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पीढ़ी

A2 noun 10 min read

पीढ़ी

peedhi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पीढ़ी in 30 Seconds

Explanation पीढ़ी in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'pīṛhī' as a basic word for family. Think of it as 'parents', 'children', and 'grandparents'. You don't need to worry about complex social meanings yet. Just remember it means 'generation' and it is a feminine word. Use it to say simple things like 'My generation' (merī pīṛhī) or 'New generation' (nayī pīṛhī). It helps you describe your family tree in a simple way. You might hear it in very basic stories about families.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'pīṛhī' to make comparisons. You can talk about how 'today's generation' (āj kī pīṛhī) is different from 'the old generation' (purānī pīṛhī). You should also learn the plural form 'pīṛhiyā̃' to talk about multiple generations. This is the level where you start noticing the 'generation gap' in conversations. You can use it to describe common habits of people your age. It's a useful word for basic social discussions and describing your community.

At B1, you use 'pīṛhī' in more abstract contexts. You can discuss 'pīṛhī-dar-pīṛhī' (generation after generation) traditions. You are now comfortable with the oblique form 'pīṛhiyõ' when using postpositions like 'se' (since) or 'mẽ' (in). You might talk about environmental issues and 'future generations' (āne vālī pīṛhiyā̃). Your sentences become longer, and you can explain why different generations have different opinions. You also start to see the word used in news headlines about technology or politics.

At the B2 level, 'pīṛhī' is used to analyze social changes in depth. You can talk about 'pīṛhi-antara' (generation gap) in the context of Indian culture vs Western influence. You understand the nuances of using 'pīṛhī' versus 'vansh' (lineage) or 'daur' (era). You can follow a debate on TV about how the 'yuvā pīṛhī' (young generation) is shaping the economy. You use the word fluently in professional settings, such as discussing 'fourth-generation' technology or organizational succession planning.

At C1, you use 'pīṛhī' with stylistic flair. You can use it in literary analysis to discuss themes of ancestry and change in Hindi novels. You are aware of the word's Sanskrit roots and how it relates to concepts of 'pīṭha' (foundation). You can engage in complex philosophical discussions about the responsibility of one generation to the next. Your vocabulary includes formal synonyms like 'santati' and you know exactly when to use 'pīṛhī' to evoke a specific emotional or historical response in your audience.

At the C2 level, 'pīṛhī' is a tool for masterful communication. You can use it in high-level academic writing or oratory. You understand its deepest cultural connotations in the 'Guru-Shishya' tradition (succession of knowledge). You can play with the word in poetry or use it to critique subtle demographic shifts in sociological research. You have a native-like grasp of its collocation with archaic or highly formal Hindi terms. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a concept you can manipulate to express complex historical and social realities.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पीढ़ी in 30 Seconds

Pīṛhī means 'generation' in Hindi.
It is a feminine noun, so use feminine grammar.
It refers to family levels or age cohorts.
Commonly used to discuss social changes and traditions.

The Hindi word पीढ़ी (pīṛhī) is a fundamental noun used to describe a 'generation'. At its core, it refers to the collective body of individuals born and living at about the same time. However, in the rich tapestry of Indian society, where family structures and ancestral lineage hold immense weight, the word carries deep emotional and sociological resonance. It is not merely a demographic marker but a bridge between the past and the future. When you speak of a pīṛhī, you are often invoking the traditions, values, and changes that define a specific era of a family or a nation.

Biological Context: In a biological sense, it denotes the step in the line of descent from an ancestor. For instance, moving from grandparents to parents to children represents three distinct pīṛhiyā̃ (generations).

हमारी पीढ़ी तकनीक के साथ बड़ी हुई है। (Our generation grew up with technology.)

In Hindi, the word is feminine. This is crucial for grammatical agreement. You will say meri pīṛhī (my generation) rather than mera pīṛhī. The plural form is pīṛhiyā̃, and the oblique plural (used with postpositions like 'of' or 'in') is pīṛhiyõ. Sociologically, Indians often discuss the 'Generation Gap', referred to as pīṛhī kā antarāl or generation gap (using the English loanword in modern parlance). This word is used frequently in discussions about changing values, evolving language, and the transmission of culture.

