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A2 verb #800 most common 8 min read

उत्तर देना

uttar dena
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips उत्तर देना in 30 Seconds
Explanation उत्तर देना in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners should focus on the simplest form of 'उत्तर देना'. You use it to describe the basic act of giving an answer to a simple question. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that 'Uttar' means 'Answer' and 'Dena' means 'To give'. You might use it in sentences like 'Main uttar deta hoon' (I give an answer) or 'Aap uttar dijiye' (You please give an answer). It is helpful to learn this alongside the word 'Prashn' (Question). A1 learners should practice identifying the word in a classroom setting where a teacher asks for an answer. The focus is on recognition and basic present tense usage. You will mostly see it in its imperative form (giving a command) or simple present. It's a great way to start building compound verbs, which are very common in Hindi. Even at this level, knowing 'Uttar' helps you navigate textbooks where 'Prashn' and 'Uttar' are clearly labeled. Don't worry about the past tense 'ne' rule yet; just focus on 'I answer' and 'You answer'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'उत्तर देना' in more varied contexts, such as describing your daily routine or school activities. You should start practicing the past tense, which introduces the 'ne' postposition: 'Maine uttar diya' (I answered). This is a crucial step in Hindi grammar. You will also use it in the future tense to make promises or plans: 'Main kal uttar doonga' (I will answer tomorrow). At this level, you should be able to answer simple questions about yourself and use this verb to describe that process. You'll encounter it in short stories and basic conversations. You should also learn to use it with the postposition 'ka' for the question: 'Sawal ka uttar' (Answer to the question). This level is about moving from isolated words to functional sentences. You might also start to notice the difference between 'Uttar' and 'Jawab', using 'Uttar' when you want to sound a bit more like a good student. Practice asking others if they can answer a question: 'Kya aap iska uttar de sakte hain?'
At the B1 level, 'उत्तर देना' becomes a tool for more complex communication, such as writing emails or participating in discussions. You should be comfortable using it in all tenses, including continuous forms: 'Vah uttar de raha hai' (He is answering). You will use it to describe professional interactions, like replying to a boss or a client. At this stage, you should understand the nuance that 'उत्तर देना' is preferred in formal writing. You might use it in the passive voice or with modal verbs like 'chahiye' (should): 'Humein turant uttar dena chahiye' (We should answer immediately). You will also encounter it in news reports and more detailed texts. B1 learners should focus on the 'flow' of a conversation, using this verb to transition between a question and a response. You can also start using it in conditional sentences: 'Agar aap uttar denge, to main khush hounga' (If you answer, I will be happy). This level requires a solid grasp of the 'ne' rule and the ability to use the verb in multi-clause sentences.
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At the B2 level, you use 'उत्तर देना' to engage in debates and express opinions on abstract topics. You understand that 'उत्तर' can mean a logical rebuttal, not just a simple reply. You will see it used in literature to describe a character's response to a challenge. You should be able to use it with various adverbs to add nuance: 'Vistarpurvak uttar dena' (To answer in detail) or 'Sankshep mein uttar dena' (To answer in brief). At this level, you are expected to handle complex grammatical structures, such as using the verb in the subjunctive mood or with complex participles. You will also recognize the word in legal or official contexts, such as 'Uttar-dayitv' (Responsibility/Accountability), which is derived from the same root. B2 learners should be able to distinguish between 'Uttar dena' and 'Pratikriya dena' (to react) and choose the appropriate one based on whether the response is verbal or behavioral. You can also use it to describe the 'answering' of a prayer or a call to action.
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At the C1 level, 'उत्तर देना' is used with high precision in professional, academic, and literary spheres. You understand the etymological roots and the cultural weight of the word. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical questions or legal arguments. You will encounter related terms like 'Pratyuttar' (rejoinder) and use them correctly. Your usage will include sophisticated structures like 'Uttar dene ki kshamta' (the ability to answer) or 'Uttar dene se bachna' (to avoid answering). You can analyze how the word is used in classical Hindi poetry or modern political rhetoric to sway an audience. At this level, you should be able to translate nuanced English concepts like 'to account for' or 'to respond to a stimulus' using 'उत्तर देना' or its sophisticated synonyms. You will also be aware of the 'Uttar' (North) pun in literature and how it can be used for double meaning. Your speech and writing will reflect a deep understanding of the register, knowing exactly when 'Jawab' is too casual and 'Uttar' is required.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'उत्तर देना' and its place in the vast landscape of Hindi vocabulary. You can use it to interpret and produce complex texts, including legal statutes, philosophical treatises, and avant-garde literature. You understand the subtle differences between 'Uttar dena', 'Pratyuttar dena', 'Pratikriya vyakt karna', and 'Samadhan prastut karna'. You can use the verb in highly stylized ways, perhaps in a satirical context or to evoke a specific historical period. You are comfortable with the most archaic and the most modern uses of the word. You can discuss the 'Uttar Mimansa' school of Indian philosophy and how the concept of 'Uttar' (later/final) defines its core tenets. Your mastery includes the ability to use the verb in complex compound structures and to understand its role in the rhythm and prosody of the language. For a C2 learner, 'उत्तर देना' is not just a verb; it's a concept that encompasses the entire Indian tradition of logic, debate, and the search for truth.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

