पोती
पोती in 30 Seconds
- Poti is a Hindi noun meaning 'granddaughter' (specifically the daughter of one's son).
- It is a feminine noun and always takes feminine grammatical markers (like 'meri' or 'ki').
- It is distinct from 'naatin', which is used for a granddaughter from the daughter's side.
- The word is derived from Sanskrit and is used frequently in family and social contexts.
The Hindi word पोती (Poti) is a specific kinship term that identifies a very particular relationship within the family structure. Unlike the English word 'granddaughter,' which serves as a general term for the daughter of either one's son or one's daughter, Hindi makes a sharp linguistic distinction based on the parental line. Poti refers exclusively to the daughter of one's son. This precision reflects the historical importance of patrilineal descent in South Asian cultures, where family names, property, and lineage were traditionally traced through the male line. When a grandfather or grandmother speaks of their poti, they are identifying a child who belongs to their own immediate family lineage (the vansh).
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Pautrī' (पौत्री), which specifically denotes the female offspring of a son. The male equivalent is 'Pautra' in Sanskrit and 'Pota' in Hindi.
- Social Context
- In traditional Indian households, the birth of a poti is a significant event. While historically there was a preference for grandsons (pota), modern urban India celebrates the birth of a poti with equal fervor, often referring to her as 'Ghar ki Laxmi' (the goddess of wealth and prosperity for the home).
- Linguistic Precision
- Using the word 'poti' immediately informs the listener that you are talking about your son's child. If you were talking about your daughter's child, you would use 'naatin'. This eliminates the need for clarifying phrases like 'my son's daughter'.
मेरी पोती बहुत ही समझदार और होनहार लड़की है। (My granddaughter [son's daughter] is a very sensible and promising girl.)
The word is used in daily conversation, legal documents regarding inheritance, and in literature to establish character relationships. It carries a sense of warmth and continuity. In many Indian families, the bond between a 'Dadi' (paternal grandmother) and her 'Poti' is considered particularly special, often depicted in movies and television as a relationship of mentorship and shared secrets. The word is strictly feminine and follows the standard 'ī' ending rules for Hindi feminine nouns.
दादाजी अपनी पोती के साथ पार्क में खेल रहे हैं। (Grandfather is playing in the park with his granddaughter.)
Furthermore, the term 'poti' is often used in plural as 'potiyaan' (पोतियाँ). In the context of large joint families, which are still common in parts of India, a patriarch or matriarch might have several 'potiyaan'. The term also appears in idioms and proverbs that discuss the passing of time and the growth of a family tree. It is a word that evokes images of domesticity, legacy, and the cycle of life.
वह अपनी पोती की शादी के लिए पैसे बचा रहे हैं। (He is saving money for his granddaughter's wedding.)
In a modern linguistic shift, some urban families might use the English word 'granddaughter' while speaking 'Hinglish,' but 'poti' remains the standard and most emotionally resonant term in Hindi. It is a fundamental word for anyone reaching the A2 level of Hindi, as family discussions are a cornerstone of basic conversation. Understanding the distinction between 'poti' and 'naatin' is often a 'eureka' moment for English speakers who are used to the more generic English kinship system.
मेरी पोती ने आज स्कूल में पहला पुरस्कार जीता। (My granddaughter won the first prize in school today.)
क्या यह आपकी पोती है? (Is this your granddaughter?)
Using पोती (Poti) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Hindi gender agreement and the use of possessive markers. Since 'poti' is a feminine noun, any adjectives or verbs associated with it must reflect this gender. For example, if you want to say 'My granddaughter is small,' you must use the feminine form of 'my' (meri) and 'small' (chhoti).
- Possessive Agreement
- Always use 'ki' or 'meri/teri/apni' with poti. Example: 'Ram ki poti' (Ram's granddaughter), not 'Ram ka poti'.
- Pluralization
- The plural of 'poti' is 'potiyaan' (पोतियाँ). In the oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'ko', 'se', 'me'), it becomes 'potiyon' (पोतियों).
- Verb Conjugation
- Verbs must end in 'i' or 'in' sounds. Example: 'Poti khel rahi hai' (The granddaughter is playing).
मेरी पोती को आम बहुत पसंद हैं। (My granddaughter likes mangoes very much.)
