Download Hindi Key Terms

HINDI KEY TERMS
altar
vedi
This is used as a place to make offerings to God/god.
bad soul/bad spirit
bura aatma
used to describe demons
The Hindu understanding of demons or bad spirits seems to be spirits of the dead that have not yet been reincarnated. It is not
uncommon to have demon possession. Sometimes, the family will speculate what dead relative is tormenting the person.
Other words or phrases used are: upri chakkar (spirit in the air), bhut (ghost), dushta aatma (evil spirit). Bura aatma was used
in the hopes that the term would be broad enough to encompass the demons referred to in Scripture that do not necessarily
mean non-reincarnated souls.
baptism (1) / baptize
batisma
a special dipping in water that shows God's forgiveness by turning away from sin, turning to God
baptism (2)
batisma
a special dipping in water that shows God's forgiveness by turning away from sin, turning to God and receive God's (Holy) Spirit.
bless
see "blessed"
blessed
aashish; dhanay
Blessed is used for all sorts of situations in Hindi. It's a good thing. Means something is special, set apart
caste
jaati
meaning tribe': nation: A group of people from the same family line, community, race and language.
consecration
abishek
consecration, setting apart for a task
This term is usually used in religious ceremonies. In times long ago and in stories, when a person would ascend to the throne,
he would go through a religious ceremony, or consecration, to be set apart for the task.
cross
crus
Two wooden planks on which criminals are hung to die.
devotees/believers
bhakt, vishvasi
used for those who follow/believe (devote themselves to Jesus) in Jesus Christ. Destinguished from the original 12 disciples.
The only difference between these terms 'devotees/believers' and 'disciples/followers' is that 'disciples/followers' are more like
"students" .... learning from a teacher/'guru.' 'Disciples/followers' are 'devotee/believers,' but are intent on learning specifically
from a teacher.
disciple/disciples/followers
chelo, sheeshe
Both words in Hindi (chelo/sheeshe) describe followers or disciples of Jesus and have been used interchangeably through the
stories. It is common for some Hindus to follow a religious teacher/guru. The only difference between these terms 'devotees/
believers' and 'disciples/followers' is that 'disciples/followers' are more like "students" .... learning from a teacher/'guru.'
'Disciples/followers' are 'devotee/believers,' but are intent on learning specifically from a teacher.
faith
vishwas
belief; trust. The word used for 'faith' is not solely a religious term. It is used by common people in everyday conversations.
foretellers
bhavishe wakta
Meaning "tellers of the future." Word could be used for "prophets." The other word for 'prophet' is 'Permeshwar kae sevak'.
We are using 'Permeshwar kae sevak' in this story set to mean prophet/servant of God. This word has the same meaning, but
carries with it the added meaning of one that can relay/repeat what will happen in the future. There is a completely separate
word in Hindi for someone that is a fortune-teller.
freedom/salvation
mukti
In religious usage, this word can be translated as free, freedom, save, salvation, redemption. It is also used in describing social
movements.
ghost
bhut
spirit from the dead
god
Permeshwar
refers to the creator God
used in the Hindi Bibles; accepted use by Christians
used in almost every story
god/goddess
devta (male); devi (goddess)
Generic term used in Hindi for god
heart
hrday
used to show seat of emotions, the true person; same word used in Machli Hindi translation
heaven
swarg
The place where God lives.
holy
pavitr
Refers to things that are special, set a part from things that might be considered normal or common place. These things could
be people, days, places, events, etc. Events associated with the gods are considered holy and rituals at these events are
repeated at the same time each year.
