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तोहफ़ा

B1 noun 11 min read

तोहफ़ा

tohfa

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips तोहफ़ा in 30 Seconds

Explanation तोहफ़ा in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'तोहफ़ा' (tohfā) is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'gift'. Students learn it as a simple object they can give or receive. The focus is on basic sentence structures like 'This is a gift' (यह एक तोहफ़ा है) or 'I have a gift' (मेरे पास एक तोहफ़ा है). At this stage, learners are taught that it is a masculine noun, which is crucial for using basic adjectives like 'big' (बड़ा - bada) or 'small' (छोटा - chhota). The goal is to recognize the word in the context of birthdays and festivals. Learners are not yet expected to handle complex pluralization or oblique cases, but they should be able to identify the word when they hear it in simple conversations about celebrations. It is often taught alongside other basic nouns like 'cake', 'friend', and 'family'. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say 'Thank you for the gift' (तोहफ़े के लिए शुक्रिया) as a fixed phrase, even if they don't fully understand the grammar behind why 'tohfā' became 'tohfe'. This level builds the foundation for more nuanced usage later on.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'तोहफ़ा' in more descriptive sentences and with a wider range of verbs. They move beyond 'this is' to 'I am giving' (मैं दे रहा हूँ) and 'I am buying' (मैं खरीद रहा हूँ). The concept of subject-verb agreement becomes more prominent. A2 students learn to use possessive pronouns correctly with the word, such as 'मेरा तोहफ़ा' (my gift) and 'आपका तोहफ़ा' (your gift). They also start to encounter the plural form 'तोहफ़े' (tohfe) in simple contexts, like 'I bought two gifts' (मैंने दो तोहफ़े खरीदे). Cultural context is introduced, explaining that gifts are common during Indian festivals like Diwali. Students are encouraged to use the word in role-play scenarios, such as a birthday party or visiting a friend's house. They also learn the difference between 'tohfā' and 'inām' (prize) in a basic sense. The emphasis is on building confidence in using the word in everyday past and future tense sentences, like 'कल मैं एक तोहफ़ा लाऊँगा' (I will bring a gift tomorrow).

At the B1 level, the student is expected to have a solid grasp of 'तोहफ़ा' and use it fluently in various contexts. This includes understanding the 'oblique case'—how the word changes when followed by postpositions (e.g., 'तोहफ़े में' - in the gift, 'तोहफ़े के साथ' - with the gift). B1 learners start to appreciate the stylistic difference between the Persian-origin 'तोहफ़ा' and the Sanskrit-origin 'उपहार'. They can participate in longer discussions about gift-giving traditions and express opinions, such as 'तोहफ़ा कीमती होना ज़रूरी नहीं है' (It is not necessary for a gift to be expensive). They can also use the word metaphorically to describe non-physical gifts like 'time' or 'advice'. This level also introduces more complex sentence patterns involving the word, such as 'तोहफ़ा देते समय' (while giving the gift). B1 students should be able to read short stories or news snippets where the word appears and understand the emotional subtext. They are also introduced to common collocations like 'तोहफ़ा कबूल करना' (to accept a gift) which adds a layer of politeness and formality to their speech.

At the B2 level, 'तोहफ़ा' is used with more nuance and in more abstract discussions. Students can debate the commercialization of festivals and the social pressure of giving 'tohfe'. They are expected to use the word correctly in complex grammatical structures, including passive voice ('तोहफ़ा दिया गया' - the gift was given) and conditional sentences ('अगर तुम आते, तो मैं तुम्हें तोहफ़ा देता' - If you had come, I would have given you a gift). B2 learners are introduced to the word's presence in Bollywood songs and popular culture, allowing them to understand the romantic and poetic connotations. They also learn about related terms like 'saugāt' (souvenir) and 'bhent' (offering) and can choose the most appropriate word for a given situation. Their vocabulary expands to include idioms and phrases where 'tohfā' might appear. They can write detailed descriptions of a memorable gift they received, using advanced adjectives and expressing complex emotions. At this stage, the student's use of 'tohfā' should sound natural, reflecting an understanding of both the language and the underlying cultural etiquette of the Hindi-speaking world.

At the C1 level, the learner has a deep, intuitive understanding of 'तोहफ़ा'. They can appreciate its use in classical and modern literature, including the works of poets like Ghalib or Gulzar where the word might be used in highly symbolic ways. C1 students can distinguish between the subtle registers of 'tohfā', 'nazrāna', and 'pishkash'. They are capable of using the word in professional and academic contexts, such as discussing the 'gift economy' or the psychology of altruism in Hindi. Their speech is marked by the correct use of subtle nuances, such as using the word to express sarcasm or irony (e.g., 'वाह, क्या तोहफ़ा दिया है आपने' - Wow, what a 'gift' you have given, implying a problem). They can understand and use the word in various dialects and are aware of its historical journey from Arabic to modern Hindi. At this level, the student can also translate complex English texts involving the concept of 'gifts' into Hindi, choosing the most culturally and contextually appropriate term each time. Their mastery of the word is near-native, allowing them to navigate any social or literary situation with ease.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'तोहफ़ा' is complete and sophisticated. The learner can engage in high-level literary criticism, analyzing how the concept of the 'tohfā' has evolved in Hindi cinema or literature over decades. They can use the word in spontaneous, high-pressure situations without any grammatical or contextual errors. A C2 speaker understands the deepest etymological roots and can discuss how the word interacts with other Persian and Arabic loans in Hindi. They can write poetry or prose using 'tohfā' in ways that evoke specific moods—nostalgia, romance, or religious devotion. They are also fully aware of the regional variations in the word's usage across the Indian subcontinent. At this pinnacle level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for creative and intellectual expression. The C2 learner can effectively use 'tohfā' to build rapport, negotiate social boundaries, and express the most complex of human emotions, reflecting a total integration into the Hindi linguistic and cultural universe.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

तोहफ़ा in 30 Seconds

तोहफ़ा (tohfā) means gift or present in Hindi.
It is a masculine noun of Persian/Arabic origin.
It is used in casual, romantic, and poetic contexts.
Commonly paired with the verbs 'dena' (give) and 'milna' (receive).

