B1 · Intermédiaire Chapitre 4

The Power of Infinitives

5 Règles totales
52 exemples
6 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Transform actions into nouns to express desires, purposes, and fears like a native speaker.

  • Master the 'reverse logic' of Hindi postpositions.
  • Convert verbs into nouns to talk about hobbies and tasks.
  • Express complex reasons and comparisons using the -ne form.
Unlock the versatility of verbs to speak with purpose.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey friend! Ready to take a huge leap in your Hindi and start sounding like a native? This chapter,

The Power of Infinitives,
is going to be your key to speaking fluently. It's time to say goodbye to simple sentences and move on to more complex and natural expressions! Here, you'll learn how to turn verbs into nouns – yes, you heard that right, actions become things! This skill lets you talk about your hobbies, obligations, or even the reasons behind your actions. For instance, how do you say
I go to the market to buy vegetables
or
I have to study
? Next, we'll see how postpositions, which have a 'reverse logic' in Hindi (like London in instead of in London), combine with these verbal nouns. You'll learn how your verb's ending changes (from «-nā» to -ne) whenever a postposition follows it – a small but crucial transformation! With -ne ke liye, you'll master expressing exactly *why* you're doing something, like "I'm learning Hindi to speak with my friends. And using -ne se," you can discuss causes, express what you're afraid *of* doing ("I'm afraid of flying
), or even make comparisons (
Learning Hindi is better than doing nothing"). By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to confidently and naturally talk about your intentions, the reasons for your actions, and make nuanced comparisons. Ready to supercharge your Hindi? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to correctly place postpositions after nouns and verbs.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to use infinitives as subjects to discuss likes and obligations.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to modify verb endings to the oblique form when followed by postpositions.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to explain the purpose of your actions using '-ne ke liye'.
  5. 5
    By the end you will be able to express fears and make comparisons between actions using '-ne se'.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Hey friend! Welcome to
The Power of Infinitives,
your essential guide to mastering more complex and natural-sounding Hindi grammar at the B1 CEFR level. This chapter is designed to help you move beyond basic sentence structures and truly start expressing yourself like a native speaker.
We're diving deep into how verbs can transform into nouns, allowing you to talk about actions as concepts, hobbies, or even obligations. Imagine being able to say
I love reading books
or
I have to study,
and not just I read books. This is where infinitives shine! You'll learn the crucial role of Hindi postpositions and how they interact with these verbal nouns, specifically the shift from the -nā infinitive form to the -ne oblique form.
This subtle but powerful change is key to unlocking advanced conversational skills. Get ready to supercharge your B1 Hindi and express purpose, cause, and comparisons with ease.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of Hindi infinitives is the base form of a verb ending in -nā (e.g., khānā - to eat, jānā - to go, paṛhnā - to study). This -nā form acts like a noun itself, often meaning
the act of eating,
the going, or eating as a concept. For instance, khānā achhā hai (Eating is good).
This simple infinitive can also express obligation, like mujhe jānā hai (I have to go).
However, the real power comes when this infinitive interacts with Hindi postpositions. Hindi's 'reverse logic' for postpositions means they come *after* the noun or pronoun they relate to (e.g., ghar mein - in the house). When an infinitive (ending in -nā) is followed by a postposition, it obligatorily changes to its oblique form, ending in -ne.
This is a fundamental rule for Hindi oblique infinitives.
Let's look at some key applications:
1. Expressing Purpose: Using '-ne ke liye'
To say in order to or
for the purpose of,
you use the -ne ke liye structure. The infinitive changes to -ne, followed by ke liye.
* main sabzi kharidne ke liye bazaar jaatā hoon (I go to the market to buy vegetables.)
* vo Hindi sīkhne ke liye Bharat gayā (He went to India to learn Hindi.)
2. Oblique Infinitive with 'se'
The postposition se has many uses, and with the -ne infinitive, it can express cause, fear of something, or comparisons.
* Cause: zyādā khāne se pet dard hotā hai (Eating too much causes a stomach ache.)
* Fear of: mujhe akele yātrā karne se ḍar lagtā hai (I am afraid of traveling alone.)
* Comparison (better than): paṛhne se achhā kuchh nahīn hai (There is nothing better than studying.)
3. Oblique Infinitive with 'kā' (or 'ke', 'kī')
While less common for direct purpose, -ne kā (or ke/kī depending on gender/number) can indicate something *of* an action or a tendency.
* usko gāne kā shauq hai (He has a hobby of singing / He likes to sing.)
Remember, whenever a postposition follows an infinitive, that -nā *must* become -ne. Mastering this transformation is a significant step in your B1 Hindi grammar journey!

