परिभाषित करना in 30 Seconds
- Means 'to define' or 'to state the exact meaning'.
- A formal compound verb used in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
- Requires the 'ने' (ne) rule in the past tense because it is transitive.
- Do not confuse with 'समझाना' (to explain) which is more general.
The Hindi verb परिभाषित करना (paribhashit karna) is a formal and highly essential lexical unit used to express the act of defining, explaining, or establishing the exact meaning, boundaries, or nature of a concept, word, situation, or phenomenon. In its most fundamental sense, it is the equivalent of the English verb 'to define'. The word is a compound verb, a very common structure in Hindi, consisting of the noun/adjective 'परिभाषित' (defined) and the active verb 'करना' (to do/to make). When you use this word, you are essentially saying 'to make defined' or 'to give a definition to'. Understanding this word is crucial for learners advancing beyond basic conversational Hindi into more academic, professional, or analytical discourse. It allows speakers to ask for clarity, provide exact meanings, and engage in deeper intellectual conversations. The root of the word traces back to Sanskrit, where 'pari' means 'around' or 'fully', and 'bhasha' relates to 'speech' or 'language'. Thus, to define something is to speak fully around its boundaries, leaving no ambiguity. In modern Hindi, it is used across various domains including science, law, literature, and daily analytical conversations. Let us explore the various dimensions of this word through structured examples and linguistic breakdowns.
- Linguistic Components
- The word is split into two parts: the Sanskrit-derived 'परिभाषित' and the native Hindi auxiliary 'करना'.
कृपया इस शब्द को परिभाषित करना सीखें। (Please learn to define this word.)
When we look at how native speakers utilize this term, it often appears in contexts where precision is demanded. For instance, in a legal setting, defining terms is the first step of any contract. In a classroom, a teacher might ask a student to define a scientific process. The versatility of the word lies in its ability to adapt to both concrete and abstract nouns. You can define a mathematical formula, but you can also define what 'happiness' or 'success' means to you personally. This dual capability makes it a powerful tool in a learner's vocabulary arsenal.
- Transitivity
- Transitive (सकर्मक क्रिया - Sakarmak Kriya). It always acts upon an object.
सफलता को परिभाषित करना आसान नहीं है। (It is not easy to define success.)
Furthermore, the pronunciation requires attention to the aspirated 'भ' (bh) and the retroflex 'ष' (sh). Mispronouncing these can lead to a lack of clarity, though context usually saves the day. The emphasis is typically on the third syllable 'bha'. Let's look at more examples to solidify this understanding.
विज्ञान में हर नियम को परिभाषित करना आवश्यक है। (In science, it is necessary to define every rule.)
- Synonym Context
- While 'व्याख्या करना' (to explain) is similar, 'परिभाषित करना' is strictly about setting exact boundaries or meanings.
क्या आप अपनी भूमिका को परिभाषित करना चाहेंगे? (Would you like to define your role?)
संविधान नागरिक अधिकारों को परिभाषित करता है। (The constitution defines citizen rights.)
To truly master this word, one must practice conjugating the 'करना' part according to tense, gender, and number, while keeping 'परिभाषित' unchanged. This immutability of the first part is a characteristic of Hindi conjunct verbs, making them relatively easy to manage once the base rules of 'करना' are understood. By integrating this word into your daily practice, you elevate your Hindi from mere survival phrases to articulate, thoughtful communication.
Using the verb परिभाषित करना correctly involves understanding Hindi sentence structure, specifically the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order, and the mechanics of conjunct verbs. Because 'परिभाषित' is an adjective functioning as the nominal part of the conjunct verb, it remains completely uninflected regardless of the subject or object. The entire grammatical weight—tense, aspect, mood, gender, and number—falls upon the verb 'करना' (to do). For example, if a male is speaking in the present continuous tense, he says 'मैं परिभाषित कर रहा हूँ' (I am defining). If a female is speaking, she says 'मैं परिभाषित कर रही हूँ'. The core word 'परिभाषित' does not change to 'परिभाषिता' or any other form in this context. This simplifies the learning curve significantly. Let us break down the usage across different tenses and contexts to provide a comprehensive guide for learners aiming for fluency and precision.
