This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
पुरुष

A1 noun #2,000 most common 10 min read

पुरुष

purush Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पुरुष in 30 Seconds

Explanation पुरुष in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'पुरुष' (puruṣ) is introduced as the primary formal vocabulary word for 'man'. It is essential for basic identification and categorization. When you are learning to identify people, you learn that a woman is 'महिला' (mahilā) and a man is 'पुरुष'. At this stage, learners focus on simple sentences using the verb 'to be' (होना - honā). For example, 'वह एक पुरुष है' (He is a man). It is important to practice the pronunciation carefully, ensuring the retroflex 'ṣ' (ष) is pronounced with the tongue curled back, distinguishing it from a regular 's' sound. Learners at this level should also memorize that 'पुरुष' is a masculine noun, which dictates that any adjectives describing it must also be in the masculine form, such as 'अच्छा पुरुष' (good man) or 'लंबा पुरुष' (tall man). While beginners will also learn the word 'आदमी' (ādmī) for everyday conversation, 'पुरुष' is crucial because it is the word they will see on public signs, especially on restroom doors. Recognizing the written form of 'पुरुष' is a vital survival skill for anyone traveling in a Hindi-speaking region, ensuring they enter the correct facilities. The plural form at this level is kept simple: in direct sentences, the word does not change. 'एक पुरुष' (one man) and 'दो पुरुष' (two men) look exactly the same. This simplicity helps beginners form basic plural sentences without worrying about complex declensions yet. Overall, A1 focuses on recognition, basic pronunciation, and simple sentence construction.

At the A2 elementary level, learners expand their use of 'पुरुष' by incorporating it into more descriptive and action-oriented sentences. They begin to use a wider variety of adjectives and learn how to construct sentences in different tenses. For instance, 'वह पुरुष कल बाज़ार गया था' (That man went to the market yesterday). A critical grammatical concept introduced at this level is the oblique case. Learners must understand that while the direct plural remains 'पुरुष', the oblique plural—used when the noun is followed by a postposition like ने (ne), को (ko), से (se), में (meṃ), or पर (par)—changes to 'पुरुषों' (puruṣoṃ). This is a major milestone in Hindi grammar. Sentences like 'मैंने उन पुरुषों को देखा' (I saw those men) become standard practice. Furthermore, A2 learners start to distinguish more clearly between the formal register of 'पुरुष' and the informal register of 'आदमी'. They learn that while it is perfectly fine to say 'वह आदमी मेरा भाई है' (That man is my brother) to a friend, they should use 'पुरुष' when reading a short news clip or filling out a basic form. The vocabulary surrounding the word also expands, including terms related to clothing ('पुरुषों के कपड़े' - men's clothing) and professions. By the end of A2, learners should be comfortable reading simple texts that use 'पुरुष' to describe demographics or general statements about men in society, and they should be able to confidently decline the noun correctly in both singular and plural forms across different cases.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'पुरुष' becomes more nuanced and context-dependent. Learners are expected to read and understand longer texts, such as newspaper articles, short stories, and official announcements, where 'पुरुष' is the standard term. They encounter compound words and phrases where 'पुरुष' acts as a suffix or a key component, such as 'महापुरुष' (mahāpuruṣ - great man/historical figure) or 'सत्पुरुष' (satpuruṣ - virtuous man). At this stage, the focus shifts from basic grammar to cultural and societal context. Learners discuss topics like gender roles, using phrases like 'पुरुष प्रधान समाज' (puruṣ pradhān samāj - male-dominated society) or 'पुरुष और महिला समानता' (puruṣ aur mahilā samāntā - men and women equality). They also learn to navigate the grammatical concept of 'पुरुष' as it applies to pronouns in Hindi grammar itself: 'उत्तम पुरुष' (First Person), 'मध्यम पुरुष' (Second Person), and 'अन्य पुरुष' (Third Person). This meta-linguistic knowledge is crucial for understanding Hindi grammar textbooks and formal instruction. Furthermore, B1 learners practice expressing opinions and arguments using formal vocabulary. Instead of just saying 'men do this', they might write an essay stating 'समाज में पुरुषों की भूमिका बदल रही है' (The role of men in society is changing). The distinction between synonyms like 'नर' (biological male), 'मर्द' (macho man), and 'पुरुष' (formal man) becomes a regular part of vocabulary exercises, ensuring learners choose the exact right word for their intended meaning and tone.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to have complete mastery over the grammatical forms of 'पुरुष' and focus entirely on its application in complex, formal, and professional discourse. They engage with authentic materials such as political speeches, sociological essays, and advanced literature where 'पुरुष' is used to discuss abstract concepts. In professional settings, they might draft reports or read statistical data that categorizes populations into 'पुरुष', 'महिला', and 'अन्य'. They understand the subtle implications of using 'पुरुष' over 'आदमी' to establish a tone of objectivity and respect. At this level, learners also explore idiomatic and literary expressions. They might encounter texts discussing 'पुरुषार्थ' (puruṣārth), a deeply cultural concept referring to the four goals of human life in Hindu philosophy (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), derived directly from the root word 'पुरुष'. The ability to discuss such cultural concepts in Hindi demonstrates a high level of proficiency. Furthermore, B2 learners are adept at using complex sentence structures involving relative clauses and passive voice, such as 'वे पुरुष जिन्हें कल सम्मानित किया गया था, आज यहाँ उपस्थित हैं' (Those men who were honored yesterday are present here today). They can debate gender dynamics fluently, using sophisticated vocabulary to articulate the evolving expectations placed upon men ('पुरुषों पर सामाजिक दबाव' - social pressure on men) in modern Indian society, transitioning seamlessly between conversational Hindi and highly formal, academic Hindi.

