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घबराहट

A1 noun #3,000 most common 13 min read

घबराहट

ghabraahat Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips घबराहट in 30 Seconds

Explanation घबराहट in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'Ghabraahat' as a basic word to describe feeling unwell or nervous. It is a very useful word because it helps you communicate your physical state to others. You will mostly use it in simple sentences like 'Mujhe ghabraahat hai' (I am nervous). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep psychological meanings. Just remember that it is a feminine noun and you use 'Mujhe' with it. It is often taught alongside other basic health words like 'bukhaar' (fever) or 'dard' (pain). If you are in India and you feel overwhelmed by the noise or heat, saying 'Ghabraahat ho rahi hai' is a perfect way to let someone know you need a break or some water. It is one of the first abstract nouns you will encounter that describes an internal feeling. Focus on the pronunciation—the 'gh' is a voiced aspirate, and the 't' at the end is a soft dental 't'. Practicing this word will help you get used to the '-aahat' suffix which is very common in Hindi. Even at A1, knowing this word makes you sound much more expressive than just using the word for 'bad' or 'sad'. It shows you can identify a specific feeling in your body and mind.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'Ghabraahat' in more varied contexts and with different tenses. You will learn to say things like 'Kal mujhe ghabraahat hui' (Yesterday I felt nervous) or 'Tumhe ghabraahat kyon ho rahi hai?' (Why are you feeling nervous?). You begin to understand that 'ghabraahat' is not just about being sick, but also about being flustered in social situations, like before an exam or a meeting. You will also learn to use simple adjectives with it, like 'thodi ghabraahat' (a little nervousness) or 'bahut ghabraahat' (a lot of nervousness). This is also the stage where you should distinguish it from the verb 'ghabrana'. You might say 'Main ghabra gaya' (I got scared/nervous) as a reaction to something sudden. You are building the foundation to describe your emotions more accurately. You will also notice that this word is very common in movies and songs to describe the 'butterflies' one feels. Understanding the gender agreement becomes more important here—ensure you are saying 'ghabraahat hoti hai' and not 'hota hai'. This level is about moving from simple statements to asking and answering questions about this feeling.

At the B1 level, you can use 'Ghabraahat' to describe more complex situations and give reasons for your feelings. You might use conjunctions like 'kyonki' (because) or 'isliye' (therefore). For example, 'Mujhe bheed se ghabraahat hoti hai, isliye main party mein nahi gaya' (I get nervous in crowds, therefore I didn't go to the party). You also start to recognize the word in different registers, such as news reports or more formal conversations. You will learn to use it with postpositions like 'ke maare' (due to). 'Ghabraahat ke maare uska chehra peela pad gaya' (His face turned pale due to nervousness). This level involves expanding your vocabulary to include related words like 'bechaini' (restlessness) and understanding how 'ghabraahat' is a more acute version of it. You can participate in discussions about stress and mental health using this word. You also start to understand the cultural context—how 'ghabraahat' is used in India to describe physical discomfort from the weather. Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, allowing you to explain the 'how' and 'why' of the nervousness.

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'Ghabraahat'. You can use it metaphorically and in professional contexts. You might talk about 'bazaar mein ghabraahat' (panic in the market) or 'janta mein ghabraahat' (nervousness among the public). You understand the subtle difference between 'ghabraahat' and 'vyakulta' or 'chinta'. You can use the word to describe character traits, such as someone being 'ghabraahat-prone' (though not a literal Hindi term, you can describe the tendency). You are comfortable using it in the passive voice or in complex grammatical structures. For instance, 'Uski ghabraahat ko dekhkar sab samajh gaye ki kuch galat hai' (Seeing his nervousness, everyone understood that something was wrong). You can also use it in the context of public speaking or performance arts, discussing how to 'kaabu pana' (gain control) over ghabraahat. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms to avoid repetition, choosing the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of the anxiety you are describing. You can also understand and use idioms related to being flustered or nervous.

At the C1 level, you use 'Ghabraahat' with the precision of a native speaker. You can discuss the psychological aspects of 'ghabraahat'—its causes, effects, and societal implications. You might write an essay on 'Pariksha ki ghabraahat' (Exam anxiety) or 'Aadhunik jeevan mein ghabraahat' (Nervousness in modern life). You are aware of the literary uses of the word and can appreciate its use in high-level Hindi literature and poetry. You understand the nuances of how the word changes meaning slightly based on the verb it's paired with, such as 'ghabraahat paida karna' (to create nervousness) vs 'ghabraahat failna' (nervousness spreading). You can engage in complex debates about whether 'ghabraahat' is a natural human response or a product of modern stress. Your use of the word is seamless, and you can switch between formal and informal registers easily. You also understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Indo-Aryan languages. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'existential dread' in certain contexts by pairing it with other sophisticated terms.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Ghabraahat' is absolute. You can use it to express the most subtle shades of human emotion and societal states. You might use it in a philosophical discourse on the nature of fear and anxiety. You can analyze the use of the word in classical Hindi texts and explain its evolution. You are able to use it in highly specialized fields, such as psychology or sociology, in Hindi. You can create complex metaphors involving 'ghabraahat' and use it to describe the collective psyche of a nation during a crisis. There is no nuance of the word that escapes you—from its physical symptoms to its deepest mental roots. You can use it in creative writing to build intense atmosphere and tension. You can also critique its usage in media and literature. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated expression, allowing you to navigate the most complex emotional landscapes with ease and eloquence. You are essentially indistinguishable from an educated native speaker in your use and understanding of this term.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

घबराहट in 30 Seconds

Ghabraahat is a common Hindi noun for nervousness and anxiety.
It is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine verbs and adjectives.
It often describes both mental worry and physical sensations like racing heart.
Commonly used in medical, academic, and daily social contexts across India.

