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टाँगना

A2 verb #5,000 most common 9 min read

टाँगना

To suspend or be suspended from above; to hang.

taangna Top 5,000

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'टाँगना' as a simple action word for daily chores. Think of it as 'putting things up'. You will use it for your coat, your bag, or a picture. It is a physical action you do with your hands. Focus on the present tense: 'I hang the bag' (मैं बैग टाँगता हूँ). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just associate the sound 'tāngnā' with the image of a hook. You will mostly hear this from parents or teachers giving simple instructions like 'Hang your towel' (तौलिया टाँगो). It is one of those basic 'housekeeping' verbs that helps you describe your immediate environment.

As an A2 learner, you should start using 'टाँगना' in different tenses and understand its transitive nature. This means knowing that you are doing the action to an object. You should be able to say 'I hung the clothes' (मैंने कपड़े टाँगे) and remember to use 'ne' because it happened in the past. You will also use it for more varied objects like calendars, keys, or lights. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'लटकाना' (latkānā) in basic contexts—use 'टाँगना' for things on hooks and 'लटकाना' for things that dangle. This level is about building confidence in using the word in everyday conversation about home and work.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the passive and causative forms related to this word, although 'टाँगना' itself is primarily transitive. You might encounter 'टँगवाना' (tangvānā), which means 'to have something hung by someone else'. For example, 'I had the painting hung' (मैंने पेंटिंग टँगवाई). You should also understand the nuance of using 'टाँग देना' to show completion. You can start using the word in slightly more abstract ways, such as hanging a 'notice' or a 'signboard'. Your sentences should be more complex, incorporating reasons: 'I hung the wet clothes inside because it was raining' (बारिश हो रही थी, इसलिए मैंने गीले कपड़े अंदर टाँग दिए).

At the B2 level, you should recognize 'टाँगना' in literature and slightly more idiomatic usage. While 'टाँगना' is mostly literal, you might see it used in descriptions of scenery or complex household settings. You should have a firm grasp of all irregular-sounding perfective forms (like 'टाँगीं' for feminine plural). You should also be able to explain the difference between 'टाँगना' and more formal verbs like 'प्रदर्शित करना' (to display). You might use it in a professional context, such as a shop manager instructing staff on how to display merchandise to attract customers. Your usage should feel natural and effortless.

At the C1 level, you understand the subtle social and cultural connotations of the word. You might notice how 'टाँगना' is used in different dialects or how it appears in Hindi poetry to describe ornaments or decorations. You can use it metaphorically in creative writing—for instance, 'hanging one's dreams on a star'. You are also aware of the etymological roots and how it relates to other Indo-Aryan languages. You can discuss the nuances between 'टाँगना', 'लटकाना', and 'नत्थी करना' with precision, choosing the exact word that fits the register of your conversation or writing.

At the C2 level, 'टाँगना' is a tool for stylistic expression. You can use it in highly sophisticated ways, perhaps playing on its similarity to 'टाँग' (leg) for puns or in complex allegories. You understand its place in the history of the Hindi language and can identify its use in classical prose. You are comfortable using it in any context, from a legal description of evidence (hanging a sign) to a philosophical discussion about suspension and support. Your command over the verb's interaction with various auxiliary verbs (dena, lena, rakhna) is absolute, allowing you to convey the finest shades of meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

टाँगना in 30 Seconds

Transitive verb meaning 'to hang' or 'suspend'.
Commonly used for clothes, pictures, and household items.
Requires 'ne' in the past tense (perfective aspect).
Distinguished from 'latkānā' (to dangle) and 'tāng' (leg).

The Hindi verb टाँगना (tāngnā) primarily translates to 'to hang' or 'to suspend' something from a fixed point. At its core, it describes the physical act of placing an object on a hook, a nail, a clothesline, or a peg so that it remains suspended. While English often uses 'hang' for both the act of suspending something (transitive) and the state of being suspended (intransitive), Hindi distinguishes these. टाँगना is specifically the active, transitive form. If you are the one putting the coat on the hook, you are performing the action of टाँगना. It is an essential verb for daily life, particularly in household contexts where organization is key.

