At the A1 level, you only need to recognize 'पुलिस स्टेशन' as a place you might need to go to in an emergency. Think of it like other basic places like 'स्कूल' (school) or 'अस्पताल' (hospital). You should be able to ask where it is using simple questions like 'पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है?' (Where is the police station?). You should also know that it is a masculine noun, so if you describe it, you use 'बड़ा' (big) or 'छोटा' (small). At this stage, don't worry about complex legal terms; just focus on identifying the building and knowing how to get there. It's a compound word made of two English words, so it's very easy to remember. Just remember the Hindi pronunciation: 'Poo-liss Stay-shun'.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'पुलिस स्टेशन' in simple sentences involving daily activities. You can say things like 'मैं पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ' (I am going to the police station) or 'पुलिस स्टेशन घर के पास है' (The police station is near the house). You should start understanding the use of basic postpositions like 'में' (in) and 'से' (from). For example, 'पुलिस स्टेशन में एक पुलिसवाला है' (There is a policeman in the police station). You should also be aware of the synonym 'थाना' (thānā), as you might hear it in movies or from locals. At this level, you can describe simple actions like reporting a lost bag or asking for help.
At the B1 level, you can use 'पुलिस स्टेशन' in more complex social and practical contexts. You should be able to explain *why* you are going there. For example, 'मेरा फोन चोरी हो गया है, मुझे पुलिस स्टेशन जाकर रिपोर्ट लिखवानी है' (My phone has been stolen, I have to go to the police station and get a report written). You should be comfortable with the oblique case, changing 'पुलिस स्टेशन' to 'पुलिस स्टेशनों' when talking about multiple stations with a postposition. You can also start using related vocabulary like 'शिकायत' (complaint), 'अधिकारी' (officer), and 'एफआईआर' (FIR). You understand that the police station is an administrative hub and can navigate basic interactions there.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the role of the 'पुलिस स्टेशन' in society or in news stories. You can understand news reports that mention 'पुलिस स्टेशन', such as 'पुलिस स्टेशन पर हमला' (Attack on a police station) or 'पुलिस स्टेशन में पूछताछ' (Interrogation in the police station). You are aware of the formal term 'आरक्षी केंद्र' and the historical term 'कोतवाली'. You can use the word in the passive voice, such as 'उसे पुलिस स्टेशन ले जाया गया' (He was taken to the police station). You can also discuss the jurisdiction of a station and the procedural aspects of law enforcement in Hindi. Your sentences are more fluid and use advanced conjunctions.
At the C1 level, you can use 'पुलिस स्टेशन' in nuanced discussions about law, justice, and community policing. You can analyze the effectiveness of a local 'पुलिस स्टेशन' or discuss policy changes affecting law enforcement. You are comfortable using the word in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts, and you understand the subtle difference in register between 'थाना', 'पुलिस स्टेशन', and 'आरक्षी केंद्र'. You can read legal documents or complex news articles that describe events occurring within the station's jurisdiction. You can also express complex emotions or situations, such as 'पुलिस स्टेशन का माहौल तनावपूर्ण था' (The atmosphere of the police station was tense).
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term 'पुलिस स्टेशन'. You can use it in academic, legal, or literary contexts. You understand the socio-political implications of the word in Indian society, including its portrayal in literature and cinema. You can engage in high-level debates about police reform, the history of the 'Kotwali' system, or the linguistic evolution of English loanwords in Hindi. You can use the word with perfect grammatical precision in any complex sentence structure, including those involving hypothetical situations or intricate legal arguments. You are also aware of regional slang or colloquialisms associated with the police station in different parts of India.

पुलिस स्टेशन in 30 Seconds

  • Police station (noun, masculine)
  • Used for reporting crimes and safety
  • Direct loanword from English
  • Synonym: Thana (थाना)

The Hindi term पुलिस स्टेशन (pulis sṭēśan) is a fascinating example of how modern Hindi seamlessly incorporates English vocabulary. While Hindi has more traditional terms like 'थाना' (thānā) or 'कोतवाली' (kotvālī), 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is universally understood and frequently used in both urban and semi-urban settings. It refers to the local office or headquarters of the police force where officers work, reports are filed, and law enforcement activities are coordinated. For an English speaker, the transition to using this word is effortless because it is a direct transliteration of the English 'Police Station'. However, the cultural weight and the procedural context in India might differ slightly from Western expectations.

Daily Utility
You will use this word when asking for directions, reporting a lost item like a passport or phone, or discussing safety and law. In India, the police station is often the first point of contact for any legal dispute or emergency.

क्या आप मुझे बता सकते हैं कि निकटतम पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है? (Can you tell me where the nearest police station is?)