When constructing complex sentences, 'poti' often acts as the subject. In the sentence 'The grandfather gave a gift to his granddaughter,' you would say 'Dada ji ne apni poti ko ek uphaar diya.' Notice the use of 'apni' because the granddaughter belongs to the subject (the grandfather). If you are describing her attributes, you use feminine adjectives: 'Sundar poti' (Beautiful granddaughter), 'Pyari poti' (Lovely granddaughter).
उसकी पोती डॉक्टर बनना चाहती है। (His granddaughter wants to become a doctor.)
In formal Hindi, you might encounter the word 'Pautri,' but 'Poti' is the standard for 99% of spoken contexts. When writing, ensure you don't confuse the spelling with 'Poti' (with a short 'o' or different 't' sound), although in Hindi, the 'p-o-t-ee' sound is quite distinct. The 't' is a soft dental 't', common in Indo-Aryan languages, where the tongue touches the back of the upper teeth.
वे अपनी पोती के साथ समय बिताने के लिए गाँव गए हैं। (They have gone to the village to spend time with their granddaughter.)
In a sentence with multiple grandchildren, you might say, 'Mere do pote aur teen potiyaan hain' (I have two grandsons and three granddaughters). This illustrates the plural usage clearly. Always keep the 'ki' marker in mind: 'Bete ki beti' is the definition, but 'Poti' is the word. This distinction is vital for accurate translation and natural-sounding Hindi.
क्या आपकी पोती गाना गाती है? (Does your granddaughter sing?)
मैंने अपनी पोती के लिए एक कहानी लिखी है। (I have written a story for my granddaughter.)
You will encounter the word पोती (Poti) in almost every sphere of Indian social life. Family is the nucleus of Indian society, and kinship terms are used with much higher frequency than in the West. You don't just 'have' a granddaughter; she is a specific pillar of your family tree. You will hear this word in parks, where grandparents gather to watch their grandchildren play, in markets when a grandmother is buying clothes for her 'poti', and in the emotional climaxes of Bollywood movies.
- In Daily Conversation
- Grandparents often brag about their grandchildren. You'll hear: 'Meri poti ne aaj pehla shabd bola' (My granddaughter spoke her first word today).
- In Television and Cinema
- Hindi soap operas (serials) are famous for their focus on 'Saas-Bahu' (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) dynamics. The 'poti' is often the bridge of love between these often-conflicting characters.
- In Legal and Official Contexts
- When discussing property inheritance or writing a will (Wasiyat), the term 'poti' is used to define the legal heirs of the son's line.
दादी माँ अपनी पोती को पुरानी कहानियाँ सुना रही हैं। (Grandmother is telling old stories to her granddaughter.)
If you are visiting an Indian home, the host might introduce a young girl as their 'poti'. It is a term of pride. In rural India, the distinction between 'poti' and 'naatin' is even more pronounced because of the patrilocal tradition (where women move to their husband's home). The 'poti' is seen as the one who stays 'within' the family clan's wider circle, whereas the 'naatin' belongs to the daughter's 'sasural' (in-laws' house). While these distinctions are blurring in modern cities, the vocabulary remains a testament to this history.
शादी के कार्ड पर पोती का नाम सबसे ऊपर लिखा था। (The granddaughter's name was written at the top of the wedding card.)
In festivals like Diwali or Raksha Bandhan, the 'poti' has specific roles. During 'Kanya Pujan' (a ritual where young girls are worshipped), a family's own 'poti' is often the first to be honored. You will hear the word used with great affection, often suffixed with '-iya' or '-u' to make it a diminutive, pet name like 'potiya' or simply using her name, but the formal reference to her status remains 'poti'. It is a word that signifies belonging and love.
वह अपनी पोती के लिए विदेश से खिलौने लाया है। (He has brought toys from abroad for his granddaughter.)
अस्पताल में नर्स ने कहा, "बधाई हो, आपके घर पोती हुई है!" (In the hospital, the nurse said, "Congratulations, a granddaughter has been born in your house!")
For English speakers, the most common mistake when using पोती (Poti) is the 'Granddaughter Trap.' In English, 'granddaughter' is a one-size-fits-all term. In Hindi, using 'poti' for your daughter's daughter is factually incorrect and sounds jarring to native speakers. This is the maternal vs. paternal distinction that is central to Hindi kinship.
