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टाँके लगाना

C1 verb 9 min read

टाँके लगाना

tanke lagana

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips टाँके लगाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation टाँके लगाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'टाँके लगाना' (tānke lagānā) as a simple way to say 'fixing with a needle.' Imagine you have a favorite toy or a shirt with a small tear. When someone uses a needle and thread to fix it, they are putting 'tanke' (stitches). You don't need to worry about the medical side yet. Just remember: 'Tanke' means stitches, and 'Lagana' means to put or apply. If your shirt is torn, you can say 'Darzi (tailor) tanke lagata hai.' It's a useful word to know when you need help fixing something. Think of it like using glue, but with thread! At this level, focus on the physical action of sewing a small part of a cloth. You might see your mother or grandmother doing this at home. It's a very common domestic action. Just like you 'apply' a sticker, you 'apply' stitches in Hindi.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'टाँके लगाना' in more everyday situations, like a small accident. If you fall and get a cut, you might go to a doctor. The doctor will 'apply stitches' to help the skin heal. This is 'tanke lagana.' You can use simple sentences like 'Doctor ne tanke lagaye' (The doctor applied stitches). You also learn that 'tanke' is plural. Even if it's a small cut, we usually say 'tanke' because a doctor uses more than one. You can also use it for clothes more confidently. For example, 'Meri pant phat gayi hai, ispar tanke laga do' (My pants are torn, put some stitches on them). This level is about basic needs—getting medical help or getting clothes fixed. You should start noticing the 'ne' postposition when you talk about the past, like 'Mummy ne tanke lagaye.'

At the B1 level, you can use 'टाँके लगाना' to describe procedures and explain situations. You understand that this phrase is the standard way to talk about surgical sutures. You can describe an event: 'He had an accident and needed five stitches.' In Hindi: 'उसका एक्सीडेंट हो गया और उसे पाँच टाँके लगाने पड़े।' You are now comfortable with different tenses—future ('tanke lagane padenge'), present continuous ('tanke laga rahe hain'), and past. You also start to distinguish between 'tanke lagana' (to apply stitches) and 'tanke kholna' (to remove stitches). This level allows you to interact with medical staff or tailors more effectively, asking questions about how many stitches are needed or when they will be taken out. You also learn the difference between 'kaccha tanka' (a loose, temporary stitch) and 'pakka tanka' (a firm, permanent stitch).

At the B2 level, you use 'टाँके लगाना' with more precision and variety. You understand the nuances of the verb 'lagana' as a light verb. you can use it in passive constructions like 'घाव पर टाँके लगाए जा रहे हैं' (Stitches are being applied to the wound). You also recognize it in news reports and more formal storytelling. You might discuss the quality of the work: 'The tailor applied such fine stitches that they are invisible.' You can also use it in a slightly more abstract way, such as 'stitching' a story together, though this is still mostly literal. You are aware of synonyms like 'silai' and 'rafu' and know exactly when 'tanke lagana' is the better choice (specifically for closing a gap or wound). Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'nishan' (scar) and 'zakhmi' (injured), which often appear alongside this phrase.

At the C1 level, 'टाँके लगाना' is part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You can use it in medical discussions, describing the specific technique of suturing. You understand the cultural implications—how the number of 'tanke' in a news report signifies the severity of a social or physical clash. You can use the phrase metaphorically in complex essays or literature to describe 'mending' a fractured society or 'stitching' together different cultural elements. You are also familiar with the etymology (from the Sanskrit root 'tan') and how it relates to other words in the Indo-Aryan family. You can explain the difference between 'tanke lagana' and 'tanka bhidana' (a slang idiom), ensuring you don't use the wrong register. Your usage is fluid, grammatically perfect (especially with the 'ne' rule), and contextually appropriate, whether you're in a high-end boutique or a surgical theater.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like mastery of 'टाँके लगाना.' You can appreciate its use in classical Hindi literature and poetry, where the act of stitching might symbolize the passage of time or the healing of a broken heart. You understand all technical and slang variations. You can debate the evolution of medical terminology in Hindi, discussing why 'tanke lagana' remains more popular than its more Sanskritized alternatives. You can use the phrase in puns or wordplay. You also understand the legal and forensic implications of 'tanke' in police reports (MLC - Medico-Legal Cases). Your command over the phrase is such that you can use it to teach others the subtle differences between various types of 'lagana' compound verbs. You are comfortable with the most complex grammatical structures involving this phrase, including causative forms if they arise in creative writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

टाँके लगाना in 30 Seconds

Primarily means to apply medical stitches or sutures to close a physical wound.
Also used in tailoring to describe the act of mending or specific stitching on fabric.
A compound verb where 'tanke' is the noun (stitches) and 'lagana' is the action verb.
Crucial for medical emergencies, tailoring discussions, and occasional metaphorical use in high-level Hindi.

