सब्सिडी देना
सब्सिडी देना in 30 Seconds
- सब्सिडी देना means 'to subsidize'. It is a formal term used mainly in economic and government contexts in Hindi.
- It is a compound verb where 'subsidi' is feminine. Use 'di' in the past tense with the 'ne' construction.
- Commonly used for essential items like gas, electricity, and fertilizer to help the poor and middle class.
- While 'subsidi' is a loanword, it is more common in spoken and news Hindi than the formal word 'anudan'.
The phrase सब्सिडी देना (subsidi denā) is a modern Hindi compound verb that combines the English loanword 'subsidy' with the Hindi verb 'denā' (to give). In a literal sense, it means 'to provide a subsidy.' However, its usage goes far beyond a simple financial transaction; it represents a core pillar of socio-economic policy in the Hindi-speaking world, particularly in India. When you hear this term, it usually refers to the government or an organization paying part of the cost of a product or service so that the price remains low for the end consumer. This is common in sectors like agriculture, energy, and education.
- Economic Context
- It is used when discussing the national budget, where the finance minister might announce plans to support farmers by lowering the cost of fertilizers. In this context, 'सब्सिडी देना' implies a strategic investment by the state to ensure food security.
सरकार ने सौर ऊर्जा उपकरणों पर सब्सिडी देने का निर्णय लिया है। (The government has decided to provide a subsidy on solar energy equipment.)
Beyond the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or large corporations might 'सब्सिडी देना' for social causes. For instance, a private school might subsidize the fees for underprivileged children. The term is inherently formal and serious, often appearing in newspapers, news broadcasts, and academic discussions. It is rarely used in casual, domestic chores unless the conversation turns to the rising cost of living or utility bills like LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which is a major topic of discussion in Indian households regarding subsidies.
- Social Impact
- The act of 'सब्सिडी देना' is often seen as a tool for social justice, aimed at bridging the gap between the rich and the poor by making essential services accessible to everyone regardless of their financial status.
गरीब छात्रों को उच्च शिक्षा के लिए सरकार सब्सिडी देती है। (The government subsidizes higher education for poor students.)
Understanding this word requires an appreciation of the 'Mixed Economy' model that India follows. It is not just a financial term; it is a political promise. When a politician says they will 'सब्सिडी देंगे' (will give subsidy), it is a major campaign point. It reflects the paternalistic role of the state in supporting its citizens. For a learner, mastering this word opens up the ability to discuss current affairs, economics, and social issues in Hindi with a high degree of precision.
- Grammatical Structure
- Note that 'सब्सिडी' acts as the object of the verb 'देना'. When you use it in the past tense with the 'ne' construction, the verb will agree with 'सब्सिडी' (feminine), hence 'सब्सिडी दी' (gave subsidy).
क्या आपने अपनी गैस सब्सिडी छोड़ दी? (Did you give up your gas subsidy? - Note the feminine agreement).
Using सब्सिडी देना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's case markers and verb conjugation. Since 'सब्सिडी' is a feminine noun, it influences the verb in certain tenses. The sentence structure usually follows: [Subject] + [Recipient/Target + ko/par] + [सब्सिडी] + [Verb 'देना']. For example, to say 'The government gives a subsidy to farmers,' you would say 'सरकार किसानों को सब्सिडी देती है' (Sarkār kisānon ko subsidi detī hai).
- Present Tense
- In the habitual present, 'देना' changes to 'देता/देती/देते' depending on the gender and number of the subject. 'नगर पालिका कचरा प्रबंधन पर सब्सिडी देती है' (The municipality provides a subsidy on waste management).
वे इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों पर भारी सब्सिडी दे रहे हैं। (They are giving heavy subsidies on electric vehicles.)
In the past tense, when using the ergative marker 'ने' (ne), the verb 'देना' becomes 'दिया' or 'दी'. Because 'सब्सिडी' is feminine, if it is the direct object, the verb becomes 'दी' (dī). 'सरकार ने सब्सिडी दी' (The government gave a subsidy). This is a common point of confusion for learners who might expect 'दिया' because the subject 'Sarkar' is often treated as masculine or neutral in other contexts, but the rule of object-verb agreement applies here.
- Future Tense
- The future tense is used extensively in political promises. 'हम अगले साल से मुफ्त बिजली पर सब्सिडी देंगे' (We will give a subsidy on free electricity from next year). Here, 'देंगे' agrees with the subject 'हम' (we).
क्या सरकार नई कंपनियों को सब्सिडी देगी? (Will the government provide subsidies to new companies?)
Another important usage is in the passive voice or impersonal constructions, which are frequent in official documents. 'सब्सिडी दी जाएगी' (Subsidy will be given). This focuses on the action rather than the actor. You will see this on signs at government offices or in the fine print of subsidy applications. Using the word in this way sounds very professional and authoritative.