At the C1 advanced level, the word 'पुरुष' is understood not just as a vocabulary item, but as a gateway to Indian philosophy, classical literature, and high-level socio-political debate. C1 learners engage with texts that explore the etymological roots of the word. They understand that in ancient texts, 'पुरुष' (Purusha) often refers to the cosmic being or universal consciousness, a concept central to the Rigveda (specifically the Purusha Sukta) and Samkhya philosophy. While they may not use this definition in daily life, they recognize it when reading poetry by figures like Kabir or Tulsidas, or when listening to spiritual discourses (प्रवचन). They can analyze how the meaning of the word shifts from 'a human male' to 'the supreme soul' (परम पुरुष - Param Purush) depending on the context. In contemporary discourse, C1 learners write sophisticated essays and participate in debates on feminism, patriarchy, and gender deconstruction in India. They use terms like 'पौरुष' (pauruṣ - masculinity/virility) and critically analyze the societal constructs surrounding 'पुरुषत्व' (puruṣatva - manhood). Their command of the language allows them to appreciate the irony or poetic justice in literary works that play with these concepts. Grammatically, there are no errors; the oblique plural 'पुरुषों' is used instinctively, and adjective agreements are flawless even in the most convoluted, multi-clause sentences. The learner at this stage uses 'पुरुष' with the precision of a native academic or literary critic.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's understanding and usage of 'पुरुष' are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, scholar, or literary author. The word is wielded with absolute precision across all possible registers, from drafting legal documents and government policies to composing original poetry and philosophical critiques. A C2 user intimately understands the historical evolution of the word from its Vedic origins (where Purusha meant the primordial cosmic man whose sacrifice created the universe) to its modern demographic utility. They can seamlessly translate and interpret complex texts that contrast 'पुरुष' (consciousness) with 'प्रकृति' (Prakriti - nature/matter) in Vedantic philosophy. Furthermore, they are adept at coining new compound words or utilizing rare, archaic forms of the word for stylistic effect in creative writing. They understand the socio-linguistic weight of the word in the context of India's linguistic diversity, recognizing how 'पुरुष' interacts with words of Perso-Arabic origin like 'मर्द' in the broader tapestry of Hindustani. They can deliver extemporaneous speeches on gender theory, dissecting the nuances of 'पुरुष सत्ता' (patriarchy) with academic rigor. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'पुरुष' is no longer just a translation for 'man'; it is a multifaceted cultural artifact that the learner manipulates to express the deepest nuances of human identity, spirituality, and societal structure in the Hindi language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पुरुष in 30 Seconds

Formal word for 'Man'.
Used on signs and forms.
Direct plural stays 'पुरुष'.
Sanskrit root meaning 'consciousness'.

The Hindi word 'पुरुष' (puruṣ) is a foundational noun in the Hindi language, primarily translating to 'man' or 'adult human male' in English. Understanding this word is essential for anyone learning Hindi, as it forms the basis of gender identification, formal communication, and societal descriptions. In its most basic biological and social sense, it distinguishes an adult male from a woman (महिला - mahilā) or a child (बच्चा - baccā). However, the depth of the word extends far beyond simple biological categorization. It carries significant weight in formal registers, literature, and even ancient Indian philosophy. When you use this word, you are often elevating the tone of your speech from casual to formal. For instance, while 'आदमी' (ādmī) is the most common conversational word for 'man', 'पुरुष' is used in official documents, news broadcasts, and public signage.

Grammatical Classification: It is a masculine noun (पुल्लिंग - pulliṅg). Because it ends in a consonant (the inherent 'a' sound in 'ṣ'), it belongs to the category of Type 2 masculine nouns in Hindi. This means its direct plural form remains identical to its singular form.

वह एक बहुत ही सज्जन पुरुष हैं। (He is a very gentle man.)

