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A2 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

दूरदर्शन

doordarshan
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips दूरदर्शन in 30 Seconds
Explanation दूरदर्शन in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'दूरदर्शन' (Dūrdarshan) means 'Television.' In India, most people will just say 'TV,' but you will see this word on signs, in textbooks, and on the news. It is a very formal word. Think of it as the 'proper' name for the TV. When you are a beginner, focus on recognizing the word when you hear it on the news. You can use it to say simple things like 'This is a television' (यह एक दूरदर्शन है). It is a masculine noun. You might also hear it as the name of the government channel in India. If you want to sound very polite or if you are reading a formal book, you will see this word. It's made of two parts: 'Dur' (far) and 'Darshan' (vision). So it literally means 'seeing things from far away.'
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For A2 learners, 'दूरदर्शन' is a useful word to expand your formal vocabulary. You should start using it in sentences about your daily routine or hobbies in a slightly more formal way. For example, 'I watch news on television' (मैं दूरदर्शन पर समाचार देखता हूँ). Notice the use of 'पर' (on). You should also be aware that it is a masculine noun, so any adjectives like 'old' or 'new' must match: 'पुराना दूरदर्शन' (old television). At this level, you should also distinguish between the device and the channel. If someone says 'दूरदर्शन लगाओ,' they usually mean 'Turn on the Doordarshan channel.' Understanding this cultural nuance is part of moving from A1 to A2. You are beginning to see how Hindi has 'everyday' words (like TV) and 'formal' words (like दूरदर्शन).
At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the role of 'दूरदर्शन' in society. You can use it to talk about education, news, and the history of media in India. You will encounter this word in newspapers (समाचार पत्र) and during formal interviews. You should be comfortable with compound words like 'दूरदर्शन केंद्र' (television station). You can also start using more complex grammar, such as 'दूरदर्शन के लाभ और हानियाँ' (advantages and disadvantages of television). This is a common essay topic in Hindi exams. You should also understand the passive voice: 'दूरदर्शन पर कई कार्यक्रम दिखाए जाते हैं' (Many programs are shown on television). Your vocabulary is growing, and using 'दूरदर्शन' instead of 'TV' in your writing will show that you have a better grasp of formal Hindi registers.
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At the B2 level, 'दूरदर्शन' becomes a tool for discussing media ethics, government propaganda, and the evolution of technology. You should understand the historical context of 'Doordarshan' as a monopoly in India and how it shaped the national identity. You can use the word in debates about the impact of visual media on children. For example, 'दूरदर्शन का बच्चों के मस्तिष्क पर गहरा प्रभाव पड़ता है' (Television has a deep impact on children's minds). You should also be familiar with related technical terms like 'प्रसारण' (broadcast), 'उपग्रह' (satellite), and 'दूरसंचार' (telecommunication). At this stage, you should be able to switch between 'TV' and 'दूरदर्शन' seamlessly depending on who you are talking to and what the setting is. Your ability to use the 'tatsama' (Sanskritized) register appropriately is a key B2 skill.
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For C1 learners, 'दूरदर्शन' is part of a sophisticated lexicon used to analyze the sociological and political landscape of India. You will study its role in the 'Green Revolution' or how it was used for national integration during the 20th century. You should be able to critique the linguistic shifts in 'दूरदर्शन' broadcasts—from the highly Sanskritized Hindi of the 80s to the more modern, accessible Hindi of today. You will use the word in complex academic sentences like 'दूरदर्शन की स्वायत्तता पर बहस' (The debate on the autonomy of Doordarshan). You should also recognize the word's appearance in literature and poetry, where it might be used metaphorically. Your understanding should include the administrative structure of 'Prasar Bharati,' the body that governs Doordarshan.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'दूरदर्शन' is absolute. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different historical eras. You can discuss the 'Doordarshan era' of Indian television as a distinct cultural phenomenon. You are capable of writing a thesis or a high-level policy document using this term correctly within the framework of Indian media law and constitutional provisions regarding freedom of speech. You can analyze the etymological roots in Sanskrit and compare it with other Indo-European terms for 'television.' You understand the nuances of 'Shuddh Hindi' used by Doordarshan anchors and how it contrasts with the 'Hindustani' or 'Urdu-heavy' registers found in Bollywood or private news channels. You can use the word in any context, from high-level diplomacy to deep academic research.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

दूरदर्शन in 30 Seconds

  • Dūrdarshan is the formal Hindi word for television.
  • It is a compound of 'Dur' (far) and 'Darshan' (vision).
  • It also refers specifically to India's national public broadcaster.
  • While 'TV' is common in slang, 'Dūrdarshan' is used in formal contexts.

The word दूरदर्शन (Dūrdarshan) is a profound example of how Hindi synthesizes modern technology through its Sanskrit roots. At its most basic level, it translates to 'Television.' However, the word carries a weight of formality and historical significance that the common loanword 'TV' does not. It is a compound of two Sanskrit-derived words: दूर (dūr) meaning 'far' or 'distant,' and दर्शन (darshan) meaning 'vision,' 'sight,' or 'viewing.' Thus, the literal meaning is 'distant vision' or 'seeing from afar,' which perfectly encapsulates the technical function of a television set.

