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ऑपरेशन

A1 noun #1,100 most common 12 min read

ऑपरेशन

operation Top 1,100

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ऑपरेशन in 30 Seconds

Explanation ऑपरेशन in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the most important thing to know about the word 'ऑपरेशन' (operation) is that it means a medical surgery. It is an English word that Hindi speakers use all the time. You do not need to learn a complicated Hindi word for surgery. Just use 'ऑपरेशन'. It is a masculine noun. This means you use words like 'मेरा' (my) and 'बड़ा' (big) with it. For example, 'मेरा ऑपरेशन' means 'my surgery'. If you want to say 'The doctor is doing surgery', you use the verb 'करना' (to do). You say 'डॉक्टर ऑपरेशन कर रहा है'. If you want to say 'I am having surgery', you use the verb 'होना' (to happen). You say 'मेरा ऑपरेशन हो रहा है'. This is a very common way to talk about health in Hindi. You will hear this word in hospitals, clinics, and when people talk about sick family members. Remember to always use the postposition 'का' (of) when connecting the patient to the surgery. Say 'मरीज का ऑपरेशन' (surgery of the patient). Do not say 'मरीज पर ऑपरेशन' (surgery on the patient). This is a simple but very important rule to sound correct in Hindi.

At the A2 elementary level, you can start using 'ऑपरेशन' in more detailed sentences. You already know it means surgery and is a masculine noun. Now, practice using it in the past and future tenses. To say 'The surgery was successful', say 'ऑपरेशन सफल रहा'. To say 'The doctor did the surgery yesterday', use the past tense of 'करना' (to do) with the 'ने' (ne) marker for the subject: 'डॉक्टर ने कल ऑपरेशन किया'. If you are talking about your own experience in the future, use the future tense of 'होना' (to happen): 'कल मेरा ऑपरेशन होगा' (Tomorrow my surgery will happen). You can also combine it with body parts. For example, 'आँख का ऑपरेशन' (eye surgery) or 'दिल का ऑपरेशन' (heart surgery). Notice how the body part is linked to the word 'ऑपरेशन' using 'का' (ka). This is a very common pattern. You will also hear this word used in news reports to mean a military or police action, like 'सर्च ऑपरेशन' (search operation). However, in daily life, the medical meaning is much more common. Practice asking questions like 'क्या ऑपरेशन में दर्द होता है?' (Does the surgery hurt?) to improve your conversational skills in medical situations.

At the B1 intermediate level, your use of 'ऑपरेशन' should become more nuanced. You understand the basic grammar, so now focus on expanding your vocabulary around the word. Learn related terms like 'ऑपरेशन थियेटर' (operation theater), which is universally used in India instead of 'operating room'. You should be comfortable discussing the necessity and outcomes of surgery. For instance, 'डॉक्टर ने कहा है कि बिना ऑपरेशन के मरीज ठीक नहीं हो सकता' (The doctor has said that without surgery, the patient cannot get well). You should also be able to express opinions or concerns: 'मुझे ऑपरेशन से बहुत डर लगता है' (I am very scared of surgery). At this level, you can clearly distinguish between the active voice (doctor performing) and the passive voice (patient undergoing) without making mistakes. 'सर्जन ने बहुत सावधानी से ऑपरेशन किया' (The surgeon performed the operation very carefully) versus 'मरीज का ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक संपन्न हुआ' (The patient's operation was completed successfully). You will also notice that while 'शल्य चिकित्सा' exists in formal written Hindi, native speakers exclusively use 'ऑपरेशन' in spoken discourse, making it a perfect example of Hinglish integration.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, you can use 'ऑपरेशन' in complex sentences and abstract contexts. You can discuss the financial, emotional, and logistical aspects of medical procedures. For example, 'इस बड़े ऑपरेशन का खर्च उठाना आम आदमी के लिए बहुत मुश्किल है' (Bearing the cost of this major surgery is very difficult for a common man). You can also use it fluently in its non-medical sense, discussing news and current events. 'सुरक्षा बलों ने आतंकवादियों को पकड़ने के लिए एक गुप्त ऑपरेशन चलाया' (Security forces conducted a secret operation to catch the terrorists). You should be comfortable using compound verbs and advanced grammar structures. 'ऑपरेशन के बाद मरीज को आईसीयू में रखा गया है' (After the surgery, the patient has been kept in the ICU). You understand that 'ऑपरेशन' is not just a borrowed word, but a fully integrated Hindi noun that takes all standard Hindi postpositions (में, से, का, के लिए). Your pronunciation should be natural, perhaps even adopting the slight Indian English accentuation ('op-re-shan') when speaking rapidly in informal contexts, while maintaining clear articulation in formal settings.

At the C1 advanced level, your command over the word 'ऑपरेशन' is near-native. You understand its sociolinguistic status as a ubiquitous loanword that bridges the gap between formal medical terminology and everyday vernacular. You can effortlessly switch between discussing a complex medical procedure and a strategic military maneuver using the same word, relying entirely on context to convey meaning. You might use idiomatic or metaphorical expressions, such as 'सिस्टम का ऑपरेशन करना पड़ेगा' (The system will have to be operated upon/overhauled), using the medical term to describe fixing a corrupt or broken administrative process. You are fully aware of the formal alternative 'शल्य चिकित्सा' and know exactly when to use it (e.g., translating an official government health policy document) and when to avoid it (e.g., speaking to a distressed relative in a hospital waiting room). You can construct highly sophisticated sentences: 'हालांकि ऑपरेशन तकनीकी रूप से सफल रहा, लेकिन मरीज के शरीर ने नई दवाइयों के प्रति अनुकूल प्रतिक्रिया नहीं दी' (Although the operation was technically successful, the patient's body did not react favorably to the new medicines).

At the C2 mastery level, the word 'ऑपरेशन' is simply a tool in your extensive Hindi vocabulary arsenal. You appreciate the historical linguistic shift that allowed English medical terms to completely supplant indigenous Ayurvedic or Sanskrit terms in modern Indian society. You can analyze texts or speeches where the word is used, understanding the subtle emotional weight it carries in Indian culture, where medical expenses and hospital visits are major life events. You can engage in deep philosophical or ethical discussions about the medical industry, using terms like 'अनावश्यक ऑपरेशन' (unnecessary surgeries) or 'ऑपरेशन की सफलता दर' (success rate of the operation). You can flawlessly integrate the word into complex literary or journalistic writing, balancing the colloquial familiarity of the loanword with high-register Hindi grammar. For example: 'आधुनिक चिकित्सा विज्ञान में रोबोटिक ऑपरेशन ने शल्य चिकित्सा के क्षेत्र में एक नई क्रांति ला दी है, जिससे चीर-फाड़ की आवश्यकता न्यूनतम हो गई है' (In modern medical science, robotic operations have brought a new revolution in the field of surgery, minimizing the need for invasive cutting). You navigate these linguistic layers with complete ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ऑपरेशन in 30 Seconds

Means 'surgery' in Hindi.
It is an English loanword.
Always a masculine noun.
Used with verbs करना or होना.

