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प्रति

B1 preposition #600 most common 10 min read

प्रति

prati Top 600

At the A1 level, you will mostly see 'प्रति' in very simple contexts, specifically related to prices and basic time units. You don't need to worry about its complex emotional uses yet. Think of it as the word for 'per'. When you go to a market, you might see prices written as '₹40 प्रति किलो' (40 rupees per kilo). You might also see it in the word 'प्रतिदिन' (every day), which is a slightly more formal way of saying 'रोज़' (roz). At this stage, just remember that 'प्रति' helps you talk about rates and simple repetitions. It is a 'building block' word that you will see attached to other words you already know, like 'दिन' (day) or 'किलो' (kilo). It doesn't change its shape, so it is easy to use once you recognize the pattern. Just remember: [Price] + प्रति + [Unit]. This will help you shop and understand basic schedules in India.

As an A2 learner, you start to see 'प्रति' appearing as a prefix in more common words. You are likely familiar with 'प्रतिदिन' (daily) and 'प्रतिवर्ष' (yearly). You will also encounter 'प्रति' in basic formal settings, such as the beginning of a letter or an application (meaning 'To'). At this level, you should begin to notice that 'प्रति' is used for 'each' in a more organized way than 'हर'. For example, in a classroom, a teacher might say 'प्रति छात्र' (per student). You should also be able to use it in simple sentences about speed, like '५० किलोमीटर प्रति घंटा' (50 km per hour). The key for A2 is recognizing 'प्रति' as a marker of distribution—it spreads a value or an action across a group of things or units of time. It's about moving from 'every' to 'per'.

At the B1 level, you move into the most characteristic use of 'प्रति': expressing attitudes and feelings 'towards' someone or something. This is where 'प्रति' acts as a postposition. You will learn to say things like 'मेरे प्रति' (towards me) or 'देश के प्रति' (towards the country). This is essential for discussing social issues, personal relationships, and responsibilities. You will also encounter 'प्रति' in more complex compound words like 'प्रतिशत' (percentage) and 'प्रतिक्रिया' (reaction). At B1, you are expected to understand that 'प्रति' is the formal choice for 'towards' when the direction is abstract. You should be able to distinguish between 'वह मेरी तरफ देख रहा है' (He is looking towards me - physical) and 'उसका मेरे प्रति व्यवहार अच्छा है' (His behavior towards me is good - abstract). This distinction is vital for reaching intermediate fluency.

At the B2 level, 'प्रति' becomes a tool for professional and academic communication. You will use it to discuss 'प्रतिबद्धता' (commitment), 'प्रतिनिधित्व' (representation), and 'प्रतिस्पर्धा' (competition). You will encounter it in news reports about 'प्रति व्यक्ति आय' (per capita income) and 'प्रतिबंध' (restriction/ban). At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'प्रति' in writing formal letters, reports, and essays. You will also notice its use in legal and administrative contexts to mean 'a copy' of a document. A B2 learner should be able to use 'प्रति' to construct nuanced arguments about one's duties towards society or the environment. You are no longer just using it for 'per kilo'; you are using it to define the relationship between individuals and larger systems. Your vocabulary will expand significantly as you realize how many high-level Hindi words are built using 'प्रति' as a prefix.

For C1 learners, 'प्रति' is used to explore deep philosophical, literary, and political nuances. You will encounter it in classical literature and modern editorials where it denotes a specific stance or 'counter' position. Words like 'प्रतिवाद' (counter-argument/protest) and 'प्रतिध्वनि' (echo/resonance) become part of your active vocabulary. You will understand the subtle difference between 'प्रति' and other postpositions in poetic contexts, where 'प्रति' might imply a mirror-like relationship or a destined connection. At this level, you should be able to analyze how the prefix 'प्रति-' changes the root word in hundreds of Sanskrit-derived terms. You will also use 'प्रति' in highly technical fields, such as law (प्रतिवादी - defendant) or science (प्रतिपिंड - antibody). Your mastery of 'प्रति' allows you to read complex texts with ease and express yourself with the precision of a native intellectual.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the Sanskrit roots of 'प्रति' and its evolution in Modern Standard Hindi. You can use it to navigate the most formal registers of the language, including 'Rajbhasha' (official government Hindi). You understand its role in 'Sandhi' (phonetic joining), such as how 'प्रति + उपकार' becomes 'प्रत्युपकार' (a favor in return). You can appreciate the use of 'प्रति' in ancient Vedic texts as well as in contemporary post-modernist Hindi literature. For a C2 speaker, 'प्रति' is not just a word but a linguistic principle of reciprocity, direction, and distribution. You can use it to coin new terms if necessary or to interpret archaic ones. You are sensitive to the rhythmic properties it brings to prose and can use it to create sophisticated, balanced sentences that reflect a high degree of cultural and linguistic literacy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

प्रति in 30 Seconds

Means 'towards' for emotions and 'per' for rates.
Functions as both a postposition and a prefix.
Essential for formal Hindi and academic contexts.
Derived from Sanskrit; stays the same in all genders.

