नाटा in 30 Seconds
- Naṭā means 'short' in terms of height.
- It is used for people and animals.
- It changes to 'Nāṭī' for females.
- It changes to 'Nāṭe' for plural/respect.
The Hindi word नाटा (Nāṭā) is a common adjective used primarily to describe the physical stature of a person or an animal. In English, it translates most directly to 'short' in terms of height. However, unlike the English word 'short,' which can refer to length (a short rope), duration (a short time), or height (a short man), नाटा is specifically reserved for vertical height, particularly of living beings. When you are walking through a crowded market in Delhi or Mumbai and you need to describe someone's physical appearance, this is the word you would use to indicate they are below average height. It is an essential part of the basic descriptive vocabulary in Hindi, falling under the CEFR A2 level because it is fundamental to describing people.
- Grammatical Gender Agreement
- The word ends in the 'ā' vowel, which means it is a declinable adjective. It changes to नाटी (nāṭī) for feminine nouns and नाटे (nāṭe) for masculine plural or respectful singular nouns.
- Usage Context
- It is most frequently used in informal and neutral settings. While not inherently offensive, like any word describing physical traits, it should be used with sensitivity to the person being described.
In the vast landscape of Hindi adjectives, नाटा stands in direct opposition to लंबा (lambā), which means tall. If you are watching a Bollywood movie, you might hear a character described as 'नाटा' to emphasize a contrast with a taller protagonist. It is also used in biological contexts to describe breeds of animals that are naturally shorter, such as a 'नाटा घोड़ा' (a short horse or pony). Understanding the nuance of this word involves recognizing that it isn't just about 'smallness' in general (which would be 'छोटा'), but specifically about the vertical measurement of a person's frame from head to toe.
वह आदमी काफी नाटा है लेकिन बहुत ताकतवर है। (That man is quite short but very strong.)
Furthermore, the word carries a certain descriptive weight. In rural dialects, you might find variations of this word, but in Standard Hindi (Manak Hindi), नाटा is the standard term. It is often paired with other physical descriptors to create a vivid picture of a person. For instance, 'नाटा और मोटा' (short and fat) or 'नाटा और फुर्तीला' (short and agile). Because Hindi is a language that places a lot of emphasis on social hierarchy and physical presence, being able to accurately describe someone's stature is vital for effective communication, whether you're identifying a suspect in a story or introducing a new friend to your family.
- Register and Tone
- In formal literature, you might see 'वामन' (vāman) or 'कम-क़द' (kam-qad), but in 95% of daily conversations, नाटा is the go-to word.
मेरे बचपन का दोस्त थोड़ा नाटा था। (My childhood friend was a bit short.)
Using नाटा (Nāṭā) correctly requires a basic understanding of Hindi adjective-noun agreement. Since it is an 'ā-ending' adjective, it is highly flexible but must match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. This is the most critical rule for learners at the A2 and B1 levels. If you are talking about a boy (masculine), you use 'नाटा'. If you are talking about a girl (feminine), you change the ending to 'ई' (ī), making it 'नाटी'. If you are talking about a group of men or using a respectful plural for an elder, it becomes 'नाटे'.
- Masculine Singular
- वह लड़का नाटा है। (Vah laṛkā nāṭā hai) - That boy is short.
- Feminine Singular
- वह लड़की नाटी है। (Vah laṛkī nāṭī hai) - That girl is short.
- Masculine Plural
- वे आदमी नाटे हैं। (Ve ādmī nāṭe haiñ) - Those men are short.
Beyond simple 'A is B' sentences, नाटा is often used with intensifiers like 'बहुत' (very), 'काफी' (quite), or 'थोड़ा' (a little). For example, 'वह बहुत नाटा है' (He is very short). In comparative sentences, you use the 'से' (se) particle. If you want to say 'He is shorter than me,' you would say 'वह मुझसे नाटा है' (Vah mujhse nāṭā hai). This comparison is very common in daily life when discussing family members or classmates. It is also important to note that नाटा can function as a noun in certain colloquial contexts, essentially meaning 'a short person,' though this can sometimes sound slightly derogatory or overly informal, so use it as an adjective modifying a noun to be safe.