The etymology of the word traces back to ancient Sanskrit, where 'Purusha' meant the cosmic man or the universal principle of consciousness in Samkhya philosophy, contrasting with 'Prakriti' (nature or matter). While modern conversational Hindi rarely invokes this cosmic definition, the historical resonance gives the word a dignified aura.

Societal Context: In contemporary Indian society, the term is frequently used in discussions regarding gender equality, demographics, and social roles, such as 'पुरुष प्रधान समाज' (male-dominated society).

इस विभाग में पुरुषों की संख्या अधिक है। (The number of men is higher in this department.)

Furthermore, the word is often used as a suffix to create compound words that describe the qualities of a man. For example, 'महापुरुष' (mahāpuruṣ) means a great man or a noble soul, while 'कायर पुरुष' (kāyar puruṣ) means a cowardly man.

Philosophical Meaning: In Hindu philosophy, Purusha represents the pure, formless consciousness that observes the universe, a concept deeply embedded in the cultural psyche.

गांधीजी एक महान पुरुष थे। (Gandhiji was a great man.)

To truly master this word, one must recognize its dual nature: it is both a mundane demographic identifier and a profound philosophical concept. It bridges the gap between the everyday reality of gender and the elevated discourse of literature and spirituality.

सभा में कई पुरुष उपस्थित थे। (Many men were present at the gathering.)

By understanding these layers, a learner can navigate Hindi with greater cultural fluency and linguistic precision.

वह पुरुष कौन है? (Who is that man?)

Using the word 'पुरुष' correctly requires an understanding of Hindi noun declension, postpositions, and adjective agreement. Because it is a masculine noun ending in a consonant, its grammatical behavior follows specific, predictable patterns that are crucial for constructing accurate sentences. In the direct case (when the noun is the subject of the sentence and is not followed by a postposition like 'ne', 'ko', 'se', 'mein', or 'par'), the singular and plural forms are identical.

Direct Singular: एक पुरुष (ek puruṣ) - One man. The form does not change.

वहाँ एक पुरुष खड़ा है। (A man is standing there.)

Direct Plural: दो पुरुष (do puruṣ) - Two men. Notice that the word remains exactly the same; the plurality is indicated by the number 'दो' and the plural verb 'हैं'.

वहाँ दो पुरुष खड़े हैं। (Two men are standing there.)

However, when a postposition is introduced, the noun enters the oblique case. In the singular oblique case, the word still remains 'पुरुष'. But in the plural oblique case, it changes to 'पुरुषों' (puruṣoṃ). This is a critical rule for Hindi fluency.

Oblique Plural: पुरुषों (puruṣoṃ) - Used when referring to multiple men followed by a postposition like 'ने' (ne), 'को' (ko), 'से' (se), etc.

उन पुरुषों ने काम किया। (Those men did the work.)

Adjective agreement is another important aspect. Adjectives modifying 'पुरुष' must be in their masculine form. If the adjective ends in '-ā' (like अच्छा - acchā), it remains '-ā' for direct singular, but changes to '-e' (अच्छे - acche) for direct plural, oblique singular, and oblique plural.

वह एक अच्छा पुरुष है। (He is a good man.)

In formal writing, you will often see 'पुरुष' paired with 'महिला' (mahilā - woman) to denote gender categories. For example, on application forms, the options for gender (लिंग - liṅg) are typically 'पुरुष', 'महिला', and 'अन्य' (anya - other). Mastering these grammatical nuances ensures that your Hindi sounds natural, respectful, and grammatically impeccable, especially in formal or written contexts where precision is highly valued.

सभी पुरुषों को आमंत्रित किया गया है। (All men have been invited.)

The context in which you hear or read the word 'पुरुष' is a strong indicator of the register and formality of the Hindi being used. Unlike its more colloquial counterpart 'आदमी' (ādmī), which you will hear in everyday street conversations, 'पुरुष' belongs to the formal, official, and literary spheres of the language. Understanding where this word naturally occurs will help you gauge the appropriate tone for your own communication. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in public infrastructure and official documentation.

Public Signage: On public restrooms, changing rooms, and security checkpoints, the signs will almost always read 'पुरुष' for men and 'महिला' for women. You will rarely see 'आदमी' used in this official capacity.

यह शौचालय केवल पुरुषों के लिए है। (This restroom is only for men.)

Another major domain for this word is in news media, journalism, and academic writing. When news anchors report on demographics, crime statistics, or social issues, they use 'पुरुष' to maintain a professional and objective tone.

News and Media: Reports discussing employment rates, literacy, or population data will categorize statistics by 'पुरुष' and 'महिला'.

इस गाँव में पुरुष साक्षरता दर अधिक है। (The male literacy rate is higher in this village.)

In literature, poetry, and religious discourses, 'पुरुष' takes on an even more elevated and sometimes abstract meaning. It is used to describe the ideal characteristics of a man, or in spiritual contexts, the soul or supreme being.

