Inspiration and innovation are companions who move together. You inspire, innovate and create. Talk about the language of Hindi, and the language of Sanskrit becomes your inspiration. There are so many beautiful Hindi words that bring variety to the language.
It’s quite interesting to know that Hindi as a language is, as you may call, ‘the descendant of Sanskrit’ but the name ‘Hindi’ has actually been taken from a Persian word ‘Hind’. It means the land where the Indus River flows. A language, that is celebrated and has speakers of around 500 million people all over the globe, was accepted as the official language of India by the Government of India in 1965. Before that, this language had got the name of being an official language of the union by the Constituent Assembly on 14 September, 1949.
Many beautiful Hindi words could be found in the gem of Indian literature. The name of this language in the earliest phase was ‘Apabhramsa’ and the traits of this form could be found in Vikramorvashiyam written by the poet Kalidas. If you want to know, that how did the Hindi literature take a flight, the answer is the ‘Prem Sagar’ written by Lalloo Lal. It is the first book that got published in Hindi.
Without an iota of doubt, Hindi is an elegant language. Some Hindi words are used less, but when you use them,
you feel like rhapsodies of seventh heaven have paid a visit to your mind.
The words in Hindi are easy to hear and learn.
Here, is a compilation of 15 simple and beautiful Hindi words–
1. Namaste ( नमस्ते ) ( NAH-məs-tay )
Namaste!
Namaste! There’s no better way to start this list with a salutation. The word Namaste is an honouring gesture which is widely practised in India to greet other people with gratitude or as a mark of hospitality or respect. In English, its replacement is ‘Hello’. It is actually a combination of two Sanskrit words, i.e. Namas and Te where Namas means to bow in salutation and Te means ‘to you’. Namaste finds its sister for similar use in the word Namaskar.
In India, if you meet a guest or relative, even after being unaware of their identity, say Namaste. If you are on the road, and see a neighbour, say Namaste.
Wait! There’s more. If you are worshipping God, then by joining hands, express Namaste. If you are dancing some Traditional form, through dancing gestures, express Namaste. But, don’t stop. The list is long. When you are in India, just don’t avoid Namaste as it a very respectful gesture that is genuinely followed in the country.
Okay, join your hands and bow a little. In Yoga, this gesture is called Pranamasana. Usually, the word is recited along with this non-verbal gesture.
2. Suprabhat ( सुप्रभात ) ( Suprabhāta )
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The second word in the list is Suprabhat. Oh! And this is another form of greeting which has more of a formal use. The literal translation in English would be ‘Good Morning!’ and it’s made up of two words, ‘Su’ implying good and ‘Prabhat’ implying morning.
In India, the message box of the elderly people is usually full of Suprabhat messages, images, GIFs. It does not matter if you have cleared your phone storage; the next morning ‘ the Suprabhat forwards’ spoil the hard work of cleaning.
3. Aarti (आरती ) ( Åratī )
Aarti is one of the beautiful Hindi words!
In the Indian tradition, Aarti is one of the most loved ways of worshipping God and finds its roots in the Vedic concept. Aarti has been taken from the Sanskrit word ‘Aratrika’ which means the source of light that diminishes the darkness around. ‘Aa’ in the word Aarti means towards and ‘rati’ in the same word means the devotion for God at the highest level.
Basically, according to the Hindu rituals, Aarti is done using a lamp or a candle placed on a plate along with some flowers, water and different things as per the worship being performed. It is waved before the idol of the God circularly. Spiritually, you attain peace by being devoted to God.
Amongst all the beautiful Hindi words, this ought to be the purest.
4. Paavan ( पावन ) ( Pāvana )
Talk about the purity, and here comes the Hindi version of it. Paavan, this word has different origins and the meaning changes with each origin. As per the Indian and Sanskrit origin, it means ‘pure or holy’.
Usually, the matter concerned with God is regarded as holy. In the Indian tradition, fire is considered very pure.
Paavan River Ganges or Ganga
In India, The Ganges River is believed to be the purest such that you could wash away all your sins.
You could wash away all your sins!
5. Saanjh ( सांझ ) ( Sānjha )
Saanjh scene is meant to be captured!
Okay, let’s turn down the temperature. The weather seems to be turning in dusky hues and the sunset has taken place. What is this time of the day called? Is it called the twilight time during the evening?
