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पीड़ा

A2 noun #6,000 most common 10 min read

पीड़ा

peeda Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पीड़ा in 30 Seconds

Explanation पीड़ा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you probably won't use the word 'पीड़ा' (Pīṛā) very often. Instead, you will learn 'दर्द' (dard) to talk about basic things like a stomach ache or a headache. However, it's good to know that 'पीड़ा' is a more formal way to say 'pain'. The most important thing for an A1 learner to remember is that 'पीड़ा' is a feminine noun. In Hindi, nouns have genders, and this affects the words around them. For example, you would say 'बड़ी पीड़ा' (big pain) because 'बड़ी' is the feminine form of 'big'. Even if you don't say it yourself yet, you might see it in simple books or hear it in serious stories. Think of it as a 'heavy' word for when someone is very, very sad or hurt. Just remember: Pīṛā = Pain (Feminine).

At the A2 level, you are starting to expand your vocabulary beyond the most basic words. You can begin to use 'पीड़ा' (Pīṛā) when you want to sound a bit more serious or when describing something that hurts more than a simple scratch. You will notice it in health-related contexts or in emotional stories. You should practice using it with the verb 'होना' (to happen/be). For example, 'उसे बहुत पीड़ा हो रही है' (He/She is experiencing much pain). Notice that we use 'रही है' because 'पीड़ा' is feminine. You can also start to distinguish it from 'दर्द'. If you are writing a short paragraph about a character in a story who is very sad, using 'पीड़ा' will make your writing sound much better and more advanced than just using 'दर्द' every time.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'पीड़ा' (Pīṛā) in both physical and emotional contexts. You are now moving into intermediate Hindi where 'register'—the level of formality—matters. You should use 'पीड़ा' in formal essays, when discussing social issues, or in professional settings. You can start using compound phrases like 'मानसिक पीड़ा' (mental agony) or 'शारीरिक पीड़ा' (physical pain). At this level, you should also be careful with verb agreement in more complex sentences. For instance, 'उसकी पीड़ा कम नहीं हुई' (His/Her pain did not decrease). Here, 'हुई' is feminine to match 'पीड़ा'. You should also be able to recognize 'पीड़ा' when listening to news reports about accidents or natural disasters, where it is the standard term used to show empathy and gravity.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuanced differences between 'पीड़ा', 'दर्द', 'कष्ट', and 'वेदना'. You should be able to choose the right word based on the context. For example, you would use 'पीड़ा' in a literary analysis of a poem or in a formal debate about human rights. You should also be familiar with common collocations such as 'असहनीय पीड़ा' (unbearable pain) or 'पीड़ा सहना' (to endure suffering). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its Sanskrit roots and its 'heavy' connotation. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as the 'पीड़ा' of a nation during a crisis. At this level, your grammar should be perfect when using this word, automatically adjusting all adjectives and verbs to the feminine gender without thinking.

At the C1 level, you are approaching native-like proficiency. You should be able to use 'पीड़ा' (Pīṛā) with stylistic flair. You might use it in creative writing to evoke a specific mood or in academic papers to discuss the philosophical nature of suffering. You should be aware of the historical and cultural weight the word carries, especially its use in classical Hindi literature and religious texts. You can use complex sentence structures, such as 'पीड़ा का बोध' (the realization/perception of pain) or 'पीड़ा की अभिव्यक्ति' (the expression of suffering). You should also be able to understand the word when it appears in highly metaphorical or idiomatic contexts, and be able to explain the subtle emotional difference between 'पीड़ा' and its synonyms to other learners.

At the C2 level, 'पीड़ा' (Pīṛā) is a tool for precise and powerful communication. You use it with a deep understanding of its etymological resonance. You can discuss the nuances of how 'पीड़ा' is portrayed in different eras of Hindi literature—from the Bhakti period to modernism. You are comfortable using it in high-level legal, medical, or philosophical discourses where the exact shade of meaning is vital. You can appreciate and use the word in sophisticated wordplay or in speeches that require a high degree of emotional resonance and formal 'Shuddh' Hindi. For you, 'पीड़ा' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that you can manipulate to convey the deepest aspects of the human experience with absolute grammatical and contextual accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पीड़ा in 30 Seconds

Pīṛā is a formal Hindi word for pain or suffering.
It is a feminine noun, meaning adjectives and verbs must agree with it.
It is more intense and literary than the common word 'dard'.
It can describe both physical agony and deep emotional distress.

The Hindi word पीड़ा (Pīṛā) is a profound and evocative noun that translates most directly to 'pain,' 'agony,' or 'suffering.' While English often uses 'pain' as a catch-all term for everything from a paper cut to deep emotional trauma, Hindi offers a spectrum of words, and पीड़ा sits on the more formal, literary, and intense side of that spectrum. It is derived from the Sanskrit root 'pīḍ', which means to press, squeeze, or oppress. This etymological history gives the word a heavy, crushing connotation. When you use पीड़ा, you are not just describing a minor discomfort; you are often describing a sensation that is burdensome and deeply felt.

