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स्त्री करना

B2 verb 11 min read

स्त्री करना

stri karna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips स्त्री करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation स्त्री करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'istrī karnā' means to iron clothes. It is a simple action word. You might use it in basic sentences like 'I iron my shirt' (Main apni kameez istri karta hoon). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex grammar rules. Just remember that 'istrī' is the object (the iron) and 'karnā' is the action (to do). You will mostly hear this at home or when talking to a person who cleans clothes. It is a very useful word because everyone needs clean, ironed clothes! Think of it as a 'survival' word for daily life in an Indian household.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'istrī karnā' in different tenses. For example, you can say 'I am ironing' (Main istri kar raha hoon) or 'I will iron tomorrow' (Main kal istri karoonga). You should also learn that 'istrī' is the tool itself. You might ask, 'Istri kahan hai?' (Where is the iron?). At this level, you should also be able to understand simple requests like 'Please iron this' (Kripya ise istri kar dijiye). You are beginning to see how 'karnā' changes depending on who is speaking and when the action happens. You might also notice that people sometimes say 'press karna' instead.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'istrī karnā' in more complex daily situations. You should understand the 'ne' construction in the past tense, which is a bit tricky. For example, 'Maine saari kameezein istri kar deen' (I ironed all the shirts). Here, the verb changes because 'kameezein' is feminine plural. You should also be able to talk about the 'istri-wala' (the person who irons clothes for a living) and understand their role in the neighborhood. You can start describing the process: 'First I heat the iron, then I iron the clothes' (Pehle main istri garam karta hoon, phir kapde istri karta hoon). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related words like 'silvat' (wrinkle).

At the B2 level, you have a solid grasp of 'istrī karnā' and its nuances. You can distinguish between 'istrī' (iron) and 'strī' (woman) clearly in your pronunciation and writing. You understand the historical context—that the word likely came from Portuguese—and how it fits into the broader Hindi vocabulary. You can use the verb in conditional sentences, passive forms, and with various auxiliary verbs to add shade to your meaning (e.g., 'istrī kar dena' vs 'istrī kar lena'). You are also aware of the cultural significance of the 'Dhobi' and how the informal economy works around this task. You can discuss the pros and cons of different types of irons (steam vs. dry) using this verb fluously.

At the C1 level, you can use 'istrī karnā' in sophisticated ways, perhaps even metaphorically, although its primary use remains literal. You understand the subtle social registers associated with using 'istrī karnā' versus the English 'press karna.' You can write detailed instructions or essays on traditional Indian services, using the verb accurately in all complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive and various compound verb forms. You are familiar with regional variations in pronunciation and can follow fast-paced conversations in movies or news reports where this word might appear in the context of household labor or small businesses. Your use of agreement rules (gender/number) with this verb is flawless.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'istrī karnā' is equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the etymological journey of the word and perhaps even its appearance in Hindi literature or poetry as a symbol of domestic life or social order. You can engage in deep cultural discussions about the changing nature of domestic work in India, the impact of technology on traditional 'istri-walas,' and the linguistic shifts in urban Hindi. You use the verb with perfect naturalness, incorporating it into complex idiomatic expressions if they exist, and you can switch between formal and informal registers with ease. You could even explain the linguistic nuances of this word to other learners.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

स्त्री करना in 30 Seconds

Istrī karnā means to iron clothes.
It is a compound verb (Noun + Verb).
Essential for daily chores and professional grooming.
Commonly heard in Indian households and laundry shops.

The Hindi verb स्त्री करना (istrī karnā) primarily refers to the act of smoothing out wrinkles from clothing or fabric using a heated tool known as an iron. While the word 'istrī' is technically a noun meaning 'iron,' combining it with the auxiliary verb 'karnā' (to do) creates the functional verb 'to iron.' In the Indian cultural landscape, this action carries significant weight beyond mere household chores. It represents a commitment to personal grooming, professionalism, and social standing. Whether you are preparing for a corporate meeting in a bustling city like Mumbai or getting ready for a traditional wedding in a rural village, the act of istrī karnā is a prerequisite for looking 'presentable' (shāshat).

Daily Routine: In most Indian households, ironing is a daily morning ritual, often performed while the tea is brewing. It is common to hear, 'Meri kameez istri kar do' (Iron my shirt).

