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सम्मान करना

A2 verb #1,000 most common 7 min read

सम्मान करना

samman karna Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सम्मान करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation सम्मान करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'सम्मान करना' (samman karna) is introduced as a basic moral verb. Learners are taught that respect is a key part of Indian culture. The focus is on very simple sentences like 'I respect my mother' or 'Respect your teacher.' Grammar is kept simple, usually in the present habitual tense ('karta hoon') or simple imperatives ('karo'). Learners are encouraged to recognize the word in signs or simple stories. The cultural aspect of saying 'Namaste' as a form of 'samman' is often highlighted. At this stage, the goal is simply to associate the sound 'samman' with the concept of 'good behavior' or 'respect.' Vocabulary is limited to family members and immediate authority figures. The postposition 'ka' is introduced but not heavily analyzed.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'सम्मान करना' in a wider variety of daily contexts. They learn to express obligations using 'chahie' (should), such as 'हमें बड़ों का सम्मान करना चाहिए' (We should respect elders). The distinction between 'samman' (respect) and other similar-sounding words like 'saman' (equal) is clarified. Learners start to understand that 'samman' is a masculine noun and that the verb 'karna' must be conjugated. They also learn to use it with different pronouns (mera, aapka, unka). Simple past and future tenses are introduced, allowing the learner to say 'I respected him' or 'I will respect your decision.' The context expands to include school, public places, and basic social rules.

At the B1 level, the usage of 'सम्मान करना' becomes more abstract. Learners move beyond respecting people to respecting ideas, laws, and cultures. They can participate in discussions about why respect is important in society. The grammar becomes more complex, involving the use of 'ne' in the perfective tense (e.g., 'उसने मेरा सम्मान किया'). Learners are introduced to synonyms like 'आदर' and 'इज़्ज़त' and begin to understand the subtle differences in register. They can read short articles or news snippets where 'सम्मान' is used in the context of national awards or public recognition. They also learn related phrases like 'आत्म-सम्मान' (self-respect) and how to use the verb in conditional sentences.

At the B2 level, learners can use 'सम्मान करना' to express nuanced opinions on social and ethical issues. They understand the difference between 'सम्मान करना' (to respect) and 'सम्मानित करना' (to honor/award). They can use the verb in passive constructions or complex sentence structures involving relative clauses. The vocabulary expands to include formal collocations like 'भावनाओं का सम्मान करना' (respecting feelings) or 'अधिकारों का सम्मान करना' (respecting rights). Learners are expected to understand the cultural weight of the word in literature and cinema. They can debate the limits of respect and how it relates to freedom of speech, using 'सम्मान करना' as a key term in their arguments.

At the C1 level, 'सम्मान करना' is used with high precision and stylistic variety. Learners can appreciate the use of the word in classical Hindi literature and formal political discourse. They understand the etymological roots (Sanskrit 'Sam' + 'Man') and how it relates to the concept of 'mindful recognition.' They can use the word in academic writing to discuss sociology, history, or philosophy. The learner is comfortable with all grammatical permutations, including complex participial phrases. They can distinguish between 'samman' as a social duty and 'samman' as an earned status. They also understand idiomatic expressions and can use the word to convey sarcasm or irony if the context demands.

At the C2 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'सम्मान करना.' They can use it to discuss complex philosophical concepts like 'universal respect' or 'the dignity of labor' with ease. They can interpret the word's usage in different dialects or historical stages of Hindi. The learner can write persuasive essays or give eloquent speeches where 'सम्मान' is a central theme, employing a wide range of synonyms and related metaphors. They understand the deep psychological and sociological implications of 'samman' in the Indian psyche. At this level, the learner doesn't just use the word; they understand the entire cultural and philosophical ecosystem that the word 'सम्मान' represents.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सम्मान करना in 30 Seconds

सम्मान करना means 'to respect' or 'to honor' in Hindi.
It is a compound verb used with the postposition 'का' (ka).
It is essential for social interactions, especially with elders and teachers.
Common synonyms include 'आदर करना' and 'इज़्ज़त करना'.

