Learning a new language can be both an enriching and challenging experience. For learners of Marathi, understanding the nuances of similar-sounding words with different meanings is crucial. Two such words that often confuse learners are पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani). Both words are essential in daily conversations, especially given Maharashtra’s climate and the cultural significance of water and rain. This article will delve into these two words, providing definitions, usage, and example sentences to aid your learning journey.

पाऊस (paus) – Rain

The word पाऊस (paus) in Marathi means “rain.” Rain is a significant part of the Indian monsoon experience, and it’s no wonder that the word is frequently used in daily Marathi conversations. Understanding how to use this word correctly will help you discuss weather conditions, farming, and even cultural aspects tied to the monsoon season.

पाऊस (paus): Rain.
आज खूप पाऊस पडतो आहे.
Today, it is raining heavily.

Related Vocabulary for पाऊस (paus)

पावसाळा (pavasaala): Monsoon season.
पावसाळ्यात शेतकरी आनंदी असतात.
Farmers are happy during the monsoon season.

पावसाचे थेंब (pavasaache themb): Raindrops.
पानांवर पावसाचे थेंब पडले आहेत.
Raindrops have fallen on the leaves.

पावसाचे पाणी (pavasaache paani): Rainwater.
पावसाचे पाणी साठवणे महत्त्वाचे आहे.
It is important to collect rainwater.

पावसाची सर (pavasaachi sar): Rain shower.
आत्ता पावसाची सर आली.
A rain shower just came.

पावसाची रिमझिम (pavasaachi rimzhim): Drizzle.
रात्री पावसाची रिमझिम झाली.
It drizzled at night.

पाणी (pani) – Water

The word पाणी (pani) means “water” in Marathi. Water is essential for life, and this word finds its way into numerous contexts, from drinking water to bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Knowing how to use this word will allow you to discuss various topics related to daily life, health, and the environment.

पाणी (pani): Water.
मला थोडे पाणी हवे आहे.
I need some water.

Related Vocabulary for पाणी (pani)

पिण्याचे पाणी (pinyaache paani): Drinking water.
पिण्याचे पाणी स्वच्छ असावे.
Drinking water should be clean.

नदीचे पाणी (nadiche paani): River water.
गावातील लोक नदीचे पाणी वापरतात.
The villagers use river water.

तलावाचे पाणी (talaavaache paani): Lake water.
तलावाचे पाणी थंड असते.
Lake water is cool.

समुद्राचे पाणी (samudraache paani): Seawater.
समुद्राचे पाणी खारट असते.
Seawater is salty.

पाण्याची बाटली (paanyachi baatali): Water bottle.
तू माझी पाण्याची बाटली पाहिली का?
Did you see my water bottle?

Common Expressions Using पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani)

It’s also beneficial to understand some common expressions and idioms involving these words. These expressions will make your Marathi sound more natural and native.

पाणी पाजणे (pani paajane): To offer water (a gesture of hospitality).
तिने मला पाणी पाजले.
She offered me water.

पाण्यात जाणे (paanyat jaane): To drown.
त्याचा मोबाईल पाण्यात गेला.
His mobile phone drowned in the water.

पाण्यात बुडणे (paanyat budane): To sink in water.
नाव पाण्यात बुडाली.
The boat sank in the water.

पावसात भिजणे (paavasat bhijane): To get drenched in the rain.
मी पावसात भिजलो.
I got drenched in the rain.

पावसात खेळणे (paavasat khelane): To play in the rain.
लहान मुलं पावसात खेळत होती.
Children were playing in the rain.

How to Use पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani) in Sentences

Now that we have a basic understanding of these words and related vocabulary, let’s look at how to use these words in sentences. This section will provide more context and help you frame your own sentences.

पाऊस (paus): Rain.
पावसामुळे रस्ते ओले झाले आहेत.
The roads are wet due to the rain.

पाणी (pani): Water.
पाण्याचे महत्व सर्वांना माहित आहे.
Everyone knows the importance of water.

More Complex Sentences

पाऊस (paus): Rain.
पावसामुळे शेतीला चांगले पाणी मिळाले आहे.
The rain has provided good water for the crops.

पाणी (pani): Water.
पाण्याची कमतरता ही एक मोठी समस्या आहे.
Water scarcity is a major problem.

Cultural Significance of पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani)

In Marathi culture, both पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani) hold significant importance. Festivals, agricultural practices, and daily life are deeply intertwined with these elements.

पाऊस (paus) in Festivals

The monsoon season is celebrated with various festivals in Maharashtra. One such festival is आषाढी एकादशी (Aashadhi Ekadashi), which marks the onset of the monsoon. Devotees walk long distances to visit the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur, often braving heavy rains.

आषाढी एकादशी (Aashadhi Ekadashi): A monsoon festival.
आषाढी एकादशीला पाऊस असतोच.
It always rains on Aashadhi Ekadashi.

पाणी (pani) in Daily Life

Water is essential in daily life for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. In rural areas, women often gather at the village well to fetch water, a daily routine that also serves as a social gathering.

विहीर (vihir): Well.
गावातल्या विहिरीत पाणी भरपूर आहे.
The village well has plenty of water.

घागर (ghaagar): Water pot.
तिने घागर भरली आणि घरी आली.
She filled the water pot and came home.

Conclusion

Understanding the words पाऊस (paus) and पाणी (pani) is crucial for mastering Marathi. These words are not just vocabulary items but are deeply embedded in the cultural and daily life of Marathi-speaking people. By learning their meanings, related vocabulary, and usage in sentences, you can significantly improve your Marathi language skills.

Feel free to practice these words and sentences in your daily conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will become. Happy learning!