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दस्तखत करना

A2 verb #4,000 most common 7 min read

दस्तखत करना

dastakhat karna Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips दस्तखत करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation दस्तखत करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'dastakhat karna' means 'to sign'. You will mostly use it in very simple sentences like 'Please sign here' or 'I am signing'. At this stage, don't worry too much about the Persian origin or the complex grammar rules. Just remember that 'dastakhat' is the word for 'signature' and 'karna' is 'to do'. You will see this word on forms or hear it at a shop if you are paying with a card that requires a signature. It is a very useful 'survival' phrase for anyone visiting India. You can think of it as a more formal way of saying 'sign karna'. If you are in a bank, just saying 'Dastakhat?' while pointing to a line is enough to be understood. Beginners should focus on the basic imperative: 'Dastakhat kijiye' (Please sign). This is polite and will get you through most situations where a signature is needed.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'dastakhat karna' in complete sentences and understand how it works with basic postpositions like 'par' (on). You should be able to say things like 'I signed the letter' or 'Where should I sign?'. At this level, you should also be aware that 'dastakhat' is a masculine noun. This means if you use a possessive like 'my' or 'your', you should use 'mera' or 'aapka'. For example, 'Aapka dastakhat yahan chahiye' (Your signature is needed here). You should also begin to recognize the difference between 'dastakhat' and 'likhna' (to write). You are moving beyond just 'writing' words to 'signing' documents. Practice the past tense 'Maine dastakhat kiya' (I signed) as this is a very common construction you will need when dealing with any kind of paperwork.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'dastakhat karna' in various tenses and moods, including the future and the continuous. You should also understand the cultural context—that this word is more formal than 'sign' but less formal than 'hastakshar'. You might use it in a professional context, such as when discussing an agreement with a landlord or a business partner. At this stage, you should also be able to use the causative form 'dastakhat karvana' (to have someone sign). For example, 'Maine manager se dastakhat karvaye' (I got the manager to sign). This shows a deeper understanding of Hindi verb structures. You should also be able to understand the word when it appears in news reports or simple newspaper articles about local events or government notices.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'dastakhat karna' in legal and administrative contexts. You should be able to use it in complex sentences involving subordinating conjunctions or conditional clauses. For example, 'Agar aapne dastakhat nahi kiye hote, toh yeh sauda nahi hota' (If you hadn't signed, this deal wouldn't have happened). You should also be familiar with related terms like 'jaali dastakhat' (forged signature) and understand the legal implications of the word. At this level, you can appreciate the Persian roots of the word and how it fits into the broader 'Hindustani' vocabulary that blends Hindi and Urdu. You should be able to follow a conversation in a court or a high-level business meeting where this term is used frequently and precisely.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'dastakhat karna' with the precision of a native speaker. You should understand its use in literature and formal speeches. You might encounter it in historical novels or in discussions about the history of the Indian legal system. You should be able to distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when a writer chooses 'dastakhat' over 'hastakshar' to evoke a particular cultural or historical atmosphere. Your usage should include idiomatic expressions and the ability to use the word metaphorically. For instance, you might talk about 'signing' a pact with destiny or the 'signature' style of an artist (though 'andaaz' is more common for style, 'dastakhat' can be used poetically). You should also be aware of the 'nuqta' in pronunciation and use it correctly in formal settings.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'dastakhat karna' and its place in the linguistic hierarchy of Hindi. You can analyze the etymological journey of the word from Persian into the administrative machinery of the British Raj and finally into modern Hindi. You can use the word in highly specialized legal drafting or in sophisticated literary criticism. You understand the socio-linguistic implications of using 'dastakhat' versus 'hastakshar' in different regions of India and among different social classes. You are capable of debating the merits of language purification (removing Persian words) versus the natural evolution of Hindustani, using 'dastakhat' as a primary example. Your pronunciation is flawless, capturing the subtle fricative 'kh', and you can switch between registers (formal, informal, legal) with total ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

दस्तखत करना in 30 Seconds

Dastakhat karna is the standard formal Hindi term for 'to sign'.
It is a masculine compound verb derived from Persian roots.
It is used in legal, banking, and official contexts throughout India.
Commonly confused with 'likhna' (to write) or 'hastakshar' (Sanskrit version).

