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दस्तख़त

B1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

दस्तख़त

dastakhat Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips दस्तख़त in 30 Seconds

Explanation दस्तख़त in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Dastkhat' means 'Signature.' You will hear it when someone wants you to write your name on a form. It is a very important word for travel and basic tasks. For example, at a hotel check-in, the clerk might point to a line and say, 'Yahan dastkhat kijiye' (Please sign here). You don't need to worry about the complex history of the word yet. Just remember: Dastkhat = Signature. It is a masculine word, so we use 'mera' (my) with it. If you see a line on a paper in India, it's probably for your dastkhat.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'Dastkhat' in simple sentences with verbs like 'karna' (to do). You should understand that 'Dastkhat karna' means 'to sign.' You might encounter this word at the post office or when receiving a package. A common sentence would be: 'Kya main yahan dastkhat karoon?' (Should I sign here?). You should also be able to recognize the word in written forms. Remember that it's more formal than just saying 'naam likhna' (writing name). It specifically refers to your official signature that you use for ID cards or banks.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Dastkhat' comfortably in various administrative and formal contexts. You should know that it is a masculine noun and use the correct possessive forms like 'aapke dastkhat' (your signature). You should also be aware of the synonym 'Hastakshar' and know that 'Dastkhat' is very common in legal and banking situations. You should be able to explain why a signature is important—for example, 'Dastkhat ke bina check bekar hai' (Without a signature, the check is useless). You can also start using the word in the context of 'verification' and 'matching' (milna).

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'Dastkhat' versus its synonyms. You should be able to handle complex situations, such as a signature not matching ('Dastkhat nahi mil rahe') or a forged signature ('Jaali dastkhat'). You should also be comfortable with the causative form 'Dastkhat karvana' (to get someone to sign). At this level, you can use the word in professional settings, like during a job interview or when discussing a contract. You should also be aware of the 'nukta' (the dot under the 'kh') and pronounce it correctly as a guttural sound.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'Dastkhat' in literary and metaphorical ways. You might read it in a poem where a signature represents a person's identity or legacy. You should understand the historical Persian roots of the word and how it became part of the 'Hindustani' administrative vocabulary. You can discuss the legal implications of a 'Dastkhat' in depth, using related terms like 'Gawah' (witness) and 'Tasdeeq' (attestation). Your pronunciation should be perfect, and you should be able to switch between 'Dastkhat' and 'Hastakshar' depending on the audience and the level of formality required.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word. You understand its place in the history of the Urdu and Hindi languages. You can analyze how the use of 'Dastkhat' in legal documents reflects the colonial and pre-colonial administrative systems of India. You can use the word in high-level academic or legal writing. You might even explore the philosophy of a signature—how a simple 'Dastkhat' functions as a proxy for the physical presence of a person in the eyes of the law. You are also familiar with rare idioms or archaic uses of the word in classical literature.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

दस्तख़त in 30 Seconds

Dastkhat is the Hindi word for 'signature', widely used in formal and legal contexts across India and Pakistan.
It is a masculine noun derived from Persian roots meaning 'hand-writing', distinguishing it from thumbprints.
The word is typically paired with the verb 'karna' (to do) to mean 'to sign' on documents.
Commonly heard in banks, government offices, and during legal procedures, it is essential for administrative literacy.

The word दस्तख़त (Dastkhat) is a cornerstone of formal and administrative Hindi. Originating from Persian, it literally translates to 'hand-writing' or 'script of the hand.' In modern usage, it refers specifically to a person's signature. While English speakers might simply say 'sign here,' a Hindi speaker in a formal setting—be it a bank, a government office, or a legal proceeding—will almost certainly use this term. It carries a weight of authority and personal verification that casual words lack.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Persian 'Dast' (hand) and 'Khat' (line/writing). It represents the physical act of marking a document with one's unique hand-drawn identifier.

कृपया इस दस्तावेज़ पर अपने दस्तख़त कीजिए। (Please put your signature on this document.)

In the Indian subcontinent, the concept of a signature evolved through various administrative layers. During the Mughal era, Persian became the language of the court, embedding 'Dastkhat' into the bureaucratic lexicon. Even today, when you visit a 'Tehsil' (administrative division) or a local court, the 'Vakils' (lawyers) and 'Babus' (clerks) will demand your 'Dastkhat' on every affidavit. It is not just a mark; it is a legal commitment. Interestingly, for those who cannot write, the alternative is the 'Angutha Nishani' (thumbprint), but 'Dastkhat' remains the gold standard for the literate population.

