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व्यथा

A2 noun #7,500 most common 12 min read

व्यथा

vyatha Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips व्यथा in 30 Seconds

Explanation व्यथा in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'व्यथा' (Vyathā) as a special, very strong word for 'sadness'. While you usually use 'dukh' for being sad, 'vyathā' is what you use when something is very, very sad inside your heart. It is like having a big heavy stone of sadness in your mind. For example, if a story is very sad, you can say it has 'vyathā'. Remember, it is a feminine word, so we say 'merī vyathā' (my sadness) or 'gahrī vyathā' (deep sadness). Don't worry about using it in every sentence; just knowing that it means 'deep internal sadness' is a great start! You might hear it in very sad songs or stories. It's not for small things like losing a pencil, but for big things like missing someone very much.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'व्यथा' (Vyathā) to describe mental suffering or distress. It is a noun that describes a feeling, not an action. You will mostly see it in books or hear it in formal speeches. It is different from physical pain (which is 'dard'). 'Vyathā' is always about what you feel in your mind or heart. When you see someone who looks very troubled and sad, you might say they are in 'vyathā'. A key thing to learn is how to pair it with adjectives. Since it is a feminine noun, adjectives like 'baṛī' (big) or 'thoṛī' (a little) will end in 'ī'. For example: 'Uskī vyathā baṛī hai' (His/her anguish is big/great). You are moving beyond basic emotions and starting to understand more serious ones.

For B1 learners, 'व्यथा' (Vyathā) becomes a tool for more nuanced expression. You should understand that it carries a literary and formal tone. It's the kind of word used to describe the collective suffering of a group of people, like 'garībon kī vyathā' (the anguish of the poor). You should also learn the word 'vyathit' (distressed), which is the adjective form. If a news report makes you sad, you can say, 'Main yah sunkar vyathit hūñ' (I am distressed hearing this). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'vyathā' from 'dukh'. 'Dukh' is common and can be minor, but 'vyathā' implies a more profound, often silent, mental struggle. It's a great word to use in essays or formal letters to show a deeper understanding of Hindi vocabulary.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'व्यथा' (Vyathā) in complex sentence structures and understanding its use in literature. You will notice it often appearing in the context of social justice, historical tragedies, and deep psychological character studies in novels. You should be able to use compound words like 'manovyathā' (mental anguish) or 'antarvyathā' (inner suffering). You should also recognize it in common literary pairings like 'vyathā-vedanā'. At this stage, you understand that 'vyathā' isn't just a synonym for sadness; it's a specific register of suffering that evokes empathy and respect. You can use it to analyze themes in Hindi cinema or literature, discussing how a protagonist's 'vyathā' drives the plot forward.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and philosophical weight of 'व्यथा' (Vyathā). You understand its Sanskrit roots and how it functions as a 'Tatsam' word to provide a formal, dignified air to your speech or writing. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'astitvavādī vyathā' (existential anguish) or the 'vyathā' of a displaced population in a sociological context. You are sensitive to the fact that using 'vyathā' instead of 'dukh' or 'dard' changes the entire mood of a sentence, making it more serious and poignant. You can flawlessly handle the feminine grammatical agreement in complex, multi-clause sentences and can use the word to create powerful rhetorical effects in public speaking or creative writing.

At the C2 level, 'व्यथा' (Vyathā) is a word you use with precision and mastery. You understand its historical evolution in Hindi literature—how it was used by the Bhakti poets to describe the longing for the divine, and how modern writers use it to depict the fragmentation of the individual in the urban world. You can identify the 'dhvani' (resonance) of the word in different contexts, from the subtle irony in a satirical essay to the heart-wrenching gravity of a tragic monologue. You are capable of using 'vyathā' to engage in high-level academic or philosophical debates, perhaps comparing the Indian concept of 'vyathā' with Western concepts of 'angst' or 'melancholy'. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, reflecting a total immersion in the linguistic and cultural nuances of the word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

व्यथा in 30 Seconds

Vyathā is a formal Hindi word for deep mental anguish or emotional distress, often found in literature.
It is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine grammatical forms like 'merī vyathā' or 'gahrī vyathā'.
Unlike 'dukh' (sadness), it implies a more serious, long-lasting, and internal state of suffering.
Commonly used to describe the plight of marginalized groups or intense personal grief in creative works.

The Hindi word व्यथा (Vyathā) is a deeply evocative noun that transcends simple sadness. At its core, it represents an intense state of mental distress, internal anguish, or profound grief. Unlike the common word dukh (sadness), which can be fleeting or related to minor inconveniences, vyathā suggests a lingering, often silent suffering that weighs heavily on the soul. It is a word that captures the essence of human vulnerability and the internal struggle against emotional pain.

Semantic Depth: Vyathā is often associated with 'pīṛā' (pain) but specifically targets the psychological and emotional realm. It is the pain of separation, the anguish of loss, or the silent suffering of an injustice that cannot be voiced. When a person describes their state as vyathā, they are inviting you into a space of serious emotional gravity.
Usage Context: While you might hear it in daily conversation among elders or in formal settings, it is a staple of Hindi literature (Sāhitya), poetry (Kavitā), and dramatic storytelling. It is used to describe the collective suffering of a community or the private torment of an individual. It is rarely used for physical injuries unless the physical pain is causing significant mental trauma.

उनकी आँखों में बरसों की व्यथा साफ झलक रही थी। (The anguish of years was clearly visible in their eyes.)