- Mistake 1: Poti vs. Naatin
- Using 'poti' for a daughter's daughter. Correct term: 'Naatin'. Remember: Poti = Son's daughter.
- Mistake 2: Gender Mismatch
- Saying 'Mera poti' instead of 'Meri poti'. Even if you are a man, the word 'poti' is feminine, so the possessive must be 'meri'.
- Mistake 3: Pluralization Errors
- Saying 'Potiyaan ko' instead of 'Potiyon ko'. When using a postposition, the plural form changes from the direct 'potiyaan' to the oblique 'potiyon'.
Incorrect: राम का पोती घर आई है।
Correct: राम की पोती घर आई है। (Ram's granddaughter has come home.)
Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation of the 't'. English speakers often use a retroflex 't' (where the tongue curls back, like in 'tea'). However, the 't' in 'poti' is dental. If you use the English 't', you might be understood, but it will sound very foreign. Practice by touching your tongue to your teeth. Also, ensure the 'o' is a long 'o' as in 'boat', not a short 'o' as in 'pot'.
Incorrect: मेरी पोती बहुत अच्छा नाचता है।
Correct: मेरी पोती बहुत अच्छा नाचती है। (My granddaughter dances very well.)
Lastly, learners often forget that 'poti' is a relationship noun that requires a possessive context. You rarely just say 'Poti is here' without defining whose granddaughter she is. In Hindi, you almost always use 'Meri poti' or 'Unki poti'. Without the possessive, the sentence feels incomplete. Also, avoid using 'poti' for unrelated children; for them, use 'bachi' (girl) or 'beti' (daughter/dear girl).
Incorrect: वह मेरी नातिन है (speaking of a son's daughter).
Correct: वह मेरी पोती है। (She is my granddaughter [son's daughter].)
मेरी पोतियों को चॉकलेट पसंद है। (My granddaughters like chocolate.)
While पोती (Poti) is the most common term, Hindi offers several synonyms and related words depending on the level of formality and the specific branch of the family tree. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different social settings, from a village gathering to a formal legal proceeding.
- नातिन (Naatin)
- The most important alternative. It means granddaughter (daughter's daughter). This is the 'maternal' counterpart to 'poti'.
- पौत्री (Pautri)
- The formal, Sanskritized version of 'poti'. You will see this in literature, formal invitations, and legal documents. It sounds more 'refined' or 'academic'.
- दोहिती (Dohiti)
- A very formal, Sanskritized term for a daughter's daughter (synonym for naatin). It comes from 'Duhita' (daughter).
- बेटी (Beti)
- Literally means 'daughter', but grandparents often call their granddaughters 'beti' out of affection. It's a common term of endearment.
मेरी पौत्री को साहित्य में बहुत रुचि है। (My granddaughter [formal] has a great interest in literature.)
In some dialects of Hindi, such as those spoken in Bihar or Eastern Uttar Pradesh, you might hear 'natni' instead of 'naatin', but 'poti' remains remarkably consistent across most Hindi-speaking regions. If you are in a situation where you forget the specific word, you can always use the descriptive phrase 'bete ki beti' (son's daughter), and everyone will understand you perfectly, though it sounds slightly less natural than using the dedicated word.
उनकी नातिन अमेरिका में रहती है। (Their granddaughter [daughter's daughter] lives in America.)
Understanding these distinctions is not just about vocabulary; it's about understanding the 'map' of the Indian family. When you use the correct term, you show a deep respect for the culture and its nuances. For a learner, mastering 'poti' and 'naatin' is a sign that you have moved beyond basic word-for-word translation and are starting to think in the target language's cultural framework.
वह अपनी पोती को अपनी जायदाद का वारिस बनाना चाहते हैं। (He wants to make his granddaughter the heir to his property.)
मेरी पोती मेरी आँखों का तारा है। (My granddaughter is the apple of my eye.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word 'Poti' has remained almost unchanged in its core meaning for thousands of years, showing the stability of kinship structures in the region.
Pronunciation Guide
- Using a retroflex 'T' (tongue curled back) instead of a dental 'T'.
- Shortening the 'O' sound to sound like 'pot'.
- Shortening the final 'i' sound.
- Aspirating the 'P' (adding a puff of air).
