आवाज in 30 Seconds
- Awaaz is the primary Hindi word for both 'sound' and 'voice'.
- It is a feminine noun, requiring feminine adjectives and verb forms.
- Commonly used for volume control, calling people, and expressing opinions.
- Distinguished from 'Shor' (noise) and 'Dhvani' (formal/scientific sound).
The Hindi word आवाज (Awaaz) is a cornerstone of daily communication, serving as the primary term for both 'sound' and 'voice'. At its most fundamental level, it refers to any audible vibration that can be perceived by the human ear. However, its usage is deeply nuanced, bridging the gap between physical acoustics and metaphorical expression. In a literal sense, you use it to describe the sound of a bell, the roar of an engine, or the chirping of birds. In a human context, it specifically denotes the vocal output of a person, encompassing their tone, pitch, and unique identity. When you hear someone speaking in the next room, you recognize their आवाज. Beyond the physical, it carries a heavy weight in social and political discourse, representing one's 'voice' in the sense of an opinion, a vote, or a protest. To 'raise your voice' (आवाज उठाना) is a common idiom used globally, and in Hindi, it retains that powerful connotation of standing up against injustice. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it is a feminine noun, which dictates the grammar of the adjectives and verbs surrounding it. For instance, you would say 'sweet voice' as मीठी आवाज (meethi awaaz) rather than 'meetha'. This distinction is crucial for learners to sound natural. Whether you are complaining about the loud noise of traffic or praising a singer's melodic tone, आवाज is the versatile tool you will reach for. It captures the essence of communication, from the silent whisper to the thunderous shout, making it one of the first words an English speaker should master to navigate Hindi-speaking environments effectively.
- Literal Sound
- Any noise produced by objects or nature, such as 'radio ki awaaz' (sound of the radio).
- Human Voice
- The specific vocal quality of a person, used in 'aapki awaaz' (your voice).
- Metaphorical Agency
- The expression of will or dissent, as in 'janata ki awaaz' (the voice of the people).
क्या आपको बाहर से कोई आवाज सुनाई दे रही है? (Do you hear any sound from outside?)
उसकी आवाज बहुत सुरीली है। (Her voice is very melodious.)
हक के लिए आवाज उठाना जरूरी है। (It is necessary to raise your voice for your rights.)
रेडियो की आवाज कम करो। (Turn down the volume/sound of the radio.)
मुझे तुम्हारी आवाज पहचान में आ गई। (I recognized your voice.)
Using आवाज (Awaaz) correctly in sentences involves understanding its relationship with specific verbs and its role as a feminine noun. In Hindi, the verb usually follows the noun, and since 'Awaaz' is feminine, the verb must agree. For example, 'Awaaz aa rahi hai' (Sound is coming) uses 'rahi' because of the feminine gender. One of the most common ways to use this word is with the verb 'dena' (to give). 'Awaaz dena' literally means 'to give a voice', but in practice, it means 'to call out to someone'. If you are looking for your friend in a crowd, you would 'awaaz dena' to them. Another frequent pairing is with 'uthaana' (to raise). 'Awaaz uthaana' means to protest or speak up against something. This is often used in social contexts. If you want to talk about the quality of a sound, you use adjectives like 'saaf' (clear), 'bhari' (heavy/deep), or 'dheemi' (low/soft). For instance, 'Uski awaaz bahut dheemi hai' (His/Her voice is very soft). When dealing with technology, 'awaaz' is used for volume. 'Awaaz kam karna' means to lower the volume, while 'awaaz badhaana' means to increase it. It is also used with 'sunai dena' (to be audible). 'Mujhe tumhari awaaz sunai nahi de rahi' (I cannot hear your voice/I can't hear you). In more poetic or literary Hindi, you might encounter 'awaaz' used to describe the 'call' of destiny or nature, such as 'waqt ki awaaz' (the call of time). This versatility makes it a powerful word for learners to master, as it transitions seamlessly from basic physical descriptions to complex emotional and social expressions. Pay attention to the possessive markers; it is always 'meri awaaz' (my voice) or 'aapki awaaz' (your voice), never 'mera' or 'aapka'. Mastering these small grammatical details will significantly elevate your fluency and make your Hindi sound much more authentic to native speakers.
- Calling Someone
- Use 'Awaaz dena'. Example: 'Maine use awaaz di' (I called out to him).
- Volume Control
- Use 'Kam karna' (decrease) or 'Badhaana' (increase). Example: 'TV ki awaaz kam karo'.
- Physical Audibility
- Use 'Sunai dena'. Example: 'Kya aapko meri awaaz sunai de rahi hai?'
जब मैंने उसे आवाज दी, तो वह रुक गया। (When I called him, he stopped.)
