Understanding the meaning and usage of “ward off” in Hindi can be tricky. This guide explores various Hindi translations, their nuances, and how they fit into different contexts. Whether you’re looking for the right word for everyday conversations, literary works, or technical translations, we’ll help you navigate the subtleties of this versatile English phrase.
Understanding “Ward Off” in English
Before diving into Hindi translations, it’s crucial to grasp the English meaning of “ward off.” “Ward off” essentially means to prevent something unpleasant from happening or affecting you. This could be anything from illness and danger to evil spirits and bad luck. The phrase implies a defensive action, often proactive, to keep something unwanted at bay.
Hindi Translations of “Ward Off”
There isn’t one single perfect Hindi translation for “ward off.” The best choice depends on the specific context. Here are some common options:
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टालना (taalna): This is perhaps the most general translation and means “to avoid” or “to avert.” It suits situations where you’re preventing something undesirable, like avoiding a traffic jam or postponing a difficult conversation.
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बचाना (bachana): Meaning “to save” or “to protect,” this translation works well when talking about safeguarding someone or something from harm. For instance, you might use it to describe using sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
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रोकना (rokna): This translates to “to stop” or “to prevent.” It’s suitable when describing actions that directly halt something, like stopping a thief or preventing a fire.
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दूर रखना (duur rakhna): This phrase literally means “to keep away” and is appropriate for situations where you’re maintaining distance from something undesirable. An example would be keeping away from gossip or avoiding negative influences.
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भगाना (bhagana): Meaning “to drive away” or “to chase away,” this is a stronger translation and is often used in contexts involving threats or unwanted advances. You might use it to describe warding off a stray dog or a persistent salesperson.
Warding Off Evil: A Cultural Perspective
In Indian culture, the concept of warding off evil spirits and negativity holds significant importance. Specific rituals, amulets, and practices are employed to protect oneself and one’s home. For example, the practice of nazar utarna is believed to ward off the evil eye. In such cultural contexts, words like दूर करना (duur karna) – “to remove” or निवारण करना (nivaran karna) – “to eliminate” might be more appropriate.
Choosing the Right Word
Selecting the right Hindi translation for “ward off” involves careful consideration of the context. Think about the specific nuance you want to convey. Are you preventing something from happening, protecting something from harm, or actively repelling a threat? This will help you choose the most accurate and effective translation.
Ward Off in Literature and Formal Settings
In literary works or formal writing, using a more sophisticated vocabulary can enhance the impact of your language. For instance, प्रतिरोध करना (pratirodh karna) – “to resist” or निरस्त करना (nirast karna) – “to nullify” can provide a more nuanced translation of “ward off.”
Examples and Usage
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how different Hindi translations of “ward off” are used:
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She wore a scarf to ward off the cold: उसने ठंड से बचने के लिए एक स्कार्फ़ पहना। (Usne thand se bachne ke liye ek scarf pehna.)
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He tried to ward off the attacker: उसने हमलावर को रोकने की कोशिश की। (Usne hamlawar ko rokne ki koshish ki.)
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They performed a ritual to ward off evil spirits: उन्होंने बुरी आत्माओं को दूर करने के लिए एक अनुष्ठान किया। (Unhone buri aatmaon ko duur karne ke liye ek anushtan kiya.)
Conclusion: Mastering “Ward Off” in Hindi
As we’ve explored, translating “ward off” into Hindi isn’t a simple one-to-one conversion. Understanding the nuances of various Hindi words and their contextual applications is key. By considering the specific meaning you intend to convey, you can effectively communicate the idea of “ward off” in Hindi, whether in casual conversations or formal writing.
FAQs
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What is the most common Hindi translation for “ward off”? टालना (taalna) is a common and versatile translation.
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How do I choose the right Hindi word for “ward off”? Consider the context and the specific nuance you want to express.
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Are there specific Hindi words for warding off evil? Yes, words like दूर करना (duur karna) and निवारण करना (nivaran karna) are often used.
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Can I use bachana to translate “ward off”? Yes, bachana works well when describing protection from harm.
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Is rokna a suitable translation for “ward off”? Yes, rokna is appropriate when describing actions that directly stop something.
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