क्या तुमने उस नाटे खिलाड़ी को देखा? (Did you see that short player?)
In more complex sentence structures, you might find नाटा used to set a scene or provide a specific detail in a narrative. 'एक नाटा आदमी सड़क पार कर रहा था' (A short man was crossing the road). Here, the adjective precedes the noun, which is the standard word order in Hindi. For learners, practicing the transition from 'नाटा' to 'नाटी' is the best way to gain fluency in using this word. Try describing your family members: 'मेरा भाई लंबा है, लेकिन मेरा चचेरा भाई नाटा है' (My brother is tall, but my cousin is short). This contrast helps cement the meaning of both adjectives in your memory.
You will encounter the word नाटा (Nāṭā) in a variety of real-world scenarios across the Hindi-speaking world. One of the most common places is in casual conversations among friends and family when describing someone who isn't present. For example, if someone is trying to remember a specific person from a party, they might say, 'वही, जो थोड़ा नाटा सा था' (That one, who was somewhat short). The addition of 'सा' (sā) after 'नाटा' acts like the English '-ish' or 'somewhat,' making the description less blunt and more conversational.
- In the Marketplace
- Vendors might use it to describe customers or other vendors. 'वह नाटा दुकानदार बहुत ईमानदार है' (That short shopkeeper is very honest).
- In Schools and Playgrounds
- Children often use it to describe their peers, sometimes as a nickname (though this can be teasing). 'हमारी टीम में एक नाटा लड़का है' (There is a short boy in our team).
Another significant place you'll hear this word is in regional news or storytelling. In folk tales (Kahaniyan), characters are often described by their physical traits to help the listener visualize them. You might hear about a 'नाटा जादूगर' (a short magician) or a 'नाटा सिपाही' (a short soldier). These descriptions are standard in oral traditions. Additionally, in the world of Hindi cinema (Bollywood), dialogues often use such adjectives to create character archetypes. A comedic sidekick might be described as 'नाटा' to contrast with a tall, muscular hero, a trope that has been used for decades to create visual humor.
फिल्म में उस नाटे कलाकार ने बहुत अच्छी कॉमेडी की। (That short actor did great comedy in the movie.)
Lastly, in literature and poetry, नाटा might be used to describe the physical world metaphorically, though this is rarer. You are more likely to hear it in the 'Mohalla' (neighborhood) gossip or during 'Chai pe Charcha' (discussions over tea). If you are learning Hindi to integrate into a local community, being familiar with this word will help you understand how people identify and distinguish each other in daily life. It is a word of the streets, the homes, and the everyday reality of millions of Hindi speakers.
For English speakers learning Hindi, the most frequent mistake when using नाटा (Nāṭā) is confusing it with the word छोटा (Chhoṭā). In English, 'short' and 'small' are distinct, but 'short' can cover both height and length. In Hindi, 'नाटा' is strictly for stature (height of a living being), while 'छोटा' is for general size, volume, or length. If you say 'यह पेड़ नाटा है' (This tree is short), it might be understood, but 'छोटा पेड़' is more common for a small tree. However, saying 'यह पेंसिल नाटी है' is definitely wrong; a pencil is 'छोटी'.
- Mistake: Wrong Word for Length
- Incorrect: 'रास्ता बहुत नाटा है' (The path is very short stature). Correct: 'रास्ता बहुत छोटा है' (The path is very short/small).
- Mistake: Gender Agreement
- Incorrect: 'मेरी बहन नाटा है' (My sister is short-masculine). Correct: 'मेरी बहन नाटी है' (My sister is short-feminine).
Another common error is failing to apply the 'oblique case' when a postposition follows. As mentioned earlier, if you are saying 'to the short man,' 'नाटा' must change to 'नाटे' because of the 'को' (ko) that follows. 'नाटा आदमी को' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'नाटे आदमी को'. This is a hurdle for many A2 and B1 learners who forget that adjectives ending in 'ā' are declinable. Furthermore, learners sometimes use 'नाटा' for objects that have height, like buildings. While technically a building has height, Hindi speakers almost always use 'छोटा' or 'कम ऊँचा' (less high) for inanimate objects. 'नाटा' is deeply associated with the human or animal frame.