Historically, the word is believed to have entered the Hindi lexicon through Portuguese influence ('estirar' meaning to stretch or straighten), though it has become completely indigenized. It is important to distinguish this from the Sanskrit-derived word strī, which means 'woman.' While they sound nearly identical to the untrained ear, the context—usually involving clothes, heat, or a laundryman—makes the meaning of 'ironing' clear. In modern urban settings, many people outsource this task to a 'Dhobi' (laundryman) or a local 'Istri-wala' who sets up a small stall on a street corner with a heavy, coal-filled iron. This unique aspect of Indian life makes स्त्री करना a word that bridges the gap between domestic labor and a specialized street-side service.

साक्षात्कार के लिए जाने से पहले अपनी सफेद कमीज को अच्छी तरह स्त्री करना मत भूलना। (Don't forget to iron your white shirt well before going for the interview.)

The verb is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal registers. In a formal garment factory, a supervisor might instruct workers on the precise temperature for istrī karnā on silk fabrics, whereas, in a casual setting, a roommate might ask another if they have finished ironing their jeans. The word encompasses the entire process—from heating the device to the final folding of the garment. It is also synonymous with the English loanword 'press karnā,' which is frequently used in Hinglish (Hindi-English mix) contexts, but स्त्री करना remains the standard and more traditional expression.

Understanding this word also opens a window into Indian social structures. The 'Istri-wala' is a common figure in Indian neighborhoods, often ironing clothes on a wooden cart (thela) under a neem tree. Using this verb correctly allows you to interact with these service providers effectively. For instance, asking 'Kitne kapde istri karne hain?' (How many clothes are to be ironed?) is a standard interaction. Thus, स्त्री करना is not just a verb; it is a functional tool for navigating daily life in India, reflecting the intersection of language, history, and social habits.

Using स्त्री करना (istrī karnā) requires an understanding of compound verb structures in Hindi. Since it is a 'karnā' verb, the tense and gender markers are applied to 'karnā,' while 'istrī' remains constant as the noun component. This makes it relatively easy to conjugate once you master the basic patterns of the verb 'to do.' Let's explore how it functions across different grammatical moods and tenses to give you a comprehensive toolkit for communication.

Present Continuous: मैं अभी अपनी वर्दी स्त्री कर रहा हूँ। (I am ironing my uniform right now.) - Here, 'kar rahā hūn' indicates an ongoing action.

When using the past tense, स्त्री करना behaves as a transitive verb. In the perfective aspect (e.g., 'I ironed'), you must use the 'ne' postposition with the subject, and the verb will agree with the object (the clothes). For example, 'Maine kapde istri kiye' (I ironed the clothes). Notice how 'kiye' (masculine plural) agrees with 'kapde' (clothes). This is a crucial rule for B2 learners to master, as it demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy. If you were ironing a single feminine object, like a 'saree,' you would say, 'Maine saree istri kī.'

क्या आपने मेरे स्कूल के कपड़े स्त्री कर दिए हैं? (Have you ironed my school clothes?)

In the imperative mood, which is used for requests or commands, you can vary the level of politeness. To a younger sibling, you might say, 'Istri kar do' (Iron it). To a domestic help or a dhobi, a neutral 'Istri kar dijiye' is appropriate. In a more formal or extremely polite setting, 'Kripya istri kar den' would be used. The use of 'denā' (to give) as an auxiliary verb—making it 'istrī kar denā'—is very common in Hindi. It adds a sense of completion or indicates that the action is being done for someone else's benefit.

For future intentions, you would use 'karūngā' (masculine) or 'karūngī' (feminine). 'Main kal subah saare kapde istri karūngī' (I will iron all the clothes tomorrow morning). This structure is straightforward. Furthermore, you can use the verb in conditional sentences: 'Agar tum istri karoge, to main kapde pehen sakūngā' (If you iron [them], then I will be able to wear the clothes). By practicing these variations, you move from basic vocabulary to fluid, natural sentence construction that mirrors how native speakers actually talk about their daily chores.

To truly master स्त्री करना (istrī karnā), you must listen for it in its natural habitats. In India, laundry is not just a private household task; it is a visible, public, and social activity. You will hear this word in diverse settings, from high-end hotels to the narrowest alleys of old Delhi. Each context brings a slight shift in nuance and associated vocabulary.

The Local Neighborhood (Mohalla): Walking through an Indian residential area, you might hear a mother calling out to a passing laundryman: 'Bhaiya, ye do kurte istri kar dena!' (Brother, please iron these two tunics!). The 'istrī-wala' is an essential part of the community fabric.

