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टूटे हुए

B2 adjective 8 min read

टूटे हुए

toote hue

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips टूटे हुए in 30 Seconds

Explanation टूटे हुए in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'टूटा' (Toota) means 'broken'. You use it for simple things like a broken pencil or a broken toy. You might not use the full phrase 'टूटे हुए' (Tute hue) yet, but you will see it when talking about plural things. For example, 'टूटे खिलौने' (broken toys). At this stage, just focus on the fact that something is not in one piece anymore. You use it for physical objects you can touch. It is a very useful word for describing damage in a simple way.

At the A2 level, you start to see how the word changes based on the noun. You learn that for masculine plural things, 'टूटा' becomes 'टूटे'. You also begin to see the word 'हुए' (hue) added to make it more descriptive. You can now say 'टूटे हुए कांच' (broken glass) or 'टूटे हुए बर्तन' (broken utensils). You are starting to understand that Hindi adjectives change their endings to match the number and gender of the noun they are describing. This is a big step in making your Hindi sound more natural.

By B1, you are using 'टूटे हुए' more confidently in different contexts. You understand the 'oblique case'—that even if there is only one broken heart, you say 'टूटे हुए दिल से' because of the word 'से' (with). You also start using the word for emotional things, not just physical ones. You can talk about 'टूटे हुए वादे' (broken promises) or 'टूटे हुए सपने' (broken dreams). Your sentences are becoming longer, and you use 'टूटे हुए' as a way to set a scene or describe a feeling in your stories.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuance that 'टूटे हुए' provides as a stative participle. You know it describes a state that exists now as a result of a past action. You can use it in formal writing, news reports, and literature. You are comfortable with the agreement rules and can use the phrase correctly with complex sentence structures. You also begin to distinguish 'टूटे हुए' from other words like 'खंडित' (khandit) or 'चकनाचूर' (chaknachoor), choosing the most precise word for the situation. You can discuss social issues like 'टूटे हुए परिवार' (broken families) with ease.

At the C1 level, you use 'टूटे हुए' with poetic and philosophical precision. You might use it to describe fragmented identities, shattered societal norms, or the 'broken' nature of a political system. You understand how it functions in high-level literature and can appreciate the rhythmic quality it adds to a sentence. You can use it to create vivid imagery in your writing, such as 'टूटे हुए तारों की चमक' (the glitter of broken stars/falling stars). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you never make mistakes with the oblique or plural forms.

At the C2 level, 'टूटे हुए' is just one of many tools in your vast vocabulary. You can use it to discuss existential themes or complex psychological states. You understand its historical and cultural connotations in depth, such as its use in classical Hindi poetry or modern political rhetoric. You can manipulate the phrase for stylistic effect, perhaps contrasting it with words like 'अखंड' (unbroken/indivisible). You have a complete grasp of its grammatical, metaphorical, and cultural dimensions, and you can explain these nuances to others.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

टूटे हुए in 30 Seconds

Toote hue means 'broken' in Hindi, specifically used for masculine plural nouns or masculine singular nouns in the oblique case.
It describes the state of being in pieces, whether literally like glass or metaphorically like dreams or hearts.
The phrase consists of 'Toote' (broken) and 'hue' (happened/state), emphasizing the current condition of the object.
It is a B2 level phrase because it requires understanding of complex Hindi noun-adjective agreement and stative participle usage.

The phrase टूटे हुए (tūṭē huē) is a sophisticated Hindi adjectival construct used to describe things in a state of being broken, fragmented, or shattered. Grammatically, it is the perfective participle of the verb टूटना (to break), combined with the auxiliary हुआ in its plural or oblique masculine form. While a beginner might simply use 'टूटा' (broken), a B2 learner understands that 'टूटे हुए' emphasizes the resultant state of the object, adding a layer of descriptive depth often found in literature, news, and emotional discourse.

Physical Fragmentation: Used for objects that have physically separated into pieces, such as glass, furniture, or structures. Example: 'टूटे हुए कांच के टुकड़े' (Broken pieces of glass).

सावधान रहो, फर्श पर टूटे हुए खिलौने बिखरे हैं। (Be careful, broken toys are scattered on the floor.)

Metaphorical and Emotional Use: Crucial for describing abstract concepts like broken hearts, failed promises, or shattered dreams. Example: 'टूटे हुए सपने' (Broken dreams).