The Hindi word घबराहट (Ghabraahat) is a multifaceted noun that captures the essence of internal turbulence. At its most basic level, it translates to nervousness or anxiety. However, in the rich tapestry of Hindi linguistics, it encompasses a broader spectrum of physical and emotional states. It is the feeling you get when your heart beats a little faster before a public speech, the restlessness that settles in when you are waiting for important news, or the physical agitation caused by a crowded, sweltering room. It is a feminine noun, which is crucial for grammatical agreement in sentences. When you use this word, you are communicating a state of being 'unsettled'. It is not just a thought; it is an experience that often manifests in the body. For an English speaker, think of it as a blend of 'the jitters', 'angst', 'palpitations', and 'trepidation'.

Emotional Spectrum: Ghabraahat ranges from mild social awkwardness to severe clinical anxiety. It is used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by circumstances.

भीड़ को देखकर मुझे बहुत घबराहट होने लगती है। (Looking at the crowd, I start to feel a lot of nervousness.)

The word is derived from the verb घबराना (Ghabraana), which means 'to be perturbed' or 'to panic'. In daily life, you will hear people say 'Mujhe ghabraahat ho rahi hai' (I am feeling nervous/restless). This is a very common way to express discomfort. It is also frequently used in medical contexts. If a patient feels dizzy or has a racing heart due to heat or low blood sugar, they might describe their condition as 'ghabraahat'. This highlights the word's unique position at the intersection of mental health and physical sensation. It is not always negative; sometimes, a slight sense of ghabraahat can be associated with the excitement of a new beginning, though usually, it implies a need for calm or resolution.

Physical Manifestation: It often refers to the physical sensation of a racing heart or 'butterflies' in the stomach, often described in Hindi as 'Jee Ghabrana'.

In literature and cinema, ghabraahat is a favorite tool for writers to build tension. A character might feel ghabraahat when they are about to confess a secret or when they suspect they are being followed. It provides a visceral connection between the character and the audience. Understanding this word helps you navigate social nuances in India. For instance, if someone looks visibly distressed, asking 'Kya aapko ghabraahat ho rahi hai?' shows a high level of empathy and linguistic competence. It acknowledges that their distress might be internal and complex rather than just a simple reaction to an external threat.

अंधेरे कमरे में अकेले रहने से उसे घबराहट होती है। (She feels nervous staying alone in a dark room.)

Social Context: In social gatherings, if someone is shy or introverted, their lack of participation is often attributed to ghabraahat.

नतीजों के इंतज़ार में उसकी घबराहट बढ़ती जा रही थी। (Her nervousness was increasing while waiting for the results.)

इतनी घबराहट में गलतियां होना स्वाभाविक है। (It is natural to make mistakes in such nervousness.)

Ultimately, mastering the use of ghabraahat allows you to express a very human experience with precision. Whether you are discussing mental health, physical health, or a suspenseful movie plot, this word serves as a versatile bridge between the internal mind and external expression. It is a word that breathes with the rhythm of the heart, sometimes racing, sometimes fluttering, but always signaling that something significant is happening within the speaker's world.

Using घबराहट (Ghabraahat) correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun and how it interacts with different verbs. The most common verb paired with it is होना (hona - to be/to happen). Because it is a state that one undergoes, we usually say 'Mujhe ghabraahat ho rahi hai' (Nervousness is happening to me), which translates naturally to 'I am feeling nervous'. Notice that 'Mujhe' (to me) is used instead of 'Main' (I). This is a standard pattern in Hindi for expressing internal feelings or physical states that aren't entirely under one's control.

The 'To Me' Construction: Feelings like ghabraahat use the dative subject (Subject + ko). For example: 'Bachhe ko ghabraahat hai' (The child is nervous).

स्टेज पर जाने से पहले उसे बहुत घबराहट हुई। (He felt a lot of nervousness before going on stage.)

You can also use verbs like बढ़ना (badhna - to increase) or कम होना (kam hona - to decrease) to describe the intensity of the feeling. If you want to say someone caused you to be nervous, you might use पैदा करना (paida karna - to create/produce). For example, 'Tumhari baaton ne mujhme ghabraahat paida kar di' (Your words created nervousness in me). This shows the external cause of the internal state. It is also common to use adjectives like अजीब (ajeeb - strange) or बेवजह (bewajah - without reason) to qualify the type of nervousness you are experiencing.

Qualifying the Feeling: Use adjectives to specify: 'Halki ghabraahat' (slight nervousness) or 'Bhaari ghabraahat' (heavy/intense nervousness).

In more complex sentences, ghabraahat can act as the subject. 'Ghabraahat ke maare uska bura haal tha' (He was in a bad state because of nervousness). Here, 'ke maare' is a postposition meaning 'due to' or 'on account of'. This construction is very common in descriptive writing. Another advanced usage is combining it with the verb छिपाना (chhipana - to hide). 'Usne apni ghabraahat chhipane ki koshish ki' (He tried to hide his nervousness). This is a great way to describe a character's internal conflict where they feel one way but want to appear another way.

क्या आपको कोई घबराहट तो नहीं हो रही? (Are you not feeling any nervousness? - often used by doctors.)

