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पुत्रवधू

A2 noun #9,000 most common 10 min read

पुत्रवधू

putravadhu Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पुत्रवधू in 30 Seconds

Explanation पुत्रवधू in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic family vocabulary. While 'Putravadhū' is a bit advanced for absolute beginners compared to 'Maa' (Mother) or 'Pita' (Father), it is taught as part of the extended family tree. At this stage, you should simply recognize that it means 'daughter-in-law'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember: Putra = Son, and the whole word refers to his wife. Focus on the 'Saas' (Mother-in-law) and 'Putravadhū' relationship as a key cultural concept. You might see this word in a simple family chart exercise. The focus is on recognition rather than active production in speech. Try to associate the word with a picture of a family to help it stick. Remember, Hindi has many words for relatives, and this is the formal one for a son's wife.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Putravadhū' in simple sentences with correct gender agreement. You will learn that because the word ends in a feminine vowel sound (though it's a long 'ū'), it is a feminine noun. You should practice saying 'मेरी पुत्रवधू' (my daughter-in-law) and 'उसकी पुत्रवधू' (his/her daughter-in-law). You will also start to notice the difference between this formal term and the informal 'Bahū'. At this level, you might be asked to describe your family or a friend's family, and using 'Putravadhū' correctly will show that you are paying attention to formal registers. You should also be able to form simple plural sentences, even if you just use the singular form for now. Understanding that 'Putra' means son helps you decode the word easily.

By B1, you are expected to handle the word in more complex grammatical structures, specifically the oblique case. When you say 'I gave a gift to my daughter-in-law', you should know it is 'मैंने अपनी पुत्रवधू को उपहार दिया'. You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'पुत्रवधुएँ' and the oblique plural 'पुत्रवधुओं'. At this level, you start to understand the cultural connotations. You might read short stories where a 'Putravadhū' is a central character, and you'll need to understand her social role and expectations. You should be able to compare the lives of a 'Beti' (daughter) and a 'Putravadhū' in a short essay or speaking task. Your vocabulary is expanding to include adjectives like 'आज्ञाकारी' (obedient) or 'शिक्षित' (educated) to describe her.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of when to use 'Putravadhū' versus 'Bahū'. You will encounter the word in more sophisticated literature, news reports, and formal speeches. You should be able to discuss social issues related to family dynamics in India, such as the 'joint family system', using this formal terminology. You will also learn about compound words and how 'Putravadhū' fits into the broader Sanskritized vocabulary of Hindi. Your listening skills should be sharp enough to catch this word in a fast-paced Bollywood drama or a news clip. You can now use the word in hypothetical scenarios, such as 'If I had a daughter-in-law...', using the correct conditional verb forms.

At C1, you are mastering the stylistic use of the word. You understand its etymological roots in Sanskrit and can recognize related words in other Indian languages. You can read classical Hindi literature (like the works of Premchand or Prasad) where 'Putravadhū' is used to define a character's legal and social standing. You are aware of the subtle shifts in meaning when the word is used in different contexts—legal, poetic, or religious. You can participate in a debate about traditional versus modern family values and use 'Putravadhū' to refer to the traditional role. Your command of gender agreement and pluralization is flawless, even with the tricky shortening of the vowel in the plural form. You might even use the word in a formal speech or a piece of creative writing.

At the C2 level, your understanding is near-native. You can appreciate the historical evolution of the term from Sanskrit through Prakrit to modern Hindi. You can analyze the use of 'Putravadhū' in ancient legal texts like the Manusmriti or in the great epics. You understand the political and social implications of using this word in modern discourse. You can identify regional variations and understand why a speaker might choose 'Patohū' over 'Putravadhū' for emotional effect. You can translate complex English legal or literary texts into Hindi, choosing between 'Putravadhū' and its synonyms with perfect precision. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a window into the deep-seated cultural and historical structures of the Hindi-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पुत्रवधू in 30 Seconds

Putravadhū means daughter-in-law in formal Hindi.
It is a combination of 'Putra' (son) and 'Vadhū' (bride).
It is more formal than the common word 'Bahū'.
It is a feminine noun requiring 'ki' for possession.

The Hindi word पुत्रवधू (Putravadhū) is a formal and prestigious term used to describe a daughter-in-law. It is derived directly from Sanskrit, combining 'Putra' (son) and 'Vadhū' (bride or wife). In the complex hierarchy of Indian family structures, this word carries a weight of respect and traditional expectation. While the more common word in daily conversation is 'बहू' (Bahū), 'पुत्रवधू' is the term you will encounter in wedding invitations, legal documents, formal introductions, and classical literature. It signifies not just a marital connection, but the official entry of a woman into a new lineage (Vansha).

Etymological Root: The term is a 'Tatpurusha' compound. 'Putra' means son, and 'Vadhū' means a newly married woman or bride. Together, they literally translate to 'the son's bride'.