Literature and Religion: Terms like 'उत्तम पुरुष' (the best of men) or 'महापुरुष' (great soul) are prevalent in epic texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

राम को मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम पुरुष कहा जाता है। (Ram is called the supreme righteous man.)

Conversely, you will rarely hear 'पुरुष' used in a casual setting to say something like, 'Hey man, what's up?' or 'There was a guy at the store.' In those instances, 'आदमी' (ādmī), 'लड़का' (laṛkā - boy/guy), or 'बंदा' (bandā - guy/dude) are much more appropriate. Using 'पुरुष' in such informal scenarios would sound stiff, overly formal, or even slightly comical to a native speaker.

वह एक रहस्यमय पुरुष था। (He was a mysterious man.)

Therefore, mastering the context of 'पुरुष' is just as important as mastering its meaning.

भारतीय पुरुष क्रिकेट टीम ने मैच जीत लिया। (The Indian men's cricket team won the match.)

When learning the word 'पुरुष', students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls related to grammar, register, and pronunciation. Because Hindi distinguishes between formal and informal vocabulary, and has specific rules for noun declension based on word endings, 'पुरुष' can be a trap for the unwary learner. The most glaring and frequent mistake involves pluralization. In English, we simply change 'man' to 'men'. In Hindi, learners often assume that all nouns must change their ending to become plural.

The Pluralization Error: Many beginners incorrectly say 'पुरुषें' or 'पुरुषों' when trying to say 'men' in a direct sentence (without a postposition).

Incorrect: वहाँ तीन पुरुषों हैं। | Correct: वहाँ तीन पुरुष हैं। (There are three men there.)

The oblique plural 'पुरुषों' should ONLY be used when followed by a postposition like ने, को, से, में, पर, or का/की/के. Another significant mistake is using 'पुरुष' in the wrong social register. As discussed in previous sections, 'पुरुष' is a formal word. Using it in casual conversation sounds unnatural.

Register Mismatch: Using 'पुरुष' when talking to friends about a guy you met at a cafe is too formal. 'आदमी' or 'लड़का' is better.

Awkward: वह पुरुष मेरा दोस्त है। | Natural: वह आदमी/लड़का मेरा दोस्त है। (That man/guy is my friend.)

Pronunciation also poses a challenge for some learners. The word is pronounced 'pu-ruṣ'. The first 'u' is short, the 'r' is rolled or tapped, the second 'u' is short, and the final 'ṣ' is a retroflex 'sh' sound (ष).

Pronunciation Pitfall: Learners often pronounce the 'ष' (retroflex sh) as a simple 'स' (s), saying 'purus' instead of 'purush'.

Ensure the final sound in पुरुष is a thick 'sh' sound, with the tongue curled back.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse the gender of the word itself, though this is rare since the word literally means 'man'. However, when used in abstract compound nouns, learners might forget that the resulting compound is usually masculine.

महापुरुष का सम्मान करो। (Respect the great man.)

By avoiding these common errors in pluralization, register, and pronunciation, your use of 'पुरुष' will be accurate and culturally appropriate.

यह पुरुषों का परिधान है। (This is men's clothing.)

The Hindi language is incredibly rich in vocabulary, often possessing multiple words for a single concept, each derived from different historical sources (Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic) and carrying distinct nuances. When it comes to the concept of 'man', 'पुरुष' (puruṣ) is just one of several options. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to achieving native-like fluency. The most common alternative is 'आदमी' (ādmī).

आदमी (ādmī): Derived from Arabic (meaning descendant of Adam), this is the most common, everyday word for 'man' or 'person'. It is used in casual conversation and informal writing.

वह आदमी मेरा पड़ोसी है। (That man is my neighbor.)

While 'पुरुष' is formal and Sanskrit-derived, 'आदमी' is conversational. Another important synonym is 'नर' (nar).

नर (nar): This word specifically denotes the biological male sex. It is often used in scientific contexts, zoology (to describe male animals), and in classical literature, frequently paired with 'नारी' (nārī - female).

यह एक नर शेर है। (This is a male lion.)

A third synonym carrying a very specific cultural weight is 'मर्द' (mard).

मर्द (mard): Of Persian origin, this word emphasizes masculinity, bravery, and traditional manly virtues. It is often used in idioms or dramatic dialogue to challenge someone's courage.

एक सच्चा मर्द कभी नहीं रोता। (A true man never cries - a traditional trope.)

Lastly, there is 'व्यक्ति' (vyakti), which means 'person' or 'individual'. While it is gender-neutral, it is often used in contexts where 'man' might be used in older English texts to mean 'person'.

वह एक बहुत अच्छा व्यक्ति है। (He/She is a very good person.)

Choosing between 'पुरुष', 'आदमी', 'नर', 'मर्द', and 'व्यक्ति' depends entirely on whether you want to be formal, casual, biological, dramatic, or gender-neutral.

