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पुत्री

A1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

पुत्री

putri Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पुत्री in 30 Seconds

Explanation पुत्री in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'पुत्री' (putrī) means 'daughter'. You should recognize it as a feminine noun. At this stage, you will mostly use 'beṭī' (बेटी), but you might see 'putrī' in a textbook when learning about family members. The key is to remember that because it is feminine, you must say 'merī putrī' (my daughter) and 'achhī putrī' (good daughter). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on identifying the word in simple sentences like 'This is my daughter'. You should also learn the basic plural form 'putriyā̃' but focus primarily on the singular. It's helpful to see it alongside 'putra' (son) to see the gender pattern in Hindi nouns.

At the A2 level, you should begin to understand the difference in formality between 'putrī' and 'beṭī'. You will encounter 'putrī' in more formal reading materials or simple news snippets. You should be comfortable using it in basic sentences that describe your family to others in a respectful way. You should also start noticing how verbs change. For example, 'Meri putrī paṛhtī hai' (My daughter studies). You should also be able to handle the plural 'putriyā̃' in simple counts, like 'I have two daughters'. Understanding the basic possessive markers (kī) is essential here: 'Rām kī putrī' (Ram's daughter).

By B1, you should be able to use 'पुत्री' in formal writing, such as a simple application or a formal letter. You should understand the 'oblique case'—how 'putrī' changes when followed by a postposition. For example, 'Apnī putrī ko' (To my daughter). You should also be aware of compound words like 'su-putrī' (good/virtuous daughter) often seen in invitations. You can now use 'putrī' to discuss more complex topics like education or career in a formal tone. You should also recognize the word in slightly more advanced media, like a documentary or a formal interview.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the 'register' of 'पुत्री'. You know exactly when to use it to sound professional or respectful and when to avoid it to not sound too stiff. you can use it in debates or presentations about social issues (like female education). You understand the cultural weight it carries in Indian society, including its Sanskrit roots. You should be able to read short stories or news articles where 'putrī' is used to describe relationships between historical or public figures. Your grammar should be flawless when using this word with complex verb tenses and conditional sentences.

At C1, you are exploring the literary and historical nuances of 'पुत्री'. You can read classical literature where synonyms like 'tanayā' or 'sutā' are used and understand how they relate to 'putrī'. You can analyze the etymology of the word and its significance in Vedic traditions. You use 'putrī' in academic essays or high-level professional environments with perfect grammatical precision. You also understand the subtle irony or sarcasm if someone uses such a formal word in an inappropriately casual context. You are comfortable with the word in all its forms, including archaic and poetic variations found in old Hindi dialects.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'पुत्री'. You can appreciate its use in ancient Sanskrit texts and how it transitioned into modern Hindi. You can use it in creative writing to evoke a specific historical or noble atmosphere. You understand the legal intricacies of the term in Indian law and inheritance. You can participate in deep philosophical discussions about the concept of 'putrī' in Indian mythology (e.g., the daughter as 'Shakti'). The word is not just a vocabulary item for you, but a window into the deep cultural and linguistic history of India. You can switch between 'putrī', 'beṭī', and poetic synonyms with total fluidity and stylistic purpose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पुत्री in 30 Seconds

पुत्री (putrī) is the formal Hindi word for 'daughter'.
It is a feminine noun of Sanskrit origin used in official and literary contexts.
Grammatically, it requires feminine agreement for all associated adjectives and verbs.
While 'beṭī' is common for daily use, 'putrī' is essential for formal proficiency.

The Hindi word पुत्री (putrī) is a formal and elevated noun meaning 'daughter'. While the word 'बेटी' (beṭī) is the most common term used in daily conversation, 'पुत्री' carries a weight of tradition, respect, and literary elegance. It is derived directly from Sanskrit, making it a 'Tatsam' word in Hindi linguistics. Understanding when to use 'पुत्री' versus 'बेटी' is crucial for mastering social registers in Hindi-speaking environments.

Formal Usage: In official documents, government forms, and formal invitations (like wedding cards), 'पुत्री' is the standard term. If you are filling out a birth certificate or an educational form, you will almost always see 'पुत्री' used to denote the relationship.

वह राजा की पुत्री है। (She is the king's daughter.)

In a cultural context, 'पुत्री' is often used in religious discourses, mythological storytelling, and historical dramas. For instance, in the Ramayana, Sita is frequently referred to as 'जनक-पुत्री' (Janak-putrī), meaning the daughter of King Janak. This usage emphasizes her lineage and status. Using 'पुत्री' in a casual conversation with a friend might sound overly stiff or poetic, similar to using the word 'progeny' or 'scion' in English, though not quite as archaic.

Literary Context: Hindi poetry and classical literature prefer 'पुत्री' for its phonetic rhythm and Sanskrit resonance. It fits better into the meter of traditional verses than the more colloquial 'beṭī'.