To understand vyathā, one must look at its Sanskrit roots. It implies a 'shaking' or 'agitation' of the mind. Imagine a calm lake being disturbed by a heavy stone; the resulting ripples and the murky water represent the state of vyathā. It is the agitation that prevents peace. In modern Hindi, it is a sophisticated way to express empathy. If you tell someone, 'I understand your vyathā,' you are acknowledging their pain at a much deeper level than a simple 'I'm sorry.'

विस्थापन की व्यथा केवल वही समझ सकता है जिसने अपना घर खोया हो। (Only someone who has lost their home can understand the anguish of displacement.)

Register and Tone: The word carries a formal and literary register. Using it in a casual conversation about losing a pen would be considered hyperbolic or even sarcastic. It is reserved for life-altering events, deep personal reflections, or discussing social issues like poverty and injustice.

कवि ने अपनी कविता में समाज की व्यथा को स्वर दिया है। (The poet has given voice to the anguish of society in his poem.)

Furthermore, vyathā is often paired with verbs like 'sunānā' (to tell/narrate) or 'baāntnā' (to share). Because it is a heavy burden, the act of sharing one's vyathā is seen as a significant moment of trust. It is not just information; it is the sharing of a piece of one's heart. In many Hindi novels, the climax often involves a character finally revealing their 'antar-vyathā' (internal anguish) to a confidant, leading to a cathartic resolution.

माँ के चेहरे पर छिपी व्यथा को पहचानना मुश्किल नहीं था। (It wasn't difficult to recognize the hidden anguish on mother's face.)

Modern Context: In modern news reporting, you will see 'vyathā' used to describe the plight of farmers, the suffering of war victims, or the mental health struggles of the youth. It serves as a powerful tool for journalists to evoke empathy and highlight the human cost of systemic issues.

युद्ध के बाद की व्यथा शब्दों में बयान नहीं की जा सकती। (The anguish following the war cannot be described in words.)

Using व्यथा (Vyathā) correctly requires an understanding of its emotional weight and grammatical gender. As a feminine noun, it dictates the form of the words around it. Let's explore how to integrate it into your Hindi vocabulary across different sentence structures.

Descriptive Usage: When describing the intensity of the suffering, use feminine adjectives like 'gahrī' (deep), 'asahy' (unbearable), or 'mārmik' (touching/poignant).
Example: 'उसकी गहरी व्यथा देखकर मेरा दिल भर आया।' (Seeing her deep anguish, my heart was filled [with emotion].)

विभाजन की व्यथा आज भी कई परिवारों में जीवित है। (The anguish of partition is still alive in many families today.)

In Hindi, we often 'express' or 'narrate' vyathā. The verb 'vyakt karnā' (to express) or 'prakaṭ karnā' (to manifest/show) are common partners. When someone is sharing their pain, we use 'sunānā' (to tell). For example, 'उसने अपनी पूरी व्यथा मुझे सुनाई।' (She told me her entire tale of woe.) Notice how 'sunāī' ends in 'ī' to match the feminine 'vyathā'.

क्या तुम अपनी व्यथा को शब्दों में लिख सकते हो? (Can you write your anguish in words?)

Compound Formations: You will often see 'vyathā' combined with other words to create specific meanings. 'Manovyathā' (mental anguish) and 'Antarvyathā' (inner suffering) are two very common literary terms. Using these shows a high level of Hindi proficiency.

Another important aspect is the 'subject' of the vyathā. We use the postposition 'kī' to link the sufferer to the suffering. 'Garībon kī vyathā' (the anguish of the poor), 'mazdūron kī vyathā' (the anguish of the laborers). This structure is essential for discussing social and political themes in Hindi essays or speeches.

इस पेंटिंग में कलाकार की व्यथा स्पष्ट रूप से दिखाई देती है। (The artist's anguish is clearly visible in this painting.)

वह अपनी व्यथा किसी से नहीं कहता। (He does not tell his anguish to anyone.)

Using with 'Se': When someone is 'filled with' or 'troubled by' anguish, we use 'vyathā se'. For example, 'वह व्यथा से भर गया' (He was filled with anguish) or 'व्यथा से व्याकुल' (distraught with anguish).

उपन्यास का नायक अपनी व्यथा से जूझ रहा है। (The protagonist of the novel is struggling with his anguish.)

In summary, treat 'vyathā' as a heavy, formal, and feminine entity. Use it when 'dukh' isn't enough to describe the depth of the situation. Whether you are writing a poem, analyzing a story, or having a heartfelt conversation, 'vyathā' provides the linguistic nuance needed to express the complexities of human suffering.

While व्यथा (Vyathā) might not be the word you use to complain about a stubbed toe, it is omnipresent in the cultural and intellectual landscape of Hindi-speaking regions. Understanding where you'll encounter it will help you grasp its true resonance.

Literature and Poetry: This is the primary home of 'vyathā'. From the epic poetry of the Chhayavad period to modern short stories, authors use 'vyathā' to explore the human condition. You will hear it in poetry recitals (Kavi Sammelan) and find it in the titles of classic Hindi books. It is the language of the 'soul' in Hindi literature.

महादेवी वर्मा की कविताओं में विरह की व्यथा मुख्य विषय है। (The anguish of separation is the main theme in Mahadevi Varma's poems.)

