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पतलून

A2 noun #4,500 most common 17 min read

पतलून

patloon Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पतलून in 30 Seconds

Explanation पतलून in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'patlūn' is one of the first clothing words you will learn. You should focus on identifying the object and using it in very simple sentences. For example, 'Yah patlūn hai' (This is a pair of pants). At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that 'patlūn' means trousers or pants. You might use it when describing what you are wearing today or what you see in a picture. You will learn it alongside other basic garments like 'kameez' (shirt) and 'joota' (shoe). Don't worry too much about complex grammar yet; just focus on the word itself. You can practice by pointing at your trousers and saying 'merī patlūn.' Even at this basic level, try to remember that it is a feminine word, so use 'merī' instead of 'merā.' This will give you a great head start. You might also learn colors at A1, so you can say 'kālī patlūn' (black pants) or 'safed patlūn' (white pants). Simple verbs like 'hai' (is) and 'nahīñ hai' (is not) are perfect for this level. For instance, 'Yah merī patlūn nahīñ hai' (This is not my pair of pants). Learning this word early helps you build a basic vocabulary for daily life, shopping, and describing people. It is a concrete noun, which makes it easier to memorize through visual association. Keep it simple and focus on the connection between the Hindi sound 'patlūn' and the physical object you wear on your legs.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'patlūn' in more descriptive and functional ways. You should be able to talk about buying pants, their size, and their color. This is where you really need to start paying attention to the feminine gender of the word. You will use adjectives like 'lambī' (long), 'chhoṭī' (short), 'nayī' (new), and 'purānī' (old). For example, 'Mujhe ek nayī patlūn chāhiye' (I want a new pair of pants). You will also start using verbs like 'pahannā' (to wear) and 'kharīdnā' (to buy) in the present and past tenses. You might describe your routine: 'Main roz nīlī patlūn pahantā hūn' (I wear blue pants every day). At A2, you should also understand the difference between 'patlūn' and the English loanword 'pants,' knowing that 'patlūn' is the more formal Hindi term. You will learn to use 'is' and 'us' with 'patlūn' when using postpositions, like 'Is patlūn me jeb hai' (There is a pocket in these pants). This level is about building functional sentences that allow you to navigate a clothing store or describe someone's outfit in detail. You are moving from just naming the object to describing its qualities and your actions related to it.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'patlūn' in a variety of tenses and more complex sentence structures. You will start using the ergative construction in the past tense correctly: 'Usne kal ek mahṅgī patlūn pahnī thī' (He/She had worn an expensive pair of pants yesterday). Notice how 'pahnī' agrees with 'patlūn.' You will also use conditional sentences, such as 'Agar yah patlūn sūti hotī, to main ise kharīdtā' (If these pants were cotton, I would buy them). At B1, you can discuss preferences and give reasons. For example, 'Mujhe patlūn pahannā pasand hai kyunki yah ārāmdāyak hai' (I like wearing pants because they are comfortable). You will also encounter the plural form 'patlūnein' and the oblique plural 'patlūnoṃ' more frequently. You might read short stories or news articles where 'patlūn' is used in the context of school uniforms or professional attire. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'silāī' (stitching), 'nāp' (measurement), and 'kapṛā' (fabric). You should be able to handle a conversation with a tailor, explaining exactly how you want your 'patlūn' to be made or altered. This level requires a higher degree of grammatical accuracy, especially regarding gender and case markers.

At the B2 level, your use of 'patlūn' should be nuanced and contextually appropriate. You understand the stylistic difference between using 'patlūn' and 'pants' and can choose the right word based on your audience. You can use the word in idiomatic expressions or more abstract discussions about fashion and culture. For instance, you might discuss the history of clothing in India and how the 'patlūn' replaced traditional garments in formal settings. You will be able to use complex grammatical structures like the passive voice: 'Patlūn dhoī jā rahī hai' (The pants are being washed). Your descriptions will become more sophisticated, using a wider range of adjectives and adverbs. You might say, 'Yah patlūn thodī sī ḍhīlī hai, par iska raṅg bahut khūbsūrat hai' (These pants are a little loose, but their color is very beautiful). At B2, you should also be able to understand 'patlūn' when it appears in more literary or formal texts without hesitation. You can participate in debates or discussions about school uniforms, arguing for or against the requirement of wearing a 'patlūn.' Your ability to switch between singular and plural, and to apply the correct oblique forms, should be almost automatic. You are now using the word not just to communicate basic needs, but to express opinions and engage with more complex topics.

At the C1 level, 'patlūn' is a word you use with complete native-like fluency. You are aware of its etymological roots and its place in the historical development of the Hindi language. You can appreciate its use in classic literature and understand the social connotations it might have carried in different eras. For example, in a 20th-century novel, a character's 'patlūn' might symbolize their aspiration for modernity or their status as a government official. You can use 'patlūn' in sophisticated, multi-clause sentences with perfect grammatical precision. Your understanding of the word's gender and its impact on the entire sentence is instinctive. You can also recognize and use rare or poetic variations if they exist in literature. At this level, you might explore the linguistic transition of loanwords, analyzing how 'patlūn' (from Portuguese/English) has been integrated into Hindi compared to more recent loanwords like 'jeans.' You can write formal reports or creative stories where 'patlūn' is used as a precise descriptive term. You are also capable of explaining the nuances of the word to others, including its grammatical quirks and cultural history. Your mastery of the language allows you to use 'patlūn' in a way that feels both natural and refined.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command over 'patlūn' and all its linguistic and cultural associations. You can use the word in any context, from the most technical tailoring discussion to the most abstract literary analysis. You understand the subtle shifts in its usage over the decades and can mimic different registers of Hindi, from the highly formal 'śuddh' Hindi of a news anchor to the slightly dated but elegant Hindi of an older scholar. You might use 'patlūn' to discuss the socio-linguistics of fashion in South Asia, analyzing how clothing terms reflect broader societal changes. Your ability to use the word in complex rhetorical structures is flawless. You can effortlessly navigate the singular and plural, the direct and oblique cases, and all aspects of gender agreement in even the most convoluted sentences. For you, 'patlūn' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a small part of a vast, interconnected linguistic system that you navigate with ease. You can appreciate the word's role in the rhythm and meter of poetry or the punchline of a sophisticated joke. At C2, your relationship with the word is that of a native speaker with a high level of education and cultural awareness. You can use it to convey not just meaning, but also tone, history, and social context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पतलून in 30 Seconds

