भित्रा em 30 segundos
- Bhitra means cowardly or timid in Marathi, describing a person's inherent character trait of being easily frightened.
- It is an adjective that must agree with the gender and number of the noun it modifies (bhitra, bhitri, bhitre).
- It is commonly used in daily life to tease siblings or describe scared animals like rabbits.
- The word is the opposite of 'shur' (brave) and is often used in proverbs about fear and consequences.
The Marathi word भित्रा (bhitrā) is a primary adjective used to describe someone who is easily frightened, timid, or lacks courage. Rooted in the Sanskrit word 'Bhī' (fear), it specifically targets the personality trait of being a 'coward' or a 'scaredy-cat'. Unlike the temporary state of being afraid (which would be 'घाबरलेला' - ghābarlelā), bhitrā defines an inherent characteristic. In Marathi culture, this word carries a spectrum of connotations ranging from a gentle, teasing label for a child to a more stinging insult for an adult who fails to show bravery in critical moments.
- Linguistic Root
- Derived from the Sanskrit root 'भय' (bhaya), meaning fear. The suffix '-ra' turns the concept of fear into a descriptive attribute of a person.
- Grammatical Gender
- The word changes based on gender: 'भित्रा' (Masculine), 'भित्री' (Feminine), and 'भित्रे' (Neuter/Plural).
तो मुलगा इतका भित्रा आहे की तो अंधारालाही घाबरतो. (That boy is so cowardly that he is even afraid of the dark.)
In daily conversation, you will often hear parents calling their toddlers 'भित्री भागुबाई' (bhitrī bhāgubāī), which is a colloquial term for a timid girl, or 'भित्रा ससा' (bhitrā sasā), meaning a 'cowardly rabbit'. These animal metaphors are deeply embedded in Marathi folklore and children's literature, often teaching lessons about overcoming fear. The word is versatile; it can describe a physical reaction to a spider or a moral failure to stand up for the truth. When used for an adult, it often implies a lack of 'manliness' or 'fortitude', making it a potent word in arguments regarding responsibility or defense.
माझा कुत्रा खूप भित्रा आहे, तो फटाक्यांच्या आवाजाला घाबरतो. (My dog is very timid; he is afraid of the sound of firecrackers.)
Understanding the nuance of bhitrā requires looking at its social context. In rural Maharashtra, bravery is a highly valued trait historically associated with the Maratha warriors. Consequently, being called 'bhitrā' in a village setting might be taken more seriously than in a cosmopolitan city. However, in modern Marathi, the word has softened and is frequently used in psychological contexts to describe social anxiety or general shyness. It is the opposite of 'धाडसी' (dhāḍasī - adventurous) or 'शूर' (shūr - brave). If you are reading Marathi literature, particularly the works of P.L. Deshpande, you will find characters described as 'bhitrā' to evoke humor, highlighting the relatable human tendency to be nervous or cautious.
Using भित्रा (bhitrā) correctly involves mastering its inflection. Because it is an 'ā-ending' adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number. This is one of the first hurdles for English speakers, as English adjectives like 'cowardly' never change their form. In Marathi, if the subject is masculine, you use 'भित्रा'; for feminine, 'भित्री'; for neuter, 'भित्रे'. When the noun is in the plural, masculine becomes 'भित्रे', while feminine and neuter become 'भित्र्या'.
- Masculine Singular
- भित्रा मुलगा (Bhitrā mulgā) - A cowardly boy.
- Feminine Singular
- भित्री मुलगी (Bhitrī mulgī) - A cowardly girl.
- Plural
- भित्रे लोक (Bhitre lok) - Cowardly people.
अरे, इतका भित्रा नको होऊस, काही होणार नाही! (Hey, don't be so cowardly, nothing will happen!)
Beyond simple attribution, 'भित्रा' is used in complex sentence structures to describe behavior. For instance, 'भित्रा स्वभाव' (bhitrā swabhāv) refers to a timid nature. When constructing sentences, it often pairs with the verb 'असणे' (to be). You might say, 'तो स्वभावाने भित्रा आहे' (He is cowardly by nature). It can also be used as a noun in certain contexts, similar to how 'the coward' is used in English, though usually, a noun like 'भित्रा माणूस' (cowardly man) is preferred for clarity.
ती मुलगी लहानपणापासूनच भित्री होती. (That girl was timid since childhood.)
