This lesson focuses on the Hindi equivalents of the English word "all," which can be expressed through three main forms: सब (sab), सभी (sabhī), and सारा/सारी/सारे (sārā/sārī/sāre). Understanding these variations is crucial for expressing totality and completeness in Hindi. For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
Definition: In Hindi, "all" expresses totality, completeness, or the entire quantity of something. The choice between सब, सभी, and सारा depends on formality, grammatical context, and what is being described. सब (sab) is the most common and versatile form, सभी (sabhī) is more formal and emphatic, while सारा (sārā) and its gendered forms agree with the noun they modify.
In this lesson, you will encounter these words used in various contexts - from everyday conversations to formal situations. The examples demonstrate how "all" functions differently in Hindi compared to English, particularly in terms of word order and gender agreement. Through 15 carefully constructed sentences, you'll learn to recognize and use these essential words naturally.
Key Takeaways: -
सब (sab) is the most common word for "all" and can mean "everyone" or "everything" -
सभी (sabhī) is a more formal or emphatic version of सब -
सारा/सारी/सारे (sārā/sārī/sāre) must agree in gender and number with the noun -
Word order in Hindi often differs from English when using "all" -
Context determines which form of "all" is most appropriate
Question: What does "all" mean in Hindi? Answer: "All" in Hindi is primarily expressed by सब (sab), which means "all," "everyone," or "everything." More formal alternatives include सभी (sabhī) and the gender-specific forms सारा/सारी/सारे (sārā/sārī/sāre), which must agree with the noun they modify.
Course: Hindi Language Learning for English Speakers Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Hindi Word for "All" - सब/सभी/सारा Type: Language Learning Material Method: Interlinear Translation Method Institution: Latinum Institute
43.1 सब all (sab) लोग people (log) खुश happy (khush) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.2 मैंने I-by (mainē) सारी all (sārī) किताबें books (kitābeṁ) पढ़ read (paṛh) ली taken (lī) हैं have (haiṁ)
43.3 बच्चों children-to (bacchoṁ) ने by (nē) सब all (sab) खिलौने toys (khilaunē) बाँट share (bāṁṭ) लिए taken (liyē)
43.4 सभी all (sabhī) छात्र students (chātr) कक्षा class (kakṣā) में in (meṁ) उपस्थित present (upasthit) थे were (thē)
43.5 उसने he/she-by (usnē) सारा all (sārā) दिन day (din) काम work (kām) किया did (kiyā)
43.6 हम we (ham) सब all (sab) एक one (ēk) साथ together (sāth) जाएंगे will-go (jāeṁgē)
43.7 सारे all (sārē) फल fruits (phal) ताज़े fresh (tāzē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.8 माँ mother (māṁ) ने by (nē) सब all (sab) कुछ something (kuch) तैयार ready (taiyār) कर do (kar) लिया taken (liyā)
43.9 सभी all (sabhī) मेहमान guests (mēhmān) समय time (samay) पर on (par) पहुँचे arrived (pahuṁcē)
43.10 बगीचे garden (bagīcē) में in (meṁ) सारे all (sārē) फूल flowers (phūl) खिल bloom (khil) गए gone (gaē)
43.11 सब all (sab) को to (kō) मिठाई sweets (miṭhāī) मिली received (milī)
43.12 उसके his/her (uskē) सारे all (sārē) दोस्त friends (dōst) आए came (āē)
43.13 मैं I (maiṁ) सब all (sab) समझ understand (samajh) गया went (gayā)
43.14 सभी all (sabhī) शिक्षक teachers (śikṣak) बैठक meeting (baiṭhak) में in (meṁ) थे were (thē)
43.15 रात night (rāt) भर throughout (bhar) सारा all (sārā) शहर city (śahar) जागता awake (jāgtā) रहा remained (rahā)
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43.1 सब लोग खुश हैं। All people are happy.
43.2 मैंने सारी किताबें पढ़ ली हैं। I have read all the books.
43.3 बच्चों ने सब खिलौने बाँट लिए। The children shared all the toys.
43.4 सभी छात्र कक्षा में उपस्थित थे। All students were present in class.
43.5 उसने सारा दिन काम किया। He/She worked all day.
43.6 हम सब एक साथ जाएंगे। We all will go together.
43.7 सारे फल ताज़े हैं। All the fruits are fresh.
43.8 माँ ने सब कुछ तैयार कर लिया। Mother has prepared everything.
