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तलाशना

A2 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

तलाशना

talashna Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips तलाशना in 30 Seconds

Explanation तलाशना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'तलाशना' (talāśnā), which is 'to search' or 'to look for.' While you might primarily use the easier word 'ढूँढना' (dhūndhnā), learning 'तलाशना' helps you recognize it in simple stories or signs. At this stage, you should practice using it in the simple present tense to describe basic actions. For example, 'मैं घर तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for a house). Remember that it is a verb that shows you are putting in effort to find something. It usually follows the pattern: Subject + Object + तलाशना. Even at A1, knowing this word makes your Hindi sound a bit more polished. You will often see it on posters for missing items or people. Try to remember it as a synonym for 'looking for' that you use when you are being serious. Don't worry too much about complex grammar yet; just focus on the 'searching' action.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'तलाशना' in more varied tenses and contexts. You should be able to use it in the past tense, remembering the 'ने' rule. For example, 'उसने अपनी चाबी तलाशी' (He searched for his key). You also start to use it for more than just physical objects, like 'नौकरी तलाशना' (searching for a job). At this level, you should understand the difference between 'तलाशना' (the verb) and 'तलाश' (the noun). You might say 'मैं नौकरी की तलाश में हूँ' (I am in search of a job). This is a very common phrase in India. You should also be comfortable using it in the continuous form ('रहा हूँ') and the future form ('तलाशूँगा'). A2 learners should notice that 'तलाशना' feels a bit more formal than 'ढूँढना'. If you are writing a formal letter or an application, 'तलाशना' is the better choice. You might also encounter it in simple news headlines about the police searching for someone. Practice making sentences about your daily needs using this word to build confidence.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'तलाशना' to express abstract ideas and more complex scenarios. You will use it to describe searching for solutions, reasons, or opportunities. For example, 'हमें इस समस्या का समाधान तलाशना होगा' (We will have to search for a solution to this problem). At this stage, you should also be familiar with the noun-verb combination 'तलाशी लेना' (to conduct a search/frisk), which is common in security contexts. You will understand how to use the word in conditional sentences, such as 'अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तो नया रास्ता तलाश पाओगे' (If you work hard, you will be able to find/search out a new way). Your vocabulary should expand to include synonyms like 'खोजना' and you should know when to choose 'तलाशना' for its more formal or emotional tone. You will likely hear this word in Bollywood movies and songs, often referring to a search for love or peace. You should be able to participate in a conversation about career goals using this word, saying things like 'मैं अपने करियर में नई चुनौतियाँ तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for new challenges in my career).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'तलाशना'. You can use it in passive constructions and more sophisticated grammatical structures. For instance, 'सच्चाई को तलाशना इतना आसान नहीं है' (Searching for the truth is not that easy). You will recognize the word in literary texts and news editorials where it is used to discuss social issues or historical quests. You should be able to distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when 'तलाशना' is used instead of 'खोजना' or 'अन्वेषण करना'. At this level, you can use the word to describe systematic processes, like a company searching for a market gap. You will also be familiar with idioms and common collocations involving 'तलाश'. Your ability to use the word in the perfective aspect with various objects (masculine, feminine, plural) should be flawless. You might use it in a debate to talk about 'तलाशना' for common ground between two conflicting parties. The word becomes a tool for expressing deep intent and professional seeking.

At the C1 level, 'तलाशना' becomes a versatile tool for high-level discourse. You use it to discuss philosophical and existential searches. You can analyze how authors use the word to create a specific mood or to evoke a sense of longing. Your usage will include complex compound verbs and advanced grammatical patterns. For example, 'वह अपने अस्तित्व की सार्थकता तलाशने में जुटा है' (He is engaged in searching for the meaning of his existence). You will be able to use the word in formal reports, academic writing, and creative essays. You understand the historical and Persian roots of the word and how that affects its 'weight' in a sentence compared to Sanskrit-derived synonyms. You can use it to describe intricate social phenomena, such as a society searching for its lost values. At this level, you can also play with the word's poetic potential, using it in metaphors and allegories. You are comfortable with the noun 'तलाश' in various case markings and complex phrasal structures.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'तलाशना' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with absolute precision, choosing it specifically for its stylistic and rhythmic qualities in speech and writing. You can appreciate and employ the word in the most formal settings, such as diplomatic communications or high-level literary criticism. You understand the most subtle connotations, such as the difference between 'तलाशना' and 'ढूँढना' in the context of Sufi poetry or classical Hindustani literature. You can use the word to describe the most abstract and complex human endeavors, from the search for a unified theory in physics to the search for absolute justice in legal philosophy. You are also aware of regional variations and how the word might be used slightly differently in different parts of the Hindi-speaking world. For you, 'तलाशना' is not just a verb; it is a conceptual framework for expressing the human drive to seek, discover, and understand the unknown.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