Another common usage is in the comparative and superlative degrees. While Marathi doesn't have suffixes like '-er' or '-est', it uses 'पेक्षा' (pekshā - than) and 'सर्वात' (sarvāt - most). For example, 'राम शामपेक्षा भित्रा आहे' (Ram is more cowardly than Sham). Or, 'तो वर्गातील सर्वात भित्रा मुलगा आहे' (He is the most cowardly boy in the class). These patterns are essential for expressing relative levels of fearfulness or caution in social groups.
You will encounter भित्रा (bhitrā) in various spheres of Maharashtrian life. In a typical household, it's a word used by siblings to tease each other. If a child refuses to go into a dark room to fetch something, the elder sibling might yell, 'काय रे भित्र्या!' (Hey, you coward!). It’s also a staple in Marathi cinema (Mollywood), where the 'bhitrā' character often provides comic relief, usually contrasted against a brave hero. This trope is common in rural-themed movies where a city-dweller might be portrayed as 'bhitrā' when faced with farm animals or village life.
'भित्रा भागुबाई' - A common playground taunt for someone who runs away from a challenge.
In the professional world, the word might be used more discreetly. A manager might describe a colleague's reluctance to take risks as a 'भित्रा दृष्टीकोन' (bhitrā drushṭikon - a cowardly/timid perspective). However, in formal writing or news reporting, synonyms like 'धैर्यहीन' (dhairyahīn - lacking courage) or 'डरपोक' (ḍarpok - borrowed from Hindi but common) might be used to maintain a more professional tone. In literature, specifically in the 'Bālgīte' (children's songs), the 'bhitrā sasā' (cowardly rabbit) is a legendary character that every Marathi-speaking child knows.
- Folklore Context
- The story of the 'Bhitra Sasa' who thinks the sky is falling is a classic fable used to teach children not to be unnecessarily scared.
- News & Media
- Used to describe the 'cowardly attack' (भित्रा हल्ला) by criminals or terrorists in newspaper headlines.
अंधारात एकटं जायला तो भित्रा आहे. (He is too cowardly to go alone in the dark.)
Socially, the word is also used in the context of superstitions. People who are 'bhitre' are often thought to be more susceptible to 'distis' (evil eye) because their 'spirit' is considered weak. Thus, the word transcends mere physical fear and enters the realm of spiritual or mental strength. In modern psychological discussions in Marathi magazines, 'bhitrāpanā' (cowardice/timidity) is often discussed as something to be overcome through confidence-building measures, reflecting a shift from a purely judgmental term to a more diagnostic one.
For English speakers, the most common mistake when using भित्रा (bhitrā) is failing to change the ending to match the subject. Because English adjectives are static, learners often say 'तो भित्रा आहे' (Correct) and then 'ती भित्रा आहे' (Incorrect). The latter should be 'ती भित्री आहे'. This gender-mismatch is a hallmark of a beginner and can sometimes lead to confusion or amusement among native speakers.
Another frequent error is confusing 'भित्रा' with 'घाबरलेला' (ghābarlelā). If you see someone who is currently trembling because they just saw a snake, calling them 'भित्रा' might be an insult to their character, whereas 'घाबरलेला' simply describes their current state. It's the difference between saying 'You are a coward' versus 'You are scared right now'. Using the wrong one can unintentionally offend someone who is usually brave but happens to be frightened in a specific moment.
- Mistake: Wrong Oblique Form
- Saying 'भित्रा मुलाला' instead of 'भित्र्या मुलाला'. When a suffix like '-ला' is added to the noun, the adjective must change to its oblique form ending in '-yā'.
- Mistake: Overusing it for 'Shy'
- A 'shy' person is 'लाजाळू' (lājāḷū). Calling a shy person 'भित्रा' implies they are afraid, which might not be the case.
Incorrect: ती भित्रा मुलगी आहे.
Correct: ती भित्री मुलगी आहे.
Finally, learners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'bh' (aspirated B) and the 'tr' (cluster). If you don't aspirate the 'b', it might sound like 'bitra', which isn't a word, or if you mispronounce the 'tr', it loses its sharp Marathi character. Practice the 'bh' sound as a forceful 'b' with a puff of air. Also, ensure the 'r' in 'tra' is a flap, not a rhotic English 'r'.
While भित्रा (bhitrā) is the most common word for 'cowardly', Marathi offers several alternatives depending on the intensity and context. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express subtle differences in meaning. For instance, 'डरपोक' (ḍarpok) is very common in spoken Marathi due to Hindi influence and is often used more as a slang or casual insult than 'bhitrā'.