Formal Usage
In official documents, news broadcasts, and academic textbooks, 'दूरदर्शन' is the standard term. While a child might say 'TV chalao' (Turn on the TV), a news anchor would refer to the medium as 'दूरदर्शन के माध्यम से' (Through the medium of television).
National Identity
It is crucial to note that 'Doordarshan' is also the name of India's autonomous public service broadcaster. For many Indians, the word evokes nostalgia for the 1980s and 90s when there was only one channel available, making the word synonymous with the specific government-run network.

पुराने समय में, पूरा परिवार एक साथ बैठकर दूरदर्शन देखता था। (In the old days, the whole family would sit together and watch television.)

Understanding when to use this word versus the English 'TV' is a key marker of linguistic proficiency. If you are discussing the sociological impact of mass media, 'दूरदर्शन' is appropriate. If you are asking your friend to change the channel because a boring cricket match is on, 'TV' is more natural. This distinction between the 'tatsama' (Sanskrit-derived) formal word and the everyday loanword is a common feature of Hindi speech patterns.

आजकल दूरदर्शन की जगह मोबाइल ने ले ली है। (Nowadays, the mobile phone has taken the place of the television.)

Technical Context
In technical manuals or when describing the hardware of the device, you might see terms like 'दूरदर्शन सेट' (Television set). It emphasizes the physical apparatus rather than the content.

The word also appears in various compound forms in literature. For instance, 'दूरदर्शन-प्रसारण' (Television broadcasting) or 'दूरदर्शन-केंद्र' (Television center/station). These terms are highly formal and are used in administrative contexts. For an English speaker, learning this word provides a window into the Sanskritized register of Hindi, which is essential for reading newspapers or understanding formal speeches by public figures.

शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में दूरदर्शन का बड़ा योगदान है। (Television has a great contribution in the field of education.)

Using दूरदर्शन effectively requires an understanding of Hindi grammar, particularly the use of postpositions like 'पर' (on) and 'के' (of). Since it is a masculine noun, any adjectives or verbs associated with it must agree with its gender. For example, 'बड़ा दूरदर्शन' (large television) or 'दूरदर्शन चल रहा है' (the television is running/on).

बच्चे दूरदर्शन के सामने बैठे हैं। (The children are sitting in front of the television.)

In this sentence, 'दूरदर्शन के सामने' uses the postposition 'के सामने' (in front of), which triggers the oblique case, though 'दूरदर्शन' remains unchanged in its spelling as it is a masculine noun ending in a consonant. This is a common pattern for CEFR A2 learners to master.

Action Verbs
Common verbs used with this word include 'देखना' (to watch), 'चलाना' (to turn on/operate), and 'बंद करना' (to turn off). Example: 'कृपया दूरदर्शन बंद कर दीजिए' (Please turn off the television).

When discussing the impact of television, you might use more complex structures. For instance, using 'का' (of) to show possession or relationship: 'दूरदर्शन का प्रभाव' (the influence of television). Here, 'का' agrees with 'प्रभाव' (influence), which is also masculine.

क्या आपके घर में दूरदर्शन है? (Is there a television in your house?)

For learners at the B1 and B2 levels, incorporating 'दूरदर्शन' into passive or formal constructions is vital. Consider the sentence: 'दूरदर्शन द्वारा सूचनाएँ प्रसारित की जाती हैं' (Information is broadcast by television). This uses the formal 'द्वारा' (by/through) which pairs perfectly with the formal register of 'दूरदर्शन'.

मैंने कल दूरदर्शन पर एक रोचक कार्यक्रम देखा। (I watched an interesting program on television yesterday.)

Finally, remember that in plural contexts, 'दूरदर्शन' typically remains the same (unmarked plural) unless followed by a postposition, where it might take the '-ओं' ending in very specific poetic or archaic contexts, though this is rare in modern speech. 'कई दूरदर्शन सेट' (Many television sets) is the preferred way to express plurality.

The auditory landscape of India is filled with both 'TV' and 'दूरदर्शन,' but they occupy different niches. If you are listening to All India Radio (Akashvani) or watching a news bulletin on a state-sponsored channel, 'दूरदर्शन' is the term you will hear 100% of the time. It is the language of the state, the language of education, and the language of formal discourse.

'यह दूरदर्शन का समाचार विभाग है।' (This is the news department of Doordarshan.)

This iconic phrase has been heard by millions of Indians for decades. In schools, teachers use 'दूरदर्शन' when giving lectures on the pros and cons of technology. You will find it in Hindi textbooks from primary school through university. It is also the word used in legal and government announcements. For example, if the government issues a public service announcement about health, the script will likely use 'दूरदर्शन' to maintain a tone of authority.

In Literature
Hindi novels and short stories often use 'दूरदर्शन' to describe a scene in a middle-class household. It evokes a sense of tradition or a specific era of Indian history before the explosion of private satellite channels.

