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धारण करना

B2 verb #3,500 most common 6 min read

धारण करना

dharan karna Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips धारण करना in 30 Seconds

Explanation धारण करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'धारण करना' (dhāraṇ karnā). It is much easier and more common to use 'पहनना' (pahan-nā) for 'to wear' and 'पकड़ना' (pakaṛnā) for 'to hold'. If you see this word in a beginner book, just remember it means 'to wear' in a very fancy or special way, like a king wearing a crown. Think of it as a 'super-formal' version of 'wearing'. You might see it in simple stories about gods or kings. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; just recognize it as something special being worn or held.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize that 'धारण करना' is used for things that aren't just regular clothes. If you are talking about a uniform or a religious symbol, this word might appear. It’s also used when someone 'takes a form' in a story. For example, 'The cat took the form of a woman.' In Hindi stories, this is 'रूप धारण करना'. You should know that 'karnā' means 'to do/make', so 'dhāraṇ karnā' is literally 'to do the act of holding/wearing'. It's a compound verb. You might start seeing it in formal signs or very polite instructions.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'धारण करना' has both physical and mental meanings. Physically, it's for significant items (medals, titles, traditional dress). Mentally, it's for 'adopting' a quality. If a teacher tells you to 'dhāraṇ' patience, they mean you should make patience a part of your character. You should also be aware of the 'ne' (ने) construction in the past tense: 'उसने (Subject) मौन (Object) धारण किया (Verb)'. Here, 'kiyā' is masculine because 'moun' (silence) is masculine. Start using it in formal writing or when discussing serious topics like culture or history.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'धारण करना' correctly in formal and literary contexts. You should distinguish it from 'pahan-nā' (everyday wear) and 'apnānā' (to adopt). B2 learners should use it for 'assuming a post' (pad dhāraṇ karnā) or 'holding an opinion/silence'. You should also be comfortable with its use in passive-like structures or formal speeches. For example, 'The committee has assumed a strict stance' would use this verb. You should also recognize it in complex literature where it describes the soul or abstract virtues. It's about 'embodying' something.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the philosophical depth of 'धारण करना'. It is linked to the word 'Dharma' (that which is held/upheld). You should be able to use it in academic essays, legal contexts, or high-level literary analysis. For instance, discussing how a poet 'assumes' a certain persona in their work. You should also understand its use in ancient Sanskrit-influenced Hindi (Tatsam words). You can use it to describe complex transformations, like a society 'assuming' a new cultural identity. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the weight and 'gravitas' the word carries.

At the C2 level, 'धारण करना' is a tool for nuanced expression. You might use it to describe the 'retention' of complex data in the mind (dhāraṇā-shakti) or the 'bearing' of cosmic responsibilities in a philosophical treatise. You understand its etymological roots perfectly and can play with its various shades—from the literal 'wearing' of a ritualistic garment to the metaphorical 'holding' of a silence that speaks volumes. You can use it in creative writing to create a specific atmosphere (historical, divine, or hyper-formal) and understand the subtle difference between 'dhāraṇ karnā' and its synonyms in every possible context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

धारण करना in 30 Seconds

A formal verb for 'to wear' or 'to hold' significant things.
Used for crowns, weapons, titles, and abstract states like silence.
Higher register than 'pahan-na'; common in literature and news.
Follows the 'ne' construction in the past tense.

The Hindi verb धारण करना (dhāraṇ karnā) is a sophisticated and multi-faceted term that transcends simple physical actions. At its core, it is derived from the Sanskrit root 'dhṛ', which means to hold, support, or maintain. In contemporary Hindi, especially in formal, literary, or spiritual contexts, it signifies the act of wearing something significant, assuming a specific form or role, or internalizing a concept. Unlike the common word 'पहनना' (pahan-nā), which is used for everyday clothing like shirts or pants, धारण करना suggests a level of gravity, sanctity, or permanence. For instance, a king wears a crown (मुकुट धारण करना), or a devotee adopts a vow (व्रत धारण करना).

