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خطرہ

A1 noun 9 min read

خطرہ

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips خطرہ in 30 Seconds

Explanation خطرہ in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Khatra' is a foundational safety word. You will learn to recognize it on signs and use it in very short, two-to-three-word sentences like 'Khatra hai!' (It is dangerous!). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just associate the sound and script with the concept of 'Danger.' You will use it to point out physical hazards like fire, electricity, or deep water. It's a survival word that helps you communicate immediate needs for caution.

At A2, you start using 'Khatra' with simple adjectives and in possessive forms. You can say 'Bara khatra' (Big danger) or 'Chota khatra' (Small danger). You will also begin to use it with the preposition 'mein' to describe someone's situation, such as 'Ali khatray mein hai' (Ali is in danger). You can now ask simple questions like 'Kya yahan khatra hai?' (Is there danger here?) and understand warnings in public places like train stations or parks.

By B1, you can discuss more abstract risks. You might use 'Khatra' to talk about health, job security, or financial risks. You will start using the light verb construction 'Khatra mol lena' (to take a risk) and understand the difference between 'Khatra' and 'Andesha' (apprehension). Your sentences become more complex, incorporating conjunctions: 'Agar tum wahan gaye, to khatra ho sakta hai' (If you go there, then there could be danger). You are also comfortable with the plural 'Khatray'.

At the B2 level, you use 'Khatra' in professional and social discussions. You can explain the 'khatra' involved in a political decision or a scientific experiment. You understand idiomatic expressions like 'Khatray ki ghanti' (Danger bell/warning sign) and can use the word in the oblique plural 'Khatron' when discussing multiple types of risks. You can also distinguish between 'Khatra' and more formal terms like 'Tashweesh' (concern) or 'Halaakat' (peril).

At C1, 'Khatra' appears in your academic and literary analysis. You can discuss the 'khatra' to cultural heritage or the environment using sophisticated vocabulary. You understand how poets use 'Khatra' to symbolize the risks of the spiritual journey or the dangers of the ego. You can use it in complex passive structures and are aware of its Arabic etymology and how that influences its usage in high-register Urdu prose and poetry.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'Khatra' and its most subtle nuances. You can use it in spontaneous, high-level debates about global risks, utilizing every grammatical variation perfectly. You appreciate the word's resonance in classical Urdu literature and can use it ironically or metaphorically in complex storytelling. You are indistinguishable from a native speaker in how you deploy 'Khatra' to convey urgency, caution, or philosophical depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

خطرہ in 30 Seconds

Khatra is the standard Urdu word for 'danger' or 'risk', essential for safety and daily warnings.
It is a masculine noun, so it takes masculine adjectives like 'bara' (big) and verbs like 'hota' (happens).
In its oblique form, it becomes 'khatray' (e.g., khatray mein - in danger) or 'khatron' (plural oblique).
The adjective form is 'khatarnak', meaning 'dangerous', used to describe people, places, or things.

The word خطرہ (Khatra) is a cornerstone of the Urdu language, primarily signifying 'danger,' 'risk,' or 'hazard.' Derived from the Arabic root 'kh-t-r,' it encompasses both physical peril and abstract risks. In everyday conversation, an A1 learner will encounter it on road signs, in weather warnings, and during cautionary advice from elders. It is a masculine noun that acts as a bridge between simple survival vocabulary and complex philosophical discussions about risk-taking. Understanding 'Khatra' is not just about knowing a word for 'danger'; it is about understanding the Urdu speaker's perception of safety and caution.

Physical Peril: Used to describe immediate threats like a fire, a wild animal, or a crumbling building. Examples include 'Bijli ka khatra' (Danger of electricity).

Financial Risk: In business contexts, it refers to the possibility of loss. 'Karobar mein khatra' (Risk in business) is a common phrase used by entrepreneurs.

وہاں جانا خطرہ ہو سکتا ہے۔ (Going there can be a danger.)

Beyond the literal, 'Khatra' is used to express apprehension or a 'feeling' that something might go wrong. This is often paired with the word 'Andesha' in higher registers, but for a beginner, 'Khatra' suffices for all levels of worry. Whether you are warning a child not to touch a hot stove or discussing the geopolitical risks of a region, this word remains your primary tool. It also appears in the context of health, where a 'jan-lewa khatra' (life-threatening danger) describes severe illnesses.

