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ख्याब

A1 noun #5,000 most common 10 min read

ख्याब

khwaab Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ख्याब in 30 Seconds

Explanation ख्याब in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'ख्याब' (khyāb) means 'dream.' It is a masculine noun. You see a dream using the verb 'देखना' (dekhnā). For example, 'I saw a dream' is 'मैंने एक ख्याब देखा' (Maine ek khyāb dekhā). It is a slightly more 'fancy' version of the word 'Sapna.' At this stage, just focus on using it for dreams you have at night. Remember that because it is masculine, you say 'मेरा ख्याब' (my dream). Practice simple sentences like 'यह मेरा ख्याब है' (This is my dream). You will often hear it in simple songs. The word is easy to remember if you think of it as a 'vision' of something you want. Even at A1, using this word makes you sound like you have a better grasp of Hindi's poetic side.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'ख्याब' to talk about your future plans and aspirations. You might say, 'मेरा ख्याब है कि मैं डॉक्टर बनूँ' (My dream is to become a doctor). You should also learn the plural form 'ख्याबों' (khyābon), which is used with postpositions. For example, 'ख्याबों में' (in dreams). You can describe dreams with simple adjectives like 'बड़ा' (big), 'छोटा' (small), or 'सुंदर' (beautiful). At this level, you should also be aware that the standard spelling is 'ख्वाब', but 'ख्याब' is a common phonetic spelling you might encounter. Try to use it in short paragraphs about your life goals. It helps you distinguish between simple wishes and deeper aspirations.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'ख्याब' in more abstract contexts. You can use it to describe feelings or surreal situations. For example, 'यह सब एक ख्याब जैसा लग रहा है' (This all feels like a dream). You should also learn common collocations like 'ख्याब टूटना' (a dream breaking) to express disappointment. You can start exploring how the word is used in Bollywood lyrics to express romantic longing. At this stage, you should distinguish between 'ख्याब' and 'सपना' based on the tone of your conversation. Use 'ख्याब' when you want to be more expressive or emotional. You should also be able to use the word in the oblique plural: 'अपने ख्याबों को हकीकत बनाओ' (Make your dreams a reality).

At the B2 level, you should understand the cultural and literary weight of the word 'ख्याब.' You can use it in discussions about literature, film, and social issues (e.g., 'The dream of a better society'). You should be familiar with related Persian-origin words like 'खयाली' (imaginary) or 'ख्वाबगाह' (bedroom/place of dreams). You can use the word to construct complex sentences involving conditional moods, such as 'अगर मेरा ख्याब पूरा हो जाता, तो मैं बहुत खुश होता' (If my dream had been fulfilled, I would have been very happy). You should also recognize the word in poetic structures like 'Khwāb-o-Khayāl' and understand the nuance of using it to describe an 'unreal' or 'illusory' world.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'ख्याब' with professional and literary precision. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'khyāb' in Sufi poetry or classical Hindi literature. You should be able to analyze how the word functions as a metaphor for the human condition. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions like 'ख्याबों की दुनिया में बसना' (to live in a world of dreams/be unrealistic). You should also be able to use the word to describe complex psychological states, such as 'अधूरे ख्याबों की टीस' (the ache of unfulfilled dreams). At this level, you should be able to write essays or give presentations where 'ख्याब' is used to represent vision, ideology, or existential reflection.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'ख्याब.' You can appreciate the subtle difference between 'khyāb,' 'sapnā,' 'ru'yā' (Arabic/Urdu), and 'kalpanā' in various registers. You can use the word in high-level literary criticism or creative writing, employing it in complex metaphors and allegories. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Persian into Hindustani and how its usage has shifted in modern Hindi. You can effortlessly switch between 'khyāb' and its synonyms to achieve specific stylistic effects. You are also aware of the most obscure idioms and poetic references involving the word, and you can use it to articulate the most profound and nuanced human experiences.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ख्याब in 30 Seconds

Khyāb means 'dream' in Hindi, used for both sleep and life aspirations.
It is a masculine noun of Persian origin, sounding more poetic than 'Sapna'.
Commonly paired with the verb 'Dekhnā' (to see) and 'Sajānā' (to nurture).
Essential for understanding Bollywood lyrics, Urdu poetry, and romantic Hindi literature.

The word ख्याब (often spelled as ख्वाब or khwāb) is a beautiful, evocative noun in Hindi and Urdu that translates to 'dream.' While it can refer to the biological process of dreaming during sleep, it is most frequently employed to describe one's deepest aspirations, romantic visions, or a state of being lost in thought. Unlike the common Hindi word सपना (sapnā), which is used in everyday conversation, ख्याब carries a certain poetic weight and elegance, often associated with literature, Ghazals, and Bollywood songs. It suggests something cherished, perhaps slightly out of reach, or something that occupies the soul rather than just the mind.

