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पाल-पोसना

B1 verb 9 min read

पाल-पोसना

paal-posna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पाल-पोसना in 30 Seconds

Explanation पाल-पोसना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 'पाल-पोसना' (pāl-posnā) means to take care of someone small, like a baby or a pet, so they can grow up. Think of it like the work parents do. In Hindi, we often use two words together to make the meaning stronger. 'Pāl' is like 'protect' and 'Pos' is like 'feed'. So, when you say 'pāl-posnā', you are saying you feed and protect someone. For a beginner, just remember it as 'to raise' or 'to bring up'. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Mā bachche ko pāltī-postī hai' (Mother raises the child). It is a very important word because family is very important in India. You will hear it when people talk about their moms, dads, or even their dogs. It shows a lot of love and hard work. Just remember that it is an action you do for someone else. You need an object, like a child or an animal. Even if you just use the first part 'pālnā', people will understand, but using both parts 'pāl-posnā' makes you sound much better at Hindi! It shows you know how Hindi speakers like to use pairs of words.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'पाल-पोसना' (pāl-posnā) in different tenses. This word is a 'transitive verb', which means it acts on something. In the past tense, you need to use the word 'ne' with the person who is doing the raising. For example, 'Usne ek billī ko pāl-posā' (He raised a cat). You should also know that this word is often used for pets and plants, not just humans. If you have a small garden, you are 'pāl-posing' your plants. It's more than just watering them; it's giving them everything they need to be healthy. You will also start to notice this word in stories. When a hero in a story is an orphan, the story might say 'Dādī ne usey pāl-posā' (Grandmother raised him). This tells you that the grandmother was the one who provided food and safety. Try to use it when you talk about your own childhood or your pets. It is a very warm word that makes people feel like you care about the subject. It's a step up from the basic word 'baṛā karnā' (to make big/raise).

As a B1 learner, you should appreciate the nuanced 'echo-word' structure of 'पाल-पोसना' (pāl-posnā). This compound verb combines 'pālnā' (to protect/rear) and 'posnā' (to nourish). It is a perfect example of how Hindi uses reduplication to provide a holistic sense of an action. At this level, you should be comfortable using the conjunctive participle form 'पाल-पोसकर' (pāl-poskar). This is almost always followed by 'baṛā kiyā' (made big/raised). For example: 'Mere mātā-pitā ne mujhe pāl-poskar baṛā kiyā' (My parents raised me and brought me up). This construction is the standard way to talk about one's upbringing. You should also understand the emotional weight. When someone says they 'pāl-posā' someone, they are often implying a sacrifice or a long-term commitment. It’s a common word in social discussions about family responsibilities and the 'rin' (debt) children owe to parents. You can also use it metaphorically for projects or businesses that you have nurtured from the beginning. It shows a level of dedication that a simple verb wouldn't convey.

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish 'पाल-पोसना' from its synonyms like 'परवरिश करना' (parvariś karnā) and 'पालन-पोषण' (pālan-poṣaṇ). While 'pāl-posnā' is a verb that feels very grounded and physical (emphasizing feeding and guarding), 'parvariś' is a noun-verb combination that often carries a more social and moral connotation—referring to the values and etiquette (tehzeeb) instilled during upbringing. You should also be able to use 'pāl-posnā' in complex sentence structures, such as passive-like constructions or as a gerund. For instance, 'Bachchoñ ko pāl-posnā koī khel nahīñ hai' (Raising children is no child's play). You should also recognize its use in cultural idioms and emotional appeals. In literature, it might be used to describe a mentor nurturing a student's talent. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the 'ne' rule in perfective tenses and the correct agreement with the object. This word is essential for discussing social issues in India, such as the upbringing of underprivileged children or the role of the state in 'nurturing' its citizens.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'पाल-पोसना' (pāl-posnā) should extend to its most subtle metaphorical and stylistic uses. You should understand how the word functions in various registers, from the highly emotional to the descriptive. In a C1 context, you might analyze how 'pāl-posnā' is used in political rhetoric—for example, how a government claims to have 'nurtured' the economy or a specific industry. You should also be aware of the historical and etymological roots in Sanskrit (Pālana and Poṣaṇa) and how this reflects ancient Indian values regarding the preservation of life. You can use the word to describe the delicate process of 'rearing' an idea or an artistic movement through its infancy. For example, 'Usne is āndolan ko apne pasīne se pāl-posā hai' (He has nurtured this movement with his sweat). Your ability to use the word in the 'pālā-posā' adjectival form to describe a person's environmental influences (e.g., 'videsh kā pālā-posā' - raised abroad) should be seamless. You should also be able to discuss the subtle differences between this and 'poshṇā' (a rarer, more poetic form of nourishing).

