सजा देना in 30 Seconds

  • To inflict a penalty for an offense.
  • To impose a consequence for wrongdoing.
  • To give punishment.
  • The act of punishing.
The Hindi verb phrase 'सजा देना' (sazaa dena) directly translates to 'to give punishment' or 'to punish' in English. It is used when an authority figure, such as a parent, teacher, judge, or even a societal norm, imposes a penalty or consequence on an individual for having done something wrong or broken a rule. This can range from minor reprimands to more serious legal repercussions. The act of punishing is often seen as a way to deter future misbehavior, uphold justice, or correct an offender's actions. It implies a deliberate act of imposing a negative consequence as a result of a transgression. The word 'सजा' (sazaa) itself means punishment, penalty, or sentence, and 'देना' (dena) means to give. Thus, 'सजा देना' is the active verb form of imposing punishment. People use this phrase in various contexts: when discussing disciplinary actions in schools, legal judgments, parental discipline, or even when talking about the consequences of breaking social etiquette. It is a fundamental concept in maintaining order and accountability within any community or system. The severity of the 'सजा' can vary greatly depending on the offense, but the act of 'देना' remains the same. It's important to note that while it means to punish, the cultural nuances can sometimes lean towards correction and rehabilitation rather than pure retribution, especially in familial or educational settings.
Root Words
सजा (sazaa) - punishment, penalty, sentence. देना (dena) - to give.
Contexts of Use
Legal proceedings, parental discipline, school rules, societal consequences, moral correction.

The judge decided to सजा देना the accused.

The verb phrase 'सजा देना' (sazaa dena) is quite versatile and can be used in a variety of sentence structures. It typically follows the subject performing the action of punishing and is followed by the object being punished. The direct object of the punishment is often indicated with the postposition 'को' (ko) or is implied. For instance, 'उसने बच्चे को सजा दी' (usne bachche ko sazaa di) means 'He/She punished the child.' Here, 'उसने' (usne) is the subject (he/she), 'बच्चे को' (bachche ko) is the object (the child), and 'सजा दी' (sazaa di) is the verb phrase, where 'दी' (di) is the past tense feminine form of 'देना' (dena), agreeing with 'सजा' which is feminine. In the present tense, it might be 'वह बच्चे को सजा देता है' (vah bachche ko sazaa deta hai) - 'He punishes the child.' The verb form of 'देना' will change based on the tense, gender, and number of the subject. When referring to a more abstract punishment or consequence, the 'को' might be omitted. For example, 'गलती की सजा सबको मिलती है' (galti ki sazaa sabko milti hai) - 'Everyone gets punished for mistakes.' Here, 'सजा' is the subject of the sentence, and the action is happening to 'सबको' (everyone). The phrase can also be used in passive constructions. 'चोर को जेल की सजा दी गई' (chor ko jail ki sazaa di gayi) - 'The thief was given a prison sentence.' In this case, 'दी गई' (di gayi) is the passive form. Understanding these variations in tense and voice is crucial for accurate usage. The core idea remains the imposition of a penalty. It's also common to hear phrases like 'सजा भुगतना' (sazaa bhugatna), which means 'to suffer punishment' or 'to serve a sentence,' highlighting the experience of the punished.
Subject-Object-Verb Structure
Subject + (Object + को) + सजा देना.
Tense Variations
Present: सजा देता/देती है (sazaa deta/deti hai). Past: सजा दी (sazaa di). Future: सजा देगा/देगी (sazaa dega/degi).

The teacher had to सजा देना the student for not doing homework.

You'll frequently encounter 'सजा देना' (sazaa dena) in everyday conversations and media across India. It's a common phrase in news reports discussing crime and legal judgments. For instance, a news anchor might say, 'अदालत ने अपराधी को कड़ी सजा देना का फैसला सुनाया' (adaalat ne apraadhi ko kadi sazaa dena ka faisla sunaaya) - 'The court decided to give a harsh punishment to the criminal.' In educational settings, teachers might use it when addressing student misconduct: 'अगर तुम फिर शरारत करोगे तो मैं तुम्हें सजा दूंगा' (agar tum phir shararat karoge toh main tumhein sazaa doonga) - 'If you misbehave again, I will punish you.' Parents also use it to discipline their children: 'तुमने अपना काम पूरा नहीं किया, इसलिए मैं तुम्हें सजा दूंगा' (tumne apna kaam poora nahin kiya, isliye main tumhein sazaa doonga) - 'You didn't finish your work, so I will punish you.' In family discussions about rules and consequences, this phrase is common. Even in informal settings, people might discuss societal punishments or consequences for certain actions. For example, 'झूठ बोलने वाले को सजा मिलना चाहिए' (jhooth bolne wale ko sazaa milna chahiye) - 'Liars should be punished.' While 'मिलना' (milna - to get/receive) is used here, it implies the act of giving punishment. You'll also hear it in historical dramas or discussions about past events where punishments were meted out. The phrase is integral to discussions about justice, discipline, and accountability in the Indian subcontinent.
Legal Context
News reports, court proceedings, discussions about law and order.
Educational Context
Teachers addressing students, school disciplinary policies.
Family Context
Parental discipline, discussions about household rules.