Cultural Nuance: In Indian literature and cinema, pīṛhī is often used to contrast the 'old' (purānī) with the 'new' (nayī). The 'Purānī Pīṛhī' represents tradition, discipline, and roots, while the 'Nayī Pīṛhī' represents progress, rebellion, and global outlook.

यह कहानी दो पीढ़ियों के बीच के संघर्ष को दर्शाती है। (This story depicts the struggle between two generations.)

Furthermore, the word is used in professional contexts to describe versions of technology, much like '3rd Gen' or '4th Gen'. For example, chauthī pīṛhī kā computer (fourth-generation computer). This versatility makes it an essential word for learners to master. Whether you are discussing your family tree, analyzing social changes, or talking about the latest iPhone, pīṛhī is your go-to term. It encapsulates the passage of time and the human experience of succession.

Historical Usage: Historically, the word is linked to the Sanskrit 'pīṭha', meaning a seat or a pedestal. This suggests that each generation is a 'step' or a 'level' in the staircase of time.

सात पीढ़ियों से हमारा परिवार यहीं रह रहा है। (Our family has been living here for seven generations.)

Using पीढ़ी correctly requires attention to its gender and its role as a noun. Since it is feminine, all accompanying adjectives and verbs must reflect this. For example, 'Next generation' is 'Agli pīṛhī' (feminine ending 'i'), not 'Agla pīṛhī'. Understanding this grammatical nuance is the first step toward fluency. In sentences, it often appears with possessive pronouns to indicate whose generation is being discussed.

Subject Position: When the word is the subject, it governs the verb. Example: Nayī pīṛhī badal rahī hai (The new generation is changing).

आज की पीढ़ी बहुत जागरूक है। (Today's generation is very aware.)

Another common way to use pīṛhī is in the plural form to indicate a long duration of time or a tradition that has lasted. When you say 'for generations', the Hindi equivalent is pīṛhiyõ se. This uses the oblique plural form because of the postposition 'se' (from/since). This construction is very common in historical or family-oriented storytelling.

Comparison: You can compare generations using 'ke muqābale' (in comparison to). Example: Pichlī pīṛhī ke muqābale aaj ke bachche tez haĩ (Compared to the previous generation, today's kids are sharp).

हमें आने वाली पीढ़ी के लिए पर्यावरण बचाना चाहिए। (We must save the environment for the coming generation.)

In formal Hindi, you might encounter the term pīṛhī-dar-pīṛhī, which means 'generation after generation'. This is a rhythmic and poetic way to emphasize continuity. It is often used in political speeches or when discussing ancestral wealth and wisdom. In contrast, in casual conversation, people might simply say har pīṛhī (every generation).

Compound Usage: The word is often paired with 'antara' (difference) or 'antarāl' (gap). Pīṛhī-antara means generation gap.

यह परंपरा पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी चली आ रही है। (This tradition has been coming down generation after generation.)

Finally, when discussing technology, the sentence structure remains the same as English. 'This is a fifth-generation fighter jet' translates to Yah pānchvī̃ pīṛhī kā laṛākū vimān hai. Notice how pānchvī̃ (fifth) also takes the feminine form to match pīṛhī. Paying attention to these small details will make your Hindi sound much more natural and precise.

The word पीढ़ी is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, ranging from the living room to the newsroom. In Indian households, it is perhaps most frequently heard during family gatherings or weddings. Elders might reminisce about 'their generation' (hamāre zamāne kī pīṛhī) or comment on the lifestyle choices of the 'current generation' (ājkal kī pīṛhī). These conversations often highlight the cultural shifts in India, such as the move from joint families to nuclear families.

In Media and News: News anchors often use pīṛhī when discussing demographics, voting patterns, or economic trends. You might hear: 'The young generation will decide this election' (Yuvā pīṛhī is chunāv kā faislā karegī).

अगली पीढ़ी के नेता अब सामने आ रहे हैं। (Leaders of the next generation are now coming forward.)

Bollywood is another major source where this word is used with high emotional stakes. Countless films revolve around the 'Generation Gap'. Iconic movies like Baghban or Dil Chahta Hai explore the friction and love between different pīṛhiyā̃. In songs, the word might appear to describe eternal love or a legacy that lasts for ages. If you listen to a podcast about Indian history or sociology, pīṛhī will be a recurring keyword used to segment different eras of the independence movement or post-liberalization India.

