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पति-पत्नी

B1 noun 10 min read

पति-पत्नी

pati-patni

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पति-पत्नी in 30 Seconds

Explanation पति-पत्नी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'पति-पत्नी' as a basic vocabulary item to describe family members and people around you. Think of it as a single unit that means 'husband and wife.' You will mostly use it in simple identification sentences. For example, 'They are husband and wife' (वे पति-पत्नी हैं). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just remember that 'Pati' means husband and 'Patni' means wife, and they are usually said together in this specific order. You might see this word in basic family trees or introductory Hindi lessons. It is important to recognize the hyphen and understand that it connects two people who are married. Practice saying the words slowly: 'Pa-ti' and 'Pat-ni'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'पति-पत्नी' to describe relationships and basic activities. You should be able to say things like 'The husband and wife are eating' (पति-पत्नी खाना खा रहे हैं) or 'They are a good husband and wife' (वे अच्छे पति-पत्नी हैं). Notice how the verb 'रहे हैं' and the adjective 'अच्छे' are plural. This is because 'पति-पत्नी' refers to two people. You will also start encountering this word in short stories or descriptions of neighbors. You should be able to distinguish 'पति-पत्नी' from other family terms like 'माता-पिता' (parents) or 'भाई-बहन' (siblings). Focus on the 'Dvandva' compound nature—where two nouns are paired together.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'पति-पत्नी' in various social and semi-formal contexts. You should understand that this is the standard term used in news, movies, and general conversation. You will learn to use it with postpositions, such as 'पति-पत्नी के लिए' (for the husband and wife) or 'पति-पत्नी के बीच' (between the husband and wife). You should also be aware of synonyms like 'दंपति' (formal) and 'मियाँ-बीवी' (informal/Urdu-influenced). At this stage, you can discuss social topics, such as 'Modern husband and wife both work' (आजकल पति-पत्नी दोनों काम करते हैं). You should also be careful with word order, always keeping 'Pati' before 'Patni'.

At the B2 level, you can use 'पति-पत्नी' to discuss more complex societal issues, legal rights, and relationship dynamics. You might read articles about 'पति-पत्नी के कानूनी अधिकार' (legal rights of husband and wife) or 'पति-पत्नी के बीच संचार' (communication between husband and wife). You should understand the cultural nuances, such as how the term implies a specific social status in India. You can use the term in debates about gender roles within marriage or in analyzing the portrayal of couples in literature. You should also be able to use the term fluently in the oblique case, ensuring that preceding demonstratives like 'उन' or 'इन' are used correctly (e.g., 'उन पति-पत्नी की कहानी').

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'पति-पत्नी' and its place in Hindi discourse. You can appreciate the etymological roots (Pati as 'lord/protector' and Patni as 'mistress/partner') and how these historical meanings occasionally influence modern connotations. You can use the term in academic writing or high-level social analysis. You should be able to switch between 'पति-पत्नी', 'दंपति', and 'अर्द्धांगिनी' (the 'better half' or literally 'half of the body') to suit the specific literary or emotional tone of your speech. You can also interpret idioms and metaphors related to marriage and the 'पति-पत्नी' bond in classical and modern Hindi poetry.

At the C2 level, you command the full spectrum of the term 'पति-पत्नी'. You understand its legal definitions in the Hindu Marriage Act versus its usage in common law. You can analyze the evolution of the term from Vedic Sanskrit to modern Hindustani. You are capable of discussing the philosophical implications of the 'Pati-Patni' union in various Indian traditions (like the concept of 'Shiva-Shakti'). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle prosody and rhythm of the phrase in long-form storytelling or formal oratory. You can also critique how the term is used in media to reinforce or challenge traditional marital norms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पति-पत्नी in 30 Seconds

Pati-Patni means husband and wife. It is a compound word used for married couples.
It always takes masculine plural verb agreement in standard Hindi sentences.
The order is fixed; 'Pati' (husband) always comes before 'Patni' (wife) in this phrase.
It is a neutral, respectful term suitable for all social and formal situations.

The Hindi term पति-पत्नी (Pati-Patni) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'husband and wife' or 'a married couple.' In the linguistic landscape of Hindi, this term is a 'Dvandva' compound, where two words of equal importance are joined to form a single conceptual unit. It is the most standard, respectful, and widely used way to refer to a married pair in both formal and informal settings. Whether you are filling out a government form, introducing your neighbors, or discussing a character in a Bollywood film, पति-पत्नी is your go-to phrase. It encapsulates the social, legal, and spiritual union of two individuals in the bond of marriage.

Grammatical Structure: The word is composed of 'Pati' (husband) and 'Patni' (wife), connected by a hyphen. When used as a subject, it typically takes a masculine plural verb agreement (e.g., 'जा रहे हैं').

वे एक सुखी पति-पत्नी हैं। (They are a happy husband and wife.)