साहित्य में पुरुष और प्रकृति का वर्णन है। (Literature describes Purusha and Prakriti.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Type 2 Masculine Nouns (Consonant ending)

Oblique Case Pluralization (-ओं suffix)

Adjective-Noun Gender Agreement

Postpositions (ने, को, से)

First, Second, and Third Person Pronouns (उत्तम, मध्यम, अन्य पुरुष)

Examples by Level

वह एक पुरुष है।

He is a man.

Basic subject-verb agreement with 'hai'.

यह पुरुष लंबा है।

This man is tall.

Adjective 'lamba' agrees with masculine singular noun.

वहाँ दो पुरुष हैं।

There are two men there.

Direct plural form remains 'purush'.

पुरुष कहाँ है?

Where is the man?

Question word 'kahan' used with the noun.

वह एक अच्छा पुरुष है।

He is a good man.

Adjective 'achha' in masculine singular form.

मैं एक पुरुष हूँ।

I am a man.

First person pronoun 'main' with 'hoon'.

क्या वह पुरुष है?

Is he a man?

Yes/No question starting with 'kya'.

यह पुरुष मेरा दोस्त है।

This man is my friend.

Possessive pronoun 'mera' agrees with masculine noun 'dost'.

उस पुरुष ने मुझे एक किताब दी।

That man gave me a book.

Use of postposition 'ne' for past tense transitive verb.

शौचालय पुरुषों के लिए है।

The restroom is for men.

Oblique plural 'purushon' with postposition 'ke liye'.

वे पुरुष काम कर रहे हैं।

Those men are working.

Present continuous tense with plural subject.

मैंने तीन पुरुषों को देखा।

I saw three men.

Oblique plural 'purushon' with object marker 'ko'.

यह कपड़ों की दुकान पुरुषों की है।

This clothing shop is for men.

Possessive postposition 'ki' linking shop and men.

वह पुरुष बहुत तेज़ दौड़ता है।

That man runs very fast.

Present habitual tense with masculine singular verb 'daudta'.

कमरे में कितने पुरुष हैं?

How many men are in the room?

Question word 'kitne' agrees with plural masculine noun.

पुरुषों को यहाँ बैठना चाहिए।

Men should sit here.

Use of 'chahiye' (should) with oblique plural subject and 'ko'.

हमारे समाज में पुरुषों और महिलाओं को समान अधिकार मिलने चाहिए।

In our society, men and women should get equal rights.

Complex sentence discussing social concepts with plural oblique nouns.

वह एक महान पुरुष थे जिन्होंने देश के लिए अपनी जान दे दी।

He was a great man who gave his life for the country.

Relative clause using 'jinhone' and respectful plural 'the'.

इस प्रतियोगिता में केवल पुरुष ही भाग ले सकते हैं।

Only men can participate in this competition.

Use of emphatic particle 'hi' after the noun.

प्राचीन काल में पुरुषों का मुख्य काम शिकार करना होता था।

In ancient times, the main job of men used to be hunting.

Past habitual state using 'hota tha'.

व्याकरण में 'मैं' और 'हम' उत्तम पुरुष कहलाते हैं।

In grammar, 'I' and 'we' are called the first person.

Specialized grammatical use of the word 'purush'.

उसने एक अनजान पुरुष से मदद माँगी।

She asked for help from an unknown man.

Oblique singular noun with adjective 'anjaan' and postposition 'se'.

पुरुषों के स्वास्थ्य पर अधिक ध्यान देने की आवश्यकता है।

There is a need to pay more attention to men's health.

Abstract concept (health) linked to the oblique plural noun.

वह पुरुष प्रधान मानसिकता का विरोध करती है।

She opposes the male-dominated mentality.

Use of 'purush' as part of a compound adjective 'purush pradhan'.

जनगणना के अनुसार, इस राज्य में पुरुषों की साक्षरता दर महिलाओं से अधिक है।

According to the census, the male literacy rate in this state is higher than that of females.

Formal statistical reporting language.

आधुनिक युग में पुरुषों को अपनी भावनाओं को व्यक्त करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया जा रहा है।

In the modern era, men are being encouraged to express their emotions.

Passive voice construction 'protsahit kiya ja raha hai'.

कंपनी के निदेशक मंडल में पाँच पुरुष और तीन महिलाएँ शामिल हैं।

The company's board of directors consists of five men and three women.

Formal business vocabulary integrated with the noun.

भारतीय दर्शन में पुरुष और प्रकृति के बीच के संबंध को गहराई से समझाया गया है।

In Indian philosophy, the relationship between Purusha and Prakriti has been explained deeply.

Philosophical usage of the word as a cosmic principle.

पुलिस ने संदिग्ध पुरुष का स्केच जारी किया है।

The police have released a sketch of the suspicious man.

Formal journalistic/legal phrasing.