Domestic Context: The most common usage involves clothing. In Indian households, where wardrobes might be replaced by wall-mounted pegs (khunti), you will frequently hear 'कपड़े खूँटी पर टाँग दो' (Hang the clothes on the peg). It applies to wet laundry on a wire, towels in a bathroom, or calendars on a wall.

क्या तुम इस तस्वीर को दीवार पर टाँग सकते हो? (Can you hang this picture on the wall?)

Beyond physical objects, the word can sometimes carry metaphorical weight, though less frequently than 'लटकाना' (latkānā). However, in specific colloquial settings, it might refer to 'suspending' a process or 'leaving someone hanging,' though these are more advanced nuances. For a beginner or intermediate learner, focusing on the physical suspension of items is the most practical path. The word is deeply rooted in the physical environment of an Indian home, where vertical space is often utilized for storage. From hanging a 'jhoola' (swing) to suspending a birdcage, टाँगना covers the mechanical action of fastening something at the top so it dangles or stays fixed against a vertical surface.

Artistic Usage: In galleries or exhibitions, curators 'hang' paintings. In Hindi, this is 'चित्रों को प्रदर्शित करने के लिए टाँगना'. It implies a level of care and specific placement.

धोबी ने रस्सी पर गीले कपड़े टाँग दिए। (The washerman hung the wet clothes on the rope.)

In summary, use टाँगना whenever there is a point of contact at the top of an object that supports its weight against gravity. It is a purposeful, directed action. Whether it is a bag on a shoulder (sometimes used colloquially as 'कंधे पर थैला टाँगना') or a lantern from a ceiling, this verb is your primary tool for describing suspension.

Using टाँगना correctly requires understanding its conjugation as a regular transitive verb. Because it is transitive, in the perfective tenses (past tense), the subject takes the postposition 'ने' (ne), and the verb agrees with the object. This is a crucial grammatical hurdle for English speakers. For example, 'I hung the shirt' becomes 'मैंने कमीज़ टाँगी' (Maine kameez tāngī). Here, 'tāngī' is feminine because 'kameez' (shirt) is feminine, regardless of the gender of the person hanging it.

Present Tense: In the habitual present, it describes routines. 'वह हर रोज़ अपना कोट यहाँ टाँगता है' (He hangs his coat here every day). Note the agreement with the male subject 'वह'.

माँ रसोई में तौलिया टाँग रही हैं। (Mother is hanging the towel in the kitchen.)

The imperative form is very common for giving instructions. To a child, you might say 'अपनी वर्दी टाँगो!' (Hang your uniform!). In a more formal or polite setting, you would use 'टाँगिए' (tāngiye). For example, 'कृपया अपना बैग यहाँ टाँगिए' (Please hang your bag here). This versatility makes it one of the first verbs learners should master for navigating a Hindi-speaking household or office.

Future Tense: Planning to decorate? 'हम कल नए पर्दे टाँगेंगे' (We will hang new curtains tomorrow). The verb adapts to 'we' (हम) by becoming 'tāngenge'.

क्या आपने चाबियाँ हुक पर टाँग दी हैं? (Have you hung the keys on the hook?)

Furthermore, टाँगना is often paired with auxiliary verbs like 'देना' (dena) to indicate a completed action or an action done for someone else. 'टाँग देना' (tāng denā) is perhaps more common in speech than just 'टाँगना'. It adds a sense of 'hanging it up' and finishing the task. 'मैंने कपड़े टाँग दिए' sounds more natural than 'मैंने कपड़े टाँगे' in many casual contexts.

If you walk through a bustling market in Delhi or Mumbai, you will hear टाँगना constantly. Shopkeepers use it when displaying their wares. A street vendor selling mobile covers or snacks might say, 'इसे ऊपर टाँग दो ताकि सब देख सकें' (Hang this up so everyone can see). In the 'readymade' garment markets, workers are always busy hanging clothes on hangers to attract customers. The word is synonymous with 'displaying' in these commercial environments.

The Indian Kitchen: In many traditional and modern Indian kitchens, utensils with holes in their handles are hung on racks. You'll hear, 'कड़छी को स्टैंड पर टाँग दो' (Hang the ladle on the stand). It’s about saving counter space, a very practical application of the word.