In the service industry, specifically hospitality, स्त्री करना is part of the professional jargon. If you stay at a hotel and need your suit pressed, you would call housekeeping and ask, 'Kya aap mere kapde istri kar sakte hain?' The staff might reply with, 'Ji, laundry service mein istri karne ka charge alag se lagega' (Yes, in the laundry service, there is a separate charge for ironing). In this context, the word is used with a high degree of formality and serves as a standard business term.

धोबी ने कहा कि वह कल तक सारे कपड़े स्त्री करके ले आएगा। (The washerman said he would bring back all the clothes after ironing them by tomorrow.)

You will also encounter this word in the media, particularly in advertisements for irons, steam presses, or laundry detergents. An ad might claim, 'Is iron se istri karna ab aur bhi aasaan' (Ironing with this iron is now even easier). In Bollywood movies or TV serials (dramas), the act of ironing is often used as a visual shorthand for domesticity or a character preparing for a significant event, like a job interview or a date. You might hear a character grumbling about having to iron a mountain of clothes, reflecting the universal relatable struggle of household chores.

Finally, in the context of fashion and tailoring (Darzi), the word is indispensable. A tailor will often tell a customer, 'Silai ke baad hum ise istri karke denge' (After stitching, we will iron it and give it to you). This ensures the garment looks its best. Whether you are at the 'Dhobi Ghat' (the massive open-air laundry in Mumbai) or in a modern apartment, the sound of steam hissing and the mention of स्त्री करना are ubiquitous sounds and words of Indian life.

For English speakers, the most frequent pitfall when using स्त्री करना (istrī karnā) is phonetic and orthographic confusion. Because Hindi is a phonetic language, the subtle difference between an initial short 'i' sound and a direct 's' cluster can change the meaning of a word entirely. Let's break down the most common errors to help you avoid them.

The 'Woman' vs. 'Iron' Confusion: The word for woman is 'strī' (Sanskrit origin). The word for iron is 'istrī' (Portuguese origin). While many native speakers might drop the 'i' in fast speech, as a learner, failing to distinguish them can lead to hilarious or awkward sentences. 'Main ek stri kar raha hoon' could potentially be misheard as 'I am doing a woman,' which is nonsensical and inappropriate. Always aim for the 'is-' sound at the start.

Another common mistake involves the gender-agreement rules in the past tense. Many learners forget that स्त्री करना is a transitive verb requiring the 'ne' construction. A learner might say 'Main kapde istri kiya' (incorrect), whereas the correct form is 'Maine kapde istri kiye.' The verb must agree with 'kapde' (masculine plural). This is a hallmark of B2-level proficiency—getting the ergative 'ne' construction right with compound verbs.

गलत: मैंने मेज़ को स्त्री किया। (I ironed the table.)
सही: मैंने मेज़ पर कपड़े स्त्री किए। (I ironed clothes on the table.)

Contextual errors also occur when learners use the word for things that aren't fabric. You only istrī karnā clothes or textiles. You wouldn't use it for 'ironing out' a problem (which would be 'suljhānā') or 'pressing' a button (which would be 'dabānā'). This literal versus figurative divide is important. In English, 'to iron out' is an idiom; in Hindi, स्त्री करना is almost exclusively literal.

Lastly, some learners over-complicate the verb by trying to make 'istrī' itself a verb (like 'istrī-nā'). Remember that in Hindi, many nouns become verbs only by adding 'karnā' (to do) or 'honā' (to be). Stick to the compound form. Also, avoid using 'loha' (iron, the metal) to mean the act of ironing. While an iron is made of metal, 'loha karna' is not a standard expression for ironing clothes. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will speak more clearly and avoid the typical traps that catch many intermediate students.

While स्त्री करना (istrī karnā) is the standard term, Hindi offers several alternatives and related words depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the task. Knowing these will enrich your vocabulary and help you understand different regional dialects and social registers.

Press Karna (प्रेस करना): This is the most common Hinglish alternative. It is used interchangeably with 'istrī karnā' in urban areas. Example: 'Pant press kar di?' (Did you press the pants?).
Silvat Hatana (सिलवट हटाना): Literal meaning: 'to remove wrinkles.' This is a more descriptive way of saying you are ironing or smoothing something. It's often used when the focus is on the result rather than the tool.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter चिकना करना (chiknā karnā), which means 'to make smooth.' While not specific to ironing clothes, it describes the outcome of the process. In the world of high-end dry cleaning, you might hear स्टीम प्रेस (steam press), which refers specifically to using steam. Native speakers often use these English technical terms even when speaking Hindi.

