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सिलना

A1 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

सिलना

silna Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सिलना in 30 Seconds

Explanation सिलना in your Level:

At the A1 level, सिलना is introduced as a basic action word associated with clothing. Learners focus on simple present tense sentences like 'Main kapde silta hoon' (I sew clothes) or identifying the activity in pictures. The focus is on the noun-like usage ('Sewing is a hobby') and the basic verb form. Students learn to associate the word with 'Sui' (needle) and 'Dhaaga' (thread). This is the stage where you learn to say you need to sew a button or that your mother knows how to sew. Vocabulary is limited to everyday garments like shirts, pants, and socks. The primary goal is to recognize the word in the context of household chores or basic needs.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use सिलना in more complex tenses, such as the continuous ('Kapda sil raha hai') and the past ('Maine kapda sila'). You start to distinguish between 'silna' (the process) and 'seena' (the act). You might describe a sequence of actions, such as 'I bought fabric and then I sewed it.' You also learn the imperative form 'Silo' (Sew!) and the negative 'Mat silo' (Don't sew). At this stage, you can talk about simple repairs and describe what someone is doing at a sewing machine. You might also encounter the word in the context of a tailor's shop, asking simple questions about when a garment will be ready.

By B1, you are expected to use सिलना in a wider variety of social and professional contexts. You understand the causative form 'silvana' (to have something sewn) and use it correctly when talking about going to a tailor. You can discuss the pros and cons of custom-made versus ready-made clothes. You might use the word in the conditional tense, like 'If I had a machine, I would sew my own clothes.' You also start to learn related vocabulary like 'Silai' (stitching/sewing as a noun) and 'Kadhai' (embroidery). Your ability to describe the quality of sewing ('acchi silai' vs 'kharab silai') improves. You can follow simple instructions for a DIY sewing project in Hindi.

At the B2 level, सिलना is used in more abstract and technical discussions. You can talk about the textile industry, the labor conditions of garment workers, and the environmental impact of 'fast fashion' versus 'handmade' sewing. You use the word comfortably in complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and passive voice constructions. You might discuss the cultural history of certain garments and how they are traditionally sewn. Your vocabulary expands to include specific types of stitches and tailoring techniques. You can also understand more metaphorical uses of the word in literature or news reports, such as 'stitching together a coalition' or 'mending social ties.'

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of सिलना and its place in Hindi literature and formal discourse. You can appreciate wordplay and puns involving sewing. You understand the technical differences between various regional styles of stitching and can discuss them using precise terminology. You are capable of writing detailed essays or giving presentations on topics like 'The evolution of traditional Indian tailoring in the digital age.' You can use the word in sophisticated metaphorical contexts, perhaps in poetry or high-level political analysis. You also understand the legal and economic nuances of the 'silai' industry in India, including fair trade and artisan rights.

At the C2 level, your mastery of सिलना is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can analyze the use of sewing metaphors in classical Hindi poetry (like Kabir's metaphors of the body as a woven cloth). You can engage in high-level debates about the preservation of traditional stitching techniques as intangible cultural heritage. You understand obscure regional dialects and their variations of the word. You can use the word with perfect precision in any register, from the most informal street slang to the most formal academic or legal Hindi. Your understanding includes the philosophical implications of 'joining' and 'repairing' as expressed through the verb 'silna'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सिलना in 30 Seconds

Silna is the Hindi word for sewing or the act of being sewn.
It is used for making new clothes, repairing tears, and tailoring.
The word can function as an activity name (gerund) or a process.
It is a core A1 level word essential for daily household and market talk.

The Hindi word सिलना (silnā) is a fundamental term in the Hindi language, primarily functioning as a verbal noun or an intransitive verb related to the art and craft of sewing. At its core, it refers to the process where pieces of fabric, leather, or other flexible materials are joined together using a needle and thread. For an English speaker, it is most closely translated as 'sewing' or 'to be sewn.' In the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, sewing is not merely a chore but a vital skill that bridges the gap between raw textile and wearable art. Whether it is a grandmother mending a torn sleeve or a professional 'Darzi' (tailor) crafting a bespoke Sherwani for a wedding, the concept of सिलना is ubiquitous. You will encounter this word in domestic settings where families discuss repairing clothes, in bustling marketplaces where tailors sit behind rhythmic mechanical machines, and in the fashion industry where high-end garments are produced. The term carries a sense of construction and repair; it implies a transformation of separate elements into a unified whole. In a broader, more metaphorical sense, सिलना can represent the act of bringing people together or healing a rift, much like a physical stitch closes a wound in fabric. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the tactile nature of Hindi verbs, where the focus often shifts between the person doing the action and the object undergoing the change.