In rural areas or among the older generation, 'दूरदर्शन' is used with a sense of respect for the medium. While the younger, urban population might exclusively use 'TV' or 'streaming,' the word 'दूरदर्शन' remains a pillar of the 'Shuddh Hindi' (Pure Hindi) movement. If you attend a formal debate or a literary festival (Sahitya Sammelan), 'दूरदर्शन' is the only acceptable term.

सरकार दूरदर्शन के जरिए किसानों को जागरूक कर रही है। (The government is making farmers aware through television.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using 'दूरदर्शन' in a casual setting where it feels out of place. Imagine walking into a friend's living room and saying, "May I watch the Doordarshan?" It sounds overly stiff, similar to saying "May I observe the tele-visual apparatus?" in English. The first rule is: Context determines the word.

Gender Confusion
As mentioned earlier, 'दूरदर्शन' is masculine. English speakers often default to feminine because they associate 'TV' with the feminine gender in some contexts. Saying 'दूरदर्शन अच्छी है' is incorrect; it must be 'दूरदर्शन अच्छा है.'
The 'Channel' vs. 'Device' Trap
Many learners assume 'दूरदर्शन' only refers to the government channel. While that is its most common proper noun usage, it is also the general noun for the device. However, if you say 'I am watching Doordarshan,' people will assume you are watching the specific Indian national channel, not Netflix on a TV screen.

Incorrect: मैं दूरदर्शन देख रही हूँ। (When watching Netflix)
Correct: मैं टीवी देख रही हूँ।

Another mistake is over-Sanskritizing the entire sentence. If you use 'दूरदर्शन,' the rest of your sentence should ideally match that formal register. Using 'दूरदर्शन' with heavy slang or 'Hinglish' creates a linguistic mismatch. For example, 'दूरदर्शन is very cool, bro' sounds jarring. Instead, use 'दूरदर्शन सूचना का एक सशक्त माध्यम है' (Television is a powerful medium of information).

गलत: क्या तुम दूरदर्शन ऑन करोगे? (Too formal for 'on')
सही: क्या तुम टीवी चलाओगे?

While दूरदर्शन is the standard formal term, there are several alternatives depending on the register and context. Understanding these helps in choosing the right word for the right audience.

टीवी (TV)
The most common, everyday term. Used by 99% of people in casual conversation. It is neutral and universally understood.
टेलीविज़न (Television)
A direct loanword from English, often used in technical or semi-formal contexts where 'दूरदर्शन' might feel too 'pure' or old-fashioned.
इडियट बॉक्स (Idiot Box)
Sometimes translated as 'मूर्ख डिब्बा,' though the English phrase is more commonly used in Hinglish to criticize excessive TV watching.

आजकल लोग टेलीविज़न से ज़्यादा ओटीटी प्लेटफॉर्म पसंद करते हैं। (Nowadays people prefer OTT platforms more than television.)

In a comparative sense, 'दूरदर्शन' is like saying 'Cinema' while 'TV' is like saying 'a movie.' One refers to the institution and the formal medium, the other to the act or the device. There is also the word 'प्रसारण' (broadcasting), which is often used alongside 'दूरदर्शन' but refers to the act of sending signals rather than the device itself.

Another related term is 'चित्रपट' (Chitrapat), which specifically means 'movie screen' or 'cinema.' While 'दूरदर्शन' shows images, 'चित्रपट' is reserved for the film industry. Confusing the two would be a mistake in formal writing. Similarly, 'आकाशवाणी' (Akashvani) is the formal term for Radio, often paired with 'दूरदर्शन' in lists of mass media.

रेडियो और दूरदर्शन जनसंचार के प्रमुख अंग हैं। (Radio and television are major parts of mass communication.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"दूरदर्शन सूचना के प्रसार का एक अत्यंत प्रभावशाली माध्यम है।"

Neutral

"आज दूरदर्शन पर क्या कार्यक्रम आ रहा है?"

Informal

"अरे, दूरदर्शन चलाओ, मैच शुरू होने वाला है!"

Child friendly

"बेटा, ज्यादा दूरदर्शन देखना अच्छी बात नहीं है।"

Slang

"यह डिब्बा (दूरदर्शन) फिर खराब हो गया क्या?"

Fun Fact

When television was first introduced in India in 1959, it didn't have a specific name. The word 'Doordarshan' was chosen later to give it a distinct Indian identity, separate from the English term 'Television.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d̪uːɾ.d̪əɾ.ʃən/
US /dur.dər.ʃən/
Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Dūr', and secondary stress on 'dar'.
Rhymes With
प्रदर्शन (Pradarshan - Exhibition) दर्शन (Darshan - Vision) मार्गदर्शन (Margdarshan - Guidance) दिग्दर्शन (Digdarshan - Direction) पुनर्दर्शन (Punardarshan - Re-viewing) आत्मदर्शन (Atmadarshan - Self-realization) तत्वदर्शन (Tatvadarshan - Philosophy) सत्यदर्शन (Satyadarshan - Realization of truth)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Dur' as 'Der' (like 'dirt'). It should be 'Doo-r'.
  • Using a hard English 'D' instead of the soft Hindi dental 'd'.
  • Pronouncing 'sh' as 's' (Dar-san instead of Dar-shan).
  • Swapping the 'r' and 'd' sounds due to rapid speech.
  • Mumbling the final 'n' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the distinct 'Dūr' prefix.

