HSC Hindi Continuers key terms

A group of people who live together, share traditions, or support one another, such as a neighbourhood, village, or religious group. Used when discussing belonging and social responsibility.

The basic unit of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, including parents, children, and relatives. Central to discussions of values, respect, and changing family structures in India.

A household where several generations and their spouses live together under one roof, sharing income and duties. Often contrasted with the nuclear family in debates about modernisation.

Customs, beliefs, and practices passed down from earlier generations, such as festivals, rituals, and manners. Frequently discussed in relation to how young people balance heritage with modern life.

The duty a person has towards others in society, for example helping neighbours, protecting the environment, or volunteering. Used when arguing about individual versus collective obligations.

The shared habits, music, fashion, language, and values of young people as a distinct group. Discussed in texts about generational difference, peer pressure, and identity.

The influence friends and classmates have on a young person's choices, which can be positive or negative. Often appears in passages about smoking, drinking, risk-taking, and fitting in.

Activities people enjoy in their free time, such as films, music, games, and outings. Used to talk about leisure habits, spending, and the media young people consume.

Websites and apps where users share posts, photos, and messages, such as chat platforms and video sites. Texts discuss its effects on friendships, self-image, and time management.

The popular style of clothes, hair, and appearance at a particular time. Appears in texts about self-expression, identity, spending habits, and pressure to look a certain way.

A person's physical and mental condition, including fitness, diet, sleep, and freedom from illness. A frequent topic in texts about habits, prevention, and public health campaigns.

The process of getting the right food and nutrients for the body to grow and stay healthy. Used in passages about balanced diets, junk food, and children's development.

A diet containing the right amounts of grains, vegetables, fruit, protein, and fats. Often recommended in texts comparing home-cooked meals with fast food and processed snacks.

Planned physical activity such as walking, running, yoga, or sport, done to stay fit. Discussed alongside sedentary lifestyles, screen time, and preventing lifestyle diseases.

Mental or emotional pressure caused by study, work, money, or relationships. Appears in texts about exam stress, coping strategies, sleep, and seeking help.

A person's emotional and psychological wellbeing, including how they manage feelings and stress. Increasingly discussed in texts about young people, stigma, and support services.

The use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs that harm health and judgement. Appears in warning texts about addiction, peer pressure, and legal consequences.

A person's long-term working life and the path of jobs and training they follow. Used in texts about choosing subjects, changing careers, and planning for the future.

Paid employment with an employer, usually with set duties and hours. Contrasted with self-employment and discussed through interviews, contracts, and working conditions.

A formal meeting where an employer asks a candidate questions to decide whether to hire them. Texts give advice on preparation, dress, punctuality, and answering confidently.

An ability gained through training or practice, such as computing, communication, or a trade. Discussed in texts about employability, vocational study, and lifelong learning.

Unpaid work done to help others, such as assisting at a charity, hospital, or community event. Often presented as a way to gain experience and contribute to society.

Study after secondary school at universities, colleges, or technical institutes. Texts compare options, costs, entrance exams, and the value of degrees versus practical training.

Money awarded to a student to help pay for study, usually based on merit or need. Appears in texts about access to education, applications, and financial planning.

The natural surroundings, including air, water, land, plants, and animals, and the balance among them. Central to texts on pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.

The contamination of air, water, or land by harmful substances from vehicles, factories, or waste. Discussed with causes, health effects, and possible solutions in Indian cities.

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by human activity. Texts discuss floods, heatwaves, farming, and international cooperation.

The state of lacking enough money for basic needs such as food, housing, and education. Used in texts about inequality, government schemes, and social welfare.

The ability to read and write at a level needed for daily life. Discussed alongside education policy, rural development, and the empowerment of women and girls.

The number of people living in a place, and how that number changes over time. Appears in texts about resources, housing, jobs, and family planning policies.

The growth of towns and cities as people move from villages in search of work and facilities. Texts discuss pressure on housing, transport, and services.

Movement of people from one place to another, within a country or across borders, often for work or study. Discussed with causes, benefits, and the challenges of settling in a new place.

The Hindi-language film industry based mainly in Mumbai, known for musicals and star culture. Appears in texts about entertainment, cultural influence, and changing audience tastes.

The shared language, art, food, festivals, and values of a group of people. Used when comparing regions of India or discussing how culture travels with migrants.

A day or period of celebration with special food, dress, and rituals, such as Diwali or Holi. Texts describe customs, regional differences, and the commercial side of festivals.

An Indo-Aryan language written in the Devanagari script and spoken widely across northern and central India. Discussed in texts about official language policy, media, and global learners.

Knowledge and understanding of an issue that leads people to act, such as health or environmental campaigns. A common word in persuasive texts about social change.

Food that is high in sugar, salt, or fat and low in nutrients, such as chips, soft drinks, and fried snacks. Discussed in texts about children's health and advertising.