Grammatical Gender: Feminine. This is crucial for agreement. You say 'बड़ी पीड़ा' (great pain) not 'बड़ा पीड़ा'.
Register: Formal/Literary. While 'दर्द' (dard) is common in daily conversation, 'पीड़ा' appears frequently in news, literature, and formal speeches.

In everyday usage, if you stub your toe, you might shout 'दर्द हो रहा है!' (It hurts!). However, if a doctor is asking about chronic suffering, or if a poet is describing the heartache of separation, they will reach for पीड़ा. It encompasses both the physical—like the 'शारीरिक पीड़ा' (physical agony) of a long illness—and the emotional—the 'मानसिक पीड़ा' (mental anguish) of losing a loved one. It is a word that demands respect and empathy. In Indian philosophy and literature, पीड़ा is often explored as an inherent part of the human condition, something to be understood or transcended.

उसकी आँखों में गहरी पीड़ा दिखाई दे रही थी। (Deep pain was visible in his/her eyes.)

Furthermore, the word is often used in social contexts to describe the 'collective suffering' of a community or a nation. For instance, after a natural disaster, news reporters might speak of the 'जनता की पीड़ा' (the suffering of the public). This elevates the conversation from a simple medical symptom to a shared human experience. Understanding पीड़ा involves understanding the weight of Hindi's Sanskrit heritage, where words are chosen not just for their meaning, but for their resonance and depth.

Finally, it is worth noting that पीड़ा is rarely used in slang or casual street talk. Using it in a very casual setting might make you sound overly dramatic or like a character from a 1970s Bollywood tragedy. However, in a professional, academic, or heartfelt personal context, it is the perfect word to convey the gravity of distress. It suggests a certain level of endurance or a state of being 'pressed' by circumstances, reflecting its ancient roots.

Using पीड़ा correctly requires attention to its feminine gender and its association with verbs like 'होना' (to happen/to be), 'सहना' (to endure), and 'देना' (to give/inflict). Because it is a more formal word than 'दर्द', the sentences it inhabits often carry a more serious or sophisticated tone. Let's look at how it functions in different grammatical structures.

Subject of a Sentence: जब पीड़ा असहनीय हो गई, तो वह रो पड़ा। (When the pain became unbearable, he burst into tears.) Here, 'असहनीय' (unbearable) agrees with the feminine noun.

दवा लेने के बाद उसकी पीड़ा कुछ कम हुई। (After taking the medicine, her pain decreased somewhat.)

When describing emotional distress, पीड़ा is often paired with 'मन' (mind/heart) or 'हृदय' (heart). For example, 'मन की पीड़ा' refers to inner suffering. In these cases, the word acts as a bridge between the physical sensation and the psychological state. Notice how the possessive marker 'की' is used because पीड़ा is feminine.

वह अपनी अंतर्मन की पीड़ा किसी को नहीं बता सका। (He could not tell anyone the pain of his inner soul.)

In formal writing or news reporting, you will often see पीड़ा used with the verb 'पहुँचाना' (to cause/inflict). For instance, 'किसी को शारीरिक पीड़ा पहुँचाना अपराध है' (Inflicting physical pain on someone is a crime). This usage is standard in legal and ethical discussions. It emphasizes the act of causing distress as a significant and grave matter.

Another common construction is using पीड़ा as the object of 'सहना' (to bear/endure). 'उसने जीवन में बहुत पीड़ा सही है' (S/he has endured much suffering in life). Note that the verb 'सही' is the feminine past tense form of 'सहना', agreeing with पीड़ा. This emphasizes the longevity and depth of the experience, suggesting a character who has faced significant hardships.

गरीबों की पीड़ा को समझना आवश्यक है। (It is necessary to understand the suffering of the poor.)

In summary, when using पीड़ा, focus on the weight of the emotion or sensation. Use it when 'dard' feels too light or too common. Ensure your adjectives and verbs reflect its feminine nature, and don't be afraid to use it in contexts that require a touch of gravitas or poetic depth. Whether it's a medical diagnosis or a soul-stirring poem, पीड़ा is the word that captures the essence of human struggle.

If you are walking down a busy street in Delhi or Mumbai, you might not hear पीड़ा as often as its more colloquial cousin, 'दर्द'. However, as soon as you turn on the television, open a book, or enter a formal environment, पीड़ा becomes ubiquitous. It is a staple of 'Shuddh Hindi' (pure Hindi) and is essential for anyone looking to move beyond basic conversational skills into the realm of professional or literary proficiency.

