The Hindi phrase सताया जाना (sataya jaana) is a passive construction that translates to 'to be harassed', 'to be tormented', or 'to be troubled'. It describes a situation where an individual or a group is subjected to persistent unpleasantness, mistreatment, or distress. This can stem from various sources, including bullying, persecution, continuous nagging, or even difficult circumstances that seem to plague someone. People use this phrase to convey the feeling of suffering from ongoing negative experiences that impact their well-being. It's a strong phrase that emphasizes the suffering endured.
- Usage Context
- This phrase is commonly used in contexts involving interpersonal conflicts, social issues, or personal struggles. For instance, it can describe a child being bullied at school, an employee facing workplace harassment, or someone dealing with persistent problems in their life. The feeling associated with 'सताया जाना' is one of helplessness and prolonged suffering.
- Emotional Impact
- The core of 'सताया जाना' lies in the suffering it implies. It's not a minor inconvenience but a significant burden that weighs on a person. The repetition and persistence of the action are key. It highlights the victim's experience of being unable to escape or find relief from the tormenting situation.
- Examples
- You might hear this when someone describes being constantly teased by classmates ('उसे स्कूल में रोज़ सताया जाता था।'), or when discussing the plight of refugees who are fleeing persecution ('वे युद्ध के कारण सताए जा रहे थे।'). It can also apply to less severe but still persistent annoyances, like a recurring problem with a faulty appliance.
जब से उसने नई नौकरी शुरू की है, उसे अपने सहकर्मियों द्वारा लगातार सताया जाना पड़ रहा है।
पुराने ज़माने में, कई निर्दोष लोगों को धार्मिक आधार पर सताया जाना पड़ता था।
- Nuance
- The intensity of 'सताया जाना' can vary. It can range from minor but persistent annoyances to severe forms of persecution and torment. The context usually clarifies the severity.
Using सताया जाना (sataya jaana) correctly involves understanding its passive nature and the context of suffering. Since it's a passive verb phrase, it often appears with a subject that is the recipient of the harassment or torment. The active agent causing the torment might be mentioned using the postposition 'द्वारा' (dwara - by) or implied by the context.
- Basic Structure
- The phrase is formed by the past participle of the verb 'सताना' (satana - to harass/torment), which is 'सताया' (sataya), followed by the auxiliary verb 'जाना' (jaana) conjugated according to the tense and subject. For example, in the present tense, it would be 'सताया जाता है' (sataya jaata hai - is harassed).
- Examples in Different Tenses
- Present Tense:
उसे हमेशा उसके पड़ोसियों द्वारा सताया जाता है। (Use hamesha uske padosiyon dwara sataya jaata hai.) - He is always harassed by his neighbors.
Past Tense:
वे वर्षों तक अत्याचारों से सताए गए। (Ve varshon tak atyacharon se sataye gaye.) - They were tormented by atrocities for years.
Future Tense:
अगर उसने विरोध किया, तो उसे और भी सताया जाएगा। (Agar usne virodh kiya, toh use aur bhi sataya jayega.) - If he protests, he will be further tormented. - Indicating the Agent
- To specify who is doing the harassing, you can use 'द्वारा' (dwara - by) or other postpositions like 'से' (se - from/with), depending on the verb construction.
Example:
बच्चों को स्कूल में धमकाया जाता है। (Bachchon ko school mein dhamkaya jaata hai.) - Children are bullied at school. (Here, 'धमकाया जाता है' is a similar passive construction for 'bullied', and the agent is implied by the context of 'school').
Example with 'से':
वह लगातार चिढ़ाया जाता था। (Vah lagatar chidhaya jaata tha.) - He used to be constantly teased. ('चिढ़ाया जाता था' - used to be teased, agent implied). - Using with Nouns
- You can also use 'सताया जाना' in conjunction with nouns that describe the type of suffering.
Example:
उसे मानसिक रूप से सताया जा रहा था। (Use mansik roop se sataya ja raha tha.) - He was being mentally tormented. ('मानसिक रूप से' - mentally).
अगर तुम चुप नहीं हुए, तो तुम्हें और सताया जाएगा।
यह फिल्म उन लोगों की कहानी बताती है जिन्हें अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से सताया गया था।
You'll encounter the phrase सताया जाना (sataya jaana) in a variety of real-life and media contexts where suffering and mistreatment are discussed. Its usage spans from everyday conversations to more serious discussions about social injustices and personal hardships.
- News and Current Affairs
- News reports often use this phrase when discussing the plight of victims of crime, political persecution, or human rights abuses. For example, a report might state that a particular community has been 'सताया जाना' by oppressive policies.
- Literature and Storytelling
- In novels, short stories, and historical accounts, 'सताया जाना' is frequently used to describe the suffering of characters or historical figures who faced hardship, oppression, or torment. It adds emotional depth to narratives.
- Legal and Social Discussions
- Discussions about legal cases involving harassment, bullying, or abuse will often employ this phrase. Social activists and commentators might use it to highlight systemic issues where certain groups are 'सताया जाना'.
- Personal Anecdotes
- In personal conversations, people might use 'सताया जाना' to describe their own experiences or the experiences of someone they know who has been persistently troubled, harassed, or made to suffer.