Native speakers frequently use this term in journalism to describe 'broken social structures' (टूटे हुए सामाजिक ढांचे) or in poetry to describe 'broken stars' (टूटे हुए तारे). It carries a weight of permanence that the simple past tense might lack. When you see 'टूटे हुए', think of a state that is currently visible and impactful.

उसने टूटे हुए दिल के साथ घर छोड़ा। (He left the house with a broken heart.)

Grammatical Agreement: Remember that 'टूटे हुए' is the masculine plural or oblique form. If you are describing a single feminine object, you must change it to 'टूटी हुई'. For a single masculine object in the direct case, it is 'टूटा हुआ'.

In daily life, you might hear this while walking through an old neighborhood ('टूटे हुए मकान' - broken/dilapidated houses) or when discussing a language barrier ('टूटी-फूटी हिंदी' is more common for broken speech, but 'टूटे हुए शब्दों में' can describe speaking in fragmented words during emotional distress).

दीवार पर टूटे हुए कांच के टुकड़े सुरक्षा के लिए लगाए गए थे। (Broken glass pieces were placed on the wall for security.)

संग्रहालय में टूटे हुए प्राचीन बर्तन रखे हैं। (Broken ancient vessels are kept in the museum.)

टूटे हुए वादों ने उनके रिश्ते को खत्म कर दिया। (Broken promises ended their relationship.)

Using टूटे हुए correctly requires understanding noun-adjective agreement and the role of postpositions. Since 'टूटे हुए' is the oblique or plural form, it appears before masculine plural nouns or masculine singular nouns followed by a postposition like 'को', 'में', 'से', or 'का'. This flexibility makes it a staple of advanced Hindi sentence construction.

Masculine Plural Subjects: When the noun is plural, 'टूटे हुए' stays as is. Example: 'टूटे हुए पुल' (broken bridges). Sentence: 'भारी बारिश के बाद शहर के कई टूटे हुए पुल दिखाई दिए।'

सड़क पर टूटे हुए पत्थर पड़े थे। (Broken stones were lying on the road.)

Oblique Case Usage: If you refer to a single broken object followed by a postposition, 'टूटा हुआ' changes to 'टूटे हुए'. Example: 'टूटे हुए दिल से' (with a broken heart). Note how 'दिल' is singular, but the postposition 'से' forces the adjective into the oblique form.

In more complex sentences, 'टूटे हुए' can act as a descriptive modifier in a relative clause. For instance, 'वह मेज़, जो टूटे हुए पैरों पर खड़ी थी, गिर गई' (That table, which was standing on broken legs, fell). Here, 'टूटे हुए' describes 'पैर' (legs), which is plural.

उसने टूटे हुए शीशे को सावधानी से उठाया। (He carefully picked up the broken glass.)

Comparison with 'टूटा': 'टूटा' is a simple past participle. 'टूटे हुए' is more descriptive. Use 'टूटे हुए' when the state of being broken is the focus of your description rather than just the fact that it broke.

Consider the difference in tone: 'यह टूटा पलंग है' (This is a broken bed) vs 'इस टूटे हुए पलंग पर मत बैठो' (Don't sit on this broken bed). The latter feels more natural and cautionary in real-life Hindi.

गाँव में कई टूटे हुए घर खंडहर बन चुके हैं। (Many broken houses in the village have become ruins.)

हमें टूटे हुए रिश्तों को जोड़ने की कोशिश करनी चाहिए। (We should try to mend broken relationships.)

कल रात आए तूफ़ान ने टूटे हुए पेड़ों की कतारें लगा दीं। (The storm last night left rows of broken trees.)

The phrase टूटे हुए is pervasive across various domains of Indian life, from the mundane to the highly artistic. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its cultural weight. In news reporting, it is used to describe the aftermath of natural disasters or accidents. Headlines like 'टूटे हुए रेल ट्रैक की मरम्मत जारी' (Repair of broken rail track ongoing) are common.

Bollywood and Music: This is perhaps the most emotive context. Countless songs use 'टूटे हुए दिल' (broken hearts) or 'टूटे हुए ख्वाब' (broken dreams) to convey sorrow. If you are a fan of Hindi cinema, listen for this phrase in sad ballads or dramatic monologues.

फिल्म के नायक ने टूटे हुए सुरों में अपना दर्द बयां किया। (The film's hero expressed his pain in broken notes/tunes.)

Construction and Repairs: In everyday urban life, you'll hear it when talking to contractors or repairmen. 'टूटे हुए पाइप' (broken pipes) or 'टूटे हुए फर्श' (broken floors) are common complaints in household maintenance.