Register: Formal, Poetic, and Romantic. It is commonly used in creative writing and emotional expression.

In a cultural context, ख्याब is not just a mental image; it is a destination of the heart. When someone says 'मेरा एक ख्याब है' (I have a dream), they aren't just talking about a night-time occurrence; they are sharing a piece of their identity. The word is deeply rooted in the Persian linguistic tradition, which entered Hindi through the synthesis of Hindustani. This heritage gives it a sophisticated flair that makes it a favorite for lovers and dreamers alike.

कल रात मैंने एक हसीन ख्याब देखा। (Last night I saw a beautiful dream.)

Furthermore, the word is often used metaphorically to describe an illusion or something that feels surreal. If a situation is too good to be true, a Hindi speaker might say it feels like a ख्याब. It represents the intersection of reality and imagination. In modern usage, while 'Sapna' remains the dominant term for children's stories or simple goals, ख्याब is the word of choice for high-stakes ambition and profound longing.

Grammar Note: It is a masculine noun. Always use masculine adjectives and verb endings with it (e.g., 'बड़ा ख्याब', not 'बड़ी ख्याब').

वह अपनी आँखों में सुनहरे ख्याब सजाए हुए है। (He is nurturing golden dreams in his eyes.)

In summary, ख्याब serves as a bridge between the subconscious mind and the conscious desire. It is a word that invites the listener to look beyond the mundane and into the realm of possibility. Whether you are reading a classic poem or listening to a contemporary ballad, understanding this word unlocks a deeper layer of emotional resonance in the Hindi language.

Common Collocation: 'ख्याब देखना' (to dream) and 'ख्याब टूटना' (a dream shattering).

जब हकीकत सामने आई, तो उसका ख्याब टूट गया। (When reality came forward, his dream shattered.)

दुनिया एक ख्याब के सिवा कुछ नहीं। (The world is nothing but a dream.)

तुम्हें पाना मेरा सबसे बड़ा ख्याब है। (Attaining you is my biggest dream.)

Using ख्याब correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender and the specific verbs it pairs with. As a masculine noun, it dictates the form of the surrounding words. For example, you would say 'मेरा ख्याब' (my dream) using the masculine possessive 'मेरा' rather than the feminine 'मेरी'. Similarly, adjectives must agree: 'अधूरा ख्याब' (incomplete dream) or 'खूबसूरत ख्याब' (beautiful dream).

Sentence Structure: Subject + (Adjective) + ख्याब + Verb. Example: 'उसका ख्याब सच हो गया' (His dream came true).

The most common verb associated with ख्याब is 'देखना' (to see). In Hindi, you 'see' a dream rather than 'having' one. This visual nature of the word emphasizes its role as a mental picture. Another powerful verb is 'सजाना' (to decorate/nurture), which implies working toward a dream or keeping it alive in one's heart with care. Conversely, 'टूटना' (to break) or 'बिखरना' (to scatter) are used when a dream fails or reality proves too harsh.

मैंने अपनी आँखों में एक ख्याब सजाया है। (I have nurtured a dream in my eyes.)

Consider the difference between literal and figurative use. Literally: 'रात के ख्याब डरावने थे' (The night's dreams were scary). Figuratively: 'आज़ादी का ख्याब' (The dream of freedom). In the latter, the word elevates the concept of freedom to something sacred and visionary. It is this versatility that makes ख्याब a staple of intellectual and emotional discourse in Hindi.

Pluralization: Singular: ख्याब (Khyāb) | Plural (Oblique): ख्याबों (Khyābon). Example: 'ख्याबों की दुनिया' (The world of dreams).

इंसान ख्याबों के बिना जी नहीं सकता। (A human cannot live without dreams.)

In formal settings, you might hear the phrase 'ख्याब देखना' used in speeches to inspire a crowd. In a romantic setting, it might be used to describe a partner: 'तुम मेरा एक हसीन ख्याब हो' (You are a beautiful dream of mine). Notice how the word 'हसीन' (beautiful/elegant) often pairs with ख्याब because both share a Persian origin, creating a harmonious linguistic flow.

Contextual Usage: Use 'ख्वाब' in poetry and 'सपना' for a doctor's appointment or a simple chat about last night's sleep.

क्या यह हकीकत है या सिर्फ एक ख्याब? (Is this reality or just a dream?)

अपने ख्याब को पूरा करने के लिए मेहनत करो। (Work hard to fulfill your dream.)

वह ख्याबों की नगरी में रहता है। (He lives in the city of dreams.)