- घाबरट (ghābaraṭ)
- Very similar to 'bhitrā', but often implies a tendency to get easily panicked or 'jumpy'.
- धैर्यहीन (dhairyahīn)
- A formal, literary term meaning 'lacking courage'. You'll see this in books or formal speeches.
- निर्बल (nirbal)
- Literally 'without strength', used metaphorically for someone who doesn't have the mental strength to face a situation.
तो इतका घाबरट आहे की सावलीलाही दचकतो. (He is so jumpy/timid that he flinches at his own shadow.)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you want to contrast 'bhitrā' with positive traits, you have 'शूर' (shūr - brave), 'धाडसी' (dhāḍasī - daring), and 'हिंमतवान' (himmatvān - courageous). In many Marathi proverbs, the 'bhitrā' is contrasted with the 'shūr' to emphasize that fortune favors the bold. For example, 'भित्र्या पाठी ब्रह्मराक्षस' (bhitryā pāṭhī brahmarākshas) is a famous proverb meaning that troubles always follow the one who is already afraid.
In a poetic or philosophical context, 'भित्रा' might be replaced by 'कातर' (kātar), which describes a more tender, anxious kind of fear, often associated with love or waiting. For example, 'कातर वेळ' (kātar veḷ) refers to the twilight hour which can feel slightly eerie or melancholic. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to be insulting, descriptive, formal, or poetic.
Curiosidade
The word 'bhitra' is a cognate of the Hindi word 'bhīru' (भीरु), which also means cowardly, but 'bhitra' is much more common in everyday Marathi speech.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'bh' as a simple 'b' (bitra).
- Pronouncing 't' as a retroflex (like English T) instead of dental.
- Over-emphasizing the 'r' like an American 'r'.
Exemplos por nível
तो मुलगा भित्रा आहे.
That boy is cowardly.
Simple subject-adjective-verb structure. 'भित्रा' agrees with the masculine 'मुलगा'.
ती मुलगी भित्री आहे.
That girl is cowardly.
Feminine form 'भित्री' used for 'मुलगी'.
हा कुत्रा भित्रा आहे का?
Is this dog cowardly?
Interrogative sentence using 'का' at the end.
मी भित्रा नाही.
I am not cowardly.
Negative sentence using 'नाही'.
भित्रा ससा पळाला.
The cowardly rabbit ran away.
'भित्रा' acts as an attributive adjective for 'ससा'.
ते भित्रे लोक आहेत.
They are cowardly people.
Plural masculine form 'भित्रे'.
मांजर भित्री असते.
The cat is (usually) cowardly.
General statement using 'असते'.
तू भित्रा आहेस का?
Are you cowardly?
Second person singular 'आहेस'.
माझा भाऊ खूप भित्रा आहे.
My brother is very cowardly.
Use of 'खूप' (very) to intensify the adjective.
भित्र्या मुलाला अंधाराची भीती वाटते.
The cowardly boy is afraid of the dark.
Oblique form 'भित्र्या' because of the suffix '-ला'.
ती तिच्या बहिणीपेक्षा भित्री आहे.
She is more cowardly than her sister.
Comparative structure using 'पेक्षा'.
आम्ही भित्रे नाही आहोत.
We are not cowardly.
Plural agreement 'भित्रे' with 'आम्ही'.
तो भित्रा मुलगा कुठे गेला?
Where did that cowardly boy go?
Question word 'कुठे' (where).
भित्र्या सशाची गोष्ट तुला माहिती आहे का?
Do you know the story of the cowardly rabbit?
Oblique form 'भित्र्या' with genitive '-ची'.
माझी मांजर कुत्र्याला बघून भित्री होते.
My cat becomes cowardly upon seeing a dog.
Use of 'होते' (becomes).
तिला वाटले की मी भित्रा आहे.
She thought that I am cowardly.
Complex sentence with 'की' (that).
भित्र्या पाठी ब्रह्मराक्षस ही म्हण खरी आहे.
The proverb 'a ghost follows the coward' is true.
Usage of a famous Marathi proverb.
संकटकाळी भित्रा माणूस पळून जातो.
A cowardly person runs away during a crisis.
Describing behavior in specific situations.
त्याचा भित्रा स्वभाव सर्वांना माहिती आहे.
Everyone knows his cowardly nature.
'भित्रा' modifying the abstract noun 'स्वभाव'.
