पतला in 30 Seconds
- Meaning: Thin, slim.
- Gender: Masculine 'पतला', Feminine 'पतली'.
- Usage: Objects, people, liquids.
- Key: Gender agreement is crucial.
- Core Meaning
- The Hindi word 'पतला' (patlā) is an adjective that primarily means 'thin' or 'slim'. It is used to describe objects, people, or even abstract concepts that have a small width or thickness relative to their length or height.
- Describing Physical Objects
- When referring to inanimate objects, 'पतला' can describe something that is not thick or bulky. For instance, a thin book, a thin rope, or a thin sheet of paper would be described using this word. It contrasts with words like 'मोटा' (moṭā), meaning 'thick' or 'fat'. Imagine a stack of papers; if one paper is significantly thinner than the others, you might call it 'पतला'. Similarly, a thin wire is 'पतली तार' (patlī tār), and a thin stick is 'पतली छड़ी' (patlī chaṛī).
- Describing People and Animals
- In the context of living beings, 'पतला' describes someone or an animal that is lean, slender, or not overweight. It's a neutral term, often used to describe a person's physique. For example, 'वह बहुत पतला है' (vah bahut patlā hai) means 'He is very thin'. It can also be used to describe someone who has lost weight, implying a decrease in body mass. A skinny person might be called 'पतला'. The feminine form is 'पतली' (patlī), used for females, e.g., 'वह पतली है' (vah patlī hai) - 'She is thin'.
- Describing Liquids and Substances
- 'पतला' can also refer to the consistency of liquids or semi-liquids. A thin soup or a watery consistency would be described as 'पतला'. For example, 'यह सूप बहुत पतला है' (yah sūp bahut patlā hai) means 'This soup is very thin/watery'. This contrasts with a thick or viscous substance. In this sense, it's similar to saying something is 'diluted' or 'watered down'.
- Abstract and Figurative Usage
- Figuratively, 'पतला' can describe something that is weak, flimsy, or lacking substance. For instance, a 'पतला तर्क' (patlā tark) would be a weak argument. In a social context, if someone's situation becomes precarious or uncertain, it might be described as 'पतली हालत' (patlī hālat) – a 'thin' or unstable condition. It can also imply scarcity, like 'पतली कमाई' (patlī kamāī) - meager earnings.
The pencil is thin. पतला पेंसिल is not correct. It should be 'पतली पेंसिल' because pencil (पेंसिल) is often treated as feminine. The correct sentence is 'यह पेंसिल पतली है।' (Yah pencil patlī hai).
He is thin. पतला वह है। This is incorrect word order. The correct sentence is 'वह पतला है।' (Vah patlā hai).
A thin book. पतला किताब. This is incorrect, as 'किताब' is feminine. It should be 'पतली किताब' (Patlī kitāb).
The soup is watery. पतला सूप है। Correct is 'सूप पतला है।' (Sūp patlā hai).
A thin thread. पतला धागा. This is correct as 'धागा' is masculine. 'पतला धागा' (Patlā dhāgā).
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most common way to use 'पतला' is to place it before the noun it modifies, ensuring the correct gender agreement. For example, 'पतला आदमी' (patlā ādmī) means 'thin man', and 'पतली लड़की' (patlī laṛkī) means 'thin girl'. The verb 'to be' (होना - honā) often follows, conjugated according to the subject. So, 'वह पतला आदमी है' (vah patlā ādmī hai) - 'He is a thin man'.
- Describing Objects: Masculine Nouns
- When describing masculine objects, use 'पतला'. For instance, 'यह एक पतला डंडा है।' (yah ek patlā ḍaṇḍā hai.) - 'This is a thin stick.' 'पतला धागा' (patlā dhāgā) means 'thin thread'. 'पतला जूता' (patlā jūṭā) means 'thin shoe' (perhaps a dress shoe rather than a boot).
- Describing Objects: Feminine Nouns
- For feminine objects, the form changes to 'पतली'. For example, 'पतली किताब' (patlī kitāb) - 'thin book'. 'पतली चादर' (patlī chādar) - 'thin sheet' (like a bedsheet). 'पतली रस्सी' (patlī rassī) - 'thin rope'.