The Hindi verbal phrase टाँके लगाना (tānke lagānā) is a sophisticated compound verb that primarily translates to "to stitch" or "to suture." While it is most commonly associated with medical procedures—specifically the act of closing a wound or a surgical incision—it also carries significant weight in the world of tailoring and repair. Understanding this phrase requires a grasp of its two components: टाँका (tānka), which refers to a single stitch, and the light verb लगाना (lagānā), which means to apply, attach, or fix. Together, they describe the precise action of pulling a needle and thread (or medical suture) through material or skin to hold it together. In a medical context, this is a C1-level term because it moves beyond the simple 'suturing' and involves understanding the gravity of physical injury or surgical intervention. When a doctor says, "टाँके लगाने पड़ेंगे" (Stitches will have to be applied), it conveys a necessity for professional care. In tailoring, it implies a more durable or specific type of mending compared to general sewing (सिलाई). Culturally, the phrase evokes images of both the sterile hospital environment and the traditional Indian tailor (दर्जी) sitting at a manual machine. The use of the plural टाँके suggests multiple stitches, which is the standard way the phrase is used, as one rarely applies just a single stitch in these contexts.

Medical Context: Used by surgeons and nurses to describe the closing of lacerations or surgical sites. Example: 'सर्जन ने घाव पर बहुत सफाई से टाँके लगाए।' (The surgeon applied stitches to the wound very neatly.)

गहरी चोट होने के कारण डॉक्टर को दस टाँके लगाने पड़े। (Due to the deep injury, the doctor had to apply ten stitches.)

Beyond the physical, this phrase can occasionally be used metaphorically in advanced Hindi literature to describe the 'mending' of relationships or the 'patching up' of social divisions, though this is less common than its literal counterparts. In modern urban Hindi, you might hear it in the context of high-fashion tailoring where precision is key. The phonetic stress lies on the first syllable of 'टाँके' (tān-), with a distinct nasalization represented by the chandrabindu. Mastering this word allows a learner to navigate medical emergencies in Hindi-speaking regions and discuss craftsmanship with nuance. It is a bridge between everyday utility and technical vocabulary.

Tailoring Context: Refers to specific, often decorative or reinforcing stitches on fabric. 'दर्जी ने कोट की जेब पर मज़बूत टाँके लगाए।' (The tailor put strong stitches on the coat pocket.)

क्या आप इस फटी हुई चादर पर टाँके लगा सकते हैं? (Can you put stitches on this torn sheet?)

Using टाँके लगाना correctly requires attention to the subject-object relationship and the tense of the verb लगाना. Since लगाना is a transitive verb (सकर्मक क्रिया), when used in the perfective tense (past tense), the subject takes the postposition ने (ne). For example, "मैंने टाँके लगाए" (I applied stitches). The number of stitches is usually placed directly before the word 'टाँके'. If you are describing the location of the stitches, use the postposition पर (par) meaning 'on'. For instance, "सिर पर टाँके लगाना" (Applying stitches on the head). It is also important to distinguish between the person performing the action (the doctor or tailor) and the person receiving it. If you are the patient, you wouldn't say "मैंने टाँके लगाए" unless you stitched yourself; instead, you would say "मुझे टाँके लगे" (I got stitches).

Past Tense (Perfective): Subject + ने + [Number] + टाँके + लगाए। Example: 'नर्स ने पाँच टाँके लगाए।' (The nurse applied five stitches.)

कल रात एक्सीडेंट के बाद मेरे पैर पर टाँके लगाए गए। (After the accident last night, stitches were applied to my leg.)

In the continuous tense, it describes an ongoing process: "डॉक्टर टाँके लगा रहे हैं" (The doctor is applying stitches). This is often heard in high-stress environments like emergency rooms. In the future tense, it indicates a planned action: "क्या आपको लगता है कि इस घाव पर टाँके लगाने पड़ेंगे?" (Do you think stitches will have to be applied to this wound?). The word 'टाँके' remains plural in most contexts because a single stitch ('टाँका') is rarely sufficient for medical or structural repairs. However, in embroidery or fine needlework, one might say "एक टाँका लगाना" (to apply one stitch) to indicate a specific decorative move. Understanding these grammatical nuances ensures that the learner sounds natural and precise.

Future Tense: Subject + टाँके + लगाएगा/लगाएगी। Example: 'डॉक्टर कल टाँके लगाएगा।' (The doctor will apply stitches tomorrow.)

चिंता मत करो, मैं बहुत सावधानी से टाँके लगाऊँगा ताकि निशान न रहे। (Don't worry, I will apply stitches very carefully so that no scar remains.)