The news reported that the government decided to सजा देना those who violate the new law.

Learners of Hindi often make a few common mistakes when using 'सजा देना' (sazaa dena). One frequent error is the incorrect conjugation of the verb 'देना' (dena). Since 'सजा' is a feminine noun, the past tense form of 'देना' should agree with it. For example, saying 'उसने सजा दिया' (usne sazaa diya) is incorrect; it should be 'उसने सजा दी' (usne sazaa di). Similarly, in the present tense, if the subject is masculine, it would be 'वह सजा देता है' (vah sazaa deta hai), and if feminine, 'वह सजा देती है' (vah sazaa deti hai). Another mistake is the misuse of the postposition 'को' (ko). While often used with the direct object of punishment (e.g., 'बच्चे को सजा देना' - to punish the child), its omission or incorrect placement can alter the meaning or make the sentence grammatically awkward. For instance, 'सजा देना बच्चे को' is less natural than 'बच्चे को सजा देना'. Some learners might also confuse 'सजा देना' with simply 'देना' (to give) without the context of punishment. For example, using 'उसने दंड दिया' (usne dand diya) which is also correct but 'सजा देना' is more common in everyday speech. A more subtle error involves the passive voice. Learners might incorrectly form the passive, for instance, by using 'दिया गया' (diya gaya) instead of 'दी गई' (di gayi) when the subject of the passive action is 'सजा'. For example, 'उसको सजा दिया गया' should be 'उसको सजा दी गई' (usko sazaa di gayi) meaning 'He/She was punished.' Finally, some might try to directly translate English phrases like 'punishment is given' without considering the natural Hindi sentence structure, leading to awkward phrasing. It's important to internalize the common patterns and ensure the verb agrees with the noun 'सजा' in terms of gender and number where applicable.
Verb Agreement
Incorrect: सजा दिया (sazaa diya). Correct: सजा दी (sazaa di).
Postposition Usage
Ensure 'को' is used correctly with the recipient of the punishment.
Passive Voice
Remember the passive form 'दी गई' (di gayi) for 'सजा'.

A common mistake is to say 'उसने सजा दिया' instead of the correct 'उसने सजा दी'.

While 'सजा देना' (sazaa dena) is the most common phrase for 'to punish,' Hindi offers several alternatives, each with slightly different nuances and registers. The word 'दंड' (dand) also means punishment or penalty and can be used in a similar way. For instance, 'दंड देना' (dand dena) is a more formal or legalistic way of saying 'to punish.' It often appears in legal contexts or when discussing more severe punishments. For example, 'चोर को दंड दिया गया' (chor ko dand diya gaya) - 'The thief was punished.' Another related term is 'दण्डित करना' (dandit karna), which is a verb meaning 'to punish' or 'to penalize.' This is also quite formal and often used in written language or official pronouncements. For example, 'सरकार ने नियमों का उल्लंघन करने वालों को दण्डित किया' (sarkar ne niyamon ka ullanghan karne walon ko dandit kiya) - 'The government penalized those who violated the rules.' In a more informal or familial context, especially when referring to minor infractions, parents might use phrases like 'डांटना' (daantna) - to scold, or 'फटकारना' (phatkaarana) - to reprimand, which are forms of disciplinary action but not necessarily severe punishment. For very minor offenses, one might simply say 'पाठ पढ़ाना' (paath padhaana) - literally 'to teach a lesson,' which implies giving a consequence to make someone learn. However, 'सजा देना' remains the most direct and widely understood term for imposing a penalty. The choice between 'सजा देना', 'दंड देना', and 'दण्डित करना' often depends on the formality of the situation and the severity of the action.
'सजा देना' vs 'दंड देना'
'सजा देना' is more common in everyday speech. 'दंड देना' is more formal and often used in legal contexts.
'दण्डित करना'
A formal verb meaning 'to penalize' or 'to punish'.
Informal Alternatives
'डांटना' (to scold), 'फटकारना' (to reprimand), 'पाठ पढ़ाना' (to teach a lesson - figuratively).