इस कमरे में आवाज गूँजती है। (The sound echoes in this room.)
तुम्हारी आवाज में दर्द है। (There is pain in your voice.)
In the vibrant landscape of India, आवाज (Awaaz) is a word that echoes through every corner of life. You will hear it most prominently in the bustling local markets (bazaars), where vendors use their 'awaaz' to attract customers, shouting out prices and the quality of their produce. In these settings, 'awaaz' is a tool of trade. In the realm of entertainment, especially Bollywood, 'awaaz' is a sacred term. Playback singers are often described by the quality of their 'awaaz', and fans will debate whose 'awaaz' is more soulful. On news channels, you will frequently hear the phrase 'Janata ki Awaaz' (The Voice of the People), a popular segment title that highlights public opinion on current events. In political rallies, leaders urge the crowd to 'buland karo apni awaaz' (make your voice loud/strong) to demand change. In a domestic setting, a mother might tell her child 'awaaz mat karo' (don't make noise) while someone is sleeping, or a student might ask a teacher 'kya meri awaaz peeche tak aa rahi hai?' (is my voice reaching the back?). In the digital age, 'awaaz' is the word for audio in technology. When you're on a Zoom call and the connection is poor, the most common complaint is 'aapki awaaz kat rahi hai' (your voice is breaking). It is also used in the context of religious calls, such as the 'Azaan' from a mosque or the 'bhajans' from a temple, which are described as the 'awaaz' of prayer. Even in nature, the sound of the monsoon rain or the rustling of leaves is referred to as 'awaaz'. This word is not just a vocabulary item; it is the auditory fabric of Hindi-speaking society, representing everything from the chaos of the streets to the intimacy of a whisper and the power of a collective movement.
स्टेशन पर बहुत आवाज हो रही थी। (There was a lot of noise at the station.)
रेडियो पर उसकी आवाज सुनकर मैं रुक गया। (I stopped after hearing his voice on the radio.)
गली में फेरीवाले की आवाज आ रही है। (The street vendor's voice is coming from the street.)
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with आवाज (Awaaz) is misidentifying its grammatical gender. In Hindi, every noun has a gender, and 'Awaaz' is feminine. Beginners often mistakenly use masculine possessive pronouns or adjectives, saying 'Mera awaaz' instead of the correct 'Meri awaaz'. This error ripples through the entire sentence, leading to incorrect verb endings like 'Awaaz aa raha hai' instead of 'Awaaz aa rahi hai'. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'Awaaz' and 'Shor'. While 'Awaaz' can mean sound or voice, 'Shor' specifically refers to 'noise' or 'clamor'—usually something loud, unpleasant, or chaotic. If you say 'Tumhari awaaz bahut hai', it sounds incomplete or strange; you should say 'Tumhari awaaz bahut tez hai' (Your voice is very loud) or 'Yahan bahut shor hai' (There is a lot of noise here). Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the verb 'Sunna' (to listen/hear) versus 'Sunai dena' (to be audible). If you want to say 'I can hear a sound', the natural Hindi expression is 'Mujhe awaaz sunai de rahi hai' (To me, the sound is giving hearing), rather than a literal translation of 'Main awaaz sun raha hoon', which implies you are actively listening to it like a piece of music. There is also the nuance of 'Awaaz dena'. English speakers might try to translate 'I called him' as 'Maine use call kiya' (using the English loanword), which is common now, but the traditional and more evocative 'Maine use awaaz di' is often missed. Finally, be careful with the word 'Dhvani'. While 'Dhvani' also means sound, it is a highly formal, Sanskritized term used in scientific or literary contexts. Using 'Dhvani' in a casual conversation about a loud neighbor would sound overly academic and out of place. Stick to 'Awaaz' for everyday situations to sound more like a native speaker.
- Gender Error
- Wrong: 'Mera awaaz'. Right: 'Meri awaaz'.
- Confusion with 'Shor'
- 'Awaaz' is neutral (sound/voice), 'Shor' is negative (noise/disturbance).
- Verb Agreement
- Wrong: 'Awaaz aa raha hai'. Right: 'Awaaz aa rahi hai'.
