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संवेदना रखना

B1 verb 9 min read

संवेदना रखना

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips संवेदना रखना in 30 Seconds

Explanation संवेदना रखना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'संवेदना रखना' perfectly, but you should recognize it as a word about 'feeling'. It comes from 'Sam' (same) and 'Vedna' (pain). Think of it as 'having a good heart'. In simple terms, it means you feel sad when someone else is sad. You might see it in simple stories where a character is kind to an animal. At this level, just remember: Samvedna = Kind feeling.

At the A2 level, you can start to see how 'संवेदना रखना' is used in sentences with 'के प्रति' (towards). You know that 'रखना' means 'to keep'. So, 'संवेदना रखना' is 'to keep/hold sensitivity'. You might use it to say 'हमें जानवरों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए' (We should have compassion for animals). It is a step up from 'अच्छा होना' (being good). It shows you understand that emotions can be 'held' for others.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'संवेदना रखना' in formal and semi-formal contexts. You understand that it is more formal than 'हमदर्दी' (sympathy) and more intellectual than 'दया' (pity). You can conjugate 'रखना' correctly based on the feminine noun 'संवेदना'. You use it to discuss social issues, news, and character traits. You understand that this phrase is about empathy—feeling what others feel—and it is a valued trait in Indian culture.

At the B2 level, you use 'संवेदना रखना' to express complex social critiques. You can discuss why a government or an organization might lack 'संवेदना'. You understand the nuance between 'संवेदना रखना' (a state of being) and 'संवेदना व्यक्त करना' (the act of expressing condolences). You can use it in the passive voice or in complex conditional sentences (e.g., 'यदि समाज में संवेदना होती, तो यह घटना न होती'). You also recognize its roots in Sanskrit literature.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the philosophical weight of 'संवेदना रखना'. You can use it in academic writing or high-level debates. You might compare it with terms like 'समानुभूति' (empathy) or 'परकाया प्रवेश' (entering another's body/soul). You understand how the lack of 'संवेदना' is used as a trope in modern Hindi literature to describe urban alienation. Your usage is flawless, including the correct gender agreement in all tenses.

At the C2 level, 'संवेदना रखना' is part of your intuitive vocabulary. You can use it metaphorically or in poetic contexts. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its Vedic roots to its modern psychological application. You can detect subtle sarcasm or irony when the word is used in political speeches. You can write long-form essays exploring the role of 'संवेदना' in human survival and social cohesion, using the phrase with absolute native-like precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

संवेदना रखना in 30 Seconds

A formal phrase meaning to have empathy or compassion.
Commonly used with 'के प्रति' (towards) to indicate the object.
Indicates a deep emotional and moral character trait.
Essential for formal Hindi writing and social discussions.

The Hindi verb phrase संवेदना रखना (Samvednā rakhnā) is a profound expression that transcends simple pity. At its core, it combines the noun 'संवेदना' (sensitivity, empathy, or compassion) with the verb 'रखना' (to keep or to hold). When you say someone 'संवेदना रखता है', you are describing a person who possesses the emotional capacity to resonate with the suffering, joys, or internal states of others. It is a hallmark of emotional intelligence in the Hindi-speaking world, often used to describe a person's character or a necessary social response to tragedy.

The Etymological Root: The word 'संवेदना' comes from Sanskrit, where 'सं' (Sam) implies 'together' or 'equal' and 'वेदना' (Vedna) refers to 'pain' or 'feeling'. Thus, to have Samvedna is to feel the same pain as another, which aligns perfectly with the modern psychological definition of empathy. Unlike 'दया' (Daya - pity), which can sometimes imply a power imbalance, Samvedna suggests an egalitarian emotional connection.
Social Context: In Indian society, expressing Samvedna is crucial during times of mourning (shok). However, in a B1 level context, it also applies to social issues. A leader is expected to have Samvedna for the poor; a doctor must have Samvedna for their patients. It is the bridge that connects individual experience to collective humanity.

"एक सच्चे इंसान को दूसरों के दुखों के प्रति हमेशा संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।"
— Translation: A true human being should always have compassion towards the sorrows of others.

You will encounter this phrase in high-quality journalism, literature, and formal discussions. If a news anchor discusses a natural disaster, they might criticize the government for not 'keeping sensitivity' (संवेदना न रखना) towards the victims. It is a word that demands respect and implies a depth of soul. It is not just about 'feeling bad'; it is about 'holding' that feeling as a steady state of being.

"बिना संवेदना रखे आप एक अच्छे लेखक नहीं बन सकते।"
You cannot become a good writer without holding empathy.