- Present Tense Usage
- Used to state facts, general truths, or current actions of defining.
यह किताब नए विचारों को परिभाषित करती है। (This book defines new ideas.)
When using this verb with an object, you must decide whether to use the postposition 'को' (ko). As a general rule in Hindi, specific, animate, or highly emphasized inanimate objects take 'को'. Abstract nouns or general inanimate objects often do not. For instance, 'समस्या को परिभाषित करना' (to define the problem) uses 'को' because 'the problem' is a specific, focal point of the sentence. However, 'शब्द परिभाषित करना' (to define words) in a general sense might drop the 'को'. This nuance is key to sounding like a native speaker.
- Past Tense Usage
- In the perfective past tense, because 'करना' is transitive, the subject must take the ergative marker 'ने' (ne).
वैज्ञानिकों ने इस बीमारी को परिभाषित किया। (Scientists defined this disease.)
The 'ने' (ne) rule is one of the most critical grammar points in Hindi. When you say 'I defined the word', it becomes 'मैंने शब्द को परिभाषित किया' (Main-ne shabd ko paribhashit kiya). The verb 'किया' agrees with the object 'शब्द' (masculine singular), not the subject 'मैं'. This ergative alignment is mandatory for all transitive verbs in perfective tenses, and 'परिभाषित करना' is no exception. Mastering this will drastically reduce grammatical errors in your written and spoken Hindi.
हम कल इस योजना को परिभाषित करेंगे। (We will define this plan tomorrow.)
- Passive Voice
- To say 'is defined', use 'परिभाषित किया जाता है' (paribhashit kiya jata hai).
लोकतंत्र को जनता के शासन के रूप में परिभाषित किया जाता है। (Democracy is defined as the rule of the people.)
उसे एक अच्छे नेता के रूप में परिभाषित करना मुश्किल है। (It is difficult to define him as a good leader.)
Finally, the infinitive form 'परिभाषित करना' itself acts as a verbal noun (gerund). You can use it as the subject of a sentence, such as 'चीजों को परिभाषित करना मेरा काम है' (Defining things is my job). This flexibility allows you to construct complex, sophisticated sentences, making it an indispensable word for anyone aiming to achieve a B1 or higher proficiency level in Hindi. Practice forming sentences in all tenses to build muscle memory.
The phrase परिभाषित करना is not typically found in casual, street-level slang or informal banter among friends. Instead, it belongs to the formal, academic, professional, and literary registers of the Hindi language. You will encounter this word frequently in environments where precision of language is paramount. For a language learner, knowing where to expect this word helps in anticipating the tone and complexity of the conversation. It signals a shift from casual chat to a more structured, analytical discussion. Let's explore the primary domains where this verb is a staple, providing you with the contextual awareness needed to navigate advanced Hindi environments effectively.
- Academic and Educational Settings
- Classrooms, textbooks, lectures, and examinations are the most common places to hear this.
शिक्षक ने छात्रों से गुरुत्वाकर्षण को परिभाषित करने के लिए कहा। (The teacher asked the students to define gravity.)
In schools and universities across Hindi-speaking regions, exam papers frequently use this verb in their prompt questions. A question might start with '...की परिभाषा दें' (give the definition of...) or '...को परिभाषित करें' (define...). If you are studying in India or reading Hindi academic material, recognizing this command is essential for understanding what is being asked of you. It demands a specific, accurate answer rather than a general explanation.
- Corporate and Professional Environments
- Used in meetings, policy drafting, and strategic planning.
हमें अपने प्रोजेक्ट के लक्ष्यों को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित करना होगा। (We must clearly define the goals of our project.)
In the corporate world, clarity is money. Managers and team leaders use this term to ensure everyone is on the same page. You might hear it during the initiation phase of a project, where roles, responsibilities, and deliverables need to be established. It adds a layer of professionalism and seriousness to the discourse. Using it in a business email or presentation demonstrates a strong command of formal Hindi.