दुकानदार ने नए कुर्ते बाहर टाँग रखे हैं। (The shopkeeper has hung the new kurtas outside.)

In educational settings, teachers might ask students to 'chart टाँगना' (hang a chart) on the notice board. During festivals like Diwali, the word is ubiquitous as people hang 'laris' (string lights) and 'kandils' (lanterns) around their homes. 'आकाश दीया कहाँ टाँगना है?' (Where is the sky lantern to be hung?) is a common question during the festival of lights. This cultural context embeds the word in memories of celebration and home improvement.

Laundry Day: In India, drying clothes in the sun is the standard. Every terrace and balcony has a clothesline. The act of 'hanging' clothes to dry is almost always 'टाँगना'. 'धूप तेज़ है, कपड़े जल्दी टाँग दो' (The sun is bright, hang the clothes quickly).

उसने अपनी साइकिल दीवार पर टाँग दी है। (He has hung his bicycle on the wall.)

Lastly, you might encounter it in news or literature when describing decorations in a city for a VIP visit or a parade. Flags (झंडे) are 'hung' or 'hoisted' (though 'फहराना' is specific for hoisting, 'टाँगना' can be used for simply hanging them along a fence). It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane chores of a housewife and the commercial activities of a shopkeeper.

The most frequent error English speakers make with टाँगना is confusing it with its passive/intransitive counterpart, टँगन (tangnā). In English, 'The shirt is hanging' and 'I hang the shirt' use the same verb. In Hindi, 'कमीज़ टँगी है' (The shirt is hanging - state) uses a different root than 'मैं कमीज़ टाँग रहा हूँ' (I am hanging the shirt - action). Using the transitive 'टाँगना' when you mean to describe a state is a common A2-level mistake.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Correct: मैंने कैलेंडर टाँगा (I hung the calendar). Incorrect: कैलेंडर टाँगा है (The calendar hung - sounds incomplete). Correct for state: कैलेंडर टँगा है (The calendar is hanging).

गलत: वह पेड़ से टाँग रहा है। (Incorrect: He is hanging from the tree - sounds like he is hanging something else). सही: वह पेड़ से लटका हुआ है। (Correct: He is hanging/dangling from the tree.)

Another common pitfall is the confusion with 'लटकाना' (latkānā). While often interchangeable, 'टाँगना' usually implies a secure fix at a point (like a nail), whereas 'लटकाना' implies dangling or suspending something that might swing freely. You 'टाँगना' a picture, but you 'लटकाना' a rope or a person might 'लटकना' (hang/dangle) from a branch. Using 'टाँगना' for a person hanging (execution) is incorrect and culturally insensitive; the word for that is 'फाँसी देना' or 'लटकाना'.

The 'Leg' Confusion: As mentioned before, 'टाँग' (tāng) means leg. Beginners sometimes try to use 'टाँगना' to mean 'to kick' or 'to use legs'. This is completely wrong. 'टाँगना' has nothing to do with legs except for a very rare idiom 'टाँग अड़ाना' (to interfere - literally to poke one's leg in), but that uses the noun 'टाँग', not the verb 'टाँगना'.

सावधान: 'मैंने उसे टाँग दिया' (I hung him/it) could be misunderstood if the context isn't a bag or a coat!

Finally, remember the 'ne' rule in the past tense. Many learners say 'मैं टाँगा' instead of 'मैंने टाँगा'. Because it is a transitive verb, the 'ne' is mandatory in the perfective aspect. Skipping this makes your Hindi sound 'broken' or like a very raw beginner.

To truly master Hindi, you must distinguish टाँगना from its synonyms. The most prominent alternative is लटकाना (latkānā). While both mean 'to hang', लटकाना is broader. It covers hanging something so it dangles, like a pendant on a necklace or a swing from a tree. टाँगना is more specific to 'hooking' or 'fastening' something to a wall or a stand. If you use a nail, you are likely 'टाँगना'-ing.

टाँगना vs. लटकाना: टाँगना: Usually involves a hook, nail, or specific point. Think 'organized hanging'.
लटकाना: Usually involves dangling, swinging, or suspending in a way that the object is loose. Think 'dangling'.

तुलना: दीवार पर घड़ी टाँगना (Hanging a clock on the wall) vs. छत से रस्सी लटकाना (Dangling a rope from the ceiling).

