मृत्यु

/mr̩t̪ju/
nounIntermediate death
formal

the end of life; the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism

जीवन और मृत्यु प्रकृति के नियम हैं।

Life and death are natural laws.

मृत्यु के बाद आत्मा की स्थिति पर अनेक विचार हैं।

There are many beliefs about the state of the soul after death.

💡

Used in philosophical, spiritual, and medical contexts. Often paired with 'जीवन' (life) in discussions about existence.

formal

the state of being dead; death as a concept or event

मृत्यु एक अपरिहार्य सत्य है।

Death is an inevitable truth.

💡

Common in philosophical and literary texts.

Related Phrases

मृत्युंजयmetaphor
one who conquers death; an epithet of Lord Shiva
मृत्यु का मुखmetaphor
the face of death (metaphor for impending doom)

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Hindu philosophy, 'मृत्यु' is not seen as an end but as a transition (e.g., 'पुनर्जन्म' = rebirth). This contrasts with Western views that often emphasize finality.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'मृत्यु' in formal contexts (e.g., obituaries, philosophy). For human deaths, 'निधन' is more respectful in Hindi.

📖Word Origin

Sanskrit मूल 'मृत्' (mṛt, 'to die') + 'यु' (suffix forming nouns of action/result), cognate with Latin 'mors' and English 'mortal'.

📝Usage Notes

Used in both literal (biological death) and metaphorical contexts (e.g., 'कल्पना की मृत्यु' = 'death of an idea'). In formal writing, 'निधन' is often preferred for human deaths.

Word Breakdown

मृत्
to die
root
+
यु
suffix forming nouns
suffix
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश