This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
श्राप

B1 noun #7,500 most common 9 min read

श्राप

shraap Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips श्राप in 30 Seconds

Explanation श्राप in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'श्राप' (Shraap) simply as a 'bad wish' or a 'curse'. In very simple Hindi stories, a character might be unhappy and say something bad will happen to another person. This is a 'Shraap'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex mythology. Just remember that it is a masculine noun. You can use it in simple sentences like 'यह एक श्राप है' (This is a curse). You might see it in cartoons or basic storybooks. It is the opposite of a 'gift' or a 'blessing' (Aashirwad). If a king is mean, a wise man might give him a 'Shraap'. It is important to know that this word is very strong. We do not use it for small things like losing a pen. We use it for big, sad things in stories. When you see this word, know that something bad is happening in the story because of someone's words.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'श्राप' (Shraap) with basic verbs like 'देना' (to give) and 'मिलना' (to get). You can say 'राजा को श्राप मिला' (The king received a curse). You should also learn the word 'श्रापित' (Shrapit), which means 'cursed'. This is an adjective. For example, 'श्रापित जंगल' means 'the cursed forest'. At this level, you are likely reading slightly longer folk tales where a curse is a common plot point. You should recognize that 'Shraap' is masculine, so you say 'बड़ा श्राप' (big curse). It's also helpful to know that 'Shraap' is often something that lasts a long time. If a character in a movie says 'मुझे श्राप मत दो' (Don't curse me), they are very afraid. This shows that the word has a lot of power. You can also use it to describe very bad situations in a simple way, like 'युद्ध एक श्राप है' (War is a curse).

As a B1 learner, you should understand the cultural nuance of 'श्राप' (Shraap) versus 'गाली' (Gaali). 'Gaali' is just a bad word or profanity, but 'Shraap' is a spiritual decree. You should be able to use the possessive forms correctly: 'ऋषि का श्राप' (The sage's curse). You can also start using the word 'मुक्ति' (Mukti - liberation) with it: 'श्राप से मुक्ति' (Freedom from the curse). At this level, you might encounter the word in Bollywood movies or news headlines about social issues. For example, 'बेरोजगारी एक श्राप है' (Unemployment is a curse). You should also be aware of the synonym 'बद्दुआ' (Bad-dua), which is more common in Urdu-influenced Hindi and everyday emotional talk. 'Shraap' sounds more like something from a book or an ancient legend, while 'Bad-dua' sounds like something a real person might say when they are deeply hurt. Understanding this difference helps you sound more natural in your speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you can explore the metaphorical and literary uses of 'श्राप'. You should be able to discuss the role of a 'Shraap' as a narrative device in Indian literature—how it creates conflict and necessitates a journey for the protagonist. You should also be comfortable using the formal synonym 'अभिशाप' (Abhishaap) in essays or formal discussions about society. For instance, you could write about 'समाज के लिए दहेज एक अभिशाप है' (Dowry is a curse for society). You should understand the concept of 'Vaak Siddhi' (the power of speech) which underlies the belief in 'Shraap'. This means that the person giving the curse must have some spiritual authority. You can also use the word in the context of 'Karma', discussing whether a 'Shraap' is a just punishment for one's actions. Your sentences should now be more complex, such as: 'उसने कभी सोचा भी नहीं था कि एक छोटी सी गलती उसके लिए श्राप बन जाएगी' (He had never even thought that a small mistake would become a curse for him).

For C1 learners, 'श्राप' (Shraap) becomes a tool for deep cultural and philosophical analysis. You should be able to analyze the difference between the Sanskrit 'शाप' (Shaap) used in classical literature and the more common 'श्राप' (Shraap). You can discuss the psychological impact of believing in a curse, both in historical contexts and in modern-day superstitions. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, incorporating passive voice and conditional clauses. For example: 'यदि उस समय ऋषि ने श्राप न दिया होता, तो इतिहास कुछ और ही होता' (If the sage had not given the curse at that time, history would have been something else entirely). You should also be familiar with famous curses from the Mahabharata or Ramayana and how they shaped the destiny of the characters. At this level, you should also be able to recognize 'Shraap' in high-level Hindi poetry, where it might symbolize the 'curse of existence' or 'eternal loneliness'.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word 'श्राप' and its myriad implications. You can engage in academic debates about the socio-religious function of 'Shraap' in ancient Indian legal and moral frameworks. You understand that a 'Shraap' was often a way for the powerless (like a wronged sage or a helpless woman) to exert power over the powerful (like a king). You can use the word with absolute precision in creative writing, choosing between 'Shraap', 'Abhishaap', 'Bad-dua', and 'Kosna' based on the exact emotional and social register required. You are also aware of the linguistic evolution of the word from its Vedic roots to its modern usage in political rhetoric. You can interpret complex metaphors where 'Shraap' is used to describe the 'curse of knowledge' or the 'curse of immortality' in modern Hindi literature. Your usage is flawless, reflecting an understanding of the word's gender, collocations, and deep-seated cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