In literature and poetry (Shayari), the word takes on a romantic or philosophical hue. Poets often talk about 'टूटे हुए तारे' (falling/broken stars) as symbols of lost hope or fleeting beauty. In a political context, it might describe 'टूटे हुए वादे' (broken promises) made by leaders during elections.

राजनीति में टूटे हुए वादों की कोई गिनती नहीं है। (In politics, there is no count of broken promises.)

Safety Warnings: Public safety signs or announcements often use this phrase. For example, 'टूटे हुए बिजली के तारों से दूर रहें' (Stay away from broken/downed electric wires).

Finally, in sports, a commentator might refer to a 'टूटे हुए मनोबल' (broken morale) of a team that is losing badly. This versatility—from a literal broken pipe to a metaphorical broken morale—is what makes this phrase essential for a B2 learner.

मैदान पर टूटे हुए मनोबल के साथ खेलना मुश्किल है। (It is difficult to play on the field with broken morale.)

उसने टूटे हुए टुकड़ों को जोड़कर एक नई आकृति बनाई। (He joined the broken pieces to create a new shape.)

हमें टूटे हुए खिलौनों को फेंक देना चाहिए। (We should throw away the broken toys.)

Even advanced learners can stumble when using टूटे हुए because of the intricate rules of Hindi gender and number agreement. The most common error is failing to change the adjective to match the noun it describes. Unlike English, where 'broken' is static, 'टूटे हुए' is dynamic.

Mistake 1: Gender Mismatch: Learners often use 'टूटे हुए' for feminine nouns. Incorrect: टूटे हुए खिड़की (Broken window). Correct: टूटी हुई खिड़की. Since 'खिड़की' (window) is feminine, the adjective must agree.

गलत: वह टूटे हुए कुर्सी पर बैठा है। (Wrong: He is sitting on a broken chair - Chair is feminine.)

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Oblique Case: When a masculine singular noun is followed by a postposition, 'टूटा हुआ' must become 'टूटे हुए'. Incorrect: टूटा हुआ दिल से (With a broken heart). Correct: टूटे हुए दिल से. The 'से' forces the change.

Another subtle mistake is using 'टूटे हुए' when 'फटा हुआ' (torn) or 'खराब' (out of order) is more appropriate. For example, you don't use 'टूटे हुए' for a broken computer or a torn shirt. 'टूटे हुए' implies physical separation of parts or structural failure.

सही: टूटे हुए शीशे से हाथ कट सकता है। (Correct: Hand can get cut by broken glass.)

Mistake 3: Redundancy: Sometimes learners say 'टूटा हुआ टूटा हुआ' to emphasize many pieces. Instead, use 'चकनाचूर' (shattered) or 'टुकड़े-टुकड़े' (in pieces).

Finally, avoid using 'टूटे हुए' for people unless you mean they are emotionally devastated. If you want to say someone is physically injured, use 'चोटिल' or 'ज़ख्मी'. Using 'टूटा हुआ' for a person suggests a mental or spiritual breakdown.

गलत: वह एक्सीडेंट में टूटा हुआ है। (Wrong: He is 'broken' in an accident - implies emotional state, not physical injury.)

सही: टूटे हुए खंभे को सड़क से हटाया गया। (Correct: The broken pole was removed from the road.)

सावधानी: टूटे हुए फर्श पर मत दौड़ो। (Caution: Don't run on the broken floor.)

While टूटे हुए is a versatile phrase, Hindi offers several synonyms and alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. Knowing these will elevate your Hindi from functional to fluent.

खंडित (Khandit): This is a more formal, Sanskritized term. It is often used for idols, statues, or historical monuments. If a religious idol is 'broken', it is described as 'खंडित' rather than 'टूटा हुआ', as 'khandit' carries a sense of ritual impurity or historical loss.

मंदिर में खंडित मूर्तियाँ नहीं रखी जातीं। (Broken/damaged idols are not kept in temples.)

चकनाचूर (Chaknachoor): This means 'shattered into tiny pieces'. Use this for emphasis when something is completely destroyed. Example: 'उसका सपना चकनाचूर हो गया' (His dream was completely shattered).

टुकड़े-टुकड़े (Tukde-Tukde): Literally 'pieces-pieces'. This is used to describe something that has been broken into many distinct parts. It is very common in dramatic speech.

For electronic items or machinery, use खराब (Kharab). If a phone is 'broken' but the screen isn't cracked (it just won't turn on), say 'फ़ोन खराब है'. If the screen is cracked, you can say 'स्क्रीन टूटी हुई है'.

