This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
शौक़

A2 noun #1,200 most common 9 min read

शौक़

shauq Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips शौक़ in 30 Seconds

Explanation शौक़ in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'शौक़' (Shauq) is introduced as the basic word for 'hobby'. Students learn to use it in very simple sentences to describe what they like to do in their free time. The focus is on the construction 'मुझे [Activity] का शौक़ है' (I have a hobby of [Activity]). At this stage, learners are encouraged to pair it with simple verbs like 'खेलना' (playing), 'पढ़ना' (reading), or 'गाना' (singing). The goal is to enable basic self-introduction. A1 learners might not use the 'q' sound perfectly, but they should recognize the word when they hear it. They also learn that it is a masculine noun. Example: 'मुझे क्रिकेट का शौक़ है' (I have a hobby of cricket). This level avoids complex grammar and focuses on direct usage.

At the A2 level, learners begin to expand their use of 'शौक़' to describe others and talk about the past. They learn to use 'उसे' (him/her), 'तुम्हें' (you), and 'हमें' (us) with 'शौक़'. They also start using past tense: 'मुझे बचपन में नाचने का शौक़ था' (I had a hobby of dancing in childhood). A2 students are introduced to the adjective 'शौक़ीन' (Shauqeen) to describe an enthusiast. They learn the difference between 'शौक़' and 'पसंद' (pasand), understanding that 'shauq' is more specific to hobbies. They also learn to add intensifiers like 'बहुत' (very) or 'बड़ा' (big) to express a strong passion. The focus is on building more descriptive sentences about personal interests and family members' hobbies.

At the B1 level, 'शौक़' is used in more varied contexts, such as discussing lifestyle choices and personal development. Learners use it with compound verbs and more complex activities. They might say, 'मुझे नई भाषाएँ सीखने का शौक़ है' (I have a passion for learning new languages). B1 students are expected to understand the nuance of 'शौक़' as something that defines a person's character. They also start encountering the word in media, such as short news clips or simple Bollywood songs. They learn to use the oblique plural 'शौक़ों' in sentences like 'अपने शौक़ों के लिए समय निकालो' (Make time for your hobbies). The focus shifts from simple identification to discussing the importance of hobbies in life.

At the B2 level, learners explore the cultural and poetic dimensions of 'शौक़'. They understand its Persian roots and how it differs from the Sanskrit 'रुचि' (ruchi). They can use 'शौक़' to discuss abstract concepts like 'शौक़-ए-दीदार' (the desire to see someone) in literary contexts. B2 students can participate in debates about whether hobbies should be turned into professions. They use sophisticated phrases like 'शौक़ पालना' (to nurture a hobby) and 'शौक़ पूरा करना' (to fulfill a passion). They are also aware of the potential confusion with 'शोक' (grief) and can explain the difference to others. Their usage is fluid, incorporating the word into complex narratives about their life journey and aspirations.

At the C1 level, 'शौक़' is used with high precision and stylistic flair. Learners can appreciate the word's use in Urdu poetry (Shayari) and classical literature. They understand the subtle difference between 'शौक़' (passion), 'ज़ौक़' (refined taste), and 'जुनून' (obsession). They can use the word in formal speeches or academic essays about culture and leisure. C1 students are comfortable with the 'q' sound and use it consistently. They can analyze how the concept of 'shauq' has evolved in modern Indian society. They might use idiomatic expressions like 'शौक़ का कोई मोल नहीं' (Passion has no price) to argue a point. Their understanding is deep, encompassing both the mundane and the transcendental meanings of the word.

At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like grasp of 'शौक़'. They can use it in all its shades—from the casual to the highly metaphorical. They can interpret and produce complex puns or wordplay involving 'shauq'. They are familiar with the historical context of 'Nawabi Shauq' (the extravagant tastes of royalty) and can use the term to describe modern-day luxury or eccentricity. C2 learners can read and critique classical poetry where 'shauq' is a central theme. They can use the word to express deep philosophical ideas about human desire and the pursuit of beauty. For them, 'शौक़' is not just a vocabulary word but a cultural concept that they can navigate with ease and sophistication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

शौक़ in 30 Seconds

Shauq is the primary Hindi word for 'hobby' or 'passion'.
It is a masculine noun of Arabic origin used with 'ka'.
It describes activities done for pleasure rather than necessity.
It is distinct from 'shok', which means grief or sorrow.

