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सबर रखना

B1 verb 9 min read

सबर रखना

sabar rakhna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सबर रखना in 30 Seconds

Explanation सबर रखना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'सबर रखना' (Sabar rakhna) is introduced as a simple command used in daily life. Imagine you are in a busy market or waiting for your turn to speak. You might hear someone say 'Sabar rakho' (Have patience) or 'Ek minute sabar rakho' (Have patience for one minute). For a beginner, the focus is on the imperative form. You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet. Just remember that 'Sabar' means patience and 'Rakho' is the command form of 'to keep'. It's a very useful phrase when you are traveling in India because things often take a little longer than you might expect! You can use it to tell yourself to stay calm or to ask a child to wait. It is a 'survival' phrase that helps you navigate social interactions where there is a delay. At this stage, just think of it as a synonym for 'Wait a second' but with a more polite, calm feeling. You might also see it on signs or hear it in simple songs. The key is to recognize the sound 'Sabar' and associate it with the act of waiting calmly.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'सबर रखना' in simple sentences beyond just commands. You can now describe your feelings or the actions of others. For example, 'Main sabar rakh raha hoon' (I am being patient) or 'Kya tum sabar rakh sakte ho?' (Can you have patience?). You start to see how the verb 'rakhna' changes while 'sabar' stays the same. You might also learn the negative form: 'Mujhme sabar nahi hai' (I don't have patience). This level involves understanding the difference between 'waiting' (intezaar karna) and 'having patience' (sabar rakhna). You might describe a situation like, 'The bus is late, I am keeping patience.' You also begin to understand the cultural importance—that being 'sabar wala' (a patient person) is a good thing. You can use it in past tense too, like 'Maine sabar rakha' (I kept patience). This helps you tell simple stories about your day. It’s about moving from a one-word command to a functional part of your basic conversation.

At the B1 level, 'सबर रखना' becomes a tool for expressing advice and discussing virtues. You are now comfortable with modal verbs, so you can say 'Tumhe sabar rakhna chahiye' (You should have patience). This is a very common way to comfort a friend. You also start to encounter the phrase in more varied contexts, such as work or relationships. You might discuss the proverb 'Sabar ka phal meetha hota hai' (The fruit of patience is sweet) and explain what it means to you. At this level, you should be able to conjugate 'rakhna' in all basic tenses (present, past, future) and understand how it works with the 'ne' particle in the past tense ('Usne sabar rakha'). You also begin to distinguish between 'Sabar' and its more formal synonyms like 'Dheeraj'. You can participate in a discussion about why it's hard to have patience in the modern world. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related words like 'be-sabri' (impatience). You are not just using the word; you are starting to understand the nuance of 'sabar' as a character trait.

At the B2 level, you use 'सबर रखना' with much more nuance and can handle complex grammatical structures. You might use the conditional: 'Agar hum thoda aur sabar rakhte, to halat behtar hote' (If we had kept a little more patience, the situation would have been better). You understand the poetic and philosophical weight of the word. You can discuss the concept of 'sabar' in Indian culture, perhaps comparing it to Western concepts of 'tolerance' or 'stoicism'. You are likely reading news articles or watching films where 'sabar' is a central theme. You can use the word in professional settings to manage expectations: 'Hamein is project ke results ke liye sabar rakhna hoga' (We will have to have patience for the results of this project). You also recognize the Urdu influence on the word and might occasionally use the more formal 'Sabr' in appropriate settings. Your ability to use 'sabar' in various registers—from a casual chat to a formal debate—shows your growing fluency. You also understand idioms and metaphors built around this word.