Understanding the usage of पति-पत्नी requires an appreciation of Indian social dynamics. Unlike the English word 'couple,' which can sometimes refer to dating partners, पति-पत्नी strictly refers to those who are legally or religiously wed. If you want to describe a boyfriend and girlfriend, you would use different terms like 'प्रेमी-प्रेमिका.' Using पति-पत्नी incorrectly for an unmarried couple might lead to awkward misunderstandings or be seen as a premature assumption of their relationship status.

Social Register: This term is 'Neutral-Formal.' It is polite enough for a business meeting yet warm enough for a family dinner. It avoids the colloquialism of 'मियाँ-बीवी' (Miya-Biwi), which is more common in Urdu-influenced speech.

नए पति-पत्नी को आशीर्वाद दें। (Bless the new husband and wife.)

In contemporary India, the roles within the पति-पत्नी dynamic are evolving, but the terminology remains steadfast. While older generations might have used circumlocutions to avoid saying their spouse's name, the collective term पति-पत्नी has always been the standard for third-party reference. It signifies a partnership that is central to the Indian family structure, often viewed as the foundation of the 'Grahasti' (household life).

Cultural Nuance: During festivals like Karwa Chauth or Teej, the focus is specifically on the longevity and health of the 'पति-पत्नी' relationship, highlighting its spiritual weight.

आजकल पति-पत्नी दोनों काम करते हैं। (Nowadays, both husband and wife work.)

To master this word is to understand the primary building block of Indian society. It is more than just a label for two people; it is a description of a shared life, shared responsibilities, and a shared identity in the eyes of the community. As you progress in Hindi, you will see this term in news headlines regarding legal rights, in romantic songs describing eternal bonds, and in everyday gossip about the neighbors.

Using पति-पत्नी in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but there are nuances regarding verb conjugation and adjective agreement that a learner must master. Since the term refers to two people, the verb must always be in the plural form. Furthermore, because 'पति' (masculine) comes first and the group includes a male, the masculine plural form is used for verbs and adjectives in standard Hindi grammar.

Subject-Verb Agreement: If 'पति-पत्नी' is the subject, the verb ends in '-ते हैं', '-ए', or '-एंगे'. For example: 'पति-पत्नी घूम रहे हैं' (The couple is walking).

वे पति-पत्नी कल दिल्ली जाएंगे। (That husband and wife will go to Delhi tomorrow.)

When describing the couple with adjectives, the adjective also takes the masculine plural form. For instance, if you want to say they are 'good,' you use 'अच्छे' (acche) rather than 'अच्छा' (accha) or 'अच्छी' (acchi). This follows the general rule in Hindi that a mixed-gender group defaults to masculine plural agreement.

Possessive Usage: When talking about something belonging to the couple, use 'के' (ke). For example: 'पति-पत्नी के बच्चे' (The husband and wife's children).

यह उस पति-पत्नी का घर है। (This is that husband and wife's house.)

In more complex sentences, पति-पत्नी can function as the object of a preposition. Notice how the oblique case might affect preceding demonstrative pronouns. Instead of 'वह पति-पत्नी' (that couple), you would say 'उस पति-पत्नी को' (to that couple) when adding the postposition 'को'. This is a common stumbling block for B1 learners who forget to change 'वह' to 'उस' or 'वे' to 'उन'.

Common Sentence Patterns: 1. [Adjective] पति-पत्नी [Verb].
2. पति-पत्नी के बीच [Noun].
3. पति-पत्नी को [Verb].

पति-पत्नी के बीच झगड़ा हुआ। (A fight occurred between the husband and wife.)

Finally, consider the emotional weight. In Hindi literature, sentences often begin with पति-पत्नी to establish a domestic setting. For example, 'पति-पत्नी चाय पी रहे थे' (The husband and wife were drinking tea) immediately sets a scene of shared domesticity. As you practice, try to build sentences that describe actions they do together, as this is where the word is most naturally used.

You will encounter the word पति-पत्नी in a variety of contexts, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. It is a staple of Hindi media, legal discourse, and social etiquette. Understanding where you hear it will help you grasp the 'register' or level of formality associated with the term.

In News and Media: News reports often use this term when discussing legal changes, census data, or human interest stories. For example, 'पति-पत्नी के अधिकारों में बदलाव' (Changes in the rights of husband and wife).

समाचार: पति-पत्नी ने मिलकर नई कंपनी शुरू की। (News: The husband and wife together started a new company.)

In Bollywood movies and television 'serials' (soap operas), पति-पत्नी is used constantly. It defines the central conflict or bond of the story. You might hear a mother-in-law talking about the 'पति-पत्नी का रिश्ता' (the relationship between husband and wife) or a friend giving advice to the couple. It is the standard way to refer to the protagonists' marital status.

In Legal and Official Settings: Forms for passports, bank accounts, and property registration will always use 'पति-पत्नी' to define the relationship between the primary applicant and their spouse.

फॉर्म पर पति-पत्नी दोनों के हस्ताक्षर चाहिए। (Signatures of both husband and wife are needed on the form.)