The Hindi word ऑपरेशन (pronounced as 'op-e-ra-tion') is a direct English loanword that has been completely assimilated into everyday Hindi vocabulary. It primarily refers to a medical surgery performed by a doctor or surgeon to treat a disease, injury, or physical deformity. In the context of the Indian healthcare system, you will almost never hear the pure, formal Hindi term 'शल्य चिकित्सा' (shalya chikitsa) in daily conversations, whether you are speaking to a highly educated specialist in a metropolitan hospital or a local clinic worker in a rural village. The English word has become the absolute standard. Understanding how to use this word is crucial for anyone navigating medical situations in India or speaking with Hindi speakers about health issues. The word functions as a masculine noun in Hindi, which dictates the gender of the adjectives and verbs associated with it. For example, you would say 'बड़ा ऑपरेशन' (bada operation - major surgery) using the masculine adjective 'बड़ा', rather than 'बड़ी'. Furthermore, because it is a noun, it requires a supporting verb to indicate action. The two most common verbs paired with it are 'करना' (karna - to do) and 'होना' (hona - to happen or to be done). When a doctor performs the surgery, the active verb 'करना' is used. When a patient undergoes the surgery, the passive-like construction with 'होना' is used. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of Hindi grammar known as conjunct verbs. Beyond the medical field, the word is also used to describe organized military or police actions, just as it is in English, such as a 'rescue operation' or 'search operation'. However, for a beginner learning Hindi, the medical context is by far the most important and frequently encountered.

Medical Context: Used universally to mean surgery. It replaces traditional Hindi vocabulary entirely in spoken language.

Military Context: Used to describe tactical missions, often seen in news broadcasts and newspapers.

Slang Context: Occasionally used humorously to describe fixing a complex machine or sorting out a difficult situation.

डॉक्टर ने कहा है कि कल सुबह मेरा ऑपरेशन होगा। (The doctor has said that my surgery will happen tomorrow morning.)

यह एक बहुत ही जटिल ऑपरेशन था, लेकिन अब मरीज सुरक्षित है। (This was a very complicated surgery, but now the patient is safe.)

सेना ने आतंकवादियों के खिलाफ एक नया ऑपरेशन शुरू किया है। (The army has launched a new operation against the terrorists.)

उसके घुटने का ऑपरेशन सफल रहा। (His knee surgery was successful.)

बिना ऑपरेशन के यह बीमारी ठीक नहीं हो सकती। (This disease cannot be cured without surgery.)

Using the word ऑपरेशन correctly in Hindi sentences requires an understanding of how Hindi integrates foreign nouns into its grammatical structure. Because Hindi is a verb-final language, the noun 'ऑपरेशन' will typically appear before the verb. The most critical grammatical concept to master here is the 'conjunct verb'. In Hindi, many actions are expressed by combining a noun or adjective with a generic verb like 'करना' (to do) or 'होना' (to happen/to be). Therefore, 'to operate' is not a single verb in Hindi; it is expressed as 'ऑपरेशन करना' (operation karna - to do an operation). If you want to say 'The doctor is operating on the patient', you must structure it as 'The doctor is doing the patient's operation'. In Hindi, this translates to 'डॉक्टर मरीज का ऑपरेशन कर रहा है' (Doctor mareez ka operation kar raha hai). Notice the use of the possessive marker 'का' (ka). You are literally saying 'doing the operation OF the patient'. This is a very common pattern that English speakers often get wrong by trying to translate 'operating on' directly. Conversely, when focusing on the patient's experience, you use the verb 'होना' (hona). To say 'I am having surgery tomorrow', you say 'कल मेरा ऑपरेशन होगा' (Kal mera operation hoga), which literally translates to 'Tomorrow my operation will happen'. This passive construction is standard and sounds completely natural to native speakers. You can also add adjectives before the noun to provide more detail. For instance, 'सफल ऑपरेशन' (safal operation) means 'successful surgery', and 'हार्ट का ऑपरेशन' (heart ka operation) means 'heart surgery'. Notice again how English nouns like 'heart' are also borrowed and linked using 'का'. This hybrid language, often referred to as Hinglish, is the reality of modern spoken Hindi, especially in technical or medical domains. Mastering these sentence patterns will make your Hindi sound incredibly fluent and natural.

Active Voice (Doctor's Perspective): Subject + ने + Object + का + ऑपरेशन + किया। (Doctor ne mareez ka operation kiya - The doctor operated on the patient.)

Passive Voice (Patient's Perspective): Subject + का + ऑपरेशन + हुआ। (Mera operation hua - I had surgery / My surgery happened.)

Descriptive Usage: Adjective + ऑपरेशन। (Safal operation - Successful surgery; Bada operation - Major surgery.)

डॉक्टर शर्मा ने कल रात एक बहुत ही मुश्किल ऑपरेशन किया। (Dr. Sharma performed a very difficult surgery last night.)

मेरी दादी का आँखों का ऑपरेशन होने वाला है। (My grandmother is going to have eye surgery.)

क्या यह ऑपरेशन दर्दनाक होता है? (Is this surgery painful?)

मरीज को ऑपरेशन थियेटर में ले जाया जा रहा है। (The patient is being taken to the operation theater.)

इस ऑपरेशन में कितना खर्च आएगा? (How much will this surgery cost?)

You will hear the word ऑपरेशन in virtually every setting related to healthcare, medicine, and physical well-being across the Indian subcontinent. If you walk into a government hospital in New Delhi, a private clinic in Mumbai, or a rural dispensary in Uttar Pradesh, the signage, the doctors' instructions, and the patients' conversations will all feature this word prominently. It is a prime example of how deeply English has penetrated everyday Hindi, to the point where the original Sanskrit-derived Hindi word 'शल्य चिकित्सा' (shalya chikitsa) is relegated exclusively to formal textbooks, legal documents, or highly stylized literary contexts. If you use the pure Hindi term in a normal conversation, people might actually struggle to understand you for a moment, or they might assume you are reading from a script. The English loanword is democratic; it is understood by the illiterate and the highly educated alike. Beyond the hospital environment, you will hear this word in family discussions. Health is a major topic of conversation in Indian families, and discussing a relative's upcoming 'ऑपरेशन' is a common social occurrence. You will hear phrases like 'उनका बाईपास ऑपरेशन हुआ है' (He had a bypass surgery) or 'मोतियाबिंद का ऑपरेशन' (cataract surgery). Furthermore, the word is heavily used in the news media. Hindi news channels frequently report on military or police activities using this exact word. A news anchor might say, 'पुलिस का सर्च ऑपरेशन जारी है' (The police search operation is ongoing). This dual usage—medical and tactical—mirrors English perfectly. In popular culture, such as Bollywood movies and television soap operas, dramatic hospital scenes are a staple, and the word 'ऑपरेशन' is often delivered with high emotional intensity by actors waiting outside the 'ऑपरेशन थियेटर' (operation theater). Therefore, mastering this word opens up your ability to comprehend a vast array of real-world interactions, from personal health emergencies to daily news consumption.

