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विवाहना

B1 verb 12 min read

विवाहना

vivahna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips विवाहना in 30 Seconds

Explanation विवाहना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family and basic actions. You likely know the word 'shādī' (marriage) or 'vivāh' (marriage). The word 'vivāhnā' is a bit more advanced because it is a direct verb. Think of it as 'to marry off.' In simple stories, you might see it when a king marries off his daughter. For now, just remember that 'vivāh' means marriage and 'vivāhnā' is the action of doing the wedding ceremony for someone. It is a very formal word. You don't need to use it in daily conversation yet, but you should recognize it when you see it in a storybook. It is like saying 'to wed' instead of 'to get married.' It's a special word for a special day. Most A1 learners will say 'shādī karnā' for everything, and that is okay! But if you see 'vivāhnā,' just know it's about a wedding happening.

At the A2 level, you understand more about sentence structures and transitive verbs. 'Vivāhnā' is a transitive verb, which means it needs an object—someone who is being married. You might use it when talking about traditional stories or family history. For example, 'The father married his daughter' is 'Pita ne beti ko vivāhā.' Notice the 'ne' because it's a past action. You should start to see the difference between 'getting married' (yourself) and 'marrying someone off' (someone else doing it). This word is mostly for the 'someone else doing it' part. It's common in formal invitations or when elderly people talk about their responsibilities. If you want to sound more formal than 'shādī karvānā,' you can use 'vivāhnā.' It shows you are learning the 'pure' (Shuddh) Hindi words.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more formal and literary contexts. 'Vivāhnā' is a perfect word for this level. It specifically means to 'solemnize' a marriage. You should use it when describing rituals, cultural traditions, or writing formal essays about society. It carries a sense of duty and religious completion. You will notice that it is often used in the past tense ('vivāhā') or future tense ('vivāhūngā') in literature. It's also important to distinguish it from the more colloquial 'byāhnā.' While 'byāhnā' is what people say in villages, 'vivāhnā' is what you would write in a newspaper article about a royal wedding. You should also be comfortable with the passive form, 'vivāhā gayā,' used in historical contexts to describe how alliances were formed through marriage.

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the stylistic nuances of 'vivāhnā.' It is not just a verb; it's a marker of high-register Hindi. You can use it to create a specific atmosphere in your writing—one of tradition, gravity, and ritual. You should understand its etymology (from 'vah' - to carry) and how it relates to the concept of 'Kanyādān.' In discussions about Indian sociology or classical literature, this verb is indispensable. You should also be able to use it metaphorically. For example, in a poetic sense, one might 'marry' their thoughts to an ideology. At this level, you should also be aware of the 'ne' rule nuances and the different participle forms like 'vivāhā huā' (married/solemnized). You are moving towards a mastery where you choose 'vivāhnā' over 'shādī karnā' to intentionally sound more academic or traditional.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the depths of the Hindi language. 'Vivāhnā' is part of the 'Tatsama' vocabulary that links modern Hindi to its Sanskrit roots. You should be able to analyze its usage in the works of great Hindi writers like Premchand or Prasad. You understand that 'vivāhnā' is more than just an action; it's a 'Saṃskāra.' You can use it in complex sentences involving subordinating clauses or in formal debates about the evolution of marriage laws. You should also be familiar with its appearance in 'Braj Bhasha' or 'Awadhi' poetry as 'byāhab' or similar forms, and how 'vivāhnā' acts as the formal anchor for these variations in Standard Hindi. Your usage should be flawless, reflecting an understanding of the word's social, religious, and historical connotations.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native or scholarly command of the word 'vivāhnā.' You can distinguish between the subtle shades of meaning when a text uses 'vivāhnā' versus 'pāṇigrahaṇ' or 'udvāha.' You are capable of using the word in creative writing to evoke a very specific historical period or a high-priestly tone. You can discuss the linguistic shift from the Sanskrit 'vivāhayati' to the modern Hindi 'vivāhnā.' Your understanding includes the word's role in legal discourse, liturgical texts, and its metaphorical use in 'Sufi' or 'Bhakti' poetry where the union of the soul and God is described. You are not just using a verb; you are wielding a cultural artifact. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in contemporary media, where it is sometimes used incorrectly to mean simply 'to marry' without the transitive/solemnizing nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

विवाहना in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to solemnize a marriage or marry someone off.
Transitive in nature, requiring an object (the person being married).
Carries a high, literary, and traditional register compared to 'shādī karnā'.
Commonly used in scriptures, historical dramas, and formal wedding contexts.

The Hindi verb विवाहना (vivāhnā) is a deeply evocative and formal term that transcends the simple English translation of 'to marry.' While the modern speaker might more frequently use the compound verb vivāh karnā, the specific verb form vivāhnā carries a weight of tradition, ritual, and parental responsibility. It primarily functions as a transitive verb, meaning to perform the solemnization of a marriage or, more specifically, to give someone (usually a daughter or a ward) in marriage. In the Indian cultural landscape, marriage is not merely a contract between two individuals but a 'saṃskāra' (sacrament), and the act of vivāhnā signifies the fulfillment of a sacred duty by the elders of the family.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Sanskrit root 'vah' (to carry) with the prefix 'vi' (special/away), literally meaning 'to carry away' the bride to her new home.