In formal Hindi, you might encounter the term 'आरक्षी केंद्र' (ārakshī kēndra), but in 99% of spoken conversations, 'पुलिस स्टेशन' or 'थाना' is what you will hear. The word 'पुलिस' is feminine in Hindi grammar when referring to the force as a whole, but 'पुलिस स्टेशन' as a compound noun is masculine. Understanding this gender distinction is crucial for correct adjective and verb agreement. For example, you would say 'बड़ा पुलिस स्टेशन' (big police station) using the masculine 'बड़ा' rather than the feminine 'बड़ी'.

Administrative Context
Every police station in India has a specific jurisdiction. If you are involved in an incident, you must go to the specific police station that covers that geographical area. This is often referred to as the 'क्षेत्र' (kshetra) or 'इलाका' (ilākā) of the station.

हमें अपनी शिकायत दर्ज कराने के लिए पुलिस स्टेशन जाना होगा। (We will have to go to the police station to register our complaint.)

Social Perception
In Hindi cinema (Bollywood), the 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is a central setting for drama. It is often portrayed as a place of intense questioning, justice, or sometimes corruption. This has shaped the public imagination of the word, making it sound more intimidating than a simple administrative office.

शहर के मुख्य पुलिस स्टेशन के बाहर बहुत भीड़ थी। (There was a huge crowd outside the city's main police station.)

कल रात पुलिस स्टेशन में एक नया मामला दर्ज किया गया। (A new case was registered at the police station last night.)

Using 'पुलिस स्टेशन' (pulis sṭēśan) in a sentence requires an understanding of Hindi postpositions. Since it is a location, it is frequently paired with 'में' (in), 'से' (from), 'तक' (until/to), and 'के पास' (near). Because it is a masculine noun, any adjectives modifying it must end in the '-ā' sound (or '-ē' in the oblique case). For example, 'छोटा पुलिस स्टेशन' (small police station) becomes 'छोटे पुलिस स्टेशन में' (in the small police station). This section explores the grammatical nuances through various sentence structures.

Direct Object Usage
When the police station is the destination of a verb like 'जाना' (to go), you don't always need a postposition, but 'जाना' often implies movement towards it.

वह पुलिस स्टेशन गया है। (He has gone to the police station.)

When describing the location of an event, 'में' is essential. If you are reporting something, you might say you are 'at' the station, which is also translated as 'में' or 'पर'.

Locative Case
'पुलिस स्टेशन में' is the most common way to say 'at/in the police station'.

क्या पुलिस स्टेशन में कोई अधिकारी मौजूद है? (Is there any officer present in the police station?)

मेरे घर के पास एक बहुत बड़ा पुलिस स्टेशन है। (There is a very big police station near my house.)

Ablative Usage (From)
Use 'से' to indicate coming from the station or receiving information from it.

मुझे पुलिस स्टेशन से फोन आया था। (I received a call from the police station.)

इस पुलिस स्टेशन की इमारत बहुत पुरानी है। (The building of this police station is very old.)

In India, the word 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is ubiquitous. You will hear it in news broadcasts, see it on road signs, and encounter it in daily conversations. Because it's an English loanword, it bridges the gap between different linguistic groups in India. If you are in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is the standard term. In rural areas, while 'थाना' remains popular, 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is equally understood due to the influence of media and official government signage.

In the Media
News anchors frequently use the term when reporting on crime or law enforcement updates. 'पुलिस स्टेशन के बाहर प्रदर्शन' (Protest outside the police station) is a common headline.

आज सुबह पुलिस स्टेशन में एक प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस बुलाई गई है। (A press conference has been called at the police station this morning.)

Public announcements at railway stations or crowded markets often include instructions to report suspicious activities to the nearest 'पुलिस स्टेशन'. This reinforces the word's status as a 'safety' keyword that every resident and traveler should know.

On the Streets
Blue and white signboards across Indian cities clearly mark the way to the 'Police Station / पुलिस स्टेशन'. Traffic police or local residents will use this term when giving you directions.

यहाँ से पास में ही एक पुलिस स्टेशन है, आप वहाँ जाकर मदद ले सकते हैं। (There is a police station nearby from here; you can go there and take help.)

Official Documents
When filling out forms for a visa, passport, or tenant verification in India, you will often see a field asking for your 'Nearest Police Station'.

फॉर्म पर अपने नजदीकी पुलिस स्टेशन का नाम लिखें। (Write the name of your nearest police station on the form.)

इंस्पेक्टर साहब अभी पुलिस स्टेशन में नहीं हैं। (The Inspector sir is not in the police station right now.)

While 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is an English loanword, learners often make specific mistakes regarding its gender, pronunciation, and the postpositions used with it. Because 'पुलिस' (the force) is feminine, many students mistakenly assume 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is also feminine. This is a common error that affects the entire sentence structure. Another mistake is using the wrong word for specific types of stations, such as confusing a 'पुलिस स्टेशन' with a 'पुलिस चौकी' (outpost) or a 'जेल' (jail).