At the C2 level, 'पाल-पोसना' (pāl-posnā) is a tool for sophisticated expression. You should be able to use it to discuss philosophical concepts of caregiving and the ontological relationship between the protector and the protected. In high-level literary analysis, you might examine how a writer uses this verb to establish the power dynamics or emotional bonds between characters. You should be able to use it in complex, multi-clausal sentences that involve hypothetical or counterfactual situations (e.g., 'Agar unhoñne usey na pālā-posā hotā, toh aaj vah kahāñ hotā?' - If they hadn't raised him, where would he be today?). You should also be familiar with the word's appearance in classical poetry and how it contrasts with more modern, clinical terms for child development. Your mastery should include the ability to use the word ironically or sarcastically in a socio-political critique, perhaps referring to the 'nurturing' of corruption or negative social trends. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural symbol of the labor of love and the continuity of life that you can manipulate to suit any rhetorical need.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पाल-पोसना in 30 Seconds

A compound verb meaning to raise or nurture, combining protection and nourishment.
Commonly used for children, pets, and plants to show long-term care and effort.
Grammatically transitive, requiring the 'ne' postposition in past tense sentences.
Carries emotional weight, often associated with parental sacrifice and duty.

The Hindi verb पाल-पोसना (pāl-posnā) is a profound and culturally rich compound verb that describes the holistic process of raising, nurturing, and providing for a living being. It is not merely about the act of 'raising' in a biological sense; it encompasses the emotional labor, the financial provision, and the long-term commitment required to bring someone or something from a state of vulnerability to maturity. In the linguistic structure of Hindi, this is known as a 'reduplicative' or 'echo' compound, where two related verbs are joined to create a more comprehensive meaning. The first part, पालना (pālnā), originates from the Sanskrit root pāl, meaning to protect, guard, or maintain. The second part, पोसना (posnā), comes from the Sanskrit poṣaṇ, which refers to nourishment, nutrition, and feeding. When combined, 'pāl-posnā' signifies the dual responsibility of protection and nourishment.

Nurturing Life: The term is most frequently used in the context of parents raising children. It implies the years of struggle, love, and resources spent on a child's upbringing. It is often used to emphasize the debt of gratitude a child owes to their caregivers.
Beyond Humans: While primarily human-centric, it is also applied to pets, livestock, or even metaphorical 'children' like a business or a creative project that requires constant care and feeding to grow.

मेरे माता-पिता ने मुझे बहुत कठिनाइयों में पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया। (My parents raised me with great difficulty.)

In social conversations, you will hear this word when people discuss family histories or when someone is expressing their commitment to their dependents. It carries a heavy emotional weight, often associated with sacrifice. For instance, a mother might say she 'pāl-posā' her children after her husband passed away, highlighting her resilience. It is also a common theme in Bollywood movies, where the 'upbringing' of a character defines their moral compass. The word suggests a process that is slow, deliberate, and requires daily attention.

उसने एक लावारिस कुत्ते को पाल-पोसकर स्वस्थ बनाया। (He raised a stray dog and made it healthy.)

Cultural Nuance: In Indian culture, the act of 'pāl-posnā' is considered one of the highest virtues. It is linked to the concept of 'Dharma' (duty). A person who fulfills this duty well is highly respected in the community.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the past participle form 'pālā-posā' to describe someone's background. For example, 'Shehar ka pālā-posā' means 'raised in the city.' This usage helps identify a person's roots and the environment that shaped them. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between physical sustenance and emotional development, making it an essential term for anyone looking to understand the depths of Hindi interpersonal dynamics.

Using पाल-पोसना (pāl-posnā) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's transitive verb structures. Since it is a compound verb, both parts are conjugated together, though the primary grammatical changes occur at the end of the second verb, 'posnā'. Because it is a transitive verb, in the perfective tenses (past tense), the subject takes the postposition ने (ne), and the verb agrees with the object.

दादी ने सभी पोते-पोतियों को पाल-पोसा है। (Grandmother has raised all the grandchildren.)

Notice in the example above, 'ne' is used with 'Dādi' (subject), and the verb 'pāl-posā' is in the masculine singular form because it is referring to the collective group as an object. If the object were specifically feminine, the verb would change to 'pāl-posī'. However, in many colloquial settings, 'pāl-posā' is used as a fixed expression for the act of upbringing itself.

Continuous Action: To describe the ongoing process of raising someone, use the continuous form: 'वह अपने छोटे भाई को पाल-पोस रही है' (She is raising/providing for her younger brother).
Future Intent: When talking about the future: 'मैं इन पौधों को प्यार से पाल-पोसूँगा' (I will nurture these plants with love).