- Pronouncing it like the English word 'potty'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read as it follows standard phonetics.
Need to be careful with the 'i' matra and the dental 't'.
Requires distinguishing from the English 'potty' and 'naatin'.
Very clear and distinct sound in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine Noun Agreement
Poti (f) -> Meri (f) poti aayi (f) hai.
Oblique Plural Case
Potiyaan (direct) -> Potiyon (oblique) ko.
Possessive 'Ki'
Bete ki poti (The son's granddaughter).
Dental 'T' Pronunciation
The 't' in Poti is dental, not retroflex.
Reflexive 'Apni'
Dada apni poti se pyar karte hain.
Examples by Level
मेरी एक पोती है।
I have one granddaughter.
Uses 'meri' because 'poti' is feminine.
यह मेरी पोती है।
This is my granddaughter.
Simple demonstrative sentence.
पोती छोटी है।
The granddaughter is small.
Adjective 'chhoti' agrees with the feminine 'poti'.
मेरी पोती का नाम रिया है।
My granddaughter's name is Riya.
Possessive 'ka' agrees with 'naam' (masculine), but 'meri' agrees with 'poti'.
क्या आपकी पोती यहाँ है?
Is your granddaughter here?
Question form using 'kya'.
पोती स्कूल जाती है।
The granddaughter goes to school.
Present indefinite tense with feminine verb ending 'ti'.
मेरी पोती बहुत प्यारी है।
My granddaughter is very lovely.
Use of intensifier 'bahut'.
वह मेरी पोती नहीं है।
She is not my granddaughter.
Negative sentence with 'nahin'.
मेरी पोती पाँच साल की है।
My granddaughter is five years old.
Age expression in Hindi.
मैं अपनी पोती के साथ खेलता हूँ।
I play with my granddaughter.
Use of reflexive possessive 'apni'.
मेरी पोती को चॉकलेट बहुत पसंद है।
My granddaughter likes chocolate very much.
Dative subject construction with 'ko'.
उसकी पोती बहुत अच्छा गाती है।
His granddaughter sings very well.
Adverbial phrase 'bahut achha'.
कल मेरी पोती का जन्मदिन है।
Tomorrow is my granddaughter's birthday.
Time expression 'kal'.
मेरी दो पोतियाँ हैं।
I have two granddaughters.
Plural form 'potiyaan'.
पोती ने दादाजी को पानी दिया।
The granddaughter gave water to the grandfather.
Ergative 'ne' construction in past tense.
मेरी पोती दिल्ली में रहती है।
My granddaughter lives in Delhi.
Locative case with 'mein'.
जब मेरी पोती आती है, तो घर में रौनक आ जाती है।
When my granddaughter comes, the house lights up with joy.
Conditional 'jab... to' structure.
मैं अपनी पोती की शादी के लिए पैसे बचा रहा हूँ।
I am saving money for my granddaughter's wedding.
Continuous tense with purpose clause.
मेरी पोती अपनी माँ जैसी दिखती है।
My granddaughter looks like her mother.
Comparison using 'jaisi'.
दादी ने अपनी पोती को एक पुरानी कहानी सुनाई।
Grandmother told an old story to her granddaughter.
Double object sentence in past tense.
मेरी पोती को गणित में बहुत दिलचस्पी है।
My granddaughter is very interested in mathematics.
Abstract noun with 'mein'.
वह अपनी पोती के भविष्य के बारे में चिंतित है।
He is worried about his granddaughter's future.
Compound postposition 'ke bare mein'.
मेरी पोती ने आज अपना पहला मेडल जीता।
My granddaughter won her first medal today.
Past tense with 'ne' and 'apna'.
हमें अपनी पोती पर बहुत गर्व है।
We are very proud of our granddaughter.
Idiomatic expression 'par garv hona'.
मेरी पोती ने विदेश में पढ़ाई करने का फैसला किया है।
My granddaughter has decided to study abroad.
Complex infinitive construction.
हालाँकि वह मेरी पोती है, फिर भी वह मुझसे बहस करती है।
Although she is my granddaughter, she still argues with me.
Concessive 'halanki... phir bhi' clause.
मेरी पोती का व्यवहार बहुत ही विनम्र है।
My granddaughter's behavior is very polite.
Abstract subject 'vyavhaar'.
