At the A1 level, 'Sāmarthya' is quite advanced. You don't need to use it yet. Instead, you use the verb 'sakna' (can). For example, 'Main kar sakta hoon' (I can do it). At this stage, just think of 'Sāmarthya' as a big word for 'can-do power'. You might hear it in very formal greetings or on the news, but you can stick to 'takat' (strength) or 'kaam' (work) for now. It is a masculine noun, so if you do use it, say 'mera sāmarthya'.
By A2, you are learning more nouns. You might encounter 'Sāmarthya' in simple stories or formal school books. It means 'ability'. If someone asks, 'Do you have the ability to do this?', they might use this word. You should recognize that it's a formal way of saying 'power'. You can start using it in simple sentences like 'Yeh mera sāmarthya hai' (This is my capability). Remember, it's a masculine word, so use 'bada' (big) or 'achha' (good) with it.
At B1, you are moving into intermediate territory. You should start using 'Sāmarthya' in formal writing or speeches. Instead of always saying 'shakti' (power), use 'Sāmarthya' when talking about mental or professional abilities. For example, 'Mujhme yeh kaam karne ka sāmarthya hai' (I have the capability to do this work). You will see this word in Hindi newspapers and hear it in office meetings. It shows you have a better vocabulary than a beginner.
At B2, you should understand the nuance between 'Sāmarthya' and 'Kshamata'. Use 'Sāmarthya' for abstract potential and 'Kshamata' for physical capacity. You can use it in debates about social issues, like 'The capability of our education system'. You should also be comfortable with phrases like 'sāmarthya se bahar' (beyond capability). Your sentences should now be more complex, incorporating adjectives like 'vaastavik' (real) or 'purna' (complete) with 'Sāmarthya'.
As a C1 learner, you should use 'Sāmarthya' with precision. You understand that it implies an inherent, often untapped potential. You use it in literary analysis, philosophical discussions, and high-level professional environments. You can distinguish between 'economic sāmarthya' and 'military sāmarthya'. You are also aware of its Sanskrit roots and how it elevates the tone of your conversation. You can use it to describe the 'power of words' or the 'capability of the human spirit'.
At the C2 level, 'Sāmarthya' is a tool for nuanced expression. You use it to discuss the ontological nature of power and potential. You might use it in academic papers or creative writing to explore the limits of human capability. You understand its historical usage in classical texts and can use it in a way that sounds native and authoritative. You can play with the word in metaphors and complex grammatical structures, reflecting a deep mastery of Hindi's formal register.

सामर्थ्य in 30 Seconds

  • Sāmarthya is a formal Hindi noun meaning 'capability' or 'potential'.
  • It is masculine and derived from Sanskrit, often used in professional contexts.
  • Unlike 'shakti' (raw power), it implies a fit or competent ability for a task.
  • Commonly found in news, literature, and formal speeches regarding national or personal strength.

The Hindi word सामर्थ्य (Sāmarthya) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'capability', 'capacity', or 'potential'. Derived from Sanskrit, it carries a weight of formality and depth that simpler words like 'shakti' (power) or 'kaam' (work) lack. When you use Sāmarthya, you aren't just talking about the physical strength to lift a box; you are talking about the inherent, often latent, power or competence an individual, an organization, or even a nation possesses to achieve a specific goal or endure a certain condition.

Etymological Root
The word comes from the Sanskrit 'samartha', where 'sam' implies completeness or togetherness and 'artha' implies purpose or meaning. Thus, it literally signifies being 'fit for a purpose'.
Register and Tone
It is a high-register word (C1 level). You will find it in philosophical discourses, formal speeches, literary criticism, and psychological assessments. It is rarely used in casual street slang but is common in professional Hindi environments.

प्रत्येक व्यक्ति में असीम सामर्थ्य छिपा होता है, जिसे पहचानना आवश्यक है। (Every individual possesses hidden, infinite capability, which it is necessary to recognize.)

In modern contexts, you will often hear it in the phrase 'आर्थिक सामर्थ्य' (economic capacity) or 'बौद्धिक सामर्थ्य' (intellectual capability). It suggests a level of maturity and readiness. For instance, if a government is discussing its ability to handle a pandemic, they would refer to their 'healthcare sāmarthya'. It implies more than just having resources; it implies the efficient and effective application of those resources.