اس کام میں بہت خطرہ ہے۔ (There is a lot of risk in this work.)

In literature and poetry, 'Khatra' takes on a more nuanced role. It can represent the 'danger' of falling in love or the 'risk' of losing one's soul to worldly desires. Sufi poets often use it to describe the perilous path toward divine realization. For a learner, mastering this word provides a window into the Urdu-speaking world's emphasis on caution (ehtiyat) and the balance between security and adventure.

Metaphorical Usage: Used to describe social or emotional threats, such as 'izzat ka khatra' (threat to honor/reputation).

تیز گاڑی چلانا خطرہ بن سکتا ہے۔ (Driving fast can become a danger.)

سیلاب کا خطرہ ابھی ٹلا نہیں ہے۔ (The danger of the flood has not yet passed.)

کیا یہاں کوئی خطرہ ہے؟ (Is there any danger here?)

Using 'Khatra' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun. In Urdu, nouns dictate the gender of the verbs and adjectives that modify them. Therefore, you would say 'Bara khatra' (Big danger) using the masculine 'Bara' rather than the feminine 'Bari'. This section explores the structural nuances of integrating 'Khatra' into various sentence types, from simple warnings to complex conditional statements.

Subjective Use: When 'Khatra' is the subject: 'Khatra barh raha hai' (The danger is increasing). Note the masculine verb 'barh raha'.

شہر میں بیماری کا خطرہ ہے۔ (There is a danger of disease in the city.)

One of the most common ways to use 'Khatra' is with the possessive 'ka' (of). This links the danger to its source. For instance, 'Sher ka khatra' (Danger of the lion) or 'Barish ka khatra' (Danger of rain). This construction is vital for A1 learners as it allows them to specify exactly what they are worried about. Additionally, the phrase 'Khatray mein' (In danger) is used to describe a state of being. 'Woh khatray mein hai' means 'He/She is in danger.'

آپ کی زندگی خطرے میں ہو سکتی ہے۔ (Your life could be in danger.)

For more advanced users, 'Khatra' combines with verbs to form light verb constructions. 'Khatra mol lena' (To take a risk) is a classic example. Here, 'mol lena' literally means 'to buy,' suggesting that taking a risk is like a transaction where you might pay a high price. Another is 'Khatra mehsoos karna' (To feel danger), which describes an internal state of intuition or fear.

Pluralization: The plural of 'Khatra' is 'Khatray'. 'Wahan bohat se khatray hain' (There are many dangers there).

ہمیں کسی خطرے کا اندازہ نہیں تھا۔ (We had no idea of any danger.)

بغیر سوچے سمجھے خطرہ نہ لیں۔ (Do not take a risk without thinking.)

جنگل میں درندوں کا خطرہ ہوتا ہے۔ (There is a danger of predators in the forest.)

اس پرانی دیوار کے گرنے کا خطرہ ہے۔ (There is a danger of this old wall falling.)

'Khatra' is ubiquitous in the Urdu-speaking world. If you turn on a news channel like Geo News or ARY News, you will hear it frequently in the context of security, weather, and the economy. News anchors might say 'Mulk ko sangeen khatra darpesh hai' (The country is facing a serious threat). In this high-register context, 'Khatra' takes on a formal tone, often paired with adjectives like 'sangeen' (serious) or 'sang-laakh' (stony/difficult).

Public Safety Announcements: Railway stations and airports use 'Khatra' in warnings about unattended luggage or crossing tracks.

خبردار! آگے خطرہ ہے۔ (Attention! There is danger ahead.)

In the bustling streets of Lahore or Karachi, you’ll hear 'Khatra' used more colloquially. A rickshaw driver might warn a passenger, 'Idhar se mat utrein, khatra hai' (Don't get off from here, it's dangerous). Parents constantly use it with children: 'Aag se khelo mat, khatra hai' (Don't play with fire, it's dangerous). Here, it serves as a quick, impactful word to ensure safety.

اس علاقے میں رات کو جانا خطرناک ہو سکتا ہے۔ (Going to this area at night can be dangerous.)