- Film and Television
- Dramas and films often depict characters who are 'सताया जाना' by villains, societal pressures, or difficult circumstances to evoke empathy and highlight themes of resilience or injustice.
फिल्म में दिखाया गया कि कैसे उस गरीब आदमी को ज़मींदार द्वारा लगातार सताया जाना पड़ता था।
मानवाधिकार संगठनों ने उन लोगों के बारे में चिंता जताई जिन्हें राजनीतिक कारणों से सताया जा रहा है।
When learning to use सताया जाना (sataya jaana), learners might make a few common errors that stem from misunderstanding its passive nature or its specific meaning.
- Mistake 1: Using it as an active verb
- Incorrect: मैं उसे सताया। (Main use sataya.) - I harassed him.
Correct: मैंने उसे सताया। (Maine use sataya.) - I harassed him. (Active voice)
Correct (Passive): उसे मेरे द्वारा सताया गया। (Use mere dwara sataya gaya.) - He was harassed by me.
Explanation: 'सताया जाना' is inherently passive. The subject is the one being harassed. If you want to express the active action of harassing, you use the active verb 'सताना' (satana) with the agent performing the action. - Mistake 2: Incorrect conjugation of 'जाना'
- Incorrect: वह सताया है। (Vah sataya hai.) - He is harassed. (This sounds incomplete or grammatically awkward for the passive sense.)
Correct: उसे सताया जा रहा है। (Use sataya ja raha hai.) - He is being harassed. (Present continuous passive)
Correct: उसे सताया जाता है। (Use sataya jaata hai.) - He is harassed. (Present habitual passive)
Explanation: The verb 'जाना' (jaana) needs to be conjugated correctly to indicate the tense and aspect of the passive action. Simply using 'सताया' with 'है' (hai) is not the standard way to form the passive voice for ongoing or habitual actions. - Mistake 3: Confusing with similar but less intense verbs
- Scenario: Someone is mildly annoyed.
Incorrect use of 'सताया जाना': उसे थोड़ी देर के लिए सताया गया। (Use thodi der ke liye sataya gaya.) - He was tormented for a little while.
More appropriate verb: उसे थोड़ी देर के लिए परेशान किया गया। (Use thodi der ke liye pareshan kiya gaya.) - He was bothered for a little while.
Explanation: 'सताया जाना' implies a more severe and prolonged form of suffering than simple annoyance or being bothered ('परेशान किया जाना'). Using it for minor issues can sound like an exaggeration. - Mistake 4: Omitting the object of harassment
- Incorrect: सताया जाना कठिन है। (Sataya jaana kathin hai.) - To be harassed is difficult. (Grammatically acceptable but lacks context)
Correct: निर्दोषों को सताया जाना कठिन है। (Nirdoshon ko sataya jaana kathin hai.) - It is difficult for the innocent to be harassed. (Implies the difficulty of enduring it)
Correct: जब निर्दोषों को सताया जाता है, तो यह बहुत कठिन होता है। (Jab nirdoshon ko sataya jaata hai, toh yeh bahut kathin hota hai.) - When innocents are harassed, it is very difficult.
Explanation: While 'सताया जाना' can be used as a gerund phrase, in most declarative sentences, it's clearer to specify who is being subjected to the harassment, often using the dative case marker 'को' (ko).
गलत: मैंने उसे सताया।
सही: उसे मेरे द्वारा सताया गया।
Correct: He was harassed by me.
गलत: वह सताया है।
सही: उसे सताया जा रहा है।
Correct: He is being harassed.
While सताया जाना (sataya jaana) strongly conveys being harassed or tormented, there are other Hindi words and phrases that express similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity or specific nuances. Understanding these alternatives helps in choosing the most precise word for a given situation.
- परेशान किया जाना (pareshan kiya jaana)
- Meaning: To be bothered, troubled, or annoyed.
Difference: This is a less intense phrase than 'सताया जाना'. It implies mild to moderate annoyance or inconvenience, rather than severe torment or harassment. You might be 'परेशान किया जाना' by a persistent telemarketer, whereas 'सताया जाना' might be used for prolonged bullying. - उत्पीड़न होना (utpeedan hona)
- Meaning: To be oppressed or persecuted.
Difference: 'उत्पीड़न होना' is a stronger term, often used in contexts of systematic oppression, political persecution, or severe abuse. It carries a sense of injustice and violation of rights, which is more formal and severe than the general term 'सताया जाना'. - तंग किया जाना (tang kiya jaana)
- Meaning: To be bothered, teased, or annoyed persistently.
Difference: Similar to 'परेशान किया जाना' but can imply more active teasing or bothering. It's often used for persistent, irritating behavior, perhaps by children or peers, but is generally less severe than 'सताया जाना'. - दुखी किया जाना (dukhi kiya jaana)
- Meaning: To be made sad or unhappy.
Difference: This focuses on the emotional outcome of being troubled. While someone who is 'सताया जाना' will certainly be 'दुखी किया जाना', the latter emphasizes the sadness rather than the act of tormenting itself. - victimization (English borrowing/concept)
- Meaning: The state of being a victim.