Primary Usage: Refers to the act of stitching or the state of being stitched.
Cultural Weight: Associated with the 'Darzi' culture and traditional craftsmanship in India.

दादी को हाथ से कपड़े सिलना पसंद है। (Grandmother likes sewing clothes by hand.)

यह शर्ट मशीन से सिल रही है। (This shirt is being sewn by machine.)

क्या आपको बटन सिलना आता है? (Do you know how to sew a button?)

दर्जी ने बहुत अच्छा सूट सिला है। (The tailor has sewn a very good suit.)

पुराने कपड़े सिलना किफायती होता है। (Sewing old clothes is economical.)

Etymology: Derived from the Sanskrit root 'sīv', meaning to sew or stitch.

Modern Context: Commonly used in DIY fashion, sustainability discussions, and tailoring services.

Using सिलना correctly involves navigating its various grammatical roles. As an intransitive verb, it describes the subject undergoing the process of being sewn. For example, 'Kapda sil raha hai' means 'The cloth is being sewn.' However, when used as a verbal noun (infinitive used as a noun), it represents the activity itself. This is very common in A1 and A2 levels. For instance, 'Mujhe silna seekhna hai' (I want to learn sewing). In this context, 'silna' acts as the object of the verb 'seekhna'. When you want to talk about the result, you use the past participle 'sila' (masculine), 'sili' (feminine), or 'sile' (plural). 'Mera kurta sil gaya' (My kurta is finished being sewn). It is crucial to distinguish this from the active verb 'seena'. While 'seena' focuses on the person sewing ('Main kapde see raha hoon'), 'silna' often focuses on the fabric or the general skill. In conversational Hindi, you will frequently hear 'silna' in the context of household tasks. If a button falls off, you might say, 'Is button ko silna padega' (This button will have to be sewn). If you are at a tailor's shop, you might ask, 'Mera suit kab tak sil jayega?' (By when will my suit be sewn/ready?). This passive-leaning construction is very natural in Hindi. Furthermore, 'silna' is used in compound verb constructions with 'jana' to indicate completion. 'Ye phata hua parda sil jayega' (This torn curtain will get sewn/fixed). Understanding these nuances helps a learner sound more like a native speaker who naturally switches between active and passive perspectives depending on what they want to emphasize—the tailor's effort or the garment's progress.

Infinitive as Noun: Used to name the activity: 'Sewing is hard' -> 'Silna mushkil hai'.
Intransitive Use: Focuses on the object: 'The shirt is being sewn' -> 'Kameez sil rahi hai'.

क्या तुम मुझे बटन सिलना सिखा सकते हो? (Can you teach me how to sew a button?)

गाँव की महिलाएँ मिलकर कपड़े सिलती हैं। (The village women sew clothes together.)

Future Tense: 'Mera suit kal tak sil jayega' (My suit will be sewn by tomorrow).

बिना धागे के सिलना मुमकिन नहीं है। (Sewing without thread is not possible.)

In the daily life of an Indian city or village, सिलना is a word that echoes through various environments. The most common place is the 'Darzi ki Dukaan' (Tailor's Shop). India has a robust culture of custom-made clothing. Instead of buying off-the-rack, many people buy 'than' (fabric rolls) and take them to a tailor. Here, you will hear customers asking, 'Bhaiya, ye kurta kab tak सिल jayega?' (Brother, by when will this kurta be sewn?). You'll also hear it in households. In many Indian homes, sewing is a traditional skill passed down through generations. You might hear a mother telling her daughter, 'Apni phati hui jeb sil lo' (Sew your torn pocket). Another common context is the 'Rafu-gar' (Darning specialist). When an expensive saree or suit gets a small hole, it is taken to be 'rafu' (darned), which is a specialized form of सिलना. During festive seasons like Diwali or Eid, the word's frequency increases as everyone wants new clothes 'sile hue' (sewn). On television, especially in rural-themed dramas, you might see characters earning a living through 'silai-kadai' (sewing and embroidery). In schools, 'SUPW' (Socially Useful Productive Work) classes often involve teaching students basic सिलना. Even in high-end fashion boutiques in Mumbai or Delhi, designers will use the term when discussing 'silai' (stitching quality) with their craftsmen. It is a word that transcends social classes, from the poorest person mending a rag to the wealthiest bride getting her lehenga stitched.

