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दुलारना

A2 verb #7,000 most common 12 min read

दुलारना

dularna Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips दुलारना in 30 Seconds

Explanation दुलारना in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'दुलारना' (Dulaarna) as a special word for 'to pet' or 'to show love with a touch.' It is like when a mother strokes a baby's hair or when you pet a soft kitten. In simple Hindi, we use it to talk about family and pets. You can remember it as 'tender love.' For example, 'Maa bacche ko dulaarti hai' means 'Mother caresses the baby.' It is a very happy and warm word. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just know it's a way to show you care for someone small or dear to you. It's usually used for people you are very close to, like your parents or your little brother.

At the A2 level, you should know that 'दुलारना' is a transitive verb, which means you usually 'dulaarna' someone. You will often see the word 'को' (ko) after the person being caressed. For example: 'Ram apne kutte ko dulaarta hai' (Ram pampers/pets his dog). It is different from 'pyaar karna' (to love) because 'dulaarna' is more about the physical action—stroking, hugging, or pampering. It's a common word in stories about families. You can use it when describing a scene where someone is being very gentle and kind to a child or an animal. It’s also used for 'pampering' someone with attention.

By B1, you can start using 'दुलारना' in different tenses. Since it's a transitive verb, remember that in the past tense, you use 'ने' (ne). For example: 'Usne bacche ko dulaara' (He/She caressed the child). You should also distinguish it from 'सहलाना' (sehlaana - to stroke for comfort) and 'पुचकारना' (puchkaarna - to coo or make clicking sounds of affection). 'Dulaarna' is specifically about the emotional warmth behind the touch. It is often associated with 'Mamta' (maternal love). You might hear it in Bollywood songs or see it in simple Hindi novels to describe a character's nurturing nature. It adds a layer of 'tenderness' to your descriptions that 'pyaar' alone cannot provide.

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the cultural weight of 'दुलारना.' It’s not just an action; it’s a value. In Indian culture, 'laad-dulaar' is the way elders bond with the younger generation. You can use this word to discuss family dynamics or child-rearing practices. Metaphorically, you might see it in more advanced texts where nature is personified. For example, 'The morning breeze caresses the flowers' (Subah ki hava phoolon ko dulaarti hai). You should be comfortable using it in compound sentences and understanding its nuances in literature, where it often signifies a moment of peace or emotional security in a narrative.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'दुलारना' with precision in creative writing and formal analysis of Hindi literature. You can explore its etymological roots and how it contrasts with words like 'दुलार' (noun) and 'दुलारा' (adjective/beloved). You should understand its use in classical poetry, such as the works of Surdas or Tulsidas, where it describes the 'Baal-Leela' (childhood acts) of deities. You can also use it to describe psychological states, such as the human need for 'dulaar' and how its absence affects personality. Your usage should reflect an understanding of its register—knowing that while it’s a warm, domestic word, it can be elevated to high art in the right hands.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of 'दुलारना.' You can detect the subtle differences in meaning when it's used in different regional dialects of the Hindi belt. You understand its socio-linguistic implications—how the act of 'dulaarna' defines traditional gender roles or family hierarchies. You can use it in highly sophisticated metaphors, perhaps describing how a particular philosophy 'pampers' or 'caresses' the human ego. You are capable of discussing the word's evolution from Sanskrit influences to modern-day colloquialisms. For you, 'दुलारना' is a versatile tool that can evoke nostalgia, describe a physical sensation, or analyze a complex emotional bond with absolute accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

दुलारना in 30 Seconds

Dulaarna means to caress or pamper with deep, gentle affection, usually through physical touch.
It is a transitive verb commonly used for children, pets, and loved ones in a domestic setting.
The word carries a strong emotional sense of safety, warmth, and maternal-like nurturing care.
Grammatically, it requires the 'ne' particle in the past tense and often uses 'ko' for the object.

The Hindi verb दुलारना (Dulaarna) is a beautiful, evocative term that goes far beyond the simple English translation of 'to love' or 'to pet.' It captures a specific, tender form of physical and emotional affection. When you दुलारना someone, you are not just expressing a feeling; you are engaging in a physical act of comforting, pampering, and cherishing. It is most commonly used in the context of a mother with her child, an elder with a younger relative, or an owner with a beloved pet. The essence of the word lies in the softness of the touch and the purity of the intent. It implies a sense of protection and deep-seated warmth that makes the recipient feel safe and valued.

Cultural Nuance: In Indian households, 'dulaar' is considered a vital part of upbringing. It is the emotional nourishment that balances the 'shasan' (discipline). To dulaarna is to provide that 'mamta' (maternal love) which is foundational to a child's security.

In everyday usage, you might hear this word when a grandmother is stroking her grandson's hair while he sleeps, or when a sister is playfully ruffling her younger brother's hair after he wins a prize. It is almost always a transitive verb, meaning there is an actor (the one giving affection) and an object (the one receiving it). The act of दुलारना is often accompanied by soft words, a gentle smile, or perhaps a light kiss on the forehead. It is a word that smells of home, childhood, and unconditional support.