In the professional world, 'Khatra' is used in risk management and health and safety (HSE) briefings. In hospitals, doctors might discuss the 'khatra' to a patient's life. In the tech world, it refers to 'security threats' (security ka khatra). Its versatility across domains—from the kitchen to the boardroom—makes it an essential vocabulary item for any serious student of Urdu.

Daily Social Life: Used when discussing rumors or social risks: 'Tumhari naukri ko khatra hai' (Your job is at risk).

کیا آپ کو کوئی خطرہ محسوس ہو رہا ہے؟ (Are you feeling any danger?)

اس پل پر چلنا خطرہ ہے۔ (Walking on this bridge is a danger.)

موسم کی تبدیلی سے فصلوں کو خطرہ ہے۔ (Crops are at risk from climate change.)

بچوں کو اس خطرے سے دور رکھیں۔ (Keep children away from this danger.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'Khatra' is treating it as a feminine noun. Because 'Danger' is neuter in English, learners often default to feminine endings in Urdu, saying things like 'Bari khatra' instead of the correct 'Bara khatra'. Always remember: 'Khatra' is masculine. This affects the adjectives and verbs connected to it, which is a fundamental rule of Urdu grammar.

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'Khatra hoti hai'. Correct: 'Khatra hota hai'. The verb must end in 'a' for masculine nouns.

یہ ایک بڑا خطرہ ہے۔ (This is a big danger.) [Correct masculine use]

Another common error is the confusion between 'Khatra' (Noun: Danger) and 'Khatarnak' (Adjective: Dangerous). Learners often say 'Yeh rasta khatra hai' (This path is danger) when they mean 'Yeh rasta khatarnak hai' (This path is dangerous). While 'Khatra hai' is grammatically okay (meaning 'There is danger'), using the adjective 'Khatarnak' is more natural when describing the quality of a place or thing.

وہ بہت خطرناک آدمی ہے۔ (He is a very dangerous man.)

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the plural form. In the direct case, the plural is 'Khatray', but in the oblique case (followed by a preposition), it becomes 'Khatron'. For example, 'Khatron ka khiladi' (A player of dangers/stuntman). Misusing these forms can make your Urdu sound clunky. Lastly, avoid using 'Khatra' for 'scared.' To say 'I am scared,' use 'Mujhe dar lag raha hai,' not 'Mujhe khatra lag raha hai' (which would mean 'I am feeling a danger exists').

Preposition Usage: Always use 'se' for 'from danger' (Khatray se) and 'mein' for 'in danger' (Khatray mein).

وہ خطروں سے کھیلنا جانتا ہے۔ (He knows how to play with dangers.)

اسے اپنی جان کا خطرہ ہے۔ (He fears for his life.)

وہاں کوئی خطرہ نہیں ہے، آپ جا سکتے ہیں۔ (There is no danger there, you can go.)

کیا آپ کو خطرہ محسوس ہوا؟ (Did you feel danger?)

While 'Khatra' is the most common word for danger, Urdu is rich with synonyms that offer different shades of meaning. Understanding these can elevate your speaking from basic to sophisticated. Words like 'Andesha', 'Khauf', and 'Dehshat' are often confused with 'Khatra' but have distinct applications. This section compares these terms to help you choose the right word for the right context.

Andesha (اندیشہ): Meaning: Apprehension or misgiving. Use this when the danger is not certain but you have a gut feeling something might go wrong.

مجھے اس بات کا اندیشہ تھا۔ (I had an apprehension about this.)

'Khauf' (خوف) and 'Dar' (ڈر) both mean fear. While 'Khatra' is the objective danger, 'Khauf' is the emotional response to it. For example, 'Sher se khatra hai' (There is danger from the lion) vs 'Mujhe sher ka khauf hai' (I have a fear of the lion). In literary Urdu, 'Halaakat' (ہلاکت) is used to mean 'peril' or 'destruction,' usually in life-and-death situations.

اس کا دل خوف سے بھر گیا۔ (His heart was filled with fear.)