Common Verb Pairings: Hona (to be), Mehsoos karna (to feel), Mitana (to erase/remove), Chhipana (to hide), Badhana (to increase).

उसकी बातों में एक अजीब सी घबराहट थी। (There was a strange nervousness in his words.)

लंबी यात्रा के दौरान मुझे घबराहट महसूस होती है। (I feel nervousness during long journeys.)

When you start using ghabraahat in these varied structures, your Hindi will sound much more natural. It allows you to move beyond simple adjectives and start describing the 'atmosphere' of a situation or the 'depth' of an emotion. Whether it's the 'ghabraahat' of a student before an exam or the 'ghabraahat' of a parent waiting for their child to return home, the word perfectly captures the vibrating energy of uncertainty.

If you spend any time in an Indian household or watch Bollywood movies, घबराहट (Ghabraahat) will become a constant companion. It is a staple of everyday conversation. One of the most frequent places you will hear it is in the context of health. In India, people are very expressive about their physical well-being. If someone feels slightly faint or if the summer heat is too much, they will complain of 'ghabraahat'. It's a catch-all term for feeling 'off' or 'unwell' in a way that involves the heart or breathing. A doctor in a clinic will almost certainly ask, 'Ghabraahat to nahi ho rahi?' (You aren't feeling nervous/agitated, are you?) to rule out anxiety or cardiovascular issues.

Medical Settings: Used to describe palpitations, dizziness, or general physical unease caused by internal or external factors.

डॉक्टर साहब, मुझे कल रात से बहुत घबराहट हो रही है। (Doctor, I have been feeling a lot of nervousness/unease since last night.)

In the world of Bollywood, ghabraahat is the engine of drama. You will hear it in songs and dialogues. When a hero is about to propose, or a mother is worried about her son who hasn't returned from war, 'ghabraahat' is the word that conveys their heart's state. It is often linked with the phrase 'Dil dhak-dhak karna' (heart going thud-thud). The word captures the suspense that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. News channels also use it frequently. If there is a sudden drop in the stock market or a political scandal, reporters might say, 'Bazaar mein ghabraahat ka mahaul hai' (There is an atmosphere of panic/nervousness in the market).

News & Media: Used to describe public panic, market volatility, or social unrest.

Another common place is the education system. India's competitive exam culture makes 'ghabraahat' a very relatable term for millions of students. Before the board exams or entrance tests like JEE or NEET, 'ghabraahat' is the most discussed emotion among peers and parents. You will hear parents telling their children, 'Ghabraahat mein sab bhool jaoge, shaant raho' (You will forget everything in nervousness, stay calm). This usage emphasizes the cognitive impact of the emotion—how it interferes with memory and performance.

परीक्षा हॉल में घुसते ही मेरी घबराहट बढ़ गई। (My nervousness increased as soon as I entered the exam hall.)

Academic Context: Refers to exam fever, performance anxiety, and the pressure of results.

इंटरव्यू के दौरान अपनी घबराहट पर काबू रखना ज़रूरी है। (It is important to control your nervousness during an interview.)

अचानक हुई इस घोषणा से यात्रियों में घबराहट फैल गई। (This sudden announcement spread nervousness/panic among the passengers.)

Whether it's the quiet anxiety of a first date or the loud panic of a crowded market, 'ghabraahat' is everywhere. It is a word that captures the human response to the unknown and the stressful. By listening for it in these different contexts, you gain a deeper understanding of how Hindi speakers process and express their vulnerabilities.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with घबराहट (Ghabraahat) is confusing it with डर (Dar - Fear). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Dar' is usually a response to a specific, identifiable threat (like a snake or a high cliff). 'Ghabraahat' is more of an internal state of agitation or nervousness that might not have a clear external cause. If you say 'Mujhe ghabraahat lag rahi hai' when you mean you are afraid of a dog, it sounds slightly odd to a native speaker. You should use 'Dar' for fear and 'Ghabraahat' for the feeling of being flustered or anxious.

Ghabraahat vs. Dar: Ghabraahat = Internal anxiety/agitation. Dar = Fear of something specific.

गलत: शेर को देखकर मुझे घबराहट हुई। (Incorrect: I felt nervousness looking at the lion - usually 'Dar' is better here.)

Another frequent error is grammatical gender. 'Ghabraahat' is feminine. Many learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because it doesn't end in the typical 'ee' sound. This leads to mistakes in adjective and verb agreement. For example, saying 'Bada ghabraahat' instead of 'Badi ghabraahat' or 'Ghabraahat hua' instead of 'Ghabraahat hui'. Always remember that nouns ending in the suffix '-aahat' (like muskuraahat - smile, karwaahat - bitterness) are almost always feminine in Hindi. This is a very helpful rule of thumb for learners.

Gender Agreement: Always use feminine modifiers: 'Thodi ghabraahat', 'Meri ghabraahat', 'Ghabraahat hui'.

Learners also struggle with the difference between the noun 'ghabraahat' and the verb 'ghabrana'. You use the noun when you want to describe the feeling as a 'thing' or a 'state'. You use the verb when you want to describe the 'action' of becoming nervous. For instance, 'Main ghabra gaya' (I got nervous - verb) vs 'Mujhe ghabraahat hui' (Nervousness happened to me - noun). While the meaning is similar, the sentence structure is different. Mixing these up can make your speech sound fragmented or overly formal when it shouldn't be.

सही: शोर सुनकर वह घबरा गया। (Correct: He got nervous/panicked hearing the noise - using the verb.)