धमाके के बाद सब कुछ टुकड़े-टुकड़े हो गया। (Everything was blown to pieces after the blast.)

भंग (Bhang): Used for abstract things like 'breaking silence' (मौन भंग) or 'breaking a rule/law'. You wouldn't use 'टूटे हुए' for a law.

उसने टूटे हुए शब्दों में अपनी गलती मानी। (He admitted his mistake in fragmented words.)

यह टूटे हुए खिलौने का डिब्बा है। (This is a box of broken toys.)

समुद्र किनारे टूटे हुए शंख पड़े थे। (Broken conch shells were lying by the seashore.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'truṭ' is also related to the word 'Truti', which in ancient Indian timekeeping refers to a very small 'fragment' of time (about 1/32,400 of a second).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtuːteɪ ˈhuːeɪ/

US /ˈtuːteɪ ˈhuːeɪ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'Toote'.

Rhymes With

छूटे हुए (choote hue) लूटे हुए (loote hue) रूठे हुए (roothe hue) फूटे हुए (phoote hue) कटे हुए (kate hue) फटे हुए (phate hue) डरे हुए (dare hue) मरे हुए (mare hue)

Common Errors

Using a dental 'T' (like in 'thin') instead of a retroflex 'T'.
Pronouncing 'Hue' as 'Who' or 'Hugh'. It must be 'hoo-ay'.
Making the 'e' sound too long like a long 'ee'.
Neglecting the slight nasalization if used in plural oblique contexts.
Merging the two words into one.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but requires understanding context.

Writing 4/5

Difficult to remember gender and oblique case agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Requires quick mental processing of noun gender before speaking.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with other participles.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

टूटना (To break) हुआ (Happened/State) कांच (Glass) दिल (Heart) खिलौना (Toy)

Learn Next

फटा हुआ (Torn) खुला हुआ (Open) बंद हुआ (Closed) सजा हुआ (Decorated) लिखा हुआ (Written)

Advanced

विखंडन (Fragmentation) ध्वस्त (Demolished) क्षतिग्रस्त (Damaged) जीर्ण-शीर्ण (Dilapidated) खंडित (Fragmented/Sacred)

Grammar to Know

Participle as Adjective

The verb 'Tootna' becomes 'Toota hua' to describe a state.

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Toote hue (Masc Pl) vs Tooti hui (Fem Sing).

Oblique Case Transformation

Toota hua dil -> Toote hue dil mein.

Stative Marker 'Hua'

Adding 'hua' emphasizes the state rather than the action.

Pluralization of Participles

Singular 'hua' changes to plural 'hue' for masculine nouns.

Examples by Level

यह टूटा खिलौना है।

This is a broken toy.

Simple masculine singular adjective.

वहाँ टूटे कांच हैं।

There are broken glasses there.

Masculine plural adjective.

मेरी पेंसिल टूटी है।

My pencil is broken.

Feminine singular adjective.

टूटा हुआ कप मत लो।

Don't take the broken cup.

Masculine singular with 'hua'.

उसके पास टूटे जूते हैं।

He has broken shoes.

Masculine plural.

यह मेज़ टूटी हुई है।

This table is broken.

Feminine singular with 'hui'.

टूटे हुए टुकड़े कहाँ हैं?

Where are the broken pieces?

Masculine plural oblique/direct.

मेरा दिल टूटा है।

My heart is broken.

Masculine singular metaphorical.

फर्श पर टूटे हुए कांच के टुकड़े हैं।

There are broken glass pieces on the floor.

Plural agreement.

उसने टूटे हुए खिलौने ठीक किए।

He fixed the broken toys.

Direct object plural.

बागीचे में टूटे हुए पेड़ गिरे हैं।

Broken trees have fallen in the garden.

Masculine plural subject.

टूटे हुए बर्तन बाहर फेंक दो।

Throw the broken utensils outside.

Imperative with plural object.

क्या तुम टूटे हुए शीशे को देख सकते हो?

Can you see the broken mirror?

Oblique case due to 'ko'.

टूटे हुए घर में कोई नहीं रहता।

No one lives in the broken house.

Oblique case due to 'mein'.

मेरे पास कुछ टूटे हुए सिक्के हैं।

I have some broken coins.

Quantifier with plural noun.

टूटे हुए रास्ते पर चलना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to walk on a broken path.

Oblique case due to 'par'.

उसने टूटे हुए दिल से गाना गाया।

He sang the song with a broken heart.

Emotional use, oblique case.

