A1 noun Formal

महाविद्यालय

mahavidyaalay /mə.ɦaː.ʋɪd̪.jaː.ləj/

A महाविद्यालय refers to a college or an institution of higher learning that provides undergraduate and sometimes postgraduate degrees. It is structurally positioned between a secondary school (Vidyalaya) and a large-scale university (Vishwavidyalaya).

Examples

3 of 5
1

मैं हर सुबह आठ बजे महाविद्यालय जाता हूँ।

I go to college every morning at eight o'clock.

2

महाविद्यालय के प्रधानाचार्य कल वार्षिक समारोह को संबोधित करेंगे।

The college principal will address the annual function tomorrow.

3

तुम्हारा महाविद्यालय यहाँ से कितनी दूर है?

How far is your college from here?

Word Family

Noun
महाविद्यालय
Adjective
महाविद्यालयीन
Related
विद्यार्थी
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Maha' (Great/Big) + 'Vidyalaya' (Place of Learning). It is the 'Greater School' or college.

Quick Quiz

राहुल १२वीं पास करने के बाद आगे की पढ़ाई के लिए _____ में दाखिला लेगा।

Correct!

The correct answer is: महाविद्यालय

Examples

1

मैं हर सुबह आठ बजे महाविद्यालय जाता हूँ।

everyday

I go to college every morning at eight o'clock.

2

महाविद्यालय के प्रधानाचार्य कल वार्षिक समारोह को संबोधित करेंगे।

formal

The college principal will address the annual function tomorrow.

3

तुम्हारा महाविद्यालय यहाँ से कितनी दूर है?

informal

How far is your college from here?

4

महाविद्यालयीन शोध पत्रिकाओं में इसे प्रकाशित किया गया था।

academic

It was published in the collegiate research journals.

5

कंपनी ने महाविद्यालय के साथ प्लेसमेंट के लिए संपर्क किया है।

business

The company has contacted the college for placement.

Word Family

Noun
महाविद्यालय
Adjective
महाविद्यालयीन
Related
विद्यार्थी

Common Collocations

राजकीय महाविद्यालय Government College
महिला महाविद्यालय Women's College
महाविद्यालय परिसर College Campus
महाविद्यालय में प्रवेश Admission in College
महाविद्यालय का पुस्तकालय College Library

Common Phrases

महाविद्यालय जीवन

College life

महाविद्यालय छोड़ना

To drop out/leave college

महाविद्यालय का माहौल

College atmosphere

Often Confused With

महाविद्यालय vs विद्यालय

Vidyalaya refers to a school (K-12), whereas Mahavidyalaya refers to a higher education college.

महाविद्यालय vs विश्वविद्यालय

Vishwavidyalaya is a university that can grant degrees and oversee many individual colleges.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is more formal than the English loanword 'college', which is very common in spoken Hindi. Use 'Mahavidyalaya' in official documentation, formal writing, or when referring to the specific name of an institution.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'Vidyalaya' when they actually mean college level education. Always check if the institution is for children (school) or young adults (college).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Maha' (Great/Big) + 'Vidyalaya' (Place of Learning). It is the 'Greater School' or college.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Sanskrit: 'Maha' (great) + 'Vidya' (knowledge) + 'Alaya' (abode/house).

Grammar Patterns

Masculine noun The plural form remains 'महाविद्यालय' in the direct case Oblique plural: महाविद्यालयों
🌍

Cultural Context

In the Indian education system, many students attend 'affiliated colleges' (Mahavidyalaya) which are local institutions that teach curricula set by a larger University.

Quick Quiz

राहुल १२वीं पास करने के बाद आगे की पढ़ाई के लिए _____ में दाखिला लेगा।

Correct!

The correct answer is: महाविद्यालय

More education words

पठन

A1

The act of reading or reciting text, often used in an educational or formal context. It refers to the process of interpreting written symbols and can also imply the study of a subject.

छात्रा

A1

A female student or pupil enrolled in an educational institution. It is the feminine form of the word 'chhatra' and refers specifically to a girl or woman who is learning.

विद्यार्थी

A1

A person who is dedicated to learning and studying, typically enrolled in a school, college, or university. It literally translates to 'seeker of knowledge' and is used to describe anyone in an academic setting.

विद्यालय

A1

A formal institution or building designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. It is a place of learning where primary and secondary education is typically imparted.

मदरसा

A1

A madarsa is a type of educational institution, specifically one that focuses on Islamic religious instruction alongside general subjects. In South Asia, it refers to a school where students learn Arabic, the Quran, and other academic topics.

विश्वविद्यालय

A1

A university is an institution of higher education and research which grants academic degrees in various subjects. It is the highest level of educational establishment where students pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

यूनिवर्सिटी

A1

A university is a high-level institution of learning where students study for degrees and where academic research is done. It typically follows secondary school and offers a wide range of subjects for specialization.

स्कूल

A1

A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. In Hindi, it refers specifically to primary and secondary education centers where children attend daily classes.

ज्ञान

A1

Knowledge or awareness acquired through experience, study, or association. It refers to both general information and the deeper understanding or wisdom of a subject.

विद्या

A1

Vidya refers to knowledge, learning, or science, encompassing both formal education and spiritual wisdom. In a broader sense, it signifies the pursuit of clarity and the elimination of ignorance through study and practice.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free