Common Mistakes

Learning B1 Hindi grammar can have its tricky spots, especially with infinitives. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
  1. 1✗ Wrong: main sabzi kharidnā ke liye bazaar jaatā hoon. (I go to the market to buy vegetables.)
✓ Correct: main sabzi kharidne ke liye bazaar jaatā hoon. (I go to the market to buy vegetables.)
*Explanation:* The infinitive kharidnā (to buy) must change to its oblique form kharidne when followed by the postposition phrase ke liye. This is a core rule for Hindi oblique infinitives.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: mujhe ḍar lagtā hai akelā yātrā karnā. (I am afraid of traveling alone.)
✓ Correct: mujhe akele yātrā karne se ḍar lagtā hai. (I am afraid of traveling alone.)
*Explanation:* When expressing
afraid of [doing something],
you need the oblique infinitive karne followed by the postposition se. The correct structure is [infinitive in -ne] se ḍar lagtā hai.

Real Conversations

Here are some examples of how these infinitive structures appear in everyday Hindi conversations:

A

A

tum roj gym kyon jaate ho? (Why do you go to the gym every day?)
B

B

main fit rahne ke liye roj gym jaatā hoon. (I go to the gym every day to stay fit.)
A

A

aapko naye logon se milne mein kaisā lagtā hai? (How do you feel about meeting new people?)
B

B

mujhe naye logon se milne mein khushi milti hai, par kabhi-kabhi shuru karne se ḍar lagtā hai. (I get joy from meeting new people, but sometimes I'm afraid to start.)
A

A

tumhe kya lagta hai, online paṛhne se offline paṛhnā behtar hai? (What do you think, is studying online better than studying offline?)
B

B

mere liye, online paṛhne se samay kī bachat hotī hai, lekin offline paṛhne se behtar samajh aatī hai. (For me, studying online saves time, but studying offline brings better understanding.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What is the main difference between -nā and -ne infinitive forms in Hindi grammar?

The -nā form is the basic infinitive (e.g., khānā - to eat) which can act as a noun or express general obligation. The -ne form is the *oblique* infinitive (e.g., khāne) used specifically when the infinitive is followed by a postposition like ke liye, se, or mein.

Q

How do I express to do something for a specific purpose in B1 Hindi?

You use the -ne ke liye structure. Take the verb, change its -nā ending to -ne, and add ke liye. For example, pānī pīne ke liye (to drink water).

Q

Can infinitives be used to talk about obligations in everyday Hindi conversations?

Yes, absolutely! The simple -nā infinitive followed by a form of honā (to be) often expresses obligation. For instance, mujhe paṛhnā hai (I have to study) or mujhe jānā hogā (I will have to go).

Q

What does -ne se mean in Hindi and when is it used?

The -ne se construction is used to express cause (zyādā khāne se - by eating too much), fear of doing something (so jane se ḍar lagtā hai - afraid of sleeping), or in comparisons meaning than [doing something] (paṛhne se achhā - better than studying).

Cultural Context

These infinitive structures are incredibly common and vital for sounding natural in Hindi conversations. Native speakers use -ne ke liye constantly to explain motivations and intentions, making communication much clearer and more nuanced. The ability to articulate *why* you're doing something, or the consequences of an action using -ne se, is a hallmark of fluent B1 Hindi.
It adds depth to your sentences, moving beyond simple statements to expressing complex thoughts and feelings. Mastering these patterns reflects a deeper understanding of the language's logical flow and helps you connect more authentically with speakers.

Exemples clés (6)

1

मैं अंग्रेज़ी सीखने के लिए ये ऐप यूज़ करता हूँ।

J'utilise cette appli pour apprendre l'anglais.