टूटे हुए सपनों को फिर से सजाना आसान नहीं।

It's not easy to redecorate/rebuild broken dreams.

Metaphorical plural.

दीवार पर टूटे हुए कांच सुरक्षा के लिए हैं।

Broken glass on the wall is for security.

Functional description.

टूटे हुए वादों ने सब कुछ बर्बाद कर दिया।

Broken promises ruined everything.

Abstract plural subject.

वह टूटे हुए शब्दों में बात कर रहा था।

He was talking in broken words.

Describing speech style.

टूटे हुए पुल की वजह से रास्ता बंद है।

The road is closed because of the broken bridge.

Causal phrase with oblique case.

हमने पुराने घर में टूटे हुए फर्नीचर देखे।

We saw broken furniture in the old house.

Plural object in a past tense sentence.

टूटे हुए तारों को देखकर उसने दुआ मांगी।

Seeing the 'broken' (shooting) stars, he made a wish.

Poetic usage.

टूटे हुए सामाजिक ढांचे को सुधारना एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Repairing the broken social structure is a big challenge.

Formal sociological context.

उसकी आँखों में टूटे हुए ख्वाबों की झलक थी।

There was a glimpse of broken dreams in his eyes.

Literary description.

टूटे हुए आत्मविश्वास के साथ जीतना नामुमकिन है।

Winning with broken self-confidence is impossible.

Psychological state, oblique case.

पुरातत्वविदों को खुदाई में टूटे हुए अवशेष मिले।

Archaeologists found broken remains in the excavation.

Technical/Historical context.

टूटे हुए रिश्तों की कड़वाहट सालों तक रहती है।

The bitterness of broken relationships lasts for years.

Abstract noun phrase.

भूकंप के बाद शहर में टूटे हुए खंभों का ढेर लग गया।

After the earthquake, there was a pile of broken poles in the city.

Descriptive plural.

टूटे हुए नियमों के कारण उसे दंड मिला।

He was punished because of the broken rules.

Legal/Rule-based context.

उसने टूटे हुए सुरों को जोड़ने की कोशिश की।

He tried to connect the broken notes/melodies.

Artistic metaphor.

इतिहास टूटे हुए साम्राज्यों की कहानियों से भरा पड़ा है।

History is filled with stories of broken empires.

Grand historical scale.

टूटे हुए दर्पण में अपना चेहरा देखना अशुभ माना जाता है।

Looking at one's face in a broken mirror is considered inauspicious.

Cultural/Superstitious context.

लेखक ने समाज के टूटे हुए आदर्शों पर तीखा प्रहार किया।

The author made a sharp attack on the broken ideals of society.

Intellectual/Critical tone.

टूटे हुए मनोबल को फिर से जागृत करना नेतृत्व की परीक्षा है।

Reawakening broken morale is a test of leadership.

Leadership/Management context.

टूटे हुए विश्वास की नींव पर कोई रिश्ता नहीं टिक सकता।

No relationship can stand on the foundation of broken trust.

Philosophical statement.

उसने अपनी कविता में टूटे हुए सितारों का रूपक इस्तेमाल किया।

He used the metaphor of broken stars in his poem.

Literary analysis.

टूटे हुए वादों की गूँज आज भी गलियारों में सुनाई देती है।

The echo of broken promises is still heard in the corridors.

Metaphorical imagery.

टूटे हुए आर्थिक तंत्र को बहाल करने में समय लगेगा।

It will take time to restore the broken economic system.

Macroeconomic context.

अस्तित्ववाद की गहराई में टूटे हुए आत्म की खोज ही मुख्य है।

In the depths of existentialism, the search for the broken self is central.

High philosophy.

टूटे हुए मिथकों के मलबे से ही नई संस्कृतियाँ जन्म लेती हैं।

New cultures are born from the rubble of broken myths.

Cultural theory.

उसकी रचनाओं में टूटे हुए समय का बोध स्पष्ट रूप से झलकता है।

In his works, the perception of broken time is clearly reflected.

Abstract literary criticism.

टूटे हुए विमर्शों को एकीकृत करना आधुनिक बुद्धिजीवियों का दायित्व है।

Integrating broken discourses is the responsibility of modern intellectuals.

Academic/Intellectual discourse.

वह टूटे हुए मौन की भयावहता को अच्छी तरह समझता था।

He understood the horror of broken silence very well.

Psychological/Thriller context.

टूटे हुए सत्य के कई चेहरे हो सकते हैं, जो सापेक्ष होते हैं।

Broken truth can have many faces, which are relative.