उत्तर देना in 30 Seconds

  • Uttar dena is a formal Hindi verb meaning 'to answer' or 'to reply' to questions or correspondence.
  • It is a compound verb where 'Uttar' (answer) is paired with 'Dena' (to give), following transitive grammar rules.
  • In the past tense, you must use the 'ne' postposition with the subject, and the verb stays as 'diya'.
  • While 'Jawab dena' is more common in casual speech, 'Uttar dena' is the standard for exams and formal settings.

The Hindi verb उत्तर देना (Uttar dena) is a foundational expression in the Hindi language, primarily translated as "to answer" or "to reply." It is a compound verb consisting of the noun उत्तर (Uttar), meaning "answer" or "north," and the helper verb देना (Dena), meaning "to give." In linguistic terms, this is a 'conjunct verb' where the noun carries the semantic weight and the verb provides the action. While Hindi has another very common word for answering—जवाब देना (Jawab dena)—the term उत्तर देना carries a slightly more formal, academic, or Sanskritized tone. You will encounter it frequently in classrooms, formal examinations, official correspondence, and news broadcasts. It implies a structured response to a specific inquiry or problem.

Grammatical Category
Transitive Compound Verb (Sakalmak Sanyukt Kriya). It requires an object (the answer itself) and often takes the postposition 'ka' (of) for the question being answered.
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Neutral to Formal. Used in textbooks, legal documents, and polite conversation.

छात्र ने शिक्षक के प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया। (The student answered the teacher's question.)

Beyond the literal act of speaking an answer, उत्तर देना is used in contexts involving written exams, where a student must 'give' an answer on paper. It is also used in legal contexts where a defendant must 'answer' to charges. Interestingly, the word उत्तर also means "North" in Hindi. This dual meaning stems from ancient Indian geography where the Himalayas (to the North) were seen as the 'top' or 'later' part of the land, and in a conversation, the 'later' part is the reply. When you use this verb, you are participating in the logical flow of communication, providing the necessary 'second half' to a question.

कृपया मेरे पत्र का उत्तर दें। (Please answer/reply to my letter.)

Contextual Usage
Commonly used in 'Prashn-Uttar' (Question-Answer) sessions.

क्या आप इस पहेली का उत्तर दे सकते हैं? (Can you answer this riddle?)

In modern conversational Hindi, you might hear people use the English word 'answer' or the Urdu-origin 'jawab,' but उत्तर देना remains the standard for any situation requiring a degree of seriousness or correctness. If you are appearing for a job interview or writing a formal email, this is the verb you should prefer. It suggests that the response is not just a casual retort, but a considered solution or explanation to the matter at hand.

Using उत्तर देना correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's transitive verb mechanics. Since the verb is based on देना (to give), it changes based on the tense, aspect, and the gender/number of the object (which is 'उत्तर', a masculine noun). In the simple present, it is used to describe habits or general truths. For example, "Vah hamesha sahi uttar deta hai" (He always gives the correct answer). Here, 'deta' agrees with the masculine subject 'Vah'.

Present Tense
Subject + (Question + ka) + uttar deta/deti/dete hai. Example: Main uttar deta hoon.

वह हर सवाल का उत्तर देती है। (She answers every question.)

The complexity arises in the perfective (past) tense. Because देना is a transitive verb, the subject takes the ने (ne) particle, and the verb agrees with the object उत्तर. Since उत्तर is masculine singular, the verb will almost always be दिया (diya) regardless of the gender of the person speaking. "Maine uttar diya" (I answered), "Usne uttar diya" (He/She answered), "Unhone uttar diya" (They answered). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to the verb agreeing with the subject.

क्या आपने मेरे ईमेल का उत्तर दिया? (Did you answer my email?)

In the future tense, the verb follows standard patterns: doonga, doongi, denge. "Main kal uttar doonga" (I will answer tomorrow). When using it as an imperative (a command or request), you would say "Uttar do" (Informal), "Uttar dijiye" (Formal), or "Uttar dena" (Neutral/Infinitive as imperative). The versatility of this verb allows it to be used in complex sentence structures, such as "Uttar dena mushkil hai" (Answering is difficult), where the entire phrase acts as a gerundial subject.