कानून में इस अपराध को कैसे परिभाषित किया गया है? (How is this crime defined in the law?)
- News and Journalism
- News anchors and journalists use it when discussing policies, laws, or social issues.
सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने निजता के अधिकार को फिर से परिभाषित किया। (The Supreme Court redefined the right to privacy.)
साहित्य में प्रेम को कई तरीकों से परिभाषित किया जा सकता है। (In literature, love can be defined in many ways.)
Finally, in literature, poetry critiques, and philosophical debates, the word is used to explore the boundaries of human experience. Authors and critics discuss how different eras or writers define concepts like morality, beauty, or truth. In these contexts, the word bridges the gap between abstract thought and concrete language. By tuning into Hindi news channels, reading editorials, or watching formal interviews, you will repeatedly encounter this word, reinforcing your understanding of its appropriate usage and context.
Even advanced learners can stumble when using formal vocabulary like परिभाषित करना. Because it is a compound verb operating within a language that relies heavily on postpositions and strict agreement rules, several pitfalls await the unwary student. Identifying and understanding these common mistakes is the fastest way to refine your Hindi and sound more like a native speaker. The errors usually fall into three categories: grammatical agreement (especially with the 'ne' construction), incorrect prepositional usage, and semantic confusion with similar words. Let us dissect these errors in detail, providing clear corrections and explanations to ensure you avoid them in your own communication.
- Mistake 1: Ignoring the 'ने' (ne) rule in past tense
- Because 'करना' is transitive, perfective past tenses require the subject to take 'ने'.
Incorrect: मैं शब्द को परिभाषित किया।
Correct: मैंने शब्द को परिभाषित किया। (I defined the word.)
This is arguably the most frequent error. Learners often translate directly from English ('I defined') and forget that Hindi restructures the sentence around the object in the past tense. When you use 'परिभाषित किया', the verb 'किया' is looking at the object ('शब्द' - masculine singular) for its gender and number, while the subject ('मैं') is blocked by the postposition 'ने'. Forgetting the 'ने' makes the sentence grammatically invalid and immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.
- Mistake 2: Inflecting the word 'परिभाषित'
- Learners sometimes try to change the ending of 'परिभाषित' to match gender.
Incorrect: वह (लड़की) परिभाषिता कर रही है।
Correct: वह (लड़की) परिभाषित कर रही है। (She is defining.)
In Hindi, some adjectives change their endings (e.g., अच्छा, अच्छी, अच्छे). However, 'परिभाषित' is a Sanskrit loanword ending in a consonant sound (the inherent 'a' is dropped in modern Hindi pronunciation), and it acts as a fixed nominal base in this compound verb. It never changes to 'परिभाषिता' or 'परिभाषी'. All gender and number modifications must happen on the auxiliary verb 'करना' (करती है, करते हैं, कर रहा है, etc.).
Incorrect: इसका परिभाषित क्या है?
Correct: इसकी परिभाषा क्या है? (What is its definition?)
- Mistake 3: Using the verb instead of the noun
- 'परिभाषित करना' is the verb (to define). 'परिभाषा' is the noun (definition).
Incorrect: मुझे एक परिभाषित दो।
Correct: मुझे एक परिभाषा दो। (Give me a definition.)
Incorrect: उसने मुझे परिभाषित किया कि कैसे जाना है।
Correct: उसने मुझे समझाया कि कैसे जाना है। (He explained to me how to go.)
The final common mistake is semantic overextension. Because 'to define' and 'to explain' can sometimes overlap in English, learners use 'परिभाषित करना' for general explanations or instructions. In Hindi, 'परिभाषित करना' is strictly for setting boundaries of meaning (like a dictionary). If you are explaining a process, giving directions, or clarifying a situation, you should use 'समझाना' (samjhana - to explain) or 'बताना' (batana - to tell). Reserving 'परिभाषित करना' for its precise meaning will make your Hindi sound much more accurate and sophisticated.
