रास्ता
rāstā
/raːst̪aː/
Definition
A path, road, or way to get from one place to another; also used to mean a way of doing something.
Example
क्या आप मुझे बाज़ार का रास्ता बता सकते हैं?
Show translation
Can you tell me the way to the market?
Etymology
From Sanskrit *rājapatha* (राजपथ, "king's road"), which was contracted and simplified through Prakrit and Apabhraṃśa stages into the Middle Indo-Aryan *rāhā* and eventually the Modern Hindi *rāstā*. The root *rāja* (king) + *patha* (path) reflects the ancient practice of naming major roads after royal authority.
Cultural note
In everyday Hindi conversation, रास्ता is extremely versatile — it covers everything from a literal street or footpath to a figurative "way out" of a problem (e.g., *कोई रास्ता निकालो* — "find some solution"). In Indian cinema and literature, रास्ता is a beloved metaphor for life's journey, appearing in countless Bollywood song titles. Do not confuse it with *सड़क* (saṛak), which refers specifically to a paved road or highway, whereas रास्ता is broader and more abstract.