The Hindi word प्रति (prati) is a versatile and sophisticated term derived directly from Sanskrit. It functions primarily in three ways: as a postposition meaning 'towards' or 'to' (in the context of feelings or behavior), as a prefix meaning 'each' or 'every', and as a mathematical/statistical term meaning 'per'. Understanding 'प्रति' is a significant milestone for Hindi learners because it elevates your speech from basic conversational levels to a more formal, precise, and literary register. While a beginner might use 'को' (ko) or 'की तरफ' (ki taraf) to indicate direction or recipient, an intermediate learner uses 'प्रति' to express abstract relationships, such as 'duty towards the nation' or 'kindness towards animals'.

Emotional Direction: When expressing an attitude, feeling, or behavior directed at someone, 'प्रति' is the standard choice. For example, 'उसके प्रति मेरा प्रेम' (My love towards him/her).
Distributive Usage: In formal contexts, it replaces 'हर' (har) to mean 'each'. You will see this in 'प्रतिदिन' (every day) or 'प्रति व्यक्ति' (per person).
Formal Correspondence: In administrative Hindi, 'प्रति' is used to address a recipient in a letter, similar to 'To:' in English.

हमें अपने पर्यावरण के प्रति जागरूक होना चाहिए। (We should be aware towards our environment.)

In the realm of mathematics and science, 'प्रति' is indispensable. Whether you are discussing speed (kilometers per hour - किलोमीटर प्रति घंटा) or density, this word provides the necessary structure for ratios. It is also used in the word 'प्रतिशत' (pratishat), which literally translates to 'per hundred' or 'percent'. This multi-functional nature makes it one of the most high-frequency words in academic and professional Hindi. Native speakers use it instinctively to add a layer of seriousness or precision to their statements. For instance, saying 'मेरे लिए' (for me) is personal, but saying 'मेरे प्रति' (towards me) often implies a social or moral stance taken by others.

इस कार की गति ८० किलोमीटर प्रति घंटा है। (The speed of this car is 80 kilometers per hour.)

Furthermore, 'प्रति' appears in numerous compound words that are essential for B1 and B2 level proficiency. Words like 'प्रतिक्रिया' (reaction - literally 'counter-action'), 'प्रतिस्पर्धा' (competition), and 'प्रतिनिधि' (representative) all utilize the 'counter' or 'towards' sense of the prefix. This demonstrates the word's role as a building block in the Hindi language. By mastering 'प्रति', you aren't just learning one word; you are unlocking the meaning of dozens of related terms that follow the same logical root. It bridges the gap between the physical world (moving towards a place) and the abstract world (moving towards a goal or an emotion).

Using 'प्रति' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical placement. Unlike English prepositions that come before the noun, 'प्रति' functions as a postposition or a prefix. When it acts as a postposition meaning 'towards' an object of emotion or behavior, it usually follows the pattern: [Noun/Pronoun] + [के] + प्रति. However, in many modern contexts, the 'के' is dropped, and you simply see [Noun] + प्रति. For pronouns, the oblique form is mandatory. For example, 'मेरे प्रति' (towards me), 'आपके प्रति' (towards you), and 'उनके प्रति' (towards them).

Expressing Responsibility: Use it to define duties. 'बच्चों के प्रति माता-पिता की जिम्मेदारी' (Parents' responsibility towards children).
Units of Measurement: In rates, it follows the unit. '५० रुपये प्रति किलो' (50 rupees per kilo).

वह अपने काम के प्रति बहुत ईमानदार है। (He is very honest towards his work.)

Another critical usage is the prefix form. When 'प्रति' is attached to the beginning of a word, it often modifies the meaning to imply repetition or opposition. 'प्रतिदिन' (Daily), 'प्रतिवर्ष' (Annually), and 'प्रत्येक' (Every single one - a sandhi combination of prati + ek). This usage is very common in both spoken and written Hindi. If you want to sound more formal than using 'हर दिन' (har din), you should use 'प्रतिदिन'. This is particularly useful in professional emails, news reports, and academic writing. It provides a rhythmic and structured feel to the sentence that 'हर' sometimes lacks.