In Academic and Professional Settings: In schools and universities, teachers use pīṛhī when teaching history or social science. In the tech industry in Bengaluru or Gurgaon, people use it to refer to software or hardware iterations.

यह कंप्यूटर पाँचवीं पीढ़ी की तकनीक पर आधारित है। (This computer is based on fifth-generation technology.)

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X) are full of memes about 'Gen Z' vs 'Millennials'. In Hindi, these are often translated or adapted using pīṛhī. For example, 'Gen Z' might be referred to as nayī pīṛhī or Z-pīṛhī. By paying attention to these contexts, you can see how the word moves from a formal, biological term to a vibrant, cultural label that defines identity in modern India.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using पीढ़ी is misassigning its gender. Because 'generation' in English is neutral, learners often default to masculine in Hindi. However, pīṛhī is strictly feminine. Saying achchhā pīṛhī instead of achchhī pīṛhī is a giveaway that you are translating literally from English. Always pair it with feminine adjectives and verbs.

Gender Error: Incorrect: Merā pīṛhī (My generation). Correct: Merī pīṛhī. The 'ī' sound at the end of the word is a common indicator of feminine gender in Hindi nouns.

गलत: वह एक नया पीढ़ी है। (Wrong: That is a new generation.)
सही: वह एक नई पीढ़ी है। (Right: That is a new generation.)

Another mistake is confusing pīṛhī with similar-sounding words or concepts like yug (era) or zamānā (times). While they overlap, they are not interchangeable. Yug refers to a massive span of time (like an epoch), and zamānā refers more to the 'vibe' or 'spirit' of a period. Pīṛhī specifically relates to the people and the biological/successive aspect. Don't use pīṛhī when you mean 'In the olden days'—use purāne zamāne mẽ instead.

Pluralization Mistake: Learners often forget to change 'yā̃' to 'yõ' when a postposition follows. Incorrect: Pīṛhiyā̃ mẽ. Correct: Pīṛhiyõ mẽ (In generations).

कई पीढ़ियों से यह घर खाली है। (This house has been empty for many generations.)

Finally, be careful with the word 'Generation Gap'. While you can say pīṛhī kā antarāl, many modern speakers simply use the English phrase. However, if you are in a formal Hindi exam or writing a literary piece, sticking to the Hindi term is better. Mixing too much English in formal writing is considered a stylistic error. Also, ensure you don't confuse pīṛhī with pīṛā (pain), which sounds somewhat similar but has a completely different meaning.

While पीढ़ी is the most common word for 'generation', Hindi offers several synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on whether you are talking about family, time, or social groups, you might choose a different word. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different 'registers' of Hindi, from the poetic to the technical.

वंश (Vansh): This refers to 'lineage' or 'dynasty'. While pīṛhī is a horizontal slice of time, vansh is the vertical line connecting all generations. Example: Sūryavansh (The Solar Dynasty).
ज़माना (Zamānā): This means 'times' or 'era'. It is more about the atmosphere and culture of a period. You hear this in phrases like 'Naye zamāne ke log' (People of the new times).

उनका वंश बहुत पुराना है। (Their lineage is very old.)

Another word often confused with pīṛhī is yug. A yug is a much larger unit of time, often used in a mythological or historical sense (e.g., Satyug, Kalyug). You wouldn't use yug to talk about your grandfather's time unless you were being extremely hyperbolic. For a 'decade' or a specific short period, dashak or daur are more appropriate. Daur is particularly common in Urdu-influenced Hindi to mean 'phase' or 'era'.

नस्ल (Nasl): This word means 'breed' or 'race' but is sometimes used in poetry to refer to future generations. However, it's more common in biological contexts (like animal breeds).

हर दौर की अपनी चुनौतियाँ होती हैं। (Every era has its own challenges.)

In formal settings, you might hear santati (offspring/progeny). This is a very Sanskritic word used in legal or extremely formal literary contexts. For everyday use, pīṛhī remains the king of this semantic field. If you want to talk about 'succession' in a job or a throne, use uttarādhikār. By knowing these distinctions, you can avoid the 'one-word-fits-all' trap and express yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'pīṭha' also gives us the word for 'throne' in some contexts, suggesting that a generation is like a 'seat' of time that one occupies before passing it on.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpiː.ɽiː/

US /ˈpi.di/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Pī'.