Noun vs. Verb: Noun: Ghabraahat (The feeling). Verb: Ghabrana (The act of being flustered).

गलत: मुझे बहुत घबराहट लग रहा है। (Incorrect: I am feeling a lot of nervousness - 'lag rahi hai' is correct.)

सही: उसकी आँखों में घबराहट साफ़ दिख रही थी। (Correct: The nervousness was clearly visible in her eyes.)

By being mindful of the gender agreement, the distinction from 'fear', and the noun-verb balance, you will avoid the most common pitfalls. These nuances are what separate a beginner from an intermediate or advanced learner. Paying attention to these 'small' details will significantly improve your fluency and make your Hindi sound more authentic and precise.

While घबराहट (Ghabraahat) is a very versatile word, Hindi offers several other terms that can pinpoint specific types of unease. Understanding these alternatives will help you refine your descriptions and sound more like a native speaker. One of the closest synonyms is बेचैनी (Bechaini). While ghabraahat often implies a racing heart or a sudden spike in nerves, bechaini is more about restlessness or a lack of peace. You feel bechaini when you can't sit still or when you are waiting for something for a long time. It is a 'lighter' but more persistent feeling than ghabraahat.

Ghabraahat vs. Bechaini: Ghabraahat: Acute nervousness/panic. Bechaini: General restlessness/lack of peace.

गर्मी की वजह से मुझे बेचैनी हो रही है। (I am feeling restless because of the heat.)

Another word is हड़बड़ाहट (Harbarahat). This specifically refers to the nervousness that comes from being in a hurry or doing things in a disorganized rush. If you are late for a flight and you are forgetting your keys and tripping over your shoes, that state is 'harbarahat'. It has a connotation of clumsiness caused by haste. In contrast, you can feel ghabraahat while sitting perfectly still. Then there is व्याकुलता (Vyakulta), which is a more formal or literary word for intense anxiety or yearning. It is often used in poetry to describe the agony of separation or a deep spiritual longing.

Specialized Alternatives: Harbarahat: Hasty nervousness. Vyakulta: Deep/Literary anxiety. Chinta: Worry/Concern.

For more clinical or serious contexts, you might hear चिंता (Chinta), which means 'worry' or 'anxiety'. While ghabraahat is a feeling, chinta is often a mental process. You 'do' chinta (worry about something), but ghabraahat 'happens' to you. Lastly, खौफ (Khauf) and दहशत (Dehshat) are words for extreme fear or terror, much stronger than ghabraahat. They are used in the context of horror or life-threatening situations. Choosing the right word among these depends entirely on the intensity and the cause of the feeling you are trying to describe.

काम के बोझ ने उसे तनाव और घबराहट में डाल दिया। (The workload put him in stress and nervousness.)

Comparison Table: Ghabraahat: Agitated nerves. Bechaini: Physical/Mental restlessness. Chinta: Mental worry. Dar: Fear of object.

इतनी हड़बड़ाहट में काम खराब हो सकता है। (Work can get spoiled in such a hasty rush.)

उसकी व्याकुलता बढ़ती ही जा रही थी। (His intense anxiety/yearning kept increasing.)

By learning these synonyms and their nuances, you gain the ability to paint a much more detailed picture of human emotions. You move from saying 'I am nervous' to being able to say 'I am restlessly nervous', 'I am hastily nervous', or 'I am deeply worried'. This richness is the hallmark of a truly proficient Hindi speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-aahat' is used in Hindi to convert verbs into abstract nouns that denote a sound or a state. It makes the word sound more descriptive and sensory.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡəb.ɾɑː.ɦəʈ/

US /ɡəb.rɑ.ɦət/

The stress is primarily on the second syllable 'raah'.

Rhymes With

मुस्कुराहट (Muskuraahat) कड़वाहट (Karwaahat) चिल्लाहट (Chillaahat) गड़गड़ाहट (Gadgadaahat) सरसराहट (Sarsaraahat) आहट (Aahat) बड़बड़ाहट (Badbadaahat) झुंझलाहट (Jhunjhlaahat)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a simple 'g' (without aspiration).
Pronouncing the final 't' as a dental 't' instead of retroflex.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Shortening the 'aa' sound in the second syllable.
Missing the 'h' sound in the third syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the '-aahat' suffix pattern is learned.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct spelling of 'gh' and 'retroflex t'.

Speaking 3/5

Aspiration of 'gh' and the retroflex 't' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common word, easily identifiable in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

डर (Fear) होना (To be) मुझे (To me) बहुत (Very) कम (Less)

Learn Next

बेचैनी (Restlessness) चिंता (Worry) व्याकुलता (Anxiety) हड़बड़ाहट (Haste) तनाव (Stress)

Advanced

संशय (Doubt/Hesitation) उद्विग्नता (Agitation) विह्वलता (Overwhelmed state) आतंक (Terror) असमंजस (Confusion/Dilemma)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Gender Agreement

घबराहट अच्छी नहीं होती (Ghabraahat is not good - 'hoti' is feminine).

Dative Subject (Ko-construction)

राम को घबराहट है (Ram is nervous - literally 'To Ram there is nervousness').

Abstract Noun Suffix '-aahat'

मुस्कुराहट (Smile), कड़वाहट (Bitterness) follow the same gender rules.

Compound Verbs with 'Lagana'

उसे घबराहट होने लगी (She started feeling nervous).

Postposition 'Ke Maare'

घबराहट के मारे वह कांपने लगा (He started trembling due to nervousness).

Examples by Level

मुझे घबराहट है।

I have nervousness.