You will encounter this word in contexts that demand a high degree of formality or poetic resonance. It is the language of the 'Pandit' (priest), the classical novelist, and the traditional wedding invitation. When a father speaks of his life's mission, he might say he needs to vivāhnā his daughters, implying the successful transition of his children into their own domestic lives. It is less about the party and more about the transition of status and the binding of two families through Vedic or traditional rites.

राजा ने अपनी राजकुमारी को एक प्रतापी राजकुमार से विवाहा। (The King married off his princess to a powerful prince.)

In contemporary urban Hindi, the word is often replaced by shādī karvānā or vivāh sampann karnā, but vivāhnā remains the standard in literary Hindi (Sahityik Hindi). It evokes the image of the 'Mandap' (wedding canopy), the 'Agni' (sacred fire), and the 'Kanyādān' (giving away of the daughter). It is a verb that encompasses the entire ritual process rather than just the legal act of signing a document.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the passive sense in older literature to describe a woman being married into a family. For example, 'She was married into a wealthy household' could be rendered using a form of vivāhnā to emphasize the social movement involved. It is a word that carries the scent of sandalwood and the sound of shehnai.

Transitive Nature: Unlike 'to marry' which can be intransitive (they married), 'vivāhnā' almost always requires an object—the person being given in marriage.

शास्त्रों के अनुसार कन्या को सही समय पर विवाहना पिता का धर्म है। (According to the scriptures, it is the father's duty to marry off the daughter at the right time.)

In a broader philosophical sense, vivāhnā can also be used metaphorically in spiritual poetry (Bhakti literature) to describe the soul's union with the divine. The soul is often personified as a bride being 'married off' to the Supreme Being. This adds a layer of mystical depth to an already significant word.

Register: High Formal / Literary / Religious. Avoid in casual street slang or text messages unless seeking a mock-heroic effect.

Using विवाहना (vivāhnā) correctly requires an understanding of its transitive properties and its preference for formal syntax. Because it is a verb that describes an action performed by one person (the officiant or the parent) upon another (the bride/groom), the sentence structure usually involves a subject who is the 'giver' or 'solemnizer.' In modern Hindi, you might be tempted to use 'vivāh karnā,' but 'vivāhnā' provides a more direct, singular verb action that feels more classical.

Past Tense Construction: In the past tense, it follows the 'ne' rule for transitive verbs. Example: 'Usne apnī beṭī ko vivāhā' (He married off his daughter).

Consider the difference in tone: 'Usne shādī kī' (He got married) vs. 'Usne apnī bahan ko vivāhā' (He married off his sister). The latter implies he took the responsibility for the ceremony and the arrangement. This distinction is crucial for B1 and B2 learners who are moving beyond basic communication into nuanced storytelling.

पुरोहित ने मंत्रोच्चार के साथ जोड़े को विवाहा। (The priest solemnized the couple's marriage with the chanting of mantras.)

When using the word in the future tense, it often expresses a sense of impending duty or a planned ritual. 'Main agle varsh apnī bhatījī ko vivāhūngā' (I will marry off my niece next year). Note how the verb conjugates like other regular '-nā' verbs, but its usage is restricted to these specific life-cycle events. You wouldn't use it for a civil marriage in a court as easily as you would for a traditional 'Agni-sākshī' (marriage with fire as witness) ceremony.

In passive constructions, which are common in formal reports or historical accounts, the word takes the form 'vivāhā gayā' or 'vivāhī gaī.' For instance, 'Rājakumārī ko ek anya rājya ke rājā se vivāhā gayā' (The princess was married to the king of another kingdom). This usage highlights the strategic and social nature of historical alliances.

Imperative/Formal Requests: In very traditional settings, one might ask a priest: 'Kripayā mere bacho ko vidhi-vidhān se vivāhiye' (Please solemnize my children's marriage according to the rites).

क्या तुम अपनी पुत्री को इस वर्ष विवाहना चाहते हो? (Do you want to marry off your daughter this year?)

Finally, it's important to notice the objects it takes. It can take a single person (the one being given away) or the couple (the ones being united). The choice depends on the perspective of the speaker—whether they are focusing on the parental duty or the priestly function. Mastery of this word shows a high level of cultural integration and linguistic precision.

While विवाहना (vivāhnā) might not be the word you hear at a modern Bollywood club, it is omnipresent in the more traditional and ritualistic spheres of Indian life. Understanding where it appears will help you recognize its social and religious significance. It is a word of 'Maryāda' (dignity) and 'Paramparā' (tradition).

1. Religious Ceremonies and Scriptures: During a Hindu wedding, the 'Pandit-ji' will use this verb or its Sanskrit equivalent frequently. In the reading of the 'Ramayana' or 'Mahabharata' in Hindi, the weddings of Sita or Draupadi are described using the verb vivāhnā.

You will also hear it in 'Kathas' (religious storytelling sessions). When a storyteller describes how a devotee's daughter was married off through divine grace, vivāhnā is the verb of choice. It conveys a sense of sacredness that the more common 'shādī' lacks. In these contexts, the word is often paired with 'vidhi-vidhān' (procedural rites).