The most common place to hear टाँके लगाना is within the walls of a hospital or a local clinic (डिस्पेंसरी). In India, where minor accidents are often treated in small private clinics, a patient might ask, "कितने टाँके आए?" (How many stitches came/were needed?), and the doctor would respond, "हमने चार टाँके लगाए हैं" (We have applied four stitches). You will also encounter this phrase in news reports covering accidents or violence, where the severity of an injury is often quantified by the number of stitches required. For example, a news anchor might say, "पीड़ित के सिर पर बारह टाँके लगाए गए हैं" (Twelve stitches have been applied to the victim's head). This quantification serves as a linguistic shorthand for the seriousness of the wound.

In News and Media: Reports on sports injuries or accidents. Example: 'मैच के दौरान खिलाड़ी की आँख के पास टाँके लगाने पड़े।' (Stitches had to be applied near the player's eye during the match.)

अस्पताल के इमरजेंसी वार्ड में अक्सर टाँके लगाने की आवाज़ें और चर्चाएँ सुनी जाती हैं। (In the emergency ward of the hospital, sounds and discussions of applying stitches are often heard.)

Another frequent setting is the tailor shop (दर्जी की दुकान). While 'सिलाई' (silai) is the general word for sewing, 'टाँके लगाना' is used for specific repairs, such as fixing a tear in a expensive 'Sherwani' or 'Lehenga'. A tailor might say, "मैं यहाँ कच्चे टाँके लगा देता हूँ" (I will put temporary/loose stitches here) during a fitting. In television dramas (soap operas), the phrase is often used dramatically during scenes following a fight or an accident to evoke sympathy for a character. Even in literature, authors use the meticulousness of 'टाँके लगाना' to symbolize a character's patience or their attempt to fix a broken life. It is a word that straddles the line between the clinical and the domestic, the emergency and the craft.

In Daily Life: Mending clothes at home. 'माँ ने मेरी फटी हुई कमीज़ पर टाँके लगाए।' (Mother put stitches on my torn shirt.)

दर्जी ने बहुत बारीकी से रेशमी कपड़े पर टाँके लगाए। (The tailor applied stitches very finely on the silk cloth.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using the verb करना (karnā) instead of लगाना (lagānā). While "to do stitches" might make sense in some languages, in Hindi, "टाँके करना" is incorrect and sounds unnatural. The action is always perceived as 'applying' or 'fixing' the stitches onto a surface, hence लगाना is mandatory. Another common mistake is confusing टाँके लगाना with सिलाई करना. While both involve a needle and thread, सिलाई is the general act of sewing or tailoring a garment from scratch, whereas टाँके लगाना specifically refers to the act of joining two edges together, usually to repair a tear or close a wound. Using the general term in a medical emergency might lead to confusion; a doctor 'stitches a wound' (टाँके लगाता है), they don't 'sew' it in the general sense (सिलाई करता है).

Incorrect Verb Choice: Mistake: 'डॉक्टर ने टाँके किए।' (The doctor did stitches.) - Correct: 'डॉक्टर ने टाँके लगाए।' (The doctor applied stitches.)

लोग अक्सर टाँके लगाने और सिलाई करने के बीच भ्रमित हो जाते हैं। (People often get confused between applying stitches and sewing.)

Pronunciation is another area where learners stumble. The word टाँके has a nasalized 'ā' (ँ). Omitting the nasal sound and saying 'take' (like the English word) makes it unintelligible. Furthermore, learners often forget the ने postposition in the past tense. Saying "डॉक्टर टाँके लगाए" is grammatically incomplete; it must be "डॉक्टर ने टाँके लगाए." Lastly, be careful with the singular/plural distinction. While 'टाँका लगाना' (singular) is grammatically possible, it is rarely used unless you are literally talking about one single stitch. In almost all medical and repair contexts, the plural 'टाँके' is the standard. Over-relying on the singular can make your Hindi sound robotic or overly literal.

Confusion with Related Phrases: Don't confuse with 'टाँका भिड़ाना' which is a slang idiom for starting a romantic affair or 'fixing' a deal, often in a slightly negative or sneaky sense.

बिना नासिका स्वर के टाँके बोलना गलत है। (Saying 'tanke' without the nasal sound is wrong.)

When you want to expand your vocabulary beyond टाँके लगाना, several alternatives and related terms can add precision to your speech. For a more formal or academic medical context, you might encounter the term सीवन (seevan) or टाँकाकरण (tankakaran), though the latter is extremely rare in spoken Hindi. In general tailoring, सिलाई करना (silai karna) is the most common alternative, but it covers the entire process of making clothes. If you are specifically talking about mending a small hole, रफ़ू करना (rafu karna)—meaning 'to darn'—is a more accurate choice. रफ़ू involves weaving thread across a hole to reconstruct the fabric, which is more complex than a simple stitch. Another related verb is टाँकना (tānknā), which means 'to tack' or 'to stitch something onto something else,' like a button or a patch.

टाँके लगाना vs. सिलाई करना: 'टाँके लगाना' is for closing wounds or specific repairs; 'सिलाई करना' is the general art of sewing clothes.