43.9 सभी मेहमान समय पर पहुँचे। All guests arrived on time.
43.10 बगीचे में सारे फूल खिल गए। All the flowers bloomed in the garden.
43.11 सब को मिठाई मिली। Everyone got sweets.
43.12 उसके सारे दोस्त आए। All his/her friends came.
43.13 मैं सब समझ गया। I understood everything.
43.14 सभी शिक्षक बैठक में थे। All teachers were in the meeting.
43.15 रात भर सारा शहर जागता रहा। The whole city remained awake all night.
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43.1 सब लोग खुश हैं।
43.2 मैंने सारी किताबें पढ़ ली हैं।
43.3 बच्चों ने सब खिलौने बाँट लिए।
43.4 सभी छात्र कक्षा में उपस्थित थे।
43.5 उसने सारा दिन काम किया।
43.6 हम सब एक साथ जाएंगे।
43.7 सारे फल ताज़े हैं।
43.8 माँ ने सब कुछ तैयार कर लिया।
43.9 सभी मेहमान समय पर पहुँचे।
43.10 बगीचे में सारे फूल खिल गए।
43.11 सब को मिठाई मिली।
43.12 उसके सारे दोस्त आए।
43.13 मैं सब समझ गया।
43.14 सभी शिक्षक बैठक में थे।
43.15 रात भर सारा शहर जागता रहा।
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The Hindi language has three primary ways to express "all," each with specific grammatical rules:
1. सब (sab) -
Most common and versatile form -
Can function as a pronoun or adjective -
Does not change form based on gender or number -
Often combined with कुछ (kuch) to mean "everything" as सब कुछ (sab kuch) -
Can be used with को (kō) to mean "to everyone" as सब को (sab kō)
2. सभी (sabhī) -
More formal or emphatic version of सब -
Used in written language and formal speech -
Like सब, it doesn't change form -
Often preferred in academic or official contexts
3. सारा/सारी/सारे (sārā/sārī/sāre) -
Must agree with the gender and number of the noun it modifies -
सारा (sārā) - masculine singular -
सारी (sārī) - feminine singular/plural -
सारे (sārē) - masculine plural -
More specific than सब, emphasizing "whole" or "entire"
-
Gender Agreement Error: Using सारा with feminine nouns -
Incorrect: सारा किताबें (sārā kitābeṁ) -
Correct: सारी किताबें (sārī kitābeṁ) -
Word Order Confusion: Placing "all" after the noun as in English -
Incorrect: लोग सब (log sab) -
Correct: सब लोग (sab log) -
Overusing सभी: Using the formal सभी in casual conversation -
Better to use सब in informal contexts -
Missing को with सब: Forgetting to add को when meaning "to all" -
Incorrect: सब मिला (sab milā) -
Correct: सब को मिला (sab kō milā)
Step 1: Identify what you're describing (people, things, abstract concepts)
Step 2: Determine the formality level of your context
Step 3: If using सारा, identify the gender and number of the noun: -
Is it masculine or feminine? -
Is it singular or plural?
Step 4: Choose the appropriate form: -
For general use: सब -
For formal contexts: सभी -
For emphasis on entirety: सारा/सारी/सारे
Step 5: Place "all" before the noun in most cases
Invariable Forms: -
सब (sab) - no change regardless of context -
सभी (sabhī) - no change regardless of context
Variable Form (सारा): -
Masculine singular: सारा दिन (sārā din) - all day -
Feminine singular: सारी रात (sārī rāt) - all night -
Feminine plural: सारी किताबें (sārī kitābeṁ) - all books -
Masculine plural: सारे लोग (sārē log) - all people
Common Combinations: -
सब कुछ (sab kuch) - everything -
सब कोई (sab kōī) - everyone -
सब को (sab kō) - to everyone -
हम सब (ham sab) - we all -
आप सब (āp sab) - you all
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In Hindi-speaking cultures, the concept of "all" carries special significance in various social and religious contexts. The phrase "सब को" (sab kō) is frequently used in blessings and good wishes, reflecting the inclusive nature of Indian society. During festivals, it's common to hear "सब को दीवाली की शुभकामनाएं" (sab kō dīvālī kī śubhkāmnāeṁ) - "Happy Diwali to all."
The use of सब versus सभी often indicates social dynamics. In formal settings like offices or academic institutions, सभी is preferred, showing respect and maintaining professional distance. In family gatherings or among friends, सब creates warmth and intimacy.