Another similar word is टाँकना (tānknā). Notice the very slight difference in sound (the 'k' vs 'g'). टाँकना means 'to stitch' or 'to tack on', like sewing a button on a shirt. Because they sound so similar, learners often mix them up. Remember: 'G' for 'Ground-defying/Gravity' (hanging) and 'K' for 'Knit/Stitch'.

Advanced Alternatives: आरोपित करना (āropit karnā): Used in very formal or technical Hindi for 'fixing' or 'mounting' something, though rarely for simple hanging.
नत्थी करना (natthī karnā): To tag or file something, often used in offices for papers.

उसने अपनी डिग्री फ्रेम करवाकर दीवार पर टाँग दी। (He got his degree framed and hung it on the wall.)

In summary, while 'लटकाना' is a safe bet for most 'hanging' scenarios, using 'टाँगना' shows a higher level of precision when referring to household organization, art, and laundry. It conveys a sense of intentional placement on a support point.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is so deeply tied to the physical environment of an Indian home that the idiom 'khūntī par tāngnā' (to hang on a peg) is used for almost anything that is being discarded or ignored, reflecting how items on pegs are often forgotten.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɑːŋ.nɑː/

US /tɑŋ.nɑ/

Stress is primarily on the first syllable 'Tāng'.

Rhymes With

माँगना (māngnā) जाँचना (jānchnā) बाँटना (bāntnā) लाँघना (lānghnā) टाँकना (tānknā) फाँदना (fāndnā) छाँटना (chāntnā) हाँकना (hānknā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 't' as dental (like 'thin') instead of retroflex (like 'tall').
Ignoring the nasalization (chandrabindu) and saying 'tagnā'.
Confusing the vowel length, making it too short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the root is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires mastery of 'ne' rule and gender agreement in past tense.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of retroflex 't' and nasalization can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but easily confused with 'tānknā' (stitch).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दीवार कपड़े हुक कील रखना

Learn Next

लटकाना उतारना खूँटी पर्दा सजाना

Advanced

आरोपित नत्थी प्रदर्शित निलंबित संलग्न

Grammar to Know

Transitive Past Tense (Ne Rule)

मैंने (Subject + ne) तस्वीर (Object) टाँगी (Verb agrees with Object).

Compound Verbs with 'Denā'

उसने कपड़े टाँग दिए (Adds sense of completion).

Causative Verbs

मैंने उससे पेंटिंग टँगवाई (I made him hang the painting).

Infinitive as Noun

तस्वीर टाँगना आसान नहीं है (Hanging a picture is not easy).

Imperative (Polite vs Informal)

टाँगिए (Polite) vs टाँगो (Informal).

Examples by Level

अपना बैग यहाँ टाँगो।

Hang your bag here.

Imperative form 'tāngo' used for informal commands.

मैं शर्ट टाँगता हूँ।

I hang the shirt.

Present habitual tense with masculine subject.

तौलिया कहाँ टाँगूँ?

Where should I hang the towel?

Subjunctive/Future 'tāngūṅ' expressing a question about action.

यह फोटो यहाँ टाँग दो।

Hang this photo here.

Compound verb 'tāng do' for a completed action.

वह कपड़े टाँग रही है।

She is hanging clothes.

Present continuous tense.

चाबी हुक पर टाँगो।

Hang the key on the hook.

Simple imperative.

टोपी टाँगना मत भूलना।

Don't forget to hang the hat.

Infinitive 'tāngnā' used as an object of 'forget'.

यहाँ एक कैलेंडर टाँगो।

Hang a calendar here.

Basic imperative.

मैंने कल नई तस्वीर टाँगी।

I hung a new picture yesterday.

Past tense with 'ne' and feminine object agreement.

क्या आपने कपड़े टाँग दिए?

Did you hang the clothes?

Perfective tense using 'denā' auxiliary.

वह रोज़ अपना कोट यहाँ टाँगता था।

He used to hang his coat here every day.

Past habitual tense.

हम दिवाली पर दीये टाँगेंगे।

We will hang lamps on Diwali.

Future tense plural.

उसने दीवार पर घड़ी टाँग दी है।

He has hung the clock on the wall.