महाकाव्यों में आदर्श पुरुष के गुणों का विस्तार से वर्णन मिलता है।

In the epics, a detailed description of the qualities of an ideal man is found.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

पुरुषों के अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए भी कई संगठन काम कर रहे हैं।

Many organizations are also working to protect men's rights.

Socio-political discourse structure.

आवेदन पत्र में अपना नाम, आयु और लिंग (पुरुष/महिला/अन्य) स्पष्ट रूप से भरें।

Fill in your name, age, and gender (Male/Female/Other) clearly in the application form.

Instructional and administrative register.

सांख्य दर्शन के अनुसार, पुरुष चेतन है जबकि प्रकृति जड़ है।

According to Samkhya philosophy, Purusha is conscious while Prakriti is inert.

Advanced philosophical terminology and contrastive structure.

कवि ने अपने काव्य में उस महापुरुष की अदम्य जिजीविषा का सजीव चित्रण किया है।

In his poetry, the poet has vividly depicted the indomitable will to live of that great man.

Highly literary vocabulary (adamy jijivisha, sajiv chitran).

पितृसत्तात्मक व्यवस्था में पुरुषों को जन्म से ही कुछ विशेषाधिकार प्राप्त होते हैं, जिन पर विमर्श आवश्यक है।

In a patriarchal system, men receive certain privileges from birth, which require discourse.

Sociological critique using complex relative clauses.

उनका पौरुष केवल शारीरिक बल में नहीं, बल्कि उनके नैतिक साहस में निहित था।

His masculinity lay not just in physical strength, but in his moral courage.

Use of the abstract noun derivative 'paurush'.

ऋग्वेद के पुरुष सूक्त में ब्रह्मांड की उत्पत्ति का प्रतीकात्मक वर्णन मिलता है।

A symbolic description of the origin of the universe is found in the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda.

Reference to classical Vedic literature.

समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से, 'पुरुषत्व' की परिभाषा समय और संस्कृति के साथ निरंतर बदलती रहती है।

From a sociological perspective, the definition of 'manhood' constantly changes with time and culture.

Academic phrasing using the abstract suffix '-tva' (purushatva).

न्यायालय ने स्पष्ट किया कि कानून की दृष्टि में पुरुष और स्त्री के बीच कोई भेदभाव स्वीकार्य नहीं है।

The court clarified that in the eyes of the law, no discrimination between man and woman is acceptable.

Formal legal register and passive-like acceptability.

आध्यात्मिक उन्नति के मार्ग पर चलने वाले सत्पुरुषों का संग जीवन को दिशा प्रदान करता है।

The company of virtuous men walking on the path of spiritual progress provides direction to life.

Spiritual/religious discourse using compound 'satpurush'.

वेदान्त में परम पुरुष की अवधारणा अद्वैत और द्वैत के मध्य एक जटिल दार्शनिक सेतु का निर्माण करती है।

In Vedanta, the concept of the Supreme Purusha builds a complex philosophical bridge between non-dualism and dualism.

Master-level philosophical synthesis and vocabulary.

आधुनिक विमर्श में पुरुषार्थ के चतुष्टय—धर्म, अर्थ, काम, मोक्ष—की प्रासंगिकता का पुनर्मूल्यांकन किया जा रहा है।

In modern discourse, the relevance of the tetrad of Purushartha—Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha—is being re-evaluated.

Integration of deep cultural concepts (Purushartha) into modern academic critique.

साहित्यिक आलोचना में, नायक के पुरुषत्व का विखंडन उत्तर-आधुनिक रचनाओं की एक प्रमुख विशेषता बन गया है।

In literary criticism, the deconstruction of the protagonist's masculinity has become a major feature of post-modern works.

Post-modern literary criticism terminology (vikhandan).

राजनीतिक सत्ता के गलियारों में, पुरुष-वर्चस्ववादी नीतियाँ अक्सर अदृश्य रूप से संस्थागत ढांचों को नियंत्रित करती हैं।

In the corridors of political power, male-chauvinist policies often invisibly control institutional frameworks.

Advanced socio-political analysis with compound adjectives (purush-varchasvavadi).

कबीर के निर्गुण ब्रह्म को कई बार 'अगम पुरुष' के रूप में संबोधित किया गया है, जो रूप और आकार से परे है।

Kabir's formless absolute is often addressed as the 'Unreachable Purusha', who is beyond form and shape.

Analysis of medieval Bhakti poetry and mystical terminology.

जनसांख्यिकीय लाभांश का वास्तविक दोहन तभी संभव है जब पुरुष और महिला कार्यबल की भागीदारी में समतामूलक वृद्धि हो।

The true exploitation of the demographic dividend is only possible when there is an equitable increase in the participation of the male and female workforce.

High-level economic and demographic policy language.