Grammatical Gender: Dastkhat is a masculine noun. Therefore, you say 'मेरे दस्तख़त' (My signature) and not 'मेरी दस्तख़त'.

क्या आपके दस्तख़त बैंक के रिकॉर्ड से मिलते हैं? (Does your signature match the bank's records?)

Furthermore, the word is often used in literary contexts to signify a personal touch or a legacy. A poet might refer to their style as their 'Dastkhat' on the world of literature. In the digital age, 'Digital Dastkhat' (Digital Signature) has become a common phrase, showing the word's adaptability from ink and parchment to bits and bytes. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating officialdom in North India, Pakistan, or any Hindi/Urdu speaking region.

Using दस्तख़त correctly requires understanding its relationship with verbs. The most common verb paired with it is करना (to do/to make). Unlike English where 'signature' is the noun and 'sign' is the verb, in Hindi, you 'do' a signature. However, in passive or formal requests, you might also see होना (to be/to happen) or लेना (to take/get).

Common Verb Pairings: 1. दस्तख़त करना (To sign)
2. दस्तख़त लेना (To get a signature)
3. दस्तख़त पहचानना (To recognize a signature)

मैनेजर ने फ़ाइल पर अपने दस्तख़त कर दिए हैं। (The manager has signed the file.)

When constructing sentences, remember that 'Dastkhat' is masculine. This affects the adjectives and possessive pronouns used with it. For example, 'Your signature' is 'आपके दस्तख़त' (formal) or 'तुम्हारे दस्तख़त' (informal). If you are talking about a difficult signature to forge, you would say 'कठिन दस्तख़त' (difficult signature).

बिना दस्तख़त के यह चेक बेकार है। (Without a signature, this check is useless.)

In complex sentences, 'Dastkhat' can act as the subject. For instance, 'उसका दस्तख़त जाली है' (His signature is forged). Here, 'जाली' (forged/fake) describes the noun. If you are asking for a signature on behalf of someone else, you might say, 'पिताजी के दस्तख़त करवा लीजिए' (Get your father's signature done/obtained). The causative form 'करवाना' is very useful in administrative contexts where you need to get documents processed.

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + [Object/Document] + पर + [Possessive] + दस्तख़त + [Verb].
Example: रोहन ने कागज़ पर अपने दस्तख़त किए।

Finally, consider the plural usage. While 'Dastkhat' remains the same in form, the surrounding verbs or context might imply multiple signatures. 'सभी कागज़ों पर दस्तख़त चाहिए' (Signatures are needed on all papers). The word is versatile enough to cover a single scribble or a series of official endorsements.

The word दस्तख़त is omnipresent in Indian public life. One of the most common places to hear it is the Bank. Bank tellers often ask customers to 'Dastkhat kijiye' to verify transactions. If the signature doesn't match the one on file, they will say 'Dastkhat nahi mil rahe' (The signatures are not matching). This is a high-stress situation where knowing the word is vital!

कैशियर ने कहा कि मेरे दस्तख़त पुराने वाले से अलग हैं। (The cashier said my signature is different from the old one.)

Another major arena is Government Offices (Sarkari Daftar). Whether applying for a ration card, a passport, or a driver's license, the instruction 'Yahan dastkhat karein' is a constant refrain. In these settings, the word is often used by officials with a certain level of formality. In Legal Dramas (Bollywood movies), you will hear lawyers dramatically asking a witness to look at a 'Dastkhat' on a murder weapon's receipt or a property deed. The word adds a layer of authenticity to the legal jargon used on screen.

In the Corporate World, while English is dominant, HR departments and administrative staff still use 'Dastkhat' when dealing with Hindi-speaking employees or when drafting bilingual contracts. You might also hear it in Literature and Poetry. Urdu Shayari often uses 'Dastkhat' metaphorically—a lover's signature on the heart, or the 'Dastkhat' of fate on a person's life. This elevates the word from a mundane administrative term to a poetic device.

Domain-Specific Contexts: 1. Banking: Verification of identity.
2. Law: Authentication of evidence.
3. Courier/Logistics: Proof of delivery.
4. Art: An artist's signature on a painting.