श्राप in 30 Seconds

Shraap means a 'curse' or 'divine punishment' invoked through speech.
It is a masculine noun primarily used in mythological and serious contexts.
Commonly paired with the verb 'dena' (to give) or 'lagna' (to take effect).
Metaphorically used to describe social evils like poverty or corruption.

The Hindi word श्राप (Shraap) is a deeply evocative term that carries significant weight in Indian culture, literature, and daily conversation. At its core, it translates to a 'curse' or a 'solemn utterance intended to invoke divine punishment or misfortune upon someone.' However, unlike the English word 'curse,' which can sometimes refer to simple profanity or a casual spell, Shraap almost always implies a metaphysical or spiritual consequence. In the context of Indian mythology (Puranas and Epics), a Shraap is often an irreversible decree issued by a person of great spiritual merit, such as a Rishi (sage) or a deity, in response to a grave injustice or a violation of 'Dharma' (righteousness).

Spiritual Weight: In Hindi, श्राप is not just a word; it is viewed as a manifestation of 'Vaak Siddhi'—the power of truth where whatever is spoken must come true. When a character in a story gives a Shraap, they are essentially redirecting their accumulated spiritual energy to manifest a negative outcome for the recipient.
Modern Usage: While you won't hear people 'cursing' each other with formal Shraaps in a modern office setting, the word is used metaphorically to describe long-standing misfortune. For instance, a family might feel they are under a Shraap if they face recurring tragedies. It is also used in political or social discourse to describe systemic evils, such as 'The curse of poverty' (गरीबी का श्राप).

"ऋषि दुर्वासा का श्राप कभी खाली नहीं जाता था।" (Sage Durvasa's curse never went in vain.)

— A common reference in Indian mythological storytelling.

Understanding the nuance of Shraap requires recognizing its permanence. In most Indian legends, once a Shraap is uttered, even the person who gave it cannot fully take it back. They can only provide a 'Vardaan' (boon) or a 'Upay' (remedy) to mitigate its effects or end it after a certain condition is met. This reflects the Indian philosophical view on Karma: actions and words have consequences that must be played out. The term is distinct from 'Gaali' (profanity). If someone is swearing at you, they are giving Gaali; if they are invoking the universe to ruin your life because of a perceived sin, they are attempting to give a Shraap.

"क्या यह हार हमारी मेहनत की कमी है या किसी का श्राप?" (Is this defeat a lack of our hard work or someone's curse?)

Synonymous Intensity: The word अभिशाप (Abhishaap) is a stronger, more formal version of Shraap. It is often used to describe social scourges like 'unemployment' or 'illiteracy'. If Shraap is a personal curse, Abhishaap is a grand, overarching blight on society or a nation.

Note: The concept of a curse is deeply tied to the idea of 'Dharma'. One usually receives a Shraap only if they have strayed from the path of righteousness, making it a moral tool in storytelling.

Using श्राप (Shraap) correctly in Hindi involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb construction is श्राप देना (Shraap dena), which means 'to give a curse' or 'to curse someone.' Because it is a noun, you must use possessive markers like 'का' (ka), 'की' (ki), or 'के' (ke) to indicate whose curse it is.

Active Usage (To Curse): When a person issues a curse, we use 'देना' (to give).
Example: उसने गुस्से में मुझे श्राप दे दिया। (He gave me a curse in anger.)
Passive/Experience Usage (To be Cursed): When someone is suffering from a curse, we use 'लगना' (to be applied/to hit) or 'होना' (to be).
Example: लगता है उसे किसी का श्राप लगा है। (It feels like someone's curse has affected him.)

"पुरानी कथाओं में, एक श्राप पूरी पीढ़ी को बर्बाद कर सकता था।" (In old stories, a curse could ruin an entire generation.)

