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प्रस्थान करना

B1 verb 8 min read

प्रस्थान करना

prasthan karna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips प्रस्थान करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation प्रस्थान करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'प्रस्थान करना' in your daily speaking. However, you should recognize it when you travel. Imagine you are at a big train station in Delhi. You will see this word on the big screens above the platforms. It simply means 'Departure'. If you see 'Prasthan: 10:30', it means the train leaves at 10:30. At this stage, just think of it as a special, formal word for 'Go' or 'Leave' that you see on signs. You can remember it by looking at the word 'Station'—they both have a similar 'st' sound and deal with travel! Don't worry about conjugating it yet; just know that when you hear it on a loudspeaker, something is about to leave.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to understand different social settings. You know 'Jana' (to go) and 'Nikalna' (to leave/exit). 'प्रस्थान करना' is the 'suit and tie' version of these words. You might use it if you are writing a very formal email or if you are role-playing a travel agent. It is a compound verb, which means you take the noun 'Prasthan' and add 'Karna'. For example: 'Main prasthan karta hoon' (I depart). Even though it sounds a bit too formal for a student, knowing it helps you understand announcements on the bus or metro. It’s like the difference between saying 'I'm heading out' and 'The vessel is departing'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'प्रस्थान करना' in appropriate contexts, such as describing a travel itinerary or a formal event. You should understand how it conjugates in the past tense ('prasthan kiya') and future tense ('prasthan karega'). At this stage, you should also notice that it is often paired with 'ke liye' (for) to show the destination. For example, 'Hum kal Shimla ke liye prasthan karenge' (We will depart for Shimla tomorrow). This level is about refining your register—knowing that 'Prasthan' is for the start of a journey, not just going to the shop around the corner. It adds a professional touch to your Hindi.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between 'प्रस्थान करना' and its synonyms like 'रवाना होना' (rawana hona) or 'निकलना' (nikalna). You understand that 'Prasthan' is Sanskrit-based and carries a higher level of formality often used in news, literature, and official documents. You can use it comfortably in a business presentation or when discussing historical events. You also understand its usage in the passive voice or in complex sentences, such as 'Yatriyon ke prasthan karne ke baad, platform khali ho gaya' (After the passengers departed, the platform became empty). You are now sensitive to the 'vibe' the word creates.

For C1 learners, 'प्रस्थान करना' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary used to discuss abstract concepts or high-level narratives. You might encounter it in philosophical texts where it refers to the 'Prasthanatrayi' (the three points of departure for Vedic study) or in classical literature to describe the soul's departure from the body. You understand the subtle grammatical debates about whether it should take the 'ne' postposition in the past tense and can navigate these choices based on the dialect or style of writing you are aiming for. Your usage is precise, using it to evoke a sense of ceremony, destiny, or officialdom in your writing and speeches.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the cultural and historical resonance of 'प्रस्थान करना'. You can use it with poetic flair or academic precision. You recognize its presence in the highest forms of Hindi and Sanskrit literature. You can discuss the nuances of how the word has shifted from purely physical movement to metaphorical departures in modern Hindi prose. You use the word instinctively in formal oratory, and you can distinguish between the 'Prasthana' of a king and the 'Kooch' of an army or the 'Rawangi' of a caravan. It is no longer just a verb to you; it is a tool for setting the tone of an entire discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

प्रस्थान करना in 30 Seconds

A formal Hindi verb meaning 'to depart' or 'to leave'.
Commonly used in railway and airport announcements across India.
A compound verb formed from the Sanskrit noun 'Prasthan' and 'Karna'.
Best suited for professional, official, or literary contexts rather than casual talk.

The Hindi verb प्रस्थान करना (Prasthan Karna) is a formal and sophisticated way to express the act of departing, leaving, or setting out on a journey. While the common verb 'जाना' (Jana - to go) is used in everyday casual conversation, 'प्रस्थान करना' carries a weight of intentionality and formality often found in literature, official announcements, and respectful speech. It is a compound verb consisting of the noun 'प्रस्थान' (departure) and the auxiliary verb 'करना' (to do/make). Understanding this word is essential for navigating formal environments in India, such as railway stations, airports, and official ceremonies.

