सद्भाव रखना
सद्भाव रखना in 30 Seconds
- A formal Hindi phrase meaning to maintain goodwill and positive intent towards others in social or professional settings.
- Rooted in the Sanskrit words 'Sad' (good) and 'Bhav' (feeling), emphasizing proactive peace and mutual respect.
- Commonly used in news, politics, and formal education to encourage communal harmony and professional conduct.
- Requires the verb 'rakhna' (to keep) and usually takes the preposition 'ke prati' (towards) for the target.
The Hindi verb phrase सद्भाव रखना (Sadbhav rakhna) is a sophisticated and culturally significant expression that translates literally to 'keeping good intent' or 'maintaining goodwill.' In the Hindi-speaking world, this term transcends simple politeness; it embodies a proactive commitment to social harmony, mutual respect, and positive emotional investment in a relationship, whether personal, professional, or communal. It is composed of two parts: 'Sad' (meaning good, true, or virtuous) and 'Bhav' (meaning feeling, intent, or emotion), combined with the verb 'Rakhna' (to keep or maintain). When you use this phrase, you are describing the act of intentionally nurturing a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, especially in contexts where conflict might otherwise arise.
- Core Concept
- It refers to the deliberate action of fostering positive relations and avoiding malice or ill-will towards others.
- Social Context
- Commonly used in political speeches, community guidelines, and formal workplace settings to encourage peace among diverse groups.
हमें समाज के हर वर्ग के साथ सद्भाव रखना चाहिए। (We should maintain goodwill with every section of society.)
Historically, the term is rooted in Sanskrit philosophy, where 'Sadbhavna' is considered a virtue essential for a functioning democracy and a peaceful neighborhood. In modern usage, you will encounter this phrase frequently in the news when leaders discuss communal harmony (Sampradayik Sadbhavna). It suggests a level of maturity and emotional intelligence; it is about choosing to see the best in others and acting in a way that preserves the dignity of the relationship. Unlike 'dosti' (friendship), which implies a close bond, 'sadbhav' can be maintained even with strangers or competitors, as it focuses on the absence of hostility and the presence of constructive intent.
व्यापार में प्रतिस्पर्धियों के प्रति भी सद्भाव रखना उन्नति के लिए आवश्यक है। (Maintaining goodwill even towards competitors in business is necessary for progress.)
In a personal setting, a parent might advise a child to 'sadbhav rakhna' with their classmates, teaching them the value of inclusive behavior. In a globalized world, this phrase is often translated in international relations as 'maintaining cordial relations.' It implies a steady state of positivity. It is not a temporary feeling but a sustained attitude. The beauty of the phrase lies in the word 'Rakhna,' which implies responsibility. It is something you 'keep' like a treasure or 'maintain' like a garden. If you stop putting in the effort, the 'sadbhav' might wither away. Therefore, it is an active verb, requiring constant mindfulness and action.
शांति के लिए एक-दूसरे के प्रति सद्भाव रखना अनिवार्य है। (To have peace, it is mandatory to maintain goodwill toward each other.)
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- Formal and Literary. It is rarely used in slang but very common in literature and formal speeches.
पड़ोसियों के बीच सद्भाव रखने से जीवन सुखद होता है। (Life becomes pleasant by keeping goodwill between neighbors.)
Ultimately, 'सद्भाव रखना' is a call to action for empathy. It asks the speaker and the listener to look beyond differences of religion, caste, or opinion and find a common ground of humanity. In a world often divided by conflict, mastering this phrase allows a Hindi learner to express complex ideas about peacebuilding and social cohesion with precision and cultural depth.
Using सद्भाव रखना correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb phrase. Because 'सद्भाव' (goodwill) is the object being 'kept,' the sentence structure often focuses on the parties involved and the context of their relationship. The phrase follows standard Hindi verb conjugation rules for 'रखना' (to keep/maintain), which means it changes based on tense, aspect, and the gender/number of the subject in most cases, or the object in 'ne' constructions.
- Imperative Form (Giving Advice)
- When telling someone to maintain goodwill, use 'रखो' (informal) or 'रखिए' (formal). Example: 'हमेशा सबके प्रति सद्भाव रखिए।' (Always maintain goodwill toward everyone.)
यदि आप शांति चाहते हैं, तो सद्भाव रखना सीखें। (If you want peace, learn to maintain goodwill.)
In the present continuous tense, it describes an ongoing effort. For example, 'वे दोनों परिवार वर्षों से एक-दूसरे के प्रति सद्भाव रख रहे हैं' (Those two families have been maintaining goodwill toward each other for years). Here, the focus is on the continuity of the relationship. The preposition 'के प्रति' (towards) or 'के बीच' (between) is almost always used to indicate who the goodwill is directed at. This is a crucial grammatical marker that learners often miss.
उसने कठिन समय में भी अपने शत्रुओं के लिए सद्भाव रखा। (He maintained goodwill even for his enemies during difficult times.)
When using the past tense with the 'ne' postposition (ergative construction), the verb 'रखना' agrees with the noun 'सद्भाव.' Since 'सद्भाव' is masculine singular, the verb will be 'रखा.' For instance, 'प्रधानमंत्री ने सभी देशों के साथ सद्भाव रखा' (The Prime Minister maintained goodwill with all countries). Even if the subject was feminine, the verb would remain 'रखा' because it agrees with the masculine object 'सद्भाव.'