The Physical Dimension: In a physical sense, it refers to wearing items that carry symbolic weight. This includes uniforms, religious symbols like the sacred thread (Janeu), or traditional ornaments. It can also mean 'to hold' a weapon or a tool in a formal capacity, such as a deity holding a lotus or a discus.
The Metaphorical Dimension: Metaphorically, it refers to 'assuming' or 'adopting'. One can assume a new identity, a silence (मौन धारण करना), or even a specific physical appearance. It is also used in the context of memory—to retain information within the mind is to 'dhaaran' that knowledge.

प्राचीन काल में राजा युद्ध के समय कवच धारण करते थे। (In ancient times, kings used to wear armor during war.)

Example of physical usage in a historical context.

उसने इस मामले पर मौन धारण कर लिया है। (He has assumed/adopted silence on this matter.)

Furthermore, in philosophical discourses, you will often hear about the soul 'assuming' a body (शरीर धारण करना). This suggests that the body is like a garment for the eternal soul. Because of this depth, the word is indispensable for anyone reading Hindi literature, watching historical dramas, or engaging in spiritual discussions. It bridges the gap between the visible world of clothes and weapons and the invisible world of roles, virtues, and identities. If you want to sound more educated or poetic in Hindi, replacing simple verbs with धारण करना in the appropriate context is a great strategy.

Using धारण करना correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It always takes an object—the thing being worn, held, or assumed. In the past tense, because it is a transitive verb, it follows the 'ne' (ने) construction, where the verb agrees with the object rather than the subject.

Grammatical Pattern: [Subject] + [Object] + धारण करना.
Example: उसने (Subject) नया रूप (Object) धारण किया (Verb).

योगी ने गेरुआ वस्त्र धारण किया है। (The yogi has donned saffron clothes.)

Notice in the example above, 'dhāraṇ kiyā' is used because 'vastra' (clothes) is masculine. If the object were feminine, like 'shakti' (power), the verb would change: उसने शक्ति धारण की. This verb is frequently paired with abstract nouns to describe emotional or mental states that one 'takes on'.

आपको धैर्य धारण करना चाहिए। (You should maintain/assume patience.)

In professional settings, it can be used for assuming an office or a position. 'पद धारण करना' (pad dhāraṇ karnā) means to hold a post or office. This is standard terminology in government and corporate documents. Similarly, 'सदस्यता धारण करना' means to hold a membership. In these contexts, it is synonymous with 'holding' a title or responsibility. When you use it this way, it implies that the person is now the 'bearer' of that responsibility, much like someone bearing a physical weight.

नये अध्यक्ष कल अपना पद धारण करेंगे। (The new president will assume his post tomorrow.)

While you might not hear धारण करना at a vegetable market, it is ubiquitous in several specific spheres of Indian life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word.

1. Mythology and Religious Texts: In the Ramayana or Mahabharata, characters are always 'assuming forms' (roop dhāraṇ karnā) or 'holding weapons' (shastra dhāraṇ karnā). Lord Vishnu is described as having 'assumed' the avatar of a boar (Varaha roop dhāraṇ kiyā).
2. Formal News and Politics: News anchors use this term when a politician takes an oath or assumes a ministry. It sounds more authoritative than saying they 'started' the job. 'शपथ ग्रहण के बाद उन्होंने कार्यभार धारण किया' (After the oath, he assumed the charge of work).
3. Academic and Philosophical Lectures: When discussing ethics or virtues, teachers might ask students to 'adopt' certain values. 'सदाचार को अपने जीवन में धारण करें' (Adopt good conduct in your life).

हनुमान जी ने विशाल रूप धारण किया। (Hanuman ji assumed a giant form.)

In modern Bollywood movies, you will hear it in historical dramas (period pieces) like 'Bajirao Mastani' or 'Baahubali'. It adds a sense of 'grandeur' to the dialogue. If a character says 'मैं यह अपमान धारण नहीं कर सकता', they mean they cannot 'bear' or 'hold' this insult within them—it's much more powerful than saying 'I don't like this insult'.