फटे हुए कपड़ों के लिए रफ़ू करना बेहतर विकल्प हो सकता है। (Darning might be a better option for torn clothes.)

In a surgical context, you might also hear स्टिच करना (stitch karna), as English medical terms are very common in urban India. However, using the native Hindi term टाँके लगाना shows a higher level of linguistic competence. If you are discussing the removal of stitches, the phrase changes to टाँके काटना (tanke kātnā) or टाँके खोलना (tanke kholnā). 'Kātnā' (to cut) is used because the medical threads are literally cut to be removed. Understanding these variations allows you to describe the entire lifecycle of a wound's treatment, from the initial injury to the final removal of medical aids. Each word carries a specific nuance of the action's intent and the tools used.

टाँके लगाना vs. रफ़ू करना: 'टाँके लगाना' is joining edges; 'रफ़ू करना' is weaving thread to fill a hole (darning).

जब घाव भर जाता है, तब डॉक्टर टाँके काट देते हैं। (When the wound heals, the doctor cuts/removes the stitches.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Tanka' was also historically used for a specific weight or coin in India, suggesting a 'mark' or 'stamp,' similar to how a stitch leaves a mark.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɑːŋkeɪ ləˈɡɑːnɑː/

US /ˈtɑnkeɪ ləˈɡɑnɑ/

Primary stress on 'Tān' (टाँ), secondary stress on 'gā' (गा) in lagānā.

Rhymes With

फाँके (phānke) टाँके (tānke) बाँके (bānke) झाँके (jhānke) सजाना (sajānā) बनाना (banānā) जगाना (jagānā) हँसाना (hansānā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Tānke' as 'Take' (omitting the nasal sound).
Pronouncing 'Lagānā' as 'Lagna' (mixing up the verb forms).
Aspirating the 'T' too much (Hindi 'T' is retroflex but soft).
Using a hard English 'N' instead of the nasalization.
Failing to lengthen the final 'ā' in 'lagānā'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The nasalization in 'टाँके' can be tricky for beginners to identify in text.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ne' rule in the past tense.

Speaking 6/5

The nasalized 'ā' and the retroflex 'T' require practice.

Listening 4/5

Common in medical and tailoring contexts, usually easy to hear due to clear 't' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

सुई (needle) धागा (thread) लगाना (to apply) घाव (wound) कपड़ा (cloth)

Learn Next

शल्य चिकित्सा (surgery) संक्रमण (infection) निशान (scar) रफ़ू (darning) पट्टी (bandage)

Advanced

सीवन (suture) संज्ञाहरण (anesthesia) टाँकाकरण (stitching process) अवरोधक (obstructive) पुनर्निर्माण (reconstruction)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs in Past Tense

डॉक्टर ने टाँके लगाए (Subject + ne + Object + Verb).

Compound Verbs with 'Lagana'

काम पर लगाना, गले लगाना, टाँके लगाना.

Nasalization with Chandrabindu

टाँके, आँख, चाँद.

Pluralization of Nouns ending in 'ā'

टाँका -> टाँके.

Postpositions with Verbs

[Location] + पर + टाँके लगाना.

Examples by Level

दर्जी टाँके लगाता है।

The tailor applies stitches.

Simple present tense.

यहाँ एक टाँका लगाओ।

Put one stitch here.

Imperative form (command).

मेरी गुड़िया पर टाँके लगा दो।

Put stitches on my doll.

Use of 'do' for a request.

क्या आप टाँके लगा सकते हैं?

Can you put stitches?

Modal verb 'sakna' (can).

माँ टाँके लगा रही है।

Mother is putting stitches.

Present continuous tense.

यह टाँका मज़बूत है।

This stitch is strong.

Describing the noun 'tanka'.

लाल धागे से टाँके लगाओ।

Put stitches with red thread.

Instrumental case with 'se'.

वह टाँके लगाना सीख रहा है।

He is learning to put stitches.

Infinitive 'lagana' as an object.

डॉक्टर ने घाव पर टाँके लगाए।

The doctor applied stitches to the wound.

Past tense with 'ne'.

मुझे तीन टाँके लगाने पड़े।

I had to get three stitches.

Use of 'padna' for necessity.

क्या टाँके लगाने में दर्द होता है?

Does it hurt to put stitches?

Interrogative sentence.

उसने अपनी फटी जेब पर टाँके लगाए।

He put stitches on his torn pocket.

Reflexive 'apni'.

नर्स टाँके लगा रही थी।

The nurse was applying stitches.

Past continuous tense.

सावधानी से टाँके लगाओ।

Apply stitches carefully.

Adverb 'savdhani se'.

कल डॉक्टर टाँके लगाएगा।

The doctor will apply stitches tomorrow.

Future tense.