पेंटिंग के नीचे कलाकार के दस्तख़त बहुत छोटे थे। (The artist's signature at the bottom of the painting was very small.)

Lastly, during Elections, voters have to 'Dastkhat' or provide a thumbprint next to their name on the electoral roll. In this context, the word is associated with the power of democracy and the individual's voice. Whether it's a small receipt at a local grocery store or a high-level international treaty, 'Dastkhat' is the word that seals the deal.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is with the Gender of the word. Since many words ending in 't' in Hindi are feminine (like 'baat' or 'raat'), students often assume 'Dastkhat' is feminine. They might say 'Meri dastkhat' instead of the correct 'Mera dastkhat' or 'Mere dastkhat'. Remember, this word is masculine!

Error: Gender Confusion: Wrong: आपकी दस्तख़त कहाँ है? (Aapki dastkhat kahan hai?)
Right: आपके दस्तख़त कहाँ हैं? (Aapke dastkhat kahan hain?)

सावधान! दस्तख़त पुल्लिंग शब्द है। (Be careful! 'Dastkhat' is a masculine word.)

Another common error is the Pronunciation of the 'kh' (ख़) and 't' (त). The 'kh' has a dot (nukta) under it, meaning it's a guttural sound from the back of the throat, similar to the German 'ch' in 'Bach'. Many learners pronounce it as a simple 'kh' (like in 'khana' - food). While people will understand you, the 'nukta' pronunciation sounds much more authentic. Similarly, the 't' at the end is a soft dental 't', not the hard 't' found in the English word 'tea'.

Learners also struggle with the Plurality. In Hindi, 'Dastkhat' is often used in a way that feels plural in English ('signatures'), but the word doesn't change its form much in the oblique case. For example, 'इन दस्तख़तों को देखो' (Look at these signatures) is correct, but in many contexts, the singular form is used collectively. Using 'Dastkhat' when you mean 'to sign' (the verb) is also a mistake. You must add 'karna' to make it a verb.

Error: Using Noun as Verb: Wrong: क्या मैं यहाँ दस्तख़त सकता हूँ? (Can I signature here?)
Right: क्या मैं यहाँ दस्तख़त कर सकता हूँ? (Can I sign here?)

Lastly, misusing the Register can be an issue. While 'Dastkhat' is perfect for a bank, using it while asking a friend to sign a birthday card might feel a bit too formal or stiff. In very casual settings, 'Sign' or 'Sahī' might be more appropriate, though 'Dastkhat' is never 'wrong'—just perhaps a bit 'heavy'.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for 'writing' and 'marking,' and there are several alternatives to दस्तख़त depending on how formal you want to be or which linguistic tradition you are drawing from.

हस्ताक्षर (Hastākṣar): This is the Sanskrit-derived equivalent. It is extremely formal and is used in high-level government documents, textbooks, and formal Hindi news. While 'Dastkhat' is common in law and banking, 'Hastākṣar' is what you'll see on a school certificate.
सही (Sahī): In colloquial, especially rural or older Hindi/Urdu, 'Sahī' is used. It literally means 'correct' or 'right,' but in the context of documents, it refers to the mark of approval or signature. 'यहाँ अपनी सही कर दो' (Put your mark/sign here).

सरकारी कागज़ों पर हस्ताक्षर करना अनिवार्य है। (It is mandatory to sign [Hastākṣar] government papers.)

There is also the term निशानी (Nishānī). While 'Dastkhat' implies a written name, 'Nishānī' refers to a 'mark.' This is most commonly used in the phrase 'Angutha Nishani' (thumbprint). In legal documents, you will often see a space for 'Dastkhat ya Angutha Nishani' (Signature or Thumbprint), covering both literate and illiterate individuals.

In the digital age, साइन (Sign) has become a loanword used by almost everyone. Even a person with minimal English knowledge knows what 'Sign karna' means. However, 'Dastkhat' remains the 'proper' word. If you are writing a formal letter or an application, using 'Dastkhat' or 'Hastākṣar' will make your Hindi look much more polished than using the English loanword.

