At the A1 level, you can think of 'गुनाह' (gunāh) as a very serious 'bad thing.' It is a word used when someone does something that is not just a mistake, but something that makes them feel very guilty. For example, if a child lies to their parents, they might be told it's a 'gunāh.' At this stage, just remember that 'gunāh' means 'sin' and it is a masculine noun. You will mostly hear it in movies or simple stories about right and wrong. It's a useful word to know because it helps you understand basic moral concepts in Hindi-speaking cultures.
As an A2 learner, you should start noticing that 'गुनाह' (gunāh) is often used with the verb 'करना' (karnā - to do). So, 'gunāh karnā' means 'to commit a sin.' You might also see the word 'बेगुनाह' (be-gunāh), which means 'innocent' or 'without sin.' At this level, you can use 'gunāh' to describe serious wrongdoings in simple conversations. It is stronger than 'galti' (mistake). You will also notice it in many popular Hindi songs, where it often refers to the 'sin' of love or breaking someone's heart.
At the B1 level, you can begin to distinguish between 'गुनाह' (gunāh), 'पाप' (pāp), and 'अपराध' (aprādh). While they all mean something wrong, 'gunāh' has a moral and poetic weight. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as 'He didn't realize that his actions were a gunāh.' You will also encounter it in news stories or social discussions. It's important to start using the correct masculine gender agreement consistently, like 'bada gunāh' (big sin) or 'purānā gunāh' (old sin).
For B2 learners, 'गुनाह' (gunāh) becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it metaphorically—for instance, to describe a missed opportunity or a social injustice. You should be comfortable with its plural form 'गुनाहों' (gunāhon) and how it functions with postpositions (e.g., 'gunāhon ki maafi' - forgiveness for sins). You will also understand the cultural nuances, such as why a speaker might choose the Persian-origin 'gunāh' over the Sanskrit-origin 'pāp' to sound more literary or to fit a specific social context.
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the historical and literary depth of 'गुनाह' (gunāh). You can analyze its use in Urdu poetry (Shayari) and high-level Hindi literature. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of 'gunāh' vs. 'punya' (virtue) or 'insāf' (justice). Your usage should be flawless, incorporating idiomatic expressions and understanding the subtle shift in meaning when 'gunāh' is used in legal, religious, or romantic contexts. You can also explore complex word families and related terms like 'gunāhgaar' (sinner).
As a C2 learner, you have a near-native grasp of 'गुनाह' (gunāh). You can use it to engage in deep philosophical debates about morality, law, and human nature. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the Hindustani linguistic melting pot. You can effortlessly switch between 'gunāh,' 'aprādh,' 'jurm,' and 'khatā' to convey the exact shade of meaning required by the context, whether you are writing a legal brief, a piece of literary criticism, or a philosophical treatise. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a window into the soul of the language.

गुनाह in 30 Seconds

  • Gunāh means 'sin' or 'moral offense' in Hindi.
  • It is a masculine noun derived from Persian roots.
  • It is stronger and more serious than 'galti' (mistake).
  • Commonly used in religious, poetic, and legal contexts.

The word गुनाह (Gunāh) is a cornerstone of Hindustani vocabulary, bridging the gap between everyday speech and profound philosophical discourse. At its simplest level, it translates to 'sin' or 'offense,' but its weight varies significantly depending on the context. In the linguistic landscape of North India, this word is borrowed from Persian, lending it a certain poetic and formal gravity that simpler words like 'galti' (mistake) lack. When you use 'gunāh,' you are not just talking about a slip-up; you are talking about a violation of a moral, religious, or social code. It is the kind of word that carries the burden of guilt and the shadow of consequence. For an English speaker, think of the difference between 'doing something wrong' and 'committing a transgression.' The latter captures the essence of gunāh more accurately.

Religious Context
In spiritual discussions, gunāh refers to acts that go against divine will. Whether in a mosque, a temple, or a church in India, this word is used to describe moral failings that require repentance.
Legal vs. Moral
While 'aprādh' is the formal Hindi word for a legal crime, 'gunāh' is often used colloquially or in literature to describe crimes that have a heavy moral weight, such as murder or betrayal.
Emotional Weight
In romantic poetry or Bollywood songs, 'gunāh' might describe the 'sin' of falling in love or the 'crime' of breaking a heart, showing its versatility in expressing intense human emotions.

झूठ बोलना एक बड़ा गुनाह माना जाता है। (Lying is considered a great sin.)

क्या प्यार करना कोई गुनाह है? (Is it a sin to love?)

उसने अपने गुनाह की माफ़ी माँगी। (He asked for forgiveness for his sin.)