Tailor Shops: Negotiating deadlines and stitching styles.
Domestic Settings: Mending, hobbies, and teaching children.

बाज़ार में बहुत सारे लोग कपड़े सिलने का काम करते हैं। (In the market, many people do the work of sewing clothes.)

शादी के लिए नए कपड़े सिलना ज़रूरी है। (Sewing new clothes for the wedding is necessary.)

Fashion Industry: Refers to the construction phase of a garment.

क्या आपने दर्जी से अपनी कमीज़ सिलवा ली? (Did you get your shirt sewn by the tailor?)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using सिलना is confusing it with the transitive verb 'सीना' (sīnā). While both relate to sewing, 'सीना' is used when the subject is performing the action on an object ('Main kurta see raha hoon' - I am sewing a kurta). In contrast, 'सिलना' is used when the focus is on the object being sewn or the general activity as a concept. Another frequent error is confusing 'सिलना' with 'छीलना' (chhīlnā), which sounds similar but means 'to peel' (like an orange or potato). Learners also often struggle with the causative form 'सिलवाना' (silvānā). If you go to a tailor, you don't 'silna' the clothes yourself; you 'silvānā' (get them sewn). Saying 'Main apna suit sil raha hoon' implies you are personally at the machine, whereas 'Main apna suit silva raha hoon' correctly identifies that a tailor is doing it for you. Additionally, pay attention to the gender of the object. If you are talking about a shirt (kameez - feminine), you should say 'Kameez sil rahi hai'. If it's a coat (masculine), it's 'Coat sil raha hai'. Misgendering the verb is a hallmark of beginner speech. Lastly, beginners sometimes use 'जोड़ना' (joṛnā - to join) instead of 'सिलना'. While sewing is a form of joining, 'जोड़ना' is too generic and usually refers to glueing or connecting parts, whereas 'सिलना' is specific to fabric and thread.

Confusion with 'Seena': Use 'Seena' for active sewing, 'Silna' for the state of being sewn or the general hobby.
Causative Errors: Use 'Silvānā' when a tailor does the work for you.

गलत: मैं आलू सिल रहा हूँ। (Wrong: I am sewing the potato - sounds like 'peeling').

सही: दर्जी कपड़े सी रहा है। (Correct: The tailor is sewing clothes - using active 'seena').

Phonetic Confusion: Distinguish between 'Silna' (sew) and 'Chhilna' (peel).

गलत: मैंने अपना कुर्ता खुद सिलाया। (Wrong: I got my kurta sewn myself - confusing 'silna' with 'silvana').

While सिलना is the most common word for sewing, Hindi offers a rich vocabulary for specific types of stitching and related activities.

सीना (Sīnā): The active transitive verb form. Focuses on the person performing the action. 'Main see raha hoon' (I am sewing).
टाँकना (Tānknā): Refers to a single stitch or attaching something small like a button or a patch. 'Button tankna' (To stitch/attach a button).
रफू करना (Rafū Karnā): To darn. This is a specialized type of sewing used to repair holes by weaving thread across the gap.
कढ़ाई करना (Kaṛhāī Karnā): To embroider. While it uses a needle and thread, the purpose is decorative rather than structural.
तुरपन (Turpan): Hemming. A specific type of hand-stitching used to finish the edges of fabric.

उसने फटी चादर को रफू कर दिया। (He darned the torn sheet.)

माँ साड़ी पर कढ़ाई कर रही है। (Mother is doing embroidery on the saree.)

Comparison: 'Silna' is general; 'Turpan' is specific to hems; 'Rafu' is specific to invisible repairs.

क्या तुम इस बटन को टाँक सकते हो? (Can you stitch this button on?)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Sanskrit word 'Sūtra' (meaning a thread or a rule) comes from the same root as 'silna'. So, when you sew, you are literally following a 'thread'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɪl.nɑː/

US /sɪl.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Sil'.

Rhymes With

मिलना (Milna - to meet) खिलना (Khilna - to bloom) हिलna (Hilna - to move) छिलना (Chhilna - to peel) गिलना (Gilna - rare) पिलना (Pilna - to be crushed) सिलना (Silna - to sew) मिलना-जुलना (Milna-julna - to socialize)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' too long like 'seel-na'. It should be short.
Confusing the dental 'n' with a retroflex 'n'.
Pronouncing 's' as 'sh'.
Failing to aspirate the 'l' correctly in some regional dialects.
Giving equal weight to both syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it follows standard verb patterns.