In Indian cinema, specifically in 'Parallel Cinema' or art films, 'vyathā' is a recurring motif. While Bollywood songs might use 'dard' or 'gham' for catchy lyrics, a serious scriptwriter will use 'vyathā' in a monologue to convey a character's profound disillusionment or existential crisis. It signals to the audience that the emotion being portrayed is serious and deep-rooted.

समाचारों में अक्सर किसानों की आर्थिक व्यथा की चर्चा होती है। (The economic anguish of farmers is often discussed in the news.)

Religious and Philosophical Discourse: In spiritual discourses (Pravachan), 'vyathā' is used to describe the suffering of the worldly life (Samsāra). Gurus and speakers use it to explain why humans seek liberation (Moksha)—to free themselves from the 'vyathā' of birth and death. It carries a sense of universal suffering here.

You will also encounter this word in formal speeches, especially those related to social reform or historical commemorations. A politician might speak about the 'vyathā' of the nation during a crisis. In this context, it isn't just a personal feeling but a shared national experience. It is a word that demands respect and serious attention from the listener.

स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों ने देश की व्यथा को दूर करने के लिए बलिदान दिया। (Freedom fighters sacrificed to remove the anguish of the nation.)

बूढ़े दादाजी अपनी जीवन व्यथा सुनाते हुए भावुक हो गए। (The old grandfather became emotional while telling the story of his life's anguish.)

Academic and Social Work: In textbooks and sociology papers, 'vyathā' is used to analyze the impact of poverty, caste discrimination, or gender inequality. It is the preferred term for scholars who want to convey the psychological impact of social structures on individuals.

समाजशास्त्री ने दलित समाज की व्यथा पर एक विस्तृत रिपोर्ट तैयार की है। (The sociologist has prepared a detailed report on the anguish of the Dalit community.)

In summary, 'vyathā' is a word that lives in the depths of Hindi culture. It is heard in moments of high emotion, intellectual depth, and social conscience. Whether through the lines of a poem, the words of a spiritual leader, or the report of a journalist, 'vyathā' serves as a bridge to understanding the profounder aspects of the human experience in the Hindi-speaking world.

While व्यथा (Vyathā) is a beautiful and powerful word, it is easy for learners to misuse it. Because it has such a specific weight and register, using it incorrectly can make your Hindi sound unnatural or even confusing. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing Gender: The most frequent mistake is treating 'vyathā' as a masculine noun. Many Sanskrit-origin words ending in 'ā' in Hindi are actually feminine.
Wrong: मेरा व्यथा (Merā vyathā)
Right: मेरी व्यथा (Merī vyathā)

उसकी व्यथा बहुत गहरी है। (Her anguish is very deep. - Correct feminine agreement with 'gahrī')

Another common error is using 'vyathā' for trivial matters. You wouldn't use it for a headache, a rainy day, or a missed bus. Using it for such things can sound overly dramatic or like you are mocking the word. For minor issues, stick to 'pareshaānī' (trouble) or 'dukh' (sadness).

Avoid: मुझे पेट में व्यथा हो रही है। (I am having anguish in my stomach. - Incorrect context.)

2. Misunderstanding the Internal Nature: 'Vyathā' is primarily internal. Using it to describe external chaos or physical damage is a mistake. It is the mental reaction to those events. For example, a war creates destruction (vināsh), which leads to 'vyathā' in the hearts of people. Don't call the destroyed building a 'vyathā'.

Learners also often confuse 'vyathā' with 'vyavsthā' (arrangement/system) because they sound somewhat similar. They are completely unrelated. 'Vyavsthā' is about organization, while 'vyathā' is about suffering. Always double-check your pronunciation and spelling to avoid this embarrassing mix-up.

समाज की व्यथा और समाज की व्यवस्था दो अलग बातें हैं। (The anguish of society and the system of society are two different things.)

Better: मुझे बहुत दुख हुआ। (I felt very sad. - Natural for everyday talk.)

3. Overusing it in Prose: In creative writing, repeating 'vyathā' too many times can make the text feel heavy-handed or melodramatic. Skilled writers alternate it with words like 'vedanā', 'kaṣṭ', or 'pīṛā' to maintain flow and nuance. Use it sparingly to preserve its impact.

Finally, remember that 'vyathā' is a noun, not a verb. You cannot 'vyathā' someone. You can 'vyathit karnā' (to cause anguish/distress) someone, or someone can 'vyathā mahsūs karnā' (feel anguish). Using it as a verb is a grammatical error that marks you as a beginner.

उसकी बातों ने मुझे व्यथित कर दिया। (Her words distressed me. - Using the adjective/past participle form.)

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for expressing pain and sorrow. Knowing the subtle differences between व्यथा (Vyathā) and its synonyms will allow you to choose the exact word for the emotion you wish to convey.

Vyathā vs. Dukh (दुख): Dukh is the general word for sadness or unhappiness. It can range from losing a toy to losing a job. Vyathā is more intense, internal, and often more formal. While all vyathā is dukh, not all dukh is vyathā.
Vyathā vs. Pīṛā (पीड़ा): Pīṛā can be physical or mental. If you have a backache, you have 'pīṛā'. Vyathā is almost exclusively mental. However, 'mānasik pīṛā' (mental pain) is a very close synonym to vyathā.
Vyathā vs. Vedanā (वेदना): Vedanā is perhaps the closest synonym. It also comes from Sanskrit and implies deep agony. In literature, they are often used together as 'vyathā-vedanā'. Vedanā can sometimes imply a more acute, sharp sense of suffering, while vyathā can be a long-term state.