हमें प्रति सप्ताह एक रिपोर्ट भेजनी होगी। (We will have to send a report every week.)

In more advanced constructions, 'प्रति' can be used to indicate a copy or a duplicate. For example, 'इस पत्र की एक प्रति' means 'one copy of this letter'. This is a very specific administrative usage that you will encounter in offices or libraries. It comes from the idea of 'counter-part' or 'reflection'. Similarly, 'प्रतिलिपि' (copy/transcript) is a common word in legal and educational settings. Mastering these variations allows a learner to navigate different domains of Hindi—from the grocery store (per kilo) to the lawyer's office (copy of a document) to a philosophical discussion (attitude towards life).

You will encounter 'प्रति' in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. In daily life, the most common place is the marketplace. Shopkeepers and customers use it to discuss prices. If you are at a vegetable market in Delhi, you might hear 'सौ रुपये प्रति किलो' (100 rupees per kilo). In this context, it is synonymous with 'के हिसाब से' (at the rate of), but 'प्रति' is shorter and more efficient. It is also standard on receipts and bills, often abbreviated in writing but spoken in full.

News and Media: News anchors frequently use 'प्रति' when reporting statistics, such as 'प्रति व्यक्ति आय' (per capita income) or 'प्रतिशत वृद्धि' (percentage increase).
Literature and Poetry: Poets use 'प्रति' to express deep devotion or complex attitudes towards a beloved or a concept, such as 'ईश्वर के प्रति समर्पण' (surrender towards God).

समाचार: भारत में प्रति व्यक्ति बिजली की खपत बढ़ रही है। (News: Per capita electricity consumption is increasing in India.)

In the workplace, 'प्रति' is the language of professionalism. During meetings, a manager might speak about 'लक्ष्यों के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता' (commitment towards goals). Here, 'प्रतिबद्धता' (commitment) is a direct derivative. If you are watching a Bollywood drama, a character might express their resentment or love using this word to add weight to their emotions: 'तुम्हारे प्रति मेरी नफरत खत्म नहीं होगी' (My hatred towards you will not end). Using 'प्रति' instead of 'के लिए' (for) in such a scene makes the dialogue sound more dramatic and intentional.

प्रति, प्रधानाचार्य महोदय, राजकीय विद्यालय। (To, Respected Principal, Government School.)

Finally, in the digital age, 'प्रति' appears in user interfaces and technical settings. 'प्रति सेकंड' (per second) is used for internet speeds, and 'प्रति क्लिक' (per click) is used in digital marketing. Even as Hindi evolves with English loanwords, 'प्रति' remains the dominant way to express 'per' because of its brevity and clarity. Whether you are reading a high-brow editorial in 'Dainik Jagran' or looking at a price tag in a local 'Kirana' store, 'प्रति' is a constant companion in the linguistic landscape of India.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is using 'प्रति' to mean 'to' in a physical directional sense, like 'I am going to the market'. In Hindi, you cannot say 'मैं बाज़ार के प्रति जा रहा हूँ'. For physical movement, you must use 'को' (ko) or 'की ओर' (ki or). 'प्रति' is reserved for abstract direction—towards a person's character, a goal, or a feeling. Confusing physical and abstract 'to' is a hallmark of a beginner. Always remember: if you can physically walk to it, 'प्रति' is likely the wrong choice.

Case Errors: Forgetting to use the oblique case for pronouns. Saying 'वह प्रति' instead of 'उसके प्रति' is grammatically incorrect.
Overuse in Casual Speech: Using 'प्रति' in very informal settings can sound overly stiff. For 'every day', 'रोज़' (roz) is more natural in a cafe than 'प्रतिदिन'.

गलत: मैं स्कूल के प्रति जा रहा हूँ। (Incorrect: I am going towards the school - physical).

Another mistake is confusing 'प्रति' with 'प्रत्येक'. While 'प्रत्येक' (every/each) contains 'प्रति', they are used differently. 'प्रत्येक' is an adjective/pronoun that stands before a noun ('प्रत्येक छात्र' - every student), whereas 'प्रति' as a prefix is joined to the noun ('प्रतिदिन'). Using 'प्रति छात्र' is also correct and means 'per student', but 'प्रत्येक' is more common when emphasizing 'every single one'. Learners often struggle with the 'per' vs 'every' distinction. Use 'प्रति' for rates (per kg) and 'प्रत्येक' or 'प्रति-' prefix for frequency (every day).

