Understanding the Basics: The Verb “To Wear” in Hindi
The general verb for “to wear” in Hindi is पहना (pehnā). However, Hindi often uses more specific verbs depending on the type of clothing or accessory. By learning these distinctions, you can enrich your vocabulary and communicate more precisely.
Common Ways to Say “To Wear” in Hindi
1. पहनना (Pehnāna) – The Most Common Verb
पहनना (pehnnā) is used for most clothing items, especially those that you put on your body, such as shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes.
- शर्ट पहनना (shirt pehnnā) – to wear a shirt
- कपड़े पहनना (kapde pehnnā) – to wear clothes
- जूते पहनना (joote pehnnā) – to wear shoes
This verb is versatile and can be safely used in most situations involving clothes and accessories.
2. ओढ़ना (Oṛhnā) – For Draping or Wrapping Clothes
ओढ़ना (oṛhnā) is used for items that are draped or wrapped around the body, such as shawls, dupattas, or blankets.
- शॉल ओढ़ना (shawl oṛhnā) – to wear/drape a shawl
- दुपट्टा ओढ़ना (dupatta oṛhnā) – to wear/drape a dupatta (scarf)
- कंबल ओढ़ना (kambal oṛhnā) – to wrap oneself in a blanket
This verb emphasizes the action of wrapping or covering oneself with the cloth.
3. लगाना (Lagānā) – For Accessories and Cosmetics
लगाना (lagānā) is used for applying items to the body, such as makeup, sindoor (vermillion), or perfume.
- सिंदूर लगाना (sindoor lagānā) – to apply sindoor
- इत्र लगाना (itra lagānā) – to apply perfume
- मेकअप लगाना (makeup lagānā) – to wear makeup
This verb is more about applying or attaching items rather than wearing them in the conventional sense.
4. बाँधना (Bāndhnā) – For Tying or Fastening Items
बाँधना (bāndhnā) is used for items that are tied or fastened to the body, such as a turban, belt, or a tie.
- पगड़ी बाँधना (pagdi bāndhnā) – to tie/wear a turban
- बेल्ट बाँधना (belt bāndhnā) – to wear a belt
- टाई बाँधना (tie bāndhnā) – to wear a tie
This verb emphasizes the act of tying or fastening something around a part of the body.
5. पहनाना (Pehnāna) – To Dress Someone Else
When referring to helping someone else wear clothes, such as helping a child get dressed, use पहनाना (pehnānā).
- बच्चे को कपड़े पहनाना (bacche ko kapde pehnānā) – to dress the child
Examples in Sentences
- मैं आज नीली शर्ट पहनूंगा। (Main aaj neeli shirt pehnunga.) – I will wear a blue shirt today.
- सर्दी में लोग स्वेटर ओढ़ते हैं। (Sardi mein log sweater oṛhte hain.) – People drape/wear sweaters in winter.
- उसने अपने बालों में फूल लगाए। (Usne apne balon mein phool lagaye.) – She wore (put) flowers in her hair.
- मैं हर दिन घड़ी पहनता हूँ। (Main har din ghadi pehnta hoon.) – I wear a watch every day.
- पिता जी ने बेटे को जैकेट पहनाई। (Pita ji ne bete ko jacket pehnai.) – Father dressed the son in a jacket.
Cultural Insights and Tips
In Hindi-speaking cultures, the verb choice often reflects respect for tradition and the specific way an item is worn. Using the correct verb, such as ओढ़ना for a saree or shawl, not only improves your language skills but also shows cultural sensitivity. When learning Hindi with platforms like Talkpal AI, practicing these verbs in context will help you retain them better and use them accurately in real-life situations.
Summary Table: How to Say “To Wear” for Different Clothing in Hindi
| Type of Item | Hindi Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| General Clothing (shirt, pants, shoes, dress) | पहनना (pehnnā) | शर्ट पहनना (to wear a shirt) |
| Draped Items (shawl, dupatta, blanket) | ओढ़ना (oṛhnā) | शॉल ओढ़ना (to drape a shawl) |
| Accessories/Makeup | लगाना (lagānā) | मेकअप लगाना (to wear makeup) |
| Tied/Fastened Items (turban, belt, tie) | बाँधना (bāndhnā) | टाई बाँधना (to wear a tie) |
| Dressing Someone Else | पहनाना (pehnānā) | बच्चे को कपड़े पहनाना (to dress a child) |
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say “to wear” in Hindi will greatly enhance your ability to communicate about clothing and appearance with native speakers. Whether you’re describing your outfit, giving instructions, or talking about cultural attire, choosing the right verb makes your Hindi sound authentic and respectful of the culture. Continue practicing these verbs with the help of language learning platforms like Talkpal AI, and you’ll find yourself using them naturally in conversations. For more tips and lessons on learning Hindi, keep exploring the Talkpal blog!