Basic 'Mujhe' + noun construction.

क्या आपको घबराहट हो रही है?

Are you feeling nervous?

Interrogative sentence with 'ho rahi hai'.

मुझे थोड़ी घबराहट है।

I have a little nervousness.

Use of 'thodi' (feminine) to modify the noun.

पानी पियो, घबराहट कम होगी।

Drink water, nervousness will decrease.

Future tense 'hogi' agreeing with feminine noun.

भीड़ में उसे घबराहट होती है।

She feels nervous in a crowd.

Habitual present tense 'hoti hai'.

यह घबराहट क्यों है?

Why is this nervousness?

Simple 'kyon' (why) question.

मेरी घबराहट बढ़ रही है।

My nervousness is increasing.

Possessive 'meri' (feminine) agreement.

घबराहट मत करो।

Don't be nervous.

Imperative 'mat' used for prohibition.

कल रात मुझे बहुत घबराहट हुई।

I felt a lot of nervousness last night.

Past tense 'hui' (feminine).

अंधेरे में मुझे घबराहट होती है।

I feel nervous in the dark.

Use of 'mein' (in) postposition.

परीक्षा के नाम से ही घबराहट होने लगती है।

Just the name of the exam starts causing nervousness.

Compound verb 'hone lagti hai' (starts to happen).

वह घबराहट में सब भूल गया।

He forgot everything in nervousness.

Use of 'mein' to indicate state.

डॉक्टर ने घबराहट की दवा दी।

The doctor gave medicine for nervousness.

Genitive 'ki' (feminine) connecting two nouns.

क्या तुम्हें अभी भी घबराहट है?

Are you still nervous?

Use of 'abhi bhi' (still/even now).

उसकी बातों से मुझे घबराहट हुई।

I felt nervous because of his words.

Use of 'se' (from/because of).

घबराहट कम करने के लिए गहरी सांस लें।

Take deep breaths to reduce nervousness.

Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.

इंटरव्यू से पहले घबराहट होना स्वाभाविक है।

It is natural to have nervousness before an interview.

Abstract subject 'ghabraahat hona' with adjective 'swabhavik'.

घबराहट के मारे उसका गला सूख गया।

His throat went dry due to nervousness.

Idiomatic use of 'ke maare' (due to).

जब वह स्टेज पर गया, उसकी घबराहट गायब हो गई।

When he went on stage, his nervousness disappeared.

Time clause with 'jab... tab...' (implicit).

मुझे अपनी घबराहट पर काबू पाना होगा।

I will have to control my nervousness.

Use of 'par kaabu paana' (to gain control over).

इस शोर-शराबे से मुझे बहुत घबराहट महसूस होती है।

I feel a lot of nervousness from this noise and bustle.

Verb 'mehsoos hoti hai' (is felt).

उसने अपनी घबराहट छिपाने की कोशिश की, लेकिन नाकाम रहा।

He tried to hide his nervousness but failed.

Infinitives with 'ki koshish karna'.

क्या यह घबराहट किसी बीमारी का लक्षण है?

Is this nervousness a symptom of some illness?

Noun as a subject in a complex question.

अगर तुम्हें घबराहट हो, तो मुझे फोन करना।

If you feel nervous, then call me.

Conditional 'agar... to...' structure.

अचानक हुई घोषणा ने यात्रियों में घबराहट पैदा कर दी।

The sudden announcement created nervousness among the passengers.

Causative structure with 'paida kar di'.

बाजार में घबराहट का माहौल साफ दिख रहा है।

The atmosphere of nervousness is clearly visible in the market.

Genitive 'ka' used for 'atmosphere of'.

उसकी आँखों की घबराहट ने उसकी चोरी पकड़वा दी।

The nervousness in his eyes got his theft caught.

Subjective use of 'ghabraahat' as a cause.

बिना किसी कारण के होने वाली घबराहट चिंता का विषय है।

Nervousness occurring without any reason is a matter of concern.

Participial phrase 'hone wali' (which happens).

इतनी घबराहट में कोई भी सही फैसला नहीं ले सकता।

No one can take a right decision in such nervousness.

Use of 'koi bhi' (anyone) in negative context.

योग और ध्यान से घबराहट को दूर किया जा सकता है।

Nervousness can be removed through yoga and meditation.

Passive voice 'kiya ja sakta hai'.

उसने अपनी घबराहट पर मुस्कुराहट का मुखौटा पहन लिया।

He wore a mask of a smile over his nervousness.

Metaphorical usage.

इस फिल्म में घबराहट और सस्पेंस का बेहतरीन मेल है।

There is a great mix of nervousness and suspense in this film.

Coordinating two abstract nouns.

वैश्विक आर्थिक मंदी की आहट से निवेशकों में घबराहट व्याप्त है।

Nervousness is prevalent among investors due to the hint of a global economic recession.

Formal vocabulary: 'vyapt' (prevalent), 'aahat' (hint/sound).

उसकी घबराहट उसकी मानसिक असुरक्षा का प्रतिबिंब थी।

His nervousness was a reflection of his mental insecurity.

Philosophical/Psychological register.

लेखक ने समाज की अंतर्निहित घबराहट को अपने उपन्यास में बखूबी उतारा है।

The author has beautifully portrayed the underlying nervousness of society in his novel.

Literary analysis context.

भीड़भाड़ वाले इलाकों में जाने से उसे जो घबराहट होती है, वह एगोराफोबिया का संकेत हो सकती है।

The nervousness she feels when going to crowded areas could be a sign of agoraphobia.

