What is the Meaning of Despite in Hindi?

Despite is a common English word that often trips up Hindi speakers when translating. Understanding its nuanced meaning and finding the perfect Hindi equivalent is crucial for clear communication. This article explores the various ways to express “despite” in Hindi, providing you with a comprehensive guide to confidently navigate this tricky translation.

Decoding “Despite”: Understanding its Essence

“Despite” indicates contrast or concession. It highlights that something happened even though another factor might have prevented it. Think of it as acknowledging an obstacle but emphasizing the outcome regardless. For example, “Despite the rain, we went to the park.” This means the rain could have stopped us, but it didn’t.

Hindi Equivalents of “Despite”

Several Hindi words and phrases capture the essence of “despite,” each with subtle differences:

  • के बावजूद (ke bāvajūd): This is the most common and direct translation of “despite.” It signifies “in spite of” or “regardless of.”

  • हालांकि (hālāṅki): While primarily meaning “although” or “however,” “hālāṅki” can convey the sense of “despite” when introducing a contrasting clause.

  • यद्यपि (yadyapi): Similar to “hālāṅki,” “yadyapi” is a more formal way to express “although” and can sometimes replace “despite.”

  • फिर भी (phir bhī): Meaning “still,” or “nevertheless,” “phir bhī” emphasizes the outcome despite the obstacle.

  • इसके बावजूद (iske bāvajūd): A variation of “ke bāvajūd,” this phrase adds emphasis by referring specifically to something previously mentioned.

Choosing the Right Word: Context is Key

Selecting the appropriate Hindi equivalent of “despite” depends heavily on the context. Let’s look at some examples:

  • Despite the traffic, I reached on time: “ट्रैफिक के बावजूद, मैं समय पर पहुँच गया।” (ṭrāiphik ke bāvajūd, main samay par pahunch gayā.)

  • Despite her illness, she attended the meeting: “बीमारी के बावजूद, वह मीटिंग में शामिल हुई।” (bīmārī ke bāvajūd, vah mīṭing meṅ śāmil huī.)

  • Despite his efforts, he failed: “उसके प्रयासों के बावजूद, वह विफल रहा।” (uske prayāsoṅ ke bāvajūd, vah viphal rahā.)

Despite vs. Although: A Subtle Difference

While often interchangeable, “despite” and “although” have slight differences. “Despite” is followed by a noun or noun phrase, whereas “although” introduces a clause. In Hindi, this distinction becomes more evident. For example, “Despite the rain” (बारिश के बावजूद – bāriś ke bāvajūd) uses a noun phrase, while “Although it was raining” (हालांकि बारिश हो रही थी – hālāṅki bāriś ho rahī thī) uses a clause.

Conclusion

Mastering the nuances of “despite” in Hindi is essential for accurate and effective communication. By understanding the various Hindi equivalents and their contextual usage, you can express yourself with clarity and precision. Remember to consider the grammatical structure and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing the right word or phrase. So, despite the initial challenge, achieving fluency in this aspect of Hindi translation is definitely within your reach!

FAQ

  1. What’s the most common Hindi word for “despite”? के बावजूद (ke bāvajūd) is the most common and direct translation.

  2. Can I use “hālāṅki” for “despite”? Yes, “hālāṅki” can convey the sense of “despite” when introducing a contrasting clause.

  3. Is “yadyapi” the same as “hālāṅki”? They are similar, but “yadyapi” is more formal.

  4. What’s the difference between “despite” and “although”? “Despite” is followed by a noun phrase, while “although” introduces a clause.

  5. How do I choose the right Hindi word for “despite”? Context is key; consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

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