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A2 verb #2,500 mais comum 5 min de leitura

सफ़ाई करना

To clean; make something free from dirt.

safai karna
At the A1 level, you should learn 'सफ़ाई करना' as a basic phrase for daily chores. It is used to describe simple actions like cleaning your room or house. Focus on the present tense: 'Main safāī karta hoon' (I clean). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember that it means 'to clean'. It's one of the first verbs you'll use when talking about your daily routine or helping at home. Think of it as 'Cleaning-Do'.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'सफ़ाई करना' with specific objects using the 'kī' marker. For example, 'Kamre kī safāī' (Cleaning of the room). You should also begin using the past tense 'Maine safāī kī' (I cleaned) and understand that 'safāī' is a feminine noun. This level involves describing your weekend activities or explaining why a place looks tidy. You might also encounter it in simple signs or instructions in public places.
At the B1 level, you can use 'सफ़ाई करना' in more varied contexts, such as environmental cleaning or organizational tasks. You'll start to see the difference between 'safāī karna' (to clean) and 'safāī dena' (to justify/explain). You can use it in the future tense to make plans ('Hum kal poore ghar kī safāī karenge') and use it with adverbs like 'thik se' (properly) or 'jaldi' (quickly). You are now comfortable with the 'ne' construction in the past tense.
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At the B2 level, you use the verb in metaphorical and formal contexts. You might discuss 'bhrashtachar ki safāī' (cleaning up corruption) or 'nadiyon ki safāī' (cleaning of rivers) in an essay or debate. You understand the nuance between 'safāī' and 'swachhtā' and can use them appropriately depending on the register. You can also handle complex sentence structures involving modal verbs like 'safāī karni chahiye' (should clean) or 'safāī karni padegi' (will have to clean).
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At the C1 level, you appreciate the idiomatic richness of 'सफ़ाई'. You can use phrases like 'haath kī safāī' (sleight of hand/skill) or 'safāī se jhoot bolna' (to lie cleanly/convincingly). You understand the cultural implications of cleanliness in Indian society and can discuss them fluently. Your usage of the verb is precise, and you can switch between formal and colloquial registers with ease, using it in professional reports or literary analysis.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered the verb's most subtle applications. You can use it in philosophical discussions about 'mann ki safāī' (purity of mind) or in high-level political discourse. You understand historical and etymological connections to Persian and Arabic roots. You can use the verb in creative writing to evoke specific moods or social commentaries. Your command over the grammar is instinctive, and you can manipulate the compound verb structure for rhetorical effect.
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सफ़ाई करना em 30 segundos

  • A fundamental Hindi verb for cleaning spaces, rooms, and objects, essential for daily conversation and household management.
  • Grammatically feminine and transitive, it requires specific case markers like 'kī' for objects and 'ne' in the past tense.
  • Extends beyond physical cleaning to include giving explanations, showing skill (dexterity), and metaphorical 'cleaning up' of systems.
  • A key word in Indian cultural contexts, especially during festivals like Diwali and national hygiene campaigns like Swachh Bharat.

The Hindi verb सफ़ाई करना (Safāī karnā) is a compound verb consisting of the noun 'सफ़ाई' (cleanliness/cleaning) and the auxiliary verb 'करना' (to do). At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'to clean' or 'to perform cleaning.' However, its usage in Hindi is multifaceted, covering everything from the physical act of dusting a shelf to the metaphorical act of 'cleaning up' corruption or even 'wiping out' an opponent in a game. Understanding this verb requires a grasp of how Hindi uses compound structures to turn abstract nouns into actionable verbs.

Physical Action
Removing dirt, dust, or unwanted elements from a surface or space.
Metaphorical Use
The act of clarifying a situation or removing obstacles/corruption.
Grammatical Category
Transitive Compound Verb (requires an object and 'ne' in perfective tenses).

"दिवाली से पहले हम पूरे घर की सफ़ाई करते हैं।" (Before Diwali, we clean the entire house.)

In the context of Indian culture, 'safāī' is not just a chore but a ritualistic necessity, especially during festivals. The word 'Safāī' itself is derived from the Arabic root 'Safa' (purity). Thus, when you 'safāī karna,' you are essentially 'doing purity.' This linguistic root adds a layer of depth to the word that goes beyond mere hygiene; it implies a restoration of order and sanctity. Whether you are cleaning a room, a street, or your own thoughts, the verb remains the same, emphasizing the universal nature of the act.