Gender Confusion
Mistake: 'यह पुलिस स्टेशन अच्छी है' (This police station is good - feminine). Correct: 'यह पुलिस स्टेशन अच्छा है' (masculine). The gender of a compound noun usually follows the final word; 'स्टेशन' is masculine.

गलत: वह पुलिस स्टेशन बड़ी है। सही: वह पुलिस स्टेशन बड़ा है। (Wrong: That police station is big [fem]. Right: That police station is big [masc].)

Another frequent error is the pronunciation of 'स्टेशन'. In many Indian accents, a prosthetic 'i' or 'e' is added before 's' clusters, making it sound like 'is-tation' or 'es-tation'. While this is common, a learner should aim for the standard 'stēśan' sound.

Postposition Errors
Learners sometimes use 'को' when they should use 'में'. If you are physically inside the station, use 'में'. If you are sending something 'to' the station, 'को' might be appropriate, but 'तक' or 'में' is usually preferred for movement.

गलत: मैं पुलिस स्टेशन को जा रहा हूँ। सही: मैं पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ। (Wrong: I am going to [to the] police station. Right: I am going [to] the police station.)

Pluralization
The plural of 'स्टेशन' remains 'स्टेशन' in the direct case but becomes 'स्टेशनों' in the oblique case (when followed by a postposition). Example: 'शहर के पुलिस स्टेशनों में' (In the police stations of the city).

सभी पुलिस स्टेशन हाई अलर्ट पर हैं। (All police stations are on high alert.)

वह पुलिस स्टेशन के सामने खड़ा है। (He is standing in front of the police station.)

Hindi offers several alternatives to 'पुलिस स्टेशन', depending on the level of formality and the specific type of police facility. Understanding these nuances will make your Hindi sound more natural and precise. The most common synonym is 'थाना' (thānā), which is the standard term used in many parts of North India. While 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is modern and urban, 'थाना' carries a more local, traditional feel. Here is a breakdown of similar words and how they compare.

थाना (Thānā)
This is the most direct synonym. In rural areas and smaller towns, it is the dominant term. It is also a masculine noun. Example: 'थाने में रिपोर्ट लिखवाओ' (File a report in the Thana).

गाँव का थाना यहाँ से दो किलोमीटर दूर है। (The village police station is two kilometers away from here.)

Another term you might encounter is 'चौकी' (chaukī). A 'चौकी' is smaller than a 'पुलिस स्टेशन'. It is usually a sub-post that reports to a main station. Think of it as a neighborhood police booth.

पुलिस चौकी (Pulis Chaukī)
A small police outpost or booth. It is a feminine noun. Example: 'बाज़ार में एक पुलिस चौकी है' (There is a police outpost in the market).

रेलवे स्टेशन पर एक पुलिस चौकी बनी हुई है। (A police outpost is built at the railway station.)

पुरानी दिल्ली की कोतवाली बहुत प्रसिद्ध है। (The Kotwali of Old Delhi is very famous.)

आरक्षी केंद्र (Ārakshī Kēndra)
This is the highly formal, Sanskritized Hindi term for a police station. You will mostly see this on government letterheads or in official news reports. It is rarely used in conversation.

सरकारी आदेश में इसे आरक्षी केंद्र लिखा गया है। (In the government order, it has been written as 'Arakshi Kendra'.)

अपराधी को पुलिस स्टेशन ले जाया गया। (The criminal was taken to the police station.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In India, the police uniform color 'Khaki' is actually a Persian word meaning 'dust-colored', which was adopted during the British Raj.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʊˈliːs ˈsteɪʃən/
US /pəˈlis ˈsteɪʃən/
Primary stress on 'lee' in Police and 'sta' in Station.
Rhymes With
Location Education Vacation Relation Nation Creation Operation Foundation
Common Errors
  • Adding an 'i' sound before Station (i-station)
  • Pronouncing 'Police' as 'Poo-liss' with a heavy 'u'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy as it is a direct loanword from English.

Writing 2/5

Requires knowledge of Devanagari script but follows standard spelling.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is almost identical to English.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognizable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है में

Learn Next

थाना सिपाही रिपोर्ट शिकायत गिरफ्तार

Advanced

क्षेत्राधिकार हवालात तफ्तीश कार्यप्रणाली प्रभारी

Grammar to Know

Compound Noun Gender

In 'पुलिस स्टेशन', the gender is determined by 'स्टेशन' (Masculine).

Oblique Case pluralization

'पुलिस स्टेशन' remains the same in plural unless followed by a postposition: 'पुलिस स्टेशनों में'.