One of the most common ways to use this verb is in the conjunctive participle form: पाल-पोसकर (pāl-poskar), which means 'having raised' or 'after raising'. This is frequently paired with the verb 'baṛā karnā' (to make big/to grow up). This construction emphasizes the transition from childhood to adulthood. For example, 'उन्होंने हमें पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया' (They raised us and made us big/adults).

अनाथालय के बच्चों को सरकार पाल-पोस रही है। (The government is nurturing the children of the orphanage.)

In literary or formal Hindi, you might see 'pāl-posnā' used to describe the cultivation of ideas or movements. For instance, a leader might 'pāl-pos' a revolution. However, in daily life, stick to the biological and caregiving contexts. It is a warm, respectful word. Using it shows that you understand the depth of effort involved in caregiving, making your Hindi sound more empathetic and native-like.

You will encounter पाल-पोसना (pāl-posnā) in a variety of real-life and media contexts. It is a staple of emotional storytelling in India. If you watch a Bollywood family drama, you are almost guaranteed to hear a parent say, 'मैंने तुम्हें खून-पसीने से पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया है' (I have raised you with my blood and sweat). This highlights the sacrificial nature of the word.

In the Household: Grandparents often use this word when reminiscing about their children or grandchildren. It’s used when discussing who took responsibility for a child if the parents were working or absent.
Legal and Social Work: In discussions about adoption (god-lenā) or foster care, 'pāl-posnā' is the standard term used to describe the act of taking a child under one's wing and providing for them.

गाँव में लोग मवेशियों को अपने बच्चों की तरह पालते-पोसते हैं। (In villages, people nurture cattle like their own children.)

Beyond the home, you’ll hear it in rural settings. Farmers don't just 'keep' cows; they 'pālte-pōste' them. This implies a level of care that goes beyond mere utility; it involves feeding them well, protecting them from the elements, and ensuring their health. In news reports about wildlife conservation, experts might talk about 'pāl-posnā' endangered species in captivity before releasing them into the wild.

उसने अपनी कला को बड़ी मेहनत से पाल-पोसा है। (He has nurtured his art with great hard work.)

Finally, in modern urban India, the word is evolving to include the care of plants. With the rise of 'plant parents,' you might hear someone say they are 'pāl-posing' their balcony garden. Regardless of the object, the word always carries a sense of tender responsibility and the passage of time. It is a word that connects the provider to the provided-for in a bond of sustenance.

Even though पाल-पोसना (pāl-posnā) is a common term, learners often make specific errors in its application and grammar. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with the simple verb पालना (pālnā). While 'pālnā' means to raise or keep, 'pāl-posnā' is more intensive. Using 'pālnā' for a pet is fine, but using it for a child can sometimes sound a bit clinical or detached, whereas 'pāl-posnā' sounds more affectionate and comprehensive.

Incorrect Object Usage: Do not use 'pāl-posnā' for inanimate objects like a car or a house. You can 'maintain' (rakh-rakhāv karnā) a house, but you cannot 'nurture' it in the biological sense that this verb implies.
The 'Ne' Rule Confusion: Since it is a transitive verb, many learners forget to use 'ne' in the past tense. Forgetting 'ne' changes the entire meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.

❌ वह बच्चे को पाल-पोसा। (Incorrect)
✅ उसने बच्चे को पाल-पोसा। (Correct - He raised the child.)

Another mistake is splitting the compound. While 'pālnā' and 'posnā' are separate verbs, in this specific compound, they act as a unit. You shouldn't put other words between them. For example, saying 'pālnā aur posnā' is grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural compared to the standard 'pāl-posnā'.

❌ मैंने पौधों को पाल-पूछा। (Incorrect)
✅ मैंने पौधों को पाल-पोसा। (Correct)

Finally, be careful with the register. While 'pāl-posnā' is suitable for most situations, in an extremely formal legal document, you might see परवरिश (parvariś) (of Urdu origin) or पालन-पोषण (pālan-poṣaṇ) (the noun form). Using the verb in a PhD thesis might be slightly too informal, but for 99% of life's situations, including emotional appeals and storytelling, 'pāl-posnā' is the perfect choice.

To truly master Hindi, you must understand how पाल-पोसना (pāl-posnā) relates to its synonyms and alternatives. Depending on the context—whether you want to sound more formal, more emotional, or more technical—you might choose a different word.

परवरिश करना (parvariś karnā): This is of Persian/Urdu origin. It is very common in Bollywood and high-register Hindi. It specifically refers to the quality of 'upbringing'. While 'pāl-posnā' emphasizes the act of feeding and protecting, 'parvariś' often emphasizes the values and manners taught during upbringing.
बड़ा करना (baṛā karnā): Literally 'to make big'. This is the most common colloquial alternative. It is simpler and less emotional than 'pāl-posnā'. 'Maine usey baṛā kiyā' (I raised him/made him big).