Difference: While 'सताया जाना' describes the experience of being victimized, the English concept of 'victimization' is broader and refers to the process or state of being made a victim, often by unfair treatment.
उसे बस थोड़ा परेशान किया गया था, उसे सताया नहीं गया।
देश के लोगों को लंबे समय से राजनीतिक उत्पीड़न का शिकार होना पड़ा है।
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The verb 'जाना' (jaana), meaning 'to go', is frequently used in Hindi to form passive verbs. For example, 'लिखा जाना' (likha jaana) means 'to be written', literally 'written to go'. This grammatical structure is a hallmark of Hindi.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'j' sound in 'जाना' (jaana) as 'zh' or 'sh'.
- Shortening the long 'aa' sounds in 'सताया' (sataya) and 'जाना' (jaana).
- Incorrectly stressing syllables, which can alter the meaning or make it sound unnatural.
Difficulty Rating
At B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. 'सताया जाना' fits this category when discussing common issues like bullying or interpersonal conflict. However, understanding its nuances in more complex or abstract texts might require higher proficiency.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Formation of Passive Voice in Hindi
The passive voice is often formed using the past participle of the main verb + 'जाना' (jaana) conjugated according to tense and subject. For 'सताना' (satana), the past participle is 'सताया' (sataya). So, 'सताया जाना' (sataya jaana) means 'to be harassed'.
Dative Case Marker 'को' (ko)
When someone is the recipient of an action like harassment, they are often marked with 'को' (ko). For example, 'उसे' (use) means 'to him/her', implying he/she is the one being subjected to the action.
Postposition 'द्वारा' (dwara) for Agent
To indicate who is performing the action in a passive sentence, the postposition 'द्वारा' (dwara - by) is used. For instance, 'उसके द्वारा सताया गया' (uske dwara sataya gaya) means 'was harassed by him'.
Tenses in Passive Voice
Present: सताया जाता है (sataya jaata hai - is harassed). Past: सताया गया (sataya gaya - was harassed). Present Continuous: सताया जा रहा है (sataya ja raha hai - is being harassed).
Using Gerunds as Subjects
The phrase 'सताया जाना' can sometimes function as a gerund phrase, meaning 'the act of being harassed'. For example, 'सताया जाना बहुत बुरा है।' (Being harassed is very bad.)
Examples by Level
बिल्ली चूहे को सताती है।
The cat bothers the mouse.
Simple present tense, active voice. Focus is on the action of bothering, not being bothered.
मुझे परेशान मत करो।
Don't bother me.
Imperative mood, negative. Uses 'परेशान करना' (to bother), a simpler concept.
वह बच्चा रो रहा है।
That child is crying.
Simple present continuous. Focuses on the result (crying) rather than the cause of torment.
कुत्ता भौंक रहा है।
The dog is barking.
Simple present continuous. An action, not an experience of being troubled.
सूरज चमक रहा है।
The sun is shining.
Describing a natural phenomenon, unrelated to harassment.
पानी ठंडा है।
The water is cold.
Describing a physical property.
खाना स्वादिष्ट है।
The food is delicious.
Describing a quality.
मुझे नींद आ रही है।
I am feeling sleepy.
Expressing a personal feeling, not being subjected to external torment.
वह हमेशा छोटी-छोटी बातों पर चिढ़ जाता है।
He always gets annoyed by small things.
Uses 'चिढ़ जाना' (to get annoyed), which is less intense than 'सताया जाना'.
स्कूल में कुछ बच्चे दूसरों को परेशान करते हैं।
Some children bother others at school.
Uses 'परेशान करना' (to bother), indicating a simpler form of trouble.
उसे उसके भाई ने तंग किया।
His brother bothered him.
Uses 'तंग करना' (to bother/tease), suggesting a less severe form of disturbance.
मैं इस शोर से परेशान हूँ।
I am troubled by this noise.
Expresses being troubled ('परेशान हूँ') by an external factor.
पुराने ज़माने में राजाओं को खुश रखना पड़ता था।
In olden times, kings had to be kept happy.
Describes a social obligation, not direct harassment.
यह काम बहुत मुश्किल है।
This work is very difficult.
Describes difficulty, not the experience of being harassed.
मुझे थोड़ी देर के लिए अकेला छोड़ दो।
Leave me alone for a while.
A request for peace, implying a desire to avoid being bothered.
वह हमेशा शिकायत करता रहता है।
He always keeps complaining.
Describes a behavior, not the experience of being harassed.
उसे सहकर्मियों द्वारा लगातार ताने मारे जाते थे, इसलिए वह बहुत दुखी था।
He was constantly taunted by his colleagues, so he was very sad.
Uses 'ताने मारे जाते थे' (were taunted), a form of harassment, leading to sadness.
अगर तुम इस तरह व्यवहार करोगे, तो तुम्हें स्कूल में सताया जाएगा।
If you behave like this, you will be harassed at school.
Future passive. Clearly indicates the consequence of harassment.
वह महिला अपने पूर्व पति द्वारा सताई जा रही थी।
That woman was being harassed by her ex-husband.
Present continuous passive. Describes ongoing harassment.