गलत: आपका आवाज अच्छा है। (Wrong: Your voice is good - masculine)
सही: आपकी आवाज अच्छी है। (Right: Your voice is good - feminine)
While आवाज (Awaaz) is the most common word for sound, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the context and the 'flavor' of the sound you wish to describe. The most direct synonym is ध्वनि (Dhvani). This is a Sanskrit-derived word and is considered more formal or technical. You will find 'Dhvani' in textbooks, scientific discussions about acoustics, or high-register literature. For example, 'dhvani pradooshan' is the official term for noise pollution. Another related word is स्वर (Swar). While 'Awaaz' is the general voice, 'Swar' specifically refers to a musical note or the quality of a tone in singing. It is also the linguistic term for a 'vowel'. If you are praising a singer's technical ability, you might talk about their 'Swar'. Then there is शोर (Shor) or हल्ला (Halla). These words are used when the sound is unwanted or chaotic. 'Shor' is noise, and 'Halla' is more like a 'commotion' or 'uproar'. If children are playing loudly, you would say 'Shor mat karo'. For a sound that repeats or reflects, the word is गूँज (Goonj), meaning 'echo' or 'resonance'. This is often used poetically to describe a voice that lingers in one's memory. In very informal or slang contexts, you might hear पुकार (Pukaar), which specifically means a 'call' or a 'cry for help'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more precise. Use 'Awaaz' for 90% of your needs, but reach for 'Dhvani' in a speech, 'Swar' in a music class, and 'Shor' when you're annoyed by the traffic. This variety enriches your vocabulary and helps you navigate different social registers in India.
- Awaaz vs. Dhvani
- Awaaz is common/Persian; Dhvani is formal/Sanskrit. Use Awaaz for 'voice', Dhvani for 'acoustics'.
- Awaaz vs. Shor
- Awaaz is any sound; Shor is specifically loud, unpleasant noise.
- Awaaz vs. Swar
- Awaaz is the physical voice; Swar is the musical or linguistic tone.
मंदिर के शंख की ध्वनि बहुत पवित्र होती है। (The sound of the temple's conch is very holy.)
बच्चे पार्क में बहुत शोर मचा रहे हैं। (The children are making a lot of noise in the park.)
How Formal Is It?
"कृपया अपनी आवाज धीमी रखें।"
"मुझे तुम्हारी आवाज सुनाई नहीं दे रही।"
"अरे, एक आवाज तो दे देते!"
"देखो, चिड़िया कैसी आवाज निकाल रही है!"
"उसकी आवाज में बहुत दम है, भाई।"
Fun Fact
Many Hindi words ending in 'z' are of Persian origin and are almost always feminine. This is a helpful trick for learners to remember the gender of words like 'Awaaz', 'Namaz', and 'Pyaaz' (though Pyaaz is masculine, it's an exception!).
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'v' as 'w' (Awaaz -> Awaaz with a 'w' sound).
- Pronouncing 'z' as 'j' (Awaaz -> Awaaj). This is a common regional variation but 'z' is standard.
- Shortening the first 'a' (Avaaz instead of Awaaz).
- Making the final 'z' silent.
- Confusing the feminine gender in sentence structure.
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.
Simple to write, but remember the dot (nuqta) under the 'j' to make it 'z' (आवाज़).
Easy to pronounce, but requires practice to distinguish 'v' and 'z' from 'w' and 'j'.
Very common word, easily recognizable in most contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine Noun Agreement
आवाज अच्छी है (The voice is good) - 'acchi' is feminine.
Possessive Adjectives
मेरी आवाज (My voice) - 'meri' is feminine.
Verb Agreement in Present Continuous
आवाज आ रही है (Sound is coming) - 'rahi' is feminine.
Compound Verb Construction
आवाज सुनाई देना (To be audible/heard).
Postposition 'Ki' usage
रेडियो की आवाज (Sound of the radio) - 'ki' is feminine.
Examples by Level
यह किसकी आवाज है?
Whose voice/sound is this?
Uses the feminine possessive 'kis-ki' because 'awaaz' is feminine.
तुम्हारी आवाज बहुत अच्छी है।
Your voice is very good.
Adjective 'acchi' agrees with the feminine noun 'awaaz'.
रेडियो की आवाज कम करो।
Turn down the radio sound/volume.
Imperative sentence using 'kam karo' (do less/lower).
मुझे एक आवाज सुनाई दी।
I heard a sound.
Uses 'sunai di' (was heard) which is the standard way to express hearing a sound.
वहाँ बहुत आवाज हो रही है।
There is a lot of noise/sound happening there.
Uses 'ho rahi hai' (is happening) to describe an ongoing sound environment.
क्या आप मेरी आवाज सुन सकते हैं?
Can you hear my voice?
Standard question for checking audibility.
चिड़ियों की आवाज सुनो।
Listen to the sound of the birds.
Plural possessive 'chidiyon ki' refers to multiple birds.
उसकी आवाज धीमी है।
His/Her voice is soft/low.
Adjective 'dheemi' (soft/slow) describes the volume of the voice.
मैंने उसे आवाज दी, पर उसने नहीं सुना।
I called out to him, but he didn't listen.