- Describing People and Animals
- For men and boys, use 'पतला': 'मेरा भाई बहुत पतला है।' (merā bhāī bahut patlā hai.) - 'My brother is very thin.' For women and girls, use 'पतली': 'उसकी बहन पतली है।' (uskī bahan patlī hai.) - 'His sister is thin.' For animals, it depends on the grammatical gender of the animal's name. For example, 'पतला कुत्ता' (patlā kuttā) - 'thin dog' (masculine), 'पतली बिल्ली' (patlī billī) - 'thin cat' (feminine).
- Describing Consistency of Liquids
- When talking about liquids, 'पतला' refers to a watery or less viscous consistency. 'यह चाय बहुत पतली है।' (yah chāy bahut patlī hai.) - 'This tea is very thin/weak.' 'सूप पतला हो गया है।' (sūp patlā ho gayā hai.) - 'The soup has become thin.'
- Using with 'होना' (honā - to be)
- Often, 'पतला' is used with the verb 'होना' (to be) to indicate a state or change. 'वह धीरे-धीरे पतला हो रहा है।' (vah dhīre-dhīre patlā ho rahā hai.) - 'He is gradually becoming thin.' 'वज़न कम करने के बाद वह पतला हो गया।' (vazan kam karne ke bād vah patlā ho gayā.) - 'After losing weight, he became thin.'
- Negative Constructions
- To say something is *not* thin, you can use 'मोटा' (moṭā - thick/fat) or negate 'पतला'. For example, 'यह किताब मोटी है।' (yah kitāb moṭī hai.) - 'This book is thick.' Or, 'वह पतला नहीं है।' (vah patlā nahī̃ hai.) - 'He is not thin.'
A thin person is called 'पतला आदमी' (patlā ādmī) if male, or 'पतली औरत' (patlī aurat) if female.
A thin rope is 'पतली रस्सी' (patlī rassī).
This soup is too thin. 'यह सूप बहुत पतला है।' (Yah sūp bahut patlā hai.)
- Everyday Conversations About Health and Appearance
- You'll hear 'पतला' frequently in daily conversations about people's physical appearance. Friends might comment, 'आजकल तुम कुछ पतले लग रहे हो।' (ājkal tum kuchh patle lag rahe ho.) - 'You look a bit thin these days.' Or, someone might be proud of their weight loss: 'मैंने बहुत मेहनत की और अब मैं पतला हो गया हूँ।' (mainne bahut mehnat kī aur ab main patlā ho gayā hū̃.) - 'I worked very hard and now I have become thin.' This is especially common when discussing diets or exercise routines.
- Describing Food and Drink
- In kitchens and dining settings, 'पतला' is used to describe the consistency of liquids. A chef might complain, 'यह ग्रेवी बहुत पतली हो गई है, इसे और गाढ़ा करना होगा।' (yah grevī bahut patlī ho gaī hai, ise aur gāṛhā karnā hogā.) - 'This gravy has become too thin, it needs to be thickened.' Or a guest might politely say, 'सूप थोड़ा पतला है, पर स्वादिष्ट है।' (sūp thoṛā patlā hai, par svādiṣṭ hai.) - 'The soup is a bit thin, but it's delicious.'
- Shopping and Product Descriptions
- When shopping for items like clothing, furniture, or even building materials, 'पतला' can be used. For example, describing a piece of wood: 'हमें एक पतली तख्ती चाहिए।' (hameṁ ek patlī takhtī chāhie.) - 'We need a thin plank.' Or about fabric: 'यह कपड़ा बहुत पतला है, गर्मियों के लिए अच्छा रहेगा।' (yah kapṛā bahut patlā hai, garmiyoṁ ke lie achchhā rahegā.) - 'This fabric is very thin, it will be good for summers.' In fashion, a 'पतली कमर' (patlī kamar) - 'thin waist' is often discussed.
- Discussions about Health Conditions
- Medical contexts might involve 'पतला'. For instance, a doctor might advise a patient: 'आपको अपना खाना पतला बनाना चाहिए।' (āpko apnā khānā patlā banānā chāhie.) - 'You should make your food thinner/easier to digest.' This could be relevant for someone recovering from an illness.