The Hindi verb phrase दस्तखत करना (dastakhat karnā) is a cornerstone of formal and administrative communication in the Hindi-speaking world. Derived from Persian roots, where 'dast' means hand and 'khat' means line or writing, it literally translates to 'hand-writing' but specifically refers to the act of signing one's name. In modern Hindi, while the Sanskrit-derived 'hastākṣar' is used in very formal documents, and the English loanword 'sign' is used in casual conversation, 'dastakhat' occupies a prestigious middle ground, frequently heard in banks, legal offices, and government departments.

Literal Meaning: To make a hand-mark or to write a line with one's own hand.
Functional Use: Used when finalizing a contract, receiving a package, or authorizing a document.

क्या आपने कागज़ों पर दस्तखत कर दिए हैं? (Have you signed the papers?)

The cultural weight of this word is significant. In South Asia, the act of signing is often seen as a final, binding commitment. Whether you are opening a bank account in Delhi or signing a marriage certificate in Lucknow, the official will likely ask you to 'dastakhat kijiye'. It implies a level of authority and personal responsibility. Unlike simply 'writing' (likhna), 'dastakhat karna' involves your unique identity being imprinted on a document.

मैनेजर ने चेक पर दस्तखत करने से मना कर दिया। (The manager refused to sign the check.)

Historically, this term reflects the deep influence of Persian on the administrative vocabulary of India during the Mughal era. Even today, many court and land record terms remain Persianized. When you use 'dastakhat karna' instead of 'sign karna', you sound more grounded in the traditional linguistic landscape of North India. It is particularly useful for students who want to move beyond basic Hinglish and embrace a more authentic vocabulary.

बिना पढ़े किसी भी दस्तावेज़ पर दस्तखत न करें। (Do not sign any document without reading.)

Register: Formal, Administrative, and Legal.

उसने अपनी वसीयत पर दस्तखत किए। (He signed his will.)

क्या आप यहाँ अपने दस्तखत कर सकते हैं? (Can you sign here?)

Using दस्तखत करना correctly requires an understanding of compound verbs in Hindi. The noun 'dastakhat' combines with the auxiliary verb 'karna' (to do). Because 'karna' is a transitive verb, in the past tense (Perfective Aspect), the subject takes the 'ne' (ने) postposition, and the verb agrees with the object 'dastakhat', which is masculine singular.

Rule 1: The 'Ne' Postposition: In past tense, use: Subject + ne + Object + dastakhat kiya. Example: 'Maine dastakhat kiya' (I signed).

अधिकारी ने फाइल पर दस्तखत कर दिए। (The officer signed the file.)

When asking someone to sign, the imperative forms are most common. Depending on the level of respect, you might say 'dastakhat karo' (neutral/informal) or 'dastakhat kijiye' (formal/polite). If you are referring to multiple signatures, the word 'dastakhat' remains the same, as it is often used as an uncountable noun or its plural form is identical in common usage.

कृपया इस फॉर्म के नीचे दस्तखत कीजिए। (Please sign at the bottom of this form.)

In future tense constructions, the verb changes to reflect the subject's gender and number. For example, 'Main dastakhat karunga' (I [male] will sign) or 'Main dastakhat karungi' (I [female] will sign). This flexibility allows the phrase to be used across all grammatical scenarios seamlessly.

क्या तुम इस संधि पर दस्तखत करोगे? (Will you sign this treaty?)

Compound Verb Variations: Often seen as 'dastakhat kar dena' (to sign off/complete the act) or 'dastakhat kar lena' (to obtain a signature).

उसने मुझसे जबरदस्ती दस्तखत करवाए। (He made me sign forcibly - Causative form).

पिताजी ने स्कूल की रिपोर्ट पर दस्तखत कर दिए हैं। (Father has signed the school report.)

While 'sign karna' is common in the tech hubs of Bangalore or the cafes of Mumbai, दस्तखत करना is what you will encounter in the 'real' administrative India. If you visit a 'Tehsil' (district office) or a 'Kachahri' (court), the lawyers and clerks will exclusively use this term. It carries a sense of legality and finality that 'sign' lacks.

In the Bank: When withdrawing large sums or opening lockers, the teller will verify your 'dastakhat'.

बैंक कर्मचारी ने कहा कि मेरे दस्तखत मेल नहीं खा रहे हैं। (The bank employee said my signatures don't match.)