The phrase 'awaaz dena' means 'to call out'.
गाड़ी की आवाज बहुत तेज थी।
The sound of the car was very loud.
Tez can mean fast or loud depending on the context.
क्या आपको रसोई से कोई आवाज आई?
Did you hear any sound from the kitchen?
Awaaz aana (sound to come) is a common way to say 'to hear a sound'.
उसकी आवाज में जादू है।
There is magic in his/her voice.
Uses the preposition 'mein' (in).
फोन पर आपकी आवाज कट रही है।
Your voice is breaking on the phone.
Kat rahi hai (is cutting) describes a choppy audio signal.
बच्चे शोर मचा रहे हैं, उनकी आवाज कम करवाओ।
The kids are making noise, have them lower their voices.
Causative verb 'karwao' (get it done).
मेरी आवाज बैठ गई है, मैं बोल नहीं सकता।
I've lost my voice, I can't speak.
Idiom 'awaaz baithna' means to have a hoarse voice.
दरवाजे की आवाज से मेरी नींद खुल गई।
The sound of the door woke me up.
Uses 'se' (from/by) to indicate the cause of waking up.
हमें गरीबों की आवाज बनना चाहिए।
We should become the voice of the poor.
Metaphorical use of 'awaaz' as representation.
उसने डर के मारे अपनी आवाज नहीं उठाई।
He didn't raise his voice out of fear.
Awaaz uthana means to protest or speak up.
गायक की आवाज में एक खास तरह की खनक है।
There is a special kind of resonance/ring in the singer's voice.
Khanak refers to a metallic or clear ringing sound.
भीड़ में अपनी आवाज पहुँचाना मुश्किल था।
It was difficult to make my voice reach through the crowd.
Pahunchana (to make reach) used with voice.
क्या तुमने सुना? वह मदद के लिए आवाज लगा रहा है।
Did you hear? He is calling out for help.
Awaaz lagana implies a more urgent or loud call than awaaz dena.
उसकी आवाज से लग रहा था कि वह दुखी है।
It seemed from his voice that he was sad.
Lag raha tha (it was feeling/seeming).
हमें इस मुद्दे पर एक ही आवाज में बोलना होगा।
We will have to speak in one voice on this issue.
Idiom 'ek hi awaaz mein' means unanimously.
पहाड़ों में आवाज गूँजती है।
The voice/sound echoes in the mountains.
Goonjna means to echo or resonate.
लेखक ने अपनी कहानी में समाज के हाशिए पर पड़े लोगों की आवाज को जगह दी है।
The author has given space to the voices of marginalized people in his story.
Advanced metaphorical use in literary criticism.
उसकी आवाज में जो अधिकार था, उसे कोई अनदेखा नहीं कर सका।
No one could ignore the authority that was in his voice.
Adhikar (authority/right) used to describe vocal quality.
जैसे ही उसने बोलना शुरू किया, पूरी सभा में सन्नाटा छा गया और बस उसकी आवाज सुनाई देने लगी।
As soon as he started speaking, silence spread through the assembly and only his voice could be heard.
Complex sentence structure with multiple clauses.
भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ आवाज उठाना हर नागरिक का कर्तव्य है।
It is the duty of every citizen to raise their voice against corruption.
Abstract noun 'kartavya' (duty) linked with 'awaaz uthana'.
उसकी आवाज में एक अजीब सी कशिश है जो सबको अपनी ओर खींचती है।
There is a strange attraction in his voice that pulls everyone towards him.
Kashish (attraction/magnetism) is a sophisticated Persian loanword.
जब रेडियो पर पुराने गानों की आवाज आती है, तो यादें ताजा हो जाती हैं।
When the sound of old songs comes on the radio, memories become fresh.
Conditional 'jab... toh' structure.
उसने अपनी आवाज को दबाने की कोशिश की, पर उसकी सिसकियाँ सुनाई दे गईं।
She tried to suppress her voice, but her sobs were heard.
Awaaz dabana means to suppress or muffle a sound/voice.
इस फिल्म में पार्श्व गायक की आवाज नायक के व्यक्तित्व पर बिल्कुल सटीक बैठती है।
In this film, the playback singer's voice fits the hero's personality perfectly.
Technical term 'parshva gayak' (playback singer).
उनकी आवाज में वह गूँज है जो सदियों तक सुनी जाएगी।
There is that resonance in his voice which will be heard for centuries.
Poetic use of 'goonj' (echo/resonance).
न्यायालय में सत्य की आवाज को दबाया नहीं जा सकता।
The voice of truth cannot be suppressed in the court of law.
Passive construction 'dabaya nahi ja sakta'.