Rhymes With

सीढ़ी (sīṛhī - stairs) बीड़ी (bīṛī - traditional cigarette) मीढ़ी (mīṛhī) खीढ़ी (khīṛhī) ढीढ़ी (ḍhīṛhī) नीढ़ी (nīṛhī) तीढ़ी (tīṛhī) रीढ़ी (rīṛhī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'rh' as a simple 'r'.
Shortening the final 'ī' sound.
Misidentifying the nasalization in the plural 'pīṛhiyā̃'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read but the 'rh' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of feminine pluralization rules.

Speaking 4/5

The retroflex 'rh' is difficult for native English speakers to pronounce perfectly.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to recognize in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

परिवार (Family) समय (Time) बच्चे (Children) माता-पिता (Parents) पुराना (Old)

Learn Next

परंपरा (Tradition) विरासत (Heritage) वंश (Lineage) बदलाव (Change) इतिहास (History)

Advanced

उत्तराधिकार (Succession) वंशानुगत (Hereditary) युगांतर (Change of era) सांस्कृतिक (Cultural) जनसांख्यिकी (Demographics)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Pluralization

Pīṛhī -> Pīṛhiyā̃ (Adding -yā̃ to nouns ending in -ī).

Oblique Case Plural

Pīṛhiyõ se (Changing -yā̃ to -yõ before postpositions).

Adjective Agreement

Nayī pīṛhī (Adjective must end in -ī).

Possessive Agreement

Hamārī pīṛhī (Possessive must match gender).

Verb Agreement

Pīṛhī badal rahī hai (Verb matches feminine subject).

Examples by Level

यह मेरी पीढ़ी है।

This is my generation.

Uses 'merī' because 'pīṛhī' is feminine.

नई पीढ़ी कहाँ है?

Where is the new generation?

Adjective 'nayī' agrees with feminine 'pīṛhī'.

मेरी पीढ़ी छोटी है।

My generation is small.

Simple subject-adjective agreement.

वह पुरानी पीढ़ी है।

That is the old generation.

Demonstrative pronoun 'vah' with feminine noun.

तीन पीढ़ियाँ साथ रहती हैं।

Three generations live together.

Plural 'pīṛhiyā̃' with plural verb 'rahtī haĩ'.

अगली पीढ़ी अच्छी है।

The next generation is good.

'Agli' is the feminine form of 'next'.

यह पीढ़ी लंबी है।

This generation is long (in duration).

Feminine adjective 'lambī'.

हमारी पीढ़ी यहाँ है।

Our generation is here.

Possessive 'hamārī' is feminine.

आज की पीढ़ी बहुत तेज़ है।

Today's generation is very fast/sharp.

Use of 'kī' for possession.

पिछली पीढ़ी सादा जीवन जीती थी।

The previous generation lived a simple life.

Past tense verb 'jītī thī' agrees with feminine subject.

दो पीढ़ियों में बहुत अंतर है।

There is a lot of difference between two generations.

Oblique plural 'pīṛhiyõ' used with 'mẽ'.

हर पीढ़ी के अपने सपने होते हैं।

Every generation has its own dreams.

Possessive 'ke' refers to 'sapne', but 'har pīṛhī' is the subject.

वह अपनी पीढ़ी का सबसे अच्छा लेखक है।

He is the best writer of his generation.

'Apnī' used for reflexive possession.

यह घर पीढ़ियों पुराना है।

This house is generations old.

Plural used to show long duration.

आने वाली पीढ़ी के बारे में सोचो।

Think about the coming generation.

'āne vālī' acts as an adjective.

हमारी पीढ़ी को काम करना होगा।

Our generation will have to work.

Dative construction with 'ko'.

तकनीक ने पीढ़ी का अंतराल बढ़ा दिया है।

Technology has increased the generation gap.

Compound noun 'pīṛhī ka antarāl'.

यह परंपरा पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी चलती रही है।

This tradition has been continuing generation after generation.

Use of 'dar' for 'after/by'.

हमें अगली पीढ़ी के लिए पानी बचाना चाहिए।

We should save water for the next generation.

Modal verb 'chāhiye'.

आज की युवा पीढ़ी बहुत जागरूक है।

Today's young generation is very aware.

Adjective 'yuvā' modifying 'pīṛhī'.