Patloon is the formal Hindi word for 'pants' or 'trousers,' essential for standard communication.
It is a feminine noun, meaning adjectives and verbs must match its feminine gender.
Unlike English 'pants,' it is grammatically singular in Hindi when referring to one pair.
It is commonly used in formal, academic, and literary contexts across India today.

The Hindi word पतलून (patlūn) refers to a pair of trousers or pants. It is a feminine noun in Hindi, which is a crucial detail for learners because it dictates the gender of accompanying adjectives and the conjugation of verbs. For example, you would say 'nīlī patlūn' (blue pants) rather than 'nīlā patlūn.' Historically, this word entered the Hindi lexicon through linguistic exchange, likely tracing back to the Portuguese word 'pantalona' or the English 'pantaloon.' While the modern English loanword 'pants' (written as पैंट in Hindi) is extremely common in urban areas and daily conversation, 'patlūn' remains a standard, formal, and widely understood term found in textbooks, literature, and official broadcasts. It encompasses everything from formal dress slacks to everyday casual trousers. Understanding 'patlūn' is essential for anyone moving beyond basic survival Hindi into a more nuanced understanding of the language's vocabulary. It is the kind of word that shows a learner has a solid grasp of standard vocabulary rather than just relying on English cognates. When you visit a tailor in India, or 'darzī,' using the word 'patlūn' identifies the specific garment you want stitched or altered. It signifies a garment that covers the body from the waist down to the ankles, typically with separate sections for each leg. In a cultural context, the transition from traditional Indian garments like the 'dhoti' or 'pajama' to the 'patlūn' represents a significant shift in fashion history, often associated with the colonial era and the subsequent modernization of professional attire in South Asia.

Grammatical Gender: Feminine (स्त्रीलिंग). This means you use 'merī' (my) and 'achhī' (good) with it.

यह पतलून बहुत लंबी है। (This pair of pants is very long.)

The usage of 'patlūn' can vary based on the region. In some rural areas, it might be the only word used for Western-style trousers, whereas in Mumbai or Delhi, it might sound slightly more traditional compared to the English-sounding 'pants.' However, it is never incorrect. If you are writing a formal essay or reading a classic Hindi novel by Premchand or modern authors, you will encounter 'patlūn' frequently. It is also used in the context of uniforms. A school uniform or a police officer's uniform will almost always refer to the legwear as 'patlūn' in official documents. For a learner, mastering the feminine agreement is the biggest challenge. Many students mistakenly treat it as masculine because it refers to an item often associated with men's fashion historically, but in Hindi, the word's ending and origin designate it as feminine. Practicing sentences like 'vah nayī patlūn kharīd rahā hai' (He is buying new pants) helps reinforce this gender rule.

Register: Standard/Formal. Suitable for news, literature, and formal settings.

मेरी पतलून कहाँ है? (Where are my pants?)

In terms of physical description, a 'patlūn' can be made of various fabrics including 'sūtī' (cotton), 'reśamī' (silken), or 'ūnī' (woolen). When discussing the fit, you might use words like 'ḍhīlī' (loose) or 'taṅg' (tight). Because the word is feminine, these adjectives change to their 'ī' ending forms. This consistency in grammar makes Hindi a very structured language once you memorize the gender of core nouns like 'patlūn.' Furthermore, the word appears in several common cultural expressions and is a staple of basic clothing vocabulary lists. Whether you are shopping in a 'bāzār' or describing what someone is wearing in a photo, 'patlūn' is your go-to word for trousers. It distinguishes the garment from 'dhoti' (a wrap-around) or 'pajama' (usually loose-fitting drawstring trousers). In the modern era, while jeans are often just called 'jeans,' they technically fall under the category of 'patlūn' if one were to be strictly descriptive.

Synonyms: पैंट (Pants - Informal), ट्राउज़र्स (Trousers - Loanword), पाजामा (Pajama - Specific style).

उसने एक काली पतलून पहनी है। (He/She is wearing a pair of black pants.)

क्या यह पतलून सूती है? (Is this pair of pants cotton?)

मुझे अपनी पतलून छोटी करवानी है। (I need to get my pants shortened.)

Using पतलून correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's case system and gender agreement. Since 'patlūn' is feminine, verbs and adjectives must align. When the word is the subject of the sentence, it remains 'patlūn.' For example, 'Patlūn mez par hai' (The pants are on the table). Notice that in English we use 'are' because 'pants' is plural, but in Hindi, we use 'hai' (singular) because 'patlūn' is treated as a single unit or item. If you have multiple pairs, the plural form is 'patlūnein.' For example, 'Vahān do patlūnein hain' (There are two pairs of pants there). This distinction is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to the inherently plural nature of legwear nouns. Another important aspect is the use of postpositions like 'me' (in), 'par' (on), or 'ke sāth' (with). When a postposition follows 'patlūn,' the word doesn't change in the singular, but the surrounding grammar might. For instance, 'Is patlūn me jeb nahīñ hai' (There is no pocket in these pants).