The Hindi verb phrase सम्मान करना (samman karna) is a cornerstone of Indian social fabric, translating directly to 'to respect' or 'to honor.' It is a compound verb formed by the noun 'सम्मान' (respect/honor) and the light verb 'करना' (to do). In the context of Hindi-speaking cultures, respect is not merely an emotion but an active duty. You use this phrase when discussing how one should treat elders, teachers, guests, and even abstract concepts like the law or nature. Unlike the English word 'respect,' which can sometimes be passive, 'सम्मान करना' implies an outward manifestation of that regard through actions, speech, and etiquette.

Social Hierarchy: In India, respecting those older than you is mandatory. Using 'सम्मान करना' often involves specific gestures like 'Pranam' or touching feet.
Professional Context: It is used to describe the professional regard held for colleagues, superiors, or the dignity of a particular profession.
Abstract Respect: It applies to respecting the national flag, the constitution, or diverse religious beliefs.

हमें हमेशा अपने शिक्षकों का सम्मान करना चाहिए। (We should always respect our teachers.)

भारतीय संस्कृति में मेहमानों का सम्मान करना एक धर्म माना जाता है। (In Indian culture, respecting guests is considered a duty.)

The term is highly formal and carries a sense of weight. While 'आदर करना' (aadar karna) is a close synonym, 'सम्मान' often implies a more public or official form of recognition. For instance, an award ceremony is called a 'सम्मान समारोह' (samman samaroh). When you use this verb, you are acknowledging the intrinsic value or the high status of the person or thing you are referring to. It is deeply tied to the concept of 'Maryada' (dignity/limit) and 'Sanskaar' (upbringing/values).

सैनिकों के बलिदान का सम्मान करना हमारा कर्तव्य है। (It is our duty to respect the sacrifice of soldiers.)

क्या आप दूसरों के विचारों का सम्मान करना जानते हैं? (Do you know how to respect others' opinions?)

वह सबका सम्मान करता है, इसलिए सब उसे पसंद करते हैं। (He respects everyone, that's why everyone likes him.)

Using 'सम्मान करना' correctly involves understanding the 'Subject + Object + का + सम्मान करना' structure. Because 'सम्मान' is a masculine noun, the light verb 'करना' conjugates according to the subject in simple tenses, but in perfect tenses with 'ne', it might behave differently. However, for A2 learners, the focus is on the present and future habitual uses. It is essential to include the possessive marker 'का' (ka), 'की' (ki), or 'के' (ke) before the word 'सम्मान' to link it to the person being respected.

Present Tense: मैं अपने माता-पिता का सम्मान करता हूँ। (I respect my parents.) - Here, 'karta hoon' matches the male subject 'Main'.
Imperative (Giving Advice): बड़ों का सम्मान करो। (Respect the elders.) - A common command given to children.
With Modal Verbs: हमें कानून का सम्मान करना चाहिए। (We should respect the law.) - 'Chahie' expresses obligation.

वह अपनी संस्कृति का बहुत सम्मान करती है। (She respects her culture a lot.)

क्या तुम मेरा सम्मान नहीं करते? (Do you not respect me?)

In more advanced usage, you might see 'सम्मानित करना' (sammanit karna), which means 'to honor' or 'to award' someone. Do not confuse the two. 'सम्मान करना' is the general act of respecting, while 'सम्मानित करना' is a specific act of giving an award or formal recognition. For example, 'सरकार ने कवि को सम्मानित किया' (The government honored the poet). In daily conversation, stick to 'सम्मान करना' for expressing your feelings of admiration or your polite behavior toward others.

अच्छे नागरिक नियमों का सम्मान करते हैं। (Good citizens respect the rules.)

You will encounter 'सम्मान करना' in a variety of settings, ranging from domestic life to formal political speeches. In an Indian household, parents often tell their children, 'बड़ों का सम्मान करना सीखो' (Learn to respect elders). This is a foundational moral lesson. In schools, teachers emphasize the importance of 'सम्मान' during morning assemblies or moral science classes. It is also a frequent term in Hindi cinema (Bollywood), especially in family dramas where 'family honor' and 'respect' are central themes.