In business or gambling contexts, 'Jokham' (جوکھم) is a great alternative. It specifically means 'risk' or 'venture.' While 'Khatra' implies something negative, 'Jokham' can sometimes be positive, as in 'taking a calculated risk for gain.' Another word is 'Waswasa' (وسوسہ), which refers to lingering doubts or whispers of danger in the mind, often used in religious or psychological contexts.

Dehshat (دہشت): Meaning: Terror or dread. This is a much stronger word than 'Khatra' and is used for extreme situations like terrorism or intense nightmares.

کاروبار میں جوکھم اٹھانا پڑتا ہے۔ (One has to take risks in business.)

شہر میں دہشت کا ماحول ہے۔ (There is an atmosphere of terror in the city.)

سیلاب سے ہلاکت کا ڈر ہے۔ (There is a fear of destruction from the flood.)

یہ صرف آپ کا وسوسہ ہے۔ (This is just your doubt/whisper of the mind.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"حکومت کو معاشی خطرات کا سامنا ہے۔"

Neutral

"باہر جانا ایک خطرہ ہے۔"

Informal

"بھائی، وہاں بڑا خطرہ ہے!"

Child friendly

"آگ سے دور رہو، یہ خطرہ ہے۔"

Slang

"وہ بندہ فل خطرہ ہے!"

Fun Fact

In Arabic, the word 'Khatir' (from the same root) means 'thought' or 'mind'. This shows the linguistic link between a 'thought' of something happening and the 'danger' of it actually happening.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈxət̪.rɑː/

US /ˈkət.rɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: KHAT-ra.

Rhymes With

Shajra (Family tree) Zarra (Particle) Qatra (Drop) Sehra (Desert) Chehra (Face) Pehra (Watch/Guard) Ghera (Circle) Dere (Abode)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k'.
Failing to roll the 'r'.
Making the 't' alveolar (like English 't') instead of dental (tongue against teeth).
Shortening the final 'aa' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and uses common letters, making it easy to read for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'kh' (خ) and 't' (ط) shapes, which can be tricky for new learners.

Speaking 3/5

The guttural 'kh' sound needs practice for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound; easily recognizable in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ڈر (Fear) آگ (Fire) پانی (Water) بڑا (Big) ہے (Is)

Learn Next

خطرناک (Dangerous) احتیاط (Caution) حفاظت (Safety) مدد (Help) بچاؤ (Save)

Advanced

اندیشہ (Apprehension) تھریٹ (Threat) ہلاکت (Peril) سنگین (Serious) درپیش (Facing)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

Khatra *hota* hai (Danger happens) - 'hota' is masculine.

Oblique Case with Prepositions

Khatray *mein* (In danger) - 'Khatra' changes to 'Khatray'.

Possessive Linking

Sher *ka* khatra (Danger of the lion) - 'ka' is used for masculine nouns.

Adjective Formation with -nak

Khatra + nak = Khatarnak (Dangerous).

Pluralization of -a nouns

Khatra -> Khatray (Dangers).

Examples by Level

خطرہ ہے!

Danger is!

Simple subject + verb 'hai'.

وہاں خطرہ ہے۔

There danger is.

'Wahan' (there) is an adverb of place.

بڑا خطرہ۔

Big danger.

'Bara' is the masculine singular adjective.

آگ کا خطرہ۔

Danger of fire.

Possessive 'ka' links 'Aag' to 'Khatra'.

کیا خطرہ ہے؟

What danger is?

'Kya' is the interrogative pronoun.

یہ خطرہ نہیں ہے۔

This danger is not.

'Nahin' is the negative particle.

پانی کا خطرہ۔

Danger of water.

'Pani' is the noun being linked.

خبردار، خطرہ!

Attention, danger!

'Khabardar' is an interjection.

علی خطرے میں ہے۔

Ali danger in is.

Oblique form 'Khatray' before 'mein'.

یہ راستہ خطرناک ہے۔

This path is dangerous.

'Khatarnak' is the adjective form.

وہاں بہت سے خطرے ہیں۔

There many dangers are.

Plural 'Khatray' used with 'hain'.

بجلی سے خطرہ ہو سکتا ہے۔

From electricity danger can be.

'Se' (from) indicates the source.

مجھے کوئی خطرہ نہیں ملا۔

I found no danger.

Past tense 'mila'.