Socially, when you are invited to a wedding or a dinner party, the invitation might be addressed to the 'पति-पत्नी'. When you are introduced to a new group, someone might say, 'ये दोनों पति-पत्नी हैं' (These two are husband and wife). It is the polite way to clarify a relationship without being overly familiar.

Literature and Poetry: In Hindi literature, the term is used to explore the nuances of companionship. Famous stories often revolve around the 'पति-पत्नी' dynamic as a microcosm of society.

कहानी एक वृद्ध पति-पत्नी के बारे में है। (The story is about an elderly husband and wife.)

Lastly, in religious contexts, many rituals are specifically designed to be performed by the पति-पत्नी together. The priest will often call for the 'पति-पत्नी' to sit together for the 'Puja'. This reinforces the idea that in many spheres of Indian life, the two are seen as an inseparable spiritual unit.

Even though पति-पत्नी seems simple, English speakers and new learners often make specific errors when integrating it into their Hindi. These range from grammatical slips to social faux pas. Identifying these early will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Singular Verb Agreement: Many learners treat 'पति-पत्नी' as a single collective noun (like 'family') and use a singular verb. Incorrect: पति-पत्नी आ रहा है। Correct: पति-पत्नी आ रहे हैं।

गलत: पति-पत्नी खुश है। (Wrong: Husband-wife is happy.)

Another common error is reversing the order. In English, we might say 'wife and husband' or 'husband and wife' interchangeably. In Hindi, 'पत्नी-पति' sounds very unnatural and is almost never used. The order is fixed as पति-पत्नी. This is a linguistic convention that mirrors other Hindi pairs like 'माता-पिता' (Mother-Father).

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Couple' (Dating): Learners often use 'पति-पत्नी' to describe any two people in a romantic relationship. This can be offensive or confusing in India. Only use it for married people. For dating, use 'जोड़ा' (joda) or 'प्रेमी-प्रेमिका'.

सही: वे पति-पत्नी नहीं हैं, वे सिर्फ दोस्त हैं। (Correct: They are not husband and wife; they are just friends.)

A subtle mistake involves the use of possessive pronouns. Learners might say 'मेरा पति-पत्नी' (my husband-wife), which makes no sense. If you are one of the parties, you would say 'मैं और मेरे पति' (Me and my husband) or 'मैं और मेरी पत्नी' (Me and my wife). 'पति-पत्नी' is almost exclusively used for third-party couples or as a general category.

Mistake 3: Pronunciation of 'Patni': English speakers often struggle with the dental 't' in 'Patni'. They might pronounce it like the English 't' in 'pot,' but it should be a soft, dental sound where the tongue touches the back of the upper teeth.

ध्यान दें: पत्नी में 'त' का उच्चारण कोमल होता है। (Note: The 't' in Patni has a soft pronunciation.)

Finally, avoid using 'पति-पत्नी' when referring to animals. While English might say 'a pair of birds,' in Hindi, using 'पति-पत्नी' for animals sounds overly personified and humorous. Use 'नर और मादा' (male and female) for animals instead.

While पति-पत्नी is the most common term, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality, the regional influence, or the specific nuance you wish to convey. Knowing these will help you understand different dialects and literary styles.

दंपति (Dampati): This is a highly formal, Sanskrit-derived word for 'couple.' You will see this in newspapers, wedding invitations, and legal documents. It is more sophisticated than 'पति-पत्नी' and is always treated as a single unit.

एक वृद्ध दंपति पार्क में बैठे थे। (An elderly couple was sitting in the park.)

In Urdu-influenced Hindi (Hindustani), you will frequently hear मियाँ-बीवी (Miya-Biwi). This is very common in movies and in North Indian cities like Delhi and Lucknow. It carries a slightly more colloquial, everyday feel compared to the somewhat 'proper' sounding पति-पत्नी.

जोड़ा (Joda): Literally meaning 'pair' or 'set,' this is used for couples in a more general sense. It can refer to married couples (शादीशुदा जोड़ा) or just a romantic pair. It is often used in the phrase 'आदर्श जोड़ा' (ideal pair).

वे दोनों एक सुंदर जोड़े लग रहे हैं। (Those two look like a beautiful pair.)

For a more poetic or romantic touch, you might use जीवनसाथी (Jivansathi), which means 'life partner.' While 'पति-पत्नी' describes the social status, 'जीवनसाथी' describes the emotional and lifelong commitment. It is very common in matrimonial advertisements and romantic songs.

Summary Comparison

पति-पत्नी: Standard, descriptive.
दंपति: Formal, respectful.
मियाँ-बीवी: Conversational, Urdu-rooted.
जीवनसाथी: Emotional, deep connection.

वह मेरा जीवनसाथी है। (He/She is my life partner.)

Lastly, in very traditional or rural settings, you might hear घरवाला-घरवाली (Gharwala-Gharwali). This is very informal and literally means 'the man of the house' and 'the woman of the house.' Avoid using this in urban or professional settings as it can sound a bit unrefined.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Sanskrit grammar, 'Pati' only becomes 'Patni' when the woman has a share in the husband's religious sacrifices (Yajna). It signifies a spiritual equal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpʌti ˈpʌtni/

US /ˈpɑti ˈpɑtni/

Stress is even on both components, with a slight pause at the hyphen.