Understanding the nuance between 'Bahū' and 'Putravadhū' is essential for learners. Think of 'Bahū' as 'daughter-in-law' in a cozy, familial sense, while 'Putravadhū' is more like 'the daughter-in-law of the house' in a dignified, social context. When a father-in-law introduces his son's wife at a high-profile corporate event or a traditional religious ceremony, he is more likely to use 'पुत्रवधू' to signal her respected status within the family unit.

वह मेरी पुत्रवधू है और इस घर की लक्ष्मी भी। (She is my daughter-in-law and also the prosperity of this house.)

In modern urban settings, the usage is slightly declining in favor of English terms or the simpler 'Bahū', yet it remains indispensable for anyone wishing to master formal Hindi. It is a feminine noun and follows the standard declension rules for words ending in 'ū', though in common usage, the plural 'पुत्रवधुएँ' (Putravadhueñ) is rarely heard compared to the singular form used collectively.

Social Context: In Indian culture, the 'Putravadhū' is traditionally seen as the one who continues the family legacy and manages the household's internal affairs.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. For instance, Sita is often referred to as the 'पुत्रवधू' of King Dasharatha. Using this word evokes a sense of tradition and 'Sanskriti' (culture) that the more colloquial 'Bahū' sometimes lacks. If you are watching a Bollywood period drama or a mythological television series, keep your ears open for this specific term.

राजा ने अपनी पुत्रवधू का भव्य स्वागत किया। (The king gave his daughter-in-law a grand welcome.)

To truly grasp the word, one must understand the 'Saas-Bahu' (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) dynamic which is a staple of Indian sociology. While 'Bahu' is the focus of these dynamics, 'Putravadhū' is the term used when these relationships are discussed in a scholarly or high-literary manner. It implies a certain distance and decorum.

Grammatical Gender: Always feminine. Any adjectives or verbs associated with it must agree with its feminine gender (e.g., 'बड़ी पुत्रवधू', 'पुत्रवधू आई है').

Using पुत्रवधू correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's gender agreement and possessive markers. Since the word is feminine, you must use 'की' (kī) when indicating possession. For example, 'राम की पुत्रवधू' (Ram's daughter-in-law). If you use 'का' (kā), it would be grammatically incorrect because the marker must match the gender of the possessed object, not the possessor.

श्रीमती वर्मा अपनी पुत्रवधू के साथ मंदिर गईं। (Mrs. Verma went to the temple with her daughter-in-law.)

In the sentence above, 'अपनी' (apnī) is used because the daughter-in-law belongs to the subject (Mrs. Verma). Notice how the feminine 'अपनी' is used. If the subject were Mr. Verma, it would still be 'अपनी पुत्रवधू' because the gender of the word 'पुत्रवधू' itself dictates the form of the possessive pronoun.

Adjective Agreement: Adjectives must be in their feminine form. Use 'सुशील' (virtuous), 'शिक्षित' (educated), or 'बड़ी' (elder/senior) with पुत्रवधू.

When constructing sentences about multiple daughters-in-law, the word changes to 'पुत्रवधुएँ' (Putravadhueñ). However, in many dialects and even in standard Hindi, people often avoid this plural form by using the singular with a plural verb or by switching to 'बहुएँ'. If you want to sound highly educated, use the correct plural form.

उनकी दोनों पुत्रवधुएँ डॉक्टर हैं। (Both of their daughters-in-law are doctors.)

Another common usage pattern involves the postposition 'को' (ko). When 'पुत्रवधू' is followed by a postposition, it remains 'पुत्रवधू' in the singular but the 'ū' sound is shortened slightly in rapid speech. In the oblique plural, it becomes 'पुत्रवधुओं' (Putravadhuoñ).

Oblique Case Example: 'उन्होंने अपनी पुत्रवधुओं को उपहार दिए।' (They gave gifts to their daughters-in-law.)

Verb agreement is also crucial. Since it is a feminine noun, the verb will take the feminine ending. For example, 'पुत्रवधू आ रही है' (The daughter-in-law is coming) vs 'पुत्र आ रहा है' (The son is coming). Mastering this agreement is the hallmark of an A2-B1 level learner moving toward fluency.

मेरी पुत्रवधू ने बहुत स्वादिष्ट खाना बनाया है। (My daughter-in-law has cooked very delicious food.)

Finally, consider the register. If you are speaking to a friend about your son's wife, 'पुत्रवधू' might sound a bit stiff. You would likely say 'मेरी बहू' or 'मेरे बेटे की पत्नी'. However, if you are writing a formal biography or an obituary, 'पुत्रवधू' provides the necessary gravitas.

While 'Bahū' dominates the streets, पुत्रवधू dominates the scripts. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in **Hindi Television Serials (Soaps)**. These dramas often focus on family politics, and when a matriarch is speaking formally to a group or to an outsider about the family's honor, she will use 'पुत्रवधू'. It emphasizes the woman's role as a representative of the family name.

'यह इस खानदान की पुत्रवधू है, इसका अपमान मत करो!' ('She is the daughter-in-law of this lineage, do not insult her!')