گہرا پانی خطرہ ہے۔

Deep water is danger.

'Gehra' (deep) modifies 'Pani'.

وہ خطرے سے دور بھاگا۔

He ran away from danger.

Oblique 'Khatray' + 'se'.

کیا آپ کو خطرہ محسوس ہوا؟

Did you feel danger?

Interrogative + 'mehsoos karna'.

اس نے اپنی جان کا خطرہ مول لیا۔

He took the risk of his life.

Idiom: 'Khatra mol lena'.

بیماری کا خطرہ بڑھ رہا ہے۔

The danger of disease is increasing.

Present continuous 'barh raha hai'.

اگر تم نہیں آؤ گے تو خطرہ ہوگا۔

If you don't come, there will be danger.

Conditional 'Agar... to'.

ہمیں ان خطروں کا علم تھا۔

We were aware of these dangers.

Oblique plural 'Khatron' with 'ka'.

کاروبار میں ہمیشہ خطرہ ہوتا ہے۔

There is always risk in business.

Adverb 'hamesha' (always).

پولیس نے خطرے کا نشان ہٹا دیا۔

The police removed the danger sign.

Compound verb 'hata diya'.

وہ خطرے سے باہر ہے۔

He is out of danger.

Phrase: 'Khatray se bahar'.

یہ ایک غیر ضروری خطرہ تھا۔

This was an unnecessary risk.

Adjective 'Ghair-zaroori'.

موسمیاتی تبدیلی ایک عالمی خطرہ ہے۔

Climate change is a global threat.

Formal adjective 'Aalmi' (global).

سیکیورٹی کے خطرات کو نظر انداز نہ کریں۔

Do not ignore security risks.

Arabic plural 'Khatraat' is used here.

اس فیصلے سے ہماری ساکھ کو خطرہ ہے۔

This decision threatens our reputation.

'Saakh' means reputation.

خطرہ ٹالنے کے لیے احتیاط ضروری ہے۔

Caution is necessary to avoid danger.

Infinitive 'talne ke liye' (to avoid).

شیر کے حملے کا خطرہ ابھی برقرار ہے۔

The danger of a lion attack still persists.

'Barqarar' means persistent/remains.

معیشت کو مہنگائی سے بڑا خطرہ ہے۔

The economy faces a big threat from inflation.

Dative construction 'ko... se'.

اس نے خطرے کی گھنٹی بجا دی۔

He rang the danger bell (gave a warning).

Idiom 'Khatray ki ghanti bajana'.

بچوں کی صحت کو آلودگی سے خطرہ ہے۔

Children's health is at risk from pollution.

Possessive 'ki' for feminine 'Sehat'.

یہ فلسفیانہ خطرہ ہماری بقا کا مسئلہ ہے۔

This philosophical danger is a matter of our survival.

'Baqa' means survival.

جدید ٹیکنالوجی کے اپنے ہی خطرات ہیں۔

Modern technology has its own risks.

Reflexive 'apne hi'.

شاعر نے عشق کو ایک لذیذ خطرہ قرار دیا۔

The poet declared love a delicious danger.

Literary usage 'Lazeez' (delicious).

سیاسی عدم استحکام ملک کے لیے خطرہ ہے۔

Political instability is a threat to the country.

'Adam-istahkam' (instability).

خطرہ صرف مادی نہیں بلکہ روحانی بھی ہوتا ہے۔

Danger is not just material but also spiritual.

Correlative 'sirf... balkay' (not only... but also).

اس نے ہر خطرے کے باوجود اپنا مشن جاری رکھا۔

He continued his mission despite every danger.

Postposition 'ke bawajood' (despite).

تحقیق میں غلط نتائج کا خطرہ ہمیشہ رہتا ہے۔

The risk of wrong results always remains in research.

Locative 'tehqeeq mein'.

اس کی تحریر میں بغاوت کا خطرہ محسوس ہوتا ہے۔

A threat of rebellion is felt in his writing.

Passive-like 'mehsoos hota hai'.

انسانیت کو اس وقت ایک وجودی خطرہ درپیش ہے۔

Humanity is currently facing an existential threat.

'Wujoodi' (existential) and 'Darpesh' (facing).