सही: मेरे मन में आपके प्रति बहुत सम्मान है। (Correct: I have a lot of respect towards you - abstract).

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 'प्रति' can mean 'copy'. If someone asks for a 'प्रति' of a document, they aren't asking 'towards' the document; they want a duplicate. This is a common point of confusion in office environments. Similarly, in the context of 'प्रतिशत' (percent), learners sometimes try to translate 'percent' literally as 'परसेंट' (which is understood) but fail to recognize 'प्रतिशत' in formal documents. Understanding that 'प्रति' is the root of 'percent' helps solidify its meaning as 'per'.

Hindi offers several alternatives to 'प्रति', depending on the context. For the meaning of 'towards', the most common synonym is 'की ओर' (ki or) or 'की तरफ' (ki taraf). However, these are usually more physical. 'की ओर' suggests direction in space, while 'प्रति' suggests direction in thought or emotion. For example, 'वह घर की ओर गया' (He went towards the house) vs 'उसका घर के प्रति लगाव' (His attachment towards the house). Choosing the right one defines your level of nuance.

प्रति vs की तरफ (Towards): 'प्रति' is for emotions/attitudes; 'की तरफ' is for physical direction.
प्रति vs हर (Each/Every): 'हर' is informal and common in speech; 'प्रति' is formal and used in writing/rates.
प्रति vs के लिए (For): 'के लिए' indicates a beneficiary; 'प्रति' indicates a target of an emotion.

तुलना: हर दिन (Casual) बनाम प्रतिदिन (Formal).

In the context of 'per', you might hear 'फी' (fee), which is of Persian origin. 'फी आदमी' (per man) is common in Urdu-influenced Hindi, especially in older literature or specific regions like Lucknow and Hyderabad. However, 'प्रति' remains the standard in modern Sanskritized Hindi and official government usage. Another alternative for 'towards' in a very formal or legal sense is 'के विरुद्ध' (against) if the direction is hostile, though 'प्रति' can also be used for negative emotions like 'नफरत' (hatred).

synonym: प्रत्येक (Every) is often used interchangeably with 'प्रति' in distributive contexts.

Finally, for the meaning of 'copy', the word 'नकल' (nakal) is a common alternative. However, 'नकल' often implies an imitation or even cheating, whereas 'प्रति' is a neutral, official term for a duplicate copy. If you ask for a 'फोटोकॉपी' (photocopy), that is the most common modern spoken term, but in a formal letter, you would still write 'संलग्न प्रति' (attached copy). Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate the social hierarchy of the Hindi language, choosing the word that fits the level of respect and formality required for the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"हमें अपने कर्तव्यों के प्रति सजग रहना चाहिए।"

Neutral

"चीनी ४० रुपये प्रति किलो है।"

Informal

"वह रोज़ (प्रतिदिन) यहाँ आता है।"

Child friendly

"हमें जानवरों के प्रति दयालु होना चाहिए।"

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'प्रति' is a cognate with the Greek 'proti' and Latin 'pre-', sharing an ancient Indo-European root meaning 'forward' or 'towards'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpɾʌ.t̪i/

US /ˈpɾɑ.t̪i/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Pra'.

Rhymes With

गति (Gati - Speed) मति (Mati - Mind) यति (Yati - Ascetic) क्षति (Kshati - Loss) रति (Rati - Attachment) नति (Nati - Bow/Result) कृति (Kriti - Work/Creation) धृति (Dhriti - Patience)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' as a hard English 't' (like in 'tea') instead of a soft dental Hindi 't'.
Elongating the final 'i' sound too much.
Missing the subtle 'r' sound after the 'p'.
Confusing it with 'Preeti' (a name), which has a long 'ee' sound.
Pronouncing it as 'Par-ti' instead of 'Pra-ti'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the 'per' and 'towards' meanings are known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of the oblique case for pronouns and formal vocabulary.

Speaking 4/5

Using it naturally instead of 'की तरफ' takes practice to sound authentic.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal announcements; usually clearly pronounced.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

को की तरफ हर रुपये किलो

Learn Next

प्रत्येक प्रतिक्रिया प्रतिष्ठा प्रतिबद्धता प्रतिशत

Advanced

प्रतिवादी प्रतिध्वनि प्रतिशोध प्रतिलिपि प्रतिबिंब

Grammar to Know

Oblique Case Requirement

Use 'उसके प्रति' (oblique) not 'वह प्रति' (direct).