You will also encounter this word in **News Broadcasts**. If a prominent politician's daughter-in-law enters politics or is involved in a public event, the news anchor will use 'पुत्रवधू' to maintain a professional and respectful distance. It is the standard journalistic term for this relationship.

Literature and Poetry: In Hindi novels (Upanyas) by authors like Premchand or modern writers, this word is used to describe the character's social position within the household structure.

**Religious Discourses (Kathas)** are another major source. When priests or storytellers narrate the lives of Rama, Krishna, or various saints, they refer to the female figures by their formal relational titles. You will hear phrases like 'दशरथ की पुत्रवधू सीता' (Dasharatha's daughter-in-law Sita) or 'वृषभानु की पुत्रवधू' in various devotional contexts.

In **Government and Legal settings**, if you are filling out a form for a ration card, a will, or a property transfer in a Hindi-speaking state, the relationship column will often list 'पुत्रवधू' as an option. It is the 'official' word. Understanding it is crucial for navigating any bureaucratic process in North India.

वसीयत में पुत्रवधू का नाम भी शामिल था। (The daughter-in-law's name was also included in the will.)

Finally, in **Wedding Invitations (Lagan Patrika)**, the names of the bride and groom are listed along with their parents. The groom's parents might refer to the incoming bride as their 'भावी पुत्रवधू' (future daughter-in-law). This adds a touch of elegance and tradition to the announcement.

Formal Introductions: 'मैं अपनी ज्येष्ठ पुत्रवधू से आपका परिचय कराना चाहता हूँ।' (I want to introduce you to my eldest daughter-in-law.)

One of the most frequent errors made by English speakers is **Gender Misalignment**. Because 'Putra' (son) is the first part of the word, beginners sometimes mistakenly treat the whole word as masculine. Remember, the head of the compound is 'Vadhū' (bride), which is feminine. Therefore, the entire word is feminine.

मेरा पुत्रवधू ❌
मेरी पुत्रवधू ✅

Another mistake is **Over-formalization**. Using 'पुत्रवधू' in a very casual, modern setting—like a coffee shop chat with a friend—can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel. While it's not 'wrong', it might feel out of place. Use 'बहू' (Bahū) for everyday conversation and save 'पुत्रवधू' for formal occasions.

Spelling and Pronunciation: Do not confuse the 'v' sound with 'b'. While 'Bahū' starts with 'B', 'Vadhū' starts with 'V'. Mixing them up (e.g., 'Putrabahu') is a common error for beginners.

**Pluralization** is also a tricky area. Many learners try to pluralize it like English (adding an 's') or apply the wrong Hindi plural rule. The correct plural is 'पुत्रवधुएँ' (Putravadhueñ). Note that the long 'ū' (ू) in 'वधू' becomes a short 'u' (ु) before adding the 'एँ' suffix. This is a standard rule for feminine nouns ending in long 'ū'.

Confusion with **'Patooh' or 'Patohu'**: In rural dialects (like Bhojpuri or Maithili), the word 'Patohū' is used. Some learners hear this and think it is a mispronunciation of 'Putravadhū'. While they share the same root, they are different words. Stick to 'पुत्रवधू' in Standard Hindi (Khadi Boli).

Correct Plural: पुत्रवधुएँ
Incorrect: पुत्रवधुएं (without the nasal dot) or पुत्रवधूएँ (keeping the long vowel).

Lastly, learners often forget the **Oblique Case**. When a preposition/postposition like 'ने', 'को', 'से', or 'में' follows the word, the plural form must change to 'पुत्रवधुओं'. Using 'पुत्रवधुएँ को' is a common grammatical slip.

Oblique Plural Rule: Always use the '-oñ' ending when a postposition is present: 'पुत्रवधुओं के लिए'.

The most immediate alternative to पुत्रवधू is बहू (Bahū). This is the word you will hear 90% of the time in Hindi-speaking households. It is shorter, easier to pronounce, and carries a sense of intimacy. While 'Putravadhū' feels like a title, 'Bahū' feels like a family member.

Comparison: पुत्रवधू vs बहू: पुत्रवधू: Formal, Sanskritized, used in documents, ceremonies, and high literature.
बहू: Informal, Prakrit-derived, used in daily speech, movies, and casual settings.

Another term is बेटे की पत्नी (Beṭe kī patnī), which literally means 'son's wife'. This is a descriptive way to state the relationship without using a specific kinship term. It is neutral and often used by younger, urban speakers who find traditional kinship terms too formal or old-fashioned.

वह मेरे बेटे की पत्नी है। (She is my son's wife.)

In poetic or highly Sanskritized Hindi, you might encounter सुत-वधू (Suta-vadhū). 'Suta' is another word for son. This is very rare in spoken Hindi but might appear in classical poetry or ancient texts. Similarly, कुलवधू (Kulvadhū) refers to the daughter-in-law as the 'bride of the clan/lineage', emphasizing her role in maintaining the family's honor.