Writing 3/5

The conjunct 'र्श' (r + sha) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Relatively easy to pronounce if the 'sh' is clear.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound in news and formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दूर (Far) देखना (To see) यंत्र (Machine) घर (Home) समाचार (News)

Learn Next

प्रसारण (Broadcast) कार्यक्रम (Program) विज्ञापन (Advertisement) चैनल (Channel) मनोरंजन (Entertainment)

Advanced

जनसंचार (Mass Communication) स्वायत्तता (Autonomy) उपग्रह (Satellite) डिजिटलीकरण (Digitization) दूरसंचार (Telecommunication)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

दूरदर्शन अच्छा है (Not अच्छी).

Postposition 'पर'

दूरदर्शन पर (On TV).

Ergative 'ने' with 'देखना'

मैंने दूरदर्शन देखा (I watched TV).

Oblique Case in Compounds

दूरदर्शन के कार्यक्रमों (Programs of TV).

Honorific 'जी' (not used with objects)

Note: You don't say 'दूरदर्शन जी'.

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Examples by Level

1

यह दूरदर्शन है।

This is a television.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

2

मेरे पास दूरदर्शन है।

I have a television.

Possessive construction with 'के पास'.

3

दूरदर्शन बड़ा है।

The television is big.

Adjective 'बड़ा' (masculine) matches 'दूरदर्शन'.

4

वह दूरदर्शन देखता है।

He watches television.

Present indefinite tense.

5

दूरदर्शन कहाँ है?

Where is the television?

Interrogative sentence.

6

यह एक पुराना दूरदर्शन है।

This is an old television.

Adjective placement before the noun.

7

मुझे दूरदर्शन पसंद है।

I like television.

Dative subject construction with 'को' (implied).

8

दूरदर्शन पर क्या है?

What is on television?

Use of postposition 'पर' (on).

1

मैं रोज़ शाम को दूरदर्शन देखता हूँ।

I watch television every evening.

Adverbial phrase 'रोज़ शाम को'.

2

मेरे घर में एक नया दूरदर्शन है।

There is a new television in my house.

Locative case with 'में'.

3

क्या आप दूरदर्शन पर समाचार देखते हैं?

Do you watch news on television?

Formal 'आप' with present indefinite.

4

बच्चे दूरदर्शन देख रहे हैं।

The children are watching television.

Present continuous tense.

5

दूरदर्शन बंद करो।

Turn off the television.

Imperative mood (informal/neutral).

6

वह दूरदर्शन पर फिल्में देखता है।

He watches movies on television.

Plural object 'फिल्में'.

7

दूरदर्शन मनोरंजन का साधन है।

Television is a means of entertainment.

Genitive construction 'मनोरंजन का साधन'.

8

कल दूरदर्शन पर एक अच्छा मैच था।

There was a good match on television yesterday.

Past tense with 'था'.

1

दूरदर्शन शिक्षा के लिए बहुत उपयोगी है।

Television is very useful for education.

Use of 'के लिए' (for).

2

आजकल लोग दूरदर्शन से ज़्यादा इंटरनेट का उपयोग करते हैं।

Nowadays people use the internet more than television.

Comparative 'से ज़्यादा'.

3

दूरदर्शन पर प्रसारित होने वाले कार्यक्रम रोचक होते हैं।

The programs broadcast on television are interesting.

Relative clause structure 'होने वाले'.

4

मैंने दूरदर्शन पर प्रधान मंत्री का भाषण सुना।

I heard the Prime Minister's speech on television.

Perfective tense with 'ने' ergative marker.

5

दूरदर्शन के माध्यम से हमें दुनिया की खबरें मिलती हैं।

We get world news through the medium of television.

Instrumental phrase 'के माध्यम से'.

6

क्या दूरदर्शन बच्चों के लिए हानिकारक है?

Is television harmful for children?

Interrogative with 'क्या' at the beginning.

7

मेरे दादाजी केवल दूरदर्शन के समाचारों पर विश्वास करते हैं।

My grandfather only trusts the news on Doordarshan.

Verb 'विश्वास करना' with 'पर'.

8

गाँवों में दूरदर्शन सूचना का मुख्य स्रोत है।

In villages, television is the main source of information.

Noun phrase 'सूचना का मुख्य स्रोत'.

1

दूरदर्शन की लोकप्रियता धीरे-धीरे कम हो रही है।

The popularity of television is gradually decreasing.

Abstract noun 'लोकप्रियता' (feminine).