उसकी वेदना को समझना हर किसी के बस की बात नहीं। (Understanding her agony is not everyone's cup of tea.)

When you want to sound more poetic or Urdu-influenced, you might choose words like Gham (sorrow) or Dard (pain). These are very common in Bollywood songs and Ghazals. Vyathā, being a Tatsam (Sanskrit-derived) word, sounds more formal, academic, or high-literary compared to the more colloquial 'Gham'.

यात्रा में उसे काफी कष्ट हुआ। (He faced a lot of hardship/trouble during the journey.)

Summary Comparison Table

Vyathā: Deep mental anguish, formal/literary.
Dukh: General sadness, all-purpose.
Pīṛā: Physical or mental pain.
Vedanā: Sharp agony, often poetic.
Kaṣṭ: Hardship, physical difficulty.
Klesha: Distress, often used in religious/philosophical contexts.

In academic writing or news, you will also see Santarāp (anguish/torment) or Vyākulatā (restlessness/anxiety). Vyathā is often the root of vyākulatā. If someone has great vyathā, they will naturally feel vyākul (distraught). Choosing between these depends on whether you want to describe the feeling (vyathā) or the behavior resulting from it (vyākulatā).

मन की व्याकुलता को शांत करना आवश्यक है। (It is necessary to calm the restlessness of the mind.)

By mastering these alternatives, you don't just speak Hindi; you paint with it. You can adjust the intensity and the 'flavor' of your speech to match the occasion perfectly. Whether you are comforting a friend or analyzing a masterpiece of Hindi literature, having the right word for 'suffering' is a key step toward true fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"सरकार को किसानों की व्यथा पर ध्यान देना चाहिए।"

Neutral

"उसकी आँखों में छिपी व्यथा को सबने महसूस किया।"

Informal

"इतनी व्यथा लेकर कहाँ जाओगे?"

Child friendly

"कहानी में परी की व्यथा सुनकर सब उदास हो गए।"

Slang

"यार, उसकी तो अपनी ही व्यथा-कथा है।"

Fun Fact

The root 'vyath' is related to the idea of 'shaking'. So, 'vyathā' is literally the 'shaking' or 'agitation' of the heart or mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʋjə.t̪ʰɑː/

US /vjə.t̪ʰɑː/

The stress is slightly more on the second syllable 'thā' due to the long vowel.

Rhymes With

कथा (Kathā - story) प्रथा (Prathā - custom) यथा (Yathā - as/for example) सर्वथा (Sarvathā - entirely) वृथा (Vṛthā - uselessly) अवस्था (Avasthā - state/condition) व्यवस्था (Vyavasthā - arrangement) संस्था (Sañsthā - institution)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as the English 'th' in 'the'. It should be an aspirated 't'.
Ignoring the 'y' sound in 'vya' and saying 'vathā'.
Treating the 'ā' as a short 'a' sound.
Pronouncing 'v' as a hard English 'v'. In Hindi, it's often a labio-dental approximant, between 'v' and 'w'.
Nasalizing the final 'ā' incorrectly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

A2 learners can recognize it in simple contexts, but B1/B2 understanding is needed for its literary nuances.

Writing 5/5

Requires careful attention to feminine grammatical agreement.

Speaking 4/5

The pronunciation of 'th' (aspirated) is key.

Listening 4/5

Common in formal news and literature.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

दुख (Dukh) दर्द (Dard) कहानी (Kahānī) मन (Man) आँख (Āñkh)

Learn Next

वेदना (Vedanā) संताप (Santāp) विभीषिका (Vibhīṣikā) करुणा (Karuṇā) सहानुभूति (Sahānubhūti)

Advanced

चित्ताकर्षण (Chittākarṣaṇ) विषाद (Viṣād) निराशा (Nirāshā) मार्मिकता (Mārmiktā) अस्तित्ववाद (Astitvavād)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

मेरी व्यथा (Merī vyathā), न कि मेरा व्यथा (Merā vyathā).

Adjective Agreement (Feminine)

गहरी व्यथा (Gahrī vyathā), न कि गहरा व्यथा (Gahrā vyathā).

Verb Agreement (Feminine)

व्यथा बढ़ गई (Vyathā baṛh gaī), न कि बढ़ गया (baṛh gayā).

Postposition 'Kī'

किसानों की व्यथा (Kisānoñ kī vyathā) - 'kī' connects to feminine nouns.

Compounding (Samās)

मनोव्यथा (Manovyathā) - Combining 'man' (mind) and 'vyathā'.

Examples by Level

यह एक व्यथा भरी कहानी है।

This is a story full of anguish.

'Vyathā bharī' means 'full of anguish'. Note the feminine 'bharī'.

उसकी आँखों में व्यथा थी।

There was anguish in her eyes.

'Thī' is the feminine past tense of 'to be', matching 'vyathā'.

मुझे तुम्हारी व्यथा का पता है।

I know about your anguish.

'Tumhārī' is the feminine possessive pronoun.

माँ की व्यथा मत बढ़ाओ।

Don't increase mother's anguish.

'Kī' links mother to the feminine 'vyathā'.

यह गहरी व्यथा है।

This is deep anguish.

'Gahrī' is the feminine form of 'deep'.

क्या तुम मेरी व्यथा समझ सकते हो?

Can you understand my anguish?

Question form using 'kyā' at the beginning.

उसने अपनी व्यथा सुनाई।

She told her tale of woe.

'Sunāī' is the feminine past tense of 'to tell'.