In News and Media: News anchors use this word to describe the aftermath of tragedies. 'बाढ़ पीड़ितों की पीड़ा' (The suffering of flood victims) is a common phrase. It sounds more objective and serious than 'dard'.

In the world of Bollywood, पीड़ा is a favorite of lyricists and scriptwriters. While a pop song about a breakup might use 'dard', a sweeping historical epic or a tragic drama will use पीड़ा to heighten the emotional stakes. It suggests a pain that is ancestral, deep-seated, or noble. When a character in a classic film says 'मेरे हृदय की पीड़ा', they are signaling a level of despair that goes beyond a simple mood swing.

साहित्य में पीड़ा को अक्सर सौंदर्य के रूप में देखा जाता है। (In literature, suffering is often seen as a form of beauty.)

Religious and philosophical discourses are another prime location for this word. In lectures on the Bhagavad Gita or the teachings of the Buddha, पीड़ा is used to discuss the nature of 'Samsara' (the worldly cycle) and the suffering inherent in attachment. Here, it is not just a feeling but a metaphysical concept. If you attend a 'Satsang' (spiritual gathering), you will hear gurus talking about how to overcome 'सांसारिक पीड़ा' (worldly suffering).

In a medical context, particularly in formal reports or when a doctor is speaking to a patient in a very professional manner, पीड़ा might be used to describe chronic agony. A patient might say 'असहनीय पीड़ा' to indicate that their pain has reached a critical level. It helps the medical professional gauge the severity of the condition, as the choice of word itself indicates the patient's level of distress.

मरीज को बहुत समय से पीठ में पीड़ा हो रही थी। (The patient had been experiencing pain in the back for a long time.)

Finally, you will find पीड़ा in legal documents and human rights reports. It is used to define 'torture' (यातना और पीड़ा) and to describe the impact of crimes on victims. In these contexts, the word is stripped of its poetic associations and becomes a precise term for physical and mental violation. Understanding this word allows you to navigate the most serious and profound aspects of Hindi-speaking society.

Learning पीड़ा involves navigating several linguistic traps. Because Hindi has multiple words for 'pain', learners often default to the most common one or misapply the grammatical rules of this specific term. The most frequent errors involve gender, register, and synonym confusion.

The Gender Trap: The word 'दर्द' (dard) is masculine, but 'पीड़ा' (pīṛā) is feminine. Many students say 'बड़ा पीड़ा' (big pain) because they are used to 'बड़ा दर्द'. Correct: 'बड़ी पीड़ा'.

Another common mistake is using पीड़ा in situations that are too trivial. If you have a slight headache after a long day, saying 'मुझे सिर में पीड़ा है' sounds like you are acting in a tragic play. In daily life, for minor ailments, 'दर्द' is the appropriate choice. Using पीड़ा for a minor scratch can make you sound 'over the top' or unintentionally funny to native speakers.

गलत: मुझे हल्का सा पीड़ा है। (Wrong: I have a slight pain - using the masculine 'sa' with feminine 'pīṛā').

Confusion between पीड़ा and 'दुःख' (dukh) is also frequent. While they are related, 'दुःख' is more general 'sadness' or 'sorrow', whereas पीड़ा implies a sharper, more intense sensation of agony, often with a physical component. You feel 'दुःख' when you lose a game, but you feel पीड़ा when you lose a limb or a lifelong companion. 'दुःख' is an emotion; पीड़ा is an experience of distress.

Pronunciation of the 'ड़' (ṛ) sound is a hurdle for many English speakers. It is often replaced with a standard 'd' sound, making it 'Peeda'. This changes the word's texture and can make it harder for native speakers to understand immediately. The 'ड़' is a flap—your tongue should hit the roof of your mouth and flick forward quickly. Practicing this sound is essential for sounding authentic when using this high-level vocabulary.

सही: उसे मानसिक पीड़ा हो रही है। (Correct: S/he is experiencing mental agony.)

Lastly, avoid using पीड़ा with verbs that don't fit its 'heavy' nature. For example, 'पीड़ा करना' (to do pain) is incorrect. You 'अनुभव' (experience) it, it 'होती है' (happens), or you 'सहते' (endure) it. Matching the noun with its traditional verbal partners is key to sounding like a proficient speaker. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can use this powerful word to express deep meaning with precision.

Hindi is rich with terms for discomfort, and choosing the right one depends on the intensity, the source, and the formality of the situation. While पीड़ा is our focus, understanding its neighbors helps define its boundaries. Let's compare पीड़ा with other common terms for pain and suffering.

दर्द (Dard): The most common word. It is masculine and of Persian origin. Used for everything from a headache to a heartache. It is less formal than 'पीड़ा'.
कष्ट (Kasht): Means 'trouble', 'hardship', or 'difficulty'. While 'पीड़ा' is the sensation of pain, 'कष्ट' often refers to the difficult circumstances causing it. It is masculine.
वेदना (Vednā): Even more formal and poetic than 'पीड़ा'. It often refers to deep, excruciating agony or the 'vibration' of pain. Feminine.