महाकाव्यात्मक परंपरा में, मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम का आदर्श केवल एक व्यक्ति का नहीं, अपितु एक संपूर्ण युग की नैतिक आकांक्षाओं का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है।

In the epic tradition, the ideal of the Supreme Righteous Man represents not just an individual, but the moral aspirations of an entire era.

Mastery of cultural archetypes and expansive rhetorical structures.

भाषाविज्ञान के अंतर्गत, सर्वनामों में 'पुरुष' की अवधारणा वक्ता, श्रोता और अन्य के बीच के सत्तात्मक संबंधों को भी उद्घाटित करती है।

Within linguistics, the concept of 'person' in pronouns also reveals the power dynamics between the speaker, listener, and the other.

Meta-linguistic analysis using the grammatical definition of the word.

Common Collocations

महापुरुष

सत्पुरुष

कायर पुरुष

आदर्श पुरुष

पुरुष प्रधान

पुरुष वर्ग

उत्तम पुरुष

पुरुष साक्षरता

पुरुष शौचालय

पुरुष परिधान

Common Phrases

पुरुष और महिला

पुरुष प्रधान समाज

मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम

महापुरुषों के विचार

पुरुषों के अधिकार

पुरुषों का परिधान

पुरुषों का शौचालय

पुरुष साक्षरता दर

उत्तम पुरुष

अन्य पुरुष

Often Confused With

पुरुष vs आदमी (Informal man)

पुरुष vs नर (Biological male)

पुरुष vs व्यक्ति (Person)

Idioms & Expressions

"पुरुषार्थ करना"

"महापुरुष बनना"

"पुरुषों वाली बात"

"सच्चा पुरुष"

"पुरुष की पहचान"

"कायर पुरुष की तरह"

"पुरुषत्व दिखाना"

"पुरुषों के बीच"

"पुरुष का वचन"

"पुरुष की गरिमा"

Easily Confused

पुरुष vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

While 'पुरुष' is the standard translation for 'man', its usage is heavily dictated by register. It is the 'default' word in writing, but 'आदमी' is the 'default' word in speaking.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'पुरुषों' as the subject of a sentence without a postposition (e.g., 'पुरुषों आ रहे हैं' instead of 'पुरुष आ रहे हैं').
Using 'पुरुष' in casual, everyday conversation instead of 'आदमी', making the speech sound unnaturally formal.
Pronouncing the final 'ष' as a simple 'स' (s), saying 'purus' instead of 'purush'.
Using 'पुरुष' to describe the male gender of an animal instead of using 'नर' (nar).
Forgetting to use the oblique plural 'पुरुषों' when a postposition is present (e.g., saying 'पुरुष को' when referring to multiple men instead of 'पुरुषों को').

Tips

Direct Plural Rule

Never add a plural suffix to 'पुरुष' if it is the subject of a simple sentence without a postposition. 'Two men are coming' is 'दो पुरुष आ रहे हैं', NOT 'दो पुरुषों आ रहे हैं'. The word remains exactly the same as the singular form.

Register Matters

Save 'पुरुष' for formal writing, reading the news, or speaking respectfully in an official capacity. If you are chatting with friends at a cafe, use 'आदमी' (aadmi) or 'लड़का' (ladka) instead to sound natural and fluent.

Master the Retroflex 'Sh'

The 'ष' in 'पुरुष' is a retroflex consonant. Practice curling your tongue back before exhaling the 'sh' sound. Mispronouncing it as a simple 's' (purus) is a common marker of a beginner or non-native accent.

Look for it on Signs

When traveling in India, 'पुरुष' is a vital survival word. Look for it on restroom doors, security checkpoint lines, and changing rooms. It will almost always be accompanied by 'महिला' (women) nearby.

Oblique Plural with Postpositions

The moment you add a postposition like ने, को, से, में, or पर after referring to multiple men, you MUST change 'पुरुष' to 'पुरुषों'. Example: 'मैंने पुरुषों को देखा' (I saw the men). This is non-negotiable in Hindi grammar.

Understand 'Mahapurush'

When you hear someone called a 'महापुरुष' (Mahapurush), know that it is a term of immense respect. It implies the person is not just a great man, but a noble soul or a saintly figure who has transcended ordinary human flaws.

Don't Use for Animals

Remember that 'पुरुष' is strictly for humans. If you are at a zoo or talking about pets, use 'नर' (nar) for male animals. Saying 'पुरुष कुत्ता' (man dog) is grammatically and logically incorrect in Hindi.

Grammar Terminology

If you are studying Hindi grammar in Hindi, 'पुरुष' means 'Person' in the context of pronouns. First person is उत्तम पुरुष, second is मध्यम पुरुष, and third is अन्य पुरुष. Don't confuse this with the word for 'man'.

Filling out Forms

When filling out visa applications, bank forms, or any official document in Hindi, the 'Gender' (लिंग) section will require you to tick 'पुरुष' if you are male. Get comfortable recognizing its written form quickly.