हिमालय की पुत्री पार्वती। (Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas.)

Furthermore, 'पुत्री' is used as a suffix in many traditional names or titles. For example, 'राजपुत्री' (Rajputrī) means princess. It signifies a biological connection but also a social standing. In modern legal Hindi, the term 'पुत्री' ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the legal heir status. When a father introduces his daughter in a very formal gathering, such as a high-profile award ceremony, he might say, 'यह मेरी पुत्री है' (Yeh meri putrī hai) to imbue the introduction with dignity.

Spiritual Significance: In some Hindu traditions, a daughter is seen as 'लक्ष्मी' (Goddess of Wealth). Referring to her as 'पुत्री' in a ritual context elevates her status to a divine blessing.

ऋषि ने अपनी पुत्री को आशीर्वाद दिया। (The sage blessed his daughter.)

In summary, while 'beṭī' is the heart's word, 'putrī' is the document's word and the poet's word. It connects the speaker to a long lineage of Indo-Aryan linguistic history. When you hear 'putrī', think of a formal setting, a legal context, or a deep historical narrative. It is a word that commands a certain level of decorum and is an essential part of the vocabulary for any serious student of the Hindi language.

Using पुत्री (putrī) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's gender-based grammar. Since 'पुत्री' is a feminine noun, all adjectives, possessive pronouns, and verbs associated with it must take the feminine form. This is the most critical aspect for English speakers, as English does not have grammatical gender for objects or nouns in the same way.

Possessive Agreement: In Hindi, 'my' or 'his/her' changes based on the gender of the noun. For 'putrī', you must use 'मेरी' (merī), 'आपकी' (āpkī), or 'उसकी' (uskī). Using 'मेरा' (merā) with 'पुत्री' is a common beginner mistake.

मेरी पुत्री बहुत बुद्धिमान है। (My daughter is very intelligent.)

Notice how 'मेरी' (merī) and 'बुद्धिमान' (buddhimān - though neutral here, many adjectives change) align with the feminine noun. If the adjective was 'good', you would say 'अच्छी' (achhī) instead of 'अच्छा' (achhā). The verb also reflects this. In the sentence 'My daughter goes to school', the verb 'to go' (jānā) becomes 'जाती है' (jātī hai).

Pluralization: The plural of 'पुत्री' is 'पुत्रियाँ' (putriyā̃). When moving to the plural, the possessive becomes 'मेरी' (merī - stays the same for feminine plural) but the verb changes to 'जाती हैं' (jātī haĩ) with a nasal sound.

राजा की तीन पुत्रियाँ थीं। (The king had three daughters.)

In complex sentences involving postpositions (like 'ko', 'se', 'me'), the noun might change its form. However, 'पुत्री' is relatively stable. In the oblique case (when a postposition follows), the plural 'पुत्रियाँ' changes to 'पुत्रियों' (putriyõ). For example: 'अपनी पुत्रियों के लिए' (For his daughters).

Formal Address: When referring to someone else's daughter in a formal setting, you might add 'जी' (jī) for respect, though this is more common with 'beṭī'. With 'putrī', the formality is already built-in.

आपकी पुत्री क्या करती है? (What does your daughter do? - Very formal)

Lastly, 'पुत्री' is often used in compound words. For example, 'दत्तक पुत्री' (dattak putrī) means 'adopted daughter'. In this case, the adjective 'dattak' modifies 'putrī'. Understanding these patterns allows you to construct sophisticated sentences that reflect a high level of Hindi proficiency. Whether you are describing a family tree or writing a formal letter, the consistent application of feminine grammatical rules is the key to using 'पुत्री' like a native speaker.

You might wonder why you need to learn पुत्री (putrī) if 'बेटी' (beṭī) is more common. The answer lies in the diversity of Hindi media and social settings. 'पुत्री' is the language of the 'official' and the 'grand'. If you are watching a Bollywood period drama set in the Mughal era or ancient India, the characters will almost exclusively use 'पुत्री' to refer to their daughters. It sets a tone of nobility and antiquity.

News and Media: Hindi news anchors often use 'पुत्री' when reporting on the families of dignitaries or in serious investigative pieces. It maintains a professional distance and formal tone that 'beṭī' lacks.

प्रधानमंत्री की पुत्री ने समारोह में भाग लिया। (The Prime Minister's daughter attended the ceremony.)

In the world of literature, especially in the works of Premchand or modern Hindi novelists, 'पुत्री' is used to describe characters within a narrative framework. It sounds more descriptive and less emotive than 'beṭī'. In a legal courtroom setting in an Indian movie, the lawyer will refer to a witness as 'फलाने की पुत्री' (daughter of so-and-so). This is standard legal parlance in India.