Because धारण करना translates to 'to wear', many learners use it interchangeably with 'पहनना' (pahan-nā). This is the most common error.

Mistake 1: Casual Clothing: Incorrect: मैंने नीली जींस धारण की है। (I have assumed blue jeans.)
Correct: मैंने नीली जींस पहनी है।
Reason: 'Dhaaran karna' is too formal for everyday items. Use it for crowns, robes, or symbolic items.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Grahann Karna': Incorrect: मैंने आपका उपहार धारण किया।
Correct: मैंने आपका उपहार ग्रहण किया।
Reason: 'Grahann karna' means to accept or receive. 'Dhaaran karna' means to wear or hold. You accept a gift, you don't 'wear/hold' it in the formal sense unless it's a title.

भ्रमित न हों: ग्रहण (Accept) vs धारण (Wear/Hold).

Another mistake is using it for temporary physical holding. If you are just holding a pen to write, you use 'पकड़ना' (pakaṛnā). If you are 'holding' a sword as a symbol of your rank in a ceremony, then you use 'dhāraṇ karnā'. The difference lies in the intent and the duration. 'Dhaaran' implies a state of being or a formal possession.

Hindi has several verbs for 'wearing' or 'holding'. Choosing the right one depends on the register (formality) and the object.

पहनना (Pahan-nā): The standard word for wearing clothes, shoes, or glasses. Use this 90% of the time in daily life.
ओढ़ना (Oṛhnā): Specifically used for wrapping something around oneself, like a shawl (dupatta) or a blanket (kambal).
पकड़ना (Pakaṛnā): To catch or to hold physically with hands (like holding a bag or catching a ball).
अपनाना (Apnānā): To adopt a lifestyle, a habit, or a child. It is close to 'dhaaran karna' in the metaphorical sense of 'adopting values'.

तुलना:
1. कपड़े पहनना (Wear clothes)
2. शाल ओढ़ना (Wrap a shawl)
3. मौन धारण करना (Assume silence)

In formal Hindi, you might also see 'विराजमान होना' (virājmān honā) which means to be seated or to grace a position, often used for deities or dignitaries. However, धारण करना remains unique because it implies that the object becomes a part of the person's identity or current state. For example, 'क्रोध धारण करना' (to assume anger) suggests the person has allowed anger to take over their being, whereas 'गुस्सा होना' just means being angry.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Dharma' and 'धारण' are cousins. While Dharma is the 'moral law' that holds society together, 'Dhaaran' is the act of you 'holding' that law or any other object/identity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʱɑː.rəɳ kər.nɑː/

US /ˈdɑː.rən kər.nɑː/

Stress is on the first syllable of both words: DHĀ-raṇ KAR-nā.

Rhymes With

कारण करना (kāraṇ karnā) निवारण करना (nivāraṇ karnā) उच्चारण करना (ucchāraṇ karnā) स्मरण करना (smaraṇ karnā) मरण करना (maraṇ karnā) तारण करना (tāraṇ karnā) धारण (Dhāraṇ) rhymes with 'Barn' (if 'n' is retroflexed). करना (Karnā) rhymes with 'Marna'.

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dh' as a simple 'd' (without breath).
Using a standard 'n' instead of the retroflex 'ṇ'.
Shortening the first vowel 'ā'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in books and newspapers, but rarely in simple texts.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of 'ne' construction and gender agreement with objects.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize once the core meaning is known.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पहनना पकड़ना रूप पद करना

Learn Next

ग्रहण करना अर्पण करना निर्वाह करना स्थापित करना

Advanced

विराजमान अलंकार संस्कार प्रतिष्ठा

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb 'ne' Construction

राम ने (Subject) धनुष (Masculine Object) धारण किया (Verb agrees with Object).

Compound Verb with 'Lena'

उसने रूप धारण कर लिया (Implies the completion or 'taking' of the state).