बेगुनाह को सज़ा देना सबसे बड़ा गुनाह है। (Punishing an innocent person is the biggest sin.)

इंसान गुनाह का पुतला है। (Man is a puppet of sins - a common philosophical idiom.)

In a broader sociological sense, 'gunāh' reflects the collective conscience of the community. It is used to label actions that threaten the social fabric. For example, corruption in public life is often decried as a 'gunāh' against the nation. In family settings, a child might be told that wasting food is a 'gunāh,' teaching them the value of resources through a moral lens. This versatility makes it an indispensable word for anyone looking to understand the nuances of Indian culture and ethics. It is not just a word for the religious; it is a word for anyone who believes in the concept of right and wrong, accountability, and the possibility of redemption.

Mastering the use of गुनाह (Gunāh) requires understanding its grammatical construction and the specific verbs it pairs with. Most commonly, it is used with the verb 'karnā' (to do/commit). Unlike 'galti' (mistake), which you might 'make' (karnā), a 'gunāh' is something you 'commit.' The gravity of the action is reflected in the verb choice. In more formal or poetic Hindi, you might encounter 'gunāh-e-azeem' (a great sin), a phrase that highlights the Persian influence on the word. Understanding these pairings helps in making your Hindi sound more natural and authoritative.

Standard Usage
The most common structure is [Subject] + [Object/Gunāh] + [Verb/Karnā]. For example: 'Usne gunāh kiyā' (He committed a sin).
Passive Voice
In formal contexts, you might hear 'Gunāh huā hai' (A sin has occurred/been committed), which focuses on the act rather than the perpetrator.
Descriptive Phrases
Adjectives like 'bhayanak' (terrible), 'maamuli' (minor), or 'un-dekha' (unseen) often precede gunāh to specify its nature.

किसी का दिल दुखाना भी एक गुनाह है। (Hurting someone's heart is also a sin.)

अदालत ने उसे गुनाह की सज़ा दी। (The court punished him for the sin/crime.)

वह अपने गुनाहों का बोझ नहीं उठा सका। (He couldn't bear the burden of his sins.)

Beyond the literal meaning, 'gunāh' is used metaphorically to express regret. If someone misses a golden opportunity, they might say, 'Maine yeh mauka chhod kar gunāh kiya' (I committed a sin by letting this opportunity go). This hyperbolic use is very common in expressive Hindi. It emphasizes that the mistake was so big it felt like a moral failing. Furthermore, the plural form 'gunāhon' (sins) is frequently used in spiritual contexts to describe the accumulation of one's misdeeds over a lifetime. When practicing, try to construct sentences that place 'gunāh' in various emotional settings—from the deep remorse of a criminal to the lighthearted 'sin' of eating a second dessert while on a diet. This range will help you grasp the word's full semantic field.

If you are a fan of Indian cinema or music, you have likely encountered गुनाह (Gunāh) hundreds of times. It is a favorite of lyricists and scriptwriters because of its phonetic beauty and the instant emotional depth it provides. In Bollywood, 'gunāh' is often the theme of entire movies, exploring characters who are seeking redemption for past actions. It's not just in movies, though; you'll hear it in news reports, religious sermons, and even in heated arguments on the street. It is a word that resonates with the cultural consciousness of India, where morality and karma are central themes of life.

Bollywood Lyrics
Songs often use 'gunāh' to describe forbidden love or the pain of betrayal. Phrases like 'mohabbat ek gunāh hai' (love is a sin) are clichés in the genre.
News & Media
News anchors might use 'gunāh' when reporting on particularly heinous crimes that have shocked the public's moral sensibilities.
Everyday Conversation
In daily life, it's used to emphasize the wrongness of an action. 'Yeh gunāh mat karo' (Don't commit this sin) is a common warning from elders to youngsters.

'गुनाह' (2002) was a popular Bollywood thriller where the protagonist struggles with his past crimes.

In rural India, 'gunāh' might be used in 'Panchayats' (village councils) to discuss social transgressions. In urban settings, it might appear in a debate about ethics in business. The word's persistence across these diverse settings shows its deep roots. Interestingly, while the word has an Islamic/Persian origin, it is used by Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in India with equal frequency. It has become a truly 'secular' word in the sense that its meaning transcends any single religion. When you hear it, look for the tone of the speaker. Is it accusatory? Is it regretful? Is it poetic? The tone will tell you more about the specific nuance of 'gunāh' being used than the dictionary definition alone ever could.