उसकी आवाज के आरोह-अवरोह से उसकी भावनाओं का पता चलता है।
His emotions are revealed by the rise and fall (intonation) of his voice.
Sanskrit terms 'aaroh-avaroh' used for vocal modulation.
कविता की हर पंक्ति में कवि की अपनी एक विशिष्ट आवाज मुखर होती है।
In every line of the poem, the poet's own distinct voice becomes vocal/articulate.
Mukhar (vocal/articulate) is a high-register adjective.
अंतरात्मा की आवाज को अनसुना करना स्वयं से विश्वासघात करने जैसा है।
Ignoring the voice of conscience is like betraying oneself.
Philosophical term 'antar-atma' (inner soul/conscience).
लोकतंत्र में हर व्यक्ति की आवाज का समान महत्व होता है।
In a democracy, every person's voice has equal importance.
Political context of 'awaaz' as a vote/opinion.
उसकी आवाज में एक ऐसी खनक थी जो केवल आत्मविश्वास से ही आ सकती है।
There was a ring in her voice that can only come from self-confidence.
Abstract quality 'aatm-vishwas' (self-confidence).
श्रोताओं को मंत्रमुग्ध करने के लिए केवल शब्द ही नहीं, आवाज का उतार-चढ़ाव भी जरूरी है।
To mesmerize the listeners, not just words, but the modulation of voice is also necessary.
Utar-chadhaw (descent-ascent) as a synonym for modulation.
इस उपन्यास की बहुस्वरिता में लेखक ने समाज के विभिन्न वर्गों की आवाज को एकाकार कर दिया है।
In the polyphony of this novel, the author has unified the voices of various sections of society.
Highly academic term 'bahuswarita' (polyphony).
उनकी आवाज का प्रभाव ऐसा था कि मानो समय ठहर गया हो और केवल उनका स्वर ही ब्रह्मांड में व्याप्त हो।
The impact of his voice was such as if time had stood still and only his tone pervaded the universe.
Subjunctive 'mano' (as if) and 'vyapt' (pervasive).
दार्शनिक विमर्श में 'आवाज' को केवल भौतिक ध्वनि नहीं, बल्कि चेतना की अभिव्यक्ति माना गया है।
In philosophical discourse, 'voice' is considered not just physical sound, but an expression of consciousness.
Chetna (consciousness) and abhivyakti (expression).
उनकी आवाज में वह गांभीर्य था जो केवल वर्षों के अनुभव और साधना से प्राप्त होता है।
There was that depth/seriousness in his voice which is obtained only through years of experience and disciplined practice.
Gambhirya (depth/gravity) and sadhna (disciplined practice).
राजनीतिक अस्थिरता के दौर में, जनता की आवाज अक्सर नारों के शोर में दब जाती है।
In times of political instability, the voice of the people often gets suppressed in the noise of slogans.
Contrast between 'awaaz' (voice) and 'shor' (noise).
शास्त्रीय संगीत में आवाज का सधा होना और सुरों पर नियंत्रण ही कलाकार की असली पहचान है।
In classical music, the steadiness of the voice and control over the notes is the artist's true identity.
Sadha hona (to be disciplined/steady).
इतिहास के पन्नों में उन गुमनाम नायकों की आवाज भी दर्ज है जिन्होंने खामोशी से क्रांति की नींव रखी।
The voices of those anonymous heroes are also recorded in the pages of history who silently laid the foundation of revolution.
Gumnaam (anonymous) and kranti (revolution).
उनकी आवाज की प्रतिध्वनि आज भी हमारे सामाजिक विमर्श को आलोकित कर रही है।
The resonance/echo of his voice even today is illuminating our social discourse.
Pratidhvani (echo/resonance) and aalokit (illuminated).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Don't make noise. Used to tell children or others to be quiet.
बच्चे सो रहे हैं, आवाज मत करो।
— Can you hear me? Literally: Is the voice coming?
हेलो, क्या मेरी आवाज आ रही है?
— At a single call. Implies immediate response or unity.
वे मेरी एक आवाज पर चले आए।
— To raise one's voice in anger or to speak louder.
मुझसे बात करते समय आवाज ऊँची मत करो।
— To keep one's voice low, usually out of respect or to be quiet.
बड़ों के सामने आवाज नीचे रखनी चाहिए।
— The magic of voice. Used for great singers or speakers.
उनके पास आवाज का जादू है।
— The power of voice. Refers to the strength of one's speech.
उसकी आवाज में बहुत दम है।
— To join voices, either in singing or in agreeing with an opinion.
सबने उसकी बात में अपनी आवाज मिलाई।
— The world of sound/voice. Often used for radio or music industry.
आवाज की दुनिया के दोस्तों, नमस्कार!
