At the A1 level, you can think of 'देखरेख करना' (dekhrekh karna) as a way to say 'to look after' or 'to take care of'. Even though this is a B1 word, you can use it in very simple sentences. Imagine you have a small dog or a little brother. If you are watching them so they stay safe, you are doing 'dekhrekh'. Grammar for A1: You don't need to know all the tenses yet. Just focus on the present tense: 'Main dekhrekh karta hoon' (I look after). The most important thing to remember is the little word 'ki'. You always say '[Person/Thing] ki dekhrekh'. Example: 'Main apne bhai ki dekhrekh karta hoon' (I look after my brother). This word is useful because it helps you talk about your daily responsibilities at home. It is a 'doing' word, meaning it describes an action you perform. When you learn this word, you are moving beyond just naming things and starting to describe what you do for others. It is a very kind and responsible word to know!
At the A2 level, you can start using 'देखरेख करना' in more varied contexts, such as talking about your home, your pets, or your work. You should be able to use it in the past, present, and future tenses. In A2, we focus on 'Compound Verbs'. 'देखरेख करना' is a perfect example because it combines a noun (dekhrekh) with a verb (karna). You will notice that 'karna' changes its form based on the time (tense) and the person speaking. For example: - Past: 'Maine kal apne ghar ki dekhrekh ki.' (I looked after my house yesterday.) - Future: 'Kya tum mere paudhon ki dekhrekh karoge?' (Will you look after my plants?) At this level, you should also understand that 'dekhrekh' is slightly more formal than 'dekhna'. If you say 'Main TV dekh raha hoon', you are just watching TV. But if you say 'Main bacche ki dekhrekh kar raha hoon', you are responsible for the child. This distinction is key for A2 learners who want to express their roles and duties more clearly in Hindi.
As a B1 learner, you should understand the nuance that 'देखरेख करना' (dekhrekh karna) carries. It is not just physical care; it often implies 'supervision' or 'oversight'. This word is very common in professional environments, such as construction, office management, and healthcare. You should be able to use it with adverbs to describe the quality of the care. For instance, 'savdhani se dekhrekh karna' (to supervise carefully) or 'acchi tarah se dekhrekh karna' (to look after well). At the B1 level, you are expected to handle the postposition 'ki' correctly every time. Because 'dekhrekh' is a feminine noun, the 'ki' is mandatory. You should also be able to recognize it in reading materials like news articles or instruction manuals. For example, a manual might say 'Machine ki niyamit dekhrekh zaroori hai' (Regular maintenance/supervision of the machine is necessary). This word helps you bridge the gap between basic conversation and more technical or formal Hindi. It shows that you understand the concept of 'responsibility' and 'management' in a Hindi-speaking context.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'देखरेख करना' in complex sentence structures, including passive voice and conditional sentences. You should also be able to distinguish it from its synonyms like 'nigraani karna' (surveillance) or 'paryavekshan' (formal supervision). B2 learners should use this word to discuss social and administrative issues. For example: 'Sarkar ko aitihasik imaraton ki dekhrekh par dhyan dena chahiye' (The government should focus on the maintenance/upkeep of historical buildings). You should also understand the cultural weight of the word. In India, 'dekhrekh' is a core part of the social fabric, especially in the context of the 'Joint Family System' and 'Community Service'. Using this word correctly in a discussion about family values or societal duties will make your Hindi sound much more authentic and advanced. Furthermore, you can start using it in the 'ne' construction for the perfective aspect: 'Usne poore din mareez ki dekhrekh ki' (He looked after the patient all day). Notice how 'ki' agrees with the feminine 'dekhrekh' and not the subject or the patient.
For C1 learners, 'देखरेख करना' becomes a tool for precise expression in professional and academic writing. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts of oversight, such as 'arthvyavastha ki dekhrekh' (supervision of the economy) or 'nayaayik dekhrekh' (judicial oversight). At this level, you should explore the etymological roots (Dekh + Rekh) and how this compound structure functions in the broader system of Indo-Aryan languages. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical contexts. For example, in a speech about leadership, you might say: 'Ek neta ka kartavya keval adesh dena nahi, balki apne samaj ki dekhrekh karna hai' (A leader's duty is not just to give orders, but to look after/supervise his society). You should also be aware of the register shifts. While 'dekhrekh' is neutral-to-formal, you might contrast it with more poetic or extremely formal terms like 'sanrakshan' (protection) or 'sarparasti' (patronage/guardianship) to show a deep command of Hindi vocabulary and its Persian/Sanskrit influences.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'देखरेख करना'. You understand the subtle emotional and bureaucratic layers it adds to a sentence. You can use it fluently in high-level debates, legal contexts, or literary analysis. You might analyze how the word is used in classical Hindi literature to describe the 'Rakshak' (protector) archetype. You can use it to explain complex administrative frameworks, such as the 'dekhrekh' of international treaties or environmental protocols. At this mastery level, you can play with the word's placement and combine it with sophisticated idioms. You understand that 'dekhrekh karna' is not just a verb but a philosophical stance of 'stewardship'. Whether you are discussing the 'supervision' of a nuclear plant or the 'tending' of a fragile diplomatic relationship, you use this term with perfect grammatical precision and contextual appropriateness. You are also able to correct others on the subtle differences between 'dekhrekh', 'nigraani', and 'dekhbhaal', providing nuanced explanations of when the 'supervisory' element of 'dekhrekh' is more appropriate than the 'nurturing' element of 'dekhbhaal'.