तलाशना in 30 Seconds

तलाशना (Talāśnā) is an A2 level Hindi verb meaning 'to search' or 'to seek'.
It is more formal than 'dhūndhnā' and is often used for jobs, people, or abstract goals.
As a transitive verb, it requires 'ne' in the past tense and agrees with the object.
It is widely used in news, literature, and Bollywood to describe meaningful quests.

The Hindi verb तलाशना (Talāśnā) is a sophisticated and evocative term used to describe the act of searching, seeking, or looking for someone or something. While English often relies on the simple phrase 'to look for,' Hindi offers a spectrum of verbs for this action, with तलाशना sitting at a more formal and emotionally resonant level than its common counterpart, ढूँढना (dhūndhnā). Derived from the Persian word 'talāsh,' this verb carries a sense of effort, persistence, and sometimes even desperation. When you use तलाशना, you aren't just casually glancing around for your car keys; you are engaged in a purposeful quest.

Core Concept: The verb signifies a systematic or deep search, often involving abstract concepts like truth, peace, or identity, as well as physical objects like a missing person or a new home.

वह अपनी खोई हुई पहचान तलाशना चाहता है। (He wants to search for his lost identity.)

In modern Hindi, you will hear this word in various professional and creative contexts. For instance, a recruiter might be तलाशना for the perfect candidate, or a poet might be तलाशना for the right metaphor. It is particularly prevalent in Bollywood lyrics and Urdu-influenced literature, where the search for a beloved or the meaning of life is a recurring theme. Unlike ढूँढना, which can be used for mundane tasks like finding a pen, तलाशना elevates the action, making it sound more deliberate.

Register and Tone: It is considered more formal and literary. Using it in a casual conversation about a lost sock might sound slightly dramatic, but using it in a job interview about 'seeking opportunities' is perfect.

पुलिस अपराधी को तलाश रही है। (The police are searching for the criminal.)

Grammatically, it is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object. When the object is a specific person, the postposition 'को' (ko) is usually used. For example, 'मैं राम को तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for Ram). When the object is an abstract noun or a general item, 'को' might be omitted. The word also has a noun form, तलाश (talāsh), which means 'a search.' You will often see the construction 'की तलाश करना' (to do a search of), which is a common alternative to the verb तलाशना itself.

Cultural Nuance: In the context of South Asian Sufi traditions, the 'talash' for the divine is a central motif, making this verb carry a spiritual weight that 'search' often lacks in English.

हमें नए समाधान तलाशने होंगे। (We will have to search for new solutions.)

वह शांति की तलाश में हिमालय गया। (He went to the Himalayas in search of peace.)

Understanding this word helps you navigate formal documents, news reports, and artistic expressions in Hindi with greater ease. It bridges the gap between basic communication and nuanced expression.

Using तलाशना correctly requires understanding its conjugation and the role of postpositions. As an '-ना' ending verb, it follows standard Hindi conjugation patterns for transitive verbs. One of the most important things to remember is that in the perfective aspect (past tense), Hindi uses the ergative construction with 'ने' (ne). This means the subject takes 'ने', and the verb agrees with the object, not the subject.

Past Tense Construction: Example: 'मैंने चाबियाँ तलाशीं' (I searched for the keys). Here, 'तलाशीं' agrees with 'चाबियाँ' (feminine plural), while 'मैंने' is the subject.

उसने पूरे घर में अपना फोन तलाशा। (He searched the whole house for his phone.)

In the continuous tense, it functions like any other verb. 'मैं नौकरी तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for a job). Notice how 'नौकरी' (job) is the object. If the object is a specific person, you must add 'को'. 'मैं अपने दोस्त को तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for my friend). This distinction is crucial for A2 and B1 learners.

The 'Ko' Rule: Use 'को' for specific humans or animals. Do not use 'को' for general objects or abstract concepts unless you are personifying them.

क्या आपने कभी खुद को तलाशने की कोशिश की है? (Have you ever tried to search for yourself/your true self?)