In Hindi, Shraap is often paired with the person who issued it using the possessive 'का'. For example, 'ऋषि का श्राप' (The sage's curse). If you want to say someone is 'cursed' (adjective), you use the word श्रापित (Shrapit). For instance, 'श्रापित महल' (The cursed palace). This is a common trope in Indian horror and fantasy genres.

"क्या तुम्हें इस श्राप से मुक्ति चाहिए?" (Do you want liberation from this curse?)

Another important phrase is श्राप से मुक्ति (Shraap se mukti), meaning 'liberation or freedom from a curse.' In Hindi literature, the climax often involves finding the 'Upay' (remedy) for a Shraap. This structure is very useful for B1 learners as it combines the noun with common prepositions and abstract concepts like 'freedom'.

Metaphorical Sentence: "भ्रष्टाचार समाज के लिए एक श्राप है।" (Corruption is a curse for society.) Here, it isn't a literal magical spell, but a deeply negative societal condition.

If you are consuming Hindi media, you will encounter the word श्राप (Shraap) in several specific environments. It is a staple of historical and mythological dramas. Series like Ramayan and Mahabharat, which are cultural touchstones in India, use this word in almost every other episode. In these contexts, characters often warn each other: "मुझे श्राप देने पर मजबूर मत करो" (Don't force me to curse you).

"यह भूमि श्राप के कारण बंजर हो गई है।" (This land has become barren due to a curse.)

— Typical line from a rural-themed Hindi movie.

In Bollywood cinema, particularly in the horror or 'supernatural' genre, Shraap is the driving force of the plot. Whether it is a haunted mansion or a family that cannot have children, the explanation is usually a Shraap from a wronged ancestor or a vengeful spirit. You will also hear it in daily news or editorials when discussing 'social curses' like child marriage or dowry. In these cases, the word is used to evoke a sense of moral outrage and tragedy.

In religious discourses (Pravachan), gurus often talk about how to avoid the Shraap of one's parents or teachers by serving them well. Here, the word is used as a deterrent to promote ethical behavior. It is also found in classical Hindi poetry (Kavita) to symbolize unrequited love or eternal suffering. For a learner, hearing Shraap usually signals that the conversation has moved from the mundane to something serious, tragic, or legendary.

"गरीबी किसी श्राप से कम नहीं है।" (Poverty is nothing less than a curse.)

News & Editorials: Journalists often use 'Abhishaap' or 'Shraap' to describe natural disasters or long-standing political failures, giving the issue a sense of historical weight.

For English speakers learning Hindi, the word श्राप (Shraap) can be tricky due to its cultural specificity and grammatical gender. One of the most common mistakes is using it to mean 'swearing' or 'using bad language.' In English, 'to curse' can mean to use profanity. In Hindi, if you say 'उसने मुझे श्राप दिया' (He cursed me), people will think he invoked a spiritual doom upon you. If he just called you a name, you should use 'गाली दी' (gave a profanity).

Confusing Gender: Learners often mistake 'श्राप' for a feminine noun because it ends in a consonant that doesn't clearly signal gender. However, it is strictly masculine. Mistake: 'मेरी श्राप' (My curse - Fem). Correct: 'मेरा श्राप' (My curse - Masc).
Spelling & Pronunciation: Many learners struggle with the conjunct 'श्र' (Shra). They might say 'Sarap' or 'Shaap'. While 'Shaap' is a valid Sanskrit variation, 'Sarap' is incorrect. Ensure you pronounce the 'r' sound blended with the 'sh'.

Incorrect: "उसने मुझे बहुत श्राप (bad words) कहे।"
Correct: "उसने मुझे बहुत गालियाँ दीं।"

Another mistake is the incorrect use of the verb. Some learners say 'श्राप करना' (to do curse), which is incorrect. The correct collocation is 'श्राप देना' (to give a curse). Additionally, when talking about the effect of a curse, don't say 'श्राप हुआ' (curse happened); say 'श्राप लगा' (the curse took effect/attached to the person).

Finally, avoid using Shraap for minor inconveniences. If your computer crashes, it's not a Shraap. Reserve this word for major misfortunes, historical tragedies, or mythological storytelling to maintain the correct linguistic register.

In Hindi, the concept of 'cursing' or 'ill-will' is expressed through several words, each with a specific nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The primary synonym for श्राप (Shraap) is शाप (Shaap), which is essentially the same word in its pure Sanskrit form. You will find 'Shaap' more frequently in ancient texts and formal poetry.