- Conditional Usage
- 'अगर सरकार सब्सिडी दे, तो व्यापार बढ़ सकता है।' (If the government provides a subsidy, then business can grow.) Using the subjunctive 'दे' (de) adds a layer of nuance to your Hindi.
बिना सब्सिडी दिए यह परियोजना संभव नहीं है। (Without giving a subsidy, this project is not possible.)
If you are in India, सब्सिडी देना is a word you cannot escape. It is ubiquitous in the public sphere. The primary place you will encounter it is in the news. Every evening, news anchors on channels like NDTV India or Republic Bharat engage in heated debates about whether the government should 'सब्सिडी देना' for fuel or if it is a burden on the taxpayer. The word is often paired with 'बोझ' (bojh - burden) or 'राहत' (raahat - relief), depending on the speaker's political leaning.
- The Budget Speech
- During the annual Union Budget (Kendriya Budget) presentation in February, the word 'सब्सिडी' is used dozens of times. The Finance Minister outlines the allocation for food, fertilizer, and petroleum subsidies. Economists then analyze these figures on television, discussing the fiscal deficit.
बजट में खाद पर सब्सिडी देने की घोषणा की गई। (The announcement to provide a subsidy on fertilizer was made in the budget.)
Another very common practical setting is at a gas agency or a bank. India has a system called DBTL (Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG), where the subsidy amount is directly credited to the consumer's bank account. You might hear a customer asking a bank clerk, 'मेरी सब्सिडी कब आएगी?' (When will my subsidy come?) or 'क्या बैंक सब्सिडी दे रहा है?' (Is the bank giving the subsidy?). In this context, it’s a matter of daily survival and household budgeting.
- Political Rallies
- Politicians often use this term during election campaigns to woo voters. They might promise to 'सब्सिडी देना' for electricity or water. It becomes a symbol of the 'Welfare State'.
चुनाव से पहले नेता सब्सिडी देने के वादे करते हैं। (Before elections, leaders make promises of giving subsidies.)
In academic and corporate settings, the word is used when discussing 'Start-up India' or industrial incentives. A CEO might mention that the government is 'सब्सिडी दे रही है' for manufacturing units in certain zones. This makes the word essential for anyone looking to do business in India or understand its economic landscape. It is a bridge between the high-flown language of policy and the grounded reality of the common citizen.
- Educational Context
- In universities like JNU or DU, students often protest against the 'cut' in subsidies for hostels or books, using the phrase 'सब्सिडी देना बंद मत करो' (Don't stop giving subsidies).
शिक्षा पर सब्सिडी देना देश के भविष्य के लिए जरूरी है। (Providing a subsidy on education is necessary for the country's future.)
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using सब्सिडी देना is treating it as a masculine noun. In Hindi, English loanwords ending in 'ee' (ई) sounds are almost always treated as feminine. Therefore, saying 'सब्सिडी दिया' (subsidi diyā) in the past tense is grammatically incorrect. It should always be 'सब्सिडी दी' (subsidi dī). This small error can immediately mark you as a beginner.
- Confusion with 'Discount'
- Another frequent error is confusing 'सब्सिडी' with 'छूट' (chhūt - discount). While both involve paying less, a 'discount' is usually a commercial reduction in price by a seller, whereas a 'subsidy' is a financial support provided by a third party (like the government). You wouldn't ask a shopkeeper for a 'subsidy' on a shirt; you would ask for a 'discount'.
Incorrect: दुकानदार ने मुझे चीनी पर सब्सिडी दी। (The shopkeeper gave me a subsidy on sugar - unless he's a government agent, this is wrong).
Learners also struggle with the preposition 'पर' (par - on). In English, we say 'subsidize something,' but in Hindi, we often say 'something *par* subsidy dena.' For example, 'khād par subsidi' (subsidy on fertilizer). Forgetting the 'par' can make the sentence sound disjointed. It's not 'khād subsidi dena,' but 'khād par subsidi dena.'
- Pronunciation Pitfalls
- Many learners pronounce the 's' in subsidy as a heavy 'sh' (श), making it 'shubsidi'. While this is common in some regional accents, the standard pronunciation uses the soft 's' (स). Aim for 'sub-si-dee' with a clear Hindi 'd' (ड) sound.
Correct: क्या आप सब्सिडी के लिए पात्र हैं? (Are you eligible for the subsidy?)
Finally, avoid using 'सब्सिडी देना' for personal gifts or loans. If you are helping a friend with money, you are 'मदद करना' (helping) or 'उधार देना' (lending), not 'सब्सिडी देना'. The term is strictly reserved for institutional and economic support. Using it for a personal loan might sound like you are treating your friend like a government project, which could be seen as humorous or slightly rude.
- Overusing Loanwords
- While 'सब्सिडी' is widely accepted, in very formal Hindi writing (like a thesis), you should use 'अनुदान' (anudan). Using the English loanword in a highly Sanskritized context might feel out of place.