Register and Nuance: While 'सहानुभूति' (Sahanubhuti) is a direct synonym for sympathy, 'संवेदना रखना' feels more active and internal. It is a virtue one cultivates. In formal Hindi, it is preferred over the Urdu-origin 'हमदर्दी' (Hamdardi) when writing official letters or academic essays, though 'हमदर्दी' is more common in daily conversation and Bollywood songs.

In summary, use 'संवेदना रखना' when you want to sound sophisticated, empathetic, and morally grounded. It is a powerful verb phrase that signifies a deep, respectful understanding of another's plight.

Using संवेदना रखना correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure. Since it is a 'संयुक्त क्रिया' (compound verb) consisting of a noun and a verb, the verb 'रखना' (to keep) will conjugate according to the subject's gender, number, and the tense of the sentence.

The 'Object + के प्रति' Pattern: The most common way to use this phrase is: [Subject] [Object] के प्रति संवेदना [Conjugated Rakhna].

Example: 'वह गरीबों के प्रति संवेदना रखता है।' (He has compassion towards the poor.) Here, 'रखता है' agrees with 'वह' (masculine singular).

"हमें पर्यावरण के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।"
— We should have sensitivity towards the environment. (Note: 'रखनी' is used with 'चाहिए' for feminine nouns like 'संवेदना')

When using the past tense with 'ने' (ergative marker), the verb 'रखा/रखी' will agree with the noun 'संवेदना' (which is feminine), not the subject. This is a common point of confusion for B1 learners. For example: 'उसने मेरी स्थिति के प्रति संवेदना रखी।' (He/She showed/had compassion for my situation.)

Formal Applications: In formal writing, you might see it in the imperative form: 'कृपया पीड़ितों के प्रति संवेदना रखें।' (Please have compassion for the victims.) The use of 'रखें' (nasalized) indicates a respectful plural imperative.

"समाज को विकलांगों के प्रति अधिक संवेदना रखनी होगी।"
The society will have to hold more sensitivity towards the disabled.

Another nuance is using it in the negative to criticize someone's coldness: 'उसके दिल में किसी के लिए कोई संवेदना नहीं है।' (There is no compassion for anyone in his heart.) While 'रखना' isn't used here (the verb is 'होना'), it highlights the state of being that 'संवेदना रखना' aims to achieve.

Finally, remember that 'संवेदना' is a feminine noun. If you use it with possessive adjectives, use 'की': 'मेरी संवेदना' (my sympathy). However, the verb phrase 'संवेदना रखना' is treated as a single action. In the B1 level, mastering the 'के प्रति' link is the most important step to sounding natural.

If you are walking through the streets of Delhi or Mumbai, you might not hear 'संवेदना रखना' in a casual conversation about buying vegetables. However, the moment the conversation turns to politics, social justice, or a tragic event, this phrase becomes ubiquitous. It is a word of the 'intellectual' and 'formal' spheres.

In News and Media: Turn on a news channel like Aaj Tak or NDTV India. When a reporter covers a story about a family losing their home in a flood, they will often say, 'प्रशासन को इन लोगों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए' (The administration should have compassion for these people). It is used as a moral yardstick to judge public institutions.

"मुख्यमंत्री ने शोक संतप्त परिवार के प्रति अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त की और अधिकारियों को संवेदना रखने का निर्देश दिया।"
— The Chief Minister expressed his condolences and instructed officials to maintain sensitivity.

In the world of literature and Hindi cinema (especially art-house films), 'संवेदना रखना' is used to define a protagonist's depth. A character who lacks 'संवेदना' is often the antagonist or a soul in need of redemption. In poems by writers like Mahadevi Varma or Nirala, 'संवेदना' is treated as the highest human faculty, the ability to feel the 'vedna' (pain) of the universe.

In the Workplace: In a modern Indian corporate setting, HR departments use this phrase in 'Sensitivity Training' (संवेदनशीलता प्रशिक्षण). Managers are told to 'संवेदना रखना' towards their employees' personal struggles or mental health. It marks a shift from a purely transactional work culture to a more human-centric one.

"एक डॉक्टर के लिए मरीज के प्रति संवेदना रखना उसकी डिग्री से ज्यादा जरूरी है।"
For a doctor, having compassion for the patient is more important than their degree.

You will also find it in legal contexts. A judge might ask the jury or the court to 'keep sensitivity' when dealing with a sensitive case involving children or marginalized communities. It implies a 'soft' approach within a 'hard' system. Understanding this word gives you a key to the emotional landscape of formal Hindi communication.

