
- Using 'पर' (on) instead of 'से' (with). Example: 'मैं तुम पर नाराज़ हूँ' (Incorrect) vs 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ' (Correct).
- Using 'नाराज़' as a noun. Example: 'मेरा नाराज़ बहुत बड़ा है' (Incorrect). You must use 'नाराज़गी' for the noun form.
- Confusing 'होना' and 'करना'. Saying 'तुमने मुझे नाराज़ हुआ' instead of the correct 'तुमने मुझे नाराज़ किया' (You made me angry).
- Pronouncing it as 'नाराज' (naaraaj) with a hard 'j' instead of the soft 'z' (ज़).
- Using 'नाराज़ आना'. You can say 'गुस्सा आना' (anger comes), but you cannot say 'नाराज़ आना'. It must be 'नाराज़ होना'.
Tips
Always use 'से'
The golden rule of 'naaraaz': always pair it with 'से' (se). 'मुझसे' (with me), 'तुमसे' (with you), 'राम से' (with Ram). Never use 'पर' (par).
Hona vs. Karna
Remember the pair: नाराज़ होना = to get angry (intransitive). नाराज़ करना = to make someone angry (transitive). Choose the right verb for your sentence.
Buzz like a bee
Focus on the 'z' sound at the end. It comes from Persian. Saying 'naaraaj' with a hard 'J' will make you sound like a regional speaker rather than a standard Hindi speaker.
The art of Manaana
If someone tells you 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ', cultural norms often dictate that you should try to 'मनाना' (manaana - appease/coax) them. It's a sign of affection.
Adverbs of degree
Enhance your sentences by adding 'बहुत' (very) or 'थोड़ा' (a little) before the word. 'मैं थोड़ा नाराज़ हूँ' sounds very natural and precise.
Naaraaz vs. Gussa
Use 'naaraaz' when your feelings are hurt by a friend. Use 'gussa' when someone cuts you off in traffic. Naaraaz is relational; gussa is reactive.
Spot the noun
Don't confuse the adjective 'नाराज़' with the noun 'नाराज़गी'. If you hear an 'ee' sound at the end, they are talking about 'displeasure' as a concept.
Negative Imperatives
'नाराज़ मत होना' is a great phrase to use right before you have to deliver bad news or confess to a mistake. It softens the blow.
Formal alternatives
If you are writing a very formal essay or reading literature, you might encounter 'रुष्ट' (rusht) or 'क्रोधित' (krodhit). Recognize them as synonyms.
Professional displeasure
In business, 'naaraaz' doesn't mean throwing a tantrum. It simply means a client or boss is dissatisfied with the service or outcome.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named RAJ who says 'NA' to everything because he is angry. NA-RAJ (Naaraaz).
Word Origin
Persian
Cultural Context
Neutral. Can be used with elders, peers, and juniors.
None. It is a very safe and standard word.
In rural areas or certain dialects (like Bhojpuri or Awadhi), the 'z' sound is often replaced by a hard 'j', making it 'नाराज' (naaraaj).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"क्या तुम मुझसे किसी बात पर नाराज़ हो? (Are you angry with me about something?)"
"मुझे लगता है कि बॉस आज नाराज़ हैं। (I think the boss is angry today.)"
"तुम इतनी जल्दी नाराज़ क्यों हो जाते हो? (Why do you get angry so easily?)"
"अगर मैं कुछ कहूँ, तो नाराज़ तो नहीं होगे? (If I say something, you won't get angry, right?)"
"उसे नाराज़ मत करो, वह पहले ही परेशान है। (Don't make him angry, he is already stressed.)"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were very 'naaraaz' with a friend. What did they do?
Describe the difference between feeling 'naaraaz' and feeling 'gussa' in your own words.
How do people in your culture show that they are 'naaraaz' without speaking?
Write a short dialogue where you are apologizing to someone who is 'naaraaz' with you.
Do you get 'naaraaz' easily? Why or why not?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, this is grammatically incorrect. In Hindi, you must use the postposition 'से' (se - with/from) with 'नाराज़'. The correct sentence is 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ' (I am angry with you). Using 'पर' (on) is a direct translation from English and sounds unnatural to native speakers.
'नाराज़' (naaraaz) generally means displeased, upset, or mildly angry, often involving sulking. It is deeply relational. 'गुस्सा' (gussa) means mad, furious, or enraged, and is a stronger, more active emotion. You can be 'naaraaz' without shouting, but 'gussa' often involves raised voices.