Formal: सरकार कृषि क्षेत्र में अनुदान प्रदान करती है। (The government provides grants/subsidies in the agricultural sector.)
While सब्सिडी देना is the most common way to express this idea in modern Hindi, there are several other terms you should know to sound more like a native speaker or to understand formal documents. The most direct formal alternative is अनुदान देना (anudan denā). This word specifically means 'to provide a grant' and is the term used in the Hindi version of the Indian Constitution and official government gazettes.
- सब्सिडी देना vs. आर्थिक सहायता देना
- 'आर्थिक सहायता देना' (ārthik sahāyatā denā) means 'to give financial assistance'. This is a broader term. While a subsidy is a type of financial assistance, not all financial assistance is a subsidy. For example, disaster relief funds are 'financial assistance' but not necessarily a 'subsidy'.
भूकंप पीड़ितों को सरकार ने आर्थिक सहायता दी। (The government gave financial aid to earthquake victims.)
Another related term is छूट देना (chhūt denā), which means 'to give a discount' or 'to give an exemption'. This is often used for 'Tax exemptions' (टैक्स में छूट). While a subsidy involves the government paying for you, an exemption involves the government not taking money from you. It's a subtle but important distinction in economic discussions.
- सब्सिडी देना vs. रियायत देना
- 'रियायत देना' (riyāyat denā) means 'to give a concession'. This is often heard in the context of Indian Railways, where senior citizens or students get a 'concession' on tickets. It is very similar to a subsidy but is usually applied to a specific group of people rather than a whole product category.
रेलवे वरिष्ठ नागरिकों को टिकट में रियायत देता है। (Railways gives concessions to senior citizens on tickets.)
In technical economic Hindi, you might also come across सहायकी (sahāyakī). This is the pure Hindi word for 'subsidy'. However, it is extremely rare in spoken Hindi and even in newspapers. You will only find it in textbooks or high-level academic papers. If you use 'सहायकी देना' in a conversation, people might not understand you immediately, so stick to 'सब्सिडी देना' for general use.
- सब्सिडी देना vs. प्रोत्साहन देना
- 'प्रोत्साहन देना' (protsāhan denā) means 'to give an incentive'. Subsidies are often given as incentives to promote a certain industry. For example, 'सरकार निर्यात को प्रोत्साहन देने के लिए सब्सिडी देती है' (The government gives subsidies to incentivize exports).
हमें नए स्टार्टअप्स को प्रोत्साहन देना चाहिए। (We should give incentives to new startups.)
Understanding these synonyms allows you to navigate different registers of Hindi. Whether you are reading a formal report, watching the news, or having a political debate at a tea stall, you will be able to pick the right word for the right situation.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
Hindi is full of English loanwords for modern economic concepts because the Indian administrative and banking systems were heavily influenced by British models during the colonial period.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 's' as 'sh' (making it 'shubsidi').
- Using a hard English 'd' (as in 'dog') for 'denā' instead of the soft Hindi dental 'd'.
- Misplacing the stress on the last syllable of 'subsidy'.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is easy (loanword), but the sentences it appears in are often complex economic reports.
Requires correct use of the 'ne' construction and feminine agreement in the past tense.
Common in news and debates, easy to use if you know basic 'dena' conjugation.
Clearly pronounced in news broadcasts, though sometimes fast.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Verbs with 'Dena'
In 'सब्सिडी देना', 'देना' provides the action. Other examples: 'ध्यान देना' (to pay attention), 'दिखाई देना' (to appear).
Ergative Case (ne)
In the past tense: 'सरकार ने सब्सिडी दी'. The subject takes 'ne' and the verb agrees with the feminine object 'subsidy'.
Postpositions and Nouns
Use 'par' (on) to specify the item: 'बिजली पर सब्सिडी देना'.
Infinitive as Noun
'सब्सिडी देना अच्छी बात है' - Here 'सब्सिडी देना' acts as a singular masculine subject for the verb 'hai'.
Passive Voice
'सब्सिडी दी जाती है' (Subsidy is given). Formed by using the past participle of 'dena' (di) + 'jaana'.
Examples by Level
सरकार सब्सिडी देती है।
The government gives a subsidy.
Simple present tense with feminine object 'subsidy'.
क्या आप सब्सिडी देते हैं?
Do you give a subsidy?
Interrogative sentence.
मुझे सब्सिडी चाहिए।
I want a subsidy.
Use of 'chahie' for wanting.
गैस पर सब्सिडी मिलती है।
Subsidy is available on gas.
Passive-like construction with 'milna'.
वह सब्सिडी नहीं देगा।
He will not give a subsidy.
Future tense negative.
सब्सिडी बहुत अच्छी है।
The subsidy is very good.
Adjective 'achhi' agrees with feminine 'subsidy'.
सब्सिडी देना बंद करो।
Stop giving the subsidy.