दादी पोते को गोद में बिठाकर दुलारने लगीं। (Grandmother started caressing the grandson while making him sit in her lap.)

The word also carries a sense of 'pampering' or 'spoiling' in a positive way. While 'laad-pyaar' is the noun phrase for this kind of affection, दुलारना is the action. It is the physical manifestation of that indulgence. If a child is crying and the mother picks them up to soothe them with gentle strokes, she is दुलारना-ing them. It is the antidote to distress and the celebration of a bond.

Common Contexts: 1. Mothers soothing infants. 2. Grandparents spoiling grandchildren. 3. Pet owners stroking their cats or dogs. 4. Romantic partners in a very tender, non-sexual moment of care.

वह अपने पालतू कुत्ते को घंटों दुलारता रहता है। (He keeps pampering/caressing his pet dog for hours.)

Historically, the word finds its roots in the Sanskrit 'durlabha' (rare/precious) or 'dul' (to swing/rock), suggesting that the object of affection is treated as something precious or is being rocked gently. In literature, poets often use दुलारना to describe the way the morning breeze touches the flowers or how the moonlight 'caresses' the earth. This metaphorical use elevates the word from a simple domestic action to a poetic expression of nature's tenderness.

माँ की ममता उसे हर पल दुलारती है। (A mother's maternal love caresses him every moment.)

Register: This word is neutral to informal. It is very common in spoken Hindi and in heart-warming literature. It is rarely used in strictly formal or professional settings unless describing human psychology or family dynamics.

बच्चे को दुलारना उसके मानसिक विकास के लिए ज़रूरी है। (Caressing a child is necessary for their mental development.)

In summary, दुलारना is the verb of choice for expressing 'tender loving care.' It is the physical manifestation of 'dulaar' (affection). Whether it is a mother stroking her child’s cheek or a person gently petting a kitten, the word encapsulates the warmth, safety, and preciousness of that specific moment. It is a word that makes the speaker and the listener feel a sense of comfort.

Using दुलारना correctly requires understanding its nature as a transitive verb. This means it always takes a direct object—the person or animal being shown affection. In Hindi grammar, the object is often followed by the particle 'को' (ko) when the object is a specific living being. For example, 'माँ बच्चे को दुलारती है' (The mother caresses the child). Understanding the conjugation patterns across different tenses is key to mastering this word.

Present Tense: In the present habitual, it follows the standard pattern: दुलारता हूँ (masculine singular), दुलारती हूँ (feminine singular), दुलारते हैं (plural/respectful). Example: 'वह अपनी बिल्ली को बहुत दुलारता है' (He pampers his cat a lot).

When moving to the continuous tense, you use 'रहा/रही/रहे है'. This is very common because दुलारना is often an ongoing action in a specific moment. 'देखो, चिड़िया अपने बच्चों को दुलार रही है' (Look, the bird is caressing its chicks). This paints a vivid picture of the action happening right now.

पिताजी अपनी नन्हीं बेटी को दुलार रहे थे। (Father was caressing his little daughter.)

The past tense (Perfective) can be slightly tricky because दुलारना is a transitive verb, so it takes the 'ने' (ne) construction in the past. The verb then agrees with the object, not the subject. For instance, 'उसने बच्चे को दुलारा' (He/She caressed the child). If the object is feminine, like 'बिल्ली' (cat), and you don't use 'को', the verb would change, but since we usually use 'को' with living beings, the verb often stays in the default masculine singular form 'दुलारा'.

Future Tense: In the future tense, it becomes दुलारूँगा (I will caress), दुलारेगा (He will caress), etc. Example: 'जब मैं घर जाऊँगा, तो अपने कुत्ते को खूब दुलारूँगा' (When I go home, I will pamper my dog a lot).

क्या तुम इस छोटे खरगोश को दुलारना चाहोगे? (Would you like to pet/caress this little rabbit?)

The word is also frequently used in the infinitive form (to caress/to pamper) as a noun or part of a modal verb construction. For example, 'बच्चे को दुलारना अच्छी बात है' (To pamper a child is a good thing) or 'मुझे उसे दुलारना पसंद है' (I like to caress/pamper him/her). This usage highlights the concept of the action itself.

Imperative Form: Used when giving a command or request: 'इसे प्यार से दुलारो' (Caress it with love). 'दुलारिए' is the formal version used with elders or in polite requests.

रोते हुए बच्चे को दुलारकर चुप कराओ। (Quiet the crying child by caressing them.)

Finally, consider the compound verb forms. Often, Hindi speakers add 'देना' (dena) or 'लेना' (lena) to add nuance. 'दुलार देना' implies a quick act of affection, while 'दुलार लेना' might imply the subject getting their fill of showing affection. However, the simple verb दुलारना is powerful enough on its own to convey deep tenderness.

