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घाव

A1 noun #3,000 most common 8 min read

घाव

ghaav Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips घाव in 30 Seconds

Explanation घाव in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'घाव' (ghaav) as a basic noun meaning 'wound' or 'cut.' At this stage, focus on using it in simple sentences to describe physical injuries. For example, 'I have a wound' (मुझे घाव है) or 'The wound is big' (घाव बड़ा है). It is important to remember that 'ghaav' is a masculine word. This means you will use 'bada' (big) instead of 'badi', and 'mera' (my) instead of 'meri'. You will mostly hear this word when someone gets hurt while playing or working. Think of it as a specific type of 'chot' (injury) where the skin is broken. Practice saying 'ghaav' with a soft 'gh' sound and a long 'aa' vowel. It is a very useful word for basic health-related conversations. You might also see it on first-aid kits or medicine labels in India. Even at this early stage, knowing 'ghaav' helps you explain a physical problem more clearly than just saying you are 'beemar' (sick). Focus on the physical meaning first before worrying about the poetic uses.

As an A2 learner, you can begin to use 'घाव' (ghaav) with more descriptive adjectives and simple verbs. You should learn the common pairing 'घाव भरना' (ghaav bharna), which means 'the wound is healing' or 'the wound is filling up.' For example, 'मेरा घाव भर रहा है' (My wound is healing). You can also start using postpositions, which change the word slightly in the plural. For instance, 'घावों पर दवा लगाओ' (Apply medicine on the wounds). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between a 'ghaav' (an open wound) and a 'chot' (a general injury or bump). You can also use it to describe where the wound is: 'हाथ पर घाव' (a wound on the hand). You might also encounter the word in simple stories or news headlines about minor accidents. Start practicing the masculine agreement consistently: 'gehra ghaav' (deep wound), 'purana ghaav' (old wound). This level is about making your descriptions more specific and grammatically correct.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'घाव' (ghaav) in both physical and metaphorical contexts. You will begin to see how 'ghaav' is used in common idioms, such as 'घाव पर नमक छिड़कना' (to rub salt in the wound), which means to make a bad situation worse for someone. You should also be able to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as passive voice: 'उसे गहरा घाव दिया गया' (He was given/inflicted with a deep wound). At this stage, you should also recognize the Urdu synonym 'ज़ख़्म' (zakhm) and understand that it is often used in songs and poetry. You can start using 'ghaav' to describe emotional pain, such as 'मन के घाव' (wounds of the mind/heart). Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'घाव का निशान' (scar/mark of a wound). You can participate in conversations about health, recovery, and even personal feelings using this word. Understanding the nuances of how a wound 'dries' (sookhna) or 'festers' (pakna) in Hindi will also be part of your progress at this level.

By B2, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'घाव' (ghaav) and its role in Hindi literature and formal discourse. You will encounter the word in news reports discussing social issues, where it might refer to 'historical wounds' (aitihasik ghaav) or 'communal wounds.' You should be able to use the word to discuss abstract concepts like trauma and healing in a sophisticated way. For example, 'समाज के घावों को भरने की ज़रूरत है' (There is a need to heal the wounds of society). You will also notice that 'ghaav' is used in formal medical contexts, though 'vran' might appear in highly technical texts. You should be able to use the word in various tenses and moods, including the subjunctive: 'शायद उसका घाव अभी न भरा हो' (Perhaps his wound has not healed yet). Your ability to use the word metaphorically should feel natural, allowing you to describe complex emotions or the lingering effects of past events. You should also be able to distinguish between the registers of 'ghaav' (Standard/Sanskritized) and 'zakhm' (Urdu/Poetic) and choose the appropriate one for your audience.