News and Media: News anchors use it when discussing how international leaders should respect each other's sovereignty or when reporting on awards.
Religious Discourses: Spiritual leaders (Gurus) often talk about 'आत्मा का सम्मान' (respect for the soul) or respecting all living beings.
Formal Speeches: During Republic Day or Independence Day, speeches are filled with calls to respect the martyrs and the nation.

फिल्मों में अक्सर कहा जाता है: 'अगर तुम मेरा सम्मान नहीं कर सकते, तो यहाँ से चले जाओ।' (In movies, it's often said: 'If you cannot respect me, then leave from here.')

In literature and poetry, 'सम्मान' is a recurring motif. It represents the dignity of the individual and the collective. If you are reading a Hindi newspaper, look for the 'Editorial' section; you will likely find 'सम्मान करना' used in the context of democratic values, human rights, and social justice. In sports, commentators talk about players 'respecting the game' or 'respecting the opponent's skills.' It is a versatile phrase that bridges the gap between personal ethics and public morality.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is forgetting the 'का' (ka) postposition. In English, you 'respect someone' (direct object). In Hindi, you 'do respect of someone'. Therefore, saying 'मैं तुम सम्मान करता हूँ' is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'मैं तुम्हारा (तुम + का) सम्मान करता हूँ'. Another frequent error is confusing 'सम्मान' (respect) with 'समान' (equal). While they sound similar to a non-native ear, 'समान' (samān) means 'equal' or 'similar', whereas 'सम्मान' (sammān) has a double 'm' sound and means 'respect'.

The 'Ka' Omission: Wrong: वह शिक्षक सम्मान करता है। (He respects teacher - incomplete). Correct: वह शिक्षक का सम्मान करता है।
Pronunciation Slip: Confusing 'Sammān' with 'Sāmān' (luggage). Saying 'मेरा सामान करो' (Do my luggage) instead of 'मेरा सम्मान करो' (Respect me) can lead to funny or awkward situations.

गलत: मैं आपकी बात सम्मान हूँ। (I am your talk respect - Nonsense). सही: मैं आपकी बात का सम्मान करता हूँ।

Learners also struggle with the gender of the noun. 'सम्मान' is masculine. Even if a woman is speaking or a woman is being respected, the word 'सम्मान' remains masculine. The verb 'करना' conjugates based on the subject. If a girl says 'I respect', she says 'मैं सम्मान करती हूँ'. If she says 'I respect my mother', she still says 'मैं अपनी माँ का सम्मान करती हूँ'. The 'ka' stays 'ka' because it is attached to 'samman' (masculine), not 'maa' (feminine).

Hindi has several words for respect, each with a slightly different nuance. Understanding these can help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternatives are 'आदर करना' (aadar karna) and 'इज़्ज़त करना' (izzat karna). While 'सम्मान' is formal and often implies honor or recognition, 'आदर' is more about personal reverence and is very common in domestic settings. 'इज़्ज़त' is an Urdu-origin word that is widely used in daily speech and often carries the connotation of 'reputation' or 'prestige'.

आदर करना (Aadar Karna): More common for elders and teachers in a personal, emotional sense. It feels 'warmer' than the formal 'samman'.
इज़्ज़त करना (Izzat Karna): Used in everyday conversation. It also means to protect someone's dignity or reputation. 'Izzat' is a very powerful social concept in South Asia.
श्रद्धा रखना (Shraddha Rakhna): This means 'to have faith/devotion'. It is used for gods, saints, or very high ideals. It is a deeper, more spiritual form of respect.

हमें बुजुर्गों का आदर करना चाहिए। (We should respect/revere elders.)

अपनी इज़्ज़त अपने हाथ में होती है। (One's respect/reputation is in one's own hands.)

Other related terms include 'मान देना' (maan dena - to give respect/importance) and 'प्रतिष्ठा' (pratishtha - prestige/status). If you want to say 'to pay tribute,' you might use 'श्रद्धांजलि देना' (shraddhanjali dena). For A2 learners, mastering 'सम्मान करना' and 'आदर करना' is sufficient to cover most social interactions. As you progress, you will notice how native speakers switch between these based on the level of formality and the cultural background of the conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'man' in 'samman' is the same root found in the English word 'mind' and the Hindi word 'man' (heart/mind). Respecting someone literally means 'keeping them well in your mind.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /səm.mɑːn kəɾ.nɑː/

US /səm.mɑn kər.nɑ/

The stress is primarily on the second syllable of 'samman' (mān) and the final syllable of 'karna' (nā).