पंडित जी ने शुभ मुहूर्त में वर-वधू को विवाहा। (The priest solemnized the marriage of the groom and bride at the auspicious time.)

Historical dramas and 'Period' films (like those set in the Mughal era or ancient India) are rich sources for this word. When a King discusses alliances, he doesn't just 'fix a wedding'; he discusses whom he shall vivāhnā his children to. This elevates the dialogue, making it sound regal and period-appropriate. For a Hindi learner, watching series like 'Ramayan' or 'Mahabharat' will provide numerous instances of this verb in its natural, formal habitat.

2. Formal Literature and Poetry: Hindi literature, especially from the 'Chhayavaad' or 'Premchand' eras, uses this verb to describe the social pressures and rituals of the time. Poetry uses it for its rhythmic qualities and its ability to evoke a specific cultural atmosphere.

In rural India, the variant byāhnā is heard daily. However, in formal speeches, especially by community leaders or elders at a wedding reception, vivāhnā is used to show respect to the occasion. It is also found in legal documents pertaining to traditional Hindu law, where the 'solemnization' of marriage is a specific legal term.

आज के युग में भी लोग अपनी परंपराओं के अनुसार ही बेटियों को विवाहना पसंद करते हैं। (Even in today's age, people prefer to marry off their daughters according to their traditions.)

Lastly, you might hear it in news reports covering mass wedding ceremonies (Samoohik Vivah). The reporter might say, 'Chief Minister ne sau joṛon ko vivāhā' (The Chief Minister [presided over] the marriage of a hundred couples). Here, it denotes the act of facilitating or presiding over the ritual on a large scale.

Learning विवाहना (vivāhnā) can be tricky because it is a transitive verb in a language where most learners are more comfortable with 'noun + karnā' (compound verb) structures. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Hindi sound more natural and grammatically sound.

Mistake 1: Using it Intransitively: Incorrect: 'Main agle saal vivāhūngā' (meaning 'I will marry'). Correct: 'Main agle saal vivāh karūngā'. 'Vivāhnā' needs an object. If you say 'I will vivāhnā,' people will ask 'Whom are you marrying off?'

Because vivāhnā means to 'solemnize' or 'give in marriage,' you cannot use it for yourself unless you are a priest marrying yourself to someone (which is semantically odd). If you are the one getting married, use 'vivāh karnā' or 'shādī karnā.' If you are the parent or the priest, use vivāhnā.

❌ गलत: मैं अपनी प्रेमिका से विवाहूँगा। (I will marry [off] my girlfriend - sounds like you are her father!)
✅ सही: मैं अपनी प्रेमिका से विवाह करूँगा। (I will marry my girlfriend.)

Another mistake is confusing vivāhnā with byāhnā. While they are synonyms, byāhnā is much more informal and rural. Using byāhnā in a formal speech might sound too 'earthy' or 'rustic,' whereas using vivāhnā in a casual village setting might sound overly 'bookish' or 'pretentious.' Choosing the right register is key.

Learners also often forget the 'ne' particle in the past tense. Since vivāhnā is transitive, the subject must take 'ne' in the perfective tenses. 'Pita ne beti ko vivāhā' is correct; 'Pita beti ko vivāhā' is ungrammatical. This is a common hurdle for those whose native languages do not have ergative-like features.

Mistake 2: Overusing in Modern Contexts: Don't use it for a quick 'Las Vegas style' wedding. The word implies a long, ritualistic process. Using it for a simple court signing feels linguistically 'heavy' and out of place.

❌ गलत: हमने कोर्ट में विवाहा। (We 'solemnized' in court - sounds contradictory.)
✅ सही: हमने कोर्ट में शादी की। (We got married in court.)

Finally, ensure you don't confuse the spelling with vibhājan (division) or vivād (dispute). Though they share the 'vi-' prefix, their meanings are worlds apart. A 'vivād' is the last thing you want when you are trying to vivāhnā someone!

The Hindi language has a rich vocabulary for the concept of marriage, reflecting the institution's central role in society. Understanding the synonyms and alternatives to विवाहना (vivāhnā) will help you navigate different social registers and contexts.

1. ब्याहना (Byāhnā): This is the Tadbhava (evolved) form of the Sanskrit-derived 'vivāhnā'. It is extremely common in rural Hindi, folk songs, and everyday speech. It carries a sense of warmth and familial intimacy but is less formal than 'vivāhnā'.
2. शादी करना (Shādī Karnā): The most common way to say 'to get married' in neutral, everyday Hindi. It is of Persian origin. Unlike 'vivāhnā', it is a compound verb and can be used both transitively (with 'karvānā') and intransitively.

When comparing vivāhnā to vivāh karnā, remember that the former is a single verb while the latter is a compound. In high literature, single verbs are often preferred for their elegance. However, in modern journalism, vivāh sampann honā (marriage being completed) is a very frequent alternative.

तुलना:
1. उसने बेटी को विवाहा। (Formal/Literary)
2. उसने बेटी को ब्याहा। (Colloquial/Rural)
3. उसने बेटी की शादी की। (Neutral/Common)

For the act of 'solemnizing' specifically, priests might use the term parṇayan karnā or pāṇigrahaṇ karvānā. These are even more technical and Sanskritized than vivāhnā. If you are describing a wedding in a very high-brow academic or religious text, these would be the terms to use.