Wedding Invitations: This is perhaps the most common place a non-native speaker will see the word. A traditional Hindi wedding card will list the bride as 'आयुष्मती [Name], सुपुत्री [Father's Name]'. 'Su-putrī' is a more respectful version, meaning 'good daughter'.

श्री शर्मा की सुपुत्री का विवाह। (The wedding of Mr. Sharma's daughter.)

Furthermore, in religious scriptures and chants, 'पुत्री' is ubiquitous. Whether it's the story of Goddess Durga or the daughters of King Dasharatha, the Sanskrit-heavy Hindi used in these contexts relies on 'पुत्री'. If you attend a 'Katha' (religious storytelling session) in India, the priest will use this term. It evokes a sense of sacredness and tradition. Even in modern government slogans for female empowerment, like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', while they use 'Beti' for mass appeal, the official policy documents might still use 'पुत्री' in the fine print.

Academic Textbooks: History and Social Science textbooks in Hindi medium schools use 'पुत्री' to maintain a neutral, academic tone when discussing historical figures or demographic statistics.

सम्राट अशोक की पुत्री संघमित्रा। (Emperor Ashoka's daughter Sanghamitra.)

In summary, 'पुत्री' is everywhere in the 'formal' life of an Indian. From the news you watch to the invitations you receive and the history you read, it is the standard pillar of the Hindi language. While 'beṭī' is for the kitchen and the living room, 'पुत्री' is for the world at large, the court, the temple, and the classroom. Recognizing this distinction will help you navigate different social layers in India with ease.

Learning to use पुत्री (putrī) involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. Because English lacks grammatical gender and has fewer 'registers' (levels of formality) for family terms, these mistakes are quite frequent.

Gender Mismatch: The most common error is using masculine possessives or adjectives with 'पुत्री'. English speakers often default to 'मेरा' (merā) for 'my' regardless of the object. Remember: 'पुत्री' is always feminine.

Incorrect: मेरा पुत्री छोटा है। (My daughter is small - using masculine forms)
Correct: मेरी पुत्री छोटी है। (My daughter is small - using feminine forms)

Another frequent mistake is register confusion. As mentioned, 'पुत्री' is very formal. Using it in a casual setting like a party or a family dinner can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook. It creates a 'distance' between the speaker and the daughter that might be interpreted as a lack of affection or simply as being 'too stiff'.

Pluralization Errors: Learners often forget to change the ending of 'पुत्री' when referring to multiple daughters. They might say 'दो पुत्री' (do putrī) instead of the correct 'दो पुत्रियाँ' (do putriyā̃). Additionally, the nasalization in the verb 'हैं' (haĩ) is often missed.

उनकी दो पुत्रियाँ स्कूल जाती हैं। (Their two daughters go to school.)

Confusion with 'लड़की' (laṛkī) is also common. While 'laṛkī' means 'girl', 'putrī' specifically means 'daughter' (a relationship). You can be a 'putrī' at age 50, but you are rarely called a 'laṛkī' at that age. Using 'laṛkī' when you mean 'daughter' in a formal introduction is considered imprecise and slightly informal.

Oblique Case Misuse: When followed by a postposition like 'को' (ko) or 'ने' (ne), the plural form must change to 'पुत्रियों' (putriyõ). Beginners often keep it as 'पुत्रियाँ', which is grammatically incorrect.

मैंने अपनी पुत्रियों को बुलाया। (I called my daughters.)

Finally, avoid over-formalizing. If you are in a casual Hindi-speaking environment (like a Bollywood movie discussion or a grocery store), stick to 'beṭī'. Using 'putrī' there might make people think you are trying too hard or that you have only learned Hindi from very old books. The key to mastery is knowing not just the word, but the social vibration it carries.

Hindi is rich with synonyms for 'daughter', each carrying a slightly different nuance or coming from a different linguistic tradition (Sanskrit, Persian, or Prakrit). Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right moment.

बेटी (beṭī): The most common, affectionate, and versatile word. It is used in 90% of daily conversations. It feels warm and personal. Parents, neighbors, and elders will use 'beṭī' for any young woman they feel close to.

आओ बेटी, खाना खा लो। (Come daughter, have some food.)

While 'putrī' is formal, 'beṭī' is emotional. If 'putrī' is 'daughter' as a category, 'beṭī' is 'daughter' as a loved one.

तनया (tanayā): A highly poetic Sanskrit word. You will almost never hear this in speech, but you will find it in classical Hindi poetry. It literally means 'born of the body'.

नृप- तनया उपवन में थी। (The king's daughter was in the garden. - Poetic)

सुता (sutā): Another Sanskrit synonym, similar to 'tanayā'. It is often used in names (like 'Sutā' or in compounds like 'Bhanusutā' - daughter of the Sun, referring to the river Yamuna).

लड़की (laṛkī): Strictly means 'girl'. However, in casual conversation, a father might say 'मेरी लड़की' (my girl) to mean 'my daughter'. It's more informal than 'beṭī'.