गलत: वह नाटा लड़की मेरी दोस्त है। (Wrong: That short-masc girl is my friend.)
सही: वह नाटी लड़की मेरी दोस्त है। (Correct: That short-fem girl is my friend.)
Lastly, avoid using 'नाटा' to mean 'brief' in time. In English, you can have a 'short meeting.' In Hindi, this is 'छोटी मीटिंग' or 'संक्षिप्त मीटिंग' (sankshipt meeting). Using 'नाटी मीटिंग' would sound very strange and nonsensical to a native speaker. Always remember: 'नाटा' is about the physical body's verticality. If you keep this 'living being' rule in mind, you will avoid 90% of the common mistakes associated with this word.
Hindi has several words that overlap with नाटा (Nāṭā), and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. The most common alternative is छोटा (Chhoṭā). While 'नाटा' is specific to height, 'छोटा' is the general word for 'small.' In many cases, people use 'छोटा' even for height to be less blunt. For example, 'वह कद में छोटा है' (He is small in height) is a very common and slightly more polite way to say someone is short.
- ठिंगना (Ṭhiṅgnā)
- This word is very similar to 'नाटा' but often implies a more pronounced shortness, sometimes bordering on 'dwarf-like'. It is more descriptive and can sometimes be used in a slightly more teasing or informal way.
- बौना (Baunā)
- This is the specific Hindi word for 'dwarf.' It is used in medical contexts or in fantasy stories (like 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' - स्नो व्हाइट और सात बौने). Using this for a person of slightly below-average height would be incorrect and potentially offensive.
- कम-क़द (Kam-qad)
- This is a formal, Urdu-influenced compound word. 'Kam' means less, and 'Qad' means stature/height. This is the most polite and formal way to describe someone as short, often used in literature or formal introductions.
In literary Hindi, you might also come across the word वामन (Vāman). This has deep roots in Indian mythology, referring to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a short Brahmin. While it technically means 'short' or 'dwarf,' it is rarely used in daily conversation and is mostly reserved for religious or high-literary contexts. For a learner, sticking to 'नाटा' for daily use and 'छोटा' for a softer tone is the best strategy.
तुलना:
1. वह नाटा है। (Neutral/Informal)
2. वह ठिंगना है। (More descriptive/Colloquial)
3. उसका क़द कम है। (Formal/Polite)
When you want to describe someone who is 'short and stout,' a common Hindi pairing is 'नाटा-खोटा' (though 'khota' here is more of a rhyming word or implies 'mischievous'). Understanding these nuances allows you to transition from a basic speaker to someone who understands the texture of the Hindi language. By comparing 'नाटा' with 'छोटा', 'ठिंगना', and 'कम-क़द', you gain a comprehensive toolkit for describing physical appearance accurately and appropriately in any social situation.
How Formal Is It?
"उनका क़द थोड़ा कम है।"
"वह एक नाटा आदमी है।"
"वह तो एकदम नाटा है!"
"देखो, वह छोटा सा नाटा भालू!"
"अबे ओ नाटे!"
Fun Fact
The word is related to 'Naṭ' (actor/dancer), as traditional performers in ancient India sometimes included people of short stature for specific comic or acrobatic roles.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ṭ' as a dental 't' (like in 'thin').
- Making the first 'ā' too short.
- Forgetting to change the ending to 'ī' for feminine subjects.
- Confusing the retroflex 'ṭ' with the aspirated 'ṭh'.
- Pronouncing it like the English word 'knot'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize due to common 'ā' ending.
Simple spelling with retroflex 'ṭ'.
Requires correct gender agreement and retroflex pronunciation.
Clear sound, easy to distinguish from other adjectives.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective-Noun Agreement
नाटा लड़का (M), नाटी लड़की (F).
Oblique Case for Adjectives
नाटे लड़के को (To the short boy).
Comparatives with 'se'
वह राम से नाटा है।
Superlatives with 'sabse'
वह सबसे नाटा है।
Suffix '-sa' for approximation
वह नाटा-सा है।
Examples by Level
वह लड़का नाटा है।
That boy is short.
Simple masculine singular subject-adjective agreement.