The word तोहफ़ा (tohfā) is a quintessential Hindi-Urdu noun that translates primarily to 'gift' or 'present' in English. However, its resonance in the Hindi language goes far beyond a simple exchange of goods. Derived from the Arabic root 'tuhfa', it entered Hindi via Persian influence, bringing with it a sense of elegance, refinement, and emotional depth. When a speaker uses 'तोहफ़ा', they are often highlighting the sentiment behind the gesture rather than the monetary value of the object itself. It is a word that thrives in the realms of love, friendship, gratitude, and celebration. In the social fabric of India, giving a tohfā is a key way to maintain relationships, known as 'lihaz' or 'muraat'. Whether it is a small trinket brought back from a journey or an expensive piece of jewelry for a wedding, the word encapsulates the act of voluntary giving without the expectation of payment.

Emotional Register: While 'उपहार' (upahār) is its formal Sanskrit-derived synonym often used in official contexts or news, 'तोहफ़ा' is the heart's choice. It is the word you find in Bollywood lyrics and romantic poetry. It suggests a personal touch.
Social Contexts: It is used during festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas, but also for personal milestones like birthdays (janamdin) and anniversaries (saalgira). It can also be used metaphorically, such as calling a child a 'gift from God' (khuda ka tohfā).

यह तोहफ़ा मेरी तरफ़ से आपके लिए एक छोटी सी यादगिरी है। (This gift is a small souvenir for you from my side.)

In modern usage, 'तोहफ़ा' has maintained its popularity despite the influx of the English word 'gift'. You will hear it in shops, in homes, and in high literature. It carries a certain 'nazaakat' (delicacy) that makes it appropriate for expressing deep appreciation. For instance, if someone helps you immensely, you might say their help was a 'tohfā' to you. It is also common in the plural form 'तोहफ़े' (tohfe) when referring to multiple items. Understanding this word requires understanding the Indian concept of 'mehmaan-nawaazi' (hospitality), where giving a gift to a guest is considered a mark of high character. The word is masculine in gender, which affects the adjectives and verbs associated with it. For example, one says 'achha tohfā' (good gift) and not 'achhi tohfā'.

दोस्ती से बड़ा कोई तोहफ़ा नहीं होता। (There is no gift greater than friendship.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with the verb 'देना' (dena - to give) or 'मिलना' (milna - to receive). When you say 'मुझे एक तोहफ़ा मिला' (mujhe ek tohfā mila), you are saying 'I received a gift.' The nuances of the word also extend to 'saugāt' (सौगात), which is a more poetic or rare gift, often a souvenir from a specific place. However, 'तोहफ़ा' remains the most versatile and widely understood term across all dialects of Hindi and Hindustani. It bridges the gap between the extremely formal and the overly casual, making it a safe and beautiful choice for any learner of the language. In the digital age, even an 'e-gift card' is often referred to as a 'digital tohfā' in marketing campaigns, showing the word's adaptability to modern technology and commerce.

Using तोहफ़ा (tohfā) correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties as a masculine noun. In Hindi, nouns dictate the form of the adjectives and verbs that surround them. Since 'तोहफ़ा' is masculine, any adjective describing it must end in the masculine form. For instance, 'beautiful gift' becomes 'सुंदर तोहफ़ा' (sundar tohfā) or 'प्यारा तोहफ़ा' (pyaara tohfā). If you are using the plural form 'तोहफ़े' (tohfe), the adjectives also shift to the masculine plural form, such as 'प्यारे तोहफ़े' (pyaare tohfe). This consistency is vital for sounding natural to native speakers.

Subject-Verb Agreement: If 'tohfā' is the subject, the verb must be masculine. Example: 'तोहफ़ा मेज़ पर रखा है' (The gift is placed on the table). Here, 'rakha' is the masculine singular form of the verb 'rakhna' (to keep/place).

क्या आपको मेरा तोहफ़ा पसंद आया? (Did you like my gift?)

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the construction 'X को Y तोहफ़ा देना' (To give a gift Y to person X). Notice the use of the postposition 'को' (ko) after the recipient. For example, 'मैंने अपनी माँ को एक तोहफ़ा दिया' (I gave a gift to my mother). Here, 'diya' is the past tense masculine singular form of 'dena', agreeing with 'tohfā'. If you gave multiple gifts, it would be 'मैंने अपनी माँ को कई तोहफ़े दिए' (I gave many gifts to my mother), where 'diye' agrees with the plural 'tohfe'.

वह हर साल मुझे जन्मदिन पर एक अनोखा तोहफ़ा भेजता है। (He sends me a unique gift every year on my birthday.)