Gender Agreement

उसने शक्ति (Feminine) धारण की (Verb becomes feminine).

Infinitive as Noun

धैर्य धारण करना एक कला है (Holding patience is an art).

Honorific Plural

स्वामी जी ने मौन धारण किया है (Standard plural for respect).

Examples by Level

राजा ने मुकुट धारण किया।

The king wore a crown.

Simple past tense with 'ne'.

वह माला धारण करता है।

He wears a garland.

Present habitual tense.

देवी ने कमल धारण किया है।

The goddess is holding a lotus.

Present perfect tense.

सैनिक तलवार धारण करते हैं।

Soldiers carry swords.

General truth/habitual.

क्या आपने यह अंगूठी धारण की है?

Have you worn this ring?

Interrogative perfect tense.

बच्चे ने नया रूप धारण किया।

The child took a new form (look).

Masculine object 'roop'.

पंडित जी तिलक धारण करते हैं।

The priest wears a mark on his forehead.

Habitual action.

वह शांति धारण करना चाहता है।

He wants to assume (keep) peace.

Infinitve with 'want'.

उसने साधु का वेश धारण किया।

He assumed the attire of a monk.

Vesh (attire) is masculine.

भगवान विष्णु ने अनेक रूप धारण किए।

Lord Vishnu assumed many forms.

Plural object 'roop'.

हमें अच्छी आदतें धारण करनी चाहिए।

We should adopt good habits.

Feminine plural object 'aadatein'.

उसने विवाह के बाद नया नाम धारण किया।

She assumed a new name after marriage.

Formal context for 'name'.

क्या वह मंत्री का पद धारण करेगा?

Will he hold the post of a minister?

Future tense for professional post.

योद्धा ने ढाल धारण की।

The warrior held a shield.

Dhaal (shield) is feminine.

नदी ने विकराल रूप धारण कर लिया।

The river assumed a fearsome form (flooded).

Metaphorical use for nature.

उसने अपनी माता के संस्कार धारण किए हैं।

He has adopted his mother's values.

Abstract plural object.

सत्य को हृदय में धारण करना कठिन है।

It is difficult to hold truth in one's heart.

Infinitive as a subject.

उसने इस गंभीर विषय पर मौन धारण कर लिया।

He assumed silence on this serious topic.

Compound verb 'kar liya'.

विजेता ने स्वर्ण पदक धारण किया।

The winner wore the gold medal.

Formal 'wearing'.

हमें बड़ों की शिक्षाओं को धारण करना चाहिए।

We should internalize the teachings of elders.

Internalizing/Adopting.

उसने अपनी हार को गरिमा के साथ धारण किया।

He bore his defeat with dignity.

Metaphorical 'bearing'.

क्या आपने कभी कोई व्रत धारण किया है?

Have you ever observed (held) a fast/vow?

Religious context.

पृथ्वी ने हरियाली की चादर धारण की है।

The earth has donned a blanket of greenery.

Poetic personification.

उसने एक नया व्यक्तित्व धारण किया है।

He has assumed a new personality.

Abstract identity change.

नवनियुक्त राजदूत ने अपना कार्यभार धारण किया।

The newly appointed ambassador assumed his charge.

Formal administrative language.

उसने समाज सेवा का संकल्प धारण किया है।

He has taken (assumed) a resolution for social service.

Formal resolution.

लेखक ने अपनी कहानी में एक काल्पनिक नाम धारण किया।

The author assumed a pseudonym in his story.

Assuming an identity.

आरोपी ने अदालत में चुप्पी धारण कर ली।

The accused maintained silence in court.

Legal/Formal context.

यह संस्था एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्वरूप धारण कर चुकी है।

This organization has assumed an international character.

Evolution of an entity.

उसने अपनी संस्कृति के प्रतीकों को गर्व से धारण किया।

He wore the symbols of his culture with pride.

Symbolic wearing.

क्या आप इस जिम्मेदारी को धारण करने के लिए तैयार हैं?

Are you ready to bear/assume this responsibility?