In a legal context, the term nikāh paṛhānā is used for Islamic marriages. While vivāhnā is technically neutral, its Sanskrit roots give it a strong association with Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions. For a generic 'to marry' that applies to all religions in a secular context, shādī karnā is the safest bet.

3. गठबंधन करना (Gathbandhan Karnā): Literally 'to tie the knot'. Used both for marriage and for forming political or business alliances. It emphasizes the 'union' aspect.

To summarize, choose your word based on the 'flavor' you want to give your sentence. Vivāhnā is the scent of ancient rituals; shādī is the sound of a modern celebration; byāhnā is the heart of a village home.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Vedic times, 'vivāha' was one of the sixteen 'Saṃskāras' (sacraments) that a human must undergo. The verb 'vivāhnā' specifically focuses on the ceremonial act of this transition.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /vɪ.ʋɑːɦ.nɑː/

US /vɪ.vɑ.nɑ/

Second syllable (vā)

Rhymes With

सराहना (sarāhnā - to praise) निबाहना (nibāhnā - to fulfill/carry out) चाहना (chāhnā - to want) गाना (gānā - to sing) जाना (jānā - to go) बनाना (banānā - to make) सजाना (sajānā - to decorate) पढ़ाना (paṛhānā - to teach)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'v' as 'w'. In Hindi, 'v' is labiodental, like in 'vest'.
Dropping the 'h' completely, making it sound like 'vivānā'.
Over-stressing the final 'nā' instead of the middle 'vā'.
Confusing it with 'vibhājan' (division).
Using it as an intransitive verb (e.g., 'Main vivāhūngā' for 'I will marry').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context but requires knowing formal vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'ne' and understanding of transitive structures.

Speaking 4/5

Choosing the right register (not too formal, not too rural) is hard.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced but can be confused with 'byāhnā' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

विवाह (vivāh) शादी (shādī) करना (karnā) बेटी (beṭī) पंडित (paṇḍit)

Learn Next

परिणय (parṇayan) संस्कार (saṃskāra) पद्धति (paddhati) मर्यादा (maryādā) संकल्प (sankalp)

Advanced

पाणिग्रहण (pāṇigrahaṇ) कन्यादान (kanyādān) सप्तपदी (saptapadī) वाग्दान (vāgdān) उद्वाह (udvāh)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb 'Ne' Rule

उसने (Subject + Ne) बेटी को विवाहा।

Causative Nuance

Vivāhnā acts as a single-word alternative to 'vivāh karvānā'.

Object Blocking Agreement

Pita ne beti ko vivāhā (not vivāhī because of 'ko').

Future Tense Conjugation

Main vivāhūngā, tum vivāhoge, ve vivāhenge.

Passive Construction

Use 'jānā' auxiliary: 'Beti ko vivāhā gayā'.

Examples by Level

राजा ने अपनी बेटी को विवाहा।

The king married off his daughter.

Simple past tense with 'ne'.

पिता ने बेटे को विवाहा।

The father married off his son.

The verb agrees with the object when 'ne' is used, but here 'ko' blocks agreement, so it's neutral 'vivāhā'.

वे अपनी बहन को विवाहेंगे।

They will marry off their sister.

Future tense masculine plural.

क्या तुम उसे विवाहोगे?

Will you marry her off?

Interrogative sentence in future tense.

उसने अपनी बेटी को खुशी-खुशी विवाहा।

He married off his daughter happily.

Adverbial phrase 'khushi-khushi' used with the verb.

माँ अपनी बेटी को विवाहना चाहती है।

The mother wants to marry off her daughter.

Infinitival use 'vivāhnā' with 'chāhnā'.

गाँव में सबने मिलकर उसे विवाहा।

Everyone in the village together married her off.

Collective subject with 'ne'.

गरीब आदमी ने अपनी बेटी को विवाहा।

The poor man married off his daughter.

Subject-adjective agreement.

पंडित जी ने मंदिर में जोड़े को विवाहा।

The priest married the couple in the temple.

Focus on the 'solemnizing' aspect.

उसने अपनी छोटी बहन को अच्छे घर में विवाहा।

He married off his younger sister into a good home.

Use of 'achhe ghar mein' as a common idiom.

क्या सरकार ने इन अनाथ बच्चों को विवाहा?

Did the government marry off these orphaned children?

Government as the subject of the ritual action.

वे अगले साल अपनी पोती को विवाहेंगे।

They will marry off their granddaughter next year.

Future tense for planned events.

उसने अपनी संपत्ति बेचकर बेटी को विवाहा।

He married off his daughter by selling his property.

Conjunctive participle 'bechkar' used with the main verb.

समाज ने मिलकर उस विधवा को फिर से विवाहा।

The society together married that widow again.

Social subject performing the action.

क्या आपने कभी किसी को विवाहा है?

Have you ever married anyone off?

Present perfect tense.

वह अपनी भतीजी को विवाहने की तैयारी कर रहा है।

He is preparing to marry off his niece.

Infinitival form as an object of a preposition.