Abhishaap (अभिशाप): Nuance: More formal and grand. Used for systemic or massive curses.
Example: "आतंकवाद मानवता के लिए एक अभिशाप है।" (Terrorism is a curse for humanity.)
Bad-dua (बद्दुआ): Nuance: Urdu origin. Literal meaning: 'Bad prayer'. It is more emotional and personal. It's what a mother might give a cruel son, or a beggar might give someone who insults them.
Example: "किसी गरीब की बद्दुआ मत लो।" (Don't take the ill-will/curse of a poor person.)
Laanat (लानत): Nuance: Means 'shame' or 'condemnation'. It is used more like an exclamation of disgust.
Example: "तुम पर लानत है!" (Shame on you / A curse on you!)

"श्राप" is spiritual/mythological; "बद्दुआ" is emotional/conversational.

If you want to describe the act of grumbling or speaking ill of someone constantly without a formal curse, use the verb कोसना (Kosna). For example, 'वह अपनी किस्मत को कोस रहा है' (He is cursing his luck). This is much more common in daily life than actually giving a Shraap. Another related word is अशुभ (Ashubh), which means 'inauspicious,' often describing the vibe resulting from a curse.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"भ्रष्टाचार आधुनिक समाज के लिए एक अभिशाप है।"

Neutral

"उसने उसे श्राप दे दिया।"

Informal

"लगता है मेरी किस्मत को किसी का श्राप लगा है।"

Child friendly

"जादूगरनी ने राजकुमार को श्राप दिया।"

Slang

"भाई, ये प्रोजेक्ट तो श्राप बन गया है।"

Fun Fact

In ancient India, it was believed that if a person who always told the truth (Satya-vadi) became angry and said something bad, it would physically manifest. This is why sages were both feared and respected.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɾɑːp/

US /ʃrɑːp/

Stress is on the first syllable 'Shra'.

Rhymes With

पाप (Paap - Sin) ताप (Taap - Heat) चाप (Chaap - Arc) नाप (Naap - Measure) जाप (Jaap - Chanting) मिलाप (Milaap - Meeting) विलाप (Vilaap - Lamentation) आलाप (Aalaap - Prelude)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Sarap' (missing the 'sh' sound).
Pronouncing it as 'Shaap' (while valid in Sanskrit, 'Shraap' is more common).
Shortening the 'aa' sound to 'a' (Shrap).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires context to understand depth.

Writing 4/5

The conjunct 'Shr' can be difficult for beginners to write.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is key; must distinguish from 'Shaap'.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible and distinct in media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पाप (Sin) गुस्सा (Anger) ऋषि (Sage) कहानी (Story) देना (To give)

Learn Next

वरदान (Boon) तपस्या (Penance) मुक्ति (Liberation) नियति (Destiny) हस्तांतरित (Transferred)

Advanced

प्रायश्चित (Atonement) आकाशवाणी (Celestial Announcement) अमोघ (Infallible) परिणति (Result/Culmination)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

मेरा श्राप (My curse), बड़ा श्राप (Big curse).

Causative Verbs

श्राप मुक्त कराना (To cause someone to be freed from a curse).

Compound Nouns

श्राप-कथा (Curse-story).

Postposition 'Ke Kaaran'

श्राप के कारण (Because of the curse).

Adjectival Suffix '-it'

श्राप + इत = श्रापित (Cursed).

Examples by Level

यह एक पुराना श्राप है।

This is an old curse.

Simple 'Subject + Adjective + Noun' structure.

ऋषि ने श्राप दिया।

The sage gave a curse.

Past tense with the verb 'dena'.

क्या यह श्राप है?

Is this a curse?

Interrogative sentence.

मुझे श्राप मत दो।

Don't curse me.

Imperative negative sentence.

श्राप बहुत बुरा होता है।

A curse is very bad.

Using 'hota hai' for general truths.

वह श्राप से डरता है।

He is afraid of the curse.

Use of 'se darna' (to be afraid of).

राजा को श्राप मिला।

The king received a curse.

Use of 'milna' for receiving.

यह श्राप सच हो गया।

This curse came true.

Use of 'sach hona' (to come true).

उस श्रापित महल में कोई नहीं जाता।

No one goes into that cursed palace.

Use of the adjective 'Shrapit' (cursed).

उसने गुस्से में एक श्राप दिया।

He gave a curse in anger.

Adverbial phrase 'gusse mein'.

श्राप के कारण बारिश नहीं हुई।

Due to the curse, it didn't rain.

Use of 'ke kaaran' (due to).