For those interested in regional variations, पतोहू (Patohū) is common in the Bhojpuri and Awadhi belts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. While not 'Standard Hindi', it is understood by millions and shares the same Sanskrit root as 'Putravadhū'. In a village setting, using 'Patohū' would make you sound like a local.

Regional Variation: Standard: पुत्रवधू
Rural/Bhojpuri: पतोहू
Meaning: Daughter-in-law

Finally, in a modern legal or professional context, you might simply see the English loanword डॉटर-इन-लॉ transliterated into Devanagari. However, 'पुत्रवधू' remains the gold standard for formal Hindi writing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Sanskrit, 'Vadhū' can also mean a young woman or a daughter. The specification 'Putra' was added to clarify the specific marital relationship within the family.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpʊtrəvəˌduː/

US /ˈpʊtrəvəˌdu/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the final 'ū' sound.

Rhymes With

मधु (Madhu) वधू (Vadhu) साधु (Sadhu - near rhyme) विधु (Vidhu) सिंधु (Sindhu - near rhyme) लघु (Laghu - near rhyme) प्रभु (Prabhu - near rhyme) विभु (Vibhu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'vadhū' as 'badhū' (using 'b' instead of 'v').
Failing to aspirate the 'dh' sound (making it sound like 'd').
Shortening the final 'ū' vowel too much.
Pronouncing the 't' in 'Putra' as an English alveolar 't' instead of a dental one.
Adding an extra 'a' at the end like 'Putravadhua'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is easy to read if you know 'Putra', but the 'dhū' vowel needs care.

Writing 4/5

Writing the conjunct 'tr' and the long 'ū' requires practice.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct aspiration of 'dh'.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in formal speech due to the 'Putra' prefix.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पुत्र (Son) वधू (Bride) माता (Mother) पिता (Father) की (Possessive marker)

Learn Next

दामाद (Son-in-law) ससुराल (In-laws' house) रिश्तेदार (Relative) खानदान (Lineage) परंपरा (Tradition)

Advanced

उत्तराधिकारी (Heir) वंशज (Descendant) कुलमर्यादा (Family honor) वैवाहिक (Matrimonial) अर्धांगिनी (Better half/Wife)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Gender Agreement

मेरी (feminine) पुत्रवधू अच्छी (feminine) है।

Pluralization of nouns ending in long 'ū'

पुत्रवधू -> पुत्रवधुएँ (ū becomes u before adding -eñ).

Oblique Case Transformation

पुत्रवधुएँ + को -> पुत्रवधुओं को.

Tatpurusha Compound formation

Putra + Vadhū = Putravadhū (Son's wife).

Possessive marker 'ki' for feminine relations

राम की पुत्रवधू (Not 'ka').

Examples by Level

यह मेरी पुत्रवधू है।

This is my daughter-in-law.

Simple 'is' sentence with feminine possessive 'meri'.

मेरी पुत्रवधू अच्छी है।

My daughter-in-law is good.

Adjective 'acchi' agrees with the feminine noun.

उसकी पुत्रवधू कहाँ है?

Where is his/her daughter-in-law?

Question form using 'kahan'.

पुत्रवधू घर पर है।

The daughter-in-law is at home.

Locative 'par' (at) used with 'ghar'.

वह राम की पुत्रवधू है।

She is Ram's daughter-in-law.

Possessive 'ki' used for feminine relationship.

पुत्रवधू खाना बनाती है।

The daughter-in-law cooks food.

Present simple feminine verb 'banati'.

क्या यह आपकी पुत्रवधू है?

Is this your daughter-in-law?

Interrogative 'kya' at the beginning.

पुत्रवधू सुंदर है।

The daughter-in-law is beautiful.

Simple descriptive sentence.

मेरी पुत्रवधू बहुत शिक्षित है।

My daughter-in-law is very educated.

Use of 'bahut' (very) and 'shikshit' (educated).

वह अपनी पुत्रवधू से प्यार करती है।

She loves her daughter-in-law.

Postposition 'se' used with 'pyaar karna'.

पुत्रवधू बाज़ार गई है।

The daughter-in-law has gone to the market.

Present perfect feminine 'gayi hai'.

आज मेरी पुत्रवधू का जन्मदिन है।

Today is my daughter-in-law's birthday.

Possessive 'ka' refers to 'janmadin' (masculine).

पुत्रवधू ने चाय बनाई।

The daughter-in-law made tea.

Ergative 'ne' construction in past tense.

मेरी पुत्रवधू डॉक्टर बनना चाहती है।

My daughter-in-law wants to become a doctor.

Infinitive 'banna' with 'chahti hai'.

वह अपनी पुत्रवधू के लिए साड़ी लाई।

She brought a saree for her daughter-in-law.

Postposition 'ke liye' (for).

पुत्रवधू धीरे बोलती है।

The daughter-in-law speaks softly.

Adverb 'dhire' (softly/slowly).

गाँव में पुत्रवधू को बहुत सम्मान मिलता है।

In the village, the daughter-in-law gets a lot of respect.