तुलना:
1. स्त्री करना: Standard/Traditional.
2. प्रेस करना: Informal/Urban.
3. सिलवटें निकालना: Descriptive (removing creases).

Another related term is तह करना (teh karnā), which means 'to fold.' These two actions often go hand-in-hand. A dhobi might say, 'Istri karke teh laga di hai' (I have ironed and folded them). For very delicate fabrics where you might not use a hot iron but rather a heavy weight or a cold press, the terminology might shift to more specific local words like 'ghontna' (to burnish/smooth), though this is rare in modern daily speech.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your speech. If you want to sound like a local in a Delhi market, 'press kar do' works perfectly. If you are writing a formal essay on traditional Indian occupations, स्त्री करना is the more appropriate choice. By mastering these nuances, you transition from a student who knows 'words' to a speaker who understands 'language' and its social application.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite its Portuguese origin, it is often confused with the Sanskrit word 'strī' (woman) due to phonetic similarity, though they belong to entirely different language families.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪs.t̪ɾiː kəɾ.nɑː/

US /ɪs.t̪riː kər.nɑː/

Primary stress on the first syllable of 'istrī' and the first syllable of 'karnā'.

Rhymes With

Misrī (Sugar candy) Tisrī (Third) Bishrī (Forgotten) Khichrī (Lentil dish) Bharnā (To fill) Darnā (To fear) Marnā (To die) Charnā (To graze)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'istrī' as 'strī' (woman).
Making the 't' too hard like the English 't' in 'tea'.
Shortening the final 'ā' in 'karnā'.
Using a heavy English 'r' instead of a tapped Hindi 'r'.
Missing the initial 'i' sound entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but watch for 'stri' (woman) confusion.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of conjunct characters in Devanagari.

Speaking 4/5

Dental 't' and tapped 'r' need practice.

Listening 3/5

Clear in context, but phonetic similarity to 'woman' can be tricky.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

कपड़ा (Cloth) गरम (Hot) करना (To do) धोना (To wash) साफ (Clean)

Learn Next

तह करना (To fold) अलमारी (Wardrobe) पहनना (To wear) खरीदना (To buy) सिलाई (Stitching)

Advanced

कीटाणुशोधन (Disinfection) रेशा (Fiber) आजीविका (Livelihood) औद्योगिकीकरण (Industrialization) नक्काशी (Carving/detail)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

Istri + Karna = To Iron.

Ergative Case (Ne)

Maine (I) + Istri Ki (Ironed).

Causative Verbs

Karvana (To get it done by someone else).

Gender Agreement

Saree (Fem) -> Istri Ki; Kurta (Masc) -> Istri Kiya.

Auxiliary 'Dena'

Kar dena (to do for someone else/completely).

Examples by Level

मैं अपनी कमीज़ स्त्री करता हूँ।

I iron my shirt.

Simple present tense with 'karta hoon'.

क्या आप स्त्री कर सकते हैं?

Can you iron?

Using 'sakte hain' for ability.

मेरी माँ स्त्री कर रही है।

My mother is ironing.

Present continuous tense.

यह स्त्री बहुत गर्म है।

This iron is very hot.

'Istri' used as a noun here.

मुझे स्त्री करना पसंद नहीं है।

I do not like to iron.

Using 'pasand' with the infinitive.

धोबी स्त्री कर रहा है।

The washerman is ironing.

Subject-verb agreement.

कपड़े स्त्री करो।

Iron the clothes.

Imperative form (command).

वह कल स्त्री करेगा।

He will iron tomorrow.

Future tense.

मैंने अपनी पैंट स्त्री की।

I ironed my pants.

Past tense with 'ne' (Maine) and agreement with 'pant' (feminine).

क्या तुम मेरे कपड़े स्त्री कर दोगे?

Will you iron my clothes?

Compound verb 'kar dena' in future tense.

उसने बहुत अच्छी स्त्री की है।

He/She has ironed very well.

Present perfect tense.

स्त्री करने के बाद कपड़े अलमारी में रखो।

After ironing, put the clothes in the wardrobe.

Use of 'ke baad' with the oblique infinitive.

हमें स्कूल की वर्दी स्त्री करनी चाहिए।

We should iron the school uniform.

Using 'chahiye' for obligation.

क्या आपने स्त्री चालू की?

Did you turn on the iron?

Direct object 'istri' (noun).

मेरे पास स्त्री करने के लिए समय नहीं है।

I don't have time to iron.

Infinitive + 'ke liye'.

वह रोज़ सुबह स्त्री करता है।

He irons every morning.

Habitual present tense.

