परिजन in 30 Seconds
- Parijan means family members or kin.
- It is more formal than 'Gharwale' or 'Pariwar'.
- Derived from Sanskrit 'Pari' (around) and 'Jan' (people).
- Commonly used in news, invitations, and formal speech.
The Hindi word परिजन (Parijan) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'members of one's family,' 'kin,' or 'household members.' While the common word 'Pariwar' refers to the abstract concept of family as a unit, 'Parijan' specifically emphasizes the individuals who constitute that family. It is derived from the Sanskrit roots 'Pari' (around/surrounding) and 'Jan' (people/individuals), literally meaning 'the people surrounding you' in a domestic or blood-related context. In modern Hindi, it carries a tone of respect and formality, often used in invitations, news reporting, and literature to denote the close circle of relatives who share a bond of kinship or residence.
- Etymological Root
- Sanskrit: परि (Pari - around) + जन (Jan - person). It signifies those who are inherently part of your immediate social circle.
- Grammatical Category
- Masculine Noun (usually treated as plural in context, though singular in form).
- Register
- Formal to Semi-Formal. Used in weddings, obituaries, and legal contexts.
"विवाह के शुभ अवसर पर सभी परिजन एकत्रित हुए।" (All the family members gathered on the auspicious occasion of the wedding.)
Understanding 'Parijan' requires looking at the collective nature of Indian society. Unlike 'Rishtedar' (relatives), which can include distant cousins and in-laws, 'Parijan' often implies a closer, more intimate circle—those who are 'your people.' It is frequently used in the plural sense to refer to the group of people who are grieving (shokakul parijan) or celebrating. The word evokes a sense of belonging and duty. In a legal or administrative sense, it might refer to the next of kin. In a poetic sense, it refers to the soul's companions.
"दुख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजन उनके साथ हैं।" (In this hour of grief, his family members are with him.)
The word is also versatile in how it bridges the gap between biological family and chosen family. In some high-register literature, 'Parijan' can refer to the attendants or close associates of a noble household, though this usage is rarer today. Most commonly, you will see it in newspapers. If there is an accident, the report will mention that the 'Parijan' of the victims have been informed. This usage underscores the official yet personal connection between the individual and their support system.
"अस्पताल के बाहर परिजन बेसब्री से इंतज़ार कर रहे थे।" (The family members were waiting anxiously outside the hospital.)
- Synonymic Variance
- While 'Saga-sambandhi' covers all relatives, 'Parijan' feels more cohesive and immediate.
To master this word, one must recognize its emotional weight. It is not a cold, clinical term like 'household members' in an English census. It carries the warmth of shared history and the responsibility of mutual care. When someone says 'Mere parijan,' they are identifying a group that defines their social identity. It is a word of inclusion. In political speeches, leaders often address the public as 'Parijan' to create a sense of familial bond with the electorate, suggesting that the entire nation is one large household.
"मेरे प्यारे परिजन, आज हम एक नए युग की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं।" (My dear family members/fellow citizens, today we begin a new era.)
"स्वस्थ रहने के लिए अपने परिजन का भी ध्यान रखें।" (To stay healthy, take care of your family members as well.)
Using 'Parijan' correctly involves understanding its level of formality. It is rarely used in casual slang between friends (where 'gharwale' is preferred) but is the standard in written communication and respectful speech. Here is a breakdown of its usage across different domains.
1. Formal Invitations and Announcements
In wedding cards or formal event invitations, 'Parijan' is used to include the entire family of the invitee. You might see phrases like 'Saparivar' (with family) or 'Sahit Parijan' (along with family members). It signals that the invitation extends to the household.
2. News and Media
Journalists use 'Parijan' to refer to the families of public figures or victims of events. It provides a professional distance while remaining respectful. For example, 'The family members of the martyr were honored' would translate to 'Shaheed ke parijanon ko sammanit kiya gaya.'
3. Literature and Poetry
In Hindi literature, 'Parijan' is used to evoke a sense of domesticity or the pain of separation from loved ones. It sounds more rhythmic and evocative than 'Pariwar' in a poetic meter.
- Grammar Tip
- When using postpositions like 'ko', 'ne', or 'se', 'Parijan' becomes 'Parijanon'. Example: 'Parijanon ne kaha' (The family members said).
"अपने परिजन से दूर रहना कठिन होता है।" (It is difficult to stay away from one's family members.)