Imperative with 'band karo'.
यह सब्सिडी है।
This is a subsidy.
Simple demonstrative sentence.
सरकार ने कल सब्सिडी दी।
The government gave the subsidy yesterday.
Past tense with 'ne' and feminine agreement 'di'.
किसानों को सब्सिडी देना अच्छा है।
Giving subsidies to farmers is good.
Infinitive 'dena' used as a subject.
हम बिजली पर सब्सिडी दे रहे हैं।
We are giving a subsidy on electricity.
Present continuous tense.
क्या आपने सब्सिडी ली?
Did you take the subsidy?
Past tense with 'ne' and feminine 'li'.
गरीबों को सब्सिडी देना जरूरी है।
It is necessary to give subsidies to the poor.
Use of 'zaroori hai' for necessity.
वे खाद पर सब्सिडी देंगे।
They will give a subsidy on fertilizer.
Future tense plural.
सब्सिडी देने से दाम कम होते हैं।
Prices decrease by giving subsidies.
Use of 'se' to show cause.
मेरी सब्सिडी कहाँ है?
Where is my subsidy?
Possessive 'meri' agrees with feminine 'subsidy'.
अगर सरकार सब्सिडी दे, तो लोग खुश होंगे।
If the government provides a subsidy, people will be happy.
Conditional sentence using the subjunctive 'de'.
सौर ऊर्जा को बढ़ावा देने के लिए सब्सिडी देना चाहिए।
Subsidies should be given to promote solar energy.
Passive-like construction with 'chahie'.
सरकार ने पेट्रोल पर सब्सिडी देना बंद कर दिया है।
The government has stopped giving subsidies on petrol.
Present perfect tense with 'band kar diya'.
बिना सब्सिडी दिए गाँव का विकास मुश्किल है।
Village development is difficult without giving subsidies.
Oblique infinitive 'diye' before 'bina'.
क्या आपको लगता है कि सब्सिडी देना सही है?
Do you think giving a subsidy is right?
Complex sentence with 'ki' clause.
वह सब्सिडी देने के बारे में बात कर रहा था।
He was talking about giving a subsidy.
Past continuous with 'ke bare mein'.
सब्सिडी देने की प्रक्रिया बहुत लंबी है।
The process of giving a subsidy is very long.
Genitive 'ki' linking 'dena' and 'prakriya'.
हमें शिक्षा पर और अधिक सब्सिडी देनी चाहिए।
We should give more subsidies on education.
Use of 'deni chahie' agreeing with feminine 'subsidy'.
सब्सिडी देने से सरकारी खजाने पर बोझ बढ़ता है।
Providing subsidies increases the burden on the government exchequer.
Gerundial use of 'dena' with 'se'.
विपक्ष ने सरकार से सब्सिडी देने की मांग की।
The opposition demanded the government provide a subsidy.
Complex sentence with 'mang ki'.
सब्सिडी देना एक राजनीतिक हथियार बन गया है।
Giving subsidies has become a political weapon.
Metaphorical usage.
सरकार को केवल जरूरतमंदों को ही सब्सिडी देनी चाहिए।
The government should give subsidies only to the needy.
Emphasis with 'hi'.
क्या सब्सिडी देना वास्तव में गरीबी कम करता है?
Does giving a subsidy actually reduce poverty?
Analytical question.
निर्यात बढ़ाने के लिए उद्योगों को सब्सिडी दी जा रही है।
Subsidies are being given to industries to increase exports.
Passive continuous voice.
सब्सिडी देने की नीति में बदलाव की जरूरत है।
There is a need for a change in the policy of giving subsidies.
Abstract noun 'niti' (policy).
बिना सोचे-समझे सब्सिडी देना अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए हानिकारक हो सकता है।
Giving subsidies without careful thought can be harmful to the economy.
Compound adverbial phrase 'bina soche-samjhe'.
कृषि क्षेत्र में सब्सिडी देना खाद्य सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने का एक माध्यम है।
Providing subsidies in the agricultural sector is a means of ensuring food security.
Academic register.
सरकार ने प्रत्यक्ष लाभ अंतरण के माध्यम से सब्सिडी देना शुरू किया है।
The government has started providing subsidies through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Use of 'ke madhyam se' (through).
सब्सिडी देना अंतरराष्ट्रीय व्यापार नियमों के उल्लंघन का कारण बन सकता है।
Providing subsidies can become a cause of violation of international trade rules.
Formal legal/economic context.
सब्सिडी देने के बजाय, सरकार को बुनियादी ढांचे में निवेश करना चाहिए।
Instead of giving subsidies, the government should invest in infrastructure.
Comparison using 'ke bajay' (instead of).
सब्सिडी देने की प्रभावशीलता पर विशेषज्ञों के बीच मतभेद हैं।
There are differences of opinion among experts on the effectiveness of giving subsidies.