Hospitals and Clinics: The primary location. Used by all medical staff and patients to discuss surgical procedures.

Family Gatherings: Frequently discussed when updating relatives about the health status of family members.

News Broadcasts: Used to describe organized tactical, military, or rescue missions by authorities.

अस्पताल के बाहर लिखा था: ऑपरेशन थियेटर के अंदर जाना मना है। (It was written outside the hospital: Entering the operation theater is prohibited.)

टीवी पर खबर आ रही है कि सेना का बचाव ऑपरेशन खत्म हो गया है। (The news on TV says that the army's rescue operation is over.)

मेरे चाचा जी का कल दिल्ली में ऑपरेशन है, हमें वहाँ जाना होगा। (My uncle has surgery in Delhi tomorrow, we have to go there.)

फिल्म में हीरो की माँ का ऑपरेशन चल रहा था और वह बाहर रो रहा था। (In the movie, the hero's mother's surgery was going on and he was crying outside.)

नर्स ने बताया कि ऑपरेशन में दो घंटे लगेंगे। (The nurse said that the surgery will take two hours.)

When English speakers learn Hindi, they often make specific predictable mistakes when using English loanwords like ऑपरेशन. The most frequent error stems from directly translating English prepositions into Hindi. In English, we say a doctor operates 'on' a patient. A learner might try to translate this literally by using the Hindi postposition 'पर' (par), which means 'on' or 'upon'. They might say 'डॉक्टर ने मरीज पर ऑपरेशन किया' (Doctor ne mareez par operation kiya). While a native speaker will understand this, it sounds grammatically incorrect and awkward. The correct Hindi structure uses the possessive postposition 'का' (ka), meaning 'of'. You must say 'डॉक्टर ने मरीज का ऑपरेशन किया' (The doctor did the surgery OF the patient). Another common mistake involves the gender of the noun. Because 'surgery' doesn't have a gender in English, learners often guess the gender in Hindi. Some might assume it is feminine and say 'बड़ी ऑपरेशन' (badi operation) or 'मेरी ऑपरेशन' (meri operation). This is incorrect. The word is strictly masculine. You must use masculine modifiers: 'बड़ा ऑपरेशन' (bada operation - major surgery) and 'मेरा ऑपरेशन' (mera operation - my surgery). A third mistake relates to verb choice. Learners sometimes try to use the English word as a verb itself, saying things like 'डॉक्टर ने उसे ऑपरेट किया' (Doctor ne use operate kiya). While 'ऑपरेट' (operate) is sometimes used in modern Hinglish, it is much less standard and sounds less natural than using the noun form with a conjunct verb: 'ऑपरेशन किया' (operation kiya). Finally, learners might confuse the active and passive voices. If you want to say 'I had surgery', you should not say 'मैंने ऑपरेशन किया' (Mainne operation kiya), because that means 'I performed the surgery' (as if you are the doctor). Instead, you must use the passive construction: 'मेरा ऑपरेशन हुआ' (Mera operation hua), which means 'My surgery happened'. Paying attention to these nuances will drastically improve the natural flow of your spoken Hindi.

Preposition Error: Using 'पर' (on) instead of 'का' (of). Incorrect: मरीज पर ऑपरेशन। Correct: मरीज का ऑपरेशन।

Gender Error: Treating the word as feminine. Incorrect: मेरी ऑपरेशन। Correct: मेरा ऑपरेशन।

Voice Error: Saying 'I did surgery' instead of 'My surgery happened'. Incorrect: मैंने ऑपरेशन किया (for a patient). Correct: मेरा ऑपरेशन हुआ।

गलत (Incorrect): डॉक्टर ने मेरे पैर पर ऑपरेशन किया।

सही (Correct): डॉक्टर ने मेरे पैर का ऑपरेशन किया। (The doctor operated on my leg.)

गलत (Incorrect): कल मेरी एक बड़ी ऑपरेशन है।

सही (Correct): कल मेरा एक बड़ा ऑपरेशन है। (I have a major surgery tomorrow.)

सही (Correct): मरीज का ऑपरेशन सफल रहा। (The patient's surgery was successful.)

While ऑपरेशन is the most common and universally understood word for surgery in Hindi, there are several related terms and alternatives that are useful to know, depending on the context and the register of the conversation. The most direct, formal Hindi translation is 'शल्य चिकित्सा' (shalya chikitsa). This term is composed of two Sanskrit words: 'शल्य' meaning a surgical instrument or an extracted foreign body, and 'चिकित्सा' meaning medical treatment. You will encounter this word in official government health documents, formal Hindi literature, and perhaps on the signboards of traditional Ayurvedic hospitals. However, using it in a modern hospital setting will sound highly unnatural. Another related English loanword that is frequently used is 'सर्जरी' (surgery). Interestingly, 'सर्जरी' is often used interchangeably with 'ऑपरेशन', but sometimes 'सर्जरी' implies the medical department or the general field of practice, while 'ऑपरेशन' refers to the specific event or procedure. For example, a hospital will have a 'सर्जरी विभाग' (surgery department), but a patient undergoes an 'ऑपरेशन'. For more general medical treatments that do not involve cutting, the word 'इलाज' (ilaaj) is used. 'इलाज' means treatment or cure, and it covers everything from taking pills for a fever to undergoing physiotherapy. If a doctor says 'इसका इलाज संभव है' (iska ilaaj sambhav hai), it means 'its treatment is possible', which may or may not include surgery. Another colloquial term you might hear in rural areas or informal settings is 'चीर-फाड़' (cheer-phaad). This literally translates to 'tearing and ripping' or 'cutting open'. It is a somewhat crude, descriptive term for surgery. A villager might say 'डॉक्टर ने बहुत चीर-फाड़ की' (The doctor did a lot of cutting open). While descriptive, it lacks the clinical neutrality of 'ऑपरेशन' and is generally avoided in polite or professional company. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the right word for the right situation.

शल्य चिकित्सा (Shalya Chikitsa): The formal, pure Hindi/Sanskrit term for surgery. Used only in official documents or highly formal writing.

सर्जरी (Surgery): Another English loanword. Often refers to the medical department or the science, rather than the specific event.

इलाज (Ilaaj): A general term for medical treatment. It includes medication, therapy, and surgery. It is a broader concept.

सरकारी अस्पताल में शल्य चिकित्सा विभाग दूसरी मंजिल पर है। (The surgery department in the government hospital is on the second floor.)

