Understanding the meaning of “first” in Hindi is crucial for anyone learning the language or interacting with Hindi speakers. While the most common translation is “pehla” (पहला) for masculine and “pehli” (पहली) for feminine, the nuances of “first” extend beyond this simple translation, encompassing various contexts and idiomatic expressions. Knowing when and how to use the appropriate Hindi equivalent is essential for effective communication.
Decoding “First” in Hindi: Beyond the Basics
While “pehla” (पहला) and “pehli” (पहली) are the most common translations for “first”, the actual word you use can depend on the gender and number of the noun it modifies. For example, “first boy” translates to “pehla ladka” (पहला लड़का), while “first girl” is “pehli ladki” (पहली लड़की). Plural forms like “pehle” (पहले) are used for groups, such as “pehle log” (पहले लोग) meaning “the first people.”
Furthermore, “first” can also express the concept of priority or importance. In such cases, words like “pramukh” (प्रमुख) meaning “primary” or “mukhya” (मुख्य) meaning “main” can be more appropriate. For instance, “the first priority” could be translated as “pramukh prathmikta” (प्रमुख प्राथमिकता).
First in Different Contexts: Time, Order, and Rank
Understanding the context is crucial when translating “first”. When referring to a sequence, “pehla” is generally appropriate. However, when talking about time, phrases like “pahle pahal” (पहले पहल) meaning “at first” or “shuru mein” (शुरू में) meaning “in the beginning” might be more fitting. For example, “At first, I didn’t understand Hindi” would translate to “Shuru mein, mujhe Hindi samajh nahi aati thi” (शुरू में, मुझे हिंदी समझ नहीं आती थी).
In contexts involving rank or achievement, “pratham” (प्रथम) is often used, particularly in formal settings. For instance, “He came first in the race” would translate as “Vah daud mein pratham aaya” (वह दौड़ में प्रथम आया). Choosing the correct term depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Firstcry Meaning in Hindi and Other Unique Phrases
Some English phrases containing “first” have direct Hindi equivalents. For instance, “firstcry,” a popular Indian e-commerce platform for baby products, retains its English spelling in Hindi but is understood within the Indian context. Other phrases might require more creative translations. “First of all” can be translated as “sabse pehle” (सबसे पहले).
“At first glance” can be expressed as “pahli nazar mein” (पहली नज़र में). Mastering these idiomatic expressions is key to sounding more natural and fluent in Hindi.
Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances of “First” in Hindi
As we’ve seen, translating “first” into Hindi isn’t always straightforward. The appropriate translation depends on the context, gender, number, and intended meaning. While “pehla” (पहला) and “pehli” (पहली) serve as the foundation, exploring alternative terms like “pratham” (प्रथम), “pramukh” (प्रमुख), and “mukhya” (मुख्य) and understanding idiomatic expressions greatly enhances communication. By understanding these nuances, you’ll be well-equipped to communicate accurately and effectively in Hindi.
FAQ:
- What is the most common Hindi word for “first”? The most common Hindi words for “first” are “pehla” (पहला) for masculine and “pehli” (पहली) for feminine nouns.
- How do I say “first priority” in Hindi? “First priority” can be translated as “pramukh prathmikta” (प्रमुख प्राथमिकता).
- What is the Hindi word for “first” in a race? “Pratham” (प्रथम) is often used to indicate “first” place in a competition or race.
- How do I say “at first” in Hindi? You can say “pahle pahal” (पहले पहल) or “shuru mein” (शुरू में) for “at first”.
- Is “firstcry” translated into Hindi? “Firstcry” generally retains its English spelling in Hindi.
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