When speaking, use 'Parijan' when you want to show extra respect to the person you are talking to. If you ask about someone's family using 'Parijan,' it sounds more polite than 'Gharwale.' For instance, 'Aapke parijan kaise hain?' (How are your family members?) is a very gracious way to inquire about someone's well-being.
In administrative contexts, 'Parijan' is used in forms and applications. If a form asks for 'Parijan ka vivaran,' it is asking for details of your family members. This is common in insurance, banking, and government documentation. It implies a legal or semi-legal recognition of the kinship bond.
"कृपया अपने परिजन का नाम यहाँ लिखें।" (Please write the name of your family member here.)
You will encounter 'Parijan' in several specific environments. Recognizing these contexts will help you grasp the word's 'flavor' and appropriate usage level.
1. Television News Reports
This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word today. News anchors use it constantly. 'The family members (parijan) are protesting,' 'The family members (parijan) have expressed joy,' or 'The family members (parijan) are demanding justice.' It is the standard journalistic term for relatives involved in a story.
2. Religious and Social Gatherings
During a 'Pravachan' (religious discourse) or a social 'Sabha' (meeting), speakers often use 'Parijan' to address the audience as a collective family. It fosters a sense of community. A priest might say, 'Satsang ke sabhi parijan' (All the family members of this spiritual gathering).
3. Formal Speeches
Politicians and corporate leaders use the word to sound relatable yet dignified. By calling the citizens or employees 'Parijan,' they bridge the professional gap with a touch of personal warmth. It is a strategic word choice in Hindi oratory.
"आज पूरा देश एक परिजन की तरह खड़ा है।" (Today the whole country stands like one family.)
4. Obituaries and Condolence Messages
In newspapers, the 'Shok Sandesh' (condolence message) section is filled with this word. 'Shokakul Parijan' (the grieving family members) is a fixed phrase used to list the survivors of the deceased. It is the most respectful way to refer to those in mourning.
In daily life, you might hear an elder use it when talking about their lineage or household. It carries a sense of tradition. If you visit a traditional Indian household, the host might introduce someone as 'Ye hamare parijan hain' (This person is a member of our family/household), which sounds much more elegant than just saying 'Ye mera bhai hai' (This is my brother) if they want to emphasize the person's status within the family structure.
While 'Parijan' is a straightforward word, learners often make subtle errors in its application and grammar. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.
1. Confusing 'Pariwar' and 'Parijan'
The most common mistake is using them interchangeably in every context. 'Pariwar' is the 'family' as a whole unit (e.g., 'My family is big'). 'Parijan' refers to the 'people' in the family (e.g., 'My family members are coming'). You cannot say 'Mera parijan bada hai' (My family member is big) to mean you have a large family; you should say 'Mera pariwar bada hai.'
2. Incorrect Pluralization
Learners often forget that 'Parijan' is inherently plural in many contexts but follows specific rules for the oblique case. You don't say 'Parijanen' or 'Parijani'. The plural is 'Parijan', and the oblique plural (with prepositions) is 'Parijanon'.
- Incorrect
- परिजनें आ रहे हैं। (Parijanen aa rahe hain - WRONG)
- Correct
- परिजन आ रहे हैं। (Parijan aa rahe hain - RIGHT)
3. Overusing in Casual Speech
Using 'Parijan' while hanging out with friends can sound overly stiff or 'bookish.' If you say to a friend, 'Mere parijan kal cinema jayenge,' it sounds like you are reading from a textbook. In casual conversation, use 'Gharwale' or 'Mummy-Papa'. Save 'Parijan' for when you want to be formal or respectful.
4. Misunderstanding the Scope
Sometimes learners use 'Parijan' to mean 'friends' because they feel like family. While poetic, in standard Hindi, 'Parijan' strictly implies kinship or household membership. For friends who are like family, the term 'Mitra-gan' or 'Saha-pariwar' is better, or simply 'Dost'.
"सभी परिजन खुश थे।" (All family members were happy.) - Note the masculine plural agreement.
Hindi has a rich vocabulary for relationships. Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 'Parijan' will help you choose the exact word for the right situation.
- परिवार (Pariwar)
- The most common word for 'family'. It refers to the unit or the institution. 'Mera pariwar' = My family.
- कुटुंब (Kutumb)
- A very formal, often Sanskritized word for family or lineage. It implies an extended family or a clan. 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family).
- रिश्तेदार (Rishtedar)
- Relatives. This is a broader term that includes everyone related by blood or marriage, even those who don't live with you or aren't 'close' kin.
- सगे-संबंधी (Sage-Sambandhi)
- Kith and kin. This compound word is very common in formal invitations and refers to all near and dear relatives.