Another important aspect is the use of 'तोहफ़ा' in passive or descriptive sentences. You might say 'यह प्रकृति का तोहफ़ा है' (This is a gift of nature). The word 'ka' (of) agrees with 'tohfā'. If the word were feminine, we would use 'ki'. This word is also frequently used with 'लाया' (laaya - brought). 'मैं आपके लिए एक तोहफ़ा लाया हूँ' (I have brought a gift for you). For a female speaker, it would be 'मैं आपके लिए एक तोहफ़ा लाई हूँ', but the 'tohfā' itself remains masculine. Learning these permutations allows you to express generosity and gratitude fluently in various social settings, from formal dinners to casual hangouts with friends.

The word तोहफ़ा (tohfā) is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, spanning from the most mundane daily interactions to the heights of artistic expression. If you walk into a gift shop in Delhi or Mumbai, you might see signs that say 'उपहार' (upahār), but the customers and shopkeepers will almost certainly use 'तोहफ़ा' in conversation. It is the language of the street and the home. You will hear parents telling their children, 'अगर तुम अच्छे अंक लाओगे, तो मैं तुम्हें एक तोहफ़ा दूँगा' (If you get good marks, I will give you a gift). This conversational frequency makes it one of the most practical words to master for a B1 level learner.

In Cinema and Music: Bollywood is perhaps the greatest propagator of this word. Countless songs use 'tohfā' to describe love or a lover. Famous movies like 'Tohfaa' (1984) have centered their entire plot around the concept of self-sacrifice as a gift. Songs often use the word to rhyme with 'bewafa' (unfaithful) or 'khuda' (God), creating a poetic resonance.

फिल्मों में अक्सर नायक नायिका को तोहफ़ा देकर अपने प्यार का इज़हार करता है। (In films, the hero often expresses his love by giving a gift to the heroine.)

In religious and spiritual contexts, 'तोहफ़ा' is used to describe divine blessings. During Eid celebrations, the exchange of 'Eidi' (money given as a gift) is often described using the broader term 'tohfā'. Similarly, during Diwali, the tradition of exchanging sweets and dry fruits is referred to as 'tohfay dena'. In literature, especially in 'Shayari' (Urdu poetry), 'tohfā' is a metaphor for the pain of heartbreak or the joy of a glance from the beloved. For example, a poet might say that the scars of love are a 'tohfā' from the beloved. This metaphorical usage is common in high-level Hindi and Urdu discussions.

ईद के मौके पर बच्चों को बड़ों से तोहफ़े मिलते हैं। (On the occasion of Eid, children receive gifts from their elders.)

You will also encounter 'तोहफ़ा' in news headlines, especially when foreign dignitaries exchange gifts during state visits. However, in very formal Sanskritized Hindi news, 'उपहार' might take precedence. In the corporate world, 'corporate gifts' are often called 'corporate tohfay'. Even on social media, influencers might talk about a 'giveaway' as a 'tohfā' for their followers. This ubiquity across different media and social strata ensures that once you learn 'तोहफ़ा', you will start hearing it everywhere, from a grandmother's story to a high-energy dance track.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with तोहफ़ा (tohfā) is related to its gender. Many English speakers assume that abstract or common objects might be feminine, but 'तोहफ़ा' is strictly masculine. This means you must say 'मेरा तोहफ़ा' (mera tohfā) and not 'मेरी तोहफ़ा' (meri tohfā). Using the wrong gender is a dead giveaway that you are not a native speaker and can sometimes lead to confusion in more complex sentence structures. Always remember: masculine singular is 'tohfā', masculine plural is 'tohfe', and the oblique singular (with postpositions) is also 'tohfe'.

Confusion with 'Upahār': Learners often ask when to use 'उपहार' versus 'तोहफ़ा'. While they mean the same thing, 'उपहार' is more formal and Sanskrit-based. Using 'उपहार' in a casual romantic setting might sound a bit stiff or robotic. 'तोहफ़ा' is much more natural for everyday life and emotional expression.

गलत: यह एक अच्छी तोहफ़ा है। (Incorrect: This is a good gift - using feminine 'achhi')
सही: यह एक अच्छा तोहफ़ा है। (Correct: This is a good gift - using masculine 'achha')

Another common error is the mispronunciation of the 'f' sound. In standard Hindi and Urdu, the 'फ़' (fa) is a labiodental fricative, like the English 'f'. However, many native speakers in certain regions might pronounce it as a 'ph' (प) sound, making it 'toh-pa'. While understood, 'tohfā' with the 'f' sound is the standard and more sophisticated pronunciation. Learners should also be careful with the 'h' sound in the middle; it shouldn't be silent like the English 'honor', but lightly voiced, similar to 'toh-faa'.

गलत: मुझे दौड़ने के लिए तोहफ़ा मिला। (Incorrect: I got a gift for running - should be 'inaam')

Lastly, watch out for the pluralization. Some learners try to add 's' or other English plural markers. In Hindi, 'तोहफ़ा' changes its ending to 'e' to become 'तोहफ़े' (tohfe). Using 'tohfās' or 'tohfay' in a Hindi sentence is incorrect. Additionally, when using a postposition like 'के लिए' (for), the singular 'तोहफ़ा' must change to 'तोहफ़े'. For example, 'इस तोहफ़े के लिए शुक्रिया' (Thank you for this gift). Forgetting this 'oblique case' transformation is a very common mistake for intermediate students.

While तोहफ़ा (tohfā) is the most common word for 'gift', Hindi is a rich language with several synonyms that carry different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one depends on the context, the relationship between the giver and the receiver, and the level of formality you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Hindi from basic to sophisticated.