Etymological Root: The word is derived from Sanskrit, where 'Pra' is a prefix meaning forward or away, and 'Sthana' refers to standing or a place. Thus, it literally translates to 'moving forward from a place'.
Social Context: You will rarely hear a teenager tell their friend 'Main prasthan kar raha hoon' (I am departing). Instead, you will hear it from a train conductor announcing a schedule: 'Gadi sankhya 12401 das baje prasthan karegi' (Train number 12401 will depart at ten o'clock).

यात्रीगण कृपया ध्यान दें, राजधानी एक्सप्रेस प्लेटफार्म नंबर एक से प्रस्थान करने वाली है। (Passengers please note, the Rajdhani Express is about to depart from platform number one.)

In a broader philosophical sense, 'प्रस्थान' can also refer to the departure of the soul or a significant life transition. It implies a journey that has a specific starting point and a destination. When a dignitary leaves a venue, the media might report their 'prasthan' to signify the importance of their movement. It is also used in the context of military movements or large-scale migrations.

To use it correctly, remember that it functions like any other 'karna' verb. The tense and gender agreement will happen with 'karna'. For example, 'Vah prasthan kar raha hai' (He is departing) vs 'Ve prasthan kar rahe hain' (They are departing). It is an intransitive usage in most contexts, focused on the subject's movement away from a point.

मुख्य अतिथि ने समारोह के बाद अपने निवास के लिए प्रस्थान किया। (The chief guest departed for his residence after the ceremony.)

Using प्रस्थान करना requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugation patterns. Since it is a compound verb (Noun + Verb), the noun 'प्रस्थान' remains unchanged, while the verb 'करना' (to do) changes according to the subject's gender, number, and the tense of the sentence. This structure is common in Hindi for Sanskrit-derived terms. When you use this verb, you are usually indicating a movement 'from' a place (using the postposition 'से' - se) or 'towards' a destination (using 'के लिए' - ke liye).

Present Tense: In the present habitual, it describes regular departures: 'बस हर सुबह पाँच बजे प्रस्थान करती है' (The bus departs every morning at five).
Past Tense: In the simple past, 'karna' becomes 'kiya' (masculine) or 'ki' (feminine). 'जहाज ने बंदरगाह से प्रस्थान किया' (The ship departed from the port).

क्या आप कल सुबह प्रस्थान करेंगे? (Will you depart tomorrow morning?)

One nuance to note is that 'प्रस्थान करना' is often used without a direct object because the action of departing is self-contained. However, the destination is often marked with 'के लिए' (for). For example, 'दिल्ली के लिए प्रस्थान करना' (to depart for Delhi). This clarifies the direction of the movement. In formal writing, such as news reports or historical accounts, this verb adds a sense of ceremony and importance to the action that 'jana' simply cannot provide.

Consider the difference between 'वह गया' (He went) and 'उसने प्रस्थान किया' (He departed). The latter suggests a more planned, significant, or official exit. It is also the standard term used in the 'Prasthanatrayi', the three foundational texts of Hindu philosophy, signifying a 'starting point' for spiritual inquiry. Thus, the word carries deep cultural and intellectual weight.

सेना ने सीमा की ओर प्रस्थान किया। (The army departed towards the border.)

If you are traveling across India, प्रस्थान is a word you will see and hear daily, even if you don't use it in casual conversation. Its primary home is in the world of logistics and transportation. Every major railway station in India has signs for 'आगमन' (Aagaman - Arrival) and 'प्रस्थान' (Prasthan - Departure). The automated announcements over the PA system will use this word incessantly to update passengers on train movements. Similarly, at airports, the departure gates are labeled 'प्रस्थान द्वार' (Prasthan Dwar).

Media and News: News anchors use this word when reporting on the movements of political leaders or international delegates. 'प्रधानमंत्री आज विदेश दौरे के लिए प्रस्थान करेंगे' (The Prime Minister will depart for a foreign tour today).
Literature and Myth: In epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata, when a hero leaves for a quest or exile, the text describes their 'prasthan'. It signifies a journey of destiny.

विमान के प्रस्थान का समय हो गया है। (It is time for the flight's departure.)

