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समेटना

A2 verb #6,000 most common 11 min read

समेटना

sametana Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips समेटना in 30 Seconds

Explanation समेटना in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of समेटना (Sametana) as a 'cleanup' word. It’s what you do when you are finished playing or eating. Imagine you have many toys on the floor. To put them back in the box, you use this word. It is a 'doing' word (a verb). You will mostly use it for physical objects like clothes, toys, or books. A simple way to remember it is 'to pick up and put away.' At this stage, just focus on the basic command form: 'Saman sameto' (Pick up the stuff). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it helps make a messy place look clean. It is very common in the house. When your mom or dad says 'Sameto!', they want you to tidy up your mess. It’s a very helpful word for daily life in a Hindi-speaking home.

For A2 learners, समेटना is a transitive verb (सकर्मक क्रिया). This means it always needs an object. You are always gathering something. You should start using it in simple past tense sentences. Remember the 'ne' (ने) rule: 'Maine saman sameta' (I gathered the stuff). Here, 'sameta' matches 'saman' (masculine). If you gathered 'kitabein' (books, feminine), it would be 'Maine kitabein sametein.' You can also use it for 'folding' clothes. It’s a step up from just 'picking up.' It implies organizing. You’ll hear it in the context of finishing a daily task. For example, 'Kaam sametkar ghar jao' (Finish/wrap up the work and go home). It’s about completing a small cycle of activity and preparing for the next thing.

At the B1 level, you can start using समेटना in more metaphorical ways. It’s not just about toys anymore; it’s about 'wrapping up' situations. If you are in a meeting, you can say, 'Ab humein ye discussion sametna chahiye' (Now we should wrap up this discussion). It suggests bringing different points together to a conclusion. You will also encounter the compound verb form 'samet lena,' which sounds more natural. 'Maine sab kuch samet liya hai' (I have wrapped everything up). You should also learn the difference between 'Sametna' and 'Simatna' (the intransitive version). 'Sametna' is your action; 'Simatna' is something shrinking or being gathered on its own. This distinction is vital for reaching intermediate fluency.

At B2, समेटना becomes a tool for professional and descriptive language. You might use it to describe a business winding up its operations: 'Company ne apna karobar samet liya.' It implies a planned and orderly withdrawal. You can also use it to describe someone gathering their courage or emotions: 'Usne apni himmat sameti' (He gathered his courage). This is more abstract. You'll see it in news reports, business articles, and more complex stories. You should be comfortable with all its forms, including the passive voice: 'Saman sameta gaya' (The goods were gathered). At this level, you understand that the word carries a sense of finality and consolidation, whether physical, financial, or emotional.

For C1 learners, समेटना offers a wealth of literary and poetic possibilities. It is often used to describe the act of 'capturing' or 'encapsulating' a vast experience into a small form. A poet might 'samet' the beauty of nature into a few lines of verse. It can also describe the consolidation of power or influence. In historical contexts, you might read about a king 'samet-ing' various provinces into one empire. The nuances of 'Sametana' vs. 'Batorna' (to sweep up/earn) become important here. 'Batorna' is often used for praise or votes, while 'Sametana' is for order and closure. You should be able to use the word to describe complex psychological states, like someone trying to 'gather the fragments' of their life after a major upheaval.

At the C2 level, you can appreciate the most subtle and philosophical uses of समेटना. It can represent the cosmic or existential act of everything returning to its source. In philosophical texts, the universe might be described as 'simatna' (shrinking back) and the creator 'sametna' (gathering it back). It’s the ultimate word for consolidation and the end of a cycle. You can use it to critique a long novel, saying the author failed to 'samet' all the subplots effectively. It becomes a word about structural integrity and the successful management of complexity. You understand its deepest roots and can use it with total precision in any context, from the most mundane household chore to the most profound metaphysical discussion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

समेटना in 30 Seconds

Sametna means to gather or fold physical items like clothes.
It is also used metaphorically to wrap up meetings or business.
It implies moving from a state of mess to a state of order.
It is a transitive verb, meaning you need an object to gather.

The Hindi verb समेटना (Sametana) is a versatile and essential term that every Hindi learner should master. At its core, it translates to 'to gather,' 'to fold,' 'to wrap up,' or 'to consolidate.' It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object—you are always gathering something. Whether you are tidying up a messy room, folding laundry, or concluding a long business meeting, sametana is the word you need. It implies a sense of bringing things together that were previously spread out or disorganized. This movement from a state of expansion or chaos to a state of order and compactness is the essence of the word.