If you are a fan of Indian cinema, specifically Bollywood, you have heard the word ख्याब (or its standard variant ख्वाब) hundreds of times. It is perhaps one of the most used words in Hindi song lyrics. Why? Because Bollywood thrives on romance, longing, and ambition—all of which are encapsulated by this single word. From the iconic 'Khwabon Ke Parindey' (Birds of Dreams) to 'Khwabeeda' (Dreamy), the word is a cornerstone of the musical lexicon.

Pop Culture: Bollywood songs, Romantic Shayari (poetry), and TV dramas focusing on personal ambition.

In everyday life, you will hear it in more serious or emotional conversations. A father might talk about his 'khyāb' for his daughter's education. An entrepreneur might describe their business as their 'khyāb'. It is also prevalent in news headlines when discussing the 'American Dream' (अमरीकी ख्याब) or national aspirations. Because it sounds more sophisticated than 'Sapna', it is often chosen for titles of books, movies, and art galleries.

यह फिल्म एक गरीब लड़के के ख्याब की कहानी है। (This film is the story of a poor boy's dream.)

In literary circles and 'Mushairas' (poetry recitals), ख्याब is used to explore philosophical themes. Poets like Ghalib and Iqbal have used this word to discuss the nature of existence. In these contexts, a dream is not just a fantasy; it is a lens through which one views the universe. In modern social media, you will see it in captions for travel photos or aesthetic 'vibe' posts, often accompanied by Urdu calligraphy.

Social Media Usage: Often used in hashtags like #Khwabeeda or #Khyab to denote a dreamy, aesthetic lifestyle.

शायरी में ख्याब अक्सर महबूब की याद से जुड़ा होता है। (In poetry, a dream is often linked to the memory of the beloved.)

You might also encounter it in the context of psychology or self-help in Hindi, where 'khyābon ki tabeer' (interpretation of dreams) is a common topic. Whether it's a spiritual interpretation or a Freudian one, the word ख्याब provides the necessary gravitas for such discussions. It is a word that commands attention and suggests depth.

मेरे ख्याब बहुत ऊँचे हैं। (My dreams/aspirations are very high.)

वह हमेशा ख्याबों में खोया रहता है। (He is always lost in dreams/daydreaming.)

पुराने ख्याब कभी मरते नहीं। (Old dreams never die.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with ख्याब (or ख्वाब) is misidentifying its gender. In Hindi, nouns have gender, and 'khyāb' is masculine. This is a common pitfall because the synonym 'सपना' (sapnā) is also masculine, but other words for desire like 'ख्वाहिश' (khwāhish) or 'तमन्ना' (tamannā) are feminine. Learners often mix these up, saying 'मेरी ख्याब' (incorrect) instead of 'मेरा ख्याब' (correct).

Gender Error: Mistake: 'यह ख्याब अच्छी है' (This dream is good - Fem). Correct: 'यह ख्याब अच्छा है' (Masc).

Another mistake relates to pronunciation and spelling. The standard spelling is ख्वाब (khwāb), but it is often pronounced and sometimes written as ख्याब (khyāb) or even खाब (khāb) in certain dialects. The 'Kh' (ख़) is a gutteral sound from the back of the throat. English speakers often pronounce it as a simple 'K' (as in 'kite'), which changes the texture of the word. It should be the sound you make when clearing your throat gently.

गलत: मैंने एक ख्याब देखी। (Incorrect: I saw a dream - Fem verb). सही: मैंने एक ख्याब देखा। (Correct: Masc verb).

Learners also struggle with the plural oblique form. When saying 'in dreams,' the word changes to 'ख्याबों में' (khyābon mein). Forgetting to add the '-on' suffix when a postposition follows is a common grammatical slip. For example, 'मेरे ख्याब में' (in my dream - singular) vs 'मेरे ख्याबों में' (in my dreams - plural). Using 'ख्याब में' to mean 'in dreams' (plural) is technically incorrect though common in very casual speech.

Plural Slip: Mistake: 'ख्याब में मत रहो' (Don't live in dream - meaning dreams). Correct: 'ख्याबों में मत रहो' (Don't live in dreams).

Lastly, there is the issue of over-formalization. While ख्याब is a lovely word, using it in extremely mundane contexts—like telling your boss about a dream you had about a spreadsheet—might sound slightly odd or overly dramatic. In such cases, 'सपना' is the more natural choice. Reserve ख्याब for matters of the heart, future goals, or poetic descriptions.

वह ख्याब देख रहा है। (He is dreaming - Correct usage for aspiration or sleep.)

मेरे ख्याबों का महल टूट गया। (The palace of my dreams shattered.)

क्या तुम मेरे ख्याबों में आओगे? (Will you come into my dreams?)