Sandhi in 'Pratyek'

Prati + Ek = Pratyek (प्रत्येक).

Avyayibhav Samas

Words like 'Pratidin' don't change with gender/number.

Postpositional omission of 'ke'

In 'पशुओं प्रति', 'के' is often implied but can be omitted in poetry.

Prefixation

Adding 'प्रति' to a noun to create an adverb of frequency.

Examples by Level

चीनी ४० रुपये प्रति किलो है।

Sugar is 40 rupees per kilo.

Here 'प्रति' means 'per' and follows the currency.

मैं प्रतिदिन दूध पीता हूँ।

I drink milk every day.

'प्रतिदिन' is a compound word meaning 'every day'.

बस का किराया ५ रुपये प्रति व्यक्ति है।

The bus fare is 5 rupees per person.

'प्रति व्यक्ति' means 'per person'.

यह दवा दिन में दो बार प्रति दिन लें।

Take this medicine twice a day every day.

Used here to indicate frequency.

सेब १०० रुपये प्रति किलो मिलते हैं।

Apples are available for 100 rupees per kilo.

Standard usage for market rates.

प्रति घंटा काम का पैसा मिलेगा।

You will get money for work per hour.

'प्रति घंटा' means 'per hour'.

हमें प्रति सप्ताह सफाई करनी चाहिए।

We should clean every week.

'प्रति सप्ताह' means 'per week'.

टिकट की कीमत १० रुपये प्रति छात्र है।

The ticket price is 10 rupees per student.

Used to define a rate for a specific group.

प्रति, प्रधानाचार्य महोदय।

To, Respected Principal.

Used in formal letter headings to mean 'To'.

वह प्रतिवर्ष भारत जाता है।

He goes to India every year.

'प्रतिवर्ष' means 'annually' or 'every year'.

इस किताब की एक प्रति मुझे दो।

Give me one copy of this book.

Here 'प्रति' means 'a copy'.

गाड़ी की रफ़्तार ६० किमी प्रति घंटा थी।

The car's speed was 60 km per hour.

Standard scientific/technical usage.

प्रत्येक बच्चे को एक खिलौना मिला।

Every child got a toy.

'प्रत्येक' is 'प्रति + एक', meaning 'each one'.

हमें अपने माता-पिता के प्रति आदर रखना चाहिए।

We should have respect towards our parents.

Introduction to the 'towards' (abstract) meaning.

प्रति माह मेरा वेतन आता है।

My salary comes every month.

'प्रति माह' means 'per month'.

इस फॉर्म की दो प्रतियाँ भरें।

Fill two copies of this form.

'प्रतियाँ' is the plural of 'प्रति' (copy).

पशुओं के प्रति दया दिखाओ।

Show kindness towards animals.

Standard B1 usage for abstract direction (emotions).

उसका व्यवहार मेरे प्रति अच्छा नहीं है।

His behavior towards me is not good.

Using 'प्रति' with a pronoun in the oblique case.

हमें अपने देश के प्रति वफादार होना चाहिए।

We should be loyal towards our country.

Expressing a moral or civic duty.

परीक्षा में ८० प्रतिशत अंक आए।

Got 80 percent marks in the exam.

'प्रतिशत' means 'percent' (per hundred).

आपकी मेरे प्रति क्या राय है?

What is your opinion towards/about me?

Used to ask for an abstract evaluation.

वह अपने लक्ष्यों के प्रति समर्पित है।

He is dedicated towards his goals.

Expressing dedication or focus.

पर्यावरण के प्रति हमारी जिम्मेदारी है।

It is our responsibility towards the environment.

Linking responsibility to a target.

शिक्षक के प्रति सम्मान ज़रूरी है।

Respect towards the teacher is necessary.

Abstract noun + प्रति.

सरकार को गरीबों के प्रति संवेदनशील होना चाहिए।

The government should be sensitive towards the poor.

Formal social/political context.

यह उसकी मेहनत के प्रति एक प्रतिक्रिया है।

This is a reaction to/towards his hard work.

'प्रतिक्रिया' means 'reaction'.

कंपनी में प्रति व्यक्ति उत्पादन बढ़ गया है।

Per capita production in the company has increased.

Professional/Economic usage.

उसने अपनी गलतियों के प्रति माफी मांगी।

He apologized for (towards) his mistakes.

Direction of an apology.

हमें अपनी संस्कृति के प्रति गर्व है।

We are proud of (towards) our culture.

Abstract emotion directed at a concept.

इस योजना के प्रति लोगों का उत्साह कम है।

People's enthusiasm towards this scheme is low.