दुनिया में बहुत व्यथा है।

There is much anguish in the world.

Simple present tense with 'hai'.

गरीबों की व्यथा कौन सुनेगा?

Who will listen to the anguish of the poor?

Future tense 'sunegā' refers to the subject 'kaun' (who).

उसने अपनी व्यथा को कविता में लिखा।

He wrote his anguish in a poem.

Using 'ko' as an object marker for 'vyathā'.

यह फिल्म समाज की व्यथा दिखाती है।

This film shows the anguish of society.

'Dikhātī hai' matches the feminine 'film'.

मुझे उसकी व्यथा देखकर दुख हुआ।

I felt sad seeing her anguish.

Using 'dekhkar' (having seen) as a conjunctive participle.

तुम्हारी बातों में छिपी व्यथा मैं समझता हूँ।

I understand the anguish hidden in your words.

'Chhipī' is the feminine past participle of 'to hide'.

वह अपनी पुरानी व्यथा भूलना चाहता है।

He wants to forget his old anguish.

'Purānī' is the feminine form of 'old'.

इस चित्र में कलाकार की व्यथा है।

In this painting, there is the artist's anguish.

'Artist' is 'kalākār', 'kī' links it to 'vyathā'.

क्या आपकी कोई व्यथा है?

Do you have any anguish?

'Āpkī' and 'koī' are used with feminine 'vyathā'.

किसानों की व्यथा सुनकर मेरा मन भर आया।

Hearing the farmers' anguish, my heart was moved.

'Man bhar ānā' is an idiom meaning to become emotional.

वह अपनी व्यथा किसी को नहीं बताता।

He doesn't tell his anguish to anyone.

'Batātā' is the masculine singular present habitual.

इस उपन्यास का मुख्य विषय नारी की व्यथा है।

The main theme of this novel is the anguish of women.

'Mukhya vishay' means 'main theme'.

युद्ध के पीड़ितों की व्यथा का अंत नहीं है।

There is no end to the anguish of war victims.

'Ant' (end) is masculine, so 'nahīñ hai'.

लेखक ने अपनी व्यथा को शब्दों में पिरोया है।

The author has woven his anguish into words.

'Piroyā hai' means 'has woven' (like beads on a string).

समाज की व्यथा को दूर करना हमारा कर्तव्य है।

It is our duty to remove the anguish of society.

'Dūr karnā' means to remove or eliminate.

उसकी व्यथा का कारण कोई नहीं जानता।

No one knows the cause of her anguish.

'Kāran' (cause) is masculine, hence 'uskī vyathā kā kāran'.

क्या तुम अपनी व्यथा साझा करना चाहोगे?

Would you like to share your anguish?

'Sājhā karnā' is the formal word for 'to share'.

विस्थापन की व्यथा को केवल वही समझ सकता है जिसने उसे झेला हो।

Only one who has endured displacement can understand its anguish.

'Jhelā ho' is the subjunctive perfect, implying 'has experienced/endured'.

कवि ने अपनी रचनाओं में आम आदमी की व्यथा को स्वर दिया है।

The poet has given voice to the anguish of the common man in his works.

'Svar diyā hai' (gave voice) is a sophisticated phrase.

उसकी आँखों में एक अनकही व्यथा साफ़ झलक रही थी।

An unspoken anguish was clearly visible in her eyes.

'Ankahī' (unspoken) matches feminine 'vyathā'.

बंटवारे की व्यथा ने कई पीढ़ियों को प्रभावित किया है।

The anguish of partition has affected many generations.

'Prabhāvit kiyā hai' means 'has affected'.

वह अपनी अंतर्व्यथा से लड़ने की कोशिश कर रहा है।

He is trying to fight his inner anguish.

'Antarvyathā' is a compound meaning 'inner anguish'.

इस पेंटिंग के गहरे रंग कलाकार की व्यथा को दर्शाते हैं।

The dark colors of this painting depict the artist's anguish.

'Darshāte haiñ' matches masculine plural 'rang' (colors).

क्या राजनीति कभी जनता की वास्तविक व्यथा को समझ पाएगी?

Will politics ever be able to understand the real anguish of the people?

'Samajh pāegī' matches feminine 'rājnīti' (politics).

उसने अपनी व्यथा-कथा विस्तार से सुनाई।

He told his story of suffering in detail.

'Vyathā-kathā' is a common compound for 'tale of woe'.

अस्तित्ववादी व्यथा आधुनिक साहित्य का एक अनिवार्य हिस्सा बन गई है।

Existential anguish has become an essential part of modern literature.

'Astitvavādī' means existential. 'Ban gaī hai' matches 'vyathā'.

उनकी कविताओं में विरह की व्यथा और मिलन की आशा का सुंदर संगम है।

In his poems, there is a beautiful confluence of the anguish of separation and the hope of union.

'Virah' (separation) and 'Milan' (union) are classical poetic themes.

सामाजिक असमानता से उपजी व्यथा को नजरअंदाज नहीं किया जा सकता।

The anguish arising from social inequality cannot be ignored.

'Upjī' (arisen/born from) matches feminine 'vyathā'.

दार्शनिक ने मानवीय व्यथा के मूल कारणों पर गहरा चिंतन किया है।

The philosopher has reflected deeply on the root causes of human anguish.

'Chintan karnā' means to reflect or meditate upon.

उसकी चुप्पी उसकी गहरी व्यथा का प्रमाण थी।

Her silence was proof of her deep anguish.