Rhymes With

गति (Gati - speed) मति (Mati - mind) सती (Sati - virtuous woman) जितनी (Jitni - as much as) कितनी (Kitni - how much) चटनी (Chatni - chutney) कटनी (Katni - harvesting) रति (Rati - goddess of love)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 't' like the English alveolar 't' (as in 'top'). It must be dental.
Making the 'i' at the end of 'Pati' too long like 'ee'. It is a short 'i'.
Ignoring the hyphen and running the words together without a slight break.
Pronouncing 'Patni' as 'Pat-nee' with a hard 't'.
Swapping the order to 'Patni-Pati'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the hyphen and common characters.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 't' in 'Patni' and the hyphen.

Speaking 3/5

Dental 't' pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common, so easy to pick up in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पति (Husband) पत्नी (Wife) शादी (Marriage) और (And) हैं (Are)

Learn Next

परिवार (Family) रिश्तेदार (Relatives) बच्चे (Children) ससुराल (In-laws) तलाक (Divorce)

Advanced

दंपति (Couple) वैवाहिक (Matrimonial) अर्द्धांगिनी (Better half) गृहस्थी (Household management) सामंजस्य (Harmony)

Grammar to Know

Dvandva Compound

In 'पति-पत्नी', both parts are equal. Other examples: माता-पिता, भाई-बहन.

Plural Agreement

Verbs must be plural: 'पति-पत्नी आए' not 'पति-पत्नी आया'.

Masculine Default

Mixed gender groups use masculine plural adjectives: 'अच्छे पति-पत्नी'.

Oblique Case

Demonstratives change before the noun: 'उन पति-पत्नी को' (to those husband and wife).

Hyphenation

Always use a hyphen or the word 'और' between the two nouns in formal writing.

Examples by Level

वे पति-पत्नी हैं।

They are husband and wife.

Simple subject-complement sentence.

राम और सीता पति-पत्नी हैं।

Ram and Sita are husband and wife.

Using names with the compound noun.

यह पति-पत्नी का फोटो है।

This is a photo of a husband and wife.

Use of 'का' (possessive).

वे अच्छे पति-पत्नी हैं।

They are a good husband and wife.

Adjective 'अच्छे' is masculine plural.

पति-पत्नी कहाँ हैं?

Where are the husband and wife?

Interrogative sentence.

वे नए पति-पत्नी हैं।

They are a new husband and wife (newlyweds).

Adjective 'नए' indicates plural.

पति-पत्नी खुश हैं।

The husband and wife are happy.

Plural verb 'हैं'.

मेरे पड़ोसी पति-पत्नी हैं।

My neighbors are husband and wife.

Defining relationship of others.

पति-पत्नी बाज़ार जा रहे हैं।

The husband and wife are going to the market.

Present continuous plural verb.

वे दोनों पति-पत्नी साथ रहते हैं।

Those two, husband and wife, live together.

Use of 'दोनों' (both).

पति-पत्नी ने खाना खाया।

The husband and wife ate food.

Transitive verb in past tense with 'ने'.

क्या वे पति-पत्नी हैं या भाई-बहन?

Are they husband and wife or brother and sister?

Comparing two relationship types.

पति-पत्नी को चाय चाहिए।

The husband and wife want tea.

Dative subject with 'को'.

वह पति-पत्नी बहुत अमीर हैं।

That husband and wife are very rich.

Plural adjective 'अमीर' (invariant).

पति-पत्नी घर पर नहीं हैं।

The husband and wife are not at home.

Negative plural sentence.

कल पति-पत्नी यहाँ आए थे।

The husband and wife came here yesterday.

Past tense plural verb 'आए थे'.

पति-पत्नी के बीच बहुत प्यार है।

There is a lot of love between the husband and wife.

Use of 'के बीच' (between).

आजकल पति-पत्नी दोनों नौकरी करते हैं।

Nowadays, both husband and wife do jobs.

Reflecting modern social norms.

पति-पत्नी को एक साथ निर्णय लेना चाहिए।

Husband and wife should take decisions together.

Modal verb 'चाहिए' (should).

उन पति-पत्नी का स्वभाव बहुत अच्छा है।

That husband and wife's nature is very good.

Oblique 'उन' used before the noun.

पति-पत्नी ने मिलकर घर खरीदा।

The husband and wife together bought a house.

Adverb 'मिलकर' (together/having joined).

क्या पति-पत्नी की उम्र में अंतर है?

Is there an age difference between the husband and wife?

Possessive 'की' agreeing with 'उम्र'.

पति-पत्नी को एक-दूसरे का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

Husband and wife should respect each other.

Reciprocal pronoun 'एक-दूसरे'.