Infinitifs obliques hindi : utiliser les verbes avec 'ke liye', 'se' et 'kā' (forme -ne)
2

मुझे सोने दो, कल सुबह फ्लाइट है।

Laisse-moi dormir, j'ai un vol demain matin.

Infinitifs obliques hindi : utiliser les verbes avec 'ke liye', 'se' et 'kā' (forme -ne)
3

Main Hindi seekhne ke liye yeh app istemaal karta hoon.

J'utilise cette application pour apprendre le hindi.

Exprimer le but : Utiliser 'pour' et 'afin de' avec les verbes en hindi
4

Vo paani peene gayi hai.

Elle est allée boire de l'eau.

Exprimer le but : Utiliser 'pour' et 'afin de' avec les verbes en hindi
5

सच बोलने से मत डरो।

N'aie pas peur de dire la vérité.

Infinitif Oblique avec Se (Peur DE, Mieux QUE)
6

ज़्यादा सोचने से सिर दर्द होता है।

On a mal à la tête à force de trop réfléchir.

Infinitif Oblique avec Se (Peur DE, Mieux QUE)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Pense comme Yoda

En français, on dit 'Dans la pièce'. En hindi, on parle comme Yoda : 'Pièce dans'. Habitue-toi à cet ordre inversé ! kamre mein.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Postpositions en Hindi : La Logique 'Inversée'
🎯

Le raccourci de Mumbai

Dans le langage relax de Mumbai, on dit souvent «पीने को» au lieu de «पीने के लिए». Ça fait très local ! «पानी पीने को देना।»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: L'infinitif hindi : Les verbes comme noms et obligations (-nā/-ne)
💡

Le réflexe 'Vālā'

Si tu vois 'vālā' (celui qui fait), le verbe juste avant doit être à l'oblique.
Dūdh vālā
est un nom, mais āne vālā utilise le verbe oblique.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitifs obliques hindi : utiliser les verbes avec 'ke liye', 'se' et 'kā' (forme -ne)
💡

Le raccourci du mouvement

Avec les verbes 'aller' (jaana) ou 'venir' (aana), tu peux supprimer 'ke liye' pour sonner plus naturel : Main khaane gaya.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Exprimer le but : Utiliser 'pour' et 'afin de' avec les verbes en hindi

Vocabulaire clé (7)

सीखना(seekhna) to learn डरना(darna) to be afraid ज़रूरी(zaroori) necessary कोशिश(koshish) effort/attempt इंतज़ार(intezaar) wait/waiting सब्ज़ी(sabzi) vegetable बेहतर(behtar) better

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

Planning a Market Trip

languages

Discussing Language Learning

Review Summary

  • [Noun/Verb] + [Postposition]
  • Verb Root + nā
  • Verb Root + ne + [Postposition]

Erreurs courantes

You must use the oblique (-ne) form of the verb when a postposition like 'ke liye' follows it.

Wrong: बोलना के लिए (bolna ke liye)
Correct: बोलने के लिए (bolne ke liye)

Hindi uses post-positions, not pre-positions. The direction is always 'Noun + Position'.

Wrong: में घर (mein ghar)
Correct: घर में (ghar mein)

When expressing obligation ('I have to go'), don't forget the auxiliary verb 'hai'. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.

Wrong: मुझे जाना (mujhe jaana)
Correct: मुझे जाना है (mujhe jaana hai)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked a major level of Hindi fluency! Being able to connect actions with reasons is what makes your speech sound natural and mature. Keep practicing those -ne endings!

Write 5 'Why' questions and answers about your daily routine.

Record yourself saying what you are afraid of and what you love doing.

Continue to: Describing Actions and Obligations

Pratique rapide (10)

Complète la phrase avec la bonne forme de 'seekhna' (apprendre).

वह गाना ___ क्लास जाता है।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: सीखने
Comme 'jaana' est un verbe de mouvement, on peut utiliser la forme oblique 'seekhne' seule.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Exprimer le but : Utiliser 'pour' et 'afin de' avec les verbes en hindi

Remplis le vide avec la bonne forme de 'demander' (poochhna).