उनकी लड़की कॉलेज में है। (Their girl/daughter is in college.)

There is also the term 'साहिबजादी' (sāhibzādī), which comes from Urdu/Persian. It was historically used for the daughters of royalty or noblemen. While rare today, you might hear it in historical films or in very old-fashioned, high-society Urdu-influenced Hindi.

In summary, the choice of word reflects the relationship and the setting. 'Putrī' is the formal pillar, 'beṭī' is the emotional core, and words like 'tanayā' and 'sutā' are the artistic flourishes of the language. Mastery of Hindi involves knowing when to move between these different shades of the same meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Sanskrit, the word 'Duhita' was more common for daughter, while 'Putrī' gained more prominence in later classical Sanskrit and subsequently in Hindi.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʊt.riː/

US /pʊt.ri/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'put', but the final long vowel 'rī' also carries weight.

Rhymes With

त्री (trī - three) स्त्री (strī - woman) मंत्री (mantrī - minister) यंत्री (yantrī - operator) तंत्री (tantrī - string player) धरित्री (dharitrī - earth) सावित्री (sāvitrī - a name) गायत्री (gāyatrī - a prayer)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tr' like the 'tr' in 'tree' (English 't' is too far back).
Making the 'u' too long like 'poo-tree'.
Ignoring the dental nature of the 't'.
Failing to nasalize the plural 'putriyā̃'.
Pronouncing it as two distinct words 'put' and 'ree' instead of a smooth conjunct.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it is a common word.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'tr' conjunct and feminine grammar.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the conjunct 'tr' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable from 'putra' due to the long 'ī' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

माता (Mother) पिता (Father) पुत्र (Son) बच्चा (Child) परिवार (Family)

Learn Next

बहू (Daughter-in-law) पोती (Granddaughter) भतीजी (Niece) भांजी (Niece) ससुराल (In-laws' house)

Advanced

वंशज (Descendant) उत्तराधिकारी (Heir) कन्यादान (Giving away the daughter in marriage ritual) मातृत्व (Motherhood)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Endings

Nouns ending in 'ī' like 'putrī' are almost always feminine.

Possessive Agreement

Use 'kī' (की) for feminine nouns: 'Rohan kī putrī'.

Adjective Agreement

Adjectives ending in 'ā' change to 'ī': 'Chhoṭā' becomes 'Chhoṭī putrī'.

Verb Agreement

Verbs must end in 'ī' for feminine subjects: 'Putrī jātī hai'.

Pluralization of '-ī' nouns

Change '-ī' to '-iyā̃': 'Putrī' -> 'Putriyā̃'.

Examples by Level

यह मेरी पुत्री है।

This is my daughter.

Uses 'merī' (feminine) for 'my'.

उसकी पुत्री छोटी है।

His/Her daughter is small.

Adjective 'chhoṭī' is feminine.

क्या वह आपकी पुत्री है?

Is she your daughter?

Interrogative sentence with formal 'āpkī'.

मेरी पुत्री स्कूल जाती है।

My daughter goes to school.

Verb 'jātī hai' is feminine singular.

राम की पुत्री का नाम सीता है।

Ram's daughter's name is Sita.

Uses 'kī' for possession of a feminine noun.

वह एक अच्छी पुत्री है।

She is a good daughter.

Adjective 'achhī' is feminine.

मेरी पुत्री यहाँ है।

My daughter is here.

Simple location sentence.

पुत्री और पुत्र खेल रहे हैं।

The daughter and son are playing.

Shows the contrast between 'putrī' and 'putra'.

मेरी पुत्री को फल पसंद हैं।

My daughter likes fruits.

Use of 'ko' with the subject for 'liking'.

राजा की दो पुत्रियाँ थीं।

The king had two daughters.

Plural form 'putriyā̃' and plural verb 'thī̃'.

वह अपनी पुत्री के साथ बाज़ार गई।

She went to the market with her daughter.

Compound postposition 'ke sāth'.

आपकी पुत्री बहुत सुंदर गाती है।

Your daughter sings very beautifully.

Adverbial usage with feminine verb.

मेरी पुत्री डॉक्टर बनना चाहती है।

My daughter wants to become a doctor.

Infinitive 'bannā' with 'chāhtī hai'.

कल मेरी पुत्री का जन्मदिन था।

Yesterday was my daughter's birthday.

Possessive 'kā' agrees with 'janmadin' (masculine).

वह अपनी पुत्री को हिंदी सिखाता है।

He teaches Hindi to his daughter.

Direct object with 'ko'.

पुत्री ने अपनी माँ की मदद की।

The daughter helped her mother.

Ergative 'ne' with feminine subject.

सरकार ने पुत्री के विवाह के लिए सहायता दी।

The government gave assistance for the daughter's wedding.

Formal context using 'putrī'.