Physical Gathering: This is the most common usage. If toys are scattered across the floor, you 'samet' them. If clothes are lying on the bed, you fold and 'samet' them into the cupboard. It suggests a physical act of tidying.

मेहमानों के आने से पहले सारा सामान समेट लो। (Gather/tidy up all the stuff before the guests arrive.)

Beyond the physical, sametana carries a powerful metaphorical weight. In a professional context, it refers to winding up or concluding something. If a company is closing its operations in a specific region, they are 'samet-ing' their business. In a conversation, if someone is talking too much and needs to finish their point, they might be told to 'samet' their thoughts. It conveys the idea of summarizing or bringing an end to a process. This versatility makes it a favorite in both colloquial speech and formal literature.

Emotional Consolidation: In poetry and songs, you will often hear 'khud ko sametna' (to gather oneself). This refers to pulling one's emotions together after a heartbreak or a period of distress. It signifies resilience and the act of regaining composure.

उसने बड़ी मुश्किल से खुद को समेटा और फिर से काम शुरू किया। (With great difficulty, he gathered himself and started working again.)

In daily life, you'll hear it in the kitchen (gathering spices or cleaning the counter), in the office (wrapping up a presentation), and at home (cleaning up after kids). It is a word of action and order. It is also used in the context of 'wrapping up' a legacy or a life's work. When an elderly person is distributing their belongings or finishing their tasks, they are 'samet-ing' their life's affairs. This depth of meaning allows the word to transition seamlessly from a mundane chore to a profound life event.

Spatial Limitation: It also implies making something smaller or more compact. When you pack a suitcase, you are 'samet-ing' your belongings into a small space. It is the act of fitting a large amount of 'stuff' (physical or mental) into a defined boundary.

अपनी बात को दो मिनट में समेटिए। (Please wrap up your talk in two minutes.)

बारिश शुरू होते ही दुकानदार ने अपना सामान समेटना शुरू कर दिया। (As soon as the rain started, the shopkeeper began gathering his goods.)

माँ ने रसोई का सारा काम समेट लिया है। (Mother has finished/wrapped up all the kitchen work.)

Using समेटना correctly requires understanding its conjugation and its relationship with the object. Since it is a transitive verb (सकर्मक क्रिया), in the past tense (Perfective aspect), the verb agrees with the object, not the subject, and the subject takes the 'ne' (ने) postposition. This is a crucial grammatical point for A2 and B1 learners. For example, 'I gathered the clothes' becomes 'Maine kapde samete' (कपड़े is masculine plural, so 'samete').

Past Tense (Perfective): Subject + ने + Object + Verb (agrees with object). Example: 'Usne bister sameta' (He/She folded/gathered the bedding).

मैंने सारा कचरा एक डिब्बे में समेट दिया। (I gathered all the trash into a box.)

In the continuous tenses, sametana follows the standard Hindi pattern. 'I am gathering' is 'Main samet raha hoon.' This is often used when describing ongoing chores or the process of winding down a project. It's very common to use it with the auxiliary verb 'lena' (लेना) to form a compound verb: 'samet lena.' This adds a sense of completion or benefit to the subject—doing the gathering for oneself or finishing it off properly.

Imperative (Commands): Use 'sameto' for equals/informal and 'sametiye' for formal/respectful. 'Apna saman sametiye' (Please gather your belongings).

चलो, अब अपना खेल समेटो और सो जाओ। (Come on, wrap up your game now and go to sleep.)

In more advanced usage, you'll see sametana used with abstract nouns. You can 'samet' memories (yaadein), 'samet' successes (kaamyabi), or even 'samet' a spread-out empire. In these cases, it implies a collection of achievements or experiences. It is frequently used in the passive sense in news reporting: 'Karobar sameta gaya' (The business was wound up). Understanding these patterns helps in moving from basic communication to nuanced expression.

Future Tense: Subject + Verb stem + ega/egi/enge. 'Main kal tak apna kaam samet loonga' (I will wrap up my work by tomorrow).

क्या तुम ये बिखरे हुए कागज़ समेट सकते हो? (Can you gather these scattered papers?)

उसने अपनी सारी खुशियाँ एक पल में समेट लीं। (He gathered all his happiness in a single moment.)

The word समेटना is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, appearing in various registers from the domestic to the professional. If you are living in an Indian household, you will hear it daily. Parents often tell their children to 'khilaune sameto' (gather the toys). After a meal, someone might say 'dastarkhwan sameto' or 'mez sameto' (clear/gather the table). It is the language of domestic order and responsibility.