While गुनाह (Gunāh) is a versatile word, beginners often make a few key mistakes in its usage. The most common error is confusing it with 'galti' (mistake). While all gunāhs are mistakes, not all mistakes are gunāhs. Dropping a glass is a 'galti,' but stealing someone's livelihood is a 'gunāh.' Using the word too lightly can make you sound overly dramatic or even slightly ridiculous. Another common pitfall is the gender agreement. Since 'gunāh' is masculine, using feminine adjectives or verb endings with it is a grammatical error that native speakers will immediately notice.

Over-Dramatization
Don't use 'gunāh' for trivial errors like a spelling mistake. Use 'galti' or 'truti' instead. 'Gunāh' implies a moral dimension.
Gender Confusion
Incorrect: 'Yeh ek badi gunāh hai.' Correct: 'Yeh ek bada gunāh hai.' (Since it's masculine, use 'bada').
Confusing with 'Aprādh'
While often used interchangeably in casual talk, remember that 'aprādh' is specifically legal. You wouldn't usually see 'gunāh' in a formal police report.

Another nuance is the difference between 'gunāh' and 'pāp'. While they are synonyms, 'pāp' is rooted in the Dharma tradition (Hinduism/Buddhism/Jainism) and often relates to the accumulation of bad karma. 'Gunāh' has a more 'Abrahamic' feel of breaking a commandment or a law. In modern Hindi, they are used almost interchangeably, but in religious scholarship, the distinction is significant. Finally, learners often forget the word 'be-gunāh' (innocent). 'Be-' is a Persian prefix meaning 'without.' So, 'be-gunāh' literally means 'without sin.' Using 'nirdosh' (Sanskrit origin) is also common for 'innocent,' but 'be-gunāh' is very frequent in the context of trials and justice. Avoid these common traps, and your use of 'gunāh' will be both accurate and culturally resonant.

Hindi is rich with synonyms for 'wrongdoing,' and choosing the right one depends entirely on the 'flavor' of the sentence you want to create. गुनाह (Gunāh) sits in a middle ground—it is more serious than a mistake but less strictly legal than a crime. Understanding the alternatives like 'pāp,' 'aprādh,' 'jurm,' and 'khatā' will allow you to express precise shades of meaning. Each of these words comes from a different linguistic lineage (Sanskrit, Persian, or Arabic), and they carry that history with them into modern Hindi usage.

पाप (Pāp)
Sanskrit origin. Specifically 'sin' in a religious/karmic sense. Often used in phrases like 'pāp-punya' (sin and virtue).
अपराध (Aprādh)
Sanskrit origin. This is the standard word for 'crime' in a legal or official context. Use this for police and court matters.
जुर्म (Jurm)
Arabic/Persian origin. Similar to 'aprādh,' it means crime or offense. Very common in police dramas and Urdu-influenced Hindi.
खता (Khatā)
Persian origin. Means a 'fault' or 'lapse.' It is softer than 'gunāh' and often used in romantic poetry to describe a lover's mistake.
गलती (Galti)
Common word for 'mistake.' Use this for everyday errors like forgetting your keys or making a calculation error.

When deciding which word to use, consider the 'audience' and the 'source.' If you are writing a formal essay on law, stick to 'aprādh.' If you are writing a song about heartbreak, 'gunāh' or 'khatā' will sound much better. If you are discussing spirituality, 'pāp' or 'gunāh' are your best bets. Interestingly, the word 'dosh' is also used for 'fault' or 'blame,' often in a more technical or analytical way. By learning these synonyms, you don't just expand your vocabulary; you gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical layers that make Hindi such a vibrant language. Practice switching between these words in the same sentence to see how the 'mood' of the sentence changes.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Slang

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Fun Fact

Despite its Persian roots, 'gunāh' is so deeply embedded in Hindi that it is used in rural folk songs and high Sanskritized literature alike, showing the syncretic nature of Indian languages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡʊˈnɑː/
US /ɡuˈnɑː/
The stress is on the second syllable '-nāh'.
Rhymes With
पनाह (Panāh - shelter) गुना (Gunā - times/multiplied) निगाह (Nigāh - sight) राह (Rāh - path) वाह (Wāh - wow) आह (Āh - sigh) शाह (Shāh - king) तबाह (Tabāh - destroyed)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'goo-nah' with a very hard 'h'. The 'h' should be a soft aspiration.
  • Confusing the 'u' sound with 'oo' as in 'moon'. It should be shorter, like 'pull'.
  • Ignoring the aspiration at the end entirely.
  • Pronouncing the 'n' too nasally.
  • Stress on the first syllable instead of the second.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of masculine gender agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward except for the soft 'h'.