- घरवाले (Gharwale)
- Literally 'house-people'. This is the colloquial, everyday term for family members. 'Mere gharwale nahi manenge' (My family won't agree).
"कुटुंब और परिजन में सूक्ष्म अंतर होता है।" (There is a subtle difference between 'Kutumb' and 'Parijan'.)
When choosing between these, consider the 'closeness' and 'formality'. 'Gharwale' is for your friends, 'Pariwar' is for general facts, 'Parijan' is for formal respect, and 'Kutumb' is for philosophical or very traditional contexts. There is also the word 'Swajan' (one's own people), which is even more poetic and intimate than 'Parijan'.
In legal documents, you might also see 'Aashrit' (dependents), which is a subset of 'Parijan'. Understanding these distinctions makes your Hindi sound more natural and precise. For example, if you are writing a formal letter to a boss, you would ask about their 'Parijan', not their 'Gharwale'.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Pluralization of masculine nouns ending in consonants
Oblique case with postpositions
Honorific plural (Aadararthak Bahuvachan)
Genitive case markers (ka/ke/ki)
Ergative case 'ne' with plural subjects
Examples by Level
मेरे परिजन यहाँ हैं।
My family members are here.
Uses 'mere' (masc. plural) to agree with 'parijan'.
क्या आपके परिजन ठीक हैं?
Are your family members okay?
Interrogative sentence with plural agreement.
मेरे परिजन बहुत अच्छे हैं।
My family members are very good.
Adjective 'achhe' is in plural form.
वह अपने परिजन के साथ है।
He is with his family member.
Here used in a singular sense with 'ke saath'.
परिजन खुश हैं।
The family members are happy.
Simple subject-verb agreement.
मेरे परिजन घर पर हैं।
My family members are at home.
Locative case 'ghar par'.
नमस्ते परिजन!
Hello family members!
Vocative usage.
परिजन आ रहे हैं।
Family members are coming.
Present continuous tense.
मैं अपने परिजनों से प्यार करता हूँ।
I love my family members.
Oblique plural 'parijanon' used with 'se'.
दिवाली पर सभी परिजन मिलते हैं।
All family members meet on Diwali.
Use of 'sabhi' (all) to emphasize the group.
मेरे परिजनों ने मुझे उपहार दिया।
My family members gave me a gift.
Ergative case 'ne' with oblique plural.
क्या आप अपने परिजनों को याद करते हैं?
Do you miss your family members?
Oblique plural with 'ko'.
मेरे परिजन दिल्ली में रहते हैं।
My family members live in Delhi.
Habitual present tense.
मैं अपने परिजनों के लिए खाना बना रहा हूँ।
I am cooking food for my family members.
Oblique plural with 'ke liye'.
उसके परिजन बहुत दयालु हैं।
His family members are very kind.
Adjective 'dayalu' remains same in plural.
परिजन साथ खाना खाते हैं।
Family members eat together.
Simple plural subject.
विवाह में दूल्हे के परिजन भी आए थे।
The groom's family members also came to the wedding.
Genitive 'ke' linking 'dulhe' and 'parijan'.
डॉक्टर ने परिजनों को बुलाया।
The doctor called the family members.
Definite object with 'ko'.
हमें अपने परिजनों का सम्मान करना चाहिए।
We should respect our family members.
Modal verb 'chahiye' with genitive 'ka'.
परिजन अक्सर मुश्किल समय में मदद करते हैं।
Family members often help during difficult times.
Adverb 'aksar' (often) used.
मेरे परिजनों की राय अलग है।
My family members' opinion is different.
Genitive 'ki' agreeing with 'raay' (opinion).
क्या परिजनों को सूचित कर दिया गया है?
Have the family members been informed?
Passive construction.
परिजन समारोह की तैयारी कर रहे हैं।
The family members are preparing for the ceremony.
Compound verb 'taiyari karna'.
वह अपने परिजनों से सलाह लेता है।
He takes advice from his family members.
Ablative 'se' for source of advice.
शोकाकुल परिजनों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं।
My condolences to the grieving family members.
Formal phrase 'ke prati' (towards).
संपत्ति के विवाद में परिजन भी शामिल थे।
Family members were also involved in the property dispute.
Locative 'mein' with 'shamil' (involved).
परिजन ही व्यक्ति की असली ताकत होते हैं।
Family members alone are a person's true strength.
Emphatic particle 'hi'.