Another interesting venue for this word is in the context of space exploration. When ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launches a rocket, the commentary in Hindi will use 'प्रस्थान' to describe the lift-off and the beginning of the mission's journey into space. It conveys a sense of grandeur and precision. You might also encounter it in historical movies (Period Dramas) where kings and queens 'prasthan' from their palaces with great pomp and show.

In formal invitations, especially for weddings or large events, the schedule might list the 'Barat Prasthan' (Departure of the groom's procession). This is a vital cultural marker, indicating the exact moment the ritualistic journey begins. Thus, while it's a 'dictionary word', its practical applications are embedded in the very fabric of Indian public life and ceremony.

बारात शाम सात बजे प्रस्थान करेगी। (The wedding procession will depart at seven in the evening.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake is overusing प्रस्थान करना in inappropriate contexts. Because English uses 'leave' or 'depart' somewhat flexibly, learners might try to say 'Main kitchen se prasthan kar raha hoon' (I am departing from the kitchen). In Hindi, this sounds unintentionally hilarious or overly dramatic, like you are a king leaving a throne room. Use 'जाना' (jana) or 'निकलना' (nikalna) for everyday movements.

Confusion with 'Chhodna': 'Chhodna' means to leave an object or a person behind (to abandon). 'Prasthan karna' is about the subject moving away. Don't say 'Maine bus prasthan ki' if you meant 'I left the bus'.
Grammar: Ne Usage: While 'karna' usually triggers the 'ne' postposition in the past tense, with 'prasthan karna', usage varies. In modern standard Hindi, it often acts as an intransitive compound, so 'Vah prasthan kiya' is sometimes heard, though 'Usne prasthan kiya' is grammatically safer in formal writing. However, many speakers avoid 'ne' here because the meaning is inherently intransitive (motion).

Incorrect: मैं घर से प्रस्थान कर रहा हूँ (to a friend).
Correct: मैं घर से निकल रहा हूँ।

Another mistake is forgetting the 'करना' (karna) part. 'Prasthan' is a noun. You cannot say 'Main prasthan hoon'. You must 'do' the departure. Also, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'sh' (ष) and 'th' (थ). It is a retroflex 'sh' and an aspirated 'th', which gives the word its distinct formal ring. Mispronouncing it can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers who are used to its specific phonetic structure in formal announcements.

Finally, don't confuse it with 'Rawana hona' (रवाना होना). While 'Rawana hona' also means to depart, it is of Persian origin and is used in slightly less formal but still significant contexts (like a group of friends starting a road trip). 'Prasthan karna' remains the most formal, Sanskritized option available.

Hindi offers a rich spectrum of words for 'leaving' or 'departing', each with its own flavor and level of formality. Choosing the right one depends entirely on who you are talking to and the situation you are in. प्रस्थान करना sits at the top of the formality pyramid.

निकलना (Nikalna): The most common word for 'leaving' a place. 'Main 5 baje nikalunga' (I will leave at 5). It is neutral and safe for almost all casual and semi-formal situations.
रवाना होना (Rawana Hona): An Urdu-origin word that is very common in speech. It sounds slightly more poetic or descriptive than 'nikalna' but less stiff than 'prasthan karna'.
विदा होना (Vida Hona): Specifically means 'to bid farewell' or 'to take leave'. Used when the departure involves saying goodbye to people.

Comparison:
1. ट्रेन प्रस्थान कर चुकी है (Formal/Announcement).
2. ट्रेन निकल गई है (Casual/General).

In academic or spiritual contexts, you might also encounter 'गमन' (Gaman), which simply means 'movement' or 'going', but it is rarely used as a verb in spoken Hindi. 'कूच करना' (Kooch karna) is another alternative, specifically used for military marches or the commencement of a large-scale movement or protest. Understanding these synonyms allows you to fine-tune your Hindi to match the exact social 'vibe' of the moment.

Lastly, 'छोड़ना' (Chhodna) should be used with caution. While it translates to 'to leave', it requires an object. You leave a house, a job, or a person. 'Prasthan karna' is about the act of you moving away, whereas 'Chhodna' is about the thing you are leaving behind. Mixing these up is a classic learner's error.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In ancient Indian philosophy, 'Prasthanatrayi' refers to the three authoritative texts (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita) that serve as the 'starting points' for spiritual knowledge.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɾəs.t̪ʰɑːn kəɾ.nɑː/

US /pɾəs.θɑn kəɾ.nɑ/

Stress is slightly on the second syllable 'than' (थ़ान).