2

सरकार को दूरदर्शन के कार्यक्रमों की गुणवत्ता सुधारनी चाहिए।

The government should improve the quality of television programs.

Modal verb 'चाहिए' with transitive verb.

3

दूरदर्शन ने भारतीय समाज में जागरूकता फैलाने में बड़ी भूमिका निभाई है।

Television has played a major role in spreading awareness in Indian society.

Complex verb 'भूमिका निभाना' in perfective.

4

विज्ञापनों ने दूरदर्शन के स्वरूप को बदल दिया है।

Advertisements have changed the nature of television.

Ergative 'ने' with compound verb 'बदल देना'.

5

दूरदर्शन पर दिखाए जाने वाले धारावाहिक बहुत लोकप्रिय हैं।

The serials shown on television are very popular.

Passive participle 'दिखाए जाने वाले'.

6

क्या दूरदर्शन वास्तव में एक 'इडियट बॉक्स' है?

Is television really an 'idiot box'?

Use of adverb 'वास्तव में' (really).

7

दूरदर्शन के निजीकरण पर कई विवाद हुए हैं।

There have been many controversies over the privatization of Doordarshan.

Noun 'निजीकरण' (privatization).

8

दूरदर्शन की पहुँच भारत के दूर-दराज के इलाकों तक है।

Television's reach extends to the remote areas of India.

Compound adjective 'दूर-दराज' (remote).

1

दूरदर्शन के राष्ट्रीय नेटवर्क ने भाषाई एकीकरण में योगदान दिया।

Doordarshan's national network contributed to linguistic integration.

Formal academic vocabulary 'भाषाई एकीकरण'.

2

प्रसार भारती दूरदर्शन के कामकाज की देखरेख करती है।

Prasar Bharati oversees the functioning of Doordarshan.

Verb 'देखरेख करना' (to oversee).

3

दूरदर्शन की सामग्री में सांस्कृतिक मूल्यों का प्रतिबिंब मिलता है।

A reflection of cultural values is found in the content of television.

Passive-style construction 'प्रतिबिंब मिलता है'.

4

उपग्रह तकनीक ने दूरदर्शन के इतिहास में एक नया अध्याय जोड़ा।

Satellite technology added a new chapter to the history of television.

Metaphorical use of 'नया अध्याय' (new chapter).

5

दूरदर्शन के विज्ञापनों का उपभोक्तावादी संस्कृति पर प्रभाव निर्विवाद है।

The impact of television advertisements on consumerist culture is indisputable.

Advanced adjective 'निर्विवाद' (indisputable).

6

दूरदर्शन की निष्पक्षता पर अक्सर सवाल उठाए जाते हैं।

Questions are often raised about the impartiality of Doordarshan.

Passive voice 'सवाल उठाए जाते हैं'.

7

दूरदर्शन ने क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं के प्रचार-प्रसार में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।

Television played a significant role in the promotion and dissemination of regional languages.

Compound noun 'प्रचार-प्रसार' (promotion and spread).

8

डिजिटल क्रांति के युग में दूरदर्शन को अपनी प्रासंगिकता बनाए रखनी होगी।

In the era of the digital revolution, television will have to maintain its relevance.

Future necessity 'बनाए रखनी होगी'.

1

दूरदर्शन की वैचारिकी और राज्य की सत्ता के बीच एक गहरा संबंध रहा है।

There has been a deep connection between the ideology of television and state power.

High-level noun 'वैचारिकी' (ideology).

2

क्या दूरदर्शन का लोक सेवा प्रसारण मॉडल आज के दौर में व्यावहारिक है?

Is Doordarshan's public service broadcasting model practical in today's times?

Technical term 'लोक सेवा प्रसारण' (Public Service Broadcasting).

3

दूरदर्शन के ध्वनि और दृश्य प्रभावों का मनोवैज्ञानिक विश्लेषण आवश्यक है।

A psychological analysis of the audio and visual effects of television is necessary.

Sanskritized compound 'ध्वनि और दृश्य' (audio and visual).

4

दूरदर्शन ने जिस प्रकार की राष्ट्रीय अस्मिता गढ़ी, वह शोध का विषय है।

The type of national identity that television forged is a subject of research.

Relative pronoun 'जिस प्रकार की' (the type which).

5

भूमंडलीकरण के दौर में दूरदर्शन के समक्ष कई अस्तित्वगत चुनौतियाँ हैं।

In the era of globalization, television faces several existential challenges.

Advanced adjective 'अस्तित्वगत' (existential).

6

दूरदर्शन की भाषा नीति ने हिंदी के मानकीकरण में उत्प्रेरक का कार्य किया।

Television's language policy acted as a catalyst in the standardization of Hindi.

Scientific metaphor 'उत्प्रेरक' (catalyst).

7

सूचना के लोकतंत्रीकरण में दूरदर्शन की ऐतिहासिक भूमिका को नकारा नहीं जा सकता।

The historical role of television in the democratization of information cannot be denied.

Passive potential 'नकारा नहीं जा सकता'.

