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श्रम

A2 noun #7,800 most common 7 min read

श्रम

shram Top 7,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips श्रम in 30 Seconds

Explanation श्रम in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'shram' means 'hard work' or 'labor.' It is a bit more formal than the word 'kaam' (work). You might see it in simple sentences about people working in fields or building houses. It is important to remember that it is a masculine noun. You can use it to say 'shram karo' (do hard work). However, at this level, you will mostly use the word 'mehnat' for hard work, but recognizing 'shram' is a great way to start building your formal vocabulary. Focus on the simple association: Shram = Labor.

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'shram' in more varied contexts. You will learn that it refers to physical effort. You can distinguish between 'shram' and 'sharam' (shame), which is a common mistake. You should be able to use it in sentences like 'Kisan shram karta hai' (The farmer works hard). You also start to learn related words like 'shramik' (worker). This is the stage where you understand that 'shram' is more than just 'work'; it is the 'effort' you put into it. You might see it in short news headlines or simple stories about hard-working people.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'shram' in more formal or written contexts. You understand phrases like 'shram ka phal' (the fruit of labor) and can use them in your own writing. You can differentiate between 'shram' (labor) and 'parishram' (diligence). You might start discussing social issues using this word, such as 'shramik adhikaar' (labor rights). You are comfortable with the noun's gender and can use it with various adjectives like 'kathin' (hard) or 'nirantar' (continuous). You also understand the cultural concept of 'Shramdaan' (donating labor).

At the B2 level, 'shram' becomes a tool for more complex expression. You can use it in discussions about economics, history, and social philosophy. You understand the nuance of 'shram ki pratishtha' (dignity of labor) and can argue for or against social structures based on this concept. You can use compound words like 'shram-shakti' (labor power/force) and 'shram-vibhajan' (division of labor). Your usage is precise, and you know exactly when to choose 'shram' over 'mehnat' to achieve a specific formal tone in your essays or speeches.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the literary and philosophical weight of 'shram.' You can read classical Hindi literature where 'shram' is used to describe the human condition and the struggle for existence. You understand its Sanskrit roots and how it relates to concepts like 'Ashram' (a place of spiritual labor/effort). You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors. Your speech and writing reflect a native-like command, using 'shram' to evoke respect and dignity. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be perceived or used in different dialects of Hindi.

At the C2 level, you use 'shram' with complete mastery, often in academic, legal, or highly poetic contexts. You can analyze the etymological journey of the word and its role in shaping Indian labor laws and social movements. You can effortlessly switch between 'shram,' 'parishram,' 'udyog,' and 'mehnat' to convey the exact shade of meaning required. You might use 'shram' in a discourse on the industrial revolution or in a critique of modern capitalism. For you, 'shram' is not just a word for work; it is a fundamental category of human activity and social organization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

श्रम in 30 Seconds

Shram (श्रम) is a formal Hindi noun meaning 'labor' or 'hard work'.
It is derived from Sanskrit and carries a sense of dignity and effort.
Commonly used in professional, legal, and literary contexts.
A worker is called a 'shramik' and voluntary labor is 'shramdaan'.

The Hindi word श्रम (shram) is a profound noun derived from Sanskrit that translates primarily to 'labor,' 'toil,' or 'hard physical/mental effort.' While in casual English we might simply say 'work,' in Hindi, shram carries a weight of dignity and intensity. It is not just a task you perform; it is the energy and essence you invest into a productive endeavor. It is widely used in formal, literary, and social contexts to discuss the value of hard work and the rights of those who perform it.

Formal Context: Used in government documents, news reports, and academic discussions regarding the labor force. For example, the Ministry of Labour is known as the 'Shram Mantralaya.'
Ethical Context: Often used in the phrase 'Shram ki pratishtha' (the dignity of labor), emphasizing that no work is small and all honest effort deserves respect.
Physical Context: Refers to the physical exertion required for farming, construction, or manual tasks, distinguishing it from 'kaam' which can be any generic work.

सफलता पाने के लिए कठिन श्रम आवश्यक है। (Hard labor/effort is necessary to achieve success.)

In contemporary India, you will encounter this word frequently on International Workers' Day (May 1st), where the contributions of workers are celebrated. It evokes a sense of nation-building and personal perseverance. Unlike 'mehnat,' which is of Persian origin and very common in daily speech, shram sounds more formal and refined, often used in speeches or written literature to inspire people to work hard for a greater cause.