Exactly, this is what Saanjh means. It has been taken from the Sanskrit word ‘Sandhya’. In India, during this time either you’d find people worshipping God or the kids returning home after playing. The scenery of Saanjh is as beautiful as being one of the beautiful Hindi words.
This word has two interpretations. One is beloved and the other is the one with dusky complexion. In Hindi, this word is used for both the meanings as the derivation of this word has been done in the context of Lord Krishna.
‘Saanwra’ is the Hindi word for the dusky complexion.
Amongst the Hindu Gods, Lord Krishna is regarded as a dusky complexioned lover.
Lord Krishna with his beloved Radha
He loved his beloved Radha, divinely. Thus, he is sometimes regarded as Saawariya. This term has its origins in the place where Lord Krishna was born Mathura/ Vrindavana and Braj language is spoken over there.
7. Aanchal ( आँचल ) ( Ām̐cala )
Saree’s Aanchal on the women’s head!
This word has a feminine touch to it. In Hindi, this word could also be written as आंचल. It has two different senses. One meaning is the border or a lap and the other meaning is end cloth that is hanging out and is tucked into the waist or on the shoulder.
In India, Saree is a common wear for women. They tuck the end part of the cloth on their shoulders and sometimes keep it on their heads as a mark of showing respect to the older people. This tradition of keeping the Aanchal on the head is practised and loved by most of the Indian women.
8. Jijivisha ( जिजीविषा ) ( Jijīviṣā )
I have Jijivisha!
This is my personal favourite in the list of beautiful Hindi words. Primarily, it is a Sanskrit word, but also used in Hindi. Break the term. Ji (जि) means the curiosity. The second Ji (जी) means the life and Visha means (विषा) the desire. Together, the word means a strong yearning or desire to live life. It cannot be translated into English as a whole word and that alone makes it really interesting. Undoubtedly, the language contains more such beautiful Hindi words.
9. Gaganchumbi ( गगनचुंबी ) ( Gaganacunbī )
The sport Cricket is widely played and celebrated in India. When a batsman hits a six that goes high in the sky and then into the crowd, it is often termed as ‘Gaganchumbi chakka’ by the Hindi commentators. The tall buildings are referred to as Gaganchumbi in Hindi.
These examples already gave you the clue. Gaganchumbi means which touches the sky and is very high.
10. Rimjhim ( रिमझिम ) ( Rimajhima )
Rimjhim Rain!
Rimjhim means the slight drizzle and the tip-tap sound of the raindrops. It recounts the delightful aspect of the rain and is widely used when talking, writing or singing about rain.
11. Paschatap ( पश्चाताप ) ( pashcātāpa )
Paschatap!
In all these beautiful Hindi words, this has the beauty of repentance. The meaning of Paschatap is repentance or contrition. If you have committed a sin or a mistake, you could remove the stains only through Paschatap. It is believed that the punishments for the sins are lessened when Paschatap seeps in.
12. Sparsh ( स्पर्श ) ( Sparśa )
That tender Sparsh!
It is taken from Sanskrit and means a contact or a touch. The presence of this Sparsh could also be found in the Buddha’s teachings. Also, when the sense organs come into play, a touch or Sparsh comes into the picture.
13. Damak ( दमक ) ( Damaka )
Damak means shine or glitter!
It is one of the simplest words in the list of the 15 beautiful Hindi words. When you see the glow on someone’s face, praise that person saying the ‘Damak’ on their face is really good. Damak is a simple word with three basic letters joined together to give out the meaning of flare or glitter or glow.
14. Jyoti ( ज्योति) ( Jyoti )
Jyoti in the darkness!
The word has its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Jyotis’. It means a divine light and in India, Jyoti word is often used when burning the lamps. It is probably one of the most beautiful Hindi words.
15. Darpan ( दर्पण ) ( Darpaṇa )
Darpan, Darpan on the wall! Who’s the prettiest of all?
With a Sanskrit derivation, this word means a glass where the image could be reflected or simply, mirror. In Hindi, sometimes it is used metaphorically too, to show the mirror of truth. Thus, with ‘Darpan’ the list of 15 beautiful Hindi words ends!
It does not matter if all of these beautiful Hindi words don’t appear beautiful to you, but believe me, there are many words like yoga, cheetah that are derived from Hindi as well and that itself makes it more beautiful!
What are some of the beautiful Hindi words that you know? Share them with us! Comment in the comment section below!
By ShradhaTiwari