बिना टाँके लगाए घाव नहीं भरेगा।

The wound won't heal without applying stitches.

Conditional 'bina...lagaye'.

सर्जन ने बहुत सफाई से टाँके लगाए ताकि निशान न रहे।

The surgeon applied stitches very neatly so that no scar remains.

Purpose clause with 'taki'.

एक्सीडेंट के बाद उसे तुरंत टाँके लगाने की ज़रूरत थी।

After the accident, he needed stitches immediately.

Noun phrase 'lagane ki zarurat'.

अगर घाव गहरा है, तो टाँके लगाने ही पड़ेंगे।

If the wound is deep, then stitches will definitely have to be applied.

Conditional 'agar...to'.

दर्जी ने कोट के अंदरूनी हिस्से पर टाँके लगाए।

The tailor put stitches on the inner part of the coat.

Adjective 'andruni' (inner).

क्या आप जानते हैं कि टाँके कैसे लगाए जाते हैं?

Do you know how stitches are applied?

Passive voice 'lagaye jate hain'.

उसने खुद ही अपने फटे बैग पर टाँके लगा लिए।

He himself applied stitches to his torn bag.

Compound verb 'laga liye'.

डॉक्टर ने कहा कि टाँके लगाने के बाद आराम करना।

The doctor said to rest after applying stitches.

Indirect speech.

घाव इतना बड़ा था कि दस टाँके लगाने पड़े।

The wound was so big that ten stitches had to be applied.

Result clause 'itna...ki'.

आधुनिक चिकित्सा में टाँके लगाने के लिए विशेष धागों का उपयोग होता है।

In modern medicine, special threads are used for applying stitches.

Formal vocabulary 'upyog' and 'vishesh'.

खिलाड़ी के सिर पर टाँके लगाने के बावजूद उसने खेलना जारी रखा।

Despite getting stitches on his head, the player continued playing.

Concessive phrase 'ke bavajud'.

डॉक्टर ने घाव को संक्रमण से बचाने के लिए सावधानी से टाँके लगाए।

The doctor carefully applied stitches to protect the wound from infection.

Infinitive for purpose 'bachane ke liye'.

पुराने समय में टाँके लगाने के लिए रेशम के धागों का प्रयोग किया जाता था।

In olden times, silk threads were used to apply stitches.

Passive past 'kiya jata tha'.

यदि आप टाँके सही से नहीं लगाएंगे, तो सिलाई खुल सकती है।

If you don't apply the stitches correctly, the sewing might come undone.

Potential mood 'khul sakti hai'.

अस्पताल पहुँचते ही डॉक्टर ने सबसे पहले टाँके लगाने का काम शुरू किया।

As soon as they reached the hospital, the doctor first started the task of applying stitches.

Participle 'pahunchte hi'.

उसकी बहादुरी देखिए, उसने बिना एनेस्थीसिया के टाँके लगवा लिए।

Look at his bravery, he got stitches applied without anesthesia.

Causative 'lagva liye'.

टाँके लगाने की प्रक्रिया में स्वच्छता का ध्यान रखना अनिवार्य है।

It is mandatory to take care of hygiene in the process of applying stitches.

Abstract noun 'anivarya' (mandatory).

शल्य चिकित्सा के दौरान सूक्ष्म टाँके लगाना एक कला मानी जाती है।

Applying microscopic stitches during surgery is considered an art.

Complex subject 'sukshm tanke lagana'.

समाज के बिखरे हुए ताने-बाने पर टाँके लगाने की कोशिश की जा रही है।

An attempt is being made to 'stitch' the scattered fabric of society.

Metaphorical usage.

घाव के किनारों को मिलाकर टाँके लगाना घाव भरने की प्राथमिक शर्त है।

Joining the edges of a wound and applying stitches is the primary condition for healing.

Gerundial phrase as subject.

प्लास्टिक सर्जन ने इस तरह टाँके लगाए कि भविष्य में कोई निशान न दिखे।

The plastic surgeon applied stitches in such a way that no scar would be visible in the future.

Subjunctive 'na dikhe'.

युद्ध क्षेत्र में डॉक्टरों को अक्सर बिना पर्याप्त उपकरणों के टाँके लगाने पड़ते हैं।

In war zones, doctors often have to apply stitches without adequate equipment.

Adverbial phrase 'bina paryapt upkarno ke'.

टाँके लगाने की तकनीक में पिछले दशकों में क्रांतिकारी बदलाव आए हैं।

Revolutionary changes have occurred in the technique of applying stitches over the past decades.

Possessive 'lagane ki takneek'.

अनुभवी दर्जी ने रेशमी साड़ी के फटे हिस्से पर अदृश्य टाँके लगाए।

The experienced tailor applied invisible stitches to the torn part of the silk saree.

Adjective 'adrishya' (invisible).