When should you use पीड़ा over 'दर्द'? Use पीड़ा when you want to emphasize the crushing weight of the suffering. For example, in a medical report about a terminal illness, पीड़ा is more appropriate. In a poem about the struggles of the working class, पीड़ा captures the structural and physical toll of their lives better than the generic 'दर्द'.

तुलना: सिर दर्द (Headache - common) vs. असहनीय पीड़ा (Unbearable agony - intense/formal).

Another alternative is 'यातना' (Yātnā), which specifically means 'torture' or 'torment'. While पीड़ा can be natural (like disease), 'यातना' usually implies an external force or person inflicting the pain. If you are discussing human rights or history, you might use 'यातना और पीड़ा' together to describe the full extent of a victim's experience.

For learners, the best strategy is to start with 'दर्द' for daily needs and gradually introduce पीड़ा as you move into reading literature, watching news, or having deeper conversations about life and health. By understanding these nuances, you don't just speak Hindi; you feel the weight and history behind every word you choose. पीड़ा is a key to unlocking the emotional depth of the language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"मरीज की पीड़ा का निवारण करना हमारा प्राथमिक कर्तव्य है।"

Neutral

"उसे बहुत पीड़ा हो रही है, डॉक्टर को बुलाओ।"

Informal

"इतनी पीड़ा क्यों सह रहे हो? बता दो सबको।"

Child friendly

"चोट लगी? बहुत पीड़ा हुई न? चलो, दवाई लगा देते हैं।"

Slang

"भाई, क्या पीड़ा दे रहा है यार! (Bro, why are you annoying/paining me!)"

Fun Fact

The root 'pīḍ' is also related to the word 'oppression' in a conceptual sense. In many Indian languages like Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali, the word remains almost identical due to its Sanskrit origin.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpiː.ɽɑː/

US /ˈpi.ɽɑ/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Pī'.

Rhymes With

क्रीड़ा (krīṛā - play/sport) व्रीड़ा (vrīṛā - shame/modesty) भीड़ा (bhīṛā - crowded/narrow - though usually an adjective) पीड़ा (itself) कीड़ा (kīṛā - insect) सीड़ा (sīṛā - generic rhyme) नीड़ा (nīṛā) लीड़ा (līṛā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a hard 'd' (Peeda).
Shortening the 'ī' to a short 'i' (Piṛa).
Aspirating the 'P' (making it sound like 'Phi').
Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a trilled 'r'.
Not opening the mouth enough for the final 'ā'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires understanding of formal registers.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct gender agreement (feminine) and appropriate context.

Speaking 4/5

The retroflex 'ṛ' sound is challenging for non-native speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clearly distinguishable from 'dard', but must be heard in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दर्द दुःख शरीर मन होना

Learn Next

वेदना व्यथा यातना सहनशीलता उपचार

Advanced

निर्वाण संसार करुणा अहिंसा संवेदना

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

बड़ी पीड़ा (Big pain), अच्छी पीड़ा (Good/noble pain - literary).

Possessive Agreement

उसकी पीड़ा (His/Her pain), मेरी पीड़ा (My pain).

Verb Conjugation (Intransitive)

पीड़ा हो रही है (Pain is happening).

Verb Conjugation (Transitive)

उसने पीड़ा सही (She endured pain).

Postposition 'Ko'

मरीज को पीड़ा है (The patient has pain).

Examples by Level

मुझे बहुत पीड़ा है।

I have much pain.

Simple subject + adjective + noun + verb.

क्या आपको पीड़ा हो रही है?

Are you experiencing pain?

Interrogative sentence with 'ho rahi hai' (feminine).

यह पीड़ा कम है।

This pain is less.

Using 'pīṛā' with the demonstrative pronoun 'yah'.

राम को पीड़ा है।

Ram has pain.

Using the 'ko' postposition for the experiencer.

माँ को पीड़ा हुई।

Mother felt pain.

Past tense 'huī' agreeing with feminine 'pīṛā'.

दवा से पीड़ा चली गई।

The pain went away with medicine.

Subject 'pīṛā' with the verb 'chalī gaī'.

मेरी पीड़ा देखो।

Look at my pain.

Possessive 'merī' (feminine).

वहाँ बहुत पीड़ा थी।

There was much pain there.

Past tense 'thī' (feminine).

उसे पैर में बहुत पीड़ा हो रही है।

S/he is having a lot of pain in the leg.

Locative 'pair mein' + 'pīṛā' + 'ho rahī hai'.

दवा लेने के बाद पीड़ा कम हो जाएगी।

The pain will decrease after taking medicine.