उसकी बातों में उसके मानसिक सामर्थ्य की झलक मिलती है। (A glimpse of his mental capability is found in his words.)

Culturally, the word is often linked to the concept of 'Purushartha' or human endeavor. It suggests that while fate exists, it is one's own sāmarthya that allows them to navigate and master their destiny. It is a word of empowerment. When a teacher tells a student, "You have the sāmarthya to top the class," they are acknowledging a deep-seated talent that the student might not have fully realized yet.

Comparison with 'Kshamata'
While 'Kshamata' (capacity) is often used for volume or physical limits (like the capacity of a tank), 'Sāmarthya' is more qualitative and human-centric. You have the 'sāmarthya' to lead, but a room has the 'kshamata' to hold 50 people.

युद्ध जीतने के लिए केवल सेना नहीं, बल्कि सेनापति का सामर्थ्य भी मायने रखता है। (To win a war, not just the army, but the commander's capability also matters.)

Using सामर्थ्य correctly requires understanding its role as a masculine noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often modified by adjectives that describe the nature of the capability. Because it is a C1-level word, the sentences it inhabits are usually complex and thematic.

Grammatical Placement
It is often followed by postpositions like 'का' (of), 'में' (in), or 'से' (from/by). Example: "मेरे सामर्थ्य से बाहर" (Beyond my capability).

यह कार्य मेरे सामर्थ्य से परे है। (This task is beyond my capability.)

In professional settings, you might discuss the 'Sāmarthya' of a system or a strategy. For instance, "The capability of this software to handle data is impressive." In Hindi: "इस सॉफ्टवेयर का डेटा संभालने का सामर्थ्य प्रभावशाली है।" Notice how 'Sāmarthya' comes at the end of the possessive phrase.

हमें अपनी आर्थिक सामर्थ्य के अनुसार ही खर्च करना चाहिए। (We should spend only according to our economic capability.)

Another common usage is in the context of endurance or tolerance. If someone is going through a tough time, one might say they have the 'Sāmarthya' to bear the pain. This gives the word a stoic, resilient quality. It is also used frequently in spiritual texts to describe the 'Sāmarthya' of the Divine or the soul.

लेखक ने अपनी रचना में शब्दों के सामर्थ्य का अद्भुत प्रयोग किया है। (The author has made wonderful use of the power/capability of words in his creation.)

It's important to note that 'Sāmarthya' is rarely pluralized in common usage. Even when referring to multiple types of abilities, the singular form often represents the collective potential. For example, "उसमें कई सामर्थ्य हैं" sounds less natural than "उसका सामर्थ्य बहुआयामी है" (His capability is multi-dimensional).

Common Adjective Pairings
अद्भुत (Wonderful), असीम (Infinite), बौद्धिक (Intellectual), शारीरिक (Physical), प्रशासनिक (Administrative).

संकट के समय ही मनुष्य के वास्तविक सामर्थ्य की परीक्षा होती है। (The real test of a person's capability occurs only during times of crisis.)

If you are watching a Bollywood movie or a casual sitcom, you might not hear सामर्थ्य often. However, in specific domains of Indian life, this word is ubiquitous. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word's 'aura'.

News and Politics
In Hindi news broadcasts (like Aaj Tak or NDTV India), anchors and politicians use this word to discuss national strength. "भारत का सैन्य सामर्थ्य" (India's military capability) is a frequent headline during defense parades or border discussions.

प्रधानमंत्री ने देश के युवाओं के सामर्थ्य पर भरोसा जताया। (The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the capability of the country's youth.)

In the corporate world in India, particularly in HR evaluations or leadership workshops conducted in Hindi, 'Sāmarthya' is used to describe an employee's potential. It sounds more respectful and professional than just saying 'kaabil' (capable). It implies a holistic view of the person's skills.

कंपनी को अपनी उत्पादन सामर्थ्य बढ़ानी होगी। (The company will have to increase its production capacity.)

Educational settings are another prime location. In parent-teacher meetings or academic reports, a teacher might say, "इस बच्चे में बहुत सामर्थ्य है" (This child has a lot of potential). It's a way of encouraging the student by highlighting their underlying ability rather than just their current marks.