Furthermore, the word is used to form other important terms. A 'shramik' is a laborer or worker. 'Shramdaan' is the act of voluntary labor for a community project, a concept popularized by Mahatma Gandhi to encourage self-reliance and community spirit. This word is deeply rooted in the Indian psyche as a virtuous act that builds character and the country.

गाँव वालों ने सड़क बनाने के लिए श्रमदान किया। (The villagers did voluntary labor to build the road.)

Using श्रम (shram) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun. It is often paired with the verb 'karna' (to do) or 'lagna' (to take/require). Because it is a more formal word, its placement often dictates the tone of the entire sentence.

Subject of a Sentence: श्रम कभी बेकार नहीं जाता। (Labor never goes to waste.) Here, it acts as the noun performing the action of 'not going to waste.'
As an Object with 'Karna': किसान दिन-रात श्रम करते हैं। (Farmers do labor day and night.) This is the most common way to express working hard physically.
With Adjectives: शारीरिक श्रम (physical labor) vs. मानसिक श्रम (mental labor). These distinctions are vital in professional and medical discussions.

लेखन में बहुत अधिक मानसिक श्रम की आवश्यकता होती है। (Writing requires a lot of mental labor/effort.)

When you want to emphasize the intensity of the work, you might use 'kathin' (hard) or 'ghor' (extreme) before shram. This conveys a sense of struggle and perseverance that generic words like 'kaam' cannot capture. In poetic or high-register Hindi, shram is used to describe the sweat of one's brow, symbolizing honest earning.

In the passive voice or when discussing requirements, you will see 'shram ki avashyakta' (the need for labor). This is common in job descriptions or technical manuals. Understanding these patterns allows you to transition from basic Hindi to a more sophisticated, native-like level of expression.

इस परियोजना को पूरा करने के लिए सामूहिक श्रम चाहिए। (Collective labor is needed to complete this project.)

You will encounter श्रम (shram) in several specific environments. While you might not hear a teenager use it to describe their homework (they would use 'mehnat'), you will certainly hear it in the following places:

News and Media: News anchors discussing labor laws, unemployment rates, or the 'Shramik Specials' (trains run for migrant workers).
Political Speeches: Politicians often talk about the 'shakti' (power) of 'shram' to build the nation, appealing to the working class.
Literature and Poetry: In poems celebrating the common man, the farmer, or the laborer, shram is a central theme representing virtue and grit.
Official Signs: In government offices or construction sites, you might see signs like 'Shram hi Jayate' (Labor alone triumphs), a play on the national motto.
Academic Textbooks: Especially in social studies or economics, where the factors of production (land, labor, capital) are discussed.

आज के समाचार में श्रम कानूनों में बदलाव की चर्चा हुई। (There was a discussion about changes in labor laws in today's news.)

Another interesting place is in the context of 'Shramdaan' events in schools or villages. If you are part of a community cleanup or a tree-planting drive in India, the organizers will likely call it 'Shramdaan.' It implies that you are donating your physical effort for the public good. This cultural nuance is vital for any learner looking to integrate into Indian society.

Lastly, in the workplace, particularly in industrial sectors, workers are referred to as 'shramik.' This term is more respectful and formal than 'mazdoor,' although 'mazdoor' is also very common. If you are reading a contract or a formal labor agreement in Hindi, shram will be the standard term used for labor or effort.

For English speakers and even new Hindi learners, the word श्रम (shram) can be tricky due to its pronunciation and its formal nature. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

Confusing 'Shram' with 'Sharam': This is the #1 mistake. Shram (श्रम) means labor, while Sharam (शर्म) means shame or embarrassment. The extra 'a' sound in the middle completely changes the meaning. Imagine saying 'I did a lot of shame today' instead of 'I did a lot of labor'!
Overusing it in Casual Speech: If you tell a friend 'I did shram to finish my video game,' it sounds overly dramatic or robotic. In casual settings, 'mehnat' (hard work) or 'kaam' (work) is much more natural.
Gender Agreement: Learners often forget that 'shram' is masculine. They might mistakenly say 'shram ki' (feminine) instead of 'shram kiya' (masculine) when used with 'karna'. Always remember: Shram hota hai, hoti nahi.