In Bollywood movies, specifically courtroom dramas or family sagas involving property disputes, 'dastakhat' is a high-frequency word. A villain might scream 'is par dastakhat kar!' (Sign this!) while holding a hero's family hostage. This dramatic usage reinforces the word's association with life-changing decisions and legal power. It's also found in Urdu poetry (Shayari), where a lover might 'sign' their heart away.

फिल्म के अंत में हीरो ने समझौते पर दस्तखत कर दिए। (At the end of the film, the hero signed the agreement.)

In literature and newspapers, 'dastakhat' is preferred over 'sign' to maintain a formal tone. If a famous author is doing a book signing, the event might be described as 'hastakshar samaroh', but the act itself is often described as 'dastakhat karna' in descriptive prose. It connects the speaker to a long tradition of Indo-Persian literacy and governance.

मंत्री जी ने नए बिल पर अपने दस्तखत कर दिए। (The minister signed the new bill.)

In Schools: Teachers often ask students to get their parents' 'dastakhat' on report cards or permission slips.

शिक्षक ने मुझसे पिता के दस्तखत लाने को कहा। (The teacher asked me to bring father's signature.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing दस्तखत करना with the simple verb 'likhna' (to write). While signing is a form of writing, 'likhna' is too general for legal contexts. If you tell a banker 'Maine yahan likh diya' (I wrote here) instead of 'Maine dastakhat kar diye' (I signed), it might lead to confusion about whether you just wrote your name or actually authorized the document.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: Learners often treat 'dastakhat' as feminine because it ends in a consonant that sounds soft. However, it is masculine. It's 'Mera dastakhat' not 'Meri dastakhat'.

गलत: क्या यह आपकी दस्तखत है? (Wrong: Is this your signature? - feminine usage)

सही: क्या यह आपका दस्तखत है? (Correct: Is this your signature? - masculine usage)

Another common mistake is the spelling and pronunciation. The 'kh' in 'dastakhat' is a voiceless velar fricative /x/ (like the 'ch' in 'Bach'), not a simple 'kh' as in 'khana' (food). In many Devanagari scripts, this is shown with a dot (nuqta) under the 'kha' (ख़). Pronouncing it as a plain 'k' or 'kh' is common but technically incorrect in formal Urdu-influenced Hindi.

Learners also sometimes use 'dastakhat' when they mean 'autograph'. While technically a signature, for celebrities, the word 'autograph' (ऑटोग्राफ) is almost always used in India. Asking a Bollywood star for a 'dastakhat' might sound a bit like you're asking them to sign a legal contract rather than a fan's photo.

गलत: क्या आप मेरे हाथ पर दस्तखत करेंगे? (Wrong/Odd: Will you sign my hand? - sounds like a contract)

Mistake 2: Omission of 'Karna': You cannot use 'dastakhat' as a verb by itself. It always needs 'karna'. You don't 'dastakhat' a paper; you 'dastakhat karna' on a paper.

सही: कृपया यहाँ दस्तखत करें। (Correct: Please sign here.)

In Hindi, the level of formality and the linguistic origin of a word often dictate its usage. For दस्तखत करना, there are two main alternatives that every learner should know to navigate different social contexts effectively.

हस्ताक्षर करना (Hastākṣar karnā): This is the pure Sanskrit (Tatsam) version. It is used in extremely formal documents, government gazettes, and high literature. It is the 'official' Hindi word.
साइन करना (Sign karnā): This is the Hinglish version. It is the most common in daily life, especially among the urban middle class and youth. Use this in shops or with friends.

तुलना:
1. यहाँ साइन कर दो। (Casual)
2. यहाँ दस्तखत कीजिए। (Formal/Standard)
3. यहाँ हस्ताक्षर करें। (Very Formal)

Another related term is 'तस्दीक करना' (tasdeeq karna), which means 'to attest' or 'to verify'. While you sign a document, an official might 'tasdeeq' your signature. If you cannot sign and use a thumbprint, the term is 'अंगूठा लगाना' (angutha lagana). In historical contexts, 'मुहर लगाना' (muhar lagana - to apply a seal) was the equivalent of signing for royalty.

उसने कागज़ पर अपना नाम लिखा, पर दस्तखत नहीं किए। (He wrote his name on the paper but didn't sign.)