Often Confused With
Awaaz is any sound; Shor is specifically loud, annoying noise.
Awaaz is the physical voice; Swar is a musical note or tone.
Awaaz is common; Dhvani is the formal/scientific word for sound.
Idioms & Expressions
— To protest or speak out against something wrong.
हमें भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ आवाज उठानी होगी।
Common— To lose one's voice or become hoarse.
ज्यादा चिल्लाने से मेरी आवाज बैठ गई।
Common— To be widely recognized or remembered.
आज भी उनकी आवाज दुनिया भर में गूँजती है।
Poetic— To suppress someone's opinion or right to speak.
तानाशाह ने जनता की आवाज दबा दी।
Political— To have a convincing or powerful way of speaking.
उस नेता की आवाज में दम है।
Informal— To be blessed with a very good voice.
वह गायक वास्तव में आवाज का धनी है।
Literary— Unanimously; everyone saying the same thing.
पूरी टीम ने एक ही आवाज में 'हाँ' कहा।
Formal— To listen very carefully to a sound or call.
उसने हर छोटी आवाज पर कान धरे।
Literary— To call someone (informal version of awaaz dena).
जब तुम पहुँच जाओ, तो मुझे एक आवाज मार देना।
Slang/Informal— Behind the cover of sound; using noise to hide something.
बारिश की आवाज की ओट में वह भाग गया।
LiteraryEasily Confused
Often confused with 'Shor' by beginners.
Awaaz is neutral and can be beautiful (like a voice). Shor is always negative and refers to unwanted noise.
उसकी आवाज (voice) अच्छी है, लेकिन यहाँ बहुत शोर (noise) है।
Confused with 'Swar' in music.
Awaaz is the whole voice. Swar is a specific musical note or the pitch.
उसकी आवाज (voice) में दम है, पर उसके स्वर (notes) सही नहीं हैं।
Confused with 'Dhvani' in formal writing.
Awaaz is Persian and common. Dhvani is Sanskrit and used for 'acoustics' or 'sound waves'.
रेडियो की आवाज (sound) कम करो। ध्वनि (sound) की गति तेज होती है।
Confused with 'Pukaar'.
Awaaz is any sound. Pukaar is specifically a 'call' or 'summons', often emotional.
मैंने उसे आवाज (call) दी। यह मेरी आत्मा की पुकार (call/summons) है।
Confused with 'Vaani'.
Awaaz is common. Vaani is very formal and refers to 'speech' or 'divine voice'.
उसकी आवाज (voice) साफ है। महात्मा की वाणी (speech) अनमोल है।
Sentence Patterns
[Possessive] आवाज [Adjective] है।
आपकी आवाज अच्छी है।
[Noun] की आवाज [Verb].
कुत्ते की आवाज सुनो।
मुझे [Noun] की आवाज सुनाई दी।
मुझे बारिश की आवाज सुनाई दी।
[Noun] को आवाज दो।
राम को आवाज दो।
[Noun] के खिलाफ आवाज उठाना।
जुल्म के खिलाफ आवाज उठाना।
[Noun] की आवाज में [Emotion] है।
उसकी आवाज में खुशी है।
आवाज का [Noun] पर गहरा असर पड़ा।
उसकी आवाज का मुझ पर गहरा असर पड़ा।
[Abstract Noun] की आवाज को अनसुना करना।
वक्त की आवाज को अनसुना करना।
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high; used multiple times daily in almost all contexts.
-
Mera awaaz (मेरा आवाज)
→
Meri awaaz (मेरी आवाज)
'Awaaz' is feminine, so the possessive pronoun must be 'meri'.
-
Awaaz aa raha hai (आवाज आ रहा है)
→
Awaaz aa rahi hai (आवाज आ रही है)
The verb must agree with the feminine gender of 'Awaaz'.
-
Using 'Shor' for a beautiful voice.
→
Using 'Awaaz' or 'Swar'.
'Shor' is only for unpleasant noise. A voice is always 'Awaaz'.
-
Maine use call di.
→
Maine use awaaz di.
'Awaaz dena' is the correct idiom for calling out to someone.
-
Awaaz ooncha karo.
→
Awaaz tezz karo / Awaaz badhao.
'Ooncha' (high) is usually for physical height. For volume, use 'tezz' or 'badhao'.
Tips
Gender Agreement
Always treat 'Awaaz' as feminine. Use 'ki', 'meri', 'acchi', and 'rahi' with it. This is the #1 rule for this word.
Awaaz vs. Shor
Use 'Awaaz' for voices and neutral sounds. Use 'Shor' when you are annoyed by noise.