क्या तुम श्राप को मानते हो?

Do you believe in curses?

Use of 'maanna' (to believe/follow).

यह श्राप सौ साल तक चलेगा।

This curse will last for a hundred years.

Future tense with 'chalna' (to last/continue).

वह श्राप से बचना चाहता है।

He wants to escape from the curse.

Use of 'bachna' (to escape/avoid).

ऋषि का श्राप बहुत शक्तिशाली था।

The sage's curse was very powerful.

Possessive 'ka' showing ownership.

इस श्राप का कोई इलाज नहीं है।

There is no cure for this curse.

Metaphorical use of 'ilaaj' (cure/remedy).

कथा के अनुसार, वह एक श्राप के अधीन था।

According to the story, he was under a curse.

Use of 'ke adheen' (under/subject to).

गरीबी समाज के लिए एक श्राप की तरह है।

Poverty is like a curse for society.

Metaphorical comparison using 'ki tarah'.

उसने अपने परिवार को श्राप से मुक्त कराया।

He freed his family from the curse.

Causative construction 'mukt karana'.

लोग कहते हैं कि यह पेड़ श्रापित है।

People say that this tree is cursed.

Indirect speech with 'kehte hain ki'.

बिना सोचे-समझे किसी को श्राप नहीं देना चाहिए।

One should not curse anyone without thinking.

Use of 'chahiye' for advice/obligation.

उसका श्राप वरदान में बदल गया।

His curse turned into a boon.

Use of 'mein badalna' (to change into).

क्या विज्ञान हमारे लिए श्राप बन सकता है?

Can science become a curse for us?

Modal 'sakta hai' for possibility.

श्राप की वजह से उसे बहुत दुख झेलना पड़ा।

He had to endure a lot of pain because of the curse.

Use of 'jhelna pada' (had to endure).

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में श्राप और वरदान के कई उदाहरण हैं।

There are many examples of curses and boons in ancient texts.

Plural agreement and formal vocabulary.

भ्रष्टाचार देश की प्रगति के लिए एक श्राप साबित हो रहा है।

Corruption is proving to be a curse for the country's progress.

Use of 'saabit hona' (to prove to be).

उसने श्राप के प्रभाव को कम करने के लिए तपस्या की।

He performed penance to reduce the effect of the curse.

Use of 'prabhav' (effect) and 'tapasya' (penance).

यह श्राप उसकी सात पीढ़ियों तक चलेगा।

This curse will last for seven of his generations.

Specific temporal duration 'saat peedhiyon tak'.

साहित्य में श्राप अक्सर न्याय का एक साधन होता है।

In literature, a curse is often a tool of justice.

Use of 'saadhan' (tool/means).

क्या आप मानते हैं कि शब्द श्राप बन सकते हैं?

Do you believe that words can become curses?

Complex interrogative structure.

वह श्राप के डर से कभी घर से बाहर नहीं निकला।

He never left the house for fear of the curse.

Use of 'ke darr se' (for fear of).

श्राप को वापस लेना असंभव था।

It was impossible to take back the curse.

Use of 'asambhav' (impossible).

श्राप की अवधारणा भारतीय दर्शन में गहराई से जुड़ी है।

The concept of 'shraap' is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy.

Use of 'avdharna' (concept) and 'gehraai se judna'.

लेखक ने आधुनिक समाज की विसंगतियों को एक श्राप के रूप में चित्रित किया है।

The author has portrayed the anomalies of modern society as a curse.

Use of 'chitrit karna' (to portray/depict).

श्राप केवल एक दंड नहीं, बल्कि आत्म-बोध का एक मार्ग भी हो सकता है।

A curse is not just a punishment, but can also be a path to self-realization.

Correlative conjunction 'na keval... balki'.

उसने अपने कर्मों के फल को श्राप समझकर स्वीकार कर लिया।

He accepted the fruit of his actions, considering it a curse.

Use of 'samajhkar' (considering/understanding as).

श्राप की तीव्रता उसके पीछे छिपे क्रोध पर निर्भर करती है।

The intensity of a curse depends on the anger hidden behind it.

Use of 'nirbhar karna' (to depend on).

पौराणिक कथाओं में श्राप अक्सर अहंकार के विनाश का कारण बनता है।

In mythological stories, a curse often causes the destruction of ego.

Use of 'vinaash' (destruction) and 'ahankaar' (ego).

क्या यह संभव है कि एक श्राप पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी हस्तांतरित हो?