Listening 2/5

Very common in media, easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

गलती (Galti) बुरा (Bura) काम (Kaam) सज़ा (Sazā) माफ़ी (Māfī)

Learn Next

अपराध (Aprādh) पाप (Pāp) न्याय (Nyāy) अदालत (Adālat) पश्चाताप (Pashchātāp)

Advanced

अवधारणा (Avadhārnā) अक्षम्य (Akshamyā) प्रायश्चित (Prāyashchit) विवेक (Vivek) नैतिकता (Naitiktā)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

Adjectives must be masculine: 'Bada (big) gunāh', not 'Badi'.

Oblique Case in Plural

With postpositions: 'Gunāhon ki (of sins)', 'Gunāhon se (from sins)'.

Compound Verbs

Gunāh 'kar dena' (to commit) implies a sense of completion or accident.

Prefix 'Be-' for Negation

'Be' + 'Gunāh' = 'Begunāh' (Without sin/Innocent).

Genitive Case with Possession

'Uska gunāh' (His sin) uses 'ka' because gunāh is masculine.

Examples by Level

1

झूठ बोलना गुनाह है।

Lying is a sin.

Gunāh is the subject here, acting as a noun.

2

यह एक बड़ा गुनाह है।

This is a big sin.

Note the masculine adjective 'bada' agreeing with 'gunāh'.

3

उसने गुनाह किया।

He committed a sin.

Uses the simple past tense of 'karnā'.

4

गुनाह मत करो।

Do not commit a sin.

Imperative sentence using 'mat' for prohibition.

5

क्या यह गुनाह है?

Is this a sin?

Simple question structure.

6

वह बेगुनाह है।

He is innocent.

'Be-gunāh' is the antonym meaning 'without sin'.

7

मेरा कोई गुनाह नहीं है।

I have no sin (I am not at fault).

Uses 'merā' to show possession of the 'fault'.

8

गुनाह की माफ़ी माँगो।

Ask for forgiveness for the sin.

Compound sentence with 'maafi maango'.

1

चोरी करना एक गंभीर गुनाह है।

Stealing is a serious sin/crime.

'Gambhir' (serious) modifies 'gunāh'.

2

क्या तुमने कोई गुनाह किया है?

Have you committed any sin?

Present perfect tense question.

3

वह अपने गुनाह को छुपा रहा है।

He is hiding his sin.

Continuous tense 'chupa raha hai'.

4

गुनाहगार को सज़ा मिलनी चाहिए।

The sinner/criminal should get punishment.

'Gunāhgaar' is the person who commits a 'gunāh'.

5

यह छोटा गुनाह नहीं है।

This is not a small sin.

Negative sentence with 'chota' (small).

6

लोग गुनाह करने से डरते हैं।

People are afraid of committing sins.

Uses the oblique infinitive 'karne se'.

7

उसने अपना गुनाह मान लिया।

He confessed his sin/crime.

'Maan lena' means to accept or confess.

8

बिना गुनाह के सज़ा मिली।

Received punishment without a sin.

'Bina' (without) used with 'gunāh'.

1

समाज में इसे एक बड़ा गुनाह माना जाता है।

In society, this is considered a great sin.

Passive construction 'maana jaata hai'.

2

वह अपने पुराने गुनाहों का प्रायश्चित कर रहा है।

He is atoning for his old sins.

'Prayashchit' is a high-level word for atonement.

3

अगर यह गुनाह है, तो मैं इसे बार-बार करूँगा।

If this is a sin, then I will do it again and again.

Conditional sentence 'Agar... toh'.

4

उसकी आँखों में गुनाह का डर साफ़ दिख रहा था।

The fear of sin was clearly visible in his eyes.

Genitive 'gunāh ka darr'.

5

किसी को धोखा देना सबसे बड़ा गुनाह है।

Deceiving someone is the biggest sin.

Superlative 'sabse bada'.

6

अदालत में उसका गुनाह साबित हो गया।

His crime was proven in court.

'Saabit hona' means to be proven.

7

वह गुनाह की दलदल में फँसता गया।

He kept getting stuck in the swamp of sin.

Metaphorical use of 'daldal' (swamp).

8

क्या तुम अपने गुनाह का बोझ उठा पाओगे?

Will you be able to bear the burden of your sin?

Future tense with 'paoge' (ability).

1

इंसानियत के खिलाफ किया गया हर काम गुनाह है।

Every act committed against humanity is a sin.

Complex subject 'insaniyat ke khilaaf kiya gaya kaam'.

2

उसने अनजाने में यह गुनाह कर दिया।

He committed this sin unknowingly.

'Anjaane mein' means unknowingly.

3

गुनाह की दुनिया से बाहर निकलना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to get out of the world of crime/sin.

Abstract concept 'gunāh ki duniya'.