Hindi is rich with synonyms for 'dream' and 'aspiration,' each carrying its own flavor and origin. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right moment. The most direct alternative to ख्याब is सपना (sapnā). While both mean dream, 'Sapna' is of Sanskrit origin and is the 'default' word for both sleep-dreams and life-goals. It is neutral and suitable for all levels of formality.

Khyāb vs Sapnā: 'Khyāb' is poetic, Persian-rooted, and emotional. 'Sapnā' is common, Sanskrit-rooted, and versatile.

Another related word is ख्वाहिश (khwāhish), which means 'desire' or 'wish.' While a dream is a vision, a 'khwāhish' is the active wanting of something. Similarly, तमन्ना (tamannā) and आरज़ू (ārzū) also mean desire or longing, but they are even more poetic and intense. You might have a 'khyāb' of becoming a singer, but the 'tamannā' to meet your idol.

मेरी एक ख्वाहिश है कि मैं पूरी दुनिया देखूँ। (I have a desire to see the whole world.)

For more concrete goals or intentions, the word लक्ष्य (lakshya) or मकसद (maqsad) is used. These mean 'target' or 'purpose.' A 'khyāb' is often something you daydream about, while a 'lakshya' is something you have a plan to achieve. Using 'khyāb' for a business target might sound too vague; 'lakshya' would be more professional.

Comparison Table

Khyāb: Visionary, Poetic (Masc)
Sapnā: General Dream (Masc)
Khwāhish: Wish/Desire (Fem)
Lakshya: Goal/Target (Masc)

यह मेरा लक्ष्य है, ख्याब नहीं। (This is my goal, not a dream.)

उसकी तमन्ना पूरी हो गई। (Her longing was fulfilled.)

Lastly, consider वहम (vahm), which means 'illusion' or 'delusion.' If someone's 'khyāb' is completely unrealistic or based on a lie, a skeptic might call it a 'vahm.' Choosing between these words depends entirely on whether you want to validate the person's vision or dismiss it. ख्याब is almost always a positive or at least a sympathetic term.

यह तुम्हारा वहम है कि वह वापस आएगा। (It is your delusion that he will come back.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"राष्ट्र के विकास का ख्याब हम सबका है।"

Neutral

"मेरा ख्याब एक बड़ा डॉक्टर बनना है।"

Informal

"अरे, तू तो हमेशा ख्याबों में रहता है!"

Child friendly

"चलो, सो जाओ और मीठे ख्याब देखो।"

Slang

"ज़्यादा ख्याब मत पाल, हकीकत देख।"

Fun Fact

The word is a 'cognate' with the Sanskrit word 'स्वप्न' (svapna), both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *swép-no-.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /xwɑːb/

US /xwɑb/

Stress is on the long 'ā' vowel.

Rhymes With

बाब (Bāb) आब (Āb) जवाब (Jawāb) हिसाब (Hisāb) नवाब (Nawāb) किताब (Kitāb) गुलाब (Gulāb) शराब (Sharāb)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Kh' as 'K' (e.g., 'Kwab').
Making the 'y' or 'w' too prominent like a full syllable.
Shortening the 'a' sound.
Pronouncing it as 'Khyab' with a heavy 'Y' instead of the softer glide.
Failing to use the gutteral fricative for 'Kh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though the spelling variation 'ख्वाब' is more common.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'Kh' dot and the conjunct 'ya/wa'.

Speaking 4/5

The gutteral 'Kh' sound is challenging for English natives.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick up in songs and movies.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

सपना देखना नींद सच बड़ा

Learn Next

हकीकत ख्वाहिश तमन्ना इरादा मंज़िल

Advanced

ताबीर ख्वाबीदा तिलिस्म जुस्तजू सरब

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

मेरा ख्याब (My dream), अच्छा ख्याब (Good dream).

Oblique Plural with Postpositions

ख्याबों में (In dreams), ख्याबों का (Of dreams).

Verb 'Dekhnā' for Dreams

मैंने ख्याब देखा (I saw a dream), not 'I had a dream'.

Compound Verb with 'होना'

ख्याब सच होना (Dream becoming true).

Possessive Adjectives

उसके ख्याब (His/Her dreams).

Examples by Level

मेरा एक ख्याब है।

I have a dream.

'मेरा' is used because 'ख्याब' is masculine.

वह एक अच्छा ख्याब था।

That was a good dream.

'था' agrees with the masculine noun 'ख्याब'.

मैंने कल रात एक ख्याब देखा।

I saw a dream last night.

The verb 'देखा' (saw) is used for dreams in Hindi.

क्या यह तुम्हारा ख्याब है?

Is this your dream?

'तुम्हारा' is the masculine possessive pronoun.

यह ख्याब बहुत सुंदर है।

This dream is very beautiful.

'सुंदर' (beautiful) is an adjective qualifying 'ख्याब'.