मेरे दादाजी को बचपन में बहुत मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ा था।
My grandfather had to face many difficulties in childhood.
Uses 'मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ा था' (had to face difficulties), which implies hardship but not necessarily direct torment.
इस कहानी में, नायक को कई बाधाओं से गुजरना पड़ता है।
In this story, the protagonist has to go through many obstacles.
Uses 'बाधाओं से गुजरना पड़ता है' (has to go through obstacles), indicating challenges.
कुछ लोग अकेले रहने वाले बुजुर्गों को परेशान करते हैं।
Some people bother elderly people who live alone.
Uses 'परेशान करते हैं' (bother), a milder form of disturbance.
उसे हमेशा उसकी माँ द्वारा डांटा जाता था।
He was always scolded by his mother.
Uses 'डांटा जाता था' (was scolded), a form of reprimand, not severe torment.
उसे नौकरी से निकालने की धमकी दी गई।
He was threatened with being fired from his job.
Uses 'धमकी दी गई' (was threatened), a specific type of harassment.
राजनीतिक विरोधियों ने उसे बदनाम करने के लिए हर संभव प्रयास किया, जिससे वह वर्षों तक सताया गया।
Political opponents made every effort to defame him, due to which he was tormented for years.
Connects defamation with prolonged torment, showing a deeper understanding of 'सताया जाना'.
कार्यस्थल पर यौन उत्पीड़न के मामलों में, पीड़ितों को अक्सर चुप रहने के लिए मजबूर किया जाता है, जिससे वे और भी सताए जाते हैं।
In cases of sexual harassment at the workplace, victims are often forced to stay silent, leading them to be further tormented.
Discusses a serious social issue (sexual harassment) and its consequence of further torment.
ऐतिहासिक अभिलेखों से पता चलता है कि उस काल में अल्पसंख्यकों को व्यवस्थित रूप से सताया जाता था।
Historical records show that minorities were systematically tormented during that period.
Uses 'व्यवस्थित रूप से' (systematically) to emphasize the organized nature of the torment.
यह फिल्म उस महिला की कहानी बताती है जिसने अपने समुदाय में व्याप्त भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ आवाज उठाई और परिणामस्वरुप उसे सताया गया।
This film tells the story of a woman who spoke out against the prevailing corruption in her community and consequently was harassed.
Links speaking out against corruption to being harassed.
ऑनलाइन ट्रोलिंग के कारण कई युवा मानसिक रूप से पीड़ित होते हैं और उन्हें लगता है कि वे सताए जा रहे हैं।
Due to online trolling, many young people suffer mentally and feel they are being harassed.
Applies the concept to modern online issues like trolling.
उस कलाकार को उसकी विवादास्पद कलाकृतियों के लिए समाज द्वारा बहिष्कृत और सताया गया।
That artist was ostracized and tormented by society for his controversial artworks.
Combines social ostracization with torment.
जब तक कानून में बदलाव नहीं होता, तब तक ऐसे लोग सताए जाते रहेंगे।
Until the law changes, such people will continue to be harassed.
Discusses the ongoing nature of torment due to legal loopholes.
उसे अपनी निजी जिंदगी में लगातार दखलअंदाजी से परेशान किया गया।
He was bothered by constant interference in his personal life.
Uses 'परेशान किया गया' (was bothered) for interference, suggesting a slightly less severe situation than full torment.
सत्ता के दुरुपयोग के कारण, कई नागरिकों को असंतोष व्यक्त करने के कारण निर्दयतापूर्वक सताया जाना पड़ा।
Due to the abuse of power, many citizens had to be brutally tormented for expressing dissent.
Uses 'निर्दयतापूर्वक' (brutally) to describe the intensity of torment in a political context.
यह उपन्यास उस युग की सामाजिक अन्याय की एक मार्मिक कहानी प्रस्तुत करता है, जहाँ आम आदमी को लगातार आर्थिक और मानसिक रूप से सताया जाता था।
This novel presents a poignant story of social injustice of that era, where the common man was constantly tormented economically and mentally.
Applies 'सताया जाना' to both economic and mental suffering in a historical context.
साहित्यिक आलोचकों ने उस लेखक की आलोचना की, लेकिन उसे व्यक्तिगत रूप से सताया नहीं गया।
Literary critics criticized that author, but he was not personally tormented.
Distinguishes between criticism and personal torment.
विस्थापितों की दुर्दशा को अक्सर अनदेखा कर दिया जाता है, जबकि वे अपने मूल स्थानों से उखाड़ फेंके जाने के बाद भी विभिन्न रूपों में सताए जाते हैं।
The plight of the displaced is often overlooked, while they continue to be tormented in various forms even after being uprooted from their homelands.
Describes the multifaceted suffering of displaced persons.
उसकी मुखरता के कारण, उसे न केवल उसके सहकर्मियों द्वारा, बल्कि प्रबंधन द्वारा भी परोक्ष रूप से सताया जाना पड़ा।
Due to her outspokenness, she had to be harassed not only by her colleagues but also indirectly by the management.
Highlights indirect harassment by management.
यह आवश्यक है कि हम उन लोगों के प्रति सहानुभूति रखें जिन्हें अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से सताया गया है।
It is essential that we empathize with those who have been unjustly tormented.