The Hindi word शौक़ (Shauq) is a multifaceted noun that captures the essence of human interest, ranging from a casual hobby to a profound, driving passion. At its core, it represents a 'strong liking' or 'fondness' for something that isn't necessarily a necessity but brings joy and fulfillment. In the context of daily life, when an English speaker asks, "What are your hobbies?", a Hindi speaker would likely use 'शौक़' to answer. However, it carries a slightly more elegant and soulful weight than the English word 'hobby.' It suggests a certain level of refinement or a deliberate choice to pursue something for the sake of pleasure.

Cultural Nuance: In South Asian culture, having a 'shauq' often implies a sense of personality. Whether it is a 'shauq' for classical music, vintage cars, or simple gardening, it defines a person's character beyond their professional identity.

मुझे पुरानी फ़िल्में देखने का बहुत शौक़ है। (I have a great hobby/passion for watching old films.)

The word is of Arabic origin, entering Hindi through Persian, which explains its poetic and sophisticated undertones. You will find it used in high literature, Bollywood lyrics, and casual street conversations alike. It is almost always paired with the postposition 'का' (ka), forming the construction '[Something] का शौक़' (Interest in [Something]).

The 'Q' Sound: The dot (nukta) under the 'क' makes it 'क़' (qaf), a deep guttural sound from the back of the throat. While many modern speakers pronounce it as a regular 'k', using the 'q' sound adds a touch of linguistic authenticity.

बचपन से ही उसे चित्रकारी का शौक़ था। (He had a passion for painting since childhood.)

Beyond just hobbies, 'shauq' can also imply a 'taste' for something expensive or refined. If someone has 'shauq' for luxury watches, it implies they are a connoisseur. It is also used to describe a whim or a passing fancy, though 'passion' remains its primary translation. In Urdu-influenced Hindi, 'shauq' is a word that breathes life into mundane activities, elevating them to the status of a cherished pursuit.

Register: Neutral to Formal. It is perfectly acceptable in professional settings when discussing personal interests, yet warm enough for family gatherings.

नवाबों के शौक़ बहुत अलग होते थे। (The hobbies/tastes of the Nawabs were very different.)

क्या आपको यात्रा करने का शौक़ है? (Do you have a passion for traveling?)

यह मेरा कोई पेशा नहीं, बस एक शौक़ है। (This is not my profession, just a hobby.)

Using शौक़ (Shauq) correctly requires understanding its relationship with postpositions. In Hindi, you don't just 'have a hobby'; you have 'the hobby OF something'. The standard formula is: [Subject] + [Object/Activity] + का/की/के + शौक़ + [Verb 'to be']. Since 'शौक़' is a masculine noun, the postposition used is almost always 'का' (ka).

Grammar Rule: Even if the activity is feminine (like 'reading' - padhai), you still use 'का' because it agrees with 'शौक़'. Example: 'मुझे पढ़ाई का शौक़ है' (I have a hobby of studying).

उसे खाना बनाने का शौक़ है। (He/She has a hobby of cooking.)

When you want to describe someone as an enthusiast or a person with many hobbies, you use the adjective form शौक़ीन (Shauqeen). This word directly describes the person. For instance, 'वह संगीत का शौक़ीन है' (He is a lover of music). This construction is slightly more sophisticated and focuses on the person's identity as a fan or enthusiast.

You can also use 'शौक़' to talk about past interests using 'था/थी/थे'. This is common when reminiscing about childhood. 'बचपन में मुझे खिलौनों का शौक़ था' (In childhood, I had a fondness for toys). The word can also be used as a verb phrase 'शौक़ फ़रमाना' (to indulge in a hobby), though this is very formal and often used ironically or in a royal context.

Intensifiers: Use 'बड़ा' (bara) or 'बहुत' (bahut) to say 'great hobby' or 'big passion'. Example: 'उसे घूमने का बड़ा शौक़ है।'

क्या आपको शायरी का शौक़ है? (Do you have an interest in poetry?)

In more complex sentences, 'शौक़' can act as the subject. 'मेरा शौक़ मुझे शांति देता है' (My hobby gives me peace). Here, 'शौक़' is the one performing the action. You can also use it to describe a collective interest: 'आजकल के युवाओं में फ़ोटोग्राफ़ी का शौक़ बढ़ रहा है' (The passion for photography is increasing among today's youth).

हर किसी को कोई न कोई शौक़ पालना चाहिए। (Everyone should nurture some hobby or the other.)

Common Verb Pairings: 'शौक़ पालना' (to nurture/keep a hobby), 'शौक़ पूरा करना' (to fulfill a passion), 'शौक़ होना' (to have a hobby).

पैसे कमाने के चक्कर में उसने अपने शौक़ मार दिए। (In the pursuit of earning money, he killed his passions.)

अपने शौक़ को पेशा बनाना मुश्किल है। (It is difficult to turn your hobby into a profession.)

