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पढ़ाना

A2 verb #800 most common 7 min read

पढ़ाना

padhana Top 800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पढ़ाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation पढ़ाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'पढ़ाना' (paṛhānā) means 'to teach.' It is used in very simple sentences to describe what a teacher does. You might say 'Teacher teaches Hindi' or 'I teach English.' At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'पढ़ाता हूँ' (masculine) and 'पढ़ाती हूँ' (feminine). It is important to distinguish it from 'पढ़ना' (to read). Think of it as 'making someone read.' You will mostly use it with subjects like Hindi, English, or Math. Example: 'वह हिंदी पढ़ाती है' (She teaches Hindi).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'पढ़ाना' in more varied contexts, such as describing your daily routine or talking about school. You should understand how to use it with the object marker 'को' (ko) for the person being taught. For example, 'मैं बच्चों को पढ़ाता हूँ' (I teach children). You also start using the past tense 'पढ़ाया' (taught) and the future tense 'पढ़ाऊँगा' (will teach). You should be able to ask questions like 'आप क्या पढ़ाते हैं?' (What do you teach?). This level also introduces the difference between 'पढ़ाना' (academic teaching) and 'सिखाना' (teaching a skill like swimming).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with compound verbs like 'पढ़ा देना' (to teach for someone) and 'पढ़ा पाना' (to be able to teach). You can use the verb in complex sentences involving reasons and results. For example, 'अगर आप मुझे पढ़ाएंगे, तो मैं पास हो जाऊँगा' (If you teach me, I will pass). You also understand the passive-like usage in formal contexts and can discuss educational topics more fluently. You start to recognize the noun 'पढ़ाई' (studies/teaching) and how it relates to the verb. You can also use it in the continuous tense to describe ongoing actions.

At the B2 level, you use 'पढ़ाना' to discuss pedagogical methods and educational systems. You are familiar with formal synonyms like 'अध्यापन करना' or 'शिक्षित करना.' You can use the verb in the subjunctive mood to express wishes or possibilities: 'काश वह मुझे पढ़ाता' (I wish he would teach me). You also understand idiomatic uses, such as 'सबक पढ़ाना' (to teach a lesson/retaliate). Your use of the 'ने' construction in the past tense is flawless, and you can handle multiple objects in a sentence (e.g., 'उसने छात्रों को इतिहास पढ़ाया').

At the C1 level, you use 'पढ़ाना' with a high degree of precision, distinguishing it from 'दीक्षा देना' or 'प्रशिक्षण देना' based on the subtle nuances of the context. You can engage in deep discussions about the philosophy of teaching. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in the context of the Guru-Shishya tradition. You can use the verb in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or professional reports. You also recognize and can use literary or poetic variations of the word in Urdu-influenced Hindi (Hindustani).

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'पढ़ाना.' You can use it in all its metaphorical and idiomatic glory. You can analyze the etymology of the word and its relation to Sanskrit roots. You are comfortable using it in any register, from street slang to the highest academic discourse. You can use the verb to express subtle irony or sarcasm. You understand how the choice of this verb over its synonyms reflects the speaker's social background and educational level. You can effortlessly switch between different causative forms and understand their structural implications in complex syntax.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पढ़ाना in 30 Seconds

The Hindi verb 'पढ़ाना' (paṛhānā) means 'to teach' or 'to instruct.'
It is the causative form of 'पढ़ना' (to read/study).
It is a transitive verb requiring the 'ने' (ne) marker in the past tense.
Commonly used for academic subjects and formal education.

The Hindi verb पढ़ाना (paṛhānā) is a cornerstone of the Hindi language, primarily meaning 'to teach,' 'to instruct,' or 'to educate.' It is the causative form of the verb पढ़ना (paṛhnā), which means 'to read' or 'to study.' In the linguistic logic of Hindi, when you 'cause someone to read,' you are teaching them. This word is used in almost every context involving the transfer of academic or formal knowledge, from a mother helping her child with homework to a professor lecturing at a university.

Grammatical Category: Transitive Verb (सकर्मक क्रिया). It requires both a subject (the teacher) and an object (the student or the subject being taught).
Primary Usage: Used for academic subjects, languages, and formal instruction. For physical skills like swimming or driving, 'सिखाना' (sikhānā) is more common.

शिक्षक छात्रों को गणित पढ़ाते हैं। (The teacher teaches mathematics to the students.)

Understanding the nuance of पढ़ाना requires recognizing its roots in the Sanskrit word 'path,' relating to recitation. In traditional Indian contexts, teaching was often oral and involved the recitation of texts. Today, the word has evolved to encompass modern pedagogical methods, including digital learning and interactive classrooms. It is a word that carries respect, as the act of teaching is highly valued in Indian culture.

क्या आप मुझे हिंदी पढ़ा सकते हैं? (Can you teach me Hindi?)

In social settings, you might hear this word used metaphorically. For instance, if someone is trying to give unsolicited advice or act superior, one might say 'मुझे मत पढ़ाओ' (Don't try to teach/lecture me). This highlights the word's versatility beyond the classroom. It is essential for A2 learners to master this verb because it opens up conversations about education, careers, and daily routines.

Common Collocations: विषय पढ़ाना (to teach a subject), स्कूल में पढ़ाना (to teach in school), ट्यूशन पढ़ाना (to give private tuitions).

वह पिछले दस सालों से इतिहास पढ़ा रही है। (She has been teaching history for the last ten years.)

Using पढ़ाना correctly involves understanding Hindi verb conjugation and the use of the ergative marker 'ने' (ne) in the perfective tense. Since it is a transitive verb, the subject takes 'ने' in the past tense, and the verb agrees with the object (the subject being taught) if it is not followed by a postposition.

Present Tense: मैं पढ़ाता हूँ (I teach - male), मैं पढ़ाती हूँ (I teach - female).
Past Tense (Perfective): उसने मुझे पाठ पढ़ाया (He/She taught me the lesson).

कल गुरुजी ने हमें एक नई कविता पढ़ाई। (Yesterday the teacher taught us a new poem.)

In the future tense, the verb changes based on the gender and number of the subject. For example, 'मैं पढ़ाऊँगा' (I will teach - masc.) or 'वे पढ़ाएँगे' (They will teach). It is also frequently used in the continuous form: 'वह पढ़ा रहा है' (He is teaching). When using the imperative form to ask someone to teach you, you say 'पढ़ाइए' (Please teach - formal) or 'पढ़ाओ' (Teach - informal).

मेरी बहन बच्चों को अंग्रेजी पढ़ाती है। (My sister teaches English to children.)

One interesting aspect of पढ़ाना is its use in compound verbs. For example, 'पढ़ा देना' (paṛhā denā) implies completing the act of teaching for someone else's benefit. 'वह मुझे गणित पढ़ा देगा' (He will teach me math [for my benefit]). This adds a layer of intentionality and direction to the action.

Compound Verbs: पढ़ा पाना (to be able to teach), पढ़ा लेना (to manage to teach).

क्या तुम आज क्लास पढ़ा पाओगे? (Will you be able to teach the class today?)

The word पढ़ाना is ubiquitous in Indian society, reflecting the high value placed on education. You will hear it most frequently in educational institutions. In a school hallway, a student might ask, 'आज कौन सा चैप्टर पढ़ाएंगे?' (Which chapter will [you] teach today?). In universities, professors discuss their 'teaching load' using this verb.

In the Home: Parents often say, 'चलो, मैं तुम्हें पढ़ाता हूँ' (Come, I will teach you/help you study).
In Professional Settings: Corporate trainers use it when conducting workshops: 'आज हम नई तकनीक पढ़ाएंगे' (Today we will teach the new technology).

मेरे पिताजी कॉलेज में पढ़ाते हैं। (My father teaches in a college.)

Beyond formal education, the word appears in the context of private coaching or 'tuitions,' which is a massive industry in India. You'll see advertisements saying 'घर पर आकर पढ़ाएं' (Will come to your home to teach). In Bollywood movies, a common trope involves a hero or heroine working as a tutor to support their family, leading to many dialogues featuring पढ़ाना.

वह शाम को गरीब बच्चों को पढ़ाता है। (He teaches poor children in the evening.)

In news and media, discussions about education policy often use the noun form 'पढ़ाई' (studies) alongside the verb 'पढ़ाना'. For example, 'शिक्षकों को नए तरीके से पढ़ाना चाहिए' (Teachers should teach in new ways). It is also common in religious contexts where a Guru 'teaches' scriptures to disciples.

Media Usage: YouTube titles like 'Hindi Kaise Padhaein' (How to teach Hindi) are very common.

ऑनलाइन पढ़ाना अब बहुत आसान हो गया है। (Teaching online has become very easy now.)

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing पढ़ाना (paṛhānā) with पढ़ना (paṛhnā). While they look similar, their meanings are opposite in terms of the direction of knowledge. पढ़ना is 'to read' or 'to study' (the student's action), while पढ़ाना is 'to teach' (the teacher's action). Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'I am reading the teacher' when you mean 'The teacher is teaching me.'

Confusing with 'Sikhānā': Learners often use 'पढ़ाना' for skills. You don't 'paṛhānā' swimming; you 'sikhānā' (teach/train) swimming.
Incorrect Object Marker: Forgetting to use 'को' (ko) with the student. Saying 'मैं छात्र पढ़ाता हूँ' is less natural than 'मैं छात्रों को पढ़ाता हूँ'.

गलत: मैं गिटार पढ़ाता हूँ। (Wrong: I teach guitar - unless reading music). सही: मैं गिटार सिखाता हूँ। (Right: I teach guitar - the skill).

Another common error involves the past tense. Because पढ़ाना is transitive, you must use the 'ने' construction. Beginners often say 'वह पढ़ाया' (He taught) instead of 'उसने पढ़ाया' (He taught). Additionally, ensure the verb agrees with the subject being taught (the direct object) if 'को' is not used with it. For example, 'उसने गणित पढ़ाया' (He taught math - masc.) vs 'उसने हिंदी पढ़ाई' (He taught Hindi - fem.).

उसने मुझे विज्ञान पढ़ाया। (He taught me science.)

Finally, avoid overusing पढ़ाना in informal contexts where 'बताना' (to tell/explain) might be more appropriate. If you are just showing someone how to do a quick task, 'बताना' or 'दिखाना' (to show) is better. पढ़ाना implies a more structured, educational process.

Pronunciation Error: Confusing the retroflex 'ड़' (ṛ) with a simple 'द' (d). It is pa-ṛhā-nā, not pa-dhā-nā.

While पढ़ाना is the most common word for teaching, several alternatives exist depending on the context and level of formality. Understanding these helps in choosing the right word for the right situation.

सिखाना (sikhānā): Used for skills, arts, and practical knowledge. 'खाना बनाना सिखाना' (To teach cooking).
शिक्षित करना (shikshit karnā): Formal. Means 'to educate.' Used in the context of general upliftment or formal schooling.
दीक्षा देना (dikshā denā): Highly formal/religious. Means 'to initiate' or 'to give spiritual instruction.'

वह बच्चों को संस्कार सिखाती है। (She teaches values to children - 'sikhānā' is better here for life skills.)

In academic circles, you might hear 'अध्यापन' (adhyāpan), which is the formal noun for 'teaching.' A teacher might say, 'मेरा पेशा अध्यापन है' (My profession is teaching). Another related word is 'प्रशिक्षण देना' (prashikshan denā), which means 'to provide training,' commonly used in corporate or technical fields.

कोच खिलाड़ियों को तकनीक सिखा रहा है। (The coach is teaching techniques to the players.)

For very formal or poetic contexts, 'ज्ञान देना' (gyān denā - to give knowledge) is used. This is often reserved for sages or great teachers. In contrast, 'तालीम देना' (tālīm denā) is an Urdu-origin synonym used frequently in literature and films, often carrying a sense of refined upbringing or artistic training.

Summary of Alternatives: पढ़ाना (Academic), सिखाना (Skill), शिक्षित करना (General Education), तालीम देना (Cultural/Refined).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'teaching' was synonymous with 'reciting' because books were rare and knowledge was passed down orally.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pə.ɽʱɑː.nɑː/

US /pə.ɽʱɑ.nɑ/

The stress is on the second syllable 'ṛhā'.

Rhymes With

बढ़ाना (baṛhānā - to increase) चढ़ाना (caṛhānā - to offer/climb) कढ़ाना (kaṛhānā - to embroider) सड़ाना (saṛānā - to rot) लड़ाना (laṛānā - to make fight) गड़ाना (gaṛānā - to bury) हटाना (haṭānā - to remove) बताना (batānā - to tell)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ṛ' as a simple 'd' (padana).
Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'ṛhā'.
Making the first 'a' too long (pāṛhānā).
Pronouncing 'nā' as a short 'na'.
Confusing it with 'paṛhnā' (reading).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'paṛhnā'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of retroflex 'ṛh'.

Speaking 3/5

Aspiration of 'h' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in daily conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पढ़ना शिक्षक छात्र किताब को

Learn Next

सिखाना समझना समझाना ज्ञान परीक्षा

Advanced

अध्यापन प्रशिक्षण दीक्षा साक्षरता पाठ्यक्रम

Grammar to Know

Causative Verbs

पढ़ना (to read) -> पढ़ाना (to teach).

Ergative 'ne' in Past Tense

उसने (He) पढ़ाया (taught).

Indirect Object with 'ko'

छात्रों को (to students) पढ़ाना।

Verb Agreement with Object

उसने हिंदी (fem) पढ़ाई (fem).

Imperative Forms

पढ़ाइए (formal), पढ़ाओ (informal).

Examples by Level

मैं हिंदी पढ़ाता हूँ।

I teach Hindi.

Present simple masculine.

वह क्या पढ़ाती है?

What does she teach?

Interrogative feminine.

सर गणित पढ़ाते हैं।

Sir teaches math.

Respectful plural form.

माँ मुझे पढ़ाती है।

Mother teaches me.

Subject-Object-Verb.

वे अंग्रेजी पढ़ाते हैं।

They teach English.

Third person plural.

तुम क्या पढ़ाते हो?

What do you teach?

Informal 'tum' form.

मैं बच्चों को पढ़ाती हूँ।

I teach children.

Use of 'ko' with students.

वह स्कूल में पढ़ाता है।

He teaches in school.

Locative 'mein'.

कल उसने मुझे एक नया पाठ पढ़ाया।

Yesterday he taught me a new lesson.

Past tense with 'ne'.

क्या आप मुझे कल पढ़ाएंगे?

Will you teach me tomorrow?

Future tense formal.

वह बहुत अच्छा पढ़ाती है।

She teaches very well.

Adverbial 'achha'.

मुझे विज्ञान पढ़ाना पसंद है।

I like to teach science.

Infinitive as a noun.

शिक्षक हमें रोज पढ़ाते हैं।

The teacher teaches us every day.

Frequency adverb 'roj'.

उसने मुझे हिंदी पढ़ाई।

He taught me Hindi.

Verb agrees with 'Hindi' (fem).

वे कॉलेज में पढ़ाते थे।

They used to teach in college.

Past habitual.

आप किसे पढ़ाते हैं?

Whom do you teach?

Interrogative 'kise'.

अगर तुम पढ़ाओगे, तो मैं सीखूँगा।

If you teach, then I will learn.

Conditional sentence.

वह मुझे गणित पढ़ा सकता है।

He can teach me math.

Modal verb 'sakna'.

मुझे बच्चों को पढ़ाना अच्छा लगता है।

I feel good teaching children.

Experiencer subject with 'ko'.

उसने मुझे सब कुछ पढ़ा दिया।

He taught me everything (completely).

Compound verb 'padha dena'.

मैं उसे पढ़ाना चाहता हूँ।

I want to teach him.

Infinitive with 'chahta hoon'.

वह पिछले दो घंटे से पढ़ा रहा है।

He has been teaching for the last two hours.

Present perfect continuous.

क्या आप मुझे यह विषय पढ़ा पाएंगे?

Will you be able to teach me this subject?

Compound verb 'padha paana'.

उसे पढ़ाना बहुत मुश्किल है।

It is very difficult to teach him.

Adjective 'mushkil' with infinitive.

शिक्षक को छात्रों की रुचि के अनुसार पढ़ाना चाहिए।

A teacher should teach according to the students' interest.

Modal 'chahiye'.

उसने मुझे जीवन का एक बड़ा सबक पढ़ाया।

He taught me a big lesson of life.

Metaphorical usage.

पढ़ाते समय हमें धैर्य रखना चाहिए।

While teaching, we should have patience.

Participle 'padhate samay'.

वह इस तरह पढ़ाता है कि सब समझ आ जाता है।

He teaches in such a way that everything is understood.

Result clause.

क्या आपने कभी ऑनलाइन पढ़ाया है?

Have you ever taught online?

Present perfect.

उसे पढ़ाने के लिए बहुत तैयारी करनी पड़ती है।

One has to do a lot of preparation to teach him.

Compulsion 'padti hai'.

मैंने उसे बहुत समझाया, पर उसने मुझे ही पढ़ाना शुरू कर दिया।

I explained a lot to him, but he started teaching me instead.

Contrastive 'par'.

वे विश्वविद्यालय में प्रोफेसर के रूप में पढ़ाते हैं।

He teaches as a professor in the university.

Formal role description.

आधुनिक युग में पढ़ाने के तरीके बदल गए हैं।

In the modern era, methods of teaching have changed.

Genitive 'ke tareeke'.

शिक्षा का अर्थ केवल पढ़ाना नहीं, बल्कि सर्वांगीण विकास है।

The meaning of education is not just teaching, but holistic development.

Correlative 'na keval... balki'.

उन्होंने अपनी पूरी जिंदगी गरीबों को पढ़ाने में लगा दी।

He dedicated his whole life to teaching the poor.

Idiomatic 'laga di'.

पढ़ाने की कला हर किसी के बस की बात नहीं है।

The art of teaching is not everyone's cup of tea.

Idiomatic 'bas ki baat'.

उसे पढ़ाने का तरीका बहुत ही प्रभावशाली है।

His way of teaching is very impressive.

Adjective 'prabhavshali'.

बिना किसी भेदभाव के पढ़ाना एक शिक्षक का कर्तव्य है।

Teaching without any discrimination is a teacher's duty.

Prepositional 'bina kisi'.

वह जटिल विषयों को भी सरलता से पढ़ा देता है।

He teaches even complex subjects with simplicity.

Adverbial 'saralta se'.

साहित्य पढ़ाना मेरे लिए एक आध्यात्मिक अनुभव है।

Teaching literature is a spiritual experience for me.

Abstract noun usage.

पढ़ाने की प्रक्रिया में शिक्षक स्वयं भी बहुत कुछ सीखता है।

In the process of teaching, the teacher himself learns a lot.

Reflexive 'swayam'.

प्राचीन भारत में गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा के अंतर्गत पढ़ाया जाता था।

In ancient India, teaching was done under the Guru-Shishya tradition.

Passive voice 'padhaya jata tha'.

क्या आप मानते हैं कि पढ़ाने के लिए किसी विशेष डिग्री की आवश्यकता है?

Do you believe that a specific degree is necessary for teaching?

Subordinate clause 'ki'.

पढ़ाने का मुख्य उद्देश्य जिज्ञासा उत्पन्न करना होना चाहिए।

The main objective of teaching should be to generate curiosity.

Compound verb 'hona chahiye'.

उनकी पढ़ाने की शैली में एक अनूठा आकर्षण है।

There is a unique charm in his style of teaching.

Possessive 'ki shaili'.

विषय की गहराई तक जाकर पढ़ाना ही वास्तविक शिक्षा है।

Teaching by going into the depth of the subject is real education.

Gerundial subject.

पढ़ाने के माध्यम से समाज में बदलाव लाया जा सकता है।

Change can be brought in society through teaching.

Instrumental 'ke madhyam se'.

वह केवल पढ़ाता नहीं, बल्कि अपने छात्रों का मार्गदर्शन भी करता है।

He doesn't just teach, but also guides his students.

Complex coordination.

Common Collocations

विषय पढ़ाना

स्कूल में पढ़ाना

ट्यूशन पढ़ाना

ऑनलाइन पढ़ाना

पाठ पढ़ाना

हिंदी पढ़ाना

बच्चों को पढ़ाना

कॉलेज में पढ़ाना

मुफ्त में पढ़ाना

ध्यान से पढ़ाना

Common Phrases

मुझे पढ़ाओ

— Teach me. Used when asking for help with studies.

भाई, मुझे यह सवाल पढ़ाओ।

पढ़ाने वाला

— The one who teaches (teacher).

पढ़ाने वाला बहुत अच्छा है।

पढ़ाने का तरीका

— Teaching method/style.

उनका पढ़ाने का तरीका अलग है।

पढ़ाने की कला

— The art of teaching.

पढ़ाने की कला सबके पास नहीं होती।

पढ़ाने का समय

— Time to teach.

अब मेरे पढ़ाने का समय हो गया है।

घर पर पढ़ाना

— To teach at home (home tuition).

वह घर पर आकर पढ़ाता है।

सबको पढ़ाना

— To teach everyone.

हमें सबको पढ़ाना चाहिए।

अच्छी तरह पढ़ाना

— To teach well/thoroughly.

उसने मुझे अच्छी तरह पढ़ाया।

पढ़ाने की नौकरी

— Teaching job.

मुझे पढ़ाने की नौकरी मिल गई।

पढ़ाने का शौक

— Passion for teaching.

उसे पढ़ाने का बहुत शौक है।

Often Confused With

पढ़ाना vs पढ़ना

Means 'to read/study'. The student does this.

पढ़ाना vs सिखाना

Means 'to teach a skill'. Used for swimming, driving, etc.

पढ़ाना vs बताना

Means 'to tell'. Used for simple info, not structured teaching.

Idioms & Expressions

"सबक पढ़ाना"

— To teach someone a lesson (usually as a punishment or retaliation).

मैंने उसे अच्छा सबक पढ़ाया।

Informal

"पट्टी पढ़ाना"

— To brainwash or mislead someone by giving false information.

उसने उसे गलत पट्टी पढ़ा दी।

Informal

"उल्टी पट्टी पढ़ाना"

— To misguide someone deliberately.

तुम उसे उल्टी पट्टी मत पढ़ाओ।

Informal

"तोते की तरह पढ़ाना"

— To make someone memorize without understanding (rote learning).

बच्चों को तोते की तरह मत पढ़ाओ।

Neutral

"पाठ पढ़ाना"

— To lecture someone (often used negatively).

मुझे ज्यादा पाठ मत पढ़ाओ।

Informal

"दुनिया पढ़ाना"

— To be very experienced or clever (literally: to have taught the world).

वह बहुत चालाक है, उसने दुनिया पढ़ाई है।

Slang

"कान में पढ़ाना"

— To whisper or give secret advice (rare).

उसने उसके कान में कुछ पढ़ाया।

Literary

"कलम पकड़ना पढ़ाना"

— To teach the very basics of writing.

माँ ने मुझे कलम पकड़ना पढ़ाया।

Neutral

"दिमाग पढ़ाना"

— To try to influence someone's thinking.

वह मेरा दिमाग पढ़ाने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

Informal

"नसीहत पढ़ाना"

— To give moral advice (often unwanted).

वह हर वक्त नसीहत पढ़ाता रहता है।

Neutral

Easily Confused

पढ़ाना vs पढ़ना

Similar spelling and sound.

पढ़ना is the action of learning/reading; पढ़ाना is the action of teaching.

मैं पढ़ रहा हूँ (I am reading) vs मैं पढ़ा रहा हूँ (I am teaching).

पढ़ाना vs सिखाना

Both mean 'to teach'.

पढ़ाना is for books/subjects; सिखाना is for skills/habits.

गणित पढ़ाना (teach math) vs तैरना सिखाना (teach swimming).

पढ़ाना vs समझाना

Both involve explaining.

समझाना means 'to make someone understand' a specific point or logic.

सवाल समझाना (explain a question) vs विषय पढ़ाना (teach a subject).

पढ़ाना vs दिखाना

Sometimes teaching involves showing.

दिखाना is simply 'to show' visually.

किताब दिखाना (show the book) vs किताब पढ़ाना (teach the book).

पढ़ाना vs बताना

Informal teaching often uses 'tell'.

बताना is just giving information.

नाम बताना (tell name) vs पाठ पढ़ाना (teach lesson).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Object + पढ़ाता/ती हूँ।

मैं हिंदी पढ़ाता हूँ।

Subject + Person + को + पढ़ाता है।

वह बच्चों को पढ़ाता है।

Subject + ने + Object + पढ़ाया।

उसने पाठ पढ़ाया।

Subject + Object + पढ़ा + सकता है।

वह विज्ञान पढ़ा सकता है।

पढ़ाने के लिए + X + जरूरी है।

पढ़ाने के लिए धैर्य जरूरी है।

पढ़ाने के माध्यम से + X + संभव है।

पढ़ाने के माध्यम से बदलाव संभव है।

Subject + पढ़ा + रहा/रही है।

शिक्षक पढ़ा रहे हैं।

क्या + Subject + पढ़ाएंगे?

क्या आप पढ़ाएंगे?

Word Family

Nouns

पढ़ाई (paṛhāī - studies/teaching)

पाठक (pāṭhak - reader)

पाठ (pāṭh - lesson)

अध्यापक (adhyāpak - teacher)

Verbs

पढ़ना (paṛhnā - to read)

पढ़वाना (paṛhvānā - to cause someone to have someone else teach)

Adjectives

पढ़ा-लिखा (paṛhā-likhā - educated)

पठनीय (paṭhanīya - readable)

शिक्षा

स्कूल

किताब

ज्ञान

सीखना

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

मैं पढ़ता हूँ (when meaning 'I teach') → मैं पढ़ाता हूँ
The first means 'I read/study'; the second means 'I teach'.
वह मुझे तैरना पढ़ाता है। → वह मुझे तैरना सिखाता है।
Use 'sikhānā' for physical skills like swimming.
वह पढ़ाया। → उसने पढ़ाया।
Transitive verbs in the past tense require the 'ne' marker.
मैं छात्र पढ़ाता हूँ। → मैं छात्रों को पढ़ाता हूँ।
The person being taught usually needs the 'ko' postposition.
शिक्षक हिंदी पढ़ाया। → शिक्षक ने हिंदी पढ़ाई।
The verb must agree with the object 'Hindi' (feminine) in the past tense.

Tips

Past Tense Rule

Always use 'ने' with the subject when using 'पढ़ाना' in the past tense. Example: 'मैंने पढ़ाया' (I taught).

Subject vs Skill

Use 'पढ़ाना' for things you find in books (History, Hindi) and 'सिखाना' for things you do with your hands or body (Cooking, Sports).

The Retroflex 'Ṛh'

Make sure to curl your tongue back for the 'ड़' sound. It's the same sound as in 'baṛā' (big) but with an added breath of air (h).

Respecting Teachers

When talking about a teacher, always use the plural form 'पढ़ाते हैं' to show respect, even if it's just one person.

Compound Verbs

Use 'पढ़ा देना' when you want to emphasize that the teaching was done as a favor or completed successfully.

The 'A' Factor

The extra 'ā' in 'paṛh-ā-nā' is like an 'arrow' pointing from the teacher to the student. 'Paṛhnā' stays with you; 'Paṛhānā' goes to someone else.

The Dot Matters

Never forget the dot under the 'ड़'. Without it, the word changes meaning or becomes incorrect.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ko' after a person's name, the verb 'paṛhānā' is likely coming next to show they are being taught.

Don't be 'Patti'ed

If someone is giving you suspicious advice, they might be 'पट्टी पढ़ाना' (misleading) you. Be careful!

Ask for Help

A great way to practice is to ask: 'क्या आप मुझे हिंदी पढ़ा सकते हैं?' (Can you teach me Hindi?).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Paṛh' (Read) + 'ānā' (to bring). You are 'bringing' someone to 'read.'

Visual Association

Imagine a teacher pointing to a large 'P' on a blackboard while students repeat it.

Word Web

Teacher Student Book Classroom Lesson Knowledge Homework Exam

Challenge

Try to use 'पढ़ाना' in three sentences today: one about a teacher, one about a parent, and one about yourself.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'पठ्' (paṭh), which means to read, recite, or speak aloud.

Original meaning: To cause someone to recite or read aloud.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be respectful when using this word with elders; teaching an elder can sometimes be seen as arrogant if not phrased politely.

Similar to 'to teach' but specifically focused on academic or textual knowledge.

The movie 'Hichki' features a teacher's struggle to teach. Kabir's couplets often mention the importance of a Guru teaching the truth. The slogan 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the daughter, educate the daughter).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School

सर आज क्या पढ़ाएंगे?
हमें गणित पढ़ाओ।
वह स्कूल में पढ़ाती है।
नया पाठ पढ़ाना।

Home

पापा मुझे पढ़ाते हैं।
होमवर्क पढ़ा दो।
भाई को पढ़ाओ।
शाम को पढ़ाना।

Online

यूट्यूब पर पढ़ाना।
ज़ूम पर पढ़ाना।
ऑनलाइन क्लास पढ़ाना।
डिजिटल तरीके से पढ़ाना।

Professional

ट्रेनिंग पढ़ाना।
वर्कशॉप में पढ़ाना।
नई तकनीक पढ़ाना।
स्टाफ को पढ़ाना।

Social

गरीबों को पढ़ाना।
सबको पढ़ाना चाहिए।
साक्षरता पढ़ाना।
गाँव में पढ़ाना।

Conversation Starters

"आप कौन सा विषय पढ़ाते हैं?"

"क्या आप मुझे हिंदी पढ़ा सकते हैं?"

"आपको पढ़ाना कैसा लगता है?"

"क्या आपने कभी बच्चों को पढ़ाया है?"

"पढ़ाने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने दोस्त को एक नई बात पढ़ाई।

मेरे पसंदीदा शिक्षक ने मुझे कैसे पढ़ाया?

अगर मैं शिक्षक होता, तो मैं क्या पढ़ाता?

पढ़ाने के दौरान मुझे क्या चुनौतियाँ आती हैं?

क्या ऑनलाइन पढ़ाना कक्षा में पढ़ाने से बेहतर है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'पढ़ना' means to read or study (done by the student), while 'पढ़ाना' means to teach (done by the teacher). For example, 'मैं पढ़ता हूँ' means 'I study,' and 'मैं पढ़ाता हूँ' means 'I teach.'

No, 'सिखाना' is better for skills like driving. You would say 'ड्राइविंग सिखाना.' 'पढ़ाना' is reserved for academic subjects or reading-based instruction.

You say 'उसने मुझे पढ़ाया' (Usne mujhe paṛhāyā). Note the use of 'ने' because 'पढ़ाना' is a transitive verb in the past tense.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal settings, you might use 'अध्यापन करना' (to teach/lecture).

Yes, like all Hindi verbs. 'पढ़ाता' for masculine, 'पढ़ाती' for feminine, and 'पढ़ाते' for plural or respectful.

It is an idiom meaning to brainwash or mislead someone. For example, 'उसने मुझे गलत पट्टी पढ़ा दी' (He misled me).

Yes, it can sometimes mean reading a text aloud to someone so they can learn it, but 'पढ़कर सुनाना' is more specific for just reading aloud.

It is 'पढ़ा' with a dot (retroflex 'ṛh'). 'पड़ा' (without 'h') means 'fell' or 'lying down,' so the 'h' is very important.

You say 'मैं पढ़ाना चाहता हूँ' (masculine) or 'मैं पढ़ाना चाहती हूँ' (feminine).

The most common noun form is 'पढ़ाई' (paṛhāī), which means 'studies' or the act of teaching/learning.