ख्याब देखना अच्छा है।

It is good to dream.

'देखना' is the infinitive form of the verb.

मेरा ख्याब सच हो गया।

My dream came true.

'सच होना' is the phrase for coming true.

वह ख्याब छोटा नहीं है।

That dream is not small.

Negation 'नहीं' is placed before the auxiliary verb.

मैं अपने ख्याबों के बारे में लिखता हूँ।

I write about my dreams.

'ख्याबों' is the plural oblique form used with 'के बारे में'.

उसका ख्याब डॉक्टर बनना है।

His dream is to become a doctor.

The infinitive 'बनना' acts as a noun here.

क्या तुम ख्याबों में विश्वास करते हो?

Do you believe in dreams?

'विश्वास करना' means to believe.

उसके पास बहुत सारे ख्याब हैं।

He has many dreams.

'बहुत सारे' means 'many'.

मेरा ख्याब एक बड़ा घर खरीदना है।

My dream is to buy a big house.

Direct object of the dream is the action of buying.

वह ख्याबों की दुनिया में रहती है।

She lives in a world of dreams.

'ख्याबों की दुनिया' is a common metaphorical phrase.

तुम्हें अपने ख्याब पूरे करने चाहिए।

You should fulfill your dreams.

'चाहिए' is used for advice/obligation.

यह ख्याब मुझे पसंद आया।

I liked this dream.

'पसंद आना' is the construction for 'to like'.

जब वह जागा, तो उसका ख्याब टूट गया।

When he woke up, his dream shattered.

'टूटना' indicates the sudden end of a dream.

यह सफलता किसी ख्याब से कम नहीं है।

This success is nothing less than a dream.

'से कम नहीं' is a comparative idiom.

उसने अपने ख्याबों को हकीकत में बदल दिया।

He turned his dreams into reality.

'बदल देना' means to change/transform.

ख्याबों का पीछा करना कभी मत छोड़ो।

Never stop chasing your dreams.

'पीछा करना' means to chase/follow.

उसके ख्याब बहुत ऊँचे और महान हैं।

His dreams are very high and great.

'ऊँचे' and 'महान' are plural masculine adjectives.

कभी-कभी ख्याब हमें रास्ता दिखाते हैं।

Sometimes dreams show us the way.

'रास्ता दिखाना' is metaphorical for guidance.

क्या तुमने कभी उड़ने का ख्याब देखा है?

Have you ever seen a dream of flying?

Present perfect tense.

वह अपने अधूरे ख्याबों से परेशान था।

He was troubled by his incomplete dreams.

'अधूरे' means incomplete.

वह एक ऐसी दुनिया का ख्याब देखता है जहाँ सब बराबर हों।

He dreams of a world where everyone is equal.

Subjunctive 'हों' expresses a desired state.

उसकी आँखों में एक अजीब सा ख्याब तैर रहा था।

A strange dream was floating in his eyes.

'तैरना' (to swim/float) is used poetically here.

ख्याब और हकीकत के बीच की रेखा बहुत धुंधली है।

The line between dream and reality is very blurry.

'धुंधली' means blurry/faint.

उसने अपने ख्याबों की बलि चढ़ा दी।

He sacrificed his dreams.

'बलि चढ़ाना' means to sacrifice.

यह ख्याब उसे चैन से सोने नहीं देता।

This dream doesn't let him sleep in peace.

Causative-like construction with 'देना'.

कवि ने ख्याबों को उम्मीदों का नाम दिया है।

The poet has called dreams by the name of hopes.

'नाम देना' means to name or label.

बिना मेहनत के ख्याब सिर्फ कल्पना बनकर रह जाते हैं।

Without hard work, dreams remain just imagination.

'बनकर रह जाना' means to end up as.

क्या ख्याबों की कोई सीमा होती है?

Are there any limits to dreams?

'सीमा' means limit/boundary.

उसकी शायरी में ख्याबों की एक अलग ही दास्तान है।

In his poetry, there is a distinct tale of dreams.

'दास्तान' means story/tale.

दार्शनिकों के अनुसार, यह जीवन भी एक ख्याब मात्र है।

According to philosophers, this life is merely a dream.

'मात्र' means 'only' or 'merely'.

उसने अपने ख्याबों को कला के माध्यम से अभिव्यक्त किया।

He expressed his dreams through the medium of art.

'अभिव्यक्त करना' means to express.

बचपन के वे ख्याब अब धुंधली यादें बन चुके हैं।

Those childhood dreams have now become faint memories.

'बन चुके हैं' indicates a completed transition.

राजनीतिक नेताओं ने जनता को सुनहरे ख्याब दिखाए।

Political leaders showed golden dreams to the public.

'सुनहरे ख्याब दिखाना' often implies making grand promises.

