चलना
chalnā
/ˈtʃəl.nɑː/
Definition
To walk, move, or go; also used to mean something is working or running (like a machine or plan).
Example
वह हर सुबह पार्क में चलता है।
Show translation
He walks in the park every morning.
Etymology
From Sanskrit चलन (calana), meaning "movement" or "motion," derived from the root चल् (cal-) "to move." Cognate with many Indo-Aryan descendants; the same root gives Hindi चाल (chāl, "gait/style") and चालू (chālū, "running/operational").
Cultural note
चलना is one of the most versatile verbs in Hindi. Beyond literal walking, it carries a wide metaphorical load: "यह काम नहीं चलेगा" means "this won't do / this is unacceptable," and "चलो!" is the go-to casual way to say "let's go!" or even "okay, fine." Learners will hear चलो and its polite form चलिए constantly in everyday speech. Do not confuse with English "channel" — no connection despite the similar sound.