Incorrect: मुझे बहुत शर्म (sharam) करना पड़ा।
Correct: मुझे बहुत श्रम (shram) करना पड़ा।

Another mistake is using 'shram' for purely intellectual or creative tasks that don't involve 'toil.' While 'mansik shram' (mental labor) is a valid term, usually 'shram' implies a level of exertion that is exhausting. If a task was easy, don't call it 'shram.' Use 'kaam' for simple tasks and 'shram' for those that truly tested your endurance.

To truly master Hindi, you need to know when to use श्रम (shram) versus its synonyms. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives:

Mehnat (मेहनत): The most common word for 'hard work.' It is of Urdu origin and used in 90% of daily conversations. If you are talking to a child, a friend, or about your studies, use 'mehnat.'
Parishram (परिश्रम): Almost identical to 'shram' but even more formal. It often refers to 'diligent effort' or 'perseverance.' In school slogans, you will see 'Parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai' (Hard work is the key to success).
Kaam (काम): The generic word for 'work' or 'task.' It doesn't necessarily imply that the work was hard. 'I have work' = 'Mujhe kaam hai.' You would never say 'Mujhe shram hai.'
Kasht (कष्ट): Means 'trouble' or 'painful effort.' Use this when the labor was so hard it caused physical or mental suffering.

Comparison:
1. उसने बहुत काम किया। (He did a lot of work - Neutral)
2. उसने बहुत श्रम किया। (He put in a lot of labor - Formal/Intense)
3. उसने बहुत मेहनत की। (He worked very hard - Common/Natural)

In academic writing, 'shram' is preferred. For example, 'Shram vibhajan' (Division of labor) is a standard term in economics. In daily life, if someone helps you with something difficult, you might say 'Aapne bahut kasht kiya' (You took a lot of trouble), but you wouldn't say 'Aapne bahut shram किया' as a thank you. Understanding these subtle differences marks the transition from a learner to a speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"देश के विकास के लिए श्रम कानूनों में सुधार आवश्यक है।"

Neutral

"सफलता पाने के लिए आपको श्रम करना होगा।"

Informal

"भाई, बहुत श्रम लगा इस काम में!"

Child friendly

"चींटी बहुत श्रम करती है और खाना जमा करती है।"

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'Ashram' (a spiritual retreat) comes from the same root 'shram,' meaning it is a place where one performs spiritual labor or effort.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃrʌm/

US /ʃrʌm/

Single syllable, no specific stress pattern.

Rhymes With

क्रम (kram - order) नम (nam - moist) दम (dam - breath/strength) गम (gam - sorrow) हम (hum - we) कम (kam - less) जम (jam - freeze) थम (tham - stop)

Common Errors

Saying 'sharam' (shame) instead of 'shram'.
Pronouncing it as 'sram' (using 's' instead of 'sh').
Elongating the 'a' to sound like 'shraam'.
Adding a vowel between 'sh' and 'r' (e.g., 'shiram').
Failing to tap the 'r' properly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once learned.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the spelling and gender agreement.

Speaking 3/5

Needs practice to distinguish from 'sharam'.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with similar sounding words in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

काम मेहनत करना बहुत किसान

Learn Next

श्रमिक परिश्रम सम्मान अधिकार कानून

Advanced

श्रमसाध्य स्वावलंबन पूँजीवाद समाजवाद उत्पादन

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

मेरा श्रम (My labor) - 'Mera' is masculine.

Noun + Karna Verb Construction

उसने श्रम किया। (He labored.)

Postposition 'Se' for means

श्रम से सब संभव है। (Everything is possible through labor.)

Compound Noun Formation

श्रम + दान = श्रमदान (Gift of labor).

Adjective placement

कठिन श्रम (Hard labor) - Adjective comes before the noun.

Examples by Level

किसान श्रम करता है।

The farmer does labor.

Simple Subject + Object + Verb construction.

श्रम बहुत ज़रूरी है।

Labor is very important.

Use of 'shram' as a noun with an adjective.

वह कठिन श्रम करता है।

He does hard labor.

'Kathin' (hard) modifies 'shram'.

श्रम करो और आगे बढ़ो।

Do labor and move forward.

Imperative sentence using 'karo'.

यह मेरा श्रम है।

This is my labor.

Possessive pronoun 'mera' agrees with masculine 'shram'.

मज़दूर श्रम करते हैं।

Workers do labor.

Plural subject with 'shram'.

श्रम से फल मिलता है।

One gets fruit from labor.