Is it possible for a curse to be transferred from generation to generation?

Use of 'hastantarit' (transferred/transmitted).

श्राप और वरदान एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू हैं।

Curse and boon are two sides of the same coin.

Idiomatic expression 'ek hi sikke ke do pehlu'.

श्राप की मीमांसा करते हुए, हमें इसके नैतिक और सामाजिक निहितार्थों को समझना होगा।

While analyzing the 'shraap', we must understand its ethical and social implications.

Use of 'meemansa' (critical analysis) and 'nihitarth' (implications).

अस्तित्व का यह बोध कि हम नश्वर हैं, कभी-कभी एक शाश्वत श्राप जैसा प्रतीत होता है।

The realization of existence—that we are mortal—sometimes feels like an eternal curse.

Complex abstract noun phrases.

गांधारी का श्राप कृष्ण के वंश के विनाश का पूर्वसंकेत था।

Gandhari's curse was a foreshadowing of the destruction of Krishna's lineage.

Use of 'purvasanket' (foreshadowing/omen).

श्राप की अमोघ शक्ति का वर्णन अनेक महाकाव्यों में विस्तार से मिलता है।

The description of the unfailing power of a curse is found in detail in many epics.

Use of 'amogh' (unfailing/infallible).

क्या श्राप केवल एक अंधविश्वास है या इसके पीछे कोई मनोवैज्ञानिक सत्य है?

Is a curse merely a superstition, or is there a psychological truth behind it?

Philosophical inquiry structure.

उसने अपने जीवन की त्रासदियों को नियति का श्राप मान लिया।

He accepted the tragedies of his life as a curse of destiny.

Use of 'niyati' (destiny) and 'traasadi' (tragedy).

श्राप की भाषा अत्यंत तीक्ष्ण और प्रभावशाली होती है।

The language of a curse is extremely sharp and impactful.

Use of 'teekshna' (sharp/piercing).

इतिहास गवाह है कि सत्ता का मद अक्सर शासकों के लिए श्राप बन गया।

History is witness that the intoxication of power often became a curse for rulers.

Use of 'mad' (intoxication/pride).

Common Collocations

श्राप देना

श्राप लगना

श्राप से मुक्ति

श्राप वापस लेना

श्राप का प्रभाव

भयानक श्राप

श्राप के अधीन

श्राप का फल

श्राप की शक्ति

श्रापित व्यक्ति

Common Phrases

श्राप का मारा

— Someone who is suffering from a series of misfortunes.

बेचारा वह तो श्राप का मारा है।

श्राप की आग

— The destructive power or anger behind a curse.

वह श्राप की आग में जल रहा है।

श्राप का साया

— A persistent bad luck following someone.

इस घर पर श्राप का साया है।

श्राप देना पाप है

— A moral saying that cursing others is a sin.

याद रखो, बिना वजह श्राप देना पाप है।

श्राप मुक्त होना

— To become free from a curse.

वह अंततः श्राप मुक्त हो गया।

श्राप और वरदान

— The dichotomy of bad and good destiny.

जीवन श्राप और वरदान का मेल है।

श्राप की जड़

— The root cause of a curse.

हमें श्राप की जड़ तक पहुँचना होगा।

श्राप का अंत

— The conclusion or ending of a curse's effect.

यही इस श्राप का अंत है।

श्राप का डर

— The fear of being cursed.

उसे हमेशा श्राप का डर रहता था।

श्राप की घड़ी

— The moment or time when a curse takes effect.

श्राप की घड़ी आ गई है।

Often Confused With

श्राप vs गाली (Gaali)

Gaali is profanity; Shraap is a spiritual curse.

श्राप vs बद्दुआ (Bad-dua)

Bad-dua is an emotional ill-wish (Urdu); Shraap is more formal/religious.

श्राप vs कोसना (Kosna)

Kosna is the verb for grumbling/cursing; Shraap is the noun for the curse itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"श्राप को गले लगाना"

— To accept a terrible fate or misfortune willingly.

उसने अपनी हार को श्राप की तरह गले लगा लिया।

Literary

"श्राप का प्याला पीना"

— To endure a long period of suffering or humiliation.

उसने जीवन भर श्राप का प्याला पिया है।

Poetic

"श्राप की लकीर"

— An unchangeable bad destiny.

यह उसके माथे पर श्राप की लकीर है।

Informal

"श्राप बनकर टूटना"

— To fall upon someone like a sudden and massive disaster.