Epistemological statement.

उसने टूटे हुए संकल्पों की राख से अपनी नई पहचान बनाई।

He built his new identity from the ashes of broken resolutions.

Transformational metaphor.

टूटे हुए वैचारिक ढांचों ने समाज को भ्रमित कर दिया है।

Broken ideological frameworks have confused society.

Sociopolitical analysis.

Common Collocations

टूटे हुए दिल

टूटे हुए कांच

टूटे हुए सपने

टूटे हुए वादे

टूटे हुए खिलौने

टूटे हुए बर्तन

टूटे हुए मकान

टूटे हुए तार

टूटे हुए अल्फाज़

टूटे हुए रिश्ते

Common Phrases

टूटे हुए दिल का सहारा

— A support for someone who is heartbroken. Often used in romantic songs.

संगीत टूटे हुए दिल का सहारा है।

टूटे हुए कांच की तरह

— Like broken glass; used to describe something fragile or sharp.

उसकी बातें टूटे हुए कांच की तरह चुभती हैं।

टूटे हुए टुकड़ों को समेटना

— To gather the broken pieces; to try and fix one's life after a disaster.

वह अपने टूटे हुए जीवन के टुकड़ों को समेट रहा है।

टूटे हुए पुल की मरम्मत

— Repairing a broken bridge; literal or metaphorical reconciliation.

सरकार टूटे हुए पुल की मरम्मत कर रही है।

टूटे हुए पंख

— Broken wings; used for someone whose freedom or ability is taken away.

टूटे हुए पंखों के साथ वह उड़ नहीं सकता।

टूटे हुए तारों की रात

— A night of falling stars; poetic or romantic setting.

वह टूटे हुए तारों की रात बहुत खूबसूरत थी।

टूटे हुए दर्पण का प्रतिबिंब

— Reflection in a broken mirror; distorted reality.

सच टूटे हुए दर्पण के प्रतिबिंब जैसा धुंधला है।

टूटे हुए संकल्प

— Broken resolutions or determinations.

नए साल के टूटे हुए संकल्पों की सूची लंबी है।

टूटे हुए साये

— Broken shadows; literary term for lost or fragmented presence.

पुरानी हवेली में टूटे हुए साये दीखते हैं।

टूटे हुए हौसले

— Broken spirits or courage.

हमें टूटे हुए हौसलों को फिर से बढ़ाना होगा।

Often Confused With

टूटे हुए vs फटा हुआ (Phata hua)

Means 'torn'. Used for paper, cloth, or skin. Don't use 'Toote hue' for a shirt.

टूटे हुए vs खराब (Kharab)

Means 'bad' or 'not working'. Used for machines, food, or moods.

टूटे हुए vs खुला हुआ (Khula hua)

Means 'open'. Sometimes confused by beginners, but has the opposite meaning in terms of integrity.

Idioms & Expressions

"टूटे दिल को जोड़ना"

— To console someone or fix a relationship.

उसकी मीठी बातों ने मेरे टूटे दिल को जोड़ दिया।

Casual

"टूटी फूटी बात"

— Fragmented or incoherent speech.

उसने टूटी फूटी बातों में पूरी कहानी सुनाई।

Casual

"टूटे हुए घड़े से पानी भरना"

— To try to do something impossible or futile.

उससे मदद मांगना टूटे हुए घड़े से पानी भरने जैसा है।

Literary

"टूटे हुए आसमान का गिरना"

— A great calamity occurring.

जब पिता की मृत्यु हुई, तो उस पर टूटे हुए आसमान जैसा दुख गिरा।

Emphatic

"टूटे हुए शीशे में चेहरा देखना"

— To have a distorted view of oneself.

अहंकार में वह टूटे हुए शीशे में अपना चेहरा देख रहा है।

Philosophical

"टूटी हुई कश्ती"

— A broken boat; a person in a desperate situation.

वह संसार के सागर में एक टूटी हुई कश्ती की तरह है।

Poetic

"टूटे हुए तारों को गिनना"

— To do something useless or to wait in vain.

उसका इंतज़ार करना टूटे हुए तारों को गिनने जैसा है।

Poetic

"टूटे हुए रिश्तों की दीवार"

— A barrier created by past grievances.

उनके बीच टूटे हुए रिश्तों की दीवार खड़ी हो गई है।

Neutral

"टूटे हुए पंखों से उड़ान"

— Attempting something big despite being disadvantaged.