The Marketplace (Bazaar): In local markets, you'll hear this word as evening approaches. Street vendors (thelawalas) will say they are 'dukan samet rahe hain' (closing/gathering their shop). It marks the transition from the day's activity to the evening's rest.

शाम होते ही बाज़ार समेटने लगता है। (As evening falls, the market begins to wind down.)

In the corporate world, sametana is used during meetings and project closures. A manager might say, 'Let's wrap this up' as 'Chaliye, is meeting ko samet-te hain.' It is also used when a company is liquidating assets or closing a department. In news headlines, you might see 'Company ne apna karobar Bharat se sameta' (The company wound up its business from India). This usage is more formal and carries significant economic weight.

Literature and Bollywood: Hindi poetry and cinema use 'sametana' to describe deep emotional states. A character might talk about 'samet-ing' their scattered life or 'samet-ing' someone in their arms (a poetic way of saying embrace). It’s a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the romantic.

उसने अपनी बाहों में पूरी दुनिया समेट ली। (He gathered the whole world in his arms - often used metaphorically for a loved one.)

You will also encounter it in travel contexts. When checking out of a hotel, you 'samet' your luggage. When a circus or a fair (mela) leaves town, they 'samet' their tents. It signifies the end of a temporary state. Listening for this word in movies or daily conversations will help you identify when a process is reaching its conclusion or when someone is trying to impose order on a situation.

Social Gatherings: At the end of a wedding or a large event, the organizers 'samet' the decorations and the leftover food. It is the 'clean-up' phase of any social interaction.

पिकनिक के बाद हमें सारा कूड़ा समेटना चाहिए। (After the picnic, we should gather all the trash.)

उसने अपनी बिखरी हुई यादों को कागज़ पर समेट दिया। (He gathered his scattered memories on paper - i.e., he wrote them down.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing समेटना (Sametana) with its intransitive counterpart सिमटना (Simatna). The difference is one of agency. Sametana is something you do to an object (transitive), while Simatna is something that happens to the subject (intransitive). For instance, 'I folded the cloth' (Maine kapda sameta) vs. 'The cloth shrank/folded' (Kapda simat gaya). Using one for the other changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Mistake: 'Saman simat lo' (The luggage shrink yourself!). Correct: 'Saman samet lo' (Gather the luggage).

गलत: वह डर से समेट गया। (Wrong: He gathered himself from fear - sounds like he picked himself up). सही: वह डर से सिमट गया। (Right: He shrank/cowered with fear.)

Another common mistake is using sametana when ekattha karna (to collect) is more appropriate. While they are similar, ekattha karna is used for collecting things like stamps, money, or people. Sametana implies a sense of tidying or bringing things to a close. You 'ekattha' (collect) donations, but you 'samet' (wrap up) the donation drive. Using sametana for a collection of hobby items might sound odd to a native speaker.

Gender and Number Agreement: In the past tense with 'ne,' learners often forget to change the verb ending based on the object. 'Maine kitabein sameta' is wrong; it should be 'Maine kitabein sametein' (since kitabein is feminine plural).

गलत: उसने अपनी साड़ी समेटा। सही: उसने अपनी साड़ी समेटी। (She gathered/folded her saree - saree is feminine.)

Learners also sometimes confuse sametana with lapetna (to wrap). Lapetna is the act of winding something around something else (like a bandage or a thread). Sametana is the act of bringing things together. If you are 'wrapping up' a gift, you use 'lapetna' (to wrap with paper). If you are 'wrapping up' a meeting, you use 'sametana.' This distinction between physical wrapping and metaphorical wrapping-up is a common hurdle.

Incorrect Context: Summarizing: While 'sametana' can mean to wrap up a talk, it doesn't mean 'to summarize' in an academic sense. For that, use 'saaransh likhna' (to write a summary).

गलत: इस कहानी को समेटो। सही: इस कहानी का सारांश बताओ। (Summarize this story vs. Wrap up this story.)

गलत: मैंने धूल को समेटा। सही: मैंने धूल साफ़ की। (I cleaned the dust vs. I gathered the dust - 'sametna' works only if you're piling it up.)

Hindi is rich with verbs that describe the act of bringing things together, each with its own specific nuance. While समेटना is the most general term for gathering and tidying, understanding its alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the precise word for the situation.

इकट्ठा करना (Ekattha Karna): Meaning: To collect or accumulate. Use this for things you want to keep or build up, like money, stamps, or information. Sametana is more about tidying or finishing.