At the C1 level, your use of 'घाव' (ghaav) should be precise and culturally informed. You will explore its use in classical and modern Hindi literature, where 'ghaav' can be a central motif for human suffering or existential pain. You should be able to analyze how different authors use the word to create imagery. For instance, in a political essay, 'ghaav' might represent the failure of a policy or the scars of a revolution. You should be fluent in using all idiomatic expressions related to the word and even be able to play with them in creative writing. Your understanding of the word's etymology (from Sanskrit 'ghāta' or 'ghāva') will help you connect it to other words like 'aghaat' (blow/trauma). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are aware of its weight and the specific imagery it evokes in a native speaker's mind. You can discuss the 'healing of wounds' in philosophical terms, comparing physical recovery to spiritual or national reconciliation. Your grammar should be flawless, including the correct use of the oblique plural 'घावों' in complex prepositional phrases.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'घाव' (ghaav) and all its subtle connotations. You can use the word in high-level academic, medical, or literary discussions. You might use it to critique a piece of poetry, noting how the poet uses 'ghaav' to symbolize a specific cultural trauma. You are comfortable with the most formal Sanskritized forms and the most colloquial or poetic Urdu variants. You can use 'ghaav' in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'यह घाव नहीं, एक सबक है' (This is not a wound, but a lesson). You understand the historical evolution of the word and its synonyms in the Hindi-Urdu continuum. In professional settings, such as surgery or forensic medicine, you can use the word with technical precision, describing the nature, depth, and age of a wound. Your mastery allows you to use the word with irony, sarcasm, or profound empathy, depending on the context. You are fully aware of the cultural sensitivities surrounding the 'healing of wounds' in South Asian history and can navigate these topics with linguistic sophistication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

घाव in 30 Seconds

घाव (ghaav) is a masculine noun meaning 'wound' or 'cut.'
It is used for both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Commonly paired with the verb 'bharna' (to heal/fill).
It is more specific than 'chot' (injury) and synonymous with 'zakhm'.

The Hindi word घाव (ghaav) is a foundational noun that primary refers to a physical injury, specifically one that involves a breach in the continuity of the skin or underlying tissues. In medical or everyday physical contexts, it translates directly to 'wound,' 'cut,' 'gash,' or 'sore.' Whether you are describing a small scrape from a fall or a deep surgical incision, ghaav is the most precise term to use in standard Hindi. However, its utility extends far beyond the clinical or physical realm. Much like the English word 'wound,' ghaav carries significant metaphorical weight, frequently employed to describe psychological trauma, emotional pain, or the lasting impact of a betrayal or loss. Understanding when to use ghaav versus its more generic counterpart chot (injury/blow) is crucial for learners aiming for natural expression.

Physical Context: Used for visible injuries like cuts, ulcers, or lesions. Example: 'The doctor cleaned the wound' (डॉक्टर ने घाव साफ़ किया).
Emotional Context: Used for deep emotional scars that are not visible but persist over time. Example: 'Old wounds' (पुराने घाव).

साइकिल से गिरने के बाद मेरे घुटने पर एक गहरा घाव हो गया। (After falling from the cycle, a deep wound formed on my knee.)

In daily life, you will hear this word in pharmacies, hospitals, and when discussing health. It is also a staple of Bollywood lyrics and Hindi literature, where poets use the concept of a 'wound' to symbolize the pain of unrequited love or social injustice. The word is masculine in gender, which affects the adjectives and verbs associated with it (e.g., gehra ghaav - deep wound, not gehri). It is also important to note that while zakhm is a very common Urdu synonym used in Hindi, ghaav remains the standard Sanskrit-derived term preferred in formal and many regional contexts.

वक़्त हर घाव भर देता है। (Time heals every wound.)

The word is often paired with the verb bharna (to fill/heal). When a wound heals, we say 'ghaav bhar raha hai.' If someone aggravates a situation, the idiom 'ghaav par namak chhidakna' (to sprinkle salt on a wound) is used, perfectly mirroring the English equivalent. This versatility makes it an essential A1-level word that scales in complexity as you progress into literature and advanced conversation.

Using घाव (ghaav) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its common verbal pairings. In its simplest form, it acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Because it is masculine, any preceding adjective must end in '-aa' (like gehra or bada) and the verb must agree accordingly in the singular or plural.

Direct Object: उसने अपने घाव को पट्टी से ढका। (He covered his wound with a bandage.)
Subject of State: घाव अब सूख रहा है। (The wound is now drying/healing.)

तलवार का घाव मिट जाता है, पर कड़वे बोलों का नहीं। (The wound of a sword fades, but not that of bitter words.)

When dealing with multiple injuries, the plural form is घाव (ghaav) in the direct case and घावों (ghaavon) in the oblique case (when followed by a postposition like 'mein', 'par', or 'ko'). For example, 'The medicine was applied to the wounds' becomes 'घावों पर दवा लगाई गई'.

उसके घाव से खून बह रहा था। (Blood was flowing from his wound.)