Calling Someone
Instead of just saying 'Maine use call kiya', try 'Maine use awaaz di' for a more traditional Hindi feel.
Phone Calls
If you can't hear someone, say 'Aapki awaaz nahi aa rahi'. It's the most common phrase for audio issues.
Raising Voice
Use 'Awaaz uthana' in essays or discussions about social justice. It's a powerful and common idiom.
The 'Z' Sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'z' at the end. It's not 'Awaaj' (with a 'j'), it's 'Awaaz' (with a 'z').
Singing
When complimenting a singer, 'Awaaz' refers to their natural gift, while 'Swar' refers to their technical pitch.
Sore Throat
If you have a cold, tell people 'Meri awaaz baith gayi hai'. They will immediately understand you have a sore throat.
Formal vs Informal
In a formal speech, you might use 'Dhvani', but in a story or conversation, 'Awaaz' is always better.
Echoes
If you hear a sound repeating, the word is 'Goonj'. It's a beautiful word often used with 'Awaaz'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'A-V-A-A-Z'. A Voice Always Attracts Zeal. The 'Z' at the end reminds you of the buzzing sound of a voice.
Visual Association
Imagine a megaphone with the word 'आवाज' coming out of it in bright, feminine colors (like pink or purple) to remember its gender.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'आवाज' in three different ways today: once for a person's voice, once for a noise you hear, and once to ask someone to change the volume.
Word Origin
The word 'आवाज' (Awaaz) originates from the Persian word 'آواز' (âvâz). It entered Hindi through the long period of Perso-Arabic influence on the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Mughal era.
Original meaning: In Persian, it means sound, voice, or song.
Indo-European (via Indo-Iranian).Cultural Context
Be careful when telling someone 'Awaaz neeche' (Lower your voice), as it can be perceived as very rude or aggressive depending on the tone.
English speakers often use 'voice' and 'sound' as distinct words, but in Hindi, 'Awaaz' covers both. Don't look for two different words in casual conversation.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At Home
- TV की आवाज कम करो।
- किसकी आवाज है?
- आवाज मत करो, पापा सो रहे हैं।
- मुझे तुम्हारी आवाज सुनाई दी।
On the Phone
- आपकी आवाज नहीं आ रही।
- आवाज कट रही है।
- क्या मेरी आवाज आ रही है?
- थोड़ा जोर से बोलिए, आवाज धीमी है।
In Public
- उसने मुझे आवाज दी।
- यहाँ बहुत शोर (आवाज) है।
- मदद के लिए आवाज लगाओ।
- स्टेशन पर बहुत आवाजें थीं।
Music/Arts
- उसकी आवाज बहुत सुरीली है।
- गायक की आवाज बैठ गई है।
- आवाज का रियाज करो।
- यह आवाज बहुत मधुर है।
Social Issues
- अपनी आवाज उठाओ।
- जनता की आवाज।
- गरीबों की आवाज बनना।
- आवाज दबाने की कोशिश मत करो।
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको बाहर से कोई अजीब आवाज सुनाई दे रही है?"
"आपकी आवाज किसी मशहूर गायक से मिलती है, क्या आप गाते हैं?"
"क्या मेरी आवाज आप तक साफ पहुँच रही है?"
"इस कमरे में आवाज बहुत गूँज रही है, है ना?"
"क्या आपने रेडियो पर आज सुबह वह आवाज सुनी?"
Journal Prompts
आज आपने कौन सी सबसे सुखद आवाज सुनी? उसका वर्णन करें।
अगर आपकी आवाज पूरी दुनिया सुन सकती, तो आप क्या कहते?
किसी ऐसी आवाज के बारे में लिखें जो आपको आपके बचपन की याद दिलाती है।
क्या आपने कभी किसी गलत काम के खिलाफ अपनी आवाज उठाई है? क्या हुआ?
मौन (silence) और आवाज में से आपको क्या ज्यादा पसंद है और क्यों?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Awaaz' is a feminine noun. This is important for grammar. You should say 'Meri awaaz' (My voice) and 'Awaaz aa rahi hai' (The sound is coming).
You can say 'Awaaz badhao' (Increase the sound) or 'Awaaz tezz karo' (Make the sound loud).
'Awaaz' is a general term for any sound or voice. 'Shor' specifically means 'noise'—usually something loud, chaotic, or unpleasant.
Yes, metaphorically. Phrases like 'Janata ki awaaz' mean 'the voice of the people' or their collective opinion.
The most natural way is 'Mujhe ek awaaz sunai di'. You can also say 'Maine ek awaaz suni', but the first one is more common.
It means 'to call out to someone'. For example, 'Maine use awaaz di' means 'I called out to him'.