'Se' indicates the means or source.

क्या आप श्रम करते हैं?

Do you do labor?

Interrogative sentence.

सफलता के लिए श्रम आवश्यक है।

Labor is necessary for success.

'Ke liye' shows purpose.

शारीरिक श्रम सेहत के लिए अच्छा है।

Physical labor is good for health.

'Sharirik' (physical) is a common adjective for 'shram'.

उसने बहुत श्रम किया।

He did a lot of labor.

Past tense 'kiya' matches masculine 'shram'.

बिना श्रम के कुछ नहीं मिलता।

Nothing is gained without labor.

'Bina... ke' means 'without'.

हमें श्रम का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

We should respect labor.

'Chahiye' indicates moral obligation.

श्रम से शरीर मज़बूत होता है।

The body becomes strong through labor.

General truth construction.

आज का श्रम कल का सुख है।

Today's labor is tomorrow's happiness.

Possessive 'ka' matches 'shram'.

वह मानसिक श्रम भी करता है।

He also does mental labor.

'Bhi' means 'also'.

श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा समाज के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

The dignity of labor is important for society.

Abstract concept usage.

विद्यार्थियों को कठिन श्रम की आदत डालनी चाहिए।

Students should develop the habit of hard labor.

Compound verb 'aadat daalna'.

उसका सारा श्रम बेकार गया।

All his labor went to waste.

'Bekar gaya' is a common idiom for wasted effort.

गाँव वालों ने श्रमदान से पुल बनाया।

The villagers built a bridge through voluntary labor.

Use of the compound noun 'shramdaan'.

श्रम कानूनों का पालन करना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to follow labor laws.

Formal/Legal context.

मशीनों ने मानव श्रम को कम कर दिया है।

Machines have reduced human labor.

Present perfect tense.

ईमानदार श्रम ही सच्ची पूजा है।

Honest labor alone is true worship.

Philosophical/Moral statement.

उसे अपने श्रम पर गर्व है।

He is proud of his labor.

'Par garv hona' (to be proud of).

देश की प्रगति में श्रम-शक्ति का बड़ा योगदान है।

Labor power has a huge contribution to the country's progress.

Use of compound 'shram-shakti'.

श्रम विभाजन से कार्यक्षमता बढ़ती है।

Division of labor increases efficiency.

Economic terminology 'shram vibhajan'.

लेखक ने अपने उपन्यास में श्रम की महत्ता पर प्रकाश डाला है।

The author has highlighted the importance of labor in his novel.

Literary analysis context.

बिना बौद्धिक श्रम के कोई भी आविष्कार संभव नहीं है।

No invention is possible without intellectual labor.

'Bauddhik' (intellectual) as a qualifier.

श्रम मंत्रालय ने नई नीतियों की घोषणा की है।

The Ministry of Labor has announced new policies.

Official administrative usage.

क्या अत्यधिक श्रम स्वास्थ्य के लिए हानिकारक हो सकता है?

Can excessive labor be harmful to health?

Complex interrogative structure.

पूँजी और श्रम के बीच संतुलन आवश्यक है।

A balance between capital and labor is necessary.

Socio-economic discourse.

उसकी सफलता उसके निरंतर श्रम का परिणाम है।

His success is the result of his continuous labor.

Cause and effect expression.

गांधीजी ने 'श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा' को स्वावलंबन का आधार माना।

Gandhi considered 'dignity of labor' as the basis of self-reliance.

Historical and philosophical context.

श्रम की सार्थकता केवल आर्थिक लाभ में नहीं है।

The meaningfulness of labor is not just in economic gain.

Abstract philosophical debate.

औद्योगीकरण ने श्रम के स्वरूप को पूर्णतः बदल दिया है।

Industrialization has completely changed the nature of labor.

Historical analysis using formal vocabulary.

साहित्य में श्रम को अक्सर संघर्ष के पर्याय के रूप में देखा जाता है।

In literature, labor is often seen as a synonym for struggle.

Literary theory context.

श्रम के बिना मानव जीवन की कल्पना करना असंभव है।

It is impossible to imagine human life without labor.

Existential statement.

क्या कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता भविष्य में मानवीय श्रम को विस्थापित कर देगी?

Will artificial intelligence displace human labor in the future?

Futuristic/Scientific debate.

श्रम की महत्ता को वेदों में भी स्वीकार किया गया है।

The importance of labor has been acknowledged even in the Vedas.