Continuous Tense
Vah uttar de raha hai (He is answering). The auxiliary 'raha hai' follows the stem 'de'.

मंत्री जी अभी मीडिया को उत्तर दे रहे हैं। (The minister is currently answering the media.)

You will hear उत्तर देना in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. One of the most common places is the Indian education system. From primary school to university, teachers will constantly say, "Is prashn ka uttar do" (Answer this question). Exam papers are titled with instructions like "Sabhi prashnon ke uttar dena anivarya hai" (It is mandatory to answer all questions). If you are a student in India, this phrase will be part of your daily auditory landscape.

In Media
News anchors often use this when questioning politicians: "Janata ko uttar dijiye" (Answer the public).

अदालत में गवाह ने उत्तर देने से मना कर दिया। (The witness in court refused to answer.)

In the realm of technology and customer service, automated systems or support executives might say, "Hum jald hi aapke sawal ka uttar denge" (We will answer your question soon). While 'reply' might be used in English, the Hindi translation almost always defaults to उत्तर देना in professional settings. You will also find it in literature and scriptures. In the famous 'Yaksha Prashna' episode of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira must उत्तर देना to the mysterious questions of a Yaksha to save his brothers' lives. This gives the word a certain weight and historical resonance.

इंटरव्यू में उसने बहुत आत्मविश्वास के साथ उत्तर दिया। (He answered with great confidence in the interview.)

Finally, in everyday social interactions, if someone is ignoring your messages or calls, you might say, "Tum mere phone ka uttar kyun nahi dete?" (Why don't you answer my phone/calls?). Although 'phone uthana' (picking up the phone) is more common for the physical act, उत्तर देना is used when referring to the communicative act of responding to the person calling. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern digital communication.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with उत्तर देना is related to the ergative case in the past tense. English speakers often say "Main uttar diya" instead of the correct "Maine uttar diya." Because dena is transitive, the subject must take 'ne' in the perfective aspect. This is a fundamental rule of Hindi grammar that applies to all compound verbs ending in 'dena'.

Mistake 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
Incorrect: Usne uttar di. Correct: Usne uttar diya. (The verb agrees with the masculine noun 'Uttar', not the subject).

गलत: मैंने प्रश्न को उत्तर दिया। सही: मैंने प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया। (Use 'ka' not 'ko' for the question being answered.)

Another common error is confusing उत्तर देना with जवाब देना. While they are often interchangeable, जवाब देना can also mean "to talk back" or "to fail/stop working" (e.g., "Meri car ne jawab de diya" - My car stopped working). उत्तर देना is rarely used in these idiomatic ways. If you use उत्तर देना to describe your car breaking down, it will sound very strange to a native speaker. Stick to using उत्तर देना for literal answers to questions.

Learners also sometimes use the wrong postposition with the person being answered. In Hindi, you answer *to* a question (prashn ka uttar) but you answer *a person* directly. However, if you want to say "Answer me," you say "Mujhe uttar do." The use of 'ko/mujhe' for the recipient and 'ka' for the inquiry is a nuance that takes practice. Lastly, avoid over-formalizing. In a very casual setting with friends, using उत्तर देना might sound a bit stiff; bolna (to speak) or bataana (to tell) might be more natural.

गलत: वह उत्तर कर रहा है। सही: वह उत्तर दे रहा है। (Always use 'dena', never 'karna' with Uttar.)

Hindi offers several ways to express the idea of responding, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is जवाब देना (Jawab dena). This is of Persian/Urdu origin and is used in 90% of daily conversations. It is less formal than उत्तर देना and can cover a wider range of meanings, including responding to a call, a greeting, or even a physical attack (idiomatically).

उत्तर देना vs जवाब देना
'Uttar' is formal/academic; 'Jawab' is conversational/versatile. Use 'Uttar' in exams and 'Jawab' with friends.
प्रतिक्रिया देना (Pratikriya dena)
This means "to react" or "to give a reaction." It is used when the response is an action or an emotional feedback rather than a literal answer to a question.

उसने मेरी बात पर कोई प्रतिक्रिया नहीं दी। (He gave no reaction to what I said.)

For highly formal or literary contexts, you might encounter प्रत्युत्तर देना (Pratyuttar dena). This is a more complex Sanskrit compound meaning "to reply back" or "rejoinder." It is often used in legal or high-level academic debates. Another related term is समाधान करना (Samadhan karna), which means "to solve" or "to resolve." While not a direct synonym for 'answering,' it is used when the answer provides a solution to a problem or a doubt.