Yes, you can use it for any animal sound, like 'Sher की आवाज' (The sound of a lion).
It is an idiom meaning 'to raise one's voice' or 'to protest' against something.
You use the idiom 'Meri awaaz baith गई है' (My voice has sat down).
'Dhvani' is a more formal, Sanskrit-based word for sound. 'Awaaz' is the common, everyday word.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence in Hindi saying 'Your voice is very sweet'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I heard a sound from the room.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why we should raise our voice against injustice.
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Translate: 'Turn down the TV volume, the baby is sleeping.'
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Write a sentence using the idiom 'Awaaz baithna'.
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Translate: 'I recognized his voice immediately.'
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Use 'Awaaz dena' in a sentence about calling a friend.
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Translate: 'The voice of the people is the voice of God.'
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Write a sentence describing a 'heavy voice'.
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Translate: 'Is my voice reaching the back of the hall?'
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Write a sentence using 'Awaaz' in a poetic way.
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Translate: 'Don't make noise in the library.'
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Write a sentence about a singer's voice using 'Surili'.
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Translate: 'His voice was trembling with fear.'
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Use 'Awaaz lagana' in a sentence about an emergency.
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Translate: 'The resonance of the bell filled the temple.'
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Write a sentence about 'Awaaz' in a digital meeting.
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Translate: 'Every vote is a voice in democracy.'
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Write a sentence using 'Awaaz-e-haq'.
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Translate: 'The author gives voice to the voiceless.'
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Say 'My voice is clear' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask 'Whose voice is this?' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Tell someone to 'Turn up the volume' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Practice saying 'Awaaz aa rahi hai?' with a questioning tone.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I heard a sound' in Hindi.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Compliment someone's voice: 'Your voice is very sweet.'
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You said:
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Say 'Don't make noise' to a child.
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You said:
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Explain that your voice is hoarse: 'My voice is lost.'
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Ask 'Can you hear me?' on a phone call.
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You said:
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Say 'Raise your voice against corruption.'
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You said:
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Say 'I recognized your voice.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Tell someone 'Keep your voice low.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'There is magic in your voice.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'The sound of the rain is beautiful.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'Call him.' using the word Awaaz.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'The voice of the people is strong.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I can't hear anything because of the noise.'
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You said:
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Say 'His voice was very deep.'
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You said:
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Say 'The sound of the bell is holy.'
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You said:
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Say 'We must speak in one voice.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen to the sentence: 'रेडियो की आवाज कम करो।' What should you do?
Listen: 'आवाज आ रही है?' What is the speaker checking?
Listen: 'उसने मुझे आवाज दी।' Did the person call the speaker?
Listen: 'मेरी आवाज बैठ गई है।' Can the speaker talk properly?
Listen: 'अन्याय के खिलाफ आवाज उठाओ।' What is the command?
Listen: 'तुम्हारी आवाज बहुत सुरीली है।' Is this a compliment?
Listen: 'आवाज मत करो।' What is the speaker asking for?
Listen: 'आवाज कट रही है।' Is the phone connection good?
Listen: 'वह गरीबों की आवाज है।' What is the person's role?
Listen: 'आवाज गूँज रही है।' Where might the speaker be?
Listen: 'अपनी आवाज नीचे रखो।' Is the speaker being friendly?
Listen: 'एक ही आवाज में सबने हाँ कहा।' Was there any disagreement?
Listen: 'आवाज का जादू चल गया।' Was the performance successful?
Listen: 'बाहर से शोर की आवाज आ रही है।' Is it quiet outside?
Listen: 'सत्य की आवाज बुलंद है।' What is the status of truth?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'आवाज' (Awaaz) is essential because it covers everything from the volume of your TV to your political rights. Always remember it is feminine: 'Meri awaaz suno' (Listen to my voice).
- Awaaz is the primary Hindi word for both 'sound' and 'voice'.
- It is a feminine noun, requiring feminine adjectives and verb forms.
- Commonly used for volume control, calling people, and expressing opinions.
- Distinguished from 'Shor' (noise) and 'Dhvani' (formal/scientific sound).
Gender Agreement
Always treat 'Awaaz' as feminine. Use 'ki', 'meri', 'acchi', and 'rahi' with it. This is the #1 rule for this word.
Awaaz vs. Shor
Use 'Awaaz' for voices and neutral sounds. Use 'Shor' when you are annoyed by noise.
Calling Someone
Instead of just saying 'Maine use call kiya', try 'Maine use awaaz di' for a more traditional Hindi feel.
Phone Calls
If you can't hear someone, say 'Aapki awaaz nahi aa rahi'. It's the most common phrase for audio issues.
Example
आवाज सुनाई दी।
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.