وہ اپنی ذات کے خطرے سے بے نیاز ہو چکا ہے۔

He has become indifferent to the danger of his own self.

Sufi term 'Be-niyaz' (indifferent/independent).

خطرہ جب حد سے گزر جائے تو سکون بن جاتا ہے۔

When danger exceeds limits, it becomes peace.

Philosophical paradox.

اس کی خاموشی کسی بڑے خطرے کا پیش خیمہ ہے۔

His silence is a precursor to some big danger.

'Pesh-khaima' (precursor/prelude).

ریاست کو اندرونی خلفشار سے شدید خطرہ ہے۔

The state faces a severe threat from internal chaos.

'Khalafshar' (chaos/turmoil).

فکرِ نو میں گمراہی کا خطرہ ہمیشہ پنہاں رہتا ہے۔

The danger of straying is always hidden in new thought.

'Panhan' (hidden) and 'Fikr-e-nau' (new thought).

اس مہم جوئی میں ہلاکت کا قوی خطرہ موجود ہے۔

There is a strong danger of death in this adventure.

'Qawi' (strong) and 'Muhim-joi' (adventure).

خطروں سے کھیلنا ہی زندگی کی اصل معراج ہے۔

Playing with dangers is the true pinnacle of life.

'Meraaj' (pinnacle/ascent).

Common Collocations

خطرہ مول لینا

خطرہ محسوس کرنا

جان لیوا خطرہ

سنگین خطرہ

خطرہ ٹالنا

خطرہ بڑھنا

خطرہ کم ہونا

خطرہ ہونا

خطرہ درپیش ہونا

خطرہ بننا

Common Phrases

خطرہ ہے

— It is dangerous. Used as a quick warning.

Ruk jao, khatra hai!

خطرہ نہیں ہے

— It is not dangerous. Used to reassure someone.

Pareshan na hon, khatra nahin hai.

خطرہ مول نہ لیں

— Don't take a risk. Common advice.

Bina wajah khatra mol na lein.

خطرہ ٹل گیا

— The danger has passed. Used after a crisis.

Shukar hai, khatra tal gaya.

خطرہ محسوس ہو رہا ہے

— I am sensing danger. Used for intuition.

Mujhe kuch khatra mehsoos ho raha hai.

خطرہ بڑھ رہا ہے

— The danger is increasing. Used in news or warnings.

Nadi mein pani ka khatra barh raha hai.

خطرہ درپیش ہے

— Facing a danger. Formal usage.

Hamein sakht khatra darpesh hai.

خطرہ ہو سکتا ہے

— There could be a danger. Used for possibilities.

Tez barish se khatra ho sakta hai.

خطرہ کہاں ہے؟

— Where is the danger? A common question.

Batao, khatra kahan hai?

خطرہ ہی خطرہ

— Danger everywhere. Used for emphasis.

Is raste par khatra hi khatra hai.

Often Confused With

خطرہ vs ڈر (Dar)

Dar is the emotion of fear, while Khatra is the objective danger causing it.

خطرہ vs اندیشہ (Andesha)

Andesha is a 'feeling' or 'suspicion' of danger, not necessarily an immediate threat.

خطرہ vs خوف (Khauf)

Khauf is a deeper, more formal word for fear or dread.

Idioms & Expressions

"خطروں سے کھیلنا"

— To play with fire/danger. To take unnecessary risks.

Woh hamesha khatron se khelta hai.

Neutral

"خطرہ مول لینا"

— To deliberately take a risk.

Nayi naukri ke liye purani chorna khatra mol lena hai.

Neutral

"خطرہ سر پر ہونا"

— Danger looming over one's head (imminent danger).

Imtihan ka khatra mere sar par hai.

Informal

"خطرہ ٹالنا"

— To avert a disaster or danger.

Hoshiyari se usne khatra taal diya.

Neutral

"خطرہ ہی خطرہ ہونا"

— To be extremely perilous.

Is pahar par charhna khatra hi khatra hai.

Neutral

"خطرہ چکنا"

— To sense or smell danger.

Janwar ne khatra chak liya.

Literary

"خطرہ بن کر منڈلانا"

— To hover like a threat.

Maut ka khatra us par mandla raha hai.