वे पति-पत्नी पिछले दस साल से यहाँ रह रहे हैं।

That husband and wife have been living here for the last ten years.

Present perfect continuous plural.

पति-पत्नी के रिश्तों में कड़वाहट आ गई है।

Bitterness has entered the relationship of the husband and wife.

Abstract noun 'कड़वाहट' as subject.

भारतीय समाज में पति-पत्नी का बंधन पवित्र माना जाता है।

In Indian society, the bond of husband and wife is considered sacred.

Passive construction 'माना जाता है'.

पति-पत्नी के अधिकारों को लेकर नए कानून बने हैं।

New laws have been made regarding the rights of husband and wife.

Compound postposition 'को लेकर' (regarding).

सफल पति-पत्नी वही हैं जो एक-दूसरे की कमियों को स्वीकार करें।

A successful husband and wife are those who accept each other's flaws.

Relative-correlative 'वही... जो'.

अदालत ने पति-पत्नी को समझौता करने की सलाह दी।

The court advised the husband and wife to reach a compromise.

Legal context.

पति-पत्नी के बीच छोटे-मोटे झगड़े होना स्वाभाविक है।

It is natural for small fights to occur between husband and wife.

Infinitive 'होना' as a verbal noun.

उन पति-पत्नी की मेहनत से ही यह व्यापार खड़ा हुआ।

This business was built only through the hard work of that husband and wife.

Emphasis particle 'ही'.

पति-पत्नी की आपसी समझ ही परिवार की नींव है।

The mutual understanding of husband and wife is the foundation of the family.

Metaphorical usage.

लेखक ने पति-पत्नी के मनोविज्ञान का गहरा विश्लेषण किया है।

The author has deeply analyzed the psychology of the husband and wife.

Academic/Literary vocabulary.

पति-पत्नी के दायित्वों का निर्वहन करना एक कला है।

Fulfilling the responsibilities of husband and wife is an art.

Formal word 'निर्वहन' (fulfillment/carrying out).

आधुनिकता ने पति-पत्नी के पारंपरिक ढांचे को बदल दिया है।

Modernity has changed the traditional structure of the husband-wife relationship.

Sociological context.

पति-पत्नी के एकांत में हस्तक्षेप करना अनुचित है।

It is inappropriate to interfere in the privacy of a husband and wife.

Formal word 'हस्तक्षेप' (interference).

कविता में पति-पत्नी के प्रेम को शाश्वत बताया गया है।

In the poem, the love of husband and wife is described as eternal.

Literary passive voice.

पति-पत्नी के बीच का मौन कभी-कभी शब्दों से अधिक प्रभावशाली होता है।

The silence between a husband and wife is sometimes more effective than words.

Philosophical observation.

क्या पति-पत्नी का व्यक्तिगत अस्तित्व विवाह के बाद समाप्त हो जाता है?

Does the individual existence of a husband and wife end after marriage?

Complex interrogative regarding identity.

पति-पत्नी के सामंजस्य से ही घर स्वर्ग बनता है।

A home becomes heaven only through the harmony of husband and wife.

Formal word 'सामंजस्य' (harmony/coordination).

पति-पत्नी के द्वैत में ही गृहस्थ जीवन की पूर्णता निहित है।

The completeness of household life is inherent in the duality of husband and wife.

Highly Sanskritized philosophical Hindi.

संविधान पति-पत्नी को समान नागरिक के रूप में मान्यता देता है।

The Constitution recognizes husband and wife as equal citizens.

Legal/Political discourse.

पति-पत्नी के संबंधों की जटिलता को समझना समाजशास्त्रियों के लिए एक चुनौती है।

Understanding the complexity of husband-wife relationships is a challenge for sociologists.

Complex noun phrases.

साहित्य में पति-पत्नी को अक्सर पूरक शक्तियों के रूप में चित्रित किया गया है।

In literature, husband and wife are often portrayed as complementary forces.

Advanced literary criticism.

पति-पत्नी के मध्य वैचारिक मतभेद अपरिहार्य हैं।

Ideological differences between husband and wife are inevitable.

Formal word 'अपरिहार्य' (inevitable).

वैदिक काल से ही पति-पत्नी को यज्ञ का सह-अधिकारी माना गया है।

Since the Vedic era, husband and wife have been considered joint-officials of the sacrifice.

Historical/Religious context.

पति-पत्नी के एकाधिकारवादी प्रवृत्तियों पर अंकुश लगाना आवश्यक है।

It is necessary to curb the monopolistic tendencies of husband and wife (towards each other).

Advanced psychological/social critique.

पति-पत्नी के अस्तित्व का विलयन ही प्रेम की पराकाष्ठा है।

The merging of the existences of husband and wife is the pinnacle of love.

Mystical/Romantic hyperbole.