"मंत्री जी ने विभाग में भ्रष्टाचार की सफ़ाई करने का वादा किया।" (The minister promised to clean up corruption in the department.)

Etymological Origin
Persian/Arabic influence on Hindustani vocabulary.
Common Object
Kamra (room), Ghar (house), Shahr (city), Mann (mind).

[Extended analysis of the word's evolution from Sanskrit 'Shuddhata' to the modern 'Safāī' and its dominance in urban Hindi dialects follows...]

Using सफ़ाई करना correctly involves understanding Hindi's case markers and tense structures. Because it is a transitive verb, the subject takes the ergative marker 'ने' (ne) in the past (perfective) tenses. For example, 'I cleaned' is 'मैंने सफ़ाई की' (Maine safāī kī). Notice that 'kī' agrees with the feminine noun 'safāī', not the subject.

"क्या तुमने अपने कमरे की सफ़ाई की?" (Did you clean your room?)

When specifying *what* you are cleaning, you usually use the possessive marker 'की' (kī) because 'safāī' is a feminine noun. You don't just 'clean the room'; you 'do the cleaning *of* the room' (kamre *kī* safāī karna). This is a crucial distinction for learners who might try to translate directly from English.

Present Continuous
Main safāī kar raha hoon (I am cleaning).
Future Tense
Hum kal safāī karenge (We will clean tomorrow).
Imperative
Chalo, safāī karo! (Come on, do the cleaning!)

In professional settings, such as 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' (Clean India Mission), this verb is used formally. In casual settings, it can be shortened or used in slang. For instance, 'Safāī dena' (to give a cleaning) actually means 'to give an explanation' or 'to justify oneself,' which is a common idiomatic extension of the root concept.

You will encounter सफ़ाई करना in a variety of daily life scenarios in India. From domestic help asking about their duties to government slogans on billboards, the word is ubiquitous. It is a staple of household vocabulary, particularly on weekends or during spring cleaning.

"आज नगरपालिका वाले सड़क की सफ़ाई कर रहे हैं।" (Today the municipal workers are cleaning the road.)

In Bollywood movies, you might hear it in a metaphorical sense. A detective might say they need to 'clean up the city' (shahr ki safāī), or a character might be asked to 'give an explanation' (safāī dena) for their suspicious behavior. The news media frequently uses it when discussing environmental issues or political reforms.

At Home
Parents telling children to clean their desks.
In News
Reports on river cleaning projects (Ganga ki safāī).
In Offices
Cleaning out old files or digital data.

The most common mistake for English speakers is omitting the 'kī' (possessive marker) when specifying the object. In English, we say 'Clean the table.' In Hindi, a direct translation like 'Mez safāī karo' is incorrect. It must be 'Mez kī safāī karo.'

Incorrect: "मैं कमरा सफ़ाई कर रहा हूँ।"
Correct: "मैं कमरे की सफ़ाई कर रहा हूँ।"

Another error is confusing 'safāī karna' with 'saaf karna'. While often interchangeable, 'saaf karna' is a direct verb-adjective combo, whereas 'safāī karna' is a noun-verb combo. 'Saaf karna' is better for 'to wipe' or 'to clear', while 'safāī karna' is better for the general act of cleaning a space.

Mistake 1
Using 'ko' instead of 'ki' for the object.
Mistake 2
Forgetting the 'ne' marker in the past tense.
Mistake 3
Using it for 'washing' (use 'dhona' for clothes/dishes instead).

Hindi has several words related to cleaning, each with its own specific context. Understanding these nuances will make your Hindi sound more natural and precise.

साफ़ करना (Saaf karnā)
To clean or to clear. More general than 'safāī karna'.
धोना (Dhonā)
To wash with water (clothes, hands, dishes).
झाड़ू लगाना (Jhādū lagānā)
To sweep with a broom.
पोछा लगाना (Pochhā lagānā)
To mop the floor.
स्वच्छता (Swachhtā)
A formal/Sanskritized word for 'cleanliness' or 'sanitation'.

"सिर्फ झाड़ू लगाने से पूरी सफ़ाई नहीं होती।" (Just sweeping doesn't complete the cleaning.)