Philosophical Depth

If you are reading advanced literature or spiritual texts, be prepared for 'पुरुष' to mean 'soul' or 'consciousness' rather than a physical man. Context is key to unlocking this deeper, ancient meaning of the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PURE' 'RUSH' of energy that makes a strong MAN. Pu-rush = Man.

Word Origin

Sanskrit

Cultural Context

Highly formal. Preferred in written Hindi, news, and official documents.

Central to Hindu dualistic philosophy (Samkhya), representing the soul/consciousness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि हमारा समाज अभी भी पुरुष प्रधान है?"

"आपके जीवन में सबसे प्रभावशाली महापुरुष कौन हैं?"

"पुरुषों और महिलाओं के लिए समान अवसर क्यों महत्वपूर्ण हैं?"

"आधुनिक युग में पुरुषों की भूमिका कैसे बदल रही है?"

"क्या आपने कभी पुरुषार्थ के चार स्तंभों के बारे में पढ़ा है?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a 'महापुरुष' (great man) who inspires you.

Describe the differences you see in society's expectations of a 'पुरुष' (man) versus a 'महिला' (woman).

Write a short paragraph using 'पुरुष' in the direct plural and oblique plural correctly.

Reflect on the philosophical meaning of 'Purusha' as consciousness.

List five places where you would expect to see the word 'पुरुष' written in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'पुरुष' (puruṣ) is a formal, Sanskrit-derived word used in official documents, literature, and public signs to mean 'man' or 'male'. 'आदमी' (ādmī) is an Arabic-derived word used in everyday, casual conversation to mean 'man' or 'person'. You write 'पुरुष' on a form, but you say 'आदमी' when talking to a friend. Using 'पुरुष' in casual speech sounds unnaturally stiff.

In Hindi, masculine nouns ending in a consonant do not change in the direct plural. So, 'one man' is 'एक पुरुष' and 'ten men' is 'दस पुरुष'. However, if the plural noun is followed by a postposition (like ने, को, से, में), it takes the oblique plural form, which is 'पुरुषों' (puruṣoṃ). For example, 'पुरुषों ने काम किया' (The men worked).

In Hindi grammar terminology, 'पुरुष' is used to denote grammatical 'person' for pronouns. 'उत्तम पुरुष' (Uttam Purush) means First Person (I, We). 'मध्यम पुरुष' (Madhyam Purush) means Second Person (You). 'अन्य पुरुष' (Anya Purush) means Third Person (He, She, They). This is a specialized linguistic use of the word.

'महापुरुष' (mahāpuruṣ) is a compound word made of 'महा' (great) and 'पुरुष' (man). It translates to 'great man' or 'noble soul'. It is used to refer to highly respected historical figures, saints, social reformers, or leaders who have made significant positive contributions to society, such as Mahatma Gandhi or Swami Vivekananda.

The final letter is 'ष' (ṣ), which is a retroflex sibilant. To pronounce it correctly, curl the tip of your tongue backward toward the roof of your mouth (the hard palate) and make a 'sh' sound. It sounds thicker and deeper than the regular English 'sh' and is distinct from the simple 's' (स) sound.

No, 'पुरुष' is exclusively used for human adult males. When referring to the male sex of an animal, you should use the word 'नर' (nar). For example, a male lion is 'नर शेर' (nar sher), not 'पुरुष शेर'. 'नर' denotes biological maleness across species.

'पुरुष' is primarily a noun. However, it can be used attributively to describe things meant for men, such as 'पुरुष परिधान' (men's clothing) or 'पुरुष शौचालय' (men's restroom). To describe the quality of being manly, the abstract noun 'पौरुष' (pauruṣ) or the adjective 'पौरुषपूर्ण' (manly/virile) is used.

The direct formal female equivalent of 'पुरुष' is 'महिला' (mahilā), which means 'woman'. On forms and signs, you will almost always see 'पुरुष' paired with 'महिला'. In literary or classical contexts, it is sometimes paired with 'स्त्री' (strī) or 'नारी' (nārī).

'पुरुषार्थ' (puruṣārth) is a profound cultural and philosophical concept in Hinduism derived from 'पुरुष'. It refers to the four proper goals or aims of a human life: Dharma (righteousness/duty), Artha (prosperity/wealth), Kama (pleasure/desire), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). It literally translates to 'the object of human pursuit'.

In ancient Indian philosophy, particularly Samkhya and Vedanta, 'Purusha' refers to the cosmic being, the universal soul, or pure, formless consciousness. It is the silent observer of the universe, contrasted with 'Prakriti' (nature or matter), which is the active, changing force. Therefore, spiritual leaders often use 'पुरुष' to refer to the soul or God.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence in Hindi saying 'He is a man.'

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

Basic subject-verb agreement.