The word दुलारना resonates deeply in the domestic and emotional landscape of India. You will hear it most frequently in homes where there are children or pets. It is the language of the 'Aangan' (courtyard), the traditional heart of the Indian home. Parents use it when talking about their children's needs, and children use it when describing how their grandparents treat them. It’s a word that evokes warmth, safety, and the smell of home-cooked meals.

In Literature and Poetry: Hindi literature, especially the works of Munshi Premchand, is rich with this word. It is used to describe the tender moments between characters that define their humanity. In poetry (Kavita), 'dulaarna' is often used metaphorically. A poet might describe the morning sun 'dulaarna-ing' the dew-kissed petals of a flower.

In Bollywood movies and Hindi songs, दुलारना is a staple in 'Lullabies' (Loris). Songs that depict the bond between a mother and child almost always feature some variation of this word or its noun form 'dulaar.' It creates an immediate emotional connection with the audience, tapping into universal feelings of being cared for. When a character in a movie says, 'Maa mujhe dulaarti thi' (Mother used to pamper/caress me), it’s a shorthand for a happy, secure childhood.

'यशोदा हरि पालने झुलावै, हलरावै दुलरावै जोई सोई कछु गावै।' - सूरदास (Surdas describing Yashoda rocking and caressing baby Krishna.)

You will also hear this word in the context of animal welfare and pet care. Veterinarians or animal lovers might use it to explain how to calm a nervous animal. 'इसे थोड़ा दुलारो, यह डर रहा है' (Caress it a little, it is scared). In this context, it moves from familial love to a broader sense of compassion and empathy for all living beings.

Social Media and Blogs: Modern Hindi bloggers and influencers, especially those in the parenting or lifestyle niche, use 'dulaarna' to talk about 'gentle parenting.' It serves as a traditional anchor for modern concepts of emotional intelligence and nurturing.

सोशल मीडिया पर लोग अपने पालतू जानवरों को दुलारते हुए वीडियो डालते हैं। (People post videos on social media caressing their pets.)

In rural India, the word is even more common. It’s part of the dialectical fabric, often pronounced with a local lilt. In these settings, it’s not just about humans; a farmer might 'dulaarna' a calf that has just been born, showing the deep connection between the agrarian lifestyle and the animals they depend on. It’s a word that bridges the gap between survival and sentiment.

गाँव में दादी आज भी बच्चों को कहानियाँ सुनाते हुए उन्हें दुलारती हैं। (In the village, grandmother still caresses children while telling them stories.)

Whether in a classical poem from the 16th century or a modern-day Instagram caption, दुलारना remains the ultimate verb for expressing gentle, physical affection. It is a word that everyone in the Hindi-speaking world understands not just with their mind, but with their heart.

For English speakers learning Hindi, the most common mistake is overusing the word 'प्यार करना' (to love) in situations where दुलारना would be much more natural and precise. While 'प्यार करना' is a general term for love, it doesn't necessarily imply the physical act of caressing or the specific 'pampering' quality of दुलारना. If you say you 'love' a baby, it’s a statement of fact; if you say you are 'dulaarna-ing' a baby, you are describing the sweet action of stroking their head or hugging them.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'सहलाना' (Sehlaana): Many learners confuse 'दुलारना' with 'सहलाना'. While both involve stroking, 'सहलाना' is more neutral and often physical. You might 'सहलाना' someone's back if it hurts, or 'सहलाना' a fabric to feel its texture. 'दुलारना' always carries a deep emotional weight of affection. You wouldn't 'दुलारना' a sore muscle, but you would 'दुलारना' a child to make them feel loved.

Another mistake involves the 'Spoiling' aspect. In English, 'to pamper' can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation of over-indulgence. In Hindi, दुलारना is almost exclusively positive. If you want to say someone is 'spoiling' a child in a way that makes them bratty, the word 'बिगाड़ना' (bigaadna) is used. दुलारना is the healthy, affectionate side of that attention. Don't use दुलारना if you are trying to complain about a child being spoiled; use it to describe the loving act itself.

Incorrect: वह अपने बच्चे को दुलारकर बिगाड़ रही है। (She is spoiling her child by caressing them - sounds contradictory in Hindi.)
Correct: वह अपने बच्चे को बहुत दुलारती है। (She pampers/caresses her child a lot.)

Mistake 2: Register Mismatch: Using 'दुलारना' in a professional or formal setting can be awkward. For example, saying a boss should 'दुलारना' their employees is incorrect and would be interpreted strangely. The word is deeply rooted in personal, intimate, or familial relationships. In a professional context, words like 'प्रोत्साहित करना' (to encourage) or 'सराहना' (to appreciate) are appropriate.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'L' sound in दुलारना. It is a clear, dental 'L', not the retroflex 'L' found in some other Indian languages. Make sure the tip of your tongue touches the back of your upper teeth. Also, ensure the 'u' (ु) is short and the 'aa' (ा) is long. Mispronouncing it as 'Dulaarna' with a long 'u' can make the word sound unrecognizable.