अगर बिजली चली गई, तो मैं स्त्री नहीं कर पाऊँगा।

If the power goes out, I won't be able to iron.

Conditional sentence with 'paunga'.

धोबी ने सारे कपड़े स्त्री कर दिए हैं।

The washerman has ironed all the clothes.

Compound verb 'kar diye' showing completion.

इस रेशमी साड़ी को सावधानी से स्त्री करना।

Iron this silk saree carefully.

Adverb 'saavdhani se' modifying the verb.

क्या तुम्हें पता है कि स्त्री कैसे करते हैं?

Do you know how to iron?

Using 'kaise' for method.

मैंने कल रात ही सब कुछ स्त्री कर लिया था।

I had ironed everything last night itself.

Past perfect with 'kar liya tha'.

स्त्री करते समय हाथ जल सकता है।

Your hand might get burnt while ironing.

'te samay' indicating simultaneous action.

बिना स्त्री किए हुए कपड़े अच्छे नहीं लगते।

Unironed clothes don't look good.

Participle phrase 'bina istri kiye hue'.

वह अपनी कमीज़ खुद स्त्री करना पसंद करता है।

He likes to iron his shirt himself.

Reflexive pronoun 'khud'.

पार्टी में जाने से पहले मुझे अपनी शेरवानी स्त्री करवानी पड़ेगी।

I will have to get my sherwani ironed before going to the party.

Causative form 'karvaani' + 'padegi'.

स्त्री करते वक्त तापमान का ध्यान रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है।

It is very important to keep the temperature in mind while ironing.

Noun 'dhyaan' with 'rakhna'.

हालाँकि मैंने कोशिश की, लेकिन मैं उन सिलवटों को स्त्री नहीं कर पाया।

Although I tried, I couldn't iron out those wrinkles.

Conjunction 'halanki... lekin'.

आजकल लोग कोयले वाली स्त्री के बजाय इलेक्ट्रिक स्त्री का उपयोग करते हैं।

Nowadays people use electric irons instead of charcoal ones.

Comparison using 'ke bajay'.

अगर तुम स्त्री करना सीख जाओ, तो बहुत मदद होगी।

If you learn how to iron, it will be a big help.

Conditional 'agar... to'.

उसने इतनी अच्छी तरह स्त्री की कि कपड़ा नया जैसा लगने लगा।

He ironed so well that the cloth started looking like new.

Result clause 'itni... ki'.

मैंने सुना है कि वह स्त्री करने का काम शुरू कर रहा है।

I have heard that he is starting an ironing business.

Reported speech with 'ki'.

स्त्री करने से कपड़ों की उम्र बढ़ जाती है अगर सही तरीके से किया जाए।

Ironing increases the life of clothes if done correctly.

Conditional 'agar' at the end.

धोबीघाट पर हज़ारों कपड़े रोज़ स्त्री किए जाते हैं, जो शहर की जीवनरेखा है।

Thousands of clothes are ironed daily at the Dhobi Ghat, which is the city's lifeline.

Passive voice 'kiye jaate hain'.

आधुनिक युग में स्त्री करना केवल एक घरेलू काम नहीं, बल्कि एक संगठित उद्योग बन गया है।

In the modern era, ironing has become not just a household chore, but an organized industry.

Complex sentence structure with 'na keval... balki'.

कपड़ों को स्त्री करते समय कपड़े की प्रकृति और रेशों का ज्ञान होना अनिवार्य है।

While ironing clothes, knowledge of the nature of the fabric and fibers is mandatory.

Formal vocabulary like 'prakriti' and 'anivarya'.

उसकी बातों में ऐसी स्पष्टता थी जैसे किसी ने उलझे हुए विचारों को स्त्री कर दिया हो।

There was such clarity in his words, as if someone had ironed out tangled thoughts.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

पर्यावरण के प्रति जागरूक लोग अब कम स्त्री करने वाले कपड़ों को प्राथमिकता दे रहे हैं।

Environmentally conscious people are now prioritizing clothes that require less ironing.

Compound adjective 'kam istri karne wale'.

तकनीकी उन्नति के बावजूद, हाथ से स्त्री करने की कला का अपना ही महत्व है।

Despite technical advancements, the art of hand ironing has its own importance.

Concessive phrase 'ke baavjood'.

उसने बड़ी कुशलता से पुरानी साड़ियों को स्त्री करके उन्हें नया जीवन दे दिया।

She skillfully ironed old sarees and gave them a new life.

Adverbial phrase 'badi kushalata se'.