8

दूरदर्शन की अभिलेखीय संपदा आने वाली पीढ़ियों के लिए एक बहुमूल्य धरोहर है।

The archival wealth of Doordarshan is a precious heritage for future generations.

Formal noun 'धरोहर' (heritage).

Common Collocations

दूरदर्शन केंद्र
दूरदर्शन प्रसारण
दूरदर्शन सेट
रंगीन दूरदर्शन
दूरदर्शन कार्यक्रम
दूरदर्शन समाचार
दूरदर्शन का प्रभाव
दूरदर्शन विज्ञापन
दूरदर्शन की दुनिया
दूरदर्शन एंकर

Common Phrases

दूरदर्शन पर आना

— To appear on television.

मेरा दोस्त आज दूरदर्शन पर आएगा।

दूरदर्शन देखना

— To watch television.

क्या तुम्हें दूरदर्शन देखना पसंद है?

दूरदर्शन का जमाना

— The era of television.

यह दूरदर्शन का जमाना नहीं, इंटरनेट का है।

दूरदर्शन के शौकीन

— Fond of watching television.

मेरे पिताजी दूरदर्शन के बहुत शौकीन हैं।

दूरदर्शन की लत

— Addiction to television.

बच्चों को दूरदर्शन की लत लग गई है।

दूरदर्शन का आविष्कार

— Invention of television.

दूरदर्शन का आविष्कार किसने किया?

दूरदर्शन की पहुँच

— Reach of television.

दूरदर्शन की पहुँच हर गाँव तक है।

दूरदर्शन का लाभ

— Benefit of television.

दूरदर्शन का सबसे बड़ा लाभ जानकारी है।

दूरदर्शन की हानि

— Harm of television.

ज्यादा दूरदर्शन देखना आँखों के लिए हानि है।

दूरदर्शन का स्तर

— Standard/Quality of television.

आजकल दूरदर्शन का स्तर गिर गया है।

Often Confused With

दूरदर्शन vs दर्शन

Means 'vision' or 'viewing a deity'. Without 'Dur', it has a religious or philosophical meaning.

दूरदर्शन vs दूरसंचार

Means 'Telecommunication' (phones, internet), not just TV.

दूरदर्शन vs दूरबीन

Means 'Binoculars' or 'Telescope'. Both start with 'Dur' (far) but serve different purposes.

Idioms & Expressions

"दूरदर्शन का कीड़ा"

— Someone who watches TV all the time (TV addict).

वह तो दूरदर्शन का कीड़ा बन गया है।

Informal
"छोटे पर्दे का सितारा"

— A famous TV actor.

वह छोटे पर्दे का बड़ा सितारा है।

Journalistic
"डिब्बे में बंद होना"

— To be stuck in front of the TV (metaphorically).

आजकल बच्चे डिब्बे में बंद होकर रह गए हैं।

Colloquial
"हवा में बातें करना"

— To talk without substance (sometimes used for news anchors).

आजकल दूरदर्शन पर सिर्फ हवा में बातें होती हैं।

Informal
"आँखों का तारा"

— Beloved (often used for popular TV characters).

यह धारावाहिक सबकी आँखों का तारा है।

General
"चमक-धमक की दुनिया"

— The world of glamour (TV/Film).

दूरदर्शन की चमक-धमक सबको लुभाती है।

Neutral
"घर का भेदी"

— An insider who leaks secrets (common plot in TV serials).

दूरदर्शन के नाटकों में हमेशा कोई घर का भेदी होता है।

General
"दिन-रात एक करना"

— To work extremely hard (often said of TV crew).

शूटिंग के लिए टीम ने दिन-रात एक कर दिया।

General
"नाम कमाना"

— To earn fame.

उसने दूरदर्शन पर आकर बहुत नाम कमाया।

Neutral
"समय की बर्बादी"

— Waste of time.

बेकार के कार्यक्रम देखना दूरदर्शन पर समय की बर्बादी है।

General

Easily Confused

दूरदर्शन vs दूरबीन

Both involve seeing from a distance.

Dūrdarshan is a broadcast receiver (TV); Dūrbīn is an optical instrument (binoculars).

मैं दूरबीन से चाँद देख रहा हूँ, दूरदर्शन पर नहीं।

दूरदर्शन vs आकाशवाणी

Both are state broadcasters.

Akashvani is Radio; Doordarshan is TV.

मैंने खबर आकाशवाणी पर सुनी, दूरदर्शन पर नहीं।

दूरदर्शन vs सिनेमा

Both show movies.

Cinema refers to the film industry or theater; Doordarshan is the TV at home.

यह फिल्म सिनेमा घरों में नहीं, सीधा दूरदर्शन पर आएगी।

दूरदर्शन vs प्रसारण

Related to TV.

Prasaran is the 'act' of broadcasting; Doordarshan is the 'medium' or 'device'.

दूरदर्शन का प्रसारण अच्छा है।

दूरदर्शन vs चित्रपट

Involves pictures.

Chitrapat is a formal word for 'movie' or 'cinema screen'.