Lastly, in religious or spiritual discourses (Pravachan), gurus often speak about the 'Atma-Sāmarthya' (the power of the soul). They argue that humans are unaware of their true capability because they are distracted by worldly desires. Here, the word takes on a metaphysical meaning.

Legal and Official Documents
In contracts or legal notices, 'Sāmarthya' might refer to the 'legal capacity' of a person to enter into an agreement (though 'Kshamata' is also used here, 'Sāmarthya' adds a layer of formal authority).

न्यायालय ने उसकी निर्णय लेने के सामर्थ्य पर सवाल उठाए। (The court raised questions about his capability to make decisions.)

Even advanced learners of Hindi can stumble when using सामर्थ्य. The most common errors involve gender, confusion with synonyms, and inappropriate register.

Gender Confusion
Mistake: Saying "उसकी सामर्थ्य" (Uski Sāmarthya). Correct: "उसका सामर्थ्य" (Uska Sāmarthya). Sāmarthya is masculine. Many learners assume abstract qualities ending in 'ya' might be feminine, but in this case, it follows the masculine pattern.

गलत: आपकी सामर्थ्य अच्छी है। (Wrong: Your capability is good - feminine).
सही: आपका सामर्थ्य अच्छा है। (Right: Your capability is good - masculine).

Another mistake is using 'Sāmarthya' for simple physical tasks where 'Takat' or 'Shakti' would be more appropriate. If you are asking someone if they can lift a heavy bag, saying "क्या आपमें इस बैग को उठाने का सामर्थ्य है?" sounds overly dramatic and stiff. Use it for significant abilities or potential.

Learners also confuse 'Sāmarthya' with 'Samarth' (the adjective). Remember: 'Samarth' means capable (he is capable), while 'Sāmarthya' is the noun (he has capability). You cannot say "वह सामर्थ्य है", you must say "वह समर्थ है" or "उसमें सामर्थ्य है".

Confusing with 'Kshamata'
While often interchangeable, 'Kshamata' is better for measurable limits (liters, numbers), while 'Sāmarthya' is better for abstract potential and power.

गलत: इस बाल्टी का सामर्थ्य 10 लीटर है। (Wrong: This bucket's 'capability' is 10 liters).
सही: इस बाल्टी की क्षमता 10 लीटर है। (Right: This bucket's capacity is 10 liters).

Lastly, watch out for the spelling. The 'ya' at the end is often dropped or mispronounced as 'samarth'. Ensure the 'ya' sound is distinct but subtle, as it is a crucial part of the noun form.

Hindi is rich with words denoting power and ability. Choosing the right one depends on the context and the 'flavor' of the sentence. Here is how सामर्थ्य compares to its peers.

क्षमता (Kṣamatā)
The most common synonym. It means 'capacity'. It's more neutral than Sāmarthya. Use Kṣamatā for technical limits or general abilities.
शक्ति (Śakti)
Means 'power' or 'energy'. It is more active and raw. Sāmarthya is the *potential* to use that power effectively.
योग्यता (Yogyatā)
Means 'qualification' or 'eligibility'. It implies that someone has the necessary training or traits for a role. Sāmarthya is broader—it includes qualification plus the inherent power to execute.

उसके पास योग्यता तो है, पर वह अपना सामर्थ्य नहीं दिखा पा रहा। (He has the qualification, but he isn't able to show his [full] capability.)

In literary Hindi, you might encounter 'विभव' (Vibhav) which means magnificence or power, or 'प्रताप' (Pratap) which means glory or prowess. These are even more formal than Sāmarthya and are usually reserved for kings, gods, or historical figures.

When discussing the 'capability' of a machine, 'Kṣamatā' is the standard choice. However, if you are discussing the 'capability' of a nation's space program, 'Sāmarthya' is preferred because it encompasses not just the rockets (machines) but the collective intellect and vision of the scientists.

बल (Bal)
Refers to physical force or strength. 'Sāmarthya' can include 'Bal', but 'Bal' cannot always include the intellectual and spiritual nuances of 'Sāmarthya'.

बुद्धि का सामर्थ्य शारीरिक बल से कहीं अधिक होता है। (The capability of the intellect is far greater than physical strength.)

