Meaning
Swimming in natural water.
Cultural Background
In villages, 'Nadi' is the heart of the community. Learning to swim in the river is a rite of passage for young boys and girls, often taught by older siblings by throwing them into shallow parts. Many rivers in Maharashtra have 'Ghats' (stone steps). These are not just for religious rituals but serve as the primary diving platforms for swimmers. During the monsoon (Varsha Ritu), rivers in Maharashtra swell. Swimming is strictly avoided as the 'Pravah' (current) becomes unpredictable. This is a common theme in local news warnings. Marathi poets like Bahinabai Chaudhari have written extensively about rivers. Swimming in them is often depicted as a metaphor for a soul's journey.
Use the suffix '-t'
Always add '-t' to 'Nadi' when you are inside the water. 'Nadit' is the key to sounding natural.
Monsoon Safety
Never say you want to swim in a river during July or August in Maharashtra. Locals will think you are being reckless due to flash floods.
Meaning
Swimming in natural water.
Use the suffix '-t'
Always add '-t' to 'Nadi' when you are inside the water. 'Nadit' is the key to sounding natural.
Monsoon Safety
Never say you want to swim in a river during July or August in Maharashtra. Locals will think you are being reckless due to flash floods.
Skill vs. Action
If you want to say you 'know how to swim', use 'Pohata yene'. If you are 'currently swimming', use 'Pohat aahe'.
The 'Ghat' Connection
Mentioning a 'Ghat' while talking about river swimming adds a lot of cultural depth to your conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Nadi'.
मुले ____ पोहत आहेत.
We use the locative suffix '-t' to mean 'in the river'.
Which sentence means 'I like to swim in the river'?
Select the correct Marathi translation:
'Pohayla' is the infinitive form used with 'avadte' (like).
Complete the dialogue.
A: तू काल कुठे गेला होतास? B: मी गावाला गेलो होतो आणि तिथे आम्ही ____.
The question is in the past tense ('hota'), so the answer must be in the past tense ('pohalo').
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: Warning someone about a deep part of the river.
'Doh' refers to the deep, dangerous parts of a river.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Nadi vs. Talav
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमुले ____ पोहत आहेत.
We use the locative suffix '-t' to mean 'in the river'.
Select the correct Marathi translation:
'Pohayla' is the infinitive form used with 'avadte' (like).
A: तू काल कुठे गेला होतास? B: मी गावाला गेलो होतो आणि तिथे आम्ही ____.
The question is in the past tense ('hota'), so the answer must be in the past tense ('pohalo').
Situation: Warning someone about a deep part of the river.
'Doh' refers to the deep, dangerous parts of a river.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally no. River currents can be deceptive. It is best to go with a local who knows the 'Doh' (deep spots).
'Nadi' is a river. 'Darya' is the sea/ocean (though in Hindi it can mean river, in Marathi 'Darya' or 'Samudra' is for the sea).
No, for a pool use 'Talav' or 'Swimming pool'. 'Nadi' is strictly for natural flowing rivers.
You say 'मी नदीत पोहायला शिकत आहे' (Mi nadit pohayla shikat aahe).
'Nadivar' means 'at the river side'. People use it colloquially to mean they are going to the river for various activities, including swimming.
Yes, 'Dubki marne' (taking a dip) or 'Udi marne' (jumping/diving).
The upper reaches of the Krishna, Koyna, and various rivers in the Konkan region are popular for their clean water.
Yes, the verb ending changes: 'Pohalo' (Male, Past), 'Pohale' (Female, Past).
Historically yes, in the Mula-Mutha rivers, but now pollution has made it rare within city limits.
A 'Doh' is a deep, naturally formed pool within a river bed, often where the water is very still and deep.
Related Phrases
पाण्यात डुबकी मारणे
similarTo take a dip/dive in water
पोहून जाणे
builds onTo go by swimming
प्रवाहाच्या विरुद्ध पोहणे
specialized formTo swim against the current
तलावात पोहणे
contrastTo swim in a pond/pool
जलतरण
synonymSwimming (formal)