At the C1 level, your use of 'सबर रखना' is sophisticated and natural. You can use it to express subtle emotional states and philosophical viewpoints. You might use it in literary analysis, discussing how a character's 'sabar' (or lack thereof) leads to their downfall or success. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'Sabar', 'Dhairya', 'Zabt', and 'Tahammul' (another high-Urdu word for endurance). You can use these words to vary your tone and precision. You might write a formal essay on the role of 'sabar' in social change or spiritual growth. You understand the historical and religious connotations of 'Sabr' in Islamic and Hindu traditions and can navigate these sensitivities in conversation. Your speech includes complex sentence structures like 'Sabar rakhne ki kshamta' (the ability to keep patience). You don't just know the word; you know its soul. You can use it ironically, poetically, or persuasively. You are able to interpret the silence or the specific way someone says 'sabar rakho' to understand their underlying frustration or genuine support.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'सबर रखना' and its place in the vast landscape of Hindi and Urdu literature. You can appreciate and use the word in the context of classical poetry (Ghazals) where 'Sabr' is a recurring motif of the suffering lover. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the limits of patience versus the need for action. Your vocabulary is so rich that you might choose 'sabar rakhna' specifically for its rhythmic quality in a sentence or its cultural resonance. You can effortlessly switch between the colloquial 'sabar' and the highly formal 'dhairya' or 'isteqamat' (steadfastness) depending on your audience. You understand the deepest etymological roots and how the word has evolved in the Indian subcontinent. For you, 'sabar rakhna' is not just a verb; it's a cultural pillar that you can manipulate with the skill of a native speaker. You can even use it to create your own metaphors or wordplay. Your understanding is instinctive, allowing you to use the phrase with the perfect intonation to convey empathy, authority, or resignation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सबर रखना in 30 Seconds

Sabar rakhna means to have patience or stay calm during a wait.
It is a compound verb where 'rakhna' conjugates and 'sabar' stays the same.
It is culturally praised as a virtue that leads to better results.
Commonly used as 'Sabar rakho' (Have patience) in everyday Hindi conversation.

The phrase सबर रखना (Sabar rakhna) is one of the most culturally significant and emotionally resonant expressions in the Hindi language. At its surface, it translates to 'to have patience' or 'to keep patience,' but its roots and usage go much deeper into the fabric of South Asian philosophy and daily life. Derived from the Arabic root 'Sabr,' the word 'Sabar' (often also spelled and pronounced as 'Sabr' in more formal or Urdu-influenced contexts) implies a specific kind of endurance. It is not just about waiting for a bus; it is about the spiritual and mental fortitude required to withstand hardship, delay, or provocation without losing one's inner peace. When someone tells you to sabar rakho, they are often asking you to trust in the timing of the universe or to maintain your dignity in a difficult situation. It is a verb phrase that combines the noun 'sabar' (patience) with 'rakhna' (to keep/place), creating a functional compound verb used across all strata of society, from a mother calming a child to a philosopher discussing the virtues of the soul.

Core Essence: The act of consciously choosing to remain calm and steadfast during periods of uncertainty or suffering.
Social Function: Often used as a form of consolation or a gentle command to prevent impulsive actions that might lead to regret.

मुसीबत के समय इंसान को सबर रखना चाहिए। (During times of trouble, a person should have patience.)

In everyday Hindi, the word is ubiquitous. You will hear it in the chaotic traffic of Delhi, where a driver might shout it to a frustrated pedestrian, or in a quiet hospital corridor where a doctor speaks to a worried family. It bridges the gap between a simple command and a profound piece of advice. Unlike the English 'wait,' which is often purely functional, 'sabar rakhna' carries a moral weight. It suggests that having patience is a virtuous act that will eventually be rewarded. This is encapsulated in the famous Hindi proverb, 'Sabar ka phal meetha hota hai' (The fruit of patience is sweet). Therefore, when you use this phrase, you aren't just talking about time; you are talking about character. It is the antithesis of 'jaldbazi' (hurry/haste), which is often viewed negatively in traditional Indian thought as a source of error and spiritual unrest.

थोड़ा सबर रखो, खाना बस तैयार ही है। (Have a little patience, the food is just about ready.)

Using सबर रखना (Sabar rakhna) correctly requires an understanding of how compound verbs work in Hindi. The word 'rakhna' (to keep) is the part that conjugates according to the subject, tense, and mood, while 'sabar' remains constant as the object of the action. Because it is a transitive construction ('to keep patience'), the rules of gender and number for the verb usually align with the masculine noun 'sabar' in certain past tense constructions, though in the imperative form, it is very straightforward. For beginners, the most common form is the imperative: 'Sabar rakho' (informal/neutral) or 'Sabar rakhiye' (formal/polite). If you are talking to a friend who is waiting for a job offer, you might say, 'Tumhe thoda aur sabar rakhna chahiye' (You should have a little more patience).

Imperative (Command/Request): Sabar rakho (Have patience - neutral) / Sabar rakhiye (Please have patience - formal).
Continuous Tense: Main sabar rakh raha hoon (I am keeping patience/waiting patiently).

उसने बहुत सबर रखा और आखिरकार उसे कामयाबी मिली। (He kept a lot of patience and finally he got success.)