Complex relative clause 'jo... vah...'.

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता के कारण पूरे देश में घबराहट की लहर दौड़ गई।

A wave of nervousness ran through the entire country due to political instability.

Idiomatic 'lehar daud gayi' (a wave ran).

अपनी घबराहट को रचनात्मक ऊर्जा में बदलना एक कला है।

Transforming your nervousness into creative energy is an art.

Gerundial subject 'badalna' (transforming).

उसकी आवाज़ की हल्की सी घबराहट ने उसके झूठ का पर्दाफाश कर दिया।

The slight nervousness in his voice exposed his lie.

Complex genitive chain.

हमें इस घबराहट के मूल कारणों की गहराई से जांच करनी होगी।

We will have to deeply investigate the root causes of this nervousness.

Formal 'jaanch karni hogi' (will have to investigate).

अस्तित्ववादी दर्शन में घबराहट को मानव होने की एक अनिवार्य शर्त माना गया है।

In existential philosophy, nervousness/anxiety is considered an essential condition of being human.

Highly academic register.

आधुनिकता की इस अंधी दौड़ ने मनुष्य के भीतर एक शाश्वत घबराहट को जन्म दिया है।

This blind race of modernity has given birth to an eternal nervousness within man.

Metaphorical and philosophical depth.

उनकी कविताओं में घबराहट केवल एक व्यक्तिगत भावना नहीं, बल्कि एक युग की त्रासदी है।

In his poems, nervousness is not just a personal emotion, but the tragedy of an era.

Literary criticism style.

जनता की घबराहट को शांत करने के बजाय, सरकार के बयानों ने उसे और हवा दी।

Instead of calming the public's nervousness, the government's statements fueled it further.

Idiomatic 'hawa dena' (to fuel/fan the flames).

कलाकार ने कैनवास पर रंगों के माध्यम से घबराहट की अमूर्त अभिव्यक्ति की है।

The artist has given an abstract expression of nervousness through colors on the canvas.

Artistic/Technical register.

सूचनाओं के इस अतिरेक ने समाज में एक सामूहिक घबराहट (कलेक्टिव एंग्जायटी) पैदा कर दी है।

This overload of information has created a collective nervousness (collective anxiety) in society.

Sociological analysis.

उसकी चुप्पी में जो घबराहट छिपी थी, वह शब्दों से कहीं अधिक मुखर थी।

The nervousness hidden in her silence was far more vocal than words.

Paradoxical literary construction.

मनोवैज्ञानिक विश्लेषण के अनुसार, घबराहट अक्सर दमित इच्छाओं का परिणाम होती है।

According to psychological analysis, nervousness is often the result of suppressed desires.

Scientific/Analytical register.

Synonyms

बेचैनी व्याकुलता परेशानी हड़बड़ाहट अशांति

Antonyms

शांति धैर्य चैन

Common Collocations

घबराहट होना

घबराहट महसूस करना

घबराहट छिपाना

घबराहट बढ़ना

घबराहट कम होना

भारी घबराहट

अजीब सी घबराहट

घबराहट पैदा करना

घबराहट के मारे

घबराहट मिटाना

Common Phrases

जी घबराना

— To feel nauseous or extremely restless/anxious. It is a very common idiom.

सफ़र में मेरा जी घबराता है।

घबराहट का माहौल

— An atmosphere of panic or nervousness in a group or place.

बाजार में घबराहट का माहौल है।

बेवजह की घबराहट

— Nervousness without any specific reason.

तुम्हें बेवजह की घबराहट हो रही है, सब ठीक है।

घबराहट पर काबू

— Control over one's nervousness.

घबराहट पर काबू पाना ज़रूरी है।

हल्की घबराहट

— Slight nervousness or jitters.

शुरू में मुझे हल्की घबराहट हुई थी।

घबराहट की लहर

— A wave of nervousness or panic.

शहर में घबराहट की लहर दौड़ गई।

घबराहट का शिकार

— A victim of nervousness/anxiety.

वह अक्सर घबराहट का शिकार हो जाता है।

घबराहट में आना

— To get into a state of nervousness.

मुसीबत देखकर घबराहट में मत आओ।

घबराहट को दूर करना

— To remove or dispel nervousness.

दोस्त की बातों ने मेरी घबराहट को दूर कर दिया।

घबराहट भरी आवाज़

— A voice full of nervousness.

उसकी घबराहट भरी आवाज़ सुनकर मैं डर गया।

Often Confused With

घबराहट vs डर (Dar)

Dar is fear of a specific object; Ghabraahat is internal agitation or nervousness.

घबराहट vs चिंता (Chinta)

Chinta is cognitive worry/concern; Ghabraahat is the feeling of being flustered.

घबराहट vs बेचैनी (Bechaini)

Bechaini is general restlessness; Ghabraahat is more acute nervousness.

Idioms & Expressions

"हाथ-पांव फूलना"

— To get extremely nervous or panicked, often resulting in an inability to act.

पुलिस को देखकर चोर के हाथ-पांव फूल गए।

Informal

"कलेजा धक-धक करना"

— To have a racing heart due to nervousness or fear.

नतीजा आने से पहले मेरा कलेजा धक-धक कर रहा था।

Neutral

"पसीने छूटना"

— To start sweating profusely due to nervousness or difficulty.

कठिन सवाल देखकर छात्र के पसीने छूट गए।

Informal

"चेहरा पीला पड़ना"

— To turn pale with nervousness or fear.