देखरेख करना in 30 Seconds

  • Dekhrekh karna means to look after or supervise people, places, or projects with a sense of responsibility.
  • It is a compound verb where 'dekhrekh' is feminine, requiring the postposition 'ki' to connect to the object.
  • Commonly used in contexts like parenting, healthcare, property maintenance, and professional project management.
  • It differs from 'dekhna' (to see) by implying active duty and from 'dekhbhaal' by being more supervisory.

The Hindi verb देखरेख करना (dekhrekh karnā) is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between simple 'looking' and professional 'supervising'. At its core, it translates to 'to provide care', 'to look after', or 'to supervise'. It is a compound verb formed by the combination of dekh (from dekhnā, to see) and rekh (traditionally meaning a line or boundary). In this linguistic fusion, the act of 'seeing' is combined with the 'boundary' or 'track', implying that one is keeping an eye on someone or something within a specific boundary of safety and regulation.

The Nuance of Responsibility
Unlike the simple verb 'dekhnā' (to see), 'dekhrekh karnā' implies an ongoing obligation. It is used when you are the designated person responsible for the well-being of a child, an elderly parent, or even an inanimate object like a construction site or a garden. It suggests a proactive vigilance rather than a passive observation.
Supervision in Professional Contexts
In a workplace setting, this word shifts toward 'oversight'. A project manager 'dekhrekh kartā hai' (supervises) the progress of a team. Here, it is less about emotional care and more about administrative control and ensuring that standards are met.

माँ बच्चों की देखरेख करती है। (Mā̃ baccō̃ kī dekhrekh kartī hai.)

— Translates to: The mother looks after the children.

Culturally, in the Indian context, dekhrekh is often associated with the 'Seva' (service) culture. In joint families, elder siblings are expected to perform the dekhrekh of younger ones, and the community as a whole performs the dekhrekh of public spaces. It is a word that carries the weight of social trust. When someone asks you to 'dekhrekh karnā' of their house while they are away, they are not just asking you to look at the house, but to ensure no pipes leak, no intruders enter, and the plants are watered.

माली बगीचे की देखरेख कर रहा है। (Mālī bagīce kī dekhrekh kar rahā hai.)

— The gardener is looking after the garden.

In modern Hindi, you might hear this word in news reports regarding the 'supervision' of elections or the 'care' of refugees. It scales from the most intimate family settings to the highest levels of governmental administration. The word is versatile because it balances the emotional aspect of 'care' with the technical aspect of 'monitoring'. If you are an English speaker, think of it as a blend of 'tending to', 'watching over', and 'managing'.

Emotional vs. Technical Care
While 'dekhbhaal' is almost exclusively emotional/physical care (nurturing), 'dekhrekh' can be used for inanimate objects and systems. You wouldn't usually use 'dekhbhaal' for a construction project, but 'dekhrekh' is perfect for it.

Using देखरेख करना correctly requires understanding its status as a transitive compound verb. In Hindi, these verbs often require a specific postposition to link the subject to the object. For 'dekhrekh karna', that postposition is almost always की (kī) because 'dekhrekh' is a feminine noun.

Sentence Structure
The standard formula is: [Subject] + [Object] + की + देखरेख करना. For example, 'मैं (Subject) घर (Object) की देखरेख करता हूँ'.

डॉक्टर मरीज़ की देखरेख कर रहे हैं। (Ḍôkṭar marīz kī dekhrekh kar rahe haĩ.)

— The doctor is looking after the patient.

When using different tenses, only the auxiliary verb 'karnā' changes. The word 'dekhrekh' remains static. This makes it relatively easy to conjugate once you know the basic patterns of the verb 'karnā'.

  • Present Continuous: कर रहा है / कर रही है (Is looking after)
  • Past Tense: की (Did look after - Note: 'karnā' becomes 'kiyā', but with a feminine object 'dekhrekh', it often stays 'ki' in specific constructions)
  • Future Tense: करेगा / करेगी (Will look after)

क्या आप मेरे कुत्तों की देखरेख करेंगे? (Kyā āp mere kuttō̃ kī dekhrekh karẽge?)

— Will you look after my dogs?

In more complex sentences, 'dekhrekh karna' can be used as a gerund or a noun phrase. For instance, 'Bachchon ki dekhrekh karna mushkil hai' (Looking after children is difficult). Here, the entire phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

Passive Usage
In formal reports, you might see 'Dekhrekh ki ja rahi hai' (Supervision is being done). This is common in government documents regarding public works or heritage sites.

इस इमारत की देखरेख सरकार करती है। (Is imārat kī dekhrekh sarkār kartī hai.)

— The government looks after this building.

Finally, consider the intensity. If you say 'acchi tarah se dekhrekh karna' (to look after well), you are emphasizing the quality of care. This is a very common adverbial addition in Hindi conversation.

You will encounter देखरेख करना in a variety of settings, ranging from the domestic to the highly professional. Understanding these contexts will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

1. The Domestic Sphere
This is the most common place to hear the word. Parents talking about their children, or adult children talking about their aging parents. It conveys a sense of duty and affection. 'Dadi ki dekhrekh kaun karega?' (Who will look after Grandmother?)
2. Hospitals and Healthcare
Nurses and doctors use this word to describe patient management. It refers to the monitoring of vitals, medication schedules, and general hygiene. 'Mareez ki 24 ghante dekhrekh ki zaroorat hai' (The patient needs 24-hour supervision).