इस बीमारी का इलाज केवल दवाइयों से हो सकता है, ऑपरेशन की जरूरत नहीं है। (This disease can be treated only with medicines, surgery is not needed.)

गाँव के लोग चीर-फाड़ से बहुत डरते हैं। (Village people are very scared of cutting/surgery.)

वह एक मशहूर सर्जरी विशेषज्ञ हैं। (He is a famous surgery specialist.)

बिना सही इलाज के मरीज की हालत बिगड़ गई। (Without proper treatment, the patient's condition worsened.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"मरीज की स्थिति को देखते हुए शल्य चिकित्सा (या ऑपरेशन) अनिवार्य है।"

Neutral

"डॉक्टर ने कहा है कि कल ऑपरेशन होगा।"

Informal

"यार, कल दादाजी का ऑपरेशन है, दुआ करना।"

Child friendly

"डॉक्टर अंकल एक छोटा सा ऑपरेशन करेंगे और आप ठीक हो जाओगे।"

Slang

"हॉस्पिटल वालों ने बिल के नाम पर मेरी जेब का ऑपरेशन कर दिया।"

Fun Fact

Even though 'ऑपरेशन' is an English word, if you use it in a rural Indian village, an elderly person who speaks absolutely no English will understand exactly what you mean and will use it with perfect Hindi grammar. It shows how deeply language can adapt.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

US /ˌɑː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/

The stress in Hindi is often placed on the 'रे' (re) syllable: ऑप-रे-शन (op-RE-shan).

Rhymes With

स्टेशन (Station) नेशन (Nation) टेंशन (Tension) पेंशन (Pension) मेंशन (Mention) कंडीशन (Condition) एडमिशन (Admission) पोजीशन (Position)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it with a heavy American 'ah' sound (ah-per-ay-shun). Hindi speakers use a sharp 'o' (op-re-shan).
Adding a vowel sound at the end (operation-a). It should end sharply on the 'n' sound.
Confusing the 'sh' sound with an 's' sound. It is 'shan', not 'san'.
Trying to translate it into a pure Hindi word when speaking to a doctor. This causes confusion.
Misgendering the word as feminine because 'surgery' feels feminine to some learners. It is strictly masculine.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read if you know the Devanagari script, as it sounds exactly like English.

Writing 2/5

Spelling it in Devanagari requires knowing the half-moon symbol for the 'o' sound (ऑ), which can be slightly tricky for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

Extremely easy to pronounce for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Instantly recognizable in spoken Hindi.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

डॉक्टर (Doctor) मरीज (Patient) अस्पताल (Hospital) करना (To do) होना (To happen)

Learn Next

सर्जन (Surgeon) दवा (Medicine) इलाज (Treatment) दर्द (Pain) खून (Blood)

Advanced

शल्य चिकित्सा (Surgery - formal) प्रत्यारोपण (Transplant) संक्रमण (Infection) बेहोशी (Anesthesia) पुनर्वास (Rehabilitation)

Grammar to Know

Conjunct Verbs (Noun + Verb)

ऑपरेशन (Noun) + करना (Verb) = ऑपरेशन करना (To operate). This is how Hindi creates verbs from borrowed nouns.

Possessive Postposition 'का' for Patients

मरीज का ऑपरेशन (The patient's surgery). Always use 'का' (of) to link the receiver to the action, never 'पर' (on).

Passive Voice with 'होना'

मेरा ऑपरेशन हुआ (My surgery happened). Used when the focus is on the patient experiencing the event, not the doctor doing it.

Masculine Gender Agreement

बड़ा ऑपरेशन (Major surgery). Adjectives modifying 'ऑपरेशन' must be in the masculine singular form (ending in -aa).

Oblique Plural Form

कई ऑपरेशनों के बाद (After many surgeries). When plural and followed by a postposition, add 'ों' (-on) to the noun.

Examples by Level

यह एक बड़ा ऑपरेशन है।

This is a major surgery.

Uses masculine adjective 'बड़ा' (bada) with the masculine noun 'ऑपरेशन'.

मेरा ऑपरेशन कल है।

My surgery is tomorrow.

Uses possessive pronoun 'मेरा' (mera) indicating masculine gender.

डॉक्टर ऑपरेशन कर रहा है।

The doctor is doing the surgery.

Uses the active verb 'करना' (karna - to do) in present continuous tense.

मरीज का ऑपरेशन हुआ।

The patient's surgery happened.

Uses the passive-like verb 'होना' (hona - to happen) in past tense.

क्या ऑपरेशन में दर्द होता है?

Does the surgery hurt?

Uses the postposition 'में' (mein - in) to ask about pain during the procedure.

ऑपरेशन सफल रहा।

The surgery was successful.

A very common fixed phrase using 'सफल' (successful) and 'रहा' (remained/was).

मुझे ऑपरेशन से डर लगता है।

I am scared of surgery.

Uses 'से' (se - from) with the verb 'डर लगना' (to feel fear).

यह ऑपरेशन थियेटर है।

This is the operation theater.

Demonstrates the common English compound noun used in Hindi.

डॉक्टर ने मरीज का ऑपरेशन किया।

The doctor operated on the patient.

Uses 'ने' (ne) for the subject in past tense and 'का' (ka) for the object.

उसके पैर का ऑपरेशन होने वाला है।

His leg surgery is about to happen.

Uses 'वाला है' (wala hai) to indicate an imminent future action.

ऑपरेशन के बाद आपको आराम करना होगा।

After the surgery, you will have to rest.

Uses the postpositional phrase 'के बाद' (ke baad - after).

इस ऑपरेशन में दो घंटे लगेंगे।

This surgery will take two hours.

Uses the verb 'लगना' (lagna - to take time) in future tense.

बिना ऑपरेशन के वह ठीक नहीं होगा।

Without surgery, he will not get well.

Uses 'बिना... के' (bina... ke - without) circumposition.

क्या आपने पहले कभी कोई ऑपरेशन करवाया है?

Have you ever had any surgery done before?

Uses the causative verb 'करवाना' (karwana - to get done).

पुलिस का सर्च ऑपरेशन रात भर चला।

The police search operation went on all night.

Shows the non-medical use of the word in a tactical context.

ऑपरेशन के लिए पैसे जमा करने होंगे।

Money will have to be deposited for the surgery.

Uses 'के लिए' (ke liye - for) indicating purpose.

डॉक्टरों की टीम ने एक बहुत ही जटिल ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक पूरा किया।

The team of doctors successfully completed a very complicated surgery.

Uses advanced adjectives 'जटिल' (complicated) and adverbs 'सफलतापूर्वक' (successfully).

मरीज को ऑपरेशन थियेटर में ले जाने से पहले बेहोश किया गया।

The patient was anesthetized before being taken into the operation theater.