In specific contexts like replying to a letter or an email, you might also hear पावती देना (Pavati dena), which means "to acknowledge receipt," though this is more technical. When you want to say someone "answered correctly," you can say "Sahi uttar diya" or "Satik jawab diya" (gave a precise answer). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right audience, moving from the basic A2 level to a more native-like B2 or C1 proficiency.

Refuting an Argument
खंडन करना (Khandan karna) - To refute. This is a specific type of 'answering' where you prove the other person wrong.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रार्थी ने सभी आरोपों का उत्तर दिया।"

Neutral

"क्या आपने मेरे प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया?"

Informal

"जल्दी उत्तर दो यार!"

Child friendly

"बेटा, इस सवाल का उत्तर क्या है?"

Slang

"उसने तो धांसू उत्तर दिया!"

Fun Fact

The word 'Uttar' means both 'Answer' and 'North'. This is because in ancient Indian orientation, the North (Himalayas) was considered the 'top' or 'superior' direction, and an answer is the 'superior' or 'concluding' part of a query.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʊt̪.t̪əɾ d̪eː.nɑː/
US /ʊt̪.t̪ər deɪ.nɑː/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'Ut-' and the second word 'de-'.
Rhymes With
Behtar dena (to give better) Safar dena (to give a journey) Khabar dena (to give news) Nazar dena (to give a look) Asar dena (to give an effect) Kamar dena (to give support) Zahar dena (to give poison) Lehar dena (to give a wave)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'tt' as an English 't' (alveolar) instead of dental.
  • Making the 'u' too long like 'oo' in 'boot'.
  • Ignoring the double 't' sound, making it sound like 'utar' (to descend).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in text as it appears frequently in instructions.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ne' rule in past tense, which can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the dental 't' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in formal contexts like news or classrooms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

देना (To give) प्रश्न (Question) सवाल (Question) मैं (I) ने (Postposition)

Learn Next

पूछना (To ask) बताना (To tell) लिखना (To write) पढ़ना (To read) समझना (To understand)

Advanced

प्रत्युत्तर (Rejoinder) विवेचना (Analysis) खंडन (Refutation) पुष्टि (Confirmation)

Grammar to Know

Ergative Case (Ne)

Maine uttar diya (I answered). The subject takes 'ne' in the past tense.

Compound Verbs

Uttar dena is a noun + verb compound.

Object-Verb Agreement

Verb agrees with 'Uttar' (masculine) in past tense.

Possessive Postpositions

Prashn *ka* uttar (Answer *of* the question).

Imperative Mood

Uttar do / dijiye / dena (Give an answer).

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Examples by Level

1

यह उत्तर है।

This is the answer.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

2

उत्तर दो।

Give the answer.

Imperative form (informal).

3

मैं उत्तर देता हूँ।

I give an answer.

Present simple tense, masculine.

4

क्या आप उत्तर देंगे?

Will you answer?

Future tense, polite form.

5

वह उत्तर देती है।

She answers.

Present simple tense, feminine.

6

सही उत्तर क्या है?

What is the correct answer?

Interrogative sentence.

7

उत्तर यहाँ है।

The answer is here.

Locative sentence.

8

एक उत्तर दीजिए।

Please give one answer.

Polite imperative.

1

मैंने कल उत्तर दिया।

I answered yesterday.

Past tense with 'ne'.

2

क्या आपने प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया?

Did you answer the question?

Interrogative past tense.

3

वह हमेशा सही उत्तर देता है।

He always gives the correct answer.

Present habitual.

4

हमें उत्तर देना चाहिए।

We should answer.

Use of 'chahiye' (should).

5

उसने बहुत अच्छा उत्तर दिया।

He/She gave a very good answer.

Adverbial modification.

6

मैं इस सवाल का उत्तर नहीं जानता।

I don't know the answer to this question.

Negative present tense.

7

क्या तुम उत्तर दे सकते हो?

Can you answer?

Ability with 'sakna'.

8

शिक्षक ने उत्तर देने को कहा।

The teacher asked to answer.

Infinitive as an object.

1

कृपया मेरे ईमेल का उत्तर जल्द दें।

Please reply to my email soon.

Formal request.

2

वह बिना सोचे उत्तर दे रहा था।

He was answering without thinking.

Past continuous tense.

3

अगर आप उत्तर देंगे, तो मुझे अच्छा लगेगा।

If you answer, I will feel good.

Conditional sentence.

4

उसने ईमेल का उत्तर देना भूल गया।

He forgot to answer the email.