जटिल सर्जरी के बाद आंतरिक अंगों पर टाँके लगाना सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण कार्य था।

After complex surgery, applying stitches to internal organs was the most challenging task.

Superlative 'sabse chunautipurn'.

कवि ने अपनी कविताओं के माध्यम से मानवीय संवेदनाओं के ज़ख्मों पर टाँके लगाने का प्रयास किया है।

The poet has attempted to 'stitch' the wounds of human emotions through his poems.

High literary metaphor.

न्यायालय ने टिप्पणी की कि केवल टाँके लगाने से न्याय की हत्या का घाव नहीं भरेगा।

The court commented that merely applying 'stitches' (temporary fixes) will not heal the wound of the murder of justice.

Legal/Journalistic metaphor.

शल्यक की दक्षता उसके द्वारा लगाए गए टाँकों की सूक्ष्मता और सुदृढ़ता से मापी जाती है।

A surgeon's efficiency is measured by the fineness and strength of the stitches applied by him.

Passive construction with 'dwara'.

इतिहास के फटे हुए पन्नों पर टाँके लगाकर उन्हें जोड़ने की कवायद जारी है।

The exercise of joining the torn pages of history by 'stitching' them continues.

Metaphorical 'kavayad' (exercise/effort).

टाँके लगाने की इस पारंपारिक पद्धति का लोप होना चिंता का विषय है।

The disappearance of this traditional method of stitching is a matter of concern.

Formal 'lop hona' (disappearance).

वैज्ञानिक अब टाँके लगाने के बजाय 'बायो-ग्लू' के उपयोग पर शोध कर रहे हैं।

Scientists are now researching the use of 'bio-glue' instead of applying stitches.

Contrastive 'ke bajaye'.

उसने अपने बिखरते हुए परिवार के रिश्तों पर टाँके लगाने की अंतिम कोशिश की।

He made a final attempt to 'stitch' together the relationships of his crumbling family.

Emotional metaphor.

हस्तशिल्प में टाँके लगाने की बारीकी ही उत्पाद के वास्तविक मूल्य का निर्धारण करती है।

The precision of applying stitches in handicrafts determines the actual value of the product.

Economic/Craft terminology.

Synonyms

सिलाई करना सीवन करना टाँकना रफ़ू करना सिलाई लगाना जोड़ना मुरम्मत करना टाँका मारना

Antonyms

टाँके खोलना टाँके काटना फाड़ना उधेड़ना

Common Collocations

गहरे टाँके

बारीक टाँके

कच्चे टाँके

पक्के टाँके

अदृश्य टाँके

दस टाँके

सावधानी से टाँके लगाना

टाँके लगाने की मशीन

टाँके लगाने वाला धागा

टाँके लगाने की सुई

Common Phrases

टाँके आना

— To receive/need stitches. Used from the patient's perspective.

मेरे हाथ पर चार टाँके आए हैं।

टाँके कटवाना

— To get the stitches removed (causative).

कल मुझे अस्पताल जाकर टाँके कटवाने हैं।

टाँके खुल जाना

— When stitches accidentally open or break.

ज़्यादा चलने से उसके टाँके खुल गए।

कच्चा टाँका

— A temporary stitch or a weak bond.

यह तो बस एक कच्चा टाँका है, जल्दी टूट जाएगा।

टाँके भरना

— Occasionally used to mean 'filling' with stitches, though 'lagana' is better.

डॉक्टर ने घाव को टाँकों से भर दिया।

टाँके की सिलाई

— The actual line of stitching.

टाँके की सिलाई बहुत मज़बूत है।

टाँके का निशान

— The scar left by stitches.

मेरे पैर पर अभी भी टाँके का निशान है।

टाँके की सुई

— Suture needle.

नर्स ने टाँके की सुई साफ़ की।

बिना टाँके के

— Without stitches.

यह घाव बिना टाँके के नहीं भरेगा।

टाँके लगाना ज़रूरी है

— Stitches are necessary.

खून रोकने के लिए टाँके लगाना ज़रूरी है।

Often Confused With

टाँके लगाना vs सिलाई करना

General sewing vs. specific suturing/mending.

टाँके लगाना vs टाँका भिड़ाना

Idiomatic slang for romance vs. literal stitching.

टाँके लगाना vs पट्टी करना

Bandaging vs. stitching.

Idioms & Expressions

"टाँका भिड़ाना"

— To start a romantic affair or set up a deal, often secretly.

उसने अपने पड़ोसी की लड़की से टाँका भिड़ा लिया है।

Slang/Informal

"कच्चे टाँके से जोड़ना"

— To fix something temporarily or in a fragile way.

सरकार ने इस समस्या को सिर्फ कच्चे टाँके से जोड़ा है।

Metaphorical

"पुराने घाव पर टाँके लगाना"

— Attempting to fix an old problem or relationship.