While 'सजा देना' is common, 'दंड देना' is a more formal alternative, often heard in courtrooms.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Interestingly, the Arabic root 'sazā' can also refer to a reward or recompense. However, in Hindi, 'सजा' is almost exclusively used for negative consequences – punishment. This linguistic divergence highlights how words can evolve and specialize in meaning within different cultural and linguistic contexts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /səˈzɑː ˈdeɪnɑː/
US /səˈzɑː ˈdeɪnɑː/
The main stress is on 'जा' (ZAA) in 'सजा' and 'दे' (DE) in 'देना'.
Rhymes With
वजह देना (vajaha dena) नया देना (naya dena) जया देना (jaya dena) खुदा देना (khuda dena) शिफा देना (shifa dena) दवा देना (dava dena) हवा देना (hava dena) दुआ देना (dua dena)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'स' as 'z' or vice versa.
  • Incorrect vowel sounds, like making 'a' sound like 'cat'.
  • Not giving enough emphasis to the stressed syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

CEFR B1 level means it's suitable for intermediate learners. Understanding the nuances of verb conjugation and context is key.

Writing 3/5
Speaking 3/5
Listening 3/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देना (dena - to give) गलती (galti - mistake) नियम (niyam - rule) बच्चा (bachcha - child) शिक्षक (shikshak - teacher)

Learn Next

दंड (dand - penalty) अपराध (apraadh - crime) न्याय (nyay - justice) कानून (kanoon - law) दोषी (doshi - guilty)

Advanced

दण्डित करना (dandit karna - to penalize) क्षमा (kshama - forgiveness) निवारण (nivaran - deterrence) सुधार (sudhaar - reform) प्रतिशोध (pratishodh - revenge)

Grammar to Know

Verb Conjugation of 'देना' (dena)

The verb 'देना' changes its form based on the tense, gender, and number of the subject. For 'सजा देना', remember 'सजा' is feminine, so past tense is 'सजा दी', not 'सजा दिया'.

Use of Postposition 'को' (ko)

The object of punishment is often followed by 'को'. For example, 'बच्चे को सजा देना' (to punish the child).

Passive Voice Construction

The passive voice is formed using 'जाना' (jaana). For 'सजा देना', the passive form is 'सजा दी गई' (sazaa di gayi - was punished).

Gender Agreement

In the past tense, the verb 'देना' agrees in gender with the noun 'सजा'. So, 'उसने सजा दी' (He/She gave punishment), not 'उसने सजा दिया'.

Formal vs. Informal Registers

While 'सजा देना' is common, 'दंडित करना' is more formal and used in legal or official contexts.

Examples by Level

1

बच्चे ने शरारत की, माँ ने सजा दी।

The child misbehaved, the mother punished.

Simple past tense, 'दी' agrees with 'सजा'.

2

बिना होमवर्क के, शिक्षक सजा देंगे।

Without homework, the teacher will punish.

Future tense, 'देंगे' for plural or respectful subject.

3

मैंने गलती की, मुझे सजा मिली।

I made a mistake, I got punished.

Passive construction using 'मिली' (got/received).

4

खेल में हारने पर सजा होती है।

There is a punishment for losing in the game.

General statement, present tense.

5

वह बच्चों को सजा देता है।

He punishes the children.

Present tense, masculine subject 'वह'.

6

गलत काम की सजा मिलती है।

One gets punished for wrong deeds.

General truth, passive voice.

7

पुलिस ने चोर को सजा दी।

The police punished the thief.

Past tense, common scenario.

8

यह सजा बहुत छोटी है।

This punishment is very small.

Describing the nature of the punishment.

1

अगर तुम शोर मचाओगे, तो मैं तुम्हें सजा दूंगा।

If you make noise, I will punish you.

Conditional sentence, future tense.

2

स्कूल में अनुशासन तोड़ने पर सजा मिलती है।

One gets punished in school for breaking discipline.

General rule in a specific context.

3

न्यायाधीश ने अपराधी को कड़ी सजा दी।

The judge gave a harsh punishment to the criminal.

Past tense, more formal vocabulary ('न्यायाधीश', 'अपराधी').

4

बच्चों को उनकी गलतियों के लिए सजा देना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to punish children for their mistakes.

Expressing necessity, infinitive form.

5

उसने चोरी की, इसलिए उसे जेल की सजा हुई।

He stole, so he was sentenced to jail.

Cause and effect, consequence of an action.

6

क्या तुम्हें इस काम के लिए सजा मिलेगी?

Will you get punished for this work?

Interrogative sentence, future tense.

7

हमारा इरादा किसी को सजा देना नहीं था।

Our intention was not to punish anyone.

Expressing intent, negative past tense.

8

इस नियम को तोड़ने की सजा क्या है?