ध्यान दें: 'दुलारना' (Dulaarna) में 'द' पर छोटी 'ु' की मात्रा है। इसे 'दूलारना' न बोलें।

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing it with neutral stroking, using it for negative spoiling, or applying it in formal contexts—you can use दुलारना to accurately convey the warmth and tenderness it was meant for. It’s a word that adds significant 'soul' to your Hindi vocabulary.

While दुलारना is unique, Hindi has several related words that cover different shades of affection and physical touch. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternatives are 'लाड़ करना', 'पुचकारना', 'सहलाना', and 'प्यार करना'. Let’s break down how they compare to दुलारना.

दुलारना vs. लाड़ करना (Laad Karna): These two are very close and often used together as 'लाड़-दुलार'. However, 'लाड़ करना' focuses more on the 'indulging' or 'spoiling' aspect—giving someone what they want, being extra lenient. 'दुलारना' is more about the physical act of tender touch and caressing. You can 'laad karna' by buying a toy; you 'dulaarna' by hugging and stroking the child's hair.

Then there is 'पुचकारना' (Puchkaarna). This is a very specific word that refers to making affectionate clicking sounds (like 'tchk-tchk') or using baby talk to get a child's or animal's attention. While दुलारना is about the touch, 'पुचकारना' is about the sound and the vocal coaxing. Often, you might 'puchkaarna' a puppy to come to you and then 'dulaarna' it once it’s in your lap.

माँ ने बच्चे को पुचकारा और फिर उसे गोद में लेकर दुलारने लगीं। (Mother cooed at the child and then, taking him in her lap, started caressing him.)

दुलारना vs. सहलाना (Sehlaana): As mentioned before, 'सहलाना' is the neutral verb for 'to stroke' or 'to massage gently'. It is used for comfort or physical relief. If someone has a headache, you 'sehlaana' their forehead. दुलारना is reserved for moments of pure affection. You wouldn't 'dulaarna' a stranger's head if they were hurt, but you would 'dulaarna' your child even if they weren't hurt at all.

For more formal or abstract contexts, you might use 'स्नेह प्रकट करना' (to express affection) or 'ममता दिखाना' (to show maternal love). These are noun-verb combinations that are more descriptive and less 'action-oriented' than the direct verb दुलारना. In a book or a formal speech about child psychology, these terms would be more appropriate.

Comparison: 'प्यार' (Love) is the ocean; 'दुलार' (Affectionate caress) is the gentle wave that touches the shore.

In some dialects, you might also hear 'चूमना-चाटना' (choomna-chaatna) used for animals (literally to lick and kiss), which is a very raw form of दुलारना seen in the animal kingdom. However, in human interaction, दुलारना remains the most sophisticated and culturally rich way to describe that soft, lingering touch of love. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the 'flavor' of the affection you want to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Dulaari' was a very popular name for girls in the mid-20th century in India, signifying that the child was 'the beloved one' of the family.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d̪ʊ.laːɾ.nɑː/

US /du.lɑːr.nɑː/

The stress is slightly on the second syllable '-laar-'.

Rhymes With

पुकारना (pukaarna) सुधारना (sudhaarna) उतारना (utaarna) गुज़ारना (guzaarna) निखारना (nikhaarna) सँवारना (sanwaarna) बिगाड़ना (bigaadna - slant) पसारना (pasaarna)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' as a retroflex (like English 'dog') instead of dental.
Making the 'u' too long (like 'doom').
Ignoring the long 'aa' in the middle.
Pronouncing the 'r' too heavily like an American 'r'.
Confusing the 'l' with a retroflex 'l' found in South Indian languages.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context; common in stories.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of 'ne' particle and object agreement.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct dental 'd' and 'l' sounds.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

प्यार (Love) बच्चा (Child) हाथ (Hand) माँ (Mother) कुत्ता (Dog)

Learn Next

पुचकारना (To coo/click) सहलाना (To stroke) ममता (Maternal love) पालना (To nurture/raise) बिगाड़ना (To spoil)

Advanced

वात्सल्य (Parental love) आलिंगन (Embrace) स्नेहिल (Affectionate) दुलारना-पुचकारना (Compound verb)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb with 'ko'

माँ बच्चे **को** दुलारती है।

Past Tense 'ne' Construction

उस**ने** कुत्ते को दुलारा।

Conjunctive Participle '-kar'

दुलार**कर** चुप कराओ।

Infinitive as Noun

**दुलारना** एक कला है।

Agreement with Object (with 'ne' and 'ko')

उसने लड़कियों को **दुलारा** (stays masculine singular).

Examples by Level

माँ बच्चे को दुलारती है।

Mother caresses the child.

Simple present tense with feminine subject.

मैं अपनी बिल्ली को दुलारता हूँ।

I (male) pet/caress my cat.

First person masculine present habitual.

बच्चे को दुलारो।

Caress the child.

Imperative form (command/request).