While 'संवेदना रखना' is a beautiful phrase, it is often misused by learners who are translating directly from English or who are unfamiliar with Hindi's gender and postposition rules. Let's look at the most frequent pitfalls.

1. Wrong Postposition: Many students say 'मेरे लिए संवेदना रखो' (Keep compassion for me). While understandable, the more natural and formal way is 'मेरे प्रति संवेदना रखो'. 'प्रति' (towards/pro) is the standard companion for this verb phrase. Using 'को' or 'में' incorrectly can change the meaning entirely.

Incorrect: "उसने मुझे संवेदना रखी।" (He kept me compassion.)
Correct: "उसने मेरे प्रति संवेदना रखी।" (He had compassion towards me.)

The second major mistake involves gender agreement. 'संवेदना' is a feminine noun. Therefore, in constructions like 'हमें संवेदना रखनी चाहिए', the verb 'रखना' must become 'रखनी' to agree with the feminine noun. Many learners default to the masculine 'रखना' or 'रखना चाहिए' regardless of the noun.

2. Confusing with 'Expressing': Learners often confuse 'संवेदना रखना' (to hold/have compassion) with 'संवेदना प्रकट करना' or 'संवेदना व्यक्त करना' (to express condolences). If you are at a funeral, you 'व्यक्त' (express) your 'संवेदना'. If you are describing someone's kind nature, you say they 'रखते हैं' (hold) 'संवेदना'.

"क्या आप गरीबों के प्रति संवेदना रखते हैं?"
Do you hold compassion towards the poor? (Correct usage in a moral query)

Lastly, avoid overusing it in very casual settings. If you tell a friend 'मेरे प्रति संवेदना रखो' because you dropped your ice cream, it will sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For small daily mishaps, use 'हमदर्दी' or just 'दुख हुआ' (I feel bad). Save 'संवेदना रखना' for serious, deep, or formal contexts.

Hindi is rich with words for emotions. Understanding the spectrum of 'feeling for others' will help you choose the right word for the right situation. Here is a comparison of 'संवेदना रखना' with its closest relatives.

1. सहानुभूति (Sahanubhuti): This is the closest synonym. 'Saha' (with) + 'Anubhuti' (feeling). It is commonly used for 'sympathy'. While 'संवेदना' feels like a deep internal state, 'सहानुभूति' is often something you give or show to others. 'मुझे आपसे सहानुभूति है' (I have sympathy for you).
2. हमदर्दी (Hamdardi): An Urdu-origin word widely used in spoken Hindi. 'Ham' (same) + 'Dard' (pain). It is warm, personal, and less formal than 'संवेदना'. Use this with friends and family. 'दोस्ती में हमदर्दी होनी चाहिए' (There should be sympathy in friendship).

"संवेदना एक गुण है, जबकि सहानुभूति एक क्रिया हो सकती है।"
— Compassion is a quality, while sympathy can be an action.

Other alternatives include दया (Daya), which means 'pity' or 'mercy'. 'Daya' often implies that the person feeling it is in a better position than the person they feel for. In contrast, 'संवेदना' implies standing on equal ground. Then there is करुणा (Karuna), which is a very high, spiritual form of compassion, often associated with Buddha or saints.

Comparison Table

संवेदना: Deep, formal, psychological empathy.
सहानुभूति: Standard term for sympathy.
हमदर्दी: Casual, warm, spoken-word sympathy.
दया: Pity/Mercy (sometimes condescending).
करुणा: Divine or profound compassion.

Choosing the right word shows your level of Hindi mastery. While a beginner might use 'दुख' (sadness) for everything, a B1 learner starts to distinguish between these nuanced layers of human connection.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'Vid' (to know) is also related to 'Vedna'. So, Samvedna literally means 'to know someone else's pain as your own'. It is the highest form of knowledge in some Indian schools of thought.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /səm.veːd̪.nɑː rəkʰ.nɑː/

US /səm.veɪd̪.nɑː rɑːk.nɑː/

Primary stress is on the second syllable of 'Samvedna' (-ved-) and the first syllable of 'rakhna' (rakh-).

Rhymes With

वेदना (Vedna) चेतना (Chetna) कल्पना (Kalpna) प्रार्थना (Prarthna) साधना (Sadhna) बजाना (Bajana) सजाना (Sajana) लिखना (Likhna)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'v' as 'w'.
Missing the nasal sound (n) in 'Sam-'.
Pronouncing the dental 'd' as an alveolar 'd' (like English 'dog').
Missing the aspiration in 'kh' in 'rakhna'.
Treating 'Samvedna' as masculine.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires knowledge of Sanskritized Hindi vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Tricky gender agreement with 'रखना' and use of 'के प्रति'.