Present perfect with compound verb.

कृपया मेरा कोट वहाँ टाँग दीजिए।

Please hang my coat there.

Polite imperative.

क्या तुम ये पर्दे टाँग सकते हो?

Can you hang these curtains?

Modal verb 'saknā' (can).

माँ ने रसोई में तौलिया टाँग दिया।

Mother hung the towel in the kitchen.

Past tense with 'ne'.

मैंने पेंटिंग दीवार के बीच में टाँगी है।

I have hung the painting in the middle of the wall.

Present perfect with emphasis on location.

उसने सारे पुराने कपड़े बाहर टाँग दिए।

He hung all the old clothes outside.

Use of 'sāre' (all) with plural object agreement.

क्या मुझे यह पोस्टर यहाँ टाँगना चाहिए?

Should I hang this poster here?

Modal 'chāhiye' (should) with infinitive.

अगर तुम इसे यहाँ टाँगोगे, तो यह गिर जाएगा।

If you hang it here, it will fall.

Conditional sentence.

मैंने माली से गमले टँगवाए।

I had the pots hung by the gardener.

Causative form 'tangvānā'.

वह अपनी चाबियाँ हमेशा एक ही जगह टाँगता है।

He always hangs his keys in the same place.

Adverb 'hamesha' with habitual present.

तस्वीर टाँगने से पहले दीवार साफ़ कर लो।

Clean the wall before hanging the picture.

Oblique infinitive 'tāngne' before a postposition.

ये झंडे उत्सव के लिए टाँगे गए हैं।

These flags have been hung for the festival.

Passive voice 'tānge gaye hain'.

कलाकार ने अपनी बेहतरीन कृतियाँ गैलरी में टाँगीं।

The artist hung his best works in the gallery.

Past tense feminine plural agreement.

उसने अपनी सारी उम्मीदें उस एक नौकरी पर टाँग रखी थीं।

He had hung all his hopes on that one job.

Metaphorical usage in past perfect continuous state.

बिना सोचे-समझे कहीं भी तस्वीर मत टाँगो।

Don't hang the picture anywhere without thinking.

Adverbial phrase 'binā soche-samjhe'.

क्या आपने सूचना बोर्ड पर नोटिस टाँग दिया है?

Have you hung the notice on the notice board?

Formal object 'notice'.

वह अपनी गीली छतरी हुक पर टाँगना भूल गया।

He forgot to hang his wet umbrella on the hook.

Infinitive as object of 'bhūl gayā'.

पर्दे टाँगते समय सावधानी बरतें।

Be careful while hanging the curtains.

Participle 'tāngte samay' (while hanging).

उसने अपनी साइकिल को गैरेज की छत से टाँग दिया।

He hung his bicycle from the garage ceiling.

Directional postposition 'se' (from).

दीवार पर टाँगी गई पेंटिंग बहुत पुरानी है।

The painting hung on the wall is very old.

Past participle used as an adjective.

संग्रहालय के अध्यक्ष ने प्राचीन ढाल को मुख्य दीवार पर टाँगने का आदेश दिया।

The museum director ordered the ancient shield to be hung on the main wall.

High-register vocabulary (sangrahālaya, adhyaksha, prāchīn).

उसने अपने अतीत की यादों को एक कोने में टाँग दिया और आगे बढ़ गया।

He hung the memories of his past in a corner and moved on.

Highly metaphorical usage.

क्या यह उचित है कि हम अपनी समस्याओं को दूसरों के कंधों पर टाँग दें?

Is it right for us to hang our problems on others' shoulders?

Interrogative with metaphorical 'kandho par tāngnā'.

विदेशी पर्यटकों के लिए हस्तशिल्प की वस्तुओं को आकर्षक ढंग से टाँगा गया था।

The handicraft items were hung attractively for the foreign tourists.

Passive voice with adverbial phrase.

उसकी सफलता की कहानी हर दफ़्तर की दीवार पर टाँगने लायक है।

His success story is worth hanging on every office wall.

Adjective phrase 'tāngne lāyak' (worth hanging).

लेखक ने समाज की बुराइयों को शब्दों के माध्यम से सबके सामने टाँग दिया।

The writer hung the evils of society before everyone through words.