You will encounter शौक़ (Shauq) in a variety of real-world scenarios. The most common is during introductions or ice-breaking sessions. In India, asking about someone's 'shauq' is a standard way to get to know them beyond their job title. It's a warm, engaging topic that usually leads to longer conversations about travel, food, or art.

In Bollywood: Listen to songs like 'Shauq' from the movie 'Qala'. The lyrics use the word to describe a deep, almost painful longing and artistic devotion. In movies, a character might say, 'मुझे ख़तरे मोल लेने का शौक़ है' (I have a habit/passion for taking risks).

ज़िंदा रहने के लिए कोई शौक़ ज़रूरी है। (Some hobby is necessary to stay alive/vibrant.)

In marketplaces, especially those dealing with antiques, books, or high-end goods, you'll hear sellers say, 'यह चीज़ सिर्फ़ शौक़ीनों के लिए है' (This item is only for enthusiasts/connoisseurs). This uses the word to elevate the product's value, suggesting it's not for the average buyer but for someone with 'taste'.

In family settings, elders might use it to comment on a child's habits. If a child is always reading, they might say, 'इसे पढ़ने का बहुत शौक़ है' (He has a great love for reading). Conversely, it can be used slightly sarcastically. If someone is doing something unnecessary or showing off, someone might ask, 'ये किस चीज़ का शौक़ चढ़ गया है?' (What is this new whim you've picked up?).

Literature & Poetry: In Ghazals (a form of poetry), 'shauq' is a heavy-hitter. It represents the seeker's desire for the divine or the beloved. It's less about 'hobbies' here and more about 'spiritual passion'.

आपका सबसे अनोखा शौक़ क्या है? (What is your most unique hobby?)

Television interviews with celebrities often have a segment dedicated to their 'shauq'. It's the go-to word for 'personal interests' in the media. Whether it's a cricketer talking about his 'shauq' for music or an actor talking about their 'shauq' for cooking, the word bridges the gap between their public persona and private self.

मुझे महँगी घड़ियों का शौक़ नहीं है। (I don't have a passion for expensive watches.)

लिखना मेरा शौक़ भी है और ज़रूरत भी। (Writing is both my hobby and my necessity.)

The most frequent and critical mistake learners make is confusing शौक़ (Shauq) with शोक (Shok). While they look and sound somewhat similar to a non-native ear, their meanings are polar opposites. 'Shauq' (with the 'au' sound) means hobby or passion. 'Shok' (with the 'o' sound) means grief, sorrow, or mourning. Mixing these up can lead to very awkward or even offensive situations.

The Pronunciation Trap: Shauq (शौक़) rhymes with 'talk' or 'walk' (in some accents). Shok (शोक) rhymes with 'poke' or 'joke'. If you say 'Mujhe shok hai' instead of 'Mujhe shauq hai', you are saying 'I am in grief' instead of 'I have a hobby'.

गलत: मुझे संगीत का शोक है। (Wrong: I have a grief of music.)
सही: मुझे संगीत का शौक़ है। (Right: I have a passion for music.)

Another common error involves gender agreement. Because many popular hobbies in Hindi are feminine nouns (like 'gayaki' - singing, 'chitrakari' - painting), learners often try to change 'shauq' to a feminine form or use 'की' (ki). Remember: 'शौक़' is masculine, and the postposition 'का' (ka) agrees with 'शौक़', not the hobby itself.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'शौक़' with 'पसंद' (pasand). While 'pasand' means 'like', 'shauq' is deeper. You can 'pasand' (like) a certain vegetable, but you wouldn't usually have a 'shauq' (passion) for it unless you are a gourmet chef or a gardener. Using 'shauq' for trivial likes can sound a bit dramatic or strange.

Overusing 'Shauqeen': While 'shauqeen' means enthusiast, using it for everything can sound repetitive. If you want to say 'I like to play', use the 'shauq hai' construction. Reserve 'shauqeen' for when you want to describe someone's general nature.

वह खाने का शौक़ीन है। (He is a foodie/enthusiast of food.)

Lastly, watch out for the plural. The plural of 'shauq' is technically 'shauq' in many contexts, but 'shauqon' is used in the oblique case (when followed by a postposition). For example: 'अपने शौक़ों को पूरा करो' (Fulfill your hobbies). Beginners often forget to apply this rule.

सिर्फ़ शौक़ के लिए काम मत करो। (Don't work just for the sake of a hobby.)

क्या यह आपका शौक़ है या मजबूरी? (Is this your hobby or a compulsion?)

While शौक़ (Shauq) is the most common word for hobby, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the intensity and formality of the situation. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right context.