क्या आप मानते हैं कि स्त्री करना एक तनावमुक्त करने वाली गतिविधि हो सकती है?

Do you believe that ironing can be a stress-relieving activity?

Interrogative sentence with a complex gerund.

भारतीय समाज के विभिन्न वर्गों में स्त्री करने की प्रथा और इसके सामाजिक निहितार्थों का गहरा संबंध है।

There is a deep connection between the practice of ironing and its social implications across different sections of Indian society.

Highly formal academic Hindi.

जैसे-जैसे वस्त्र विज्ञान विकसित हुआ, स्त्री करने की विधियों में भी क्रांतिकारी परिवर्तन आए हैं।

As textile science evolved, revolutionary changes have also occurred in ironing methods.

Correlative 'jaise-jaise... waise-waise' (implied).

स्त्री करना केवल बाह्य सौंदर्य के लिए नहीं, बल्कि स्वच्छता और कीटाणुशोधन की दृष्टि से भी महत्वपूर्ण है।

Ironing is important not only for external beauty but also from the perspective of hygiene and disinfection.

Use of 'drishti se' (from the perspective of).

उस उपन्यास में स्त्री करने की क्रिया को एक रूपक के तौर पर इस्तेमाल किया गया है जो व्यवस्था और अनुशासन को दर्शाता है।

In that novel, the act of ironing is used as a metaphor representing order and discipline.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

शहरीकरण के फलस्वरूप, पारंपरिक स्त्री करने वालों की आजीविका पर संकट के बादल मँडरा रहे हैं।

As a result of urbanization, clouds of crisis are hovering over the livelihoods of traditional ironers.

Idiomatic expression 'sankat ke baadal mandrana'.

कपड़े की हर एक तह को स्त्री करते हुए वह अपने अतीत की यादों को सहेज रही थी।

While ironing every fold of the cloth, she was preserving the memories of her past.

Participial phrase 'istri karte hue'.

विदेशी पर्यटकों के लिए भारत की गलियों में कोयले वाली प्रेस से स्त्री करना एक कौतूहल का विषय होता है।

For foreign tourists, ironing with a charcoal press in the streets of India is a matter of curiosity.

Abstract noun 'kautuhal' (curiosity).

यह विडंबना ही है कि जो हाथ दूसरों के कपड़े स्त्री करते हैं, उनके अपने वस्त्र अक्सर फटे-पुराने होते हैं।

It is an irony that the hands that iron others' clothes often wear torn and old garments themselves.

Complex relative clause 'jo... unke'.

Synonyms

प्रेस करना सिलवटें निकालना चिकना करना तुलना करना साफ करना संवारना दबाना स्टीम करना

Antonyms

मरोड़ना गंदा करना सकुचाना उलझाना

Common Collocations

कपड़े स्त्री करना

गरम स्त्री

इलेक्ट्रिक स्त्री

कोयले वाली स्त्री

स्त्री करने वाला

स्त्री की मेज़

भाप वाली स्त्री

अच्छी तरह स्त्री करना

स्त्री का निशान

स्त्री स्टैंड

Common Phrases

स्त्री कर देना

— To finish ironing (for someone).

Mera kurta istri kar do.

स्त्री गरम होना

— The iron becoming hot.

Istri garam ho gayi hai.

स्त्री खराब होना

— The iron being broken.

Istri kharab ho gayi hai, nayi leni padegi.

स्त्री की सिलवट

— The crease made by an iron.

Istri ki silvat bilkul seedhi honi chahiye.

स्त्री का तार

— The iron's cord.

Istri ka taar chhota hai.

स्त्री करने की ज़रूरत

— Need to iron.

In kapdon ko istri karne ki zaroorat hai.

स्त्री से जलना

— To get burnt by an iron.

Mera hath istri se jal gaya.

स्त्री का डब्बा

— The iron box (traditional term).

Purane zamane mein istri ka dabba hota tha.

स्त्री की दुकान

— Ironing shop.

Istri ki dukan chauraha par hai.

स्त्री करना सीखना

— To learn how to iron.

Bachpan mein maine istri karna seekha.

Often Confused With

स्त्री करना vs स्त्री (strī)

Means 'woman'. Spelled without the initial 'i' sound.

स्त्री करना vs प्रेस (press)

English loanword, used exactly the same way but sounds modern/urban.

स्त्री करना vs लोहा (loha)

Means 'iron' (the metal). You don't 'loha' clothes.

Idioms & Expressions

"बात को स्त्री करना"

— To smooth over a situation (rare/metaphorical).