उसकी परवरिश एक अच्छे परिवार में हुई। (His upbringing happened in a good family.)

Another related term is पालन-पोषण (pālan-poṣaṇ). This is the noun form of the verb. You use it with the verb 'karnā' (to do). For example, 'बच्चों का पालन-पोषण करना कठिन है' (Nurturing children is difficult). This noun form is more formal and is often found in textbooks and news articles.

देखभाल करना (dekhbhāl karnā): This means 'to take care of'. It is broader and can apply to the elderly, the sick, or even a house. It doesn't necessarily imply 'raising' someone from a small state to a large one, just looking after their current needs.

If you are talking about plants, you might use सिंचना (siñcnā), which specifically means to irrigate or water, but 'pāl-posnā' can still be used metaphorically to show a deeper attachment. In summary, use 'pāl-posnā' when you want to emphasize the long-term journey of growth and the provider's dedication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

This is a 'rhyming compound' or 'echo-word' which is a classic feature of Indo-Aryan languages to express a whole concept by using two related parts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɑːl poːs.nɑː/

US /pɑl poʊs.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Pāl', with secondary stress on 'Pos'.

Rhymes With

कोसना (kosnā - to curse) ढोसना (ḍhosnā - to gulp) परोसना (parosnā - to serve food) धोना (dhonā) सोना (sonā) रोना (ronā) खोना (khonā) बोना (bonā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pos' as 'paws' (should be 'pose').
Aspirating the 'p' (it should be a soft Hindi 'p').
Confusing 'posnā' with 'pūchnā' (asking).
Not lengthening the final 'ā' in 'nā'.
Merging the two words into one fast sound (keep a slight rhythmic break).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the hyphenated compound structure.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of transitive past tense 'ne' rules.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of 'pos' and the rhythm of the compound takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Very common in TV shows and movies, making it easier to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पालना खाना बड़ा बच्चा माँ-बाप

Learn Next

परवरिश ज़िम्मेदारी कर्तव्य संस्कार ऋण

Advanced

पोषण संरक्षण प्रतिपालन भरण-पोषण

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs in Past Tense

उसने (Subject + ne) बच्चे को पाला-पोसा।

Echo Words / Reduplication

पालना + पोसना = पाल-पोसना (Comprehensive meaning).

Conjunctive Participle (-kar)

पाल-पोसकर (After raising).

Object-Verb Agreement

उसने बेटियों (plural) को पाल-पोसा (default masculine if 'ko' is present).

Compound Verbs

The second part 'posnā' carries most of the conjugation.

Examples by Level

माँ बच्चे को पालती-पोसती है।

Mother raises the child.

Present simple tense.

पिता अपने बेटे को पाल-पोस रहे हैं।

Father is raising his son.

Present continuous tense.

क्या आप कुत्ते को पाल-पोस सकते हैं?

Can you raise the dog?

Use of 'saknā' (can).

वह बिल्ली को पाल-पोस रही है।

She is raising the cat.

Feminine subject.

हम पौधों को पाल-पोसते हैं।

We nurture the plants.

Plural subject.

दादाजी ने मुझे पाल-पोसा।

Grandfather raised me.

Past tense with 'ne'.

बच्चे को प्यार से पाल-पोसना चाहिए।

A child should be raised with love.

Use of 'chāhiye' (should).

मैं इस छोटे पक्षी को पाल-पोसूँगा।

I will raise this little bird.

Future tense.

उसने अपने छोटे भाई को पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया।

He raised his younger brother.

Conjunctive participle 'pāl-poskar'.

मेरी दादी ने बहुत सारे बच्चों को पाल-पोसा है।

My grandmother has raised many children.

Present perfect tense.

क्या तुमने कभी किसी जानवर को पाल-पोसा है?

Have you ever raised any animal?

Question in present perfect.

वे इस अनाथ बच्चे को पाल-पोस रहे हैं।

They are raising this orphan child.

Present continuous.

उसने अपनी गाय को बहुत प्यार से पाल-पोसा।

He raised his cow with a lot of love.

Past tense with feminine object.

हमें इन पेड़ों को पाल-पोसना होगा।

We will have to nurture these trees.

Use of 'hogā' (will have to).

उसने मुझे अपनी संतान की तरह पाल-पोसा।

She raised me like her own offspring.

Simile usage 'kī tarah'.

गाँव में लोग पशुओं को पालते-पोसते हैं।

People in the village raise livestock.