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always feminine. Singular: 'Patlūn achhī hai.' Plural: 'Patlūnein achhī hain.'

मैंने बाज़ार से एक नई पतलून खरीदी। (I bought a new pair of pants from the market.)

When describing the act of wearing, the verb 'pahannā' (to wear) is used. In the past tense, Hindi uses the ergative construction with 'ne' for transitive verbs. 'Usne patlūn pahnī' (He/She wore pants). Here, the verb 'pahnī' agrees with the feminine object 'patlūn,' not the subject. This is a vital rule for A2 and B1 level learners to master. If you are talking about the fit, you would say 'Yah patlūn mujhe ḍhīlī hai' (These pants are loose on me). The word 'ḍhīlī' ends in 'ī' to match 'patlūn.' If you were talking about a masculine item like 'kurta,' you would say 'ḍhīlā.' This constant gender matching is the hallmark of fluent Hindi speech. Furthermore, when you are at a shop, you might ask for a specific size: 'Kya aapke paas is patlūn ka chhota size hai?' (Do you have a smaller size of these pants?). Even though 'size' is masculine, the 'is' and 'ka' refer to the size, while the 'patlūn' remains the reference point.

Common Verbs: Pahannā (to wear), utārnā (to take off), dhonā (to wash), silnā (to sew/stitch).

धोबी ने मेरी पतलून साफ़ कर दी। (The washerman cleaned my pants.)

In more complex sentences, 'patlūn' can be part of a compound noun or a descriptive phrase. For example, 'skūl kī patlūn' (school pants) or 'unī patlūn' (woolen pants). If you are describing a person's appearance, you might say, 'Usne nīle raṅg kī patlūn pahnī thī' (He was wearing blue-colored pants). Here, 'nīle raṅg kī' modifies 'patlūn,' and because 'patlūn' is feminine, we use 'kī.' If the noun were masculine, like 'coat,' we would say 'nīle raṅg kā coat.' This consistency is what you should aim for. In literary contexts, you might see 'patlūn' used metaphorically to describe someone's readiness for work or a journey, similar to 'girding one's loins,' though this is less common than literal usage. Finally, when asking for help in a clothing store, you can use 'patlūn' to specify that you aren't looking for jeans or traditional wear, but rather formal or semi-formal trousers.

Adjective Agreement: Nayi (new), purani (old), lambi (long), chhoti (short), gandi (dirty), saaf (clean).

तुम्हारी पतलून गंदी हो गई है। (Your pants have become dirty.)

क्या मुझे यह पतलून पहननी चाहिए? (Should I wear these pants?)

यह पतलून बहुत महँगी है। (This pair of pants is very expensive.)

While 'pants' is the dominant term in modern urban slang, पतलून is the word you will hear in classrooms, on the news, and in formal Hindi literature. If you are watching a Bollywood movie set in the 1950s or 60s, characters will almost exclusively use the word 'patlūn.' It carries a certain classic charm. In schools across India, when a teacher discusses the uniform policy, they will say 'skūl kī patlūn' (school trousers). This makes it a high-frequency word for anyone living in an academic or formal environment in India. You will also hear it in tailor shops, especially those that specialize in bespoke men's clothing. A tailor might ask, 'Patlūn kī lambāī kitnī rakhnī hai?' (How much length should the pants have?). In this context, 'patlūn' is the professional term for the garment they are constructing. It is also common in news reports regarding police or military uniforms, where 'khākī patlūn' (khaki trousers) is a standard descriptive phrase. For a learner, hearing 'patlūn' instead of 'pants' is often a sign that the speaker is using 'śuddh' (pure) or formal Hindi.

Formal Settings: News broadcasts, government offices, school announcements, and formal invitations.

पुलिस की पतलून का रंग खाकी होता है। (The color of the police's pants is khaki.)

In literature, especially in the works of great Hindi writers like Munshi Premchand or Harishankar Parsai, 'patlūn' is used to denote a specific social class or a shift in cultural identity. A character wearing a 'patlūn' might be portrayed as someone who works in an office or has been 'Westernized,' contrasting with characters in 'dhoti.' This socio-cultural nuance is something you pick up as you advance in your Hindi studies. In the marketplace, if you go to a 'kapṛā bāzār' (cloth market), shopkeepers will use 'patlūn' to refer to the fabric intended for trousers. They might say, 'Yah patlūn kā kapṛā bahut mazbūt hai' (This trouser fabric is very strong). Even in the age of fast fashion, 'patlūn' holds its ground as the definitive Hindi word for the item. You might also find it in children's stories or 'bāl kahāniyān,' where simple, standard Hindi is used to build a child's vocabulary. If you are learning Hindi through government-sponsored programs or standard textbooks like 'NCERT,' 'patlūn' will be the primary word taught for this garment.

Literature and Media: Classic novels, historical dramas, and standard Hindi news channels.

पुराने ज़माने में लोग पतलून कम पहनते थे। (In the olden days, people wore pants less often.)

Furthermore, you will hear 'patlūn' in the context of sports uniforms or 'khel kī vardi.' For example, a cricket commentator might mention a player's white trousers as 'safed patlūn.' In theatre and 'nāṭak,' costume designers will use this term. It is a word that bridges the gap between the past and the present. While 'pants' is a quick, modern alternative, 'patlūn' is rooted in the formal structure of the language. If you are traveling through different states in India, you will find that 'patlūn' is understood everywhere, from the northern plains of Uttar Pradesh to the central regions of Madhya Pradesh. It is a pan-Indian Hindi term. Even in songs, though rare in modern pop, 'patlūn' can be found in older Bollywood lyrics, often used in a humorous or descriptive way to rhyme with other words. For example, in the famous song 'Mera Joota Hai Japani,' while the word itself isn't there, the era's vocabulary was heavily reliant on such terms. Mastering its use will make your Hindi sound more authentic and less like a direct translation from English.

