Understanding the meaning of “cross” in Hindi can be surprisingly nuanced, depending on the context. While a simple translation might suffice in some cases, grasping the cultural and linguistic subtleties can significantly enrich your communication. This article delves into the various Hindi translations of “cross,” exploring their usage in different situations, from everyday conversations to religious and literary contexts. You’ll learn not only the direct equivalents but also the idiomatic expressions that capture the essence of “cross” in Hindi.
Decoding “Cross” in Hindi: A Multifaceted Approach
“Cross” in English can function as a noun, verb, or adjective, leading to various interpretations in Hindi. As a noun, it can refer to a physical object, a symbol, or an intersection. As a verb, it signifies traversing or intersecting. And as an adjective, it describes something placed across or transverse. Each of these functionalities has specific corresponding terms in Hindi.
Common Hindi Translations of “Cross”
- पार (paar): This is perhaps the most common translation, often used to describe crossing a physical barrier like a river or a road. For instance, “crossing the river” would be “नदी पार करना” (nadee paar karna).
- क्रॉस (krॉs): The transliterated version is also used, especially in urban settings and for technical terms. This is often seen on road signs indicating intersections.
- आर-पार (aar-paar): This term implies crossing completely from one side to the other, emphasizing the thoroughness of the crossing. Think of “going across the field” as “खेत आर-पार जाना” (khet aar-paar jaana).
- काटना (kaatna): This verb means “to cut” or “to intersect,” and can be used when talking about lines or paths crossing each other.
- चौराहा (chauraha): This noun specifically refers to a crossroads or intersection.
Religious and Symbolic Connotations of “Cross”
In a religious context, “cross” usually refers to the Christian symbol. While “क्रॉस (krॉs)” is commonly understood, the term क्रूस (kroos) provides a more specific and respectful translation in Hindi, especially when discussing Christian beliefs.
Using “Cross” in Different Contexts: Examples and Idioms
To better understand the nuances, let’s look at some examples:
- Crossing the street: सड़क पार करना (sadak paar karna)
- Cross-country race: क्रॉस-कंट्री दौड़ (krॉs-kantri daud)
- Cross-referencing: संदर्भों की तुलना करना (sandarbhon ki tulna karna)
- Cross my heart: This idiom doesn’t have a direct equivalent but can be conveyed as “मैं कसम खाता हूँ” (main kasam khata hun) or “मैं वादा करता हूँ” (main vada karta hun), meaning “I swear” or “I promise.”
How do you say “cut across” in Hindi?
The phrase “cut across” often means to take a shortcut. In Hindi, this can be expressed as “रास्ता काटना” (rasta kaatna) which literally translates to “cut the path.”
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Hindi Word for “Cross”
As you can see, translating “cross” into Hindi requires careful consideration of the context. While “paar” and “krॉs” are frequently used, understanding the nuances of other terms like “aar-paar,” “kaatna,” and “chauraha” allows for more precise and culturally sensitive communication. Remember to use “kroos” when discussing the Christian cross to avoid any unintended misinterpretations. By mastering these subtle differences, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning of “cross” in various situations.
FAQ
- What is the most common way to say “cross” in Hindi? The most common translation is “paar (पार).”
- How do you say “crossroads” in Hindi? “Chauraha (चौराहा)” means crossroads.
- Is “cross” used in Hindi at all? Yes, the transliterated version “krॉs (क्रॉस)” is commonly used, especially in technical and urban contexts.
- What is the religious term for “cross” in Hindi? “Kroos (क्रूस)” is the more appropriate term when referring to the Christian cross.
- How do you express the idiom “cross my heart” in Hindi? While there is no direct equivalent, you can use phrases like “main kasam khata hun (मैं कसम खाता हूँ)” or “main vada karta hun (मैं वादा करता हूँ)” to convey the meaning of swearing or promising.
- How do you say “cut across” in Hindi? You can say “rasta kaatna (रास्ता काटना)”.
- Is it important to differentiate between the different Hindi translations of “cross”? Yes, understanding the nuances ensures accurate and culturally sensitive communication.
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