Writing 2/5

Requires care with the short 'i' and the infinitive ending.

Speaking 2/5

Easy, but must distinguish from the similar sounding 'chhīlnā'.

Listening 1/5

Commonly heard in markets and homes; context makes it clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

कपड़ा (Cloth) सुई (Needle) धागा (Thread) दर्जी (Tailor) फटना (To tear)

Learn Next

सीना (Active sewing) सिलवाना (Causative sewing) बुनाई (Knitting) कढ़ाई (Embroidery) रफू (Darning)

Advanced

परिधान (Apparel) कारीगरी (Craftsmanship) बनावट (Texture/Structure) उधेड़ना (To unstitch) टाँका (Stitch)

Grammar to Know

Verbal Nouns

Silna (Sewing) acts as a noun in 'Silna ek kala hai' (Sewing is an art).

Intransitive vs Transitive

Use 'Silna' for 'to be sewn' and 'Seena' for 'to sew'.

Causative Verbs

Silna -> Silvana (To cause someone to sew).

Gender Agreement

Kurta (m) sil gaya; Kameez (f) sil gayi.

Compound Verbs with 'Jana'

Sil jana indicates the completion of the sewing process.

Examples by Level

मुझे सिलना पसंद है।

I like sewing.

Here 'silna' is used as a verbal noun (infinitive).

माँ कपड़े सिलती हैं।

Mother sews clothes.

Present simple tense with a feminine subject.

यह एक सुई है।

This is a needle.

Basic vocabulary related to 'silna'.

धागा कहाँ है?

Where is the thread?

Basic question for sewing materials.

बटन सिलो।

Sew the button.

Imperative form (giving a command).

वह शर्ट सिल रहा है।

He is sewing the shirt.

Present continuous tense.

मेरी टोपी फट गई, इसे सिल दो।

My cap is torn, sew it.

Compound verb 'sil do' for a request.

क्या आप सिलना जानते हैं?

Do you know how to sew?

Using 'silna' as a gerund object.

मैंने कल अपनी फटी हुई जेब सिली।

I sewed my torn pocket yesterday.

Past tense 'sili' agreeing with feminine 'jeb'.

दर्जी बहुत अच्छे कपड़े सिलता है।

The tailor sews very good clothes.

Habitual present tense.

मशीन से सिलना आसान है।

Sewing with a machine is easy.

Using 'se' for instrument/method.

वह धीरे-धीरे सिल रही है।

She is sewing slowly.

Adverbial use 'dhire-dhire'.

क्या यह सूट कल तक सिल जाएगा?

Will this suit be sewn by tomorrow?

Future tense of 'sil jana' (passive meaning).

बिना सुई के सिलना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to sew without a needle.

Using 'bina' (without).

मेरे पास सिलने के लिए बहुत कपड़े हैं।

I have many clothes to sew.

Oblique form 'silne' before a postposition.

उसने नीले धागे से कमीज़ सिली।

She sewed the shirt with blue thread.

Past tense with instrument 'se'.

मैंने दर्जी से अपना नया कुर्ता सिलवाया।

I got my new kurta sewn by the tailor.

Causative verb 'silvaya'.

अगर तुम चाहो, तो मैं तुम्हारी फटी पैंट सिल सकता हूँ।

If you want, I can sew your torn pants.

Conditional sentence with modal 'sakta hoon'.

आजकल हाथ से सिलना बहुत महंगा हो गया है।

Nowadays, sewing by hand has become very expensive.

Adverb 'aajkal' and 'ho gaya hai'.

क्या आपको पता है कि ज़िप कैसे सिली जाती है?

Do you know how a zipper is sewn?

Passive voice 'sili jati hai'.

उसने अपनी शादी का जोड़ा खुद सिलने का फैसला किया।

She decided to sew her wedding outfit herself.

Infinitive phrase 'silne ka faisla'.

इस कपड़े को सिलने से पहले धोना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to wash this fabric before sewing it.

Conjunction 'se pehle'.

दादी माँ की सिलने की कला अद्भुत है।

Grandmother's art of sewing is amazing.

Possessive 'ki' with verbal noun.