Passive-like construction with 'milta hai'.

पुत्रवधू ने पूरे घर की ज़िम्मेदारी संभाल ली है।

The daughter-in-law has taken over the responsibility of the whole house.

Compound verb 'sambhal li hai'.

उनकी पुत्रवधुएँ बहुत मिलनसार हैं।

Their daughters-in-law are very friendly.

Plural form 'putravadhueñ' with 'hain'.

पुत्रवधू के आने से घर में खुशियाँ आ गईं।

Happiness came to the house with the arrival of the daughter-in-law.

Oblique case 'ke aane se'.

क्या आपने अपनी पुत्रवधू को उपहार दिया?

Did you give a gift to your daughter-in-law?

Oblique singular 'putravadhū' before 'ko'.

पुत्रवधू को अपनी राय देने का पूरा अधिकार है।

The daughter-in-law has the full right to give her opinion.

Possessive 'ka' with 'adhikar'.

मेरी पुत्रवधू अंग्रेज़ी और हिंदी दोनों बोल सकती है।

My daughter-in-law can speak both English and Hindi.

Modal 'sakti hai' (can).

पुत्रवधू ने सास की सेवा की।

The daughter-in-law served her mother-in-law.

Past tense 'ki' agreeing with 'seva' (feminine).

आधुनिक समाज में पुत्रवधू की भूमिका बदल रही है।

The role of the daughter-in-law is changing in modern society.

Continuous aspect 'badal rahi hai'.

पुत्रवधू ने अपनी मेहनत से व्यापार को ऊंचाइयों पर पहुँचाया।

The daughter-in-law took the business to heights with her hard work.

Causal-like verb 'pahunchaya'.

वह अपनी पुत्रवधू को अपनी बेटी की तरह मानती है।

She considers her daughter-in-law like her own daughter.

Comparative 'ki tarah' (like).

पुत्रवधुओं के अधिकारों के लिए नए कानून बनाए गए हैं।

New laws have been made for the rights of daughters-in-law.

Oblique plural 'putravadhuoñ'.

यदि पुत्रवधू शिक्षित हो, तो पूरा परिवार शिक्षित होता है।

If the daughter-in-law is educated, the whole family becomes educated.

Conditional 'yadi... to'.

पुत्रवधू ने ससुराल के रीति-रिवाजों को जल्दी सीख लिया।

The daughter-in-law quickly learned the customs of her in-laws' house.

Compound verb 'seekh liya'.

पुत्रवधू का व्यवहार अत्यंत सराहनीय है।

The daughter-in-law's behavior is extremely commendable.

Formal adjective 'sarahniya'.

उसने अपनी पुत्रवधू के नाम पर संपत्ति कर दी।

He transferred the property in his daughter-in-law's name.

Complex postposition 'ke naam par'.

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में पुत्रवधू को 'कुललक्ष्मी' कहा गया है।

In ancient texts, the daughter-in-law is called 'Kul-Lakshmi'.

Passive voice 'kaha gaya hai'.

पुत्रवधू के प्रति समाज का दृष्टिकोण अब अधिक उदार हो गया है।

Society's perspective towards daughters-in-law has now become more liberal.

Postposition 'ke prati' (towards).

उसने अपनी पुत्रवधू की सफलता पर गर्व व्यक्त किया।

He expressed pride in his daughter-in-law's success.

Noun 'garv' with verb 'vyakt kiya'.

पुत्रवधू ने पारिवारिक विवाद को बड़ी कुशलता से सुलझा लिया।

The daughter-in-law resolved the family dispute with great skill.

Adverbial phrase 'badi kushalata se'.

साहित्य में पुत्रवधू के चरित्र को अक्सर त्याग की प्रतिमूर्ति दिखाया जाता है।

In literature, the character of the daughter-in-law is often shown as the epitome of sacrifice.

Abstract noun 'pratimurti' (epitome).

पुत्रवधू की सहमति के बिना यह निर्णय नहीं लिया जा सकता।

This decision cannot be taken without the daughter-in-law's consent.

Negative potential 'nahi liya ja sakta'.

वह अपनी पुत्रवधू के बौद्धिक विकास के लिए हमेशा तत्पर रहते हैं।

He is always ready for his daughter-in-law's intellectual development.

Formal adjective 'tatpar' (ready).

पुत्रवधू के आगमन ने घर के वातावरण को प्रफुल्लित कर दिया।

The arrival of the daughter-in-law made the house atmosphere cheerful.

Sanskritized vocabulary 'aagaman' and 'prafullit'.

भारतीय न्यायपालिका ने पुत्रवधू के पैतृक संपत्ति में अधिकारों पर ऐतिहासिक निर्णय दिए हैं।

The Indian judiciary has given landmark judgments on the rights of the daughter-in-law in ancestral property.

Complex legal terminology.

पुत्रवधू और सास के मध्य का द्वंद्व हिंदी उपन्यासों का एक चिरपरिचित विषय रहा है।

The conflict between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law has been a well-known theme in Hindi novels.