मेरी बहन नाटी है।
My sister is short.
Feminine singular agreement (Nāṭī).
क्या तुम नाटे हो?
Are you short?
Question form for masculine subject.
मैं नाटा नहीं हूँ।
I am not short.
Negative sentence structure.
वह कुत्ता नाटा है।
That dog is short.
Describing an animal's height.
यहाँ एक नाटा आदमी है।
There is a short man here.
Indefinite article 'ek' with adjective-noun.
नाटा लड़का खेल रहा है।
The short boy is playing.
Adjective preceding the noun.
वह बहुत नाटा है।
He is very short.
Use of intensifier 'bahut'.
वह नाटा लड़का मेरा भाई है।
That short boy is my brother.
Demonstrative pronoun 'vah' used as 'that'.
मेरी माँ नाटी हैं।
My mother is short.
Respectful plural 'haiñ' used for mother, but 'nāṭī' remains feminine singular.
वे सब नाटे खिलाड़ी हैं।
They are all short players.
Masculine plural agreement (Nāṭe).
क्या वह नाटी लड़की तुम्हारी दोस्त है?
Is that short girl your friend?
Interrogative with feminine agreement.
मेरा दोस्त मुझसे नाटा है।
My friend is shorter than me.
Comparative using 'se'.
उस नाटे आदमी को यहाँ बुलाओ।
Call that short man here.
Oblique case: 'nāṭā' becomes 'nāṭe' before 'ko'.
वह नाटी बिल्ली बहुत तेज़ भागती है।
That short cat runs very fast.
Feminine animal description.
तुम इतने नाटे क्यों हो?
Why are you so short?
Use of 'itne' (so/this much).
हालाँकि वह नाटा है, फिर भी वह बास्केटबॉल अच्छा खेलता है।
Although he is short, he still plays basketball well.
Complex sentence with 'hālāṅki... phir bhī'.
मुझे वह नाटा वाला संतरा नहीं, वह बड़ा वाला चाहिए।
I don't want that short/small one (referring to a plant/fruit type), I want the big one.
Note: Here 'nāṭā' is used colloquially for a shorter plant variety.
उसके परिवार में सभी लोग नाटे हैं।
Everyone in his family is short.
Plural agreement with 'sabhī log'.
उस नाटी औरत ने मेरी मदद की थी।
That short woman had helped me.
Past perfect tense with feminine adjective.
क्या तुमने कभी इतना नाटा घोड़ा देखा है?
Have you ever seen such a short horse?
Present perfect interrogative.
वह लड़का अपनी कक्षा में सबसे नाटा है।
That boy is the shortest in his class.
Superlative using 'sabse'.
हमें उस नाटे पेड़ को नहीं काटना चाहिए।
We should not cut that short tree.
Oblique case 'nāṭe' before 'ko'.
वह थोड़ा नाटा-सा लगता है।
He looks somewhat shortish.
Suffix '-sā' for approximation.
उसके नाटे कद की वजह से उसे सेना में नहीं लिया गया।
Because of his short stature, he was not accepted into the army.
Compound phrase 'nāṭe qad' (short height).
वह नाटा होने के बावजूद बहुत प्रभावशाली व्यक्तित्व का स्वामी है।
Despite being short, he possesses a very influential personality.
Use of 'hone ke bāvjūd' (despite being).
भीड़ में उस नाटे व्यक्ति को पहचानना आसान था।
It was easy to recognize that short person in the crowd.
Infinitive 'pahachānnā' as subject.
उसने एक नाटी सी कहानी सुनाई जो सबको पसंद आई।
He told a short-ish story that everyone liked.
Note: Colloquial use of 'nāṭī' for 'short story', though 'chhoṭī' is standard.
गाँव के लोग उसे प्यार से 'नाटा' कहकर बुलाते थे।
The village people used to affectionately call him 'Nata'.
Adjective used as a nickname.
अगर वह इतना नाटा न होता, तो शायद वह मॉडल बन जाता।
If he weren't so short, perhaps he would have become a model.
Conditional sentence structure.
शहर की पुरानी गलियों में नाटे-नाटे घर बने हुए थे।
There were very short houses built in the old streets of the city.