नर्स बीमार बच्चे की देखरेख कर रही थी। (Nars bīmār bachche kī dekhrekh kar rahī thī.)

— The nurse was looking after the sick child.

In the corporate and legal world, 'dekhrekh' takes on a more formal tone. It is used in contracts to define the responsibilities of a 'caretaker' or a 'supervisor'. If you are renting a house in India, the contract might mention who is responsible for the dekhrekh of the property.

Another interesting context is environmental conservation. NGOs and government bodies often talk about the dekhrekh of forests, endangered species, and rivers. It implies a protective oversight that ensures these natural resources are not harmed or exploited.

वन विभाग जंगल की देखरेख करता है। (Van vibhāg jaṅgal kī dekhrekh kartā hai.)

— The forest department looks after the forest.

Lastly, you will hear it in the context of 'Maintenance'. Whether it is a car, a computer system, or an apartment complex, 'dekhrekh' covers the routine checks and repairs needed to keep something functional. 'Society ki dekhrekh ke liye committee banayi gayi hai' (A committee has been formed for the maintenance/supervision of the society).

Learning to use देखरेख करना involves navigating some common pitfalls. Because it is a compound verb with a specific gendered noun, errors usually fall into three categories: grammar, word choice, and context.

1. The 'Ka' vs 'Ki' Trap
Since 'dekhrekh' is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine postposition 'ki'. Many learners mistakenly use 'ka' because they assume the gender matches the subject or the object. Remember: it always matches the noun in the compound verb. Incorrect: 'Bachche ka dekhrekh'. Correct: 'Bachche ki dekhrekh'.

❌ वह घर का देखरेख करता है।

✅ वह घर की देखरेख करता है।

The second mistake is confusing dekhrekh karna with dekhna. While 'dekhna' is just 'to see', 'dekhrekh karna' is an active responsibility. If you say 'Main tumhein dekh raha hoon', it might sound like you are just staring at someone. If you mean you are taking care of them, you must use 'dekhrekh'.

Another common error is omitting the verb 'karna'. 'Dekhrekh' is a noun. You cannot say 'Main bache ki dekhrekh'. You must add the action: 'Main bache ki dekhrekh kar raha hoon'. Without the verb, the sentence is incomplete and lacks meaning.

3. Over-using it for inanimate objects
While you can use it for a house or a car, using it for something very small or temporary might sound odd. For example, you wouldn't say you are 'dekhrekh'ing a pen. You would just 'keep it safe' (sambhaal kar rakhna).

गलत: मैं अपनी कलम की देखरेख करता हूँ। (Sounds too formal/heavy for a pen)

— Better: मैं अपनी कलम संभालकर रखता हूँ।

Finally, watch out for the pluralization. 'Dekhrekh' is generally used in the singular form as an abstract noun. You don't say 'dekhrekhein'. The plurality is handled by the objects being looked after, not the act of looking after itself.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for the concept of 'care' and 'supervision'. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the care, you might want to use one of these alternatives instead of देखरेख करना.

देखभाल करना (Dekhbhaal karnā)
This is the closest synonym. However, 'dekhbhaal' focuses more on the nurturing and physical care aspect. It is the preferred word for raising children or nursing the sick. 'Dekhrekh' is slightly more 'supervisory'.
निगरानी करना (Nigrānī karnā)
This word has a stronger sense of 'surveillance' or 'monitoring'. It is often used in security, police work, or strict exam invigilation. It lacks the 'caring' nuance of 'dekhrekh'.
WordFocusBest For...
देखरेख करनाSupervision/CareProjects, Houses, People
देखभाल करनाNurturingBabies, Patients, Pets
निगरानी करनाSurveillanceSecurity, Exams
ख्याल रखनाThoughtfulnessFriends, Family, Self

If you are talking about 'maintenance' in a technical sense, you might use रखरखाव (rakh-rakhāv). This is specifically for machines, buildings, and infrastructure. For example, 'Sarak ka rakh-rakhav' (Maintenance of the road).

Another colloquial alternative is संभालना (sambhālnā). This literally means 'to handle' or 'to manage'. If a situation is getting out of hand, you might say 'Situation ko sambhaalo!' (Handle the situation!). It implies taking control of something that could otherwise go wrong. While it overlaps with 'dekhrekh', it is more about 'management' than 'ongoing care'.

वह अपने पिता का व्यवसाय संभाल रहा है। (Vah apne pitā kā vyavasāy sambhāl rahā hai.)

— He is managing/handling his father's business.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'flavor' of care you want to convey. Are you a loving mother (dekhbhaal), a strict manager (paryavekshan/nigraani), or a responsible house-sitter (dekhrekh)? Each word tells a slightly different story about the relationship between the subject and the object.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रशासन इस क्षेत्र की देखरेख के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है।"

Neutral

"वह अपने छोटे भाई की देखरेख करता है।"

Informal

"अरे, ज़रा मेरे बैग की देखरेख करना।"

Child friendly

"क्या तुम अपनी गुड़िया की देखरेख करोगे?"