उपहार (Upahār): This is the direct Sanskrit synonym. It is used in formal writing, invitations (e.g., 'उपहार स्वीकार्य नहीं हैं' - gifts are not accepted), and news broadcasts. It feels more 'proper' but less 'warm' than 'tohfā'.
भेंट (Bhent): This word specifically refers to a gift given to a superior, an elder, or a deity. It also means 'meeting'. When you give a 'bhent', there is an element of respect or offering involved.
सौगात (Saugāt): This Persian-origin word usually refers to a souvenir or a specialty gift from a particular place. If you bring tea from Darjeeling for a friend, it is a 'saugāt'. It implies something rare or characteristic of a location.

बनारस की साड़ियाँ वहाँ की एक मशहूर सौगात हैं। (Banaras sarees are a famous specialty gift from there.)

There is also 'नज़राना' (nazrāna), which is a very formal or poetic term for a gift or tribute given to a person of high status, like a king or a spiritual leader. In modern times, it's rarely used except in historical dramas or classical poetry. On the other hand, 'इनाम' (inām) refers to a prize or reward. While a gift is given out of affection, an 'inām' is earned through merit or luck. Using 'tohfā' when you mean 'inām' (like winning a lottery) would be a semantic error.

मंदिर में भक्त भगवान को भेंट चढ़ाते हैं। (In the temple, devotees offer gifts/offerings to God.)

Finally, the English word 'Gift' itself is very common in urban India. You will often hear people say 'मैंने उसे एक गिफ्ट दिया' (I gave him a gift). While this is perfectly acceptable in 'Hinglish', using 'तोहफ़ा' adds a layer of cultural richness and linguistic authenticity to your speech. It shows that you are making an effort to engage with the deeper vocabulary of the language. In summary, use 'tohfā' for most personal situations, 'upahār' for formal ones, 'saugāt' for souvenirs, and 'bhent' for respectful offerings.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite being an 'imported' word, 'तोहफ़ा' is so deeply embedded in Hindi that many native speakers are unaware of its foreign roots. It is one of the few words that sounds equally natural in a high-society Urdu gathering and a rural Hindi village.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtoʊ.fɑː/

US /ˈtoʊ.fɑː/

The stress is primarily on the first syllable 'toh'.

Rhymes With

बेवफ़ा (bewafā) खफ़ा (khafā) दफ़ा (dafā) सफ़ा (safā) वफ़ा (wafā) फ़िज़ा (fizā) मज़ा (mazā) सज़ा (sazā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'f' as 'ph' (p-h as in 'pot'), making it 'toh-pa'.
Silent 'h', making it 'to-fa'.
Using a hard English 't' instead of the soft Hindi dental 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in titles and captions.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'f' dot (nukta) and plural 'tohfe' correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Phonetically simple once the 'f' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in songs and dialogue.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देना (to give) लेना (to take) चीज़ (thing) दोस्त (friend) जन्मदिन (birthday)

Learn Next

उपहार (formal gift) खरीदना (to buy) पसंद (like) कीमत (price) रिश्ता (relationship)

Advanced

नज़राना (tribute) बेशकीमती (invaluable) सौगात (souvenir) आदान-प्रदान (exchange) कृतज्ञता (gratitude)

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in 'ā' change to 'e' in the plural.

तोहफ़ा (singular) -> तोहफ़े (plural)

Masculine nouns change 'ā' to 'e' before postpositions (Oblique case).

तोहफ़ा + के लिए = तोहफ़े के लिए

Verb agreement with masculine objects in perfective tense.

मैंने तोहफ़ा दिया (I gave a gift - 'diya' is masculine).

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.

बड़ा तोहफ़ा (Big gift), बड़े तोहफ़े (Big gifts).

Use of 'ko' for the recipient of a gift.

दोस्त को तोहफ़ा दो। (Give the gift to the friend.)

Examples by Level

यह एक तोहफ़ा है।

This is a gift.

Basic 'Subject + Predicate' structure with masculine singular noun.

मेरे पास एक तोहफ़ा है।

I have a gift.

Use of 'ke paas' for possession.

यह तोहफ़ा छोटा है।

This gift is small.

Adjective 'chhota' agrees with masculine singular 'tohfā'.

वह तोहफ़ा बड़ा है।

That gift is big.

Adjective 'bada' agrees with masculine singular 'tohfā'.

तोहफ़ा कहाँ है?

Where is the gift?

Interrogative sentence with masculine singular subject.

यह मेरा तोहफ़ा है।

This is my gift.

Possessive 'mera' agrees with masculine singular 'tohfā'.

शुक्रिया, यह अच्छा तोहफ़ा है।

Thanks, this is a good gift.

Adjective 'achha' agrees with masculine singular 'tohfā'.

एक तोहफ़ा दो।

Give a gift.

Imperative sentence using the base verb form.

मैं आपके लिए एक तोहफ़ा लाया हूँ।

I have brought a gift for you.

Present perfect tense; 'laaya' agrees with masculine singular 'tohfā'.

उसने मुझे एक सुंदर तोहफ़ा दिया।

He/She gave me a beautiful gift.

Simple past tense; 'diya' agrees with 'tohfā'.

हम बाज़ार से तोहफ़े खरीद रहे हैं।

We are buying gifts from the market.

Present continuous tense with masculine plural 'tohfe'.

क्या आपने मेरा तोहफ़ा देखा?

Did you see my gift?

Perfective aspect in a question.

मेरे पास दो तोहफ़े हैं।

I have two gifts.

Pluralization from 'tohfā' to 'tohfe'.

यह तोहफ़ा बहुत महँगा है।

This gift is very expensive.

Adjective 'mahanga' (expensive) in masculine singular form.

माँ को यह तोहफ़ा पसंद आएगा।

Mother will like this gift.