अस्पताल में परिजनों की भीड़ जमा हो गई।
A crowd of family members gathered at the hospital.
Collective noun 'bheed' with genitive.
परिजन और मित्रों के बीच अंतर समझना ज़रूरी है।
It is important to understand the difference between family and friends.
Comparison using 'ke beech'.
सरकार ने शहीद के परिजनों को मुआवज़ा दिया।
The government gave compensation to the martyr's family members.
Formal administrative context.
परिजन अपनी परंपराओं को सहेज कर रखते हैं।
Family members preserve their traditions.
Reflexive pronoun 'apni'.
क्या परिजनों ने इस फैसले का विरोध किया?
Did the family members oppose this decision?
Past tense with ergative 'ne'.
सांस्कृतिक मूल्यों का हस्तांतरण परिजनों के माध्यम से होता है।
The transfer of cultural values happens through family members.
Academic vocabulary: 'hastantaran' (transfer).
परिजन अक्सर सामाजिक दबाव का कारण बन जाते हैं।
Family members often become the cause of social pressure.
Abstract noun 'dabav' (pressure).
मृतक के परिजनों ने अंगदान का साहसी निर्णय लिया।
The family members of the deceased took the brave decision of organ donation.
Complex subject with 'mritak' (deceased).
परिजन शब्द की उत्पत्ति संस्कृत के 'परि' और 'जन' से हुई है।
The word 'Parijan' originates from the Sanskrit 'Pari' and 'Jan'.
Linguistic analysis sentence.
आधुनिक युग में परिजनों के बीच संवाद की कमी देखी जा रही है।
In the modern era, a lack of communication is being seen among family members.
Passive voice 'dekhi ja rahi hai'.
परिजन केवल रक्त संबंधी नहीं, बल्कि भावनात्मक सहारा भी हैं।
Family members are not just blood relatives, but also emotional support.
Correlative conjunction 'keval... balki' (not only... but also).
विदेशी भूमि पर अपने परिजनों की याद और भी सताती है।
The memory of one's family members haunts even more on foreign soil.
Poetic verb 'satati' (to haunt/tease).
परिजन ही समाज की आधारभूत इकाई का निर्माण करते हैं।
Family members themselves form the basic unit of society.
Sociological context.
परिजन की परिभाषा अब पारंपरिक सीमाओं को लांघ रही है।
The definition of 'family member' is now transcending traditional boundaries.
Metaphorical verb 'langhna' (to leap over/transcend).
साहित्य में 'परिजन' शब्द अक्सर आंतरिक एकाकीपन के विपरीत खड़ा होता है।
In literature, the word 'Parijan' often stands in contrast to inner loneliness.
Literary criticism style.
परिजन के प्रति मोह और कर्तव्य के बीच का द्वंद्व शाश्वत है।
The conflict between attachment to family and duty is eternal.
Philosophical 'dwandwa' (conflict).
कानूनी रूप से, 'परिजन' की व्याख्या अलग-अलग अधिनियमों में भिन्न हो सकती है।
Legally, the interpretation of 'Parijan' can vary across different acts.
Legal terminology.
परिजन का वियोग मनुष्य को अस्तित्वगत संकट में डाल सकता है।
Separation from family members can plunge a person into an existential crisis.
High-level abstract concepts.
प्राचीन ग्रंथों में परिजनों को 'स्वजन' के रूप में महिमामंडित किया गया है।
In ancient texts, family members have been glorified as 'Swajan'.
Historical/Scriptural context.
परिजन की उपस्थिति मात्र से ही प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियाँ सुगम हो जाती हैं।
Adverse circumstances become easy just by the presence of family members.
Sanskritized vocabulary: 'pratikul' (adverse), 'sugam' (easy).
परिजन के सामूहिक अवचेतन में कुल की स्मृतियाँ सुरक्षित रहती हैं।
The memories of the lineage remain preserved in the collective subconscious of the family members.
Psychological/Sociological jargon.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
High. Use 'Gharwale' for friends.
Though it can mean one member, it is almost always used for the group.
- Using 'Parijanen' as plural.
- Saying 'Meri parijan'.
- Using it for friends in a literal sense.
- Confusing with 'Prajan' (offspring).
- Forgetting the 'on' in oblique case.
Tips
Oblique Form
Always use 'Parijanon' when followed by a postposition like 'ne', 'ko', 'se', 'ka', 'ke', 'ki', 'mein', 'par'.
Respect
Using 'Parijan' when asking about someone's family shows high level of etiquette (Tehzeeb).