Synonyms

दंपति मियाँ-बीवी जोड़ा जीवनसाथी अर्द्धांगिनी घरवाला-घरवाली युगल हमसफ़र

Antonyms

प्रेमी-प्रेमिका अकेले तलाकशुदा भाई-बहन

Common Collocations

आदर्श पति-पत्नी

नए पति-पत्नी

पति-पत्नी का रिश्ता

पति-पत्नी के बीच

पति-पत्नी दोनों

वृद्ध पति-पत्नी

पति-पत्नी का झगड़ा

सुखी पति-पत्नी

शिक्षित पति-पत्नी

पति-पत्नी की सहमति

Common Phrases

पति-पत्नी और वो

— A common phrase referring to a love triangle (The husband, the wife, and 'the other'). Popularized by a movie.

उनकी कहानी तो 'पति-पत्नी और वो' जैसी हो गई है।

पति-पत्नी का साथ

— The companionship of husband and wife.

बुढ़ापे में पति-पत्नी का साथ ही काफी है।

एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू

— Two sides of the same coin. Often used to describe the complementary nature of husband and wife.

पति-पत्नी एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू होते हैं।

गाड़ी के दो पहिये

— Two wheels of a cart. A common metaphor for how husband and wife must work together to run a household.

गृहस्थी की गाड़ी के लिए पति-पत्नी दो पहिये हैं।

सात जन्मों का साथ

— A bond of seven lifetimes. A religious belief about the eternal nature of the pati-patni relationship.

उनका मानना है कि पति-पत्नी का साथ सात जन्मों का होता है।

पति-पत्नी का धर्म

— The duties or moral obligations of a husband and wife.

उसे अपने पति-पत्नी के धर्म का पालन करना चाहिए।

हंसी-खुशी रहना

— To live happily. Often used as a blessing for couples.

भगवान करे दोनों पति-पत्नी हंसी-खुशी रहें।

नाम रौशन करना

— To bring honor to the name. Used for a couple who does something great together.

उन पति-पत्नी ने देश का नाम रौशन किया।

तालमेल बिठाना

— To coordinate or harmonize. Essential for a couple.

पति-पत्नी को आपस में तालमेल बिठाना पड़ता है।

घर बसाना

— To settle down/start a home. Refers to becoming a husband and wife.

वे जल्द ही पति-पत्नी बनकर घर बसाएंगे।

Often Confused With

पति-पत्नी vs प्रेमी-प्रेमिका

Refers to unmarried lovers. Using 'pati-patni' for them is factually incorrect.

पति-पत्नी vs माता-पिता

Refers to parents. While parents are usually pati-patni, the terms describe different roles.

पति-पत्नी vs भाई-बहन

Refers to siblings. Sometimes used in riddles to contrast with pati-patni.

Idioms & Expressions

"मियाँ बीवी राजी तो क्या करेगा काजी"

— If the husband and wife are willing, what can the judge (priest/outsider) do? Means if two people agree, others' opinions don't matter.

जब मियाँ बीवी राजी तो क्या करेगा काजी? शादी तो होकर रहेगी।

Colloquial

"एक और एक ग्यारह"

— One and one make eleven. Often used for a couple to say they are stronger together.

पति-पत्नी मिलकर काम करें तो एक और एक ग्यारह होते हैं।

Standard

"चोली-दामन का साथ"

— An inseparable bond, like a shirt and its skirt. Frequently applied to a devoted couple.

उन पति-पत्नी में चोली-दामन का साथ है।

Literary/Common

"दो जिस्म एक जान"

— Two bodies, one soul. A poetic description of a deeply connected husband and wife.

वे पति-पत्नी तो जैसे दो जिस्म एक जान हैं।

Poetic

"घर की लक्ष्मी"

— The goddess of wealth of the house. Usually refers to the 'Patni' but implies the prosperity of the 'Pati-Patni' unit.

पत्नी को घर की लक्ष्मी माना जाता है।

Cultural

"अंधे की लाठी"

— A blind man's stick. Used if one spouse is the sole support for the other.

वह अपने पति के लिए अंधे की लाठी है।

Common

"आकाश-पाताल का अंतर"

— Difference between heaven and earth. Used when husband and wife are very different from each other.

उन पति-पत्नी के स्वभाव में आकाश-पाताल का अंतर है।

Standard

"दूध का दूध पानी का पानी"

— To separate milk from water (finding the truth). Used in disputes between husband and wife.

अदालत ने पति-पत्नी के झगड़े में दूध का दूध पानी का पानी कर दिया।

Common

"घी-शक्कर होना"

— To mix like ghee and sugar. Used for a couple that gets along perfectly.

दोनों पति-पत्नी घी-शक्कर की तरह रहते हैं।

Informal

"दाल में काला होना"

— Something is fishy. Used if a couple is acting suspiciously.

उन पति-पत्नी की बातों में कुछ दाल में काला लग रहा है।

Common

Easily Confused

पति-पत्नी vs दंपति

Both mean 'couple'.

'Dampati' is formal and Sanskritized, while 'Pati-Patni' is common and standard. 'Dampati' is always treated as a single unit, whereas 'Pati-Patni' can be seen as two individuals joined.