Future tense with 'pasand aana' construction.

कल मेरा जन्मदिन था, मुझे कई तोहफ़े मिले।

Yesterday was my birthday, I got many gifts.

Past tense; 'mile' agrees with plural 'tohfe'.

इस तोहफ़े के अंदर क्या है?

What is inside this gift?

Oblique case: 'tohfā' becomes 'tohfe' before postposition 'ke andar'.

मैंने उसे जन्मदिन पर एक कीमती तोहफ़ा भेजा।

I sent him/her a valuable gift on their birthday.

Transitive verb 'bhejna' in past tense.

तोहफ़ा देना और लेना दोनों ही खुशी की बात है।

Giving and receiving a gift are both matters of joy.

Using verbs as gerunds/nouns in a sentence.

क्या आप यह तोहफ़ा स्वीकार करेंगे?

Will you accept this gift?

Formal future tense with 'swikar karna'.

वह हमेशा अनोखे तोहफ़े चुनता है।

He always chooses unique gifts.

Present habitual tense with masculine plural object.

बिना किसी कारण के तोहफ़ा देना सबसे अच्छा होता है।

Giving a gift without any reason is the best.

Complex sentence with postpositional phrase 'ke bina'.

इस छोटे से तोहफ़े को मेरी तरफ़ से रख लीजिए।

Please keep this small gift from my side.

Polite imperative with oblique case 'tohfe'.

मुझे वह तोहफ़ा अभी तक याद है।

I still remember that gift.

Use of 'yaad' for memory with masculine singular subject.

सच्चा तोहफ़ा वह है जो दिल से दिया जाए।

A true gift is one that is given from the heart.

Relative-correlative sentence structure (jo... woh).

त्योहारों पर तोहफ़ों का लेन-देन एक पुरानी परंपरा है।

The exchange of gifts during festivals is an old tradition.

Plural oblique form 'tohfōn' with postposition 'ka'.

सिर्फ़ तोहफ़ा देना ही काफ़ी नहीं है, भावना भी ज़रूरी है।

Just giving a gift is not enough; sentiment is also important.

Use of 'hi kaafi nahi' for emphasis.

अगर आप मुझे यह तोहफ़ा न देते, तो भी मैं खुश रहता।

Even if you hadn't given me this gift, I would have been happy.

Conditional sentence (agar... toh).

बच्चों के लिए सबसे बड़ा तोहफ़ा माता-पिता का समय है।

The biggest gift for children is their parents' time.

Metaphorical use of 'tohfā'.

शादी में मिले तोहफ़ों को खोलना बहुत मज़ेदार होता है।

Opening gifts received at a wedding is very fun.

Compound verb 'milna' used as an adjective.

उसने अपनी मेहनत को ही अपना सबसे बड़ा तोहफ़ा माना।

He considered his hard work itself to be his biggest gift.

Abstract usage with 'maanna' (to consider).

तोहफ़ा देने की कला हर किसी को नहीं आती।

Not everyone knows the art of gift-giving.

Possessive 'ki' agreeing with feminine 'kala' (art).

यह रचना साहित्य प्रेमियों के लिए एक बेशकीमती तोहफ़ा है।

This composition is an invaluable gift for literature lovers.

Advanced vocabulary 'beshkeemti' (invaluable).

विदेशी मेहमानों को भारतीय संस्कृति का तोहफ़ा भेंट किया गया।

A gift representing Indian culture was presented to the foreign guests.

Passive voice construction 'bhent kiya gaya'.

कभी-कभी खामोशी भी एक बेहतरीन तोहफ़ा साबित हो सकती है।

Sometimes silence too can prove to be an excellent gift.

Abstract metaphorical usage with 'saabit hona'.

उसने अपने अतीत को भुलाकर खुद को एक नया तोहफ़ा दिया।

By forgetting his past, he gave himself a new gift.

Reflexive 'khud ko' and participial phrase 'bhulakar'.

प्रकृति के इन अनमोल तोहफ़ों को सहेजना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

It is our duty to preserve these priceless gifts of nature.

Plural oblique 'tohfōn' with 'unmol' (priceless).

ग़ालिब की शायरी उर्दू ज़ुबान के लिए एक अज़ीम तोहफ़ा है।

Ghalib's poetry is a great gift to the Urdu language.

Use of Persian adjective 'azeem' (great/grand).

तोहफ़े की अहमियत उसकी कीमत से नहीं, मंशा से होती है।

The importance of a gift is not by its price, but by its intention.

Contrastive sentence structure using 'nahi... balki' implied.

राजनीतिक गलियारों में तोहफ़ों का आदान-प्रदान अक्सर चर्चा का विषय रहता है।

The exchange of gifts in political circles is often a subject of discussion.

Formal academic/journalistic register.

उनकी आवाज़ में जो कशिश है, वह खुदा का दिया हुआ एक नायब तोहफ़ा है।

The attraction in their voice is a rare gift bestowed by God.

Highly literary vocabulary 'kashish' and 'nayab'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि कभी-कभी तोहफ़े भी कूटनीति का एक घातक हथियार रहे हैं।

History is witness that sometimes gifts have also been a lethal weapon of diplomacy.

Complex historical and political discourse.

उपभोक्तावाद के इस दौर में तोहफ़ों का असली अर्थ कहीं खो गया है।

In this era of consumerism, the true meaning of gifts has been lost somewhere.

Sociological commentary using 'upbhoktawaad' (consumerism).