Comparison Table

Word	Origin	Context
Sign	English	Daily Life
Dastakhat	Persian	Legal/Bank
Hastakshar	Sanskrit	Govt/Official

क्या आपने रसीद पर दस्तखत ले लिए हैं? (Have you taken the signature on the receipt?)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, before signatures were common, people used unique seals (muhar). The transition to 'dastakhat' marked a shift towards personal literacy in administration.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /d̪əst̪.xət̪ kər.nɑː/

US /dʌst.xʌt kər.nɑ/

Stress is on the first syllable 'dast' and the first syllable of 'karna'.

Rhymes With

Salamat (سلامت) Qayamat (قیامت) Adalat (عدالت) Shararat (شرارت) Waqalat (وکالت) Amamat (امامت) Hifazat (حفاظت) Ijazat (اجازت)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k' (dast-kat).
Pronouncing 'kh' as an aspirated 'kh' (like in 'kite') instead of the fricative.
Using an English 'd' (alveolar) instead of the Hindi dental 'd'.
Ignoring the nuqta under the 'kha' in writing.
Mixing up the vowel length in 'karna'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read if you know the 'kh' sound and nuqta.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the spelling of 'dastakhat' with 'kh'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'kh' sound /x/ can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to spot in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

करना (To do) कागज़ (Paper) नाम (Name) लिखना (To write) हाथ (Hand)

Learn Next

हस्ताक्षर (Sanskrit signature) दस्तावेज़ (Document) समझौता (Agreement) अदालत (Court) कानूनी (Legal)

Advanced

तस्दीक (Attestation) हलफनामा (Affidavit) मुख्तारनामा (Power of Attorney) वसीयतनामा (Will) पंजीकरण (Registration)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs in Past Tense

Subject + ne + Object + Verb (agreeing with Object). Maine (Subject) + dastakhat (Object) + kiya (Verb).

Compound Verbs with 'Karna'

Nouns like 'dastakhat', 'kaam', 'shuru' combine with 'karna' to form verbs.

Imperative Politeness Levels

Kar (informal), Karo (neutral), Kijiye (formal).

Use of 'Par' (On) with Signing

Kaagaz par dastakhat karna (To sign ON the paper).

Causative Verbs (-vana)

Karvana (to make someone do) -> Dastakhat karvana.

Examples by Level

यहाँ दस्तखत कीजिए।

Please sign here.

Imperative form 'kijiye' is polite.

क्या मैं यहाँ दस्तखत करूँ?

Should I sign here?

Subjunctive 'karun' for seeking permission.

मेरा दस्तखत कहाँ है?

Where is my signature?

'Dastakhat' is masculine singular.

वह दस्तखत कर रहा है।

He is signing.

Present continuous tense.

दस्तखत करना ज़रूरी है।

It is necessary to sign.

Infinitive as a noun.

मैंने दस्तखत कर दिए।

I have signed.

Perfective aspect with 'dena' compound.

क्या आपने दस्तखत किए?

Did you sign?

Past tense 'karna' becomes 'kiye' to agree with 'dastakhat'.

यहाँ दस्तखत मत करो।

Don't sign here.

Negative imperative 'mat'.

आपको इस फॉर्म पर दस्तखत करने होंगे।

You will have to sign on this form.

Compulsion with 'hoge'.

मैंने कल ही दस्तखत कर दिए थे।

I had signed just yesterday.

Past perfect tense.

बिना दस्तखत के यह कागज़ बेकार है।

Without a signature, this paper is useless.

'Ke bina' postposition.

क्या आप मेरे लिए दस्तखत कर सकते हैं?

Can you sign for me?

Use of 'sakna' for ability/request.

उसने नीली स्याही से दस्तखत किए।

He signed with blue ink.

Instrumental 'se'.

कृपया अपने दस्तखत यहाँ बदलें।

Please change your signature here.

Imperative 'badlen'.

मेरे पिताजी यहाँ दस्तखत करेंगे।

My father will sign here.

Future tense 'karenge'.

चिट्ठी पर दस्तखत करना मत भूलना।

Don't forget to sign the letter.

Infinitive 'karna' as object of 'bhulna'.

अगर आप दस्तखत करेंगे, तो ही काम होगा।

The work will happen only if you sign.

Conditional sentence.

मैनेजर ने मुझसे तीन बार दस्तखत करवाए।

The manager made me sign three times.

Causative verb 'karvana'.

क्या यह दस्तखत असली है या नकली?