समाचार में 'दंपति' शब्द का प्रयोग हुआ।

पति-पत्नी vs जोड़ा

Both can mean 'couple'.

'Joda' means 'pair' and can apply to shoes, birds, or people. 'Pati-Patni' only applies to married humans.

पक्षियों का एक जोड़ा पेड़ पर है।

पति-पत्नी vs साथी

Both mean 'partner'.

'Sathi' means friend or companion in any context (work, travel). 'Pati-Patni' is strictly marital.

वह मेरा सफर का साथी है।

पति-पत्नी vs मियाँ-बीवी

Both mean 'husband-wife'.

'Miya-Biwi' is Urdu-rooted and more colloquial. 'Pati-Patni' is Hindi-rooted and neutral.

फिल्मों में मियाँ-बीवी शब्द ज्यादा सुनाई देता है।

पति-पत्नी vs अर्द्धांगिनी

Refers to marriage.

It only refers to the wife. 'Pati-Patni' refers to both.

वह उसकी अर्द्धांगिनी है।

Sentence Patterns

[Name] और [Name] पति-पत्नी हैं।

अमित और सीमा पति-पत्नी हैं।

पति-पत्नी [Activity] रहे हैं।

पति-पत्नी घूम रहे हैं।

पति-पत्नी के बीच [Noun] है।

पति-पत्नी के बीच झगड़ा है।

उन पति-पत्नी को [Noun] चाहिए।

उन पति-पत्नी को मदद चाहिए।

पति-पत्नी का [Noun] [Adjective] है।

पति-पत्नी का रिश्ता अटूट है।

क्या पति-पत्नी [Verb] सकते हैं?

क्या पति-पत्नी साथ काम कर सकते हैं?

पति-पत्नी के [Abstract Noun] का विश्लेषण।

पति-पत्नी के संबंधों का विश्लेषण।

पति-पत्नी के अस्तित्व का [Noun] ही [Noun] है।

पति-पत्नी के अस्तित्व का सामंजस्य ही गृहस्थी है।

Word Family

Nouns

पति (Husband)

पत्नी (Wife)

पतित्व (Husbandhood)

पत्नीत्व (Wifehood)

Adjectives

पतिव्रता (Devoted to husband)

पत्नीव्रत (Devoted to wife)

विवाह (Marriage)

शादी (Wedding)

दंपति (Couple)

ससुराल (In-laws' house)

जीवनसाथी (Life partner)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in all domains of life.

Common Mistakes

पति-पत्नी जा रहा है। → पति-पत्नी जा रहे हैं।
The subject is plural, so the verb must be plural. Using 'raha hai' (singular) is a common error for beginners.
पत्नी-पति → पति-पत्नी
In Hindi, the order of compound pairs is usually fixed. 'Pati' must come before 'Patni'.
वह मेरा पति-पत्नी है। → वे पति-पत्नी हैं।
You cannot use 'mera' (my) with the compound 'pati-patni'. You must say 'my husband' or 'my wife' individually, or refer to others as 'the husband and wife'.
अच्छी पति-पत्नी → अच्छे पति-पत्नी
Even though 'Patni' is feminine, the whole group defaults to masculine plural agreement. Use 'acche'.
Using 'pati-patni' for dating couples. → Using 'प्रेमी-प्रेमिका' or 'जोड़ा'.
Pati-Patni specifically implies marriage. Using it for unmarried couples is culturally and factually incorrect.

Tips

Always Plural

Never use a singular verb with 'पति-पत्नी'. Even if they act as one unit, they are two people. Say 'वे पति-पत्नी हैं' not 'वह पति-पत्नी है'.

Respect the Order

Always say 'Pati' first. It's a linguistic fossil. Reversing it to 'Patni-Pati' will make you sound like a non-native speaker immediately.

Formal Alternative

If you are writing a formal letter or an invitation, use 'दंपति' (Dampati) instead of 'पति-पत्नी' for a more sophisticated tone.

Dental T

Practice the soft 't' in both words. If you use the hard English 't', it changes the flavor of the word. Touch your tongue to your upper teeth.

Married Only

Only use this for people who are actually married. Using it for a boyfriend and girlfriend is socially inaccurate in India.

Third Person

Use this term mostly for other people. When talking about your own marriage, say 'हम' (we) or 'मैं और मेरी पत्नी' (Me and my wife).

Bollywood Watch

Listen for this word in movies. It's often used in emotional scenes to emphasize the sanctity of the relationship.

Hyphen Help

The hyphen represents the union. It helps readers see the two words as one concept. Don't forget it in your Hindi essays.

Short 'i'

The 'i' at the end of 'Pati' is short. Don't drag it out. It's 'Pah-ti', not 'Pah-tee'.

Safe Bet

'Pati-Patni' is the safest, most neutral term. Use it whenever you are unsure about the formality of 'Dampati' or 'Miya-Biwi'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pati' as the 'Party leader' (husband) and 'Patni' as his 'Partner' (wife). They go to the 'Party' together as 'Pati-Patni'.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Indian wedding card with a small icon of a groom and a bride joined by a sacred thread. That thread is the hyphen in 'पति-पत्नी'.