उसने बहुत सारे पुराने सिक्के इकट्ठे किए हैं। (He has collected many old coins.)

Another close relative is Tah Lagana (तह लगाना). This is very specific to folding. While you can 'samet' clothes by just picking them up and putting them away, 'tah lagana' explicitly means to fold them neatly along a crease. If you are working in a clothing store, you are more likely to 'tah lagana' the shirts than just 'samet' them.

तह लगाना (Tah Lagana): Meaning: To fold neatly. Used specifically for fabrics, paper, or bedding.

धुले हुए कपड़ों की तह लगा दो। (Fold the washed clothes.)

For concluding or wrapping up, you might also hear Samaapt karna (समाप्त करना) or Khatam karna (खत्म करना). These simply mean 'to end' or 'to finish.' Sametana is more colorful; it implies that you are bringing various threads together to a neat conclusion. In a debate, you don't just 'end' your argument; you 'samet' it by summarizing the key points.

बटोरना (Batorna): Meaning: To gather up or sweep up. Very similar to sametana but often implies a sweeping motion, like gathering grain from a floor or gathering up praise (wah-wahi batorna).

उसने अपनी परफॉरमेंस से बहुत तारीफें बटोरीं। (He gathered/earned a lot of praise with his performance.)

In a literary context, Sanchay karna (संचय करना) is used for 'accumulation' or 'saving,' often in a more formal or spiritual sense, like 'punya sanchay' (accumulating merit). Understanding these synonyms allows you to appreciate the specific 'flavor' of sametana—its focus on order, closure, and the physical act of bringing things into a smaller, manageable space.

मजदूरों ने अपना सामान बटोरा और घर चल दिए। (The laborers gathered their things and headed home.)

सर्दियों के लिए लकड़ियाँ इकट्ठी कर लो। (Collect wood for the winters.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"अध्यक्ष महोदय अब चर्चा को समेटेंगे।"

Neutral

"मैंने अपना सामान समेट लिया है।"

Informal

"जल्दी समेट यार, लेट हो रहे हैं!"

Child friendly

"चलो बेटा, अपने खिलौने समेटो।"

Slang

"उसने सारा माल समेट लिया।"

Fun Fact

The word 'Samet' is also used as a preposition meaning 'including'. For example, 'Saman samet' means 'including the luggage'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sə.meːʈ.nɑː/

US /sə.meɪt.nɑː/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'me'.

Rhymes With

लपेटना (Lapetna) घसीटना (Ghasitna) पीटना (Pitna) लेटना (Letna) मेटना (Metna) अमेटना (Ametna) खिंचेटना (Khinchetna) सेंकना (Senkna - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' as a dental 't' (like in 'think') instead of a retroflex 'T'.
Confusing the vowel 'e' with 'ai' (Samaitna instead of Sametna).
Failing to aspirate the 't' if they confuse it with 'th', though 't' here is unaspirated.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Merging the 't' and 'n' too quickly without a clear vowel break.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text; common in stories.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of 'ne' rule and object agreement in past tense.

Speaking 2/5

Very useful and easy to use in imperative forms.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and frequently used.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

रखना करना कपड़ा सामान साफ़

Learn Next

सिमटना बटोरना तह लगाना फैलाना बिखेरना

Advanced

संकोचन एकीकरण सार परिसीमन समाहार

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Past Tense

Maine (Subject) kitabein (Object) sametein (Verb).

Compound Verbs with 'Lena'

Samet lena (To finish gathering).

Conjunctive Participle '-kar'

Saman sametkar (After gathering the stuff).

Object Agreement

Usne bister (M) sameta vs. Usne yaadein (F) sametein.

Imperative Mood

Sameto (Informal) vs. Sametiye (Formal).

Examples by Level

अपना सामान समेटो।

Gather your stuff.

Imperative form 'sameto' for informal command.

माँ कपड़े समेट रही हैं।

Mother is folding/gathering clothes.

Present continuous tense.

क्या मैं ये खिलौने समेट दूँ?

Should I gather these toys?

Use of 'doon' for offering help.

बच्चे ने अपनी किताबें समेटीं।

The child gathered his books.

Past tense; 'sameti' agrees with feminine plural 'kitabein'.

जल्दी समेटो, हमें जाना है।

Gather quickly, we have to go.

Adverb 'jaldi' used with imperative.

वह अपना बिस्तर समेट रहा है।

He is making/gathering his bed.

Masculine singular subject and object.

यहाँ से सब कुछ समेट लो।

Gather everything from here.