Habitual present.

अपने बच्चों को पाल-पोसना हर माता-पिता का कर्तव्य है।

Raising one's children is the duty of every parent.

Gerund usage as a subject.

उसने गरीबी में भी अपने परिवार को पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया।

He raised his family even in poverty.

Emphasis on struggle.

क्या आप जानते हैं कि एक शेर के बच्चे को कैसे पाल-पोस सकते हैं?

Do you know how one can raise a lion cub?

Indirect question.

उसने अपने व्यवसाय को एक बच्चे की तरह पाल-पोसा है।

He has nurtured his business like a child.

Metaphorical usage.

जब उसके माता-पिता नहीं रहे, तो चाची ने उसे पाल-पोसा।

When his parents were no more, his aunt raised him.

Conditional context.

सरकार को इन दुर्लभ पक्षियों को पाल-पोसकर बचाना चाहिए।

The government should save these rare birds by nurturing them.

Conjunctive participle with modal.

मैं इस बगीचे को अपने हाथों से पाल-पोस रहा हूँ।

I am nurturing this garden with my own hands.

Emphasis on personal effort.

उन्होंने हमें बहुत ही अनुशासन में पाल-पोसा।

They raised us with a lot of discipline.

Adverbial phrase 'anuśāsan meñ'.

किसी दूसरे के बच्चे को पाल-पोसना एक महान कार्य है।

Raising someone else's child is a noble deed.

Infinitive as subject.

उसने अपनी पूरी ज़िंदगी अपने भाई-बहनों को पाल-पोसने में लगा दी।

He spent his whole life in raising his siblings.

Oblique infinitive with 'meñ'.

इस संस्था ने हज़ारों अनाथों को पाल-पोसकर समाज में स्थापित किया है।

This organization has raised and established thousands of orphans in society.

Complex compound verb usage.

वैज्ञानिक इन पौधों को प्रयोगशाला में पाल-पोस रहे हैं।

Scientists are nurturing these plants in the laboratory.

Professional context.

उसने अपनी प्रतिभा को कड़ी मेहनत से पाल-पोसा।

She nurtured her talent with hard work.

Abstract object (talent).

बिना किसी मदद के बच्चों को पाल-पोसना बहुत मुश्किल होता है।

Raising children without any help is very difficult.

Adverbial phrase 'binā kisī madad ke'.

क्या समाज उन बच्चों को पाल-पोस पाएगा जिनके पास घर नहीं है?

Will society be able to nurture those children who don't have a home?

Future ability with 'pānā'.

उसने इस विचार को सालों तक अपने मन में पाल-पोसा।

He nurtured this idea in his mind for years.

Metaphorical (nurturing an idea).

लोकतंत्र को पाल-पोसना और उसकी रक्षा करना नागरिकों का दायित्व है।

It is the responsibility of citizens to nurture and protect democracy.

Political/Formal context.

उसने अपनी कलात्मक दृष्टि को विश्व भ्रमण के दौरान पाल-पोसा।

He nurtured his artistic vision during his world travels.

High-level vocabulary.

विरासत में मिली परंपराओं को अगली पीढ़ी के लिए पाल-पोसना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to nurture inherited traditions for the next generation.

Cultural discourse.

उसने अपने क्रोध को पाल-पोसकर प्रतिशोध की भावना में बदल दिया।

He nurtured his anger and turned it into a feeling of revenge.

Negative metaphorical usage.

वन्यजीव संरक्षणवादियों ने इन चीतों को बाड़े में पाल-पोसकर जंगल में छोड़ा।

Wildlife conservationists raised these cheetahs in an enclosure and released them into the forest.

Technical/Scientific context.

क्या एक लेखक अपनी कृतियों को अपने बच्चों की तरह नहीं पालते-पोसते?

Does a writer not nurture their works like their own children?

Rhetorical question.

उसने अपनी आर्थिक स्थिति को बहुत ही संयम से पाल-पोसा और सुधारा।

He nurtured and improved his financial situation with great restraint.

Abstract/Financial context.

इस आंदोलन को बुद्धिजीवियों ने अपने विमर्श से पाल-पोसा है।

Intellectuals have nurtured this movement with their discourse.

Academic/Sociological context.

सभ्यता के विकास में उन गुमनाम नायकों का बड़ा हाथ है जिन्होंने ज्ञान की लौ को पाल-पोसा।

In the development of civilization, those anonymous heroes who nurtured the flame of knowledge have a great hand.

Complex literary structure.

उसकी लेखनी ने समाज की कुरीतियों के विरुद्ध एक नई चेतना को पाल-पोसा।

His writing nurtured a new consciousness against social evils.