उसका ख्याब उसकी पहचान का अभिन्न अंग बन गया था।

His dream had become an inseparable part of his identity.

'अभिन्न अंग' means inseparable part.

ख्याबों की ताबीर ढूँढना इंसान की पुरानी फितरत है।

Seeking the interpretation of dreams is an old human nature.

'ताबीर' is the Persian term for interpretation.

वह ख्याबों के पीछे भागते-भागते थक चुका था।

He was exhausted from constantly running after dreams.

The reduplication 'भागते-भागते' shows continuous action.

उसकी आँखों में जो ख्याब था, वह किसी इंकलाब की आहट थी।

The dream in his eyes was the sound of a coming revolution.

'आहट' means a faint sound or sign.

ख्याबों के इस तिलिस्म से बाहर निकलना नामुमकिन सा लगता है।

Getting out of this magic/labyrinth of dreams seems almost impossible.

'तिलिस्म' means magic, enchantment, or labyrinth.

जब उम्मीदें टूटती हैं, तो ख्याबों का बोझ भारी लगने लगता है।

When hopes break, the burden of dreams starts to feel heavy.

'भारी लगना' means to feel heavy.

उसने अपने ख्याबों को शब्दों के लिबास में पिरोया है।

He has woven his dreams into the attire of words.

'पिरोना' means to thread or weave.

ख्याबों का बिखरना आत्मा की खामोश चीख जैसा होता है।

The shattering of dreams is like a silent scream of the soul.

'बिखरना' means to scatter or shatter.

वह ख्याबों की उस मंज़िल पर है जहाँ हकीकत फीकी पड़ती है।

He is at that destination of dreams where reality pales.

'फीकी पड़ना' means to pale or fade in comparison.

इतिहास गवाह है कि बड़े ख्याब ही बड़े बदलाव लाते हैं।

History is witness that only big dreams bring big changes.

'इतिहास गवाह है' is a formal rhetorical opening.

ख्याबों की यह जुस्तजू ही इंसान को ज़िंदा रखती है।

This quest for dreams is what keeps a human alive.

'जुस्तजू' (Persian) means search or quest.

Synonyms

सपना कल्पना ख़याल आरज़ू तसव्वुर

Antonyms

हकीकत असलियत यथार्थ

Common Collocations

ख्याब देखना

ख्याब टूटना

ख्याब सजाना

हसीन ख्याब

अधूरा ख्याब

ख्याबों की दुनिया

ख्याब पूरा करना

सुनहरा ख्याब

ख्याब जैसा

ख्याब दिखाना

Common Phrases

ख्याब में भी नहीं सोचा था

— Never even thought of it in a dream; completely unexpected.

मुझे यह नौकरी मिलेगी, यह मैंने ख्याब में भी नहीं सोचा था।

ख्याबों का महल

— A palace of dreams; building unrealistic or fragile hopes.

ख्याबों का महल बनाना आसान है, उसे टिकाए रखना मुश्किल।

खुली आँखों से ख्याब देखना

— To dream with open eyes; to have clear, conscious aspirations.

कामयाब होने के लिए खुली आँखों से ख्याब देखना ज़रूरी है।

ख्याबों की ताबीर

— The interpretation or realization of dreams.

हर ख्याब की ताबीर नहीं होती।

ख्याबों का सौदागर

— A merchant of dreams; someone who sells hopes or fantasies.

वह नेता ख्याबों का सौदागर निकला।

ख्याबों में खो जाना

— To be lost in dreams; to be absent-minded or deeply imaginative.

वह अक्सर पढ़ाई के दौरान ख्याबों में खो जाता है।

अधूरे ख्याब

— Unfulfilled or incomplete dreams.

अधूरे ख्याब इंसान को बेचैन रखते हैं।

ख्याब हकीकत बनना

— A dream becoming reality.

मेहनत से ही ख्याब हकीकत बनते हैं।

ख्याबों की नगरी

— The city of dreams (often used for Mumbai).

मुंबई को ख्याबों की नगरी कहा जाता है।

ख्याबों जैसा

— Dream-like; surreal or extremely beautiful.

उनका घर ख्याबों जैसा सुंदर है।

Often Confused With

ख्याब vs ख्वाहिश (khwāhish)

A wish or desire. Dreams are visions; wishes are wants.

ख्याब vs ख्याल (khyāl)

Means 'thought' or 'opinion'. Easy to confuse because they sound similar.

ख्याब vs खबर (khabar)

Means 'news'. Only similar in the starting 'Kh' sound.

Idioms & Expressions

"ख्याबों की दुनिया में रहना"

— To live in a fantasy world and ignore reality.

हकीकत का सामना करो, ख्याबों की दुनिया में मत रहो।

Informal/Reprimanding

"ख्याब दिखाना"

— To give someone false hopes or to promise grand things.