Measuring public sentiment.

वह एक योग्य प्रतिनिधि है।

He is a capable representative.

'प्रतिनिधि' (representative) uses 'प्रति' as a prefix.

सच्चाई के प्रति उसकी निष्ठा अटूट है।

His loyalty towards truth is unbreakable.

High-level abstract noun usage.

मानवता के प्रति अपराध अक्षम्य हैं।

Crimes against (towards) humanity are inexcusable.

Legal/Human rights context.

साहित्य के प्रति उनका दृष्टिकोण मौलिक है।

His perspective towards literature is original.

Academic/Critical analysis.

यह फिल्म समाज के प्रति एक कड़ा संदेश देती है।

This film gives a strong message towards society.

Artistic/Social commentary.

अहिंसा के प्रति गांधीजी की प्रतिबद्धता जगजाहिर है।

Gandhiji's commitment towards non-violence is well-known.

'प्रतिबद्धता' means 'commitment'.

आत्मा के प्रति परमात्मा का मिलन ही योग है।

The union of the supreme soul towards the individual soul is Yoga.

Philosophical/Spiritual usage.

प्रतिद्वंद्वी ने हार मान ली।

The opponent (counter-striver) accepted defeat.

'प्रतिद्वंद्वी' means 'opponent' or 'rival'.

उसकी बातों में सत्य के प्रति आग्रह झलकता है।

An insistence towards truth is reflected in his words.

Nuanced literary expression.

इस दस्तावेज़ की प्रतिलिपि सुरक्षित रखें।

Keep the transcript/copy of this document safe.

'प्रतिलिपि' means 'transcript' or 'exact copy'.

प्रकृति के प्रति मनुष्य का हस्तक्षेप विनाशकारी है।

Man's interference towards nature is destructive.

Complex environmental discourse.

यह कृति आधुनिकता के प्रति एक व्यंग्य है।

This work is a satire towards modernity.

Literary criticism.

न्याय के प्रति अटूट विश्वास ही लोकतंत्र का आधार है।

Unwavering faith towards justice is the foundation of democracy.

Political philosophy.

लेखक ने स्त्री के प्रति समाज की संकीर्णता को उजागर किया है।

The author has exposed society's narrow-mindedness towards women.

Sociological critique.

प्रतिशोध की अग्नि में सब कुछ जल गया।

Everything was burnt in the fire of revenge (counter-seeking).

'प्रतिशोध' means 'revenge'.

विज्ञान के प्रति तार्किक दृष्टिकोण अनिवार्य है।

A logical perspective towards science is mandatory.

Epistemological context.

उन्होंने राष्ट्र के प्रति अपना सर्वस्व न्योछावर कर दिया।

He sacrificed his everything towards the nation.

High literary/patriotic register.

इस सिद्धांत के प्रति अनेक आपत्तियां उठाई गई हैं।

Many objections have been raised towards this theory.

Scientific/Academic debate.

Common Collocations

प्रति व्यक्ति आय

किलोमीटर प्रति घंटा

प्रतिशत वृद्धि

कर्तव्य के प्रति

पशुओं के प्रति

काम के प्रति

एक प्रति

प्रति सेकंड

ईश्वर के प्रति

सत्य के प्रति

Common Phrases

मेरे प्रति

प्रतिदिन

प्रतिवर्ष

प्रति किलो

प्रति व्यक्ति

प्रतिशत

प्रतिक्रिया देना

प्रतिनिधि

प्रतिबंध लगाना

प्रतिलिपि

Often Confused With

प्रति vs की ओर

Confused with physical direction. Use 'की ओर' for walking, 'प्रति' for feelings.

प्रति vs प्रत्येक

Confused with 'each'. 'प्रत्येक' is a standalone adjective, 'प्रति' is often a prefix or rate marker.

प्रति vs प्राप्ति

Sounds similar but means 'receipt' or 'attainment'. Unrelated.

Idioms & Expressions

"प्रतिष्ठा का प्रश्न"

A matter of prestige or honor.

यह चुनाव उसके लिए प्रतिष्ठा का प्रश्न है।

Formal

"प्रतिशोध की ज्वाला"

The fire of revenge.

वह प्रतिशोध की ज्वाला में जल रहा है।

Literary

"प्रतिबद्ध होना"

To be committed to something.

हम शांति के प्रति प्रतिबद्ध हैं।

Formal

"प्रतिध्वनि सुनाई देना"

To hear an echo (often metaphorical).