मुसीबत उस पर श्राप बनकर टूटी।

Dramatic

"श्राप की कोख"

— The origin of something evil or unfortunate.

यह युद्ध नफरत के श्राप की कोख से पैदा हुआ है।

Academic

"श्राप का बीज बोना"

— To do something that will result in future misfortune.

झूठ बोलकर तुमने अपने लिए श्राप का बीज बोया है।

Neutral

"श्राप की छाँव"

— To live under constant misfortune.

वह बचपन से ही श्राप की छाँव में रहा है।

Poetic

"श्राप का डंक"

— The painful sting or lasting impact of a curse.

उसकी बातों में श्राप का डंक था।

Literary

"श्राप की ज़ंजीर"

— Being bound by a cycle of bad luck.

वह श्राप की ज़ंजीरों को तोड़ना चाहता है।

Neutral

"श्राप का कफ़न"

— A situation of total doom or end.

अहंकार ही उसके लिए श्राप का कफ़न बना।

Dramatic

Easily Confused

श्राप vs श्राप (Shraap)

Sounds like 'Shaap'.

Shraap is the common Hindi form; Shaap is the pure Sanskrit form. Both mean the same.

ऋषि ने श्राप दिया।

श्राप vs श्राप (Shraap)

Often confused with 'Abhishaap'.

Shraap is usually personal/mythological; Abhishaap is usually collective/societal.

दहेज एक अभिशाप है।

श्राप vs श्राप (Shraap)

Confused with 'Gaali'.

Shraap is a divine punishment; Gaali is an insult.

उसने मुझे गाली दी (He insulted me).

श्राप vs श्राप (Shraap)

Confused with 'Sarp' (Snake).

Shraap is a curse; Sarp is a snake. The sounds are somewhat similar to a beginner.

जंगल में एक सर्प है।

श्राप vs श्राप (Shraap)

Confused with 'Shrapit'.

Shraap is the noun (curse); Shrapit is the adjective (cursed).

यह एक श्रापित स्थान है।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] का श्राप है।

यह ऋषि का श्राप है।

[Person] ने [Person] को श्राप दिया।

उसने मुझे श्राप दिया।

[Something] एक श्राप की तरह है।

गरीबी एक श्राप की तरह है।

[Person] श्राप से मुक्त होना चाहता है।

वह श्राप से मुक्त होना चाहता है।

श्राप के कारण [Result] हुआ।

श्राप के कारण राज्य नष्ट हो गया।

श्राप केवल [A] नहीं, बल्कि [B] भी है।

श्राप केवल दंड नहीं, बल्कि सबक भी है।

[Abstract Noun] का श्राप [Context] में झलकता है।

अहंकार का श्राप उसके पतन में झलकता है।

श्राप की अमोघ शक्ति [Something] को दर्शाती है।

श्राप की अमोघ शक्ति नियति को दर्शाती है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in literature and media; Low in modern business/technical Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Shraap' for swearing. → Gaali (गाली)
'Shraap' is a divine punishment; 'Gaali' is an insult or swear word.
Using feminine gender (e.g., मेरी श्राप). → मेरा श्राप (Mera Shraap)
'Shraap' is a masculine noun in Hindi grammar.
Saying 'Shraap karna'. → Shraap dena (श्राप देना)
The correct verb collocation is 'dena' (to give), not 'karna' (to do).
Pronouncing it as 'Sarap'. → Shraap (श्राप)
The 'sh' and 'r' must be blended into a single conjunct sound.
Using 'Shraap' for minor bad luck. → Buri kismat (बुरी किस्मत)
'Shraap' is too heavy for minor inconveniences; use 'bad luck' instead.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'Shraap' as masculine. If you say 'the curse is long', it's 'श्राप लंबा है', not 'लंबी'.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Abhishaap' for formal writing and 'Shraap' for storytelling.

Mythological Context

When reading the Ramayana or Mahabharata, look for 'Shaap' to understand the turning points of the plot.

The 'Shr' Sound

Practice saying 'Shri' (as in Mr.) and then transition to 'Shraap' to get the conjunct right.

Don't Overuse

Save 'Shraap' for serious misfortunes. Using it for a broken phone sounds overly dramatic.

Adjective Form

Use 'Shrapit' when you need an adjective. 'यह महल श्रापित है' (This palace is cursed).

Verb Pairs

Listen for the verbs 'dena' and 'lagna'. They change the meaning from 'giving a curse' to 'being affected by one'.