The richness of the Hindi language lies in its vast vocabulary, often providing several words that orbit the same general concept but carry distinct nuances. When dealing with the concept of explaining, clarifying, or defining, परिभाषित करना is just one tool in the toolbox. To achieve true fluency, a learner must understand not just what a word means, but how it differs from its synonyms. Using the wrong synonym can change the tone of your sentence from academic to casual, or alter the meaning entirely. Let us explore the words that are most commonly associated with or confused with 'परिभाषित करना', detailing their specific use cases and how they contrast with our primary focus word.
- 1. समझाना (Samjhana) - To Explain / To make someone understand
- This is the most common, everyday word for clarifying something.
क्या आप मुझे यह नियम समझा सकते हैं? (Can you explain this rule to me?)
While 'परिभाषित करना' is about the exact meaning of a term, 'समझाना' is about the process of making someone else comprehend a concept, situation, or process. You define a word, but you explain a math problem. 'समझाना' is highly versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts. If a child asks why the sky is blue, you 'samjhana' (explain) it to them; you don't 'paribhashit karna' (define) it.
- 2. व्याख्या करना (Vyakhya Karna) - To Explain in detail / To Expound
- A highly formal word used for detailed analysis, often of texts or complex theories.
प्रोफेसर ने कविता की व्याख्या की। (The professor explained/expounded the poem.)
'व्याख्या करना' goes a step further than defining. A definition is usually short and precise. A 'vyakhya' (explanation/commentary) is long, detailed, and often involves personal interpretation or deep analysis. You define a legal term in one sentence, but you might write a ten-page 'vyakhya' on a Supreme Court judgment. It shares the formal register of 'परिभाषित करना' but serves a different structural purpose in academic writing.
कृपया अपनी बात स्पष्ट करें। (Please clarify your point.)
- 3. स्पष्ट करना (Spasht Karna) - To Clarify / To make clear
- Used when something is confusing or ambiguous and needs to be made understandable.
सरकार ने अपनी नई नीति को स्पष्ट किया। (The government clarified its new policy.)
उसने घटना का वर्णन किया। (He described the incident.)
Lastly, 'वर्णन करना' (Varnan Karna - to describe) is about painting a picture with words. You describe a beautiful landscape or a sequence of events. You do not define them. Understanding these distinctions—समझाना (explain for understanding), व्याख्या करना (expound in detail), स्पष्ट करना (clarify to remove doubt), and वर्णन करना (describe visually/sequentially)—will dramatically improve your precision in Hindi. 'परिभाषित करना' remains uniquely dedicated to establishing exact, boundary-setting meanings, much like a dictionary entry. Mastering this ecosystem of words elevates your language skills from intermediate to advanced.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
The Ergative Case ('ने' Rule) in Hindi
Compound Verbs (Noun/Adjective + Verb)
Passive Voice Formation in Hindi
Use of Postposition 'को' with Objects
Infinitive Verbs as Nouns (Gerunds)
Examples by Level
यह क्या है?
What is this? (Instead of asking for a definition)
A1 learners use simple questions rather than the complex verb 'to define'.
इसका मतलब क्या है?
What does this mean?
'मतलब' (meaning) is used instead of 'परिभाषा' (definition).
मुझे समझ नहीं आया।
I did not understand.
Expressing lack of understanding directly.
कृपया मुझे बताओ।
Please tell me.
Using simple verbs like 'बताना' (to tell).
यह शब्द नया है।
This word is new.
Identifying the need for a definition without using the word.
परिभाषा याद करो।
Memorize the definition.
Recognizing the noun form 'परिभाषा' in a command.
किताब में देखो।
Look in the book.
Action taken to find a meaning.
शिक्षक से पूछो।
Ask the teacher.
Seeking help for meaning.
कृपया इस शब्द को परिभाषित करें।
Please define this word.
Formal imperative form 'करें' used for requests.
मैं इसे परिभाषित नहीं कर सकता।
I cannot define it.
Using 'सकना' (can) with the compound verb.
क्या आप इसे परिभाषित कर सकते हैं?