Tailoring Terms: Patlūn kī silāī (stitching of pants), patlūn kā gher (circumference of the pants leg).

क्या आपकी पतलून में जेब है? (Does your pair of pants have a pocket?)

वह अपनी पतलून इस्तरी कर रहा है। (He is ironing his pants.)

यह पतलून मेरे लिए बहुत तंग है। (These pants are too tight for me.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with पतलून is treating it as a masculine noun. In English, clothes don't have gender, but in Hindi, every object does. Because 'patlūn' is often associated with men's clothing, learners instinctively use masculine adjectives like 'nayā' (new) or 'nīlā' (blue). However, you must use 'nayī' and 'nīlī.' Saying 'merā patlūn' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner. Always remember: 'merī patlūn.' Another common error is pluralization. In English, 'pants' is always plural. You say 'my pants are...' but in Hindi, 'patlūn' is singular when referring to one pair. If you say 'merī patlūn hain' (using the plural 'are'), it implies you are talking about multiple pairs of pants. For one pair, you must say 'merī patlūn hai.' This singular/plural mismatch between the two languages is a significant hurdle. To overcome this, think of 'patlūn' as 'a pair of trousers' rather than just 'pants.'

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'Mera patloon.' Correct: 'Meri patloon.' (Feminine agreement is mandatory).

गलत: मेरा पतलून नीला है। (Wrong: My pants is blue - masculine.)

Another mistake is confusing 'patlūn' with 'pajama.' While both are worn on the legs, a 'pajama' in the Indian context usually refers to a loose-fitting garment often paired with a 'kurta,' while 'patlūn' specifically refers to Western-style trousers with a fixed waistband and often a fly. Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion when describing someone's outfit. Additionally, learners often struggle with the oblique case. When a postposition like 'ko' or 'me' is used, the plural 'patlūnein' changes to 'patlūnoṃ.' For example, 'In patlūnoṃ ko dho do' (Wash these pairs of pants). Many learners forget to apply the 'oṃ' ending. In the singular, 'patlūn' remains 'patlūn' even in the oblique case, which is a bit easier, but the accompanying demonstrative pronouns must change. For example, 'Is patlūn ko dekho' (Look at these pants/this pair of pants), where 'yah' becomes 'is.'

Singular vs Plural: English: 'These pants are.' Hindi: 'Yah patlūn hai' (referring to one item).

सही: मेरी पतलून नीली है। (Correct: My pants are blue - feminine.)

Pronunciation is another area where mistakes occur. The 't' in 'patlūn' is a dental 't' (like in 'th' of 'thin' but unaspirated), not the retroflex 't' (like in 'table') common in English. If you use a hard English 't,' it will sound accented. The 'lūn' part has a long 'ū' sound, similar to 'moon.' Some learners shorten it to 'patlun,' which sounds incorrect. Lastly, avoid using 'patlūn' for items that are clearly 'jeans.' While 'jeans' is a type of 'patlūn,' in modern Hindi, calling jeans 'patlūn' might sound overly formal or slightly odd in a casual setting. Stick to 'jeans' for denim and 'patlūn' for formal or cotton trousers. By being mindful of these nuances—gender, number, specific garment type, and pronunciation—you will communicate much more effectively and sound like a seasoned Hindi speaker. Practice saying 'Nayī patlūn' (new pants) and 'Purānī patlūn' (old pants) repeatedly to cement the feminine association in your mind.

Oblique Case Plural: Incorrect: 'Patloonein me.' Correct: 'Patloonoṃ me' (In the pants - plural).

गलत: उसने पतलून पहना। (Wrong: He wore pants - masculine verb.)

सही: उसने पतलून पहनी। (Correct: He wore pants - feminine verb.)

क्या तुम अपनी पतलून बदलोगे? (Will you change your pants?)

In the world of Hindi legwear, पतलून is the formal standard, but there are several alternatives depending on the style, material, and context. The most common alternative is 'पैंट' (Pants), which is a direct loanword from English. You will hear 'pants' in almost 90% of casual urban conversations. It is often treated as masculine in Hindi ('merā pants'), unlike the feminine 'patlūn,' which adds a layer of complexity for learners. Another similar word is 'ट्राउज़र्स' (Trousers), which is used in high-end retail or formal fashion discussions. If you are talking about traditional Indian wear, you would use 'पाजामा' (Pajama). While the English word 'pyjamas' refers to sleepwear, the Hindi 'pājāmā' refers to a variety of drawstring trousers worn with a kurta. They are usually made of lighter fabric and have a looser fit than a 'patlūn.' Then there is the 'धोती' (Dhoti), which is a single piece of cloth wrapped around the legs and waist, representing a completely different category of traditional clothing.

Patlūn vs Pajama: Patlūn is Western-style with buttons/zips. Pajama is traditional with drawstrings.

आज मैं पतलून की जगह पाजामा पहनूँगा। (Today I will wear a pajama instead of pants.)

Another related term is 'निक्कर' (Nikkar) or 'हाफ पैंट' (Half-pants), which refer to shorts. 'Nikkar' is a colloquial term often used for children's shorts or gym wear. For denim, 'जींस' (Jeans) is the universal term, and it is almost never called 'patlūn' unless someone is being extremely descriptive ('denim kī patlūn'). If you are looking for leggings or tight-fitting trousers often worn by women with a long tunic (kurtī), the word is 'लेगिंग्स' or 'चूड़ीदार' (Churidar). The 'churidar' is specific because it gathers in folds (chūrīs) at the ankles. Understanding these distinctions is key to describing people accurately in Hindi. For instance, a 'formal patlūn' would be appropriate for an office, while a 'pajama' would be for a festive occasion or home comfort. In military or police contexts, 'patlūn' is the only appropriate term for the trousers of the uniform. Using 'pants' in an official report might be seen as too informal.