Mujhe sawal ___ dar lagta hai. (J'ai peur de poser des questions.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: poochhne se
Puisque 'darna' (avoir peur) est utilisé, nous avons besoin de l'infinitif oblique 'poochhne' suivi de 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitif Oblique avec Se (Peur DE, Mieux QUE)

Quelle phrase utilise correctement la postposition ?

Traduis : 'Parle au garçon.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Larke se baat karo.
'Larka' doit passer à sa forme oblique 'Larke' avant 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Postpositions en Hindi : La Logique 'Inversée'

Corrige l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Ma͠i hindi sīkhnā koshish kar rahā hū̃.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ma͠i hindi sīkhne kī koshish kar rahā hū̃.
'Koshish' (effort) est féminin et prend 'kī'. 'Sīkhnā' doit donc devenir oblique 'sīkhne'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitifs obliques hindi : utiliser les verbes avec 'ke liye', 'se' et 'kā' (forme -ne)

Trouve l'erreur dans le cas oblique.

Find and fix the mistake:

Vah larka ko bulao. (Appelle ce garçon)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Us larke ko bulao.
Le pronom 'vah' (ce/celui-là) et le nom 'larka' doivent tous deux passer à l'oblique ('us' et 'larke') à cause de 'ko'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Postpositions en Hindi : La Logique 'Inversée'

Laquelle de ces phrases exprime correctement le but ?

Choisis la version correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: मैं सोने के लिए जा रहा हूँ।
'Sone ke liye' est la forme correcte. 'Sona' est la forme du dictionnaire, et 'sokar' signifie 'après avoir dormi'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Exprimer le but : Utiliser 'pour' et 'afin de' avec les verbes en hindi

Quelle phrase signifie 'Il vaut mieux parler que d'envoyer un SMS' ?

Choisis la bonne traduction en hindi :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Text karne se baat karna behtar hai.
Pour les comparaisons ('mieux que de faire X'), on utilise le verbe oblique + se.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitif Oblique avec Se (Peur DE, Mieux QUE)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Main car chalana se darta hoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main car chalane se darta hoon.
Le verbe 'chalānā' doit impérativement passer à la forme oblique 'chalāne' devant 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitif Oblique avec Se (Peur DE, Mieux QUE)

Quelle phrase signifie 'pour acheter' ?

Choisis la phrase correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kharīdne ke liye
La postposition est 'ke liye'. Le verbe 'kharīdnā' devient donc 'kharīdne'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infinitifs obliques hindi : utiliser les verbes avec 'ke liye', 'se' et 'kā' (forme -ne)

Complète avec la bonne forme oblique.

Main ___ mein hoon. (kamra - chambre)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kamre
Comme 'kamra' est un nom masculin finissant en -aa, il devient 'kamre' devant la postposition 'mein'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Postpositions en Hindi : La Logique 'Inversée'

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

L'hindi est une langue SOV (Sujet-Objet-Verbe). Les postpositions font partie de cette logique où l'essentiel arrive à la fin. Kamre mein.
En général, non. La postposition n'affecte que le nom qui la précède. Sauf au passé avec 'ne', mais c'est une autre histoire ! Maine khaya.
Par défaut, oui. Mais quand tu exprimes une obligation, il doit s'accorder en genre avec l'objet, par exemple «किताब पढ़नी है».
Il devient '-ne' dès qu'une postposition comme 'ko', 'se' ou 'ke liye' le suit. Par exemple : «खाने के लिए».
En grammaire, 'oblique' signifie que le mot dévie de sa forme de base. Quand un verbe est suivi d'une postposition, il 'glisse' vers cette forme en -ne. C'est juste un nom technique pour dire
forme utilisée avec des prépositions
. Karne ke liye en est un bon exemple.
Non, c'est une erreur courante ! Le verbe cāhnā (vouloir) prend l'infinitif direct en -nā. Tu dois dire
Ma͠i khānā cāhtā hū̃
. Garde le -ne pour les postpositions.
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Mastering Time and Completion
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Describing Actions and Obligations
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