उसकी सफलता टूटे हुए पंखों से उड़ान भरने जैसी है।

Inspirational

"टूटे हुए शब्दों की माला"

— Fragmented poetry or speech.

उसकी कविता टूटे हुए शब्दों की माला है।

Literary

Easily Confused

टूटे हुए vs टूटा (Toota)

It's the simpler version.

Toota is a simple adjective/past participle; Toote hue is the plural/oblique stative form.

Toota glass (Singular) vs Toote hue glass (Plural).

टूटे हुए vs तोड़ना (Todna)

It's the verb form.

Todna is the action (to break); Toote hue is the result (broken).

उसने खिलौना तोड़ा (He broke the toy) vs यह टूटे हुए खिलौने हैं (These are broken toys).

टूटे हुए vs खंडित (Khandit)

Both mean broken.

Khandit is formal/sacred; Toote hue is general.

Khandit murti vs Toote hue khilone.

टूटे हुए vs फूटा (Phoota)

Sounds similar.

Phoota means 'burst' or 'exploded' (like a balloon or a boil).

Gubbaara phoota vs Glass toota.

टूटे हुए vs छूटा (Choota)

Rhymes and starts with a similar consonant.

Choota means 'left behind' or 'released'.

Train chooti vs Glass toota.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] टूटा है।

यह खिलौना टूटा है।

वहाँ [Adj] [Noun] हैं।

वहाँ टूटे हुए कांच हैं।

[Subject] ने [Adj] [Noun] को देखा।

उसने टूटे हुए घर को देखा।

[Adj] [Noun] के साथ [Verb] मुश्किल है।

टूटे हुए दिल के साथ काम करना मुश्किल है।

[Adj] [Noun] की मरम्मत [Verb] चाहिए।

टूटे हुए पुल की मरम्मत होनी चाहिए।

[Abstract Noun] [Adj] [Noun] पर आधारित है।

यह फिल्म टूटे हुए सपनों पर आधारित है।

[Adj] [Noun] के मलबे से [Noun] निकला।

टूटे हुए मकानों के मलबे से कीमती सामान निकला।

[Adj] [Noun] का विमर्श [Verb] है।

टूटे हुए आदर्शों का विमर्श जटिल है।

Word Family

Nouns

टूट (Break/Crack)

टुकड़ा (Piece)

टूट-फूट (Wear and tear)

Verbs

टूटना (To break - Intransitive)

तोड़ना (To break - Transitive)

तुड़वाना (To have something broken)

Adjectives

टूटा (Broken - Masc Sing)

टूटी (Broken - Fem Sing)

टूटता (Breaking/Fragile)

चकनाचूर (Shattered)

खंडित (Fragmented)

विखंडन (Fragmentation)

जोड़ (Joint/Connection)

मरम्मत (Repair)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

टूटे हुए खिड़की → टूटी हुई खिड़की
Khidki (window) is feminine. Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.
टूटा हुआ दिल से → टूटे हुए दिल से
The postposition 'se' requires the adjective to be in the oblique form (Toote hue).
कंप्यूटर टूटा हुआ है → कंप्यूटर खराब है
If the computer doesn't work, use 'kharaab'. Only use 'toota hua' if it's physically smashed.
टूटे हुए आदमी → ज़ख्मी आदमी
If the man is physically injured, use 'zakhmi'. 'Toote hue' implies he is emotionally broken.
टूटे हुए दूध → फटा हुआ दूध
For curdled or 'broken' milk, Hindi uses 'phata hua' (torn/split), not 'toote hue'.

Tips

The Oblique Rule

Always remember that masculine singular nouns change their adjectives to the 'e' ending before postpositions. 'Toota hua' becomes 'Toote hue' before 'ko', 'mein', 'se', etc.

Choose Precision

If a statue is broken, use 'खंडित'. If a glass is in a million pieces, use 'चकनाचूर'. Use 'टूटे हुए' for general broken states.

Emotional Depth

Use 'टूटे हुए दिल' to express deep sadness. It's a hallmark of Hindi romantic expression.

Retroflex T

Make sure your tongue curls back for the 'T' in 'Toote'. A flat 'T' will sound like a different word.

Warning Signs

If you see a sign with 'टूटे हुए', pay attention—it usually indicates a hazard like broken glass or wires.

Stative Emphasis

Include 'हुए' in your writing to show you have a high-level grasp of Hindi participles.

News Keywords

In disaster reporting, 'टूटे हुए' is a keyword for damage assessment. Listen for it to understand the scale of events.

