Looking for Hindi words that capture the idea of a '
drunkard'? I love how many shades the language has for this — from blunt slang to polite, almost clinical terms. Below I’ll run through commonly used synonyms, give their transliterations, note whether they’re formal or casual, and drop a little example or context so you get how each one feels when used in real conversation or writing.
शराबी (sharābī) — This is the most straightforward and widely used word. It literally means someone who drinks alcohol habitually. Neutral to slightly negative, and you’ll hear it in news reports, family talk, and novels. Example: 'वह शहर का बड़ा शराबी माना जाता है।'
शराबखोर / दारूखोर (sharāb-khor / dārū-khor) — These are colloquial and a bit harsher; 'khor' implies someone who gulps or devours something, so it’s judgmental. Perfect for informal speech when you want to emphasize excess. Example: 'वह रोज़ दारूखोर बनकर आता है।'
नशेड़ी (nashēḍī) and नशेबाज़ (nashēbāz) — Both point to someone
Addicted to intoxicants; 'नशेड़ी' is common for both alcohol and drugs, while 'नशेबाज़' often carries a mischievous or habitual-drunk connotation. Slightly slangy but widely understood. Example: 'वह नशेड़ी बन चुका है।'
मदिरासक्त / मदिराप्रेमी (madirā-sakta / madirā-premī) — These are more literary or polite. 'मदिरासक्त' literally means dependent or attached to liquor (closer to 'alcoholic' in a clinical sense), and 'मदिराप्रेमी' is a softer 'lover of drinks'. Good for essays or humane descriptions. Example: 'उसे मदिरासक्ति की समस्या थी।'
मद्यपान करने वाला (madyapān karne vālā) — A formal, descriptive phrase meaning 'one who drinks alcohol.' Useful in formal writing, medical contexts, or polite speech when you don’t want to be blunt.
मत्त (matta) and मस्तमौला (mastmaulā) — 'मत्त' is a bit old-fashioned or poetic, meaning intoxicated; it can be used as a noun for an intoxicated person. 'मस्तमौला' is fun — it suggests someone carefree or tipsy, often used affectionately. Example: 'वह शाम को थोड़ा मस्तमौला हो गया था।'
शराब का आदी / शराब के आदी (sharāb kā ādī) — Another neutral, descriptive way to say 'addicted to alcohol.' It’s practical and commonly used in counseling or family discussions.
In everyday chat I tend to use 'शराबी' or playfully say 'मस्तमौला' when I don’t want to sound harsh. For writing or formal contexts, 'मदिरासक्त' or 'मद्यपान करने वाला' fits neatly. Slang like 'दारूखोर' or 'शराबखोर' gets the point across fast but can sting, so watch the tone and audience. Overall, Hindi gives you a neat palette — pick the term that matches your intent, whether it’s neutral description, concern, or casual ribbing. I personally like 'नशेबाज़' for its punchy feel and 'मदिरासक्त' when I want to be serious and compassionate.