The expression "सब कुछ" (everything) appears frequently in Hindi philosophy and spiritual texts, often in contexts discussing detachment or the temporary nature of material possessions. The phrase "सब माया है" (sab māyā hai) - "all is illusion" - is a common philosophical statement.
In Indian hospitality, the concept of inclusiveness is paramount. When serving food, hosts ensure "सब को मिला?" (sab kō milā?) - "Did everyone get some?" This reflects the cultural value of ensuring no one is left out.
The collective pronoun "हम सब" (we all) emphasizes unity and togetherness, central values in Indian society. It's often used to foster group cohesion and shared responsibility, whether in families, communities, or workplaces.
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From Munshi Premchand's story "ईदगाह" (Īdgāh):
"ईद का दिन था। सब बच्चे ईदगाह जाने की तैयारी कर रहे थे। सारे गाँव में खुशी का माहौल था। हामिद के सभी दोस्तों के पास पैसे थे, पर उसके पास कुछ नहीं था।"
ईद Eid (īd) का of (kā) दिन day (din) था was (thā)। सब all (sab) बच्चे children (baccē) ईदगाह Eidgah (īdgāh) जाने going (jānē) की of (kī) तैयारी preparation (taiyārī) कर do (kar) रहे -ing (rahē) थे were (thē)। सारे all/whole (sārē) गाँव village (gāṁv) में in (meṁ) खुशी happiness (khuśī) का of (kā) माहौल atmosphere (māhaul) था was (thā)। हामिद Hamid (hāmid) के of (kē) सभी all (sabhī) दोस्तों friends (dōstoṁ) के of (kē) पास near/with (pās) पैसे money (paisē) थे were (thē), पर but (par) उसके his (uskē) पास with (pās) कुछ anything (kuch) नहीं not (nahīṁ) था was (thā)।
"It was the day of Eid. All the children were preparing to go to Eidgah. There was an atmosphere of happiness in the whole village. All of Hamid's friends had money, but he had nothing."
ईद का दिन था। सब बच्चे ईदगाह जाने की तैयारी कर रहे थे। सारे गाँव में खुशी का माहौल था। हामिद के सभी दोस्तों के पास पैसे थे, पर उसके पास कुछ नहीं था।
This excerpt from Premchand masterfully demonstrates all three forms of "all" in Hindi within a single passage. The use of सब (sab) with बच्चे creates an informal, story-telling tone appropriate for describing children. सारे (sārē) with गाँव emphasizes the totality of the village's joy, while सभी (sabhī) with दोस्तों adds a subtle formality that heightens the contrast between Hamid and his friends.
The progression from सब to सारे to सभी mirrors the emotional arc of the passage - from general observation to encompassing description to specific contrast. Premchand's choice of "all" forms reflects both grammatical precision and narrative purpose, showing how these words serve not just grammatical but also literary functions in Hindi literature.
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43.16 सुबह morning (subah) के of (kē) सारे all (sārē) काम works (kām) जल्दी quickly (jaldī) हो happen (hō) गए went (gaē)
43.17 रोज़ daily (rōz) सब all (sab) लोग people (log) समय time (samay) पर on (par) उठते wake (uṭhtē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.18 मैं I (maiṁ) सारी all (sārī) रात night (rāt) पढ़ता study (paṛhtā) रहा remained (rahā)
43.19 हफ्ते week (haftē) के of (kē) सभी all (sabhī) दिन days (din) व्यस्त busy (vyast) रहे remained (rahē)
43.20 शाम evening (śām) तक until (tak) सब all (sab) काम work (kām) खत्म finish (khatm) हो become (hō) जाएगा will-go (jāēgā)
43.21 आज today (āj) सारा all/whole (sārā) दिन day (din) बारिश rain (bāriś) होती happening (hōtī) रही remained (rahī)
43.22 सब all (sab) बच्चे children (baccē) दोपहर afternoon (dōpahar) में in (meṁ) सोते sleep (sōtē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.23 महीने month (mahīnē) की of (kī) सारी all (sārī) तारीखें dates (tārīkheṁ) याद remember (yād) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.24 सभी all (sabhī) कर्मचारी employees (karmcārī) नौ nine (nau) बजे o'clock (bajē) आते come (ātē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.25 रविवार Sunday (ravivār) को on (kō) सब all (sab) दुकानें shops (dukāneṁ) बंद closed (band) रहती remain (rahtī) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.26 पूरे whole (pūrē) साल year (sāl) सारे all (sārē) त्योहार festivals (tyōhār) मनाए celebrated (manāē) गए went (gaē)
43.27 सुबह morning (subah) सब all (sab) लोग people (log) योग yoga (yōg) करते do (kartē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.28 छुट्टी holiday (chuṭṭī) के of (kē) सभी all (sabhī) दिन days (din) मज़ेदार enjoyable (mazēdār) थे were (thē)
43.29 दिन day (din) भर throughout (bhar) के of (kē) सारे all (sārē) कार्यक्रम programs (kāryakram) तय fixed (tay) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.30 आधी half (ādhī) रात night (rāt) तक until (tak) सब all (sab) सो sleep (sō) जाते go (jātē) हैं are (haiṁ)
43.16 सुबह के सारे काम जल्दी हो गए। All the morning tasks were completed quickly.