In more complex grammatical structures, like the past perfect or future conditional, 'sabar rakhna' functions like any other 'noun + rakhna' compound. For example, 'Agar tumne sabar rakha hota, to kaam ban jata' (If you had kept patience, the work would have been done). It is important to note that 'sabar' is a masculine noun. Therefore, in the perfective aspect, if you are using the 'ne' construction, the verb will take the masculine singular form 'rakha'. For instance, 'Maine sabar rakha' (I kept patience), regardless of whether the speaker is male or female. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might try to change 'rakha' to 'rakhi' if they are female, but since the object 'sabar' is masculine, 'rakha' remains the standard.

क्या आप थोड़ा सबर रख सकते हैं? (Can you keep a little patience?)

The phrase सबर रखना (Sabar rakhna) is a staple of Bollywood dialogue, Hindi literature, and daily street-side conversations. In the world of Indian cinema, it is often used in high-stakes emotional scenes. Imagine a hero waiting for news about a loved one in a hospital, or a mentor teaching a young student the art of war or life. The mentor might say, 'Yuddh mein sabar rakhna hi sabse bada hathiyar hai' (In war, having patience is the greatest weapon). This cinematic usage reinforces the idea that patience is a heroic quality. Beyond the screen, you will hear it in the workplace. If a project is delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles, a colleague might sigh and say, 'Hamein thoda aur sabar rakhna padega' (We will have to have a little more patience).

In the Kitchen: Grandmothers often tell children 'Sabar rakho' when they are impatient for festive sweets like Jalebis or Laddoos.
In Religion/Spirituality: During sermons (Pravachan or Khutbah), the virtue of 'Sabar' is frequently extolled as a path to divine grace.

अरे भाई, सबर रखो, लाइन में सब खड़े हैं। (Hey brother, have patience, everyone is standing in the line.)

Social media in India is also full of memes and motivational quotes featuring this phrase. You'll find Instagram posts with the caption 'Sabar Rakho' over a picture of a sunset, implying that better days are coming. It is also used in a slightly sarcastic or frustrated way. If someone is being incredibly annoying or persistent, one might say under their breath, 'Main kab tak sabar rakhun?' (How long should I keep my patience?), implying that they are about to lose their temper. This versatility—from the deeply spiritual to the mildly annoyed—makes it an essential part of the Hindi learner's toolkit. It captures the rhythm of life in India, where things often take longer than expected, and 'sabar' is the primary coping mechanism.

इम्तिहान के नतीजों के लिए सबर रखना मुश्किल होता है। (It is difficult to have patience for exam results.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using सबर रखना (Sabar rakhna) is confusing it with the simple verb 'to wait' (इंतज़ार करना - Intezaar karna). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Intezaar karna' is the physical act of waiting for someone or something to arrive. 'Sabar rakhna' is the internal state of being patient. For example, if you are waiting for a friend at a cafe, you are doing 'intezaar'. If that friend is 30 minutes late and you are trying not to get angry, you are keeping 'sabar'. Learners often say 'Main sabar kar raha hoon' (I am doing patience), which is grammatically incorrect. The correct collocation is always 'rakhna' (to keep), not 'karna' (to do).

Mistake: Sabar Karna: Incorrect: 'Main sabar kar raha hoon'. Correct: 'Main sabar rakh raha hoon'.
Mistake: Gender Agreement: Incorrect: 'Usne sabar rakhi'. Correct: 'Usne sabar rakha' (because Sabar is masculine).

गलत: मैंने बहुत सबर किया। सही: मैंने बहुत सबर रखा। (Wrong: I did much patience. Right: I kept much patience.)

Another mistake involves the prepositional usage. In English, we say 'patience with someone.' In Hindi, the construction usually involves 'par' (on) or 'ke saath' (with), but more often, 'sabar rakhna' is used as a standalone advice. If you want to say 'Have patience with me,' you would say 'Mujh par sabar rakho' or more naturally, 'Thoda sabar rakho' (just 'have some patience'). Another subtle error is the pronunciation of the 's' sound. Some learners might confuse it with 'sh' (shabar), but it is a clear 's' sound. Lastly, remember that 'sabar' is a noun being used in a verb phrase; don't try to conjugate 'sabar' itself! Only 'rakhna' changes its form to reflect tense and person.

बच्चे के साथ सबर रखना ज़रूरी है। (It is necessary to have patience with a child.)