Speaking 3/5

Needs practice to sound natural and not overly formal.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दुख (Sorrow) रखना (To keep) के प्रति (Towards) दया (Pity) महसूस करना (To feel)

Learn Next

संवेदनशीलता (Sensitivity) सहानुभूति (Sympathy) मानवीयता (Humanity) नैतिकता (Morality) परोपकार (Altruism)

Advanced

समानुभूति (Empathy) मर्मस्पर्शी (Heart-touching) हृदयविदारक (Heart-wrenching) करुणा (Compassion) उदात्त (Sublime)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (Noun + Verb)

संवेदना (Noun) + रखना (Verb) = संवेदना रखना.

Gender Agreement with Abstract Nouns

संवेदना (Feminine) -> संवेदना रखनी चाहिए.

Postposition 'के प्रति'

पशुओं (Oblique) + के प्रति.

Ergative Marker 'ने' in Past Tense

उसने (Subject + ने) संवेदना रखी (Verb agrees with Noun).

Imperative Mood for Requests

कृपया संवेदना रखें (Plural/Respectful).

Examples by Level

अच्छे लोग संवेदना रखते हैं।

Good people have compassion.

Simple present tense with a plural subject.

क्या आप संवेदना रखते हैं?

Do you have compassion?

Interrogative sentence.

बच्चे पशुओं के प्रति संवेदना रखते हैं।

Children have compassion towards animals.

Use of 'के प्रति' (towards).

माँ सबके लिए संवेदना रखती है।

Mother has compassion for everyone.

Feminine singular subject, but 'रखती है' agrees with 'माँ'.

हमें संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

We should have compassion.

'रखनी' agrees with the feminine noun 'संवेदना' when used with 'चाहिए'.

वह बहुत संवेदना रखता है।

He has a lot of compassion.

Masculine singular subject.

मेरे दोस्त संवेदना रखते हैं।

My friends have compassion.

Plural subject.

संवेदना रखना अच्छी बात है।

To have compassion is a good thing.

Infinitive as a subject.

उसने गरीब आदमी के प्रति संवेदना रखी।

He/She had compassion towards the poor man.

Past tense with 'ने'. 'रखी' agrees with 'संवेदना'.

क्या तुम दूसरों के दुख के लिए संवेदना रखते हो?

Do you hold compassion for others' pain?

Present tense, 'तुम' form.

हमें अपने पड़ोसियों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी होगी।

We will have to have compassion towards our neighbors.

Future obligation with 'होगी' (feminine).

डॉक्टर को मरीज के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

A doctor should have compassion towards the patient.

Formal obligation.

वे किसी के प्रति संवेदना नहीं रखते।

They don't have compassion towards anyone.

Negative sentence.

मेरी बहन हमेशा संवेदना रखती है।

My sister always has compassion.

Adverb 'हमेशा' (always) used.

शिक्षक को छात्रों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी पड़ती है।

The teacher has to have compassion towards the students.

'पड़ती है' indicates necessity/habit.

क्या समाज संवेदना रखता है?

Does society have compassion?

Collective noun 'समाज' treated as masculine singular.

एक नेता को जनता की समस्याओं के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

A leader should have compassion towards the public's problems.

B1 level focus on social responsibility.

बिना संवेदना रखे आप दूसरों की मदद नहीं कर सकते।

Without having compassion, you cannot help others.

Absolutive form 'रखे' (without keeping).

उसने अपनी गलतियों के प्रति भी संवेदना रखी।

He even had compassion towards his own mistakes.

Self-compassion context.

साहित्य हमें संवेदना रखना सिखाता है।

Literature teaches us to have compassion.

Abstract subject 'साहित्य'.

क्या आप पर्यावरण के प्रति पर्याप्त संवेदना रखते हैं?

Do you have enough compassion towards the environment?

Use of 'पर्याप्त' (enough/sufficient).

पुलिस को नागरिकों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

The police should have compassion towards citizens.

Institutional context.

उन्होंने कठिन समय में भी संवेदना रखी।

They maintained compassion even in difficult times.

Past tense, emphasis on 'even' (भी).

संवेदना रखने से ही समाज बेहतर बनता है।

Society becomes better only by having compassion.

Gerundial use with 'से' (by/from).

न्यायाधीश ने अपराधी की पृष्ठभूमि के प्रति संवेदना रखी।

The judge had compassion towards the criminal's background.

Formal judicial context.

आधुनिक युग में लोग एक-दूसरे के प्रति कम संवेदना रखते हैं।

In the modern era, people have less compassion for each other.