Rhymes With

स्थान (Sthan - Place) उत्थान (Utthan - Upliftment) अनुष्ठान (Anushthan - Ritual) सावधान (Savdhan - Careful) समाधान (Samadhan - Solution) विद्वान (Vidvan - Scholar) वरदान (Vardan - Boon) पहचान (Pehchan - Identity)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as 't' (Prastan).
Pronouncing 'sh' as 's' (Pras-than instead of Pra-sh-than).
Missing the aspiration on 'th'.
Shortening the long 'a' in 'than'.
Treating 'prasthan' and 'karna' as one word without a slight pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize on signs and in news headlines.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of 'karna' verb conjugations and formal sentence structure.

Speaking 5/5

Tricky to use in the right social context without sounding too stiff.

Listening 2/5

Very common in public announcements; easy to hear once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

जाना (To go) करना (To do) समय (Time) स्टेशन (Station) से (From)

Learn Next

आगमन (Arrival) यात्रा (Journey) पहुँचना (To reach) ठहरना (To stay) विदाई (Farewell)

Advanced

पलायन (Migration/Escape) स्थानांतरण (Transfer) अग्रसर (Moving forward) विस्थापन (Displacement)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

प्रस्थान (Noun) + करना (Verb) = To depart.

Future Tense Conjugation

Main prasthan karunga (I will depart).

Use of 'Se' for Origin

Ghar se prasthan (Departure from home).

Use of 'Ke Liye' for Destination

London ke liye prasthan (Departure for London).

Oblique Case with Infinitives

Prasthan karne se pehle (Before departing).

Examples by Level

प्रस्थान: सुबह ८ बजे।

Departure: 8 AM.

Simple noun usage on a sign.

ट्रेन प्रस्थान कर रही है।

The train is departing.

Present continuous tense.

बस यहाँ से प्रस्थान करेगी।

The bus will depart from here.

Future tense with 'se' (from).

प्रस्थान द्वार कहाँ है?

Where is the departure gate?

Noun used as an adjective for 'gate'.

हम अभी प्रस्थान करते हैं।

We depart now.

Present habitual used for immediate future.

जहाज का प्रस्थान समय क्या है?

What is the ship's departure time?

Possessive 'ka' with the noun 'prasthan'.

गाड़ी प्लेटफार्म १ से प्रस्थान करेगी।

The train will depart from platform 1.

Standard railway announcement format.

कृपया प्रस्थान करें।

Please depart.

Imperative formal form.

कल हम दिल्ली के लिए प्रस्थान करेंगे।

Tomorrow we will depart for Delhi.

Future tense with 'ke liye' (for).

क्या बस ने प्रस्थान किया?

Did the bus depart?

Past tense question.

मेहमानों ने घर से प्रस्थान किया।

The guests departed from the house.

Past tense with 'ne'.

हवाई जहाज १० बजे प्रस्थान करता है।

The airplane departs at 10 o'clock.

Present habitual for schedules.

हमें जल्दी प्रस्थान करना चाहिए।

We should depart early.

Using 'chahiye' (should) with the infinitive.

वे अगले हफ्ते प्रस्थान कर सकते हैं।

They can depart next week.

Using 'sakna' (can) for possibility.

प्रस्थान करने से पहले चाय पी लो।

Drink tea before departing.

Oblique infinitive before 'se pehle'.

राजा ने महल से प्रस्थान किया।

The king departed from the palace.

Formal past tense.

मुख्य अतिथि के प्रस्थान करने के बाद सभा समाप्त हुई।

The meeting ended after the chief guest departed.

Complex sentence with 'ke baad'.

यदि बारिश रुकी, तो हम प्रस्थान करेंगे।

If the rain stops, then we will depart.

Conditional sentence.

सैनिकों ने युद्ध के लिए प्रस्थान किया।

The soldiers departed for the war.

Formal context for military movement.

विमान के प्रस्थान में देरी हो रही है।

There is a delay in the flight's departure.

Noun usage in a locative sense.

उसे अचानक प्रस्थान करना पड़ा।

He had to depart suddenly.