In complex sentences, ghaav often appears in causative constructions. For instance, 'to inflict a wound' is 'ghaav dena' or 'ghaav pahunchana'. Understanding these collocations helps you move beyond simple 'is/has' sentences into more dynamic descriptions of actions and consequences. In poetic Hindi, you might find the word used as a metaphor for the 'wounds of the soul' (rooh ke ghaav) or 'wounds of the heart' (dil ke ghaav), where the grammar remains identical but the meaning shifts to the abstract.

The word घाव (ghaav) is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, appearing in diverse settings from the clinical to the artistic. If you are in a healthcare setting in North India, such as a local clinic or a large hospital, you will hear doctors and nurses use ghaav to discuss patient injuries. For example, a nurse might ask, 'घाव कितना पुराना है?' (How old is the wound?). In this context, it is a professional and precise term.

In News and Media: News reports covering accidents or conflicts frequently use 'ghaav' or its plural 'ghaavon' to describe casualties. 'हादसे में कई लोगों को गहरे घाव आए हैं' (Many people sustained deep wounds in the accident).
In Literature and Cinema: Bollywood movies, especially dramas and tragedies, use the word metaphorically. Songs often speak of 'dil ke ghaav' (wounds of the heart) that refuse to heal, symbolizing heartbreak or betrayal.

इतिहास के घाव इतनी जल्दी नहीं भरते। (The wounds of history do not heal so quickly.)

In social and political discourse, speakers use ghaav to refer to societal divisions or historical traumas. A politician might speak about 'healing the wounds of the past' (ateet ke ghaavon ko bharna). This demonstrates the word's capacity to move from a literal physical description to a profound sociological concept. Even in casual conversation, if a friend is going through a tough breakup, you might hear someone say, 'उसके घाव अभी ताज़ा हैं' (His/her wounds are still fresh), meaning the emotional pain is still very much present.

डॉक्टर ने घाव पर मरहम लगाया। (The doctor applied ointment to the wound.)

Lastly, in religious or philosophical texts, ghaav might be used to discuss the suffering of the human condition or the 'wounds' of ignorance. Whether literal or figurative, the word carries a sense of depth and seriousness. It is rarely used for trivial things; you wouldn't typically call a tiny papercut a ghaav unless you were being dramatic; for that, kharoch (scratch) is better.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using घाव (ghaav) involves gender agreement. Hindi nouns are categorized as masculine or feminine, and ghaav is masculine. Learners often mistakenly treat it as feminine because 'injury' or 'pain' (pida) can be feminine in other contexts. This leads to incorrect adjective forms. For example, saying 'Badi ghaav' instead of the correct 'Bada ghaav' (Big wound) is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake.

Mistake: Wrong Gender: Incorrect: यह घाव बहुत गहरी है। Correct: यह घाव बहुत गहरा है। (This wound is very deep.)
Mistake: Confusion with 'Chot': Learners use 'ghaav' for any impact. If you bump your head, it's a 'chot' (injury/hit). If the skin breaks and bleeds, it becomes a 'ghaav'. Using 'ghaav' for a simple bruise is technically inaccurate.

गलत: मेरे घाव को दर्द हो रही है। (Incorrect: My wound is hurting - using feminine verb). सही: मेरे घाव में दर्द हो रहा है। (Correct: There is pain in my wound - masculine verb).

Another common error is the misuse of postpositions. To say 'in the wound,' one must use the oblique plural 'ghaavon mein' if referring to multiple wounds, but often learners forget to change the base word. Furthermore, the verb bharna (to heal/fill) is specifically used with ghaav. Using theek hona (to become okay) is understandable but less idiomatic. A native speaker says 'ghaav bhar gaya' (the wound filled/healed).

सावधानी: घाव को खुला न छोड़ें। (Caution: Do not leave the wound open.)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse ghaav with ghas (grass) or ghaat (river bank) due to similar phonetic starts. Paying attention to the long vowel 'aa' and the concluding 'v' sound is essential. In writing, ensure you don't confuse the character 'घ' (gh) with 'ध' (dh), as 'dhaav' is not a word in this context.

While घाव (ghaav) is the standard Hindi word for wound, several synonyms and related terms exist, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're speaking formally, poetically, or casually.

ज़ख़्म (Zakhm): This is an Urdu-origin synonym that is extremely common in spoken Hindi and Bollywood songs. It is virtually interchangeable with 'ghaav' in emotional contexts but feels slightly more poetic or intense. It is also masculine.
चोट (Chot): This is a more general term for 'injury' or 'hurt.' If you fall and get a bruise but the skin doesn't break, it's a 'chot.' If the skin breaks, it's a 'ghaav.' 'Chot' is feminine.
खरोंच (Kharonch): This means 'scratch.' Use this for minor surface injuries where 'ghaav' would sound too serious.