Emphasizes the need for empathy towards victims of injustice.
उसकी पुरानी गलतियों के लिए उसे लगातार ताने मारना, उसे मानसिक रूप से सताने जैसा ही था।
Constantly taunting him for his past mistakes was akin to mentally tormenting him.
Compares persistent taunting to mental torment.
समाज में व्याप्त रूढ़ियों के कारण, कई प्रतिभाओं को उभरने से पहले ही कुचल दिया जाता है और सताया जाता है।
Due to prevailing stereotypes in society, many talents are crushed and tormented even before they can emerge.
Links societal stereotypes to the suppression and torment of talent.
अत्याचारी शासकों ने अपनी प्रजा को भय और अनिश्चितता के निरंतर चक्र में रखा, जिससे वे हर पल सताए जाने के भय से जीते थे।
Tyrannical rulers kept their subjects in a constant cycle of fear and uncertainty, making them live with the dread of being tormented every moment.
Describes a pervasive atmosphere of fear and constant dread of torment.
इस ऐतिहासिक वृत्तांत में, उन निर्वासितों के अवर्णनीय कष्टों का वर्णन है जिन्हें न केवल अपने देश से निकाला गया, बल्कि जहाँ भी वे गए, वहाँ भी उन्हें सताया जाना पड़ा।
This historical account describes the indescribable sufferings of those exiles who were not only expelled from their country but also had to be tormented wherever they went.
Emphasizes the 'indescribable sufferings' and universal nature of the torment faced by exiles.
कला के माध्यम से, उसने उन आघातों को व्यक्त करने का प्रयास किया जिनसे वह गुज़री थी, उन अनुभवों को जिन्हें वह 'सताया जाना' के रूप में वर्णित करती है।
Through art, she attempted to express the traumas she had gone through, experiences she describes as 'being tormented'.
Uses 'सताया जाना' as a personal descriptor for profound trauma, highlighting subjective experience.
यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि 'सताया जाना' केवल शारीरिक पीड़ा तक ही सीमित नहीं है; इसमें मनोवैज्ञानिक हेरफेर और सामाजिक बहिष्कार के सूक्ष्म रूप भी शामिल हो सकते हैं।
It is important to note that 'being tormented' is not limited to physical suffering; it can also include subtle forms of psychological manipulation and social exclusion.
Expands the definition of 'सताया जाना' to include psychological and social dimensions.
साहित्यिक विमर्श में, 'सताया जाना' अक्सर शक्ति असंतुलन और उत्पीड़न के अधीन व्यक्तियों के अनुभव को दर्शाने के लिए एक रूपक के रूप में कार्य करता है।
In literary discourse, 'being tormented' often serves as a metaphor to depict power imbalances and the experience of individuals subjected to oppression.
Positions 'सताया जाना' as a literary metaphor for power imbalances and oppression.
उसकी गवाही में, उसने विस्तार से बताया कि कैसे उसे न्याय प्रणाली द्वारा ही परोक्ष रूप से सताया जाना पड़ा।
In her testimony, she detailed how she had to be indirectly tormented by the justice system itself.
Describes the irony of being tormented by the very system meant to provide justice.
ऐतिहासिक रूप से, धार्मिक असहिष्णुता ने कई समुदायों को व्यवस्थित रूप से सताया जाना सुनिश्चित किया है।
Historically, religious intolerance has ensured that many communities were systematically tormented.
Links religious intolerance directly to systematic torment.
जब कोई व्यक्ति लगातार अपमान और उपहास का शिकार होता है, तो यह कहना अतिशयोक्ति नहीं है कि वह मानसिक रूप से सताया जा रहा है।
When a person is subjected to constant humiliation and ridicule, it is not an exaggeration to say that they are being mentally tormented.
Validates the use of 'सताया जाना' for severe psychological abuse like humiliation and ridicule.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Children should not be harassed/tormented.
यह एक महत्वपूर्ण नियम है कि बच्चों को सताया जाना नहीं चाहिए।
— Why is he/she/it being harassed/tormented?
पूछो कि उसे क्यों सताया जा रहा है।
— To be unjustly harassed/tormented.
उसे अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से सताया जाना पड़ा।
Often Confused With
This active verb means 'to bother' or 'to trouble'. 'सताया जाना' is the passive form implying a more severe and prolonged experience of being troubled.
This is the active verb form, meaning 'to harass' or 'to torment'. 'सताया जाना' is its passive counterpart, focusing on the person who is being subjected to the action.
While related, 'उत्पीड़न' (oppression/persecution) is often a more formal and severe term, implying systematic injustice or cruelty, whereas 'सताया जाना' can sometimes be used for less severe but persistent harassment.
Idioms & Expressions
— To be haunted by ghosts or evil spirits; metaphorically, to be tormented by persistent bad thoughts or memories.
उस घर में भूत-प्रेत सताते हैं, ऐसा कहा जाता है। (It is said that ghosts torment that house.)
Informal, Figurative— To be tormented by worries or anxieties; a persistent worry eating away at one's peace.