Social critique.

लेखक ने समाज के हाशिए पर रहने वाले लोगों के प्रति गहरी संवेदना रखी है।

The writer has held deep compassion for the people living on the margins of society.

Present perfect tense.

संवेदना रखना केवल एक भावना नहीं, बल्कि एक जिम्मेदारी है।

Having compassion is not just a feeling, but a responsibility.

Complex 'not only... but also' structure.

यदि हम संवेदना नहीं रखेंगे, तो मानवीयता समाप्त हो जाएगी।

If we don't have compassion, humanity will perish.

Conditional sentence.

प्रबंधकों को कर्मचारियों की मानसिक स्थिति के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

Managers should have compassion towards the mental state of employees.

Corporate/Professional context.

वह दिखावे के लिए संवेदना रखता है, वास्तव में नहीं।

He holds compassion for show, not in reality.

Nuanced character description.

युद्ध के दौरान भी कुछ सैनिकों ने दुश्मनों के प्रति संवेदना रखी।

Even during the war, some soldiers had compassion towards the enemies.

Extreme context usage.

भारतीय दर्शन में जीव मात्र के प्रति संवेदना रखने पर बल दिया गया है।

Indian philosophy emphasizes having compassion for every living being.

Passive construction with 'बल दिया गया है'.

तकनीकी प्रगति के बीच हमें अपनी मानवीय संवेदना बनाए रखनी होगी।

Amidst technical progress, we must maintain our human sensitivity.

Compound verb 'बनाए रखना'.

उनकी कविताओं में प्रकृति के प्रति एक विरल संवेदना दिखाई देती है।

A rare sensitivity towards nature is visible in his poems.

Literary analysis context.

बिना किसी स्वार्थ के संवेदना रखना ही सच्ची मानवता है।

Having compassion without any selfishness is true humanity.

Defining a philosophical concept.

अक्सर शक्तिशाली लोग कमज़ोरों के प्रति संवेदना रखना भूल जाते हैं।

Often, powerful people forget to have compassion for the weak.

Use of 'भूल जाना' (to forget).

क्या मशीनें कभी इंसानों के प्रति संवेदना रख पाएंगी?

Will machines ever be able to have compassion for humans?

Future potential with 'पाना'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि जिन सभ्यताओं ने संवेदना नहीं रखी, वे नष्ट हो गईं।

History is witness that civilizations that did not have compassion were destroyed.

Relative clause 'जिन... वे'.

संवेदना रखना एक ऐसी कला है जो अभ्यास से आती है।

Having compassion is an art that comes through practice.

Metaphorical usage.

शून्य संवेदना रखने वाला व्यक्ति समाज के लिए एक गंभीर खतरा है।

A person with zero compassion is a serious threat to society.

Adjectival use of the phrase.

सांस्कृतिक वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में हमें स्थानीय परंपराओं के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

In this era of cultural globalization, we should have sensitivity towards local traditions.

Sociopolitical context.

दार्शनिकों का मानना है कि ब्रह्मांड के प्रति संवेदना रखना ही मोक्ष का मार्ग है।

Philosophers believe that having compassion for the universe is the path to liberation.

Existential/Spiritual context.

उनकी आलोचना में भी एक प्रकार की संवेदना छिपी रहती है।

Even in his criticism, a kind of compassion remains hidden.

Nuanced observation.

क्या राज्य व्यवस्था वास्तव में नागरिकों के प्रति संवेदना रखने में सक्षम है?

Is the state system actually capable of having compassion for the citizens?

Political theory inquiry.

संवेदना रखने की क्षमता ही हमें अन्य प्रजातियों से अलग करती है।

The capacity to have compassion is what distinguishes us from other species.

Biological/Evolutionary context.

विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी संवेदना रखना वीरता का उच्चतम रूप है।

Maintaining compassion even in adverse circumstances is the highest form of bravery.

Abstract moral statement.

उनकी आँखों में झांकने पर पता चला कि वे सबके प्रति कितनी गहरी संवेदना रखते हैं।

Peering into his eyes revealed how deep a compassion he holds for everyone.

Descriptive narrative style.

Synonyms

सहानुभूति रखना हमदर्दी रखना दया भाव रखना संवेदनशील होना मर्म समझना दुख बांटना करुणा रखना पीड़ा महसूस करना

Antonyms

क्रूरता करना संवेदनहीन होना कठोरता बरतना उपेक्षा करना

Common Collocations

गहरी संवेदना रखना

मानवीय संवेदना रखना

पशुओं के प्रति संवेदना

पीड़ितों के प्रति संवेदना

कोई संवेदना न रखना

सामाजिक संवेदना रखना

दिल में संवेदना रखना

हमेशा संवेदना रखना

परस्पर संवेदना रखना

नैतिक संवेदना रखना

Common Phrases

संवेदना के दो शब्द

— A few words of sympathy. Used when speaking to someone grieving.