Future tense 'ho jāegī' (feminine).

क्या यह शारीरिक पीड़ा है?

Is this physical pain?

Using the adjective 'shārīrik' (physical).

बच्चे की पीड़ा देखकर माँ रोने लगी।

Seeing the child's pain, the mother started crying.

Participle 'dekhkar' (seeing).

उसकी आँखों में पीड़ा थी।

There was pain in his/her eyes.

Possessive 'uskī' and locative 'ānkhon mein'.

यह पीड़ा असहनीय है।

This pain is unbearable.

Adjective 'asahniya' (unbearable).

हमें दूसरों की पीड़ा समझनी चाहिए।

We should understand the pain of others.

Modal 'chāhiye' with feminine 'samajhnī'.

दुर्घटना के बाद उसे बहुत पीड़ा हुई।

He felt a lot of pain after the accident.

Postpositional phrase 'durghaṭnā ke bād'.

मानसिक पीड़ा शारीरिक पीड़ा से अधिक कठिन हो सकती है।

Mental agony can be more difficult than physical pain.

Comparative structure 'se adhik'.

वह अपनी पीड़ा को शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं कर सका।

He could not express his pain in words.

Using 'vyakt karnā' (to express).

युद्ध की पीड़ा को कोई नहीं भूल सकता।

No one can forget the suffering of war.

Possessive 'yuddh kī'.

डॉक्टर ने मरीज की पीड़ा कम करने के लिए इंजेक्शन दिया।

The doctor gave an injection to reduce the patient's pain.

Infinitive 'karne ke liye' (for doing).

गरीबी की पीड़ा सबसे बड़ी होती है।

The suffering of poverty is the greatest.

Superlative sense with 'sabse baṛī'.

उसने अपनी पूरी जिंदगी पीड़ा में बिताई।

S/he spent his/her whole life in suffering.

Verb 'bitānā' (to spend time).

साहित्यकार अक्सर मानवीय पीड़ा के बारे में लिखते हैं।

Writers often write about human suffering.

Adjective 'mānavīya' (human).

ध्यान करने से मन की पीड़ा शांत होती है।

Mind's pain calms down by meditating.

Instrumental 'dhyān karne se'.

इस कविता में कवि ने विरह की पीड़ा का वर्णन किया है।

In this poem, the poet has described the pain of separation.

Formal word 'virah' (separation).

बिना किसी पीड़ा के सफलता प्राप्त करना असंभव है।

It is impossible to achieve success without any suffering.

Prepositional phrase 'binā kisī... ke'.

सामाजिक अन्याय के कारण जनता में गहरी पीड़ा व्याप्त है।

Deep suffering is prevalent among the public due to social injustice.

Verb 'vyāpt honā' (to be prevalent).

उसकी पीड़ा का कोई अंत नहीं दिख रहा था।

There seemed to be no end to his/her suffering.

Noun phrase 'pīṛā kā ant'.

कैंसर जैसी बीमारियों में रोगी को असहनीय पीड़ा सहनी पड़ती है।

In diseases like cancer, the patient has to endure unbearable agony.

Compulsion 'sahnī paṛtī hai'.

विभाजन की पीड़ा आज भी कई परिवारों के दिलों में है।

The pain of partition is still in the hearts of many families today.

Historical context.

एक कलाकार अपनी पीड़ा को कला में बदल देता है।

An artist transforms his/her pain into art.

Verb 'badal denā' (to change/transform).

क्या आप इस पीड़ा का कारण जानते हैं?

Do you know the cause of this pain?

Noun phrase 'pīṛā kā kāraṇ'.

अस्तित्ववादी दर्शन में पीड़ा को जीवन का अभिन्न अंग माना गया है।

In existential philosophy, suffering is considered an integral part of life.

Academic register.

प्रेमचंद की कहानियों में दलितों की पीड़ा का सजीव चित्रण मिलता है।

In Premchand's stories, one finds a vivid depiction of the suffering of Dalits.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

वह अपनी पीड़ा को एक दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण से देखता है।

He views his suffering from a philosophical perspective.

Complex adverbial phrase.

युद्ध की विभीषिका ने मानवता को अपार पीड़ा दी है।

The horror of war has given immense suffering to humanity.

High-level vocabulary 'vibhīṣikā' (horror).

पीड़ा की यह पराकाष्ठा उसे पागल कर सकती थी।

This pinnacle of agony could have driven him/her mad.

Word 'parākāṣṭhā' (pinnacle/extreme).

उसने अपनी पीड़ा को मौन में आत्मसात कर लिया।

S/he assimilated his/her pain in silence.

Verb 'ātmasāt karnā' (to assimilate/internalize).

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने आम आदमी की पीड़ा को और बढ़ा दिया है।

Political instability has further increased the suffering of the common man.