Summary of Alternatives: - **Formal/Sanskrit:** हस्ताक्षर (Hastākṣar)
- **Administrative/Common:** दस्तख़त (Dastkhat)
- **Colloquial/Regional:** सही (Sahī)
- **Loanword:** साइन (Sign)

Finally, for 'autograph' (like from a celebrity), Hindi usually uses the English word 'Autograph' or sometimes 'Hastākṣar'. You wouldn't typically ask a movie star for their 'Dastkhat'—that sounds like you're asking them to sign a contract or a check!

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"कृपया आवेदन पत्र पर अपने हस्ताक्षर/दस्तख़त अंकित करें।"

Neutral

"यहाँ अपने दस्तख़त कर दीजिए।"

Informal

"भाई, बस यहाँ एक साइन/दस्तख़त कर दे।"

Child friendly

"बेटा, यहाँ अपना नाम सुंदर दस्तख़त में लिखो।"

Slang

"अरे, बस ठप्पा (stamp/mark) लगा दे या दस्तख़त कर दे।"

Fun Fact

In ancient times, a person's 'Dastkhat' was considered so unique that it was used as a primary forensic tool, long before fingerprinting became common.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʌst.xʌt/

US /ˈdʌst.xʌt/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'Dast'.

Rhymes With

तख़्त (Takht) सख़्त (Sakht) वक़्त (Waqt) रख़्त (Rakht) मस्त (Mast) हस्त (Hast) सुस्त (Sust) पस्त (Past)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (Dust-kat).
Pronouncing 't' as a hard English 't' (like in 'top').
Ignoring the nukta (dot) and making it a simple 'kh' sound.
Treating it as a feminine word.
Stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The 'nukta' (dot) and the Persian spelling can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 4/5

Requires practice to write the conjuncts and the 'kh' correctly.

Speaking 3/5

The guttural 'kh' sound is a challenge for some English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

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

Learn Next

दस्तावेज़ (Document) प्रमाण (Proof) अधिकारी (Officer) बैंक (Bank) समझौता (Agreement)

Advanced

पंजीकरण (Registration) सत्यापन (Verification) हलफ़नामा (Affidavit) मुख़्तारनामा (Power of Attorney) वसीयत (Will)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

Mera dastkhat (My signature) - 'Mera' is masculine.

Compound Verb with 'Karna'

Dastkhat karna (To sign) - 'Karna' turns the noun into an action.

Oblique Case Plural

Dastkhaton par (On the signatures) - Changes to 'on' ending before postpositions.

Causative Verbs

Dastkhat karvana (To have someone sign) - Uses the '-vana' suffix.

Postposition 'Par'

Kagaz par dastkhat (Signature on paper) - Always use 'par' for 'on'.

Examples by Level

यहाँ दस्तख़त कीजिए।

Sign here.

Imperative form of 'karna'.

यह मेरा दस्तख़त है।

This is my signature.

'Mera' is masculine to match 'Dastkhat'.

क्या आपने दस्तख़त किए?

Did you sign?

Past tense of 'karna'.

नाम और दस्तख़त यहाँ लिखें।

Write name and signature here.

Joining two nouns with 'aur'.

छोटा दस्तख़त मत करो।

Don't make a small signature.

Negative imperative.

पेन से दस्तख़त करो।

Sign with a pen.

Using the postposition 'se' for instrument.

आपका दस्तख़त सुंदर है।

Your signature is beautiful.

Adjective 'sundar' modifying the noun.

एक दस्तख़त यहाँ चाहिए।

One signature is needed here.

Using 'chahiye' for requirement.

मुझे आपके दस्तख़त चाहिए।

I need your signature.

Formal 'aapke' used with 'dastkhat'.

क्या मैं यहाँ दस्तख़त कर सकता हूँ?

Can I sign here?

Modal verb 'sakta hoon' for permission.

उसने कागज़ पर दस्तख़त नहीं किए।

He did not sign the paper.

Negative past tense with 'ne' construction.

बैंक में दस्तख़त ज़रूरी हैं।

Signature is necessary in the bank.

Adjective 'zaroori' (necessary).

अपना दस्तख़त मत बदलो।

Don't change your signature.

Verb 'badalna' (to change).

पापा के दस्तख़त ले आओ।

Get Dad's signature.

Causative-like request with 'le aao'.

मेरा दस्तख़त बहुत सरल है।

My signature is very simple.

Adjective 'saral' (simple).

यहाँ दस्तख़त करना मना है।

Signing here is forbidden.

Gerund 'karna' as a subject.