Can you define this?
Interrogative sentence structure with 'क्या'.
इसकी परिभाषा बहुत लंबी है।
Its definition is very long.
Using the noun form 'परिभाषा' as the subject.
हमें नियम को परिभाषित करना है।
We have to define the rule.
Infinitive + 'है' expressing obligation.
वह विज्ञान को परिभाषित कर रहा है।
He is defining science.
Present continuous tense, masculine singular.
मैंने डिक्शनरी में देखा।
I looked in the dictionary.
Action related to finding definitions.
यह एक अच्छी परिभाषा है।
This is a good definition.
Adjective modifying the noun 'परिभाषा'.
मैंने इस समस्या को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित किया।
I defined this problem clearly.
Past perfective with 'ने' and the adverb 'स्पष्ट रूप से'.
सफलता को परिभाषित करना हर व्यक्ति के लिए अलग होता है।
Defining success is different for every person.
Using the infinitive 'परिभाषित करना' as a verbal noun (subject).
शिक्षक ने हमें नए शब्दों को परिभाषित करने का काम दिया।
The teacher gave us the task of defining new words.
Infinitive with postposition 'के लिए/का' indicating purpose/task.
जब तक हम लक्ष्य को परिभाषित नहीं करेंगे, हम आगे नहीं बढ़ सकते।
Unless we define the goal, we cannot move forward.
Conditional sentence using 'जब तक... नहीं'.
इस कानून को पिछले साल परिभाषित किया गया था।
This law was defined last year.
Past passive voice construction.
क्या आप अपने काम की भूमिका को परिभाषित कर सकते हैं?
Can you define your job role?
Using the verb in a professional context.
उसने खुशी को एक बहुत ही सुंदर तरीके से परिभाषित किया।
She defined happiness in a very beautiful way.
Past tense with 'ने' and an abstract object.
हमें इस शब्द को फिर से परिभाषित करने की आवश्यकता है।
We need to redefine this word.
Using 'फिर से' to mean 'redefine' + obligation structure.
यह लेख आधुनिक कला को एक नए दृष्टिकोण से परिभाषित करता है।
This article defines modern art from a new perspective.
Present simple, formal academic register.
संविधान में नागरिकों के मौलिक अधिकारों को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित किया गया है।
Fundamental rights of citizens are clearly defined in the constitution.
Formal passive voice, legal vocabulary.
वैज्ञानिकों के लिए चेतना को परिभाषित करना एक बड़ी चुनौती बनी हुई है।
Defining consciousness remains a major challenge for scientists.
Complex sentence structure with abstract concepts.
उसने अपनी थीसिस में इस जटिल अवधारणा को बहुत अच्छी तरह से परिभाषित किया है।
He has defined this complex concept very well in his thesis.
Present perfect tense with 'ने'.
किसी भी परियोजना को शुरू करने से पहले, उसके मापदंडों को परिभाषित करना अनिवार्य है।
Before starting any project, it is mandatory to define its parameters.
Use of gerund phrase before a main clause.
समाज अक्सर सफलता को केवल आर्थिक लाभ के रूप में परिभाषित करता है।
Society often defines success solely in terms of financial gain.
Using 'के रूप में' (in the form of / as).
हमें अपनी रणनीति को फिर से परिभाषित करने पर विचार करना चाहिए।
We should consider redefining our strategy.
Infinitive + 'पर विचार करना' (to consider doing).
जिस तरह से उन्होंने स्थिति को परिभाषित किया, वह पूरी तरह से भ्रामक था।
The way he defined the situation was completely misleading.
Relative clause 'जिस तरह से' (the way in which).
वर्तमान भू-राजनीतिक परिदृश्य में, राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा को व्यापक अर्थों में परिभाषित किया जाना चाहिए।
In the current geopolitical scenario, national security must be defined in broader terms.
Complex passive obligation 'किया जाना चाहिए'.
लेखक ने उत्तर-आधुनिकतावाद को उन सीमाओं के माध्यम से परिभाषित किया है जो इसे आधुनिकतावाद से अलग करती हैं।
The author has defined postmodernism through the boundaries that separate it from modernism.