Adjective Agreement

'बड़ा पुलिस स्टेशन' (Masc) vs 'बड़ी पुलिस चौकी' (Fem).

Postposition 'में' for location

Use 'में' to indicate being inside the station.

Causative Verbs with Police

'लिखवाना' (to have written) is used when the officer writes the report for you.

Examples by Level

1

पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है?

Where is the police station?

'कहाँ' (where) is used for asking locations.

2

यह पुलिस स्टेशन है।

This is a police station.

'यह' (this) is a demonstrative pronoun.

3

पुलिस स्टेशन बड़ा है।

The police station is big.

'बड़ा' (big) matches the masculine gender of 'स्टेशन'.

4

वहाँ पुलिस स्टेशन है।

The police station is there.

'वहाँ' means 'there'.

5

क्या यह पुलिस स्टेशन है?

Is this a police station?

'क्या' at the beginning makes it a yes/no question.

6

पुलिस स्टेशन पास है।

The police station is near.

'पास' means 'near'.

7

पुलिस स्टेशन साफ़ है।

The police station is clean.

'साफ़' (clean) is an adjective.

8

नमस्ते, पुलिस स्टेशन जाना है।

Hello, I need to go to the police station.

'जाना है' expresses a need or intention to go.

1

मैं पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ।

I am going to the police station.

Present continuous tense for masculine subject.

2

पुलिस स्टेशन में एक सिपाही है।

There is a constable in the police station.

'में' (in) is the locative postposition.

3

मेरे घर के पास पुलिस स्टेशन है।

There is a police station near my house.

'के पास' means 'near'.

4

वह पुलिस स्टेशन से आया है।

He has come from the police station.

'से' (from) is the ablative postposition.

5

पुलिस स्टेशन का फ़ोन नंबर क्या है?

What is the phone number of the police station?

'का' (of) shows possession/association.

6

हम पुलिस स्टेशन के अंदर हैं।

We are inside the police station.

'के अंदर' means 'inside'.

7

पुलिस स्टेशन आज खुला है।

The police station is open today.

'खुला' means 'open'.

8

नया पुलिस स्टेशन बहुत सुंदर है।

The new police station is very beautiful.

'नया' (new) agrees with masculine 'स्टेशन'.

1

मेरा बटुआ खो गया है, मुझे पुलिस स्टेशन जाना चाहिए।

My wallet is lost, I should go to the police station.

'चाहिए' (should) expresses obligation or advice.

2

पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट लिखवाना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to get a report written in the police station.

'लिखवाना' is a causative verb (to get something written).

3

क्या आपने पुलिस स्टेशन को सूचना दी?

Did you inform the police station?

'सूचना देना' means 'to inform'.

4

पुलिस स्टेशन के बाहर बहुत भीड़ जमा थी।

A lot of crowd was gathered outside the police station.

'के बाहर' means 'outside'.

5

वह पुलिस स्टेशन में काम करता है।

He works in the police station.

Present simple tense for habitual action.

6

पुलिस स्टेशन से मेरा घर दूर नहीं है।

My house is not far from the police station.

'दूर' means 'far'.

7

आपको पुलिस स्टेशन में अपनी पहचान दिखानी होगी।

You will have to show your identity in the police station.

'होगी' expresses future necessity.

8

पुलिस स्टेशन के अधिकारी बहुत मददगार थे।

The officers of the police station were very helpful.

'मददगार' means 'helpful'.

1

पुलिस स्टेशन में संदिग्ध से पूछताछ की जा रही है।

The suspect is being interrogated in the police station.

Passive voice in present continuous tense.

2

इस मामले की जाँच स्थानीय पुलिस स्टेशन कर रहा है।

The local police station is investigating this matter.

'जाँच करना' means 'to investigate'.

3

पुलिस स्टेशन में एफ़आईआर दर्ज करने की प्रक्रिया क्या है?

What is the process for filing an FIR in the police station?

'दर्ज करना' means 'to register/file'.

4

सुरक्षा कारणों से पुलिस स्टेशन की घेराबंदी कर दी गई है।

The police station has been cordoned off for security reasons.

'घेराबंदी करना' means 'to cordon off' or 'besiege'.

5

पुलिस स्टेशन के रिकॉर्ड के अनुसार वह निर्दोष है।

According to the police station records, he is innocent.

'के अनुसार' means 'according to'.

6

कल रात पुलिस स्टेशन में एक नया मामला सामने आया।

A new case came to light in the police station last night.

'सामने आना' is a phrasal verb meaning 'to come to light'.

7

पुलिस स्टेशन के पास लगे सीसीटीवी कैमरों की जाँच की जा रही है।

The CCTV cameras installed near the police station are being checked.

Use of passive voice for ongoing actions.