अगर दस्तख़त नहीं मिले, तो चेक बाउंस हो जाएगा।

If the signatures don't match, the check will bounce.

Conditional sentence using 'agar... toh'.

मैसेजर ने मुझसे रसीद पर दस्तख़त करवाए।

The messenger made me sign the receipt.

Causative verb 'karvaye'.

क्या आप इस दस्तख़त को पहचानते हैं?

Do you recognize this signature?

Verb 'pehchanna' (to recognize).

दस्तावेज़ पर दस्तख़त करने से पहले इसे पढ़ लें।

Read the document before signing it.

Using 'se pehle' (before).

उनके दस्तख़त जाली लग रहे हैं।

His signatures look forged.

Adjective 'jaali' (fake/forged).

कलम और स्याही से दस्तख़त किए गए थे।

The signatures were made with pen and ink.

Passive voice construction.

बिना दस्तख़त के आवेदन स्वीकार नहीं किया जाएगा।

Application will not be accepted without a signature.

Negative passive future tense.

क्या आपके पास डिजिटल दस्तख़त हैं?

Do you have a digital signature?

Modern compound noun usage.

अधिकारी ने दस्तख़त करने से साफ़ मना कर दिया।

The officer flatly refused to sign.

Compound verb 'mana kar dena'.

साक्षी के दस्तख़त होना अनिवार्य है।

The witness's signature is mandatory.

Noun 'saakshi' (witness) and adjective 'anivarya'.

उसने अपने दस्तख़त की शैली बदल ली है।

He has changed the style of his signature.

Noun 'shaili' (style).

इन दस्तख़तों की प्रामाणिकता की जाँच करनी होगी।

The authenticity of these signatures will have to be checked.

Abstract noun 'praamanikta' (authenticity).

वसीयत पर मरने वाले के दस्तख़त साफ़ नहीं थे।

The deceased's signature on the will was not clear.

Participle 'marne vale' (the one who died).

क्या आप दस्तख़त की जगह अंगूठा लगाते हैं?

Do you use a thumbprint instead of a signature?

Alternative comparison.

समझौते पर दोनों देशों के मंत्रियों ने दस्तख़त किए।

Ministers of both countries signed the agreement.

Plural subject with 'ne'.

दस्तख़त करते समय मेरा हाथ काँप रहा था।

My hand was shaking while signing.

Using 'vakt' or 'samay' for 'while'.

इतिहास के पन्नों पर उनके दस्तख़त सदा रहेंगे।

His signatures will remain forever on the pages of history.

Metaphorical usage.

जालसाज़ ने इतनी सफ़ाई से दस्तख़त किए कि कोई पकड़ न सका।

The forger signed so cleanly that no one could catch it.

Adverbial phrase 'itni safai se'.

यह दस्तख़त इस बात का सबूत है कि वह यहाँ मौजूद था।

This signature is proof that he was present here.

Noun 'saboot' (proof).

कलाकार के दस्तख़त के बिना पेंटिंग का मूल्य कम हो जाता है।

Without the artist's signature, the value of the painting decreases.

Complex possessive structure.

उसने बिना पढ़े ही दस्तख़त करने की भारी भूल की।

He made the grave mistake of signing without reading.

Gerundive use with 'ki bhool'.

क्या यह दस्तख़त कानूनी रूप से मान्य है?

Is this signature legally valid?

Adverbial phrase 'kanuni roop se'.

उसके दस्तख़त में एक अजीब सी लकीर होती है।

There is a strange line in his signature.

Qualifying with 'ajeeb si'.

साहित्यिक चोरी पर उसके दस्तख़त उसकी हार का प्रतीक थे।

His signature on the plagiarism [confession] was a symbol of his defeat.

Symbolic/Abstract usage.

प्रशासनिक पदानुक्रम में दस्तख़त की महत्ता को नकारा नहीं जा सकता।

The importance of a signature in the administrative hierarchy cannot be denied.

Academic vocabulary (padanukram, mahatta, nakara).

हस्ताक्षर और दस्तख़त के बीच का भाषाई अंतर सूक्ष्म है।

The linguistic difference between Hastakshar and Dastkhat is subtle.

Comparative analysis.

उसकी हर कविता पर उसके व्यक्तित्व के दस्तख़त होते हैं।

Every poem of his bears the signature of his personality.