रुचि (Ruchi) vs शौक़ (Shauq): 'Ruchi' is the Sanskrit-derived word for 'interest'. It is more formal and academic. You might see 'Ruchi' on a job application or a school form. 'Shauq' is more personal and emotional. If you are 'interested' in history, use 'ruchi'. If you 'love' collecting old coins, use 'shauq'.

मेरी विज्ञान में रुचि है। (I have an interest in science.)

Another word is जुनून (Junoon). This translates to 'obsession' or 'extreme passion'. If your 'shauq' becomes so intense that it's all you think about, it has turned into 'junoon'. It's a very powerful word often used in romantic or highly ambitious contexts.

For a casual 'liking', पसंद (Pasand) is the safest bet. It's versatile and can be used for food, people, colors, and activities. 'Shauq' is more specific to an activity you pursue. You 'pasand' a movie, but you have a 'shauq' for cinema.

अभिरुचि (Abhiruchi): This is an even more formal version of 'ruchi', often used in psychological or educational contexts to mean 'aptitude' or 'inclination'. You won't hear this in daily conversation much.

उसे संगीत का जुनून है। (He has an obsession/craze for music.)

Lastly, the word लत (Lat) is worth mentioning. While 'shauq' is positive, 'lat' means 'addiction' or 'bad habit'. If someone spends too much time on their phone, you wouldn't call it a 'shauq'; you'd call it a 'lat'. Use 'shauq' for things that enrich your life and 'lat' for things that might be harmful.

यह शौक़ है या लत? (Is this a hobby or an addiction?)

मेरी पहली पसंद चाय है। (My first preference/liking is tea.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"मेरी शास्त्रीय संगीत में गहरी रुचि और शौक़ है।"

Neutral

"मुझे फ़िल्में देखने का शौक़ है।"

Informal

"अरे, उसे तो बस घूमने का शौक़ है।"

Child friendly

"क्या तुम्हें कहानियाँ सुनने का शौक़ है?"

Slang

"भाई का शौक़ ही अलग है!"

Fun Fact

In classical Urdu poetry, 'Shauq' is often personified as a force that drives the lover toward the beloved, representing a spiritual quest rather than just a hobby.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃəʊk/

US /ʃɔːk/

The stress is on the vowel sound 'au'.

Rhymes With

Zauq Fauq Tauk Rauk Chauk Lauk Nauk Pauk

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Shok' (rhymes with poke), which means grief.
Missing the 'q' sound and using a simple 'k'.
Using a short 'o' sound instead of the long 'au'.
Confusing the 'sh' with 's'.
Adding an extra vowel at the end (e.g., Shau-ka).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but the nukta (dot) in 'क़' requires attention.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember the 'au' matra and the 'q' sound.

Speaking 4/5

Distinguishing 'Shauq' from 'Shok' is the main challenge for speakers.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but requires ear training for the 'au' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पसंद खेलना पढ़ना गाना का

Learn Next

शौक़ीन जुनून रुचि इच्छा पेशा

Advanced

ज़ौक़ मुक़ाम शिद्दत साधना फ़रमाना

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

शौक़ is masculine, so we use 'का' (ka) even if the activity is feminine.

Oblique Case Plural

When followed by a postposition, 'शौक़' becomes 'शौक़ों' (shauqon).

Use of 'Ko' with Subject

In 'Mujhe shauq hai', 'Mujhe' is 'Main + ko'.

Adjective Formation

Adding '-een' to 'shauq' creates the adjective 'shauqeen' (enthusiast).

Compound Verbs

Using 'shauq rakhna' (to keep/have interest) instead of just 'shauq hona'.

Examples by Level

मुझे पढ़ने का शौक़ है।

I have a hobby of reading.

Subject (Mujhe) + Activity (Padhne) + ka + Shauq + hai.

क्या आपको संगीत का शौक़ है?

Do you have a hobby of music?

Interrogative sentence using 'kya'.

उसे खेलने का शौक़ है।

He/She has a hobby of playing.

Use of 'use' for third person singular.

मेरा शौक़ क्रिकेट है।

My hobby is cricket.

Directly identifying the hobby as the subject.

हमें घूमने का शौक़ है।

We have a hobby of traveling.

Use of 'hamein' for first person plural.

राम को फ़ोटो खींचने का शौक़ है।

Ram has a hobby of taking photos.

Proper noun + ko + activity + ka + shauq.

मुझे चाय का शौक़ नहीं है।

I don't have a fondness for tea.

Negative sentence with 'nahi'.

आपका क्या शौक़ है?

What is your hobby?

Simple question asking for information.