गाँव में महिलाएँ सिलने का काम करके पैसे कमाती हैं।

In the village, women earn money by doing sewing work.

Participle phrase 'kaam karke'.

डिज़ाइनर ने इस गाउन को बहुत बारीकी से सिलवाया है।

The designer has had this gown sewn with great detail.

Causative present perfect.

मशीन की खराब सुई से कपड़ा ठीक से नहीं सिलता।

Cloth doesn't sew properly with a bad machine needle.

Intransitive 'silta' with negative 'nahin'.

क्या आप इस रेशमी कपड़े को सिलने का जोखिम उठाएंगे?

Will you take the risk of sewing this silk fabric?

Abstract phrase 'jokhim uthayenge'.

जब तक दर्जी सूट नहीं सिल देता, मैं इंतज़ार करूँगा।

Until the tailor finishes sewing the suit, I will wait.

Temporal clause 'jab tak... nahin'.

इस पुराने कोट को दोबारा सिलना मुमकिन नहीं लग रहा।

It doesn't seem possible to resew this old coat.

Infinitive as subject with 'lag raha'.

सिलाई की गुणवत्ता कपड़े के सिलने के तरीके पर निर्भर करती है।

The quality of stitching depends on the way the cloth is sewn.

Complex noun phrase 'silne ke tarike'.

उसने अपनी फटी हुई तक़दीर को मेहनत से सिलने की कोशिश की।

He tried to sew his torn destiny with hard work.

Metaphorical usage of 'silna'.

आजकल की मशीनों से कपड़े सिलना बहुत तेज़ हो गया है।

Sewing clothes with modern machines has become very fast.

Comparative 'tez ho gaya hai'.

पारंपरिक कारीगर बिना किसी मशीन के अद्भुत वस्त्र सिल सकते हैं।

Traditional artisans can sew amazing garments without any machine.

Formal vocabulary 'paramparik' and 'vastra'.

इस ऐतिहासिक पोशाक को सिलने की तकनीक अब लुप्त हो रही है।

The technique for sewing this historical dress is now disappearing.

Complex subject with 'lupt ho rahi hai'.

समाज के टूटे हुए रिश्तों को सिलना आसान काम नहीं है।

Sewing together the broken relationships of society is not an easy task.

Advanced metaphorical use.

दर्जी ने जिस नज़ाकत से ये बटन सिले हैं, वो काबिले-तारीफ है।

The delicacy with which the tailor has sewn these buttons is praiseworthy.

Relative clause 'jis... vo'.

कपड़े सिलने के दौरान इस्तेमाल होने वाली शब्दावली क्षेत्र के अनुसार बदलती है।

The vocabulary used during sewing changes according to the region.

Formal 'ke dauran' and 'anusar'.

क्या आप मानते हैं कि सिलना एक खोई हुई कला बनती जा रही है?

Do you believe that sewing is becoming a lost art?

Interrogative with 'banti ja rahi hai'.

उसने अपनी यादों के टुकड़ों को एक कविता में सिल दिया।

He sewed the fragments of his memories into a poem.

Poetic metaphorical usage.

इस परियोजना का उद्देश्य ग्रामीण महिलाओं को सिलने के हुनर में माहिर बनाना है।

The objective of this project is to make rural women experts in the skill of sewing.

Formal objective sentence.

कबीर की साखियों में शरीर को 'झीनी चदरिया' की तरह सिलने का ज़िक्र है।

In Kabir's couplets, there is mention of sewing the body like a 'fine sheet'.

Literary reference to classical poetry.

समय की सुई से जीवन के अनुभवों को सिलना ही परिपक्वता है।

Sewing life's experiences with the needle of time is what maturity is.

Highly philosophical sentence.

क्या यह संभव है कि हम अपनी सांस्कृतिक विविधताओं को एक ही धागे में सिल सकें?

Is it possible that we can sew our cultural diversities into a single thread?

Subjunctive mood 'sakēn'.

इस उपन्यास में नायिका का संघर्ष उसके फटे हुए सपनों को सिलने की जद्दोजहद है।

In this novel, the heroine's struggle is the effort to sew her torn dreams.

Literary analysis register.

वैश्वीकरण ने हमारे सिलने के तरीकों और उपभोग की आदतों को मौलिक रूप से बदल दिया है।

Globalization has fundamentally changed our sewing methods and consumption habits.

Socio-economic academic register.