मैंने उनसे संवेदना के दो शब्द कहे।

संवेदना की कमी

— Lack of compassion. Often used as a criticism.

आजकल लोगों में संवेदना की कमी है।

संवेदना का भाव

— The feeling of compassion. A noun-heavy way to describe empathy.

उसके अंदर संवेदना का भाव कूट-कूट कर भरा है।

संवेदना प्रकट करना

— To express condolences. Formal action at a funeral.

प्रधानमंत्री ने ट्वीट कर संवेदना प्रकट की।

अटूट संवेदना रखना

— To have unbreakable/constant compassion.

वे अपने कार्य के प्रति अटूट संवेदना रखते हैं।

संवेदना का स्तर

— The level of sensitivity/empathy.

हमें अपनी संवेदना का स्तर बढ़ाना होगा।

संवेदना का स्रोत

— The source of compassion.

उसकी माँ उसकी संवेदना का स्रोत थी।

संवेदना की लहर

— A wave of sympathy. Used for public reaction.

घटना के बाद देश में संवेदना की लहर दौड़ गई।

संवेदना शून्य

— Devoid of compassion. A harsh adjective.

वह एक संवेदना शून्य अधिकारी है।

संवेदना के साथ

— With compassion. Used to describe how an action is done.

उसने संवेदना के साथ मेरी बात सुनी।

Often Confused With

संवेदना रखना vs सावधानी रखना

Means 'to be careful'. Sounds similar to 'Samvedna' to beginners.

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना व्यक्त करना

Means 'to express condolences'. This is an action, while 'rakhna' is a state.

संवेदना रखना vs सहानुभूति

A very close synonym, but 'Samvedna' is slightly more formal and deep.

Idioms & Expressions

"पत्थर दिल होना"

— To be stone-hearted. The opposite of having Samvedna.

वह पत्थर दिल है, उसे किसी के दुख से फर्क नहीं पड़ता।

Informal

"दुख में शरीक होना"

— To join in someone's sorrow. A way to show you have Samvedna.

मैं आपके दुख में शरीक होना चाहता हूँ।

Neutral

"कलेजा पसीजना"

— To feel deep pity/compassion (literally: the liver/heart melting).

बच्चे की हालत देखकर मेरा कलेजा पसीज गया।

Informal/Emotional

"आँखें भर आना"

— To have eyes well up with tears out of empathy.

उसकी कहानी सुनकर मेरी आँखें भर आईं।

Neutral

"दिल पसीजना"

— Similar to 'kalleja pasijna', it means to feel moved by compassion.

गरीब की पुकार सुनकर सेठ का दिल पसीज गया।

Neutral

"आँसू पोंछना"

— To wipe someone's tears. To act on one's Samvedna.

हमें अनाथों के आँसू पोंछने चाहिए।

Neutral

"सहज संवेदना"

— Natural/Instinctive compassion.

उसमें सबके प्रति सहज संवेदना है।

Literary

"संवेदना के स्वर"

— Voices of sympathy.

हर तरफ से संवेदना के स्वर सुनाई दे रहे थे।

Poetic

"अंधा होना"

— To be blind to others' pain. Lacking Samvedna.

सत्ता के नशे में वह दूसरों के दुख के प्रति अंधा हो गया है।

Informal

"मोम जैसा दिल"

— A heart like wax. A person who easily feels Samvedna.

उसका दिल मोम जैसा है, वह किसी का दुख नहीं देख सकता।

Informal

Easily Confused

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना (Samvedna) vs. वेदना (Vedna)

They share the same root.

Vedna is 'pain' (personal). Samvedna is 'compassion' (feeling another's pain).

मुझे बहुत वेदना हो रही है (I am in pain) vs. मैं आपके प्रति संवेदना रखता हूँ (I have compassion for you).

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना vs. दया (Daya)

Both involve feeling for others.

Daya is pity/mercy (often top-down). Samvedna is empathy (equal level).

उसने भिखारी पर दया की vs. उसने उसके दुख के प्रति संवेदना रखी।

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना vs. हमदर्दी (Hamdardi)

They mean the same thing.

Hamdardi is Urdu-origin/casual. Samvedna is Sanskrit-origin/formal.