Rhymes With

Abhiman (Pride) Yajman (Host) Varman (Armor/Surname) Anuman (Guess) Apman (Insult) Vidvan (Scholar) Dhanwan (Wealthy) Bhagwan (God)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'samman' as 'saman' (equal).
Pronouncing the 'n' in 'samman' as a retroflex 'N'. It is a dental 'n'.
Making the 'r' in 'karna' too strong like an English 'r'. It should be a light tap.
Forgetting the double 'm' sound.
Confusing 'samman' with 'saamaan' (luggage).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common usage.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ka' postposition and 'karna' conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the double 'm' and dental 'n' needs practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

करना का आदर बड़ा शिक्षक

Learn Next

सम्मानित करना अपमान मर्यादा कर्तव्य संस्कृति

Advanced

गरिमा अस्मिता स्वाभिमान श्रद्धांजलि कृतज्ञता

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

सम्मान + करना = सम्मान करना (To respect).

Genitive Postposition 'Ka'

शिक्षक + का + सम्मान (Teacher's respect).

Subject-Verb Agreement

वह (M) करता है vs वह (F) करती है।

Honorific Plural

पिताजी सम्मान करते हैं (Plural verb for respect).

Perfective Tense with 'Ne'

मैंने उनका सम्मान किया (I respected him).

Examples by Level

मैं माँ का सम्मान करता हूँ।

I respect mother.

Simple present tense with 'karta hoon'.

शिक्षक का सम्मान करो।

Respect the teacher.

Imperative form 'karo'.

वह मेरा सम्मान करती है।

She respects me.

Feminine subject 'voh' with 'karti hai'.

सबका सम्मान करो।

Respect everyone.

Use of 'sabka' (everyone's).

क्या आप पिता का सम्मान करते हैं?

Do you respect father?

Interrogative sentence.

बच्चे बड़ों का सम्मान करते हैं।

Children respect elders.

Plural subject 'bacche' with 'karte hain'.

मैं आपका सम्मान करता हूँ।

I respect you.

Formal 'aapka' used.

राम सबका सम्मान करता है।

Ram respects everyone.

Proper noun subject.

हमें अपने देश का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

We should respect our country.

Use of 'chahie' for obligation.

क्या तुम नियमों का सम्मान करते हो?

Do you respect the rules?

Plural 'n नियमों' with 'ka'.

उसने मेरा सम्मान नहीं किया।

He did not respect me.

Past tense with 'ne' and 'kiya'.

हमें दूसरों के धर्म का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

We should respect others' religion.

Possessive 'ke' used for 'dharm'.

वह हमेशा सच का सम्मान करता है।

He always respects the truth.

Abstract noun 'sach' as object.

क्या आप मेरी मेहनत का सम्मान करेंगे?

Will you respect my hard work?

Future tense 'karenge'.

अच्छे बच्चे सबका सम्मान करना जानते हैं।

Good children know how to respect everyone.

Infinitival use 'samman karna'.

मेरे दोस्त मेरा बहुत सम्मान करते हैं।

My friends respect me a lot.

Plural subject 'dost' with 'karte hain'.

लोकतंत्र में हमें हर वोट का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

In a democracy, we should respect every vote.

Context of democracy.

यदि आप दूसरों का सम्मान करेंगे, तो वे भी आपका करेंगे।

If you respect others, they will also respect you.

Conditional 'yadi... toh' structure.

उसने अपनी हार का सम्मान किया और विजेता को बधाई दी।

He respected his defeat and congratulated the winner.

Perfective tense with 'ne'.

हमें प्रकृति का सम्मान करना सीखना होगा।

We will have to learn to respect nature.

Future obligation 'karna hoga'.

क्या आप मेरी निजता का सम्मान कर सकते हैं?