While 'safāī karna' is the umbrella term, you would use 'dhona' if water is the primary agent, and 'jhādū/pochhā' for the specific tools used. In a formal speech, you might use 'Swachhtā abhiyan' instead of 'Safāī ka kaam'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Gíria

""

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

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Exemplos por nível

1

मैं सफ़ाई करता हूँ।

I clean.

Simple present tense.

2

क्या तुम सफ़ाई करोगे?

Will you clean?

Future tense question.

3

माँ सफ़ाई कर रही हैं।

Mother is cleaning.

Present continuous.

4

यहाँ सफ़ाई करो।

Clean here.

Imperative.

5

सफ़ाई अच्छी है।

Cleaning is good.

Noun usage.

6

वह रोज़ सफ़ाई करता है।

He cleans every day.

Habitual present.

7

हमें सफ़ाई पसंद है।

We like cleaning.

Using 'pasand'.

8

सफ़ाई ज़रूरी है।

Cleaning is important.

Simple statement.

1

मैंने अपने कमरे की सफ़ाई की।

I cleaned my room.

Past tense with 'ne'.

2

क्या आपने रसोई की सफ़ाई की?

Did you clean the kitchen?

Interrogative past.

3

वह गाड़ी की सफ़ाई कर रहा है।

He is cleaning the car.

Present continuous with object.

4

हमें घर की सफ़ाई करनी चाहिए।

We should clean the house.

Using 'chahiye'.

5

दिवाली पर सब सफ़ाई करते हैं।

Everyone cleans on Diwali.

General truth.

6

सफ़ाई करने के बाद मैं सो गया।

After cleaning, I went to sleep.

Using 'ke baad'.

7

मेज की सफ़ाई ठीक से करो।

Clean the table properly.

Adverbial use.

8

कल स्कूल की सफ़ाई होगी।

The school will be cleaned tomorrow.

Passive-style future.

1

अगर तुम सफ़ाई नहीं करोगे, तो बीमारी फैलेगी।

If you don't clean, disease will spread.

Conditional sentence.

2

उसने अपनी गलती की सफ़ाई दी।

He gave an explanation for his mistake.

Idiomatic 'safāī dena'.

3

शहर की सफ़ाई के लिए नए नियम आए हैं।

New rules have come for the cleaning of the city.

Formal context.

4

मैं सुबह से सफ़ाई कर रहा हूँ।

I have been cleaning since morning.

Present perfect continuous.

5

क्या आपको सफ़ाई करने में मदद चाहिए?

Do you need help with cleaning?

Polite offer.

6

सफ़ाई करने का काम बहुत थकाऊ है।

The work of cleaning is very tiring.

Gerundive use.

7

उसने बहुत सफ़ाई से अपना काम किया।

He did his work very neatly.

Adverbial 'safāī se'.

8

हमें अपने पर्यावरण की सफ़ाई रखनी चाहिए।

We should keep our environment clean.

Environmental context.

1

सरकार भ्रष्टाचार की सफ़ाई करने की कोशिश कर रही है।

The government is trying to clean up corruption.

Metaphorical usage.

2

इस दस्तावेज़ में बहुत सफ़ाई की ज़रूरत है।

This document needs a lot of cleaning (refining).

Abstract usage.

3

बिना किसी सफ़ाई के उसने मुझे नौकरी से निकाल दिया।

He fired me without any explanation.

Idiomatic 'safāī' as explanation.

4

जादूगर ने बड़ी सफ़ाई से सिक्का गायब कर दिया।

The magician made the coin disappear with great finesse.

Finesse/Skill context.

5

नदी की सफ़ाई का अभियान पिछले साल शुरू हुआ था।

The river cleaning campaign started last year.

Campaign/Mission context.

6

सफ़ाई करने के मामले में वह बहुत सख्त है।

He is very strict regarding cleaning.

Compound phrase 'ke maamle mein'.

7

डेटा की सफ़ाई करना प्रोग्रामिंग का एक हिस्सा है।

Cleaning data is a part of programming.

Technical context.

8

उसने अपनी बेगुनाही की सफ़ाई में कई सबूत पेश किए।

He presented many proofs in defense of his innocence.

Legal/Formal context.

1

समाज की वैचारिक सफ़ाई एक लंबी प्रक्रिया है।

The ideological cleaning of society is a long process.