भारतीय चित्रपट का इतिहास बहुत पुराना है।

Sentence Patterns

A1

यह [Adj] दूरदर्शन है।

यह बड़ा दूरदर्शन है।

A2

मैं [Time] दूरदर्शन देखता हूँ।

मैं रात को दूरदर्शन देखता हूँ।

B1

[Subject] दूरदर्शन पर [Object] देख रहा है।

राम दूरदर्शन पर फिल्म देख रहा है।

B2

दूरदर्शन [Noun] का एक माध्यम है।

दूरदर्शन शिक्षा का एक माध्यम है।

C1

दूरदर्शन की [Property] निर्विवाद है।

दूरदर्शन की उपयोगिता निर्विवाद है।

C2

दूरदर्शन के [Context] में [Opinion] देना कठिन है।

दूरदर्शन के भविष्य के संदर्भ में निश्चित राय देना कठिन है।

A2

क्या आपके पास [Adj] दूरदर्शन है?

क्या आपके पास रंगीन दूरदर्शन है?

B1

हमें दूरदर्शन से [Noun] मिलता है।

हमें दूरदर्शन से मनोरंजन मिलता है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, moderate in speech.

Common Mistakes
  • दूरदर्शन अच्छी है। → दूरदर्शन अच्छा है।

    दूरदर्शन is a masculine noun; the adjective must match.

  • मैं दूरदर्शन सुन रहा हूँ। → मैं दूरदर्शन देख रहा हूँ।

    You 'watch' (देखना) television, you don't 'listen' (सुनना) to it like a radio.

  • Dardarshan → Doordarshan

    The first vowel is a long 'u', not a short 'a'.

  • दूरदर्शन पर फिल्म पढ़ना। → दूरदर्शन पर फिल्म देखना।

    Confusing 'read' with 'watch'.

  • Using 'दूरदर्शन' for a computer. → कंप्यूटर (Computer)

    Doordarshan is specifically for television broadcasting.

Tips

Root Words

Learning the roots 'Dur' and 'Darshan' will help you understand dozens of other Hindi words like 'Dur-bhash' (Telephone) and 'Pradarshan' (Exhibition).

Nostalgia

Mentioning 'Doordarshan' to an Indian person over 40 will likely start a long conversation about old TV shows like 'Malgudi Days'.

Masculine Agreement

Always remember to keep your adjectives masculine. 'Mera (my) Doordarshan' not 'Meri Doordarshan'.

The 'Sh' Sound

The 'sh' in Darshan is palatal. Practice by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Devanagari Script

Pay attention to the 'reph' (the little hook) on the 'sha'. It represents the 'r' sound that comes before it.

Formal Situations

If you are giving a speech in Hindi, always use 'दूरदर्शन' to sound more professional.

News Practice

Watch 'DD News' on YouTube to hear the most standard and clear pronunciation of this word.

Small Screen

Journalists often use 'Chhota Parda' (Small Screen) as a synonym for 'Doordarshan'.

Sanskrit Connection

The word is a literal translation of the Greek 'Tele' (far) and Latin 'Visio' (vision).

Avoid Slang

Don't use 'Doordarshan' if you are talking about watching a YouTube video; it's strictly for TV.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dūr' as 'Door' (though it means far) and 'Darshan' as 'Seeing'. You are 'Seeing through a Door to a Far place'.

Visual Association

Imagine a long telescope pointed at a screen. The telescope represents 'Dūr' (distance) and the eye seeing the image is 'Darshan'.

Word Web

Sights Sounds News Movies Antenna Remote Screen Electricity

Challenge

Try to say 'दूरदर्शन' three times fast without turning the 'sh' into an 's'. Then, try to write it in Devanagari script five times.

Word Origin

The word is a 'Tatsama' compound derived from Sanskrit. 'Dūr' (दूर) comes from the Sanskrit root meaning distance, and 'Darshan' (दर्शन) comes from the root 'drish' meaning to see.

Original meaning: Distant vision or seeing from a distance.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit-derived Hindi).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'दूरदर्शन' to refer to private, flashy, or controversial channels as it may sound ironic. It carries a connotation of being 'official' and 'respectable'.

In the West, 'Television' is just a device. In India, 'Doordarshan' specifically implies a public service mission and a certain 'wholesome' or 'government-approved' content style.

The Doordarshan Logo (a rotating eye) The signature tune composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar The news anchor Salma Sultan with a rose in her hair

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

  • दूरदर्शन चलाओ
  • रिमोट कहाँ है?
  • आवाज़ कम करो
  • चैनल बदलो

In School

  • दूरदर्शन के लाभ
  • शिक्षा और दूरदर्शन
  • ज्ञानवर्धक कार्यक्रम
  • निबंध लिखो

At a Tech Shop

  • नया मॉडल
  • स्क्रीन की क्वालिटी
  • वारंटी कितनी है?
  • स्मार्ट फीचर

In a News Report

  • ताज़ा समाचार
  • विशेष प्रसारण
  • सीधा प्रसारण
  • दूरदर्शन केंद्र

In History Class

  • पहला प्रसारण
  • रंगीन टीवी
  • राष्ट्रीय नेटवर्क
  • उपग्रह संचार

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप रोज़ दूरदर्शन देखते हैं?"