In imperative sentences (giving commands), you can use 'तलाशो' (informal/neutral) or 'तलाशिए' (formal). For example, 'सच्चाई तलाशिए' (Search for the truth). In negative sentences, simply add 'नहीं' before the verb: 'मैंने उसे नहीं तलाशा' (I didn't search for him).

Common Object Pairings: Commonly paired with: अवसर (opportunity), रास्ता (way/path), जवाब (answer), सबूत (evidence), and ठिकाना (hideout/residence).

वैज्ञानिक मंगल ग्रह पर जीवन तलाश रहे हैं। (Scientists are searching for life on Mars.)

हमें इस समस्या का हल तलाशना होगा। (We will have to search for a solution to this problem.)

By mastering these patterns, you can use 'तलाशना' to express everything from a police investigation to a personal quest for meaning.

The word तलाशना and its noun form तलाश are ubiquitous in various spheres of Indian life. Understanding the context helps you grasp the nuance of the word. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in News and Journalism. Headlines often use it when reporting on missing persons, criminal investigations, or political searches for alliances. For example, 'पुलिस फरार आरोपी को तलाश रही है' (Police are searching for the absconding accused).

Media Context: In news broadcasts, 'तलाश' is the standard term for a 'manhunt' or 'search operation.' You might hear 'तलाशी अभियान' (search operation).

आयकर विभाग ने कई जगहों पर तलाशी ली। (The Income Tax department conducted searches at several places.)

Another major arena is Bollywood and Music. The theme of 'searching' for love or a lost soulmate is central to Indian cinema. Countless songs use 'तलाश' to convey a sense of yearning. A famous movie titled 'Talaash' (2012) starring Aamir Khan revolves around a police officer searching for the truth behind a mysterious accident while also searching for inner peace after a personal tragedy.

Cinematic Themes: The word often appears in song titles and lyrics to express a deep, soulful quest. It sounds much more romantic than the colloquial 'dhundhna'.

In Professional Environments, you will hear this word during recruitment or business strategy meetings. 'हम एक अनुभवी मैनेजर तलाश रहे हैं' (We are searching for an experienced manager). It conveys a professional 'seeking' rather than a random 'looking.'

कंपनी नए बाजारों में अवसर तलाश रही है। (The company is searching for opportunities in new markets.)

साहित्य में लेखक अक्सर अपनी जड़ों को तलाशते हैं। (In literature, authors often search for their roots.)

Daily Life: While 'dhundhna' is more common for 'Where are my keys?', 'तलाशना' is used when the search is significant, such as looking for a bride/groom in matrimonial contexts or looking for a new apartment.

Whether it's a detective story, a job portal, or a spiritual discourse, 'तलाशना' is the verb of choice for any meaningful pursuit.

Learning to use तलाशना involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The most frequent error is confusing it with 'ढूँढना' (dhūndhnā). While they are synonyms, using 'तलाशना' for very trivial things can make you sound unintentionally dramatic. For example, saying 'मैं अपनी पेंसिल तलाश रहा हूँ' (I am searching for my pencil) is grammatically correct but pragmatically odd; it sounds like the pencil is a lost relic of great importance.

Register Mismatch: Mistake: Using 'तलाशना' for everything. Correction: Use 'ढूँढना' for common objects and 'तलाशना' for people, jobs, solutions, or abstract goals.

Incorrect: मैंने मेरी बिल्ली तलाशी। (Grammatically weak)
Correct: मैंने अपनी बिल्ली को तलाशा। (Use 'को' for specific living beings.)

Another common mistake is incorrect ergative usage in the past tense. Because 'तलाशना' is transitive, you must use 'ने' with the subject in the simple past, present perfect, and past perfect tenses. Beginners often say 'मैं तलाशा' instead of 'मैंने तलाशा'. Furthermore, the verb must agree with the object. If you searched for a 'book' (feminine), the verb becomes 'तलाशी'.

Gender Agreement Error: Mistake: 'मैंने किताब तलाशा' (I searched for the book). Correction: 'मैंने किताब तलाशी' (Because 'किताब' is feminine).

गलत: वह शांति तलाश कर रहा है।
सही: वह शांति की तलाश कर रहा है। (When using 'तलाश' as a noun, you need 'की'.)

Learners also struggle with the noun vs. verb distinction. 'तलाशना' is the verb (to search), while 'तलाश' is the noun (search). If you use the noun, you must use the helping verb 'करना' (to do), resulting in 'तलाश करना'. You cannot say 'मैं नौकरी तलाश कर रहा हूँ'—it must be 'मैं नौकरी की तलाश कर रहा हूँ' or simply 'मैं नौकरी तलाश रहा हूँ'.