अस्तित्व के बिखरे हुए अंशों को मौन की सुई से सिलना ही ध्यान है।

Sewing the scattered fragments of existence with the needle of silence is meditation.

Spiritual/Philosophical register.

इतिहास के पन्नों को सत्य के धागे से सिलना इतिहासकारों का चुनौतीपूर्ण दायित्व है।

Sewing the pages of history with the thread of truth is the challenging responsibility of historians.

Professional historiographical register.

उसकी आवाज़ में एक ऐसी कशिश थी जो टूटे हुए दिलों को सिल देने की कुव्वत रखती थी।

There was such an attraction in her voice that it had the power to sew broken hearts.

Rich Urdu-influenced Hindi vocabulary ('quvvat', 'kashish').

Synonyms

सीना सिलाई करना टाँकना रफ़ू करना टाँका लगाना

Antonyms

उधेड़ना फाड़ना

Common Collocations

हाथ से सिलना

मशीन से सिलना

बटन सिलना

कपड़े सिलना

पर्दा सिलना

मज़बूती से सिलना

उल्टा सिलना

बारीकी से सिलना

जल्दी सिलना

सिलाई मशीन

Common Phrases

सिलना-पिरोना

— A general term for sewing and needlework collectively.

उसे सिलना-पिरोना बहुत अच्छा लगता है।

कपड़ा सिल जाना

— To finish being sewn (passive/resultative).

मेरा कुर्ता सिल गया है।

सिलाई-कढ़ाई

— Sewing and embroidery, often used as a single skill set.

गाँव में सिलाई-कढ़ाई का केंद्र है।

टाँका सिलना

— To sew a stitch, often used for medical stitches too.

डॉक्टर ने घाव पर टाँका सिला।

बटन टूट गया, सिल दो

— The button broke/fell off, sew it back.

शर्ट का बटन टूट गया, ज़रा सिल दो।

दर्जी से सिलवाना

— To get something sewn by a tailor.

मैं अपने कपड़े हमेशा दर्जी से सिलवाता हूँ।

हाथ का सिला

— Hand-stitched (implies high quality or personal touch).

यह हाथ का सिला हुआ रुमाल है।

सिलाई सीखना

— To learn sewing.

गर्मी की छुट्टियों में उसने सिलाई सीखी।

फटा हुआ सिलना

— To sew something that is torn.

फटा हुआ तकिया सिलना ज़रूरी है।

नया सूट सिलना

— To sew a new suit.

वह ईद के लिए नया सूट सिल रही है।

Often Confused With

सिलना vs सीना (Sina)

Sina is active (I sew), Silna is often the process or gerund (Sewing/To be sewn).

सिलना vs छीलना (Chhilna)

Chhilna means to peel. It sounds similar but is used for fruits and vegetables.

सिलना vs हिलना (Hilna)

Hilna means to move or shake. Only one letter difference!

Idioms & Expressions

"मुँह सिल देना"

— To silence someone or keep a secret strictly.

उसने पैसे देकर गवाह का मुँह सिल दिया।

Colloquial/Informal

"अपनी तक़दीर सिलना"

— To improve one's own destiny through effort (metaphorical).

मेहनत से ही इंसान अपनी तक़दीर सिलता है।

Literary

"रिश्तों को सिलना"

— To mend broken relationships.

पुरानी बातों को भूलकर रिश्तों को सिलना चाहिए।

Poetic

"होठ सिल लेना"

— To remain quiet, usually out of fear or compulsion.

उसने डर के मारे अपने होठ सिल लिए।

Literary

"दो दिलों को सिलना"

— To bring two lovers or friends together.

मोहब्बत दो अलग दिलों को एक साथ सिल देती है।

Romantic

"ज़ख्म सिलना"

— To heal a wound, physically or emotionally.

वक़्त हर ज़ख्म को सिल देता है।

Metaphorical

"आँखें सिलना"

— To be blind to reality or refuse to see the truth.

लालच ने उसकी आँखें सिल दी हैं।

Figurative

"सिलाई उधड़ना"

— When a secret or a hidden plan starts to fall apart.

उसकी झूठ की सिलाई अब उधड़ रही है।

Informal

"एक ही धागे में सिलना"

— To unite diverse elements into one.

तिरंगा पूरे भारत को एक ही धागे में सिलता है।

Patriotic

"फटी जेब सिलना"

— To start saving money or stop being wasteful.