8

वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों ने पुलिस स्टेशन का निरीक्षण किया।

Senior officers inspected the police station.

'निरीक्षण करना' means 'to inspect'.

1

पुलिस स्टेशन की कार्यप्रणाली में सुधार की तत्काल आवश्यकता है।

There is an urgent need for improvement in the functioning of the police station.

'कार्यप्रणाली' means 'functioning/methodology'.

2

पुलिस स्टेशन के भीतर मानवाधिकारों का उल्लंघन एक गंभीर चिंता का विषय है।

Violation of human rights within the police station is a matter of serious concern.

'उल्लंघन' means 'violation'.

3

पुलिस स्टेशन की स्वायत्तता को लेकर राजनीतिक बहस छिड़ गई है।

A political debate has broken out regarding the autonomy of the police station.

'स्वायत्तता' means 'autonomy'.

4

पुलिस स्टेशन में पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए नए नियम बनाए गए हैं।

New rules have been made to ensure transparency in the police station.

'पारदर्शिता' means 'transparency'.

5

पुलिस स्टेशन और जनता के बीच विश्वास की कमी को दूर करना होगा।

The lack of trust between the police station and the public must be removed.

'विश्वास की कमी' means 'lack of trust'.

6

डिजिटलीकरण के माध्यम से पुलिस स्टेशन की दक्षता बढ़ाई जा सकती है।

The efficiency of the police station can be increased through digitalization.

'दक्षता' means 'efficiency'.

7

पुलिस स्टेशन के क्षेत्राधिकार के बाहर होने के कारण मामला खारिज कर दिया गया।

The case was dismissed because it was outside the jurisdiction of the police station.

'क्षेत्राधिकार' means 'jurisdiction'.

8

पुलिस स्टेशन की छवि सुधारने के लिए सामुदायिक पुलिसिंग को बढ़ावा दिया जा रहा है।

Community policing is being promoted to improve the image of the police station.

'छवि' means 'image/reputation'.

1

पुलिस स्टेशन की दीवारों के भीतर जो कुछ भी घटित होता है, वह कानून की सूक्ष्म निगरानी में होना चाहिए।

Whatever happens within the walls of the police station should be under the microscopic scrutiny of the law.

'सूक्ष्म निगरानी' means 'microscopic scrutiny'.

2

पुलिस स्टेशन केवल एक इमारत नहीं, बल्कि राज्य की सत्ता का एक जीवंत प्रतीक है।

A police station is not just a building, but a living symbol of the state's power.

'जीवंत प्रतीक' means 'living symbol'.

3

औपनिवेशिक काल के दौरान पुलिस स्टेशन दमन का एक प्रमुख केंद्र हुआ करते थे।

During the colonial period, police stations used to be major centers of suppression.

'दमन' means 'suppression'.

4

पुलिस स्टेशन की नौकरशाही जटिलताओं ने अक्सर न्याय मिलने में देरी की है।

The bureaucratic complexities of the police station have often delayed justice.

'नौकरशाही जटिलता' means 'bureaucratic complexity'.

5

आधुनिक लोकतंत्र में पुलिस स्टेशन की भूमिका दंडात्मक से हटकर सुरक्षात्मक होनी चाहिए।

In a modern democracy, the role of the police station should shift from punitive to protective.

'दंडात्मक' (punitive) vs 'सुरक्षात्मक' (protective).

6

पुलिस स्टेशन के आंकड़ों का समाजशास्त्रीय विश्लेषण अपराध की बदलती प्रवृत्तियों को दर्शाता है।

Sociological analysis of police station data reflects changing trends in crime.

'समाजशास्त्रीय विश्लेषण' means 'sociological analysis'.

7

पुलिस स्टेशन के आंतरिक प्रशासन में जवाबदेही की संस्कृति को आत्मसात करना अनिवार्य है।

It is imperative to internalize a culture of accountability in the internal administration of the police station.

'जवाबदेही' means 'accountability'.

8

पुलिस स्टेशन की भौतिक संरचना को अधिक नागरिक-अनुकूल बनाने की दिशा में प्रयास किए जा रहे हैं।

Efforts are being made towards making the physical structure of the police station more citizen-friendly.

'नागरिक-अनुकूल' means 'citizen-friendly'.

Common Collocations

पुलिस स्टेशन जाना
पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट
नजदीकी पुलिस स्टेशन
पुलिस स्टेशन के बाहर
पुलिस स्टेशन का प्रभारी
पुलिस स्टेशन की सुरक्षा
पुलिस स्टेशन में पूछताछ
पुलिस स्टेशन का रिकॉर्ड
पुलिस स्टेशन की इमारत
पुलिस स्टेशन तक

Common Phrases

पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट लिखवाना

— To file a report at the police station.