- Modal Verbs (Should/Can)
- Frequently paired with 'चाहिए' (should). 'हमें अपने सहकर्मियों के साथ सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।' (We should maintain goodwill with our colleagues.)
क्या आप इस विवाद के बाद भी सद्भाव रख पाएंगे? (Will you be able to maintain goodwill even after this dispute?)
In formal writing, you might see the passive or impersonal form: 'सद्भाव बनाए रखना आवश्यक है' (It is necessary to keep goodwill maintained). Here, 'बनाए रखना' is a more emphatic version of 'रखना,' suggesting the preservation of an existing state. For learners, practicing the transition from 'dosti' (informal friendship) to 'sadbhav' (formal goodwill) is a key step in reaching B2 and C1 levels of Hindi proficiency.
गांधीजी ने हमेशा अहिंसा और सद्भाव रखने का संदेश दिया। (Gandhiji always gave the message of keeping non-violence and goodwill.)
Understanding the natural environment of सद्भाव रखना is essential for any learner. This phrase is a staple of 'Shuddh Hindi' (Pure Hindi) and is prominently featured in media, governance, and ethical discourse. If you tune into an All India Radio (AIR) broadcast or watch a Hindi news channel like DD News, you will frequently hear news anchors using this phrase when reporting on community relations, international diplomacy, or social initiatives.
- News & Politics
- Politicians use it to appeal for peace during festivals or elections. 'चुनाव के दौरान सभी दलों को आपसी सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।' (All parties should maintain mutual goodwill during elections.)
त्योहारों पर पुलिस ने जनता से सद्भाव रखने की अपील की। (During festivals, the police appealed to the public to maintain goodwill.)
In the corporate world in India, particularly in HR communications or during sensitivity training, 'sadbhav' is used to describe a healthy workplace culture. An HR manager might say, 'We strive to maintain goodwill among all departments' (हम सभी विभागों के बीच सद्भाव रखने का प्रयास करते हैं). It is preferred over 'dosti' because it remains professional while emphasizing a positive environment. It is also a very common word in Hindi literature and poetry, often used to contrast with 'durbhav' (ill-will or malice).
स्कूल की प्रार्थना सभा में सद्भाव रखने की शपथ ली गई। (An oath to maintain goodwill was taken in the school assembly.)
Religious and spiritual discourses (Pravachans) are another place where this phrase is ubiquitous. Gurus and monks often speak about 'Manasik Sadbhav' (mental goodwill), which refers to keeping one's thoughts pure and kind toward others. In this context, it is treated as a spiritual practice. Even in daily life, if two neighbors have a minor dispute, a third person might intervene by saying, 'Arey bhai, thoda sadbhav rakho' (Hey brother, keep some goodwill), acting as a mediator to cool down the situation.
- Legal & Formal Documents
- In contracts or MoUs, you might find clauses regarding 'Good Faith,' which is often translated as 'सद्भाव' or 'सद्भावना'.
दोनों देशों ने सीमा पर सद्भाव रखने का समझौता किया। (Both countries signed an agreement to maintain goodwill on the border.)
For a student of Hindi, hearing 'सद्भाव रखना' is a sign that the conversation has moved into a serious, respectful, or official domain. It is a word of maturity. While you won't hear it in a gritty Bollywood action movie dialogue very often, you will definitely hear it in a social drama or a historical biopic. Paying attention to how characters in these films use the word can give you a great sense of the 'vibe' it carries—one of dignity, peace, and high moral ground.
While सद्भाव रखना is a powerful phrase, it is easy for non-native speakers to misuse it. The most common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words or using the wrong preposition. Because 'Sadbhav' is a noun that means 'good intent,' it cannot be used exactly like the English adjective 'friendly.' You don't 'be' sadbhav; you 'keep' it.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Dosti'
- Learners often say 'Main uske saath dosti rakhta hoon' when they mean 'I maintain goodwill.' While not grammatically wrong, 'dosti' implies a personal friendship. 'Sadbhav' is more about a respectful distance and lack of animosity.
Incorrect: वह बहुत सद्भाव है। (He is very goodwill.)
Correct: वह सबके प्रति सद्भाव रखता है। (He maintains goodwill toward everyone.)
Another frequent error is the choice of preposition. In English, we say 'goodwill *towards*' or 'goodwill *with*.' In Hindi, the most natural preposition is 'के प्रति' (towards). Using 'के साथ' (with) is common but can sometimes feel slightly less precise in formal contexts. However, using no preposition at all is a major error. You must specify the target of the goodwill.
Incorrect: हमें सद्भाव करना चाहिए। (We should do goodwill.)
Correct: हमें सद्भाव रखना चाहिए। (We should keep/maintain goodwill.)
A subtle mistake involves the gender of the word. 'सद्भाव' is masculine. If you are using an adjective with it, like 'purn' (full), it must be 'सद्भावपूर्ण' (full of goodwill). Some learners might mistakenly try to feminize it if they are talking about a woman maintaining goodwill. Remember: 'Sita ne sadbhav rakha' (Sita maintained goodwill) is correct; 'Sita ne sadbhav rakhi' is wrong because 'rakha' agrees with the masculine 'sadbhav.'