The 'Two' Rule

Toote sounds like 'Two'. If something is in 'two' (or more) pieces, it is 'Toote'.

Social Issues

Use 'टूटे हुए परिवार' when discussing social fragmentation or divorce in an academic context.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'टूटा हुआ टूटा हुआ'. Use 'टुकड़े-टुकड़े' if you want to emphasize the multiplicity of fragments.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Two' 'Tea' cups that fell. 'Two-te' (Toote) cups are broken. Add 'Hue' to show the 'Hue' (color/state) of the situation.

Visual Association

Imagine a shattered mirror on a floor. The jagged lines connecting the pieces look like the Hindi letters for 'Toote'.

Word Web

Glass Heart Dreams Promises Toys Bridges Furniture Rules

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room that are 'Toote hue' or 'Tooti hui' and name them in Hindi.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'त्रुट्' (truṭ), which means to break, tear, or snap. Over centuries, this evolved through Prakrit into the modern Hindi verb 'टूटना'.

Original meaning: To be separated into parts by force.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when using 'Toota hua' to describe people; it implies deep psychological trauma.

English speakers use 'broken' for everything from a heart to a computer. In Hindi, be careful—'Toote hue' is mostly for physical snapping or emotional hearts. For machines, use 'Kharab'.

The song 'Tute Hue Khwabon Ne' from the movie Madhumati. The concept of 'Khandit Murti' in Hindu temple rituals. The poem 'Toota Pahiya' (The Broken Wheel) by Dharamvir Bharati.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a Storm

टूटे हुए पेड़
टूटे हुए खंभे
टूटे हुए घर
टूटे हुए तार

Relationship Problems

टूटे हुए दिल
टूटे हुए वादे
टूटे हुए रिश्ते
टूटे हुए विश्वास

Archaeology/History

टूटे हुए अवशेष
टूटे हुए बर्तन
टूटे हुए पत्थर
टूटे हुए सिक्के

Household Repairs

टूटे हुए पाइप
टूटे हुए कांच
टूटे हुए फर्नीचर
टूटे हुए टाइल्स

Abstract/Poetic

टूटे हुए सपने
टूटे हुए सितारे
टूटे हुए सुर
टूटे हुए शब्द

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने गली में टूटे हुए कांच देखे?"

"टूटे हुए रिश्तों को कैसे सुधारा जा सकता है?"

"क्या आपको टूटे हुए खिलौने जमा करने का शौक है?"

"शहर के टूटे हुए पुलों की मरम्मत कब होगी?"

"क्या टूटे हुए सपनों को फिर से देखा जा सकता है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक टूटे हुए दिल की कहानी सुनी जो बहुत मार्मिक थी...

मेरे बचपन के कुछ टूटे हुए खिलौने आज भी मेरे पास हैं क्योंकि...

अगर मुझे समाज के टूटे हुए नियमों को बदलना हो, तो मैं सबसे पहले...

टूटे हुए कांच की तरह कुछ बातें हमेशा चुभती रहती हैं, जैसे कि...

एक टूटे हुए पुल को पार करने का अनुभव कैसा हो सकता है? विस्तार से लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only if there is a postposition after the noun (oblique case). For example, 'टूटे हुए कप में' (in the broken cup). If there is no postposition, use 'टूटा हुआ कप'.

Usually, no. For machines that don't work, use 'खराब' (kharab). Use 'टूटा हुआ' only if the physical body of the machine is actually in pieces.

The feminine version is 'टूटी हुई' (Tooti hui) for both singular and plural (though plural can sometimes be 'टूटी हुईं').

Yes, 'टूटी हुई हड्डी' is correct for a single bone. If you mean 'broken bones' (plural), you would use 'टूटी हुई हड्डियाँ' or 'टूटी हुईं हड्डियाँ'.

It is neutral. It is used in everyday conversation, but also in formal news reports and literature.

In casual speech, 'हुए' is often dropped ('टूटे खिलौने'). However, keeping 'हुए' makes the description more vivid and is grammatically more complete for B2+ levels.

Both mean broken. 'टूटा हुआ' (with 'hua') emphasizes the state of being broken more strongly than just 'टूटा'.

You can say 'चकनाचूर' (chaknachoor) for something shattered into tiny pieces.

Yes, but it refers to their emotional state. 'वह पूरी तरह टूटा हुआ है' means 'He is completely broken/devastated'.

The common phrase for broken language is 'टूटी-फूटी' (Tooti-phooti). Example: 'टूटी-फूटी हिंदी' (Broken Hindi).