Cultural and historical reference.

उनका पूरा जीवन श्रम और साधना की एक मिसाल है।

His entire life is an example of labor and dedication.

Biographical/Honorific usage.

मार्क्सवादी विचारधारा में श्रम के मूल्य का सिद्धांत अत्यंत केंद्रीय है।

The theory of the value of labor is very central in Marxist ideology.

High-level political science terminology.

श्रम की यह पराकाष्ठा ही है जो हमें पशुओं से भिन्न बनाती है।

It is this pinnacle of labor that distinguishes us from animals.

Philosophical anthropology context.

वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में श्रम की गतिशीलता एक जटिल मुद्दा बन गई है।

In this era of globalization, the mobility of labor has become a complex issue.

Advanced economic discourse.

श्रम का सौंदर्य उसकी सृजनात्मकता में निहित है।

The beauty of labor lies in its creativity.

Aesthetic and philosophical analysis.

क्या हम 'श्रम-मुक्त' समाज की ओर बढ़ रहे हैं, या यह केवल एक मृगतृष्णा है?

Are we moving towards a 'labor-free' society, or is it just a mirage?

Rhetorical question in high-level debate.

श्रम की नैतिकता पर आधारित समाज ही दीर्घकालिक विकास कर सकता है।

Only a society based on the ethics of labor can achieve long-term development.

Social policy analysis.

लेखक ने श्रम के शोषण के विरुद्ध एक सशक्त आवाज़ उठाई है।

The author has raised a powerful voice against the exploitation of labor.

Literary and political critique.

श्रम की तपस्या ही राष्ट्र के नव-निर्माण का मार्ग प्रशस्त करती है।

The penance of labor paves the way for the nation's reconstruction.

Highly metaphorical and formal rhetoric.

Common Collocations

कठिन श्रम (kathin shram)

शारीरिक श्रम (sharirik shram)

मानसिक श्रम (mansik shram)

श्रम कानून (shram kanoon)

श्रम शक्ति (shram shakti)

श्रम विभाग (shram vibhag)

श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा (shram ki pratishtha)

श्रम विभाजन (shram vibhajan)

श्रम बाज़ार (shram bazaar)

श्रमदान (shramdaan)

Common Phrases

श्रम का फल

— The fruit of labor. Used to say that hard work pays off.

देर से ही सही, श्रम का फल ज़रूर मिलता है।

श्रम ही पूजा है

— Work is worship. A famous proverb emphasizing the sanctity of labor.

मेरे दादाजी कहते थे कि श्रम ही पूजा है।

बिना श्रम के

— Without labor. Used to indicate that something cannot be achieved easily.

बिना श्रम के सफलता असंभव है।

कठोर श्रम

— Severe or rigorous labor. Used for very intense work.

पहाड़ काटने के लिए कठोर श्रम की ज़रूरत थी।

अथक श्रम

— Tireless labor. Used to praise someone who never stops working.

उनके अथक श्रम से यह संस्था बनी है।

श्रम करना

— To labor or work hard. The standard verb phrase.

हर किसी को अपना जीवन चलाने के लिए श्रम करना पड़ता है।

श्रम की कमी

— Shortage of labor. Used in business or agriculture.

फसल कटाई के समय श्रम की कमी हो जाती है।

श्रम की बचत

— Labor-saving. Often used for machines or tools.

यह नई मशीन श्रम की बचत करती है।

सामूहिक श्रम

— Collective labor. Working together as a group.

सामूहिक श्रम से बड़े काम भी आसान हो जाते हैं।

बौद्धिक श्रम

— Intellectual labor. Effort involving the mind rather than the body.

सॉफ्टवेयर इंजीनियरिंग में बौद्धिक श्रम अधिक होता है।

Often Confused With

श्रम vs शर्म (sharam)

Means shame. Pronounced with an extra 'a' sound.

श्रम vs शाम (shaam)

Means evening. Has a long 'aa' sound.

श्रम vs श्रम (shram)

Sometimes confused with 'Kram' (order/sequence) by beginners.

Idioms & Expressions

"खून-पसीना एक करना"

— To work extremely hard (literally: to make blood and sweat one).

उसने घर बनाने के लिए खून-पसीना एक कर दिया।

Informal

"एड़ी-चोटी का ज़ोर लगाना"

— To exert the utmost effort (from heel to top-knot).

