अथवा (athvaa)
conjunction
A formal word for 'or', used mainly in writing and careful speech rather than everyday conversation; compare the everyday या (yaa).
Sense
1
:
or
conjunction
Synonyms: या (yaa), किंवा (kinvaa, rare)
Frequency: low
Cultural Note: You will see अथवा (athvaa) constantly on government forms, exam papers, and official notices -- 'name अथवा (athvaa) nickname' type constructions -- but almost never hear it in a casual chat over chai, where या (yaa) rules.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often reach for अथवा (athvaa) in casual conversation where या (yaa) is what native speakers actually say; अथवा (athvaa) belongs to formal writing, notices, legal or official language, and careful spoken registers (speeches, news).
Sample Sentences:
उम्मीदवार अपना स्थायी पता अथवा वर्तमान पता भर सकते हैं।
Candidates may fill in their permanent address or current address.
(ummiidvaar apnaa sthaayii pataa athvaa vartmaan pataa bhar sakte hain।)
कृपया अपना नाम अथवा उपनाम स्पष्ट अक्षरों में लिखें।
Please write your name or nickname in clear letters.
(kripyaa apnaa naam athvaa upnaam spasht akshron men likhen।)
आवेदन पत्र के साथ आधार कार्ड अथवा पासपोर्ट की प्रति संलग्न करनी होगी।
A copy of the Aadhaar card or passport must be attached with the application form.
(aavedan patr ke saath aadhaar kaard athvaa paasport kii prati sanlagn karnii hogii।)
यह नियम सभी सरकारी कर्मचारियों अथवा उनके परिवार के सदस्यों पर लागू होता है।
This rule applies to all government employees or their family members.
(yah niyam sabhii sarkaarii karmchaariyon athvaa unke parivaar ke sadasyon par laagoo hotaa hai।)
प्रश्न पत्र में या तो निबंध अथवा संक्षिप्त उत्तर वाले प्रश्न होंगे।
The question paper will have either essay questions or short-answer questions.
(prashn patr men yaa to nibandh athvaa sankshipt uttar vaale prashn honge।)
यदि सूचना गलत पाई जाए, तो आवेदन रद्द कर दिया जाएगा अथवा जुर्माना लगाया जा सकता है।
If the information is found to be false, the application will be rejected or a fine may be imposed.
(yadi soochnaa galat paaii jaae, to aavedan radd kar diyaa jaaegaa athvaa jurmaanaa lagaayaa jaa saktaa hai।)
प्रधानाचार्य महोदय अथवा उनके प्रतिनिधि द्वारा प्रमाण पत्र पर हस्ताक्षर किया जाना चाहिए।
The certificate should be signed by the principal or their representative.
(pradhaanaachaary mahoday athvaa unke pratinidhi dvaaraa pramaan patr par hastaakshar kiyaa jaanaa chaahie।)