Use Hamdardi with friends, Samvedna in an essay.

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना vs. संवेदनशीलता (Samvedanshilta)

Noun vs. Quality.

Samvedna is the feeling itself. Samvedanshilta is the trait of being sensitive.

उसमें संवेदना है vs. वह संवेदनशीलता दिखाता है।

संवेदना रखना vs संवेदना vs. भावना (Bhavna)

Both are emotions.

Bhavna is any general feeling/emotion. Samvedna is specifically empathy.

मेरी भावनाएं आहत हुईं vs. उसने संवेदना रखी।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] के लिए संवेदना रखता है।

राम सबके लिए संवेदना रखता है।

[Subject] को [Object] के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

हमें गरीबों के प्रति संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।

बिना संवेदना रखे, [Result].

बिना संवेदना रखे, समाज नहीं चल सकता।

[Subject] ने [Object] के प्रति संवेदना रखी।

उसने मेरे प्रति संवेदना रखी।

[Subject] का [Object] के प्रति संवेदना रखना [Adjective] है।

आपका उनके प्रति संवेदना रखना सराहनीय है।

यदि [Subject] संवेदना रखते, तो [Result].

यदि वे संवेदना रखते, तो मदद ज़रूर करते।

[Abstract Concept] के प्रति संवेदना रखना ही [Definition].

प्रकृति के प्रति संवेदना रखना ही सच्ची पूजा है।

[Subject] की [Object] के प्रति संवेदना रखने की क्षमता [Result].

उनकी संवेदना रखने की क्षमता हमें प्रेरित करती है।

Word Family

Nouns

संवेदना (Compassion/Sensitivity)

संवेदनशीलता (Sensitiveness/Empathy)

संवेदक (Sensor/One who feels)

Verbs

संवेदित करना (To sensitize)

संवेदना जगाना (To awaken compassion)

Adjectives

संवेदनशील (Sensitive/Empathetic)

संवेदनहीन (Insensitive/Emotionless)

संवेदी (Sensory)

सहानुभूति (Sympathy)

अनुभूति (Feeling/Experience)

वेदना (Pain/Agony)

करुणा (Mercy)

मर्म (Core/Secret pain)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, literature, and formal speeches; low in daily slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'रखता' with 'चाहिए'. → हमें संवेदना रखनी चाहिए।
With 'चाहिए', the verb agrees with the noun 'संवेदना', which is feminine.
Saying 'मुझको संवेदना है' for 'I have compassion'. → मैं संवेदना रखता हूँ।
While 'मुझे सहानुभूति है' is okay, 'संवेदना' is usually used with the verb 'रखना'.
Using 'को' instead of 'के प्रति'. → गरीबों के प्रति संवेदना रखना।
'के प्रति' is the standard postposition for this phrase in formal Hindi.
Confusing 'Samvedna' with 'Savdhani'. → संवेदना रखना (Compassion) vs. सावधानी रखना (Caution).
These sound slightly similar but have completely different meanings.
Forgetting the nasal 'm' sound. → Samvedna (संवेदना)
Pronouncing it as 'Svedna' or 'Savadna' is incorrect and hard to understand.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'संवेदना' is feminine. If you are using the past tense with 'ने', the verb will be 'रखी'. Example: 'उसने संवेदना रखी' (He/She had compassion).

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'संवेदना' in your Hindi exams and essays to get higher marks for vocabulary. It shows you know 'Tatsam' (Sanskrit-derived) words.

The 'Equal' Feeling

When you use this word, you are implying that you see the other person as an equal. It is a very respectful way to show concern.

The Nasal Sound

Don't forget the 'm' sound in 'Sam-'. It's a soft nasal sound made with the lips closed. It's not 'Sa-vedna', it's 'Sam-vedna'.

Using 'के प्रति'

Master the pattern: [Target] के प्रति संवेदना रखना. This is the most natural way to link the emotion to the person or group.

News Context

If you see this word in a headline, the story is likely about a tragedy or a social issue requiring government action.

Tone Matters

Because it's a formal word, using it with a very fast or aggressive tone sounds contradictory. Keep your pace steady and soft.

Physical Sensation

Be aware that in a hospital, a doctor might ask about 'Samvedna' meaning 'feeling/sensation' in a limb. Don't start talking about empathy there!

The Root Link

Link it to 'Vedna' (pain), which you might know from other Hindi words. 'Sam' + 'Vedna' = Same Pain.