इतने सालों बाद पुराने घाव पर टाँके लगाने का क्या फायदा?

Literary

"टाँका टूटना"

— A relationship or deal breaking apart.

उनका टाँका टूट गया और अब वे बात नहीं करते।

Colloquial

"एक-एक टाँका गिनना"

— To be extremely meticulous or to suffer slowly.

वह दर्जी एक-एक टाँका गिनकर काम करता है।

Idiomatic

"टाँके उधेड़ना"

— To expose someone's secrets or reopen old wounds.

पुरानी बातों के टाँके उधेड़ने से कोई लाभ नहीं।

Metaphorical

"टाँके मारना"

— To make eyes at someone (flirtatious staring).

वह बाज़ार में सबको टाँके मारता फिरता है।

Slang

"सुई-धागा लेकर बैठना"

— To be ready to fix something (often used for mothers/grandmothers).

माँ हमेशा सुई-धागा लेकर टाँके लगाने बैठ जाती है।

Domestic

"टाँका लगना"

— To get lucky or to have a connection established.

उसका टाँका बड़ी कंपनी में लग गया है।

Slang

"टाँके की चोट"

— A sharp, stinging pain or remark.

उसकी बात टाँके की तरह चुभी।

Poetic

Easily Confused

टाँके लगाना vs टाँकना

Sounds similar.

To tack or attach a small item (like a button) rather than closing a wound.

बटन टाँकना (Tacking a button).

टाँके लगाना vs लगाना vs. करना

Common translation error.

'Lagana' is the correct light verb for 'tanke'; 'karna' is incorrect.

टाँके लगाना (Correct).

टाँके लगाना vs रफ़ू

Both involve fixing holes.

Refu is darning (weaving); tanke is simple stitching.

स्वेटर रफ़ू करना।

टाँके लगाना vs सीवन

Formal synonym.

Seevan is mostly used in textbooks or formal medical reports.

सीवन प्रक्रिया (Suturing process).

टाँके लगाना vs टाँके लगना

Passive vs. Active.

Lagana is the act of putting them; Lagna is the state of having received them.

उसे टाँके लगे (He got stitches).

Sentence Patterns

मैं टाँके लगाता हूँ।

मैं रोज़ टाँके लगाता हूँ।

[Subject] ने टाँके लगाए।

माँ ने टाँके लगाए।

[Subject] को टाँके लगाने पड़े।

उसे पाँच टाँके लगाने पड़े।

बिना टाँके लगाए [Result].

बिना टाँके लगाए खून नहीं रुकेगा।

[Context] में टाँके लगाना [Adjective] है।

सर्जरी में टाँके लगाना चुनौतीपूर्ण है।

[Metaphor] पर टाँके लगाने की कवायद।

बिखरे रिश्तों पर टाँके लगाने की कवायद जारी है।

टाँके लगाने की तकनीक [Verb].

टाँके लगाने की तकनीक बदल गई है।

क्या आप टाँके लगा सकते हैं?

क्या आप यहाँ टाँके लगा सकते हैं?

Word Family

Nouns

टाँका (tānka) - single stitch

सिलाई (silai) - sewing

सीवन (seevan) - suture/seam

Verbs

टाँकना (tānknā) - to tack/stitch

लगाना (lagānā) - to apply

सुलझाना (suljhānā) - to untangle (related to thread)

Adjectives

टाँका हुआ (tānka huā) - stitched

फटा हुआ (phatā huā) - torn

सुई (sui) - needle

धागा (dhāga) - thread

ज़ख्म (zakhm) - wound

सर्जन (surgeon) - surgeon

दर्जी (darzi) - tailor

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in medical and tailoring contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'karna' instead of 'lagana'. → टाँके लगाना
In Hindi, stitches are 'applied', not 'done'.
Omitting 'ne' in the past tense. → डॉक्टर ने टाँके लगाए।
'Lagana' is transitive, requiring the 'ne' postposition for the subject in the past.
Pronouncing it like 'take'. → टाँके (Tānke)
The nasal sound is essential for correct meaning and understanding.
Using 'tanke' for general sewing. → सिलाई करना
'Tanke' is for specific repair/suture; 'Silai' is for the whole garment.
Singular 'tanka' in medical contexts. → टाँके
Even for one stitch, people usually refer to the process in plural.

Tips

Use 'ne' in the past

Always remember: 'Doctor NE tanke lagaye.' Since lagana is transitive, the subject needs 'ne'.

Nasalize it

The chandrabindu (ँ) in टाँके is important. Don't say 'take' like the English word.

Medical vs Tailoring

In a hospital, it's a suture. At a tailor, it's a mend. The word works for both!

Learn the antonym

Know 'tanke kholna' (to remove stitches) to complete your knowledge.

Watch out for slang

'Tanka bhidana' is about romance, not sewing! Don't mix them up in formal settings.