बचपन में मुझे नाचने का बहुत शौक़ था।

In childhood, I had a great hobby of dancing.

Past tense 'tha' used with 'shauq'.

वह पुराने सिक्के जमा करने का शौक़ीन है।

He is an enthusiast of collecting old coins.

Use of adjective 'shauqeen'.

क्या तुम्हें खाना बनाने का शौक़ है?

Do you have a hobby of cooking?

Informal 'tumhe' used in a question.

मेरे पिताजी को बाग़बानी का शौक़ है।

My father has a hobby of gardening.

Possessive 'mere' and respect form 'hai'.

उसे फ़िल्में देखने का बड़ा शौक़ है।

He/She has a big passion for watching movies.

Intensifier 'bara' used with 'shauq'.

हमें साथ में गाने का शौक़ है।

We have a hobby of singing together.

Adverb 'saath mein' (together) added.

उसे महँगी कारों का शौक़ है।

He has a passion for expensive cars.

Plural object 'caron' but 'ka' remains singular.

क्या यह आपका नया शौक़ है?

Is this your new hobby?

Adjective 'naya' (new) modifying 'shauq'.

अपने शौक़ को पूरा करने के लिए समय निकालिए।

Make time to fulfill your hobby.

Imperative sentence with 'nikaliye'.

आजकल के बच्चों में वीडियो गेम का शौक़ बढ़ गया है।

Nowadays, the passion for video games has increased in children.

Verb 'barh gaya' (has increased).

मुझे अलग-अलग भाषाएँ सीखने का शौक़ है।

I have a passion for learning different languages.

Use of 'seekhne ka' (of learning).

उसका शौक़ अब उसका पेशा बन गया है।

His hobby has now become his profession.

Subject 'shauq' with verb 'ban gaya'.

क्या आपको पहाड़ चढ़ने का शौक़ है?

Do you have a passion for climbing mountains?

Activity 'pahar charhne' (climbing mountains).

मेरे भाई को गिटार बजाने का शौक़ है।

My brother has a hobby of playing the guitar.

Verb 'bajane' (playing an instrument).

शौक़ इंसान को तनाव से दूर रखता है।

A hobby keeps a person away from stress.

General statement about 'shauq'.

वह कविताएँ लिखने का शौक़ रखता है।

He keeps a hobby of writing poems.

Construction 'shauq rakhna' (to keep/have a hobby).

शौक़ पालना कोई आसान काम नहीं है।

Nurturing a hobby is not an easy task.

Gerund 'shauq paalna' as the subject.

उसे पुरानी चीज़ें इकट्ठा करने का अजीब शौक़ है।

He has a strange hobby of collecting old things.

Adjective 'ajeeb' (strange) modifying 'shauq'.

आपका यह शौक़ काफ़ी महँगा साबित हो सकता है।

This hobby of yours can prove to be quite expensive.

Modal verb 'sabit ho sakta hai'.

सिर्फ़ शौक़ के लिए मैं यह काम नहीं कर सकता।

I cannot do this work just for the sake of a hobby.

Phrase 'sirf shauq ke liye' (just for the sake of hobby).

नवाबों के शौक़ हमेशा से ही निराले रहे हैं।

The hobbies of the Nawabs have always been unique.

Plural 'shauq' in a historical context.

उसने अपने शौक़ की ख़ातिर अपनी नौकरी छोड़ दी।

He left his job for the sake of his passion.

Phrase 'ki khatir' (for the sake of).

क्या आपको भी शायरी का शौक़ है?

Do you also have an interest in poetry?

Use of 'bhi' (also) for emphasis.

उसके शौक़ उसे दूसरों से अलग बनाते हैं।

His hobbies make him different from others.

Plural 'shauq' acting as a subject.

शौक़ और जुनून के बीच एक बहुत बारीक रेखा होती है।

There is a very thin line between hobby and passion/obsession.

Comparison between two abstract nouns.

साहित्य के प्रति उसका शौक़ सराहनीय है।

His passion towards literature is commendable.

Formal phrase 'ke prati' (towards).

वह अपनी कला के प्रति अटूट शौक़ रखता है।

He has an unwavering passion for his art.

Adjective 'atoot' (unwavering/unbreakable).

शौक़ का कोई मोल नहीं होता, यह तो दिल की बात है।

Passion has no price; it is a matter of the heart.

Idiomatic expression about value.

उसका शौक़-ए-सफ़र उसे दुनिया के कोने-कोने में ले गया।

His passion for travel took him to every corner of the world.

Persian-style compound 'shauq-e-safar'.

क्या आप अपने शौक़ों को अपनी पहचान मानते हैं?