मैंने पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट लिखवा दी है।

पुलिस स्टेशन से बुलावा आना

— To be summoned by the police station.

उसे पुलिस स्टेशन से बुलावा आया है।

पुलिस स्टेशन के चक्कर काटना

— To make frequent trips to the police station (usually implies trouble or bureaucracy).

वह केस के सिलसिले में पुलिस स्टेशन के चक्कर काट रहा है।

पुलिस स्टेशन को सूचित करना

— To inform the police station.

घटना के बाद पुलिस स्टेशन को सूचित किया गया।

पुलिस स्टेशन का घेराव करना

— To surround/protest at the police station.

गुस्साई भीड़ ने पुलिस स्टेशन का घेराव किया।

पुलिस स्टेशन में हाजिरी देना

— To mark one's presence at the station (often for parole or investigation).

उसे हर हफ्ते पुलिस स्टेशन में हाजिरी देनी पड़ती है।

पुलिस स्टेशन की कस्टडी

— Police station custody.

आरोपी अभी पुलिस स्टेशन की कस्टडी में है।

पुलिस स्टेशन डायरी

— The station diary where daily events are logged.

यह बात पुलिस स्टेशन डायरी में दर्ज है।

महिला पुलिस स्टेशन

— Women's police station.

शहर में एक नया महिला पुलिस स्टेशन खुला है।

पुलिस स्टेशन का इलाका

— The area/jurisdiction of the police station.

यह पार्क इसी पुलिस स्टेशन के इलाके में आता है।

Often Confused With

पुलिस स्टेशन vs रेलवे स्टेशन

Both use 'स्टेशन', but one is for trains and the other for police.

पुलिस स्टेशन vs बस स्टैंड

Sometimes people confuse 'स्टेशन' and 'स्टैंड' for transport, but police always use 'स्टेशन'.

पुलिस स्टेशन vs जेल

A jail is for long-term detention; a station is for initial processing.

Idioms & Expressions

"थाने के दर्शन करना"

— To visit the police station (often used sarcastically to mean getting into trouble).

लगता है तुम्हें थाने के दर्शन करने पड़ेंगे।

Informal
"पुलिस की लाठी"

— The power/force of the police.

जब पुलिस की लाठी चलती है, तो सब ठीक हो जाता है।

Colloquial
"वर्दी का रौब"

— The arrogance or authority of the uniform.

वह पुलिस स्टेशन में अपनी वर्दी का रौब दिखा रहा था।

Informal
"हवालात की हवा खाना"

— To spend time in a police lockup.

गलत काम करोगे तो हवालात की हवा खानी पड़ेगी।

Slang
"कानून के हाथ लंबे होना"

— The long arm of the law (often associated with police reaching criminals).

तुम भाग नहीं सकते, कानून के हाथ लंबे हैं।

Common
"खाकी का डर"

— Fear of the police (Khaki refers to the uniform).

अपराधियों में खाकी का डर होना चाहिए।

Colloquial
"मामला रफा-दफा करना"

— To settle a matter (often implies doing so at the station through unofficial means).

उसने पुलिस स्टेशन में ही मामला रफा-दफा कर दिया।

Informal
"चूहे-बिल्ली का खेल"

— Cat and mouse game (often between police and criminals).

पुलिस और चोरों के बीच चूहे-बिल्ली का खेल चल रहा है।

Common
"शिकंजा कसना"

— To tighten the noose (police catching up to someone).

पुलिस ने अपराधी पर अपना शिकंजा कस लिया है।

Formal/Journalistic
"नाक में दम करना"

— To harass or trouble greatly (can be used for police or by police).

चोरों ने पुलिस स्टेशन की नाक में दम कर रखा है।

Informal

Easily Confused

पुलिस स्टेशन vs थाना

They mean the same thing.

'थाना' is the traditional Hindi word, 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is the English loanword. 'थाना' is very common in rural areas.

गाँव का थाना छोटा है।

पुलिस स्टेशन vs चौकी

Both involve police.

A 'चौकी' (Chauki) is a small outpost; a 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is a full-sized station.

बाज़ार में एक छोटी पुलिस चौकी है।

पुलिस स्टेशन vs कोतवाली

Both are police offices.

'कोतवाली' usually refers to the main central station of a city.

हम कोतवाली जा रहे हैं।

पुलिस स्टेशन vs मुख्यालय

Both are official buildings.

'मुख्यालय' (Headquarters) is the main office for a whole district or state, not a local station.

पुलिस मुख्यालय यहाँ से दूर है।

पुलिस स्टेशन vs हवालात

Both are at the station.

'हवालात' is specifically the lock-up room inside the station.

उसे रात भर हवालात में रखा गया।

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Location] पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है?

नजदीकी पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है?