Patlūn vs Jeans: Patlūn usually implies formal/semi-formal fabric. Jeans refers specifically to denim.

क्या आपके पास सूती पतलून है? (Do you have cotton trousers?)

In summary, while 'patlūn' is your foundational word, you should be aware of 'pants' for daily life, 'pajama' for traditional contexts, and 'jeans' for denim. There is also the word 'जाँघिया' (Jāṅghiyā) which refers to underwear or trunks, and should not be confused with 'patlūn.' When you are at a clothing store, you might see signs for 'Purushon ki Patloon' (Men's Trousers). Knowing 'patlūn' gives you a linguistic anchor. It is the formal umbrella under which many other types of legwear fall. If you use 'patlūn' correctly with feminine adjectives, you will sound like a very proficient speaker. Even if those around you are saying 'pants,' your use of 'patlūn' will be respected as proper Hindi. It shows you have studied the language formally. As you progress, try to use 'patlūn' in your writing and 'pants' in your casual conversations to match the register of those around you. This flexibility is a key part of linguistic competence in a multi-layered language like Hindi.

Comparison Table: Patlūn (Formal/Standard) | Pants (Casual/Common) | Pajama (Traditional/Loose).

यह पतलून जींस से ज़्यादा आरामदायक है। (These trousers are more comfortable than jeans.)

मुझे एक नई पतलून सिलवानी है। (I want to get a new pair of pants stitched.)

उसकी पतलून का रंग फीका पड़ गया है। (The color of his/her pants has faded.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'pantaloon' originally comes from 'Pantalone,' a character in Italian Commedia dell'arte who was known for wearing long trousers.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pət̪.luːn/

US /pət̪.lun/

Stress is on the second syllable 'lūn'.

Rhymes With

ख़ून (khūn - blood) कानून (kānūn - law) जुनून (junūn - passion) सुकून (sukūn - peace) नमून (namūn - sample/type) मजनून (majnūn - mad/obsessed) ज़ैतून (zaitūn - olive) हारून (hārūn - Aaron)

Common Errors

Using a retroflex 't' (like in 'table') instead of a dental 't'.
Shortening the long 'ū' sound in 'lūn'.
Pronouncing it as 'pat-loon' with two distinct heavy syllables instead of a smooth flow.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the word; common in texts.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but remembering the feminine gender is key.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct dental 't' and long 'u' sound.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

कपड़ा (Cloth) पहनना (To wear) रंग (Color) नया (New) बड़ा (Big)

Learn Next

कमीज़ (Shirt) जूता (Shoe) मोज़े (Socks) टोपी (Hat) कोट (Coat)

Advanced

पोशाक (Attire) परिधान (Garment) वेशभूषा (Costume) दर्जी (Tailor) बुनाई (Weaving)

Grammar to Know

Noun Gender (Feminine)

Adjectives like 'nayi' (new) must end in 'i' to match 'patloon'.

Ergative Case (Past Tense)

In 'Usne patloon pahni', the verb 'pahni' agrees with the object 'patloon'.

Pluralization of Feminine Nouns

'Patloon' becomes 'patloonein' in the direct plural.

Oblique Case Plural

'Patloonein' becomes 'patloonoṃ' when followed by a postposition.

Demonstrative Agreement

'Yah' (this) remains 'yah' for singular but 'is' in oblique case.

Examples by Level

यह पतलून है।

This is a pair of pants.

Simple demonstrative sentence. 'Yah' means 'this'.

मेरी पतलून नीली है।

My pants are blue.

Shows feminine agreement: 'merī' and 'nīlī'.

वह पतलून कहाँ है?

Where are those pants?

Question form. 'Vah' means 'that/those'.

यह पतलून छोटी है।

These pants are short.

Adjective agreement: 'chhoṭī' is feminine.

मुझे पतलून चाहिए।

I want pants.

Using 'chāhiye' for 'want'.

उसकी पतलून काली है।

His/Her pants are black.

Possessive 'uskī' matches feminine 'patlūn'.

यह पतलून साफ़ है।

These pants are clean.

'Saaf' (clean) is an invariable adjective.

क्या यह तुम्हारी पतलून है?

Are these your pants?

Interrogative sentence with 'kyā'.

मैं नई पतलून खरीदूँगा।

I will buy new pants.

Future tense. 'Nayī' is feminine.

उसने नीली पतलून पहनी है।

He/She is wearing blue pants.

Present perfect state. 'Pahnī' agrees with 'patlūn'.

यह पतलून बहुत महँगी है।

These pants are very expensive.

'Mahṅgī' is the feminine form of expensive.

मुझे सूती पतलून पसंद है।

I like cotton pants.

'Sūtī' means cotton.

क्या आपके पास छोटी पतलून है?

Do you have smaller pants?

Asking for availability.

मेरी पतलून मेज़ पर रखी है।

My pants are kept on the table.

Passive-like state using 'rakhī'.

वह अपनी पतलून धो रहा है।

He is washing his pants.

Present continuous tense.

यह पतलून तंग है।

These pants are tight.

'Taṅg' means tight.

मैंने दर्जी से अपनी पतलून ठीक करवाई।

I got my pants fixed by the tailor.

Causative verb 'karvāī'.

अगर पतलून फटी है, तो उसे मत पहनो।

If the pants are torn, don't wear them.

Conditional sentence.

उसने अपनी पतलून की जेब में चाबी रखी।

He put the key in his pants pocket.

Use of 'kī' with 'jeb' (pocket).