Repetition for emphasis (nāṭe-nāṭe).
उसने अपनी नाटी उँगलियों से पियानो बजाया।
He played the piano with his short fingers.
Describing body parts.
लेखक ने नायक का चित्रण एक नाटे लेकिन फुर्तीले व्यक्ति के रूप में किया है।
The author has portrayed the protagonist as a short but agile individual.
Formal literary description.
उसकी शारीरिक बनावट में उसका नाटापन ही उसकी सबसे बड़ी विशेषता थी।
In his physical build, his shortness was his most prominent feature.
Abstract noun 'nāṭāpan' (shortness).
राजनीति में कद लंबा होने से ज्यादा, व्यक्तित्व का 'नाटा' न होना मायने रखता है।
In politics, more than having a tall stature, it matters that the personality is not 'short' (metaphorical).
Metaphorical usage of stature.
वह नाटा कद का आदमी अपनी आवाज़ से पूरे कमरे पर छा गया।
That man of short stature dominated the entire room with his voice.
Adjective modifying the compound 'qad kā ādmī'.
इतिहास में कई ऐसे नाटे योद्धा हुए हैं जिन्होंने बड़े-बड़े साम्राज्यों को हिला दिया।
There have been many such short warriors in history who shook great empires.
Historical narrative context.
उसकी नाटी काया के पीछे एक प्रखर बुद्धि छिपी हुई थी।
Behind his short frame, a sharp intellect was hidden.
Literary word 'kāyā' (body/frame).
समाज में अक्सर नाटे लोगों को उपहास का पात्र बना दिया जाता है, जो कि गलत है।
In society, short people are often made objects of ridicule, which is wrong.
Social critique context.
उसकी नाटी छाया शाम की धूप में लंबी दिखाई दे रही थी।
His short shadow was appearing long in the evening sunlight.
Poetic contrast.
वामन अवतार की कथा में भगवान ने एक नाटे ब्राह्मण का रूप धरकर राजा बलि का अहंकार तोड़ा था।
In the story of the Vamana avatar, the Lord took the form of a short Brahmin to break King Bali's ego.
Mythological and high-register context.
यह विडंबना ही है कि उसका नाटा व्यक्तित्व उसके विशाल कृतित्व के आड़े कभी नहीं आया।
It is an irony that his short personality (stature) never hindered his massive achievements.
Philosophical/Literary irony.
उसकी नाटी और गठीली देह उसके कठिन परिश्रम का जीवंत प्रमाण थी।
His short and muscular body was living proof of his hard labor.
Advanced descriptive adjectives ('gaṭhīlī' - muscular).
क्या यह संभव है कि आनुवंशिक कारणों से यह पूरी जनजाति ही नाटी हो?
Is it possible that due to genetic reasons, this entire tribe is short?
Scientific/Inquiry context.
उपन्यास के इस अंश में 'नाटा' शब्द का प्रयोग हीनता के भाव को दर्शाने के लिए किया गया है।
In this part of the novel, the word 'Nata' is used to show a sense of inferiority.
Literary analysis.
उसने अपनी नाटी बुद्धि का परिचय देते हुए एक बहुत ही संकुचित विचार प्रस्तुत किया।
Showing his 'short' (limited) intellect, he presented a very narrow idea.
Highly metaphorical/derogatory use of 'short' for intellect.
पहाड़ी क्षेत्रों में रहने वाले लोग अक्सर नाटे और मजबूत कद-काठी के होते हैं।
People living in hilly areas are often of short and strong build.
Anthropological description.
उसकी नाटी उपस्थिति के बावजूद, उसका प्रभाव अत्यंत व्यापक था।
Despite his short presence, his influence was extremely widespread.
Abstract noun usage with adjective.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Means 'small' in general, while 'nata' is only for height.
More informal and implies 'stumpy'.
Means 'low' (as in level), not 'short' (as in height).
Idioms & Expressions
— Narrow-minded or limited intelligence.
उसकी नाटी बुद्धि यह नहीं समझ पाएगी।
Derogatory— A reference to someone being surprisingly capable despite being small.
उस नाटे के पाँव बहुत दूर तक जाते हैं।
Folklore— A spectacle involving someone small (historical context).