पिछली पीढ़ियों ने बहुत संघर्ष किया।

Previous generations struggled a lot.

Ergative 'ne' with plural oblique 'pīṛhiyõ'.

यह कहानी तीन पीढ़ियों को जोड़ती है।

This story connects three generations.

Direct object 'pīṛhiyõ ko'.

हर पीढ़ी नए विचार लाती है।

Every generation brings new ideas.

Habitual present tense.

वह अपनी पीढ़ी का नेतृत्व कर रहा है।

He is leading his generation.

Continuous tense 'kar rahā hai'.

आर्थिक सुधारों ने नई पीढ़ी की जीवनशैली बदल दी।

Economic reforms changed the lifestyle of the new generation.

Complex subject with 'ne'.

दो पीढ़ियों के बीच का वैचारिक मतभेद स्वाभाविक है।

Ideological differences between two generations are natural.

Abstract noun 'matbhed'.

यह फिल्म पीढ़ीगत संघर्ष को प्रभावी ढंग से दिखाती है।

This film effectively shows generational conflict.

Adjective 'pīṛhīgat' (generational).

पुरानी पीढ़ी को नए बदलावों को स्वीकार करना होगा।

The old generation will have to accept new changes.

Future obligation construction.

सोशल मीडिया ने पीढ़ी की सोच को प्रभावित किया है।

Social media has influenced the generation's thinking.

Present perfect tense.

हमें पीढ़ियों से चली आ रही रूढ़ियों को तोड़ना होगा।

We must break the stereotypes coming down for generations.

Relative clause 'chalī ā rahī'.

यह कंप्यूटर चौथी पीढ़ी की तकनीक का उपयोग करता है।

This computer uses fourth-generation technology.

Technical usage of 'pīṛhī'.

अगली पीढ़ी के लिए विरासत में हम क्या छोड़ेंगे?

What will we leave in legacy for the next generation?

Future tense question.

साहित्य समाज की बदलती पीढ़ियों का दर्पण होता है।

Literature is a mirror of the changing generations of society.

Metaphorical usage.

पीढ़ियों का संचय ही संस्कृति का आधार है।

The accumulation of generations is the basis of culture.

Formal noun 'sañcay' (accumulation).

वर्तमान पीढ़ी उत्तर-आधुनिकता के दौर से गुज़र रही है।

The current generation is passing through the era of post-modernity.

Academic terminology.

लेखक ने पीढ़ीगत अंतराल की गहरी मनोवैज्ञानिक व्याख्या की है।

The author has given a deep psychological explanation of the generational gap.

Complex compound 'pīṛhīgat antarāl'.

यह विरासत सात पीढ़ियों से अक्षुण्ण बनी हुई है।

This legacy has remained intact for seven generations.

Formal adjective 'akshuṇṇa' (intact).

हमें आने वाली पीढ़ियों के प्रति अपनी जवाबदेही समझनी होगी।

We must understand our accountability towards future generations.

Formal noun 'javābdēhī' (accountability).

हर पीढ़ी इतिहास को अपने नज़रिए से फिर से लिखती है।

Every generation rewrites history from its own perspective.

Conceptual sentence structure.

स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों की उस पीढ़ी ने देश को नई दिशा दी।

That generation of freedom fighters gave the country a new direction.

Historical reference.

पीढ़ियों के इस महाप्रवाह में व्यक्ति की सत्ता नगण्य है।

In this great flow of generations, the individual's power is negligible.

Philosophical register.

क्या हम एक ऐसी पीढ़ी का निर्माण कर रहे हैं जो जड़ों से कट चुकी है?

Are we creating a generation that is cut off from its roots?

Rhetorical question in formal Hindi.

संस्कृति का हस्तांतरण पीढ़ियों के बीच एक मूक संवाद है।

The transfer of culture is a silent dialogue between generations.

High-level vocabulary like 'hastāntaraṇ'.

इस महाकाव्य में पीढ़ियों के उत्थान और पतन का चित्रण है।

This epic depicts the rise and fall of generations.

Literary analysis style.

आने वाली पीढ़ियाँ हमें हमारे मौन के लिए शायद कभी क्षमा न करें।

Future generations may perhaps never forgive us for our silence.

Subjunctive mood 'kshama na karẽ'.

पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी परिष्कृत होती यह कला आज अपने चरम पर है।

This art, refined generation after generation, is at its peak today.

Participle 'parishkrit hotī' (being refined).

ज्ञान का यह कोश पीढ़ियों की तपस्या का प्रतिफल है।

This treasury of knowledge is the result of the penance of generations.

Metaphorical and formal.

पीढ़ियों के अंतराल को पाटने के लिए संवाद ही एकमात्र सेतु है।

Dialogue is the only bridge to bridge the gap between generations.

Infinitive as a noun 'pāṭne ke liye'.

Common Collocations

नई पीढ़ी

पुरानी पीढ़ी

पीढ़ी का अंतराल

अगली पीढ़ी

पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी

युवा पीढ़ी

पिछली पीढ़ी

पाँचवीं पीढ़ी

आने वाली पीढ़ी

वर्तमान पीढ़ी

Common Phrases

पीढ़ियों से

— For many generations.

हम यहाँ पीढ़ियों से रह रहे हैं।

पीढ़ी का अंतर

— The generation gap.

बाप-बेटे में पीढ़ी का अंतर है।

एक ही पीढ़ी के

— Of the same generation.

हम दोनों एक ही पीढ़ी के हैं।

पीढ़ियों का अनुभव

— Experience of generations.

इस व्यापार में पीढ़ियों का अनुभव है।

पीढ़ीगत बदलाव

— Generational change.

समाज में पीढ़ीगत बदलाव आ रहे हैं।

हर पीढ़ी की कहानी

— The story of every generation.

यह हर पीढ़ी की कहानी है।

पीढ़ी का प्रतिनिधित्व

— Representation of a generation.

वह अपनी पीढ़ी का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है।

पीढ़ियों का संगम

— A meeting of generations.

यह मेला पीढ़ियों का संगम है।

नई पीढ़ी के तेवर

— Attitude of the new generation.

नई पीढ़ी के तेवर बदल गए हैं।

पीढ़ियों की धरोहर

— Heritage of generations.

यह मंदिर पीढ़ियों की धरोहर है।

Often Confused With

पीढ़ी vs पीड़ा (pīṛā)

Means 'pain'. Sounds similar but has a different 'd' sound and meaning.

पीढ़ी vs सीढ़ी (sīṛhī)

Means 'stairs/ladder'. Rhymes with pīṛhī but starts with 's'.

पीढ़ी vs पेढ़ी (peṛhī)

Rarely used, refers to a shop or firm, but can be confused in fast speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"सात पीढ़ियाँ तर जाना"

— To bring such great honor or merit that seven generations are blessed or saved.

तुम्हारे इस नेक काम से तुम्हारी सात पीढ़ियाँ तर जाएँगी।

Religious/Traditional

"पीढ़ी का नाम रोशन करना"

— To bring glory to one's lineage/generation.

उसने स्वर्ण पदक जीतकर अपनी पीढ़ी का नाम रोशन किया।

Social

"पीढ़ियों का खून"

— Refers to inherited traits or ancestral pride.

उसकी रगों में पीढ़ियों का खून दौड़ रहा है।

Dramatic

"एक पीढ़ी का खेल"

— Something that lasts only for one generation.

यह दौलत बस एक पीढ़ी का खेल है।

Informal

"पीढ़ी का चिराग"

— The 'lamp' or hope of the generation (usually a son).

वह अपने खानदान की सातवीं पीढ़ी का चिराग है।

Traditional

"पीढ़ियों की प्यास"

— A long-standing desire or quest.

उसने पीढ़ियों की प्यास बुझाई।

Poetic

"पीढ़ी की धूल"

— Something insignificant compared to the vastness of time.

हम तो बस एक पीढ़ी की धूल हैं।

Philosophical

"पीढ़ी का बंधन"

— The constraints of generational expectations.

वह पीढ़ी के बंधन तोड़कर आगे बढ़ा।

Social

"पीढ़ियों की नींव"

— The foundation laid by ancestors.

हम पीढ़ियों की नींव पर खड़े हैं।

Formal

"पीढ़ी की आवाज़"

— The voice or spirit of a generation.

यह कविता मेरी पीढ़ी की आवाज़ है।

Literary

Easily Confused

पीढ़ी vs युग (Yug)

Both refer to time periods.

Yug is a massive era (thousands of years), Pīṛhī is a human generation (approx 30 years).