बाज़ार में बहुत सारी पतलूनें बिक रही थीं।

Many pairs of pants were being sold in the market.

Plural form 'patlūnein'.

क्या तुम मुझे अपनी पतलून उधार दोगे?

Will you lend me your pants?

Requesting in future tense.

उसने पतलून पहनकर बाहर जाने की तैयारी की।

After wearing pants, he prepared to go out.

Conjunctive participle 'pahankar'.

यह पतलून पुरानी है पर अभी भी अच्छी दिखती है।

These pants are old but still look good.

Contrastive sentence with 'par'.

कल मैंने दो नई पतलूनें खरीदीं।

Yesterday I bought two new pairs of pants.

Plural feminine agreement in past tense.

स्कूल की वर्दी में पतलून पहनना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to wear pants in the school uniform.

Formal vocabulary like 'anivārya' (mandatory).

उसने अपनी पतलून को इस्तरी करने में काफी समय लगाया।

He spent a lot of time ironing his pants.

Using 'istrī karnā' (to iron).

यह पतलून उस कमीज़ के साथ बिल्कुल मेल नहीं खाती।

These pants don't match that shirt at all.

Idiomatic 'mel khānā' (to match).

गर्मियों में सूती पतलून पहनना सबसे आरामदायक होता है।

In summer, wearing cotton pants is most comfortable.

Superlative 'sabse ārāmdāyak'.

उसकी पतलून का रंग धूप में फीका पड़ गया।

The color of his pants faded in the sun.

Complex phrase 'phīkā paṛ gayā'.

दर्जी ने पतलून की लंबाई थोड़ी कम कर दी।

The tailor reduced the length of the pants slightly.

Describing an alteration.

बिना पतलून के वह बाहर नहीं जा सकता था।

He couldn't go out without pants.

Use of 'binā' (without).

वह अपनी पतलून की बेल्ट ढूँढ रहा है।

He is looking for his pants' belt.

Possessive construction.

उसने एक ऐसी पतलून पहनी थी जो उसके व्यक्तित्व को निखार रही थी।

He wore a pair of pants that was enhancing his personality.

Relative clause 'jo... thī'.

साहित्य में 'पतलून' अक्सर आधुनिकता का प्रतीक मानी जाती है।

In literature, 'patloon' is often considered a symbol of modernity.

Abstract usage and passive construction.

पतलून की सिलाई इतनी बारीक थी कि वह बिल्कुल फिट बैठ रही थी।

The stitching of the pants was so fine that it fit perfectly.

Result clause 'itnī... ki'.

उसने अपनी पतलून की सिलवटें साफ़ कीं और मंच पर चला गया।

He smoothed the wrinkles of his pants and walked onto the stage.

Vocabulary: 'silvaṭein' (wrinkles).

आजकल की पतलूनों के डिज़ाइन पुराने समय से काफी भिन्न हैं।

The designs of today's pants are quite different from old times.

Oblique plural 'patlūnoṃ'.

उसने अपनी पतलून उतारकर सावधानी से टाँग दी।

He took off his pants and hung them up carefully.

Sequence of actions.

क्या आप इस पतलून के कपड़े की गुणवत्ता के बारे में बता सकते हैं?

Can you tell me about the quality of the fabric of these pants?

Formal inquiry.

उसने पतलून पहनते समय महसूस किया कि वह थोड़ा मोटा हो गया है।

While wearing the pants, he realized he had become a bit fat.

Participle 'pahante samay'.

औपनिवेशिक काल में पतलून धारण करना सामाजिक प्रतिष्ठा का विषय हुआ करता था।

During the colonial era, wearing trousers used to be a matter of social prestige.

Highly formal vocabulary: 'aupniveśik' (colonial), 'dhāraṇ karnā' (to wear).

उसकी पतलून की बनावट में एक अजीब सी विसंगति दिखाई दे रही थी।

A strange discrepancy was visible in the structure of his pants.

Advanced vocabulary: 'visangati' (discrepancy).

लेखक ने पतलून के माध्यम से पात्र की बदली हुई मानसिकता को दर्शाया है।

The author has depicted the character's changed mindset through the pants.

Metaphorical/Literary analysis.

इस पतलून का कपड़ा इतना टिकाऊ है कि यह वर्षों तक खराब नहीं होगा।

The fabric of these pants is so durable that it won't get ruined for years.

Future negative with 'nahīñ hogā'.

उसने अपनी पतलून की जेबों को खंगाला पर उसे कुछ नहीं मिला।

He ransacked his pants' pockets but found nothing.

Advanced verb 'khaṅgālnā' (to ransack/search thoroughly).

पतलून की फिटिंग में ज़रा सी भी कमी उसे बर्दाश्त नहीं थी।

He couldn't tolerate even a slight flaw in the fitting of the pants.

Expressing intolerance/perfectionism.

उसने अपनी पुरानी पतलून को एक नया रूप देने का निश्चय किया।

He decided to give his old pants a new look.

Complex intent.

पतलून के रंग और बनावट का चयन करते समय उसने काफी सावधानी बरती।

He exercised great caution while selecting the color and texture of the pants.

Formal 'sāvdhānī bartnā' (to exercise caution).

Common Collocations

पतलून पहनना

पतलून उतारना

सूती पतलून

ऊनी पतलून

पतलून की जेब

पतलून सिलवाना

पतलून छोटी करना

पतलून का बेल्ट

खाकी पतलून

पतलून धोना

Common Phrases

पतलून गीली होना

— Literally means pants getting wet. Often used for rain or accidents.

बारिश में उसकी पतलून गीली हो गई।

पतलून ढीली होना

— Pants becoming loose. Can be literal or a metaphor for losing weight.