4

उसके गुनाहों की फेहरिस्त बहुत लंबी है।

The list of his sins is very long.

'Fehrist' is a poetic word for list.

5

धर्म और कानून में गुनाह की परिभाषा अलग हो सकती है।

The definition of sin/crime can be different in religion and law.

Discussing definitions 'paribhasha'.

6

उसने अपने गुनाह को छिपाने के लिए कई झूठ बोले।

He told many lies to hide his sin.

Purpose clause 'chipane ke liye'.

7

सच्चाई को दबाना भी एक तरह का गुनाह है।

Suppressing the truth is also a type of sin.

'Ek tarah ka' means 'a type of'.

8

वह ताउम्र अपने गुनाह की आग में जलता रहा।

He kept burning in the fire of his sin all his life.

'Taumr' means 'lifelong'.

1

साहित्य में 'गुनाह' और 'सज़ा' के द्वंद्व को बखूबी दर्शाया गया है।

In literature, the conflict between 'sin' and 'punishment' is beautifully depicted.

'Dvandva' means conflict or duality.

2

क्या व्यवस्था के दोषों को व्यक्ति का गुनाह माना जा सकता है?

Can the flaws of the system be considered an individual's sin?

Rhetorical question in formal Hindi.

3

उसके शब्द उसके दिल में छिपे गुनाह की गवाही दे रहे थे।

His words were bearing witness to the sin hidden in his heart.

'Gawahi dena' means to bear witness.

4

गुनाह की अवधारणा संस्कृति और समय के साथ बदलती रहती है।

The concept of sin changes with culture and time.

'Avadharna' means concept.

5

उसने अपने गुनाह का इक़बालिया बयान दिया।

He gave a confessional statement of his crime.

'Iqbaliya bayaan' is a formal legal term for confession.

6

सत्ता का लालच अक्सर बड़े-बड़े गुनाहों की जड़ होता है।

Greed for power is often the root of great sins.

'Jad' means root.

7

उसने अपने गुनाह का बोझ उतारने के लिए तीर्थयात्रा की।

He went on a pilgrimage to shed the burden of his sin.

'Bojh utarna' means to shed a burden.

8

गुनाह और पश्चाताप की यह कहानी पाठकों को झकझोर देती है।

This story of sin and repentance shakes the readers.

'Jhakjhor dena' means to shake or deeply move.

1

नैतिकता की कसौटी पर उसका हर कृत्य एक अक्षम्य गुनाह प्रतीत होता था।

On the touchstone of morality, every act of his seemed like an unpardonable sin.

'Akshamya' means unpardonable.

2

गुनाह की मनोवैज्ञानिक परतें अक्सर बचपन के अनुभवों में दबी होती हैं।

The psychological layers of sin are often buried in childhood experiences.

'Manovaigyanik' means psychological.

3

क्या मौन रहना भी अन्याय के समय एक गुनाह नहीं है?

Is remaining silent not also a sin in times of injustice?

Complex philosophical inquiry.

4

उसकी लेखनी ने समाज के सामूहिक गुनाहों को बेनक़ाब कर दिया।

His writing unmasked the collective sins of society.

'Benaqaab karna' means to unmask.

5

गुनाह की यह स्वीकारोक्ति उसके आत्मिक शुद्धिकरण का प्रथम सोपान थी।

This confession of sin was the first step in his spiritual purification.

'Sopan' means step or ladder.

6

दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण से, गुनाह केवल एक भटकाव है, अंत नहीं।

From a philosophical perspective, sin is merely a deviation, not the end.

'Darshanik' means philosophical.

7

उसने अपने गुनाह की भयावहता को स्वीकार करने में वर्षों लगा दिए।

He took years to accept the horrific nature of his sin.

'Bhayavahata' means horrific nature/intensity.

8

गुनाह और मुक्ति के बीच की रेखा अत्यंत सूक्ष्म होती है।

The line between sin and liberation is extremely subtle.

'Sukshm' means subtle or minute.

Common Collocations

गुनाह करना
बड़ा गुनाह
गुनाह की सज़ा
गुनाह की माफ़ी
गुनाह कबूल करना
गुनाह का अहसास
पुराना गुनाह
अक्षम्य गुनाह
गुनाह की दुनिया
बेगुनाह इंसान

Common Phrases

गुनाह-ए-अज़ीम

— A great or supreme sin. Often used in formal or poetic religious contexts.

किसी की जान लेना गुनाह-ए-अज़ीम है।

गुनाह का पुतला

— Literally 'a puppet of sin.' Refers to the idea that humans are prone to making mistakes.