Is this signature real or fake?

Adjectives 'asli' and 'nakli'.

उसने बिना देखे ही दस्तखत कर दिए।

He signed without even looking.

Adverbial phrase 'bina dekhe'.

हमें इस समझौते पर दस्तखत करने चाहिए।

We should sign this agreement.

Moral obligation with 'chahiye'.

वह दस्तखत करने ही वाला था कि फोन बज उठा।

He was about to sign when the phone rang.

'Wala tha' for imminent action.

आपके दस्तखत पुराने वाले से नहीं मिल रहे।

Your signature doesn't match the old one.

'Milna' for matching/meeting.

दस्तखत करने के बाद उसने चैन की सांस ली।

After signing, he breathed a sigh of relief.

'Ke baad' after infinitive.

अदालत ने उसे दस्तखत करने के लिए मजबूर किया।

The court forced him to sign.

'Majboor karna' (to force).

जब तक आप दस्तखत नहीं करेंगे, फाइल आगे नहीं बढ़ेगी।

Until you sign, the file will not move forward.

'Jab tak... nahi' construction.

उसने धोखे से मेरे दस्तखत ले लिए।

He took my signature by deceit.

'Dhokhe se' (by fraud).

वकील ने कहा कि दस्तखत करना कानूनन अनिवार्य है।

The lawyer said that signing is legally mandatory.

Indirect speech.

क्या आपने कभी किसी मशहूर हस्ती के दस्तखत लिए हैं?

Have you ever taken the signature of a famous personality?

Present perfect with 'kabhi'.

उसने संपत्ति के कागज़ात पर दस्तखत करने से इनकार कर दिया।

He refused to sign the property documents.

'Inkar karna' (to refuse).

दस्तखत करने से पहले सभी नियम और शर्तें पढ़ लें।

Read all terms and conditions before signing.

Imperative 'padh len'.

पुलिस ने उससे कबूलनामे पर दस्तखत करवा लिए।

The police made him sign the confession.

Causative 'karva liye'.

उनकी लिखावट और दस्तखत में एक अजीब सी समानता है।

There is a strange similarity in his handwriting and signature.

Abstract noun 'samanata'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि इस संधि पर दस्तखत करना एक भूल थी।

History is witness that signing this treaty was a mistake.

Formal rhetoric.

उसने अपने जीवन के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेज़ पर दस्तखत किए।

He signed the most important document of his life.

Superlative 'sabse mahatvapurn'.

दस्तखत करना केवल एक रस्म नहीं, बल्कि एक ज़िम्मेदारी है।

Signing is not just a ritual, but a responsibility.

'Keval... balki' (not only... but also).

साहित्यकार ने अपनी नई पुस्तक पर दस्तखत करके मुझे भेंट की।

The writer signed his new book and gifted it to me.

Conjunctive participle 'karke'.

प्रशासन ने दस्तखत करने की प्रक्रिया को अब डिजिटल बना दिया है।

The administration has now made the signing process digital.

Modern administrative vocabulary.

बिना सोचे-समझे दस्तखत करना खुद को मुसीबत में डालना है।

Signing without thinking is putting oneself in trouble.

Reduplicated adverb 'soche-samjhe'.

उनके दस्तखत की शैली उनकी कलात्मक प्रवृत्ति को दर्शाती है।

The style of his signature reflects his artistic inclination.

Formal verb 'darshati'.

कूटनीतिक वार्ताओं के पश्चात, दोनों देशों ने शांति समझौते पर दस्तखत किए।

After diplomatic negotiations, both countries signed the peace treaty.

High-level vocabulary 'kutnitik', 'vartaon'.

उसने अपने भाग्य के दस्तावेज़ पर स्वयं दस्तखत किए थे।

He had signed the document of his own destiny himself.

Metaphorical usage.

दस्तखत करने की यह जल्दबाज़ी भविष्य में घातक सिद्ध हो सकती है।

This haste in signing could prove fatal in the future.

Advanced modal 'ho sakti hai'.

हस्ताक्षर और दस्तखत के बीच का भाषाई अंतर समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से महत्वपूर्ण है।

The linguistic difference between 'hastakshar' and 'dastakhat' is important from a sociological perspective.

Academic discourse.

जालसाज़ ने इतनी कुशलता से दस्तखत किए कि विशेषज्ञ भी धोखा खा गए।

The forger signed so skillfully that even experts were deceived.