Compound verb 'samet lo' for completion.

मैंने अपना बैग समेट लिया।

I have packed/gathered my bag.

Past perfective with 'ne'.

मेहमानों के जाने के बाद हमने घर समेटा।

We tidied the house after the guests left.

Past tense transitive agreement.

उसने सारा कचरा एक जगह समेट दिया।

He gathered all the trash in one place.

Focus on the result of the action.

क्या तुम अपनी बात दो मिनट में समेट सकते हो?

Can you wrap up your point in two minutes?

Metaphorical use for speaking.

धूप आने पर माँ ने कपड़े समेट लिए।

Mother gathered the clothes when the sun came out.

Conditional context (dhoop aane par).

दुकानदार रात को अपना सामान समेटता है।

The shopkeeper gathers his goods at night.

Habitual present tense.

चलो, अब खेल समेटने का समय है।

Come on, it's time to wrap up the game.

Infinitive 'sametne' used as a noun.

उसने अपनी साड़ी के पल्लू को समेटा।

She gathered the edge of her saree.

Specific physical action.

मैंने अलमारी में पुराने कपड़े समेट कर रखे हैं।

I have kept old clothes folded in the cupboard.

Conjunctive participle 'samet kar'.

हमें इस प्रोजेक्ट को इस हफ्ते समेटना होगा।

We will have to wrap up this project this week.

Future obligation using 'hoga'.

उसने अपनी सारी यादें एक डायरी में समेट लीं।

She gathered all her memories in a diary.

Abstract object 'yaadein'.

बारिश होने वाली है, जल्दी बाहर से सामान समेटो।

It's going to rain, gather the stuff from outside quickly.

Urgent imperative.

उसने बड़ी हिम्मत से खुद को समेटा।

He gathered himself with great courage.

Reflexive use 'khud ko'.

मीटिंग को समेटते हुए मैनेजर ने धन्यवाद दिया।

Wrapping up the meeting, the manager gave thanks.

Present participle 'samette hue'.

क्या आप इन कागज़ों को एक फाइल में समेट सकते हैं?

Can you consolidate these papers into one file?

Polite request.

उसने अपने बिखरे हुए बालों को समेट कर जूड़ा बना लिया।

She gathered her messy hair into a bun.

Physical transformation.

गाँव छोड़ते समय उन्होंने अपनी पूरी गृहस्थी समेट ली।

While leaving the village, they packed up their entire household.

Large scale gathering.

कंपनी ने घाटे के कारण अपना कारोबार समेटने का फैसला किया।

The company decided to wind up its business due to losses.

Formal business context.

लेखक ने पूरी कहानी को आखिरी अध्याय में बहुत खूबसूरती से समेटा है।

The author has beautifully wrapped up the whole story in the last chapter.

Literary critique context.

उसने अपनी सारी संपत्ति समेटकर एक ट्रस्ट बना दिया।

He consolidated all his assets and formed a trust.

Financial consolidation.

पुलिस ने प्रदर्शनकारियों को समेटने के लिए बल प्रयोग किया।

The police used force to clear/contain the protesters.

Context of containment/dispersal.

उसने अपने आंसुओं को समेटते हुए मुस्कुराने की कोशिश की।

Gathering/holding back her tears, she tried to smile.

Emotional restraint.

इस छोटे से लेख में उन्होंने पूरे इतिहास को समेट दिया है।

In this small article, he has encapsulated the entire history.

Metaphor for brevity and depth.

सरकार ने कई छोटी योजनाओं को समेटकर एक बड़ी योजना बनाई।

The government consolidated several small schemes into one large scheme.

Policy context.

विपक्ष ने सरकार को घेरने के लिए अपनी ताकत समेटी।

The opposition gathered its strength to corner the government.

Political strategy.

कवि ने प्रकृति के विराट रूप को चंद पंक्तियों में समेट लिया है।

The poet has encapsulated nature's grand form in a few lines.

High literary register.

वृद्धावस्था में इंसान अपनी स्मृतियों को समेटने लगता है।

In old age, a person begins to gather/cherish their memories.

Philosophical observation.

उसने अपने बिखरे हुए अस्तित्व को समेटने की कोशिश की।

He tried to gather the fragments of his scattered existence.

Existential context.

साम्राज्य के पतन के बाद, राजा ने अपनी सेना को सुरक्षित सीमाओं में समेटा।

After the fall of the empire, the king withdrew/consolidated his army within safe borders.

Historical/Strategic context.