What is the punishment for breaking this rule?

Asking about the penalty.

1

अध्यापक ने छात्र को देर से आने के लिए सजा दी

The teacher punished the student for coming late.

Past tense, specific reason for punishment.

2

कानून तोड़ने वालों को सजा भुगतनी पड़ती है।

Those who break the law have to suffer punishment.

Idiomatic phrase 'सजा भुगतना' (to suffer punishment).

3

हमें अपने कर्मों की सजा ज़रूर मिलती है।

We definitely get punished for our deeds.

General principle, noun form of 'सजा'.

4

क्या तुम मानते हो कि हर गलती के लिए सजा देना सही है?

Do you believe it is right to punish for every mistake?

Asking for an opinion on the act of punishing.

5

सरकार ने पर्यावरण को नुकसान पहुँचाने वालों को कड़ी सजा देने का ऐलान किया है।

The government has announced to give severe punishment to those who harm the environment.

Announcement, use of 'कड़ी' (severe).

6

बिना सोचे-समझे काम करने की सजा अक्सर कड़वी होती है।

The punishment for acting without thinking is often bitter.

Figurative punishment, descriptive adjective 'कड़वी' (bitter).

7

उन्होंने मुझे सजा के तौर पर एक हफ़्ते के लिए बाहर जाने से मना कर दिया।

As a punishment, they forbade me from going out for a week.

Phrase 'सजा के तौर पर' (as a punishment).

8

अक्सर बच्चे अपनी नादानी में ऐसी हरकतें करते हैं जिसके लिए उन्हें सजा मिलती है।

Often children do such things in their innocence for which they get punished.

Context of innocence leading to punishment.

1

न्यायालय ने दोषी को सजा देने का फैसला सुनाया।

The court pronounced the sentence to give to the convict.

Formal legal context, 'दोषी' (convict).

2

हमें यह समझना होगा कि सजा देना हमेशा समस्या का हल नहीं होता।

We need to understand that punishing is not always the solution to the problem.

Philosophical statement about the effectiveness of punishment.

3

उसके अप्रत्याशित व्यवहार के लिए उसे सजा के तौर पर पद से हटा दिया गया।

For his unexpected behavior, he was removed from his post as a punishment.

Formal consequence, professional context.

4

क्या सजा देना बच्चों के चरित्र निर्माण में सहायक होता है?

Does punishing help in the character building of children?

Debate on the educational value of punishment.

5

समाज में सजा का भय अक्सर अपराधों को रोकने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है।

The fear of punishment in society often plays an important role in preventing crimes.

Societal impact of fear of punishment.

6

अतिरिक्त काम का बोझ एक तरह की सजा ही थी।

The extra workload was a kind of punishment.

Figurative use of punishment for a difficult task.

7

अधिकारियों ने नियमों का उल्लंघन करने वाले कर्मचारियों को सजा देने की चेतावनी दी।

The authorities warned to punish the employees who violated the rules.

Formal warning, workplace context.

8

उसकी नासमझी के कारण उसे सजा के रूप में अपना पद छोड़ना पड़ा।

Due to his lack of understanding, he had to leave his post as a punishment.

Consequence of incompetence, formal setting.

1

न्याय प्रणाली का उद्देश्य न केवल सजा देना है, बल्कि अपराधियों को सुधारना भी है।

The aim of the justice system is not only to punish but also to reform criminals.

Dual purpose of justice: punishment and reform.

2

अत्यधिक सजा अक्सर प्रतिशोध की भावना को जन्म देती है, जो समाज के लिए हानिकारक है।

Excessive punishment often gives rise to a feeling of revenge, which is harmful to society.

Critique of excessive punishment, societal implications.

3

प्राचीन काल में, सजा के तरीके आज की तुलना में कहीं अधिक क्रूर होते थे।

In ancient times, methods of punishment were much crueler compared to today.

Historical comparison of punishment methods.

4

क्या सजा देना बच्चों में भय पैदा करता है या जिम्मेदारी की भावना?

Does punishing children create fear or a sense of responsibility?

Exploring the psychological effects of punishment on children.

5

जब कोई व्यक्ति बार-बार गलतियाँ करता है, तो उसे सजा के साथ-साथ परामर्श की भी आवश्यकता होती है।

When a person repeatedly makes mistakes, they need counseling along with punishment.

Holistic approach to addressing repeated offenses.

6

गलत सूचना फैलाने के लिए सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म को सजा दी जानी चाहिए।

Social media platforms should be punished for spreading misinformation.

Application of punishment to digital entities.

7

उसका निलंबन केवल एक प्रारंभिक सजा थी, अंतिम निर्णय आना बाकी था।

His suspension was merely an initial punishment, the final verdict was yet to come.