Literary

"خطرہ دعوت دینا"

— To invite danger.

Raat ko akele bahar jana khatre ko dawat dena hai.

Neutral

"خطرہ دیکھنا"

— To anticipate danger.

Main is kaam mein koi khatra nahin dekhta.

Neutral

"خطرہ بھانپ لینا"

— To perceive or foresee danger.

Usne pehle hi khatra bhaanp liya tha.

Formal

Easily Confused

خطرہ vs خطرناک

Learners use the noun instead of the adjective.

Khatra is 'Danger' (noun), Khatarnak is 'Dangerous' (adjective). Use Khatarnak to describe something.

Yeh rasta khatarnak hai (This road is dangerous).

خطرہ vs خط

Similar looking spelling in Urdu script.

Khat (خط) means 'letter' or 'line', while Khatra (خطرہ) means 'danger'.

Main ne khat likha (I wrote a letter).

خطرہ vs خاطر

Same Arabic root.

Khatir (خاطر) means 'for the sake of' or 'hospitality'.

Ap ki khatir (For your sake).

خطرہ vs خوش

Both start with 'Kh'.

Khush means 'happy', which is the opposite of the feeling danger brings.

Main khush hoon (I am happy).

خطرہ vs خرید

Starts with 'Kh' and 'r'.

Khareed means 'purchase'.

Main ne ghar khareeda (I bought a house).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] ka khatra.

Aag ka khatra.

Yahan [Noun] hai.

Yahan khatra hai.

[Subject] khatray mein hai.

Ali khatray mein hai.

[Adjective] khatra.

Bara khatra.

Khatra mol lena.

Us ne khatra mol liya.

Agar... to khatra hoga.

Agar tum gaye to khatra hoga.

[Abstract Noun] ko khatra hai.

Aman ko khatra hai.

Khatray ke bawajood...

Khatray ke bawajood woh gaya.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Urdu.

Common Mistakes

Khatra bari hai. → Khatra bara hai.
Khatra is masculine, so the adjective must be 'bara' (masculine) not 'bari' (feminine).
Yeh rasta khatra hai. → Yeh rasta khatarnak hai.
You should use the adjective 'dangerous' (khatarnak) to describe a path, not the noun 'danger' (khatra).
Main khatra mein hoon. → Main khatray mein hoon.
When followed by a preposition like 'mein', the noun 'Khatra' must change to its oblique form 'Khatray'.
Mujhe khatra lag raha hai. → Mujhe dar lag raha hai.
If you mean 'I am scared', use 'dar'. 'Khatra lag raha hai' sounds like you are sensing an external threat, which is less common for feelings.
Khatra se bacho. → Khatray se bacho.
Again, the oblique form 'Khatray' is required before the preposition 'se'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always treat 'Khatra' as masculine. If you say 'Khatra bari hai', people will understand you, but it sounds incorrect.

Adjective Form

Add '-nak' to the end to turn the noun 'Danger' into the adjective 'Dangerous' (Khatarnak).

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't pronounce it like a 'K'. It's a rougher sound from the back of the throat, like the German 'ch'.

Public Signs

When you see a red sign with Urdu text, look for the 'Khatra' symbol. It's a great way to practice reading in the real world.

Taking Risks

Use 'Khatra mol lena' instead of just saying 'Risk lena' to sound more fluent in Urdu.

Cultural Nuance

In South Asia, people often warn you of 'Khatra' as a sign of care and hospitality. Don't take it as being negative!

The 'Toay' Letter

Remember that 'Khatra' is spelled with 'Toay' (ط), not 'Tay' (ت). This is a common spelling mistake.

News Headlines

Listen for 'Khatray ki ghanti' in news. It's a common way to say 'the warning bells are ringing'.

Oblique Form

When writing 'in danger', always change the final 'h' (ہ) to a 'yay' (ے) to get 'Khatray mein'.

Daily Practice

Try to identify one thing every day that is a 'Khatra' and say it in Urdu: 'Bijli khatra hai', 'Aag khatra hai'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CAT' (Khat) running into 'RA' (raw) fire. Cat + Ra = Khatra (Danger).

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red triangle with a 'KH' inside it sitting on the edge of a cliff.