Sanskritized 'dwandwa' (conflict) and 'chirparichit' (well-known).

पुत्रवधू के रूप में उसका व्यक्तित्व पारिवारिक सीमाओं से परे भी निखर कर आया।

As a daughter-in-law, her personality shone even beyond family boundaries.

Metaphorical 'nikhar kar aana'.

सामाजिक संरचना में पुत्रवधू की स्थिति शक्ति और अधीनता के जटिल मिश्रण को दर्शाती है।

The position of the daughter-in-law in the social structure reflects a complex mix of power and subordination.

Academic register.

मुंशी प्रेमचंद की कहानियों में पुत्रवधू का चित्रण यथार्थवाद की पराकाष्ठा है।

The depiction of the daughter-in-law in Munshi Premchand's stories is the pinnacle of realism.

Literary criticism terminology.

पुत्रवधू के दायित्वों का निर्वहन करते हुए उसने अपनी व्यक्तिगत पहचान को अक्षुण्ण रखा।

While fulfilling the duties of a daughter-in-law, she kept her individual identity intact.

Participle 'nirvahan karte hue'.

वैश्वीकरण के इस युग में पुत्रवधू की पारंपरिक परिभाषाएँ पुनर्परिभाषित हो रही हैं।

In this era of globalization, the traditional definitions of daughter-in-law are being redefined.

Passive voice 'punarparibhashit ho rahi hain'.

पुत्रवधू का अपने ससुराल के प्रति समर्पण अनुकरणीय था।

The daughter-in-law's dedication towards her in-laws' house was exemplary.

High-level adjective 'anukarniya'.

Common Collocations

सुशील पुत्रवधू

शिक्षित पुत्रवधू

ज्येष्ठ पुत्रवधू

भावी पुत्रवधू

आज्ञाकारी पुत्रवधू

पुत्रवधू का सम्मान

पुत्रवधू की भूमिका

एकमात्र पुत्रवधू

पुत्रवधू का स्वागत

पुत्रवधू के अधिकार

Common Phrases

घर की पुत्रवधू

— The daughter-in-law of the house.

वह इस घर की पुत्रवधू है।

योग्य पुत्रवधू

— A capable or worthy daughter-in-law.

उन्हें एक योग्य पुत्रवधू मिली है।

नई पुत्रवधू

— The newly married daughter-in-law.

नई पुत्रवधू शर्मा रही है।

पुत्रवधू के रूप में

— In the capacity of a daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू के रूप में उसके कर्तव्य।

पुत्रवधू का आगमन

— The arrival of the daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू के आगमन की तैयारी करें।

पुत्रवधू की विदाई

— The departure/farewell of the daughter-in-law (rarely used in this sense).

पुत्रवधू की विदाई का समय।

पुत्रवधू का प्रेम

— The love of/for the daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू का प्रेम निस्वार्थ है।

पुत्रवधू की शिक्षा

— The education of the daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू की शिक्षा पर ध्यान दें।

पुत्रवधू का स्वास्थ्य

— The health of the daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू के स्वास्थ्य का ख्याल रखें।

पुत्रवधू की राय

— The opinion of the daughter-in-law.

पुत्रवधू की राय भी लें।

Often Confused With

पुत्रवधू vs बहू (Bahū)

Often used interchangeably, but Bahū is informal and can also mean 'bride' in some contexts.

पुत्रवधू vs पुत्री (Putrī)

Means 'daughter', not 'daughter-in-law'. Don't confuse the 'vadhū' part.

पुत्रवधू vs वधू (Vadhū)

Means 'bride'. While a daughter-in-law is a bride, 'Vadhū' is more generic.

Idioms & Expressions

"घर की लक्ष्मी"

— Literally 'the Goddess Lakshmi of the house'; used to describe a virtuous daughter-in-law who brings prosperity.

हमारी पुत्रवधू तो साक्षात् घर की लक्ष्मी है।

Traditional

"कुल का दीपक"

— Usually used for a son, but sometimes for a daughter-in-law who brings honor to the family.

वह पुत्रवधू कुल का दीपक बनकर आई है।

Poetic

"आँखों का तारा"

— Very dear; though general, used by in-laws for a beloved daughter-in-law.

वह अपनी सास की आँखों का तारा है।

Informal

"घर की इज़्ज़त"

— The honor of the house; refers to the daughter-in-law's role as a protector of family reputation.

पुत्रवधू घर की इज़्ज़त होती है।

Formal

"लक्ष्मी का रूप"

— An embodiment of wealth/good luck.

नई पुत्रवधू लक्ष्मी का रूप है।

Religious

"हाथ बटाना"

— To help; often used in the context of a daughter-in-law helping with chores.

पुत्रवधू काम में हाथ बटाती है।

Informal

"मान-मर्यादा रखना"

— To uphold the dignity/limits of the family.