Slang

"भाई, सीन की देखरेख कर लेना।"

Fun Fact

The use of 'Rekh' (line) suggests that in ancient times, care was defined by staying within certain boundaries of safety. It's like drawing a 'Lakshman Rekha' (a line of protection) around the person you are looking after.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d̪eːkʰ.ɾeːkʰ kəɾ.nɑː/
US /deɪk.reɪk kər.nɑː/
Stress is evenly distributed, but a slight emphasis is placed on the first syllable 'Dekh' and the first syllable of the verb 'Kar'.
Rhymes With
Dekh (rhymes with 'fake' but aspirated) Rekh (rhymes with 'lake' but aspirated) Karna (rhymes with 'marna', 'bharna', 'charna')
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k' (it must be aspirated).
  • Pronouncing 'd' like the English 'd' in 'dog' (it should be dental, with the tongue touching the teeth).
  • Forgetting the nasalization if present in surrounding words (though not in this word itself).
  • Misplacing the stress on the final 'na'.
  • Failing to flap the 'r' in 'rekh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the 'dekh' root is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the feminine 'ki' postposition.

Speaking 4/5

The aspirated 'kh' can be tricky for English natives.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देखना (To see) करना (To do) की (Feminine postposition) घर (House) बच्चा (Child)

Learn Next

देखभाल (Nurturing care) निगरानी (Monitoring) ज़िम्मेदारी (Responsibility) सुरक्षा (Security) प्रबंधन (Management)

Advanced

पयर्वेक्षण (Supervision) संरक्षण (Preservation) रखरखाव (Maintenance) चौकसी (Vigilance) अधीक्षण (Superintendence)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

Many Hindi verbs are formed by [Noun] + [Karna]. Example: 'Madad karna' (to help), 'Dekhrekh karna'.

Feminine Noun Agreement

Because 'dekhrekh' is feminine, the possessive must be 'ki'. Example: 'Bhai ki dekhrekh'.

Honorific Plurality

When the subject is an elder, the verb 'karna' becomes plural. Example: 'Pitaji dekhrekh karte hain'.

Object-Verb Agreement in Past Tense

In the perfective aspect with 'ne', the verb agrees with the object. 'Maine dekhrekh ki'.

Infinitive as Subject

The infinitive 'karna' can act as a noun. Example: 'Dekhrekh karna achha hai'.

Examples by Level

1

मैं अपने कुत्ते की देखरेख करता हूँ।

I look after my dog.

Uses 'ki' because 'dekhrekh' is feminine.

2

मेरी माँ घर की देखरेख करती हैं।

My mother looks after the house.

The verb 'karti hain' is plural for respect (honorific).

3

क्या आप मेरी देखरेख करेंगे?

Will you look after me?

Future tense 'karenge' (polite/plural).

4

वह अपने छोटे भाई की देखरेख करता है।

He looks after his younger brother.

Simple present tense for a habit.

5

हम पौधों की देखरेख करते हैं।

We look after the plants.

Plural subject 'hum' with 'karte hain'.

6

पिताजी कार की देखरेख करते हैं।

Father looks after the car.

Shows 'dekhrekh' used for objects (maintenance).

7

दादी की देखरेख कौन करेगा?

Who will look after Grandmother?

Interrogative sentence with 'kaun'.

8

बच्चे की देखरेख करना अच्छा है।

Looking after a child is good.

Gerundial use: 'Dekhrekh karna' is the subject.

1

कल मैंने अपने बगीचे की देखरेख की।

Yesterday I looked after my garden.

Past tense 'ki' (agreeing with 'dekhrekh').

2

आपको अपनी सेहत की देखरेख करनी चाहिए।

You should look after your health.

Use of 'chahiye' (should) with feminine 'karni'.

3

वह ऑफिस की देखरेख कर रहा है।

He is looking after the office.

Present continuous tense.

4

क्या तुम मेरे बिल्ली की देखरेख कर सकते हो?

Can you look after my cat?

Use of 'sakte ho' (can).

5

हमने पुराने मंदिर की देखरेख की।

We looked after the old temple.

Perfective tense with 'ne' (implied for 'humne').

6

मेरी बहन बच्चों की देखरेख अच्छी तरह करती है।

My sister looks after the children well.

Adverbial use 'acchi tarah' (well).

7

नौकरानी घर की देखरेख कर रही थी।

The maid was looking after the house.

Past continuous tense.

8

हमें अपने पर्यावरण की देखरेख करनी होगी।

We will have to look after our environment.

Compulsion/Future 'karni hogi'.

1

मैनेजर प्रोजेक्ट की देखरेख कर रहा है।

The manager is supervising the project.

Professional context: 'dekhrekh' as supervision.

2

अस्पताल में नर्सों ने मरीज़ों की देखरेख की।

The nurses looked after the patients in the hospital.

Past tense with plural subject 'nursen'.

3

गाँव के लोग तालाब की देखरेख करते हैं।

The villagers look after the pond.

Community responsibility context.

4

सुरक्षा गार्ड रात में बिल्डिंग की देखरेख करता है।

The security guard looks after the building at night.

Supervision/Security context.

5

इस पुस्तकालय की देखरेख एक ट्रस्ट करता है।

A trust looks after this library.

Administrative context.

6

वह बहुत सावधानी से अपनी कार की देखरेख करता है।

He looks after his car very carefully.

Adverb 'savdhani se' (carefully).

7

क्या सरकार इन सड़कों की देखरेख कर रही है?

Is the government looking after these roads?

Interrogative present continuous.

8

पड़ोसी ने हमारे घर की देखरेख करने का वादा किया।

The neighbor promised to look after our house.