Responsibility as a weight.

पवित्र धागा धारण करने की एक विशेष विधि होती है।

There is a specific method for wearing the sacred thread.

Ritualistic context.

आत्मा पुराने शरीर को त्यागकर नया शरीर धारण करती है।

The soul discards the old body and assumes a new one.

Philosophical/Scriptural.

उसकी आँखों ने एक अजीब सी चमक धारण कर ली थी।

His eyes had taken on a strange glint.

Literary description.

विद्वानों को विनम्रता का आभूषण धारण करना चाहिए।

Scholars should wear the ornament of humility.

Metaphorical ornament.

उसने अपने गुरु की विचारधारा को पूरी तरह धारण कर लिया।

He completely internalized/adopted his teacher's ideology.

Deep internalization.

आंदोलन ने अब एक हिंसक मोड़ धारण कर लिया है।

The movement has now taken on a violent turn.

Abstract shift in nature.

उसने अपनी व्यथा को मुस्कुराहट के पीछे धारण किए रखा।

He kept his agony held (hidden) behind a smile.

Emotional concealment.

किसी भी उच्च पद को धारण करने के लिए योग्यता अनिवार्य है।

Eligibility is mandatory for holding any high post.

Formal principle.

उसने एक कठोर तपस्वी का जीवन धारण किया।

He adopted the life of a rigorous ascetic.

Adopting a lifestyle.

ब्रह्मांड की अनंत शक्तियों को धारण करना मानव बुद्धि के परे है।

To contain/hold the infinite powers of the universe is beyond human intellect.

Metaphysical usage.

उसने अपनी कला में शास्त्रीय और आधुनिक शैलियों का अनूठा संगम धारण किया है।

He has embodied a unique blend of classical and modern styles in his art.

Artistic embodiment.

इस ऐतिहासिक इमारत ने समय के कई थपेड़ों को अपने सीने पर धारण किया है।

This historical building has borne many blows of time upon its chest.

Advanced personification.

ज्ञान को केवल मस्तिष्क में नहीं, बल्कि आचरण में धारण करना ही सच्ची शिक्षा है।

True education is to embody knowledge in conduct, not just in the brain.

Ethical philosophy.

उसने न्याय की रक्षा के लिए 'गांडीव' धारण करने का निश्चय किया।

He decided to wield the 'Gandiva' (bow) for the protection of justice.

High literary/Epic style.

कविता ने एक दार्शनिक गहराई धारण कर ली है।

The poetry has taken on a philosophical depth.

Abstract literary quality.

उसने अपनी पराजय को आत्म-चिंतन के अवसर के रूप में धारण किया।

He embraced/held his defeat as an opportunity for self-reflection.

Cognitive reframing.

संविधान की मूल भावनाओं को अक्षुण्ण बनाए रखना और उन्हें धारण करना प्रत्येक नागरिक का कर्तव्य है।

It is the duty of every citizen to keep the core values of the constitution intact and to embody them.

Civic/Legal formal register.

Synonyms

पहनना अपनाना ग्रहण करना सजाना रखना ओढ़ना स्वीकार करना लेना

Antonyms

त्यागना उतारना छोड़ना अस्वीकार करना

Common Collocations

मौन धारण करना

पद धारण करना

रूप धारण करना

शस्त्र धारण करना

वस्त्र धारण करना

धैर्य धारण करना

संकल्प धारण करना

मुकुट धारण करना

सदस्यता धारण करना

अवतार धारण करना

Common Phrases

मौन धारण कर लेना

— To go completely silent, often as a protest or for meditation.

पूरी सभा ने मौन धारण कर लिया।

नया चोला धारण करना

— Literally to wear new clothes, but idiomatically to change one's identity or start a new life.

उसने सन्यास का चोला धारण कर लिया।

धारण करने की शक्ति

— The power of retention or memory.

उसकी धारण करने की शक्ति अद्भुत है।

कठोर रूप धारण करना

— To take on a stern or severe appearance/attitude.