- Figurative Language and Idioms
- While less frequent in casual A1-A2 level speech, you might encounter 'पतला' in more nuanced discussions. For example, describing a difficult financial situation: 'उनकी आर्थिक हालत काफी पतली है।' (unkī ārthik hālat kāphī patlī hai.) - 'Their financial condition is quite precarious/thin.' This figurative use implies a lack of substantiality or stability.
A mother might tell her child, 'ज्यादा मत खाओ, तुम पतले हो जाओगे।' (Zyādā mat khāo, tum patle ho jāoge.) - 'Don't eat too much, you will become thin.'
A tailor might say about a fabric, 'यह कपड़ा बहुत पतला है, इससे अच्छी शर्ट बनेगी।' (Yah kapṛā bahut patlā hai, isse achchhī śarṭ banegī.) - 'This fabric is very thin, a good shirt will be made from it.'
Someone might comment on a person's weight loss: 'वाह! तुम तो काफी पतले लग रहे हो।' (Vāh! Tum to kāphī patle lag rahe ho.) - 'Wow! You look quite thin.'
- Incorrect Gender Agreement
- The most frequent mistake is using the masculine form 'पतला' (patlā) when the noun is feminine, or vice versa. For example, saying 'पतला किताब' (patlā kitāb) instead of 'पतली किताब' (patlī kitāb) for 'thin book', because 'किताब' (kitāb) is a feminine noun. Similarly, calling a thin rope 'पतला रस्सी' (patlā rassī) instead of 'पतली रस्सी' (patlī rassī) is incorrect as 'रस्सी' (rassī) is feminine.
- Incorrect Word Order
- While adjectives usually precede nouns in Hindi, sometimes learners might place 'पतला' after the noun incorrectly, especially when trying to directly translate English sentence structures. For instance, saying 'आदमी पतला है' (ādmī patlā hai) when referring to a specific thin man might be acceptable in some contexts as a descriptive statement, but when modifying the noun directly, the order matters. 'वह एक पतला आदमी है' (vah ek patlā ādmī hai) is the standard structure for 'He is a thin man'.
- Confusing with 'मोटा' (moṭā - thick/fat)
- Learners might confuse 'पतला' with its antonym 'मोटा'. While describing something as 'thin', they might inadvertently use 'fat' or vice versa, especially if they are not fully grasping the meaning or are unsure of the correct word. For example, calling a thin pencil 'मोटा पेंसिल' (moṭā pencil) would be a direct opposite error.
- Overuse or Underuse in Specific Contexts
- Sometimes, learners might overuse 'पतला' when a more specific adjective would be better, or underuse it when it's the most appropriate term. For instance, instead of saying 'पतला कपड़ा' (patlā kapṛā) for 'thin fabric', they might use a more general term if they don't know the specific word. Conversely, they might use 'पतला' for something that is actually 'slender' or 'lean' but doesn't quite fit the nuance of 'पतला'.
- Literal Translation of Figurative Meanings
- When 'पतला' is used figuratively (e.g., 'पतली हालत' - precarious situation), learners might try to translate it too literally, leading to awkward or incorrect phrasing in English or Hindi. For instance, understanding 'पतला' only as physical thinness and missing its application to abstract concepts like arguments or financial stability.
Mistake: 'पतला पुस्तक' (Patlā pustak). Correct: 'पतली पुस्तक' (Patlī pustak) because 'पुस्तक' is feminine.
Mistake: 'वह है पतला आदमी' (Vah hai patlā ādmī). Correct: 'वह पतला आदमी है' (Vah patlā ādmī hai).
Mistake: Using 'पतला' for a thick rope. Correct: 'मोटा रस्सी' (Moṭā rassī) for a thick rope, or 'पतली रस्सी' (Patlī rassī) for a thin one.