- Mistake 2: Overusing in Casual Talk
- Using 'सद्भाव रखना' while hanging out with friends at a cafe might sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. For casual friendship, stick to 'dosti' or 'achhe sambandh' (good relations).
यदि आप सद्भाव रखने के बजाय 'सद्भावना' कहते हैं, तो वह संज्ञा (noun) बन जाती है, क्रिया नहीं।
Finally, don't confuse 'सद्भाव' (goodwill) with 'स्वभाव' (nature/temperament). They sound similar but are completely different. If you say 'Uska sadbhav achha hai,' you are saying his goodwill is good (redundant), when you probably meant 'Uska swabhav achha hai' (His nature is good). Knowing these distinctions will prevent embarrassing mix-ups and make your Hindi sound more authentic.
To truly master सद्भाव रखना, it helps to know its 'neighbors' in the Hindi vocabulary. There are several words that deal with peace, friendship, and harmony, each with its own shade of meaning. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking to a friend, a boss, or a large crowd.
- सद्भाव (Sadbhav) vs. सौहार्द (Sauhard)
- 'Sauhard' means harmony or cordiality. It is even more formal than 'Sadbhav.' While 'Sadbhav' focuses on the intent of the individual, 'Sauhard' focuses on the atmosphere between groups.
- सद्भाव (Sadbhav) vs. भाईचारा (Bhaichara)
- 'Bhaichara' means brotherhood. It is warmer and more emotional. You keep 'sadbhav' with a stranger to avoid trouble; you keep 'bhaichara' with someone you consider an equal and a brother.
समाज में सौहार्द बनाए रखना और सद्भाव रखना दोनों ही महत्वपूर्ण हैं। (Maintaining harmony and keeping goodwill in society are both important.)
If you find 'सद्भाव रखना' too formal for your situation, you can use 'अच्छे संबंध रखना' (Achhe sambandh rakhna), which simply means 'maintaining good relations.' This is perfect for business or meeting new acquaintances. Another alternative is 'मेल-जोल रखना' (Mel-jol rakhna), which implies socializing and getting along with people in a community. It’s more active and informal than the philosophical 'sadbhav.'
हमें एक-दूसरे के प्रति सहानुभूति (empathy) और सद्भाव (goodwill) रखना चाहिए।
For the opposite of 'सद्भाव रखना,' you would use 'दुर्भाव रखना' (Durbhav rakhna - maintaining ill-will) or 'बैर रखना' (Bair rakhna - harboring enmity). These are strong words. If someone is being petty, you might say they are 'khunas rakhna' (harboring a grudge), which is a very common slang/informal term. Understanding these contrasts helps you appreciate the virtuous nature of 'sadbhav.'
- Modern Equivalent
- In Hinglish, people might just say 'Positive vibes maintain karna,' but in any official capacity, 'सद्भाव रखना' remains the gold standard.
मित्रता में सद्भाव रखने से विश्वास बढ़ता है। (Keeping goodwill in friendship increases trust.)
In summary, use 'सद्भाव रखना' when you want to emphasize the moral or ethical side of a relationship. Use 'sauhard' for large groups, 'bhaichara' for deep emotional bonds, and 'achhe sambandh' for general daily interactions. This variety allows you to navigate the complex social hierarchy of India with grace and linguistic precision.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The prefix 'Sat' is the same root found in 'Satyagraha' (holding onto truth) and 'Satsang' (company of the good). It implies that goodwill is not just a feeling, but a form of truth-seeking.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Sad' as 'Sadd' with a hard 'd'. It should be a soft dental 'd'.
- Missing the aspiration in 'Bhav' (it's not 'Bav').
- Pronouncing 'v' as a hard English 'v'. In Hindi, it's often a mix between 'v' and 'w'.
- Shortening the 'a' in 'Bhav'.
- Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k'.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'Sadbhav' is easy to read if you know basic Sanskrit-derived Hindi vocabulary.
Requires knowledge of conjunct characters (द्भा) and correct verb agreement.
Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct aspiration for 'bh'.
Common in news and formal speeches, so learners will hear it often.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verb Agreement
In past tense: 'राम ने सद्भाव रखा' (Ram kept goodwill). 'सीता ने सद्भाव रखा' (Sita kept goodwill). The verb agrees with 'सद्भाव'.
Compound Verb 'Banae Rakhna'
'सद्भाव बनाए रखना' (To keep goodwill maintained/sustained) is more common for ongoing states.
Postposition 'Ke Prati'
Use 'के प्रति' to indicate the target: 'दुश्मनों के प्रति सद्भाव' (Goodwill towards enemies).
Infinitive as Subject
'सद्भाव रखना ज़रूरी है' (Maintaining goodwill is necessary). The infinitive acts as a noun.
Oblique Case before Postpositions
'सद्भाव रखने से' (By keeping goodwill). 'रखना' becomes 'रखने' before 'से'.
Examples by Level
सबके साथ सद्भाव रखो।
Keep goodwill with everyone.
Simple imperative (command) form.
अच्छे बच्चे सद्भाव रखते हैं।
Good children maintain goodwill.
Present simple tense with plural subject.
क्या आप सद्भाव रखते हैं?
Do you maintain goodwill?
Interrogative sentence in present simple.
हमें सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
We should maintain goodwill.
Use of 'chahiye' for 'should'.