विद्वान की पुत्री भी विद्वान निकली।

The scholar's daughter also turned out to be a scholar.

पुत्रियों को शिक्षित करना आवश्यक है।

It is necessary to educate daughters.

Oblique plural 'putriyõ' before 'ko'.

उसने अपनी पुत्री के भविष्य के लिए पैसे बचाए।

He saved money for his daughter's future.

Possessive 'ke' for masculine 'bhavishya'.

क्या यह आपकी ज्येष्ठ पुत्री है?

Is this your eldest daughter?

Formal adjective 'jyeshṭh' (eldest).

मेरी पुत्री ने विदेश में पढ़ने का निर्णय लिया है।

My daughter has decided to study abroad.

Present perfect tense.

वह अपनी इकलौती पुत्री को बहुत प्यार करता है।

He loves his only daughter very much.

Adjective 'iklautī' (only child).

पुत्री के जन्म पर पूरे गाँव में मिठाइयाँ बँटीं।

Sweets were distributed in the whole village on the daughter's birth.

Passive construction.

साहित्य में पुत्री को अक्सर प्रेम और त्याग का प्रतीक माना गया है।

In literature, the daughter is often considered a symbol of love and sacrifice.

Abstract and literary usage.

दत्तक पुत्री को भी संपत्ति में समान अधिकार प्राप्त हैं।

An adopted daughter also has equal rights in property.

Legal term 'dattak putrī'.

उसने अपनी पुत्री के नाम एक वसीयत लिखी।

He wrote a will in his daughter's name.

Formal/Legal context.

पुत्री के सफल होने पर पिता का मस्तक गर्व से ऊँचा हो गया।

On the daughter's success, the father's head rose with pride.

Idiomatic expression 'mastak garv se ūñchā honā'.

आधुनिक युग में पुत्री और पुत्र के बीच कोई भेदभाव नहीं होना चाहिए।

In the modern era, there should be no discrimination between daughter and son.

Social discourse register.

पुत्री ने अपने पिता की विरासत को आगे बढ़ाने का संकल्प लिया।

The daughter resolved to carry forward her father's legacy.

Formal vocabulary: 'virāsat' (legacy), 'sankalp' (resolve).

विवाह के बाद भी पुत्री का अपने माता-पिता के प्रति कर्तव्य समाप्त नहीं होता।

Even after marriage, a daughter's duty towards her parents does not end.

Complex sentence with 'ke prati'.

उसकी पुत्री ने शास्त्रीय संगीत में महारत हासिल की है।

His daughter has achieved mastery in classical music.

Formal achievement register.

कालिदास के नाटकों में पुत्री का चित्रण अत्यंत मार्मिक है।

The portrayal of the daughter in Kalidasa's plays is extremely touching.

Academic literary criticism.

पुत्री की विदाई के समय का दृश्य हृदय विदारक था।

The scene at the time of the daughter's farewell was heart-wrenching.

Advanced vocabulary: 'hṛday vidārak'.

वह अपनी पुत्री को केवल वारिस नहीं, बल्कि अपना मित्र मानता था।

He considered his daughter not just an heir, but his friend.

Nuanced relationship description.

सभ्यता के विकास में पुत्री की भूमिका को नकारा नहीं जा सकता।

The role of the daughter in the development of civilization cannot be denied.

Formal philosophical/sociological tone.

राजा ने अपनी पुत्री के स्वयंवर के लिए सभी राज्यों को निमंत्रण भेजा।

The king sent invitations to all kingdoms for his daughter's Swayamvar.

Historical/Mythological context.

पुत्री के अधिकारों की रक्षा करना समाज का नैतिक दायित्व है।

Protecting the rights of daughters is the moral responsibility of society.

Formal ethical discourse.

उसकी पुत्री ने दर्शनशास्त्र में गहन शोध किया है।

His daughter has conducted deep research in philosophy.

Academic register: 'darshanshāstra' (philosophy).

पुत्री का प्रेम निष्काम और निस्वार्थ होता है।

A daughter's love is selfless and without desire for reward.

Philosophical/Abstract adjectives.

वैदिक काल में पुत्री को 'दुहिता' भी कहा जाता था, जिसका अर्थ है गाय दुहने वाली।

In the Vedic period, a daughter was also called 'Duhita', meaning 'one who milks the cow'.

Etymological and historical analysis.

पुत्री का अस्तित्व परिवार की गरिमा और परंपरा का संवाहक होता है।

The existence of a daughter is the carrier of the family's dignity and tradition.

High-level abstract prose.

पौराणिक कथाओं में पुत्री को साक्षात् शक्ति का स्वरूप माना गया है।

In mythological tales, the daughter is considered the personification of 'Shakti' (divine power).

Theological/Mythological register.

पुत्री के वियोग में राजा का विलाप सुनकर पत्थर भी पिघल गए।

Hearing the king's lament in separation from his daughter, even stones melted.