दादी पोते को दुलार रही हैं।

Grandmother is caressing the grandson.

Present continuous with respect (plural verb).

वह कुत्ते को दुलारती है।

She pets the dog.

Third person feminine present habitual.

छोटा बच्चा दुलार चाहता है।

The small child wants affection.

Using the noun form 'dulaar' with the verb 'chaahna'.

पापा मुझे दुलारते हैं।

Papa pampers/caresses me.

Direct object 'mujhe' (me).

सब उसे दुलारते हैं।

Everyone pampers him/her.

Subject 'sab' (everyone) takes a plural verb.

उसने प्यार से खरगोश को दुलारा।

He/She caressed the rabbit with love.

Past tense with 'ne' particle.

क्या आप इस बच्चे को दुलारना चाहेंगे?

Would you like to caress this child?

Infinitive 'dulaarna' used with 'chaahna'.

मेरी माँ मुझे बहुत दुलारती थी।

My mother used to pamper me a lot.

Past habitual tense.

वह अपने खिलौने को भी दुलारता है।

He even caresses his toy.

Shows the word can be used for inanimate objects in a child's world.

हवा फूलों को दुलार रही है।

The wind is caressing the flowers.

Metaphorical use in a simple sentence.

उसे दुलारना सबको अच्छा लगता है।

Everyone likes to pamper him/her.

Gerundial use of the infinitive.

बिल्ली अपने बच्चों को दुलार रही थी।

The cat was caressing her kittens.

Past continuous tense.

तुम उसे इतना क्यों दुलारते हो?

Why do you pamper him so much?

Interrogative sentence.

जब बच्चा रोता है, तो माँ उसे दुलारकर चुप कराती है।

When the child cries, the mother quiets him by caressing him.

Use of 'dulaarkar' (by caressing) as a conjunctive participle.

हमें जानवरों को दुलारना चाहिए, उन्हें मारना नहीं।

We should pamper/be kind to animals, not hit them.

Use of 'chaahiye' (should) with the infinitive.

वह अपनी यादों को दुलार रहा है।

He is cherishing/caressing his memories.

Abstract/metaphorical use of the verb.

दादी ने पोते के सिर को दुलारा और आशीर्वाद दिया।

Grandmother caressed the grandson's head and gave blessings.

Specific object 'sir' (head) being caressed.

बिना दुलारे बच्चा अकेला महसूस करता है।

Without being caressed, a child feels lonely.

Passive-like construction with 'bina' (without).

उसने अपने दुखी मित्र को दुलारकर ढाँढस बँधाया।

He comforted his sad friend by caressing/patting him.

Extending the meaning to emotional comfort.

माली अपने पौधों को बच्चों की तरह दुलारता है।

The gardener pampers his plants like children.

Simile using 'ki tarah' (like).

क्या तुमने कभी किसी हिरण को दुलारा है?

Have you ever caressed a deer?

Present perfect tense.

साहित्य में प्रकृति को अक्सर एक माँ के रूप में दुलारते हुए दिखाया जाता है।

In literature, nature is often shown caressing (us) in the form of a mother.

Complex sentence with passive structure.

वह अपने अहंकार को दुलारना अच्छी तरह जानता है।

He knows very well how to pamper/nurse his ego.

Idiomatic/metaphorical use with 'ahankaar' (ego).

माँ का दुलारना ही बच्चे के लिए सबसे बड़ी औषधि है।

A mother's caressing is the greatest medicine for a child.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

उसने चिड़िया के टूटे पंख को बहुत कोमलता से दुलारा।

He caressed the bird's broken wing very tenderly.

Adverbial phrase 'bahut komalta se' (very tenderly).

कवि ने चाँदनी को धरती को दुलारते हुए वर्णित किया है।

The poet has described the moonlight caressing the earth.

Literary description.

बच्चों को अनुशासन के साथ-साथ दुलारना भी ज़रूरी है।

It is important to pamper children along with discipline.

Contrastive structure 'ke saath-saath' (along with).

वह अपने पुराने स्कूटर को आज भी दुलारता है।

He still pampers/takes care of his old scooter.

Personification of an object.

बिना किसी स्वार्थ के किसी को दुलारना ही सच्चा प्रेम है।

To caress/care for someone without any selfishness is true love.

Philosophical statement.

उसकी लेखनी शब्दों को इस तरह दुलारती है कि पाठक भावविभोर हो जाते हैं।

His pen (writing style) caresses words in such a way that readers become overwhelmed with emotion.

Highly metaphorical use for artistic style.

मनोवैज्ञानिक मानते हैं कि दुलारना केवल स्पर्श नहीं, बल्कि एक संवाद है।

Psychologists believe that caressing is not just a touch, but a dialogue.

Academic/Professional register.

वह अपनी विफलताओं को दुलारने के बजाय उनसे सीखने में विश्वास रखता है।

Instead of nursing (pampering) his failures, he believes in learning from them.

Use of 'ke bajaay' (instead of) with an abstract object.