Compound verb with 'bhoolna'.

5

आपको हर प्रश्न का उत्तर देना होगा।

You will have to answer every question.

Compulsion with 'hoga'.

6

मंत्री जी ने मीडिया के सवालों का उत्तर दिया।

The minister answered the media's questions.

Formal past tense.

7

उत्तर देना हमेशा आसान नहीं होता।

Answering is not always easy.

Gerundial use of the verb.

8

क्या आपने कभी इस तरह का उत्तर दिया है?

Have you ever given this kind of answer?

Present perfect tense.

1

उसने तर्क के साथ उत्तर दिया।

He answered with logic.

Instrumental case with 'sath'.

2

लेखक ने अपनी किताब में इस समस्या का उत्तर दिया है।

The author has answered this problem in his book.

Present perfect with 'hai'.

3

बिना पूरी जानकारी के उत्तर देना गलत है।

It is wrong to answer without full information.

Complex subject phrase.

4

उसने मुस्कुराते हुए उत्तर दिया।

He answered while smiling.

Present participle as adverb.

5

क्या आप मेरे आरोपों का उत्तर दे सकते हैं?

Can you answer my allegations?

Formal confrontation.

6

उसने विस्तार से उत्तर देने का वादा किया।

He promised to answer in detail.

Infinitive with 'vada'.

7

सवालों का उत्तर देना उसकी जिम्मेदारी है।

It is his responsibility to answer the questions.

Possessive with responsibility.

8

वह किसी भी सवाल का उत्तर देने के लिए तैयार है।

He is ready to answer any question.

Adjectival phrase 'taiyar'.

1

दार्शनिक ने जीवन के रहस्यों का उत्तर देने का प्रयास किया।

The philosopher attempted to answer the mysteries of life.

Formal literary style.

2

अदालत ने आरोपी को उत्तर देने के लिए समय दिया।

The court gave the accused time to answer.

Legal context.

3

उसकी चुप्पी ही उसका उत्तर थी।

His silence itself was his answer.

Metaphorical usage.

4

वैज्ञानिक ने जटिल डेटा का उत्तर देने के लिए नया मॉडल बनाया।

The scientist created a new model to answer the complex data.

Technical context.

5

सरकार को जनता की शिकायतों का उत्तर देना ही होगा।

The government must answer the public's grievances.

Emphatic compulsion.

6

उसने बड़ी चतुराई से कठिन प्रश्नों का उत्तर दिया।

He answered the difficult questions very cleverly.

Adverbial nuance.

7

क्या साहित्य समाज की समस्याओं का उत्तर दे सकता है?

Can literature answer the problems of society?

Abstract inquiry.

8

उसने अपने कार्यों के माध्यम से उत्तर दिया।

He answered through his actions.

Instrumental phrase 'ke madhyam se'.

1

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में इन आध्यात्मिक प्रश्नों का उत्तर दिया गया है।

These spiritual questions have been answered in ancient texts.

Passive voice construction.

2

उसका उत्तर देना मात्र एक औपचारिकता थी।

His answering was merely a formality.

Abstract noun usage.

3

कवि ने प्रकृति के माध्यम से अस्तित्व का उत्तर देने की कोशिश की।

The poet tried to answer existence through nature.

Highly literary.

4

बिना किसी पूर्वाग्रह के उत्तर देना एक कला है।

To answer without any prejudice is an art.

Philosophical statement.

5

उसने अपनी आलोचनाओं का उत्तर देने के बजाय मौन रहना चुना।

Instead of answering his criticisms, he chose to remain silent.

Complex contrastive structure.

6

क्या विज्ञान कभी चेतना के प्रश्न का पूर्ण उत्तर दे पाएगा?

Will science ever be able to give a complete answer to the question of consciousness?

Speculative future.

7

उसने अपने प्रत्युत्तर में विरोधियों के सभी तर्कों को ध्वस्त कर दिया।

In his reply, he demolished all the arguments of his opponents.

High-level vocabulary.

8

इतिहास ही इन विवादास्पद निर्णयों का अंतिम उत्तर देगा।

History alone will give the final answer to these controversial decisions.

Personification of history.

Common Collocations

सही उत्तर (Sahi uttar)
गलत उत्तर (Galat uttar)
तुरंत उत्तर (Turant uttar)
लिखित उत्तर (Likhit uttar)
मौखिक उत्तर (Maukhik uttar)
विस्तृत उत्तर (Vistrit uttar)
सटीक उत्तर (Satik uttar)
तर्कपूर्ण उत्तर (Tarkpurn uttar)
संतोषजनक उत्तर (Santoshjanak uttar)
अंतिम उत्तर (Antim uttar)

Common Phrases

उत्तर देना अनिवार्य है

— It is mandatory to answer. Used in exam instructions.