Hyperbolic poetic expression.

क्या आधुनिकता की अंधी दौड़ में हम अपनी पुत्रियों के संस्कारों को भूलते जा रहे हैं?

In the blind race of modernity, are we forgetting the values of our daughters?

Rhetorical question in formal debate.

पुत्री की मेधा और संकल्पशक्ति ने रूढ़िवादी समाज की बेड़ियाँ तोड़ दीं।

The daughter's intellect and willpower broke the shackles of the conservative society.

Metaphorical and sophisticated vocabulary.

उसने अपनी पुत्री को एक ऐसी विरासत सौंपी जो धन-दौलत से परे थी।

He handed over a legacy to his daughter that was beyond wealth and riches.

Profound narrative style.

पुत्री का अंतर्मन अपनी माँ के दुखों का दर्पण होता है।

A daughter's inner self is a mirror of her mother's sorrows.

Psychological/Poetic insight.

Common Collocations

ज्येष्ठ पुत्री

कनिष्ठ पुत्री

दत्तक पुत्री

सुपुत्री

पुत्री रत्न

एकमात्र पुत्री

विदुषी पुत्री

राजपुत्री

धर्मपुत्री

पुत्री का विवाह

Common Phrases

पुत्री के समान

— Like a daughter. Used to describe a close relationship with a non-biological child.

मैं उसे अपनी पुत्री के समान मानता हूँ।

पुत्री का जन्म

— The birth of a daughter. Used in formal announcements.

पुत्री के जन्म पर बधाई।

योग्य पुत्री

— A capable or worthy daughter. Used in praise.

वह एक योग्य पुत्री है।

पुत्री का भविष्य

— The daughter's future. A common topic of concern for parents.

हमें अपनी पुत्री के भविष्य की चिंता है।

कुल की पुत्री

— The daughter of the clan/family. Emphasizes lineage.

वह हमारे कुल की पुत्री है।

पुत्री का अधिकार

— The daughter's right. Often used in legal or social justice contexts.

संपत्ति में पुत्री का भी अधिकार है।

शिक्षित पुत्री

— An educated daughter. A positive social trait.

एक शिक्षित पुत्री दो कुलों को तारती है।

पुत्री का स्नेह

— A daughter's affection.

पुत्री का स्नेह पिता के लिए अनमोल है।

पुत्री का विदा होना

— The departure of a daughter after marriage.

पुत्री का विदा होना दुखद क्षण होता है।

पुत्री मोह

— Excessive attachment to one's daughter.

राजा का पुत्री मोह जगप्रसिद्ध था।

Often Confused With

पुत्री vs पुत्र (putra)

This is the masculine version meaning 'son'. Don't mix up the endings!

पुत्री vs पोती (pautrī)

This means 'granddaughter' (son's daughter). It sounds similar but refers to a different generation.

पुत्री vs पत्नी (patnī)

This means 'wife'. The 'p' and 'nī' sounds can sometimes confuse very new beginners.

Idioms & Expressions

"पुत्री रत्न की प्राप्ति"

— To be blessed with a daughter. A very formal way to announce a birth.

उन्हें पुत्री रत्न की प्राप्ति हुई है।

Formal

"बेटियाँ पराया धन होती हैं"

— Daughters are someone else's wealth (referring to them moving to a new home after marriage).

समाज कहता है कि बेटियाँ पराया धन होती हैं।

Traditional/Proverbial

"घर की लक्ष्मी"

— The Goddess of the house. Often used for daughters to signify they bring luck and prosperity.

पुत्री तो घर की लक्ष्मी होती है।

Cultural

"आँखों का तारा"

— Apple of one's eye. Used for a beloved daughter (or son).

वह अपनी माँ की आँखों का तारा है।

Idiomatic

"कुल का दीपक"

— The lamp of the clan. Usually used for sons, but modern speakers use it for daughters too.

आज की पुत्री भी कुल का दीपक है।

Modernized Idiom

"दो कुलों की लाज"

— The honor of two families (her own and her in-laws).

पुत्री दो कुलों की लाज होती है।

Formal/Traditional

"कलेजे का टुकड़ा"

— A piece of one's heart. Very affectionate.

मेरी पुत्री मेरे कलेजे का टुकड़ा है।

Informal/Emotional

"सिर का ताज"

— The crown of the head. Signifies great pride.

उसकी पुत्री उसके सिर का ताज है।

Poetic

"पराई अमानत"

— Someone else's property/trust. Similar to 'paraya dhan'.

पुत्री तो पराई अमानत है।

Traditional

"भाग्य की रेखा"

— Line of fate. Sometimes used to describe a daughter's arrival as a change in fortune.

पुत्री का आना भाग्य की रेखा बदल देता है।

Superstitious/Cultural

Easily Confused

पुत्री vs बेटी (beṭī)

Both mean daughter.