Abstract noun 'prabhavsheelta' (effectiveness).
अमीर देशों द्वारा अपने किसानों को सब्सिडी देना विकासशील देशों के लिए अन्यायपूर्ण है।
Subsidizing their farmers by rich countries is unfair to developing nations.
Complex subject phrase.
सब्सिडी देने से बाजार की कीमतों में कृत्रिम गिरावट आती है।
Giving subsidies causes an artificial drop in market prices.
Technical term 'kritrim giravat' (artificial drop).
लोकलुभावन राजनीति के कारण सब्सिडी देना एक मजबूरी बन गई है।
Due to populist politics, giving subsidies has become a compulsion.
Sociopolitical analysis.
सब्सिडी देना कल्याणकारी राज्य की अवधारणा का एक अभिन्न अंग है, किंतु इसके राजकोषीय निहितार्थों को नजरअंदाज नहीं किया जा सकता।
Providing subsidies is an integral part of the concept of a welfare state, yet its fiscal implications cannot be ignored.
High-level formal prose with 'kintu' and 'nihitarth'.
जीवाश्म ईंधन पर सब्सिडी देना जलवायु परिवर्तन के विरुद्ध वैश्विक प्रयासों को कमजोर करता है।
Subsidizing fossil fuels undermines global efforts against climate change.
Environmental policy context.
सब्सिडी देने की व्यवस्था में पारदर्शिता लाने के लिए डिजिटल तकनीक का सहारा लिया जा रहा है।
Digital technology is being leveraged to bring transparency to the subsidy delivery system.
Passive voice with 'sahara liya ja raha hai'.
सब्सिडी देना केवल आर्थिक सहायता नहीं, बल्कि सामाजिक सशक्तिकरण का एक साधन भी है।
Giving a subsidy is not just financial aid, but also a tool for social empowerment.
Correlative conjunction 'na keval... balki'.
अत्यधिक सब्सिडी देने से उत्पादकता में कमी आने की संभावना रहती है क्योंकि यह प्रतिस्पर्धा को बाधित करती है।
Excessive subsidization tends to reduce productivity as it hampers competition.
Causal reasoning with 'kyunki'.
सब्सिडी देने की प्रक्रिया का विकेंद्रीकरण करने से भ्रष्टाचार पर अंकुश लगाया जा सकता है।
Decentralizing the process of giving subsidies can curb corruption.
Technical term 'vikendrikaran' (decentralization).
सब्सिडी देना एक दोधारी तलवार है जो अल्पकाल में राहत देती है पर दीर्घकाल में चुनौतियां पैदा कर सकती है।
Giving a subsidy is a double-edged sword that provides short-term relief but can create long-term challenges.
Idiomatic expression 'dodhari talwar'.
बजटीय आवंटन में सब्सिडी देने की प्राथमिकताएं राष्ट्र के भविष्य की दिशा निर्धारित करती हैं।
Priorities for providing subsidies in budgetary allocation determine the future direction of the nation.
Abstract conceptual sentence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To give up or surrender a subsidy voluntarily.
अमीर लोगों को गैस सब्सिडी छोड़ देनी चाहिए।
— The financial burden caused by subsidies.
सब्सिडी का बोझ सरकार के बजट पर भारी पड़ता है।
Often Confused With
A discount given by a seller or a tax exemption, not a direct payment by a third party.
To give a loan. A loan must be paid back, whereas a subsidy is generally a grant.
To give a bribe. This is illegal, whereas 'सब्सिडी देना' is a legal policy.
Idioms & Expressions
— A critical political idiom meaning to distribute subsidies or freebies recklessly like sweets.
विपक्ष का कहना है कि सरकार सब्सिडी की रेवड़ी बांट रही है।
Political/Critical— Literally 'robbing the treasury', sometimes used to criticize excessive subsidies.
इतनी सब्सिडी देना खजाने पर डाका डालने जैसा है।
Informal/Strong— To give generously, often used when the government announces big subsidies.
सरकार ने किसानों को हाथ खोलकर सब्सिडी दी।
Journalistic— To apply ointment (to provide relief), used when a subsidy is given during a crisis.
महंगाई के बीच सब्सिडी देकर सरकार ने जनता को मरहम लगाया।
Metaphorical— Politics of vote banks, often associated with the act of giving subsidies before elections.
सब्सिडी देना केवल वोट बैंक की राजनीति है।
Socio-political— To spend money, used when the government has to provide a subsidy.
सब्सिडी देने के लिए सरकार को अपनी जेब ढीली करनी पड़ी।
Informal— The goose that lays golden eggs; sometimes used for industries that demand subsidies.
यह उद्योग सब्सिडी के बिना सोने का अंडा देने वाली मुर्गी नहीं बन सकता।
Colloquial— To support someone, used when subsidies help a failing industry.
सरकार ने डूबते हुए उद्योगों को सब्सिडी देकर कंधा दिया।
Literary— To spend money blindly, used by critics of subsidies.