पुत्रवधू ने खानदान की मान-मर्यादा रखी।

Formal

"नक़्श-ए-क़दम पर चलना"

— To follow in the footsteps (of the mother-in-law).

वह अपनी सास के नक़्श-ए-क़दम पर चलती है।

Literary

"घर बसाना"

— To settle a home; the role a daughter-in-law plays after marriage.

पुत्रवधू ने आकर घर बसा लिया।

Informal

"सपनों की रानी"

— Queen of dreams; sometimes used by the son, but in the context of the family's 'ideal' bride.

वह हमारे सपनों की पुत्रवधू जैसी है।

Casual

Easily Confused

पुत्रवधू vs दामाद (Dāmād)

Both are relatives by marriage.

Dāmād is the son-in-law (daughter's husband), while Putravadhū is the daughter-in-law (son's wife).

मेरा दामाद इंजीनियर है और मेरी पुत्रवधू डॉक्टर है।

पुत्रवधू vs ननद (Nanad)

Both are female relatives in the in-law family.

Nanad is the husband's sister, while Putravadhū is the son's wife.

मेरी ननद मेरी पुत्रवधू की सहेली है।

पुत्रवधू vs भाभी (Bhābhī)

Both are 'brides' entering the family.

Bhābhī is a brother's wife, while Putravadhū is a son's wife.

मेरी भाभी मेरी माँ की पुत्रवधू हैं।

पुत्रवधू vs पत्नी (Patnī)

Both refer to a wife.

Patnī is simply 'wife', while Putravadhū specifies the relationship to the parents-in-law.

वह मेरी पत्नी है और मेरे पिता की पुत्रवधू।

पुत्रवधू vs बेटी (Beṭī)

In many Indian families, the daughter-in-law is treated like a daughter.

Beṭī is a biological daughter, while Putravadhū is a daughter through the son's marriage.

मैं अपनी पुत्रवधू को अपनी बेटी मानता हूँ।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Possessive] पुत्रवधू है।

यह मेरी पुत्रवधू है।

[Subject] अपनी पुत्रवधू से [Verb] है।

वह अपनी पुत्रवधू से प्यार करती है।

पुत्रवधू ने [Object] [Verb-Past]।

पुत्रवधू ने खाना बनाया।

पुत्रवधू को [Noun] का अधिकार है।

पुत्रवधू को संपत्ति का अधिकार है।

पुत्रवधू के [Noun] ने [Result] कर दिया।

पुत्रवधू के आगमन ने सबको खुश कर दिया।

[Social Context] में पुत्रवधू की स्थिति [Adjective] है।

भारतीय समाज में पुत्रवधू की स्थिति अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है।

पुत्रवधुओं के लिए [Noun]।

पुत्रवधुओं के लिए नए नियम।

क्या आपकी पुत्रवधू [Adjective] है?

क्या आपकी पुत्रवधू डॉक्टर है?

Word Family

Nouns

पुत्र (Son)

वधू (Bride)

पुत्रवधुत्व (Status of being a daughter-in-law - rare)

Adjectives

पुत्रवधू-संबंधी (Related to a daughter-in-law)

सास (Mother-in-law)

ससुर (Father-in-law)

पति (Husband)

देवर (Brother-in-law)

ननद (Sister-in-law)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal contexts; rare in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

मेरा पुत्रवधू → मेरी पुत्रवधू
Putravadhū is feminine; the possessive must be 'meri'.
दो पुत्रवधू → दो पुत्रवधुएँ
When counting, use the plural form 'putravadhueñ'.
पुत्रवधू को -> पुत्रवधुएँ को → पुत्रवधुओं को
The oblique plural ends in '-oñ', not '-eñ'.
Putrabahu → Putravadhū
Mixing the informal 'bahu' with the formal 'putra' is incorrect.
पुत्रवधू आया → पुत्रवधू आई
The verb must be in the feminine form.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always remember that 'Putravadhū' is feminine. Your verbs and adjectives must match this. For example, say 'आई' (came) not 'आया'.

Context is King

Use 'Putravadhū' in speeches, wedding cards, or formal introductions. In the kitchen or at the park, stick to 'Bahū'.

The 'Dh' Sound

The 'dh' in 'vadhū' is voiced and aspirated. It's like the 'd' in 'dog' but with a puff of air. Practice by saying 'd-h-u'.

The Conjunct 'Tr'

The 'tr' in 'Putra' is written as 'त्र'. It's a common conjunct in Hindi. Make sure you draw it correctly.

Learn the Root

Knowing that 'Putra' means son will help you learn other words like 'Putravat' (like a son) or 'Putra-praputra' (sons and grandsons).

Honorifics

When speaking about someone else's daughter-in-law, you can add 'जी' (ji) at the end: 'उनकी पुत्रवधू जी' for extra respect.

Family Tree

Draw a family tree and label the 'Putravadhū' relative to the 'Pita' and 'Mata'. Visualizing the link helps.

News Watch

Watch Hindi news reports about famous families. You will hear 'Putravadhū' used to describe the wives of prominent sons.