Lord
prabu
Used as a title for Jesus. Can be used alone, or combined with the name of Jesus. In the OT, the word often refers to God
(Permeshwar). This title has the meaning of Lord or Master. It is used widely by Christians for respect. It is used some in
Hinduism as well.
lord (2)
guru
This word refers to "teacher-type" authority. Used for respect.
lord/master/sir
soami
This is a term of authority, but not used in the sense of divine authority. It is a tern used to show respect and is sometimes
used toward someone who has a priestly role in religioius activities. Also, this word is sometimes translated as "lord/master."
love
kripa
Can be translated "blessed, mercy, blessing, or love."
mercy
kripa
Can be translated "blessed, mercy, blessing, or love." Can also be translated as pity. It depends on the context of the word.
mercy (2)
daya
mercy, clemency, pity. Depends on the context of the word.
messenger from heaven
swargdut
these are spirits who carry messages for God. Literally means messenger from heaven (angel). This is used in the Hindi Bible
Messiah
masi
This is a common word among Christians meaning "Savior" or "Promised One." The term is also used in Bollywood movies to
refer to a person who rescues/saves. He is seens as the hero of the movie.
Most High God
Param Pradhan Permeshwar
Another term used to honor God. It carries a high degree of respect and means that no other God is above Him.
place of worship
aradhnale
This phrase has been chosen instead of "mandir," because "temple" is related too closely to Hindu worship. 'Place of worship' is
a generic term; however, it would not be the natural choice of a Hindu who is referring to their 'temple,' or a Muslim who is
referring to his 'mosque.' While the Hindu might use the phrase to refer to the 'church,' the more commonly heard term is
"mandir." While a Muslim might use this phrase to refer to their 'church,' they are more likely to refer to it as "masjid' for their
'place of worship.' However, a follower of Jesus would use the term interchangeably with the word for 'church.'
praise/praising
stuti
Used for "praising," but different for "prayer/worship." Used for praising any god; not necessarily part of worship.
pray
prathna
Pray; or a pleading prayer to God
religious day of rest
dharmik vishram ka din
Used in place of "sabbath" because "sabbath" is not understood in Hindu culture.
religious leader
dharam guru
People who are the authority on religious matters.
religious teacher
dharam shikshalk
Teachers who are the authority on religious matters.
righteous
dharmik
To be right with God. A 'righteous' person is anyone of any faith who follows the teachings of that faith. For example, a Hindu
would be considered 'righteous' if he does 'puja' to his god everyday, goes to his temple regularly, helps the poor, is right in his
dealings with others, etc.
savior
mokhti data
one who saves; one who relieves a person's burdens. In everyday usage, it can have religious or secular meaning. A politician
can be a mokhti data. This word could also be translated "liberator."
This is not the word used in the Hindi Bible. The word used in the Hindi Bible, 'udhaar,' may be confused with another similar
word that has a very different meaning.
bajane vala
one who saves, rescues
We did not use this phrase in this story set because it is not the word commonly used in Hindi scriptures. The word in the Bible,
'udhaar,' is a Biblical term that may be confused with a similar Hindi word that has different meaning.
servant
dAs, naukar, sevak
a salve/servant in one's household. It can mean either word depending on the context in which the word is used. Originally, all
three words have specific meanings. But, today they are used interchangably and the meaning is determined by the context in
which they are used.
servant of God
Permeshwar ke sevak
used for prophet, one sent by God to lead the people or bring messages to God's people; God's spokesman
"Nabi" is the word used in the Hindi Machli Bible for "prophet." It is an Urdu based word and has not been understood by
Hindus.
sin
pap
Doing bad things that offend God and man (i.e. lying, adultery, stealing, cheating, killing, etc.)
sinner
papE
A person who does bad things that offend God and man (i.e. lying, adultery, stealing, cheating, killing, etc.)
songs of worship
bajan
any songs of worship
soul
prarn
This word is used much less frequently than aatma (Spirit). This has the meaning of "life." If a person is no longer breathing,
then he no longer has a soul.
spirit
aatma
Used widely in printed Scripture. It refers to the spiritual part of a person. Combined with adjectives can have special meanings
referring to Holy Spirit , God's Spirit, or evil spirit. Sometimes translated into English as "soul," although soul has more the
meaning of "life."
worshipper
pujari
refers to serious worshippers and priests of other religions. Not used to refer to worshippers of the true God.
worship/pray
aradhna/upAsna
Can be translated "prayer" (any kind of prayer: asking, thanking, conversation) or "worship." There is no difference between
the Hindi words for 'prayer' and 'worship.' Praying, singing, chanting, reading scripture, etc. are considered acts of 'prayer' or
'worship.'