उनको

The Hindi word उनको (unko) is a fundamental pronoun that every learner must master to navigate third-person interactions. At its core, it is the objective or dative form of the pronoun 'वे' (ve), which means 'they'. In Hindi grammar, pronouns change their form when followed by a postposition. When the postposition 'को' (ko), meaning 'to' or 'for', is added to the oblique base 'उन' (un), it becomes 'उनको'. This word is used to refer to a group of people who are distant from the speaker—either physically or metaphorically. It translates most commonly to 'to them' or simply 'them' when 'them' functions as the object of a verb. Understanding this word requires a grasp of Hindi's spatial logic: 'inko' is used for people nearby, while 'unko' is used for those further away. This distinction is vital for clarity in conversation.

Grammatical Category

Pronoun (Oblique + Postposition)

Spatial Context

Distant (Those people over there or not present)

English Equivalent

To them / Them / For them

Beyond just plural usage, 'उनको' plays a crucial role in the Hindi honorific system. In Hindi, respect is often shown by using plural forms for a single person. Therefore, if you are speaking about a teacher, a parent, or a boss in the third person, you would use 'unko' instead of the singular 'use' (to him/her) to maintain a polite and respectful tone. This dual functionality—serving both as a literal plural and a singular honorific—makes it one of the most frequently used words in both formal and informal Hindi. Whether you are telling someone to give a book to a group of students or showing respect to an elder, 'unko' is your go-to term.

The usage of 'unko' is also tied to specific verb constructions. In Hindi, many psychological states or physical needs are expressed using the 'ko' postposition with the subject. For instance, to say 'They are hungry' or 'They like this', you would start the sentence with 'unko'. Specifically, 'उनको भूख लगी है' (Unko bhookh lagi hai) literally translates to 'To them, hunger has attached'. This construction is ubiquitous in Hindi, and failing to use 'unko' in these contexts is a common mistake for English speakers who try to translate 'They like' directly as 'Ve pasand karte hain'.

In everyday life, you will hear this word in various scenarios. At a dinner party, a host might ask, 'उनको और खाना चाहिए?' (Do they want more food?). In a business meeting, a manager might say, 'उनको ईमेल भेज दो' (Send them the email). The word is versatile and adapts to the social hierarchy of the conversation. It is also important to note that 'unko' is often interchangeable with 'unhe' (उन्हें) in spoken Hindi, though 'unhe' is considered slightly more formal or literary. However, in the vast majority of spoken contexts across North India, 'unko' is the standard choice that sounds natural and fluid.

Register

Neutral to Formal

Frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 words)

Finally, let's consider the phonetic aspect. The word is pronounced 'un-ko'. The 'u' is short like in 'put', the 'n' is a standard dental nasal, and 'ko' rhymes with 'go'. It is a quick, two-syllable word that flows easily into the next word. Mastering 'unko' is a gateway to understanding how Hindi handles objects and respect, providing a solid foundation for moving from basic A1 sentences to more complex A2 and B1 level interactions. It bridges the gap between simple subject-verb sentences and more nuanced communication involving multiple parties and varying levels of social distance.

Using उनको (unko) correctly requires understanding its role as an object marker. In Hindi, the postposition 'ko' marks the direct object when it is animate (living) and specific. Since 'unko' refers to people, it almost always takes this form when they are the receivers of an action. For example, in the sentence 'I saw them', 'them' is the direct object. In Hindi, this becomes 'मैंने उनको देखा' (Maine unko dekha). Notice how the word order follows the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern, which is standard in Hindi. The word 'unko' sits right in the middle, identifying exactly who was seen.

Another major use case is the dative construction, where 'unko' means 'to them'. This occurs with verbs of giving, telling, or showing. If you are handing something to a group of people, you use 'unko'. For instance, 'उनको यह किताब दो' (Give them this book). Here, 'unko' acts as the indirect object. This is very similar to English, but remember that in Hindi, the 'to' (ko) is fused with the pronoun base (un) to form a single word in writing and speech, although it is technically a pronoun plus a postposition.