43.17 रोज़ सब लोग समय पर उठते हैं। Every day all people wake up on time.
43.18 मैं सारी रात पढ़ता रहा। I kept studying all night.
43.19 हफ्ते के सभी दिन व्यस्त रहे। All days of the week remained busy.
43.20 शाम तक सब काम खत्म हो जाएगा। All work will be finished by evening.
43.21 आज सारा दिन बारिश होती रही। It kept raining all day today.
43.22 सब बच्चे दोपहर में सोते हैं। All children sleep in the afternoon.
43.23 महीने की सारी तारीखें याद हैं। All dates of the month are remembered.
43.24 सभी कर्मचारी नौ बजे आते हैं। All employees come at nine o'clock.
43.25 रविवार को सब दुकानें बंद रहती हैं। All shops remain closed on Sunday.
43.26 पूरे साल सारे त्योहार मनाए गए। All festivals were celebrated throughout the year.
43.27 सुबह सब लोग योग करते हैं। In the morning all people do yoga.
43.28 छुट्टी के सभी दिन मज़ेदार थे। All days of the holiday were enjoyable.
43.29 दिन भर के सारे कार्यक्रम तय हैं। All programs for the whole day are fixed.
43.30 आधी रात तक सब सो जाते हैं। Everyone goes to sleep by midnight.
43.16 सुबह के सारे काम जल्दी हो गए।
43.17 रोज़ सब लोग समय पर उठते हैं।
43.18 मैं सारी रात पढ़ता रहा।
43.19 हफ्ते के सभी दिन व्यस्त रहे।
43.20 शाम तक सब काम खत्म हो जाएगा।
43.21 आज सारा दिन बारिश होती रही।
43.22 सब बच्चे दोपहर में सोते हैं।
43.23 महीने की सारी तारीखें याद हैं।
43.24 सभी कर्मचारी नौ बजे आते हैं।
43.25 रविवार को सब दुकानें बंद रहती हैं।
43.26 पूरे साल सारे त्योहार मनाए गए।
43.27 सुबह सब लोग योग करते हैं।
43.28 छुट्टी के सभी दिन मज़ेदार थे।
43.29 दिन भर के सारे कार्यक्रम तय हैं।
43.30 आधी रात तक सब सो जाते हैं।
In the context of daily routines and time expressions, "all" in Hindi follows specific patterns:
Time Duration with सारा/सारी: When expressing "all day" or "all night," Hindi uses the gendered forms: -
सारा दिन (sārā din) - all day (masculine) -
सारी रात (sārī rāt) - all night (feminine) -
सारा हफ्ता (sārā haftā) - all week (masculine)
Habitual Actions with सब: For routine activities involving people, सब is most common: -
सब लोग (sab log) - all people -
सब बच्चे (sab baccē) - all children This creates a sense of regular, everyday occurrence.
Formal Schedules with सभी: In professional or institutional contexts, सभी adds formality: -
सभी कर्मचारी (sabhī karmcārī) - all employees -
सभी दिन (sabhī din) - all days (formal)
Common Time Expressions: -
दिन भर (din bhar) - throughout the day -
रात भर (rāt bhar) - throughout the night -
साल भर (sāl bhar) - throughout the year Note that भर (bhar) following a time word also means "all" or "throughout"
Word Order in Time Contexts: When "all" modifies time expressions, it typically precedes the noun: -
Correct: सारी रात (all night) -
Less common: रात सारी (night all)
The genre of daily routines shows how "all" integrates naturally into descriptions of regular activities, schedules, and time periods, making it essential vocabulary for discussing everyday life in Hindi.
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