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सहानुभूति दिखाना

B1 verb #2,000 most common 7 min read

सहानुभूति दिखाना

sahanubhuti dikhana Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सहानुभूति दिखाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation सहानुभूति दिखाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' (Sahanubhuti dikhana) might be a bit complex, but you can understand it as 'being kind' or 'saying sorry' when someone is sad. Think of it as 'helping a friend feel better.' In simple Hindi, it means 'किसी के दुख में साथ देना' (supporting someone in their sadness). You use it when you see a friend cry and you say, 'Don't worry, I am with you.' At this stage, just remember that 'Sahanubhuti' means sympathy and 'Dikhana' means to show. It is a good word to know to describe a good person. You might hear it in simple stories where a hero helps a poor person. It's about being a 'good friend' (अच्छा दोस्त).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' in basic sentences. You should know that it is used with 'के प्रति' (towards). For example, 'हमें गरीबों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए' (We should show sympathy towards the poor). You are learning that Hindi uses compound verbs, and this is a great example. You can use it to describe your feelings or the feelings of others. It's more than just being 'nice'; it's about understanding someone's problem. You might use it when talking about your family or friends. 'मेरी माँ ने मेरे प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई' (My mother showed sympathy towards me). It helps you move beyond basic adjectives like 'अच्छा' (good) or 'बुरा' (bad).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' in various tenses and contexts. You understand the difference between 'Sahanubhuti' (sympathy) and 'Daya' (pity). You can use it in professional or social settings. For example, 'एक अच्छे नेता को जनता के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए' (A good leader should show sympathy towards the public). You also start to notice how the verb 'दिखाना' changes to 'दिखाई' in the past tense because 'सहानुभूति' is a feminine noun. This level is about nuance—knowing that showing sympathy is a social expectation in many Indian contexts. You can use it to discuss social issues or personal experiences in more detail.

At the B2 level, you can use 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' to discuss complex emotional and social dynamics. You might use it in an essay about social justice or in a debate about corporate ethics. You understand that 'showing sympathy' can sometimes be sincere and sometimes just a formality ('दिखावा'). You can use phrases like 'गहरी सहानुभूति दिखाना' (to show deep sympathy) or 'सहानुभूति का अभाव' (lack of sympathy). You are comfortable with the grammar and can use it fluently in conversation. You might also compare it with Urdu synonyms like 'Hamdardi' and know when to use which one based on the person you are talking to. Your sentences are longer and more descriptive.

At the C1 level, you recognize 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' as one of many ways to express emotional resonance. You might prefer 'संवेदना प्रकट करना' in formal writing, but you use 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' to describe character traits in literary analysis. You understand the philosophical roots of the word and how it relates to Indian cultural values of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). You can detect subtle tones in how someone uses the phrase—whether they are being genuine, sarcastic, or politically motivated. You can use the phrase in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or conditional sentences, without any errors in gender agreement or postpositions.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'सहानुभूति दिखाना'. You can discuss the psychological distinction between sympathy, empathy (samanubhuti), and compassion (karuna) in Hindi. You might use the phrase in a philosophical discourse or a high-level academic paper. You understand the historical evolution of the term in Hindi literature, from Bhakti poetry to modern realism. You can use it to critique social structures or to explore the depths of human psychology. For you, the phrase is not just a vocabulary item but a tool to express complex human connections. You can use it with perfect native-like precision in any context, from a high-court judgment to a poetic masterpiece.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सहानुभूति दिखाना in 30 Seconds

To show sympathy or compassion.
Used with 'ke prati' (towards).
Feminine noun 'Sahanubhuti' affects verb agreement.
Common in emotional and formal contexts.