Can you respect my privacy?

Use of 'sakna' (can).

समाज में विद्वानों का सम्मान किया जाता है।

Scholars are respected in society.

Passive voice 'kiya jata hai'.

मैं आपकी भावनाओं का सम्मान करता हूँ, लेकिन मैं सहमत नहीं हूँ।

I respect your feelings, but I don't agree.

Conjunction 'lekin' (but).

हमें शहीदों के बलिदान का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

We should respect the sacrifice of martyrs.

Compound noun 'balidan'.

एक कलाकार को अपनी कला का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

An artist should respect their art.

Focus on professional ethics.

अदालत के फैसले का सम्मान करना हर नागरिक का कर्तव्य है।

Respecting the court's decision is every citizen's duty.

Formal legal context.

हमें विविधता का सम्मान करना चाहिए ताकि शांति बनी रहे।

We should respect diversity so that peace remains.

Purpose clause 'taki'.

उसने कभी भी अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वियों का अपमान नहीं किया, हमेशा सम्मान किया।

He never insulted his rivals, always respected them.

Contrast with 'apman' (insult).

क्या आप मानते हैं कि आत्म-सम्मान करना सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है?

Do you believe that respecting oneself is most important?

Compound 'aatma-samman'.

वैज्ञानिकों के शोध का सम्मान किया जाना चाहिए।

The research of scientists should be respected.

Passive obligation 'kiya jana chahie'.

उसने अपनी संस्कृति का सम्मान करते हुए पारंपरिक कपड़े पहने।

Respecting her culture, she wore traditional clothes.

Participial phrase 'samman karte hue'.

हमें समय का सम्मान करना चाहिए क्योंकि यह लौटकर नहीं आता।

We should respect time because it doesn't come back.

Reasoning with 'kyonki'.

साहित्यिक कृतियों का सम्मान करना बौद्धिक परिपक्वता का लक्षण है।

Respecting literary works is a sign of intellectual maturity.

High-level vocabulary 'paripakvata'.

गांधीजी ने हमेशा अहिंसा के सिद्धांतों का सम्मान किया।

Gandhiji always respected the principles of non-violence.

Historical reference.

संविधान की मर्यादा का सम्मान करना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to respect the dignity of the constitution.

Formal word 'anivarya'.

विपक्षी दलों के विचारों का सम्मान करना ही सच्चा लोकतंत्र है।

Respecting the views of opposition parties is true democracy.

Political nuance.

उसने अपनी विरासत का सम्मान करते हुए पुराने घर को संरक्षित किया।

Respecting his heritage, he preserved the old house.

Context of heritage.

मानवाधिकारों का सम्मान करना किसी भी सभ्य समाज की पहली शर्त है।

Respecting human rights is the first condition of any civilized society.

Abstract social concept.

लेखक ने अपनी लेखनी के माध्यम से सत्य का सम्मान किया है।

The author has respected the truth through his writing.

Metaphorical use.

हमें पूर्वजों के ज्ञान का सम्मान करना चाहिए, लेकिन अंधविश्वास का नहीं।

We should respect the wisdom of ancestors, but not superstition.

Nuanced distinction.

ब्रह्मांड की विशालता का सम्मान करना हमें विनम्र बनाता है।

Respecting the vastness of the universe makes us humble.

Philosophical context.

दार्शनिकों ने सदैव मानवीय गरिमा का सम्मान करने पर बल दिया है।

Philosophers have always emphasized respecting human dignity.

Academic register.

कला की स्वायत्तता का सम्मान करना सेंसरशिप के विरुद्ध है।

Respecting the autonomy of art is against censorship.

Complex social debate.

इतिहास के पन्नों का सम्मान करना भविष्य की गलतियों को रोकने के लिए आवश्यक है।

Respecting the pages of history is necessary to prevent future mistakes.

Metaphorical 'pannon' (pages).

अध्यात्म में मौन का सम्मान करना एक उच्च अवस्था मानी जाती है।

In spirituality, respecting silence is considered a high state.

Spiritual nuance.

वैश्विक संधियों का सम्मान करना अंतरराष्ट्रीय शांति की आधारशिला है।

Respecting global treaties is the cornerstone of international peace.