सूरदास के पदों में यशोदा का कृष्ण को दुलारना वात्सल्य रस की पराकाष्ठा है।

In Surdas's verses, Yashoda's caressing of Krishna is the pinnacle of maternal love (Vatsalya Rasa).

Literary criticism context.

समय की लहरें यादों के पत्थरों को धीरे-धीरे दुलारकर चिकना कर देती हैं।

The waves of time slowly caress the stones of memory and make them smooth.

Sophisticated poetic metaphor.

उपन्यासकार ने नायक की अंतरात्मा को दुलारते हुए उसके द्वंद्वों को उभारा है।

The novelist, while caressing the protagonist's soul, has highlighted his conflicts.

Analyzing narrative technique.

क्या समाज आज भी केवल सफलताओं को ही दुलारना जानता है?

Does society today still only know how to pamper (celebrate) successes?

Rhetorical question in a social context.

उसकी आवाज़ में एक ऐसा दुलार था कि सब कुछ शांत हो गया।

There was such a caress (tenderness) in her voice that everything became calm.

Using the action as a quality of sound.

सत्ता अक्सर चाटुकारों को दुलारती है और सत्य को दुत्कारती है।

Power often pampers sycophants and rejects the truth.

Political/Philosophical critique with antonym 'dutkaarna'.

अस्तित्व की शून्यता को दुलारना ही निर्वाण की ओर पहला कदम है।

Caressing (embracing) the emptiness of existence is the first step toward Nirvana.

Metaphysical usage.

इतिहास अपनी गलतियों को दुलारता नहीं, बल्कि उन्हें क्रूरता से दोहराता है।

History does not pamper its mistakes; rather, it repeats them cruelly.

Personification of a grand concept.

कलाकार का ब्रश कैनवास को इस सूक्ष्मता से दुलारता है कि रंग जीवंत हो उठते हैं।

The artist's brush caresses the canvas with such subtlety that colors come alive.

Describing the physical act of creation.

विद्वानों ने 'दुलारना' क्रिया के पीछे छिपे मनोवैज्ञानिक सुरक्षा के आयामों पर चर्चा की।

Scholars discussed the dimensions of psychological security hidden behind the verb 'to caress'.

Linguistic and psychological analysis.

वह अपनी एकाकीपन को दुलारने का आदी हो चुका था।

He had become accustomed to nursing (pampering) his loneliness.

Nuanced emotional state.

क्या हम अपनी संस्कृति को केवल दुलारना चाहते हैं या उसे विकसित भी करना चाहते हैं?

Do we only want to pamper (preserve blindly) our culture or do we want to evolve it too?

Social commentary.

मृत्यु की गोद में प्रकृति जीव को अंतिम बार दुलारती है।

In the lap of death, nature caresses the living being one last time.

Existential poetic thought.

Synonyms

लाड़ करना पुचकारना सहलाना प्यार करना दुलार देना स्नेह करना ममता लुटाना चूमना

Antonyms

दुत्कारना डाँटना फटकारना उपेक्षा करना

Common Collocations

लाड़-दुलार

प्यार से दुलारना

गोद में लेकर दुलारना

सिर दुलारना

खूब दुलारना

दुलारते हुए कहना

ममता से दुलारना

दुलारने की आदत

सहलाकर दुलारना

दुलारना-पुचकारना

Common Phrases

दुलार का भूखा

— Starving for affection; someone who deeply desires love.

वह बच्चा दुलार का भूखा है।

दुलार में बिगाड़ना

— To spoil someone by giving too much affection (though rare, used for context).

ज्यादा दुलार में उसे मत बिगाड़ो।

माँ का दुलार

— Mother's affection; the purest form of care.

माँ का दुलार सब दुखों को भुला देता है।

बचपन का दुलार

— The affection received during childhood.

उसे बचपन का दुलार याद आता है।

दुलार भरी नज़र

— An affectionate look.

उसने मुझे दुलार भरी नज़र से देखा।

दुलार भरा हाथ

— An affectionate hand (touch).

दादी का दुलार भरा हाथ मेरे सिर पर था।

दुलार की भाषा

— The language of affection.

जानवर भी दुलार की भाषा समझते हैं।

दुलारना और सहलाना

— To caress and stroke.

वह अपने घोड़े को दुलारता और सहलाता है।

सबका दुलारा

— Everyone's favorite/beloved.

वह छोटा बच्चा सबका दुलारा है।

दुलार की कमी

— Lack of affection.

दुलार की कमी से बच्चे उदास हो जाते हैं।

Often Confused With

दुलारना vs सहलाना

Sehlaana is just physical stroking, can be for pain relief. Dulaarna is always affectionate.

दुलारना vs पुचकारना

Puchkaarna is making sounds/baby talk. Dulaarna is the physical touch.

दुलारना vs बिगाड़ना

Bigaadna is 'spoiling' in a negative sense. Dulaarna is positive pampering.