Advanced relative clause structure 'जो इसे... अलग करती हैं'.
न्यायालय का यह निर्णय 'निजता' शब्द को एक अभूतपूर्व तरीके से पुनः परिभाषित करता है।
This judgment of the court redefines the word 'privacy' in an unprecedented way.
Highly formal legal register and vocabulary.
यह तर्क देना कि कला को परिभाषित नहीं किया जा सकता, स्वयं में कला की एक परिभाषा है।
To argue that art cannot be defined is in itself a definition of art.
Philosophical paradox structure using infinitives as subjects.
कॉर्पोरेट प्रशासन के संदर्भ में, हितधारकों की जिम्मेदारियों को कड़ाई से परिभाषित किया गया है।
In the context of corporate governance, the responsibilities of stakeholders are strictly defined.
Use of 'के संदर्भ में' (in the context of).
भाषाविज्ञान में, किसी भी ध्वनिग्राम को उसके न्यूनतम युग्मों के आधार पर परिभाषित किया जाता है।
In linguistics, any phoneme is defined on the basis of its minimal pairs.
Domain-specific academic vocabulary (Linguistics).
उन्होंने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि सफलता को केवल मात्रात्मक मीट्रिक द्वारा परिभाषित करने से गुणात्मक विकास की अनदेखी होती है।
He emphasized that defining success solely by quantitative metrics overlooks qualitative growth.
Complex sentence with embedded clauses and abstract nouns.
यह नीति उन मापदंडों को परिभाषित करने में विफल रही जिनके आधार पर धन का आवंटन किया जाना था।
This policy failed to define the parameters based on which the funds were to be allocated.
Advanced relative clause 'जिनके आधार पर' (based on which).
दार्शनिक विमर्श में, 'अस्तित्व' को परिभाषित करने का प्रयास अक्सर सत्तामीमांसीय जटिलताओं में उलझ जाता है।
In philosophical discourse, the attempt to define 'existence' often gets entangled in ontological complexities.
Extremely high-register academic Hindi, use of specialized terms like 'सत्तामीमांसीय' (ontological).
कानून की व्याख्या करते समय, न्यायाधीशों को उन शब्दों को परिभाषित करने के लिए विधायी मंशा का सहारा लेना पड़ता है जो अन्यथा अस्पष्ट प्रतीत होते हैं।
While interpreting the law, judges have to resort to legislative intent to define words that otherwise appear ambiguous.
Complex syntactic structures involving participial phrases 'व्याख्या करते समय'.
साहित्यिक आलोचना में, किसी विधा को कठोरता से परिभाषित करना उसकी रचनात्मक तरलता को बाधित कर सकता है।
In literary criticism, defining a genre rigidly can hinder its creative fluidity.
Abstract concepts interacting: 'रचनात्मक तरलता' (creative fluidity).
क्वांटम यांत्रिकी ने वास्तविकता को जिस तरह से परिभाषित किया है, उसने शास्त्रीय भौतिकी के मूलभूत सिद्धांतों को हिला कर रख दिया है।
The way quantum mechanics has defined reality has shaken the fundamental principles of classical physics.
Use of idiomatic expression 'हिला कर रख देना' in an academic context.
यह विडंबना ही है कि जिस स्वतंत्रता को हम इतनी शिद्दत से परिभाषित करने का प्रयास करते हैं, वह अक्सर परिभाषाओं के बंधनों से ही नष्ट हो जाती है।
It is ironic that the freedom we try so intensely to define is often destroyed by the very bonds of definitions.
Sophisticated rhetorical structure 'यह विडंबना ही है कि...' (It is ironic that...).
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय कूटनीति में, 'आतंकवाद' को सार्वभौमिक रूप से स्वीकार्य तरीके से परिभाषित करने में विफलता एक निरंतर गतिरोध बनी हुई है।
In international diplomacy, the failure to define 'terrorism' in a universally acceptable manner remains a persistent deadlock.
