महोदया (mahodyaa)

noun A formal, respectful term of address for a woman, equivalent to 'Madam.' It is the feminine counterpart of महोदय (mahoday, 'Sir').
Sense 1 : madam, respected lady (formal address/reference)
noun, feminine Used either as a direct form of address (like 'Madam' at the start of a letter or speech) or before a name/title in formal written contexts.
Synonyms: मैडम (maidam, English loanword, used in speech), श्रीमती (shriimtii, used before a name as 'Mrs.', not as direct address)
Frequency: low
Cultural Note: You will meet this word at the top of formal letters (प्रिय महोदया (priy mahodyaa, 'Dear Madam')) or when an announcer addresses a mixed audience as देवियों और सज्जनों (deviyon aur sajjnon, 'ladies and gentlemen') -- महोदया (mahodyaa) itself shows up more in written correspondence and formal speeches than in that specific phrase. It has a slightly bureaucratic, old-school flavor, the kind of word you would expect from a government office or a school principal's letter rather than from a friend.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often reach for मैडम (maidam) in speech and महोदया (mahodyaa) in writing; the two are not fully interchangeable -- महोदया (mahodyaa) belongs to formal letters, official announcements, and stage addresses, not casual conversation. 2) Some learners forget the feminine form exists at all and default to महोदय (mahoday) for everyone; always match the addressee's gender.
Sample Sentences:
प्रिय महोदया, आपका पत्र प्राप्त हुआ। Dear Madam, your letter has been received.
(priy mahodyaa, aapkaa patr praapt huaa।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
महोदया, कृपया इस आवेदन पर विचार करें। Madam, please consider this application.
(mahodyaa, kripyaa is aavedan par vichaar karen।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Imperative -- Voice: Active
मुख्य अतिथि महोदया ने कार्यक्रम का उद्घाटन किया। The chief guest, Madam, inaugurated the program.
(mukhy atithi mahodyaa ne kaaryakram kaa udghaatan kiyaa।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
महोदया से अनुरोध है कि वे समय पर उपस्थित हों। Madam is requested to be present on time.
(mahodyaa se anurodh hai ki ve samay par upasthit hon।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Subjunctive -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
यदि महोदया की अनुमति होती, तो हम बैठक शुरू कर देते। If Madam's permission were there, we would have started the meeting.
(yadi mahodyaa kii anumti hotii, to ham baithak shuroo kar dete।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Counterfactual -- Aspect: Habitual -- Voice: Active
प्रधानाचार्या महोदया प्रतिदिन प्रार्थना-सभा में भाषण देती हैं। The principal, Madam, gives a speech at the morning assembly every day.
(pradhaanaachaaryaa mahodyaa pratidin praarthnaa-sabhaa men bhaashan detii hain।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Habitual -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
महोदया, यह पत्र आपकी शिकायत के संबंध में लिखा जा रहा है। Madam, this letter is being written regarding your complaint.
(mahodyaa, yah patr aapkii shikaayat ke sambandh men likhaa jaa rahaa hai।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Continuous -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Passive
महोदया कल कार्यालय नहीं आएँगी। Madam will not come to the office tomorrow.
(mahodyaa kal kaaryaalay nahiin aaengii।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Tense: Future -- Voice: Active
Morphology
Noun
(sg.f.direct): महोदया (mahodyaa)
(sg.f.oblique): महोदया (mahodyaa)
(pl.f.direct): महोदयाएँ (mahodyaaen)
(pl.f.oblique): महोदयाओं (mahodyaaon)