Word Web

Marriage Family Love Home Children Responsibility Wedding Partner

Challenge

Try to find three 'Pati-Patni' in your favorite Hindi movie and describe one thing they do together using the plural verb form.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit. 'Pati' (पति) means master, lord, or husband. 'Patni' (पत्नी) means mistress, lady, or wife. In Sanskrit, 'Patni' is the feminine form of 'Pati'.

Original meaning: The master and the mistress of the household.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to assume two people are 'pati-patni' just because they are together. Use 'saath' (together) or 'dost' (friends) if unsure, as marriage is a sensitive social status.

In English, we often say 'husband and wife,' but we also use 'married couple' or just 'couple.' Hindi speakers almost always prefer 'Pati-Patni' for married pairs and rarely just 'couple' (जोड़ा) unless speaking English.

Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978 and 2019 movies) The epic Ramayana (depicting Ram and Sita as the ideal pati-patni) Shiv-Parvati (The divine archetype of pati-patni in Hinduism)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Introduction

ये मेरे दोस्त पति-पत्नी हैं।
आप दोनों पति-पत्नी कब से यहाँ हैं?
उन पति-पत्नी से मिलिए।
वे बहुत अच्छे पति-पत्नी हैं।

Legal/Official

पति-पत्नी का संयुक्त खाता।
पति-पत्नी के हस्ताक्षर यहाँ करें।
क्या आप पति-पत्नी हैं?
पति-पत्नी के प्रमाण पत्र।

Giving Advice

पति-पत्नी को बात करनी चाहिए।
रिश्ते में पति-पत्नी का भरोसा ज़रूरी है।
पति-पत्नी को मिलकर रहना चाहिए।
झगड़ा पति-पत्नी के बीच ही रहने दें।

Wedding/Celebration

नए पति-पत्नी को बधाई!
आदर्श पति-पत्नी की जोड़ी।
पति-पत्नी का साथ बना रहे।
दोनों पति-पत्नी खुश रहें।

Storytelling

एक गाँव में पति-पत्नी रहते थे।
पति-पत्नी की एक छोटी सी दुकान थी।
वे पति-पत्नी बहुत दयालु थे।
अचानक पति-पत्नी में विवाद हुआ।

Conversation Starters

"क्या वे दोनों पति-पत्नी हैं या सिर्फ दोस्त?"

"आप उन पति-पत्नी को कैसे जानते हैं?"

"क्या आजकल पति-पत्नी का साथ निभाना मुश्किल है?"

"आपके विचार में एक आदर्श पति-पत्नी कैसे होने चाहिए?"

"क्या पति-पत्नी को अपना सारा पैसा साझा करना चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

अपने माता-पिता के पति-पत्नी के रूप में रिश्ते के बारे में लिखें।

क्या पति-पत्नी को एक-दूसरे से राज़ रखने चाहिए? विस्तार से बताएं।

एक कहानी लिखें जो एक वृद्ध पति-पत्नी के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती हो।

आज के समाज में पति-पत्नी की बदलती भूमिकाओं पर अपने विचार लिखें।

यदि आप पति-पत्नी के लिए कोई नियम बना सकें, तो वे क्या होंगे?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is plural because it refers to two people (husband and wife). You should always use plural verb endings like 'हैं' or 'रहे हैं'. For example, 'पति-पत्नी जा रहे हैं' (The husband and wife are going).

While grammatically it might seem okay, socially and linguistically it sounds very unnatural. In Hindi, the word order is fixed as 'पति-पत्नी', similar to 'माता-पिता' (Mother-Father).

'पति-पत्नी' is the standard, everyday term. 'दंपति' is more formal and used in literature, news, or wedding invitations. They both mean the same thing but have different levels of formality.

Traditionally and etymologically, 'Pati' is male and 'Patni' is female. In modern legal and social shifts, new terms are evolving, but 'पति-पत्नी' still specifically implies a male-female pair. For same-sex couples, 'साथी' (partner) or 'जोड़ा' (couple) might be used.

You wouldn't usually use 'पति-पत्नी' to refer to yourself and your spouse. You would say 'मैं और मेरे पति' (Me and my husband). 'पति-पत्नी' is mostly used to refer to other couples in the third person.

Yes, in formal writing, the hyphen is used to show that the two words form a single compound (Dvandva Samas). In very casual texting, people might omit it, but it's better to keep it.

Use masculine plural. In Hindi, if a group has at least one male, the verb defaults to masculine plural. So, 'पति-पत्नी आए' (The husband and wife came).

Yes, but 'मियाँ-बीवी' is Urdu-influenced and more common in informal speech or Bollywood. 'पति-पत्नी' is the standard Hindi term.

No, it sounds funny and overly human. Use 'नर और मादा' (male and female) for animals.

It's a popular idiom/movie title meaning 'Husband, Wife, and the Other Person,' referring to a love triangle.