इंसान तो गुनाह का पुतला है।

गुनाह बेलज़्ज़त

— A sin committed without even enjoying it. Used to describe pointless wrongdoings.

यह तो गुनाह बेलज़्ज़त निकला।

गुनाहों का घड़ा

— Literally 'the pot of sins.' Used when someone's misdeeds reach a breaking point.

अब तुम्हारा गुनाहों का घड़ा भर गया है।

बेगुनाह साबित होना

— To be proven innocent.

वह आख़िरकार बेगुनाह साबित हुआ।

गुनाह की आग

— The torment or guilt resulting from a sin.

वह गुनाह की आग में जल रहा है।

गुनाह का रास्ता

— The path of crime or immorality.

उसने गुनाह का रास्ता चुन लिया।

गुनाह छुपाना

— To hide a sin or crime.

गुनाह छुपाना भी एक गुनाह है।

गुनाह से तौबा करना

— To repent from sin (specifically in Islamic context).

उसने अपने गुनाह से तौबा कर ली।

गुनाह की गवाही

— Evidence or witness of a sin.

यह निशान तुम्हारे गुनाह की गवाही है।

Often Confused With

गुनाह vs गुना (Guna)

Means 'times' or 'multiplied by' (e.g., do guna - twice). Don't confuse it with 'gunāh'.

गुनाह vs गुण (Gun)

Means 'quality' or 'virtue'. It sounds similar but has the opposite moral meaning.

गुनाह vs घृणा (Ghrina)

Means 'hatred'. The starting sound is different but can be confused by beginners.

Idioms & Expressions

"गुनाहों का घड़ा भरना"

— To reach the limit of one's misdeeds before facing punishment.

जब पापी के गुनाहों का घड़ा भर जाता है, तब उसका अंत होता है।

Literary/Folklore
"गुनाह सर चढ़कर बोलना"

— When one's guilt or crime becomes so obvious it cannot be hidden.

उसका गुनाह अब सर चढ़कर बोल रहा है।

Colloquial
"गुनाह का बोझ ढोना"

— To live with the heavy weight of guilt.

वह सालों से अपने गुनाह का बोझ ढो रहा है।

Poetic
"गंगा नहाने से गुनाह नहीं धुलते"

— A proverb suggesting that outer rituals cannot wash away inner moral failings.

सिर्फ गंगा नहाने से गुनाह नहीं धुलते, नीयत भी साफ़ होनी चाहिए।

Sarcastic/Moralistic
"गुनाह को दावत देना"

— To invite trouble or commit an act that leads to sin.

लालच करना गुनाह को दावत देना है।

Neutral
"गुनाह की कमाई"

— Money earned through illegal or immoral means.

गुनाह की कमाई कभी फलती नहीं।

Common
"गुनाह का फल"

— The consequence of a sin.

उसे अपने गुनाह का फल मिल गया।

Moralistic
"गुनाह की जड़"

— The root cause of a sin.

गरीबी ही कई गुनाहों की जड़ है।

Analytical
"गुनाह से हाथ धोना"

— To distance oneself from a crime or sin.

उसने इस गुनाह से अपने हाथ धो लिए।

Idiomatic
"गुनाह का साया"

— The shadow or lingering effect of a past sin.

उस पर उसके गुनाह का साया है।

Poetic

Easily Confused

गुनाह vs Galti

Both mean something wrong.

Galti is a simple mistake; Gunāh is a moral sin.

Spelling mistake is 'galti'; stealing is 'gunāh'.

गुनाह vs Pāp

Both mean sin.

Pāp is Sanskrit-based/Dharmic; Gunāh is Persian-based/Hindustani. Pāp is more religious.

Pāp-punya vs Gunāh-sazā.

गुनाह vs Aprādh

Both mean crime.

Aprādh is legal/official; Gunāh is moral/colloquial.

Police record 'apradh'; society calls it 'gunāh'.

गुनाह vs Jurm

Both mean crime.

Jurm is specifically an offense; Gunāh can be a spiritual sin.

Jurm kabool karna (legal confession).

गुनाह vs Khatā

Both mean fault.

Khatā is lighter and more poetic; Gunāh is heavier.

A lover's 'khatā' vs a murderer's 'gunāh'.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] [Noun] hai.

झूठ बोलना गुनाह है।

A2

[Subject] ne [Noun] kiya.

उसने गुनाह किया।

B1

[Noun] ki [Noun] [Verb].

गुनाह की सज़ा मिलेगी।

B2

Agar [Sentence], toh [Noun] hai.

अगर यह सच है, तो यह बड़ा गुनाह है।

C1

[Noun] ka [Noun] [Verb] raha hai.