- 'दुबला' (dublā) - Lean, Skinny
- 'दुबला' is very similar to 'पतला' when referring to people or animals. However, 'दुबला' often carries a stronger connotation of being excessively thin, perhaps even unhealthily so, or lean due to physical activity. While 'पतला' can be neutral, 'दुबला' can sometimes imply a lack of flesh or muscle. For example, a bodybuilder might be described as 'दुबला' (lean) rather than just 'पतला'. The feminine form is 'दुबली' (dublī).
- 'कृश' (kr̥ś) - Emaciated, Gaunt
- 'कृश' is a more formal and intense word for thinness, usually implying severe thinness, emaciation, or gauntness, often due to illness, starvation, or extreme old age. It's not typically used in casual conversation to describe everyday thinness. It's a stronger, more negative descriptor than 'पतला' or 'दुबला'.
- 'बारीक' (bārīk) - Fine, Thin (for objects, particles)
- 'बारीक' is used for things that are fine or very thin, often referring to particles, threads, or small objects. For instance, 'बारीक रेत' (bārīk ret) means 'fine sand'. A 'बारीक धागा' (bārīk dhāgā) is a very fine thread, perhaps thinner than what 'पतला धागा' would imply. It can also refer to fine details or nuances.
- 'महीन' (mahīn) - Fine, Delicate, Thin
- Similar to 'बारीक', 'महीन' also means fine or thin, often used for fabrics, hair, or delicate structures. 'महीन कपड़ा' (mahīn kapṛā) implies a very fine, perhaps sheer fabric. It can also mean subtle or refined.
- 'कमजोर' (kamzor) - Weak
- While a 'पतला' person might also be 'कमजोर' (weak), the words are not interchangeable. 'कमजोर' refers to a lack of strength, whereas 'पतला' refers to physical dimensions. Someone can be thin but strong, or stout but weak.
- 'सूखा' (sūkhā) - Dry, Lean (sometimes)
- Primarily meaning 'dry', 'सूखा' can sometimes be used colloquially to describe a person who is very thin and perhaps looks dried up, similar to 'दुबला' but with a stronger sense of lack of vitality. For example, 'सूखा बदन' (sūkhā badan) - 'dry/lean body'.
'पतला' vs 'दुबला': 'वह पतला है।' (He is thin - neutral). 'वह दुबला है।' (He is lean/skinny - perhaps a bit too thin).
'पतला' vs 'बारीक': 'पतला धागा' (thin thread - general). 'बारीक धागा' (very fine thread - implies extreme thinness for a thread).
'पतला' vs 'मोटा': These are direct opposites. 'पतला' is thin, 'मोटा' is thick/fat. 'पतली छड़ी' (thin stick) vs 'मोटी छड़ी' (thick stick).
Pronunciation Guide
Examples by Level
यह एक पतला पेन है।
This is a thin pen.
'पेन' (pen) is masculine, so 'पतला' is used.
वह पतली लड़की है।
She is a thin girl.
'लड़की' (girl) is feminine, so 'पतली' is used.
यह किताब पतली है।
This book is thin.
'किताब' (book) is feminine, so 'पतली' is used.
मेरा कुत्ता पतला है।
My dog is thin.
'कुत्ता' (dog) is masculine, so 'पतला' is used.
सूप पतला है।
The soup is thin.
Describes the consistency of the soup.
पतला धागा चाहिए।
Need thin thread.
'धागा' (thread) is masculine, so 'पतला' is used.
वह पतला आदमी है।
He is a thin man.
'आदमी' (man) is masculine, so 'पतला' is used.
पतली रस्सी लाओ।
Bring a thin rope.
'रस्सी' (rope) is feminine, so 'पतली' is used.
यह शर्ट का कपड़ा बहुत पतला है।
The fabric of this shirt is very thin.
'कपड़ा' (fabric) is masculine, hence 'पतला'.
वह आजकल थोड़ा पतला लग रहा है।
He is looking a bit thin these days.
Describes a person's physical appearance.
मुझे पतली चादर चाहिए।
I need a thin sheet.
'चादर' (sheet) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
क्या तुम यह पतला केक खा सकते हो?
Can you eat this thin cake?
'केक' (cake) is masculine, hence 'पतला'.
उसकी कमर बहुत पतली है।
Her waist is very thin.