तुलना: मेरा घाव गहरा है (My wound is deep) vs मुझे चोट लगी है (I am hurt/injured).

In medical settings, you might also encounter the word Vran (व्रण), which is the highly formal, pure Sanskrit (Tatsama) term for an ulcer or a wound. You will likely only see this in medical textbooks or formal health reports. On the other hand, in very casual or regional speech, people might simply say 'kata' (cut) or 'chhila' (scraped) to describe the nature of the wound itself.

When discussing the act of wounding, the adjective ghaayal (wounded/injured) is essential. While ghaav is the thing you have, ghaayal is what you are. For example, 'ghaayal sainik' (wounded soldier). Understanding this relationship between the noun and adjective forms is a key step in building a robust Hindi vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is cognate with the Sanskrit 'Hanti' (to kill/strike). It has remained remarkably stable in meaning for thousands of years, moving from the physical act of striking to the resulting injury.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡʱɑːʋ/

US /ɡʱɑv/

The stress is on the only syllable, with a lingering long vowel sound.

Rhymes With

भाव (bhaav - price/emotion) चाव (chaav - enthusiasm) नाव (naav - boat) पाव (paav - quarter/bread) दाव (daav - bet/stake) पुलाव (pulaav - rice dish) बचाव (bachaav - defense) तनाव (tanaav - tension)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a simple 'g' (like 'gaav' which means village).
Shortening the 'aa' vowel.
Confusing it with 'dhaav' (no meaning in this context).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'gh' character and the masculine gender.

Speaking 2/5

The aspirated 'gh' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

चोट (injury) खून (blood) दर्द (pain) दवा (medicine) हाथ/पैर (body parts)

Learn Next

घायल (wounded) इलाज (treatment) पट्टी (bandage) मरहम (ointment) निशान (scar)

Advanced

नासूर (festering sore) व्रण (ulcer) संक्रमण (infection) आघात (trauma) पुनर्प्राप्ति (recovery)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

Ghaav (Masculine) -> Bada ghaav, mera ghaav, ghaav achha hai.

Oblique Case in Plural

Ghaav (Direct Plural) -> Ghaavon (Oblique, e.g., Ghaavon par).

Causative Verbs with Ghaav

Ghaav dena (to inflict), Ghaav lagna (to sustain).

Postpositions

Ghaav mein (in the wound), Ghaav se (from the wound).

Compound Verbs

Ghaav bhar jaana (to be completely healed).

Examples by Level

यह घाव छोटा है।

This wound is small.

'Chhota' (small) agrees with the masculine 'ghaav'.

मेरे हाथ पर घाव है।

There is a wound on my hand.

'Par' is the postposition for 'on'.

घाव में दर्द है।

There is pain in the wound.

'Mein' means 'in'.

क्या यह घाव बड़ा है?

Is this wound big?

'Bada' is masculine singular.

घाव साफ़ करो।

Clean the wound.

Imperative form of 'saaf karna' (to clean).

उसका घाव गहरा है।

His/her wound is deep.

'Uska' (his/her) agrees with masculine 'ghaav'.

दवा घाव के लिए है।

The medicine is for the wound.

'Ke liye' means 'for'.

यहाँ एक घाव है।

There is a wound here.

'Yahan' means 'here'.

घाव धीरे-धीरे भर रहा है।

The wound is slowly healing.

Continuous tense of 'bharna' (to fill/heal).

डॉक्टर ने घाव पर पट्टी बाँधी।

The doctor tied a bandage on the wound.

Past tense of 'baandhna' (to tie).

पुराने घाव फिर से खुल गए।

Old wounds opened up again.

Plural 'ghaav' with plural verb 'khul gaye'.

घाव को पानी से बचाओ।

Protect the wound from water.

'Bachaao' is the imperative of 'bachana' (to save/protect).

तुम्हारे घाव से खून निकल रहा है।

Blood is coming out of your wound.

'Tumhare' is the possessive pronoun for 'your'.

यह घाव कैसे हुआ?

How did this wound happen?

'Kaise hua' asks about the cause/occurrence.

घाव अब सूख गया है।

The wound has dried up now.

