A1 noun Neutral

साफ

saaf /sɑːf/

Saaf is an adjective used to describe something that is clean, tidy, or free from dirt and impurities. It can also refer to something being clear, such as a transparent surface, a clear sky, or a person's plain and direct speech.

Examples

3 of 5
1

यह कमरा बहुत साफ है।

This room is very clean.

2

कृपया अपना आवेदन साफ अक्षरों में लिखें।

Please write your application in clear letters.

3

खाना खाने से पहले हाथ साफ करो।

Clean your hands before eating food.

Word Family

Noun
सफाई
Verb
साफ करना
Adverb
साफ-साफ
Adjective
साफ
Related
स्वच्छता
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Soap'. You use 'Soap' to make things 'Saaf'. Both words start with the 'S' sound and relate to cleaning.

Quick Quiz

नदी का पानी बहुत ____ है।

Correct!

The correct answer is: साफ

Examples

1

यह कमरा बहुत साफ है।

everyday

This room is very clean.

2

कृपया अपना आवेदन साफ अक्षरों में लिखें।

formal

Please write your application in clear letters.

3

खाना खाने से पहले हाथ साफ करो।

informal

Clean your hands before eating food.

4

बारिश के बाद आसमान बिल्कुल साफ हो गया।

academic

The sky became completely clear after the rain.

5

हमें व्यवसाय में साफ और स्पष्ट नियम चाहिए।

business

We need clean and clear rules in the business.

Word Family

Noun
सफाई
Verb
साफ करना
Adverb
साफ-साफ
Adjective
साफ
Related
स्वच्छता

Common Collocations

साफ पानी clean water
साफ हवा clean air
साफ दिल clean heart (honest)
साफ-सुथरा neat and clean
साफ कपड़े clean clothes

Common Phrases

हाथ साफ करना

To steal or to polish off something

साफ मना करना

To refuse flatly

साफ-साफ कहना

To speak plainly/honestly

Often Confused With

साफ vs सफेद

Safed means the color 'white', whereas Saaf means 'clean' or 'clear'.

साफ vs सफ़ा

Safa is an Urdu-origin word sometimes used for 'page' or 'side', while Saaf is an adjective for cleanliness.

📝

Usage Notes

Saaf is a very versatile word used for physical cleanliness, atmospheric clarity, and moral integrity. Unlike some Hindi adjectives, 'saaf' does not change its ending based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 'saaf' (clean) with 'safed' (white) due to the similar initial sound. Additionally, some learners try to inflect it (e.g., saying 'saafi' for feminine nouns), but it remains 'saaf' for all genders.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Soap'. You use 'Soap' to make things 'Saaf'. Both words start with the 'S' sound and relate to cleaning.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Persian and Arabic word 'sāf', meaning pure, clear, or bright.

Grammar Patterns

Invariable adjective (does not change for gender/number) Used with the auxiliary verb 'karna' to form the transitive verb 'saaf karna' (to clean) Can be doubled as 'saaf-saaf' to function as an adverb meaning 'clearly'
🌍

Cultural Context

The word is central to the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' (Clean India Mission), a national campaign aimed at improving cleanliness and sanitation.

Quick Quiz

नदी का पानी बहुत ____ है।

Correct!

The correct answer is: साफ

More general words

आफत

A1

A feminine noun referring to a calamity, disaster, or a sudden misfortune. It is frequently used in daily conversation to describe an overwhelming trouble or a difficult situation.

आग

A1

Aag refers to the heat and light produced when something burns. It is a fundamental element used for cooking and warmth, but it can also represent strong emotions like anger or passion.

आजादी

A1

Azadi refers to the state of being free or having independence, whether on a personal, social, or national level. It is commonly used to describe the right to act, speak, or think without restraint and is a fundamental concept in Hindi culture regarding historical independence.

आलसी

A1

Refers to a person who is unwilling to work or use energy; lazy. It describes an individual who avoids exertion or activity and prefers to remain idle.

आलस्य

A1

Aalasya refers to a state of laziness, sloth, or lack of desire to perform any activity. It describes both a temporary feeling of lethargy and a habitual tendency toward procrastination or inactivity.

आपदा

A1

A sudden event such as a natural catastrophe or a serious accident that causes great damage or loss of life. It is commonly used to describe large-scale crises like floods, earthquakes, or significant personal misfortunes.

आराम

A1

Aaram refers to the state of rest, physical comfort, or relief from work and stress. It is a versatile noun used to describe taking a break, feeling relaxed, or the absence of pain.

आर्द्र

A1

The word refers to something that is moist, damp, or humid. It is used to describe physical wetness in the environment or metaphorically to describe eyes filled with moisture/tears.

आश्चर्यजनक

A1

Something that causes surprise, wonder, or amazement. It describes an event, fact, or piece of news that is unexpected or extraordinary.

आशीर्वाद

A1

A blessing or prayer for someone's well-being, success, or happiness, typically bestowed by elders, teachers, or deities. It is a fundamental concept in Indian culture representing goodwill and positive energy directed towards another person.

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