The 'Ki' Requirement: If you use 'तलाश करना', you almost always need the possessive 'की' before it. Object + की + तलाश + करना.

Incorrect: पुलिस चोर तलाश की।
Correct: पुलिस ने चोर की तलाश की।

By keeping an eye on these grammatical nuances and register differences, you can use 'तलाशना' with the precision of a native speaker.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for the act of searching, and knowing which one to pick can significantly improve your fluency. The most direct alternative to तलाशना is ढूँढना (dhūndhnā). This is the 'workhorse' verb of Hindi searching. It is used for everything from finding your keys to looking for a friend in a crowd. It is less formal and more common in daily speech.

तलाशना vs. ढूँढना: 'तलाशना' is 'to seek' (formal/literary). 'ढूँढना' is 'to look for/find' (informal/common).

मैंने चाबियाँ ढूँढीं। (I looked for the keys - Natural)
मैंने चाबियाँ तलाशीं। (I searched for the keys - Formal/Intense)

Another powerful alternative is खोजना (khojnā). This verb is often used in the sense of 'to discover' or 'to research.' While you can 'khojna' for a lost item, it is more commonly used for scientific discoveries, historical research, or exploring new lands. 'कोलंबस ने अमेरिका को खोजा' (Columbus discovered America).

तलाशना vs. खोजना: 'तलाशना' is about the *act* of seeking something that is missing or needed. 'खोजना' often implies the *result* of finding something new or unknown.

वैज्ञानिक नई दवाओं की खोज कर रहे हैं। (Scientists are searching for/discovering new medicines.)

For very formal or bureaucratic contexts, you might encounter अन्वेषण करना (anveṣaṇ karnā), which means 'to probe' or 'to investigate' in a highly academic or legal sense. In religious or spiritual contexts, खोज (khoj) is also used, but तलाश remains the more poetic choice due to its Sufi associations.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. ढूँढना: Casual/Physical objects. 2. खोजना: Discovery/Research. 3. तलाशना: Formal/Poetic/Seeking. 4. छानबीन करना: Investigation.

वह सच को तलाश रहा है। (He is seeking the truth.)

पुलिस ने कमरे की तलाशी ली। (The police searched the room - specific 'frisking' or 'searching' noun usage.)

Choosing the right word depends on the 'what' and the 'why' of your search. Use 'तलाशना' when you want to sound more intentional and serious.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Even though it is widely used in Hindi today, 'talaash' retains a certain 'Urdu' flavor, making it sound more poetic and sophisticated than the Sanskrit-derived 'khoj'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tə.lɑːʃ.nɑː/

US /tə.lɑʃ.nɑ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'lāś'.

Rhymes With

तराशना (tarāśnā - to carve) आशना (āśnā - familiar) पाशना (pāśnā) बजाना (bajānā) सजाना (sajānā) बताना (batānā) कमाना (kamānā) जमाना (jamānā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'श' (sh) as 'स' (s), making it sound like 'talasna'.
Shortening the final 'na' sound too much.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in news and stories.

Writing 3/5

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

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if 'sh' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to pick up in audio.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देखना (dekhnā) काम (kām) घर (ghar) कहाँ (kahāñ) नहीं (nahīñ)

Learn Next

खोजना (khojnā) पहचान (pahcān) अवसर (avsar) समाधान (samādhān) जाँच (jāñc)

Advanced

अन्वेषण (anveṣaṇ) जिज्ञासा (jigyāsā) तथ्य (tathya) साक्ष्य (sākṣya) विवेचना (vivecnā)

Grammar to Know

Ergative case 'ne'

मैंने (Subject + ne) उसे तलाशा।

Object marker 'ko'

मैंने राम को (Object + ko) तलाशा।

Infinitive as Purpose

वह नौकरी तलाशने (Oblique form) गया।

Verb Agreement with Object

उसने किताबें (Fem. Plural) तलाशीं।

Compound Verbs with 'lena'

मैंने घर तलाश लिया (Completed action).

Examples by Level

मैं अपनी किताब तलाश रहा हूँ।

I am searching for my book.

Present continuous tense: Subject + Object + तलाश रहा हूँ.

क्या आप राम को तलाश रहे हैं?

Are you searching for Ram?

Interrogative sentence with 'को' for a specific person.

वह घर तलाश रहा है।

He is searching for a house.