यह क्या नाटे का तमाशा लगा रखा है?
ArchaicEasily Confused
Both can mean 'short'.
Chhota is for size/length/age; Nata is specifically for human/animal height.
यह पेंसिल छोटी है। वह आदमी नाटा है।
Both relate to low verticality.
Nicha means 'low' (altitude/position); Nata means 'short' (stature).
छत नीची है। लड़का नाटा है।
Almost identical meaning.
Thingna is more colloquial and can be slightly more descriptive or teasing.
वह एक ठिंगना सा आदमी है।
Used in 'Kam-qad' (short height).
Kam means 'less' or 'few' in general quantities.
पानी कम है। उसका कद कम है।
Both mean not tall.
Bauna is 'dwarf' (medical/mythological); Nata is simply 'short'.
सर्कस में एक बौना था। मेरा भाई नाटा है।
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [नाटा/नाटी] है।
वह नाटा है।
[Adjective] [Noun] [Verb].
नाटा लड़का दौड़ रहा है।
[Subject] [Noun] से [नाटा/नाटी] है।
राम श्याम से नाटा है।
[Subject] [बहुत/काफी] [नाटा/नाटी] है।
वह काफी नाटी है।
उस [नाटे/नाटी] [Noun] को [Verb].
उस नाटे आदमी को बुलाओ।
[Subject] [नाटा/नाटी] होने के बावजूद [Trait].
वह नाटा होने के बावजूद बहादुर है।
[Subject] का [नाटापन] [Trait].
उसका नाटापन उसकी ताकत है।
[Context] में [नाटा/नाटी] शब्द का प्रयोग [Meaning].
यहाँ नाटा शब्द हीनता दर्शाता है।
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high in spoken Hindi.
-
वह पेंसिल नाटी है।
→
वह पेंसिल छोटी है।
Pencils have length, not stature. Use 'chhota'.
-
मेरी बहन नाटा है।
→
मेरी बहन नाटी है।
The adjective must agree with the feminine subject.
-
नाटा आदमी को देखो।
→
नाटे आदमी को देखो।
Before 'ko', 'nata' must change to the oblique form 'nate'.
-
रास्ता बहुत नाटा है।
→
रास्ता बहुत छोटा है।
A path is 'short' in length, so use 'chhota'.
-
वह लड़का सबसे नाटी है।
→
वह लड़का सबसे नाटा है।
Even in superlatives, gender agreement must be maintained.
Tips
Agreement is Key
Always remember: Nata (Boy), Nati (Girl), Nate (Group). This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Height vs Size
Only use 'Nata' for people and animals. For everything else, use 'Chhota'.
The Retroflex T
Make sure you don't say 'Nata' with a soft 't' like 'thin'. It's a hard 'T'.
Be Polite
If you are in a formal meeting, use 'Kam Qad' instead of 'Nata' to be more respectful.
Avoid Teasing
Calling someone 'Nata' as a name can be offensive, just like 'Shorty' in English.
Narrative Use
Use 'Nata' to provide physical contrast in your stories, especially for comedic or unique characters.
Listen for 'Sa'
Speakers often say 'Nata-sa' to mean 'somewhat short'. This is very common in movies.
Matrimonial Context
Height is often discussed in Indian weddings. Understanding 'Nata' helps you understand these social dynamics.
Oblique Form
If you see 'Nate' before 'ko', it still means 'short'—it's just changed because of the grammar rule.
Pair with Lamba
Learn 'Nata' and 'Lamba' together as a pair. It's easier to remember antonyms.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Not Tall'. N-a-T-a. It sounds like 'Not-a' (Not a tall person).
Visual Association
Imagine a 'Knot' (sounds like Nata) in a rope. A knot makes the rope look shorter.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three people in a movie and describe them using 'Nata' or 'Lamba' correctly according to their gender.
Word Origin
Derived from the Prakrit 'naṭṭa', which stems from the Sanskrit root 'nat' (नट्) meaning to dance or to bend. Over time, it came to describe someone who appeared 'bent' or 'compact' in stature.
Original meaning: Compact or bent.
Indo-AryanCultural Context
Avoid using 'Nata' as a mocking label; it is best used as a neutral physical descriptor.