उसकी मुस्कुराहट मेरे जीवन के सूखे रेगिस्तान में एक ओएसिस जैसा तोहफ़ा थी।

Her smile was a gift like an oasis in the dry desert of my life.

Advanced metaphor and poetic imagery.

लेखक ने अपनी पुस्तक के माध्यम से समाज को एक वैचारिक तोहफ़ा प्रदान किया है।

The author has provided an intellectual/ideological gift to society through his book.

Formal register using 'vaicharik' and 'pradaan karna'.

तोहफ़ों की यह नुमाइश रिश्तों की गहराई को नहीं माप सकती।

This display of gifts cannot measure the depth of relationships.

Abstract philosophical statement.

क्या हम वाकई तोहफ़ा देते हैं, या यह सिर्फ एक सामाजिक लेन-देन का हिस्सा है?

Do we really give a gift, or is it just part of a social transaction?

Rhetorical question in a formal debate style.

कलाकार के लिए उसकी कला ही दुनिया को दिया जाने वाला सबसे बड़ा तोहफ़ा है।

For an artist, their art itself is the greatest gift given to the world.

Passive participle 'diya jaane wala'.

Common Collocations

तोहफ़ा देना

तोहफ़ा मिलना

कीमती तोहफ़ा

छोटा सा तोहफ़ा

जन्मदिन का तोहफ़ा

शादी का तोहफ़ा

तोहफ़ा कबूल करना

अनोखा तोहफ़ा

तोहफ़ा भेजना

तोहफ़ा चुनना

Common Phrases

तोहफ़े में देना

— To give as a gift. Used to specify the mode of giving.

उसने मुझे अपनी पुरानी कार तोहफ़े में दे दी।

खुदा का तोहफ़ा

— A gift from God. Often used for children or sudden good luck.

यह बच्चा हमारे लिए खुदा का तोहफ़ा है।

यादगारी तोहफ़ा

— A souvenir or a gift given as a memory.

यह पेन मेरे लिए एक यादगारी तोहफ़ा है।

तोहफ़ों की बौछार

— A shower of gifts. Used when someone receives many gifts at once.

जीत के बाद उस पर तोहफ़ों की बौछार हो गई।

नाम का तोहफ़ा

— A gift in name only. Used for something trivial or symbolic.

यह तो बस नाम का तोहफ़ा है, असली चीज़ तो आपका प्यार है।

छोटा मुँह बड़ी बात वाला तोहफ़ा

— A gift that is too grand for the giver's status (rare/idiomatic).

गरीब आदमी का यह कीमती तोहफ़ा 'छोटा मुँह बड़ी बात' जैसा था।

तोहफ़ा-ए-खास

— A special gift. Often used in formal or poetic Urdu-Hindi.

आज मैं आपके लिए एक तोहफ़ा-ए-खास लाया हूँ।

तोहफ़ा-ए-नायाब

— A rare/unique gift.

यह पुरानी तस्वीर एक तोहफ़ा-ए-नायाब है।

बिना माँगे तोहफ़ा

— A gift given without being asked for.

बिना माँगे मिला तोहफ़ा सबसे प्यारा होता है।

तोहफ़े की दुकान

— Gift shop.

हम पास की तोहफ़े की दुकान पर गए।

Often Confused With

तोहफ़ा vs इनाम (Inām)

An 'inām' is a prize won; a 'tohfā' is a gift given freely.

तोहफ़ा vs रिश्वत (Rishwat)

A 'rishwat' is a bribe; a 'tohfā' given to an official can sometimes be confused with this.

तोहफ़ा vs बख्शीश (Bakhsheesh)

A 'bakhsheesh' is a tip for service; a 'tohfā' is for personal affection.

Idioms & Expressions

"मुफ़्त का तोहफ़ा"

— Something obtained for free, often implying it shouldn't be criticized.

मुफ़्त के तोहफ़े के दांत नहीं देखे जाते। (Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.)

Colloquial

"तोहफ़े में ज़हर देना"

— To do something harmful under the guise of kindness.

उसकी मीठी बातें तोहफ़े में ज़हर देने जैसी हैं।

Literary

"ज़िन्दगी का तोहफ़ा"

— A second chance at life or a very significant positive event.

बीमारी से ठीक होना उसके लिए ज़िन्दगी का तोहफ़ा था।

Emotional

"वक्त का तोहफ़ा"

— The gift of time, often considered the most precious thing.

व्यस्त दुनिया में वक्त का तोहफ़ा ही सबसे बड़ा है।

Philosophical

"खुली आँखों का तोहफ़ा"

— An awakening or a realization.

यह सच मेरे लिए खुली आँखों का तोहफ़ा था।

Poetic

"दिल का तोहफ़ा"

— A gift given with deep sincerity.

यह कोई महँगा सामान नहीं, बस मेरे दिल का तोहफ़ा है।

Romantic

"तोहफ़े में दर्द मिलना"

— To receive pain or betrayal from someone loved.

मुझे वफ़ा के बदले तोहफ़े में दर्द मिला।

Poetic/Song Lyrics

"मुकद्दर का तोहफ़ा"

— A gift of fate or destiny.

उनका मिलना मेरे लिए मुकद्दर का तोहफ़ा था।

Literary

"आँसुओं का तोहफ़ा"

— Giving someone grief or sadness as a 'parting gift'.

जाते-जाते उसने मुझे बस आँसुओं का तोहफ़ा दिया।

Melodramatic

"दुश्मन का तोहफ़ा"

— Something that seems good but is meant to harm (like a Trojan Horse).