उसकी बातों में इतिहास की प्रतिध्वनि सुनाई देती है।

Literary

"प्रतिस्पर्धा में उतरना"

To enter a competition.

नई कंपनियाँ अब प्रतिस्पर्धा में उतर रही हैं।

Business

"प्रतिबिंब दिखना"

To see a reflection (often of character).

बच्चों में माता-पिता का प्रतिबिंब दिखता है।

Poetic

"प्रतिवाद करना"

To protest or counter-argue.

विपक्ष ने नए कानून का प्रतिवाद किया।

Political

"प्रतिफल मिलना"

To get the result or fruit of labor.

मेहनत का प्रतिफल हमेशा मीठा होता है।

Neutral

"प्रतिलिपि बनाना"

To make an exact copy (often used for imitation).

उसने मेरी पेंटिंग की प्रतिलिपि बना ली।

Neutral

"प्रतिष्ठा दांव पर लगाना"

To put one's reputation at stake.

उसने इस प्रोजेक्ट के लिए अपनी प्रतिष्ठा दांव पर लगा दी।

Formal

Easily Confused

प्रति vs प्रतीक

Similar sound.

'Prati' is a postposition/prefix; 'Prateek' is a noun meaning 'symbol'.

यह शांति का प्रतीक है।

प्रति vs प्रतिभा

Starts with the same prefix.

'Pratibha' means 'talent' or 'genius'.

उसमें संगीत की अद्भुत प्रतिभा है।

प्रति vs प्रतिमा

Starts with the same prefix.

'Pratima' means 'statue' or 'idol'.

मंदिर में एक सुंदर प्रतिमा है।

प्रति vs प्रतीक्षा

Similar sound.

'Prateeksha' means 'waiting'.

मैं तुम्हारी प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ।

प्रति vs प्रतिष्ठा

Related root.

'Pratishtha' means 'reputation' or 'prestige'.

उसने समाज में बड़ी प्रतिष्ठा कमाई है।

Sentence Patterns

[Price] रुपये प्रति [Unit]

१० रुपये प्रति किलो।

प्रति [Time Unit]

प्रति माह।

[Oblique Pronoun] प्रति [Emotion]

मेरे प्रति नफरत।

[Noun] के प्रति [Responsibility]

देश के प्रति वफादारी।

प्रति [Noun] [Noun]

प्रति व्यक्ति आय।

[Abstract Noun] के प्रति [Perspective]

सत्य के प्रति आग्रह।

प्रति + [Verb Root] = [New Noun]

प्रति + क्रिया = प्रतिक्रिया।

[Complex Concept] के प्रति [Nuance]

आधुनिकता के प्रति व्यंग्य।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in formal and technical Hindi; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

मैं बाज़ार के प्रति जा रहा हूँ। → मैं बाज़ार जा रहा हूँ / बाज़ार की ओर जा रहा हूँ।
'प्रति' is for abstract direction, not physical movement to a place.
वह प्रति सम्मान करता है। → वह मेरे प्रति सम्मान रखता है।
You need an object (pronoun/noun) before 'प्रति'.
वह प्रति दिन आता है। (as two words) → वह प्रतिदिन आता है। (as one word)
When used as a prefix for frequency, it is usually written as a compound word.
५० प्रतिशतें → ५० प्रतिशत
'प्रतिशत' (percent) does not have a plural form in Hindi.
तुम प्रति मेरा प्यार। → तुम्हारे प्रति मेरा प्यार।
Pronouns must be in the oblique case before 'प्रति'.

Tips

Oblique Pronouns

Always use 'मेरे', 'तुम्हारे', 'उसके', 'हमारे', 'आपके', 'उनके' before 'प्रति'. Never use 'मैं प्रति' or 'वह प्रति'.

Formalize Your Speech

Replace 'हर' with 'प्रति' in professional settings to instantly sound more educated and formal.

Market Mastery

When asking for prices, use '[Item] का भाव क्या है प्रति किलो?' to sound like a native speaker.

Letter Writing

Start your formal applications with 'प्रति, [Title]' to follow the correct Indian administrative protocol.

News Keywords

Listen for 'प्रति' during financial news; it's the key to understanding percentages and growth rates.

Abstract vs Physical

If you can't touch the target (like 'respect' or 'loyalty'), use 'प्रति'. If you can touch it (like 'a wall'), use 'की तरफ'.

Prefix Power

If you see a long Hindi word starting with 'प्रति-', try to see if the second half is a word you know. It often means 'counter-' or 'every-'.