प्राचीन काल में राजा अपनी पुत्रियों को योग्य वरों से विवाहते थे।

In ancient times, kings used to marry their daughters to worthy grooms.

Habitual past tense 'vivāhte the'.

शास्त्रों के अनुसार, कन्या को विवाहना एक महान पुण्य है।

According to the scriptures, marrying off a girl is a great merit.

Verbal noun usage.

उसने अपनी दोनों बेटियों को एक ही मंडप में विवाहा।

He married off both his daughters in the same wedding canopy.

Numerical object 'donon betiyon'.

पुरोहित ने विधि-विधान से वर-वधू को विवाहा।

The priest married the groom and bride according to the ritual procedures.

Use of 'vidhi-vidhān' to emphasize ritual.

वह अपनी इकलौती संतान को विवाहने के लिए बहुत उत्साहित था।

He was very excited to marry off his only child.

Adjective ' उत्साहित' describing the subject's state.

क्या तुम जानते हो कि उसे किसने विवाहा था?

Do you know who married her off?

Past perfect with interrogative 'kisne'.

गाँव के मुखिया ने उस अनाथ लड़की को अपनी बेटी मानकर विवाहा।

The village head married off that orphan girl, considering her his own daughter.

Conjunctive participle 'mānkar'.

उसे सही उम्र में विवाहना ज़रूरी था।

It was necessary to marry her off at the right age.

Impersonal construction with 'zaroori thā'.

सांस्कृतिक परंपराओं को जीवित रखने के लिए उन्होंने अपनी संतान को वैदिक रीति से विवाहा।

To keep cultural traditions alive, they married off their offspring according to Vedic rites.

Complex purpose clause 'ke liye'.

उस ज़माने में, बेटियों को बहुत कम उम्र में ही विवाह दिया जाता था।

In those days, daughters used to be married off at a very young age.

Passive voice 'vivāh diyā jātā thā'.

पिता का एकमात्र संकल्प अपनी संतानों को सुयोग्य परिवारों में विवाहना था।

The father's sole resolution was to marry off his children into well-suited families.

Possessive phrase 'Pitā kā ekmātra sankalp'.

क्या आपने उन सभी जोड़ों को एक साथ विवाहने का निर्णय लिया है?

Have you decided to marry off all those couples together?

Present perfect with a complex object.

समाज के दबाव में आकर उसने अपनी मर्जी के खिलाफ बेटी को विवाहा।

Under social pressure, he married off his daughter against his will.

Participial phrase 'dabāv mein ākar'.

उसे किसी संपन्न घराने में विवाहने की योजना बनाई जा रही है।

Plans are being made to marry her off into a wealthy household.

Passive continuous construction.

पुरोहित का कार्य केवल विवाहना नहीं, बल्कि जोड़ों को मार्ग दिखाना भी है।

A priest's job is not just to solemnize marriage, but also to show the way to couples.

Correlative conjunction 'na keval... balki'.

यदि तुम उसे अब नहीं विवाहोगे, तो समाज क्या कहेगा?

If you don't marry her off now, what will society say?

Conditional 'yadi... to'.

उपन्यासकार ने नायक की बहन को एक क्रूर ज़मींदार से विवाहने की त्रासदी का वर्णन किया है।

The novelist has described the tragedy of marrying off the hero's sister to a cruel landlord.

Complex genitive construction.

रीतिकालीन कविताओं में कन्या को विवाहने के प्रसंग अत्यंत श्रृंगारिक होते थे।

In Riti-era poetry, the episodes of marrying off a girl were extremely ornate/romantic.

Subject is 'prasang' (episodes).

उसने अपनी आत्मा को ईश्वर के चरणों में विवाहने का आध्यात्मिक स्वप्न देखा।

He saw a spiritual dream of marrying his soul at the feet of God.

Metaphorical usage of the verb.

बिना किसी आडंबर के अपनी पुत्री को विवाहना उनके सादगीपूर्ण जीवन का प्रमाण था।

Marrying off his daughter without any ostentation was proof of his simple life.

Gerundial subject 'vivāhnā'.

क्या यह उचित है कि आर्थिक लाभ के लिए किसी को विवाह दिया जाए?

Is it appropriate that someone be married off for economic gain?

Subjunctive passive 'vivāh diyā jāe'.

इतिहास गवाह है कि कई युद्ध केवल राजकुमारियों को विवाहने की शर्तों पर रुके थे।

History is witness that many wars stopped only on the conditions of marrying off princesses.

Complex sentence with 'ki' clause.

उसने अपनी समस्त संतानों को विवाहा और फिर संन्यास ले लिया।

He married off all his children and then took renunciation.

Sequential actions with 'aur phir'.

पंडितों ने मंत्रों के जिस ओज के साथ उन्हें विवाहा, वह अविस्मरणीय था।

The vigor of the mantras with which the priests married them was unforgettable.

Relative clause 'jis... vah'.

इस महाकाव्य में प्रकृति को पुरुष के साथ विवाहने की रूपकात्मक अभिव्यक्ति है।

In this epic, there is an allegorical expression of marrying Nature with Man.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

अभिलेखों से ज्ञात होता है कि सम्राट ने अपनी प्रपौत्री को सुदूर दक्षिण के नरेश से विवाहा था।

It is known from inscriptions that the Emperor had married off his great-granddaughter to the King of the far South.