वह अपनी पोती को आत्मनिर्भर बनाना चाहते हैं।
He wants to make his granddaughter self-reliant.
Causative-like construction with 'banana'.
मेरी पोती की सफलता ने परिवार का नाम रोशन कर दिया।
My granddaughter's success brought fame to the family.
Idiomatic expression 'naam roshan karna'.
जैसे-जैसे मेरी पोती बड़ी हो रही है, वह और भी समझदार होती जा रही है।
As my granddaughter is growing up, she is becoming even more sensible.
Correlative 'jaise-jaise... waise-waise' (implied).
मेरी पोती को विरासत में अपनी दादी के गहने मिले।
My granddaughter inherited her grandmother's jewelry.
Passive-like structure with 'mile'.
वह अपनी पोती की हर छोटी-बड़ी ज़रूरत का ख्याल रखते हैं।
He takes care of every small and big need of his granddaughter.
Compound adjective 'chhoti-badi'.
मेरी पोती ने जिस तरह से इस समस्या को सुलझाया, वह सराहनीय है।
The way my granddaughter solved this problem is commendable.
Relative clause 'jis tarah se'.
एक पोती के रूप में, उसने अपने दादा-दादी की सेवा में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ी।
As a granddaughter, she left no stone unturned in serving her grandparents.
Idiom 'kasar na chhodna'.
मेरी पोती की कविताओं में आधुनिकता और परंपरा का अद्भुत संगम है।
In my granddaughter's poems, there is a wonderful blend of modernity and tradition.
Sophisticated vocabulary: 'sangam', 'adhunikta'.
वह अपनी पोती के माध्यम से अपने अधूरे सपनों को पूरा होते देख रहे हैं।
He is seeing his unfulfilled dreams being realized through his granddaughter.
Metaphorical usage.
मेरी पोती का व्यक्तित्व उसकी दादी की छवि को जीवंत कर देता है।
My granddaughter's personality brings her grandmother's image to life.
High-level register 'jeevant karna'.
संपत्ति के विवाद में न्यायालय ने पोती के अधिकारों को सुरक्षित रखा।
In the property dispute, the court upheld the granddaughter's rights.
Legal context.
मेरी पोती की तर्कशक्ति बड़े-बड़ों को निरुत्तर कर देती है।
My granddaughter's reasoning power leaves even the wisest speechless.
Advanced term 'niruttar'.
वह अपनी पोती की शादी को लेकर काफी भावुक हो गए थे।
He became quite emotional regarding his granddaughter's wedding.
Focus on emotional state 'bhavuk'.
पौत्री का स्थान भारतीय परिवार संरचना में सदैव ही स्नेह का केंद्र रहा है।
The position of the granddaughter has always been the center of affection in the Indian family structure.
Use of formal 'pautri' and academic tone.
मेरी पोती की बौद्धिक क्षमता उसके वंश के गौरव को नई ऊंचाइयों पर ले जाएगी।
My granddaughter's intellectual capacity will take the pride of her lineage to new heights.
Formal register 'bauddhik kshamta'.
उसने अपनी पोती को केवल संपत्ति ही नहीं, बल्कि नैतिक मूल्यों की विरासत भी सौंपी।
He passed on to his granddaughter not just property, but also a legacy of moral values.
Not only... but also structure.
मेरी पोती का लेखन समाज की रूढ़ियों पर एक प्रखर प्रहार है।
My granddaughter's writing is a sharp attack on social dogmas.
Metaphorical/Political register.
दादाजी की वसीयत में उनकी पोती के लिए एक विशेष ट्रस्ट का प्रावधान था।
The grandfather's will had a provision for a special trust for his granddaughter.
Technical legal vocabulary 'pravdhan'.
मेरी पोती की उपलब्धियाँ हमारे परिवार के इतिहास में स्वर्णाक्षरों में लिखी जाएँगी।
My granddaughter's achievements will be written in golden letters in our family history.
Idiomatic formal expression 'swarnaksharon mein'.
विरासत के इस महाकाव्य में पोती का चरित्र सबसे अधिक प्रभावशाली उभरकर आता है।
In this epic of legacy, the character of the granddaughter emerges as the most influential.
Literary analysis register.