अब वक़्त आ गया है कि तुम अपनी फटी जेब सिल लो।

Informal/Advice

Easily Confused

सिलना vs सीना

Both mean 'to sew'.

सीना is transitive (requires a doer and an object). Silna is intransitive or a verbal noun.

Main see raha hoon (I am sewing) vs Kapda sil raha hai (Cloth is being sewn).

सिलना vs छीलना

Phonetically similar.

Chhilna is for peeling skins; Silna is for joining fabric.

Aalu chhilna (peel potato) vs Kameez silna (sew shirt).

सिलना vs सिलवाना

Grammatically related.

Silvana is causative (having someone else sew it).

Maine suit silvaya (I got the suit sewn).

सिलना vs मिलना

Rhyming word.

Milna means to meet or to find.

Dost se milna (meet friend) vs Button silna (sew button).

सिलना vs खिलना

Rhyming word.

Khilna means to bloom (like a flower).

Phool khilna (flower blooming).

Sentence Patterns

मुझे [Object] सिलना है।

मुझे बटन सिलना है।

[Subject] कपड़े सिलता/सिलती है।

वह कपड़े सिलती है।

[Object] [Time] तक सिल जाएगा।

शर्ट कल तक सिल जाएगी।

[Subject] ने [Object] सिला।

मैंने कुर्ता सिला।

[Subject] [Agent] से [Object] सिलवाता है।

मैं दर्जी से कपड़े सिलवाता हूँ।

[Object] सिलने के लिए [Tool] चाहिए।

पर्दा सिलने के लिए मशीन चाहिए।

बिना [Condition] के सिलना नामुमकिन है।

बिना धागे के सिलना नामुमकिन है।

[Abstract Concept] को सिलना [Adjective] है।

टूटे दिलों को सिलना कठिन है।

Word Family

Nouns

सिलाई (Silai - stitching/sewing)

सिलाई मशीन (Silai Machine - sewing machine)

सिलाई-कढ़ाई (Silai-kadhai - needlework)

Verbs

सीना (Sina - to sew, active)

सिलवाना (Silvana - to get sewn, causative)

सिलना (Silna - to be sewn, intransitive)

Adjectives

सिला हुआ (Sila hua - sewn/stitched)

बिना सिला (Bina sila - unstitched)

हाथ-सिला (Hath-sila - hand-sewn)

सुई (Sui - needle)

धागा (Dhaga - thread)

दर्जी (Darzi - tailor)

कपड़ा (Kapda - cloth)

टाँका (Tanka - stitch)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, especially in South Asian contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'silna' for peeling a fruit. → Use 'chhilna'.
Phonetically similar but completely different meanings.
Saying 'Main suit sil raha hoon' at a tailor shop. → Say 'Main suit silva raha hoon'.
You aren't sewing it; the tailor is. Use the causative form.
Maine kameez sila. → Maine kameez sili.
Kameez is feminine; the past tense verb must agree.
Using 'silna' for knitting a sweater. → Use 'bunna'.
Silna is for fabric/thread; bunna is for wool/knitting.
Confusing 'silna' and 'seena' in passive contexts. → Use 'silna' for 'the cloth is being sewn'.
Silna works better for intransitive/passive focus.

Tips

Verb Agreement

Remember that in the past tense, the verb agrees with the object. 'Maine kurta sIla' (masculine) but 'Maine kameez sIli' (feminine).

Essential Pairings

Always learn 'Sui' (needle) and 'Dhaga' (thread) along with 'silna' for a complete set.

Short 'I'

Keep the 'i' in 'silna' short. If you elongate it, it sounds like 'seena', which is also 'sew' but a different verb form.

Tailor Talk

In India, tailors are often called 'Bhaiya' (brother) out of respect and familiarity.

Seal the deal

Think of 'Sil' as 'Seal'. You are sealing the fabric together.

Compound Verbs

Use 'sil dena' for a request ('sil do') and 'sil jana' for completion ('sil gaya').

Oblique Form

When adding 'ke liye' (for), 'silna' becomes 'silne'. E.g., 'silne ke liye kapda' (cloth for sewing).

Context Clues

If you hear 'Darzi', 'Sui', or 'Button', the word is definitely 'silna'.

Causative form

Use 'silvana' when you pay a professional to do it. It's more accurate than 'silna'.