English speakers should be careful not to use 'Nata' for objects (like a short street), which is a common error.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing a person
- वह नाटा है
- नाटा लड़का
- नाटी लड़की
- नाटे लोग
Comparing height
- मुझसे नाटा
- सबसे नाटा
- काफी नाटा
- थोड़ा नाटा
In a market
- वह नाटा दुकानदार
- नाटे आदमी की दुकान
- उस नाटे आदमी को देखो
In a story
- एक नाटा जादूगर
- नाटा सिपाही
- नाटी चुड़ैल
Family talk
- मेरा भाई नाटा है
- उसकी बहन नाटी है
- वे सब नाटे हैं
Conversation Starters
"क्या तुम्हारे परिवार में कोई नाटा है?"
"तुम्हारे हिसाब से बास्केटबॉल के लिए नाटा होना मुश्किल है?"
"क्या वह नाटा आदमी तुम्हारा पड़ोसी है?"
"तुम लंबे हो या नाटे?"
"क्या तुम्हें लगता है कि नाटे लोग ज्यादा फुर्तीले होते हैं?"
Journal Prompts
अपने किसी नाटे दोस्त के बारे में पाँच वाक्य लिखिए।
अगर आप एक दिन के लिए नाटे हो जाएँ, तो आप कैसा महसूस करेंगे?
क्या कद (नाटा या लंबा होना) इंसान की सफलता को प्रभावित करता है?
अपने बचपन की एक याद लिखें जब आपने किसी नाटे व्यक्ति को देखा था।
नाटा और लंबा: इन दोनों शब्दों का प्रयोग करके एक छोटी कहानी लिखें।
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use 'छोटा' (chhoṭā) for a table. 'नाटा' is used for living beings like humans and animals.
It is generally neutral, but like any physical descriptor, it can be rude if used to mock someone. In polite company, 'कम कद' is better.
The feminine form is 'नाटी' (nāṭī). Example: 'वह लड़की नाटी है' (That girl is short).
You say 'सबसे नाटा' (sabse nāṭā). Example: 'वह सबसे नाटा लड़का है'.
Yes, it becomes 'नाटे' (nāṭe) for masculine plural. Example: 'वे लड़के नाटे हैं'.
No, a short story is 'छोटी कहानी' (chhoṭī kahānī) or 'लघु कथा' (laghu kathā).
'नाटा' is standard; 'ठिंगना' is more informal and often implies a very short, stocky build.
It is a retroflex 'T'. You must curl your tongue back and hit the roof of your mouth.
Yes, informally it can mean 'a short person,' but it's better used as an adjective.
The opposite is 'लंबा' (lambā), which means 'tall'.
Test Yourself 111 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'My brother is short.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'That girl is very short.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Those men are short.'
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Translate: 'He is shorter than me.'
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Translate: 'The short boy is playing.'
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Write a sentence using 'नाटी' to describe a cat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'नाटा' and record it.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'She is short' in Hindi.
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Say 'Those boys are short' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
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Compare your height with a friend using 'se nata'.
Read this aloud:
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Describe a short man wearing a red shirt.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen to 'वह नाटा है' and identify if it's a boy or girl.
Listen to 'मेरी बहन नाटी है' and translate.
Listen to 'वे नाटे खिलाड़ी हैं' and identify the plural.
/ 111 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'नाटा' (Nāṭā) is the essential Hindi adjective for 'short height.' Unlike 'छोटा' (chhoṭā), which is general 'small,' 'नाटा' specifically describes stature. Example: 'वह नाटा है' (He is short).
- Naṭā means 'short' in terms of height.
- It is used for people and animals.
- It changes to 'Nāṭī' for females.
- It changes to 'Nāṭe' for plural/respect.
Agreement is Key
Always remember: Nata (Boy), Nati (Girl), Nate (Group). This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Height vs Size
Only use 'Nata' for people and animals. For everything else, use 'Chhota'.
The Retroflex T
Make sure you don't say 'Nata' with a soft 't' like 'thin'. It's a hard 'T'.
Be Polite
If you are in a formal meeting, use 'Kam Qad' instead of 'Nata' to be more respectful.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.