Spelling

Don't forget the dot or chandrabindu over the 'Tā' (टा).

Number focus

Listen for numbers like 'do', 'paanch', 'dus' before 'tanke' to understand the context.

Hospital talk

In India, people often ask 'Kitne tanke aaye?' to ask about the severity of a cut.

Kaccha Tanka

Use 'Kaccha Tanka' to describe something that isn't permanent or strong.

Don't say 'silai'

If someone is bleeding, ask for 'tanke', not 'silai'. 'Silai' sounds like you're asking for a fashion designer.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tānke' as 'Tension' + 'K' (Key). You use 'Tānke' to keep the tension in the skin or cloth. 'Lagānā' is like 'Laying' the thread.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant needle pulling a bright red thread through a golden fabric. Every time the needle goes in, say 'Tānka!'

Word Web

Hospital Tailor Needle Thread Wound Repair Surgeon Mending

Challenge

Try to use 'Tānke Lagānā' in three different contexts today: medical, tailoring, and metaphorical.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'तन्' (tan), meaning 'to stretch' or 'to extend.' This root evolved into 'टाँका' in Prakrit and then Hindi, referring to the tension of the thread in a stitch.

Original meaning: To extend a thread across a gap.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing medical stitches with people who have phobias of needles. Use the term 'सिलाई' (silai) for clothes if you want to sound less clinical.

English speakers often just say 'get stitches.' In Hindi, the active 'apply stitches' is more common in medical descriptions.

Bollywood movies often show a mother stitching a hero's wound after a fight. The phrase appears in Hindi literature to describe the 'mending' of the nation post-partition. Popular songs use 'tanka bhidana' as slang for falling in love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Emergency Room

कितने टाँके आए?
क्या टाँके लगाना ज़रूरी है?
दर्द कम करने के लिए क्या करेंगे?
टाँके कब कटेंगे?

Tailor Shop

यहाँ एक मज़बूत टाँका लगा दो।
क्या आप इसे रफ़ू कर सकते हैं?
कच्चे टाँके मत लगाना।
सिलाई खुल गई है।

Sports Injury

खिलाड़ी को टाँके लगाने पड़े।
मैच के बीच में टाँके लगाए गए।
पट्टी और टाँके।
चोट गहरी है।

Home Repair

सुई-धागा कहाँ है?
मैं टाँके लगा देता हूँ।
बटन टाँकना है।
फटा हुआ पर्दा।

Metaphorical/Social

रिश्तों पर टाँके लगाना।
समाज को जोड़ना।
पुरानी यादों के टाँके।
घाव भरना।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको कभी टाँके लगाने पड़े हैं?"

"अगर घाव गहरा हो, तो क्या टाँके लगाना सबसे अच्छा तरीका है?"

"क्या आप घर पर कपड़ों पर टाँके लगा सकते हैं?"

"आपके शहर में टाँके कटवाने के लिए सबसे अच्छा अस्पताल कौन सा है?"

"क्या टाँके लगाने वाली मशीनें हाथ की सिलाई से बेहतर होती हैं?"

Journal Prompts

उस समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपको या आपके किसी जानने वाले को टाँके लगाने पड़े थे।

क्या आपको लगता है कि भविष्य में टाँके लगाने की जगह लेज़र का उपयोग होगा? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक दर्जी और एक सर्जन के बीच की समानताएं 'टाँके लगाने' के संदर्भ में समझाएं।

एक कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक 'कच्चा टाँका' किसी बड़ी मुसीबत का कारण बनता है।

रिश्तों को 'टाँके लगाकर' जोड़ने के बारे में अपने विचार व्यक्त करें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'टाँके लगाना' specifically refers to suturing a wound or mending a specific tear by joining edges. 'सिलाई करना' is a general term for the whole process of sewing clothes.

No, 'टाँके करना' is grammatically incorrect. You must always use the verb 'लगाना' (lagana) with 'टाँके'.

In 95% of cases, yes. It is used in the plural because medical procedures or repairs almost always require more than one stitch. 'टाँका' (singular) is used for a single specific stitch.

You can say 'टाँके काटना' (tanke kātnā) or 'टाँके खोलना' (tanke kholnā).

Yes, veterinarians also 'टाँके लगाते हैं' when treating animals.

It means a temporary or loose stitch used in tailoring before the final sewing. Metaphorically, it means a weak or temporary solution.

It is not a full 'n'. It is a nasalization of the 'a' vowel. Your tongue should not touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.

Yes, it is extremely common. Anyone living in India will hear this in hospitals, tailor shops, and news reports.

Yes, in a poetic or metaphorical sense, you can say 'रिश्तों पर टाँके लगाना' (stitching up relationships).

It is considered C1 because while the concept is simple, the correct grammatical usage and understanding of its various contexts (medical vs. tailoring vs. slang) require advanced knowledge.