The Hindi phrase सहानुभूति दिखाना (Sahanubhuti dikhana) is a compound verb that translates literally to 'to show sympathy' or 'to exhibit compassion.' It is composed of two primary parts: 'Sahanubhuti' (sympathy/empathy) and 'Dikhana' (to show/display). In the linguistic landscape of Hindi, this term occupies a middle ground between formal empathy and everyday kindness. It suggests an active engagement with someone else's emotional state, particularly during times of distress, grief, or hardship. Unlike 'Daya' (pity), which can sometimes imply a power imbalance where the giver feels superior to the receiver, 'Sahanubhuti' implies a shared feeling or a resonance with the other person's pain. It is the act of acknowledging another person's suffering and making them feel seen and understood. In a psychological context, it refers to the cognitive and emotional process of recognizing the emotions of others. When you 'show' (dikhana) this, you are externalizing that internal feeling through words, gestures, or actions.

Etymological Root: Derived from Sanskrit 'Saha' (with) and 'Anubhuti' (experience/feeling), literally 'feeling with' someone.
Emotional Depth: It represents a higher level of emotional intelligence where one transcends their own perspective to validate another's.

मुश्किल समय में दूसरों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाना एक महान गुण है। (Showing sympathy towards others in difficult times is a great virtue.)

In literature and daily discourse, 'Sahanubhuti dikhana' is often used to describe the character of a person. A person who shows sympathy is seen as 'Sahanubhutipurna' (sympathetic). The phrase is versatile; it can be used in personal relationships, professional settings (like a doctor showing sympathy to a patient), and even in political discourse where leaders express sympathy for victims of a disaster. It is important to note that 'dikhana' (to show) can sometimes carry a nuance of 'performing' an emotion, so in very deep or sincere contexts, one might use 'vyakt karna' (to express) or 'rakhna' (to have/hold), but 'dikhana' remains the most common way to describe the outward manifestation of this inward feeling. Understanding this phrase requires understanding the collective nature of Indian society, where sharing in the joys and sorrows of the community is a fundamental social expectation. To not show sympathy in a moment of grief is often seen as a significant social failing or a sign of a cold heart.

उसने मेरी हार पर झूठी सहानुभूति दिखाई। (He showed fake sympathy on my defeat.)

Using सहानुभूति दिखाना correctly in a sentence requires attention to the postposition 'के प्रति' (towards) or 'के साथ' (with). Usually, you show sympathy *towards* someone. The structure is: [Subject] + [Object] + [के प्रति] + [सहानुभूति] + [दिखाना (conjugated)]. For example, 'राम ने श्याम के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई' (Ram showed sympathy towards Shyam). Because 'सहानुभूति' is a feminine noun, the verb 'दिखाना' will change based on the tense and the gender of the object in certain constructions, but primarily it follows the rules of transitive compound verbs. In the past tense with 'ने', the verb agrees with 'सहानुभूति', thus becoming 'दिखाई'.

Grammar Rule: Always use 'दिखाई' (feminine) in past perfective because 'सहानुभूति' is feminine.

हमें जानवरों के प्रति भी सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए। (We should show sympathy towards animals too.)

The phrase can be used in various moods. In the imperative mood, you might say, 'उसके प्रति थोड़ी सहानुभूति दिखाओ!' (Show some sympathy towards him!). In the potential mood, 'आपको सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए' (You should show sympathy). It is also common to use intensifiers like 'थोड़ी' (a little), 'बहुत' (a lot), or 'गहरी' (deep). For instance, 'प्रधानमंत्री ने बाढ़ पीड़ितों के प्रति गहरी सहानुभूति दिखाई' (The Prime Minister showed deep sympathy towards the flood victims). This usage is very common in news reporting and formal speeches. In informal settings, you might hear people criticizing someone for *not* showing sympathy: 'तुमने उसके दुख में ज़रा भी सहानुभूति नहीं दिखाई' (You didn't show even a bit of sympathy in his grief).

क्या तुम मेरी स्थिति के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखा सकते हो? (Can you show sympathy towards my situation?)

You will encounter सहानुभूति दिखाना in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from high-brow literature to nightly news broadcasts. In Hindi literature (Sahitya), authors often use this phrase to explore the moral fiber of their characters. A protagonist might be defined by their ability to show sympathy to the marginalized sections of society. In modern Hindi cinema (Bollywood), you'll hear it in emotional scenes where one character consoles another. For example, a doctor explaining a patient's condition to their family might use this term to describe the need for emotional support. In the corporate world, HR departments often talk about 'empathy' in the workplace, translating it as 'कार्यस्थल पर सहानुभूति दिखाना' (showing sympathy/empathy at the workplace).