Infinitive form 'dekhrekh karne'.

1

संग्रहालय की देखरेख के लिए विशेषज्ञों की टीम नियुक्त की गई है।

A team of experts has been appointed for the maintenance of the museum.

Formal passive construction.

2

बिना उचित देखरेख के यह मशीन खराब हो सकती है।

Without proper supervision/maintenance, this machine might break down.

Conditional context using 'bina' (without).

3

अनाथालय में बच्चों की देखरेख बहुत प्यार से की जाती है।

In the orphanage, the children are looked after with much love.

Passive voice 'ki jati hai'.

4

इंजीनियर पुल के निर्माण की देखरेख कर रहा था।

The engineer was supervising the construction of the bridge.

Technical/Supervisory context.

5

वकीलों ने दस्तावेज़ों की देखरेख करने की ज़िम्मेदारी ली।

The lawyers took the responsibility of looking after the documents.

Abstract object (documents) with 'zimmedari'.

6

जंगली जानवरों की देखरेख करना वन विभाग का मुख्य कार्य है।

Looking after wild animals is the main task of the forest department.

Gerundial subject 'dekhrekh karna'.

7

क्या आपने कभी किसी बड़े आयोजन की देखरेख की है?

Have you ever supervised a large event?

Present perfect tense.

8

इस ऐतिहासिक स्थल की देखरेख यूनेस्को द्वारा की जाती है।

This historical site is looked after by UNESCO.

Formal 'dwara' (by) construction.

1

चुनाव आयोग पूरे देश में निष्पक्ष चुनाव की देखरेख करता है।

The Election Commission supervises fair elections across the country.

Administrative/Political context.

2

वैज्ञानिकों ने इस प्रयोग की देखरेख अत्यंत सूक्ष्मता से की।

The scientists supervised this experiment with extreme precision.

High-level vocabulary 'sukshmata' (precision).

3

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की देखरेख करना हमारी सामूहिक ज़िम्मेदारी है।

Looking after the ecosystem is our collective responsibility.

Abstract/Global context.

4

प्रबंधक को कर्मचारियों के काम की देखरेख करने का व्यापक अनुभव है।

The manager has extensive experience in supervising the work of employees.

Complex noun phrase 'dekhrekh karne ka anubhav'.

5

इस परियोजना की देखरेख प्रत्यक्ष रूप से प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय द्वारा की जा रही है।

The supervision of this project is being done directly by the Prime Minister's Office.

Official/Bureaucratic register.

6

बुजुर्गों की देखरेख के लिए समाज में संवेदनशीलता की आवश्यकता है।

There is a need for sensitivity in society for the care of the elderly.

Sociological context.

7

आंतरिक सुरक्षा की देखरेख के लिए एक नई समिति का गठन किया गया।

A new committee was formed for the oversight of internal security.

Security/Policy context.

8

कलाकृतियों की देखरेख में कोताही बरतने पर सख्त कार्रवाई होगी।

Strict action will be taken if there is negligence in the care of artifacts.

Legal/Threatening register.

1

वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था की देखरेख करने वाली संस्थाओं को अधिक पारदर्शी होना चाहिए।

Institutions supervising the global economy should be more transparent.

Macro-economic context.

2

सांस्कृतिक विरासत की देखरेख केवल संरक्षण नहीं, बल्कि पहचान की रक्षा है।

Looking after cultural heritage is not just preservation, but the protection of identity.

Philosophical/Rhetorical style.

3

न्यायपालिका संविधान के मौलिक ढांचे की देखरेख का दायित्व निभाती है।

The judiciary fulfills the duty of supervising the basic structure of the Constitution.

Legal/Constitutional context.

4

पर्यावरणीय मानकों की देखरेख में विफलता के दूरगामी परिणाम हो सकते हैं।

Failure in the oversight of environmental standards can have far-reaching consequences.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'durgaami' (far-reaching).

5

मानवाधिकारों की देखरेख के लिए अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय को एकजुट होना होगा।

The international community must unite for the oversight of human rights.

Global advocacy context.

6

साहित्यिक कृतियों की देखरेख और उनके संवर्धन का कार्य अकादमियों का है।

The task of looking after literary works and their promotion belongs to the academies.

Intellectual/Institutional register.

7

परमाणु ऊर्जा केंद्रों की देखरेख में ज़रा सी भी चूक विनाशकारी हो सकती है।

Even a slight lapse in the supervision of nuclear power plants can be disastrous.

High-stakes technical context.

8

आध्यात्मिक गुरु अपने शिष्यों के मानसिक विकास की देखरेख करते हैं।

Spiritual gurus supervise the mental development of their disciples.

Metaphorical/Spiritual context.

Common Collocations

बच्चों की देखरेख
मरीज़ की देखरेख
घर की देखरेख
प्रोजेक्ट की देखरेख
सावधानी से देखरेख
उचित देखरेख
नियमित देखरेख
बुजुर्गों की देखरेख
बगीचे की देखरेख
संपत्ति की देखरेख

Common Phrases

देखरेख में

— Under the supervision of.

डॉक्टर की देखरेख में मरीज़ ठीक हो रहा है।

देखरेख की कमी

— Lack of care or supervision.

देखरेख की कमी के कारण घर पुराना लग रहा है।

चौबीस घंटे देखरेख

— 24-hour care or round-the-clock supervision.