Direct Object Role

Used when 'they' are the target of the verb (e.g., calling them, seeing them).

Indirect Object Role

Used when something is being given or communicated 'to' them.

One of the most unique aspects of Hindi grammar for English speakers is the 'subject-as-recipient' construction. Many verbs that describe feelings, needs, or obligations require the subject to be in the oblique form with 'ko'. In these sentences, 'unko' actually functions as the logical subject of the English translation. For example, 'उनको प्यास लगी है' (Unko pyaas lagi hai) means 'They are thirsty'. If you said 'Ve pyaas hain', it would be grammatically incorrect and nonsensical. Similarly, 'उनको जाना है' (Unko jaana hai) means 'They have to go'. Mastering this 'unko + verb' pattern is essential for expressing basic human needs and requirements.

The honorific usage cannot be overstated. When referring to a single person of high status, such as a doctor or a grandfather, 'unko' is mandatory for polite speech. If you say 'Use bulao' (Call him) to refer to your grandfather, it sounds rude or dismissive. Instead, you must say 'उनको बुलाओ' (Unko bulao). This pluralization for respect is a core feature of Indian culture reflected in the language. It shifts the focus from the individual to a broader, more respectful collective identity. This is why you will often see 'unko' used in biographies of famous figures or in news reports about dignitaries.

In complex sentences, 'unko' can be used to link clauses. For example, 'जो लोग बाहर खड़े हैं, उनको अंदर बुलाओ' (Those people who are standing outside, call them inside). Here, 'unko' acts as a resumptive pronoun, pointing back to the group defined in the first part of the sentence. This helps maintain clarity when the subject is long or complex. As you progress to higher levels of Hindi, you will see 'unko' used in passive constructions and with compound verbs, but the fundamental principle remains the same: it marks the distant third-person plural (or honorific singular) as the recipient or object of the sentence's energy.

You will encounter उनको (unko) in almost every facet of Hindi-speaking life. In a typical Indian household, it is the standard way to refer to guests or family members who are not in the immediate room. For instance, if a mother is telling her child to take tea to the guests in the living room, she will say, 'जाओ, उनको चाय दे आओ' (Go, give them tea). In this context, 'unko' provides a polite distance and clearly identifies the target of the action. It is also the word used when discussing neighbors or acquaintances in a neutral way.

In the professional world, 'unko' is the language of the office. Colleagues use it to refer to other departments or clients. A secretary might say to a boss, 'उनको आपकी फाइल मिल गई है' (They have received your file). Because Hindi culture values hierarchy, 'unko' is the safest pronoun to use when referring to anyone senior to you. Using the singular 'use' in a professional setting can be seen as a sign of poor upbringing or lack of professional etiquette. Therefore, 'unko' is not just a word; it is a tool for social navigation.

Media & News

Used by anchors to refer to political parties, foreign delegations, or respected public figures.

Bollywood & Songs

Often heard in romantic songs referring to the beloved's family or in dialogues about 'those people' (the antagonists).

Public announcements and advertisements also rely heavily on 'unko'. If you are at a railway station in Delhi or Mumbai, you might hear announcements like 'यात्रियों से निवेदन है कि वे अपने सामान का ध्यान रखें और अगर उनको कोई लावारिस वस्तु दिखे...' (Passengers are requested to take care of their luggage and if they see any unclaimed object...). Here, 'unko' is used to address the collective 'they' (the passengers) in a formal, instructional capacity. It ensures that the message sounds authoritative yet polite.

Social media and digital communication have not diminished the use of 'unko'. On WhatsApp groups, you'll see it in messages like 'उनको भी ग्रुप में ऐड कर लो' (Add them to the group too). In YouTube comments or Twitter threads, users use 'unko' to refer to creators or public figures they are discussing. It remains a stable, essential part of the Hindi lexicon that bridges the gap between traditional formal speech and modern digital slang. Even in very informal settings, 'unko' maintains its place because its alternative 'unhe' often feels too 'bookish' for a casual chat.