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɑː.mər.θjə/
US /sɑː.mər.θjə/
Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Sā'.
Rhymes With
ऐश्वर्य (Aishwarya) धैर्य (Dhairya) सौन्दर्य (Saundarya) आश्चर्य (Aashcharya) औचित्य (Auchitya) वैचित्र्य (Vaichitrya) माधुर्य (Madhurya) चातुर्य (Chaturya)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'Samarth' (dropping the final 'ya').
  • Using a hard English 'th' sound instead of the soft Hindi aspirated 'th'.
  • Shortening the initial 'aa' to a short 'a'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'r' sound.
  • Mixing it up with 'Samarthya' (adding an extra 'a' at the end).

Examples by Level

1

मुझमें यह काम करने का सामर्थ्य है।

I have the capability to do this work.

Sāmarthya is a masculine noun.

2

उसका सामर्थ्य बहुत है।

His capability is a lot.

Use 'uska' (his) not 'uski'.

3

क्या आपमें सामर्थ्य है?

Do you have the capability?

Question form using 'mein' (in).

4

यह सामर्थ्य अच्छा है।

This capability is good.

Adjective 'achha' matches masculine noun.

5

मेरे पास सामर्थ्य नहीं है।

I don't have the capability.

Negative sentence with 'nahin'.

6

राम का सामर्थ्य देखो।

Look at Ram's capability.

Possessive 'ka' for masculine.

7

हमें सामर्थ्य चाहिए।

We need capability.

Sāmarthya as a direct object.

8

यह छोटा सामर्थ्य है।

This is a small capability.

Simple adjective use.

1

वह अपनी सामर्थ्य के अनुसार काम करता है।

He works according to his capability.

Phrase 'ke anusar' means 'according to'.

2

उसकी बातों में सामर्थ्य दिखता है।

Capability is seen in his words.

Passive sense: 'dikhta hai'.

3

हमें अपना सामर्थ्य बढ़ाना चाहिए।

We should increase our capability.

Verb 'badhana' (to increase).

4

इस मशीन का सामर्थ्य कम है।

This machine's capability is low.

Genitive 'ka' connecting machine and sāmarthya.

5

क्या तुममें लड़ने का सामर्थ्य है?

Do you have the capability to fight?

Infinitival phrase 'ladne ka'.

6

यह काम उसके सामर्थ्य से बाहर है।

This work is beyond his capability.

'Se bahar' means 'beyond/outside'.

7

आपका सामर्थ्य ही आपकी पहचान है।

Your capability is your identity.

Equative sentence.

8

उसने अपना पूरा सामर्थ्य लगा दिया।

He put in all his capability.

Compound verb 'laga diya'.

1

आर्थिक सामर्थ्य के बिना योजना अधूरी है।

The plan is incomplete without economic capability.

'Bina' (without) requires oblique case, but sāmarthya stays same.

2

शिक्षक ने छात्र के सामर्थ्य को पहचाना।

The teacher recognized the student's potential.

Direct object with 'ko'.

3

हमें अपनी मानसिक सामर्थ्य पर ध्यान देना होगा।

We will have to focus on our mental capability.

Future tense 'hoga' with 'dena'.

4

सफलता के लिए सामर्थ्य और साहस दोनों ज़रूरी हैं।

Both capability and courage are necessary for success.

Plural verb 'hain' because of two subjects.

5

उसकी आवाज़ में एक अलग ही सामर्थ्य था।

There was a distinct capability in his voice.

Past tense 'tha'.

6

वैज्ञानिकों ने नए इंजन का सामर्थ्य परखा।

Scientists tested the capability of the new engine.

Transitive verb 'parkha' in past tense.

7

क्या आप अपने सामर्थ्य का सही उपयोग कर रहे हैं?

Are you making correct use of your capability?

Present continuous tense.

8

यह निर्णय लेना मेरे सामर्थ्य में नहीं है।

Taking this decision is not within my capability.

'Mein nahin' (not in).

1

राष्ट्र का सामर्थ्य उसकी एकता में निहित है।

A nation's capability lies in its unity.

'Nihit' means 'inherent' or 'contained'.

2

हमें अपनी उत्पादन सामर्थ्य को दोगुना करना होगा।

We will have to double our production capacity.