Deeply metaphorical usage.

दस्तावेज़ की संपुष्टि हेतु दस्तख़त अपरिहार्य हैं।

Signature is indispensable for the validation of the document.

Sanskritized vocabulary (sampushti, apariharya).

क्या दस्तख़त की नकल करना एक कला है या अपराध?

Is forging a signature an art or a crime?

Philosophical question.

उसने अपनी संपत्ति के हस्तांतरण पत्र पर काँपते हाथों से दस्तख़त किए।

He signed the transfer deed of his property with trembling hands.

Descriptive narrative style.

डिजिटल युग में भौतिक दस्तख़त की प्रासंगिकता कम होती जा रही है।

The relevance of physical signatures is decreasing in the digital age.

Societal observation.

अंतिम दस्तख़त के साथ ही वर्षों पुराना विवाद समाप्त हो गया।

With the final signature, the years-old dispute ended.

Temporal markers (antim, varsho purana).

Common Collocations

दस्तख़त करना

जाली दस्तख़त

दस्तख़त मिलना

डिजिटल दस्तख़त

दस्तख़त लेना

दस्तख़त बदलना

दस्तख़त पहचानना

दस्तख़त के लिए जगह

अंतिम दस्तख़त

साक्षी के दस्तख़त

Common Phrases

दस्तख़त हो गए?

— Is the signing done? Used to ask if a document is finalized.

क्या कागज़ों पर दस्तख़त हो गए?

बिना दस्तख़त के

— Without a signature. Used to indicate an incomplete document.

बिना दस्तख़त के चेक मत देना।

दस्तख़त की ज़रूरत

— Need for a signature.

यहाँ आपके दस्तख़त की ज़रूरत है।

गलत दस्तख़त

— Wrong or incorrect signature.

उसने बैंक में गलत दस्तख़त कर दिए।

साफ़ दस्तख़त

— Clear signature. Used when asking for a legible mark.

कृपया साफ़ दस्तख़त करें।

पुराना दस्तख़त

— Old signature. Used when comparing historical records.

मेरा पुराना दस्तख़त अलग था।

सिर्फ एक दस्तख़त

— Only one signature.

सिर्फ एक दस्तख़त और काम हो जाएगा।

नकली दस्तख़त

— Fake signature (similar to jaali).

पुलिस ने नकली दस्तख़त पकड़े।

अपने दस्तख़त दिखाओ

— Show your signature. Used for verification.

ज़रा अपने दस्तख़त दिखाओ।

दस्तख़त की जाँच

— Verification of signature.

बैंक दस्तख़त की जाँच कर रहा है।

Often Confused With

दस्तख़त vs दस्तक (Dastak)

Means a 'knock' on the door. Sounds similar but totally different meaning.

दस्तख़त vs दस्तावेज़ (Dastavez)

Means 'document'. You put your 'dastkhat' on a 'dastavez'.

दस्तख़त vs खत (Khat)

Means 'letter'. A 'dastkhat' is a line made by the hand, while a 'khat' is the whole letter.

Idioms & Expressions

"किसी के दस्तख़त होना"

— To have someone's mark or style. Figuratively means something bears the unmistakable influence of a person.

इस योजना पर प्रधानमंत्री के दस्तख़त हैं (This plan has the PM's mark).

Metaphorical

"मौत के दस्तख़त"

— Sign of death. A very dramatic literary phrase.

उसकी बीमारी मौत के दस्तख़त जैसी थी।

Literary

"वक्त के दस्तख़त"

— The mark of time. Used to describe aging or historical changes.

इस किले पर वक्त के दस्तख़त साफ़ दिखते हैं।

Poetic

"दिल पर दस्तख़त"

— Signature on the heart. Meaning a deep emotional impact.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे दिल पर दस्तख़त कर दिए।

Romantic/Poetic

"अंतिम दस्तख़त करना"

— To make the final decision or seal a deal permanently.

उसने इस्तीफ़े पर अंतिम दस्तख़त कर दिए।

Formal

"बिना दस्तख़त की चिट्ठी"

— An unsigned letter. Often implies an anonymous threat or gossip.

उसे एक बिना दस्तख़त की चिट्ठी मिली।

General

"दस्तख़त अभियान"

— Signature campaign. A collective protest or petition.