उसे चौबीस घंटे देखरेख की ज़रूरत है।

विशेष देखरेख

— Special care or attention.

सर्दियों में बच्चों को विशेष देखरेख चाहिए।

देखरेख का ज़िम्मा

— The responsibility of looking after.

उसने बच्चों की देखरेख का ज़िम्मा लिया।

देखरेख करना मुश्किल है

— It is difficult to look after.

अकेले इतने बड़े घर की देखरेख करना मुश्किल है।

अच्छी देखरेख

— Good care/supervision.

अच्छी देखरेख से फसल बढ़िया हुई।

देखरेख का अभाव

— Absence of care (formal).

देखरेख के अभाव में मूर्तियाँ टूट रही हैं।

देखरेख का तरीका

— The way of looking after.

सबका देखरेख का तरीका अलग होता है।

देखरेख करना ज़रूरी है

— It is necessary to look after.

स्वास्थ्य की देखरेख करना ज़रूरी है।

Often Confused With

देखरेख करना vs देखना

Simply 'to see'. It lacks the responsibility of 'dekhrekh'.

देखरेख करना vs दिखाना

To show something to someone.

देखरेख करना vs देखभाल

More focused on nurturing/emotional care than supervision.

Idioms & Expressions

"आँखों का तारा होना"

— To be the apple of one's eye; often used when someone receives extreme 'dekhrekh'.

वह अपनी माँ की आँखों का तारा है, इसलिए वे उसकी बहुत देखरेख करती हैं।

Informal
"पलकों पर बिठाना"

— To treat someone with great respect and care.

मेहमानों को उन्होंने पलकों पर बिठाया और उनकी खूब देखरेख की।

Poetic/Informal
"हाथ बँटाना"

— To help out; often used in the context of sharing the 'dekhrekh' of a house.

वह घर की देखरेख में अपनी माँ का हाथ बँटाता है।

Neutral
"खून-पसीना एक करना"

— To work very hard; used when someone puts extreme effort into the 'dekhrekh' of a project.

उसने इस फैक्ट्री की देखरेख में अपना खून-पसीना एक कर दिया।

Informal
"कंधों पर बोझ होना"

— To have a burden/responsibility; refers to the weight of 'dekhrekh'.

पूरे परिवार की देखरेख का बोझ उसके कंधों पर है।

Neutral
"नज़र रखना"

— To keep an eye on; a more informal/suspicious version of 'dekhrekh'.

चौकीदार अजनबियों पर नज़र रखता है और बिल्डिंग की देखरेख करता है।

Neutral
"जी-जान से जुटना"

— To engage with heart and soul; used for dedicated 'dekhrekh'.

वह मरीज़ों की देखरेख में जी-जान से जुटा है।

Informal
"साये की तरह साथ रहना"

— To stay with someone like a shadow; implies constant care/supervision.

नर्स मरीज़ के साथ साये की तरह रहती है और उसकी देखरेख करती है।

Poetic
"बाग-बाग होना"

— To be delighted; the result of seeing something well-looked after.

बगीचे की अच्छी देखरेख देखकर मेरा मन बाग-बाग हो गया।

Informal
"लोहे के चने चबाना"

— To perform a very difficult task; used for the tough 'dekhrekh' of a unruly group.

इन शरारती बच्चों की देखरेख करना लोहे के चने चबाने जैसा है।

Informal

Easily Confused

देखरेख करना vs देखभाल करना

Both mean 'to look after'.

Dekhbhaal is for nurturing (babies, patients). Dekhrekh is for supervising (projects, houses, safety).

नर्स मरीज़ की देखभाल करती है, लेकिन डॉक्टर पूरी यूनिट की देखरेख करता है।

देखरेख करना vs निगरानी करना

Both involve watching over something.

Nigraani is strict surveillance/security. Dekhrekh is helpful supervision.

पुलिस अपराधी की निगरानी करती है, लेकिन माँ बच्चे की देखरेख करती है।

देखरेख करना vs ख्याल रखना

Both imply caring.

Khyal rakhna is emotional/thoughtful. Dekhrekh is practical/physical.

अपने स्वास्थ्य का ख्याल रखो और दवाईयों की देखरेख करो।

देखरेख करना vs संभालना

Both involve management.

Sambhalna is 'to handle' or 'to catch'. Dekhrekh is long-term oversight.

उसने गिरते हुए बच्चे को संभाला और फिर उसकी देखरेख की।

देखरेख करना vs रखरखाव करना

Both used for maintenance.

Rakh-rakhav is technical (repairs). Dekhrekh is general supervision.

इमारत की देखरेख के लिए उसका नियमित रखरखाव ज़रूरी है।

Sentence Patterns

A1

मैं [Object] की देखरेख करता हूँ।

मैं बिल्ली की देखरेख करता हूँ।

A2

क्या आप [Object] की देखरेख कर सकते हैं?

क्या आप मेरे घर की देखरेख कर सकते हैं?