उसकी मदद पर भरोसा मत करो, यह दुश्मन का तोहफ़ा हो सकता है।

Cautionary

Easily Confused

तोहफ़ा vs उपहार

They mean the same thing.

Upahār is Sanskrit-based and formal; Tohfā is Persian-based and common/poetic.

सरकारी समारोह में उपहार दिए गए, लेकिन घर पर हमने तोहफ़े बाँटे।

तोहफ़ा vs भेंट

Both involve giving.

Bhent implies respect or an offering to a superior/deity.

मैंने गुरुजी के चरणों में भेंट रखी।

तोहफ़ा vs सौगात

Both are gifts.

Saugāt is specifically a souvenir or specialty from a place.

वह आगरा से पेठे की सौगात लाया।

तोहफ़ा vs इनाम

Both are received objects.

Inām is earned; Tohfā is given out of love.

जीतने पर इनाम मिला, जन्मदिन पर तोहफ़ा।

तोहफ़ा vs नज़राना

Both are gifts.

Nazrāna is a very high-status tribute or poetic offering.

शायर ने अपनी नज़्म का नज़राना पेश किया।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] है।

यह तोहफ़ा है।

मेरे पास [Noun] है।

मेरे पास एक तोहफ़ा है।

मैंने [Person] को [Noun] दिया।

मैंने माँ को तोहफ़ा दिया।

[Noun] के लिए शुक्रिया।

तोहफ़े के लिए शुक्रिया।

अगर [Condition], तो मैं [Noun] देता।

अगर मैं आता, तो मैं तोहफ़ा देता।

[Noun] की अहमियत [Noun] से है।

तोहफ़े की अहमियत प्यार से है।

[Noun] भेंट किया गया।

तोहफ़ा भेंट किया गया।

[Noun] कूटनीति का हिस्सा है।

तोहफ़ा कूटनीति का हिस्सा है।

Word Family

Nouns

तोहफ़ा (tohfā - gift)

तोहफ़ा-ए-खास (special gift)

Verbs

तोहफ़ा देना (to give a gift)

तोहफ़ा लेना (to take a gift)

Adjectives

तोहफ़े वाला (related to gifts/gift-wrapped)

उपहार

भेंट

सौगात

नज़राना

इनाम

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

मेरी तोहफ़ा (Meri tohfā) → मेरा तोहफ़ा (Mera tohfā)
Tohfā is masculine, so it requires the masculine possessive 'mera'.
तोहफ़ा के लिए (Tohfā ke liye) → तोहफ़े के लिए (Tohfe ke liye)
The word must change to the oblique form 'tohfe' before a postposition.
बहुत तोहफ़ा (Bahut tohfā) → बहुत तोहफ़े (Bahut tohfe)
When referring to 'many gifts', you must use the plural form 'tohfe'.
तोहफ़ा मिला (Tohfā mila - for a prize) → इनाम मिला (Inām mila)
Use 'inām' for prizes won in competitions; 'tohfā' is for personal gifts.
सुंदर तोहफ़ा (Sundar tohfā - for feminine subjects) → सुंदर तोहफ़ा (remains masculine)
Even if a woman gives or receives the gift, the word 'tohfā' itself remains masculine.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'tohfā' is masculine. This is the most common error. Practice saying 'achha tohfā' (good gift) until it feels natural.

Polite Refusal

In India, if someone offers you a 'tohfā', it's polite to initially say 'इसकी क्या ज़रूरत थी?' (What was the need for this?) before accepting it with thanks.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'saugāt' when you bring something back from a trip. It shows a higher level of vocabulary and cultural understanding.

The Nukta

The dot under 'फ़' means it's an 'f' sound, not a 'ph' sound. Try to keep it crisp like the English 'f' in 'fan'.

Oblique Case

Whenever a postposition follows 'tohfā', change it to 'tohfe'. Example: 'तोहफ़े का रंग' (the color of the gift).

Gifting Etiquette

When attending an Indian wedding, money given as a 'tohfā' is usually an odd amount like 101, 501, or 1001, as it is considered auspicious.

Song Lyrics

Search for Bollywood songs with 'tohfā' in the title. Singing along is a great way to memorize the word and its usage.

Politeness

Use the word 'मामूली' (maamuli - humble/ordinary) before 'tohfā' when giving it to someone you respect. 'यह एक मामूली तोहफ़ा है' (This is a humble gift).

Context Clues

If you hear 'mila' after 'tohfā', someone received it. If you hear 'diya', someone gave it. This helps track the action in a story.

Visual Cues

Label a gift box in your mind with the word 'तोहफ़ा' to create a strong mental link between the object and the Hindi term.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TOE' and 'FA'. Imagine you are tying a ribbon on your 'TOE' to give it as a 'FA'ntastic gift. (तोह-फ़ा).

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red gift box with a large golden bow. Inside the box, the letters 'T-O-H-F-A' are glowing.

Word Web

Birthday Surprise Ribbon Giving Smile Celebration Gratitude Box

Challenge

Try to use 'तोहफ़ा' in three different sentences today: one about a friend, one about a festival, and one about a 'gift of nature'.

Word Origin

The word 'तोहफ़ा' originates from the Arabic word 'tuhfa' (تحفة), which means a gift, a rarity, or a masterpiece. It traveled through Persian culture where it gained more poetic and courtly nuances before entering the Hindustani language during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods.

Original meaning: In Arabic, it often referred to something rare, precious, or a curiosity, not just any common gift.

Afro-Asiatic (Arabic) > Indo-European (Persian) > Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Be careful when giving gifts in a professional setting in India, as very expensive 'tohfe' can sometimes be misconstrued as bribes ('rishwat'). Always keep the context and the value appropriate to the relationship.