फिल्म के अंत में निर्देशक ने सभी उपकथाओं को कुशलता से समेटा।

At the end of the film, the director skillfully tied up all the subplots.

Narrative structure.

उसकी आँखों ने जैसे सारा दर्द अपने भीतर समेट लिया था।

It was as if her eyes had gathered all the pain within them.

Poetic personification.

आधुनिकता ने गाँवों की संस्कृति को छोटे-छोटे कस्बों में समेट दिया है।

Modernity has compressed/confined village culture into small towns.

Sociological commentary.

उसने अपने जीवन भर की कमाई एक छोटे से संदूक में समेट ली थी।

He had consolidated his entire life's earnings into a small chest.

Literal and symbolic gathering.

प्रलय के समय काल सब कुछ अपने आप में समेट लेता है।

At the time of apocalypse, Time gathers everything into itself.

Metaphysical/Mythological register.

दार्शनिक ने सत्य की अनंतता को एक सूत्र में समेटने का प्रयास किया।

The philosopher attempted to encapsulate the infinity of truth into a single formula.

Abstract philosophical thought.

उनकी कला में परंपरा और आधुनिकता का अद्भुत समन्वय समेटा गया है।

In their art, a wonderful coordination of tradition and modernity is encapsulated.

Artistic critique.

इतिहासकार ने सदियों के संघर्ष को एक जिल्द में समेट दिया।

The historian encapsulated centuries of struggle into one volume.

Scholarly accomplishment.

उसकी चुप्पी में हज़ारों अनकहे शब्द समेटे हुए थे।

In her silence, thousands of unspoken words were gathered/contained.

Nuanced emotional description.

महानगरीय जीवन ने मनुष्य की संवेदनाओं को कंक्रीट के जंगलों में समेट दिया है।

Metropolitan life has confined human sensibilities within concrete jungles.

Cultural critique.

जब नाटक का पर्दा गिरा, तो उसने अपनी पूरी अदाकारी को एक अंतिम प्रणाम में समेट लिया।

When the curtain fell, he gathered his entire performance into a final bow.

Dramatic/Performative context.

वेदांत के अनुसार, आत्मा अंततः परमात्मा में सिमट (समेट) जाती है।

According to Vedanta, the soul eventually gathers/merges into the Supreme Soul.

Spiritual/Theological context.

Common Collocations

सामान समेटना

कपड़े समेटना

कारोबार समेटना

बात समेटना

बिस्तर समेटना

यादें समेटना

खुद को समेटना

खेल समेटना

दूकान समेटना

काम समेटना

Common Phrases

सब कुछ समेट लेना

— To take everything or finish everything completely.

उसने प्रतियोगिता के सारे इनाम समेट लिए।

जल्दी समेटो

— Hurry up and finish/tidy up.

बारिश आ रही है, जल्दी समेटो!

बिखरा हुआ समेटना

— To organize something that is messy.

बिखरा हुआ कमरा समेटने में वक्त लगता है।

बाँहें समेटना

— To fold one's arms.

उसने अपनी बाँहें समेट लीं।

पैर समेटकर बैठना

— To sit with legs tucked in/folded.

वह पैर समेटकर सोफे पर बैठ गया।

काम समेटना

— To wrap up work for the day.

मैं बस अपना काम समेट रहा हूँ।

दुनिया समेटना

— To embrace the whole world (metaphorical).

माँ की ममता में पूरी दुनिया सिमट (समेट) जाती है।

हिम्मत समेटना

— To gather one's courage.

उसने अपनी सारी हिम्मत समेटी।

दुकान समेटना

— To close a shop or stop a business.

उसने घाटे की वजह से दुकान समेट ली।

यादें समेटना

— To collect or cherish memories.

सफ़र के दौरान हमने कई यादें समेटीं।

Often Confused With

समेटना vs सिमटना (Simatna)

Simatna is intransitive (to shrink/be gathered); Sametna is transitive (to gather).

समेटना vs इकट्ठा करना (Ekattha karna)

Ekattha is to collect/accumulate; Sametna is to tidy/wrap up.

समेटना vs लपेटना (Lapetna)

Lapetna is to wrap something around; Sametna is to bring things together.

Idioms & Expressions

"अपनी बिसात समेटना"

— To accept defeat and withdraw; to pack up one's resources.

हार के बाद उसने अपनी बिसात समेट ली।

Literary

"कारोबार समेटना"

— To close down a business permanently.

उसने दिल्ली से अपना कारोबार समेट लिया।

Business

"दामन समेटना"

— To avoid something; to withdraw from a situation/involvement.