छात्रों ने दस्तख़त अभियान शुरू किया।

Social/Political

"कागज़ी दस्तख़त"

— Paper signature. Implies something that is only on paper but not in practice.

यह वादा सिर्फ कागज़ी दस्तख़त है।

Critical

"हवा में दस्तख़त"

— Signature in the air. Meaning something temporary or meaningless.

उसके वादे हवा में दस्तख़त जैसे हैं।

Poetic

"खून से दस्तख़त"

— Signing with blood. A pledge of extreme loyalty or sacrifice.

क्रांतिकारियों ने खून से दस्तख़त किए।

Historical/Dramatic

Easily Confused

दस्तख़त vs हस्ताक्षर

Both mean signature.

Hastakshar is Sanskrit-based and very formal; Dastkhat is Persian-based and common in law/admin.

सरकारी नोटिस पर हस्ताक्षर थे।

दस्तख़त vs सही

Both can mean signature.

Sahī is colloquial/regional; Dastkhat is standard.

यहाँ अपनी सही कर दो।

दस्तख़त vs लेख

Both involve writing.

Lekh means an article or essay; Dastkhat is just a signature.

उसने एक लेख लिखा।

दस्तख़त vs निशान

Both are marks.

Nishan is a general mark or sign; Dastkhat is specifically a handwritten name.

चोट का निशान।

दस्तख़त vs नाम

A signature is often one's name.

Naam is the name itself; Dastkhat is the stylized way of writing it for legal purposes.

मेरा नाम अमित है।

Sentence Patterns

यहाँ [Noun] कीजिए।

यहाँ दस्तख़त कीजिए।

क्या मैं [Noun] कर सकता हूँ?

क्या मैं दस्तख़त कर सकता हूँ?

अगर [Noun] नहीं मिले, तो...

अगर दस्तख़त नहीं मिले, तो पैसे नहीं मिलेंगे।

[Person] से [Noun] करवा लो।

मैनेजर से दस्तख़त करवा लो।

[Noun] की प्रामाणिकता की जाँच...

दस्तख़त की प्रामाणिकता की जाँच की गई।

[Noun] पदानुक्रम में...

दस्तख़त प्रशासनिक पदानुक्रम में अनिवार्य हैं।

बिना [Noun] के [Document]...

बिना दस्तख़त के चेक बेकार है।

अपना [Noun] यहाँ लिखें।

अपना दस्तख़त यहाँ लिखें।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in administrative, legal, and banking domains.

Common Mistakes

Meri dastkhat → Mera dastkhat
Dastkhat is a masculine noun, so it takes masculine possessive pronouns.
Dastkhat karo (to a boss) → Dastkhat kijiye
Always use the polite 'kijiye' when asking a superior or elder to sign.
Yahan dastkhat sakti hoon? → Yahan dastkhat kar sakti hoon?
You cannot use the noun alone as a verb; you must add 'kar' (do).
Pronouncing it 'Dust-kat' → Dast-khat (guttural kh)
The 'kh' sound is essential for correct Persian-origin pronunciation.
Using it for an autograph → Autograph / Hastakshar
Asking a celebrity for a 'Dastkhat' sounds like you want them to sign a legal contract.

Tips

Literacy Symbol

In many parts of India, being able to 'Dastkhat' is a symbol of having attended school. It is treated with respect.

Verb Agreement

Remember to use 'kiya' or 'kiye' (masculine) when using the past tense. 'Usne dastkhat kiye' (He signed).

Bank Verification

If you are at an Indian bank, always ensure your 'Dastkhat' matches your ID perfectly, as they are very strict about it.

The Nukta

Don't forget the dot under the 'kha'. It changes the sound from a simple 'k' to a sophisticated 'kh'.

Formal Requests

When asking an elder to sign, use 'Aapke dastkhat' to show proper respect.

Soft 'T'

The 't' at the end is dental. Touch your tongue to your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth.

Compound Words

Learn 'Dastkhat-shuda' which means 'signed'. It's very common on official documents.

Context Clues

If you hear 'milna' (to meet/match) with 'dastkhat', it usually means the signature verification process.

Digital Age

Use 'Digital Dastkhat' for e-signatures in professional emails.

Hand-Line

Just remember 'Dast' (Hand) + 'Khat' (Line). Your signature is your hand's line.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DUST' on a 'CAT'. If a cat walks on dust and leaves a paw print, that's its 'Dast-khat' (Hand/Paw-mark).