Uses passive voice construction 'बेहोश किया गया' (was made unconscious).

हार्ट बाईपास ऑपरेशन के बाद जीवनशैली में बदलाव जरूरी है।

Lifestyle changes are necessary after a heart bypass surgery.

Combines English medical terms 'हार्ट बाईपास' with Hindi grammar.

सेना ने आतंकवादियों के खिलाफ एक बड़ा ऑपरेशन शुरू किया है।

The army has launched a major operation against the terrorists.

Uses 'के खिलाफ' (ke khilaaf - against) in a military context.

अगर समय पर ऑपरेशन नहीं हुआ, तो जान को खतरा हो सकता है।

If the surgery does not happen on time, there could be a risk to life.

Uses conditional 'अगर... तो' (if... then) structure.

ऑपरेशन का खर्च मेडिकल इंश्योरेंस कंपनी द्वारा कवर किया जाएगा।

The cost of the surgery will be covered by the medical insurance company.

Uses passive voice with 'द्वारा' (dwara - by) for formal statements.

कई बार छोटे ऑपरेशन भी खतरनाक साबित हो सकते हैं।

Sometimes even minor surgeries can prove to be dangerous.

Uses 'साबित होना' (saabit hona - to prove to be).

उन्होंने अपनी आँखों का लेजर ऑपरेशन करवाया है ताकि चश्मा न लगाना पड़े।

He has had laser eye surgery done so that he doesn't have to wear glasses.

Uses 'ताकि' (taaki - so that) to express purpose.

इस नई तकनीक से ऑपरेशन के दौरान होने वाला रक्तस्राव काफी कम हो गया है।

With this new technology, the bleeding during surgery has reduced significantly.

Uses complex participle phrase 'ऑपरेशन के दौरान होने वाला' (happening during the surgery).

मरीज की बिगड़ती हालत को देखते हुए, डॉक्टरों ने तुरंत ऑपरेशन करने का फैसला किया।

Seeing the patient's deteriorating condition, the doctors decided to operate immediately.

Uses present participle 'देखते हुए' (seeing/considering) for cause and effect.

बचाव दल का ऑपरेशन खराब मौसम के कारण बीच में ही रोकना पड़ा।

The rescue team's operation had to be stopped midway due to bad weather.

Uses compulsion structure 'रोकना पड़ा' (had to stop) in past tense.

सरकारी अस्पतालों में मुफ्त ऑपरेशन की सुविधा उपलब्ध है, लेकिन प्रतीक्षा सूची बहुत लंबी है।

Free surgery facilities are available in government hospitals, but the waiting list is very long.

Contrasts two clauses using 'लेकिन' (lekin - but) with formal vocabulary.

ऑपरेशन के बाद होने वाले संक्रमण से बचने के लिए एंटीबायोटिक्स दी जाती हैं।

Antibiotics are given to prevent infections that occur after surgery.

Uses infinitive phrase 'बचने के लिए' (to avoid/prevent).

यह एक रूटीन ऑपरेशन था, इसलिए परिवार वालों को ज्यादा चिंता करने की जरूरत नहीं थी।

It was a routine surgery, so the family members did not need to worry much.

Uses 'इसलिए' (isliye - therefore/so) to connect reasoning.

प्लास्टिक सर्जरी का ऑपरेशन केवल सुंदरता बढ़ाने के लिए ही नहीं, बल्कि चोटों को ठीक करने के लिए भी किया जाता है।

Plastic surgery operations are done not only to enhance beauty but also to heal injuries.

Uses correlative conjunction 'केवल... ही नहीं, बल्कि... भी' (not only... but also).

पुलिस ने गुप्त सूचना के आधार पर एक स्टिंग ऑपरेशन को अंजाम दिया।

The police executed a sting operation based on secret information.

Uses formal phrase 'अंजाम देना' (to execute/carry out) with the noun.

आधुनिक चिकित्सा विज्ञान में रोबोटिक ऑपरेशन ने शल्य चिकित्सा के क्षेत्र में एक नई क्रांति ला दी है।

In modern medical science, robotic operations have brought a new revolution in the field of surgery.

Combines the loanword 'ऑपरेशन' with the formal Hindi equivalent 'शल्य चिकित्सा' in the same sentence for stylistic effect.

प्रशासन ने अवैध निर्माण को गिराने के लिए एक व्यापक डिमोलिशन ऑपरेशन चलाया, जिससे काफी विवाद उत्पन्न हुआ।

The administration ran a massive demolition operation to bring down illegal constructions, which generated a lot of controversy.

Uses advanced vocabulary 'व्यापक' (massive/comprehensive) and 'उत्पन्न हुआ' (generated/arose).

ऑपरेशन की सफलता दर इस बात पर निर्भर करती है कि मरीज की रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता कितनी मजबूत है।

The success rate of the surgery depends on how strong the patient's immune system is.

Uses complex dependent clause 'इस बात पर निर्भर करती है कि...' (depends on the fact that...).

भ्रष्टाचार को जड़ से खत्म करने के लिए सरकार को पूरे सिस्टम का एक तरह से ऑपरेशन करना होगा।

To eradicate corruption from the roots, the government will have to perform a sort of operation on the entire system.

Uses the word metaphorically to mean a deep, structural overhaul.

सर्जन ने मरीज के परिजनों को ऑपरेशन से जुड़े सभी संभावित जोखिमों से अवगत करा दिया था।

The surgeon had made the patient's relatives aware of all the potential risks associated with the surgery.

Uses formal causative verb 'अवगत कराना' (to make aware).

यह सैन्य ऑपरेशन न केवल सामरिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण था, बल्कि इसका मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रभाव भी गहरा था।

This military operation was not only important from a strategic point of view, but its psychological impact was also deep.

Uses advanced formal vocabulary 'सामरिक दृष्टि' (strategic viewpoint) and 'मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रभाव' (psychological impact).

ऑपरेशन के पश्चात मरीज के पुनर्वास की प्रक्रिया उतनी ही महत्वपूर्ण है जितनी कि स्वयं सर्जरी।

The process of the patient's rehabilitation post-operation is as important as the surgery itself.

Uses formal postposition 'के पश्चात' (after) instead of the common 'के बाद'.

अंग प्रत्यारोपण का ऑपरेशन चिकित्सा जगत के सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण कार्यों में से एक माना जाता है।

An organ transplant operation is considered one of the most challenging tasks in the medical world.

Uses formal medical terminology 'अंग प्रत्यारोपण' (organ transplant).

शल्य चिकित्सकों के बीच इस बात पर बहस छिड़ गई कि क्या उस विशिष्ट मामले में ऑपरेशन वास्तव में अपरिहार्य था।

A debate broke out among the surgeons over whether the operation was truly inevitable in that specific case.