Compound verb 'karna hoga'.

3

उसने अपनी बौद्धिक सामर्थ्य से सबको चकित कर दिया।

He amazed everyone with his intellectual capability.

Instrumental 'se'.

4

बिना सामर्थ्य के बड़ी बातें करना व्यर्थ है।

Talking big without capability is useless.

'Vyarth' means 'useless'.

5

लेखक ने शब्दों के सामर्थ्य को बखूबी दर्शाया है।

The author has beautifully shown the power of words.

Present perfect tense.

6

संकट के समय ही असली सामर्थ्य का पता चलता है।

Real capability is known only during a crisis.

Emphatic 'hi'.

7

क्या सरकार के पास इस समस्या को सुलझाने का सामर्थ्य है?

Does the government have the capability to solve this problem?

Interrogative sentence.

8

उसने अपने सामर्थ्य के बल पर यह मुकाम हासिल किया।

He achieved this position on the strength of his capability.

'Ke bal par' is a common idiom.

1

मानवीय सामर्थ्य की कोई सीमा नहीं होती।

There is no limit to human capability.

Philosophical statement.

2

इस नीति का उद्देश्य देश के सामर्थ्य को सुदृढ़ करना है।

The objective of this policy is to strengthen the country's capability.

'Sudridh' means 'to make firm/strong'.

3

कलाकार का सामर्थ्य उसकी कल्पनाशीलता में है।

The artist's capability lies in his imagination.

Abstract noun usage.

4

हमें अपने आंतरिक सामर्थ्य को जाग्रत करना चाहिए।

We should awaken our inner capability.

'Jagrat' means 'to awaken'.

5

प्रशासनिक सामर्थ्य के अभाव में योजनाएं विफल हो जाती हैं।

In the absence of administrative capability, plans fail.

'Abhav mein' means 'in the absence of'.

6

उसका लेखन उसके वैचारिक सामर्थ्य का प्रमाण है।

His writing is proof of his ideological capability.

'Praman' means 'proof'.

7

तकनीकी सामर्थ्य ने विकास की नई राहें खोल दी हैं।

Technological capability has opened new paths for development.

Subject is 'takniki sāmarthya'.

8

क्या हम अपनी पूर्ण सामर्थ्य का दोहन कर रहे हैं?

Are we exploiting our full potential?

'Dohan' means 'exploitation/tapping'.

1

अस्तित्व के गहनतम स्तरों पर सामर्थ्य और शून्यता का मिलन होता है।

At the deepest levels of existence, capability and emptiness meet.

Highly metaphysical register.

2

उसकी कविता में भाषा के सामर्थ्य की चरम अभिव्यक्ति है।

His poetry is the ultimate expression of the capability of language.

'Charam abhivyakti' means 'ultimate expression'.

3

राजनीतिक सामर्थ्य का दुरुपयोग विनाशकारी सिद्ध हो सकता है।

The misuse of political capability can prove to be destructive.

Formal warning tone.

4

आत्म-सामर्थ्य का बोध ही वास्तविक स्वतंत्रता है।

The realization of self-capability is true freedom.

'Bodh' means 'realization/perception'.

5

सभ्यता का सामर्थ्य उसकी सांस्कृतिक धरोहर में सुरक्षित रहता है।

A civilization's capability remains preserved in its cultural heritage.

Passive present tense.

6

वैज्ञानिक सामर्थ्य ने प्रकृति के रहस्यों को उजागर किया है।

Scientific capability has uncovered the mysteries of nature.

'Ujagar karna' means 'to reveal'.

7

क्या मनुष्य में अपनी नियति को बदलने का सामर्थ्य है?

Does man have the capability to change his destiny?

Philosophical inquiry.

8

वैश्विक सामर्थ्य का संतुलन निरंतर बदल रहा है।

The balance of global capability is constantly shifting.

Geopolitical context.

Common Collocations

आर्थिक सामर्थ्य
बौद्धिक सामर्थ्य
सैन्य सामर्थ्य
मानसिक सामर्थ्य
सामर्थ्य के बाहर
पूर्ण सामर्थ्य
प्रशासनिक सामर्थ्य
निर्णय लेने का सामर्थ्य
तकनीकी सामर्थ्य
असीम सामर्थ्य

Common Phrases

सामर्थ्य के अनुसार

— According to one's capability. Used to suggest doing what is possible.