बीमारी के बाद उसकी पतलून ढीली हो गई।

पतलून तंग होना

— Pants becoming tight. Usually refers to gaining weight.

मिठाइयाँ खाकर मेरी पतलून तंग हो गई है।

पतलून का बटन

— Button of the pants.

मेरी पतलून का बटन टूट गया है।

पतलून की ज़िप

— Zipper of the pants.

पतलून की ज़िप खराब है।

पतलून बदलना

— To change pants.

मैं पतलून बदलकर आता हूँ।

पतलून इस्तरी करना

— To iron the pants.

क्या तुमने मेरी पतलून इस्तरी की?

पतलून का नाप

— Measurement of the pants.

दर्जी ने पतलून का नाप लिया।

नई पतलून

— New pants.

यह मेरी नई पतलून है।

पुरानी पतलून

— Old pants.

वह अपनी पुरानी पतलून फेंक रहा है।

Often Confused With

पतलून vs पाजामा

Pajama is traditional/loose; Patloon is Western/tailored.

पतलून vs पतला

Patla means 'thin' (adjective); Patloon is 'pants' (noun).

पतलून vs पत्तल

Pattal is a plate made of leaves; totally different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"पतलून ढीली होना (Idiomatic)"

— To be very scared or nervous. Similar to 'shaking in one's boots.'

शेर को देखकर शिकारी की पतलून ढीली हो गई।

Colloquial

"अपनी पतलून संभालना"

— To mind one's own business or to be cautious about one's own situation.

दूसरों की चिंता छोड़ो, अपनी पतलून संभालो।

Slang/Informal

"पतलून उतार देना"

— To humiliate someone completely (metaphorical).

उसने भरी सभा में उसकी पतलून उतार दी।

Informal/Aggressive

"पतलून में छेद"

— Something being incomplete or having a flaw (rare/metaphorical).

उसकी योजना में पतलून के छेद की तरह कमियाँ थीं।

Literary

"पतलून का पाजामा बनाना"

— To downgrade or simplify something unnecessarily.

उसने अपनी नई पतलून का पाजामा बना दिया।

Humorous

"पतलून कसना"

— To get ready for a difficult task or battle.

अब परीक्षा के लिए अपनी पतलून कस लो।

Informal

"बिना पतलून का आदमी"

— A person with no shame or no resources (rare).

वह तो बिना पतलून का आदमी है, उससे क्या डरना।

Slang

"पतलून का रंग उड़ना"

— To lose confidence or to look pale with fear.

पुलिस को देखते ही चोर की पतलून का रंग उड़ गया।

Colloquial

"पतलून में आग लगना"

— To be in a great hurry or to be desperate.

तुम्हारी पतलून में आग लगी है क्या जो इतनी जल्दी में हो?

Sarcastic

"पतलून छोटी पड़ना"

— To outgrow a situation or a role.

अब यह नौकरी उसके लिए पतलून की तरह छोटी पड़ रही है।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

पतलून vs पतला (Patla)

Sounds similar in the first syllable.

Patla is an adjective meaning thin. Patloon is a noun meaning trousers.

वह आदमी पतला है और उसने नीली पतलून पहनी है।

पतलून vs पाजामा (Pajama)

Both are legwear.

Pajama is usually cotton, loose, with a drawstring. Patloon is structured with a belt/zip.

घर पर पाजामा पहनो, बाहर पतलून।

पतलून vs पत्ता (Patta)

Similar starting sound.

Patta means leaf. Patloon means pants.

पेड़ का पत्ता पतलून पर गिर गया।

पतलून vs पतंग (Patang)

Similar starting sound.

Patang means kite. Patloon means pants.

वह पतलून पहनकर पतंग उड़ा रहा है।

पतलून vs पत्तल (Pattal)

Very similar phonetically.

Pattal is a leaf-plate. Patloon is trousers.

उसने पत्तल पर खाना खाया और अपनी पतलून गंदी कर ली।

Sentence Patterns

[Possessive] [Color] patloon hai.

Meri nili patloon hai.

Mujhe [Adjective] patloon chahiye.

Mujhe nayi patloon chahiye.

[Subject] ne [Adjective] patloon pahni.

Usne kali patloon pahni.

Patloon [Postposition] [Noun] hai.

Patloon ki jeb me paise hain.

Yah patloon [Adjective] hone ke sath-sath [Adjective] bhi hai.

Yah patloon sundar hone ke sath-sath sasti bhi hai.

Patloon ka [Noun] [Verb] gaya hai.

Patloon ka rang phika pad gaya hai.

Agar [Subject] [Verb], to patloon [Verb].

Agar barish hui, to patloon gili ho jayegi.

Kya [Subject] [Adjective] patloon hai?

Kya yah suti patloon hai?

Word Family

Nouns

पतलून (Trousers)

पतलूनवाला (One who wears/sells pants)

Verbs

पतलून पहनना (To wear pants)

पतलून सिलना (To stitch pants)

Adjectives

पतलूनी (Relating to pants - rare)

कमीज़ (Shirt)

वर्दी (Uniform)

कपड़ा (Cloth)

दर्जी (Tailor)

जेब (Pocket)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal contexts, medium in urban casual contexts.

Common Mistakes

Mera patloon. → Meri patloon.
Patloon is feminine, so the possessive pronoun must be 'meri'.
Patloon achha hai. → Patloon achhi hai.
The adjective 'achha' must be in its feminine form 'achhi' to match 'patloon'.
Using 'patloonein' for one pair of pants. → Using 'patloon' for one pair of pants.
Unlike English 'pants', Hindi 'patloon' is singular for one item.
Usne patloon pahna. → Usne patloon pahni.
In the past tense with 'ne', the verb agrees with the feminine object 'patloon'.
Patloonein me. → Patloonoṃ me.
The plural oblique form requires the 'oṃ' ending when followed by a postposition.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'patloon' with feminine words. If you are describing it as blue, say 'neeli patloon', not 'neela patloon'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'patloon' in professional settings, job interviews, or formal letters. Use 'pants' when chatting with friends or in a casual market.