Causal structure.

करुणा का अर्थ है दूसरों की पीड़ा को अपना समझना।

Compassion means considering others' pain as one's own.

Definitional sentence.

महादेवी वर्मा के काव्य में पीड़ा और वेदना का अद्वैत संबंध झलकता है।

In Mahadevi Varma's poetry, the non-dual relationship between pain and agony is reflected.

Highly specialized literary terminology.

पीड़ा के गहन अंधकार में ही आत्म-साक्षात्कार का प्रकाश मिलता है।

Only in the deep darkness of suffering is the light of self-realization found.

Metaphorical and spiritual register.

समाज के वंचित वर्गों की पीड़ा को स्वर देना ही साहित्य का धर्म है।

To give voice to the suffering of the marginalized sections of society is the duty of literature.

Complex infinitive as subject.

उसकी पीड़ा का स्वरूप इतना सूक्ष्म था कि उसे समझना कठिन था।

The nature of his/her pain was so subtle that it was difficult to understand.

Adjective 'sūkṣma' (subtle).

इतिहास गवाह है कि सत्ता की लालसा ने हमेशा जन-पीड़ा को जन्म दिया है।

History is witness that the lust for power has always given birth to mass suffering.

Rhetorical and historical register.

पीड़ा की अग्नि में तपकर ही व्यक्तित्व में निखार आता है।

Personality is refined only after being heated in the fire of suffering.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical usage.

निर्वाण की प्राप्ति के लिए पीड़ा के मूल कारणों का उन्मूलन आवश्यक है।

For the attainment of Nirvana, the eradication of the root causes of suffering is necessary.

Philosophical/Religious terminology.

उसकी लेखनी में पीड़ा का ऐसा आवेग था जो पाठकों को झकझोर देता था।

There was such an impulse of pain in his/her writing that it would shake the readers.

Complex noun-verb construction.

Common Collocations

असहनीय पीड़ा

शारीरिक पीड़ा

मानसिक पीड़ा

पीड़ा सहना

पीड़ा पहुँचाना

पीड़ा का अनुभव

गहरी पीड़ा

पीड़ा कम करना

पीड़ा से मुक्ति

अंतर्मन की पीड़ा

Common Phrases

पीड़ा से कराहना

— To groan in pain. Used when someone is making sounds due to distress.

मरीज पीड़ा से कराह रहा था।

पीड़ा का सागर

— An ocean of suffering. A metaphor for immense, overwhelming pain.

उसका जीवन पीड़ा का सागर बन गया।

पीड़ा हरना

— To take away or relieve pain. Often used for God or a healer.

ईश्वर सबकी पीड़ा हर ले।

पीड़ादायक स्थिति

— A painful situation. Used for awkward or distressing circumstances.

यह हमारे लिए एक पीड़ादायक स्थिति है।

पीड़ा की घड़ी

— The hour of suffering. Refers to a specific difficult time.

पीड़ा की इस घड़ी में हम आपके साथ हैं।

पीड़ा झेलना

— To bear or endure pain. Similar to 'sahna'.

उसने अकेले ही सारी पीड़ा झेली।

पीड़ा व्यक्त करना

— To express pain. Often used in literary or formal contexts.

उसने कविता के माध्यम से अपनी पीड़ा व्यक्त की।

पीड़ा से तड़पना

— To writhe in pain. Indicates extreme physical restlessness from agony.

घायल पक्षी पीड़ा से तड़प रहा था।

पीड़ा का निवारण

— Redressal or cure of suffering. Formal term.

सरकार को जनता की पीड़ा का निवारण करना होगा।

पीड़ा मुक्त

— Free from pain. Often used in medical or spiritual goals.

वह अब पूरी तरह पीड़ा मुक्त है।

Often Confused With

पीड़ा vs दर्द (Dard)

Masculine vs Feminine. Dard is common, Pīṛā is formal.

पीड़ा vs दुःख (Dukh)

Dukh is general sadness; Pīṛā is acute agony/pain.

पीड़ा vs कष्ट (Kasht)

Kasht is hardship/trouble; Pīṛā is the sensation of pain itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"पीड़ा का घूँट पीना"

— To suppress one's suffering and remain silent.

उसने अपमान और पीड़ा का घूँट पी लिया।

Literary

"हृदय पीड़ा से भर जाना"

— To be overwhelmed with emotional suffering.

उसकी कहानी सुनकर मेरा हृदय पीड़ा से भर गया।

Poetic

"पीड़ा की आग में जलना"

— To suffer intensely, as if being burned.

वह ईर्ष्या और पीड़ा की आग में जल रहा था।

Dramatic

"किसी की पीड़ा पर नमक छिड़कना"

— To rub salt in someone's wounds; to make suffering worse.