B1

[Subject] [Object] की अच्छी तरह से देखरेख कर रहा है।

माली बगीचे की अच्छी तरह से देखरेख कर रहा है।

B2

[Object] की देखरेख करना [Subject] की ज़िम्मेदारी है।

बच्चों की देखरेख करना माता-पिता की ज़िम्मेदारी है।

C1

[Object] की देखरेख के लिए [Method] का उपयोग किया जाता है।

सुरक्षा की देखरेख के लिए कैमरों का उपयोग किया जाता है।

C2

[Abstract Object] की देखरेख में [Subject] की भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण है।

लोकतंत्र की देखरेख में स्वतंत्र मीडिया की भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण है।

B1

बिना [Object] की देखरेख के, [Consequence] हो सकता है।

बिना स्वास्थ्य की देखरेख के, बीमारी हो सकती है।

B2

[Subject] ने [Object] की देखरेख करने का वचन दिया।

उसने अनाथों की देखरेख करने का वचन दिया।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes
  • Usne bachche ka dekhrekh kiya. Usne bachche ki dekhrekh ki.

    'Dekhrekh' is feminine. The possessive must be 'ki' and the verb must be 'ki' (past tense feminine).

  • Main TV dekhrekh kar raha hoon. Main TV dekh raha hoon.

    'Dekhrekh' implies responsibility/care. You don't 'care for' a TV show; you just 'watch' it.

  • Main mere bache dekhrekh karta hoon. Main apne bachche की देखरेख करता हूँ।

    Missing the 'ki' postposition and using 'mere' instead of the reflexive 'apne'.

  • Mera dekhrekh karo. Meri dekhrekh karo.

    Even if 'I' (the speaker) am male, 'dekhrekh' is feminine, so it's 'meri'.

  • Vah kaam dekhrekh hai. Vah kaam की देखरेख कर रहा है।

    'Dekhrekh' is a noun and needs the verb 'karna' to function as an action.

Tips

The 'Ki' Rule

Always pair 'dekhrekh' with 'ki'. It doesn't matter if the object is male (like 'ladka') or female (like 'ladki'). The 'ki' belongs to 'dekhrekh'.

Professional Use

In a resume, use 'dekhrekh karna' to describe supervising a team or managing a facility. It sounds responsible and professional.

Aspirate the 'KH'

Make sure you breathe out when saying the 'kh' in 'dekhrekh'. If you don't, it might sound like 'dek-rek', which is incorrect.

Cultural Nuance

Using this word for elders shows you understand Indian values regarding family duty and respect.

Natural Flow

In conversation, 'dekhrekh' is often followed by 'karna' immediately. Practice saying 'ki dekhrekh karna' as one single unit of sound.

Passive Voice

Use 'dekhrekh ki jati hai' for general statements about how something is usually maintained.

Visualizing Lines

Remember 'Rekh' as a line. You are watching over everything inside that line of safety.

Listen for 'Karni'

In sentences with 'chahiye' (should) or 'padegi' (will have to), the verb becomes 'karni' because 'dekhrekh' is feminine.

Swap with Care

Don't swap it with 'nigraani' unless you mean 'watching like a hawk' or 'surveillance'.

Offering Help

A polite way to offer help is: 'Kya main iski dekhrekh karoon?' (Should I look after this?)

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DEKH' (Look) and 'REKH' (a line). You are 'looking' at the 'line' to make sure no one crosses it or gets hurt. You are looking after them.

Visual Association

Imagine a shepherd watching over a flock of sheep within a fenced area (the line). The shepherd is doing 'dekhrekh'.

Word Web

Supervise Care Monitor Maintain Watch Protect Manage Tend

Challenge

Try to use 'dekhrekh karna' in three different ways today: once for a person, once for a place, and once for a task.

Word Origin

Hindi compound verb. 'Dekh' comes from the Sanskrit root 'Dṛś' (to see). 'Rekh' comes from the Sanskrit 'Rekhā' (line/boundary).

Original meaning: To see or monitor within a boundary or line of responsibility.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

When discussing the 'dekhrekh' of people, ensure you use the honorific plural (hain) for elders to show respect.

English speakers might use 'take care of' for everything, but in Hindi, 'dekhrekh' is specifically for the 'supervisory' side of care.

The role of 'Chowkidar' (watchman) is essentially to do the 'dekhrekh' of a property. The 'Mahila aur Bal Vikas Mantralaya' (Ministry of Women and Child Development) often uses 'dekhrekh' in its policy documents. In the epic Ramayana, Lakshman performs the 'dekhrekh' of Ram and Sita during their exile.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

  • घर की देखरेख
  • बच्चों की देखरेख
  • खाना और देखरेख
  • सफाई और देखरेख

At the Office

  • काम की देखरेख
  • टीम की देखरेख
  • प्रोजेक्ट की देखरेख
  • फाइलों की देखरेख

In a Hospital

  • मरीज़ की देखरेख
  • स्वास्थ्य की देखरेख
  • दवाइयों की देखरेख
  • विशेष देखरेख

In a Garden

  • पौधों की देखरेख
  • बगीचे की देखरेख
  • फूलों की देखरेख
  • मिट्टी की देखरेख

Public Places

  • सड़कों की देखरेख
  • पार्कों की देखरेख
  • इमारतों की देखरेख
  • शहर की देखरेख

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपने पालतू जानवर की देखरेख खुद करते हैं?"

"आपके घर की देखरेख कौन करता है जब आप बाहर होते हैं?"

"क्या बच्चों की देखरेख करना एक कठिन काम है?"

"पुराने स्मारकों की देखरेख कैसे की जानी चाहिए?"

"क्या आपको किसी प्रोजेक्ट की देखरेख करना पसंद है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने स्वास्थ्य की देखरेख कैसे की? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक अच्छे मैनेजर को अपनी टीम की देखरेख कैसे करनी चाहिए?