Do you consider your hobbies to be your identity?

Complex question about identity.

उसने अपने शौक़ को ज़िंदा रखने के लिए बहुत संघर्ष किया।

He struggled a lot to keep his passion alive.

Infinitive 'zinda rakhne ke liye'.

यह महज़ एक शौक़ नहीं, बल्कि एक साधना है।

This is not merely a hobby, but a spiritual practice.

Use of 'mahaz' (merely) and 'balki' (but rather).

ग़ालिब की शायरी में शौक़ का एक अलग ही मुक़ाम है।

In Ghalib's poetry, 'shauq' has a very distinct status.

Literary analysis context.

शौक़ की बेड़ियाँ कभी-कभी इंसान को आज़ाद कर देती हैं।

The shackles of passion sometimes set a person free.

Metaphorical use of 'shauq'.

उसके शौक़ की शिद्दत ने सबको हैरान कर दिया।

The intensity of his passion surprised everyone.

Noun 'shiddat' (intensity).

क्या शौक़ को सामाजिक ज़िम्मेदारियों से ऊपर रखा जा सकता है?

Can passion be placed above social responsibilities?

Philosophical passive construction.

वह अपने शौक़ की आग में ख़ुद को तपा रहा है।

He is tempering himself in the fire of his passion.

Highly metaphorical and poetic.

शौक़-ए-फ़ुज़ूल में वक़्त ज़ाया करना अक़लमंदी नहीं।

Wasting time in useless whims is not wisdom.

Persian compound 'shauq-e-fuzool' (useless whim).

उसका हर शौक़ एक नई कहानी बयां करता है।

Every hobby of his narrates a new story.

Personification of 'shauq'.

शौक़ की कोई सरहद नहीं होती।

Passion has no boundaries.

Abstract statement about limits.

Common Collocations

शौक़ पालना

शौक़ पूरा करना

शौक़ होना

बड़ा शौक़

पुराना शौक़

अजीब शौक़

शौक़ की चीज़

शौक़-ए-दीदार

शौक़ीन मिज़ाज

शौक़ मारना

Common Phrases

शौक़ से

— With pleasure or by choice.

आप शौक़ से यहाँ बैठ सकते हैं।

किस चीज़ का शौक़ है?

— What are you interested in?

बताइए, आपको किस चीज़ का शौक़ है?

शौक़ बड़ी चीज़ है

— Passion is a big/important thing.

लोग कहते हैं कि शौक़ बड़ी चीज़ है।

सिर्फ़ शौक़ के लिए

— Just for fun/hobby.

मैं यह सिर्फ़ शौक़ के लिए करता हूँ।

शौक़ का कोई मोल नहीं

— Passion is priceless.

उसने महँगी कार खरीदी क्योंकि शौक़ का कोई मोल नहीं होता।

शौक़ चर्राना

— To suddenly develop a whim (often sarcastic).

आजकल उसे जिम जाने का शौक़ चर्राया है।

शौक़ फ़रमाना

— To indulge in something (formal/ironic).

नवाब साहब आराम फ़रमा रहे हैं और शौक़ फ़रमा रहे हैं।

शौक़-शौक़ में

— Out of hobby or casually.

शौक़-शौक़ में उसने खाना बनाना सीख लिया।

अपना-अपना शौक़

— To each their own hobby/taste.

सबका अपना-अपना शौक़ होता है।

शौक़ को ज़िंदा रखना

— To keep one's passion alive.

मुश्किल समय में भी अपने शौक़ को ज़िंदा रखो।

Often Confused With

शौक़ vs शोक (Shok)

Means grief or mourning. Pronounced with a long 'o'.

शौक़ vs शाक (Shaak)

Means vegetable or power (rare). Pronounced with 'aa'.

शौक़ vs शक (Shak)

Means doubt. Pronounced with a short 'a'.

Idioms & Expressions

"शौक़ का कोई इलाज नहीं"

— There is no cure for a passion (meaning once someone is passionate, they will do it regardless of cost or logic).

उसने अपनी सारी जमा पूँजी पेंटिंग पर खर्च कर दी, शौक़ का कोई इलाज नहीं।

Informal

"शौक़ चर्राना"

— To be obsessed with a new whim or fancy.

उसे आजकल विदेशी भाषाएँ सीखने का शौक़ चर्राया है।

Colloquial

"नवाबों के शौक़"

— Extravagant or expensive tastes.

तुम्हारे तो नवाबों के शौक़ हैं, इतनी महँगी घड़ी क्यों ली?

Informal

"शौक़ मारना"

— To suppress or kill one's desires/hobbies.