Metaphorical/Philosophical.

प्रकृति स्वयं ही हर जीव को पालती-पोसती है, बशर्ते हम उसमें हस्तक्षेप न करें।

Nature itself nurtures every living being, provided we do not interfere in it.

Subjunctive/Conditional 'baśarte'.

उसने अपने एकांत को एक साधना की तरह पाल-पोसा, जिससे उसकी आध्यात्मिक उन्नति हुई।

He nurtured his solitude like a spiritual practice, which led to his spiritual progress.

Spiritual context.

क्या यह संभव है कि हम नफरत को पाल-पोसकर शांति की उम्मीद करें?

Is it possible that we nurture hatred and hope for peace?

Philosophical paradox.

इतिहास गवाह है कि साम्राज्यों को पाल-पोसने में कितना रक्त बहाया गया है।

History is witness to how much blood has been shed in nurturing empires.

Historical/Epic register.

उसने अपनी चुप्पी को एक हथियार की तरह पाल-पोसा और सही समय पर बोला।

He nurtured his silence like a weapon and spoke at the right time.

Metaphorical brilliance.

मानवीय संवेदनाओं को पाल-पोसना ही आज के मशीनी युग की सबसे बड़ी चुनौती है।

Nurturing human emotions is the biggest challenge of today's mechanical age.

Contemporary social critique.

Common Collocations

पाल-पोसकर बड़ा करना

प्यार से पाल-पोसना

अकेले पाल-पोसना

खून-पसीने से पाल-पोसना

गरीबी में पाल-पोसना

मवेशियों को पाल-पोसना

अनाथ को पाल-पोसना

कला को पाल-पोसना

विचारों को पाल-पोसना

संस्कारों में पाल-पोसना

Common Phrases

किसने पाला-पोसा?

— Who raised [you/him/her]?

तुम्हें किसने पाला-पोसा?

पाल-पोसकर क्या मिला?

— What did I get in return for raising [you]?

तुम्हें पाल-पोसकर मुझे क्या मिला?

लाड़-प्यार से पालना-पोसना

— To raise with great affection and pampering.

वह अपने इकलौते बेटे को लाड़-प्यार से पाल-पोस रही है।

बड़ी मुश्किल से पाल-पोसना

— To raise with great difficulty.

उसने बड़ी मुश्किल से अपने बच्चों को पाल-पोसा।

हाथों-हाथ पाल-पोसना

— To raise with extreme care and attention.

दादी ने उसे हाथों-हाथ पाल-पोसा है।

दूध पिलाकर पाल-पोसना

— To raise by nursing/feeding (literal or metaphorical for deep debt).

मैंने तुम्हें अपना दूध पिलाकर पाल-पोसा है।

घर में पाल-पोसना

— To raise within the home.

उसने हिरण के बच्चे को घर में पाल-पोसा।

पढ़ा-लिखाकर पाल-पोसना

— To raise by providing education and sustenance.

पिता ने उन्हें पढ़ा-लिखाकर पाल-पोसा।

अपना समझकर पाल-पोसना

— To raise someone considering them one's own.

उसने पड़ोसी के बच्चे को अपना समझकर पाल-पोसा।

ज़िम्मेदारी से पाल-पोसना

— To raise with a sense of responsibility.

हमें अपनी नई पीढ़ी को ज़िम्मेदारी से पाल-पोसना होगा।

Often Confused With

पाल-पोसना vs पालना (pālnā)

Pālnā is just 'to keep/raise'. Pāl-posnā is more emotional and holistic.

पाल-पोसना vs पूछना (pūchnā)

Sounds similar to 'posnā' but means 'to ask'. Don't mix them up!

पाल-पोसना vs परोसना (parosnā)

Means 'to serve food'. While related to nourishment, it's a different action.

Idioms & Expressions

"आस्तीन का साँप पालना"

— To nurture a traitor or an enemy (uses 'pālnā', related).

मैंने जिसे पाल-पोसा, वही आस्तीन का साँप निकला।

Informal

"खून-पसीना एक करना"

— To work extremely hard (often said in the context of raising children).

उसे पाल-पोसने के लिए मैंने खून-पसीना एक कर दिया।

Emotional

"कलेजे का टुकड़ा"

— A piece of one's heart (referring to a child one has raised).

जिसे मैंने पाल-पोसा, वह मेरे कलेजे का टुकड़ा है।

Affectionate

"बुढ़ापे की लाठी"

— Support in old age (the expected result of raising a child).

मैंने उसे इस उम्मीद में पाल-पोसा कि वह मेरे बुढ़ापे की लाठी बनेगा।

Traditional

"नमक हलाली करना"

— To be loyal to one's provider/raiser.