Simple transitive usage.

बच्चा अपनी माँ को तलाशता है।

The child searches for his mother.

Habitual present tense.

हमें पानी तलाशना है।

We have to search for water.

Infinitive + 'है' to show necessity.

यहाँ क्या तलाश रहे हो?

What are you searching for here?

Informal 'तुम' (implied) usage.

मैं रास्ता तलाश रहा हूँ।

I am searching for the way.

Abstract but common object.

वे अपना कुत्ता तलाश रहे हैं।

They are searching for their dog.

Plural subject conjugation.

मैंने कल अपनी चाबी तलाशी।

I searched for my key yesterday.

Past tense with 'ने'. Verb agrees with feminine 'चाबी'.

उसने बहुत देर तक नौकरी तलाशी।

He searched for a job for a long time.

Past tense. 'नौकरी' is feminine.

क्या तुमने उसे तलाशा?

Did you search for him/it?

Past tense with masculine/neutral object.

हम एक नया फ्लैट तलाश रहे हैं।

We are searching for a new flat.

Present continuous with masculine object.

पुलिस ने चोर को हर जगह तलाशा।

The police searched for the thief everywhere.

Ergative 'ने' and 'को' for a specific person.

वह शांति तलाशने पहाड़ों में गया।

He went to the mountains to search for peace.

Oblique infinitive 'तलाशने' to show purpose.

मैंने सारा सामान तलाशा पर कुछ नहीं मिला।

I searched all the luggage but found nothing.

Past tense with masculine 'सामान'.

तुम क्या तलाशोगे?

What will you search for?

Future tense.

हमें इस समस्या का हल तलाशना होगा।

We will have to search for a solution to this problem.

Future necessity with 'होगा'.

वह अपने जीवन का उद्देश्य तलाश रही है।

She is searching for the purpose of her life.

Abstract object 'उद्देश्य'.

वैज्ञानिक मंगल पर पानी तलाश रहे हैं।

Scientists are searching for water on Mars.

Professional/Scientific context.

मैंने उसे गलियों में तलाशने की कोशिश की।

I tried to search for him in the streets.

Compound verb structure: 'तलाशने की कोशिश करना'.

क्या आपने नया घर तलाश लिया?

Have you searched and found (finished searching) a new house?

Compound verb 'तलाश लेना' indicating completion.

वे पुराने दस्तावेजों में सबूत तलाश रहे थे।

They were searching for evidence in old documents.

Past continuous tense.

हमें अपनी गलतियाँ तलाशनी चाहिए।

We should search for our own mistakes.

Usage with 'चाहिए'. Verb agrees with feminine plural 'गलतियाँ'.

वह हमेशा नए अवसर तलाशता रहता है।

He keeps searching for new opportunities.

Continuative aspect: Verb stem + 'ता रहता है'.

पुलिस द्वारा पूरे इलाके को तलाशा गया।

The entire area was searched by the police.

Passive voice construction.

सच्चाई तलाशना कभी-कभी दर्दनाक होता है।

Searching for the truth is sometimes painful.

Gerundial usage of the infinitive.

कंपनी नए बाजारों में संभावनाएं तलाश रही है।

The company is searching for possibilities in new markets.

Business/Formal register.

उसने अपनी पहचान तलाशने के लिए लंबी यात्रा की।

He took a long journey to search for his identity.

Complex purpose clause.

क्या आप अब भी जवाब तलाश रहे हैं?

Are you still searching for the answer?

Emphasis on 'अब भी' (still).

इतिहासकार पुराने खंडहरों में अतीत को तलाशते हैं।

Historians search for the past in old ruins.

Metaphorical/Academic usage.

हमें शांति के नए रास्ते तलाशने होंगे।

We will have to search for new paths to peace.

Formal political context.

बिना किसी सुराग के उसे तलाशना मुश्किल था।

It was difficult to search for him without any clues.

Adverbial phrase 'बिना किसी सुराग के'.

वह अपनी कविताओं में खोए हुए समय को तलाशता है।

In his poems, he searches for lost time.

Literary/Metaphorical usage.

समाज को अपनी खोई हुई नैतिकताओं को फिर से तलाशना होगा।

Society will have to re-search for its lost ethics.

Sociological discourse.

दार्शनिक सदियों से सत्य को तलाश रहे हैं।

Philosophers have been searching for truth for centuries.

Perfect continuous sense.