सभी प्रश्नों के उत्तर देना अनिवार्य है।

सोच-समझकर उत्तर देना

— To answer after careful thought. Used as advice.

इंटरव्यू में सोच-समझकर उत्तर देना।

जल्द से जल्द उत्तर देना

— To answer as soon as possible. Common in emails.

कृपया जल्द से जल्द उत्तर दें।

बिना डरे उत्तर देना

— To answer without fear. Used to encourage someone.

तुम बिना डरे उत्तर दो।

विस्तार से उत्तर देना

— To answer in detail. Used in academic tasks.

इस प्रश्न का विस्तार से उत्तर दीजिए।

एक शब्द में उत्तर देना

— To answer in one word. A type of question format.

एक शब्द में उत्तर दें।

ईमेल का उत्तर देना

— To reply to an email. Standard professional phrase.

मुझे अभी ईमेल का उत्तर देना है।

सवालों का उत्तर देना

— To answer questions. General usage.

वह सवालों का उत्तर देने में माहिर है।

उचित उत्तर देना

— To give an appropriate answer. Used in social contexts.

उसने उसे उचित उत्तर दिया।

चुनौती का उत्तर देना

— To respond to a challenge. Metaphorical usage.

सेना ने चुनौती का कड़ा उत्तर दिया।

Often Confused With

उत्तर देना vs उतरना (Utarna)

Means 'to descend' or 'to get off'. Sounds similar but has a different root and meaning.

उत्तर देना vs उत्तर (Uttar - North)

The same word means 'North'. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

उत्तर देना vs जवाब देना (Jawab dena)

More common in casual speech and can also mean 'to talk back'.

Idioms & Expressions

"ईंट का जवाब पत्थर से देना"

— To give a crushing reply or to retaliate strongly. While it uses 'Jawab', it's the primary idiom for responding to an attack.

भारतीय सेना ने ईंट का जवाब पत्थर से दिया।

Informal/Folk
"उत्तर न सूझना"

— To be at a loss for words or unable to find an answer.

अचानक सवाल सुनकर उसे कोई उत्तर नहीं सूझा।

Neutral
"मुँह तोड़ जवाब देना"

— To give a fitting or stinging reply. Often used in political or social contexts.

उसने अपनी सफलता से आलोचकों को मुँह तोड़ जवाब दिया।

Informal
"लाजवाब कर देना"

— To leave someone speechless (usually in a positive, admiring way).

उसकी गायकी ने सबको लाजवाब कर दिया।

Neutral
"बगलें झाँकना"

— To be unable to answer and look around in embarrassment.

जब सच सामने आया, तो वह बगलें झाँकने लगा।

Informal
"बोलती बंद होना"

— To be silenced or unable to answer back.

डाँट सुनकर उसकी बोलती बंद हो गई।

Informal
"निरुत्तर कर देना"

— To make someone answerless through superior logic.

स्वामी जी ने अपने तर्कों से सबको निरुत्तर कर दिया।

Formal
"जवाब दे जाना"

— To stop working or to fail (usually machines or health).

बुढ़ापे में अब शरीर जवाब दे रहा है।

Neutral
"बात का उत्तर देना"

— To respond to a specific point in a conversation.

उसने मेरी हर बात का उत्तर दिया।

Neutral
"सवाल पर सवाल करना"

— To keep questioning instead of answering.

वह उत्तर देने के बजाय सवाल पर सवाल कर रहा है।

Neutral

Easily Confused

उत्तर देना vs उतरना

Phonetic similarity.

Utarna is an intransitive verb meaning to go down. Uttar dena is a transitive compound verb meaning to answer.

Main bus se utra (I got off the bus) vs Maine uttar diya (I answered).

उत्तर देना vs जवाब देना

Synonymous meaning.

Jawab is Persian-origin, Uttar is Sanskrit-origin. Jawab is for daily life, Uttar is for formal/academic life.

Phone ka jawab do vs Prashn ka uttar do.

उत्तर देना vs प्रतिक्रिया

Both are responses.

Pratikriya is a 'reaction' (emotional or physical), Uttar is a literal 'answer' to a question.

Uski pratikriya buri thi (His reaction was bad).

उत्तर देना vs समाधान

Both involve solving something.

Samadhan is the 'solution' to a problem, Uttar is the 'answer' to a question.

Samasya ka samadhan (Solution to the problem).

उत्तर देना vs बताना

Both involve giving information.