Abstract usage meaning 'to expose' or 'display'.

बिना किसी सहारे के इतनी भारी वस्तु को टाँगना जोखिम भरा हो सकता है।

Hanging such a heavy object without any support can be risky.

Gerundial use of the infinitive.

त्योहारों के दौरान गलियों में जो सजावट टाँगी जाती है, वह मंत्रमुग्ध कर देती है।

The decorations hung in the streets during festivals are mesmerizing.

Relative clause 'jo... vāh'.

दार्शनिक ने तर्क दिया कि मनुष्य अपनी नियति को स्वयं के कर्मों की खूँटी पर टाँगता है।

The philosopher argued that man hangs his destiny on the peg of his own deeds.

Philosophical register.

सत्ता के गलियारों में अक्सर नैतिकता को खूँटी पर टाँग दिया जाता है।

In the corridors of power, morality is often hung on a peg (discarded).

Idiomatic usage 'khūntī par tāng denā' meaning to set aside or ignore.

उसकी आवाज़ में एक ऐसी खनक थी जैसे हवा में चाँदी की घंटियाँ टाँग दी गई हों।

There was a ring in her voice as if silver bells had been hung in the air.

Simile using 'jaise... hoṅ'.

इतिहास के पन्नों पर उन नायकों के नाम टाँगे गए हैं जिन्होंने देश के लिए बलिदान दिया।

The names of those heroes who sacrificed for the country have been hung on the pages of history.

Metaphorical passive voice.

क्या हम अपनी ज़िम्मेदारियों को भविष्य के खूँटे पर टाँग कर निश्चिंत हो सकते हैं?

Can we be at peace by hanging our responsibilities on the peg of the future?

Complex rhetorical question.

उसने अपने अहंकार को उतारकर दरवाज़े के बाहर टाँग दिया और भीतर प्रवेश किया।

He took off his ego, hung it outside the door, and entered.

Spiritual/Narrative metaphor.

कला की इस विधा में रंगों को कैनवास पर टाँगने की एक अनूठी तकनीक का प्रयोग किया गया है।

In this genre of art, a unique technique of 'hanging' colors on the canvas is used.

Technical artistic description.

समय के अंतराल में कई संस्कृतियाँ अपनी पहचान को वैश्विक पटल पर टाँगने में सफल रही हैं।

Over time, many cultures have succeeded in hanging their identity on the global stage.

Global/Sociological context.

Common Collocations

कपड़े टाँगना

तस्वीर टाँगना

कैलेंडर टाँगना

हुक पर टाँगना

दीवार पर टाँगना

खूँटी पर टाँगना

पर्दे टाँगना

झंडे टाँगना

चाबी टाँगना

झालर टाँगना

Common Phrases

खूँटी पर टाँग देना

कपड़े टाँगने की रस्सी

टाँगने वाला हुक

दीवार पर टाँगने वाली घड़ी

बैग टाँग कर चलना

ऊपर टाँगना

बीच में टाँगना

सीधा टाँगना

मजबूती से टाँगना

सबके सामने टाँगना

Often Confused With

टाँगना vs टाँग (tāng)

This is a noun meaning 'leg'. Avoid using it as a verb.

टाँगना vs टाँकना (tānknā)

Means 'to stitch' or 'fasten with thread'. The 'k' sound is the key difference.

टाँगना vs टँगन (tangnā)

The intransitive form meaning 'to be hanging'. Used for states, not actions.

Idioms & Expressions

"खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To abandon a habit or put something away for a long time.

रिटायरमेंट के बाद उसने अपना कोट खूँटी पर टाँग दिया।

Colloquial

"ईमान खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To cast aside one's honesty or integrity.

आजकल लोग अपना ईमान खूँटी पर टाँग देते हैं।

Sarcastic

"शर्म खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To lose all sense of shame.

उसने तो अपनी शर्म ही खूँटी पर टाँग दी है।

Informal

"नियम खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To disregard rules completely.

ड्राइवर ने सारे नियम खूँटी पर टाँग दिए।

Common

"डिग्री खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To not use one's education or degree in professional life.