अधिकारी ने अब कठोर रूप धारण कर लिया है।

भेष धारण करना

— To disguise oneself or take on a specific appearance.

उसने भिखारी का भेष धारण किया।

गंभीरता धारण करना

— To become serious or assume a grave demeanor.

माहौल ने गंभीरता धारण कर ली।

शपथ धारण करना

— To take an oath (though 'shapath lena' is more common, this is very formal).

उन्होंने मंत्री पद की शपथ धारण की।

अलंकार धारण करना

— To wear ornaments or jewelry (formal).

दुल्हन ने सुंदर अलंकार धारण किए।

व्रत धारण करना

— To take a religious vow or fast.

उसने मौन व्रत धारण किया है।

पदवी धारण करना

— To hold a title or designation.

उसने 'डॉक्टर' की पदवी धारण की।

Often Confused With

धारण करना vs ग्रहण करना

Grahann means to accept/receive (like food or a gift). Dhaaran means to wear/hold/assume.

धारण करना vs धारण (Noun)

Dhaaran is the act, but 'Dhaarnā' is the belief/concept. Don't confuse the verb with the related noun.

धारण करना vs धरना

Dharnā means to place or to stage a protest (sit-in). It is physically different from 'dhāraṇ karnā'.

Idioms & Expressions

"नया रूप धारण करना"

— To change completely; to evolve into something else.

गाँव ने अब शहर का रूप धारण कर लिया है।

Metaphorical

"मौन व्रत धारण करना"

— To vow to stay silent for a period.

गांधी जी अक्सर मौन व्रत धारण करते थे।

Spiritual/Historical

"चोला धारण करना"

— To adopt a certain lifestyle or identity (often religious).

उसने फकीरी का चोला धारण कर लिया।

Poetic

"विकराल रूप धारण करना"

— To become terrifying or out of control (used for storms, fires, or anger).

आग ने विकराल रूप धारण कर लिया।

Journalistic

"शस्त्र धारण करना"

— To take up arms; to prepare for a fight.

अन्याय के विरुद्ध उसने शस्त्र धारण किए।

Literary

"अवतार धारण करना"

— To be born as an incarnation (used for gods).

विष्णु जी ने कृष्ण का अवतार धारण किया।

Religious

"चुप साध लेना / धारण करना"

— To maintain a strategic or forced silence.

सवाल पूछने पर उसने चुप धारण कर ली।

Formal

"धैर्य की मूर्ति धारण करना"

— To be the epitome of patience.

उसने विकट परिस्थिति में भी धैर्य की मूर्ति धारण की।

Literary

"कवच धारण करना"

— To protect oneself; to put on a shield (physical or mental).

उसने अपनी भावनाओं के लिए एक कवच धारण कर लिया है।

Metaphorical

"पद की गरिमा धारण करना"

— To maintain the dignity of one's office.

हर नेता को अपने पद की गरिमा धारण करनी चाहिए।

Political

Easily Confused

धारण करना vs पहनना

Both mean 'to wear'.

Pahan-na is for everyday clothes. Dhaaran karna is for symbolic, formal, or mental states.

मैंने कोट पहना (Casual) vs राजा ने कवच धारण किया (Formal).

धारण करना vs पकड़ना

Both can mean 'to hold'.

Pakad-na is physical and temporary (holding a phone). Dhaaran karna is formal or symbolic (holding a sword in a ceremony).

गेंद पकड़ो (Catch the ball) vs शस्त्र धारण करो (Wield the weapon).

धारण करना vs अपनाना

Both mean 'to adopt'.

Apnana is used for habits, methods, or people. Dhaaran karna is used for forms, roles, or virtues.

बच्चे को अपनाना (Adopt a child) vs मौन धारण करना (Assume silence).

धारण करना vs रखना

Both mean 'to keep'.

Rakhna is a general verb for keeping. Dhaaran karna implies the object is 'on' or 'part of' the person.

किताब मेज़ पर रखो (Keep book on table) vs धैर्य धारण करो (Maintain patience).