Media Context: Commonly used in news headlines regarding disaster relief or social justice issues.

समाचार: सरकार ने किसानों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई है। (News: The government has shown sympathy towards the farmers.)

Social media is another place where this phrase is prevalent. In comments sections, users might call out others for a lack of sympathy ('संवेदनहीनता') or praise someone for showing it. In educational settings, teachers encourage students to show sympathy towards their peers who might be struggling. It is also a key term in counseling and psychology in Hindi, where 'empathetic listening' is often described as 'सहानुभूतिपूर्वक सुनना'. During religious or spiritual discourses (Pravachan), gurus often emphasize the importance of showing sympathy to all living beings as a path to spiritual growth. Therefore, whether you are reading a newspaper, watching a soap opera, or attending a formal meeting, this phrase is a staple of emotional and social vocabulary in Hindi-speaking regions.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with सहानुभूति दिखाना is confusing it with 'Daya dikhana' (showing pity). While they are related, 'Daya' often carries a connotation of looking down on someone, whereas 'Sahanubhuti' is about equality and shared feeling. Another common error is grammatical: failing to use the correct gender for the verb in the past tense. Since 'Sahanubhuti' is feminine, you must say 'दिखाई' (dikhayi) and not 'दिखाया' (dikhaya) when using the 'ne' construction. For example, 'उसने सहानुभूति दिखाया' is incorrect; 'उसने सहानुभूति दिखाई' is correct. Learners also sometimes forget the postposition 'के प्रति' and try to use 'को', which sounds unnatural in this specific context.

Pity vs. Sympathy: Daya = Pity (Superior to inferior); Sahanubhuti = Sympathy (Equal footing).

Incorrect: उसने मुझको सहानुभूति दिखाया।
Correct: उसने मेरे प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई।

Another mistake is using 'Sahanubhuti' when 'Empathy' (Samanubhuti) is more accurate. While in casual Hindi 'Sahanubhuti' covers both, in academic or psychological contexts, 'Samanubhuti' (समानुभूति) is the precise word for empathy (feeling *exactly* what the other feels). Additionally, avoid using 'सहानुभूति दिखाना' in situations that require a more formal expression of condolences, such as a death. In those cases, 'संवेदना प्रकट करना' (Samvedna prakat karna) is much more appropriate. Using 'dikhana' in a very tragic situation might come across as slightly superficial or informal. Lastly, be careful with the word 'दिखावा' (dikhawa), which means 'show-off' or 'pretense'. If you say 'सहानुभूति का दिखावा करना', it means 'to pretend to show sympathy', which is the opposite of being sincere.

There are several words in Hindi that overlap with सहानुभूति दिखाना, and understanding the nuances between them will greatly improve your fluency. The most common synonym is 'हमदर्दी जताना' (Hamdardi jatana). 'Hamdardi' is an Urdu-origin word very common in spoken Hindi. While 'Sahanubhuti' sounds slightly more formal or Sanskritized, 'Hamdardi' is warm and colloquial. 'संवेदना प्रकट करना' (Samvedna prakat karna) is the formal, high-register version, often used in official letters, news, and formal condolences. It carries a weight of 'shared sensitivity'. Then there is 'समानुभूति' (Samanubhuti), which is the technical term for 'empathy'—literally 'equal feeling'.

Comparison Table

हमदर्दी: Colloquial, warm, Urdu-origin.
संवेदना: Formal, literary, used for condolences.
समानुभूति: Psychological, precise for 'empathy'.
दया: Pity/Mercy, implies a power difference.

वह हमेशा दूसरों के प्रति हमदर्दी जताता है। (He always expresses sympathy/concern for others.)

