Signification
To state that one was previously unaware of something.
Contexte culturel
In Delhi and Punjab, people often add 'yaar' (friend) to the end to sound more casual and sincere. This phrase is a classic 'revelation' line in movies. It's often delivered with a dramatic pause. Using 'pata nahi tha' is seen as a softer excuse than 'I forgot'. It implies the information never reached you. In 'Bambaiya' Hindi, 'Mujhe' is often replaced by 'Mereko', though this is considered non-standard.
The 'Ki' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'ki' to add more detail. It makes you sound much more fluent.
Gender Trap
Don't change 'tha' to 'thi' if you are a woman. 'Pata' is the boss of the sentence grammar here!
Signification
To state that one was previously unaware of something.
The 'Ki' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'ki' to add more detail. It makes you sound much more fluent.
Gender Trap
Don't change 'tha' to 'thi' if you are a woman. 'Pata' is the boss of the sentence grammar here!
Softening the Blow
Use this phrase before asking a question if you think you should already know the answer. It shows humility.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct subject for the phrase.
____ नहीं पता था कि आज सोमवार है।
The phrase 'pata tha' always requires the dative subject 'Mujhe'.
Fill in the missing past tense auxiliary.
उसे सच नहीं पता ____।
'Pata' is masculine, so the past auxiliary must be 'tha'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: कल पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थी! B: क्या? ____ कि कल पार्टी थी!
B is expressing past unawareness about an event that already happened.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Mujhe nahi pata tha'?
It is used to express previous unawareness of a fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ नहीं पता था कि आज सोमवार है।
The phrase 'pata tha' always requires the dative subject 'Mujhe'.
उसे सच नहीं पता ____।
'Pata' is masculine, so the past auxiliary must be 'tha'.
A: कल पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थी! B: क्या? ____ कि कल पार्टी थी!
B is expressing past unawareness about an event that already happened.
When would you say 'Mujhe nahi pata tha'?
It is used to express previous unawareness of a fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is a perfect synonym and sounds very natural, especially in North India.
Because in Hindi, knowledge is something that 'is to you' (dative subject), not something you 'do'.
No, as long as you add 'Maaf kijiye' (Sorry) at the beginning.
For people, use 'Main aapko nahi jaanta tha'.
No, it also means 'address' (like on an envelope).
People often write 'mujhe ni pta tha'.
Yes, 'Mujhe is raaz ka pata nahi tha' (I didn't know this secret).
Only for the past. For the present, use 'hai'.
Add 'bilkul' (absolutely): 'मुझे बिल्कुल नहीं पता था' (Mujhe bilkul nahi pata tha).
In Mumbai, 'Mereko nahi maalum tha' is very common slang.
Expressions liées
पता नहीं
similarI don't know (present)
मालूम नहीं था
synonymI didn't know
पता चला
builds onFound out
जानकारी नहीं थी
specialized formHad no information
अंजान था
similarWas unaware/stranger to