Batana means 'to tell', Uttar dena is specifically 'to answer' a query.

Mujhe rasta batao (Tell me the way).

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + uttar + deta/deti hai.

Vah uttar deta hai.

A2

Subject + ne + uttar + diya.

Maine uttar diya.

B1

Subject + [Object] + ka + uttar + de raha hai.

Main sawal ka uttar de raha hoon.

B2

Subject + [Adverb] + uttar + de sakta hai.

Aap vistarpurvak uttar de sakte hain.

C1

Subject + ko + uttar + dena + chahiye/hoga.

Sarkar ko uttar dena hoga.

C2

Noun Phrase + uttar + dene + ki + kshamta.

Usmein uttar dene ki kshamta hai.

A2

Kya + Subject + uttar + dega?

क्या वह उत्तर देगा?

B1

Subject + uttar + dena + bhool gaya.

वह उत्तर देना भूल गया।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

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How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Main uttar diya. → Maine uttar diya.

    In the past tense, transitive verbs require the subject to take the 'ne' postposition.

  • Usne uttar di. → Usne uttar diya.

    The verb must agree with the masculine noun 'Uttar', not the subject's gender.

  • Prashn ko uttar do. → Prashn ka uttar do.

    In Hindi, you give the answer 'of' the question, using the possessive 'ka'.

  • Vah uttar kar raha hai. → Vah uttar de raha hai.

    'Uttar' is paired with 'dena' (to give), never 'karna' (to do).

  • Mujhe uttar pata hai. → Mujhe uttar maloom hai / pata hai.

    While 'pata hai' is okay, 'Uttar dena' is the action. Don't confuse the action with the state of knowing.

Tips

The 'Ne' Rule

Always remember that in the past tense, the subject takes 'ne'. 'Maine uttar diya' is correct. 'Main uttar diya' is a common beginner mistake.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Uttar' in your Hindi class and 'Jawab' when talking to your friends at a party. It shows you understand social registers.

Dental T

Make sure your tongue touches your teeth for the 'tt' in Uttar. It shouldn't sound like the 't' in 'Table'.

Dual Meaning

If someone says 'Uttar jao', they might mean 'Go North' or 'Go down' (from utarna). Context is king!

Exam Prep

If you are taking a Hindi exam, look for the word 'Uttar'. It will always be there in the instructions.

News Watching

Watch Hindi news debates. You will hear 'Uttar dijiye' (Please answer) constantly when the anchor is talking to a guest.

Visual Link

Visualize a 'U-turn'. An answer is like a 'U-turn' in a conversation—it comes back to you. 'U-turn' sounds a bit like 'Uttar'.

Politeness

Adding 'ji' after 'Uttar' (e.g., 'Uttar dijiye ji') is not common, but using the 'aap' form of the verb makes it polite enough.

Ancient Roots

Remember that 'Uttar' is a very old word. Using it connects you to thousands of years of Indian logic and philosophy.

Daily Routine

Every time you reply to a text today, say to yourself in Hindi: 'Main uttar de raha hoon'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Uttar' as 'Out-er'. You are putting an answer 'out' to the world. 'Dena' is 'to give'. So, 'Uttar dena' is 'Giving the answer out'.

Visual Association

Imagine a student raising their hand in a classroom. The hand going up is the 'Uttar' being 'given' to the teacher.

Word Web

Question Answer Exam Email Logic Speech Reply North

Challenge

Try to answer three questions in Hindi today using the phrase 'Maine uttar diya'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Uttara' (उत्तर). In Sanskrit, 'Uttara' has multiple meanings including 'upper', 'higher', 'later', and 'north'.

Original meaning: The meaning 'answer' comes from the idea of a 'later' or 'subsequent' speech in a dialogue.

Indo-Aryan -> Sanskrit -> Hindi.

Cultural Context

In very formal settings, avoid using 'Jawab' as it can sometimes sound slightly aggressive or informal compared to 'Uttar'.

English speakers often use 'reply' and 'answer' interchangeably. In Hindi, 'Uttar' is the specific word for 'answer', while 'Jawab' is the more common 'reply'.

Yaksha Prashna (Mahabharata) Kaun Banega Crorepati (Indian Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs - often involves seeking answers)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom

  • Iska uttar kya hai?
  • Kripya uttar dijiye.
  • Maine uttar likh diya.
  • Sahi uttar par nishan lagao.

Office/Email

  • Email ka uttar dena.
  • Jald uttar ki apeksha hai.
  • Unhone abhi tak uttar nahi diya.
  • Main kal uttar doonga.