मेरे दोस्त सद्भाव रखते हैं।
My friends maintain goodwill.
Plural subject with 'rakhte hain'.
सद्भाव रखना अच्छी बात है।
Maintaining goodwill is a good thing.
Gerundial use of the verb phrase as a subject.
वह सबके लिए सद्भाव रखता है।
He maintains goodwill for everyone.
Masculine singular subject agreement.
हमेशा सद्भाव रखिए।
Always maintain goodwill (formal).
Formal imperative form.
पड़ोसियों के साथ सद्भाव रखना ज़रूरी है।
It is important to maintain goodwill with neighbors.
Infinitive phrase as a subject.
क्या तुम अपने शत्रुओं के साथ सद्भाव रख सकते हो?
Can you maintain goodwill with your enemies?
Use of 'sakna' (can) with the verb phrase.
उसने कक्षा में सबके साथ सद्भाव रखा।
He maintained goodwill with everyone in the class.
Past tense 'ne' construction.
सद्भाव रखने से झगड़े कम होते हैं।
By maintaining goodwill, fights decrease.
Oblique infinitive with 'se' (by/from).
मेरी माँ हमेशा सबके प्रति सद्भाव रखती है।
My mother always maintains goodwill towards everyone.
Feminine singular subject, but 'sadbhav' is masculine.
हम शांति के लिए सद्भाव रखेंगे।
We will maintain goodwill for peace.
Future tense 'rakhenge'.
सद्भाव रखने का प्रयास करो।
Try to maintain goodwill.
Infinitive with 'ka prayas'.
वे लोग आपस में सद्भाव नहीं रखते।
Those people do not maintain goodwill among themselves.
Negative sentence in present simple.
समाज में शांति के लिए आपसी सद्भाव रखना अनिवार्य है।
To have peace in society, maintaining mutual goodwill is mandatory.
Use of 'anivarya' (mandatory) in a formal context.
विवाद के बाद भी उन्होंने सद्भाव रखने का फैसला किया।
Even after the dispute, they decided to maintain goodwill.
Compound sentence with 'ke baad bhi'.
एक अच्छे नेता को सभी धर्मों के प्रति सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
A good leader should maintain goodwill towards all religions.
Modal 'chahiye' with a complex object.
यदि हम सद्भाव रखेंगे, तो समाज उन्नति करेगा।
If we maintain goodwill, society will progress.
Conditional sentence (If... then...).
उन्होंने वर्षों तक अपने प्रतिस्पर्धियों के साथ सद्भाव रखा।
They maintained goodwill with their competitors for years.
Past tense with duration 'varshon tak'.
सद्भाव रखने की क्षमता ही मनुष्य को महान बनाती है।
The ability to maintain goodwill is what makes a human great.
Noun phrase 'rakhne ki kshamta'.
नौकरी में सहकर्मियों के साथ सद्भाव रखना बहुत ज़रूरी है।
It is very important to maintain goodwill with colleagues at work.
Locative 'naukri mein' with infinitive subject.
गांधीजी ने पूरी दुनिया को सद्भाव रखने का पाठ पढ़ाया।
Gandhiji taught the whole world the lesson of maintaining goodwill.
Double object construction with 'ne'.
राजनैतिक मतभेदों के बावजूद, नेताओं को व्यक्तिगत सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
Despite political differences, leaders should maintain personal goodwill.
Use of 'ke baavjood' (despite).
विदेशी नीति का मुख्य उद्देश्य पड़ोसी देशों के साथ सद्भाव रखना है।
The main objective of foreign policy is to maintain goodwill with neighboring countries.
Formal subject-predicate structure.
सांप्रदायिक सद्भाव रखने के लिए सरकार ने नई योजनाएं शुरू की हैं।
The government has started new schemes to maintain communal harmony.
Purpose clause with 'ke liye'.
जब तक हम एक-दूसरे के प्रति सद्भाव नहीं रखेंगे, तब तक शांति संभव नहीं है।
As long as we don't maintain goodwill towards each other, peace is not possible.
Correlative conjunctions 'jab tak... tab tak'.
शिक्षक ने छात्रों को सिखाया कि कैसे विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी सद्भाव रखा जाए।
The teacher taught students how to maintain goodwill even in adverse circumstances.
Passive-style infinitive 'rakha jaye'.
व्यापारिक समझौतों में सद्भाव रखना दीर्घकालिक लाभ के लिए आवश्यक है।
Maintaining goodwill in business agreements is necessary for long-term benefits.
Complex noun phrase as subject.
लेखक ने अपनी पुस्तक में समाज में सद्भाव रखने की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया है।
The author has emphasized the need to maintain goodwill in society in his book.
Perfect tense with 'par bal diya hai'.
बिना सद्भाव रखे किसी भी समस्या का स्थायी समाधान नहीं निकाला जा सकता।
A permanent solution to any problem cannot be found without maintaining goodwill.
Negative participial phrase 'bina... rakhe'.
सद्भाव रखना केवल एक सामाजिक औपचारिकता नहीं, बल्कि एक आध्यात्मिक गुण है।
Maintaining goodwill is not just a social formality, but a spiritual virtue.
Contrastive structure 'keval... nahi, balki'.
वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में विभिन्न संस्कृतियों के बीच सद्भाव रखना अनिवार्य हो गया है।
In this era of globalization, maintaining goodwill between different cultures has become mandatory.