जिसने तुम्हें पाल-पोसा, उसके साथ नमक हलाली करो।

Moral

"दूध का कर्ज़ उतारना"

— To repay the debt of upbringing.

अब समय है कि तुम अपने माता-पिता के दूध का कर्ज़ उतारो जिन्होंने तुम्हें पाल-पोसा।

Dutiful

"हाथों की छाँव में रखना"

— To keep under great protection/nurturing.

उसने अपनी बेटी को हमेशा हाथों की छाँव में पाल-पोसा।

Poetic

"मिट्टी का माधो"

— A simpleton (sometimes used for a child who hasn't 'grown' despite being raised).

इतना पाल-पोसकर भी वह मिट्टी का माधो ही रहा।

Sarcastic

"अपने पैरों पर खड़ा करना"

— To make someone independent (the goal of pāl-posnā).

पाल-पोसकर उसने अपने बेटों को पैरों पर खड़ा कर दिया।

Common

"पाल-पोसकर साँप बनाना"

— To raise someone who eventually harms you.

गलत संगत ने उसे पाल-पोसकर साँप बना दिया।

Warning

Easily Confused

पाल-पोसना vs पोसना vs पोछना

Similar spelling and sound.

Posnā is to nourish. Pochhnā is to wipe.

बच्चे को पोसो (Nourish the child) vs मेज़ पोछो (Wipe the table).

पाल-पोसना vs पालना vs पालकी

Same root.

Pālnā is to raise (verb). Pālkī is a palanquin (noun).

बच्चा पालो (Raise the child) vs पालकी में बैठो (Sit in the palanquin).

पाल-पोसना vs परवरिश vs पाल-पोसना

Synonyms.

Parvariś is a noun (upbringing). Pāl-posnā is a verb (to raise).

अच्छी परवरिश (Good upbringing) vs अच्छे से पाल-पोसना (To raise well).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Object + पाल-पोसता है।

वह कुत्ता पाल-पोसता है।

Subject ने + Object को + पाल-पोसा।

उसने बिल्ली को पाल-पोसा।

Subject ने + Object को + पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया।

माँ ने मुझे पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया।

Object को + पाल-पोसना + Adjective + है।

बच्चों को पाल-पोसना कठिन है।

Subject + Object को + पाल-पोस + रहा/रही है।

सरकार अनाथों को पाल-पोस रही है।

Metaphorical Object + को + पाल-पोसना।

उसने अपनी कला को पाल-पोसा।

Gerund as Subject + Verb.

पौधों को पाल-पोसना मुझे शांति देता है।

Complex Conditional with 'pāl-posnā'.

यदि उसने उसे न पाला-पोसा होता, तो वह आज जीवित न होता।

Word Family

Nouns

पालन (pālan - maintenance/rearing)

पोषण (poṣaṇ - nutrition/nourishment)

पालक (pālak - nurturer/guardian)

पालतू (pāltū - pet/domesticated)

Verbs

पालना (pālnā - to rear/keep)

पोसना (posnā - to nourish)

पोषित करना (poṣit karnā - to nourish/formal)

Adjectives

पोषित (poṣit - nourished)

पालित (pālit - reared/fostered)

पला-पोसा (palā-posā - raised)

परवरिश

देखभाल

सुरक्षा

भोजन

बचपन

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

Using it for a car. → Kār kī dekhbhāl karnā.
'Pāl-posnā' is only for living beings or metaphorical 'living' things like ideas.
Maine bachchā pāl-posā. → Maine bachche ko pālā-posā.
Transitive verbs in the past need 'ne' and usually the object marker 'ko'.
Pāl-pūchnā. → Pāl-posnā.
Confusion between 'posnā' (nourish) and 'pūchnā' (ask).
Saying 'pālnā aur posnā'. → Pāl-posnā.
While technically correct, the compound form is much more natural.
Using it for an adult you just met. → Sāth denā / Madad karnā.
'Pāl-posnā' implies raising from a younger or smaller state.

Tips

The 'Ne' Rule

In the past tense, don't forget 'ne' with the subject. 'Mā ne bachche ko pālā-posā' is correct. Without 'ne', the sentence is wrong.

Standard Phrase

Memorize the phrase 'pāl-poskar baṛā karnā'. It's the most natural way to say someone was raised.

Emotional Weight

Use this word when you want to show deep gratitude or describe a major life effort. It sounds more heart-felt than simpler verbs.

Soft 'P'

Make sure your 'P' sounds are soft and not 'puffy' (unaspirated). Hindi 'p' is like the 'p' in 'spin', not 'pin'.

Pets and Love

When talking about your pets, using 'pāl-posnā' makes you sound like a very dedicated and loving owner.