उसकी आँखों में मैं एक उम्मीद तलाश रहा था।

I was searching for a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Poetic/Emotional nuance.

क्या तकनीक मानवीय संवेदनाओं का विकल्प तलाश सकती है?

Can technology search for an alternative to human emotions?

Abstract philosophical question.

लेखक ने अपनी जड़ों को अपनी कहानियों में तलाशा है।

The author has searched for his roots in his stories.

Present perfect tense.

हमें विकास के ऐसे मॉडल तलाशने चाहिए जो पर्यावरण के अनुकूल हों।

We should search for development models that are environment-friendly.

Complex relative clause.

वह भीड़ में अपनी अलग पहचान तलाशने की जद्दोजहद कर रहा है।

He is struggling to search for his distinct identity in the crowd.

Advanced vocabulary: 'जद्दोजहद' (struggle).

अस्तित्व के इस शून्य में वह अर्थ तलाशने का निष्फल प्रयास कर रहा है।

In this void of existence, he is making a futile attempt to search for meaning.

High literary register.

क्या विज्ञान कभी चेतना के मूल स्रोत को तलाश पाएगा?

Will science ever be able to search out/find the original source of consciousness?

Speculative future.

उसकी कला में हम एक युग की पीड़ा को तलाश सकते हैं।

In his art, we can search for/find the suffering of an era.

Critical analysis context.

निर्वाण की तलाश में उसने सांसारिक सुखों का त्याग कर दिया।

In search of Nirvana, he renounced worldly pleasures.

Spiritual context using the noun form.

न्याय की इस जटिल प्रक्रिया में हम अक्सर सत्य को तलाशना भूल जाते हैं।

In this complex process of justice, we often forget to search for the truth.

Social commentary.

ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों को तलाशना मानव की आदिम प्रवृत्ति रही है।

Searching for the mysteries of the universe has been a primitive instinct of mankind.

Historical/Anthropological tone.

उसने अपनी स्मृतियों के गलियारों में खोया हुआ बचपन तलाशा।

He searched for his lost childhood in the corridors of his memories.

Evocative metaphor.

विद्वान अक्सर प्राचीन ग्रंथों में आधुनिक समस्याओं के समाधान तलाशते हैं।

Scholars often search for solutions to modern problems in ancient texts.

Academic context.

Common Collocations

नौकरी तलाशना

हल तलाशना

अवसर तलाशना

रास्ता तलाशना

घर तलाशना

सच्चाई तलाशना

सबूत तलाशना

शांति तलाशना

विकल्प तलाशना

पहचान तलाशना

Common Phrases

तलाश जारी है

— The search is ongoing. Often used in news reports about missing persons.

लापता बच्चे की तलाश जारी है।

की तलाश में

— In search of. A very common prepositional phrase.

वह काम की तलाश में शहर आया।

तलाश खत्म होना

— The search ending. Used when someone finds what they were looking for.

मेरी तलाश अब खत्म हुई।

गहन तलाश

— Intense or deep search.

पुलिस ने जंगल में गहन तलाश की।

तलाशी लेना

— To search a person or place (frisking).

गार्ड ने बैग की तलाशी ली।

तलाश का विषय

— A matter of search or investigation.

यह अभी भी तलाश का विषय है।

हर तरफ तलाशना

— To search everywhere.

मैंने उसे हर तरफ तलाशा।

बेसब्री से तलाशना

— To search impatiently or eagerly.

वह बेसब्री से अपना फोन तलाश रहा था।

मदद तलाशना

— To seek help.

संकट के समय हमें मदद तलाशनी चाहिए।

जवाब तलाशना

— To look for an answer.

वह अपने सवालों के जवाब तलाश रहा है।

Often Confused With

तलाशना vs ढूँढना

Dhūndhnā is casual; Talāśnā is formal and implies more effort.

तलाशना vs खोजना

Khojnā is often about discovery/research; Talāśnā is about seeking something specific.

तलाशना vs तराशना

Tarāśnā means to carve or polish; it sounds similar but has a totally different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"आकाश-पाताल एक करना"

— To leave no stone unturned in a search. Literally: to make sky and earth one.

उसने अपने खोए बेटे को तलाशने के लिए आकाश-पाताल एक कर दिया।

Informal/Idiomatic

"खाक छानना"

— To wander aimlessly in search of something, often with no result.

वह नौकरी के लिए दर-दर की खाक छान रहा है।

Informal/Metaphorical

"बाल की खाल निकालना"

— To search for minute details or flaws (excessive searching).