'Sookh gaya' implies it is no longer wet/fresh.

मेरे पास घाव के लिए मरहम है।

I have ointment for the wound.

'Marham' is the word for ointment.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे पुराने घाव ताज़ा कर दिए।

His/her words made my old wounds fresh again.

Metaphorical use of 'ghaav' for emotional pain.

घाव पर नमक छिड़कने से क्या फायदा?

What is the point of rubbing salt in the wound?

Idiomatic expression 'namak chhidakna'.

अगर घाव गहरा हो, तो टाँके लगाने पड़ते हैं।

If the wound is deep, stitches have to be applied.

'Taanke' means stitches.

समय हर घाव को भर देता है।

Time heals every wound.

Common philosophical proverb.

युद्ध के घाव कभी नहीं भूलते।

The wounds of war are never forgotten.

Plural 'ghaav' used for collective trauma.

घाव में इन्फेक्शन होने का डर है।

There is a fear of infection in the wound.

'Dar' means fear; 'hone ka' means 'of happening'.

उसने अपने घाव को दुनिया से छुपाया।

He/she hid his/her wound from the world.

Can be physical or emotional hiding.

घाव भरने में हफ़्तों लग सकते हैं।

It can take weeks for the wound to heal.

'Lag sakte hain' means 'can take (time)'.

यह घाव अब नासूर बन चुका है।

This wound has now become a festering sore (canker).

'Naasur' is a metaphor for a problem that won't go away.

विभाजन के घाव आज भी ताज़ा हैं।

The wounds of the partition are still fresh today.

Referring to historical/political trauma.

उसकी आँखों में छिपे घाव कोई नहीं देख सका।

No one could see the wounds hidden in his/her eyes.

Poetic metaphorical use.

घाव की गहराई देखकर डॉक्टर परेशान हो गए।

Seeing the depth of the wound, the doctor became worried.

'Gehraai' is the noun 'depth'.

बिना मरहम के घाव का भरना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult for the wound to heal without ointment.

'Bina' means 'without'.

अपमान का घाव तलवार के घाव से भी बुरा होता है।

The wound of insult is worse than the wound of a sword.

Comparative structure using 'se bhi bura'.

घाव से मवाद निकलना खतरे की निशानी है।

Pus coming out of the wound is a sign of danger.

'Mavaad' means pus.

उसने अपने घावों को अपनी ताकत बना लिया।

He/she made his/her wounds his/her strength.

Transformational metaphorical use.

कवि ने समाज के रिसते घावों पर प्रहार किया है।

The poet has attacked the oozing wounds of society.

'Riste' means oozing/seeping; 'prahaar' means attack.

मनोवैज्ञानिक घाव अक्सर शारीरिक घावों से अधिक घातक होते हैं।

Psychological wounds are often more fatal than physical wounds.

'Manovaigyanik' means psychological.

इतिहास के इन घावों को भरने के लिए सामूहिक प्रयास की आवश्यकता है।

Collective effort is needed to heal these wounds of history.

'Samuhik prayaas' means collective effort.

घाव की प्रकृति को देखते हुए इसे 'सर्जिकल' हस्तक्षेप की ज़रूरत है।

Given the nature of the wound, it requires surgical intervention.

'Hastakshep' means intervention.

उसकी चुप्पी उसके गहरे घावों का प्रमाण थी।

His/her silence was proof of his/her deep wounds.

'Pramaan' means proof/evidence.

घाव भरने की प्रक्रिया में धैर्य की सबसे अधिक आवश्यकता होती है।

In the process of wound healing, patience is most needed.

'Prakriya' means process.

अन्याय का हर घाव एक नए विद्रोह को जन्म देता है।

Every wound of injustice gives birth to a new rebellion.

'Vidroh' means rebellion.

घाव का निशान मिट सकता है, पर स्मृतियाँ नहीं।

The scar of the wound may fade, but memories do not.

'Smritiyan' means memories.

घाव की वीभत्सता ने दर्शकों के रोंगटे खड़े कर दिए।

The gruesome nature of the wound made the spectators' hair stand on end.

'Veebhatsata' means gruesomeness/horror.

सत्ता के गलियारों में हुए ये घाव लोकतंत्र के लिए घातक हैं।

These wounds inflicted in the corridors of power are fatal for democracy.

High-level political metaphor.