Formal historical reporting style.

अपनी मर्यादा की रक्षा हेतु उसने स्वयं को मृत्यु से विवाहना श्रेष्ठ समझा।

To protect her dignity, she considered it better to marry herself to death.

Poetic/tragic metaphor.

क्या तुम उस परंपरा का खंडन करोगे जिसमें कन्या को वस्तु की भाँति विवाह दिया जाता है?

Will you refute the tradition in which a girl is married off like an object?

Relative clause with 'jisne'.

साधु ने अपने शिष्यों को ज्ञान के साथ विवाहने का उपदेश दिया।

The sage preached to his disciples about marrying themselves to knowledge.

Instructional metaphorical usage.

उसने अपनी लेखनी को सत्य के साथ विवाहा और कभी पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा।

He married his pen to the truth and never looked back.

Literary personification.

जिस तत्परता से उन्होंने निर्धन कन्याओं को विवाहा, वह अनुकरणीय है।

The promptness with which they married off poor girls is exemplary.

Abstract noun 'tatpartā' (promptness).

विवाहने की यह प्रक्रिया मात्र सामाजिक बंधन नहीं, अपितु आत्माओं का मिलन है।

This process of marrying is not just a social bond, but a union of souls.

Use of 'apitu' (but rather) for high formality.

Common Collocations

कन्या विवाहना

विधि-विधान से विवाहना

धूम-धाम से विवाहना

योग्य वर से विवाहना

शुभ मुहूर्त में विवाहना

जबरदस्ती विवाहना

अग्नि के समक्ष विवाहना

कुलीन परिवार में विवाहना

एक साथ विवाहना

वैदिक रीति से विवाहना

Common Phrases

बेटी को विवाहना

— To marry off a daughter. It implies fulfilling a major life responsibility.

रिटायरमेंट से पहले उसे अपनी बेटी को विवाहना है।

धूम-धाम से विवाहना

— To marry off with great pomp and show. Refers to grand celebrations.

सेठ जी ने अपने बेटे को बहुत धूम-धाम से विवाहा।

विधिपूर्वक विवाहना

— To marry according to all religious rules and procedures.

पंडित ने जोड़े को विधिपूर्वक विवाहा।

समय पर विवाहना

— To marry off at the appropriate or socially accepted age.

बच्चों को समय पर विवाहना ही ठीक रहता है।

अच्छे घर में विवाहना

— To marry someone into a prosperous and respectable family.

उसने अपनी बहन को एक बहुत अच्छे घर में विवाहा।

शास्त्रों के अनुसार विवाहना

— To marry according to the holy scriptures.

वे अपनी संतानों को शास्त्रों के अनुसार ही विवाहना चाहते थे।

धार्मिक रीति से विवाहना

— To marry through religious rites.

उन्होंने अपनी शादी मंदिर में धार्मिक रीति से विवाही।

एक ही मंडप में विवाहना

— To marry multiple people (usually siblings) in the same ceremony.

दोनों भाइयों को एक ही मंडप में विवाहा गया।

बिना दहेज के विवाहना

— To marry off without the practice of dowry.

उसने अपनी बेटी को बिना दहेज के विवाहा।

परंपरा के अनुसार विवाहना

— To marry according to long-standing traditions.

हमें अपनी परंपरा के अनुसार ही बच्चों को विवाहना चाहिए।

Often Confused With

विवाहना vs विवाह करना (Vivāh Karnā)

This means 'to get married' (yourself). 'Vivāhnā' means to 'marry off' (someone else).

विवाहना vs विभाजन (Vibhājan)

This means 'division' or 'partition'. Sounds similar but unrelated.

विवाहना vs विवाद (Vivād)

This means 'dispute' or 'argument'. Often the opposite of what happens at a wedding!

Idioms & Expressions

"हाथ पीले करना"

— To get a daughter married. Refers to the turmeric ceremony.

गरीब पिता ने मेहनत करके अपनी बेटी के हाथ पीले किए।

Common

"फेरे लेना"

— To take the seven circumambulations around the fire; to get married.

उन्होंने अग्नि के सात फेरे लेकर एक-दूसरे को विवाहा।

Ritualistic

"गठबंधन बाँधना"

— To tie the knot; to create a lasting union.

पंडित ने मंत्रों के साथ उनका गठबंधन बाँधा।

Formal

"डोली उठाना"

— Literally 'to lift the palanquin'; refers to the bride leaving her home after being married.

बेटी को विवाहने के बाद उसकी डोली उठी तो सब रो पड़े।

Poetic/Emotional

"घर बसाना"

— To settle down; to start a household through marriage.

माँ चाहती थी कि वह जल्द से जल्द अपना घर बसा ले।

Common

"सेहरा सजाना"

— To prepare the groom for the wedding.

बेटे को विवाहने के लिए पिता ने उसका सेहरा सजाया।

Traditional

"कन्यादान करना"

— The ritual of giving away the daughter in marriage.

पिता ने कन्यादान करके अपनी पुत्री को विवाहा।

Religious

"मंगल सूत्र बाँधना"

— The act of the groom tying the sacred necklace on the bride.