सब्सिडी के नाम पर सरकार अंधाधुंध पैसा बहा रही है।
Critical— To give wings, used when subsidies help a new technology take off.
सब्सिडी ने स्टार्टअप्स के सपनों को पंख दिए।
Poetic/PositiveEasily Confused
Both mean financial support.
'Anudan' is used for specific projects or research grants, while 'subsidy' is usually for reducing the price of a consumer good.
Sarkar ne research ke liye anudan diya, par gas par subsidy di.
Both involve paying less.
'Riyayat' is a concession for a specific class of people (like students), whereas 'subsidy' is usually on the product itself.
Railway ticket mein riyayat milti hai, par khana subsidy par milta hai.
Both mean help.
'Madad' is very general. 'Subsidy' is specifically financial and institutional.
Dost ne meri madad ki, par sarkar ne subsidy di.
Both reduce cost.
'Muft' means free (zero cost). 'Subsidy' means the price is reduced but usually not zero.
Paani muft hai, par gas par subsidy hai.
Both are extra money.
A 'bonus' is given to employees for performance. A 'subsidy' is given to consumers or producers to support an activity.
Diwali par bonus mila, par kheti par subsidy mili.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] [Object] [subsidy] [detā/detī] hai.
Sarkar gas subsidy deti hai.
[Subject] ne [Object] par [subsidy] [dī].
Sarkar ne kisanon ko subsidy di.
[Object] ko [verb stem]ne ke liye [subsidy] dena zaroori hai.
Vyapar badhane ke liye subsidy dena zaroori hai.
[Subject] [subsidy] dene ki ghoshna karega.
Mantri ji subsidy dene ki ghoshna karenge.
[Action] ke madhyam se [subsidy] di ja rahi hai.
Digital bank ke madhyam se subsidy di ja rahi hai.
Bina [subsidy] diye [Result] sambhav nahi hai.
Bina subsidy diye vikas sambhav nahi hai.
[Subsidy] dena ek [Metaphor] hai.
Subsidy dena ek dodhari talwar hai.
[Noun] par [subsidy] dene ki prabhavsheelta...
Khad par subsidy dene ki prabhavsheelta sandigdh hai.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in Indian news, economics, and political discourse.
-
सरकार ने सब्सिडी दिया। (Sarkār ne subsidi diyā.)
→
सरकार ने सब्सिडी दी। (Sarkār ne subsidi dī.)
Subsidy is feminine, so the past tense verb must be 'di', not 'diya'.
-
दुकानदार सब्सिडी दे रहा है। (Dukāndār subsidi de rahā hai.)
→
दुकानदार छूट दे रहा है। (Dukāndār chhūt de rahā hai.)
A shopkeeper gives a 'discount' (chhoot), not a 'subsidy'.
-
खाद सब्सिडी देना। (Khād subsidi denā.)
→
खाद पर सब्सिडी देना। (Khād par subsidi denā.)
You need the postposition 'par' (on) to connect the item to the subsidy.
-
वह सब्सिडी करना चाहता है। (Vah subsidi karnā chāhtā hai.)
→
वह सब्सिडी देना चाहता है। (Vah subsidi denā chāhtā hai.)
The correct verb to pair with subsidy is 'dena' (to give), not 'karna' (to do).
-
सब्सिडी का पैसा मेरा खाता में आया। (Subsidi kā paisā merā khātā mein āyā.)
→
सब्सिडी का पैसा मेरे खाते में आया। (Subsidi kā paisā mere khāte mein āyā.)
This is a general grammar error with postpositions, but common when talking about subsidies. 'Khata' becomes 'khate' before 'mein'.
Tips
Gender Agreement
Always treat 'subsidy' as feminine. Use 'di' in the past and 'deti' for feminine subjects.
When to use
Use this word when talking about government aid, economics, or news. Avoid it for personal favors.
Formal Alternative
Use 'अनुदान' (anudan) if you are writing a formal college paper or an official letter.
Use of 'par'
Remember to use 'par' (on) for the item being subsidized: 'Petrol par subsidy'.
Dental 'D'
The 'd' in 'dena' is soft. Touch your tongue to your teeth, don't let it curl back.
Indian Context
Mentioning 'gas subsidy' is a great way to start a conversation about daily life with an Indian family.
Loanword spelling
In Devanagari, it is written as 'सब्सिडी'. Note the half 'sa' (स्) at the beginning.
News Keywords
If you hear 'Aam Aadmi' (Common Man) and 'Rahat' (Relief), the word 'subsidy' is likely to follow.
Sensitivity
Subsidies are a sensitive topic. Some see them as help, others as a waste. Listen before you judge.
Mnemonic
Sub-City Dena: The government must 'dena' money to build a 'sub' city.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Sub-City'. To build a 'Sub' (underground) 'City', the government must 'denā' (give) money to help with the high costs. Sub-City Dena = Subsidī Denā.