'Pramān' (proof) is masculine, but 'thī' refers to 'chuppī' (silence).

मजदूरों की व्यथा को शब्दों में बांधना किसी भी लेखक के लिए एक चुनौती है।

To capture the anguish of laborers in words is a challenge for any writer.

'Shabdon meñ bāndhnā' means 'to bind in words' (to express).

उसने अपनी व्यथा को एक रचनात्मक ऊर्जा में बदल दिया।

She transformed her anguish into a creative energy.

'Rachnātmak ūrjā' means creative energy.

क्या हम कभी दूसरों की व्यथा के प्रति पूरी तरह संवेदनशील हो पाएंगे?

Will we ever be able to be completely sensitive toward the anguish of others?

'Samvedansheel' means sensitive or empathetic.

महादेवी वर्मा की रचनाओं में 'व्यथा' केवल एक भाव नहीं, बल्कि एक दर्शन है।

In Mahadevi Varma's works, 'anguish' is not just an emotion, but a philosophy.

Comparing 'bhāva' (emotion) with 'darshan' (philosophy).

आधुनिक मनुष्य की व्यथा उसकी आत्म-निर्वासन की स्थिति से उत्पन्न होती है।

The anguish of modern man arises from his state of self-alienation.

'Ātma-nirvāsan' (self-exile/alienation) is a high-level term.

इस उपन्यास में युद्ध की विभीषिका और उसके बाद की व्यथा का सूक्ष्म चित्रण है।

This novel contains a subtle depiction of the horrors of war and the subsequent anguish.

'Vibhīṣikā' (horrors/terrors) is a powerful feminine noun.

कवि ने व्यथा को एक ऐसी अग्नि के रूप में देखा है जो आत्मा को शुद्ध करती है।

The poet has seen anguish as a fire that purifies the soul.

'Shuddh' means pure; 'agni' (fire) is treated as feminine here.

क्या कला का उद्देश्य केवल व्यथा को अभिव्यक्त करना है या उससे मुक्ति दिलाना भी?

Is the purpose of art only to express anguish or also to provide liberation from it?

'Abhivyakt' means to express; 'mukti' means liberation.

उसकी व्यथा इतनी अगाध थी कि शब्द उसे थामने में असमर्थ थे।

Her anguish was so bottomless that words were unable to contain it.

'Agādh' means bottomless or unfathomable.

सांस्कृतिक ह्रास की व्यथा को बुद्धिजीवी वर्ग गहराई से महसूस कर रहा है।

The intellectual class is deeply feeling the anguish of cultural decline.

'Hrās' (decline/decay) is masculine; 'buddhijīvī' means intellectual.

व्यथा की इस चरम सीमा पर पहुँचकर ही आत्म-साक्षात्कार संभव है।

Self-realization is possible only after reaching this extreme limit of anguish.

'Charam sīmā' (extreme limit) and 'ātma-sākshātkār' (self-realization).

Common Collocations

गहरी व्यथा (Gahrī vyathā)

मन की व्यथा (Man kī vyathā)

व्यथा सुनाना (Vyathā sunānā)

व्यथा झेलना (Vyathā jhelnā)

असह्य व्यथा (Asahy vyathā)

व्यथा व्यक्त करना (Vyathā vyakt karnā)

अन्तर्निहित व्यथा (Antarnihit vyathā)

व्यथा हरना (Vyathā harnā)

मार्मिक व्यथा (Mārmik vyathā)

व्यथा का निवारण (Vyathā kā nivāran)

Common Phrases

व्यथा से भरा (Vyathā se bharā)

— Filled with anguish. Used to describe a person, story, or song.

उसका पत्र व्यथा से भरा था।

व्यथा का सागर (Vyathā kā sāgar)

— An ocean of anguish. A metaphor for immense suffering.

उसका जीवन व्यथा का सागर बन गया है।

अपनी व्यथा कहना (Apnī vyathā kahnā)

— To tell one's tale of woe or express one's suffering.

मैं अपनी व्यथा किससे कहूँ?

व्यथा में होना (Vyathā meñ honā)

— To be in a state of anguish.

वह इन दिनों बड़ी व्यथा में है।

व्यथा बाँटना (Vyathā bāñṭnā)

— To share one's suffering with someone else.

अपना दुख बाँटने से व्यथा कम होती है।

व्यथा मिटाना (Vyathā miṭānā)

— To erase or remove suffering.

समय हर व्यथा को मिटा देता है।

हृदय की व्यथा (Hṛday kī vyathā)

— The anguish of the heart.

हृदय की व्यथा शब्दों में नहीं कही जा सकती।

व्यथा का अनुभव (Vyathā kā anubhav)

— The experience of anguish.

उसे पहली बार ऐसी व्यथा का अनुभव हुआ।

व्यथा का कारण (Vyathā kā kāran)

— The reason for the anguish.

तुम्हारी व्यथा का कारण क्या है?

अनकही व्यथा (Ankahī vyathā)

— Unspoken or unsaid anguish.

उसकी आँखों में एक अनकही व्यथा थी।

Often Confused With

व्यथा vs व्यवस्था (Vyavasthā)

Means 'arrangement' or 'system'. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

व्यथा vs व्यर्थ (Vyarth)

Means 'useless' or 'in vain'. Shares the 'vya' prefix but is an adjective.

व्यथा vs व्यथा (Vyathā) vs. दुख (Dukh)

Vyathā is deep anguish; Dukh is general sadness.