Visual Association

Imagine a hand (Dast) drawing a line (Khat) on a gold-bordered document.

Word Web

Bank Legal Pen Identity Contract Form Verification Authentic

Challenge

Try to write the word 'दस्तख़त' five times in Devanagari script, focusing on the dot under the 'kha'.

Word Origin

Dastkhat comes from the Persian language, which was the administrative language of the Mughal Empire in India for centuries. This is why many legal and official Hindi terms have Persian roots.

Original meaning: Hand-writing or script of the hand (Dast = Hand, Khat = Script/Line).

Indo-Iranian -> Persian -> Hindustani

Cultural Context

Be respectful when asking someone for a 'thumbprint' instead of a 'dastkhat', as it may highlight their lack of formal education.

While English speakers use 'signature' for everything from checks to autographs, Hindi speakers might use 'Dastkhat' for documents and 'Autograph' for celebrities.

The movie 'Dastak' (though meaning knock, often confused phonetically) Legal thrillers like 'Jolly LLB' Poetry by Mirza Ghalib

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

मेरे दस्तख़त नहीं मिल रहे।
यहाँ दस्तख़त करें।
पुराना दस्तख़त दिखाएँ।
नया दस्तख़त अपडेट करें।

Receiving a Courier

रसीद पर दस्तख़त चाहिए।
किसके दस्तख़त लूँ?
यहाँ साइन कर दें।
नाम और दस्तख़त लिखें।

Legal/Court

जाली दस्तख़त का मामला है।
गवाह के दस्तख़त कहाँ हैं?
वसीयत पर दस्तख़त ज़रूरी हैं।
दस्तख़त की जाँच होगी।

Office/Work

बॉस के दस्तख़त करा लो।
फ़ाइल पर दस्तख़त हो गए।
बिना दस्तख़त के मत भेजना।
ईमेल में डिजिटल दस्तख़त लगाओ।

School/Education

माता-पिता के दस्तख़त लाओ।
रिपोर्ट कार्ड पर दस्तख़त।
प्रिंसिपल के दस्तख़त चाहिए।
यहाँ दस्तख़त करना सीखें।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको अपना दस्तख़त करना पसंद है?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी का जाली दस्तख़त देखा है?"

"क्या आपके दस्तख़त बैंक के रिकॉर्ड से हमेशा मिलते हैं?"

"आपके हिसाब से डिजिटल दस्तख़त कितने सुरक्षित हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी किसी मशहूर हस्ती का ऑटोग्राफ (दस्तख़त) लिया है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक बहुत ज़रूरी दस्तावेज़ पर दस्तख़त किए। मुझे कैसा महसूस हुआ?

अगर मेरा दस्तख़त मेरी पहचान है, तो वह मेरे बारे में क्या कहता है?

पुराने ज़माने में दस्तख़त की जगह अंगूठा लगाया जाता था। इस बदलाव पर अपने विचार लिखें।

एक कहानी लिखें जहाँ एक गलत दस्तख़त की वजह से बड़ी मुसीबत खड़ी हो गई।

डिजिटल दस्तख़त के फायदे और नुकसान के बारे में लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You should use 'mera' or 'aapke' with it. For example, 'Mera dastkhat' (My signature).

Dastkhat is from Persian and used commonly in North India/Pakistan, especially in legal/banking contexts. Hastakshar is from Sanskrit and is more formal, often used in government certificates or high-level Hindi.

Yes, 'Sign' is a common loanword in India. Most people will understand 'Sign kijiye,' but using 'Dastkhat' sounds more professional and native.

You combine the noun with the verb 'karna'. So, 'to sign' is 'दस्तख़त करना' (Dastkhat karna).

It means a forged or fake signature. 'Jaali' means fake or counterfeit.

No, it is a guttural sound from the throat, like the 'ch' in 'Lochness' or 'Bach'. The dot (nukta) indicates this sound.

It comes from Persian. 'Dast' means hand and 'Khat' means line or writing. So it literally means 'hand-writing'.

No, 'Khat' alone can mean a letter, but 'Dastkhat' specifically means the signature.

Yes, it is the primary word for signature in Urdu as well.

You should say, 'Kripya yahan dastkhat kijiye' (Please sign here).