उसे परीक्षा की चिंता का कीड़ा सता रहा है। (The worm of exam anxiety is tormenting him.)
Figurative, Common— To be tormented by the consequences of one's own past actions; to suffer due to one's own karma.
वह अपने ही कर्मों से सताया जा रहा है। (He is being tormented by his own deeds.)
Figurative, Philosophical— To be tormented day and night; to suffer continuously without respite.
गरीबी उसे दिन-रात सताती है। (Poverty torments him day and night.)
Figurative, Emphatic— To torment one's own mind; to dwell on negative thoughts or worries.
अनावश्यक रूप से मन को क्यों सता रहे हो? (Why are you tormenting your mind unnecessarily?)
Figurative, Self-directed— To be tormented by the memory of someone; to constantly miss someone.
मुझे तुम्हारे भाई की याद सता रही है। (The memory of your brother is tormenting me.)
Figurative, Emotional— To be tormented by nightmares; to be disturbed by bad dreams.
उसे रात भर बुरे सपने सताते रहे। (Nightmares tormented him all night.)
Figurative, Experiential— To torment one's body; often used for overworking the body or subjecting it to hardship.
वह कड़ी मेहनत करके अपने शरीर को सता रहा था। (He was tormenting his body by working hard.)
Figurative, Physical— To be tormented by past events or regrets.
उसे अभी भी अतीत की बातें सताती हैं। (Past events still torment him.)
Figurative, Psychological— This idiom means 'to break the dam of patience', implying someone has been pushed to their limit after being tormented or provoked for too long. It's not directly 'to be tormented' but a consequence of it.
इतने अपमान के बाद, उसका सब्र का बांध टूट गया। (After so much insult, his dam of patience broke.)
Figurative, ConsequentialEasily Confused
Both describe a state of being troubled.
'परेशान होना' is a more general term for being bothered, annoyed, or troubled. It can be mild or moderate. 'सताया जाना' implies a more persistent, severe, and often malicious form of torment or harassment. Think of 'परेशान होना' as a stubbed toe, and 'सताया जाना' as being repeatedly attacked.
शोर से वह परेशान हो गया। (He got bothered by the noise.) vs. वह वर्षों से अपने बॉस द्वारा सताया जा रहा था। (He was being tormented by his boss for years.)
Both imply causing annoyance or bother.
'तंग करना' usually refers to persistent teasing, nagging, or bothering, often in a less serious or more playful (though still irritating) way. It can be done by peers or children. 'सताया जाना' suggests a more serious, deliberate, and often harmful act of torment or harassment, which can have significant psychological or physical consequences.
बच्चों ने उसे तंग किया। (The children teased him.) vs. उसे हर दिन सताया जाता था। (He was tormented every day.)
Being tormented often leads to sadness.
'दुखी होना' means 'to be sad' or 'to be unhappy'. It describes the emotional outcome. 'सताया जाना' describes the action or state of being subjected to torment or harassment, which is often the cause of the sadness. You can be sad for many reasons, but you are 'सताया जाना' specifically because someone or something is tormenting you.
परीक्षा में फेल होने पर वह दुखी हुआ। (He became sad when he failed the exam.) vs. उसे झूठे आरोपों में फंसाकर सताया गया। (He was tormented by being framed in false accusations.)
Both relate to severe mistreatment.
'उत्पीड़न' typically refers to systematic oppression, persecution, or severe abuse, often by those in power (e.g., political or religious persecution). It's a stronger, more formal term. 'सताया जाना' can encompass 'उत्पीड़न' but is also used for more personal or less systematic forms of harassment and torment.
देश में अल्पसंख्यकों का उत्पीड़न हुआ। (There was persecution of minorities in the country.) vs. उसे पड़ोसियों द्वारा सताया जा रहा था। (He was being tormented by his neighbors.)
Both involve unfair treatment and suffering.
'शोषण' means 'exploitation', where someone is unfairly treated or used for personal gain, often financially or labor-wise. While exploitation can involve torment, 'सताया जाना' focuses more on the act of harassing or tormenting, which might not always be for direct personal gain but for causing suffering.
मजदूरों का शोषण किया जा रहा था। (The laborers were being exploited.) vs. उसने उसे जानबूझकर परेशान करके सताया। (He tormented her by deliberately bothering her.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject (ko) + Verb (past participle) + जाता है/जाती है।
उसे तंग किया जाता है। (He is bothered.)
Subject (ko) + Agent (dwara) + Verb (past participle) + जाता है/जाती है।
उसे दोस्तों द्वारा सताया जाता है। (He is harassed by friends.)
Subject (ko) + Verb (past participle) + जा रहा है/जा रही है।
उसे सताया जा रहा है। (He is being harassed.)
Subject (ko) + Verb (past participle) + गया/गई।
उसे सताया गया। (He was harassed.)
Subject (ko) + Reason (se/ke karan) + Verb (past participle) + जाता है/जाती है।
वह गरीबी से सताया जाता है। (He is tormented by poverty.)
Gerund Phrase (सताया जाना) + Adjective (e.g., गलत, मुश्किल).
निर्दोषों को सताया जाना गलत है। (It is wrong for innocents to be harassed.)