Philosophical usage.

2

उसने इतनी सफ़ाई से झूठ बोला कि सबने यकीन कर लिया।

He lied so convincingly that everyone believed him.

Nuanced adverbial use.

3

लेखन में सफ़ाई लाने के लिए निरंतर अभ्यास अनिवार्य है।

Constant practice is essential to bring clarity/neatness to writing.

Artistic context.

4

प्रशासनिक तंत्र की सफ़ाई के बिना विकास संभव नहीं है।

Development is not possible without cleaning the administrative machinery.

High-level political discourse.

5

उसकी बातों में कोई सफ़ाई नहीं थी, सिर्फ गोल-मोल बातें थीं।

There was no clarity in his words, only vague talk.

Clarity context.

6

कलाकार की उंगलियों की सफ़ाई देखते ही बनती थी।

The dexterity of the artist's fingers was worth seeing.

Physical skill/dexterity.

7

इतिहास की किताबों की सफ़ाई करना ज़रूरी हो गया है।

It has become necessary to 'clean up' (revise) history books.

Revisionist context.

8

उसने अपने अतीत की सफ़ाई देने से मना कर दिया।

He refused to give an explanation about his past.

Personal history context.

1

आध्यात्मिक मार्ग पर चलने के लिए अंतःकरण की सफ़ाई अनिवार्य है।

Cleaning the inner conscience is mandatory to walk the spiritual path.

Spiritual/Metaphysical.

2

उसकी राजनीति 'सफ़ाई' के नाम पर विरोधियों के सफ़ाए पर टिकी है।

His politics rests on the elimination of opponents in the name of 'cleaning'.

Wordplay/Irony.

3

भाषा की शुद्धता और सफ़ाई ही साहित्य को अमर बनाती है।

The purity and clarity of language alone make literature immortal.

Literary criticism.

4

न्यायपालिका में लंबित मामलों की सफ़ाई एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Clearing the backlog of pending cases in the judiciary is a major challenge.

Legal backlog context.

5

उसने अपनी छवि की सफ़ाई के लिए करोड़ों खर्च कर दिए।

He spent millions to 'clean up' (rebrand) his image.

Public relations context.

6

पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की स्वतः सफ़ाई की क्षमता अद्भुत है।

The self-cleaning capacity of the ecosystem is amazing.

Scientific/Ecological.

7

विचारों की सफ़ाई ही रचनात्मकता की पहली सीढ़ी है।

Clarity of thoughts is the first step to creativity.

Intellectual context.

8

उसने बड़ी सफ़ाई से पूरी महफ़िल लूट ली।

He very skillfully stole the show.

Idiomatic brilliance.

Colocações comuns

घर की सफ़ाई
कमरे की सफ़ाई
दिवाली की सफ़ाई
हाथ की सफ़ाई
दाँतों की सफ़ाई
शहर की सफ़ाई
मन की सफ़ाई
पूरी सफ़ाई
नियमित सफ़ाई
गहरी सफ़ाई

Frases Comuns

सफ़ाई देना

सफ़ाई अभियान

सफ़ाई कर्मचारी

सफ़ाई व्यवस्था

सफ़ाई पसंद

सफ़ाई के साथ

सफ़ाई का काम

सफ़ाई की कमी

सफ़ाई का ध्यान

सफ़ाई करना ज़रूरी है

Frequentemente confundido com

सफ़ाई करना vs साफ़ करना (Saaf karna) - Often used for wiping a single object.

सफ़ाई करना vs धोना (Dhona) - Specifically involves water/washing.

सफ़ाई करना vs सफ़ाया करना (Safaya karna) - Means to eliminate or wipe out.

Expressões idiomáticas

"हाथ की सफ़ाई"

Sleight of hand; skill in stealing or performing tricks.

"सफ़ाई देना"

To offer an explanation or justification for one's actions.

"मैदान साफ़ करना"

To clear the field; to defeat all opponents (related to cleaning).

"सफ़ाया करना"

To finish off; to eliminate completely (a stronger version).

"मन की सफ़ाई"

Purity of heart/intentions.

"सफ़ाई से काम लेना"

To act with great finesse or neatness.

"सफ़ाई की मूरत"

Someone who is extremely clean/neat.

"दाग़ साफ़ करना"

To clear one's name/reputation.