वह अपनी पोती के व्यक्तित्व के बहुआयामी विकास को लेकर सदैव तत्पर रहते हैं।
He is always ready for the multi-dimensional development of his granddaughter's personality.
Complex compound 'bahu-aayami'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To support or guide the granddaughter.
दादाजी हमेशा अपनी पोती का हाथ थामे रहते हैं।
Often Confused With
Naatin is the daughter's daughter. Poti is the son's daughter.
Pota is the male version (grandson).
Beti means daughter, but is sometimes used as a nickname for a poti.
Idioms & Expressions
— Very dear/beloved. Often used for grandchildren.
मेरी पोती मेरी आँखों का तारा है।
Informal— A piece of one's heart (very beloved).
वह अपनी पोती को अपने कलेजे का टुकड़ा मानती है।
Informal— The lamp of the lineage (usually for boys, but used for girls now).
मेरी पोती ही मेरे कुल का दीपक है।
Formal— Comfort to the eyes (someone who brings peace).
पोती को देखकर आँखों में ठंडक पड़ जाती है।
Literary— Something very close or dear.
वह अपनी पोती के लिए अपने मुँह का निवाला भी दे दे।
Informal— To raise with extreme care and love.
उन्होंने अपनी पोती को फूलों की तरह पाला है।
NeutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'granddaughter' in English.
Naatin is from the daughter's side; Poti is from the son's side.
मेरी बेटी की बेटी मेरी नातिन है, और मेरे बेटे की बेटी मेरी पोती है।
Only one vowel difference.
Pota is masculine (grandson); Poti is feminine (granddaughter).
मेरा पोता खेल रहा है और मेरी पोती पढ़ रही है।
Both are younger female relatives.
Bhatiji is a niece (brother's daughter); Poti is a granddaughter.
मेरे भाई की बेटी मेरी भतीजी है।
Both are younger female relatives.
Bhanji is a niece (sister's daughter).
मेरी बहन की बेटी मेरी भांजी है।
Sounds very similar (aspirated 'th').
Pothi means a 'small book' or 'manuscript'.
यह एक पुरानी पोथी है।
Sentence Patterns
Yeh meri poti hai.
यह मेरी पोती है।
Poti [Adjective] hai.
पोती सुंदर है।
Meri poti [Activity] karti hai.
मेरी पोती डांस करती है।
Mere paas [Number] potiyaan hain.
मेरे पास दो पोतियाँ हैं।
Main apni poti ke liye [Object] laya.
मैं अपनी पोती के लिए खिलौना लाया।
Meri poti ko [Noun] pasand hai.
मेरी पोती को आइसक्रीम पसंद है।
Jab meri poti aayegi, tab hum [Activity] karenge.
जब मेरी पोती आएगी, तब हम फिल्म देखेंगे।
Poti ke roop mein, usne [Achievement] kiya.
पोती के रूप में, उसने नाम कमाया।
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Very frequent in family-oriented cultures like India.
-
Using 'Poti' for daughter's daughter.
→
Naatin
Poti is strictly for the son's side.
-
Saying 'Mera poti'.
→
Meri poti
The possessive must match the feminine gender of 'poti'.
-
Pronouncing 'Poti' like 'Potty'.
→
Po-tee (dental T)
The English 'T' is retroflex; the Hindi 'T' is dental.
-
Using 'Poti' for a grandson.
→
Pota
'Poti' is only for females.
-
Using 'Potiyaan ko' in a sentence.
→
Potiyon ko
In the oblique case (with 'ko'), the plural changes to 'potiyon'.
Tips
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'poti' is feminine. Your verbs must reflect this. Say 'Poti aayi' not 'Poti aaya'.
Paternal Pride
In many Indian cultures, the 'poti' is seen as the treasure of the paternal home. Using the word correctly shows cultural awareness.
Dental T
Practice the soft 't' by placing your tongue against your front teeth. This makes your Hindi sound more native.
The 'P' Rule
Poti = Paternal. This is the easiest way to never confuse it with 'Naatin' again.
Family Tree
Draw your family tree and label the son's children as 'Pota' and 'Poti'. Visualizing helps retention.
Suffixes
Listen for '-iya' at the end of 'poti'. 'Potiya' is a common affectionate way to address her.
Spelling
The 'o' matra goes on the left and top of 'pa'. Ensure you don't confuse it with 'au'.