ज़िम्मेदारियों की वजह से उसने अपने सारे शौक़ मार दिए।

Neutral

"शौक़ पालना"

— To deliberately cultivate a hobby, often an expensive one.

घोड़े पालना अमीरों का शौक़ है।

Neutral

"शौक़-ए-फ़ुज़ूल"

— A useless or wasteful interest.

यह शौक़-ए-फ़ुज़ूल छोड़ो और काम पर ध्यान दो।

Formal/Urdu-inflected

"शौक़ की आग"

— The fire of passion.

उसके अंदर सीखने के शौक़ की आग है।

Poetic

"शौक़ का सौदा"

— A matter of passion (not logic).

यह कोई व्यापार नहीं, शौक़ का सौदा है।

Neutral

"शौक़-ए-आवारगी"

— A passion for wandering or traveling aimlessly.

उसे शौक़-ए-आवारगी ने कहीं का नहीं छोड़ा।

Literary

"शौक़ में होना"

— To be in the mood for something.

आज मैं गाने के शौक़ में हूँ।

Informal

Easily Confused

शौक़ vs शोक

Similar spelling and sound.

Shauq (hobby) has 'au' and 'q'. Shok (grief) has 'o' and 'k'.

मुझे संगीत का शौक़ है (Hobby). दादाजी की मृत्यु पर शोक है (Grief).

शौक़ vs पसंद

Both mean liking something.

Pasand is a general like. Shauq is a dedicated hobby or passion.

मुझे यह आम पसंद है (I like this mango). मुझे बाग़बानी का शौक़ है (I have a hobby of gardening).

शौक़ vs रुचि

Both mean interest.

Ruchi is formal/intellectual. Shauq is personal/emotional.

मेरी गणित में रुचि है (Interest in math). मुझे गिटार का शौक़ है (Passion for guitar).

शौक़ vs लत

Both involve doing something repeatedly.

Shauq is positive/constructive. Lat is negative/addictive.

पढ़ने का शौक़ (Hobby of reading). जुए की लत (Addiction to gambling).

शौक़ vs जुनून

Both mean passion.

Shauq is a hobby. Junoon is an intense, sometimes crazy obsession.

उसे पेंटिंग का शौक़ है (Hobby). उसे सफ़लता का जुनून है (Obsession with success).

Sentence Patterns

Mujhe [Noun] ka shauq hai.

मुझे चाय का शौक़ है।

Use [Verb-ne] ka shauq tha.

उसे तैरने का शौक़ था।

Hamein [Activity] ka bahut shauq hai.

हमें फ़ोटो खींचने का बहुत शौक़ है।

Apne shauq ko [Verb] ke liye...

अपने शौक़ को पूरा करने के लिए मेहनत करो।

[Noun] ke prati shauq...

संगीत के प्रति उसका शौक़ अद्भुत है।

Shauq-e-[Noun] ne...

शौक़-ए-सफ़र ने उसे थका दिया।

Mixed

Kya aapko [Noun] ka shauq hai?

क्या आपको क्रिकेट का शौक़ है?

Mixed

Mera shauq [Noun] hai.

मेरा शौक़ चित्रकारी है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ki' instead of 'ka'. → Mujhe sangeet ka shauq hai.
Shauq is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine postposition 'ka'.
Pronouncing it as 'Shok'. → Shauq (long au).
'Shok' means grief, which can lead to serious misunderstandings.
Using 'shauq' for people. → Mujhe vah ladka pasand hai.
'Shauq' is for hobbies and interests, not for romantic or personal liking of people.
Forgetting the oblique plural 'shauqon'. → Apne shauqon ko pura karo.
Nouns ending in consonants often take '-on' in the oblique plural.
Confusing 'shauq' with 'lat'. → Use 'shauq' for positive things.
'Lat' is for negative addictions like smoking or gambling.

Tips

The 'Au' Sound

Make sure the 'au' sound is long and open, like in the word 'caught'. This prevents it from sounding like 'Shok' (grief).

Postposition Rule

Always use 'ka' with 'shauq'. Even if the hobby is 'cooking' (khana banana), it is 'khana banane ka shauq'.

Adjective Form

Use 'shauqeen' to describe a person who is a fan or enthusiast of something, like 'Sangeet-shauqeen'.

Nawabi Shauq

Use this phrase to describe someone with very refined or expensive tastes, often in a slightly playful way.

Shauq vs Ruchi

Use 'shauq' for things you do for joy and 'ruchi' for things you are intellectually interested in.

Pluralization

Remember to use 'shauqon' when you have a postposition after it, like 'apne shauqon ke baare mein batao'.