तू इतका भित्रा का वागत आहेस?
Why are you acting so cowardly?
Continuous present tense 'वागत आहेस'.
भित्र्या लोकांसाठी हे काम नाही.
This job is not for cowardly people.
Oblique plural 'भित्र्या' with '-साठी' (for).
तिने त्याला भित्रा म्हणून चिडवले.
She teased him by calling him a coward.
Use of 'म्हणून' (as/calling).
तो लहानपणी भित्रा होता, पण आता शूर झाला आहे.
He was cowardly as a child, but now he has become brave.
Contrasting past and present states.
राजकारणात भित्रा दृष्टीकोन उपयोगाचा नसतो.
In politics, a cowardly perspective is of no use.
Abstract usage in a professional context.
भित्रा हल्ला करून अतिरेकी पळून गेले.
The terrorists fled after carrying out a cowardly attack.
Formal usage in news/crime reporting.
केवळ भित्रे लोकच सत्याचा सामना करायला घाबरतात.
Only cowardly people are afraid to face the truth.
Use of 'च' for emphasis (only).
तिचा भित्रापणा तिच्या प्रगतीत अडथळा ठरला.
Her cowardice/timidity proved to be an obstacle in her progress.
Noun form 'भित्रापणा' (cowardice).
समाजात भित्र्या वृत्तीला स्थान नसते.
There is no place for a cowardly attitude in society.
Abstract noun 'वृत्ती' (attitude/disposition).
तो दिसायला जरी धिप्पाड असला, तरी मनाने भित्रा आहे.
Even though he looks giant/strong, he is cowardly at heart.
Concessive structure 'जरी... तरी' (Even though... still).
भित्र्या लोकांमुळे अनेकदा योजना फसतात.
Plans often fail because of cowardly people.
Expressing cause and effect.
तिने स्वतःचा भित्रा स्वभाव बदलण्याचा प्रयत्न केला.
She tried to change her cowardly nature.
Reflexive pronoun 'स्वतःचा'.
अशा भित्र्या वागण्याने कोणाचेही भले होत नाही.
No one benefits from such cowardly behavior.
Gerund 'वागण्याने' with 'अशा' (such).
साहित्यात भित्रा नायक अनेकदा मानवी कमकुवतपणाचे दर्शन घडवतो.
In literature, a cowardly protagonist often reveals human weaknesses.
Literary analysis context.
भित्र्या मानसिकतेतून बाहेर पडणे हे एक मोठे आव्हान आहे.
Emerging from a cowardly mindset is a great challenge.
Psychological/Philosophical context.
इतिहासात भित्र्या राजांना कधीही सन्मान मिळाला नाही.
In history, cowardly kings never received respect.
Historical generalization.
भित्र्या वृत्तीचा त्याग केल्याशिवाय क्रांती शक्य नाही.
Revolution is not possible without abandoning a cowardly disposition.
Political/Ideological context.
लेखकाने नायकाच्या भित्र्या स्वभावाचे अतिशय सूक्ष्म वर्णन केले आहे.
The author has described the protagonist's cowardly nature very subtly.
Critical analysis of writing style.
भित्र्या पावलांनी प्रगतीचे शिखर गाठता येत नाही.
One cannot reach the peak of progress with cowardly steps.
Metaphorical usage of 'पावलांनी' (steps).
त्याच्या भित्र्या कृतीमुळे संपूर्ण कुटुंबाची मान खाली गेली.
Because of his cowardly act, the whole family's head hung in shame.
Idiomatic expression 'मान खाली जाणे'.
भित्र्या लोकांच्या गर्दीपेक्षा एक शूर माणूस बरा.
One brave man is better than a crowd of cowardly people.
Proverbial comparison.
भित्रा असणे आणि सावध असणे यातील पुसट रेषा ओळखणे महत्त्वाचे आहे.
It is important to recognize the thin line between being cowardly and being cautious.
Sophisticated philosophical distinction.
भित्र्या अंतःकरणाने केलेले कोणतेही कार्य पूर्णत्वास जात नाही.
Any task performed with a cowardly heart never reaches completion.
Use of 'अंतःकरण' (inner heart/soul).
त्याच्या कवितेत भित्र्या जाणिवांचा एक वेगळाच कोलाहल ऐकू येतो.
In his poetry, a unique clamor of cowardly perceptions can be heard.
Highly abstract and poetic language.