दार्शनिकों ने अस्तित्व के घावों को मानव चेतना का अनिवार्य हिस्सा माना है।

Philosophers have considered the wounds of existence an essential part of human consciousness.

'Astitva' means existence; 'Chetna' means consciousness.

घाव से रिसता हुआ रक्त राष्ट्र की पीड़ा का प्रतीक बन गया।

The blood oozing from the wound became a symbol of the nation's suffering.

Symbolic literary imagery.

घाव का संक्रामक होना पूरी देह के लिए संकट उत्पन्न कर सकता है।

The wound becoming infectious can create a crisis for the entire body.

'Sankramak' means infectious.

साहित्य में घाव केवल पीड़ा नहीं, बल्कि सत्य का उद्घाटन भी है।

In literature, a wound is not just pain, but also an unveiling of truth.

'Udghatan' means unveiling/inauguration.

घाव की गहराई का मापन केवल वह कर सकता है जिसने उसे सहा हो।

Only he who has endured the wound can measure its depth.

'Maapan' means measurement.

अंततः, ये घाव ही हमारी मानवता की पहचान बनते हैं।

Ultimately, these wounds become the identity of our humanity.

'Manavta' means humanity.

Synonyms

ज़ख्म चोट व्रण क्षत

Antonyms

उपचार स्वास्थ्य

Common Collocations

गहरा घाव

घाव भरना

घाव साफ़ करना

घाव पर पट्टी

पुराना घाव

घाव का निशान

ताज़ा घाव

घाव से खून

घाव देना

घाव सूखना

Common Phrases

घाव पर मरहम लगाना

— To apply ointment to a wound. Often used metaphorically to mean providing comfort.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे घाव पर मरहम का काम किया।

गहरे घाव छोड़ना

— To leave deep wounds. Usually refers to a traumatic event.

बचपन की घटनाओं ने उस पर गहरे घाव छोड़े हैं।

घाव का पकना

— For a wound to become infected or filled with pus.

सावधानी न बरतने पर घाव पक सकता है।

खुला घाव

— An open wound that hasn't been bandaged.

खुले घाव में धूल जा सकती है।

दिल का घाव

— A wound of the heart; emotional heartbreak.

दिल का घाव दिखाई नहीं देता।

घाव की पीड़ा

— The pain caused by a wound.

वह घाव की पीड़ा से कराह रहा था।

घाव का इलाज

— Treatment of a wound.

घाव का इलाज तुरंत होना चाहिए।

जहरीला घाव

— A poisonous or septic wound.

साँप के काटने से घाव जहरीला हो गया।

मानसिक घाव

— Mental/Psychological wounds.

मानसिक घाव भरने में बहुत समय लगता है।

घाव कुरेदना

— To scratch or pick at a wound. Metaphorically, to bring up painful memories.

पुरानी बातें करके मेरे घाव मत कुरेदो।

Often Confused With

घाव vs गाँव (Gaav)

Means 'village'. The difference is the 'gh' sound and the nasalization in 'gaav'.

घाव vs घास (Ghas)

Means 'grass'. Different ending sound.

घाव vs घूँट (Ghoont)

Means 'sip'. Different vowel and ending.

Idioms & Expressions

"घाव पर नमक छिड़कना"

— To make someone's pain or difficult situation even worse.

वह पहले से ही दुखी था, तुमने उसे डाँटकर घाव पर नमक छिड़क दिया।

Common

"घाव हरा होना"

— For an old emotional pain or memory to become fresh again.

उसे देखकर मेरे पुराने घाव हरे हो गए।

Poetic/Emotional

"घाव भरना"

— To recover from a physical or emotional trauma.

धीरे-धीरे समय के साथ उसके घाव भर जाएंगे।

Common

"घाव खाना"

— To sustain an injury, often in battle or a struggle.

सैनिक ने युद्ध के मैदान में कई घाव खाए।

Literary/Historical

"घाव गहरा होना"

— To be deeply affected by something negative.

इस हार का घाव बहुत गहरा है।

Common

"घाव पर फाहा रखना"

— To provide temporary relief or minor comfort to someone in great pain.

तुम्हारी मदद उसके घाव पर फाहे की तरह है।

Formal

"घाव का नासूर बनना"

— When a small problem turns into a permanent, painful issue.

उनकी छोटी सी लड़ाई अब नासूर बन गई है।

Metaphorical

"घाव देना"

— To hurt someone deeply, usually emotionally.