Beṭī is colloquial and emotional; Putrī is formal and literary. Use Beṭī with family and Putrī in documents.

मेरी प्यारी बेटी (My dear daughter) vs. प्रार्थी की पुत्री (Applicant's daughter).

पुत्री vs लड़की (laṛkī)

Both refer to females.

Laṛkī means 'girl' (gender/age); Putrī means 'daughter' (relationship).

वह एक अच्छी लड़की है (She is a good girl) vs. वह मेरी पुत्री है (She is my daughter).

पुत्री vs पौत्री (pautrī)

Similar sound and both refer to female descendants.

Putrī is daughter; Pautrī is granddaughter (specifically son's daughter).

मेरी पुत्री की पुत्री मेरी नातिन है, और मेरे पुत्र की पुत्री मेरी पौत्री है।

पुत्री vs स्त्री (strī)

Rhyming ending and refers to a female.

Strī means 'woman' (adult female); Putrī means 'daughter'.

वह एक साहसी स्त्री है (She is a brave woman).

पुत्री vs कन्या (kanyā)

Often used interchangeably in rituals.

Kanyā refers to a young, unmarried girl or a virgin. Putrī specifically denotes the father-daughter/mother-daughter bond.

कन्या पूजन (Worship of young girls).

Sentence Patterns

[Possessive] पुत्री [Adjective] है।

मेरी पुत्री अच्छी है।

[Possessive] [Number] पुत्रियाँ हैं।

उसकी दो पुत्रियाँ हैं।

पुत्री को [Verb] पसंद है।

पुत्री को पढ़ना पसंद है।

पुत्री के [Noun] के लिए [Verb]।

पुत्री के विवाह के लिए पैसे बचाओ।

पुत्री का [Abstract Noun] [Adjective] होता है।

पुत्री का प्रेम निस्वार्थ होता है।

पुत्री को [Concept] का प्रतीक माना गया है।

पुत्री को शक्ति का स्वरूप माना गया है।

यह [Name] की पुत्री है।

यह राम की पुत्री है।

पुत्री ने [Object] [Verb-Past]।

पुत्री ने पत्र लिखा।

Word Family

Nouns

पुत्र (putra - son)

पुत्रवधू (putravadhū - daughter-in-law)

पौत्री (pautrī - granddaughter)

प्रपौत्री (prapautrī - great-granddaughter)

Verbs

पुत्रीवत मानना (putrīvat mānnā - to treat like a daughter)

Adjectives

पुत्रीय (putrīya - daughterly/filial)

सुपुत्री (suputrī - virtuous daughter)

संतान (santān - offspring)

वंश (vansh - lineage)

परिवार (parivār - family)

नाता (nātā - relation)

माता-पिता (mātā-pitā - parents)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written Hindi; Medium in spoken Hindi.

Common Mistakes

मेरा पुत्री (Merā putrī) → मेरी पुत्री (Merī putrī)
Using the masculine possessive 'merā' with a feminine noun. Always use 'merī' for 'putrī'.
दो पुत्री (Do putrī) → दो पुत्रियाँ (Do putriyā̃)
Forgetting to pluralize the noun when the number is more than one.
पुत्री जाता है (Putrī jātā hai) → पुत्री जाती है (Putrī jātī hai)
Using the masculine verb ending '-tā' instead of the feminine '-tī'.
पुत्रियाँ को (Putriyā̃ ko) → पुत्रियों को (Putriyõ ko)
Failing to use the oblique plural form '-iyõ' when a postposition follows.
Using 'putrī' with a close friend. → Using 'beṭī'.
While not grammatically wrong, it is socially 'cold' or overly formal. It lacks the warmth of 'beṭī'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'putrī' is feminine. Your adjectives must end in 'ī' (e.g., pyārī putrī) and your verbs must end in 'ī' (e.g., putrī āī).

Use in Documents

When filling out any official form in India that is in Hindi, use 'पुत्री' for the daughter's column.

Tatsam Word

Recognizing 'putrī' as a Tatsam (Sanskrit) word helps you understand why it's formal. These words often end in 'ī' or 'ā' and sound more 'structured'.

Showing Respect

If you are meeting a very senior official, referring to their daughter as 'āpkī putrī' shows you are well-educated and respectful.

The 'Tr' Conjunct

Practice writing 'त्र'. It is a combination of 'त' and 'र'. It's one of the most common conjuncts in Hindi.

Nasal Plurals

When listening to the plural 'putriyā̃', listen for the slight nasal sound at the end. It's subtle but important for grammar.

Root Connection

Connecting 'putrī' to 'putra' (son) makes it easier to remember. They are a pair, like 'actor' and 'actress'.

Literary Scenes

When reading a story, if a character is called 'putrī', look for clues about their high social status or the formal nature of the scene.