Subject (ko) + Agent (dwara) + Adverb (e.g., लगातार, निर्दयतापूर्वक) + Verb (past participle) + जाता है/जाती है।
उसे लगातार उसके सहकर्मियों द्वारा सताया जाता था। (He was constantly harassed by his colleagues.)
Subject (ko) + Circumstance + Verb (past participle) + जा रहा था/रही थी।
वह उस स्थिति में सताया जा रहा था। (He was being tormented in that situation.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Medium to High, depending on the context of discussing hardship or conflict.
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Using 'सताया जाना' as an active verb.
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मैंने उसे सताया। (Active voice - I harassed him.) / उसे मेरे द्वारा सताया गया। (Passive voice - He was harassed by me.)
'सताया जाना' is inherently passive. The subject is the one being harassed. The active verb is 'सताना'.
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Incorrect conjugation of 'जाना'.
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उसे सताया जा रहा है। (He is being harassed.) / उसे सताया जाता है। (He is harassed - habitual.)
The verb 'जाना' must be conjugated correctly for tense and aspect (e.g., 'जा रहा है' for present continuous passive).
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Using 'सताया जाना' for minor annoyances.
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वह थोड़ा परेशान था। (He was a bit bothered.)
'सताया जाना' implies a more severe and persistent form of torment or harassment than simple annoyance. Use milder terms for minor issues.
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Confusing with 'उत्पीड़न' (oppression).
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The context determines the best word. 'उत्पीड़न' is for systematic injustice; 'सताया जाना' can be more personal.
'उत्पीड़न' is a stronger, more formal term for systematic oppression or persecution. 'सताया जाना' can be used in broader contexts of harassment and torment.
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Forgetting the dative case marker 'को' for the victim.
→
उसे सताया गया। (He was harassed.)
The person being harassed is often marked with 'को' (ko) when they are the object of the passive action.
Tips
Passive Voice Mastery
Always remember that 'सताया जाना' is a passive verb phrase. The subject of the sentence is the one who is experiencing the harassment or torment. Ensure you correctly conjugate the auxiliary verb 'जाना' to match the tense and subject.
Accurate Pronunciation
Practice the long 'aa' sounds in 'सताया' and 'जाना'. Ensure the 'j' sound in 'जाना' is clear. Correct pronunciation helps in clear communication and understanding.
Active vs. Passive
If you want to say 'I harassed him', use the active verb: 'मैंने उसे सताया'। If you want to say 'He was harassed by me', use the passive: 'उसे मेरे द्वारा सताया गया'.
Mnemonic Association
Use the mnemonic 'sat upon' combined with 'jaana' (to go) to remember the feeling of being heavily burdened and wanting to escape, which is central to the meaning of torment.
Cultural Nuances
Understand that in many cultures, the concept of enduring suffering or injustice is deeply embedded. 'सताया जाना' reflects experiences that are unfortunately common in various social and historical contexts.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'सताया जाना' in different tenses and contexts. Try to describe scenarios of bullying, unfair treatment, or persistent troubles.
Synonym Exploration
Learn related words like 'उत्पीड़न', 'परेशान होना', and 'तंग किया जाना' to expand your vocabulary and choose the most precise word for the situation.
Active Listening
When listening to Hindi content, actively try to identify instances of 'सताया जाना' and understand the context in which it is used. This will improve your comprehension and recognition.
Descriptive Writing
When writing about difficult experiences, using 'सताया जाना' can add emotional depth and convey the severity of the suffering endured by the characters.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone being 'sat' (sat) on by a very heavy person, causing them immense pain and making them want to 'jaana' (go away) from the situation. The constant pressure and inability to 'jaana' (go) is like being tormented.
Visual Association
Picture a person sitting on a tiny ant, and the ant is desperately trying to escape but cannot. The ant is being 'sat-a-ya' (sat-on-by-a) heavy object, and it wants to 'jaana' (go). The ant is tormented.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'सताया जाना' in at least three different sentences describing different scenarios of harassment, such as bullying at school, workplace harassment, and political persecution.
Word Origin
The word 'सताना' (satana) likely has Indo-Aryan roots, related to Sanskrit words that convey the idea of troubling or disturbing. The passive form 'सताया जाना' utilizes the auxiliary verb 'जाना' (jaana), which is common in Hindi for forming passive constructions.
Original meaning: To trouble, to vex, to annoy, to harass.
Indo-Aryan, Indo-EuropeanCultural Context
This phrase describes a negative and often painful experience. When using it, be mindful of the context and the potential emotional impact on the listener. It should be used to describe genuine suffering, not for trivial annoyances.
In English-speaking contexts, similar concepts are conveyed by 'to be harassed', 'to be tormented', 'to be bullied', 'to be persecuted', or 'to be victimized'. The passive voice is key in both languages to describe the experience of the one suffering.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School bullying
- उसे स्कूल में सताया जा रहा है।
- बच्चों को सताना गलत है।
- मैं उस बच्चे को सताए जाने से बचाऊंगा।
Workplace harassment
- उसे काम पर सताया जा रहा है।
- कार्यस्थल पर उत्पीड़न और सताया जाना आम है।
- अगर आप सताए जा रहे हैं, तो रिपोर्ट करें।
Domestic disputes
- वह अपने पति द्वारा सताई जा रही है।
- उसे घर पर सताया जाना नहीं चाहिए।
- क्या वह सताई जा रही है?