Another related term is 'करुणा' (Karuna), which translates to 'compassion'. Karuna is a deeper, often spiritual or philosophical term, frequently used in Buddhist and Hindu teachings to describe a universal love and desire to alleviate suffering. While you 'show' (dikhana) sympathy, you 'have' (rakhna) or 'feel' (anubhav karna) compassion. 'तरस खाना' (Taras khana) is another colloquial phrase meaning 'to feel pity' or 'to take pity on someone', but it can sometimes sound a bit condescending or informal. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right word for the right social context, whether you are talking to a friend, writing a formal email, or reading a classic Hindi novel.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Noun + Verb)

Gender agreement in 'Ne' construction

Use of 'Ke Prati' postposition

Adjective formation from nouns

Modal verb 'Chahiye'

Examples by Level

वह बहुत सहानुभूति दिखाता है।

He shows a lot of sympathy.

Simple present tense.

सहानुभूति दिखाना अच्छी बात है।

Showing sympathy is a good thing.

Gerundial use of the verb.

क्या आप सहानुभूति दिखाते हैं?

Do you show sympathy?

Interrogative sentence.

बच्चे सहानुभूति दिखाते हैं।

Children show sympathy.

Plural subject.

हमें सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए।

We should show sympathy.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

उसने सहानुभूति दिखाई।

He/She showed sympathy.

Past tense with 'ne'.

मेरे दोस्त सहानुभूति दिखाते हैं।

My friends show sympathy.

Possessive pronoun with plural subject.

माँ हमेशा सहानुभूति दिखाती है।

Mother always shows sympathy.

Feminine singular subject.

डॉक्टर ने मरीज़ के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई।

The doctor showed sympathy towards the patient.

Use of 'ke prati'.

मुश्किल समय में सहानुभूति दिखाना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to show sympathy in difficult times.

Infinitive as subject.

उसने मेरी समस्या के प्रति कोई सहानुभूति नहीं दिखाई।

He showed no sympathy towards my problem.

Negative sentence in past tense.

शिक्षक को छात्रों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखानी चाहिए।

A teacher should show sympathy towards students.

Modal verb 'chahiye'.

क्या समाज गरीबों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाता है?

Does society show sympathy towards the poor?

Abstract subject.

हमें एक-दूसरे के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखानी होगी।

We will have to show sympathy towards each other.

Future obligation.

उसकी आँखों में सहानुभूति दिखाई दे रही थी।

Sympathy was visible in his eyes.

Passive-like construction.

सहानुभूति दिखाना कमजोरी नहीं है।

Showing sympathy is not a weakness.

Negative statement.

सहानुभूति दिखाना केवल एक सामाजिक औपचारिकता नहीं, बल्कि मानवीय अस्तित्व का आधार है।

Showing sympathy is not just a social formality, but the basis of human existence.

Complex sentence with 'balki'.

साहित्यकार ने शोषित वर्ग के प्रति अगाध सहानुभूति दिखाई है।

The writer has shown profound sympathy towards the exploited class.

Formal vocabulary 'shoshit', 'agadh'.

राजनीतिक लाभ के लिए सहानुभूति दिखाना अनैतिक है।

Showing sympathy for political gain is unethical.

Gerund phrase as subject.

सहानुभूति दिखाने की क्षमता ही हमें मशीनों से अलग करती है।

The ability to show sympathy is what distinguishes us from machines.

Relative clause structure.

उसने अपने शत्रु के प्रति भी सहानुभूति दिखाकर सबको चकित कर दिया।

He surprised everyone by showing sympathy even towards his enemy.

Participle 'dikhakar'.

दार्शनिकों का मानना है कि सहानुभूति दिखाना आत्मा की शुद्धि है।

Philosophers believe that showing sympathy is the purification of the soul.

Noun clause with 'ki'.

बिना क्रिया के केवल सहानुभूति दिखाना व्यर्थ है।

Showing only sympathy without action is futile.

Prepositional phrase 'bina kriya ke'.

सहानुभूति दिखाने में जो आनंद है, वह संचय में नहीं।

The joy that is in showing sympathy is not in accumulation.

Comparative structure.