परीक्षा में प्रथम आने के लिए उसने एड़ी-चोटी का ज़ोर लगा दिया।

Neutral

"श्रम का फल मीठा होता है"

— The fruit of labor is sweet. Similar to 'hard work pays off'.

धैर्य रखो, श्रम का फल मीठा होता है।

Neutral

"लोहे के चने चबाना"

— To perform a very difficult task (chewing iron chickpeas).

पहाड़ पर रास्ता बनाना लोहे के चने चबाने जैसा था।

Informal

"दिन-रात एक करना"

— To work day and night without stopping.

उसने प्रोजेक्ट पूरा करने के लिए दिन-रात एक कर दिया।

Informal

"हाथ-पाँव मारना"

— To strive or make frantic efforts.

नौकरी पाने के लिए वह बहुत हाथ-पाँव मार रहा है।

Informal

"जी तोड़ मेहनत करना"

— To work with heart-breaking intensity.

मज़दूरों ने जी तोड़ मेहनत की।

Neutral

"कमर कसना"

— To gird up one's loins (prepare for hard work).

अब परीक्षा के लिए कमर कस लो।

Neutral

"पसीना बहाना"

— To shed sweat (to work hard).

खिलाड़ियों ने मैदान पर बहुत पसीना बहाया।

Neutral

"मिट्टी में मिल जाना"

— To go to waste (often used for labor/effort that failed).

उसका सारा श्रम मिट्टी में मिल गया।

Informal

Easily Confused

श्रम vs शर्म (sharam)

Spelling and sound are very similar.

'Shram' is labor; 'sharam' is shame. 'Shram' is a single syllable 'shr-am', 'sharam' is two 'sha-ram'.

मुझे श्रम (labor) करना पसंद है, शर्म (shame) नहीं।

श्रम vs काम (kaam)

Both mean work.

'Kaam' is any task. 'Shram' is specifically the effort or toil involved.

यह काम (task) बहुत श्रम (labor) माँगता है।

श्रम vs मेहनत (mehnat)

Interchangeable in many contexts.

'Mehnat' is everyday language. 'Shram' is formal/Sanskritized.

मज़दूर की मेहनत (common) / श्रमिक का श्रम (formal).

श्रम vs परिश्रम (parishram)

Both mean hard work.

'Parishram' is often used for mental/diligent effort. 'Shram' is more physical/foundational.

परीक्षा के लिए परिश्रम करें।

श्रम vs आश्रम (ashram)

Contains the word 'shram'.

An 'ashram' is a place (hermitage). 'Shram' is the activity (labor).

आश्रम में सब श्रम करते हैं।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Shram] [Karta/Karti] hai.

वह श्रम करता है।

[Shram] [Adjective] hai.

श्रम ज़रूरी है।

[Shram] ke bina [Result] nahi milta.

श्रम के बिना सफलता नहीं मिलती।

[Adjective] shram se [Result] mila.

कठिन श्रम से फल मिला।

[Shram] ki [Noun] [Verb].

श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ती है।

[Noun] mein [Shram] lagta hai.

पढ़ाई में श्रम लगता है।

Yadi [Shram] na hota, toh [Hypothesis].

यदि श्रम न होता, तो सभ्यता न होती।

[Shram] ka [Abstract Noun] [Verb].

श्रम का सौंदर्य निखरता है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal/written Hindi; less common in urban slang.

Common Mistakes

मुझे बहुत शर्म (sharam) करना है। → मुझे बहुत श्रम (shram) करना है।
The speaker accidentally said they need to do a lot of 'shame' instead of 'labor'.
श्रम अच्छी (achhi) है। → श्रम अच्छा (achha) है।
'Shram' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'achha'.
मैंने बहुत श्रम की (ki)। → मैंने बहुत श्रम किया (kiya)।
The verb 'karna' must agree with the masculine noun 'shram'.
Using 'shram' for 'evening' (shaam). → shram vs shaam
'Shaam' has a long 'aa' and no 'r'.
Using 'shram' for a very easy task. → काम (kaam)
'Shram' implies significant effort. For easy things, use 'kaam'.

Tips

Learn the family

Learn 'shram', 'shramik', and 'parishram' together as they all relate to effort.

Watch the 'a'

Keep the 'a' short. If you make it long, it sounds like 'shraam' which is incorrect.