Social injustice and persecution
- ऐतिहासिक रूप से, कई समूहों को सताया गया है।
- उन्हें उनके विश्वास के कारण सताया जा रहा है।
- सताए जाने वाले लोगों की मदद करना हमारा कर्तव्य है।
Personal struggles and persistent problems
- वह अपनी समस्याओं से सताया जा रहा है।
- यह समस्या मुझे सता रही है।
- वह अकेला महसूस करता है क्योंकि उसे लगता है कि उसे सताया जा रहा है।
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever heard of someone being seriously harassed or tormented?"
"What do you think are the main reasons people get harassed?"
"How can society better protect people from being tormented?"
"What's the difference between being bothered and being tormented?"
"Can you share a story from a movie or book where a character was tormented?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt harassed or troubled, even if it wasn't severe. How did it make you feel?
Imagine you are writing a story about a character who is being tormented. What kind of situation are they in, and who is tormenting them?
What steps can individuals take to prevent themselves from being harassed or tormented?
Reflect on the impact of prolonged harassment on a person's mental and emotional well-being.
How can we create environments where people feel safe and are not subjected to torment?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'सताना' (satana) is the active verb, meaning 'to harass' or 'to torment'. The subject performs the action. 'सताया जाना' (sataya jaana) is the passive construction, meaning 'to be harassed' or 'to be tormented'. The subject is the recipient of the action. For example, 'वह उसे सताता है' (He harasses him) vs. 'उसे सताया जाता है' (He is harassed).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. For example, 'यह पुरानी बीमारी मुझे सता रही है।' (This old illness is tormenting me.) Here, the illness is not a person but is causing suffering, so the phrase is used figuratively.
It is commonly used to describe situations like bullying at school, workplace harassment, domestic abuse, political persecution, or any instance where someone is subjected to persistent mistreatment or torment.
Yes, it generally implies a significant level of suffering, harassment, or torment. It's stronger than simply being 'bothered' or 'annoyed'. The context usually determines the exact severity, but it always signifies a negative and distressing experience.
You conjugate the auxiliary verb 'जाना' (jaana) according to the tense and subject. For example: Present: सताया जाता है (sataya jaata hai); Past: सताया गया (sataya gaya); Present Continuous: सताया जा रहा है (sataya ja raha hai); Future: सताया जाएगा (sataya jayega).
'उत्पीड़न होना' (utpeedan hona) means 'to be oppressed' or 'to be persecuted'. It is usually a more formal and severe term, often implying systematic injustice or cruelty by authorities or powerful groups. 'सताया जाना' can encompass 'उत्पीड़न' but is also used for more personal or less systematic harassment and torment.
Yes, it can be used if an animal is being subjected to cruelty or torment. For example, 'जानवरों को सताया जाना नहीं चाहिए।' (Animals should not be tormented.)
The most common English equivalents are 'to be harassed', 'to be tormented', 'to be troubled', 'to be persecuted', or 'to be bullied', depending on the specific context and severity.
Remember it's a passive construction. The subject is the one suffering. Ensure you use the correct conjugation of 'जाना' for the tense and that you are expressing the state of being acted upon, not performing the action.
While 'सताया जाना' is a verb phrase, related nouns include 'सतावन' (satavan - torment, harassment) and 'उत्पीड़न' (utpeedan - oppression, persecution).
Test Yourself 10 questions
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Perfect score!
Passive Voice Mastery
Always remember that 'सताया जाना' is a passive verb phrase. The subject of the sentence is the one who is experiencing the harassment or torment. Ensure you correctly conjugate the auxiliary verb 'जाना' to match the tense and subject.
Context is Key
The intensity of 'सताया जाना' can vary. Pay attention to the context to understand whether it refers to severe persecution, persistent bullying, or significant emotional torment. Differentiate it from milder terms like 'परेशान होना'.
Accurate Pronunciation
Practice the long 'aa' sounds in 'सताया' and 'जाना'. Ensure the 'j' sound in 'जाना' is clear. Correct pronunciation helps in clear communication and understanding.
Active vs. Passive
If you want to say 'I harassed him', use the active verb: 'मैंने उसे सताया'। If you want to say 'He was harassed by me', use the passive: 'उसे मेरे द्वारा सताया गया'.
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More emotions words
आभार
B1Gratitude, thankfulness; appreciation for kindness.
आभारी
A2Thankful, obliged, feeling or showing gratitude.
आभारी होना
A2To be grateful; to feel or show appreciation for something received.
आभार सहित
B1Gratefully; with gratitude; thankfully.
आभारपूर्वक
B2Gratefully, thankfully, or with appreciation.
आभास होना
B1To have a feeling, to have an intuition; to perceive something vaguely.
आग्रह
B1Insistence, earnest request; persistent demanding.
आघात
B1Shock, trauma; a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience.
आघात लगना
B1To be shocked; to be traumatized.
आघात पहुँचना
B1To be deeply shocked or traumatized.