Using 'pada' for compulsion.

पक्षी सर्दियों में दक्षिण की ओर प्रस्थान करते हैं।

Birds depart towards the south in winter.

General truth/scientific fact.

क्या आप प्रस्थान की तैयारी कर चुके हैं?

Have you completed the preparations for departure?

Present perfect tense with 'chukna'.

नाव धीरे-धीरे तट से प्रस्थान कर रही थी।

The boat was slowly departing from the shore.

Past continuous tense.

शुभ मुहूर्त देखकर ही उन्होंने प्रस्थान करने का निर्णय लिया।

They decided to depart only after seeing an auspicious time.

Cultural context with complex infinitive phrase.

जैसे ही घंटी बजी, विद्यार्थियों ने कक्षा से प्रस्थान किया।

As soon as the bell rang, the students departed from the classroom.

Correlative 'jaise hi... waise hi' structure.

प्रधानमंत्री ने शांति वार्ता के लिए विदेश प्रस्थान किया।

The Prime Minister departed abroad for peace talks.

High-level political reporting style.

बिना किसी सूचना के प्रस्थान करना उचित नहीं है।

It is not appropriate to depart without any information.

Gerundial use as a subject.

उसने भारी मन से अपने पैतृक गाँव से प्रस्थान किया।

He departed from his ancestral village with a heavy heart.

Expressive and literary tone.

प्रस्थान करने का समय निकट आ रहा है।

The time to depart is drawing near.

Abstract subject with infinitive qualifier.

विदेशी प्रतिनिधिमंडल कल स्वदेश प्रस्थान करेगा।

The foreign delegation will depart for their home country tomorrow.

Formal vocabulary (delegation/home country).

साधु ने हिमालय की कंदराओं की ओर प्रस्थान किया।

The sage departed towards the caves of the Himalayas.

Narrative/mythological style.

आत्मा का शरीर से प्रस्थान करना ही मृत्यु कहलाता है।

The departure of the soul from the body is called death.

Philosophical definition.

लेखक ने अपनी पुस्तक में जीवन को एक निरंतर प्रस्थान बताया है।

The author has described life as a continuous departure in his book.

Metaphorical usage.

बिना अनुमति के सेना का प्रस्थान करना अंतरराष्ट्रीय नियमों का उल्लंघन है।

The departure of the army without permission is a violation of international rules.

Legal/Political complexity.

उनके प्रस्थान ने पूरे समाज में एक रिक्तता पैदा कर दी।

Their departure created a void in the entire society.

Abstract noun impact.

सभ्यता के विकास के साथ, मनुष्य ने पुरानी मान्यताओं से प्रस्थान किया है।

With the development of civilization, man has departed from old beliefs.

Intellectual/Sociological context.

इस शोध पत्र का प्रस्थान बिंदु बहुत ही मौलिक है।

The starting point (point of departure) of this research paper is very original.

Academic idiom: 'Prasthan Bindu'.

महात्मा बुद्ध ने सत्य की खोज में गृह-त्याग कर प्रस्थान किया।

Mahatma Buddha departed, renouncing his home in search of truth.

Historical/Religious narrative.

उसकी आँखों में आँसू थे, पर उसने बिना पीछे मुड़े प्रस्थान किया।

There were tears in his eyes, but he departed without looking back.

Emotive literary prose.

प्रस्थानत्रयी भारतीय दर्शन के तीन स्तंभों को कहा जाता है जो आध्यात्मिक यात्रा का प्रस्थान बिंदु हैं।

Prasthanatrayi refers to the three pillars of Indian philosophy which are the starting points of the spiritual journey.

Specific cultural/philosophical terminology.

किसी भी महाकाव्य का नायक जब प्रस्थान करता है, तो वह केवल स्थान नहीं, बल्कि अपनी नियति बदलता है।

When the hero of any epic departs, he changes not just his location but his destiny.

Literary analysis.

राजनीतिक अस्थिरता के कारण पूँजी का देश से प्रस्थान करना चिंताजनक है।

The departure of capital from the country due to political instability is worrying.

Economic terminology (capital flight).

उनके विचारों में पारंपरिक ढाँचों से प्रस्थान करने की एक स्पष्ट ललक दिखाई देती है।

A clear desire to depart from traditional frameworks is visible in his thoughts.