Context matters

Use 'shram' when you want to show deep respect for the work being done.

Gender check

Always treat 'shram' as a boy (masculine) in your sentences.

Shramdaan

Mentioning 'shramdaan' in a conversation about community will make you sound very culturally aware.

News keywords

When listening to Hindi news, 'shram' is a keyword for stories about the economy and workers.

Formal tone

In an application for a job, you can say 'Main shram karne se peeche nahi hat-ta' (I don't back down from labor).

Mnemonic

Shram = Strong Human Resource Activity Management.

Avoid Sharam

Be very careful not to say 'sharam' (shame) when you mean 'shram' (labor). It's a common embarrassing mistake!

Verb pairing

Usually paired with 'karna' (to do) or 'lagna' (to take/require).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shram' as 'Shared RAM'. Just as a computer works hard when its RAM is shared, humans work hard when they do 'shram'.

Visual Association

Imagine a construction worker wiping sweat from their forehead. That sweat is the result of 'shram'.

Word Web

Labor Sweat Worker Dignity Effort Success Factory Farmer

Challenge

Try to use 'shram' in a sentence today when describing a difficult task you completed, instead of using 'work'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'śram' (श्रम्) which means to exert oneself, to be weary, or to perform penance.

Original meaning: The word originally referred to spiritual or physical exertion, often associated with religious austerities.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

Always use 'shram' or 'mehnat' when talking about someone's hard work to show respect. Avoid calling professional tasks 'chota kaam' (small work).

In English, 'labor' can sound very heavy or clinical. In Hindi, 'shram' has a more virtuous and respected connotation.

Shram Mantralaya (Ministry of Labour and Employment, India) Shramik Special Trains (2020 COVID-19 pandemic) Shram hi Jayate (Slogan)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a construction site

यहाँ बहुत श्रम लगता है।
श्रमिकों की ज़रूरत है।
शारीरिक श्रम कठिन है।
श्रम सुरक्षा ज़रूरी है।

In a classroom

श्रम का महत्व समझें।
मानसिक श्रम करें।
बिना श्रम के अंक नहीं मिलेंगे।
परिश्रमी बनें।

In a news report

श्रम मंत्रालय का फैसला।
श्रम कानूनों में बदलाव।
श्रम शक्ति का विकास।
श्रम बाज़ार की स्थिति।

In a village meeting

हम श्रमदान करेंगे।
श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा बनाए रखें।
सामूहिक श्रम से नहर बनाएंगे।
अपना श्रम व्यर्थ न करें।

In a job interview

मैं श्रम करने से नहीं डरता।
मेरा पिछला काम श्रमसाध्य था।
मानसिक श्रम मेरी ताकत है।
मैं श्रम के मूल्य को जानता हूँ।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आजकल लोग शारीरिक श्रम कम करते हैं?"

"आपके देश में श्रम कानून कैसे हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी सामाजिक कार्य के लिए श्रमदान किया है?"

"मानसिक श्रम और शारीरिक श्रम में से कौन सा अधिक कठिन है?"

"श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा के बारे में आपके क्या विचार हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने जो भी काम किया, उसमें कितना श्रम लगा? विस्तार से लिखें।

क्या तकनीक ने हमारे श्रम को कम कर दिया है या बदल दिया है? अपने विचार लिखें।

एक ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसे आप बहुत परिश्रमी मानते हैं।

अगर आपको एक दिन के लिए 'श्रम मंत्री' बनाया जाए, तो आप क्या करेंगे?

श्रम और सफलता के संबंध पर एक छोटा लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You say 'shram kiya' (did labor) and 'bahut shram' (much labor).

Yes, but 'mehnat' or 'parishram' is more common for studying. You can say 'mansik shram' (mental labor) to be very formal.

'Shram' is the noun meaning labor. 'Shramik' is the person who does the labor (a worker).

It is called 'Shram Divas' or 'Mazdoor Divas'.

Not as much as 'mehnat'. It is used in news, books, and formal speeches.

It means 'donating labor'—working for free for a community cause.

Yes, it comes directly from Sanskrit and is used in many Indian languages.

It is a blend of 'sh' (as in sheep) and a tapped 'r'. Try saying 'sh-rub' but stop before the 'ub'.

Not directly, but 'shram' can lead to tiredness or 'kasht' (trouble/pain).

No, it is an uncountable noun in Hindi, similar to 'labor' in English.