A1 Collocation Neutre 2 min de lecture

आधी रात

midnight

Littéralement: Half Night

Use `aadhi raat` for anything happening at midnight or in the very deep hours of the night.

En 15 secondes

  • Literally means 'half night' but translates to midnight.
  • Used for both 12:00 AM and the general late-night period.
  • Common in songs, movies, and everyday casual conversation.

Signification

This phrase literally means 'half night.' It is the standard way to say midnight or the middle of the night in Hindi.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Planning a party

Party aadhi raat tak chalegi.

The party will go on until midnight.

😊
2

A formal announcement

Naya niyam aadhi raat se lagu hoga.

The new rule will be applicable from midnight.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a movie

Maine aadhi raat ko horror movie dekhi.

I watched a horror movie at midnight.

🤝
🌍

Contexte culturel

The phrase gained iconic status during India's independence. Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous speech began with 'At the stroke of the midnight hour.' In modern times, it is the unofficial start time for India's vibrant late-night street food scene in cities like Indore or Mumbai.

💡

The 'Ko' Rule

Always add `ko` after `aadhi raat` if you want to say 'AT midnight'. Without it, you're just saying the noun 'midnight'.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Late'

If you just mean 'late at night' (like 10 PM), use `der raat`. `Aadhi raat` is specifically for the middle of the night.

En 15 secondes

  • Literally means 'half night' but translates to midnight.
  • Used for both 12:00 AM and the general late-night period.
  • Common in songs, movies, and everyday casual conversation.

What It Means

Aadhi raat is your go-to phrase for the witching hour. In Hindi, aadhi means half and raat means night. It refers to the exact point of midnight. It also describes the deep, quiet hours of the late night. It is simple, direct, and very common.

How To Use It

You can use it as a noun or an adverbial phrase. If you want to say 'at midnight,' you add ko. So, it becomes aadhi raat ko. It works just like the English word 'midnight.' You can use it to talk about parties or deadlines. It also works for those late-night snack cravings.

When To Use It

Use it when you are planning a late event. It is perfect for New Year's Eve countdowns. Use it when complaining about a loud neighbor. It fits well when describing a spooky movie scene. If you are texting a friend late, this is your phrase. It sounds natural in almost any conversation about time.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for early evening hours. If it is 9:00 PM, it is just raat. Do not use it for the early morning. Once the sun starts to peek, it becomes subah. Avoid using it in very technical scientific reports. In those cases, '12:00 AM' is more precise. Also, do not use it if you are just 'a little' late.

Cultural Background

In Indian culture, aadhi raat often has a poetic feel. It is used in many Bollywood songs and stories. It can represent romance or deep mystery. Historically, it was the time for ghost stories in villages. Today, it is mostly about the 'Maggi' noodle culture. Young people in India love their aadhi raat snacks. It is a time for deep talks and bonding.

Common Variations

You might hear theek aadhi raat for 'exactly midnight.' Some people also use madhyaraatri in very formal Hindi. However, aadhi raat is what you will actually hear. You can also say der raat for 'late night.' But for the peak of darkness, stick with aadhi raat. It is the most relatable and widely understood version.

Notes d'usage

The phrase is very versatile and safe for all social settings. Remember that `raat` is a feminine noun, so any adjectives like `aadhi` must match that gender.

💡

The 'Ko' Rule

Always add `ko` after `aadhi raat` if you want to say 'AT midnight'. Without it, you're just saying the noun 'midnight'.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Late'

If you just mean 'late at night' (like 10 PM), use `der raat`. `Aadhi raat` is specifically for the middle of the night.

💬

The Maggi Connection

In India, `aadhi raat` is synonymous with 'Maggi time.' If someone mentions this hour, they are probably hungry!

Exemples

6
#1 Planning a party
😊

Party aadhi raat tak chalegi.

The party will go on until midnight.

Shows the duration of an event.

#2 A formal announcement
💼

Naya niyam aadhi raat se lagu hoga.

The new rule will be applicable from midnight.

Used for official start times.

#3 Texting a friend about a movie
🤝

Maine aadhi raat ko horror movie dekhi.

I watched a horror movie at midnight.

Setting the scene for a story.

#4 Complaining about noise
😄

Aadhi raat ko itna shor kyun hai?

Why is there so much noise at midnight?

Expressing frustration about the time.

#5 Missing someone
💭

Mujhe aadhi raat ko tumhari yaad aayi.

I remembered you in the middle of the night.

Often used in romantic or emotional contexts.

#6 Talking about work
😊

Woh aadhi raat tak kaam karta hai.

He works until midnight.

Describing someone's schedule.

Teste-toi

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'I woke up at midnight.'

Main ___ utha.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : aadhi raat ko

`Aadhi raat ko` means 'at midnight,' which fits the context of waking up in the night.

How do you say 'Midnight is over'?

___ khatam ho gayi.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Aadhi raat

`Aadhi raat` is the subject here, meaning the midnight period.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality of Aadhi Raat

Informal

Used with friends for late-night plans.

Aadhi raat ko pizza khayein?

Neutral

Standard way to say midnight in any setting.

Train aadhi raat ko aayegi.

Formal

Used in news or announcements.

Aadhi raat se curfew shuru hai.

When to say Aadhi Raat

Aadhi Raat
🎉

New Year's Eve

Countdown at midnight

📚

Studying

Burning the midnight oil

👻

Ghost Stories

Spooky midnight tales

🚌

Travel

Catching a midnight bus

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It literally means 'Half night.' Aadhi is half and raat is night.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.

You say aadhi raat ko. For example: Main aadhi raat ko soya (I slept at midnight).

Yes, colloquially it refers to the whole period of the deep night, not just exactly 12:00 AM.

The formal Sanskrit-based word is madhyaraatri, but almost everyone uses aadhi raat.

There isn't a specific slang word, but youngsters might just say 'midnight' in English while speaking Hindi.

Not necessarily, but in old folklore, it was considered a time when spirits are active.

You use tak. So it becomes aadhi raat tak.

No, for noon or midday, you use dopahar.

It is feminine. That is why we say aadhi (feminine form) instead of aadha (masculine form).

Expressions liées

Der raat

Late night

Dopahar

Afternoon / Midday

Sannata

Pin-drop silence (often associated with midnight)

Raat bhar

All night long

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