While सबर रखना (Sabar rakhna) is the most common way to express 'having patience,' Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the desired register and context. The most prominent synonym is धीरज रखना (Dheeraj rakhna). 'Dheeraj' comes from Sanskrit and carries a sense of 'steadfastness' or 'courageous patience.' It is often used in literature or formal speeches. Another formal alternative is धैर्य रखना (Dhairya rakhna), which is the pure tatsama (Sanskrit) word for patience. If you are watching a news broadcast or reading a formal essay, 'dhairya' is the word you will likely encounter. It sounds more academic and 'heavy' than the colloquial 'sabar'.

धीरज रखना (Dheeraj rakhna): More formal, often implies a deeper, internal strength. Used in poetry and formal Hindi.
इंतज़ार करना (Intezaar karna): To wait. This is an action, whereas 'sabar' is a state of mind. You can wait (intezaar) without having patience (sabar)!

मुसीबत में धैर्य रखना ही बुद्धिमानी है। (To keep patience in trouble is indeed wisdom.)

On the more functional side, you might hear प्रतीक्षा करना (Prateeksha karna), which is the formal Hindi word for 'waiting.' It is the equivalent of 'Intezaar karna' but in a higher register. If you want to express 'tolerance' or 'restraint,' you might use सहनशीलता दिखाना (Sahansheelta dikhana) or ज़ब्त रखना (Zabt rakhna). 'Zabt' is a beautiful Urdu word that specifically refers to self-control and restraining one's emotions. While 'sabar' is broad, 'zabt' is specifically about not exploding with anger or grief. For a learner, mastering 'sabar rakhna' is priority one, but knowing these alternatives will help you navigate different social settings and literary texts with ease.

वह अपनी बारी का इंतज़ार कर रहा है, लेकिन उसमें सबर नहीं है। (He is waiting for his turn, but he has no patience.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"कृपया शांति बनाए रखें और सबर रखें।"

Neutral

"हमें इस मामले में सबर रखना होगा।"

Informal

"अरे यार, थोड़ा सबर रख!"

Child friendly

"बेटा, सबर रखो, पापा अभी आ रहे हैं।"

Slang

"भाई, सबर रख, सीन सॉर्ट हो जाएगा।"

Fun Fact

The word 'Sabr' is used over 100 times in the Quran, highlighting its spiritual importance in the regions from which the word traveled to India.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sə.bər rəkʰ.nɑː/

US /sə.bər rəkʰ.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'Sabar' (SA-bar) and the first syllable of 'Rakhna' (RAKH-na).

Rhymes With

खबर रखना (Khabar rakhna) नज़र रखना (Nazar rakhna) असर रखना (Asar rakhna) डगर रखना (Dagar rakhna) ज़हर रखना (Zahar rakhna) सफ़र रखना (Safar rakhna) कमर रखना (Kamar rakhna) शहर रखना (Shahar rakhna)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Sabar' as 'Shabar' (adding a 'sh' sound).
Pronouncing 'Rakhna' as 'Rakna' (missing the aspiration on 'kh').
Elongating the first 'a' in Sabar (Saabar).
Making the 'r' in Sabar too rhotic like in American English.
Confusing the spelling with 'Sabra' (the Hebrew name).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the characters; 'Sabar' and 'Rakhna' are common words.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of the 'kh' aspiration and the conjunct in 'rakhna'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to pronounce once the 'kh' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common in speech, easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

रखना थोड़ा नहीं चाहिए इंतज़ार

Learn Next

धीरज धैर्य शांति मुसीबत कामयाबी

Advanced

सहनशीलता ज़ब्त तहाम्मुल इस्तेक़ामत संतोष

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Noun + Verb)

Sabar (Noun) + Rakhna (Verb) = To have patience.

Imperative Mood

Rakho (informal), Rakhiye (formal).

Perfective Aspect with 'Ne'

Maine sabar rakha (I kept patience).

Modal 'Chahiye'

Hamein sabar rakhna chahiye (We should have patience).

Infinitive as Noun

Sabar rakhna ek gun hai (To have patience is a virtue).

Examples by Level

सबर रखो।

Have patience.

Simple imperative form.

थोड़ा सबर रखो।

Have a little patience.

'Thoda' acts as an adverbial qualifier.

एक मिनट सबर रखो।

Have patience for one minute.

Adding a time duration.

सबर रखो, माँ आ रही है।

Have patience, mother is coming.

Compound sentence with present continuous.

क्या तुम सबर रख सकते हो?

Can you have patience?

Question using 'sakna' (can).

बस सबर रखो।

Just have patience.

'Bas' means 'just' or 'only'.

भाई, सबर रखो!

Brother, have patience!

Vocative 'bhai' added for emphasis.

चुपचाप सबर रखो।

Keep patience quietly.

'Chupchaap' means quietly/silently.

मैं सबर रख रहा हूँ।

I am keeping patience.

Present continuous tense.

उसने सबर नहीं रखा।

He did not keep patience.

Past tense with 'ne' and negation.

हमें सबर रखना चाहिए।

We should have patience.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

वह सबर रख सकती है।

She can have patience.

Female subject with 'sakna'.

सबर रखना अच्छी बात है।

To have patience is a good thing.

Infinitive as a subject.

तुम सबर क्यों नहीं रखते?

Why don't you have patience?

Interrogative in present simple.

मैंने बहुत सबर रखा।

I kept a lot of patience.

'Bahut' used for emphasis.

सबर रखो, सब ठीक होगा।

Have patience, everything will be fine.

Future tense in the second clause.

कामयाबी के लिए सबर रखना ज़रूरी है।

Patience is necessary for success.

Abstract noun usage with 'zaroori'.

अगर तुम सबर रखोगे, तो फल मिलेगा।

If you keep patience, you will get the fruit.

Conditional sentence (future).

मुश्किल घड़ी में सबर रखना चाहिए।

One should have patience in difficult times.

Passive/General advice.

उसने अपनी बारी के लिए सबर रखा।

He kept patience for his turn.

Past tense with purpose clause.

सबर रखना सीखना पड़ता है।

One has to learn to have patience.

Use of 'padta hai' (compulsion/necessity).

मैं अब और सबर नहीं रख सकता।

I cannot keep patience anymore.

'Ab aur' (any more) with negation.

सबर रखने से मन शांत रहता है।

By keeping patience, the mind stays calm.

Instrumental case 'se' with gerund.

क्या आपने कभी इतना सबर रखा है?

Have you ever kept this much patience?

Present perfect interrogative.

बिना सबर रखे तुम यह काम नहीं कर सकते।

Without keeping patience, you cannot do this work.

Negative participial phrase 'bina... rakhe'.

उसने जिस तरह सबर रखा, वह काबिले-तारीफ है।

The way he kept patience is praiseworthy.

Relative-correlative structure.

इतने लंबे इंतज़ार के बाद भी उसने सबर रखा।

Even after such a long wait, he kept patience.

Contrastive 'ke baad bhi'.

सबर रखना कमज़ोरी नहीं, ताकत है।

Having patience is not weakness, it is strength.

Parallel contrastive structure.

शायद मुझे और सबर रखना चाहिए था।

Perhaps I should have had more patience.

Past modal 'chahiye tha'.

सबर रखने की भी एक सीमा होती है।

There is also a limit to keeping patience.

Genitive 'ki' with 'seema' (limit).

वह सबर रखने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is trying to keep patience.

Compound verb 'koshish karna'.

सबर रखने वालों की हमेशा जीत होती है।

Those who keep patience always win.

Agentive 'walon' construction.

सबर रखना ही इंसान की असली परीक्षा है।

Keeping patience is indeed the true test of a human.

Emphatic 'hi' with abstract noun.

जब सब कुछ गलत हो रहा हो, तब सबर रखना ही एकमात्र विकल्प है।

When everything is going wrong, having patience is the only option.

Temporal 'jab... tab' structure.

उसके सबर रखने के अंदाज़ ने सबको प्रभावित किया।

The style in which he kept patience impressed everyone.

Complex genitive phrase.

सबर रखना कोई आसान काम नहीं, यह एक साधना है।

Having patience is not an easy task; it is a spiritual practice.

Metaphorical usage.

जितना अधिक तुम सबर रखोगे, उतना ही तुम निखरोगे।

The more patience you have, the more you will shine/refine.

Proportional 'jitna... utna' structure.

उसने विषम परिस्थितियों में भी अद्भुत सबर रखा।

He kept amazing patience even in adverse circumstances.

Advanced vocabulary 'visham' and 'adbhut'.

सबर रखने का अर्थ यह नहीं कि आप कोशिश करना छोड़ दें।

Keeping patience does not mean that you stop trying.

Defining a concept with negation.

उसकी आँखों में सबर रखने की एक गहरी चमक थी।

There was a deep glow of patience in his eyes.

Poetic/Literary description.

सबर रखना उस मौन प्रार्थना की तरह है जो ईश्वर तक पहुँचती है।

Keeping patience is like that silent prayer which reaches God.

Simile with religious connotation.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन्होंने सबर रखा, उन्होंने ही साम्राज्य बदले हैं।

History is witness that only those who kept patience changed empires.

Complex historical assertion.

सबर रखने की कला ही उसे दूसरों से अलग बनाती है।

The art of keeping patience is what sets him apart from others.

Conceptualizing 'patience' as an 'art'.

जब तर्क विफल हो जाते हैं, तब केवल सबर रखना ही शेष रह जाता है।

When logic fails, only keeping patience remains.

Philosophical conditional.

उसने अपने क्रोध को सबर रखने की ढाल से ढक लिया।

He covered his anger with the shield of patience.

Metaphorical 'dhaal' (shield).

सबर रखना समय के साथ बहने की एक आध्यात्मिक प्रक्रिया है।

Keeping patience is a spiritual process of flowing with time.

Abstract philosophical definition.

बिना सबर रखे कोई भी महान कार्य पूर्ण नहीं हो सकता।

Without keeping patience, no great work can be completed.

Universal negative assertion.

उसके सबर रखने की गहराई को मापना असंभव था।

It was impossible to measure the depth of his patience.

Hyperbolic literary expression.

Common Collocations

थोड़ा सबर रखना

बहुत सबर रखना

सबर रखने की ताकत

सबर रखने की ज़रूरत

चुपचाप सबर रखना

हमेशा सबर रखना

मुश्किल में सबर रखना

सबर रखने का फल

सबर रखने की सीमा

सबर रखने का अंदाज़

Common Phrases

सबर का फल मीठा होता है

— The fruit of patience is sweet. It means patience is rewarded.

सबर रखो, सबर का फल मीठा होता है।

सबर का दामन न छोड़ना

— To not let go of the hem of patience. It means to stay patient no matter what.

मुसीबत में भी उसने सबर का दामन नहीं छोड़ा।

सबर का प्याला भर जाना

— The cup of patience becoming full. It means to finally lose patience.

अब मेरे सबर का प्याला भर गया है।

सबर की इंतहा

— The limit of patience.

यह तो मेरे सबर की इंतहा है।

सबर से काम लेना

— To act with patience.

तुम्हें सबर से काम लेना चाहिए।

सबर और शुक्र

— Patience and gratitude. Often used together in a religious context.

सबर और शुक्र ही जीवन का आधार हैं।

सबर की घड़ी

— The hour of patience/testing time.

यह हमारे लिए सबर की घड़ी है।

सबर का बांध टूटना

— The dam of patience breaking. To lose control.

उसका सबर का बांध टूट गया और वह चिल्लाने लगा।

सबर की मूरत

— The idol of patience. Someone who is very patient.

मेरी माँ सबर की मूरत हैं।

सबर करना

— To wait/have patience (less common than 'rakhna' but used).

थोड़ा सबर करो।

Often Confused With

सबर रखना vs इंतज़ार करना

This means 'to wait' (an action), whereas 'sabar rakhna' means 'to have patience' (a state of mind).

सबर रखना vs चुप रहना

This means 'to stay silent'. You can be silent without being patient.

सबर रखना vs सहन करना

This means 'to tolerate' or 'to suffer through'. It is more passive than 'sabar rakhna'.

Idioms & Expressions

"कलेजे पर पत्थर रखना"

— To keep a stone on one's heart. To bear a great sorrow with extreme patience.

उसने कलेजे पर पत्थर रखकर अपने बेटे को विदा किया।

Literary/Emotional

"खून का घूँट पीना"

— To drink a gulp of blood. To suppress one's anger with great difficulty.

अपमान सहकर भी वह खून का घूँट पीकर रह गया।

Intense/Literary

"दाँतों तले उँगली दबाना"

— To bite one's finger under teeth. Usually means surprise, but sometimes used for suppressing a reaction.

उसका सबर देखकर सबने दाँतों तले उँगली दबा ली।

Idiomatic

"लोहे के चने चबाना"

— To chew iron chickpeas. To do something very difficult that requires immense patience.

यह नौकरी पाना लोहे के चने चबाने जैसा है।

Colloquial

"आसमान सिर पर उठाना"

— To lift the sky on one's head. The opposite of patience; to make a huge fuss.

बच्चे ने खिलौने के लिए आसमान सिर पर उठा लिया।

Informal

"तिल का ताड़ बनाना"

— To make a mountain out of a molehill. Lack of patience in small matters.