Usne apni galti ko istri karne ki koshish ki.

Literary

"दिमाग की सिलवटें दूर करना"

— To clear one's head (slangy/creative).

Ghoomne se dimaag ki silvaten istri ho jati hain.

Informal

"इस्त्री जैसा सीधा"

— As straight as an ironed crease (very straight/honest).

Wo banda istri jaisa seedha hai.

Colloquial

"गरम स्त्री पर हाथ रखना"

— To take a big risk (creative idiom).

Usse panga lena garam istri par hath rakhne jaisa hai.

Informal

"इस्त्री फेरना"

— To run an iron over something (often used for quick ironing).

Bas ek baar istri pher do, kaam chal jayega.

Common

"सिलवटें मिटाना"

— To resolve differences.

Dono doston ne apni purani silvaten istri kar li.

Metaphorical

"इस्त्री की धार"

— The sharp crease of ironed pants.

Uski pant ki istri ki dhaar dekho.

Descriptive

"इस्त्री का झटका"

— Electric shock from an iron.

Istri ka jhatka lagne se wo darr gaya.

Common

"इस्त्री की गर्मी"

— The heat of the iron (sometimes used for pressure).

Kaam ki istri ki garmi sab mehsoos kar rahe hain.

Metaphorical

"इस्त्री का खेल"

— Something very easy (like ironing).

Ye kaam mere liye istri ka khel hai.

Slang

Easily Confused

स्त्री करना vs धोना

Both are laundry tasks.

Dhona is to wash; Istri karna is to iron.

Pehle kapde dho, phir istri karo.

स्त्री करना vs सुखाना

Sequential steps.

Sukhana is to dry.

Kapde sookhne ke baad hi istri karna.

स्त्री करना vs तह करना

Often done together.

Teh karna is to fold.

Istri karke teh laga do.

स्त्री करना vs दबाना

Literal meaning of press.

Dabana is to press down (like a button or a wound).

Button dabao, istri nahi.

स्त्री करना vs सजाना

To make look good.

Sajana is to decorate.

Kamra sajao, kapde istri karo.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Object + Istri + Karta/Karti Hoon

Main shirt istri karta hoon.

Subject + Ne + Object + Istri + Kiya/Ki

Maine pant istri ki.

Subject + Object + Istri + Kar Raha Hoon

Main kapde istri kar raha hoon.

Subject + Object + Istri + Kar Sakta Hoon

Main saree istri kar sakta hoon.

Subject + Object + Istri + Karvana + Chahata Hoon

Main suit istri karvana chahata hoon.

Agar + Subject + Istri + Karega + To...

Agar tum istri karoge to main pehnunga.

Object + Istri + Kiya Jana + Chahiye

Kapde dhang se istri kiye jane chahiye.

Noun + Ki + Istri + Se + Noun + Ka...

Vastron ki istri se vyaktitva ka nikharna...

Word Family

Nouns

स्त्री (Iron)

स्त्री-वाला (Ironing man)

स्त्री-वाली (Ironing woman)

स्त्री-घर (Laundry room)

Verbs

स्त्री करना (To iron)

स्त्री करवाना (To get ironed - causative)

Adjectives

स्त्री-शुदा (Ironed)

स्त्री-योग्य (Ironable)

धोबी (Washerman)

कपड़े (Clothes)

सिलवट (Wrinkle)

गरम (Hot)

बिजली (Electricity)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially in urban and semi-urban India.

Common Mistakes

Main kapde istri kiya. → Maine kapde istri kiye.
Missing 'ne' and incorrect gender/number agreement with 'kapde'.
Stri kahan hai? → Istri kahan hai?
Dropping the initial 'i' makes it sound like 'Where is the woman?'.
Istri bahut garam tha. → Istri bahut garam thi.
The noun 'istri' is feminine.
Mujhe istri karna chahiye. → Mujhe istri karni chahiye.
Agreement with 'istri' (implied object) or the specific garment.
Main shirt press kiya. → Maine shirt press ki.
Even with English words, Hindi grammar rules (ne + gender agreement) apply.

Tips

The 'Ne' Rule

In the past tense, remember: 'Maine (I) + Shirt (Fem) + Istri Ki'. The verb agrees with the shirt!

Dental T

Touch your tongue to your upper teeth for the 't' in 'istri'. Don't make it a 'th' sound.

Addressing the Dhobi

Always use 'Bhaiya' or 'Uncle' when asking an ironer to do your clothes. It's polite.