Soft 'T'

Keep your tongue against your upper teeth for the 't' in 'prati' to get the authentic Hindi sound.

Duty and Dharma

Use 'प्रति' when discussing duties to sound sincere. It carries a weight of moral obligation in Hindi.

Copy vs Per

In an office, 'प्रति' usually means 'copy'. In a market, it usually means 'per'. Context is key!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Prati' as 'Pretty close to'. When you are 'Prati' someone, you are looking 'towards' them or standing 'per' unit.

Visual Association

Imagine a mirror. The reflection is a 'प्रतिबिंब' (prati-bimb). The mirror faces 'towards' you, just like 'प्रति' means 'towards'.

Word Web

प्रतिदिन प्रतिशत प्रतिक्रिया प्रतिमा प्रतिष्ठा प्रतिलिपि प्रतिबद्ध प्रतिस्पर्धा

Challenge

Try to use 'प्रति' in three different ways today: once for a price, once for a daily habit, and once to describe your feeling towards a friend.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit prefix 'प्रति' (prati).

Original meaning: Towards, against, in return, back, every.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit).

Cultural Context

When using 'प्रति' to express feelings towards sensitive groups, ensure the accompanying adjective is respectful (e.g., 'संवेदनशील' - sensitive).

English speakers often use 'for' or 'to' where Hindi speakers prefer 'प्रति' for a more formal or sincere tone.

The phrase 'जन गण मन' (National Anthem) implies a devotion 'towards' the dispenser of India's destiny. Government slogans like 'बेटी बचाओ, बेटी पढ़ाओ' often use 'बेटियों के प्रति' in supporting literature. The concept of 'Satyagraha' involves an 'आग्रह' (insistence) 'सत्य के प्रति' (towards truth).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Marketplace

कितने रुपये प्रति किलो?
प्रति लीटर दाम क्या है?
प्रति नग कीमत
प्रति दर्जन

Formal Letters

प्रति, संपादक महोदय
आपके पत्र के प्रति
संलग्न प्रति
प्रतिलिपि प्रेषित

Relationships

मेरे प्रति आपका व्यवहार
एक-दूसरे के प्रति सम्मान
माता-पिता के प्रति कर्तव्य
समाज के प्रति जिम्मेदारी

Statistics/Math

प्रतिशत निकालें
प्रति व्यक्ति आय
प्रति वर्ग मील
प्रति सेकंड की गति

Time/Frequency

प्रतिदिन व्यायाम
प्रतिवर्ष उत्सव
प्रति सप्ताह रिपोर्ट
प्रति माह वेतन

Conversation Starters

"आपके मन में इस समस्या के प्रति क्या विचार हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि लोगों में पर्यावरण के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ी है?"

"आपके शहर में दूध का भाव कितने रुपये प्रति लीटर है?"

"आप अपने काम के प्रति इतने समर्पित कैसे रहते हैं?"

"क्या आप प्रतिदिन हिंदी का अभ्यास करते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने समाज के प्रति अपना कौन सा कर्तव्य निभाया? विस्तार से लिखें।

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसके प्रति आपके मन में बहुत सम्मान है। क्यों?

अपने लक्ष्यों के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता को कैसे बढ़ाएंगे? योजना लिखें।

प्रकृति के प्रति मनुष्य के बदलते व्यवहार पर अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

आपके जीवन में 'प्रतिदिन' की जाने वाली सबसे महत्वपूर्ण गतिविधि क्या है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'प्रति' is used for abstract direction (emotions, duties). For physical direction like 'going to the market', use 'को' or 'की तरफ'.

'हर' is informal and used in daily speech (e.g., हर दिन). 'प्रति' is formal and used in writing or for rates (e.g., प्रतिदिन, प्रति किलो).

No, 'प्रति' is an 'Avyaya' (indeclinable), meaning it remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun it refers to.

You use 'प्रतिशत' (pratishat), which literally means 'per hundred'.

In the header of a formal letter, 'प्रति' means 'To', followed by the recipient's name or title.

It can be both. As a prefix, it's in words like 'प्रतिदिन'. As a postposition, it follows a noun like 'मेरे प्रति'.

Yes, in administrative contexts, 'एक प्रति' means 'one copy' of a document.

It means 'Per Capita Income' or 'income per person'.

You must use the oblique form of the pronoun followed by 'प्रति' or 'के प्रति' (e.g., मेरे प्रति, उसके प्रति).

Yes, especially in romantic or sad songs where a singer expresses their feelings 'towards' a beloved.