Diplomatic language.

उसने अपनी अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ का सम्मान किया और पद त्याग दिया।

He respected the voice of his conscience and resigned from the post.

Internalized respect.

सांस्कृतिक अस्मिता का सम्मान करना वैश्वीकरण के युग में चुनौतीपूर्ण है।

Respecting cultural identity is challenging in the era of globalization.

Sociological context.

Synonyms

आदर करना इज़्ज़त करना मान देना श्रद्धा रखना प्रतिष्ठा करना पूजना नमन करना सत्कार करना

Antonyms

अपमान करना तिरस्कार करना अनादर करना उपेक्षा करना

Common Collocations

बड़ों का सम्मान

कानून का सम्मान

भावनाओं का सम्मान

समय का सम्मान

नियमों का सम्मान

देश का सम्मान

महिला का सम्मान

विचारों का सम्मान

मेहनत का सम्मान

संस्कृति का सम्मान

Common Phrases

दिल से सम्मान करना

— To respect someone from the bottom of one's heart.

मैं आपका दिल से सम्मान करता हूँ।

सम्मान के योग्य

— Worthy of respect.

वह सम्मान के योग्य है।

सम्मान की दृष्टि से देखना

— To look at someone with respect.

लोग उसे सम्मान की दृष्टि से देखते हैं।

सम्मान में कमी न आने देना

— To not let the respect diminish.

हमें अपने देश के सम्मान में कमी नहीं आने देनी चाहिए।

सम्मान पूर्वक

— Respectfully.

उसने सम्मान पूर्वक बात की।

सम्मान देना

— To give respect.

दूसरों को सम्मान देना सीखो।

सम्मान पाना

— To receive respect.

अच्छे काम करने वाले सम्मान पाते हैं।

सम्मान खोना

— To lose respect.

झूठ बोलने से इंसान सम्मान खो देता है।

सम्मान बनाए रखना

— To maintain respect.

अपना सम्मान बनाए रखना आपके हाथ में है।

सम्मान की बात

— A matter of honor.

यह हमारे लिए सम्मान की बात है।

Often Confused With

सम्मान करना vs समान (Saman)

Means 'equal' or 'similar'. 'Samman' has a double 'm' and means respect.

सम्मान करना vs सामान (Saaman)

Means 'luggage' or 'stuff'. Don't ask someone to 'do your luggage' when you mean 'respect me'!

सम्मान करना vs सामना (Saamna)

Means 'to face' or 'to encounter'. Completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"सिर आँखों पर बिठाना"

— To give someone immense respect and welcome.

मेहमानों को उन्होंने सिर आँखों पर बिठाया।

Informal/Idiomatic

"पैर छूना"

— A physical gesture of respect (touching feet).

उसने दादाजी के पैर छूकर सम्मान किया।

Cultural

"पलकें बिछाना"

— To wait or welcome someone with great respect and love.

जनता ने नेता के स्वागत में पलकें बिछा दीं।

Literary

"नाक रखना"

— To save someone's honor/respect.

बेटे ने परीक्षा में पास होकर बाप की नाक रख ली।

Colloquial

"टोपी उछालना"

— To insult someone (literally tossing the hat, which represents honor).

किसी की टोपी उछालना अच्छी बात नहीं है।

Idiomatic

"हाथ जोड़ना"

— To show respect or request humbly with folded hands.

उसने हाथ जोड़कर सबका सम्मान किया।

Neutral

"ज़मीन पर गिरना (सम्मान)"

— To lose all respect/dignity.

उसकी करतूतों से परिवार का सम्मान ज़मीन पर गिर गया।

Metaphorical

"चार चाँद लगाना"

— To add glory or honor to something.

आपकी उपस्थिति ने समारोह के सम्मान में चार चाँद लगा दिए।

Idiomatic

"सिर झुकाना"

— To bow one's head in respect or submission.

हम शहीदों के सामने सिर झुकाते हैं।

Neutral

"आँखों का तारा होना"

— To be very dear (often implies being respected and loved).