धारण करना vs ओढ़ना

Both relate to covering the body.

Odhna is specifically for wrapping (shawls). Dhaaran is for putting on/assuming formally.

चादर ओढ़ना (Wrap a sheet) vs वेश धारण करना (Assume a disguise).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Object] धारण करता है।

राजा मुकुट धारण करता है।

[Subject] ने [Object] धारण किया।

उसने नया वेश धारण किया।

[Subject] को [Object] धारण करना चाहिए।

हमें धैर्य धारण करना चाहिए।

[Subject] [Object] धारण करने के योग्य है।

वह यह पद धारण करने के योग्य है।

[Subject] द्वारा [Object] धारण किया गया।

उनके द्वारा मौन धारण किया गया।

[Object] धारण किए हुए [Subject]...

हाथ में खड्ग धारण किए हुए योद्धा...

[Subject] ने [Object] धारण कर लिया है।

नदी ने विकराल रूप धारण कर लिया है।

क्या आप [Object] धारण करेंगे?

क्या आप यह जिम्मेदारी धारण करेंगे?

Word Family

Nouns

धारणा (dhāraṇā) Concept, belief, or retention power.

धर्ता (dhartā) One who holds or supports (e.g., Jagat-dhartā).

धारिणी (dhāriṇī) The earth (that which holds everything).

Verbs

धारना (dhārnā) An older/poetic form of the same verb.

Adjectives

धारी (dhārī) Suffix meaning 'bearer of' (e.g., chakra-dhārī: bearer of the discus).

धारणीय (dhāraṇīya) Wearable or worth adopting.

धर्म (Dharma)

धैर्य (Dhairya)

धरती (Dharti)

आधार (Aadhār)

उद्धार (Uddhār)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and literature; rare in street slang.

Common Mistakes

मैंने जूता धारण किया। → मैंने जूता पहना।
Shoes are mundane items; 'dhāraṇ' is for significant ones.
उसने मेरी बात धारण की। → उसने मेरी बात मानी।
'Dhaaran' is not for 'obeying' or 'agreeing'.
राजा ने मुकुट धारण की। → राजा ने मुकुट धारण किया।
'Mukut' (crown) is masculine; the verb must agree.
वह फल धारण कर रहा है। → वह फल खा रहा है।
You don't 'assume/wear' a fruit unless you are a tree 'bearing' fruit (which is a different context).
मैंने पेन धारण किया है। → मैंने पेन पकड़ा है।
Holding a pen is a temporary physical act; use 'pakadnā'.

Tips

Check the Object Gender

Always determine if the object is masculine or feminine before using the past tense. 'Moun' is masculine, 'Shanti' is feminine.

Elevate Your Writing

In formal letters or creative stories, replace 'pahan-na' with 'dhāraṇ karnā' for symbolic items like medals or traditional dress.

Related Words

Learn 'Dhaaran-shakti' (memory/retention) alongside this verb to expand your vocabulary.

Professional Use

When talking about joining a new job at a high level, use 'pad dhāraṇ karnā' to sound more authoritative.

Pronunciation

Don't rush the 'ṇ'. A clear retroflex 'ṇ' makes you sound like a native speaker of high-register Hindi.

Religious Context

Expect to hear this word often in 'Kathas' or religious discourses.

Poetic License

In poetry, this verb can be used to describe the sky 'wearing' stars or the night 'wearing' darkness.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it in casual WhatsApp chats with friends; it will sound like you are joking or being sarcastic.

The 'D' Connection

Dhaaran = Don (as in 'to don a robe'). Both start with D and mean to put on something significant.

News Keywords

Listen for 'shapath dhāraṇ' or 'pad dhāraṇ' during election season coverage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dhaaran' as 'Durable Wearing'. When you 'dhaaran' something, it's not just for a moment; it's a durable, significant act of wearing or holding.

Visual Association

Imagine a King being crowned. He doesn't just 'put on' (pahan-nā) a hat; he 'assumes' (dhāraṇ karnā) the crown and the responsibility that comes with it.