भित्र्या प्रवृत्तीचे निर्मूलन करणे हेच शिक्षणाचे खरे ध्येय असावे.
The eradication of cowardly tendencies should be the true goal of education.
Formal pedagogical statement.
भित्र्या शांततेपेक्षा संघर्षाचा आवाज कधीही चांगला.
The sound of struggle is always better than a cowardly silence.
Contrasting abstract concepts.
मानवी संस्कृतीचा इतिहास हा भित्र्या प्रवृत्तीवर मिळवलेल्या विजयाचा इतिहास आहे.
The history of human civilization is a history of victory over cowardly tendencies.
Grand historical narrative style.
भित्र्या कल्पनाशक्तीला कधीही नवनिर्मितीचे पंख फुटत नाहीत.
A cowardly imagination never grows wings of innovation.
Metaphorical and sophisticated imagery.
त्याच्या भित्र्या भूमिकेमुळे समाजहित धोक्यात आले.
Social welfare was jeopardized because of his cowardly stance.
Usage in legal or social critique.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
भित्रा कुठला!
भित्री भागुबाई
भित्रा ससा
भित्रापणा सोडा
भित्र्यासारखे वागणे
काय हा भित्रापणा!
भित्री मांजर
सर्वात भित्रा
भित्रा ठरवणे
भित्र्या पाठी
Expressões idiomáticas
"भित्र्या पाठी ब्रह्मराक्षस"
Troubles haunt those who are already afraid. Similar to 'Fear creates its own demons'.
त्याच्या बाबतीत नेहमीच 'भित्र्या पाठी ब्रह्मराक्षस' असे घडते.
Common/Proverbial"भित्री भागुबाई होणे"
To become extremely scared or to chicken out.
स्टेजवर जाताच तो भित्री भागुबाई झाला.
Informal"भित्र्या सशाची गोष्ट"
Used to describe someone who believes in baseless rumors out of fear.
तुझे वागणे म्हणजे भित्र्या सशाची गोष्ट आहे.
Literary"भित्रा हात"
To be stingy or hesitant in spending/giving due to fear of loss.
तो भित्र्या हाताने दान करतो.
Metaphorical"भित्र्या काळजाचा"
Someone with a 'cowardly heart'; extremely timid.
तो भित्र्या काळजाचा माणूस काय करणार?
Descriptive"भित्री नजर असणे"
To have a shifty or fearful gaze, indicating lack of confidence.
चोराची नजर नेहमी भित्री असते.
Observational"भित्र्या पावलांनी येणे"
To approach something with great hesitation or fear.
तो भित्र्या पावलांनी मुख्याध्यापकांच्या केबिनमध्ये गेला.
Narrative"भित्रापणा अंगात भिनणे"
For cowardice to be deeply ingrained in one's personality.
त्याच्या अंगात भित्रापणा भिनला आहे.
Critical"भित्र्याला अंधारात देव दिसतो"
A coward imagines things (ghosts/gods) in the dark due to fear.
घाबरू नकोस, भित्र्याला अंधारात देव दिसतो म्हणतात ना!
Sarcastic"भित्री वाघीण"
An oxymoron used for someone who should be powerful but is acting scared.
ती तर भित्री वाघीण निघाली.
IronicalFamília de palavras
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Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Bhitra' sounding like 'Bit-tra'. A coward is someone who is a 'bit' 'tra-pped' by their own fear.
Associação visual
Imagine a rabbit (Sasa) shaking behind a bush. In Marathi, the 'Bhitra Sasa' is the ultimate icon for this word.
Word Web
Origem da palavra
Derived from the Sanskrit root 'भी' (bhī), which means 'to fear' or 'to be afraid'. This root is the source of many words related to fear across Indo-Aryan languages.
Significado original: One who possesses fear; characterized by fear.
Indo-Aryan -> Prakrit -> Marathi.Summary
The word 'भित्रा' (bhitrā) is a fundamental Marathi adjective for 'cowardly'. It is essential for describing personality and requires careful attention to gender agreement (e.g., 'भित्रा मुलगा' vs 'भित्री मुलगी').
- Bhitra means cowardly or timid in Marathi, describing a person's inherent character trait of being easily frightened.
- It is an adjective that must agree with the gender and number of the noun it modifies (bhitra, bhitri, bhitre).
- It is commonly used in daily life to tease siblings or describe scared animals like rabbits.
- The word is the opposite of 'shur' (brave) and is often used in proverbs about fear and consequences.