सबर रखो, तिल का ताड़ मत बनाओ।

Colloquial

"हवा के घोड़े पर सवार होना"

— To be riding the horse of wind. To be in a huge hurry/impatient.

तुम हमेशा हवा के घोड़े पर सवार क्यों रहते हो?

Informal

"जी कड़ा करना"

— To harden one's heart. To gather courage and patience.

जी कड़ा करके सबर रखो।

Colloquial

"मन मार कर रह जाना"

— To suppress one's desires/feelings and stay silent.

पैसे न होने के कारण वह मन मार कर रह गया।

Common

"ठंडे दिमाग से सोचना"

— To think with a cool mind. To be patient and rational.

सबर रखो और ठंडे दिमाग से सोचो।

Common

Easily Confused

सबर रखना vs सफ़र

Sounds similar.

'Safar' means travel/journey, 'Sabar' means patience.

Mera safar lamba hai, isliye sabar rakhna hoga.

सबर रखना vs खबर

Rhymes with Sabar.

'Khabar' means news/information.

Achhi khabar ke liye sabar rakho.

सबर रखना vs ज़हर

Rhymes with Sabar.

'Zahar' means poison.

Gussa zahar hai, sabar rakho.

सबर रखना vs शहर

Rhymes with Sabar.

'Shahar' means city.

Is shahar mein sabar rakhna mushkil hai.

सबर रखना vs कबर

Rhymes with Sabar.

'Kabar' means grave.

Sabar ka phal meetha hai, kabar tak mat le jao gussa.

Sentence Patterns

[Time] sabar rakho.

Do minute sabar rakho.

Mujhe sabar rakhna [Tense].

Mujhe sabar rakhna pada.

[Person] ko sabar rakhna chahiye.

Rahul ko sabar rakhna chahiye.

Bina sabar rakhe [Result].

Bina sabar rakhe tum haar jaoge.

Sabar rakhna [Definition].

Sabar rakhna hi jeet ki chabi hai.

Jitna... utna... sabar rakhna.

Jitna visham samay, utna zyada sabar rakhna.

Sabar rakhne se [Benefit].

Sabar rakhne se phal milta hai.

Kya tum [Object] ke liye sabar rakh sakte ho?

Kya tum mere liye sabar rakh sakte ho?

Word Family

Nouns

सबर Patience

सब्र Patience (Urdu/Formal)

बेसब्री Impatience

Verbs

रखना To keep

सबर करना To wait/have patience (less common)

Adjectives

सबर वाला Patient (person)

बेसबर Impatient

साबिर Patient/Enduring (Formal/Arabic origin)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Sabar karna → Sabar rakhna
In Hindi, patience is something you 'keep' (rakhna), not something you 'do' (karna).
Maine sabar rakhi → Maine sabar rakha
Sabar is a masculine noun, so the verb in the past tense must be masculine 'rakha'.
Bahut sabar karo → Bahut sabar rakho
Again, using 'karo' instead of 'rakho' sounds non-native.
Sabar intezaar hai → Sabar aur intezaar alag hain
Confusing the mental state (sabar) with the physical action (intezaar).
Shabar rakhna → Sabar rakhna
Using the 'sh' sound instead of 's'. It is a dental 's'.

Tips

Virtue of Sabar

In India, being patient is often seen as a sign of spiritual maturity. If you show 'sabar' in difficult situations, people will respect you more.

Verb Agreement

Remember that 'rakhna' agrees with 'sabar' (masculine) in 'ne' past tense sentences. Always 'Maine sabar rakha'.

Softening the Command

Add 'thoda' (a little) before 'sabar rakho' to make it sound less like a harsh command and more like friendly advice.

Urdu Nuance

In more poetic or formal Urdu-influenced Hindi, you might hear 'Sabr' (one syllable). It's the same word, just a different pronunciation.

Consoling Others

When someone is sad or anxious, saying 'Sabar rakho, sab theek ho jayega' is one of the kindest things you can say in Hindi.

Listen for 'Besabri'

If you hear 'Besabri', it means the opposite. It helps you understand when someone is feeling restless or eager.

Spelling Note

In Hindi script, it's सबर. In Urdu script, it's صبر. Both are very common in the subcontinent.

The 'Keep' Rule

Think: You don't 'do' patience, you 'keep' it. This will remind you to use 'rakhna' instead of 'karna'.