Distinguishing between initial and final punishment.

8

यह सुनिश्चित करना महत्वपूर्ण है कि सजा अपराध के अनुपात में हो।

It is important to ensure that the punishment is proportionate to the crime.

Principle of proportionality in punishment.

1

दंड संहिता का मुख्य उद्देश्य समाज में व्यवस्था बनाए रखने के लिए सजा देना और निवारण करना है।

The main objective of the penal code is to punish and deter to maintain order in society.

Formal legal terminology, 'दंड संहिता', 'निवारण' (deterrence).

2

अत्यधिक कठोर सजा न केवल व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का हनन करती है, बल्कि समाज में भय और असंतोष का माहौल भी पैदा करती है।

Excessively harsh punishment not only infringes upon individual liberty but also creates an atmosphere of fear and discontent in society.

Critique of severe punishment, exploring its broader societal impact.

3

नैतिक दर्शन में, सजा देना को अक्सर न्याय की प्राप्ति के साधन के रूप में देखा जाता है, यद्यपि इसके औचित्य पर निरंतर बहस होती रहती है।

In moral philosophy, punishing is often seen as a means of achieving justice, although its justification is continuously debated.

Philosophical perspective on punishment and justice.

4

बच्चों के व्यवहार को सुधारने के लिए सजा देना एक विवादास्पद विषय रहा है, जिसमें सकारात्मक सुदृढीकरण की वकालत करने वालों और पारंपरिक अनुशासन विधियों के समर्थकों के बीच मतभेद हैं।

Punishing children to correct their behavior has been a controversial topic, with disagreements between advocates of positive reinforcement and supporters of traditional disciplinary methods.

Debate on child-rearing practices, contrasting methods.

5

जब किसी राष्ट्र द्वारा युद्ध अपराधों के लिए सजा दी जाती है, तो यह अंतर्राष्ट्रीय कानून के तहत एक जटिल प्रक्रिया होती है।

When punishment is given by a nation for war crimes, it is a complex process under international law.

International law context, war crimes.

6

आर्थिक अपराधों के लिए सजा का निर्धारण करते समय, न केवल अपराध की गंभीरता बल्कि अपराधी की वित्तीय स्थिति पर भी विचार किया जाना चाहिए।

When determining punishment for economic crimes, not only the severity of the crime but also the financial status of the offender should be considered.

Nuanced consideration in sentencing for economic offenses.

7

साइबर अपराधों के बढ़ते प्रसार के साथ, सजा देना और अपराधियों को पकड़ना कानून प्रवर्तन एजेंसियों के लिए एक बड़ी चुनौती बन गया है।

With the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes, punishing and apprehending offenders has become a major challenge for law enforcement agencies.

Modern challenges in crime and punishment.

8

अक्सर, सजा का अंतिम उद्देश्य समाज को सुरक्षित रखना और भविष्य में होने वाले अपराधों को रोकना होता है।

Often, the ultimate purpose of punishment is to keep society safe and prevent future crimes.

The ultimate goal of punishment: societal safety and deterrence.

Synonyms

दंड देना दण्डित करना डांटना फटकारना पाठ पढ़ाना इंतकाम लेना सजा सुनाना दंडित करना

Antonyms

माफ़ करना बख्शना पुरस्कार देना क्षमा करना

Common Collocations

कड़ी सजा
छोटी सजा
जेल की सजा
आर्थिक सजा
सजा सुनाना
सजा भुगतना
सजा के तौर पर
सजा का डर
सजा का प्रावधान
सजा से बचना

Common Phrases

सजा देना

— To punish someone.

The teacher had to सजा देना the student.

सजा मिलना

— To receive punishment.

He got सजा मिलना for his actions.

सजा भुगतना

— To serve a punishment or suffer the consequences.

She had to सजा भुगतना for her mistakes.

सजा का प्रावधान

— Provision for punishment; a penalty exists.

There is a सजा का प्रावधान for this crime.

सजा के तौर पर

— As a punishment.

He was sent to his room सजा के तौर पर.

सजा सुनाना

— To pronounce a sentence or punishment.

The judge will सजा सुनाना tomorrow.

कड़ी सजा

— A severe punishment.

The court gave a कड़ी सजा.

छोटी सजा

— A minor punishment.

It was a छोटी सजा for a small mistake.

जेल की सजा

— Imprisonment; a jail sentence.

He received जेल की सजा.

माफी की सजा

— A punishment that is lenient or easily pardoned.

It felt like माफी की सजा.

Often Confused With

सजा देना vs सजाना (sazaana)

'सजाना' means 'to decorate' or 'to adorn'. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and usage. For example, 'कमरे को सजाना' means 'to decorate the room'.

