Understanding the nuances of “barely” can be tricky, especially when translating it to Hindi. This word signifies a small degree or a narrow margin, implying something is only just achieved or true. So, how do we accurately capture this meaning in Hindi? This article explores various Hindi translations of “barely,” examining their subtle differences and providing practical examples to help you grasp their usage.
Decoding “Barely”: Hindi Translations and Examples
“Barely” doesn’t have a single, perfect equivalent in Hindi. Its meaning shifts depending on the context, requiring different words to capture its essence. Here are some common Hindi translations:
-
मुश्किल से (mushkil se): This translates to “with difficulty” and emphasizes the struggle involved in achieving something. For instance, “I barely passed the exam” would be “मैं मुश्किल से परीक्षा में पास हुआ” (main mushkil se pariksha mein paas hua). It implies you just managed to pass, highlighting the challenge.
-
कठिनाई से (kathinai se): Similar to mushkil se, this also means “with difficulty.” However, it often suggests a greater degree of hardship.
-
ज़्यादा नहीं (zyada nahin): Meaning “not much” or “not many,” this translation works when “barely” refers to quantity. For example, “There’s barely any food left” translates to “ज़्यादा खाना नहीं बचा है” (zyada khana nahin bacha hai).
-
मात्र (matra): This word signifies “only” or “merely,” highlighting the small amount or degree. “Barely a week” can be translated as “मात्र एक हफ्ता” (matra ek hafta).
-
मुश्किल से ही (mushkil se hi): Adding “hi” to mushkil se adds emphasis, further highlighting the narrow margin.
Choosing the Right Hindi Word for “Barely”
Selecting the appropriate Hindi word depends heavily on the specific context. Consider these examples:
-
Barely enough: Here, काफ़ी नहीं (kaafi nahin), meaning “not enough,” would be suitable.
-
Barely visible: मुश्किल से दिखाई देना (mushkil se dikhai dena), meaning “hardly visible,” conveys the near invisibility.
-
Barely audible: मुश्किल से सुनाई देना (mushkil se sunai dena) or बमुश्किल सुनाई देना (bamushkil sunai dena) expresses the difficulty in hearing something.
Common Questions About “Barely” in Hindi
-
What is the most common Hindi translation for “barely”? Mushkil se is often the most common and versatile translation.
-
Can I use “thoDa” (a little) to translate “barely”? While sometimes interchangeable, thoda implies a small quantity, whereas “barely” can also refer to a narrow margin irrespective of quantity.
-
Is there a difference between “mushkil se” and “kathinai se”? While both mean “with difficulty,” kathinai se often implies a greater degree of hardship.
Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances of “Barely” in Hindi
While translating “barely” to Hindi can be tricky, understanding the nuances of each Hindi alternative helps ensure accurate communication. By considering the specific context and choosing the most appropriate word, you can effectively convey the intended meaning of “barely” in your Hindi conversations and writing.
FAQs
-
How do you say “I barely know him” in Hindi? मैं उसे मुश्किल से जानता हूँ (Main use mushkil se janta hun)
-
What is the Hindi translation for “barely made it”? मुश्किल से पहुँच गया/गई (Mushkil se pahunch gaya/gayi)
-
Can “lagbhag” be used as a synonym for “barely”? No, lagbhag means “approximately” which has a different meaning than “barely.”
-
How to say “barely touched” in Hindi? मुश्किल से छुआ (Mushkil se chua)
-
What’s the difference between “kam” and “barely” in Hindi? Kam means less, whereas barely implies just enough or with difficulty.
Meaning-Hindi.in specializes in accurate and culturally sensitive Hindi translation services. We offer a wide range of translation solutions, from business and legal documents to technical manuals and website localization. Whether you need help with commercial translations or academic papers, our expert team is here to assist you. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +91 11-4502-7584. Meaning-Hindi.in is your trusted partner for all your Hindi translation needs.