High-level political and diplomatic register.
कवि ने मौन को शब्दों की अनुपस्थिति के रूप में नहीं, बल्कि एक मुखर उपस्थिति के रूप में परिभाषित किया है।
The poet has defined silence not as the absence of words, but as a vocal presence.
Poetic and philosophical contrast '...के रूप में नहीं, बल्कि...' (not as..., but as...).
संज्ञानात्मक मनोविज्ञान इस बात को परिभाषित करने का प्रयास करता है कि कैसे अमूर्त विचार तंत्रिका संबंधी गतिविधियों में परिवर्तित होते हैं।
Cognitive psychology attempts to define how abstract thoughts translate into neural activities.
Scientific register with complex embedded clauses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
'परिभाषित करना' is a high-register word. While perfectly correct, using it in very casual situations (like asking a friend to explain a movie plot) will sound unnaturally formal or robotic. Reserve it for concepts, terms, rules, and abstract ideas.
- Saying 'मैं शब्द को परिभाषित किया' instead of 'मैंने शब्द को परिभाषित किया'
- Saying 'वह परिभाषिता कर रही है' for a female subject.
- Using 'परिभाषित करना' when explaining how to cook a recipe.
- Saying 'मुझे एक परिभाषित दो' instead of 'मुझे एक परिभाषा दो'.
- Pronouncing it as 'paribasit' without the 'h' sound.
Tips
The 'Ne' Rule is Mandatory
Always remember that 'परिभाषित करना' is transitive. In the past tense, you must say 'मैंने परिभाषित किया' (I defined), not 'मैं परिभाषित किया'.
Noun vs Verb
Don't confuse the action with the thing. Use 'परिभाषा' when you need a noun (a definition) and 'परिभाषित करना' when you need a verb (to define).
Aspirate the 'Bh'
Make sure to pronounce the 'भ' (bh) with a strong puff of air. It is 'pari-BHA-shit', not 'pari-BA-shit'.
Keep it Formal
Save this word for formal writing, academic discussions, or professional meetings. Using it in casual slang sounds out of place.
Pair with 'Ke Roop Mein'
When giving a definition, use the phrase 'के रूप में' (as / in the form of). Example: 'X को Y के रूप में परिभाषित किया गया है'.
Object Placement
Place the object immediately before 'को परिभाषित करना' for the most natural-sounding Hindi sentence structure.
Define vs Explain
If you are answering 'How does this work?', use 'समझाना'. If you are answering 'What exactly is this?', use 'परिभाषित करना'.
Passive Voice Mastery
To sound like a native academic, practice the passive form 'परिभाषित किया जाता है'. It removes the subject and focuses on the definition itself.
Adding 'Punah'
To express 'redefine', add the formal prefix 'पुनः' (punah) before the verb: 'पुनः परिभाषित करना'.
Retroflex 'Sh'
Pay attention to the spelling. It uses the retroflex 'ष' (sh), not the palatal 'श' or dental 'स'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pari (Fairy) Bhasha (Language) - The fairy of language 'defines' all the magical words clearly.
Word Origin
Sanskrit
Cultural Context
High. Used in formal writing, news, academia, and professional settings.
Understood uniformly across the Hindi belt due to its Sanskrit origin, though Urdu speakers might prefer 'Ta'reef karna' in some contexts (though Ta'reef usually means praise, in strict Urdu grammar it means definition).
Using this word correctly signals a good education and a strong command of formal Hindi (Shuddh Hindi).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"आप 'सफलता' को कैसे परिभाषित करते हैं?"
"क्या हम इस समस्या को बेहतर तरीके से परिभाषित कर सकते हैं?"
"आपके अनुसार 'खुशी' को परिभाषित करना इतना मुश्किल क्यों है?"
"क्या आपको लगता है कि समाज 'सुंदरता' को गलत तरीके से परिभाषित करता है?"
"हमें अपने रिश्ते को परिभाषित करने की आवश्यकता है।"
Journal Prompts
अपने जीवन के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण लक्ष्य को परिभाषित करें।
एक आदर्श मित्र को आप कैसे परिभाषित करेंगे?