Nurturing Ideas

Try using the word for your projects or hobbies to sound more poetic and advanced.

Urdu Alternative

If you want to sound more like a movie star or a poet, try 'parvariś karnā' occasionally.

Protection and Portion

Think: Pāl = Protection, Pos = Portion of food. Both are needed to raise someone.

Hyphenation

Always use a hyphen between 'pāl' and 'posnā' to show they are a single compound unit.

Context Clues

If you hear 'pālā-posā' at the start of a sentence, the speaker is likely about to talk about their childhood or their parents.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pāl' as 'Palace' (protection) and 'Pos' as 'Postum' (an old nutritious drink) or 'Potion' (nourishment). To raise someone, you need to provide a Palace and a Potion.

Visual Association

Imagine a mother bird in a nest. She is covering the babies with her wings (Pāl - protection) and putting a worm in their mouths (Pos - nourishment).

Word Web

Parenting Nutrition Protection Growth Responsibility Love Family Debt

Challenge

Write three sentences about a pet you had or want to have, using 'pāl-posnā' in the past, present, and future tenses.

Word Origin

Compound of two Sanskrit-derived verbs. 'Pāl' comes from Sanskrit 'Pālaya' (to protect). 'Pos' comes from Sanskrit 'Poṣaya' (to nourish).

Original meaning: To protect and to feed.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive and respectful word. However, be careful using it in a way that sounds like you 'own' a person, as it can imply a power dynamic.

Equivalent to 'to bring up' or 'to raise', but with a stronger emphasis on the physical provision of food and safety.

Used in countless Bollywood songs about mothers. Common in the 'Jungle Book' Hindi dubbing (Mowgli's upbringing). Featured in classic Hindi literature like Premchand's stories.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family History

मुझे दादाजी ने पाल-पोसा।
हम साथ में पले-पोसे।
किसने पाला-पोसा?
अकेले पाल-पोसना।

Pets

कुत्ते को पाल-पोसना।
इसे प्यार से पालो-पोसो।
पालतू जानवर।
बचपन से पाल-पोसना।

Gardening

पौधों को पाल-पोसना।
बगीचे को सँवारना।
पानी देकर पालना।
धूप में पालना।

Business/Projects

कंपनी को पाल-पोसना।
विचार को पालना।
शून्य से पाल-पोसना।
मेहनत से पालना।

Social Issues

अनाथों को पालना।
गरीब बच्चों को पालना।
सरकार की ज़िम्मेदारी।
पालन-पोषण का खर्च।

Conversation Starters

"आपको बचपन में किसने पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी पालतू जानवर को पाल-पोसा है?"

"आजकल बच्चों को पाल-पोसना कितना मुश्किल है?"

"क्या हमें पौधों को भी बच्चों की तरह पाल-पोसना चाहिए?"

"क्या सरकार को लावारिस पशुओं को पाल-पोसना चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

उस व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपको पाल-पोसकर बड़ा किया और आप उनके प्रति कैसा महसूस करते हैं।

अगर आपको एक शेर के बच्चे को पाल-पोसना पड़े, तो आप क्या करेंगे?

अपने किसी ऐसे शौक के बारे में लिखें जिसे आपने सालों तक पाल-पोसा है।

आज के युग में बच्चों को पालने-पोसने की चुनौतियों पर अपने विचार लिखें।

क्या 'पाल-पोसना' सिर्फ खाना खिलाना है या कुछ और? विस्तार से लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is a common metaphorical use. It implies you started the business from scratch and put a lot of effort into its growth, much like raising a child.

It is neutral to slightly informal. In very formal documents, 'pālan-poṣaṇ' (noun) or 'parvariś' (Urdu) is preferred, but 'pāl-posnā' is perfectly fine for 90% of situations.

No, you can use 'pālnā' alone, but 'pāl-posnā' adds a sense of 'nourishment' and 'completeness' to the act of raising.

Since it's transitive, it's 'pālā-posā' (with 'ne' for the subject). For example: 'Maine usey pālā-posā'.

Yes, it shows a deep attachment to your garden, implying you treat your plants like living beings that need care.

'Baṛā karnā' literally means 'to make big'. 'Pāl-posnā' describes the *process* of providing and caring that leads to them becoming big.

You can say 'achchhī tarah se pālā-posā gayā' or use the noun 'achchhī parvariś'.

Metaphorically, yes. You can 'pāl-pos' a habit or even an enemy (aastīn kā sāmp pālnā), but it's usually for positive growth.

The noun form is 'pālan-poṣaṇ'.

Hindi uses many such 'echo' or compound verbs to give a fuller, more rhythmic description of an action.