In English-speaking cultures, gift-giving is often associated with specific holidays like Christmas. In India, 'tohfā' can be given for almost any positive social interaction, including simply visiting someone's home (as a 'hostess gift').

Movie: 'Tohfaa' (1984) starring Jeetendra and Sridevi. Song: 'Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa, Laya Laya Laya' - a famous 80s Bollywood track. Literature: Numerous Ghazals by Ghalib and Mir mention 'tuhfa'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Birthday Party

जन्मदिन मुबारक! यह रहा आपका तोहफ़ा।
क्या मुझे तोहफ़ा खोलना चाहिए?
यह मेरा पसंदीदा तोहफ़ा है।
इतने सारे तोहफ़े!

Wedding

शादी के तोहफ़े कहाँ रखने हैं?
हमने दूल्हा-दुल्हन के लिए एक तोहफ़ा लिया है।
यह एक पारिवारिक तोहफ़ा है।
तोहफ़ों की लिस्ट बनाओ।

Festival (Diwali/Eid)

दिवाली के तोहफ़े बाँटने हैं।
ईद पर बच्चों को तोहफ़े मिलते हैं।
मिठाई भी एक अच्छा तोहफ़ा है।
सबके लिए तोहफ़े तैयार हैं?

Returning from a Trip

मैं तुम्हारे लिए पेरिस से एक तोहफ़ा लाया हूँ।
यह वहाँ की एक छोटी सी सौगात है।
तोहफ़ा पसंद आया?
इसे यादगारी के तौर पर रखो।

Romantic Gesture

तुम्हारी मुस्कुराहट ही मेरा तोहफ़ा है।
मैं तुम्हारे लिए रोज़ एक तोहफ़ा लाऊँगा।
यह तोहफ़ा हमारे प्यार की निशानी है।
किसी तोहफ़े की ज़रूरत नहीं थी।

Conversation Starters

"आपको अब तक का सबसे अच्छा तोहफ़ा कौन सा मिला है? (What is the best gift you have received so far?)"

"क्या आपको तोहफ़े देना पसंद है या लेना? (Do you like giving gifts or receiving them?)"

"भारतीय शादियों में तोहफ़ों का क्या महत्व है? (What is the importance of gifts in Indian weddings?)"

"क्या आप मानते हैं कि सबसे अच्छा तोहफ़ा मुफ़्त होता है? (Do you believe the best gift is free?)"

"अगली दिवाली पर आप अपने दोस्तों को क्या तोहफ़ा देंगे? (What gift will you give your friends next Diwali?)"

Journal Prompts

उस तोहफ़े के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपकी ज़िन्दगी बदल दी। (Write about the gift that changed your life.)

अगर आपको पूरी दुनिया को एक तोहफ़ा देना हो, तो वह क्या होगा? (If you had to give a gift to the whole world, what would it be?)

क्या तोहफ़े की कीमत मायने रखती है? अपने विचार लिखें। (Does the price of a gift matter? Write your thoughts.)

एक ऐसी घटना का वर्णन करें जब आपने किसी को सरप्राइज तोहफ़ा दिया। (Describe an incident when you gave someone a surprise gift.)

बचपन के अपने सबसे प्रिय तोहफ़े की यादें ताज़ा करें। (Refresh memories of your favorite childhood gift.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'तोहफ़ा' is a masculine noun. You should use masculine adjectives like 'बड़ा' (bada) and masculine verbs like 'दिया' (diya) with it. For example, 'मेरा तोहफ़ा' (my gift) is correct, while 'मेरी तोहफ़ा' is incorrect.

The plural of 'तोहफ़ा' is 'तोहफ़े' (tohfe). For example, 'मुझे बहुत सारे तोहफ़े मिले' (I received many gifts). Note that the ending changes from 'ā' to 'e'.

Use 'upahār' in very formal situations, such as writing a formal invitation, a news report, or in a highly Sanskritized environment. In most daily conversations, movies, and songs, 'tohfā' is preferred and sounds more natural.

You can say 'तोहफ़े के लिए शुक्रिया' (Tohfe ke liye shukriya) or 'तोहफ़े के लिए धन्यवाद' (Tohfe ke liye dhanyavaad). Notice that 'tohfā' changes to 'tohfe' because of the postposition 'ke liye'.

While 'tohfā' literally means gift, in certain contexts, people might use it euphemistically for a bribe. However, the correct word for bribe is 'रिश्वत' (rishwat). It is best to avoid giving expensive 'tohfe' to government officials to avoid confusion.

No, the 'h' is not silent. It is a light aspirated sound. It should be pronounced like 'toh-faa', where the 'h' is felt at the back of the throat, similar to the 'h' in 'ahead'.

'Saugāt' is a type of 'tohfā' that is typically a specialty or souvenir from a specific place. For example, if you bring tea from Assam for a friend, it's a 'saugāt'. 'Tohfā' is a more general term for any gift.

In romance, 'tohfā' is very common. You can say 'तुम मेरे लिए खुदा का तोहफ़ा हो' (You are a gift from God for me) or 'यह तोहफ़ा हमारे प्यार की निशानी है' (This gift is a sign of our love).

Yes, 'tohfā' is the standard word for gift in Urdu as well, which is the national language of Pakistan. It is used in exactly the same way in both Hindi and Urdu.

'Eidi' is a specific type of 'tohfā'—usually money—given to children and younger relatives by elders on the festival of Eid. While it is a gift, it has its own specific name.