A2

मैं [Action] के लिए पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ।

मैं मदद के लिए पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ.

B1

अगर [Condition], तो पुलिस स्टेशन जाना पड़ेगा।

अगर बटुआ नहीं मिला, तो पुलिस स्टेशन जाना पड़ेगा.

B2

पुलिस स्टेशन के अधिकारियों ने [Action] किया है।

पुलिस स्टेशन के अधिकारियों ने जाँच शुरू की है.

C1

पुलिस स्टेशन की [Noun] को लेकर [Noun] जताई जा रही है।

पुलिस स्टेशन की कार्यप्रणाली को लेकर चिंता जताई जा रही है.

C2

यह अनिवार्य है कि पुलिस स्टेशन में [Noun] का पालन किया जाए।

यह अनिवार्य है कि पुलिस स्टेशन में मानवाधिकारों का पालन किया जाए.

Word Family

Nouns

पुलिस (Police)
सिपाही (Constable)
थानेदार (Station Master)
चौकीदार (Watchman)

Verbs

पुलिसगिरी करना (To act like police)
गिरफ्तार करना (To arrest)

Adjectives

पुलिसिया (Police-like/Related to police)

Related

थाना
चौकी
हवालात
जेल
अदालत

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes
  • यह पुलिस स्टेशन बहुत बड़ी है। यह पुलिस स्टेशन बहुत बड़ा है।

    The word 'स्टेशन' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'बड़ा', not 'बड़ी'.

  • मैं पुलिस स्टेशन को जा रहा हूँ। मैं पुलिस स्टेशन जा रहा हूँ।

    In Hindi, you don't usually need 'ko' when going to a physical building or location.

  • पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट करो। पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट लिखवाओ।

    While 'report karo' is understood, 'report likhvao' (get a report written) is the more natural native expression.

  • पुलिस स्टेशन का सिपाही अच्छी है। पुलिस स्टेशन का सिपाही अच्छा है।

    'सिपाही' (constable) is a masculine noun, so the adjective should be 'अच्छा'.

  • मेरा घर पुलिस स्टेशन के पास में है। मेरा घर पुलिस स्टेशन के पास है।

    Adding 'mein' after 'ke paas' is redundant and slightly incorrect in standard Hindi.

Tips

Gender Rule

Always treat 'पुलिस स्टेशन' as a masculine noun. Use 'मेरा', 'बड़ा', and 'था' with it.

Synonym

Learn 'थाना' (thānā) alongside 'पुलिस स्टेशन' to understand locals better.

Respectful Address

When speaking to someone at the station, use 'जी' (e.g., Inspector ji) to show respect.

Emergency Number

In India, dial 100 or 112 to reach the police station services instantly.

Script practice

Practice writing the half 'sa' in स्टेशन (स्टे) to improve your handwriting.

Clear Pronunciation

Avoid adding an 'i' before 'station'. Say 'stē-śan' clearly.

Context Clues

If you hear 'रिपोर्ट' (report) or 'शिकायत' (complaint), the word 'पुलिस स्टेशन' is likely to follow.

Easy Link

It's a gift word! It's the same as English. Just focus on the sentence structure around it.

Community Policing

Many stations now have 'Help Desks' for tourists; look for those signs.

FIR Importance

Remember that an FIR is 'दर्ज' (registered) at the 'पुलिस स्टेशन'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think: 'Police' + 'Station'. It's exactly the same as English, just written in Devanagari script. If you know English, you already know this word!

Visual Association

Imagine the blue and white signs found all over India that say 'Police Station' in both English and Hindi.

Word Web

Law Order Safety Crime Police Station Uniform Report

Challenge

Try to use 'पुलिस स्टेशन' in three sentences today: one asking for its location, one describing its size, and one saying you are going there.

Word Origin

A compound of the English words 'Police' (from Middle French police, from Latin politia) and 'Station' (from Latin statio).

Original meaning: A place where police officers are stationed.

Indo-European (via English loanwords into Hindi).

Cultural Context

Be aware that for some locals, the police station can be an intimidating place due to historical issues with authority.

In the West, police stations are often seen as purely administrative. In India, they are also social hubs for local conflict resolution.

The movie 'Zanjeer' (the famous scene where Amitabh Bachchan kicks a chair in a police station) The TV show 'F.I.R.' (a comedy set in a police station)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reporting a theft

  • मेरा सामान चोरी हो गया है।
  • मुझे रिपोर्ट लिखवानी है।
  • क्या यहाँ कोई इंस्पेक्टर है?
  • एफआईआर दर्ज कर लीजिए।

Asking for directions

  • पुलिस स्टेशन किस तरफ है?
  • क्या यह रास्ता पुलिस स्टेशन जाता है?
  • कितनी दूर है?
  • क्या मैं पैदल जा सकता हूँ?