उसने मुझे अमीर होने के ख्याब दिखाए और पैसे ठग लिए।

Neutral

"ख्याब में भी न आना"

— Something so unlikely that it wouldn't even occur in a dream.

ऐसी मुसीबत ख्याब में भी नहीं आई थी।

Common

"ख्याबों को पंख लगना"

— When dreams get wings; when someone gets the opportunity to fulfill their goals.

स्कॉलरशिप मिलते ही उसके ख्याबों को पंख लग गए।

Poetic

"ख्याबों का टूटना"

— The shattering of hopes or the realization of a harsh truth.

हार के बाद उसके सारे ख्याब टूट गए।

Emotional

"ख्याबों की ताबीर करना"

— To interpret or to make a dream come true through effort.

उसने अपनी मेहनत से अपने ख्याबों की ताबीर की।

Literary

"ख्याबों में बसना"

— To reside in someone's dreams; to be constantly thought of.

वह मेरे ख्याबों में बसती है।

Romantic

"ख्याबों की ज़मीन"

— The foundation or basis of one's dreams.

उसकी सफलता की नींव उसके बचपन के ख्याबों की ज़मीन पर है।

Literary

"ख्याबों का गला घोंटना"

— To suppress or kill one's own dreams/aspirations.

मजबूरी में उसने अपने ख्याबों का गला घोंट दिया।

Dramatic

"ख्याबों की बारात"

— A procession of dreams; having many hopes or plans at once.

उसकी आँखों में ख्याबों की बारात सजी है।

Poetic

Easily Confused

ख्याब vs ख्याल (khyāl)

Phonetic similarity and both are mental processes.

'Khyāl' is a thought, care, or opinion. 'Khyāb' is a dream or aspiration.

मेरा ख्याल है कि वह आएगा (I think he will come). मेरा ख्याब है कि वह आए (My dream is that he comes).

ख्याब vs सपना (sapnā)

They are synonyms.

'Sapnā' is common and Sanskrit-based. 'Khyāb' is poetic and Persian-based.

See usage sections.

ख्याब vs ख्वाहिश (khwāhish)

Overlapping meaning of 'desire'.

'Khwāhish' is feminine; 'Khyāb' is masculine. 'Khwāhish' is a wish; 'Khyāb' is a vision.

मेरी ख्वाहिश (My wish). मेरा ख्याब (My dream).

ख्याब vs हकीकत (haqīqat)

Often used together as opposites.

Reality vs Dream.

ख्याब और हकीकत अलग हैं।

ख्याब vs वहम (vahm)

Both refer to things not physically present.

'Vahm' is a negative delusion; 'Khyāb' is a positive or neutral dream.

यह तुम्हारा वहम है।

Sentence Patterns

यह [Adj] ख्याब है।

यह बड़ा ख्याब है।

मेरा ख्याब [Verb-Infinitive] है।

मेरा ख्याब डॉक्टर बनना है।

मैंने [Time] एक ख्याब देखा।

मैंने कल रात एक ख्याब देखा।

[Subject] ने अपने ख्याब पूरे किए।

उसने अपने ख्याब पूरे किए।

ख्याबों की [Noun] में [Verb].

ख्याबों की दुनिया में खो जाना आसान है।

ख्याब और हकीकत का [Noun]...

ख्याब और हकीकत का संगम निराला है।

Any

क्या तुम्हारा ख्याब [Adj] है?

क्या तुम्हारा ख्याब सच है?

Any

ख्याबों के बारे में [Verb].

ख्याबों के बारे में सोचो।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in media and literature; Medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using feminine adjectives. → मेरा ख्याब
Because 'ख्याब' is masculine, possessives and adjectives must be masculine.
Saying 'मैंने ख्याब लिया' (I took a dream). → मैंने ख्याब देखा
In Hindi, you 'see' dreams, you don't 'have' or 'take' them.
Pronouncing it as 'K-yab'. → Kh-yab
The 'Kh' is a specific fricative sound that shouldn't be replaced by a hard 'K'.
Using 'ख्याब' for mundane thoughts. → ख्याल
If you mean 'I think so,' use 'khyal.' 'Khyab' is only for visions or deep aspirations.
Forgetting the oblique plural '-on'. → ख्याबों में
When using 'in' (में) or 'of' (का) with plural dreams, you must use the oblique form.

Tips

Poetic Flair

Use 'Khyāb' when you want to sound more like a poet or a romantic. It instantly elevates the tone of your sentence.

Gender Check

Never say 'Meri Khyab'. It's always 'Mera Khyab'. This is the most common mistake for beginners.