Word Web

Danger Risk Hazard Warning Caution Fear Peril Threat

Challenge

Try to spot the word 'Khatra' on three different signs or in three news headlines today.

Word Origin

The word 'Khatra' originates from the Arabic root 'خ-ط-ر' (kh-t-r). In Arabic, the root conveys meanings related to something occurring to the mind or becoming important/perilous.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to an occurrence or a thought passing through the mind, which later evolved into the concept of a 'perilous occurrence' or 'risk'.

Semitic (Arabic) -> Indo-Aryan (Urdu/Persian influence).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Khatra' regarding people; calling someone 'Khatarnak' can be a compliment (meaning they are formidable) or an insult (meaning they are untrustworthy).

English speakers often use 'risk' and 'danger' interchangeably, but in Urdu, 'Khatra' covers both, though 'Jokham' is more specific to financial risk.

Khatron Ke Khiladi (Indian version of Fear Factor) The movie 'Khatra' (horror genre) Poetry by Mirza Ghalib often touches on the dangers of love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Road Safety

آگے خطرہ ہے
آہستہ چلیں
خطرناک موڑ
حادثے کا خطرہ

Health

بیماری کا خطرہ
جان لیوا
خطرناک وائرس
حالت خطرے میں

Finance

نقصان کا خطرہ
سرمایہ کاری کا جوکھم
مارکیٹ کا خطرہ
خطرہ مول لینا

Weather

سیلاب کا خطرہ
طوفان کا اندیشہ
شدید بارش
خطرہ ٹل گیا

Personal Security

مجھے خطرہ ہے
تحفظ فراہم کریں
خطرناک علاقہ
کوئی خطرہ نہیں

Conversation Starters

"کیا آپ کو اس کام میں کوئی خطرہ نظر آتا ہے؟ (Do you see any danger in this work?)"

"کیا آپ نے کبھی کوئی بڑا خطرہ مول لیا ہے؟ (Have you ever taken a big risk?)"

"آپ کے خیال میں آج کل دنیا کو سب سے بڑا خطرہ کیا ہے؟ (In your opinion, what is the biggest threat to the world today?)"

"اگر آپ کو خطرہ محسوس ہو تو آپ کیا کریں گے؟ (What would you do if you felt danger?)"

"کیا یہ علاقہ رات کو سفر کے لیے خطرہ ہے؟ (Is this area a danger for traveling at night?)"

Journal Prompts

اپنی زندگی کے کسی ایسے واقعے کے بارے میں لکھیں جب آپ نے خطرہ محسوس کیا ہو۔ (Write about an incident in your life when you felt danger.)

خطرہ مول لینا کیوں ضروری ہے؟ اپنی رائے دیں۔ (Why is it important to take risks? Give your opinion.)

آپ کے ملک میں کن قدرتی خطرات کا سامنا ہے؟ (What natural hazards are faced in your country?)

کیا ٹیکنالوجی انسان کے لیے خطرہ بن سکتی ہے؟ (Can technology become a danger for humans?)

ایک ایسی کہانی لکھیں جس میں ہیرو نے خطرہ ٹال دیا ہو۔ (Write a story in which the hero averted a danger.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You should always use masculine verbs and adjectives with it, like 'Bara khatra' or 'Khatra hota hai'.

The word for 'dangerous' is 'Khatarnak'. For example, 'Khatarnak janwar' (Dangerous animal).

The plural is 'Khatray' (خطرے). In formal or religious contexts, you might also see the Arabic plural 'Khatraat' (خطرات).

Yes, 'Khatra' is commonly used for financial or business risks, though 'Jokham' is a more specific synonym.

It means 'to take a risk'. It's a very common idiom used when someone does something brave or risky.

You say 'Main khatray mein hoon'. Note that 'Khatra' becomes 'Khatray' before 'mein'.

Yes, it's very common in poetry to describe the perils of love or the risks of the spiritual path.

Khatra is the actual danger (e.g., a snake), while Dar is the fear you feel because of that danger.

It is extremely common. You will see it on signs, hear it in news, and use it in daily warnings.

No, it is a noun. To use it as a verb, you combine it with 'hona' (to be) or 'karna' (to do/fear).