Visual Association
Imagine a government official handing a giant bag of money to a farmer who is standing next to a tractor. The bag has 'SUBSIDY' written on it in Hindi (सब्सिडी).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about what things in your country should have a subsidy. Use 'सब्सिडी देना' in the present, past, and future tenses.
Word Origin
'सब्सिडी' (subsidi) is a direct loanword from the English word 'subsidy', which itself comes from the Latin 'subsidium' (meaning aid or support). 'देना' (denā) is a native Indo-Aryan verb derived from the Sanskrit root 'dā' (to give).
Original meaning: The English 'subsidy' originally referred to troops held in reserve or financial aid granted by Parliament to the King. In Hindi, it has always been used in the modern economic sense.
Indo-European (Subsidium -> English -> Hindi; Sanskrit 'dā' -> Hindi 'denā').Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing subsidies in a critical way; for many people, these are life-saving supports, not just economic numbers.
In the US or UK, 'subsidies' are often associated with corporate welfare or farming. In India, they are also a huge part of the middle-class experience (e.g., LPG gas cylinders).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
News/Politics
- बजट में सब्सिडी
- सब्सिडी की घोषणा
- विपक्ष का विरोध
- चुनाव पूर्व वादा
Agriculture
- खाद पर सब्सिडी
- बीजों पर सब्सिडी
- ट्रैक्टर पर सब्सिडी
- किसान कल्याण
Energy/Environment
- सोलर पैनल पर सब्सिडी
- इलेक्ट्रिक कार सब्सिडी
- प्रदूषण कम करना
- नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा
Banking
- खाते में सब्सिडी
- सब्सिडी लिंक करना
- आधार कार्ड
- बैंक ट्रांसफर
Household Budgeting
- गैस की सब्सिडी
- महंगाई की मार
- सब्सिडी छोड़ना
- सस्ता राशन
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको लगता है कि सरकार को पेट्रोल पर सब्सिडी देनी चाहिए?"
"आपके देश में कौन-कौन सी चीजों पर सब्सिडी दी जाती है?"
"क्या सब्सिडी देने से वाकई गरीबों को फायदा होता है?"
"क्या आपने कभी अपनी सब्सिडी छोड़ने के बारे में सोचा है?"
"अगर सरकार सब्सिडी देना बंद कर दे, तो क्या होगा?"
Journal Prompts
आज के समाचार में सब्सिडी के बारे में क्या चर्चा थी? अपने विचार लिखें।
क्या शिक्षा पर सब्सिडी देना एक निवेश है या खर्च? विस्तार से लिखें।
यदि आप वित्त मंत्री होते, तो आप किन क्षेत्रों में सब्सिडी देते और क्यों?
भारत में गैस सब्सिडी की व्यवस्था के बारे में आप क्या जानते हैं?
सब्सिडी और मुफ्त सुविधाओं (freebies) के बीच क्या अंतर है?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically, it is an English loanword, but it is used so frequently in Hindi (even in villages) that it is considered part of the modern Hindi vocabulary.
It is feminine. This is why we say 'सब्सिडी दी' (subsidi dī) and 'बड़ी सब्सिडी' (baṛī subsidi).
No, that would be 'छूट देना' (chhūt denā). 'सब्सिडी देना' is for government or institutional support.
You can say 'सब्सिडी वाला' (subsidi vālā) or more formally 'रियायती' (riyāyatī).
The most direct economic opposite is 'कर लगाना' (kar lagānā - to tax).
'Anudan' means 'grant'. While similar, 'anudan' is often for a lump sum for a project, while 'subsidy' is usually per unit of a product.
Because the technical terms for the gas system in India were introduced in English, and the English terms became standard even in regional languages.
It follows the verb 'dena'. For example: 'Sarkar degi' (Government will give), 'Hum denge' (We will give).
It means to voluntarily give up your right to a subsidy so that the government can use that money for poorer people.
Yes, 'सब्सिडी दी जाती है' (Subsidy is given) is very common in official announcements.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The government gives a subsidy on seeds.'
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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'We will give a subsidy next year.'
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Explain in one sentence why the government gives subsidies.
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Write a sentence using 'सब्सिडी देना' in the past tense.
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Translate: 'It is necessary to provide subsidies for education.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about solar energy and subsidies.
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Translate: 'The opposition criticized the government for giving too many subsidies.'
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Write a sentence using 'बिना सब्सिडी दिए'.
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Write a sentence using the formal word 'अनुदान देना'.
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Create a question asking a bank clerk about your subsidy.
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Write a sentence about 'सब्सिडी छोड़ना'.
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Translate: 'Subsidies are a double-edged sword.'
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Write a sentence using 'सब्सिडी की घोषणा'.
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Translate: 'Are you eligible for the subsidy?'
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Write a sentence about subsidies and the fiscal deficit.