सजा देना vs सजा (sazaa)

'सजा' itself is the noun 'punishment' or 'penalty'. 'सजा देना' is the verb phrase 'to give punishment'.

सजा देना vs दंड (dand)

'दंड' is another word for punishment, often more formal or legalistic than 'सजा'.

Idioms & Expressions

"सबक सिखाना"

— To teach someone a lesson, often through punishment or a negative experience.

He misbehaved, so I decided to उसे सबक सिखाना।

Informal
"आग से खेलना"

— To do something dangerous or foolish that will inevitably lead to trouble or punishment.

Stealing from the boss is like आग से खेलना।

Informal
"कानून के शिकंजे में आना"

— To be caught by the law and face punishment.

After years of evading, he finally कानून के शिकंजे में आ गया।

Formal
"हाथ पड़ना"

— To be caught or apprehended, often leading to punishment.

The thieves had हाथ पड़ना and were taken to jail.

Informal
"नाक कटना"

— To be disgraced or lose face, often due to a mistake or punishment.

His public humiliation was a great नाक कटना for him.

Informal
"अँधेरे मुँह जाना"

— To go to jail; to face punishment.

After the conviction, he had to अँधेरे मुँह जाना।

Informal
"जवाबी कार्रवाई"

— Retaliation or counter-action, which can be a form of punishment.

The attack led to a swift जवाबी कार्रवाई.

Formal
"अपने कर्मों का फल भोगना"

— To suffer the consequences (punishment) of one's actions.

He is now अपने कर्मों का फल भोग रहा है।

General
"कानून के हाथ लंबे होते हैं"

— The law eventually catches up with wrongdoers; punishment is inevitable.

Don't try to escape justice; कानून के हाथ लंबे होते हैं।

Proverbial
"काला पानी"

— Historically, a severe form of punishment involving exile to remote penal colonies. It signifies a very harsh sentence.

Britishers used to send freedom fighters to काला पानी.

Historical/Figurative

Easily Confused

सजा देना vs सजाना

Similar pronunciation.

'सजाना' (verb) means 'to decorate' or 'to adorn'. For example, 'फूलों से घर सजाना' (to decorate the house with flowers). 'सजा देना' (verb phrase) means 'to punish'. The noun 'सजा' means 'punishment'. They are distinct in meaning and usage.

Incorrect: 'मैंने कमरे को सजा देना।' Correct: 'मैंने कमरे को सजाया।' (I decorated the room.) vs. 'उसने बच्चे को सजा दी।' (He punished the child.)

सजा देना vs दंड देना

Both mean 'to punish'.

'सजा देना' is the more common and general term for punishing in everyday conversation. 'दंड देना' is more formal and often used in legal contexts or when referring to more severe penalties. The noun 'दंड' is also a synonym for 'सजा'.

Everyday: 'बच्चे को सजा दो।' Formal/Legal: 'अपराधी को दंड दो।'

सजा देना vs माफ़ करना

They represent opposite actions related to wrongdoing.

'सजा देना' means to inflict a penalty for a wrongdoing. 'माफ़ करना' means to forgive someone for their wrongdoing, essentially choosing not to punish them. They are antonyms.

'उसने गलती की, इसलिए उसे सजा मिली।' (He made a mistake, so he was punished.) vs. 'शिक्षक ने उसे माफ़ कर दिया।' (The teacher forgave him.)

सजा देना vs दोषी

Often appear together in legal contexts.

'दोषी' (doshi) is a noun meaning 'guilty person' or 'culprit'. 'सजा देना' is the action of punishing that guilty person. One is the actor/recipient of the action, the other is the action itself.

'दोषी को सजा दी गई।' (The guilty person was punished.)

सजा देना vs न्याय

Related concepts in the legal system.

'न्याय' (nyay) means 'justice'. 'सजा देना' is often seen as a part of achieving justice, but justice itself is a broader concept that can also involve fairness, rights, and restitution, not just punishment.

'न्याय के लिए सजा ज़रूरी है।' (Punishment is necessary for justice.)