Emphasis

Add 'bahut' or 'bara' before 'shauq' to show you are really passionate about something.

Context Clues

If the topic is sad, it's probably 'Shok' (grief). If it's about free time, it's 'Shauq' (hobby).

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'Shauq' with 'Talk'. You love to talk about your hobbies!

Ice Breaker

Asking 'Aapka shauq kya hai?' is one of the best ways to start a friendly conversation in Hindi.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shauq' as 'Shock'. If you have a 'Shauq' for something, you might 'Shock' people with how much you know about it! Or remember: 'Shauq' rhymes with 'Talk'—you love to 'talk' about your 'shauq' (hobby).

Visual Association

Imagine a person surrounded by their favorite things—a guitar, a book, and a camera. This collection of things represents their 'shauq'.

Word Web

Hobby Passion Interest Enthusiast Taste Longing Leisure Refinement

Challenge

Write three sentences about your childhood 'shauq' using the past tense 'tha'. Then, write three sentences about your current 'shauq' using 'hai'.

Word Origin

The word 'शौक़' (Shauq) originates from the Arabic root 'sh-w-q' (شوق), which means longing, desire, or yearning. It traveled through Persian into Hindustani during the medieval period.

Original meaning: In Arabic, it primarily refers to a deep emotional longing or yearning for a person or a divine entity.

Afroasiatic (Arabic) -> Indo-European (Persian influence) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse it with 'Shok' (grief), especially at funerals or somber occasions.

While English speakers use 'hobby', 'shauq' covers 'hobby', 'passion', and 'taste' all in one word.

The song 'Shauq' from the movie Qala (2022). Mirza Ghalib's poetry often uses 'shauq'. The phrase 'Shauq-e-Azadi' (Passion for Freedom) used in the independence movement.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Introductions

आपका शौक़ क्या है?
मुझे... का शौक़ है।
मेरे कई शौक़ हैं।
खाली समय में मेरा शौक़...

Shopping/Collections

यह शौक़ीनों के लिए है।
मुझे पुरानी चीज़ों का शौक़ है।
शौक़ महँगा है।
शौक़ की चीज़ें।

Career/Passion

शौक़ को पेशा बनाना।
काम और शौक़।
शौक़ के लिए काम करना।
शौक़ मारना।

Childhood/Reminiscing

बचपन का शौक़।
मुझे पहले शौक़ था।
शौक़ बदल गए हैं।
पुराना शौक़।

Social Gatherings

शौक़ से खाइए।
आपका शौक़ निराला है।
सबका अपना शौक़।
शौक़ बड़ी चीज़ है।

Conversation Starters

"नमस्ते! आपको खाली समय में किस चीज़ का शौक़ है?"

"क्या आपका कोई ऐसा शौक़ है जो आप बचपन से कर रहे हैं?"

"अगर पैसे की कोई चिंता न हो, तो आप कौन सा शौक़ पालना चाहेंगे?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि शौक़ को पेशे में बदलना सही है?"

"आपका सबसे महँगा शौक़ कौन सा है?"

Journal Prompts

अपने सबसे पसंदीदा शौक़ के बारे में लिखें और बताएं कि यह आपको क्यों पसंद है।

क्या आपने कभी किसी ज़िम्मेदारी की वजह से अपना कोई शौक़ मारा है? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक ऐसे शौक़ के बारे में लिखें जिसे आप भविष्य में शुरू करना चाहते हैं।

क्या शौक़ के बिना जीवन बोरिंग है? अपने विचार लिखें।

अपने परिवार के सदस्यों के अलग-अलग शौक़ों के बारे में एक अनुच्छेद लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. Therefore, you always use 'ka' with it, as in 'Sangeet ka shauq'.

'Shauq' is the noun (hobby), while 'Shauqeen' is the adjective (enthusiast/fond of). Example: 'Mujhe shauq hai' vs 'Main shauqeen hoon'.

No, 'Shauq' is for activities or objects. For people, use 'pasand' (like) or 'pyaar' (love).

In the direct case, it remains 'shauq'. In the oblique case (with postpositions), it becomes 'shauqon'. Example: 'Mere do shauq hain' (I have two hobbies).

It is always 'Sangeet ka shauq' because 'shauq' is masculine.

No, it sounds like 'shock' to English ears, but it means hobby or passion.

The root is 'sh-w-q', which means longing or desire.

Yes, it is neutral-formal. However, for extremely formal documents, 'ruchi' is often preferred.

Usually, 'shauq' is positive. For bad habits or addictions, 'lat' is the appropriate word.

It is a voiceless uvular plosive, produced by touching the back of the tongue to the uvula. It sounds like a deep 'k'.