Idioms & Expressions

"व्यथा की अग्नि (Vyathā kī agni)"

— The fire of anguish. Implies that suffering is burning the person from within.

वह व्यथा की अग्नि में जल रहा है।

Literary

"व्यथा का घूँट पीना (Vyathā kā ghūñṭ pīnā)"

— To swallow the draught of anguish. To silently endure intense suffering.

उसने समाज के डर से व्यथा का घूँट पी लिया।

Poetic

"व्यथा की मारी (Vyathā kī mārī)"

— Stricken by anguish. Usually used for a woman who has suffered much.

वह बेचारी व्यथा की मारी कहाँ जाएगी?

Colloquial/Emotional

"व्यथा का बोझ (Vyathā kā bojh)"

— The burden of anguish.

वह अपनी व्यथा का बोझ अकेले नहीं उठा सकता।

Neutral

"व्यथा के बादल (Vyathā ke bādal)"

— Clouds of anguish. Implies a period of pervasive sorrow.

उसके जीवन पर व्यथा के बादल छाए हुए हैं।

Poetic

"व्यथा की लहर (Vyathā kī lahar)"

— A wave of anguish.

खबर सुनते ही गाँव में व्यथा की लहर दौड़ गई।

Journalistic

"व्यथा के आँसू (Vyathā ke āñsū)"

— Tears of anguish.

ये खुशी के नहीं, व्यथा के आँसू हैं।

Emotional

"व्यथा में डूबा होना (Vyathā meñ ḍūbā honā)"

— To be drowned in anguish.

वह अपनी व्यथा में डूबा रहता है।

Literary

"व्यथा का गीत (Vyathā kā gīt)"

— A song of anguish. Often used for sad music or a life story.

उसकी पूरी जिंदगी एक व्यथा का गीत थी।

Poetic

"व्यथा को स्वर देना (Vyathā ko svar denā)"

— To give voice to anguish. To express suffering through art or speech.

लेखक ने मूक जनता की व्यथा को स्वर दिया है।

Formal

Easily Confused

व्यथा vs व्यवस्था (Vyavasthā)

Phonetic similarity.

Vyavasthā is about order and organization. Vyathā is about internal suffering.

गाँव की व्यवस्था अच्छी है, पर लोगों की व्यथा गहरी है।

व्यथा vs कथा (Kathā)

Rhyming and similar ending.

Kathā is a story. Vyathā is anguish. They are often used together as 'vyathā-kathā'.

उसने अपनी व्यथा-कथा सुनाई।

व्यथा vs व्यथित (Vyathit)

Adjective form.

Vyathā is the noun (anguish). Vyathit is the adjective (distressed).

वह बहुत व्यथित लग रहा है।

व्यथा vs व्याकुल (Vyākul)

Related meaning.

Vyākul means restless or anxious, often as a result of vyathā.

वह व्यथा के कारण व्याकुल है।

व्यथा vs पीड़ा (Pīṛā)

Synonym.

Pīṛā can be physical. Vyathā is almost always mental/emotional.

उसके पैर में पीड़ा है, पर मन में व्यथा।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Adj] व्यथा है।

यह गहरी व्यथा है।

[Noun] की व्यथा बहुत [Adj] है।

गरीबों की व्यथा बहुत बड़ी है।

[Subject] अपनी व्यथा [Verb] है।

वह अपनी व्यथा सुनाता है।

[Abstract Noun] की व्यथा [Verb] जा सकती है।

विभाजन की व्यथा महसूस की जा सकती है।

[Noun] से उपजी व्यथा [Verb] है।

अकेलेपन से उपजी व्यथा मारक है।

व्यथा की [Noun] पर पहुँचकर ही [Result] संभव है।

व्यथा की चरम सीमा पर पहुँचकर ही मुक्ति संभव है।

[Subject] व्यथा से [Adjective] है।

वह व्यथा से व्याकुल है।

क्या आपकी कोई [Noun] है?

क्या आपकी कोई व्यथा है?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, news, and formal speech; rare in everyday casual talk.

Common Mistakes

मेरा व्यथा (Merā vyathā) → मेरी व्यथा (Merī vyathā)
Vyathā is feminine, so it must take the feminine possessive 'merī'.
गहरा व्यथा (Gahrā vyathā) → गहरी व्यथा (Gahrī vyathā)
Adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'vyathā'.
Using vyathā for a headache. → Using 'pīṛā' or 'dard' for physical pain.
Vyathā is almost exclusively for mental or emotional suffering.
Confusing vyathā with vyavasthā. → Using them in their correct contexts.
Vyavasthā means 'arrangement' or 'system'; vyathā means 'anguish'.
Using 'vyathā' as a verb. → Using 'vyathit karnā' or 'vyathā mahsūs karnā'.
Vyathā is a noun. To express the action, you need a helping verb or the adjective form.

Tips

Gender Check

Always treat 'Vyathā' as feminine. Think of it as a sister to 'Pīṛā' (pain), which is also feminine.

Drama Level

Save 'Vyathā' for serious situations. Using it for a broken fingernail sounds funny because it's so dramatic.

Compound Power

Learn 'Antarvyathā' (inner anguish). It's a very impressive word to use in writing or formal talk.

The 'Th' Sound

Don't say 'vyatha' with a soft English 'th'. Make it a sharp 't' with a puff of air.