पकड़े जाने पर उसका चेहरा पीला पड़ गया।

Neutral

"सांप सूंघ जाना"

— To become suddenly silent and still due to nervousness or shock.

जब सच सामने आया, तो उसे सांप सूंघ गया।

Informal

"काटो तो खून नहीं"

— To be so nervous or shocked that one becomes completely numb/pale.

अचानक हुई जांच से उसकी ऐसी हालत हुई कि काटो तो खून नहीं।

Literary/Informal

"हवाइयां उड़ना"

— To look visibly worried or flustered on the face.

झूठ पकड़े जाने पर उसके चेहरे पर हवाइयां उड़ने लगीं।

Neutral

"जी छोटा करना"

— To lose heart or feel discouraged/nervous about a task.

मुश्किल देखकर जी छोटा मत करो।

Neutral

"घिग्घी बंधना"

— To be so nervous that one's voice falters or stops.

स्टेज पर उसकी घिग्घी बंध गई।

Informal

"तारे नज़र आना"

— To feel dizzy or extremely flustered due to a shock or nervousness.

इतने बड़े नुकसान की खबर सुनकर उसे दिन में तारे नज़र आने लगे।

Informal

Easily Confused

घबराहट vs हड़बड़ाहट (Harbarahat)

Both end in '-aahat' and involve nerves.

Harbarahat is specifically about being in a clumsy rush; Ghabraahat is general anxiety.

Harbarahat mein kaam bigad gaya, par ghabraahat mein dil dhadakne laga.

घबराहट vs व्याकुलता (Vyakulta)

Both mean anxiety.

Vyakulta is more formal/literary and often implies a deep longing or agony.

Vyakulta prem mein hoti hai, ghabraahat pariksha mein.

घबराहट vs तनाव (Tanav)

Both relate to stress.

Tanav is the pressure/tension itself; Ghabraahat is the nervous reaction to it.

Kaam ka tanav ghabraahat paida karta hai.

घबराहट vs हिचकिचाहट (Hichkichaahat)

Similar sounding suffix.

Hichkichaahat is hesitation; Ghabraahat is nervousness.

Use bolne mein hichkichaahat hai aur stage par ghabraahat.

घबराहट vs खलबली (Khalbali)

Both involve a sense of panic.

Khalbali is usually collective commotion; Ghabraahat is usually individual nervousness.

News se shehar mein khalbali machi aur mujhme ghabraahat hui.

Sentence Patterns

Mujhe [Noun] hai.

Mujhe ghabraahat hai.

Mujhe [Adjective] [Noun] ho rahi hai.

Mujhe thodi ghabraahat ho rahi hai.

[Noun] ke maare [Verb-Past].

Ghabraahat ke maare main chup ho gaya.

[Noun] par kaabu paana [Adjective] hai.

Ghabraahat par kaabu paana mushkil hai.

[Noun] ka [Noun] vyapt hona.

Bazaar mein ghabraahat ka mahaul vyapt hai.

[Noun] manushya ki [Adjective] shart hai.

Ghabraahat manushya ki anivarya shart hai.

[Verb-Root]ne se [Noun] hoti hai.

Bolne se ghabraahat hoti hai.

Apni [Noun] ko [Verb-Infinitive].

Apni ghabraahat ko chhupana seekho.

Word Family

Nouns

घबराहट (Ghabraahat) - Nervousness

घबराहट-भरा (Ghabraahat-bhara) - Full of nervousness

Verbs

घबराना (Ghabraana) - To be nervous/panicked

घबराना-डराना (Ghabraana-Daraana) - To fluster and frighten

Adjectives

घबराया (Ghabraaya) - Nervous/Flustered (person)

घबराहट-जनक (Ghabraahat-janak) - Causing nervousness

बेचैनी (Bechaini)

हड़बड़ाहट (Harbarahat)

डर (Dar)

चिंता (Chinta)

परेशानी (Pareshani)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, health contexts, and media.

Common Mistakes

Mujhe ghabraahat ho raha hai. → Mujhe ghabraahat ho rahi hai.
Ghabraahat is a feminine noun, so the verb 'hona' must be in the feminine form 'rohi hai'.
Main bahut ghabraahat hoon. → Mujhe bahut ghabraahat hai.
You don't 'be' nervousness; you 'have' it. Use the dative subject construction with 'ko' (Mujhe = Mujh + ko).
Sher ko dekh kar ghabraahat hui. → Sher ko dekh kar dar laga.
For a specific physical threat like a lion, 'Dar' (fear) is more appropriate than 'Ghabraahat' (nervousness).
Bada ghabraahat. → Badi ghabraahat.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'ghabraahat'. Use 'badi' instead of 'bada'.
Ghabraahat mein mat aao. → Ghabrao mat.
While 'ghabraahat mein aana' is possible, in an imperative (command), the verb 'ghabrana' is much more natural.

Tips

Gender Check

Always treat 'ghabraahat' as feminine. This is the most common mistake for learners. Think of the '-aahat' ending as a feminine marker.

Use with 'Hona'

Instead of 'doing' nervousness, remember that in Hindi, nervousness 'happens' to you. Use 'Mujhe... ho rahi hai'.

Medical Usage

In India, if you feel faint or overheated, use this word. It's a very effective way to communicate physical distress to locals.

The 'Gh' Sound

Make sure you don't just say 'g'. The aspiration (the 'h' sound after 'g') is what makes it 'ghabraahat' instead of 'gabraahat'.

Descriptive Power

Use 'ghabraahat' to add emotional depth to your stories. It's more descriptive than just saying someone is 'unhappy' or 'scared'.