यह कलियुग की पीढ़ी है।

पीढ़ी vs ज़माना (Zamānā)

Both used for 'times'.

Zamānā is the general spirit of an era, Pīṛhī is the specific cohort of people.

आज का ज़माना नई पीढ़ी का है।

पीढ़ी vs वंश (Vansh)

Both related to family descent.

Vansh is the entire lineage/dynasty, Pīṛhī is one specific level in it.

उसके वंश में हर पीढ़ी बहादुर थी।

पीढ़ी vs दौर (Daur)

Both refer to a period.

Daur is a phase or trend, Pīṛhī is the people living in that phase.

इस दौर की पीढ़ी बहुत स्मार्ट है।

पीढ़ी vs उम्र (Umr)

Relates to age.

Umr is individual age, Pīṛhī is collective age group.

मेरी उम्र और मेरी पीढ़ी के लोग अलग हैं।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Adj] पीढ़ी है।

यह नई पीढ़ी है।

[Possessive] पीढ़ी [Adj] है।

हमारी पीढ़ी बहुत बड़ी है।

पीढ़ियों से [Verb]...

पीढ़ियों से लोग यहाँ आ रहे हैं।

अगली पीढ़ी के लिए [Noun]...

अगली पीढ़ी के लिए पेड़ लगाओ।

[Noun] और [Noun] की पीढ़ियों में...

बाप और बेटे की पीढ़ियों में अंतर है।

यह [Number]वीं पीढ़ी का [Noun] है।

यह पाँचवीं पीढ़ी का कंप्यूटर है।

पीढ़ीगत [Noun] का प्रभाव...

पीढ़ीगत बदलाव का प्रभाव समाज पर पड़ता है।

पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी [Participle]...

पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी विकसित होती यह भाषा।

Word Family

Nouns

पीढ़ी (generation)

पीढ़ी-अन्तर (generation gap)

पीढ़िका (pedestal/succession)

Adjectives

पीढ़ीगत (generational)

पूर्वज (ancestors)

वंश (lineage)

वंशज (descendants)

खानदान (family/clan)

परंपरा (tradition)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Merā pīṛhī → Merī pīṛhī
Pīṛhī is feminine, so the possessive pronoun must be merī.
Nayā पीढ़ी → Nayī पीढ़ी
Adjectives must match the feminine gender of the noun.
Pīṛhiyā̃ mẽ → Pīṛhiyõ mẽ
In the presence of a postposition like 'mẽ', the oblique plural form 'pīṛhiyõ' must be used.
Bijlī kī pīṛhī → Bijlī kā utpādan
Pīṛhī is for human/tech generations, not for power generation.
Pīṛhī kā antar → Pīṛhī kā antarāl
While 'antar' is okay, 'antarāl' is the more standard term for 'gap'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'pīṛhī' is feminine. Use 'nayī', 'purānī', 'merī', 'hamārī'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Respecting Elders

When talking about 'purānī pīṛhī', use respectful tones. In India, the 'old generation' is seen as a source of wisdom.

Hinglish Usage

In big cities, people might say 'Next generation' or 'Gen Z' instead of 'pīṛhī'. It's good to know both.

Retroflex Flap

Don't pronounce 'pīṛhī' with a soft English 'r'. Use the hard Hindi 'ड़' sound to sound like a native.

Tech Talk

If you see '5G' or '4G' in a Hindi newspaper, look for the word 'pīṛhī' nearby. It's how they translate 'generation' in tech.

Plural Forms

Practice writing 'pīṛhiyā̃' and 'pīṛhiyõ'. The spelling change from 'ī' to 'i' in the plural is a key Hindi spelling rule.

Family Dramas

Watch Hindi soap operas. They use the word 'pīṛhī' constantly when discussing family property and values.

Bridging Gaps

Use the phrase 'pīṛhī kā antarāl' to discuss cultural differences between your home country and India.

Staircase Rule

Associate 'pīṛhī' with 'sīṛhī' (stairs). Each generation is a step up in the family history.

Avoid False Friends

Do not use 'pīṛhī' for electricity generation. Use 'utpādan' for that specific English meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pīṛhī' as 'Peering' through history. Each generation is a new window you peer through to see the family's past.