उसकी हार का मजाक उड़ाकर तुमने उसकी पीड़ा पर नमक छिड़क दिया।

Common

"पीड़ा से पत्थर हो जाना"

— To become numb or cold due to excessive suffering.

इतनी पीड़ा सहने के बाद वह जैसे पत्थर हो गई।

Literary

"पीड़ा की लकीरें"

— Lines of pain (usually on the face).

उसके माथे पर पीड़ा की लकीरें साफ दिख रही थीं।

Descriptive

"पीड़ा का बोझ उठाना"

— To carry the burden of suffering.

वह सालों से इस गुप्त पीड़ा का बोझ उठा रहा है।

Metaphorical

"पीड़ा को गले लगाना"

— To accept suffering as part of life.

संतों ने पीड़ा को गले लगाना सिखाया है।

Spiritual

"पीड़ा का तांडव"

— A dance of destruction/suffering. Used for massive tragedies.

युद्ध के मैदान में पीड़ा का तांडव मच गया।

High Literary

"पीड़ा की कसक"

— A lingering, sharp pang of pain.

पुरानी यादें आज भी दिल में पीड़ा की कसक पैदा करती हैं।

Poetic

Easily Confused

पीड़ा vs कीड़ा (Kīṛā)

Sounds very similar to Pīṛā.

Kīṛā means 'insect'. Pīṛā means 'pain'. The starting consonant is the only difference.

कमरे में एक कीड़ा है (There is an insect in the room) vs मुझे पीड़ा है (I have pain).

पीड़ा vs पीना (Pīnā)

Similar starting sound.

Pīnā is the verb 'to drink'. Pīṛā is a noun.

पानी पीना (to drink water).

पीड़ा vs पीला (Pīlā)

Similar starting sound.

Pīlā is the color 'yellow'.

पीला फूल (yellow flower).

पीड़ा vs पीछा (Pīchā)

Similar starting sound.

Pīchā means 'back' or 'following'.

पीछा करना (to follow).

पीड़ा vs पीढ़ियाँ (Pīṛhiyāṃ)

Contains the 'pī' and 'ṛ' sounds.

Pīṛhiyāṃ means 'generations'.

पुरानी पीढ़ियाँ (old generations).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] को [Adjective] पीड़ा है।

मुझे बहुत पीड़ा है।

[Subject] को [Body Part] में पीड़ा हो रही है।

उसे हाथ में पीड़ा हो रही है।

[Noun] की पीड़ा [Adjective] है।

गरीबों की पीड़ा बहुत गहरी है।

[Subject] ने [Adjective] पीड़ा सही।

उसने असहनीय पीड़ा सही।

[Abstract Concept] ही पीड़ा का मूल है।

अज्ञान ही पीड़ा का मूल है।

पीड़ा की [Noun] में [Verb].

पीड़ा की अग्नि में तपकर वह निखर गया।

बिना पीड़ा के [Noun] नहीं मिलता।

बिना पीड़ा के ज्ञान नहीं मिलता।

दवा से पीड़ा [Verb].

दवा से पीड़ा कम हो गई।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and health sectors; infrequent in casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

बड़ा पीड़ा (Baṛā Pīṛā) → बड़ी पीड़ा (Baṛī Pīṛā)
Pīṛā is feminine, so adjectives must be feminine.
पीड़ा हो रहा है (Pīṛā ho rahā hai) → पीड़ा हो रही है (Pīṛā ho rahī hai)
The verb must agree with the feminine gender of the noun.
Using Pīṛā for a tiny scratch. → Using Dard for a tiny scratch.
Pīṛā is for serious or formal pain; using it for minor things sounds melodramatic.
Pronouncing it as 'Peeda'. → Pronouncing it with the retroflex flap 'ṛ'.
The 'ṛ' sound is distinct from a hard 'd'.
Confusing Pīṛā with Kīṛā (insect). → Using Pīṛā for pain.
Very similar sounds, but very different meanings!

Tips

Check the Adjectives

Always ensure adjectives describing 'पीड़ा' end in 'ī' or are the feminine form. Say 'गहरी पीड़ा' (deep pain).

Context Matters

Use 'Pīṛā' in essays, stories, or when talking to a doctor about severe pain. Use 'Dard' for casual talk.

The Flap Sound

Don't say 'Peeda' with a hard 'D'. Practice the 'ṛ' sound to sound more like a native speaker.

News Clues

Listen for this word in news reports about tragedies. It's a key word for understanding formal Hindi media.

Literary Flair

If you are writing a poem or a heartfelt letter, 'Pīṛā' adds a layer of sophistication that 'Dard' lacks.

Empathy

Using 'Pīṛā' shows you understand the gravity of someone's suffering. It's an empathetic choice of word.

Synonym Mapping

Map 'Pīṛā' to 'Agony' and 'Dard' to 'Pain' in your mind to remember the difference in intensity.