Synonym Choice
Use 'Swajan' for a more poetic touch and 'Parijan' for a more formal, standard touch.
Agreement
Ensure your verb is always in the plural form (hain) when using 'Parijan' as a subject.
Invitations
In wedding cards, use 'Saparivar' for 'with family' and 'Parijan' when listing the family members' names.
News Context
When you hear 'Parijan' on the news, it usually refers to the family of someone in the headline.
Literature
In stories, 'Parijan' often implies the emotional support system of the protagonist.
Avoid Slang
Don't use 'Parijan' in a text message to a close friend unless you're being ironic or very formal.
Soft 'J'
The 'j' in 'Jan' is a soft palatal sound, not a buzzy 'z'.
Inclusion
Using 'Parijan' can include very close long-term household help in some traditional contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pari (like a perimeter/around) + Jan (people). The people within your perimeter are your Parijan.
Word Origin
Sanskrit
Cultural Context
The 'Parijan' of the bride and groom are the primary decision-makers.
Always ask about 'Parijan' when meeting an elder formally.
Parijan gather for 'Puja' and 'Bhoj'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"आपके परिजन कहाँ रहते हैं?"
"क्या आपके परिजन भी इस समारोह में आ रहे हैं?"
"आपके परिजनों का स्वास्थ्य कैसा है?"
"छुट्टियों में आप अपने परिजनों से मिलने कब जा रहे हैं?"
"क्या आपके परिजन आपके फैसले से खुश हैं?"
Journal Prompts
मेरे परिजनों के साथ मेरी सबसे अच्छी याद...
मेरे परिजन मेरे लिए क्यों महत्वपूर्ण हैं?
जब मैं अपने परिजनों से दूर होता हूँ, तो मुझे कैसा महसूस होता है?
मेरे परिजनों ने मुझे कौन सी सबसे बड़ी सीख दी है?
भविष्य में मैं अपने परिजनों के लिए क्या करना चाहता हूँ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsPariwar refers to the family as a single entity or institution. Parijan refers to the individual members who make up that family. For example, you have a 'big family' (bada pariwar), but your 'family members' (parijan) are coming to dinner.
It is a masculine noun. You use masculine adjectives and verbs with it, such as 'Mere parijan' or 'Parijan aaye hain'.
Technically yes, it can mean a family member, but in common usage, it almost always refers to the group of family members collectively.
It might sound a bit too formal. In a casual chat with friends, 'Gharwale' is much more natural. Use 'Parijan' in formal or respectful settings.
You say 'Parijanon ke saath'. Note the change to 'Parijanon' because of the postposition 'ke saath'.
Yes, it generally includes all close relatives who are considered part of the household or immediate kin circle.
Yes, it is frequently used in legal and administrative Hindi to refer to the next of kin or family members.
It comes from Sanskrit. 'Pari' means around, and 'Jan' means person. So it means the people around you.
Mere parijan khush hain.
No, the word itself is masculine and used for both male and female family members collectively.
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Summary
Parijan is the respectful, formal way to refer to the individual people who constitute a family. Use it in writing or polite conversation to emphasize the human connection within a household or lineage.
- Parijan means family members or kin.
- It is more formal than 'Gharwale' or 'Pariwar'.
- Derived from Sanskrit 'Pari' (around) and 'Jan' (people).
- Commonly used in news, invitations, and formal speech.
Oblique Form
Always use 'Parijanon' when followed by a postposition like 'ne', 'ko', 'se', 'ka', 'ke', 'ki', 'mein', 'par'.
Respect
Using 'Parijan' when asking about someone's family shows high level of etiquette (Tehzeeb).
Synonym Choice
Use 'Swajan' for a more poetic touch and 'Parijan' for a more formal, standard touch.
Agreement
Ensure your verb is always in the plural form (hain) when using 'Parijan' as a subject.
Example
दुर्घटना में घायल हुए परिजनों को अस्पताल ले जाया गया।
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More family words
आबाद
B1Inhabited, prosperous; populated and flourishing.
आँचल
B1Corner of a sari (symbol of mother's protection).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2Courtyard; an unroofed area that is completely or mostly enclosed by the walls of a house.
आंगन
A2An open, uncovered area, often paved, adjacent to a house; a courtyard.
आग्रह करना
B1To request; to insist; to ask earnestly or formally.
आज्ञा
B1An instruction or command; permission.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1To obey orders or commands.
आज्ञा मानना
A2To obey; to comply with a command or rule.
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1To obey (command/order).