वर ने वधू को मंगल सूत्र बाँधकर विवाहा।

Ritualistic

"सात जन्मों का बंधन"

— A bond of seven lifetimes; used to describe the permanence of marriage.

उन्होंने सात जन्मों के बंधन में बंधकर एक-दूसरे को विवाहा।

Romantic/Traditional

"पाणिग्रहण संस्कार"

— The formal name for the wedding ritual in Sanskritized Hindi.

आज उनका पाणिग्रहण संस्कार संपन्न हुआ।

Very Formal

Easily Confused

विवाहना vs ब्याहना (Byāhnā)

They mean the same thing.

'Vivāhnā' is formal/Sanskritized, 'Byāhnā' is colloquial/Tadbhava. Use 'Vivāhnā' for writing and 'Byāhnā' for speaking in casual rural contexts.

साहित्य में 'विवाहना' और लोकगीतों में 'ब्याहना' का प्रयोग होता है।

विवाहना vs बहाना (Bahānā)

Similar sound.

'Bahānā' means to 'flow' (like water) or an 'excuse'. It has no connection to marriage.

पानी बहाना बुरा है, पर बेटी को विवाहना पिता का धर्म है।

विवाहना vs विवाहित (Vivāhit)

Same root.

'Vivāhit' is an adjective meaning 'married'. 'Vivāhnā' is the verb meaning the act of marrying off.

वह एक विवाहित पुरुष है जिसे अपनी बहन को विवाहना है।

विवाहना vs विवाह (Vivāh)

The root noun.

'Vivāh' is the noun (marriage). 'Vivāhnā' is the action (to marry off).

विवाह एक उत्सव है, और उसे विवाहना एक जिम्मेदारी।

विवाहना vs विवश (Vivash)

Similar prefix.

'Vivash' means 'helpless' or 'forced'.

वह अपनी बेटी को विवाहने के लिए विवश था।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] ने [Object] को विवाहा।

राम ने अपनी बहन को विवाहा।

[Subject] [Object] को [Time] विवाहेंगे।

वे अपनी बेटी को अगले साल विवाहेंगे।

[Subject] ने [Object] को [Method] से विवाहा।

पंडित ने जोड़े को वैदिक रीति से विवाहा।

[Object] को [Reason] के लिए विवाहा गया।

राजकुमारी को शांति के लिए विवाहा गया।

[Subject] का लक्ष्य [Object] को विवाहना था।

उसका एकमात्र लक्ष्य अपनी अनाथ भतीजी को विवाहना था।

[Subject] ने [Abstract Object] को [Abstract Target] से विवाहा।

कवि ने अपनी कल्पना को यथार्थ से विवाहा।

[Subject] [Object] को विवाहने की तैयारी कर रहा है।

पिता अपनी बेटी को विवाहने की तैयारी कर रहा है।

क्या [Subject] ने [Object] को विवाह दिया है?

क्या आपने अपनी छोटी बहन को विवाह दिया है?

Word Family

Nouns

विवाह (vivāh) - Marriage

विवाहित (vivāhit) - Married person

अविवाहित (avivāhit) - Unmarried person

विवाह-संस्कार (vivāh-saṃskāra) - Wedding ritual

Verbs

विवाहना (vivāhnā) - To solemnize/marry off

ब्याहना (byāhnā) - To marry (colloquial)

विवाह करना (vivāh karnā) - To get married

Adjectives

वैवाहिक (vaivāhik) - Matrimonial/Marital

विवाह-योग्य (vivāh-yogya) - Marriageable

विवाहोत्सुक (vivāhotsuk) - Eager to marry

बारात (bārāt) - Wedding procession

दुल्हन (dulhan) - Bride

दूल्हा (dūlhā) - Groom

मंडप (maṇḍap) - Wedding canopy

फेरे (phere) - Wedding rounds

How to Use It

frequency

Low in daily speech, High in literature and rituals.

Common Mistakes

Using 'vivāhnā' for oneself. → Use 'vivāh karnā'.
You cannot 'marry off' yourself in the transitive sense that this verb implies.
Omitting 'ne' in the past tense. → Usne beti ko vivāhā.
Since it's a transitive verb, the subject must take 'ne' in the perfective aspect.
Confusing it with 'vibhājan'. → Use 'vivāhnā' only for marriage.
They sound similar but 'vibhājan' means partition/division.
Using it in very casual slang. → Use 'shādī kar dī'.
'Vivāhnā' is too formal for street talk and can sound pretentious.
Thinking it's only for daughters. → Can be used for sons too.
While more common for daughters, it technically means to solemnize a marriage for any ward.

Tips

Transitive Usage

Always remember that 'vivāhnā' needs an object. You marry *someone* off. You don't just 'vivāhnā' by yourself.

Formal Contexts

Save this word for formal letters, invitations, or when writing stories set in a traditional background.

The 'H' Sound

Don't skip the 'h'. It's vi-vā-H-nā. Pronouncing the 'h' adds the necessary formal gravity to the word.

Sacred Duty

Understand that using this word implies the fulfillment of a sacred or social duty, not just a party.