Adjective Pairing

Pair it with 'mārmik' (poignant) to describe a story. 'Mārmik vyathā' is a classic Hindi literary phrase.

News Clues

When you hear 'vyathā' on the news, the reporter is trying to make you feel empathy for someone.

Literary Context

If you read Hindi poetry, you'll see this word everywhere. It's the bread and butter of Hindi poets.

Showing Care

Telling someone 'Main āpkī vyathā samajhtā hūñ' is a very deep and formal way to offer comfort.

Root Meaning

Remember it comes from 'to shake'. Vyathā is when your heart is 'shaken' by sadness.

Formal Tone

Use it in letters to officials or in formal essays to sound more educated and sophisticated.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Vyathā' as 'Vya' (Via) + 'Thā' (Thought). It's the pain that comes 'Via' your deep 'Thoughts'.

Visual Association

Imagine a heart being shaken (from the root 'vyath' meaning to shake) or a dark cloud hovering over someone's head.

Word Web

Mind Heart Suffering Anguish Poetry Literature Feminine Sanskrit

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a character in a movie who is hiding their 'vyathā'. Use the word 'vyathit' as well.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'vyath' (व्यथ्), which means to fear, to tremble, to be agitated, or to suffer pain.

Original meaning: The original Sanskrit meaning involved physical trembling or agitation caused by fear or pain.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit -> Pali/Prakrit -> Old Hindi -> Modern Hindi).

Cultural Context

As it is a very strong and formal word, using it for trivial complaints might be seen as insensitive or mocking of true suffering.

English speakers might find 'vyathā' similar to 'anguish' or 'woe'. It is more formal than 'sadness'.

Mahadevi Varma's poetry often explores 'Virah kī vyathā' (the anguish of separation). The phrase 'Vyathā-Kathā' is frequently used in Hindi journalism to describe human interest stories. Premchand's stories often depict the 'vyathā' of the Indian peasantry.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature/Poetry

विरह की व्यथा (Virah kī vyathā)
मार्मिक व्यथा (Mārmik vyathā)
व्यथा को स्वर देना (Vyathā ko svar denā)
अंतर्व्यथा (Antarvyathā)

News/Social Issues

किसानों की व्यथा (Kisānoñ kī vyathā)
गरीबों की व्यथा (Garīboñ kī vyathā)
युद्ध की व्यथा (Yuddh kī vyathā)
व्यथा का निवारण (Vyathā kā nivāran)

Personal Heartfelt Conversation

मन की व्यथा (Man kī vyathā)
अपनी व्यथा कहना (Apnī vyathā kahnā)
व्यथा बाँटना (Vyathā bāñṭnā)
तुम्हारी व्यथा समझता हूँ (Tumhārī vyathā samajhtā hūñ)

History/Partition

विभाजन की व्यथा (Vibhājan kī vyathā)
विस्थापन की व्यथा (Visthāpan kī vyathā)
पुरानी व्यथा (Purānī vyathā)
पीढ़ियों की व्यथा (Pīṛhiyoñ kī vyathā)

Religion/Spirituality

संसार की व्यथा (Sañsār kī vyathā)
व्यथा से मुक्ति (Vyathā se mukti)
ईश्वर व्यथा हरते हैं (Ishvar vyathā harte haiñ)
मानवीय व्यथा (Mānavīya vyathā)

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप अपनी मन की व्यथा साझा करना चाहेंगे?"

"इस कविता में कवि ने समाज की किस व्यथा को दिखाया है?"

"विभाजन की व्यथा ने आपके परिवार को कैसे प्रभावित किया?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि कला व्यथा को कम कर सकती है?"

"आजकल के युवाओं की मुख्य व्यथा क्या है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपनी डायरी में अपनी अंतर्व्यथा के बारे में लिखा।

किसी ऐसे समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी अजनबी की व्यथा को महसूस किया हो।

क्या शब्दों में अपनी पूरी व्यथा को व्यक्त करना संभव है? विचार करें।

एक लघु कहानी लिखें जिसका शीर्षक 'एक अनकही व्यथा' हो।

समाज की किसी एक व्यथा को चुनने और उसे दूर करने के उपाय लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You should use feminine adjectives (e.g., 'gahrī') and verbs (e.g., 'thī') with it. For example, 'uskī vyathā' is correct.

Generally, no. For physical pain like a toothache or a broken leg, use 'dard' or 'pīṛā'. 'Vyathā' is reserved for mental anguish or emotional distress.

'Dukh' is a common word for any kind of sadness. 'Vyathā' is more formal, deeper, and suggests a lingering state of intense mental suffering.

You will find it frequently in Hindi literature, poetry, news reports about social suffering, and formal speeches.

It literally means 'story of anguish'. It is a common compound used to describe a long, sad narrative of someone's hardships.

It is an aspirated dental 't'. Place your tongue behind your upper teeth and release a puff of air as you say 't'. It is NOT like the English 'th' in 'think'.

Rarely. Bollywood songs usually prefer simpler or Urdu-derived words like 'dard', 'gham', or 'tanhāī'. 'Vyathā' is more common in 'art' cinema or classical literature.

The adjective form is 'व्यथित' (Vyathit), which means 'distressed' or 'pained'. For example, 'Main vyathit hūñ' (I am distressed).

Yes, the plural is 'व्यथाएँ' (Vyathāeñ), but it is most commonly used in its singular form to describe a state of being.

Yes, it is a 'Tatsam' word, meaning it was borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi with its original spelling and meaning intact.