इंजीनियरिंग करके वह खेती कर रहा है, उसने अपनी डिग्री खूँटी पर टाँग दी।

Colloquial

"किताबें खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To stop studying or give up education.

परीक्षा के बाद उसने अपनी किताबें खूँटी पर टाँग दीं।

Informal

"जिम्मेदारी खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To run away from responsibilities.

वह अपनी सारी जिम्मेदारियाँ खूँटी पर टाँग कर भाग गया।

Metaphorical

"अक्ल खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To act foolishly, as if one has left their brain behind.

क्या तुम अपनी अक्ल खूँटी पर टाँग कर आए हो?

Sarcastic

"तलवार खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To stop fighting or retire from a struggle.

योद्धा ने अंततः अपनी तलवार खूँटी पर टाँग दी।

Literary

"परंपराएँ खूँटी पर टाँगना"

To discard old traditions.

आज की पीढ़ी ने पुरानी परंपराएँ खूँटी पर टाँग दी हैं।

Social

Easily Confused

टाँगना vs लटकाना

Both mean 'to hang'.

टाँगना is for fixed points like hooks; लटकाना is for dangling or swinging.

दीवार पर फोटो टाँगो, पर छत से झूला लटकाओ।

टाँगना vs टाँकना

Sounds almost identical.

टाँकना is for sewing/stitching; टाँगना is for hanging.

बटन टाँकना और कोट टाँगना अलग काम हैं।

टाँगना vs लगाना

General word for fixing.

लगाना is very broad; टाँगना is specifically for suspension.

पोस्टर लगा दो (stick/hang), पर कैलेंडर टाँग दो (hang).

टाँगना vs फँसाना

Involves putting something in a hook.

फँसाना implies getting something stuck or caught; टाँगना is intentional hanging.

उसने हुक में चाबियाँ फँसा दीं।

टाँगना vs उतारना

Opposite action.

उतारना is taking down; टाँगना is putting up.

कपड़े टाँगो और सूखने के बाद उतार लो।

Sentence Patterns

[Object] टाँगो।

बैग टाँगो।

मैंने [Object] टाँगा/टाँगी।

मैंने फोटो टाँगी।

क्या मैं [Object] यहाँ टाँग सकता हूँ?

क्या मैं कोट यहाँ टाँग सकता हूँ?

[Object] टाँगना [Adjective] है।

पर्दे टाँगना मुश्किल है।

[Object] टाँगने के लिए [Tool] चाहिए।

तस्वीर टाँगने के लिए कील चाहिए।

[Object] टाँगते समय [Caution] रखना।

घड़ी टाँगते समय ध्यान रखना।

[Object] को [Place] पर टाँगा जाना चाहिए।

सूचना को बोर्ड पर टाँगा जाना चाहिए।

[Abstract Concept] को खूँटी पर टाँगना।

उसने अपने डर को खूँटी पर टाँग दिया।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in domestic and commercial contexts.

Common Mistakes

मैंने कोट टाँगा है (when meaning 'The coat is hanging'). → कोट टँगा है।
The speaker used the active transitive form instead of the passive/state form.
मैं शर्ट टाँगा। → मैंने शर्ट टाँगी।
Missing 'ne' and wrong gender agreement (shirt is feminine).
वह पेड़ से टाँग रहा है। → वह पेड़ से लटक रहा है।
टाँगना is for objects on hooks; for a person dangling, use लटकना.
बटन टाँग दो। → बटन टाँक दो।
Confusing 'tāngnā' (hang) with 'tānknā' (stitch).
बैग हुक में टाँग दो। → बैग हुक पर टाँग दो।
Using the wrong postposition; usually, things are hung 'on' (par) a hook.

Tips

Remember the 'Ne'

In the past tense, always use 'मैंने', 'उसने', etc. Example: 'मैंने शर्ट टाँगी' (I hung the shirt).

Retroflex T

Ensure your tongue curls back for the 'T' sound to avoid sounding like 'th'.

Tāng vs Tāngnā

One is a leg, the other is the act of hanging. Context is everything!

Laundry Context

This is the most frequent place you'll use this word. 'कपड़े टाँग दो' is a daily phrase.

Fixed vs Dangling

Use टाँगना for nails/hooks and लटकाना for swinging items.