Abstract metaphorical analysis.

समय के इस मोड़ पर, हमें अपनी पुरानी आदतों से प्रस्थान कर नवीनता को अपनाना होगा।

At this juncture of time, we must depart from our old habits and embrace novelty.

Rhetorical/Oratorical style.

जहाज के लंगर उठाते ही, यात्रियों के मन में एक अज्ञात रोमांच के लिए प्रस्थान की भावना जागृत हुई।

As soon as the ship's anchor was raised, a sense of departure for an unknown thrill awakened in the passengers' minds.

Descriptive narrative with participle phrases.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जब-जब विचारों ने प्रस्थान किया है, क्रांतियाँ हुई हैं।

History is witness that whenever ideas have departed (spread out/moved), revolutions have occurred.

Philosophical historical commentary.

उस महान संगीतकार का इस संसार से प्रस्थान संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।

That great musician's departure from this world is an irreparable loss for the music world.

Euphemism for death in high register.

Common Collocations

शीघ्र प्रस्थान

मंगलमय प्रस्थान

सामूहिक प्रस्थान

नियत समय पर प्रस्थान

अचानक प्रस्थान

अंतिम प्रस्थान

गुप्त प्रस्थान

सकुशल प्रस्थान

पुनः प्रस्थान

शांतिपूर्ण प्रस्थान

Common Phrases

प्रस्थान बिंदु

— The starting point of a journey or an argument.

यह तर्क हमारा प्रस्थान बिंदु है।

प्रस्थान समय

— Departure time, usually seen on tickets.

टिकट पर प्रस्थान समय देखें।

प्रस्थान द्वार

— Departure gate at an airport.

प्रस्थान द्वार नंबर ५ पर जाएँ।

प्रस्थान करना ही श्रेयस्कर है

— It is better to depart (used in difficult situations).

अब यहाँ से प्रस्थान करना ही श्रेयस्कर है।

प्रस्थान की तैयारी

— Preparation for departure.

सबने प्रस्थान की तैयारी कर ली है।

प्रस्थान की सूचना

— Notice or announcement of departure.

प्रस्थान की सूचना मिल गई है।

प्रस्थान मार्ग

— The route of departure.

प्रस्थान मार्ग सुरक्षित नहीं है।

प्रस्थान की अनुमति

— Permission to depart.

क्या हमें प्रस्थान की अनुमति है?

प्रस्थान की जल्दी

— In a hurry to depart.

उसे प्रस्थान की बहुत जल्दी थी।

प्रस्थान उत्सव

— A ceremony held before someone leaves.

गाँव में प्रस्थान उत्सव मनाया गया।

Often Confused With

प्रस्थान करना vs छोड़ना (Chhodna)

Chhodna means to leave something behind; Prasthan karna is the act of the subject moving away.

प्रस्थान करना vs पहुँचना (Pahunchna)

Pahunchna means to arrive; Prasthan karna is the opposite (to depart).

प्रस्थान करना vs जाना (Jana)

Jana is generic 'to go'; Prasthan karna is specifically 'to depart' in a formal sense.

Idioms & Expressions

"परलोक प्रस्थान करना"

— A very formal/religious way to say someone has died (departed for the other world).

वृद्ध राजा ने कल परलोक प्रस्थान किया।

Formal/Religious

"कूच का डंका बजना"

— To announce a departure, especially for a mission or battle.

अब कूच का डंका बज चुका है, हमें प्रस्थान करना होगा।

Literary/Military

"पाँव उखड़ना"

— To be forced to depart or retreat (not directly using 'prasthan' but related to the act).

दुश्मन के पाँव उखड़ गए और उन्होंने प्रस्थान किया।

Idiomatic

"बिस्तरा गोल करना"

— To pack up and leave (more casual, often implies leaving for good).

उसने अपना बिस्तरा गोल किया और शहर से प्रस्थान किया।

Informal/Idiomatic

"नौ दो ग्यारह होना"

— To run away or depart quickly to escape.

पुलिस को देखकर चोर नौ दो ग्यारह हो गया।

Slang/Idiomatic

"विदाई की बेला"

— The moment of departure/farewell.