दान अपने सामर्थ्य के अनुसार ही देना चाहिए।

सामर्थ्य से परे

— Beyond one's capability. Used for impossible or too difficult tasks.

इतना बड़ा कर्ज चुकाना मेरे सामर्थ्य से परे है।

सामर्थ्य प्रदर्शन

— Show of capability. Often used in military or political contexts.

परेड में देश के सामर्थ्य का प्रदर्शन हुआ।

सामर्थ्यवान होना

— To be capable or powerful. A way to describe a person's status.

वह एक सामर्थ्यवान नेता है।

सामर्थ्य की परीक्षा

— Test of capability. Used when someone is facing a challenge.

यह समय हमारे सामर्थ्य की परीक्षा का है।

सामर्थ्य बढ़ाना

— To increase capability. Used in self-improvement or business.

हमें अपनी टीम का सामर्थ्य बढ़ाना होगा।

सामर्थ्य को पहचानना

— To recognize potential. Used in motivational contexts.

अपने सामर्थ्य को पहचानो और आगे बढ़ो।

सामर्थ्य का अभाव

— Lack of capability. Used in critical reviews.

योजना में सामर्थ्य का अभाव दिखा।

सामर्थ्य का सदुपयोग

— Right use of capability. Used in moral advice.

अपने सामर्थ्य का सदुपयोग समाज के लिए करो।

सामर्थ्य की सीमा

— Limit of capability. Used to define boundaries.

हर मनुष्य के सामर्थ्य की एक सीमा होती है।

Idioms & Expressions

"सामर्थ्य के बल पर"

— Based on one's own power or capability. Achieving something without outside help.

उसने अपने सामर्थ्य के बल पर साम्राज्य खड़ा किया।

Formal
"सामर्थ्य को लोहा मनवाना"

— To make others accept one's capability/superiority.

उसने खेल में अपने सामर्थ्य का लोहा मनवा लिया।

Literary
"सामर्थ्य की थाह लेना"

— To gauge or measure someone's capability.

शत्रु हमारे सामर्थ्य की थाह ले रहा है।

Formal
"सामर्थ्य झुंक देना"

— To put in all possible effort and capability.

उसने परीक्षा पास करने में अपना पूरा सामर्थ्य झुंक दिया।

Emphatic
"सामर्थ्य का डंका बजना"

— To be famous for one's capability.

पूरी दुनिया में भारतीय वैज्ञानिकों के सामर्थ्य का डंका बज रहा है।

Idiomatic
"सामर्थ्य से हाथ धोना"

— To lose one's capability or power.

आलस्य के कारण उसने अपने सामर्थ्य से हाथ धो लिया।

Metaphorical
"सामर्थ्य की कसौटी"

— The criterion or touchstone of capability.

कठिन परिस्थितियां ही सामर्थ्य की कसौटी होती हैं।

Formal
"सामर्थ्य के पंख"

— The wings of capability (metaphor for growth).

शिक्षा हमें सामर्थ्य के पंख देती है।

Poetic
"सामर्थ्य का सूरज"

— The sun of capability (metaphor for rising power).

उसके जीवन में सामर्थ्य का सूरज उदय हो रहा है।

Poetic
"सामर्थ्य की नींव"

— The foundation of capability.

अनुशासन ही सामर्थ्य की नींव है।

Formal

Word Family

Nouns

सामर्थ्य (Sāmarthya) - Capability
असमर्थता (Asamarthatā) - Inability

Verbs

समर्थन करना (Samarthan karnā) - To support (related root)
समर्थ होना (Samarth honā) - To be capable

Adjectives

समर्थ (Samarth) - Capable
असमर्थ (Asamarth) - Incapable
सामर्थ्यवान (Sāmarthya-vān) - Powerful/Capable

Related

शक्ति (Shakti)
क्षमता (Kshamata)
योग्यता (Yogyata)
प्रभाव (Prabhav)
अधिकार (Adhikar)

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'सामर्थ्य' (Sāmarthya), which comes from the adjective 'समर्थ' (Samarth).

Original meaning: Being fit, suitable, or having the same aim/meaning.

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