Specific Types

If the pants are denim, call them 'jeans'. If they are for sleeping or traditional, call them 'pajama'. Use 'patloon' for dress slacks or formal trousers.

Dental T

Practice the soft 't' sound. If you use the hard English 't', native speakers will still understand you, but you will have a strong accent.

Tailor Talk

When visiting a darzi (tailor), using 'patloon' shows you have a good command of Hindi. It's the professional term they use for the garment.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'patloon' with 'kanoon' (law). Imagine a lawyer in a courtroom wearing very formal 'patloon' while discussing the 'kanoon'.

Singular vs Plural

Don't be confused by English. In Hindi, one pair of pants is one 'patloon'. Only use plural 'patloonein' if you have two or more separate items.

Oblique Case

Remember that 'yah' becomes 'is' and 'vah' becomes 'us' when you say 'in the pants' or 'on the pants' (e.g., 'is patloon me').

Context Clues

If you hear 'patloon', look at the person's clothing. It's almost always used for formal trousers or uniforms in news and media.

Compound Words

Try using compound words like 'suti patloon' (cotton pants) to sound more descriptive and advanced in your speech.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pat' (like a pat on the leg) and 'Loon' (like the moon shining on your pants). 'Pat the moon on your pants.'

Visual Association

Imagine a tailor measuring a very long pair of pants that reach up to a 'Loon' (moon).

Word Web

Clothing Tailor Fabric Pockets Belt Buttons Fashion Uniform

Challenge

Try to describe three different pairs of pants you own using 'patlūn' and at least two adjectives for each (color and material).

Word Origin

The word 'patloon' entered Hindi via the Portuguese 'pantalona' or the English 'pantaloon.' It reflects the history of European influence on Indian attire during the colonial period.

Original meaning: Bifurcated garment for the legs.

Indo-Aryan (via Romance/Germanic borrowing).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but 'patlūn' is a neutral and polite word.

English speakers should note that while 'pants' can mean underwear in the UK, 'patlūn' in Hindi always means outer trousers.

Mera Joota Hai Japani (Song) - Refers to Western-style clothing. Premchand's stories - Often mention characters in 'patlūn' to denote class. Bollywood movies from the 50s - Standard term used by heroes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

यह पतलून कितने की है?
क्या इसका कोई और रंग है?
मुझे सूती पतलून चाहिए।
यह पतलून बहुत बड़ी है।

Tailoring

पतलून की लंबाई कम कर दो।
पतलून की कमर ढीली है।
पतलून में एक और जेब लगा दो।
पतलून कब तक तैयार हो जाएगी?

Daily Routine

मैं पतलून पहन रहा हूँ।
मेरी पतलून गंदी है।
पतलून इस्तरी कर दो।
आज कौन सी पतलून पहनूँ?

Laundry

पतलून को ठंडे पानी में धोना।
पतलून का रंग निकल रहा है।
पतलून सूख गई है।
पतलून पर दाग लग गया है।

School/Work

स्कूल की पतलून नीली है।
ऑफिस के लिए औपचारिक पतलून पहनें।
वर्दी की पतलून साफ़ होनी चाहिए।
पतलून के साथ बेल्ट पहनना ज़रूरी है।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पतलून पाजामे से बेहतर है?"

"आप आमतौर पर किस रंग की पतलून पहनना पसंद करते हैं?"

"क्या आपकी पतलून में बहुत सारी जेबें हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी अपनी पतलून खुद सिली है?"

"आपकी सबसे पसंदीदा पतलून कौन सी है?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने जो पतलून पहनी है, उसके बारे में विस्तार से लिखें।

अपनी पहली स्कूली पतलून की यादों के बारे में एक अनुच्छेद लिखें।

अगर आपको एक जादुई पतलून मिले, तो उसमें क्या खास होगा?

भारतीय पारंपरिक कपड़ों और पतलून के बीच अंतर पर अपने विचार लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपकी पतलून के कारण आप शर्मिंदा हुए हों।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You must use feminine adjectives like 'achhī' and 'nayī' with it. For example, 'merī patlūn' is correct, while 'merā patlūn' is wrong.

The plural is 'patlūnein.' However, remember that one pair of pants is singular in Hindi, unlike English where 'pants' is always plural. You only use 'patlūnein' when referring to multiple pairs.

Yes, 'pants' (पैंट) is very common in urban India and is understood by everyone. However, 'patlūn' is the formal and standard Hindi word which you should know for exams or formal writing.

In modern Hindi, 'jeans' specifically refers to denim trousers. 'Patloon' is a more general term for trousers, often implying formal or cotton fabric.

It is a dental 't.' Place your tongue against the back of your upper teeth, like when saying 'th' in 'thin,' but don't blow air out. It's softer than the English 't' in 'table.'

Yes, it is a gender-neutral term for the garment itself, though historically it was more associated with men's fashion. Today, it applies to any trousers.

In the singular, it stays 'patlūn' (e.g., 'is patlūn me'). In the plural, it becomes 'patlūnoṃ' (e.g., 'in patlūnoṃ me').

It is likely derived from the Portuguese word 'pantalona' or the English 'pantaloon,' which itself comes from Italian.

No. 'Pajama' usually refers to loose-fitting trousers with a drawstring, often part of traditional Indian attire. 'Patloon' refers to Western-style trousers.

No. In Hindi, 'patlūn' specifically means outer trousers. Underwear is called 'jaṅghiyā' or 'chaddī' (informal).