The H sound

Don't forget the 'h' in 'rakhna'. It's not 'rak-na', it's 'rakh-na' (like the 'ch' in Loch, followed by 'na').

Workplace Patience

In Indian offices, 'sabar rakhna' is often a polite way to say 'there is a delay and there's nothing we can do right now'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sabar' as 'Sub-Bar'. If you are below (sub) the bar of anger, you have patience. You 'keep' (rakhna) yourself under that bar.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in a long line under a hot sun with a calm smile. They are 'keeping' a cool jar of 'Sabar' in their hands.

Word Web

Patience Wait Calm Endurance Restraint Success Virtue Time

Challenge

Try to go through a whole day of traffic or long queues without complaining, repeating the mantra 'Mujhe sabar rakhna hai' (I have to keep patience).

Word Origin

The word 'Sabar' is derived from the Arabic word 'Sabr' (صبر), which literally means to bind, restrain, or forbid. In Islamic theology, it is one of the two halves of faith. It entered Hindi through Persian and Urdu during the medieval period.

Original meaning: To restrain oneself from despair or impulsive action.

Afroasiatic (Arabic) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

It is a positive word, but telling someone 'Sabar rakho' when they are in genuine, urgent pain can sometimes come across as dismissive if not said with empathy.

Westerners might find 'Sabar rakhna' similar to 'Keep your shirt on' or 'Hold your horses', but it has a much more respectful and spiritual tone.

The proverb: 'Sabar ka phal meetha hota hai'. The song 'Sabar' from various Bollywood movies. Kabir's couplets (Dohas) often touch upon the theme of patience.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic/Travel

सबर रखिये, जाम खुल जाएगा।
बस आने ही वाली है, सबर रखो।
सबर से गाड़ी चलाओ।
रास्ते में सबर रखना ज़रूरी है।

Work/Office

प्रमोशन के लिए सबर रखना होगा।
क्लाइंट का जवाब आने तक सबर रखें।
सबर रखिए, मीटिंग शुरू हो रही है।
बॉस के सामने सबर रखना सीखो।

Relationships

रिश्तों में सबर रखना पड़ता है।
मेरी बात सुनो और सबर रखो।
गुस्से में सबर रखना ही प्यार है।
सबर रखो, वह मान जाएगी।

Cooking/Dining

खाना पकने तक सबर रखो।
गरम है, थोड़ा सबर रखो।
सबर का फल मीठा है, खीर चखो!
सबर रखो, सबको खाना मिलेगा।

Waiting for Results

नतीजों के लिए सबर रखना मुश्किल है।
सबर रखो, मेहनत बेकार नहीं जाएगी।
उसने सबर रखा और टॉप किया।
सबर रखने के अलावा कोई रास्ता नहीं।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल के लोगों में सबर रखने की कमी है?"

"मुश्किल समय में सबर रखना आपके लिए कितना कठिन होता है?"

"क्या आपने कभी सबर रखा और उसका फल आपको मीठा मिला?"

"बच्चों को सबर रखना कैसे सिखाया जा सकता है?"

"सबर रखने और आलस करने में क्या फर्क है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने कहाँ सबर रखा और मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने सबर नहीं रखा और आपको पछतावा हुआ।

क्या 'सबर का फल मीठा होता है' वाली बात सच है? अपने अनुभवों से बताएं।

मेरे जीवन में सबसे ज़्यादा सबर रखने वाला व्यक्ति कौन है और क्यों?

अगले एक हफ्ते तक मैं किन स्थितियों में सबर रखने का अभ्यास करूँगा?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is originally Arabic, became Persian/Urdu, and is now fully integrated into Standard Hindi. It is used by speakers of both languages.

Yes, it is understood and used, but 'Sabar rakho' is more idiomatic and common in most contexts.

The most direct opposite is 'Besabri' (impatience) or the action 'Jaldbazi karna' (to hurry).

You can say 'Maine apna sabar kho diya' or 'Mera sabar ka baandh toot gaya'.

No, it might sound rude. Use the formal 'Aap thoda sabar rakhiye' or 'Kripya dhairya rakhiye'.

No, it also means endurance, restraint, and emotional control during hard times.

It is a masculine noun.

Yes, they are synonyms, but 'Dheeraj' is more Sanskrit-based and slightly more formal.

You say 'Main sabar rakhunga' (m) or 'Main sabar rakhungi' (f).

It is a famous proverb meaning 'The fruit of patience is sweet,' encouraging people to wait for good results.