Introductions
When introduced to a 'poti', it is polite to ask about her studies or hobbies.
Formal Situations
If you are in a legal setting, use 'Pautri' to sound more professional.
Possessives
Always use 'ki' with 'poti'. 'Mere bete ki poti' is a redundant but clarifying phrase for learners.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'P' for Paternal and 'P' for Poti. It's the 'P'arent's son's 'P'etite girl.
Visual Association
Imagine an old man (Dada) giving a 'Pot' of gold to a small girl. Pot -> Poti.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to introduce three imaginary granddaughters using 'Poti', describing their ages and hobbies in Hindi.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Pautrī' (पौत्री). In Sanskrit, 'Putra' means son, and 'Pautra' means relating to a son, hence grandson. 'Pautrī' is the feminine form.
Original meaning: The female offspring of a son.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Indo-Aryan.Cultural Context
Be careful not to imply that a 'poti' is more important than a 'naatin', although historical traditions sometimes leaned that way.
Unlike the English 'granddaughter', 'poti' is specific to the son's side. English speakers must learn to split their concept of 'granddaughter' into two Hindi words.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family Introduction
- यह मेरी पोती है।
- मेरी पोती का नाम... है।
- वह मेरे बेटे की बेटी है।
- उसकी उम्र दस साल है।
In the Park
- मेरी पोती के साथ खेलो।
- पोती को चोट लग गई।
- वह बहुत तेज़ दौड़ती है।
- पोती थक गई है।
Shopping
- पोती के लिए फ्रॉक चाहिए।
- यह रंग मेरी पोती पर जचेगा।
- पोती का जूता छोटा है।
- उसे गुड़िया पसंद है।
School/Education
- पोती कौन सी कक्षा में है?
- वह बहुत होनहार पोती है।
- पोती को होमवर्क करना है।
- उसका स्कूल पास ही है।
Weddings/Festivals
- पोती ने नई साड़ी पहनी है।
- पोती बहुत सुंदर लग रही है।
- सब पोती को आशीर्वाद दे रहे हैं।
- पोती ने गाना गाया।
Conversation Starters
"आपकी पोती अब कितनी बड़ी हो गई है?"
"क्या आपकी पोती भी इसी शहर में रहती है?"
"आपकी पोती को खाने में क्या पसंद है?"
"क्या आपकी पोती स्कूल जाने लगी है?"
"आपकी पोती की शरारतों के बारे में बताइए।"
Journal Prompts
अपनी पोती के साथ बिताए गए एक यादगार दिन के बारे में लिखिए।
आप अपनी पोती को भविष्य में क्या बनते देखना चाहते हैं?
आपकी पोती में आपके परिवार के कौन से गुण हैं?
एक पत्र लिखिए जिसमें आप अपनी पोती को जीवन की सलाह दे रहे हों।
पोती के आने से आपके जीवन में क्या बदलाव आए?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsPoti is your son's daughter, while Naatin is your daughter's daughter. Hindi distinguishes between paternal and maternal lines.
Poti is the standard, neutral word used in everyday conversation. For very formal contexts, 'Pautri' is used.
The plural is 'Potiyaan' (पोतियाँ). If you are saying 'to the granddaughters', use 'Potiyon ko'.
Yes, it is very common and affectionate for grandparents to call their granddaughters 'Beti' or 'Bitiya'.
No, it is a dental 't'. Your tongue should touch your teeth, not the roof of your mouth.
The male version is 'Pota' (पोता), which means grandson (son's son).
It is written as पोती.
No, for a great-granddaughter, you use 'Par-poti'.
Yes, you can refer to her as 'Unki poti' (his/her granddaughter).
No, both grandfathers and grandmothers use the word 'Poti' and refer to her as 'Meri poti'.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'My granddaughter is very cute.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I am playing with my granddaughter.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a grandfather and his poti.
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Translate: 'Granddaughter is the joy of the house.'
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Write a question in Hindi: 'Is she your granddaughter?'
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Translate: 'My son's daughter lives in Mumbai.'
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Write a sentence using the plural 'Potiyaan'.
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Translate: 'I bought a gift for my granddaughters.'
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Write a formal sentence using 'Pautri'.
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Translate: 'She looks like her grandmother.'
