सोचना
sochnā
/soːt͡ʃnaː/
Definition
To think about something; to use your mind to consider or reflect on an idea.
Example
वह हमेशा अपने भविष्य के बारे में सोचता है।
Show translation
He always thinks about his future.
Etymology
From Sanskrit **चिन्तन** (cintana, "thinking, reflection"), filtered through Prakrit and Apabhraṃśa into Old Hindi **सोचना**. The root **√cit** (to perceive, to think) also gives Hindi **चिंता** (worry) and **चेतना** (consciousness).
Cultural note
In Hindi conversation, **सोचना** does double duty — it covers both calm reflection ("I'm thinking it over") and the expression of opinion ("मैं सोचता हूँ कि…" = "I think that…"). This mirrors French *penser* or Spanish *pensar*, making it a natural bridge for Romance-language learners picking up Hindi.