Sentence Patterns

Beginner

Subject + Object + को + सजा दी।

माँ ने बच्चे को सजा दी।

Beginner

Subject + Object + को + सजा देगा/देगी।

शिक्षक छात्र को सजा देगा।

Intermediate

Object + को + सजा मिली।

चोर को सजा मिली।

Intermediate

Subject + सजा के तौर पर + Verb Phrase।

उसने सजा के तौर पर सफाई की।

Intermediate

Subject + यह + सजा + है।

यह छोटी सजा है।

Advanced

Passive: Object + को + सजा दी गई।

अपराधी को सजा दी गई।

Advanced

Formal: Subject + Object + को + दण्डित किया।

न्यायाधीश ने दोषी को दण्डित किया।

Advanced

Abstract: सजा का प्रावधान है।

इस कानून में सजा का प्रावधान है।

Word Family

Nouns

सजा (sazaa - punishment)
दंड (dand - punishment, penalty)
जुर्माना (jurmaana - fine)

Verbs

सजा देना (sazaa dena - to punish)
दंडित करना (dandit karna - to penalize)
माफ़ करना (maaf karna - to forgive)
बख्शना (bakhshna - to spare)

Adjectives

सज़ावार (sazaavaar - deserving punishment)
निर्दोष (nirdosh - innocent)

Related

अपराध (apraadh - crime)
न्याय (nyay - justice)
कानून (kanoon - law)
दोषी (doshi - guilty person)
अदालत (adaalat - court)

How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes
  • Incorrect verb agreement in the past tense. उसने सजा दी।

    The noun 'सजा' is feminine. Therefore, the past tense of 'देना' must agree with it. The correct form is 'दी' (di), not 'दिया' (diya).

  • Confusing 'सजा देना' with 'सजाना'. कमरे को सजाया। (Decorated the room.)

    'सजा देना' means 'to punish', while 'सजाना' means 'to decorate'. The pronunciation is similar but the meanings are entirely different.

  • Misuse of postposition 'को'. उसने बच्चे को सजा दी।

    While often used, the placement of 'को' can sometimes be implied or structured differently. However, in the direct object construction, it's generally expected.

  • Using 'सजा दिया' in passive voice. उसको सजा दी गई।

    In the passive voice, the verb 'जाना' (jaana) is used. The form must agree with the feminine noun 'सजा', hence 'दी गई' (di gayi), not 'दिया गया' (diya gaya).

  • Using 'सजा देना' for minor scolding. शिक्षक ने बच्चे को डांटा।

    While 'डांटना' (to scold) can be a form of mild discipline, 'सजा देना' implies a more formal or significant penalty. Using 'सजा देना' for simple scolding might sound overly harsh.

Tips

Mastering the Sounds

Pay close attention to the distinct sounds of 'स' and 'ज़' in Hindi. Ensure the vowels in 'सजा' and 'देना' are clear and open, similar to the 'a' in 'father'. Stress the 'जा' in 'सजा' and the 'दे' in 'देना'.

Gender Agreement is Key

Remember that 'सजा' is a feminine noun. This is crucial for correct verb conjugation, especially in the past tense. Always use 'सजा दी' (sazaa di) instead of 'सजा दिया' (sazaa diya).

Context is Crucial

While 'सजा देना' is common, understand when to use more formal alternatives like 'दंड देना' or 'दण्डित करना' in legal or official settings to sound more appropriate.

Active vs. Passive

Be aware of both active ('उसने सजा दी' - He punished) and passive ('उसे सजा मिली' or 'उसे सजा दी गई' - He was punished) constructions to understand and express situations involving punishment fully.

Visual Aids and Mnemonics

Connect the word 'सजा' with the image of a judge or a school principal delivering a penalty. Use mnemonics like the 'saj' (saddle) falling off a horse to remember the meaning.

Sentence Building

Actively try to create your own sentences using 'सजा देना' in various tenses and contexts. This hands-on practice is vital for solidifying your understanding and usage.

Beyond Retribution

Understand that in many Indian contexts, punishment is viewed not just as retribution but also as a tool for correction and character building, especially in family and educational settings.

Expanding Your Lexicon

Learn related terms like 'दंड', 'जुर्माना', 'डांटना', and 'फटकारना' to express different degrees and types of negative consequences effectively.

Opposite Actions

Familiarize yourself with antonyms like 'माफ़ करना' (to forgive) and 'पुरस्कार देना' (to reward) to fully grasp the concept by understanding its opposite.

Active Listening

When watching Hindi movies or listening to news, pay attention to how and when 'सजा देना' is used. This will expose you to natural usage and common collocations.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'SAJ' (like a saddle) on a horse. If you fall off the horse because you didn't ride properly, you get 'सजा' (sazaa) - a punishment!

Visual Association

Picture a stern judge wearing a black robe, holding a gavel, and looking down at someone who is about to be punished. The word 'सजा देना' is written above the judge's head.

Word Web

Punishment Penalty Sentence Consequence Discipline Justice Offense Crime

Challenge

Try to use 'सजा देना' in at least three different sentences describing hypothetical situations where someone needs to be punished.