Steam vs Dry

'Bhaap' means steam. 'Sookhi' means dry. Use these to specify iron types.

Warning

'Garam' means hot. Always check if the iron is too 'garam' for delicate fabrics like silk.

Compound Verbs

Use 'kar dena' to sound more natural when asking someone to finish the task.

Context Clues

If you hear 'dhobi', 'kapde', or 'garam', the word is definitely 'istri' (iron).

Spelling Hint

Think of the 'i' in 'istri' as the handle of the iron.

Ironing as a Skill

Being able to iron well is highly respected in traditional Indian families.

Modern Usage

Don't be afraid to use 'press karna' in big cities; it's very common.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an **I**ron **S**moothing **T**errible **R**ugged **I**ndentations (I-S-T-R-I).

Visual Association

Picture a 'Dhobi' standing under a tree with a heavy metal box full of hot coals, sliding it over a white kurta.

Word Web

Laundry Heat Clothes Smooth Dhobi Wrinkles Steam Dress

Challenge

Try to say 'Main apne kapde istri kar raha hoon' five times fast without saying 'stri' (woman).

Word Origin

Likely from the Portuguese word 'estirar' meaning 'to stretch' or 'to straighten.' It entered Hindi during the period of Portuguese colonial influence in India.

Original meaning: To stretch or smooth out fabric.

Indo-Aryan (Modern Hindi), with Romance influence (Portuguese).

Cultural Context

Be respectful to 'istri-walas'; they perform hard manual labor in high heat. Use polite forms like 'Bhaiya' or 'Uncle'.

In the West, ironing is mostly a private household task. In India, it is often a visible, community-based service.

The movie 'Dhobi Ghat' (Mumbai Diaries) depicts the life of laundry workers. Commonly mentioned in RK Narayan's stories about South Indian life. Featured in various Hindi soap operas as a standard domestic scene.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Laundry

Kitne kapde hain?
Istri kab tak hogi?
Bhaap wali istri karna.
Zyada garam mat karna.

Morning Routine

Meri shirt kahan hai?
Istri garam ho gayi?
Maine pant istri kar di.
Pani chhidak kar istri karo.

Shopping for Appliances

Sabse achhi istri kaun si hai?
Iska taar kitna lamba hai?
Kya ye steam istri hai?
Is par warranty kitni hai?

Fashion/Tailoring

Silvat nahi honi chahiye.
Istri karke dikhao.
Reth par istri mat pherna.
Kinare par istri karo.

Metaphorical/Advice

Baat ko istri karo.
Dimaag ki silvaten kholo.
Rishton ki istri.
Zindagi ko smooth karo.

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपने कपड़े खुद स्त्री करते हैं या धोबी को देते हैं?"

"आपको स्त्री करना पसंद है या यह एक उबाऊ काम लगता है?"

"क्या आपने कभी कोयले वाली पुरानी स्त्री देखी है?"

"अच्छी स्त्री करने के लिए आपकी क्या टिप है?"

"क्या आपके शहर में अभी भी स्त्री-वाले गली-गली आते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने बहुत सारे कपड़े स्त्री किए और मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ...

मेरे बचपन की यादें जब मैं अपनी स्कूल की वर्दी स्त्री करता था...

भारतीय गलियों में स्त्री-वाले का महत्व और उनकी मेहनत...

अगर दुनिया में स्त्री (iron) न होती, तो हमारे कपड़े कैसे दिखते?

स्त्री करना: एक ध्यान (meditation) की तरह या एक बोझ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is the standard and correct way to say 'to iron' in Hindi. While 'press karna' is common, 'istri karna' is preferred in formal writing and polite speech.

You use the causative form: 'Mere kapde istri karva do' or 'Kapde istri karvana hain'.

An 'Istri-wala' is a person whose profession is to iron clothes for others, usually operating from a small stall or cart.

Yes, 'istri' (the iron) is feminine. However, in the verb phrase 'istri karna', the verb 'karna' follows the gender of the object being ironed in the past tense.

Usually, people use the English word 'straightener'. 'Istri karna' is strictly for clothes.

Native speakers will usually understand from context, but it might sound like you are saying 'to woman' which is not a verb, leading to confusion.

In meaning, no. In register, 'istri' is more traditional Hindi, 'press' is urban Hinglish.

Ask for 'bhaap wali istri' (भाप वाली स्त्री).

There isn't a single word, but 'kapde marodna' (to crumple clothes) is the physical opposite.

Yes, it is very common in India to iron almost every garment, including jeans and t-shirts, to ensure a neat appearance.