'Itni... ki' (so... that) construction.

क्या दस्तखत करना मात्र एक कानूनी औपचारिकता रह गई है?

Has signing remained merely a legal formality?

Interrogative with 'matra'.

संविधान पर दस्तखत करना राष्ट्र के प्रति अटूट निष्ठा का प्रतीक था।

Signing the constitution was a symbol of unwavering loyalty to the nation.

Abstract formal nouns.

उसने अपनी वसीयत में दस्तखत करने के लिए अंतिम समय तक प्रतीक्षा की।

He waited until the last moment to sign his will.

Complex temporal clause.

Synonyms

हस्ताक्षर करना साइन करना नाम लिखना तस्दीक करना अंगूठा लगाना लिखना मंजूरी देना पुष्टि करना

Antonyms

मिटाना काटना अस्वीकार करना जालसाजी करना

Common Collocations

कागज़ पर दस्तखत करना

चेक पर दस्तखत करना

समझौते पर दस्तखत करना

जाली दस्तखत करना

रसीद पर दस्तखत करना

वसीयत पर दस्तखत करना

फॉर्म पर दस्तखत करना

रजिस्टर में दस्तखत करना

बिना देखे दस्तखत करना

जबरदस्ती दस्तखत करना

Common Phrases

दस्तखत मिलान

— Signature verification or matching.

बैंक में दस्तखत मिलान किया गया।

दस्तखत के लिए रुकना

— To wait for a signature.

मैं साहब के दस्तखत के लिए रुका हूँ।

दस्तखत अभियान

— A signature campaign/petition.

हमने एक दस्तखत अभियान शुरू किया है।

अंतिम दस्तखत

— The final signature (that closes a deal).

बस एक अंतिम दस्तखत बाकी है।

दस्तखत की जगह

— The place for signature.

दस्तखत की जगह नीचे है।

गलत दस्तखत

— Wrong or incorrect signature.

आपने गलत दस्तखत कर दिए हैं।

दोहरा दस्तखत

— Double signature (signing twice).

यहाँ दोहरा दस्तखत चाहिए।

डिजिटल दस्तखत

— Digital signature.

आजकल डिजिटल दस्तखत का चलन है।

अधूरा दस्तखत

— Incomplete signature.

आपका दस्तखत अधूरा लग रहा है।

स्पष्ट दस्तखत

— Clear signature.

कृपया स्पष्ट दस्तखत करें।

Often Confused With

दस्तखत करना vs लिखना (Likhna)

Likhna is general 'to write', while Dastakhat karna is specific 'to sign'.

दस्तखत करना vs हस्ताक्षर (Hastakshar)

Hastakshar is the Sanskrit version, used in higher formal registers.

दस्तखत करना vs साइन (Sign)

Sign is the English loanword used in casual conversation.

Idioms & Expressions

"मौत के वारंट पर दस्तखत करना"

— To sign one's own death warrant (metaphorically to make a fatal mistake).

उसने उस कंपनी में निवेश करके अपनी मौत के वारंट पर दस्तखत कर दिए।

Metaphorical

"कोरे कागज़ पर दस्तखत करना"

— To sign a blank paper (to give someone full authority or trust blindly).

मैं आप पर भरोसा करके कोरे कागज़ पर दस्तखत कर सकता हूँ।

Idiomatic

"दस्तखत की मुहर"

— A seal of approval.

उनकी रज़ामंदी इस प्रोजेक्ट पर दस्तखत की मुहर है।

Literary

"हाथों के दस्तखत"

— The work of one's own hands.

यह पूरी इमारत मेरे हाथों के दस्तखत है।

Poetic

"क़िस्मत के दस्तखत"

— The signature of fate.

जो होना है वो होगा, ये क़िस्मत के दस्तखत हैं।

Philosophical

"बिना दस्तखत की चिट्ठी"

— An anonymous letter.

मुझे एक बिना दस्तखत की चिट्ठी मिली है।

General

"कलम तोड़ दस्तखत"

— A definitive, unchangeable signature/decision.

जज ने फांसी की सजा पर कलम तोड़ दस्तखत किए।

Dramatic

"दिल पर दस्तखत"

— An impression on the heart.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे दिल पर दस्तखत कर दिए।

Romantic

"हवा में दस्तखत करना"

— To make empty promises (to sign in the air).