The Gutteral Kh

Don't say 'K-yab'. Say 'Kh-yab'. The 'Kh' should come from your throat, like the 'ch' in 'Bach'.

Aspiration vs Sleep

While it works for both, use 'Khyāb' specifically for life goals to show you take them seriously and passionately.

Standard Spelling

In formal writing, prefer 'ख्वाब' over 'ख्याब' unless you are specifically writing in a dialect or phonetic style.

Bollywood Connection

Listen to the song 'Khwabon Ke Parindey' to hear how the word is pronounced and used in a beautiful, modern context.

Suffix Watch

Listen for '-on' at the end of the word. If you hear 'khyabon,' you know the speaker is talking about multiple dreams in a specific context.

Similes

Describe beautiful things as 'ख्याब जैसा' (dream-like) to expand your descriptive ability in Hindi.

Cognate Memory

Remember that 'Khyāb' and the English word 'Sleep' (through Latin/Sanskrit roots) are distantly related.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to use 'Sapna' and 'Khyab' in the same paragraph to avoid repetition and show vocabulary range.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Khyāb' as 'Key to the Heart'. Dreams are the keys to what we truly want. 'Khy' sounds like 'Key'.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of eyes reflecting a starry night sky. The stars are the 'khyābs' floating in the eyes.

Word Web

Dreams Poetry Aspiration Bollywood Persian Masculine Sleep Vision

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your biggest 'khyāb' using only Hindi words you know.

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian word 'خواب' (khwāb), which means sleep or dream. It entered Hindustani through the influence of Persian literature and the Mughal administration.

Original meaning: Sleep or the visions seen during sleep.

Indo-Iranian / Persian

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in very casual/slang contexts might feel out of place.

English speakers might find 'khyāb' more specific than 'dream' because of its inherent poetic and romantic weight.

The song 'Khwabon Ke Parindey' from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Ghalib's poetry often mentions 'khwāb' as a metaphor for the illusory world. The movie title 'Khwāb' (1980).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sleeping

मीठे ख्याब
डरावना ख्याब
ख्याब में आना
रात का ख्याब

Career/Ambition

बड़ा ख्याब
ख्याब पूरा करना
ख्याबों की उड़ान
कामयाबी का ख्याब

Romance

ख्याबों की मलिका
तुम्हारे ख्याब
ख्याबों में बसना
हसीन ख्याब

Disappointment

ख्याब टूटना
अधूरा ख्याब
ख्याब बिखरना
झूठे ख्याब

Philosophy

ज़िंदगी एक ख्याब
ख्याब और हकीकत
ख्याबों का तिलिस्म
दुनिया एक ख्याब

Conversation Starters

"आपका सबसे बड़ा ख्याब क्या है? (What is your biggest dream?)"

"क्या आपने कल रात कोई ख्याब देखा? (Did you see any dream last night?)"

"क्या ख्याब सच होते हैं? (Do dreams come true?)"

"ख्याबों और हकीकत में क्या अंतर है? (What is the difference between dreams and reality?)"

"आपका बचपन का ख्याब क्या था? (What was your childhood dream?)"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने एक अजीब ख्याब देखा... (Today I saw a strange dream... describe it.)

मेरे जीवन का सबसे बड़ा ख्याब यह है कि... (The biggest dream of my life is that...)

जब मेरा एक ख्याब टूटा, तो मैंने क्या सीखा? (What did I learn when one of my dreams broke?)

ख्याबों की दुनिया और असली दुनिया में मुझे क्या पसंद है? (What do I like about the world of dreams vs the real world?)

पाँच साल बाद मैं अपने ख्याबों को कहाँ देखता हूँ? (Where do I see my dreams five years from now?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You should always use masculine modifiers like 'मेरा' (my) or 'बड़ा' (big).

'Sapna' is the everyday word for dream. 'Khyab' is more poetic, elegant, and often used for deep aspirations or in romantic contexts.

You say 'मैंने एक ख्याब देखा' (Maine ek khyāb dekhā). Note that you 'see' a dream in Hindi.

In its original Persian, yes, but in modern Hindi, it almost exclusively means 'dream.' For 'sleep,' we use 'नींद' (nīnd).

The standard Urdu-Hindi spelling is 'ख्वाब' (khwāb), but 'ख्याब' is a common phonetic variant.

Yes, it is very common in formal speeches, literature, and artistic discussions.

The direct plural is 'ख्याब' (remains same), and the oblique plural (used with prepositions) is 'ख्याबों'.

Yes, you can say 'डरावना ख्याब' (scary dream), though 'बुरा सपना' is more common for nightmares.

Because it sounds more rhythmic and romantic than 'Sapna,' making it perfect for lyrics.

Yes, the Sanskrit equivalent is 'स्वप्न' (svapna), which is also used in formal Hindi.