वह अपने गुरु की आँखों का तारा है।

Informal

Easily Confused

सम्मान करना vs आदर (Aadar)

Both mean respect.

Aadar is more personal/emotional; Samman is more formal/public.

बड़ों का आदर करो; खिलाड़ी को सम्मान मिला।

सम्मान करना vs इज़्ज़त (Izzat)

Both mean respect.

Izzat is Urdu-origin and common in daily speech; Samman is Sanskrit-origin and formal.

मेरी इज़्ज़त का सवाल है; वह विद्वानों का सम्मान करता है।

सम्मान करना vs मान (Maan)

Root word of samman.

Maan is often used in the sense of 'prestige' or 'accepting someone's word'.

उसने मेरी बात का मान रखा।

सम्मान करना vs पूजा (Puja)

Both involve high regard.

Puja is specifically 'worship' (religious).

वह भगवान की पूजा करता है।

सम्मान करना vs श्रद्धा (Shraddha)

Both involve respect.

Shraddha is 'faith' or 'devotion'.

मेरी उनमें गहरी श्रद्धा है।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] का सम्मान करता हूँ।

मैं माँ का सम्मान करता हूँ।

हमें [Object] का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

हमें बड़ों का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

[Subject] ने [Object] का सम्मान किया।

उसने मेरा सम्मान किया।

क्या आप [Object] का सम्मान करते हैं?

क्या आप नियमों का सम्मान करते हैं?

[Object] का सम्मान करना [Quality] है।

समय का सम्मान करना अच्छी आदत है।

[Object] का सम्मान करते हुए, [Action]।

विरासत का सम्मान करते हुए, उसने घर बचाया।

[Object] का सम्मान किया जाना चाहिए।

अधिकारों का सम्मान किया जाना चाहिए।

[Abstract Concept] का सम्मान करना ही [Result] है।

सत्य का सम्मान करना ही मानवता है।

Word Family

Nouns

सम्मान (Respect)

सम्माननीय (Respectable person)

आत्म-सम्मान (Self-respect)

असम्मान (Disrespect)

Verbs

सम्मानित करना (To honor/award)

सम्मान पाना (To be respected)

Adjectives

सम्मानित (Honored)

सम्मानजनक (Respectable/Honorable)

सम्मानपूर्ण (Full of respect)

आदर

इज़्ज़त

प्रतिष्ठा

मान

मर्यादा

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational, family, and formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

मैं तुम सम्मान करता हूँ। → मैं तुम्हारा सम्मान करता हूँ।
Missing the possessive 'ka' (which becomes 'tumhara' with 'tum').
वह मेरा समान करता है। → वह मेरा सम्मान करता है।
Using 'saman' (equal) instead of 'samman' (respect).
हमें कानून को सम्मान करना चाहिए। → हमें कानून का सम्मान करना चाहिए।
Using 'ko' instead of 'ka'. 'Samman' always takes 'ka'.
मैं अपनी माँ की सम्मान करता हूँ। → मैं अपनी माँ का सम्मान करता हूँ।
Using 'ki' because 'maa' is feminine. 'Ka' must be masculine to match 'samman'.
सम्मान करना (as a single word) → सम्मान करना (two words)
It is a compound verb, not a single word.

Tips

The 'Ka' Rule

Always remember that 'samman' is a noun. You are doing 'the respect OF someone'. So, 'X ka samman karna' is the fixed pattern.

Age Matters

In Hindi, respect is often synonymous with age. Even if you disagree with an elder, you should still 'samman karna' their age.

Double M

Don't rush the 'm'. It's 'sam-man'. Holding the 'm' for a split second longer makes you sound like a native.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'samman' in essays, speeches, and formal letters. Use 'izzat' or 'aadar' in casual talk with friends.

Abstract Objects

Don't limit 'samman' to people. Use it for 'truth', 'hard work', and 'culture' to sound more advanced.

Compound Verbs

Treat 'samman karna' as one unit when translating. Don't try to translate 'respect' as a single verb like 'respectna'.

Reciprocity

A common Hindi saying is 'सम्मान दोगे तो सम्मान मिलेगा' (Give respect and you will get respect).