Uses highly formal vocabulary 'अपरिहार्य' (inevitable/unavoidable) and 'बहस छिड़ गई' (debate broke out).

मीडिया ने उस गुप्त सैन्य ऑपरेशन की बारीक से बारीक जानकारी को सार्वजनिक कर राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा को खतरे में डाल दिया।

The media endangered national security by making public the minutest details of that secret military operation.

Uses complex sentence structure with 'बारीक से बारीक जानकारी' (minutest details).

यह विडंबना ही है कि जीवन रक्षक माने जाने वाले इस ऑपरेशन की लागत ने उस गरीब परिवार को जीवन भर के कर्ज में धकेल दिया।

It is an irony that the cost of this operation, considered life-saving, pushed that poor family into lifelong debt.

Uses abstract concepts 'विडंबना' (irony) and metaphorical phrasing 'कर्ज में धकेल दिया' (pushed into debt).

न्यूरोसर्जरी जैसे सूक्ष्म ऑपरेशनों में, सर्जन के हाथों की एक मिलीमीटर की भी चूक मरीज के लिए घातक सिद्ध हो सकती है।

In delicate operations like neurosurgery, even a millimeter's error by the surgeon's hands can prove fatal for the patient.

Uses precise descriptive language 'सूक्ष्म' (delicate/microscopic) and 'घातक सिद्ध होना' (to prove fatal).

कंपनी के वित्तीय ढांचे का ऑपरेशन किए बिना, उसे दिवालिया होने से बचाना अब असंभव प्रतीत होता है।

Without performing an operation on the company's financial structure, saving it from bankruptcy now seems impossible.

Uses the word in a highly metaphorical corporate context.

ऑपरेशन के दौरान एनेस्थीसिया के प्रति मरीज की अप्रत्याशित प्रतिक्रिया ने पूरी मेडिकल टीम को सकते में डाल दिया।

The patient's unexpected reaction to the anesthesia during the operation put the entire medical team in shock.

Uses advanced vocabulary 'अप्रत्याशित प्रतिक्रिया' (unexpected reaction) and idiom 'सकते में डालना' (to put in shock).

इतिहासकार आज भी द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के उस निर्णायक ऑपरेशन की रणनीतिक खामियों का विश्लेषण करते हैं।

Historians even today analyze the strategic flaws of that decisive operation of the Second World War.

Uses academic historical vocabulary 'निर्णायक' (decisive) and 'रणनीतिक खामियां' (strategic flaws).

नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से, यह सवाल उठता है कि क्या कॉस्मेटिक कारणों से किए जाने वाले ऑपरेशनों को चिकित्सा बीमा के अंतर्गत लाना चाहिए।

From an ethical standpoint, the question arises whether operations done for cosmetic reasons should be brought under medical insurance.

Uses philosophical framing 'नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से' (from an ethical standpoint).

Synonyms

शल्यक्रिया चीर-फाड़ शल्य-चिकित्सा जर्राहि

Antonyms

दवा परहेज

Common Collocations

ऑपरेशन करना

ऑपरेशन होना

ऑपरेशन थियेटर

सफल ऑपरेशन

बड़ा ऑपरेशन

छोटा ऑपरेशन

हार्ट का ऑपरेशन

आँखों का ऑपरेशन

ऑपरेशन के बाद

ऑपरेशन से पहले

Common Phrases

ऑपरेशन सक्सेसफुल रहा

— The surgery was successful. A very common Hinglish phrase used by doctors to reassure families.

चिंता मत कीजिए, ऑपरेशन सक्सेसफुल रहा।

ऑपरेशन की नौबत आना

— To reach a critical stage where surgery becomes necessary. Used when a condition worsens.

दवा नहीं खाओगे तो ऑपरेशन की नौबत आ जाएगी।

ऑपरेशन टेबल पर

— On the operating table. Used to describe someone currently undergoing surgery.

मरीज अभी ऑपरेशन टेबल पर है।

ऑपरेशन थियेटर के बाहर

— Outside the operation theater. The classic waiting area for anxious families.

हम सब ऑपरेशन थियेटर के बाहर इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं।

ऑपरेशन का खर्च

— The cost of the surgery. A major topic of concern in Indian healthcare.

ऑपरेशन का खर्च बहुत ज्यादा है।

ऑपरेशन की तारीख

— The date of the surgery. Used when scheduling a medical procedure.

डॉक्टर ने ऑपरेशन की तारीख दे दी है।

बिना ऑपरेशन के

— Without surgery. Used to describe alternative treatments.

यह बीमारी बिना ऑपरेशन के ठीक हो सकती है।

सर्च ऑपरेशन

— Search operation. Used in news to describe police or military hunts.

पुलिस का सर्च ऑपरेशन जारी है।

रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन

— Rescue operation. Used in news during disasters.

बाढ़ में फँसे लोगों के लिए रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन चल रहा है।

ऑपरेशन क्लीन

— Operation Clean. A slang or media term for a police drive to wipe out criminals.

शहर में गुंडों के खिलाफ ऑपरेशन क्लीन शुरू हुआ है।

Often Confused With

ऑपरेशन vs ऑपरेटर (Operator)

Learners sometimes confuse the person (operator) with the procedure (operation). An operator runs a machine; an operation is the surgery.

ऑपरेशन vs इलाज (Treatment)

'इलाज' is a general term for any medical treatment (pills, rest, etc.), while 'ऑपरेशन' strictly means surgical cutting.

ऑपरेशन vs चीर-फाड़ (Cutting/Tearing)

While it means surgery in rural slang, it sounds aggressive and unpolished. Stick to 'ऑपरेशन' in polite company.

Idioms & Expressions

"दिमाग का ऑपरेशन करना"

— To overthink, overanalyze, or annoy someone by asking too many questions. Used in informal slang.

ज्यादा सवाल मत पूछो, मेरे दिमाग का ऑपरेशन मत करो।

Slang/Informal

"सिस्टम का ऑपरेशन"

— To completely overhaul or fix a corrupt or broken administrative system.

इस भ्रष्ट सिस्टम का ऑपरेशन करना बहुत ज़रूरी है।

Journalistic/Metaphorical

"ऑपरेशन सक्सेसफुल, पेशेंट डेड"

— A dark humor phrase borrowed from English. Means the technical procedure was perfect, but the overall goal failed.

प्रोजेक्ट तो बन गया पर क्लाइंट भाग गया, वही बात हुई - ऑपरेशन सक्सेसफुल, पेशेंट डेड।

Humorous/Slang

"बिना चीर-फाड़ का ऑपरेशन"

— Solving a major problem smoothly without causing any visible damage or conflict.

उसने बिना चीर-फाड़ का ऑपरेशन किया और मामला सुलझा लिया।

Metaphorical

"जेब का ऑपरेशन"

— To be charged an exorbitant amount of money, usually by a hospital or a mechanic. To be ripped off.