गुनाह का बोझ उसे मार रहा है।

C2

[Adjective] [Noun] [Verb] [Adverb].

अक्षम्य गुनाह को कभी भुलाया नहीं जा सकता।

B1

[Subject] [Noun] se [Verb].

वह गुनाह से डरता है।

A2

[Subject] [Adjective] [Noun] hai.

वह बेगुनाह इंसान है.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, literature, and religious contexts; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Yeh meri gunāh hai. Yeh mera gunāh hai.

    Gunāh is masculine, so use 'mera' instead of 'meri'.

  • Maine ek gunāh banaya. Maine ek gunāh kiya.

    You 'do' (karnā) a sin, you don't 'make' (banānā) it.

  • Spelling mistake ko gunāh bolna. Spelling mistake ko galti bolna.

    Gunāh is too strong for a spelling error.

  • Gunāhgaari (as a noun for innocence). Begunāhi.

    Gunāhgaari is not a standard word; begunāhi is the correct term for innocence.

  • Pronouncing it as 'Guna'. Gunāh.

    Without the 'h', it means 'multiplied by', which is a completely different word.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'gunāh' is masculine. Say 'bada gunāh' (big sin), not 'badi gunāh'.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'gunāh' for everyday errors. Reserve it for serious moral or legal wrongdoings to maintain its impact.

Soft Ending

Practice the soft 'h' at the end. It should be an aspiration, not a full 'ha' sound.

Syncretic Use

Feel free to use 'gunāh' in any cultural context in India; it's a widely understood and accepted word across all communities.

Poetic Flair

Use 'gunāh' in your writing when you want to evoke a sense of drama, guilt, or poetic justice.

Song Lyrics

Pay attention to Bollywood songs. 'Gunāh' is often used to describe the 'sin' of love, which helps you understand its romantic register.

Association

Associate 'gunāh' with 'guilt'. Both start with the 'g' sound and both relate to doing something wrong.

Polite Correction

If someone makes a small mistake, don't call it a 'gunāh' unless you're being humorous. It's too heavy for light social errors.

Formal vs Informal

In a police station, you might hear 'jurm' or 'aprādh'. In a movie about that police station, you'll likely hear 'gunāh'.

Persian Roots

Knowing it's Persian helps you understand why it's so common in Urdu poetry and Ghazals.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gun' and 'Ah!'. If someone uses a 'Gun' wrongly, they commit a 'Gunāh' and people say 'Ah!' in shock.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing before a large, dark stone wall that represents their 'Gunāh', blocking their path to the light.

Word Web

Sin Crime Guilt Punishment Forgiveness Innocence Morality Law

Challenge

Try to use 'gunāh' in a sentence about a character in a book you've read. Was their action a 'gunāh' or just a 'galti'?

Word Origin

The word 'गुनाह' comes from the Persian 'gunāh' (گناه), which has roots in Middle Persian 'wināh'. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian and Urdu during the medieval period.

Original meaning: In Persian, it has always meant sin, crime, or error.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to label people as 'gunāhgaar' lightly, as it is a strong and potentially offensive term if used in a personal attack.

English speakers might find 'gunāh' similar to 'transgression' or 'iniquity' in its formal weight, but 'sin' is the closest everyday equivalent.

The movie 'Gunāh' (2002) The famous song 'Mohabbat ek gunāh hai' Urdu poetry by Ghalib or Iqbal often mentions gunāh.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious Sermon

  • गुनाहों से तौबा करो
  • ईश्वर गुनाह माफ़ करता है
  • गुनाह का रास्ता छोड़ो
  • नेक काम करो

Legal Drama

  • गुनाह साबित करना
  • गुनाह कबूल करना
  • बेगुनाह को छोड़ दो
  • गुनाह की सज़ा मिलेगी

Romantic Poetry

  • इश्क़ एक हसीन गुनाह है
  • मेरी खता, मेरा गुनाह
  • गुनाह की रात
  • आँखों का गुनाह

Social Argument

  • यह तो गुनाह है!
  • तुमने बहुत बड़ा गुनाह किया है
  • गुनाह का बोझ
  • किसी का हक मारना गुनाह है

Parenting

  • झूठ बोलना गुनाह है
  • चोरी करना गुनाह है
  • बड़ों का अनादर गुनाह है
  • गुनाह से डरो

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि झूठ बोलना हमेशा गुनाह होता है?"

"फिल्मों में 'गुनाह' और 'सज़ा' के विषय इतने लोकप्रिय क्यों हैं?"

"क्या कोई इंसान पूरी तरह से बेगुनाह हो सकता है?"

"अगर कोई अनजाने में गुनाह करे, तो क्या उसे सज़ा मिलनी चाहिए?"