अगर आपको एक चिड़ियाघर की देखरेख करने का मौका मिले, तो आप क्या करेंगे?

अपने बचपन की किसी ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब किसी ने आपकी बहुत अच्छी देखरेख की थी।

क्या मशीनों की देखरेख करना इंसानों की देखरेख करने से आसान है? क्यों?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. This is why we use 'ki' (e.g., ghar ki dekhrekh) and 'karti' or 'karni' in specific grammatical structures.

Not really. For homework, you would use 'karna' (to do) or 'poora karna' (to complete). 'Dekhrekh' implies watching over something to keep it safe or functional.

'Dekhbhaal' is more about nurturing and physical care, like what a mother does for a baby. 'Dekhrekh' is broader and includes supervision, like a manager over a project.

You say: 'Main bachchon ki dekhrekh kar raha hoon'.

Yes, especially for houses, cars, or machines, it refers to the ongoing act of keeping them in good condition.

It is neutral. It can be used with friends (informal) or in a business report (formal).

Yes, if there is a subject. For example: 'Maine dekhrekh ki' (I looked after).

Yes, it means 'to be looked after' (passive sense). 'Ghar ki dekhrekh ho rahi hai'.

It is a noun meaning 'caretaker' or 'supervisor'—the person who does the dekhrekh.

Yes, frequently, to define who is responsible for a property or a person's well-being.

Test Yourself 192 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi about looking after your pet.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe the responsibilities of a manager using 'देखरेख करना'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal sentence about government supervision of roads.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Compose a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a gardener's duty.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

How would you ask a neighbor to watch your house while you are away?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'देखरेख की कमी' (lack of care).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about self-care using 'देखरेख करना'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The nurse is looking after the sick child.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'देखरेख करना' in a future tense sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about environmental protection.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'It is difficult to look after so many people.'

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writing

Write a sentence about maintaining a car.

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writing

Translate: 'Who looked after the museum last night?'

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writing

Write a sentence about a trust looking after a temple.

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writing

Translate: 'Under the doctor's supervision.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the Election Commission.

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writing

Translate: 'Proper care is needed for this machine.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a mother's duty.

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writing

Translate: 'I have experience in supervising teams.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'नियमित देखरेख' (regular maintenance).

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speaking

Pronounce 'देखरेख करना' clearly, focusing on the aspirated 'kh'.

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speaking

Say: 'Main apne ghar ki dekhrekh karta hoon.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Kya aap meri dekhrekh karenge?'

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speaking

Explain in Hindi who looks after your garden.

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speaking

State that the government should look after the roads.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Nars mareez ki dekhrekh kar rahi hai.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell a friend to take care of their health using 'dekhrekh'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Project ki dekhrekh manager karta hai.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Is imarat ki dekhrekh kaun karta hai?'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Bachchon ki dekhrekh karna mushkil hai.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce 'Nigraani' and 'Dekhrekh' and note the difference.

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speaking

Say: 'Maine kal apne kutto ki dekhrekh ki.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

State: 'Proper supervision is necessary for safety.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Van vibhag jungle ki dekhrekh karta hai.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Kya aapne kabhi kisi bade event ki dekhrekh ki hai?'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Mareez ko 24 ghante dekhrekh chahiye.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

State: 'Mera bhai ghar ki dekhrekh kar raha hai.'

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speaking

Say: 'Dekhrekh ki kami se paudhe sookh gaye.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Museum ki dekhrekh experts karte hain.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Who will look after Grandmother?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence and identify the object: 'माली बगीचे की देखरेख करता है।' (Audio: Mali bagiche ki dekhrekh karta hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'वह कल घर की देखरेख करेगा।' (Audio: Vah kal ghar ki dekhrekh karega.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the subject: 'मैनेजर प्रोजेक्ट की देखरेख कर रहा है।' (Audio: Manager project ki dekhrekh kar raha hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 'मरीज़ की देखरेख कौन कर रहा है?' (Audio: Mareez ki dekhrekh kaun kar raha hai?)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the postposition: 'नर्स बच्चे ____ देखरेख कर रही है।' (Audio: Nars bachche ki dekhrekh kar rahi hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the quality of care: 'उसने बहुत सावधानी से देखरेख की।' (Audio: Usne bahut savdhani se dekhrekh ki.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the place: 'अस्पताल में देखरेख अच्छी है।' (Audio: Aspatal mein dekhrekh achhi hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 'बिना देखरेख के पौधे मर गए।' (Audio: Bina dekhrekh ke paudhe mar gaye.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the verb form: 'हमें देखरेख करनी होगी।' (Audio: Humein dekhrekh karni hogi.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the honorific: 'पिताजी घर की देखरेख करते हैं।' (Audio: Pitaji ghar ki dekhrekh karte hain.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 'क्या आप मेरे कुत्तों की देखरेख करेंगे?' (Audio: Kya aap mere kutto ki dekhrekh karenge?)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the negative: 'उसने देखरेख नहीं की।' (Audio: Usne dekhrekh nahi ki.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the object: 'वह अपनी कार की देखरेख करता है।' (Audio: Vah apni car ki dekhrekh karta hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the synonym: 'वह देखभाल और देखरेख करता है।' (Audio: Vah dekhbhaal aur dekhrekh karta hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the time: 'रात में देखरेख ज़रूरी है।' (Audio: Raat mein dekhrekh zaroori hai.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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