'कमर' (waist) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
यह पेंसिल बहुत पतली है।
This pencil is very thin.
'पेंसिल' (pencil) is often treated as feminine, hence 'पतली'.
पानी बहुत पतला हो गया है।
The water has become very thin.
Describes the consistency of a liquid.
यह एक पतली किताब है।
This is a thin book.
'किताब' (book) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
वज़न कम करने के बाद वह काफी पतला हो गया है।
After losing weight, he has become quite thin.
Describes a change in physical appearance due to weight loss.
इस सूप की कंसिस्टेंसी बहुत पतली है, मुझे यह पसंद नहीं।
The consistency of this soup is very thin, I don't like it.
Uses 'कंसिस्टेंसी' (consistency) and describes the liquid's thickness.
हमें एक पतली तख्ती की ज़रूरत है।
We need a thin plank.
'तख्ती' (plank) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
क्या तुम यह पतला तर्क स्वीकार कर सकते हो?
Can you accept this weak argument?
Figurative use: 'तर्क' (argument) is masculine, hence 'पतला'.
उसकी आवाज़ बहुत पतली थी, जैसे किसी बच्चे की हो।
Her voice was very thin, like a child's.
Describes the quality of a sound (voice).
यह इमारत बहुत पतली और लंबी है।
This building is very thin and tall.
Describes the physical dimensions of an object.
पतले कपड़े गर्मियों में आरामदायक होते हैं।
Thin clothes are comfortable in summers.
'कपड़े' (clothes) is masculine plural, hence 'पतले'.
उसकी आर्थिक हालत काफी पतली है।
His financial condition is quite precarious/thin.
Figurative use: 'हालत' (condition) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
डॉक्टर ने सलाह दी कि वह अधिक पतला न हो।
The doctor advised that he should not become too thin.
Expressing a caution against becoming excessively thin.
यह पेंटिंग बहुत पतली रेखाओं से बनी है।
This painting is made with very thin lines.
Describes the fineness of lines in art.
उसका तर्क इतना पतला था कि कोई भी उसे स्वीकार नहीं कर सका।
His argument was so weak that no one could accept it.
Figurative use: 'तर्क' (argument) is masculine, hence 'पतला'.
यह मशीन बहुत पतले धातु के टुकड़े बना सकती है।
This machine can make very thin metal pieces.
Describes the thinness of manufactured items.
उसकी आवाज़ में एक पतली सी कांपन थी।
There was a slight tremor in his voice.
Describes a subtle quality in sound.
पतली गलियों में चलना मुश्किल था।
It was difficult to walk in the narrow/thin streets.
Describes the narrowness of a space.
उसने पतले रेशों से एक सुंदर शॉल बुना।
She wove a beautiful shawl from thin threads.
'रेशे' (threads/fibers) is masculine plural, hence 'पतले'.
यह भोजन बहुत पतला है, इसमें पोषण की कमी है।
This food is very thin/lacking, it lacks nutrition.
Implies lack of substance or quality.
अत्यधिक पतला होना हमेशा स्वास्थ्य का प्रतीक नहीं होता।
Being excessively thin is not always a sign of health.
Discusses the nuances of thinness and health.
उसकी कला में पतली रेखाओं का प्रयोग एक विशिष्ट शैली को दर्शाता है।
The use of thin lines in her art indicates a distinct style.
Artistic critique involving 'thin lines'.
बाजार में मंदी के कारण उसकी कंपनी की आर्थिक हालत पतली हो गई है।
Due to the market recession, his company's financial condition has become precarious.
Figurative use: 'हालत' (condition) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
यह उपन्यास समाज की पतली परत पर केंद्रित है।
This novel focuses on the thin layer of society.
Figurative use: 'परत' (layer) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
उसकी दलील इतनी पतली थी कि वह उसे साबित नहीं कर पाया।
His reasoning was so flimsy that he could not prove it.
Figurative use: 'दलील' (reasoning/argument) is feminine, hence 'पतली'.
पतली हवा में सांस लेना मुश्किल हो रहा था।
It was difficult to breathe in the thin air.