क्या 'स्वतंत्रता' को पूरी तरह से परिभाषित किया जा सकता है? अपने विचार लिखें।
आज के समाज में 'सफलता' को कैसे परिभाषित किया जाता है?
एक ऐसे शब्द के बारे में लिखें जिसे परिभाषित करना आपको सबसे कठिन लगता है।
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is better to use 'समझाना' (samjhana) for explaining a process. 'परिभाषित करना' is strictly for giving the exact meaning or setting the boundaries of a concept or word. You define a term, but you explain how a machine works.
No. In the compound verb 'परिभाषित करना', the word 'परिभाषित' acts as an invariable adjective. It never changes. Only the verb 'करना' changes to reflect gender, number, and tense (e.g., वह परिभाषित करती है).
Not always. If the object is a specific, definite noun (like 'इस समस्या को' - this problem), you use 'को'. If it is a general, abstract concept used in a broad sense (like 'शब्द परिभाषित करना' - defining words), 'को' can sometimes be dropped, though keeping it is usually grammatically safer for learners.
Because 'करना' (to do) is a transitive verb. In Hindi, all transitive verbs in the perfective past tense require the subject to take the postposition 'ने' (ne), and the verb then agrees with the object, not the subject.
'परिभाषा' is the noun meaning 'definition'. 'परिभाषित करना' is the verb meaning 'to define'. You give a 'परिभाषा', but you perform the action of 'परिभाषित करना'.
It is used in educated, formal, or professional spoken Hindi. You will hear it in news, universities, and offices. You will rarely hear it in a casual chat at a tea stall or among children playing.
You can say 'फिर से परिभाषित करना' (phir se paribhashit karna) or 'पुनः परिभाषित करना' (punah paribhashit karna). 'पुनः' is more formal than 'फिर से'.
Yes, very commonly. The passive form is 'परिभाषित किया जाता है' (is defined) or 'परिभाषित किया गया है' (has been defined). This is standard in textbooks and legal documents.
It comes from Sanskrit. 'परि' (pari) means around or fully, and 'भाषा' (bhasha) means speech or language. Together, it means to speak fully around the boundaries of something.
Yes, but usually in an abstract or psychological sense, like 'defining someone's character' or 'defining someone's role'. You wouldn't use it to physically describe someone; for that, use 'वर्णन करना' (varnan karna).
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Summary
'परिभाषित करना' is your go-to verb for precision. Use it when you need to establish the exact boundaries or meaning of a concept, word, or rule, especially in formal, academic, or professional settings. Remember to apply transitive verb rules!
- Means 'to define' or 'to state the exact meaning'.
- A formal compound verb used in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
- Requires the 'ने' (ne) rule in the past tense because it is transitive.
- Do not confuse with 'समझाना' (to explain) which is more general.
The 'Ne' Rule is Mandatory
Always remember that 'परिभाषित करना' is transitive. In the past tense, you must say 'मैंने परिभाषित किया' (I defined), not 'मैं परिभाषित किया'.
Noun vs Verb
Don't confuse the action with the thing. Use 'परिभाषा' when you need a noun (a definition) and 'परिभाषित करना' when you need a verb (to define).
Aspirate the 'Bh'
Make sure to pronounce the 'भ' (bh) with a strong puff of air. It is 'pari-BHA-shit', not 'pari-BA-shit'.
Keep it Formal
Save this word for formal writing, academic discussions, or professional meetings. Using it in casual slang sounds out of place.
Related Content
More academic words
आचार्य
B1A respected teacher, scholar, or professor.
आगे चलकर
B1At a later or subsequent time; in the future.
आकलन
B1The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone.
आकलन करना
B1To assess; to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
आँकना
B1To estimate or calculate the value, quantity, or extent of something.
आंकना
B1To assess, estimate, evaluate.
आंकड़ा
A2Data; facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
आँकड़े
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
आँकड़ा
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis; data.
आंकड़े
B1Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