News Keywords

When listening to Hindi news, 'ghabraahat' is a keyword for market volatility or public concern. It helps you grasp the tone of the report.

Grab-a-heart

Use the English-sounding 'Grab-a-heart' to remember the pronunciation and the feeling of your heart racing.

Not just Fear

Distinguish it from 'Dar' (fear). Use 'ghabraahat' when the feeling is more about being flustered or anxious than being afraid of a specific thing.

Jee Ghabrana

Learn the phrase 'Jee ghabrana'. It is used constantly in Hindi to describe any kind of internal unease or nausea.

Empathy

Asking someone 'Kya aapko ghabraahat ho rahi hai?' is a very polite and empathetic way to check on someone who looks distressed.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ghabraahat' as 'Grab a Heart'. When you feel this way, your heart feels like it's being grabbed or is jumping out of your chest. Ghabra-ahat.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a stage with a microphone, their knees shaking and a bead of sweat on their forehead. That person is experiencing 'Ghabraahat'.

Word Web

Anxiety Heartbeat Sweat Exam Crowd Dizzy Restless Agitated

Challenge

Try to use 'घबराहट' in three different sentences today: one about a past event, one about a current feeling, and one as a question to someone else.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hindi verb 'घबराना' (Ghabraana), which traces back to Middle Indo-Aryan roots, possibly connected to the Sanskrit root 'घुर' (ghur) meaning to sound or frighten, or 'विह्वल' (vihval) meaning agitated.

Original meaning: The root sense involves a state of being mentally perturbed, shaken, or physically agitated.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

While common, be sensitive when using it to describe someone else's mental health; it's better to use it for yourself or in general contexts unless you are close to the person.

English speakers might use 'anxiety' or 'nervousness', but 'ghabraahat' often feels more visceral and physical, similar to saying 'I feel all shook up'.

Commonly heard in Bollywood songs like 'Dil dhak-dhak karne laga' which describes the feeling. Used in Hindi literature by authors like Premchand to describe the inner turmoil of characters. Frequently used in Indian TV news headlines during market crashes or emergencies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Health

क्या घबराहट हो रही है?
जी घबरा रहा है।
घबराहट की दवा।
अचानक घबराहट होना।

Exams / Education

परीक्षा की घबराहट।
घबराहट में भूल जाना।
घबराहट पर काबू पाना।
रिजल्ट की घबराहट।

Social / Public Speaking

स्टेज पर घबराहट।
अजनबियों से घबराहट।
घबराहट में हकलाना।
अपनी घबराहट छिपाना।

Weather / Environment

गर्मी से घबराहट।
भीड़ में घबराहट।
बंद कमरे में घबराहट।
शोर से घबराहट।

Financial / News

बाजार में घबराहट।
घबराहट की लहर।
निवेशकों में घबराहट।
घबराहट का माहौल।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको कभी स्टेज पर जाने से पहले घबराहट हुई है?"

"घबराहट कम करने के लिए आप क्या करते हैं?"

"क्या आपको भीड़भाड़ वाली जगहों पर घबराहट होती है?"

"इंटरव्यू के दौरान घबराहट से कैसे बचें?"

"क्या आपको भी परीक्षा के नाम से घबराहट होती है?"

Journal Prompts

पिछली बार आपको घबराहट कब हुई थी और क्यों? विस्तार से लिखें।

क्या घबराहट हमेशा बुरी होती है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

घबराहट पर काबू पाने के तीन तरीके बताएं जो आपके लिए काम करते हैं।

एक ऐसी स्थिति का वर्णन करें जहाँ आपने अपनी घबराहट को छिपाने की कोशिश की हो।

अगर आपको किसी दोस्त को घबराहट हो रही हो, तो आप उसे क्या सलाह देंगे?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. This means you must say 'ghabraahat hoti hai' and use feminine adjectives like 'thodi' or 'badi'. Most Hindi nouns ending in '-aahat' are feminine.

Generally, no. 'Ghabraahat' has a negative or neutral-stress connotation (like jitters). For positive excitement, use 'utsah' or 'romanch'. However, sometimes the physical 'butterflies' can be called ghabraahat.

'Ghabrana' is a verb meaning 'to be nervous'. 'Ghabraahat' is the noun meaning 'nervousness'. Example: 'Main ghabra gaya' (I got nervous) vs 'Mujhe ghabraahat hui' (I felt nervousness).

The most natural way is 'Mujhe ghabraahat ho rahi hai'. You use the dative subject 'Mujhe' (to me) instead of 'Main' (I).

Yes, very frequently. It is used to describe palpitations, dizziness, or a general feeling of being unwell, often caused by heat, low blood sugar, or anxiety.

It is a common idiom meaning to feel restless, anxious, or slightly nauseous. 'Safar mein mera jee ghabrata hai' means 'I feel uneasy/nauseous during travel'.

Yes, you can say 'Bheed ki wajah se mujhe ghabraahat hoti hai' (I feel nervous because of the crowd). It's a common trigger for the feeling.

While 'ghabraahatein' exists grammatically, it is rarely used because nervousness is usually treated as an uncountable abstract state.

Common synonyms include 'bechaini' (restlessness), 'vyakulta' (anxiety), and 'harbarahat' (hasty nervousness).

Focus on the aspirated 'gh' (like 'ghost' but with more breath) and the retroflex 't' at the end (tongue touching the roof of the mouth). Practice saying 'ghab-ra-ahat' slowly.