Compound Words

Learn words like 'पीड़ानाशक' (painkiller) to expand your medical Hindi vocabulary.

Emotional Range

Use 'Pīṛā' when you want to express that your feelings are deep and not just a passing mood.

Regular Practice

Try to replace 'Dard' with 'Pīṛā' in your practice sentences today to get used to the feminine agreement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Peter' (Pī) who is 'Radical' (ṛā) and in pain. Or associate 'Pī' with 'Pressure' and 'ṛā' with the 'Raw' feeling of a wound.

Visual Association

Imagine a heavy stone 'pressing' (pīḍ) down on a heart. The stone represents the word 'Pīṛā'.

Word Web

Sorrow Hospital Tears Endurance Poetry Tragedy Medicine Soul

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a historical event using the word 'पीड़ा' instead of 'दर्द'. For example, describe the partition of India.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'पीड़ा' (pīḍā). The root is 'पीड्' (pīḍ), which belongs to the 10th class of Sanskrit verb roots.

Original meaning: To press, squeeze, vex, or give pain. It implies a sense of being 'squeezed' by circumstances or physical ailment.

Indo-Aryan, specifically Indo-European.

Cultural Context

When someone uses 'Pīṛā', they are expressing deep distress. Respond with empathy and avoid using casual slang in return.

English speakers might find 'Pīṛā' too formal for daily use. Think of it like the difference between 'it hurts' and 'I am in agony'.

Mahadevi Varma's poetry (often called the poet of Pīṛā) The Buddha's Four Noble Truths (discussing the nature of suffering) Bollywood movie 'Devdas' (depicting emotional agony)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Health

पीड़ा कहाँ है?
पीड़ा कब शुरू हुई?
असहनीय पीड़ा
पीड़ानाशक दवा

Literature/Poetry

विरह की पीड़ा
मन की व्यथा-पीड़ा
पीड़ा का काव्य
मानवीय पीड़ा

News/Reports

पीड़ितों की पीड़ा
जन-पीड़ा का समाधान
पीड़ादायक हादसा
शारीरिक पीड़ा के निशान

Social Justice

गरीबों की पीड़ा
अन्याय की पीड़ा
पीड़ा पहुँचाना अपराध है
समाज की सामूहिक पीड़ा

Emotional/Personal

मेरी पीड़ा समझो
उसे बहुत पीड़ा हुई
पीड़ा सहने की शक्ति
पुरानी पीड़ा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपनी पीड़ा को शब्दों में बता सकते हैं? (Can you describe your pain in words?)"

"क्या समाज दूसरों की पीड़ा के प्रति संवेदनशील है? (Is society sensitive towards the pain of others?)"

"आपके अनुसार मानसिक पीड़ा बड़ी है या शारीरिक? (According to you, is mental agony greater or physical?)"

"कविताएँ पीड़ा को कैसे कम करती हैं? (How do poems reduce pain?)"

"पीड़ा सहने के बाद इंसान में क्या बदलाव आता है? (What change comes in a person after enduring pain?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपनी पुरानी पीड़ा के बारे में क्या सीखा? (What did I learn today about my old pain?)

जब मुझे पीड़ा होती है, तो मैं उसे कैसे व्यक्त करता हूँ? (When I feel pain, how do I express it?)

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसने अपनी पीड़ा को अपनी ताकत बना लिया। (Write about someone who made their pain their strength.)

क्या पीड़ा के बिना जीवन संभव है? अपने विचार लिखें। (Is life possible without pain? Write your thoughts.)

एक कहानी लिखें जिसका शीर्षक 'अंतिम पीड़ा' हो। (Write a story titled 'The Last Pain'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Pīṛā' is frequently used for deep emotional distress, especially in literature and formal contexts. For example, 'मन की पीड़ा' (pain of the heart/mind).

It is a feminine noun. You must use feminine forms for accompanying adjectives and verbs, like 'बड़ी पीड़ा' or 'पीड़ा हुई'.

Technically yes, but it sounds overly dramatic. It's better to use 'दर्द' for minor physical ailments.

'Dard' is masculine and common. 'Pīṛā' is feminine, formal, and implies a more significant level of suffering.

Yes, especially in sad, soulful, or classical-style songs to convey deep agony.

The root is 'pīḍ', which means to press or squeeze.

It's common in formal speech, news, and serious discussions, but less so in casual everyday slang.

It's a retroflex flap. Flick your tongue against the roof of your mouth quickly. It's not a 'd' or an 'r'.

Yes, 'पीड़ाएँ' (Pīṛāeṃ), but the singular form is often used to refer to the general concept of suffering.

Common adjectives include 'असहनीय' (unbearable), 'भयानक' (terrible), 'गहरी' (deep), and 'शारीरिक' (physical).