उसने विवादों से अपना दामन समेट लिया।

Poetic

"आँचल में समेटना"

— To protect or cherish someone/something deeply.

माँ ने बच्चे को अपने आँचल में समेट लिया।

Emotional

"मुट्ठी में समेटना"

— To control or hold something tightly in one's power.

उसने पूरी सत्ता अपनी मुट्ठी में समेट ली।

Political

"साँसें समेटना"

— A poetic way to describe dying or taking the last breath.

उसने अपनी अंतिम साँसें समेटीं।

Literary

"वक्त को समेटना"

— To make the most of time or to feel time is passing quickly.

काश मैं इन पलों को समेट सकता।

Philosophical

"नज़रें समेटना"

— To look away or withdraw one's gaze.

शर्म के मारे उसने अपनी नज़रें समेट लीं।

Literary

"पैर समेटना"

— To limit one's activities or movements.

बुढ़ापे में उसने अपने पैर समेट लिए हैं।

Colloquial

"खुशियाँ समेटना"

— To experience a lot of happiness in a short time.

उसने छुट्टियों में सारी खुशियाँ समेट लीं।

General

Easily Confused

समेटना vs सिमटना

Sounds similar and has a related meaning.

Simatna is the passive/intransitive version. You don't 'simat' something; it 'simats' by itself.

वह डर से सिमट गया (He shrank with fear) vs उसने चादर समेटी (He folded the sheet).

समेटना vs बटोरना

Both mean to gather.

Batorna often implies a sweeping motion or 'picking up' things from the ground. It is also used for earning praise/votes.

उसने वोट बटोरे (He gathered votes).

समेटना vs तह लगाना

Both used for clothes.

Tah lagana is specifically 'to fold neatly'. Sametna is 'to gather up/tidy up'.

कपड़ों की तह लगाओ (Fold the clothes neatly).

समेटना vs जमाना

Both involve organizing.

Jamana means 'to set' or 'to arrange' (like books on a shelf). Sametna is 'to gather' (like books from the floor).

किताबें अलमारी में जमा दो (Arrange the books in the cupboard).

समेटना vs सजाना

Both make a room look better.

Sajana is 'to decorate'. Sametna is 'to tidy up'.

कमरा सजाओ (Decorate the room) vs कमरा समेटो (Tidy up the room).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] समेटो।

खिलौने समेटो।

मैंने [Object] समेट लिया है।

मैंने सामान समेट लिया है।

[Subject] [Object] समेट रहा/रही है।

वह कपड़े समेट रही है।

[Object] समेट कर [Verb]।

सामान समेट कर बाहर आओ।

[Subject] को [Object] समेटना पड़ा।

उसे अपना कारोबार समेटना पड़ा।

[Subject] ने [Abstract Object] समेट लिया।

लेखक ने भावनाओं को शब्दों में समेट लिया।

[Object] को [Context] में समेटना कठिन है।

इस महानता को शब्दों में समेटना कठिन है।

जैसे-जैसे [Event], [Subject] [Object] समेटने लगा।

जैसे-जैसे शाम हुई, सूरज अपनी किरणें समेटने लगा।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily speech, high in literature and business.

Common Mistakes

Maine saman sameti. → Maine saman sameta.
Saman is masculine, so the verb must end in 'a'.
Woh darr se samet gaya. → Woh darr se simat gaya.
You use 'simatna' (intransitive) for someone shrinking in fear, not 'sametna' (transitive).
Saman simat lo. → Saman samet lo.
You are doing the action to the luggage, so use the transitive 'sametna'.
Maine purane sikke samete hain. → Maine purane sikke ekatthe kiye hain.
For collecting/accumulating a hobby, 'ekattha karna' is more natural than 'sametna'.
Is kahani ko sameto. → Is kahani ka saaransh batao.
'Sametna' means to wrap up, not necessarily to provide a summary of a plot.

Tips

Object Agreement

In the past tense, 'sametna' changes based on the object. 'Maine kapda (M) sameta' but 'Maine sadi (F) sameti'. Always check the object's gender!

Compound Verb

Using 'samet lena' makes you sound more like a native. It adds the nuance that the action is completed and done with.

The Retroflex T

Make sure your tongue curls back to hit the roof of your mouth for the 'T' sound in 'sametna'. It's not a soft 't'.

Tidying vs. Cleaning

'Sametna' is specifically about tidying things that are spread out. It's not about scrubbing or washing (which would be 'saaf karna').

Wrapping Up

Use 'sametna' when you want to tell someone to finish their speech or a meeting. It's polite but firm.