Complex temporal phrase 'is daur mein'.
इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन सभ्यताओं ने आपसी सद्भाव रखा, वे ही फल-फूल सकीं।
History is witness that only those civilizations that maintained mutual goodwill could flourish.
Relative clause 'jin... ve hi'.
न्यायपालिका को समाज के सभी वर्गों के प्रति पूर्ण सद्भाव और निष्पक्षता रखनी चाहिए।
The judiciary should maintain complete goodwill and impartiality towards all sections of society.
Compound object 'sadbhav aur nishpakshata'.
धार्मिक कट्टरता के विरुद्ध सद्भाव रखना ही सबसे बड़ा हथियार है।
Maintaining goodwill is the biggest weapon against religious fanaticism.
Metaphorical use of 'hathiyar' (weapon).
क्या मानवता कभी बिना किसी स्वार्थ के एक-दूसरे के प्रति सद्भाव रख पाएगी?
Will humanity ever be able to maintain goodwill towards each other without any selfishness?
Future potential with 'rakh paegi'.
सद्भाव रखने की यह परंपरा सदियों से हमारी संस्कृति का अभिन्न अंग रही है।
This tradition of maintaining goodwill has been an integral part of our culture for centuries.
Perfect continuous aspect 'rahi hai'.
आलोचना के समय भी सद्भाव रखना एक परिपक्व व्यक्तित्व की पहचान है।
Maintaining goodwill even during criticism is the hallmark of a mature personality.
Abstract noun phrase as subject.
सद्भाव रखने का अर्थ आत्मसमर्पण नहीं, बल्कि सत्य और अहिंसा के प्रति अडिग निष्ठा है।
Maintaining goodwill does not mean surrender, but unswerving loyalty to truth and non-violence.
Philosophical definition using 'arth... nahi, balki'.
जब तक अंतर्मन में सद्भाव रखने की इच्छा न हो, बाहरी शांति केवल एक छलावा है।
Until there is a desire to maintain goodwill in the inner self, external peace is just a facade.
Subjunctive use 'na ho' with correlatives.
साहित्यकार का दायित्व है कि वह अपनी कृतियों के माध्यम से समाज में सद्भाव रखने की चेतना जगाए।
It is the responsibility of the writer to awaken the consciousness of maintaining goodwill in society through their works.
Complex subordinate clause with 'ki'.
कूटनीति की सूक्ष्मताओं में सद्भाव रखना एक ऐसी कला है जिसे सिद्ध करना कठिन है।
Maintaining goodwill within the subtleties of diplomacy is an art that is difficult to master.
Relative pronoun 'jise' referring to the 'art'.
यदि मनुष्य ने प्रकृति के प्रति सद्भाव रखा होता, तो आज हम जलवायु संकट का सामना न कर रहे होते।
If humans had maintained goodwill toward nature, we would not be facing the climate crisis today.
Counterfactual conditional (Past perfect... present conditional).
सद्भाव रखने की अवधारणा वसुधैव कुटुंबकम के प्राचीन भारतीय दर्शन में निहित है।
The concept of maintaining goodwill is inherent in the ancient Indian philosophy of 'The World is One Family'.
Passive state 'nihit hai'.
वैचारिक मतभेदों के महासागर में सद्भाव रखना ही वह सेतु है जो हमें जोड़े रखता है।
In the ocean of ideological differences, maintaining goodwill is the bridge that keeps us connected.
Extended metaphor using 'mahasagar' and 'setu'.
सद्भाव रखने की शक्ति ही वह अंतिम सत्य है जो घृणा के अंधकार को मिटा सकती है।
The power of maintaining goodwill is the ultimate truth that can erase the darkness of hatred.
Empathetic structure 'hi vah... jo'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Learn to maintain goodwill. Often used as advice for emotional growth.
जीवन में सुखी रहने के लिए सद्भाव रखना सीखें।
— Lack of goodwill. Used to describe a tense situation.
दोनों देशों के बीच सद्भाव की कमी दिख रही है।
— To demonstrate goodwill. Used when someone acts kindly in a tough spot.
उसने विवाद के दौरान भी सद्भाव का परिचय दिया।
— An oath of goodwill. Common in schools or official ceremonies.
आज हमने सद्भाव की शपथ ली।
— The path of goodwill. A metaphorical way to describe choosing peace.
हमें हमेशा सद्भाव की राह पर चलना चाहिए।
Often Confused With
Means 'nature' or 'disposition'. People confuse them because they sound similar, but 'Swabhav' is who you are, while 'Sadbhav' is how you feel toward others.
Means 'respect'. You can have 'sadbhav' (goodwill) for someone without necessarily having high 'samman' (respect) for their status.
Means 'restraint' or 'self-control'. While 'sadbhav' requires 'sanyam', they are not the same thing.
Idioms & Expressions
— To not have any dirt (malice) in the heart. This is the idiomatic way to describe the state of 'sadbhav'.
वह सबके लिए सद्भाव रखता है और दिल में कोई मैल नहीं रखता।
Informal/Neutral— To not buy (invite) enmity. It implies maintaining goodwill to avoid trouble.
बुद्धिमान लोग किसी से बैर मोल नहीं लेते और सद्भाव रखते हैं।
Neutral— To erase bitterness. The process of restoring goodwill after a fight.