Context Clues

If you hear 'samman' in a news report, it's likely about an award or a diplomatic meeting.

The 'Man' Root

Associate 'man' with 'mind'. Respect is a state of mind regarding someone's value.

Polite Particles

When saying you respect someone, add 'जी' (ji) to their name/title for extra 'samman'. e.g., 'पिताजी का सम्मान'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sam' as 'Same' and 'Man' as 'Mind'. To respect someone is to put them in the 'Same Mind' or high regard as yourself.

Visual Association

Imagine a student bowing to a teacher or someone receiving a trophy (samman). The trophy represents the 'samman' being 'karna' (done).

Word Web

Elders Teachers Flag Law Parents Culture Dignity Awards

Challenge

Try to use 'सम्मान करना' in three different sentences today: one about a family member, one about a rule, and one about a personal value.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'सम्मान' (sammāna). It is a combination of the prefix 'सम्' (sam - together/well/perfectly) and the root 'मन्' (man - to think/mind).

Original meaning: To think well of, to highly regard, or to thoroughly acknowledge.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Prakrit -> Hindi).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'samman' sarcastically, as it can be very offensive. Also, ensure you use the honorific 'aap' when talking about someone you 'samman'.

In English-speaking cultures, respect is often earned. In Hindi-speaking cultures, respect (samman) is often inherent to the role or age of the person.

The phrase 'बड़ों का सम्मान' is found in almost every Hindi moral science textbook. Bollywood movie 'Baghban' revolves around the theme of children not respecting (samman na karna) their parents. The 'Padma Awards' are a form of national 'samman' in India.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

माता-पिता का सम्मान
बुजुर्गों का सम्मान
बड़ों की बात मानना
पैर छूना

School

गुरु का सम्मान
नियमों का पालन
सहपाठियों का सम्मान
शिक्षा का महत्व

Workplace

सहकर्मियों का सम्मान
समय का सम्मान
वरिष्ठों का आदर
पेशेवर मर्यादा

Public Life

कानून का सम्मान
राष्ट्रीय ध्वज का सम्मान
दूसरों के अधिकारों का सम्मान
विविधता का सम्मान

Personal Growth

आत्म-सम्मान
अपनी मेहनत का सम्मान
सत्य का सम्मान
चरित्र निर्माण

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप मानते हैं कि आज के समय में लोग एक-दूसरे का सम्मान कम करते हैं?"

"आपकी संस्कृति में बड़ों का सम्मान कैसे किया जाता है?"

"क्या हमें उन लोगों का भी सम्मान करना चाहिए जिनसे हम असहमत हैं?"

"आपके जीवन में सबसे अधिक सम्मान के योग्य कौन है?"

"आत्म-सम्मान और अहंकार के बीच क्या अंतर है?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किसका सम्मान किया और क्यों? विस्तार से लिखें।

क्या कभी आपको लगा कि किसी ने आपका सम्मान नहीं किया? उस अनुभव के बारे में लिखें।

समाज में सम्मान पाने के लिए क्या करना ज़रूरी है? अपने विचार साझा करें।

आत्म-सम्मान (self-respect) आपके लिए क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने अपनी हार का सम्मान किया।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'सम्मान' is a masculine noun. Therefore, we use 'का' (ka) and the verb 'करना' conjugates accordingly (करता है, करते हैं).

Yes, you can respect abstract things like 'law' (कानून), 'time' (समय), or 'nature' (प्रकृति).

'Samman' is formal and Sanskrit-based, while 'izzat' is informal/neutral and Urdu-based. Both are used widely.

You should say 'मैं आपका सम्मान करता हूँ' (Main aapka samman karta hoon).

Yes, in the structure 'X ka samman karna', 'ka' is necessary to link the object to the noun 'samman'.

No, 'sammanit karna' means 'to honor' or 'to award' (formal act), while 'samman karna' is the general feeling or act of respecting.

Yes, children are taught this word very early to encourage good behavior.

It is called 'आत्म-सम्मान' (aatma-samman).

You can say 'अपमान करना' (apman karna) or 'अनादर करना' (anadar karna).

Yes, to show respect for clients, contracts, and professional boundaries.