Classic Literature

Read a short story by Premchand. He uses 'Putravadhū' to describe the complex social positions of women in his time.

Sanskrit Connection

If you know any other Indian language like Marathi or Bengali, you'll find similar words because of the Sanskrit root.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Putra' (Son) + 'Vadhū' (Voice of the house). A son's bride brings a new voice and life to the house.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Indian wedding where the father-in-law is introducing the new bride to his colleagues using a formal title.

Word Web

Family Marriage Respect Sanskrit Son Bride House Lineage

Challenge

Try to use 'Putravadhū' in a sentence about a historical figure or a queen.

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit 'पुत्रवधू' (Putravadhū). It is a compound of 'Putra' (son) and 'Vadhū' (bride/wife).

Original meaning: The bride or wife of one's son.

Indo-Aryan / Indo-European.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound overly archaic in modern casual settings. Use 'Bahū' for friends, 'Putravadhū' for formal writing.

In English, 'daughter-in-law' is used in all contexts. In Hindi, you must choose between the formal 'Putravadhū' and informal 'Bahū'.

The Ramayana (Sita as Dasharatha's Putravadhū) Premchand's short story 'Bade Ghar Ki Beti' The TV show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' (uses the informal version, but themes apply)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Introduction

यह मेरी पुत्रवधू है।
इनसे मिलिए, ये मेरी पुत्रवधू हैं।
मेरी पुत्रवधू का नाम... है।
वह हमारी बड़ी पुत्रवधू है।

Legal/Official

पुत्रवधू का वारिसनामा।
पुत्रवधू के हस्ताक्षर।
पुत्रवधू का हिस्सा।
पुत्रवधू का शपथपत्र।

Social Events

पुत्रवधू का स्वागत।
पुत्रवधू की गोद भराई।
पुत्रवधू का जन्मदिन।
पुत्रवधू का सम्मान।

Literature/Storytelling

राजा की पुत्रवधू।
पुत्रवधू का विलाप।
पुत्रवधू का साहस।
आदर्श पुत्रवधू।

Religious Ceremonies

पुत्रवधू द्वारा पूजा।
पुत्रवधू का आशीर्वाद।
पुत्रवधू का दान।
पुत्रवधू का व्रत।

Conversation Starters

"आपकी पुत्रवधू क्या करती हैं? (What does your daughter-in-law do?)"

"क्या आपकी पुत्रवधू भी आपके साथ रहती हैं? (Does your daughter-in-law also live with you?)"

"आपकी पुत्रवधू बहुत सुशील लग रही हैं। (Your daughter-in-law seems very virtuous.)"

"आप अपनी पुत्रवधू को उपहार में क्या दे रहे हैं? (What are you giving as a gift to your daughter-in-law?)"

"पुत्रवधू के आने से घर में क्या बदलाव आए? (What changes came to the house with the arrival of the daughter-in-law?)"

Journal Prompts

भारतीय समाज में एक 'आदर्श पुत्रवधू' की क्या परिभाषा है? (What is the definition of an 'ideal daughter-in-law' in Indian society?)

क्या 'पुत्रवधू' और 'बेटी' के बीच कोई अंतर होना चाहिए? (Should there be any difference between a 'daughter-in-law' and a 'daughter'?)

अपनी पुत्रवधू के साथ बिताए किसी सुखद पल के बारे में लिखें। (Write about a pleasant moment spent with your daughter-in-law.)

आधुनिक युग में पुत्रवधू की भूमिका कैसे बदल रही है? (How is the role of a daughter-in-law changing in the modern era?)

क्या आपको लगता है कि 'पुत्रवधू' शब्द बहुत औपचारिक है? (Do you think the word 'Putravadhū' is too formal?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is used by both the mother-in-law and the father-in-law to refer to their son's wife. It is a neutral term regarding the speaker's gender.

No, it is a reference term (third person). To address her, you would usually call her by name, or use 'Beti' (daughter) or 'Bahu' affectionately.

The masculine equivalent (son-in-law) is 'दामाद' (Dāmād). There is no word like 'Putra-jamai' in standard Hindi.

In modern movies, 'Bahū' or 'Beti' is more common. 'Putravadhū' appears in period dramas or when characters are speaking very formally.

You say 'मेरी बड़ी पुत्रवधू' (Meri baṛī putravadhū) or 'मेरी ज्येष्ठ पुत्रवधू' (Meri jyeshṭh putravadhū).

In the singular form 'पुत्रवधू', yes. In the plural 'पुत्रवधुएँ', it becomes short 'u'.

Yes, it is a Tatsama word, meaning it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without any change in spelling.

Yes, 'Vadhū' means bride. In wedding cards, you'll often see 'Vadhū' for the bride and 'Var' for the groom.

It means the daughter-in-law of the entire 'Kul' or clan, often used to emphasize her role in family traditions.

Not at all! 'Bahū' is very normal and affectionate. 'Putravadhū' is just more formal.