Visual Association

Imagine a staircase where each step is a family member. Each step represents one 'pīṛhī'.

Word Web

Family Time Ancestors Gap Tradition Children History Future

Challenge

Write three sentences about your family using 'pīṛhī', 'pīṛhiyā̃', and 'pīṛhiyõ'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'पीठ' (pīṭha) or 'पीठिका' (pīṭhikā).

Original meaning: Originally meant a seat, pedestal, or a base. Over time, it evolved to mean a step in a succession or a stage in a lineage.

Indo-Aryan family.

Cultural Context

Be respectful when using this word to describe elders, as age is highly revered in South Asian culture.

English speakers often use 'Gen Z' or 'Boomer'. In Hindi, these are often grouped under 'Nayī Pīṛhī' or 'Purānī Pīṛhī'.

The movie 'Baghban' (about generational neglect) The TV show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' (spanning multiple generations) Premchand's stories often contrast generations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family History

मेरे दादाजी की पीढ़ी
सात पीढ़ियों का इतिहास
पीढ़ियों पुरानी तस्वीर
खानदान की पीढ़ी

Technology

पाँचवीं पीढ़ी का नेटवर्क
पुरानी पीढ़ी का कंप्यूटर
नई पीढ़ी के गैजेट्स
पीढ़ीगत सुधार

Social Issues

पीढ़ी का अंतराल
युवा पीढ़ी की समस्याएँ
पीढ़ियों के बीच संवाद
आने वाली पीढ़ी का भविष्य

Culture/Tradition

पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी चलना
पुरानी पीढ़ी के संस्कार
नई पीढ़ी के विचार
पीढ़ियों की धरोहर

Demographics

कामकाजी पीढ़ी
शिक्षित पीढ़ी
वोटर पीढ़ी
बढ़ती पीढ़ी

Conversation Starters

"आपकी पीढ़ी की सबसे बड़ी चुनौती क्या है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पीढ़ियों के बीच बहुत अंतर है?"

"आपकी पीढ़ी का पसंदीदा संगीत कौन सा है?"

"पुरानी पीढ़ी से आपने क्या सीखा?"

"आने वाली पीढ़ी के लिए आप क्या संदेश देना चाहेंगे?"

Journal Prompts

अपनी पीढ़ी के तीन मुख्य गुणों के बारे में लिखें।

अपने दादा-दादी की पीढ़ी और अपनी पीढ़ी के बीच तुलना करें।

भविष्य की पीढ़ी के लिए एक पत्र लिखें जिसमें आज की दुनिया का वर्णन हो।

क्या तकनीक ने पीढ़ियों को करीब लाया है या दूर कर दिया है? अपने विचार लिखें।

एक ऐसी परंपरा के बारे में लिखें जो आपकी पीढ़ी में खत्म हो रही है।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always use feminine adjectives (like 'nayī') and verbs (like 'rahī hai') with it. For example: 'Merī pīṛhī' (My generation).

The direct plural is 'पीढ़ियाँ' (pīṛhiyā̃). If you use a postposition like 'in' or 'from', it becomes 'पीढ़ियों' (pīṛhiyõ). Example: 'Pīṛhiyõ se' (for generations).

You can say 'पीढ़ी का अंतराल' (pīṛhī kā antarāl) or 'पीढ़ी का अंतर' (pīṛhī kā antar). However, many people just use the English phrase 'generation gap' in casual talk.

Usually, 'pīṛhī' is reserved for humans or technology. For animals, words like 'nasl' (breed) or 'santati' (offspring) are more common.

It means 'generation after generation' or 'from one generation to the next'. It's used for traditions or traits that are passed down. Example: 'Yah pīṛhī-dar-pīṛhī chaltā ā rahā hai'.

Yes, it is used for software or hardware versions, like '5G' being 'pānchvī̃ pīṛhī'. It's common in tech news.

'Pīṛhī' refers to the horizontal group of people living at the same time. 'Vansh' refers to the vertical line of descent (the whole family tree).

It is a retroflex flap. Curl your tongue back and flick it against the roof of your mouth while making a 'd/r' sound. It's similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual family chats, news reports, and formal literature. It's a very versatile word.

Yes, 'सात पीढ़ियाँ तर जाना' (sāt pīṛhiyā̃ tar jānā) is a famous one, meaning to bring great merit to one's entire lineage.