प्राइवेट अस्पताल वालों ने तो मेरी जेब का ही ऑपरेशन कर दिया।

Slang/Humorous

"सर्जिकल स्ट्राइक"

— A highly targeted military attack. While using 'सर्जिकल' instead of 'ऑपरेशन', it shares the medical metaphor for precision.

सेना ने सीमा पार सर्जिकल स्ट्राइक की।

News/Military

"पोस्टमार्टम करना"

— To analyze something after it has failed. Related to medical terms used metaphorically.

अब इस हार का पोस्टमार्टम करने से क्या फायदा?

Metaphorical

"नब्ज पकड़ना"

— To understand the core issue. A medical idiom related to diagnosis before an operation.

डॉक्टर ने सही नब्ज पकड़ ली है।

Idiomatic

"ऑपरेशन थियेटर बन जाना"

— A place becoming extremely tense, quiet, and serious, like an operating room.

बॉस के आते ही पूरा ऑफिस ऑपरेशन थियेटर बन गया।

Metaphorical

"ऑल इज वेल"

— Everything is fine. Often said after a successful operation, popularized by Bollywood.

डॉक्टर ने कहा है, ऑल इज वेल।

Pop Culture/Hinglish

Easily Confused

ऑपरेशन vs दवा (Medicine)

Both relate to medical treatment.

'दवा' is what you swallow or apply. 'ऑपरेशन' is what a surgeon does with a scalpel.

दवा से काम नहीं चला, इसलिए ऑपरेशन करना पड़ा। (Medicine didn't work, so surgery had to be done.)

ऑपरेशन vs अस्पताल (Hospital)

Both are medical nouns.

'अस्पताल' is the building/place. 'ऑपरेशन' is the event/procedure that happens inside it.

वह अस्पताल में है, उसका ऑपरेशन चल रहा है। (He is in the hospital, his surgery is going on.)

ऑपरेशन vs सर्जन (Surgeon)

Related to the same event.

'सर्जन' is the doctor. 'ऑपरेशन' is the action they perform.

सर्जन ने बहुत अच्छा ऑपरेशन किया। (The surgeon did a very good surgery.)

ऑपरेशन vs घाव (Wound)

Both involve cuts on the body.

'घाव' is an injury caused by an accident. 'ऑपरेशन' is a controlled medical cut to heal.

ऑपरेशन के बाद घाव भर रहा है। (The wound is healing after the surgery.)

ऑपरेशन vs टाँके (Stitches)

Part of the same process.

'टाँके' are the threads used to close the cut after the 'ऑपरेशन' is finished.

ऑपरेशन के बाद दस टाँके लगे हैं। (Ten stitches were put after the surgery.)

Sentence Patterns

[Pronoun] + [Noun] + है।

यह ऑपरेशन है। (This is a surgery.)

[Subject] + ऑपरेशन + कर रहा है।

डॉक्टर ऑपरेशन कर रहा है। (The doctor is operating.)

[Subject] + ने + [Object] + का + ऑपरेशन + किया।

डॉक्टर ने उसका ऑपरेशन किया। (The doctor operated on him.)

[Subject] + का + ऑपरेशन + हुआ।

मेरा ऑपरेशन हुआ। (I had surgery.)

बिना + ऑपरेशन + के + [Negative outcome]।

बिना ऑपरेशन के वह ठीक नहीं होगा। (Without surgery, he won't get well.)

ऑपरेशन + के बाद + [Instruction]।

ऑपरेशन के बाद आराम करें। (Rest after the surgery.)

[Reason] + के कारण + ऑपरेशन + करना पड़ा।

चोट के कारण ऑपरेशन करना पड़ा। (Due to the injury, surgery had to be done.)

हालांकि + ऑपरेशन + [Adjective] + था, लेकिन + [Outcome]।

हालांकि ऑपरेशन सफल था, लेकिन मरीज कमजोर है। (Although the surgery was successful, the patient is weak.)

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. It is in the top 1000 most frequently used words in spoken Hindi.

Common Mistakes

मरीज पर ऑपरेशन किया। → मरीज का ऑपरेशन किया।
English speakers translate 'operating ON a patient' literally. In Hindi, you do the operation OF the patient using the possessive marker 'का'.
मेरी ऑपरेशन कल है। → मेरा ऑपरेशन कल है।
Assuming 'surgery' is feminine. 'ऑपरेशन' is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine pronoun 'मेरा'.
मैंने कल ऑपरेशन किया। (Said by a patient) → कल मेरा ऑपरेशन हुआ।
Using the active verb 'करना' means YOU performed the surgery. Patients must use the passive 'होना' (to happen).
डॉक्टर ने उसे ऑपरेट किया। → डॉक्टर ने उसका ऑपरेशन किया।
While 'ऑपरेट' is sometimes used as a verb in slang, the standard and most natural way is to use the noun 'ऑपरेशन' with the conjunct verb 'करना'.
मुझे शल्य चिकित्सा करवानी है। → मुझे ऑपरेशन करवाना है।
Using highly formal Sanskrit vocabulary in a daily life situation sounds extremely unnatural and robotic. Stick to the accepted loanword.

Tips

Always Masculine

Treat 'ऑपरेशन' as a masculine noun. Say 'बड़ा ऑपरेशन' (major surgery), never 'बड़ी ऑपरेशन'.

The Magic of 'का'

Never use 'पर' (on) for surgery. Always use 'का' (of). 'मरीज का ऑपरेशन' = surgery of the patient.

Forget the Formal Word

Do not waste time memorizing 'शल्य चिकित्सा' for speaking. 'ऑपरेशन' is all you need in 99% of situations.

Active vs. Passive

Doctor = करना (Active). Patient = होना (Passive). Remember this distinction to avoid sounding like you are performing surgery on yourself.

Operation Theater

If you need the operating room, ask for the 'ऑपरेशन थियेटर'. Nobody uses 'operating room' in India.

News Context

If you hear 'ऑपरेशन' on a news channel, it's likely about the army or police, not a hospital.

Crisp Syllables

Pronounce it 'op-re-shan'. Keep the syllables crisp and avoid drawing out the vowels.

Compound Words

Feel free to mix English body parts with it: 'हार्ट का ऑपरेशन', 'आई ऑपरेशन'. This is standard Hinglish.

Plural Forms

Remember the oblique plural: 'ऑपरेशनों के कारण' (due to the surgeries). Add 'ों' when a postposition follows.

Expressing Sympathy

If someone says 'मेरा ऑपरेशन है', a good response is 'सब ठीक होगा, चिंता मत करो' (Everything will be fine, don't worry).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an OPERA singer singing loudly while a doctor is doing an opera-TION. The word is exactly the same as in English, just remember to give it a masculine Hindi mustache (masculine gender) and pair it with 'karna' (to do).