Word Origin

The word 'सजा' (sazaa) originates from the Arabic word 'sazā', meaning 'punishment' or 'reward'. In Hindi, it primarily denotes punishment. The verb 'देना' (dena) is a native Indo-Aryan word meaning 'to give'.

Original meaning: In Arabic, 'sazā' can mean both reward and punishment, but in Hindi, its usage is predominantly limited to punishment.

Indo-Aryan (Hindi) borrowing from Arabic.

Cultural Context

The concept of punishment can be sensitive. While it's a necessary part of social order, discussions around it should be mindful of potential harshness or injustice. Context is key: punishing a child for safety reasons differs greatly from a harsh legal sentence.

While 'to punish' is the direct translation, the cultural context in India might sometimes emphasize correction and learning over pure retribution, especially in family and educational settings.

The concept of 'Karma' in Hinduism and Buddhism, where actions have inevitable consequences, often interpreted as a form of cosmic punishment or reward. Historical accounts of judicial systems in ancient India, such as those described in the Arthashastra, which detail various forms of punishment for different offenses. Modern Indian legal system, where 'सजा देना' is a fundamental aspect of criminal justice, with specific laws and judicial precedents dictating punishments.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School Discipline

  • देर से आने की सजा
  • अनुशासन तोड़ने की सजा
  • होमवर्क न करने की सजा

Legal Proceedings

  • जेल की सजा
  • आर्थिक सजा
  • सजा सुनाना

Parental Discipline

  • शरारत की सजा
  • कमरे में बंद करना सजा के तौर पर
  • डांटना सजा से बढ़कर है

Societal Rules

  • नियम तोड़ने की सजा
  • समाज में सजा का डर
  • गलत काम की सजा

Figurative Use

  • सबक सिखाना
  • अपने कर्मों का फल भोगना
  • कड़ी सजा भुगतना

Conversation Starters

"What do you think is the most effective way to punish a child?"

"Should there be a universal punishment for certain crimes, or should it vary?"

"Do you believe that 'an eye for an eye' is a just form of punishment?"

"How does the fear of punishment influence people's behavior in your country?"

"Can punishment ever be considered 'too harsh'?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you were punished. How did it make you feel, and what did you learn from it?

Write about a fictional scenario where a character receives an unusual or unexpected punishment.

Discuss the difference between punishment and discipline. Are they the same, or do they serve different purposes?

Imagine you are a judge. What factors would you consider when deciding on a punishment for a crime?

Explore the idea of self-punishment. Is it ever beneficial, or is it always detrimental?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'सजा देना' is the most common and general way to say 'to punish' in Hindi, used in everyday conversations. 'दंड देना' is a more formal and often legal term, implying a more severe or official penalty. While both mean to punish, 'सजा देना' is used more broadly in family, school, and general social contexts, whereas 'दंड देना' is more likely to be heard in courtrooms or official pronouncements.

In Hindi, the word 'सजा' almost exclusively refers to punishment or penalty, which is a negative consequence for wrongdoing. While the root word in Arabic can sometimes mean 'reward', in Hindi usage, it is strictly associated with negative sanctions. Therefore, 'सजा देना' always implies imposing a penalty.

If you are male, you would say 'मैं तुम्हें सजा दूंगा' (main tumhein sazaa doonga). If you are female, you would say 'मैं तुम्हें सजा दूंगी' (main tumhein sazaa doongi). The verb 'देना' changes its form based on the gender of the speaker.

The noun form is 'सजा' (sazaa), which means 'punishment' or 'penalty'. For example, 'चोर को जेल की सजा हुई' (The thief received a jail sentence).

While typically used for people, metaphorically, one might say a company faced 'सजा' (penalty/fine) for breaking regulations. However, the direct verb phrase 'सजा देना' is usually reserved for sentient beings.

'सजा भुगतना' (sazaa bhugatna) means 'to suffer punishment' or 'to serve a sentence'. It refers to the experience of undergoing the punishment that has been given.

The past tense depends on the gender of the noun 'सजा', which is feminine. So, for a male or female subject, the past tense is 'सजा दी' (sazaa di). For example, 'उसने सजा दी' (He/She gave punishment).

Yes, phrases like 'सबक सिखाना' (to teach a lesson, often through punishment) and 'कानून के हाथ लंबे होते हैं' (the law will catch up with you) are related to the concept of punishment and its inevitability.

'सजा' is a general term for punishment, which can include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties. 'जुर्माना' (jurmaana) specifically refers to a 'fine' or 'penalty paid in money'.

It would be 'आजीवन कारावास की सजा' (aajeevan karavaas ki sazaa) or 'कैद-ए-बामुशक्कत' (qaid-e-bamushakkat) for rigorous life imprisonment.

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