हमें पुरानी कड़वाहट मिटाकर अब सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
Neutral— To shake hands. Often used metaphorically for reconciling and keeping goodwill.
दोनों दुश्मनों ने अंततः हाथ मिला लिया और सद्भाव रखा।
General— To eat from the same plate. An idiom for extreme closeness and perfect goodwill.
उस गाँव में हिंदू और मुस्लिम एक ही थाली में खाते हैं और पूरा सद्भाव रखते हैं।
Cultural— To let the river of love flow. A poetic way to describe spreading goodwill everywhere.
संतों का काम समाज में प्रेम की गंगा बहाना और सद्भाव रखना है।
Literary— To embrace. To show deep goodwill and acceptance.
उसने अपने छोटे भाई की गलतियों को माफ कर उसे छाती से लगा लिया और सद्भाव रखा।
Emotional— To turn eyes away (Opposite of sadbhav). To lose goodwill and ignore someone.
झगड़े के बाद उसने आँखें फेर लीं और सद्भाव नहीं रखा।
General— To spit poison (Opposite). To speak with extreme ill-will.
वह हमेशा दूसरों के खिलाफ जहर उगलता है, वह कभी सद्भाव नहीं रख सकता।
Informal— To shower flowers. To treat someone with extreme goodwill and respect.
विजेताओं का स्वागत फूल बरसाकर किया गया और सबने सद्भाव रखा।
PoeticEasily Confused
It is the noun form of the same concept.
‘सद्भाव रखना’ is a verb phrase (to keep goodwill), while ‘सद्भावना’ is just the noun (goodwill). You use 'sadbhavna' when you want to say 'Goodwill is important' (Sadbhavna mahatvapurn hai).
उनके मन में बहुत सद्भावना है।
Both mean harmony/goodwill.
'Sauhard' is much more formal and usually refers to a collective state between groups, whereas 'sadbhav' can be a personal intent.
शहर में सौहार्द बना हुआ है।
Both relate to being friendly.
'Maitri' is a more poetic and classical word for friendship. 'Sadbhav' is more about the moral intent of not having ill-will.
हमें सबके साथ मैत्री रखनी चाहिए।
Both are positive emotions toward others.
'Sahanubhuti' means empathy or sympathy. You feel 'sahanubhuti' for someone in pain; you keep 'sadbhav' with everyone to maintain peace.
मुझे उसके प्रति सहानुभूति है।
Both involve being nice.
'Shishtata' is politeness or etiquette. It is external behavior. 'Sadbhav' is the internal feeling of goodwill.
उसने शिष्टता से बात की।
Sentence Patterns
सबके साथ [सद्भाव] रखो।
सबके साथ सद्भाव रखो।
[Noun] के साथ सद्भाव रखना [Adjective] है।
पड़ोसियों के साथ सद्भाव रखना अच्छा है।
हमें [Noun] के प्रति सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
हमें सहकर्मियों के प्रति सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
[Event] के बाद भी [Subject] ने सद्भाव रखा।
झगड़े के बाद भी राम ने सद्भाव रखा।
बिना [सद्भाव रखे] [Goal] पाना कठिन है।
बिना सद्भाव रखे शांति पाना कठिन है।
[Philosophy] के अनुसार [सद्भाव रखना] ही [Value] है।
गांधीवाद के अनुसार सद्भाव रखना ही सच्ची मानवता है।
यदि हम [सद्भाव रखेंगे], तो [Result] होगा।
यदि हम सद्भाव रखेंगे, तो उन्नति होगी।
[Subject] ने [सद्भाव रखने] की अपील की।
पुलिस ने सद्भाव रखने की अपील की।
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in formal contexts; Low in casual street slang.
-
वह बहुत सद्भाव है।
→
वह सबके प्रति सद्भाव रखता है।
You cannot 'be' goodwill; you must 'keep' or 'maintain' it. 'Sadbhav' is a noun, not an adjective.
-
सीता ने सद्भाव रखी।
→
सीता ने सद्भाव रखा।
In 'ne' constructions, the verb agrees with the object 'सद्भाव', which is masculine singular.
-
हमें सद्भाव करना चाहिए।
→
हमें सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
The standard verb paired with 'sadbhav' is 'rakhna' (to keep), not 'karna' (to do).
-
मेरे पास उसके लिए बहुत सद्भाव है।
→
मैं उसके प्रति सद्भाव रखता हूँ।
While 'mere paas... hai' is understandable, 'rakhna' is the idiomatic and more common way to express this action.
-
Confusing 'Sadbhav' with 'Swabhav'.
→
Uska swabhav achha hai. (His nature is good.)
Learners often mix these up because they sound similar. 'Swabhav' = Nature; 'Sadbhav' = Goodwill.
Tips
Use in Professional Emails
If you are ending a negotiation or a formal meeting, say 'Hamein aage bhi sadbhav rakhna chahiye' to ensure future cooperation.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'सद्भाव' is masculine. In the past tense with 'ne', the verb will always be 'rakha' regardless of the subject's gender.
Understand the 'Sat' Prefix
Knowing that 'Sat' means 'Good/True' will help you remember many other virtuous words in Hindi like Satya, Satkar, and Sajjan.
