रुकना
ruknā
/ˈɾʊk.nɑː/
Definition
To stop, to pause, or to stay in one place instead of moving or continuing.
Example
बस यहाँ नहीं रुकती, आगे जाओ।
Show translation
The bus doesn't stop here — go further ahead.
Etymology
From Sanskrit root *ruk-* (रुक्), meaning to check, obstruct, or halt. The infinitive suffix *-nā* is standard in Hindi verb lemmas. Cognate with Punjabi ਰੁਕਣਾ (rukaṇā) and Urdu رُکنا (ruknā), both sharing identical meaning and origin.
Cultural note
रुकना is deeply everyday in Indian life — you'll hear it shouted at auto-rickshaw drivers ("रुको! रुको!"), called out at bus stops, and used as a polite command when someone is leaving too quickly ("एक मिनट रुकिए" — "please wait a moment"). The polite imperative form रुकिए is important for learners to know, as the plain imperative रुको can sound abrupt to strangers.