Sanskrit Roots

Knowing that it comes from 'Shaap' helps you understand why it's used in religious rituals.

Social Curse

In essays, use 'Abhishaap' to describe things like illiteracy or pollution.

Rhyme Time

Remember 'Shraap' rhymes with 'Paap' (sin). Curses often follow sins.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHARP' pain. A 'SHRAAP' causes sharp spiritual pain or misfortune.

Visual Association

Imagine an old man with a glowing finger pointing at a king, while dark clouds gather above the king's head.

Word Web

Sage Anger Words Punishment Mythology Karma Irreversible Boon

Challenge

Try to use 'Shraap' in a sentence describing a character in your favorite movie who has very bad luck.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root word 'शाप' (Śāpa), which means to swear, to curse, or to blame. The addition of the 'r' sound (Shraap) is a common linguistic evolution in North Indian dialects.

Original meaning: A spoken declaration of punishment or truth.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'Shraap' jokingly with elders or in religious settings, as it can be perceived as disrespectful or too dark.

English speakers often use 'curse' for profanity, but in India, 'Shraap' is strictly for metaphysical or serious misfortune.

The curse of Gandhari on the Yadu dynasty in the Mahabharata. The curse of Shakuntala by Rishi Durvasa. The curse of Dasharatha by the parents of Shravan Kumar.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mythology

ऋषि का श्राप
श्राप से मुक्ति
श्रापित राजा
श्राप का फल

Social Issues

समाज का श्राप
गरीबी का अभिशाप
श्राप को मिटाना
अभिशाप से लड़ना

Horror Movies

श्रापित मकान
श्राप का साया
पुरानी बद्दुआ
श्राप का असर

Personal Misfortune

मेरी किस्मत का श्राप
श्राप जैसा जीवन
श्राप से डरना
श्राप लगना

Literature

श्राप का काव्य
श्राप का चित्रण
श्राप की भूमिका
श्राप और न्याय

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप पुरानी भारतीय कहानियों में श्राप और वरदान के बारे में जानते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि किसी की 'बद्दुआ' या 'श्राप' सच में लग सकता है?"

"आपके विचार में आज के समय में हमारे समाज के लिए सबसे बड़ा श्राप क्या है?"

"क्या आपने कभी ऐसी कोई फिल्म देखी है जिसमें किसी श्राप की कहानी हो?"

"अगर आपको किसी को श्राप देना हो (मजाक में), तो आप क्या श्राप देंगे?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि कैसे एक श्राप किसी कहानी के नायक को बदलने में मदद करता है।

क्या विज्ञान मानवता के लिए वरदान है या श्राप? अपने विचार विस्तार से लिखें।

एक काल्पनिक कहानी लिखें जिसमें एक गाँव को किसी पुराने श्राप से मुक्ति मिलती है।

अपने जीवन की किसी ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जिसे आपने पहले श्राप समझा था, लेकिन बाद में वह अच्छा साबित हुआ।

प्राचीन कहानियों में श्राप देने वाले ऋषियों के व्यवहार पर एक संक्षिप्त लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Shraap comes from Sanskrit and is used in Hindu religious and mythological contexts. Bad-dua comes from Urdu/Persian and is used more in everyday emotional situations. Shraap sounds more formal and powerful, while Bad-dua sounds more personal.

Shraap is a masculine noun. You should use masculine adjectives and verbs with it, such as 'मेरा श्राप' or 'श्राप मिला'.

In most Indian myths, a Shraap cannot be taken back once uttered. However, the person who gave it can offer a 'Upay' (remedy) to end it or reduce its intensity.

The adjective for 'cursed' is 'श्रापित' (Shrapit). For example, 'श्रापित गाँव' means 'cursed village'.

Yes, but mostly metaphorically. People use it to talk about social problems like 'गरीबी का श्राप' (the curse of poverty) or in movies and literature.

The opposite is 'वरदान' (Vardaan), which means a boon or a divine gift, or 'आशीर्वाद' (Aashirwad), which means a blessing.

It is a conjunct consonant. Start with a 'sh' sound and immediately roll into a short 'r' sound before the 'aa' vowel.

It reflects the belief in the power of words and the law of Karma. It shows that actions have consequences that can manifest through the words of the wronged.

No, that is a common mistake. For swearing or using bad words, use 'गाली देना' (Gaali dena).

Yes, 'Shaap' is the original Sanskrit word. 'Shraap' is the evolved Hindi version. Both are correct and used.