नेता जी बस हवा में दस्तखत कर रहे हैं, काम कुछ नहीं होगा।

Sarcastic

"खून से दस्तखत करना"

— To sign with blood (extreme commitment).

क्रांतिकारियों ने आज़ादी के परवाने पर खून से दस्तखत किए।

Historical/Dramatic

Easily Confused

दस्तखत करना vs अंगूठा (Angutha)

Both are marks of authorization.

Dastakhat is a signature (literate); Angutha is a thumbprint (traditionally for non-literate).

उसने दस्तखत किए, पर उसके भाई ने अंगूठा लगाया।

दस्तखत करना vs नाम (Naam)

You write your name when you sign.

Writing a name is 'naam likhna'; a formal signature is 'dastakhat karna'.

अपना नाम लिखो और फिर दस्तखत करो।

दस्तखत करना vs मोहर (Mohar)

Both validate documents.

Mohar is a physical stamp/seal; Dastakhat is handwritten.

कागज़ पर दस्तखत और मोहर दोनों चाहिए।

दस्तखत करना vs तस्दीक (Tasdeeq)

Both involve documents.

Dastakhat is signing; Tasdeeq is the official verification of that signature.

वकील ने मेरे दस्तखत की तस्दीक की।

दस्तखत करना vs आलेख (Aalekh)

Both relate to writing.

Aalekh is a draft or article; Dastakhat is the signature at the end.

उसने आलेख पढ़ा और दस्तखत कर दिए।

Sentence Patterns

यहाँ [noun] करें।

यहाँ दस्तखत करें।

मैंने [noun] पर दस्तखत किए।

मैंने फॉर्म पर दस्तखत किए।

[noun] से दस्तखत करवाएं।

बॉस से दस्तखत करवाएं।

बिना [noun] के [noun] नहीं होगा।

बिना दस्तखत के काम नहीं होगा।

[noun] करना मेरी [noun] है।

दस्तखत करना मेरी ज़िम्मेदारी है।

[noun] की प्रक्रिया को [adjective] बनाना।

दस्तखत की प्रक्रिया को सरल बनाना।

[noun] करने से पहले [verb] लें।

दस्तखत करने से पहले पढ़ लें।

क्या आप [noun] करेंगे?

क्या आप दस्तखत करेंगे?

Word Family

Nouns

दस्तखत (Signature)

हस्ताक्षर (Signature - Sanskritized)

लेखन (Writing)

Verbs

लिखना (To write)

आलेखन करना (To draft)

साइन करना (To sign - Hinglish)

Adjectives

दस्तखती (Signed/Related to signature)

लिखित (Written)

प्रमाणित (Certified)

कलम (Pen)

कागज़ (Paper)

दस्तावेज़ (Document)

स्याही (Ink)

मोहर (Seal)

How to Use It

frequency

High in adult life, banking, and government work.

Common Mistakes

Main dastakhat kiya. → Maine dastakhat kiya.
The 'ne' postposition is required for transitive verbs in the past tense.
Meri dastakhat. → Mera dastakhat.
'Dastakhat' is a masculine noun, so it takes 'mera'.
Dastakhat likhna. → Dastakhat karna.
The correct verb to pair with 'dastakhat' is 'karna', not 'likhna'.
Dast-kat. → Dast-khat.
Ignoring the 'kh' sound makes the word sound incorrect and uneducated.
Using 'dastakhat' for an artist's signature style. → Using 'andaaz' or 'shaili'.
'Dastakhat' is mostly for literal signing, though poetically it can vary.

Tips

Past Tense Agreement

Remember that 'karna' becomes 'kiya' (masculine singular) to agree with 'dastakhat' in the past tense.

Administrative Context

When at a government office in India, always use 'dastakhat' to sound more respectful and knowledgeable.

The Nuqta

The dot under the 'kha' (ख़) means you should use your throat for a raspy sound, not a clean 'k' sound.

Celebrity Signatures

If you want an autograph from a star, use 'autograph' instead of 'dastakhat' to avoid sounding like a lawyer.

Banking Tip

In Indian banks, they take 'dastakhat' verification very seriously. Ensure yours is consistent!

Blank Checks

The phrase 'kore check par dastakhat' is used to mean giving someone absolute trust or power.

Causative Form

Use 'karvana' if you are the one collecting signatures from others, e.g., 'Maine sabse dastakhat karvaye'.