Idioms & Expressions

"आँखों का तारा होना"

— To be the apple of one's eye; often the one who is 'dulaara' the most.

वह अपनी माँ की आँखों का तारा है।

Very Common

"लाड़ लड़ाना"

— To pamper or indulge someone excessively.

दादी अपने पोते से बहुत लाड़ लड़ाती हैं।

Informal

"सिर पर चढ़ाना"

— To spoil someone by over-pampering (negative side of dulaar).

ज्यादा दुलार करके उसे सिर पर मत चढ़ाओ।

Informal

"ममता का आँचल"

— The protective and affectionate shelter of a mother.

बच्चा माँ के ममता के आँचल में दुलार पा रहा था।

Literary

"हाथ फेरना"

— To stroke or pat affectionately (a literal part of dulaarna).

उसने प्यार से बच्चे के सिर पर हाथ फेरा।

Neutral

"दुलार का सागर"

— An ocean of affection; boundless love.

उसका हृदय दुलार का सागर है।

Poetic

"पुचकार कर काम निकालना"

— To get work done by sweet-talking/pampering someone.

वह सबको पुचकार कर अपना काम निकाल लेता है।

Colloquial

"दुलार की छाँव"

— The shade of affection; feeling protected by love.

वह हमेशा अपने बड़ों के दुलार की छाँव में रहा।

Literary

"कलेजे से लगाना"

— To hug tightly with deep love; the ultimate act of dulaarna.

माँ ने बेटे को कलेजे से लगा लिया।

Emotional

"निहाल कर देना"

— To make someone extremely happy through affection/gifts.

दादी के दुलार ने उसे निहाल कर दिया।

Traditional

Easily Confused

दुलारना vs प्यार करना

Both mean 'to love'.

Pyaar karna is the general emotion; Dulaarna is the specific physical act of tender caressing.

मैं उससे प्यार करता हूँ, इसलिए उसे दुलारता हूँ।

दुलारना vs चूमना

Both are acts of affection.

Choomna is specifically 'to kiss'. Dulaarna is a broader act of stroking, hugging, and pampering.

माँ ने बच्चे को दुलारा और फिर चूमा।

दुलारना vs लाड़ करना

Very similar meanings.

Laad karna is more about indulgence/spoiling. Dulaarna is more about the gentle touch.

दादी उसे लाड़ भी करती है और दुलारती भी है।

दुलारना vs पालना

Both relate to care.

Paalna means 'to raise' or 'to nurture' (providing food, shelter). Dulaarna is the emotional touch.

उसने अनाथ बच्चे को पाला और बहुत दुलारा।

दुलारना vs पकड़ना

Both involve touch.

Pakadna is 'to hold' or 'to catch' (neutral). Dulaarna is 'to caress' (affectionate).

उसने बच्चे का हाथ पकड़ा और उसे दुलारने लगा।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] को दुलारता है।

राम बिल्ली को दुलारता है।

[Subject] ने [Object] को दुलारा।

सीता ने बच्चे को दुलारा।

[Subject] [Object] को दुलारते हुए [Verb]...

माँ बच्चे को दुलारते हुए गाना गाती है।

[Object] को दुलारना [Adjective] है।

जानवरों को दुलारना अच्छा है।

[Subject] को [Object] को दुलारना चाहिए।

तुम्हें अपने छोटे भाई को दुलारना चाहिए।

बिना [Object] को दुलारे...

बिना बच्चे को दुलारे माँ नहीं सोती।

[Abstract Subject] [Abstract Object] को दुलारती है।

चाँदनी रात की खामोशी को दुलारती है।

[Subject] [Object] को दुलारने का आदी है।

वह अपने दुखों को दुलारने का आदी है।

Word Family

Nouns

दुलार Affection, tenderness, pampering.

दुलारी A beloved female; often used as a name.

Verbs

दुलारना To caress, to pamper.

Adjectives

दुलारा Beloved, favorite, pampered (masculine).

दुलारी Beloved, favorite, pampered (feminine).

लाड़ (laad)

प्यार (pyaar)

स्नेह (sneha)

ममता (mamta)

वात्सल्य (vatsalya)

How to Use It

frequency

High in domestic/emotional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Dulaarna' for a boss/employee relationship. → Sraahna (Appreciate) or Protsahit karna (Encourage).
Dulaarna is too intimate and familial for a professional setting.
Maine baccha dulaara. → Maine bacche **ko** dulaara.
Living objects usually require the 'ko' particle.
Pronouncing it as 'Doolaarna' (long U). → Dulaarna (short U).
The short 'u' is crucial for correct pronunciation.
Using it to mean 'petting' a rough surface. → Sehlaana or Haath pherna.
Dulaarna requires an emotional element of affection.
Confusing 'Dulaar' (noun) with 'Dulaarna' (verb). → Use 'Dulaar' for the feeling and 'Dulaarna' for the action.
Verb vs. Noun distinction is important for sentence structure.