"आपका पसंदीदा दूरदर्शन कार्यक्रम कौन सा है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि दूरदर्शन अब पुराना हो गया है?"

"बचपन में आप दूरदर्शन पर क्या देखते थे?"

"क्या दूरदर्शन बच्चों के लिए अच्छा है?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि दूरदर्शन ने आपके जीवन को कैसे प्रभावित किया है।

दूरदर्शन और इंटरनेट की तुलना करते हुए एक अनुच्छेद लिखिए।

अगर दूरदर्शन नहीं होता, तो दुनिया कैसी होती?

अपने पसंदीदा दूरदर्शन कार्यक्रम के बारे में विस्तार से बताइए।

क्या सरकार को दूरदर्शन पर नियंत्रण रखना चाहिए? अपने विचार व्यक्त कीजिए।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is the name of India's national broadcaster, it is also the formal Hindi word for the technology of television itself. However, in casual talk, people say 'TV'.

It is a masculine noun. For example, you say 'दूरदर्शन अच्छा है' (Television is good) rather than 'अच्छी है'.

You say 'दूरदर्शन देखना' (formal) or 'टीवी देखना' (casual). Example: 'मैं दूरदर्शन देख रहा हूँ' (I am watching television).

Yes, in formal contexts like news, school essays, and official government communications, it remains the standard term.

There is no direct opposite, but 'आकाशवाणी' (Radio) is often its counterpart in the world of broadcasting.

No, for a monitor, you use the word 'मॉनिटर' or 'स्क्रीन'. 'दूरदर्शन' is specifically for broadcast television.

It is a Sanskrit compound. 'Dūr' means far and 'Darshan' means vision. So, 'seeing from a distance'.

The word remains 'दूरदर्शन' in the plural (unmarked). If you mean multiple TV sets, you say 'दूरदर्शन सेट' (plural: दूरदर्शन सेट).

It is usually transliterated as 'Doordarshan' or 'Dūrdarshan'.

It means a television station or a broadcasting center. For example, 'Mumbai Doordarshan Kendra'.

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Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi using 'दूरदर्शन' and 'समाचार'.

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'The television is in the room.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence about the importance of television.

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'I like watching movies on television.'

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writing

Describe your favorite TV show in Hindi using the word 'दूरदर्शन'.

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writing

Write a sentence about why children shouldn't watch too much TV.

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writing

Translate: 'Television is a means of mass communication.'

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writing

Write a question asking someone if they have a TV.

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writing

Write a sentence using the word 'दूरदर्शन केंद्र'.

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writing

Translate: 'The news is broadcast on television.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about Doordarshan channel.

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writing

Translate: 'Turn off the television and study.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'रंगीन दूरदर्शन'.

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writing

Translate: 'Television has changed our lives.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'दूरदर्शन का प्रभाव'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Do you watch movies on TV?'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about the remote of the TV.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Television is a window to the world.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'लोकप्रिय दूरदर्शन'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I am going to work at the TV station.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce 'दूरदर्शन' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am watching television' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Turn on the TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Television is good' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I have a big TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'What is on TV?' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I watch news on TV' in Hindi.

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speaking

Explain 'Dūrdarshan' in your own words in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Television is important for education' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I don't like watching TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Is the TV broken?' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Please turn down the TV volume' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The TV screen is very clear' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I watch movies every Sunday on TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'My father works at the TV station' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Television is a source of information' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'There are many channels on TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I bought a new TV yesterday' in Hindi.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Doordarshan is an old channel' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The remote is near the TV' in Hindi.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the word: 'दूरदर्शन'. What does it mean?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन पर फिल्म आ रही है'. What is on TV?

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

Listen to: 'समाचार दूरदर्शन पर हैं'. Where is the news?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन बंद कर दो'. What should be done?

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

Listen to: 'यह दिल्ली दूरदर्शन है'. Which city station is this?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन की आवाज़ बढ़ाओ'. What should be done to the volume?

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

Listen to: 'क्या तुम दूरदर्शन देख रहे हो?'. Is it a question or a statement?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन पर मैच शुरू हो गया'. What has started?

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

Listen to: 'नया दूरदर्शन सेट बहुत महंगा है'. Is the TV cheap?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन के कार्यक्रम अच्छे हैं'. How are the programs?

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

Listen to: 'वह दूरदर्शन केंद्र जा रहा है'. Where is he going?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन पर विज्ञापन बहुत लंबे हैं'. Are the ads short?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन पर कार्टून देखो'. What should be watched?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन का आविष्कार 20वीं सदी में हुआ'. When was TV invented?

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

Listen to: 'दूरदर्शन के एंकर ने क्या कहा?'. What is being asked?

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

/ 180 correct

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दूरदर्शन Marathi
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