Job Interviews

If asked to sign a contract, 'Dastakhat kahan karne hain?' is a perfect formal question.

Visualizing the word

Break it into Dast (hand) + Khat (line) to never forget the meaning.

Politeness

Always add 'Kripya' (Please) before 'dastakhat kijiye' for better social results.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dust' and 'Cat'. A 'Dusty Cat' leaves its 'paw-print' (signature) everywhere. Dast-Khat.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand (Dast) drawing a line (Khat) on a golden scroll.

Word Web

Hand Writing Legal Contract Pen Ink Authority Identity

Challenge

Try to say 'Dastakhat' five times fast while miming the action of signing a large document.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'Dast-khat'. 'Dast' (دست) means hand, and 'Khat' (خط) means line, script, or writing. It entered Hindi through the administrative language of the Mughal Empire.

Original meaning: Handwriting or something written by hand.

Indo-Iranian (Persian) -> Indo-Aryan (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to assume everyone can sign; in some contexts, 'angutha lagana' is still common and should be treated with respect.

English speakers often use 'sign' as a verb. In Hindi, you must use the noun 'dastakhat' plus the verb 'karna'.

The movie 'Jolly LLB' features many scenes involving court 'dastakhat'. Famous poets often refer to 'dastakhat' as a mark of existence. Government forms in India always have a box labeled 'Dastakhat'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

पैसे निकालने के लिए दस्तखत करें।
दस्तखत नहीं मिल रहे।
चेक बुक पर दस्तखत।
नया दस्तखत रजिस्टर करना।

In the Office

फाइल पर दस्तखत चाहिए।
बॉस के दस्तखत हो गए?
हाज़िरी पर दस्तखत करें।
मीटिंग के बाद दस्तखत।

Legal Matters

वकील के सामने दस्तखत।
गवाह के दस्तखत।
स्टैम्प पेपर पर दस्तखत।
कोर्ट का आदेश और दस्तखत।

Courier/Delivery

पार्सल लेने के लिए दस्तखत।
रसीद पर दस्तखत।
यहाँ दस्तखत कर दीजिए।
डिजिटल पैड पर दस्तखत।

School/College

अभिभावक के दस्तखत।
प्रिंसिपल के दस्तखत।
डिग्री पर दस्तखत।
आवेदन पर दस्तखत।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप यहाँ दस्तखत कर सकते हैं?"

"क्या मैनेजर ने फाइल पर दस्तखत कर दिए हैं?"

"मुझे आपके दस्तखत की ज़रूरत है, कहाँ मिलेंगे?"

"क्या यह आपके पुराने दस्तखत जैसा ही है?"

"क्या मैं इस कागज़ पर दस्तखत करूँ या नहीं?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक बहुत महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेज़ पर दस्तखत किए। वह क्या था और मुझे कैसा लगा?

अगर मुझे किसी मशहूर हस्ती के दस्तखत मिलें, तो मैं किसके चाहूँगा और क्यों?

क्या आपको लगता है कि भविष्य में दस्तखत करना पूरी तरह से खत्म हो जाएगा? डिजिटल दस्तखत के बारे में लिखें।

अपने दस्तखत की कहानी लिखें। आपने इसे कब और कैसे चुना?

एक ऐसी स्थिति के बारे में लिखें जब आपने बिना पढ़े कहीं दस्तखत कर दिए हों।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You should say 'Mera dastakhat' (My signature).

Yes, in casual conversation, 'sign karna' is very common. However, in banks or offices, 'dastakhat karna' sounds more appropriate.

You use the phrase 'jaali dastakhat karna' (to do a fake signature).

'Dastakhat' is Persian-based and standard formal. 'Hastakshar' is Sanskrit-based and very formal/official.

Usually, it stays 'dastakhat'. For example: 'Sabhi dastakhat check karo' (Check all signatures).

Say 'Kripya yahan dastakhat kijiye' (Please sign here).

No, it is pronounced as a fricative /x/, like the 'ch' in the German word 'Bach'.

Literally yes, but in modern Hindi, it almost exclusively means 'signature'.

The correct spelling and pronunciation is 'dast-kh-at' (three syllables), though in fast speech, the second 'a' might be shortened.

Yes, in the past tense. Example: 'Maine dastakhat kiya' (I signed).