वह हर बात में बाल की खाल निकालता है।

Informal

"अंधेरे में तीर चलाना"

— To search or guess without any clues.

बिना सबूत के अपराधी को तलाशना अंधेरे में तीर चलाने जैसा है।

Informal

"सुई तलाशना"

— Searching for a needle (in a haystack). Used for very difficult searches.

इस भीड़ में उसे तलाशना सुई तलाशने जैसा है।

Neutral

"नजरें तलाशना"

— For eyes to search for someone (romantic/longing).

मेरी नजरें उसे भीड़ में तलाश रही थीं।

Poetic

"जमीन तलाशना"

— To look for a foundation or basis for something.

नया व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए हमें पहले जमीन तलाशनी होगी।

Metaphorical

"खुद को तलाशना"

— To search for one's true self or identity.

अकेलेपन में ही इंसान खुद को तलाश पाता है।

Philosophical

"वक्त तलाशना"

— To find/search for time in a busy schedule.

हमें अपने परिवार के लिए वक्त तलाशना चाहिए।

Neutral

"कोना-कोना छान मारना"

— To search every single corner.

मैंने घर का कोना-कोना छान मारा पर बटुआ नहीं मिला।

Informal

Easily Confused

तलाशना vs तराशना (tarāśnā)

Phonetic similarity.

Tarāśnā means to carve or shape (like a diamond), while Talāśnā means to search.

वह पत्थर को तराश रहा है vs वह रास्ता तलाश रहा है।

तलाशना vs तुलना (tulnā)

Starting syllable similarity.

Tulnā means to be weighed or compared.

उसकी तुलना मत करो।

तलाशना vs ताकना (tāknā)

Visual search context.

Tāknā means to stare or peer, whereas Talāśnā is a general search.

वह खिड़की से ताक रहा है।

तलाशना vs परखना (parakhnā)

Related to finding quality.

Parakhnā means to test or evaluate, not just find.

हीरे को परखना ज़रूरी है।

तलाशना vs पकड़ना (pakaṛnā)

The end goal of searching for a criminal.

Pakaṛnā means to catch/hold, Talāśnā is the process before catching.

पुलिस ने उसे पकड़ा।

Sentence Patterns

मैं [Object] तलाश रहा हूँ।

मैं किताब तलाश रहा हूँ।

मैंने [Object] तलाशा।

मैंने चाबी तलाशी।

हमें [Object] तलाशना चाहिए।

हमें हल तलाशना चाहिए।

[Object] की तलाश में [Verb]।

वह काम की तलाश में आया।

[Object] तलाशना मुश्किल है।

सच्चाई तलाशना मुश्किल है।

[Subject] [Object] तलाशने में जुटा है।

वह अर्थ तलाशने में जुटा है।

बिना [Noun] के [Object] तलाशना...।

बिना नक्शे के रास्ता तलाशना कठिन है।

[Abstract Noun] की तलाश ही जीवन है।

सत्य की तलाश ही जीवन है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal speech. Less common in very casual household talk.

Common Mistakes

मैं नौकरी तलाश कर रहा हूँ। → मैं नौकरी की तलाश कर रहा हूँ।
If you use the noun 'तलाश', you need the possessive 'की' and the verb 'करना'.
मैंने चाबी तलाशा। → मैंने चाबी तलाशी।
In the past tense, the verb must agree with the feminine object 'चाबी'.
वह मेरा पेन तलाश रहा है। → वह मेरा पेन ढूँढ रहा है।
While not strictly wrong, 'तलाशना' is too formal for a pen.
पुलिस चोर तलाश रही है। → पुलिस चोर को तलाश रही है।
Specific human objects need the 'को' marker.
मैं तलाशा। → मैंने तलाशा।
Transitive verbs in the past tense require the 'ने' postposition with the subject.

Tips

Master the 'Ne' Rule

Since 'तलाशना' is transitive, always use 'ने' with the subject in the past tense. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Use it for Jobs

Whenever you talk about looking for work, use 'तलाशना' or 'तलाश में होना'. It sounds professional and natural.

Abstract Searches

This word is perfect for abstract searches like 'looking for a reason' (कारण तलाशना) or 'looking for an answer' (जवाब तलाशना).

The 'Sh' Sound

Make sure you use the 'sh' sound (as in 'show') for the 'श' in 'talaash'. Using an 's' sound is a common mistake.