Byāhnā vs Vivāhnā

If you are in a village, use 'byāhnā'. If you are in a city at a grand wedding, 'vivāhnā' or 'vivāh' is better.

Historical Fiction

If you write historical fiction in Hindi, this is the perfect verb for kings and queens marrying off their heirs.

Priestly Speech

Listen to wedding priests; they often use the root 'vivāh' in various verbal forms that sound like 'vivāhnā'.

Word Family

Connect it to 'vivāh' (noun) and 'vaivāhik' (adjective) to build a mental cluster of marriage-related words.

The 'V' Connection

V for Vows, V for Vivāhnā. It's the action of conducting the vows.

Kanyādān

The verb 'vivāhnā' is the linguistic companion to the ritual of Kanyādān.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a priest (V) in a Van (VA) carrying a Huge (H) ring to a bride (NA). Vi-Vā-H-Nā. He is there to 'solemnize' the wedding.

Visual Association

Picture a father holding his daughter's hand and placing it into the groom's hand over a sacred fire. This 'giving away' is the essence of 'vivāhnā'.

Word Web

Marriage Ritual Duty Parent Priest Ceremony Tradition Solemnize

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence story about a King who has to marry off three sons. Use 'vivāhnā' in the past, present, and future tenses.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'विवाह' (vivāha), which comes from the root 'वह' (vah) meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear'. The prefix 'वि' (vi) denotes 'special' or 'away'.

Original meaning: The original Sanskrit meaning refers to the act of 'carrying away' the bride from her parental home to the groom's home.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in modern contexts where 'marrying off' might sound like the bride has no agency. Use 'vivāh karnā' for more egalitarian descriptions.

In English, we say 'to marry' for both the couple and the priest. In Hindi, 'vivāhnā' is specifically for the one *conducting* or *giving*.

The 'Vivāha Sūkta' in the Rig Veda describes the first wedding (of Surya's daughter). Premchand's stories often use 'vivāhnā' or 'byāhnā' to discuss social issues like dowry. The movie 'Vivah' (2006) captures the traditional essence that this verb conveys.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Discussions

बेटी को विवाहना है
अच्छे घर में विवाहना
सबको विवाह दिया
विवाहने की उम्र

Religious Rituals

विधिपूर्वक विवाहना
मंत्रों से विवाहना
अग्नि के सामने विवाहना
पुरोहित ने विवाहा

Literature/Stories

राजकुमारी को विवाहा
धूम-धाम से विवाहा
योग्य वर को विवाहा
स्वयंवर में विवाहा

Social Issues

जबरदस्ती विवाहना
कम उम्र में विवाहना
बिना मर्जी के विवाहना
दहेज देकर विवाहना

History

संधि के लिए विवाहा
दूसरे राज्य में विवाहा
पुरानी रीति से विवाहा
इतिहास में विवाहा

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपने अपनी सभी बेटियों को विवाह दिया है?"

"पुराने ज़माने में लोग बच्चों को इतनी जल्दी क्यों विवाहते थे?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि पंडित का काम सिर्फ विवाहना ही है?"

"अगर आपको किसी को विवाहना हो, तो आप कैसी तैयारी करेंगे?"

"क्या इस साल गाँव में किसी को विवाहा जाएगा?"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि एक पिता अपनी बेटी को विवाहने के समय क्या महसूस करता है।

क्या समाज में विवाहने की रस्मों में कोई बदलाव आया है? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक कहानी लिखें जिसमें एक राजा अपनी तीन बेटियों को अलग-अलग देशों में विवाहता है।

विवाहना और शादी करना में क्या अंतर है? अपने शब्दों में समझाएं।

यदि आप एक पंडित होते, तो आप जोड़े को विवाहते समय क्या उपदेश देते?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not use it for yourself. 'Vivāhnā' is transitive and implies marrying someone else off or solemnizing a marriage. For yourself, say 'Main vivāh kar rahā hūn' or 'Merī shādī ho rahī hai'.

In modern Bollywood, 'shādī' is more common. However, in historical or very traditional family dramas (like those by Sooraj Barjatya), you might hear 'vivāhnā' or 'byāhnā' used by the elder characters.

The past tense is 'विवाहा' (vivāhā). For example, 'Usne apnī beṭī ko vivāhā'. Because it is transitive, you must use the 'ne' particle with the subject.

They are semantically identical, but 'vivāhnā' is the formal Sanskrit-derived form, while 'byāhnā' is the evolved colloquial form. Use 'vivāhnā' for formal speeches and 'byāhnā' for informal or folk contexts.

Yes, it can be used for marrying off a son as well, though historically and culturally it is more frequently associated with 'giving away' a daughter (kanyādān).

Yes, it strongly suggests a ritualistic or religious solemnization according to tradition, rather than just a legal registration.

You can use the passive voice: 'Use vivāhā gayā'. This is common when describing historical figures or arranged marriages.

Yes, it follows the standard conjugation patterns of Hindi verbs ending in '-nā', like 'khānā' or 'gānā'.

There isn't a single direct opposite verb, but 'talāq denā' (to divorce) or 'vivāh-vicched karnā' are the functional opposites.

Yes, in spiritual poetry, it is used to describe the union of the soul with God, or personifying ideas being 'married' to each other.