महोदय (mahoday)
noun
A formal, respectful term of address meaning 'Sir', used mainly in written and official contexts; its feminine counterpart महोदया (mahodyaa) is treated as its own related lemma.
Sense
1
:
Sir (formal term of address, mainly written)
noun, masculine
Synonyms: श्रीमान (shriimaan), साहब (saahab, everyday spoken equivalent)
Frequency: medium
Cultural Note: This is the word you see at the top of a formal letter or application in India -- आदरणीय महोदय (aadarniiy mahoday, 'Respected Sir') is the classic opening line taught in school Hindi composition classes. In spoken life, though, Delhi-NCR folks reach for साहब (saahab) or just सर (sar); महोदय (mahoday) stays mostly on paper, in speeches, and in bureaucratic address.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often use महोदय (mahoday) in casual spoken conversation, where it sounds stiff and out of place; साहब (saahab) or सर (sar) is what people actually say out loud. 2) It is typically placed after the name or title, as in शर्मा जी महोदय (sharmaa jii mahoday) is not idiomatic -- it usually stands alone as a salutation, e.g. at the start of a letter.
Sample Sentences:
आदरणीय महोदय, मैं इस पत्र के माध्यम से अपनी शिकायत दर्ज करना चाहता हूँ।
Respected Sir, through this letter I wish to register my complaint.
(aadarniiy mahoday, main is patr ke maadhyam se apnii shikaayat darj karnaa chaahtaa hoon।)
महोदय, कृपया मेरे आवेदन पर शीघ्र विचार करें।
Sir, please consider my application at the earliest.
(mahoday, kripyaa mere aavedan par shiighr vichaar karen।)
प्रधानाचार्य महोदय ने विद्यालय की वार्षिक रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत की।
The respected principal presented the school's annual report.
(pradhaanaachaary mahoday ne vidyaalay kii vaarshik riport prastut kii।)
महोदय से अनुरोध है कि इस विषय पर उचित कार्रवाई की जाए।
It is requested to Sir that appropriate action be taken on this matter.
(mahoday se anurodh hai ki is vishay par uchit kaarrvaaii kii jaae।)
यदि महोदय समय निकाल पाते, तो हम इस मुद्दे पर विस्तार से चर्चा करते।
If Sir could have found the time, we would have discussed this matter in detail.
(yadi mahoday samay nikaal paate, to ham is mudde par vistaar se charchaa karte।)
मुख्य अतिथि महोदय का स्वागत करते हुए सभी उपस्थित लोग तालियाँ बजा रहे थे।
While welcoming the chief guest, sir, all those present were clapping.
(mukhy atithi mahoday kaa svaagat karte hue sabhii upasthit log taaliyaan bajaa rahe the।)
सचिव महोदय द्वारा जारी परिपत्र सभी कार्यालयों में भेजा गया है।
The circular issued by the honorable secretary has been sent to all offices.
(sachiv mahoday dvaaraa jaarii paripatr sabhii kaaryaalyon men bhejaa gayaa hai।)
महोदय, आपके पत्र के लिए धन्यवाद; शीघ्र ही उत्तर भेजा जाएगा।
Sir, thank you for your letter; a reply will be sent shortly.
(mahoday, aapke patr ke lie dhanyvaad; shiighr hii uttar bhejaa jaaegaa।)
संपादक महोदय, मेरा यह लेख कृपया अगले अंक में प्रकाशित करें।
Dear Editor, please publish this article of mine in the next issue.
(sampaadak mahoday, meraa yah lekh kripyaa agle ank men prakaashit karen।)
क्या महोदय इस बात से सहमत होंगे कि नियमों में बदलाव आवश्यक है?
Would Sir agree that a change in the rules is necessary?
(kyaa mahoday is baat se sahmat honge ki niymon men badlaav aavashyak hai?)
Morphology
Noun
(sg.m.direct):
महोदय
(mahoday)
(sg.m.oblique):
महोदय
(mahoday)
(pl.m.direct):
महोदय
(mahoday)
(pl.m.oblique):
महोदयों
(mahodyon)