प्रस्थान का समय आ गया, यह विदाई की बेला है।

Poetic

"रास्ता नापना"

— To depart or go away (often said dismissively).

अपना रास्ता नापो और यहाँ से प्रस्थान करो।

Informal/Rude

"रफूचक्कर होना"

— To disappear or depart suddenly.

वह पैसे लेकर रफूचक्कर हो गया।

Colloquial

"डेरा उठाना"

— To pack up camp and depart.

बंजारों ने अपना डेरा उठाया और प्रस्थान किया।

Traditional

"चलता बनना"

— To leave or depart (often suddenly or without much talk).

काम खत्म होते ही वह चलता बना।

Informal

Easily Confused

प्रस्थान करना vs प्रस्तुत (Prastut)

Sounds similar.

Prastut means 'presented' or 'ready', while Prasthan means 'departure'.

वह प्रस्थान के लिए प्रस्तुत है (He is ready for departure).

प्रस्थान करना vs प्रशंसा (Prashansa)

Starts with 'Pra-sh'.

Prashansa means 'praise'.

उसकी प्रशंसा हुई।

प्रस्थान करना vs प्रस्थान (Prasthan) vs रवाना (Rawana)

Both mean departure.

Prasthan is Sanskrit-based (Formal); Rawana is Persian-based (Common/Poetic).

ट्रेन प्रस्थान करेगी vs हम रवाना होंगे।

प्रस्थान करना vs आगमन (Aagaman)

Often seen together.

Aagaman is arrival; Prasthan is departure.

आगमन और प्रस्थान का समय।

प्रस्थान करना vs निकलना (Nikalna)

Both mean to leave.

Nikalna can also mean 'to come out' or 'to emerge'; Prasthan is only 'to depart'.

सूरज निकला (The sun rose) - You cannot use Prasthan here.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Time] [Prasthan Karega].

ट्रेन ९ बजे प्रस्थान करेगी।

[Subject] ने [Place] से [Prasthan Kiya].

उसने दिल्ली से प्रस्थान किया।

[Subject] को [Reason] के लिए [Prasthan Karna Hai].

मुझे काम के लिए प्रस्थान करना है।

[Subject] के [Prasthan Karne] के बाद [Event].

मेरे प्रस्थान करने के बाद बारिश हुई।

[Abstract Noun] का [Prasthan] [Result].

शांति का प्रस्थान युद्ध का कारण बना।

[Literary Subject] ने [Destination] की ओर [Prasthan Kiya].

वीर योद्धा ने रणभूमि की ओर प्रस्थान किया।

[Noun] का [Prasthan].

बस का प्रस्थान।

क्या [Subject] [Prasthan] कर चुके हैं?

क्या आप प्रस्थान कर चुके हैं?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in travel and official domains; Low in domestic daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Main prasthan hoon. → Main prasthan kar raha hoon.
Prasthan is a noun, not a verb by itself. You must use 'karna'.
Maine bus prasthan ki. → Maine bus se prasthan kiya.
You depart 'from' a bus or 'by' a bus, you don't 'do' the bus.
Using it to leave the kitchen. → Main kitchen se ja raha hoon.
It is too formal for minor domestic movements.
Pronouncing it as 'Prastan'. → Prasthan (with aspirated th).
The 'th' sound is crucial for correct Hindi pronunciation.
Confusing with 'Prastut'. → Prasthan.
Prastut means present/ready; Prasthan means departure.

Tips

Check the Board

When at an Indian railway station, look for 'Prasthan' on the departure board to practice recognizing the script.

Conjugate 'Karna'

Remember that only 'karna' changes. 'Prasthan' stays the same regardless of the subject.

Know Your Audience

Use 'Prasthan' with elders or in professional emails to show respect and command of high Hindi.

Read the News

Hindi newspapers like 'Dainik Jagran' frequently use this word in political reporting.

Airport Practice

Listen for this word in Hindi announcements at international airports in India.

The 'St' Connection

Associate 'Prasthan' with 'Station' and 'Start' to remember it's about starting a journey.

Wedding Context

Learn the phrase 'Barat Prasthan' as it is a common part of Indian wedding schedules.

Aspirate the 'Th'

Make sure to blow a little air when saying the 'th' in 'than' to sound authentic.

Formal Letters

Use 'Prasthan' when writing formal leave applications or travel reports.