Verification services

  • मुझे पासपोर्ट वेरिफिकेशन के लिए आना है।
  • क्या मेरे कागज़ात तैयार हैं?
  • किस अधिकारी से मिलना होगा?
  • कितना समय लगेगा?

Emergency

  • बचाओ!
  • पुलिस स्टेशन को फोन करो!
  • जल्दी पुलिस भेजिए!
  • यहाँ एक्सीडेंट हो गया है।

Legal discussion

  • यह मामला किस पुलिस स्टेशन का है?
  • क्या आरोपी पुलिस स्टेशन में है?
  • हमें वकील की ज़रूरत है।
  • जमानत कब होगी?

Conversation Starters

"क्षमा कीजिए, क्या आप जानते हैं कि सबसे पास वाला पुलिस स्टेशन कहाँ है?"

"क्या आपने कभी पुलिस स्टेशन में रिपोर्ट दर्ज कराई है?"

"मेरे घर के ठीक सामने एक पुलिस स्टेशन है, क्या आपके घर के पास भी है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पुलिस स्टेशन की सुरक्षा और बढ़ानी चाहिए?"

"कल पुलिस स्टेशन के पास बहुत भीड़ क्यों थी?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने रास्ते में एक पुलिस स्टेशन देखा। वह कैसा दिखता था?

अगर मुझे पुलिस स्टेशन जाना पड़े, तो मैं क्या कहूँगा?

भारत के पुलिस स्टेशन और मेरे देश के पुलिस स्टेशन में क्या अंतर है?

एक कहानी लिखें जो एक पुलिस स्टेशन से शुरू होती है।

पुलिस स्टेशन हमारे समाज के लिए क्यों ज़रूरी हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. Even though 'पुलिस' (the force) is feminine, 'स्टेशन' is masculine, and the gender of compound nouns in Hindi usually follows the second word.

Yes, almost everyone understands the English term 'Police Station' even if they don't speak English fluently.

There is no functional difference; they are synonyms. 'Thana' is the traditional Hindi/Urdu word, while 'Police Station' is the English loanword.

You can say 'Sabse paas wala police station kahaan hai?' (Where is the nearest police station?).

FIR stands for First Information Report. It is the formal document written at a police station when you report a crime.

No, with verbs of movement like 'jaana' (to go), the postposition 'ko' is usually omitted for places. Just say 'Main police station ja raha hoon'.

Yes, it is called 'Mahila Police Station'.

The SHO is the officer in charge of a police station. In Hindi, they are often called 'Thana In-charge' or 'Thanedar'.

Yes, it is used for 'Railway Station' (रेलवे स्टेशन) and 'Fire Station' (फ़ायर स्टेशन).

It is written as 'पुलिस स्टेशन'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write 'Where is the police station?' in Hindi.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'I am going to the police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'I lost my phone, I need to go to the police station.' in Hindi.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The police station is investigating the thief.' in Hindi.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'There is a need for transparency in the police station.' in Hindi.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'This is a big police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The police station is near my house.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Can you give me the police station's number?' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The report was registered in the police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Community policing can improve the station's image.' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'Police station' in Hindi script.

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writing

Write 'He is in the police station.' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'Go to the police station and ask for help.' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'The officer is not in the police station.' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'The jurisdiction of this station is very large.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Small police station' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'Call the police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Many people are outside the police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'The suspect is being questioned at the station.' in Hindi.

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writing

Write 'We must increase the efficiency of the police station.' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Police Station' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Where is the nearest police station?' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I want to go to the police station to report a theft.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe a police station building in 3 sentences in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the importance of police stations in a city in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'This is a police station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Call the police station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'My house is near the police station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The officer is interrogating the suspect in the station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Transparency is essential in police station work.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Big station'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I am coming from the station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Is there a police station nearby?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The police station record is updated.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The station's jurisdiction covers the whole district.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Hello' to a policeman.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I am inside the station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Wait for me at the police station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'They are inspecting the police station.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Police station reforms are necessary for democracy.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Pulis station kahaan hai?' What is the last word?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Main station ja raha hoon.' Who is going?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Thane mein report likhvao.' Which synonym was used?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Jaanch jaari hai.' What does it mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Dakshta badhaani hogi.' What needs to be increased?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Bada pulis station.' Is it small?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Station ke paas.' What does 'paas' mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Madad ke liye phone karo.' Why should you call?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Sipahi bahar hai.' Where is the constable?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Chhavi sudharni chahiye.' What should be improved?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Namaste.' What is the greeting?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Station mein.' What does 'mein' mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Report darj ho gayi.' Is the report filed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Prabhari se milo.' Who should you meet?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to: 'Kshētrādhikār kya hai?' What is being asked?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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