Don't Peel

Be careful not to say 'chhilna' when you mean 'silna' in a clothing shop!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SIL' as 'SILK'. You use a needle to SILna your SILK dress. SIL-NA sounds like 'Seal Now' - you seal the fabric together with a stitch.

Visual Association

Imagine a silver needle (Silver starts with SIL) piercing through cloth. The 'Sil' in Silna is like the 'Sil' in Silver.

Word Web

Darzi (Tailor) Sui (Needle) Dhaga (Thread) Kapda (Cloth) Silai (Stitching) Button (Button) Machine (Machine) Phati (Torn)

Challenge

Go to your closet, find a piece of clothing, and say out loud in Hindi: 'Is kapde ko silna padega' (This cloth will have to be sewn).

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Indo-Aryan / Sanskrit root 'sīv' (सीव्), which means to sew or stitch. This root is also ancestral to the English word 'sew' through Proto-Indo-European *syū-.

Original meaning: The act of binding or fastening together using a thread-like material.

Indo-Aryan -> Prakrit -> Hindi.

Cultural Context

Be respectful when talking about 'Darzis'. While it is a service profession, it is also a highly skilled craft that deserves appreciation.

In the West, sewing is often a hobby (DIY), whereas in India, it is both a major professional industry (tailors on every street) and a common household necessity.

The song 'Darzi ki Dukaan' in children's literature. Kabir's poem 'Jhini Jhini Bini Chadariya'. The Bollywood movie 'Sui Dhaaga' (Needle and Thread) which focuses on the dignity of tailoring.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Tailor Shop

यह कब तक सिल जाएगा?
इसकी सिलाई कितनी है?
जरा फिटिंग सही कर दो।
नया सूट सिलना है।

At Home

बटन सिल दो।
जेब फट गई है, सिलनी पड़ेगी।
सिलाई मशीन कहाँ है?
धागा सुई में डाल दो।

Fashion School

हाथ से सिलना सीखें।
मशीन का धागा टूट गया।
पैटर्न के अनुसार सिलें।
सिलाई साफ़ होनी चाहिए।

Medical (Minor Surgery)

घाव सिलना पड़ेगा।
कितने टाँके आए?
टाँके कब कटेंगे?
सफाई से सिलना।

Metaphorical/Emotional

रिश्तों को सिलना सीखो।
उसने अपना मुँह सिल लिया।
पुरानी यादों को सिलना।
दिल के घाव सिलना।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको कपड़े सिलना आता है? (Do you know how to sew clothes?)"

"आपके शहर में सबसे अच्छा दर्जी कौन है? (Who is the best tailor in your city?)"

"क्या आप हाथ से सिलना पसंद करते हैं या मशीन से? (Do you prefer sewing by hand or machine?)"

"क्या आपने कभी अपनी फटी हुई पैंट खुद सिली है? (Have you ever sewn your torn pants yourself?)"

"शादी के कपड़े सिलने में कितना समय लगता है? (How much time does it take to sew wedding clothes?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने सिलाई सीखी और मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ... (Today I learned sewing and how I felt...)

मेरे पसंदीदा कपड़े की कहानी जिसे मेरी माँ ने सिला था। (The story of my favorite cloth that my mother sewed.)

अगर मैं एक दर्जी होता, तो मैं किस तरह के कपड़े सिलता? (If I were a tailor, what kind of clothes would I sew?)

सिलाई और धैर्य के बीच क्या संबंध है? (What is the connection between sewing and patience?)

पुराने कपड़ों को सिलकर दोबारा इस्तेमाल करने के फायदे। (Advantages of reusing old clothes by sewing them.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while most commonly used for clothes, it can apply to anything made of fabric or leather, like curtains, bags, or even medical stitches on skin.

Silna is the verb/activity (to sew), while Silai is the noun (the stitching itself or the profession of sewing).

It is called 'Silai Machine' (सिलाई मशीन).

No, for knitting with wool and needles, the word is 'bunna' (बुनना).

Technically no. Embroidery is 'kadhai' (कढ़ाई), though both involve needles and thread.

You say: 'Bhaiya, mere kapde kab tak sil jayenge?'

A Darzi is the Hindi/Urdu word for a tailor.

As a verbal noun, it is masculine. However, when conjugated as a verb, it agrees with the object's gender (e.g., 'Kameez sili').

Yes, it is often used for 'mending' hearts, relationships, or 'silencing' someone (muh silna).

Rafu is a specific type of 'silna' used to repair holes invisibly; it translates to darning.