Dental T

Make sure your 't' in 'putrī' is dental. If you use the English 't', it will sound like 'poot-ree' which is slightly off.

The 'ī' Rule

Most female family members in Hindi end in 'ī': putrī, beṭī, māmī, dādī, nānī. This makes the gender easy to remember!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Put' (pot) of tea for your 'rī' (really) great daughter. Put-rī. Or remember that 'Putra' is the son and 'Putrī' is the daughter, just like 'Prince' and 'Princess' (though the endings differ).

Visual Association

Imagine a formal family tree written on parchment. The branch for the girl has the elegant Sanskrit letters 'पुत्री' written in gold.

Word Web

Family Sanskrit Feminine Respect Lineage Formal Daughter Beṭī

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a famous historical 'putrī' (like Indira Gandhi or Rani Lakshmibai) using only formal Hindi vocabulary.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Putrī', which is the feminine form of 'Putra'. In Sanskrit grammar, the suffix '-ī' is commonly used to create feminine versions of masculine nouns.

Original meaning: Offspring, specifically female. Historically, it was linked to the concept of 'Put' (a hell) and 'Tra' (to save), though this etymology is more traditionally applied to the son.

Indo-Aryan / Indo-European.

Cultural Context

While 'putrī' is respectful, be aware of the traditional 'paraya dhan' context which some modern women find restrictive. Use 'putrī' to emphasize her individual identity and respect.

In English, 'daughter' is used in all contexts. In Hindi, you must choose between 'putrī' (formal) and 'beṭī' (informal). English speakers often find this distinction hard to maintain.

Bharat-Putrī (Daughter of India - used for iconic women) Janak-Putrī (Sita, from the Ramayana) Ganga-Putrī (A title sometimes used in mythology)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Introductions

यह मेरी पुत्री है।
मेरी दो पुत्रियाँ हैं।
आपकी पुत्री क्या करती है?
वह मेरी सबसे बड़ी पुत्री है।

Wedding Invitations

सुपुत्री [Name]
पुत्री का विवाह
पुत्री के शुभ विवाह में पधारें
आयुष्मती पुत्री

Legal Documents

पिता/माता का नाम और पुत्री
दत्तक पुत्री
पुत्री का उत्तराधिकार
पुत्री की आयु

Mythology/Storytelling

राजा की पुत्री
ऋषि की पुत्री
पुत्री का स्वयंवर
देव-पुत्री

Academic/News

पुत्री की शिक्षा
पुत्री का स्वास्थ्य
पुत्री के अधिकार
पुत्री की सुरक्षा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपकी पुत्री भी इसी स्कूल में पढ़ती है?"

"आपकी पुत्री का नाम बहुत ही सुंदर है, इसका क्या अर्थ है?"

"सुना है आपकी पुत्री ने परीक्षा में प्रथम स्थान प्राप्त किया है, बहुत बधाई!"

"क्या आपकी पुत्री को संगीत में रुचि है?"

"आपकी पुत्री अब किस कक्षा में है?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी पुत्री (या किसी काल्पनिक पुत्री) के भविष्य के लिए अपनी आशाओं के बारे में लिखें।

हिंदी साहित्य में 'पुत्री' के महत्व पर एक छोटा निबंध लिखें।

क्या आपको लगता है कि 'पुत्री' और 'पुत्र' के बीच समाज में अब भी अंतर है? अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

अपने परिवार की सबसे बड़ी पुत्री के बारे में कुछ वाक्य लिखें।

एक पिता और उसकी पुत्री के बीच के संवाद की कल्पना करें जो किसी गंभीर विषय पर बात कर रहे हों।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. In daily life, people prefer 'beṭī'. 'Putrī' is reserved for formal situations, writing, or when someone wants to speak very 'pure' Hindi.

The difference is purely of 'register'. 'Putrī' is a Sanskrit loanword (Tatsam) used formally. 'Beṭī' is a modified Prakrit word (Tadbhava) used colloquially. They both mean the same thing.

The plural is 'पुत्रियाँ' (putriyā̃). If you are using a postposition like 'ko', it becomes 'पुत्रियों' (putriyõ).

It is always feminine. This means you must use 'merī', 'achhī', and 'jātī hai' with it.

You can, but it will sound very formal. It's better to say 'āpkī beṭī' (your daughter).

The prefix 'su-' means 'good' or 'virtuous'. It is a traditional way to show respect to the bride.

Yes, it is 'सौतेली पुत्री' (sautelī putrī), though 'सौतेली बेटी' is more common.

It means 'daughter of a king' or 'princess'. It is a compound of 'rāj' (king/state) and 'putrī'.

Yes, as long as the relationship to the parent is being discussed. Age does not change the term 'putrī'.

No, songs usually use 'beṭī', 'laṛkī', or poetic terms like 'guriya' (doll). 'Putrī' is too stiff for most song lyrics unless it's a historical film.