Formal Writing

In formal letters or news reports, prefer 'तलाशना' over 'ढूँढना' to maintain a professional tone.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for very small, unimportant items unless you want to sound poetic or dramatic.

Bollywood Connection

Watch movies or listen to songs with 'Talaash' in the title to see how the word is used to convey mystery and longing.

Learn the Noun Form

The phrase 'की तलाश में' (in search of) is extremely useful. Learn it as a single chunk.

Police Context

If you hear 'तलाशी' in a movie or news, it usually means a physical search or frisking by authority.

Philosophical Use

Use this verb when discussing life goals or spiritual journeys; it carries the right emotional weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Talashna' as 'The Last' search. You are searching so hard because it might be the last chance to find it. 'Ta-lash-na'.

Visual Association

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass (talaash) looking at a 'lash' (eyelash) on a crime scene. He is searching for clues.

Word Web

Search Seek Quest Job Hunt Investigation Police Discovery Truth

Challenge

Try to use 'तलाशना' in three different sentences today: one about a lost item, one about a job, and one about a feeling.

Word Origin

The word originates from the Persian word 'talāsh' (تلاش), which means effort, search, or endeavor. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the medieval courts and literature.

Original meaning: In Persian, it primarily meant 'effort' or 'striving,' but in Hindi-Urdu, it evolved specifically to mean 'searching.'

Indo-Aryan (Hindi) with Indo-Iranian (Persian) roots.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for extremely trivial things (like a single grain of rice) as it might sound sarcastic.

English speakers might use 'look for' for everything, but in Hindi, using 'तलाशना' shows a higher level of vocabulary and respect for the importance of the search.

Talaash (2012 Film) Talaash: The Hunt Begins... (2003 Film) Numerous Ghazals by Jagjit Singh

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Hunting

नौकरी तलाशना
नया काम तलाशना
रोजगार की तलाश
अवसर तलाशना

Police/Crime

अपराधी को तलाशना
सबूत तलाशना
तलाशी लेना
तलाशी वारंट

Daily Life

चाबी तलाशना
रास्ता तलाशना
घर तलाशना
सामान तलाशना

Spiritual/Personal

शांति तलाशना
खुद को तलाशना
सच्चाई तलाशना
सुकून की तलाश

Business

बाजार तलाशना
ग्राहक तलाशना
विकल्प तलाशना
मुनाफा तलाशना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप आजकल कोई नई नौकरी तलाश रहे हैं?"

"अगर आपको शांति तलाशनी हो, तो आप कहाँ जाएँगे?"

"क्या आपने कभी अपनी पुरानी तस्वीरें तलाशने की कोशिश की है?"

"आजकल लोग इंटरनेट पर सबसे ज्यादा क्या तलाशते हैं?"

"क्या पुलिस ने खोया हुआ सामान तलाश लिया?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने जीवन में क्या नया तलाशने की कोशिश की?

अगर मुझे एक नई पहचान तलाशनी हो, तो मैं कैसा इंसान बनना चाहूँगा?

एक ऐसी चीज़ के बारे में लिखें जिसे आपने बहुत मेहनत से तलाशा था।

क्या आपको लगता है कि इंटरनेट ने हमारी चीज़ें तलाशने की क्षमता कम कर दी है?

अपने सपनों के घर को तलाशने के अपने अनुभव के बारे में लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used for people, objects, jobs, solutions, and abstract concepts like 'peace' or 'truth'. However, it is more common for 'important' things.

They mean the same thing. 'तलाशना' is the verb form, while 'तलाश करना' uses the noun 'तलाश' with a helping verb. The latter is slightly more common in spoken Hindi.

Only if the object is a specific person or animal. For example: 'मैं राहुल को तलाश रहा हूँ' but 'मैं पेन तलाश रहा हूँ'.

It specifically means the 'searching' part. To say 'I found it,' you would use 'मिल गया' or 'पा लिया'.

Yes, very common! It adds a poetic touch to the idea of searching for love or a beloved.

You say 'तलाशी अभियान' (Talāśī Abhiyān).

It’s grammatically correct but sounds a bit too dramatic. 'ढूँढना' is better for socks!

If the object is feminine, it becomes 'तलाशी' (singular) or 'तलाशीं' (plural). Example: 'मैंने चाबियाँ तलाशीं'.

No, the root 'Talash' is Persian. It was brought to India and integrated into the Hindi-Urdu language.

You can say 'नौकरी की तलाश' (noun phrase) or 'नौकरी तलाशना' (verb phrase).