Describes atmospheric conditions.
वह अपने पतले और नाजुक हाथों से काम कर रही थी।
She was working with her thin and delicate hands.
Describes delicate physical features.
यह तकनीक बहुत पतले रेशों को भी पकड़ सकती है।
This technology can detect even very thin fibers.
Technical description of detection capabilities.
उसकी आलोचना की धार इतनी पतली थी कि वह चुभ गई।
The edge of his criticism was so thin that it stung.
Metaphorical use of 'thin' to describe the sharpness or subtlety of criticism.
अत्यधिक कृश होने के बजाय, वह बस स्वाभाविक रूप से पतला था।
Rather than being extremely emaciated, he was simply naturally thin.
Distinguishing between natural thinness and emaciation.
उसकी कहानी के पात्र इतने पतले थे कि वे विश्वसनीय नहीं लगते थे।
The characters in his story were so thin/underdeveloped that they didn't seem believable.
Figurative use: Describing underdeveloped characters.
यह नीति समाज के सबसे पतले तबके के लिए एक पतला सहारा है।
This policy is a meager support for the most vulnerable strata of society.
Figurative use: 'पतला सहारा' (meager support).
पतली हवा में उड़ने वाले विमानों को विशेष इंजीनियरिंग की आवश्यकता होती है।
Aircraft flying in thin air require special engineering.
Technical context of aviation in thin atmosphere.
उसकी बातों में कोई दम नहीं था, वे पतली थीं।
There was no substance in his words, they were flimsy/thin.
Describing weak or unsubstantial speech.
वे एक पतले धागे से बंधे थे, जो कभी भी टूट सकता था।
They were bound by a thin thread, which could break at any moment.
Metaphorical use for a fragile connection.
यह कपड़ा इतना पतला है कि इसमें से रोशनी आर-पार जा सकती है।
This fabric is so thin that light can pass through it.
Describing transparency due to thinness.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Precarious or difficult situation (financial or otherwise).
उनकी आर्थिक हालत काफी पतली है।
Idioms & Expressions
— To escape from a difficult situation subtly or sneakily; to slip away unnoticed.
जब पुलिस आई, तो वह पतली गली से निकल गया।
Informal— To breathe in thin air (literal, e.g., at high altitudes) or to be in a difficult/unstable situation.
पहाड़ों पर पतली हवा में साँस लेना मुश्किल होता है।
Neutral— A very thin or frail person; someone lacking substance or strength.
वह तो बस पतली का पुतला है, कुछ काम नहीं कर सकता।
Informal, slightly derogatory— A trivial or insignificant matter; something of little importance.
यह कोई पतली बात नहीं है, इसे गंभीरता से लेना चाहिए।
Informal— Can refer to a person becoming thin, or figuratively, a situation becoming precarious or difficult.
बीमारी के बाद उसका शरीर पतला हो गया। उसकी नौकरी जाने के बाद उसकी हालत पतली हो गई।
Neutral to Informal— Thin broth; metaphorically, something lacking substance or value.
उसकी सारी बातें पतली का शोरबा ही निकलीं।
Informal, slightly derogatory— To hold on loosely or tenuously; to have a weak grip.
वह अपनी बात को पतले दाँतों से पकड़ने की कोशिश कर रहा था।
Figurative, less common— To employ cunning or deceitful tactics; to play a subtle trick.
उसने पतली चाल चलकर सबको धोखा दिया।
Informal— A sharp or sarcastic tongue; someone who speaks cuttingly.
उसकी पतली ज़बान से सब डरते हैं।
Informal— A delicate or sensitive point; a vulnerable spot.
यह मामला उसकी पतली नस है, इसे छेड़ने से बचना चाहिए।
Figurative, less commonSummary
The word 'पतला' (patlā) means 'thin' or 'slim'. It's essential to remember its feminine form, 'पतली' (patlī), which is used when describing feminine nouns. This gender agreement is a core rule in Hindi grammar.
- Meaning: Thin, slim.
- Gender: Masculine 'पतला', Feminine 'पतली'.
- Usage: Objects, people, liquids.
- Key: Gender agreement is crucial.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.