Pair with 'Shanti'
The words 'Shanti' (Peace) and 'Sadbhav' (Goodwill) are like twins. Using them together makes your speech sound very balanced and 'Hindi-expert' like.
Diplomatic Tool
If you are in a mild argument with a Hindi speaker, using this word can help de-escalate the situation by appealing to their higher moral values.
Listen for 'Sadbhavna Diwas'
On August 20th, listen to Indian news. You will hear this word repeated hundreds of times, providing excellent contextual practice.
The Conjunct 'द्भा'
Practice writing the 'd' and 'bh' together. It is a common conjunct in Sanskrit-based Hindi words.
Tone Matters
This is a 'soft' word. Don't say it harshly. It should be spoken with a sense of calm and sincerity.
The 'Vibe' Connection
Linking 'Bhav' to the English slang 'Vibe' is a very effective way for modern learners to remember its meaning.
Not just 'Nice'
Remember that 'sadbhav' is deeper than 'nice'. It is an internal state of wishing well for others, even if you don't like them personally.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'SAD' + 'BHAV'. 'Sad' is actually 'Good' in Hindi (opposite of English!). 'Bhav' is like 'Vibe'. So, 'Sadbhav' = 'Good Vibe'. Keep (Rakhna) the Good Vibe!
Visual Association
Imagine two people from different cultures shaking hands over a bridge. The bridge is 'Sadbhav'—the thing they are keeping (rakhna) to stay connected.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'सद्भाव रखना' in a sentence today when talking about your coworkers or neighbors. Write it down in your journal using the past tense.
Word Origin
Derived from Sanskrit. It is a compound of 'Sat' (सत्) meaning true, good, or virtuous, and 'Bhava' (भाव) meaning feeling, state of mind, or intent.
Original meaning: The original meaning in Sanskrit was 'the state of being good' or 'virtuous disposition.'
Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Prakrit -> Hindi).Cultural Context
This is a very positive and safe word to use. However, using it insincerely in a heated argument can come across as patronizing. Use it with genuine intent.
In English-speaking cultures, we often say 'keep the peace' or 'maintain good relations,' but 'sadbhav rakhna' has a slightly more spiritual and ethical weight, similar to 'acting in good faith'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Community Harmony
- आपसी सद्भाव
- सांप्रदायिक सद्भाव
- शांति और सद्भाव
- सद्भाव बनाए रखें
Workplace Relations
- सहकर्मियों के साथ सद्भाव
- पेशेवर सद्भाव
- सद्भावपूर्ण वातावरण
- टीम में सद्भाव
International Diplomacy
- पड़ोसी देशों के साथ सद्भाव
- मैत्रीपूर्ण सद्भाव
- सद्भाव का समझौता
- वैश्विक सद्भाव
Personal Growth
- मन में सद्भाव रखना
- सद्भाव की भावना
- सद्भाव का अभ्यास
- नैतिक सद्भाव
Media and News
- सद्भाव की अपील
- सद्भाव का संदेश
- सद्भाव यात्रा
- सद्भाव की मिसाल
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको लगता है कि आज के समय में सद्भाव रखना मुश्किल हो गया है?"
"आप अपने ऑफिस में सद्भाव रखने के लिए क्या करते हैं?"
"पड़ोसियों के बीच सद्भाव रखने का सबसे अच्छा तरीका क्या है?"
"क्या स्कूलों में बच्चों को सद्भाव रखने की शिक्षा देनी चाहिए?"
"सोशल मीडिया पर सद्भाव कैसे बनाए रखा जा सकता है?"
Journal Prompts
आज मैंने किसी के प्रति सद्भाव रखने का प्रयास कैसे किया? विस्तार से लिखें।
मेरे जीवन में सद्भाव रखने का क्या महत्व है? क्या इससे मुझे शांति मिलती है?
एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने आपके प्रति सद्भाव रखकर किसी विवाद को सुलझाया हो।
क्या सद्भाव रखना और कमजोर होना एक ही बात है? अपने विचार लिखें।
मैं अपने समाज में सांप्रदायिक सद्भाव बढ़ाने के लिए क्या योगदान दे सकता हूँ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. While you can use it in daily life to encourage someone to be peaceful, it sounds quite serious. In casual settings, people usually say 'achhe se rehna' or 'dosti rakhna'. However, using it in a serious conversation shows maturity.
They are almost identical in meaning. 'सद्भाव' (Sadbhav) is often used in the verb phrase 'सद्भाव रखना', while 'सद्भावना' (Sadbhavna) is more common as a standalone noun, like in 'Sadbhavna Diwas'.
It is technically possible but sounds very strange. 'Sadbhav' implies a moral and intellectual intent that is usually reserved for human social interactions or community harmony.
Not really. Bollywood songs usually use words like 'Ishq', 'Pyaar', or 'Dosti'. 'Sadbhav' is more 'official' and is found more in patriotic songs or social message films.
It conjugates like any other verb. I keep: 'main rakhta hoon'. We kept: 'humne rakha'. They will keep: 've rakhenge'. The word 'sadbhav' remains unchanged as the object.
It translates to 'Communal Harmony'. It is a very important term in India, referring to the peaceful coexistence of different religious communities.
No, it is an abstract noun and is used in the singular form.
'के प्रति' (towards) is more formal and precise for 'goodwill towards someone'. 'के साथ' (with) is also widely used and accepted in neutral contexts.