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Write a sentence using 'सब्सिडी का लाभ'.
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Translate: 'The government stopped giving subsidies on petrol.'
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Write a sentence using 'भारी सब्सिडी'.
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Write a sentence about 'Direct Benefit Transfer'.
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Create a slogan for a government subsidy scheme.
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Say in Hindi: 'The government gives a subsidy.'
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Say in Hindi: 'Did you get the subsidy?'
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Say in Hindi: 'Subsidies are good for farmers.'
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Ask in Hindi: 'On what items does the government give subsidies?'
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Express in Hindi: 'I think education should be subsidized.'
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Explain in Hindi: 'The price of gas is low because of the subsidy.'
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Say in Hindi: 'The government will announce the subsidy tomorrow.'
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Debate point in Hindi: 'Subsidies are a burden on the economy.'
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Scenario: You are a farmer. Ask for a subsidy on a tractor.
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Scenario: Tell your friend to give up their gas subsidy.
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Say in Hindi: 'The subsidy will be credited to your account.'
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Say in Hindi: 'We should stop giving subsidies to rich people.'
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Ask in Hindi: 'Is there a subsidy for solar panels?'
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Say in Hindi: 'The government gave a subsidy of 500 rupees.'
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Say in Hindi: 'Giving subsidies is a political promise.'
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Say in Hindi: 'Without a subsidy, life would be expensive.'
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Say in Hindi: 'The budget has many subsidies.'
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Say in Hindi: 'The process of giving a subsidy is complex.'
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Say in Hindi: 'Do you benefit from the subsidy?'
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Say in Hindi: 'The government is reducing the subsidy.'
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Listen to the word: 'सब्सिडी'. Does it sound like 'Sub-si-dee' or 'Shub-si-dee'?
Identify the verb in 'Sarkar ne subsidy di'.
In the phrase 'Khad par subsidy', what does 'par' mean?
Is the speaker happy or sad? 'Sarkar ne subsidy dena band kar diya, ab kya hoga?'
Listen for the amount: 'Das hazar ki subsidy di jayegi'. How much?
Identify the subject: 'Mantri ji ne subsidy ki ghoshna ki'. Who made the announcement?
Does this sentence refer to the past, present, or future? 'Hum subsidy denge.'
What is being subsidized? 'Sarkar ne solar energy par subsidy di.'
Is this formal or informal? 'Sarkar krishi kshetra mein anudan pradan karti hai.'
What is the concern? 'Subsidy ka bojh badhta ja raha hai.'
Who is the recipient? 'Kisanon ko subsidy di gayi.'
Listen for the reason: 'Gharibon ki madad ke liye subsidy di jati hai.' Why is it given?
Identify the loanword used in 'Electric car par subsidy milegi'.
Is the tone critical or supportive? 'Sarkar revdi ki tarah subsidy baant rahi hai.'
What happened to the subsidy? 'Subsidy mein katoti ki gayi hai.'
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Summary
सब्सिडी देना is a vital term for understanding Indian economics and politics. For example: 'सरकार ने गरीबों को अनाज पर सब्सिडी दी' (The government gave a subsidy on grain to the poor). It highlights the state's role in welfare.
- सब्सिडी देना means 'to subsidize'. It is a formal term used mainly in economic and government contexts in Hindi.
- It is a compound verb where 'subsidi' is feminine. Use 'di' in the past tense with the 'ne' construction.
- Commonly used for essential items like gas, electricity, and fertilizer to help the poor and middle class.
- While 'subsidi' is a loanword, it is more common in spoken and news Hindi than the formal word 'anudan'.
Gender Agreement
Always treat 'subsidy' as feminine. Use 'di' in the past and 'deti' for feminine subjects.
When to use
Use this word when talking about government aid, economics, or news. Avoid it for personal favors.
Formal Alternative
Use 'अनुदान' (anudan) if you are writing a formal college paper or an official letter.
Use of 'par'
Remember to use 'par' (on) for the item being subsidized: 'Petrol par subsidy'.
Example
सरकार ने किसानों को कृषि उपकरणों पर सब्सिडी दी।
Related Content
More work words
आचार संहिता
B1A set of rules outlining the responsibilities of, or proper practices for, an individual or organization.
आगे बढ़ाना
A2To make progress; to promote or advance something.
आहरित करना
B1To withdraw money; to take money out of an account.
आहिस्ता-आहिस्ता
B1Slowly, gradually; at a slow pace; in a gentle or unhurried manner.
आजीविका
B1Livelihood; a means of securing the necessities of life.
आंकड़े इकट्ठा करना
B1To gather facts and statistics for analysis.
आलेख तैयार करना
B1To draft a document; to prepare a written piece.
आलस्य से
B1Lazily; in a way that shows a lack of effort or enthusiasm.
आमदनी
A2Income, earnings
आने वाला कल
B1On the day after today.