The T-Hook

Visualize a T-shaped hook to remember the start of the word.

Vertical Space

Understand that Indian homes use hanging as a primary storage method.

Plural Agreement

Don't forget the nasal sound in 'टाँगीं' for feminine plural objects.

Polite Imperative

Use 'टाँगिए' when asking a guest to hang their coat.

Discarding Habits

Use 'khūntī par tāngnā' to describe someone giving up a hobby or duty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TANGy' orange hanging from a tree. You 'Tāng' it (hang it) on a hook.

Visual Association

Imagine a wall full of 'T' shaped hooks. You use these 'T' hooks to 'Tāngnā' your bags.

Word Web

Hook Wall Clothes Nail Hanger Gravity Organize Suspended

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room right now that you can 'टाँगना' and say the sentence aloud: 'मैंने [object] टाँगा'!

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Indo-Aryan roots, likely connected to the Sanskrit word 'tanka' which relates to a weight or a stamp, evolving into the sense of fixing or suspending.

Original meaning: To fasten, to fix, or to suspend.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'टाँगना' when referring to people in a negative or violent way; use specific terms for legal execution.

English speakers use 'hang' for both active and passive states, which leads to confusion with Hindi's transitive/intransitive split.

The song 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala' mentions 'khūntī' (peg) indirectly in cultural contexts. Bollywood movies often show a 'jhoola' (swing) hung in the courtyard. Folk tales often involve hanging a pot of curd (dahi handi) high up.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Laundry

कपड़े रस्सी पर टाँग दो
गीले कपड़े टाँगना
चिमटी लगाकर टाँगना
धूप में टाँगना

Home Decor

तस्वीर सीधी टाँगो
झालर टाँगना
कैलेंडर टाँगना
घड़ी टाँगना

Organization

चाबी हुक पर टाँगो
बैग टाँगना
कोट खूँटी पर टाँगना
साइकिल टाँगना

Festivals

तोरण टाँगना
लालटेन टाँगना
झंडे टाँगना
फूलों की माला टाँगना

Kitchen

कड़छी टाँगना
कप टाँगने का स्टैंड
तौलिया टाँगना
थैला टाँगना

Conversation Starters

"क्या मैं अपना कोट यहाँ टाँग सकता हूँ?"

"तुम्हें क्या लगता है, यह पेंटिंग कहाँ टाँगनी चाहिए?"

"क्या तुमने आज कपड़े बाहर टाँग दिए?"

"इस भारी आईने को दीवार पर कैसे टाँगेंगे?"

"क्या यहाँ चाबियाँ टाँगने के लिए कोई हुक है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने कमरे में एक नई चीज़ टाँगी, वह क्या थी और क्यों?

अगर आप अपने सपनों को एक दीवार पर टाँग सकते, तो वे कैसे दिखते?

बचपन की उस चीज़ के बारे में लिखें जिसे आप हमेशा खूँटी पर टाँगते थे।

घर की सफाई करते समय आपने क्या-क्या उतारकर फिर से टाँगा?

एक ऐसी घटना लिखें जब आपने कुछ टाँगा और वह गिर गया।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is culturally incorrect and insensitive. For legal execution, use 'फाँसी देना' or 'लटकाना'. टाँगना is for objects.

टाँगना usually means hanging something on a hook or nail (fixed). लटकाना means suspending something so it dangles or swings (loose).

No, for ending a call, Hindi speakers use 'फ़ोन काटना' (phone kātnā) or 'फ़ोन रखना' (phone rakhnā).

Use the intransitive form: 'तस्वीर टँगी है' (Tasveer tangī hai). 'टाँगना' is only for the person doing the hanging.

Yes, colloquially people say 'कंधे पर बैग टाँगना' (hanging a bag on the shoulder).

It depends on the object. For a masculine object: 'टाँगा'. For feminine: 'टाँगी'. For plural: 'टाँगे' or 'टाँगीं'.

Yes, 'टँगवाना' (tangvānā) means to have someone else hang something for you.

Literally 'to hang on a peg', but idiomatically it means to set aside, ignore, or abandon a habit/task.

Yes, 'पर्दे टाँगना' is very common.

Yes, it is an A2-level essential word used daily in Indian homes.