Global Travel

The word is used for any mode of travel: bus, train, plane, or ship.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Prasthan' as 'Press-Then-Gone'. You press the start button, then you are gone (departed). The 'sthan' part sounds like 'station', where departures happen.

Visual Association

Imagine a big digital board at a modern Indian airport. Under the word 'DEPARTURES', you see the Hindi word 'प्रस्थान' in bold white letters against a blue background.

Word Web

Train Airport Ticket Journey Schedule Signboard Goodbye Movement

Challenge

Try to use 'Prasthan karna' in a sentence today when talking about your commute, but say it with a very serious, royal voice to remember its formal nature.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'प्रस्थान' (prasthāna). It is a combination of the prefix 'pra-' (forward, away) and the root 'sthā' (to stand).

Original meaning: Standing forth, setting out, or the beginning of a journey.

Indo-Aryan / Sanskrit.

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'Prasthan karna' for death unless you are in a very religious or formal setting, as it can sound overly poetic or detached.

English speakers often use 'leave' for everything. In Hindi, using 'Prasthan' is like using 'Commence the departure'—it's very high-level.

Prasthanatrayi (The three canonical texts of Hindu philosophy). Announcements at the New Delhi Railway Station. The title of various Hindi literary works and films dealing with journeys.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Railway Station

गाड़ी कब प्रस्थान करेगी?
प्रस्थान का समय क्या है?
प्लेटफार्म से प्रस्थान
देरी से प्रस्थान

Airport

प्रस्थान द्वार कहाँ है?
अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रस्थान
घरेलू प्रस्थान
प्रस्थान की अनुमति

Formal Event

मुख्य अतिथि का प्रस्थान
बारात का प्रस्थान
समारोह के बाद प्रस्थान
सकुशल प्रस्थान

Literature/News

प्रधानमंत्री का विदेश प्रस्थान
सेना का प्रस्थान
आत्मा का प्रस्थान
ऐतिहासिक प्रस्थान

Nature/Science

पक्षियों का प्रस्थान
रॉकेट का प्रस्थान
बादलों का प्रस्थान
ऋतु का प्रस्थान

Conversation Starters

"आपकी ट्रेन कितने बजे प्रस्थान करेगी? (What time will your train depart?)"

"क्या हमें अब यहाँ से प्रस्थान करना चाहिए? (Should we depart from here now?)"

"विमान के प्रस्थान में कितनी देरी है? (How much delay is there in the flight's departure?)"

"बारात के प्रस्थान की क्या तैयारी है? (What are the preparations for the wedding procession's departure?)"

"क्या आपने प्रस्थान से पहले अपना सामान चेक कर लिया? (Did you check your luggage before departing?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने स्टेशन पर 'प्रस्थान' शब्द देखा। इसके बारे में मेरे विचार...

अगर मुझे आज किसी नई जगह के लिए प्रस्थान करना हो, तो वह कौन सी होगी?

एक ऐसी यात्रा का वर्णन करें जब आपने बहुत जल्दी प्रस्थान किया था।

औपचारिक और अनौपचारिक भाषा में 'जाने' के अंतर को स्पष्ट करें।

प्रस्थान और आगमन: जीवन के दो पहलू। इस पर एक छोटा लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It is mostly reserved for formal announcements, travel schedules, and literature. In daily life, people use 'nikalna' or 'jana'.

Yes, on signs or in schedules, 'Prasthan' means 'Departure'. Example: 'Prasthan: 5:00 PM'.

Yes, because 'karna' is transitive. For example: 'Usne prasthan kiya'. However, some speakers treat it as intransitive and omit 'ne'.

The formal opposite is 'Aagaman' (आगमन), which means arrival.

It is 'प्रस्थान द्वार' (Prasthan Dwar).

In very formal or poetic Hindi, 'parlok prasthan' or 'is duniya se prasthan' is a euphemism for dying.

The 'a' in 'than' is long, so 'Prasthaan' is a better phonetic representation, though 'Prasthan' is common in English script.

Only if you want to sound like a king or are joking. It's too formal for a room.

It refers to the three foundational texts of Hindu philosophy: Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.

Yes, for the movement of troops from a base, 'prasthan' or 'kooch' is used.