तुमने मुझे ऐसे घाव दिए हैं जो कभी नहीं भरेंगे।

Emotional

"घाव सहना"

— To endure pain or suffering.

उसने जीवन में बहुत घाव सहे हैं।

Literary

"घाव की टीस"

— The sharp, throbbing pain of a wound.

रात भर उसे घाव की टीस परेशान करती रही।

Common

Easily Confused

घाव vs चोट (Chot)

Both mean injury.

Chot is general and feminine. Ghaav is specific to open wounds and masculine.

मुझे चोट लगी है, पर कोई घाव नहीं है। (I am hurt, but there is no open wound.)

घाव vs ज़ख़्म (Zakhm)

Exact synonyms.

Ghaav is Hindi/Sanskrit origin; Zakhm is Urdu origin. Zakhm is more common in lyrics.

घाव और ज़ख़्म एक ही चीज़ हैं।

घाव vs खरोंच (Kharonch)

Both are skin injuries.

Kharonch is a minor scratch. Ghaav is a more serious wound.

यह घाव नहीं, सिर्फ एक खरोंच है।

घाव vs पीड़ा (Pida)

Related to injury.

Pida is the sensation of pain. Ghaav is the physical injury itself.

घाव की वजह से बहुत पीड़ा हो रही है।

घाव vs निशान (Nishaan)

Visible on skin.

Nishaan is the scar or mark left behind. Ghaav is the active injury.

घाव तो भर गया, पर निशान रह गया।

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] को घाव है।

मुझको घाव है।

घाव [Adjective] है।

घाव गहरा है।

घाव [Verb-ing] है।

घाव भर रहा है।

घाव पर [Something] लगाओ।

घाव पर पट्टी लगाओ।

[Abstract Noun] का घाव।

अतीत का घाव।

[Metaphorical Phrase] घाव पर नमक।

उसकी हार ने घाव पर नमक छिड़क दिया।

यह घाव है।

मेरे [Body Part] पर घाव है।

मेरे पैर पर घाव है।

Word Family

Nouns

घाव (ghaav - wound)

घावपन (ghaavpan - state of being wounded - rare)

Verbs

घाव भरना (ghaav bharna - to heal)

घाव देना (ghaav dena - to wound)

Adjectives

घायल (ghaayal - wounded)

घावी (ghaavi - wounded - poetic/rare)

चोट (chot - injury)

ज़ख़्म (zakhm - wound)

मरहम (marham - ointment)

पट्टी (patti - bandage)

निशान (nishaan - scar)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

Using feminine adjectives (e.g., 'Badi ghaav'). → Bada ghaav.
'Ghaav' is masculine, so adjectives must match.
Using 'ghaav' for a bruise (where skin isn't broken). → Chot or neel.
'Ghaav' specifically implies a break in the skin.
Saying 'Ghaav theek ho raha hai'. → Ghaav bhar raha hai.
While 'theek' is okay, 'bharna' is the idiomatic verb for wounds.
Confusing 'ghaav' (noun) with 'ghaayal' (adjective). → Use 'ghaav' for the wound itself, 'ghaayal' for the person.
Example: 'Ghaayal aadmi' (Wounded man) vs 'Aadmi ka ghaav' (The man's wound).
Incorrect pluralization in oblique case ('Ghaavon' vs 'Ghaav'). → Use 'ghaavon' when a postposition follows.
Example: 'Ghaavon par' (on the wounds) is correct.

Tips

Gender Memory

Associate 'Ghaav' with 'Bada' (Big - Masculine). Repeat 'Bada Ghaav' several times to lock in the gender.

Pair with 'Bharna'

Don't just learn the noun; learn the phrase 'ghaav bharna' (to heal). It's the most common way to use it.

The 'Gh' Sound

Imagine you are sighing heavily while saying 'G'. That breathiness is the key to the 'gh' in 'ghaav'.

Medical Use

In a pharmacy, if you need antiseptic, just say 'ghaav ke liye' (for a wound). They will understand immediately.

Song Lyrics

Listen for 'zakhm' in Bollywood songs; it's the poetic brother of 'ghaav'. Knowing one helps you understand the other.

Spelling Tip

Make sure the top bar (shirorekha) covers the whole word. The 'gh' (घ) looks like a '3' turned sideways with a line.

Metaphorical Power

Use 'ghaav' when you want to sound more serious about emotional pain than just saying 'dukh' (sadness).

News Watch

Watch Hindi news reports on accidents; you'll hear 'ghaav' or 'ghaayal' almost every time.

Visual Aid

Draw a small cut on a piece of paper and write 'घाव' next to it. Visual cues are great for A1 learners.

Don't Overuse

For a tiny scratch, use 'kharonch'. Using 'ghaav' for a papercut might sound a bit dramatic!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gash' that makes you say 'Ow!' -> Gh + aa + v. The 'gh' is heavy like a heavy blow.

Visual Association

Imagine a deep 'V' shaped cut on a surface. The 'v' at the end of 'ghaav' can remind you of the shape of a cut.

Word Web

Wound Blood Healing Pain Doctor Bandage Scar Ointment

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'ghaav': one about a physical injury, one about healing, and one using the 'salt in the wound' idiom.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'घाव' (ghāva) or 'घात' (ghāta), which means a blow, strike, or killing. It shares the same root as words related to striking or impacting.

Original meaning: A strike or the result of a strike (a wound).

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'ghaav' metaphorically in sensitive political contexts, as it can evoke strong historical traumas like the Partition.

Similar to English 'wound', Hindi 'ghaav' is used both literally and figuratively. The 'salt on the wound' idiom is identical in both cultures.

The song 'Zakhm bhare par daagh na chhute' (Wounds heal but scars remain). Literary works by Premchand often describe the 'ghaav' of poverty and social injustice. The film 'Ghaav' (2002), a gritty drama about crime and consequences.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's

घाव बहुत गहरा है।
क्या इसमें टाँके लगेंगे?
घाव कब तक भरेगा?
इसे दिन में दो बार साफ़ करें।

Emotional Heartbreak

दिल के घाव नहीं दिखते।
उसने मुझे बहुत गहरा घाव दिया।
पुराने घाव फिर से हरे हो गए।
वक़्त हर घाव भर देता है।

Reporting an Accident

उसे शरीर पर कई घाव आए हैं।
घाव से बहुत खून बह रहा था।
घायल व्यक्ति को अस्पताल ले जाया गया।
घाव जानलेवा हो सकता है।

History/Politics

ये इतिहास के गहरे घाव हैं।
समाज के घावों को भरना ज़रूरी है।
युद्ध ने देश पर कई घाव छोड़े।
शांति ही इन घावों का इलाज है।

First Aid

घाव को खुला न छोड़ें।
घाव पर एंटीसेप्टिक लगाएँ।
साफ़ पट्टी से घाव को ढकें।
घाव को गंदे हाथों से न छुएँ।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपका घाव अब पहले से बेहतर है?"

"आपको यह घाव कैसे लगा?"

"क्या आपने घाव पर कोई दवा लगाई?"

"घाव को भरने में कितना समय लगेगा?"

"क्या यह घाव बहुत दर्द कर रहा है?"

Journal Prompts

अपने जीवन के किसी ऐसे घाव के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपको मज़बूत बनाया।

क्या आपको लगता है कि समय वाकई हर घाव को भर देता है? विस्तार से लिखें।

एक कहानी लिखें जहाँ मुख्य पात्र का एक रहस्यमयी घाव हो।

शारीरिक और मानसिक घावों में क्या अंतर है? अपने विचार साझा करें।

किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति के बारे में लिखें जिसने आपके घावों पर मरहम लगाने का काम किया हो।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You should use masculine adjectives and verbs with it, such as 'bada ghaav' or 'ghaav bhar gaya'.

'Chot' is a general word for any injury or impact. 'Ghaav' specifically refers to an open wound or a cut where the skin is broken.

Yes, it is very common to use 'ghaav' metaphorically for emotional pain, such as 'dil ka ghaav' (wound of the heart).

The verb 'bharna' (to fill) is used, as in 'ghaav bhar raha hai' (the wound is healing).

The idiom is 'ghaav par namak chhidakna' (घाव पर नमक छिड़कना).

Neither is 'better.' 'Ghaav' is standard Hindi, while 'zakhm' is Urdu-origin. 'Zakhm' is often preferred in poetry and songs.

You say 'मुझे गहरा घाव है' (Mujhe gehra ghaav hai).

Yes, it can be used for any living being that has a physical wound.

The plural is also 'ghaav' in the direct case, but it becomes 'ghaavon' in the oblique case (e.g., 'ghaavon par').

Not necessarily. A 'ghaav' can be dry or healing, but it implies that the tissue was broken at some point.