Word Web

Crown (मुकुट) Silence (मौन) Form (रूप) Weapon (शस्त्र) Post/Office (पद) Vow (व्रत) Uniform (वेश) Responsibility (उत्तरदायित्व)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a superhero. One for their costume, one for their secret identity, and one for their superpower using 'धारण करना'.

Word Origin

From the Sanskrit root 'dhṛ' (धृ) which means 'to hold', 'to carry', or 'to support'. This is the same root that gives us 'Dharma' (that which supports the world).

Original meaning: To hold physically or to maintain a state of being.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Prakrit -> Hindi).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it for 'lowly' or 'dirty' objects, as it carries a sense of dignity. Using it for garbage or rags would be linguistically odd.

Equivalent to formal English terms like 'to don', 'to assume', or 'to wield'.

Bhagavad Gita: 'Vāsāṃsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya...' (As a person puts on new garments...) Ramayana: Hanuman assuming the 'Sookshma Roop' (tiny form) to enter Lanka. Indian Constitution: The Hindi version uses this for 'holding office'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious Rituals

जनेऊ धारण करना
तिलक धारण करना
माला धारण करना
गेरुआ वस्त्र धारण करना

Government/Office

कार्यभार धारण करना
पद धारण करना
सदस्यता धारण करना
गोपनीयता की शपथ धारण करना

Literature/Mythology

विकराल रूप धारण करना
शस्त्र धारण करना
मौन धारण करना
अवतार धारण करना

Character/Virtues

धैर्य धारण करना
गंभीरता धारण करना
सदाचार धारण करना
वीरता धारण करना

Physical Description

आभूषण धारण करना
कवच धारण करना
मुकुट धारण करना
वेश धारण करना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने कभी किसी धार्मिक उत्सव में पारंपरिक वेश धारण किया है?"

"किसी उच्च पद को धारण करने के लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण गुण क्या है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि मौन धारण करना गुस्से को शांत करने का अच्छा तरीका है?"

"यदि आपको किसी ऐतिहासिक पात्र का रूप धारण करना हो, तो आप किसे चुनेंगे?"

"मुसीबत के समय धैर्य धारण करना क्यों मुश्किल होता है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने जीवन में किन नए विचारों को धारण करने का प्रयास किया?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी जिम्मेदारी को धारण किया और उससे क्या सीखा।

यदि आप एक दिन के लिए किसी राजा का पद धारण करें, तो आपके पहले तीन निर्णय क्या होंगे?

मौन धारण करने के अनुभव पर एक संक्षिप्त लेख लिखें।

उन गुणों की सूची बनाएं जिन्हें आप भविष्य में अपने व्यक्तित्व में धारण करना चाहते हैं।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to use 'pahan-nā'. Use 'dhāraṇ karnā' if you are writing a formal essay about the importance of the uniform.

No, it is very common for abstract things like 'moun' (silence), 'dhairya' (patience), and 'sankalp' (resolution).

'Dhāraṇ' is usually part of the verb 'dhāraṇ karnā' (to hold/wear). 'Dhāraṇā' is a noun meaning a concept, belief, or the power of the mind to retain knowledge.

You would say 'उसने एक नकली पहचान धारण की' (Usne ek nakli pehchān dhāraṇ kī).

Yes, especially in historical movies or when a hero takes a solemn vow. It adds weight to the dialogue.

Because it is a transitive verb used with 'ne'. The verb agrees with the gender of the object (e.g., masculine 'roop' -> kiyā, feminine 'shakti' -> kī).

No, for holding a meeting, use 'āyojan karnā' (आयोजन करना).

Yes! Both come from the root 'dhṛ' because the Earth 'holds' or 'supports' all living beings.

No, use 'chashma lagānā' or 'pahan-nā'. 'Dhāraṇ karnā' would be too heavy for glasses.

It means to take a vow of silence or to suddenly become very quiet in a formal way.