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Describe your imaginary poti's favorite food in Hindi.
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Write a sentence about a poti winning a prize.
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Translate: 'The granddaughter gave a glass of water to her grandfather.'
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Write a sentence using 'Poti' and 'Naatin' together.
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Translate: 'Grandfather is worried about his granddaughter's future.'
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Write a sentence about a poti's wedding.
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Translate: 'The granddaughter is the apple of her grandfather's eye.'
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Write a sentence using the word 'harnar' (promising) and 'poti'.
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Translate: 'Congratulations, you have a granddaughter!'
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Write a sentence about a poti's first word.
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Pronounce the word 'पोती' correctly.
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Say 'She is my granddaughter' in Hindi.
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Introduce your imaginary granddaughter to a friend.
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Say 'I love my granddaughter' in Hindi.
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Ask someone: 'Is this your granddaughter?'
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Say 'My granddaughter is very intelligent' in Hindi.
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Say 'I have two granddaughters' in Hindi.
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Pronounce the plural 'पोतियाँ' correctly.
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Say 'Granddaughter is playing in the garden' in Hindi.
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Say 'This is a gift for my granddaughter' in Hindi.
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Say 'My granddaughter sings well' in Hindi.
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Say 'I will go to my granddaughter's house' in Hindi.
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Ask: 'Where is your granddaughter?'
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Say 'My granddaughter is sleeping' in Hindi.
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Say 'She is a very promising girl' using 'Poti'.
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Say 'Granddaughter is the light of the family' in Hindi.
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Say 'I am proud of my granddaughter' in Hindi.
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Say 'My granddaughter is 10 years old' in Hindi.
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Say 'She looks like her father' in Hindi.
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Say 'I will buy a dress for my granddaughter' in Hindi.
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Listen and write: 'मेरी पोती आ गई।'
Listen and write: 'पोती को बुलाओ।'
Listen and write: 'वह मेरी पोती है।'
Listen and write: 'पोती खेल रही है।'
Listen and write: 'मेरी दो पोतियाँ हैं।'
Listen and write: 'पोती के लिए मिठाई लाओ।'
Listen and write: 'पोती ने गाना गाया।'
Listen and write: 'उसकी पोती डॉक्टर है।'
Listen and write: 'पोती बहुत समझदार है।'
Listen and write: 'दादाजी पोती से प्यार करते हैं।'
Listen and write: 'पोती की शादी कल है।'
Listen and write: 'मेरी पोती मुंबई में है।'
Listen and write: 'पोती ने चित्र बनाया।'
Listen and write: 'पोती को फल पसंद हैं।'
Listen and write: 'मेरी पोती का नाम अन्या है।'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'Poti' specifically identifies a paternal granddaughter (son's daughter). In Hindi, you cannot use this word for a maternal granddaughter. Example: 'Meri poti mere bete ki beti hai' (My poti is my son's daughter).
- Poti is a Hindi noun meaning 'granddaughter' (specifically the daughter of one's son).
- It is a feminine noun and always takes feminine grammatical markers (like 'meri' or 'ki').
- It is distinct from 'naatin', which is used for a granddaughter from the daughter's side.
- The word is derived from Sanskrit and is used frequently in family and social contexts.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'poti' is feminine. Your verbs must reflect this. Say 'Poti aayi' not 'Poti aaya'.
Paternal Pride
In many Indian cultures, the 'poti' is seen as the treasure of the paternal home. Using the word correctly shows cultural awareness.
Dental T
Practice the soft 't' by placing your tongue against your front teeth. This makes your Hindi sound more native.
The 'P' Rule
Poti = Paternal. This is the easiest way to never confuse it with 'Naatin' again.
Example
मेरी पोती बहुत शरारती है।
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More family words
आबाद
B1Inhabited, prosperous; populated and flourishing.
आँचल
B1Corner of a sari (symbol of mother's protection).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2Courtyard; an unroofed area that is completely or mostly enclosed by the walls of a house.
आंगन
A2An open, uncovered area, often paved, adjacent to a house; a courtyard.
आग्रह करना
B1To request; to insist; to ask earnestly or formally.
आज्ञा
B1An instruction or command; permission.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1To obey orders or commands.
आज्ञा मानना
A2To obey; to comply with a command or rule.
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1To obey (command/order).