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red hospital cross with the word 'OPERATION' written across it in bold letters. Next to it, picture a male symbol (♂) to remind you that it is a masculine noun in Hindi. See a doctor 'doing' (karna) the cross, and a patient 'happening' (hona) under it.

Word Web

ऑपरेशन (Center) डॉक्टर (Doctor) मरीज (Patient) अस्पताल (Hospital) थियेटर (Theater) सफल (Successful) करना (To do - Active) होना (To happen - Passive)

Challenge

Next time you watch a Bollywood movie with a hospital scene, listen closely. Count how many times they say 'ऑपरेशन' instead of any other Hindi word. You will likely count at least five times in a single dramatic scene.

Word Origin

The word 'ऑपरेशन' is a direct phonetic borrowing from the English word 'operation'. The English word comes from the Old French 'operacion', which in turn comes from the Latin 'operationem' (nominative 'operatio'), meaning 'action, performance, or work'. It is derived from the past participle stem of 'operari', meaning 'to work'. In India, during the British colonial period, Western medicine (allopathy) was introduced. The English terminology for medical procedures was adopted wholesale because there were no exact equivalents in the traditional Ayurvedic system for modern surgical techniques. Over decades, the word trickled down from elite medical colleges to the general public, becoming fully nativized in Hindi pronunciation and grammar.

Original meaning: Action, performance, or work. The medical sense of 'surgical intervention' developed in English in the late 16th century and was imported to India in that specific sense.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > French > English > Borrowed into Indo-Aryan (Hindi).

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing the cost of an 'ऑपरेशन' can be a sensitive topic, as it often involves significant financial strain for middle and lower-income families in India.

English speakers might find it strange to use an English word while speaking a foreign language, but in Hindi, using 'ऑपरेशन' is the most natural and culturally appropriate choice. Trying to use pure Hindi will make you sound artificial.

The Bollywood movie 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' features hilarious and touching scenes revolving around the 'ऑपरेशन थियेटर'. The phrase 'ऑपरेशन सक्सेसफुल, पेशेंट डेड' is a famous dark comedy trope in Indian theater and cinema. News channels frequently use dramatic graphics with titles like 'ऑपरेशन विजय' (Operation Vijay) for military documentaries.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

ऑपरेशन थियेटर कहाँ है? (Where is the operation theater?)
ऑपरेशन में कितना समय लगेगा? (How much time will the surgery take?)
ऑपरेशन सफल रहा। (The surgery was successful.)
डॉक्टर ऑपरेशन कर रहे हैं। (The doctor is operating.)

Discussing Health with Family

उनका ऑपरेशन होने वाला है। (He is going to have surgery.)
ऑपरेशन का खर्च कितना है? (What is the cost of the surgery?)
ऑपरेशन के बाद आराम चाहिए। (Rest is needed after the surgery.)
डरने की कोई बात नहीं है। (There is nothing to fear.)

Watching the News

सर्च ऑपरेशन जारी है। (The search operation is ongoing.)
रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन खत्म हुआ। (The rescue operation ended.)
सेना का ऑपरेशन। (The army's operation.)
स्टिंग ऑपरेशन का खुलासा। (Revelation of the sting operation.)

Scheduling an Appointment

ऑपरेशन की तारीख क्या है? (What is the date of the surgery?)
मुझे ऑपरेशन के लिए भर्ती होना है। (I need to be admitted for surgery.)
ऑपरेशन से पहले के टेस्ट। (Pre-operation tests.)
डॉक्टर से मिलना है। (Need to meet the doctor.)

Post-Surgery Care

ऑपरेशन के टाँके। (Surgery stitches.)
घाव भर रहा है। (The wound is healing.)
दवा समय पर लें। (Take medicine on time.)
डॉक्टर को दिखाना है। (Have to show the doctor.)

Conversation Starters

"सुना है तुम्हारे पिताजी का ऑपरेशन हुआ है, अब उनकी तबीयत कैसी है?"

"क्या इस बीमारी का कोई इलाज है, या सीधा ऑपरेशन ही करना पड़ेगा?"

"मुझे अस्पताल जाना है, मेरे दोस्त का आज ऑपरेशन है।"

"न्यूज़ में दिखा रहे हैं कि पुलिस ने कोई बड़ा ऑपरेशन किया है, तुमने देखा?"

"ऑपरेशन के नाम से ही मुझे बहुत डर लगता है, क्या तुम्हें भी लगता है?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you or someone you know had to undergo an 'ऑपरेशन'. Describe the feelings before and after.

Imagine you are a doctor who just completed a 10-hour long 'ऑपरेशन'. Write a diary entry about your experience.

Discuss the cost of an 'ऑपरेशन' in your country compared to India. Use Hindi vocabulary where possible.

Write a short news report in Hindi about a military 'ऑपरेशन' to rescue trapped civilians.

Explain why you think English words like 'ऑपरेशन' are so common in Hindi. Is it a good or bad thing?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Linguistically, it is an English loanword. However, sociolinguistically, it is fully integrated into Hindi. It uses Hindi grammar, gender, and postpositions. For all practical purposes in daily life, it is the Hindi word for surgery.

No. Using 'शल्य चिकित्सा' in a hospital or daily conversation will not impress people; it will confuse them or make you sound like a textbook. Native speakers exclusively use 'ऑपरेशन' or 'सर्जरी'.

It is a masculine noun (पुल्लिंग). Always use masculine adjectives and pronouns with it, like 'मेरा ऑपरेशन' (my surgery) or 'बड़ा ऑपरेशन' (major surgery).

Do not translate 'on'. Use the possessive 'का' (of). Say 'डॉक्टर मेरा ऑपरेशन कर रहा है' (The doctor is doing my operation).

Use the passive verb 'होना' (to happen). Say 'मेरा ऑपरेशन हो रहा है' (My operation is happening). Do not say 'मैं ऑपरेशन कर रहा हूँ', as that means you are the doctor performing it.

Yes. Just like in English, it is heavily used in news media to describe military, police, or rescue missions (e.g., 'सर्च ऑपरेशन' - search operation).

In the direct case, it remains 'ऑपरेशन' (e.g., दो ऑपरेशन - two operations). In the oblique case (when followed by a postposition), it becomes 'ऑपरेशनों' (e.g., कई ऑपरेशनों के बाद - after many operations).

It is pronounced very similarly to English, but with a sharper 'o' sound and a slightly rolled 'r': op-re-shan. Avoid a heavy American accent.

It is the standard Indian English/Hinglish term for an 'operating room'. You will see this written on signs in every hospital in India.

Yes, in Indian culture, asking about someone's health and medical procedures is considered a sign of caring and empathy. It is perfectly polite to ask 'आपका ऑपरेशन कैसा रहा?' (How was your surgery?).

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'This is a major surgery.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

यह एक बड़ा ऑपरेशन है।