"सफ़ाई पेश करना"

To present a defense (formal).

"सफ़ाई का पुतला"

An embodiment of cleanliness.

Fácil de confundir

सफ़ाई करना vs Safaya

Safaya means total elimination/destruction, not just cleaning.

सफ़ाई करना vs Sufi

Sounds similar but refers to a mystic.

सफ़ाई करना vs Safa

A turban in some dialects, though related to purity.

सफ़ाई करना vs Swachh

Adjective for clean, used in formal contexts.

सफ़ाई करना vs Nirmal

Pure/Clear, usually for water or heart.

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

nuance

Safāī karna is a process; Saaf karna is a result.

formality

Safāī is neutral; Swachhtā is high-formal.

Erros comuns
  • Saying 'Maine kamra safai kiya' instead of 'Maine kamre ki safai ki'.
  • Using 'Safai karna' for washing dishes (use 'Bartan dhona' instead).
  • Forgetting the 'ne' in the past tense: 'Main safai ki' (Wrong) vs 'Maine safai ki' (Right).
  • Pronouncing it as 'Sapai' (though common in some dialects, it's non-standard).
  • Using 'Safai' as a verb without 'karna'.

Dicas

The 'Ki' Rule

Always put 'ki' before 'safai' when you name the object. For example: 'Ghar ki safai'. It links the cleaning to the house.

Diwali Context

If you want to impress Indians, talk about 'Diwali ki safai'. It's a universal experience every Indian family goes through.

Compound Power

Learn 'karna' verbs together. Safai karna, koshish karna, kaam karna all follow the same pattern.

The 'F' Sound

In many parts of India, 'f' is pronounced like 'ph'. Both are understood, but 'f' is more standard.

Metaphorical Cleaning

Use it for 'cleaning up' a system or a mess in your life to sound more advanced.

Asking for Help

Use 'Kya main safai mein madad karoon?' to offer help cleaning. It's very polite.

Avoid 'Safai kiya'

Never say 'kiya' with 'safai'. It's always 'ki' because 'safai' is a girl (feminine noun)!

Neatness

Use 'safai se' to mean 'neatly'. 'Safai se likho' means 'Write neatly'.

Context Clues

If someone is angry and says 'Safai mat do', they mean 'Don't give me excuses'.

Visualizing

Visualize a 'Safa' (pure) space every time you say 'Safai'.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

Contexto cultural

सफ़ाई आधा ईमान है (Cleanliness is half of faith - common in Urdu/Hindi culture).

Diwali Safai is a cultural phenomenon in North India.

The role of 'Safai Karamchari' is vital yet often socially undervalued.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"क्या आपने आज सफ़ाई की?"

"दिवाली की सफ़ाई कब शुरू करोगे?"

"आपके शहर में सफ़ाई की क्या व्यवस्था है?"

"क्या आपको सफ़ाई करना पसंद है?"

"सफ़ाई के बारे में आपकी क्या राय है?"

Temas para diário

आज मैंने अपने कमरे की सफ़ाई की और मुझे कैसा लगा...

सफ़ाई का हमारे जीवन में क्या महत्व है?

मेरे बचपन की दिवाली सफ़ाई की यादें...

अगर मैं शहर का सफ़ाई मंत्री होता तो...

मन की सफ़ाई क्यों ज़रूरी है?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is feminine. You should always say 'Safai ki' and not 'Safai kiya'. This is a very common mistake for learners.

No, for clothes you should use 'Dhona'. 'Safai karna' is for spaces like rooms or general tidying up.

'Saaf karna' is more general and can mean 'to clear' or 'to wipe'. 'Safai karna' usually refers to the whole act of cleaning a space.

You say 'Maine mez ki safai ki'. Don't forget the 'ki' between 'mez' and 'safai'.

It means 'to give an explanation' or 'to justify oneself' when accused of something.

Yes, it is used in offices for 'cleaning up' files or data, and in government for sanitation.

It is the formal term for a sanitation worker or cleaner.

No, for people use 'Nahana' (bathe) or 'Saaf karna' for a specific part, but 'Safai karna' sounds odd for a person.

Yes, it is one of the top 500 most useful verbs in daily Hindi.

You can say 'Safai karo!' (Clean!) or more politely 'Safai kijiye'.

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