While it has Sanskrit roots and is used in spiritual discourses, it is a secular term used by the government and in civil society to promote peace.
The most direct opposite is 'दुर्भाव' (Durbhav), which means ill-will or malicious intent.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi using 'सद्भाव रखना' to describe your relationship with your neighbors.
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Translate to Hindi: 'We should maintain goodwill with everyone.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why 'सद्भाव रखना' is important for world peace.
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Use the past tense of 'सद्भाव रखना' in a sentence about a historical leader.
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Translate to Hindi: 'It is difficult to maintain goodwill during a fight.'
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Write an email closing in Hindi that mentions maintaining goodwill with a client.
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What is the difference between 'Dosti' and 'Sadbhav'? Explain in Hindi.
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Translate: 'The government appealed to the people to maintain goodwill.'
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Create a slogan for a peace poster using 'सद्भाव'.
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Write a sentence using the future tense 'rakhenge'.
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Translate: 'Maintaining goodwill is a sign of a mature person.'
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Use 'सद्भाव रखना' in a sentence about teamwork.
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Translate: 'He maintained goodwill even with his competitors.'
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Write a sentence using 'सद्भाव रखने का प्रयास'.
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Translate: 'Goodwill is the foundation of society.'
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Use 'सद्भाव' as a subject in a sentence.
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Translate: 'There was an atmosphere of goodwill in the meeting.'
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Write a sentence about 'Communal Harmony' using 'सद्भाव'.
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Translate: 'Always keep goodwill in your heart.'
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Write a sentence using 'सद्भावपूर्वक' (the adverb).
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Pronounce 'सद्भाव रखना' slowly.
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Say 'We should maintain goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Keep goodwill with neighbors' in Hindi.
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Explain 'Sadbhav' in your own words (in Hindi).
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Say 'Communal harmony is important' in Hindi.
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Speak a sentence using 'rakhte hain'.
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Speak a sentence using 'rakha'.
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Say 'I will maintain goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Try to keep goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Always keep goodwill' in Hindi.
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Speak a sentence using 'Aapsi Sadbhav'.
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Say 'Don't fight, keep goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Goodwill is a virtue' in Hindi.
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Speak a sentence using 'ke prati'.
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Say 'Peace and goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Maintain goodwill at work' in Hindi.
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Speak a sentence using 'rakhne se'.
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Say 'We all need goodwill' in Hindi.
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Say 'Goodwill is the bridge' in Hindi.
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Say 'Promote goodwill' in Hindi.
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Listen to the word: 'सद्भाव'. Which syllable is stressed?
Does the speaker say 'Sadbhav' or 'Durbhav'?
Listen to the sentence: 'Hamein padosiyon ke saath sadbhav rakhna chahiye.' Who should we keep goodwill with?
Is the sentence 'Usne sadbhav rakha' in past, present, or future?
Listen for the preposition in: 'Sabke prati sadbhav rakho.'
Does the speaker sound formal or informal when using 'Sadbhav'?
Listen to: 'Sadbhavna Diwas'. What does it mean?
Is 'Sadbhav' a noun or a verb in this audio snippet?
Listen to the tone. Is 'Sadbhav' used in a positive or negative way?
Identify the verb in: 'Hum sadbhav rakhenge'.
Listen to the phrase: 'Saampradaayik Sadbhav'. What is the topic?
Does the speaker say 'rakhna' or 'rakhni'?
Listen for the word 'Aapsi'. What does it mean?
Listen to: 'Shanti aur Sadbhav'. What are the two words?
Is the speaker giving a command or making a statement?
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Summary
Maintaining 'सद्भाव' (Sadbhav) is an active choice to foster peace and respect. It is a more formal and ethical alternative to 'dosti' (friendship). Example: 'Hamein padosiyon ke saath sadbhav rakhna chahiye.'
- A formal Hindi phrase meaning to maintain goodwill and positive intent towards others in social or professional settings.
- Rooted in the Sanskrit words 'Sad' (good) and 'Bhav' (feeling), emphasizing proactive peace and mutual respect.
- Commonly used in news, politics, and formal education to encourage communal harmony and professional conduct.
- Requires the verb 'rakhna' (to keep) and usually takes the preposition 'ke prati' (towards) for the target.
Use in Professional Emails
If you are ending a negotiation or a formal meeting, say 'Hamein aage bhi sadbhav rakhna chahiye' to ensure future cooperation.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'सद्भाव' is masculine. In the past tense with 'ne', the verb will always be 'rakha' regardless of the subject's gender.
Understand the 'Sat' Prefix
Knowing that 'Sat' means 'Good/True' will help you remember many other virtuous words in Hindi like Satya, Satkar, and Sajjan.
Pair with 'Shanti'
The words 'Shanti' (Peace) and 'Sadbhav' (Goodwill) are like twins. Using them together makes your speech sound very balanced and 'Hindi-expert' like.
Example
दोनों देशों को सद्भाव रखना चाहिए।
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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.
आभारपूर्वक
B2Gratefully, thankfully, or with appreciation.
आभार सहित
B1Gratefully; with gratitude; thankfully.
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.
आघातिक
B2Traumatic; emotionally disturbing or distressing.
आघात लगना
B1To be shocked; to be traumatized.