"समाज में सबसे बड़ा गुनाह किसे माना जाना चाहिए?"

Journal Prompts

क्या कभी आपको ऐसा लगा कि आपने कोई 'गुनाह' किया है? उस अहसास के बारे में लिखें।

गुनाह और गलती के बीच के अंतर को अपने शब्दों में स्पष्ट करें।

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखें जिसका मुख्य पात्र अपने किसी पुराने गुनाह का प्रायश्चित कर रहा हो।

क्या कानून हमेशा सही होता है? क्या कोई कानून का पालन करते हुए भी गुनाह कर सकता है?

अपने पसंदीदा गाने या फिल्म के बारे में लिखें जिसमें 'गुनाह' शब्द का प्रभावशाली प्रयोग हुआ हो।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The word has Persian roots and is common in Islamic contexts, but it is used by everyone in India regardless of religion. It is a part of the common Hindustani vocabulary.

It's better not to. Using 'gunāh' for a small mistake like forgetting an umbrella sounds overly dramatic. Use 'galti' instead.

There is no feminine form. 'Gunāh' is a masculine noun. However, a female sinner is still called a 'gunāhgaar' (the suffix -gaar is gender-neutral).

You use the prefix 'be-', making it 'begunāh' (बेगुनाह).

They are synonyms, but 'pāp' is rooted in Sanskrit and Hindu traditions, while 'gunāh' is Persian and more common in Urdu-influenced Hindi. 'Gunāh' is also used more in legal/crime contexts in movies.

No, it is not silent, but it is very soft. It sounds like a slight breath of air at the end of the 'ā' sound.

No, it is a noun. To use it as an action, you must pair it with 'karnā' (to do), as in 'gunāh karnā'.

It is a formal phrase meaning a 'great sin'. It is often used in religious texts or high literature.

It can be. Calling someone a 'gunāhgaar' means you are calling them a sinner or a criminal. Use it with caution.

Yes, in common speech and movies, it is often used for crimes. However, the official legal term is 'aprādh'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Lying is a sin.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'He is innocent.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'गुनाह' and 'सज़ा'.

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writing

Translate: 'He confessed his sin in court.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'गुनाहगार'.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'गुनाह' and 'गलती' in one Hindi sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Is it a sin to love?'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'गुनाह का बोझ'.

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writing

Translate: 'Repent for your sins.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'बेगुनाह'.

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writing

Translate: 'The list of his sins is very long.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 lines) about a crime story using 'गुनाह'.

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writing

Translate: 'Man is a puppet of sins.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'गुनाह की कमाई'.

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writing

Translate: 'His crime was proven.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'अक्षम्य गुनाह'.

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writing

Translate: 'I have not committed any sin.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'गुनाह की आग'.

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writing

Translate: 'Don't commit this sin.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'गुनाह की दुनिया'.

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speaking

Pronounce the word: गुनाह

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speaking

Say 'Lying is a sin' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: बेगुनाह

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speaking

Say 'I am innocent' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: गुनाहगार

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speaking

Say 'He committed a sin' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: गुनाहों

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speaking

Say 'Forgive my sins' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Is it a sin to love?' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: प्रायश्चित

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speaking

Say 'He confessed his crime' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Don't commit a sin' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: अक्षम्य गुनाह

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speaking

Say 'The world of crime' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Man is a puppet of sins' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Punish the sinner' in Hindi.

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speaking

Pronounce: बेगुनाही

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Say 'The burden of sin' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Proven innocent' in Hindi.

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speaking

Say 'Lying is a big sin' in Hindi.

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listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: Gunāh)

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listening

What word was said? (Audio: Begunāh)

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Translate what you heard: (Audio: Jhooth bolna gunāh hai)

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listening

Identify the noun: (Audio: Usne gunāh kiya)

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listening

What person was mentioned? (Audio: Gunāhgaar ko pakdo)

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listening

Translate: (Audio: Kya yeh gunāh hai?)

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listening

What is requested? (Audio: Gunāh ki maafi maango)

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listening

Identify the plural: (Audio: Gunāhon se bacho)

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listening

Translate: (Audio: Woh begunāh saabit hua)

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listening

What is filling? (Audio: Gunāhon ka ghada bhar gaya)

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listening

Identify the adjective: (Audio: Yeh ek bada gunāh hai)

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listening

Translate: (Audio: Gunāh ki sazā milegi)

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listening

What complex phrase was used? (Audio: Gunāh-e-azeem)

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listening

Translate: (Audio: Mera koi gunāh nahi hai)

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listening

What is the verb used? (Audio: Gunāh mat karo)

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Perfect score!

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