Negative Usage

Use 'संवेदना शून्य' (devoid of compassion) to describe a very cold or cruel system or person. It's a very powerful critique.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SAM' as 'Same' and 'VEDNA' as 'Pain'. So, 'Samvedna' is when you feel the 'Same Pain' as someone else. 'Rakhna' is to 'Keep' that feeling in your heart.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge made of light connecting two hearts. One heart is glowing red (pain), and the light carries that color to the other heart. This bridge is 'Samvedna'.

Word Web

Empathy Compassion Sensitivity Kindness Understanding Social Justice Humanity Heart

Challenge

Write three sentences about a person you admire, using 'संवेदना रखना' to describe their character in a formal way.

Word Origin

The word is derived from Sanskrit. It is a 'Tatsam' word, meaning it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without changes in spelling.

Original meaning: 'Sam' (together/equal) + 'Vedna' (feeling/pain). Literally 'feeling together' or 'equal feeling'.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use this word in a patronizing way. It should imply respect and equality, not just pity.

While English speakers use 'sympathize' or 'empathize', 'संवेदना रखना' sounds slightly more formal and 'held' as a virtue, similar to 'to hold compassion'.

Premchand's stories often highlight characters who lack or possess 'Samvedna'. The 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program by PM Modi frequently uses this term. Bollywood movies like 'Pather Panchali' (though Bengali, its Hindi reception) are praised for their 'Samvedna' towards poverty.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Justice

दलितों के प्रति संवेदना
अधिकारों के प्रति संवेदना
समानता और संवेदना
सामाजिक न्याय और संवेदना

Medical Field

मरीज के प्रति संवेदना
दर्द के प्रति संवेदना
डॉक्टर की संवेदना
संवेदनापूर्ण व्यवहार

Literature

कवि की संवेदना
पात्रों के प्रति संवेदना
साहित्यिक संवेदना
संवेदना का धरातल

Environmentalism

प्रकृति के प्रति संवेदना
जीव-जंतुओं के प्रति संवेदना
पर्यावरण और संवेदना
धरती के प्रति संवेदना

Personal Relationships

साथी के प्रति संवेदना
भावनाओं के प्रति संवेदना
आपसी संवेदना
परिवार में संवेदना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल लोग दूसरों के प्रति संवेदना कम रखते हैं?"

"एक अच्छे नेता में संवेदना रखना क्यों ज़रूरी है?"

"क्या हम मशीनों को संवेदना रखना सिखा सकते हैं?"

"आपने आखिरी बार कब किसी अजनबी के प्रति गहरी संवेदना रखी थी?"

"क्या स्कूलों में बच्चों को संवेदना रखना सिखाया जाना चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने किसी के प्रति संवेदना रखी या नहीं? विस्तार से लिखें।

मेरे जीवन में वह कौन व्यक्ति है जो सबके प्रति सबसे अधिक संवेदना रखता है?

यदि दुनिया के सभी लोग एक-दूसरे के प्रति संवेदना रखने लगें, तो क्या बदलेगा?

क्या संवेदना रखना कभी-कभी हमें कमज़ोर बना देता है? अपने विचार लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना का वर्णन करें जहाँ प्रशासन ने जनता के प्रति संवेदना नहीं रखी।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. This means you must use 'की' and the verb 'रखनी' in certain contexts. For example, 'उसकी संवेदना' and 'हमें संवेदना रखनी चाहिए'.

Use 'Hamdardi' in casual conversations with friends or family. It sounds warmer and less stiff. Use 'Samvedna rakhna' in writing, speeches, or when discussing serious social issues.

Mostly, yes. However, in a medical context, it can mean 'sensation' or 'feeling' in a body part. For example, 'मेरे पैरों में संवेदना नहीं है' means 'I have no sensation in my legs'.

No, that's not common. You usually 'rakhna' (hold/have) or 'vyakt karna' (express) Samvedna. You don't 'give' it like a physical object.

The most direct opposite is 'संवेदनहीन होना' (to be insensitive) or 'क्रूरता करना' (to act with cruelty).

Both are used, but 'के प्रति' (towards) is more formal and common in standard Hindi. 'के लिए' (for) is more casual.

Technically, 'Samvedna' can mean any shared feeling, but in 99% of modern usage, it refers to shared pain or compassion for suffering.

Not really. Bollywood songs prefer 'Hamdardi' or 'Dard'. 'Samvedna' is too formal for most pop lyrics, though it might appear in artistic or serious films.

You can say 'मैं आपके प्रति संवेदना रखता हूँ' (Formal) or 'मुझे आपसे हमदर्दी है' (Neutral).

Yes, especially in HR contexts regarding employee welfare or corporate social responsibility (CSR). It's used to show the company 'cares'.