Tips

The Grandmother's Word

In India, grandmothers are the queens of 'dulaar'. If you want to describe a warm, traditional home, this word is essential.

Watch the 'Ne'

Since it's transitive, always use 'ne' in the past tense. 'Maine use dulaara' (I caressed him).

Pair it up

Use it with 'Puchkaarna' (cooing) to describe a full range of affection toward a baby or pet.

Soft 'D'

Keep the 'D' soft. A hard 'D' makes it sound like a different, non-existent word.

Poetic Touch

Use it to describe the wind or moonlight for a very 'Hindi' poetic feel.

Not just 'Love'

Don't just translate it as 'love'. Think 'tender physical affection'.

Building Bonds

Use this word when talking about how to build a bond with a new pet.

Premchand's Favorite

Look for this word when reading Premchand; it often signals a character's kindness.

Precious Roots

Remember the root 'Durlabha' (precious) to help remember that you 'dulaarna' what is precious to you.

Visualizing

Always visualize a gentle hand stroke when you use this word; it helps with the emotional tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Dull' day being made 'Luminous' (Dulaar) by a gentle touch or a hug.

Visual Association

Visualize a grandmother's wrinkled hand gently stroking a child's soft hair while the child sleeps.

Word Web

Mother Child Pet Touch Soft Safe Warm Love

Challenge

Try to use 'दुलारना' to describe how you would treat a very fragile and beautiful butterfly if it landed on your hand.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hindi noun 'दुलार' (dulaar). It likely has roots in the Sanskrit word 'durlabha' (rare/precious) or 'dul' (to swing/rock).

Original meaning: To treat as precious or to rock gently in a cradle of affection.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

It is a very positive word, but avoid using it for romantic partners in public settings in conservative areas, as it implies a level of intimacy.

The closest English equivalent is 'to caress' or 'to cherish with touch,' but 'dulaarna' feels more domestic and frequent than 'caress'.

Poetry of Surdas (describing Krishna and Yashoda). The song 'Chanda Hai Tu, Mera Suraj Hai Tu' from the movie Aradhana. Premchand's short story 'Idgah' (the grandmother's affection).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Parenting

बच्चे को दुलारना
सोते समय दुलारना
रोते हुए को दुलारना
दुलार और डाँट

Pet Care

बिल्ली को दुलारना
प्यार से दुलारना
जानवरों को दुलारना
दुलारने का तरीका

Literature

प्रकृति का दुलारना
यादों को दुलारना
ममता भरा दुलार
दुलारती हवा

Comforting

दुखी मित्र को दुलारना
सहलाकर दुलारना
दुलार से चुप कराना
दुलार की ज़रूरत

Grandparenting

पोते-पोतियों को दुलारना
दादी का दुलार
लाड़-दुलार करना
खूब दुलारना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको अपने पालतू जानवर को दुलारना पसंद है?"

"आपके घर में बच्चों को सबसे ज़्यादा कौन दुलारता है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि बच्चों को बहुत ज़्यादा दुलारना उन्हें बिगाड़ देता है?"

"बचपन में आपकी माँ आपको कैसे दुलारती थीं?"

"जब आप दुखी होते हैं, तो क्या आपको किसी का दुलारना अच्छा लगता है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने पालतू जानवर को दुलारा और मुझे बहुत शांति महसूस हुई। इसके बारे में विस्तार से लिखें।

दुलारना और अनुशासन के बीच संतुलन कैसे बनाया जाए? अपने विचार लिखें।

अपने बचपन की एक याद लिखें जब किसी ने आपको बहुत प्यार से दुलारा था।

क्या तकनीक के युग में हम एक-दूसरे को दुलारना भूल गए हैं? चर्चा करें।

प्रकृति हमें किस तरह दुलारती है? एक कविता या अनुच्छेद लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it implies a very tender, gentle, and almost protective affection, similar to how one treats someone precious. It's less 'passionate' and more 'nurturing'.

Usually, it's used by elders for younger people. If used between adults, it signifies a moment of deep comfort and care, like a wife stroking her husband's hair when he's tired.

The noun form is 'Dulaar' (दुलार), which means affection or tenderness.

Absolutely! It's one of the most common words used for petting and pampering dogs, cats, or even birds.

No, 'Dulaarna' itself is positive. However, if you say someone is 'spoiled by dulaar,' it refers to the results of over-indulgence, not the act itself.

A hug is 'Gale lagna'. 'Dulaarna' can include a hug, but it also includes stroking the head, patting the cheeks, and soft cooing.

It's a warm, standard word. You wouldn't use it in a business contract, but you'd use it in a speech about family values.

It's a common compound phrase that combines 'Laad' (indulgence) and 'Dulaar' (affectionate touch) to mean 'overall pampering'.

Only metaphorically. For example, an artist 'caressing' the canvas with a brush, or a person 'pampering' their new car.

No, it's dental. Your tongue should touch your teeth, like in the Spanish 'd' or the 'th' in 'the'.