Legal/Court

  • Aaropon ka uttar dena.
  • Gawah ne uttar diya.
  • Likhit uttar jama karein.
  • Uttar dene ke liye samay.

Everyday Social

  • Mere phone ka uttar do.
  • Tumne uttar kyun nahi diya?
  • Sahi uttar batao.
  • Koi uttar nahi mila.

Exams

  • Sabhi uttar dena.
  • Uttar-pustika.
  • Sankshipt uttar.
  • Vistrit uttar.

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप इस पहेली का उत्तर दे सकते हैं?"

"आपने मेरे पिछले मैसेज का उत्तर क्यों नहीं दिया?"

"इंटरव्यू में आपने कठिन सवालों का उत्तर कैसे दिया?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि हर सवाल का उत्तर देना जरूरी है?"

"शिक्षक ने जब आपसे उत्तर पूछा, तो आपने क्या कहा?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने कौन सा सबसे कठिन प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया?

क्या कभी ऐसा हुआ है कि आपको किसी सवाल का उत्तर न सूझा हो? विस्तार से लिखें।

ईमेल का उत्तर देना आपको कैसा लगता है? क्या आप इसे टालते हैं?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपके उत्तर ने किसी की मदद की।

अगर आपको दुनिया के किसी भी एक सवाल का उत्तर मिल जाए, तो वह सवाल क्या होगा?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Uttar' is formal and Sanskrit-based, often used in exams and official settings. 'Jawab' is Persian-based and used in 90% of daily conversations. Use 'Uttar' to sound polite or academic.

'Uttar' is a masculine noun. Therefore, in the past tense, we say 'Maine uttar diya' (masculine singular verb agreement).

Technically yes, but it sounds very formal. Usually, people say 'Phone uthana' (pick up the phone) or 'Phone ka jawab dena'.

You can say 'Mere paas koi uttar nahi hai' or 'Mujhe uttar nahi pata'.

No, it also means 'North'. You distinguish them by context: 'Uttar disha' (North direction) vs 'Prashn ka uttar' (Answer to the question).

The past tense is 'Uttar diya'. Remember to use 'ne' with the subject: 'Usne uttar diya'.

It is 'Prashn ka uttar dena' (to give the answer *of* the question).

No, 'Uttar karna' is grammatically incorrect. You must always use 'dena' (to give) with 'Uttar'.

You would usually use 'Zaban ladana' or 'Jawab dena' in a specific tone. 'Uttar dena' is rarely used for being rude.

Yes, many Indian languages like Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali use 'Uttar' or a variation of it because of their Sanskrit roots.

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Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I gave the answer.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Please answer the question.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'He is answering the email.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Will you answer me?'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'It is important to answer correctly.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I forgot to answer.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'She always answers logically.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The teacher asked for the answer.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I will answer tomorrow.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'His answer was very long.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Can you answer this riddle?'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'They did not answer my call.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Answer in one word.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'We must answer the public.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The student wrote the answer.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Is this the correct answer?'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'I don't know the answer.'

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Write a sentence in Hindi: 'The witness refused to answer.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Please reply soon.'

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writing

Write a sentence in Hindi: 'Answering is an art.'

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speaking

Pronounce: उत्तर देना

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I am answering.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Give me the answer.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Did you answer?'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I will answer tomorrow.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'This is the correct answer.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Why are you not answering?'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Please answer in detail.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I don't know the answer.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Is this your final answer?'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'He gave a very good answer.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I forgot the answer.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Answer the phone.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'We should answer them.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'She answers every question.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Wait, I am answering.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'No one answered.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'I have to answer this email.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'The answer is North.'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Answer correctly.'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'Maine uttar diya.'

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listening

What did the speaker give? 'Usne sahi uttar diya.'

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listening

Who is being asked to answer? 'Aap uttar dijiye.'

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listening

When will they answer? 'Hum kal uttar denge.'

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listening

Is the answer mandatory? 'Sabhi uttar dena anivarya hai.'

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listening

What is the mode of answer? 'Likhit uttar dijiye.'

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listening

How did he answer? 'Usne muskura kar uttar diya.'

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listening

Did they answer the call? 'Unhone call ka uttar nahi diya.'

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listening

What kind of answer was it? 'Yah tarkpurn uttar tha.'

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listening

What is the subject doing? 'Vah uttar likh raha hai.'

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listening

Is the answer known? 'Mujhe uttar nahi maloom.'

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listening

Where is the answer? 'Uttar kitab mein hai.'

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listening

What did the teacher say? 'Adhyapak ne uttar dene ko kaha.'

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listening

Is it the final answer? 'Kya yah antim uttar hai?'

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listening

How many answers? 'Do uttar dijiye.'

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