'नाराज़' by itself is an adjective meaning 'angry' or 'displeased'. To use it as a verb meaning 'to get angry', you must combine it with the auxiliary verb 'होना' (hona - to be), making it 'नाराज़ होना'. The noun form for 'anger/displeasure' is 'नाराज़गी' (naaraazgi).
The 'ज़' (z) is pronounced like the 'z' in the English word 'zoo'. It is not a hard 'j' sound like in 'jar'. Make sure to also elongate both 'a' vowels: naa-raa-z. While some rural dialects use the 'j' sound, the standard pronunciation uses 'z'.
You can say 'नाराज़ मत होना' (naaraaz mat hona) or 'नाराज़ मत हो' (naaraaz mat ho). If you want to be very polite or formal, you can say 'कृपया नाराज़ न हों' (kripaya naaraaz na hon). 'मत' (mat) is the standard negative marker for imperatives.
Yes, absolutely. In a professional setting, 'नाराज़' translates well to 'displeased' or 'dissatisfied'. For example, 'बॉस आपके काम से नाराज़ हैं' (The boss is displeased with your work). It is polite enough for office environments, unlike aggressive words for anger.
'रूठना' (roothna) is the behavioral expression of being 'naaraaz'. When someone is 'naaraaz' (angry inside), they might 'roothna' (sulk, give the silent treatment, refuse to eat) on the outside. They are closely related cultural concepts in South Asia.
You must change the verb from 'होना' (to be) to 'करना' (to make/do). The correct sentence is 'उसने मुझे नाराज़ किया' (usne mujhe naaraaz kiya). You cannot say 'उसने मुझे नाराज़ हुआ', as that mixes up transitive and intransitive verbs.
'नाराज़' has Persian roots and entered the language through Urdu/Hindustani. However, it is fully assimilated into everyday Hindi. In fact, it is much more commonly used in spoken Hindi than its pure Sanskrit equivalent, 'क्रोधित' (krodhit).
Generally, no. 'नाराज़' describes an emotional state, so it is used for humans or sometimes animals (like a pet dog). You wouldn't say 'The computer is naaraaz' unless you are making a poetic or humorous personification.
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Summary
'नाराज़ होना' is the essential Hindi phrase for expressing everyday anger or displeasure. Remember to use 'से' (with) instead of 'पर' (on) when stating who you are angry with, e.g., 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ' (I am angry with you).
- Means 'to be angry' or 'to be displeased'.
- Always use the postposition 'से' (se) for 'angry with'.
- It is a compound verb: adjective (नाराज़) + verb (होना).
- Often implies a hurt feeling that can be resolved by apologizing.
Always use 'से'
The golden rule of 'naaraaz': always pair it with 'से' (se). 'मुझसे' (with me), 'तुमसे' (with you), 'राम से' (with Ram). Never use 'पर' (par).
Hona vs. Karna
Remember the pair: नाराज़ होना = to get angry (intransitive). नाराज़ करना = to make someone angry (transitive). Choose the right verb for your sentence.
Buzz like a bee
Focus on the 'z' sound at the end. It comes from Persian. Saying 'naaraaj' with a hard 'J' will make you sound like a regional speaker rather than a standard Hindi speaker.
The art of Manaana
If someone tells you 'मैं तुमसे नाराज़ हूँ', cultural norms often dictate that you should try to 'मनाना' (manaana - appease/coax) them. It's a sign of affection.
Example
वह मुझसे छोटी सी बात पर नाराज़ हो गया।
Related Content
Related Phrases
More emotions words
आभार
B1Gratitude, thankfulness; appreciation for kindness.
आभारी
A2Thankful, obliged, feeling or showing gratitude.
आभारी होना
A2To be grateful; to feel or show appreciation for something received.
आभार सहित
B1Gratefully; with gratitude; thankfully.
आभारपूर्वक
B2Gratefully, thankfully, or with appreciation.
आभास होना
B1To have a feeling, to have an intuition; to perceive something vaguely.
आग्रह
B1Insistence, earnest request; persistent demanding.
आघात
B1Shock, trauma; a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience.
आघात लगना
B1To be shocked; to be traumatized.
आघात पहुँचना
B1To be deeply shocked or traumatized.