Samet vs. Sametna

Remember that 'samet' can also mean 'including'. 'Parivaar samet' means 'including the family'. Don't get confused between the preposition and the verb stem.

Simatna vs. Sametna

In fast speech, they sound similar. Listen for the 'a' sound in 'samet' (active) vs the 'i' sound in 'simat' (passive).

Storytelling

Use 'sametna' to describe a character's attempt to bring order to their life. It's a very evocative word in Hindi literature.

Visual Aid

Visualize a magnet pulling iron filings together into a neat pile. That 'pulling together' is 'sametna'.

Household Roles

In India, being good at 'sametna' is a sign of a responsible and disciplined person. Use it when praising someone's organizational skills.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are at a 'Summit' (Samet). At a summit, people 'gather' together to 'wrap up' problems. Samet-na = Summit-gathering.

Visual Association

Picture a person folding a large map into a small square. That act of making something big into something small and orderly is 'sametna'.

Word Web

Clean Fold Wrap up Finish Tidy Collect Consolidate Pack

Challenge

Try to use 'sametna' three times today: once for a physical object, once for a task you finished, and once as a command to yourself or someone else.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'sam' (together) and 'et' (to go/approach), leading to 'samaveta' (collected/joined). Over time, it evolved through Prakrit into the modern Hindi 'sametna'.

Original meaning: To bring together into one place or state.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but 'sametna' can sometimes imply 'closing down' or 'ending', which might be negative in a business context.

English speakers often use 'wrap up' or 'tidy up', but Hindi uses 'sametna' for both, making it more versatile.

Bollywood Song: 'Baahon mein samet lo' (Gather me in your arms). Hindi Literature: Premchand often used 'sametna' to describe characters finishing their daily chores. Business News: Headlines about companies 'samet-ing' their operations from India.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cleaning the house

कमरा समेटना
खिलौने समेटना
कूड़ा समेटना
सब कुछ समेटना

Office/Work

मीटिंग समेटना
प्रोजेक्ट समेटना
फाइलें समेटना
काम समेटना

Travel

समान समेटना
बिस्तर समेटना
टेंट समेटना
बैग समेटना

Emotions

खुद को समेटना
यादें समेटना
हिम्मत समेटना
आँसू समेटना

Business

कारोबार समेटना
दूकान समेटना
पूँजी समेटना
बिसात समेटना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने अपना सारा सामान समेट लिया है?"

"इस बिखरे हुए कमरे को कौन समेटेगा?"

"हमें अपनी मीटिंग को कितनी देर में समेटना चाहिए?"

"क्या आप कपड़े समेटने में मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?"

"उसने अपना कारोबार इतनी जल्दी क्यों समेट लिया?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने अपने दिन के कामों को कैसे समेटा?

क्या आपको अपना कमरा समेटना पसंद है या बिखरा हुआ रखना?

किसी ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपको अपनी भावनाओं को समेटना पड़ा।

अगर आपको अपना पूरा घर एक बैग में समेटना हो, तो आप क्या रखेंगे?

एक सफल मीटिंग को समेटने के लिए क्या-क्या ज़रूरी है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no, unless you are 'gathering' them in a metaphorical sense (like a leader gathering followers) or physically (like gathering children together). For a meeting of people, use 'bulana' or 'ekattha karna'.

'Sametna' implies tidying up a mess or wrapping up a task. 'Ekattha karna' implies building a collection or gathering items for a purpose. You 'samet' toys to clean the room, but you 'ekattha' toys to donate them.

It is neutral and used in all settings. In very formal academic writing, you might use 'sankalit karna' (to compile) or 'samaapt karna' (to finish), but 'sametna' is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

You can say 'Kapde sameto' or more specifically 'Kapdon ki tah lagao'. 'Sameto' is more common for just picking them up and putting them away.

Yes, in a metaphorical sense. 'Apni baat sameto' means 'Wrap up your point'. However, for a formal summary of a book or article, use 'saaransh'.

It means to wind up or close down a business. It's a common phrase in business news.

Yes, it follows the standard conjugation patterns for transitive Hindi verbs ending in '-na'.

Use the 'ne' postposition with the subject. The verb ending will match the gender and number of the object: 'Maine saman sameta' (masculine singular) or 'Maine kitabein sametein' (feminine plural).

Yes, 'Apna bag sameto' is a common way to say 'Pack/tidy your bag'.

The most direct opposite is 'bikherna' (to scatter) or 'failana' (to spread).