Synonyms

हमदर्दी जताना संवेदना प्रकट करना दुख बाँटना तरस खाना दया दिखाना संवेदनशीलता दिखाना साथ देना सहयोग करना

Antonyms

उपेक्षा करना क्रूरता दिखाना निष्ठुरता बरतना मज़ाक उड़ाना

Common Collocations

गहरी सहानुभूति

झूठी सहानुभूति

मानवीय सहानुभूति

अगाध सहानुभूति

थोड़ी सहानुभूति

सहानुभूति का भाव

सहानुभूति की लहर

सहानुभूतिपूर्ण व्यवहार

सहानुभूति जताना

सहानुभूति पाना

Common Phrases

सहानुभूति के दो शब्द

सहानुभूति की कमी

सहानुभूति के पात्र

सहानुभूति बटोरना

सहानुभूति की उम्मीद

सहानुभूति का हाथ बढ़ाना

सहानुभूति में कहना

सहानुभूति के लिए

सहानुभूति के साथ

पूरी सहानुभूति

Often Confused With

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs दया दिखाना (Pity)

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs मज़ाक उड़ाना (Mockery)

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs उपेक्षा करना (Neglect)

Idioms & Expressions

"मगरमच्छ के आँसू बहाना (False sympathy)"

"दुखती रग पर हाथ रखना"

"ज़ख्मों पर नमक छिड़कना (Opposite context)"

"कंधा देना"

"दिल जीत लेना"

"आँसू पोंछना"

"ढाँढस बँधाना"

"कलेजा मुँह को आना"

"जी भर आना"

"दिल पसीजना"

Easily Confused

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs समानुभूति

Empathy (feeling the same), whereas Sahanubhuti is Sympathy (feeling for).

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs संवेदना

More formal/literary.

सहानुभूति दिखाना vs हमदर्दी

Urdu-origin, more colloquial.

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Sincere vs. performative showing of emotion.

formality

Middle register; suitable for most situations.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'सहानुभूति दिखाया' (Incorrect gender).
Using 'Daya' when you mean 'Sympathy'.
Forgetting 'ke prati'.
Using it in a sarcastic way without meaning to.
Confusing it with 'Samanubhuti' in technical contexts.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember Sahanubhuti is feminine. This is the most common mistake.

Be Sincere

In Indian culture, the sincerity of sympathy is highly valued.

Synonym Swap

Use 'Hamdardi' in casual talk and 'Sahanubhuti' in writing.

Postposition

Use 'ke prati' to sound like a native speaker.

Cultural Depth

Understand that showing sympathy is a social duty in India.

Softness

Pronounce the 'h' in Sahanubhuti clearly but softly.

Intensifiers

Use 'अत्यधिक' or 'गहरी' for formal writing.

News Clues

Listen for this phrase in news about social welfare.

Tone

Your tone should match the weight of the word.

Saha + Anubhuti

Break the word down to remember its meaning.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sanskrit

Cultural Context

It is impolite not to express sympathy when someone shares bad news.

Traditionally, women are often expected to be more expressive in showing sympathy, but it is a valued trait in all.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी किसी अजनबी के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई है?"

"सहानुभूति दिखाना क्यों ज़रूरी है?"

"क्या जानवरों के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाना महत्वपूर्ण है?"

"जब कोई आपको सहानुभूति दिखाता है, तो आपको कैसा लगता है?"

"क्या सहानुभूति सिखाई जा सकती है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किसके प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई?

एक समय के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने आपके प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई।

सहानुभूति और दया में क्या अंतर है?

क्या सहानुभूति दिखाने से दुनिया बेहतर हो सकती है?

मेरे जीवन में सहानुभूति का क्या महत्व है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sahanubhuti is sympathy (equal footing), while Daya is pity (often implies a hierarchy).

It is a feminine noun.

You say 'सहानुभूति दिखाई' (Sahanubhuti dikhayi).

It is grammatically possible but 'ke prati' is much more natural and common.

It is neutral to formal. In very formal settings, 'Samvedna' is preferred.

Yes, it is very common to show sympathy towards animals.

The opposite is 'Upeksha' (neglect) or 'Nishthurta' (cruelty).

Yes, 'Hamdardi' is the Urdu synonym used frequently in spoken Hindi.

You say 'गहरी सहानुभूति' (Gahri Sahanubhuti).

Yes, it is a noun + verb compound.