Finally, in literature and storytelling, 'unko' is used to build the narrative. When a storyteller introduces a group of characters, 'unko' is used to describe their actions and the things that happen to them. It provides a sense of perspective, placing the characters at a distance from the narrator. Whether you are reading a classic short story by Premchand or a modern blog post, 'unko' will be there, acting as the grammatical glue that connects the characters to the plot. Its ubiquity makes it one of the most 'invisible' yet essential words in the language.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with उनको (unko) is confusing it with its 'near' counterpart, इनको (inko). In English, 'them' can refer to people right next to you or people in another country. In Hindi, however, the distinction is strict. If you are pointing at people standing across the room, you must use 'unko'. If you are referring to people sitting at the same table as you, you should use 'inko'. Using 'unko' for people nearby can sound slightly distancing or even exclusionary, as if you are talking about them as outsiders.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'unko' and 'unhe' (उन्हें). While they are often interchangeable, 'unko' is a combination of 'un + ko', whereas 'unhe' is a synthetic form that already includes the 'ko' meaning. Beginners sometimes try to add 'ko' to 'unhe', resulting in the redundant and incorrect 'unhe ko'. It is important to remember that 'unko' is the more common spoken form, while 'unhe' is more common in writing. Stick to 'unko' in conversation until you are very comfortable with the nuances of literary Hindi.

The 'Ko' Redundancy

Never say 'unhe ko'. Choose either 'unko' or 'unhe'.

Subject vs. Object

Don't use 've' when the sentence requires an object. 'I like they' is wrong in English; 'Maine ve dekha' is wrong in Hindi.

English speakers also struggle with the 'subjective unko' in sentences involving feelings or needs. A student might say 'Ve bhookhe hain' (They are hungry), which is technically correct but less common than 'उनको भूख लगी है'. The real mistake happens when students try to say 'They like' and use 'Ve pasand karte hain' for everything. While 've pasand karte hain' is used for general habits, 'उनको यह पसंद है' is the standard way to say 'They like this (specific thing)'. Forgetting the 'ko' (and thus the 'unko' form) in these 'liking' and 'needing' sentences is a hallmark of a beginner's accent.

Lastly, there is the 'respect' error. As mentioned before, using 'use' (singular) for an elder is a significant social faux pas. Even if you are grammatically correct in a literal sense (referring to one person), you are culturally incorrect. Always default to 'unko' for anyone older than you or in a position of authority. Conversely, using 'unko' for a small child or a very close friend might sound overly formal or even sarcastic in some contexts, though it is rarely considered 'wrong' in the way that being disrespectful is. Learning the social weight of 'unko' is just as important as learning its grammatical function.

In summary, the most common mistakes involve spatial confusion (unko vs inko), grammatical redundancy (unhe ko), and cultural insensitivity (forgetting the honorific plural). By paying attention to where the people are located and what their social status is relative to you, you can avoid these pitfalls and speak Hindi that sounds both natural and polite.

To truly master उनको (unko), it is helpful to compare it with its linguistic cousins. The most direct alternative is उन्हें (unhe). In most contexts, these two are synonymous. However, 'unhe' is a more integrated form and is often preferred in literature, news broadcasts, and formal writing. In contrast, 'unko' is the workhorse of spoken Hindi. If you are writing a formal letter, 'unhe' might be a better choice, but if you are chatting with a friend, 'unko' is more natural. There is no difference in meaning, only in register and frequency across different mediums.

उनको vs. उन्हें

'Unko' is common/spoken; 'Unhe' is formal/written. Both mean 'to them'.

उनको vs. इनको

'Unko' is for distant people; 'Inko' is for nearby people.

Another word often confused with 'unko' is उनका (unka). While they look similar, their functions are entirely different. 'Unka' is the possessive form, meaning 'their' or 'theirs'. For example, 'उनका घर' (unka ghar) means 'their house'. 'Unko', on the other hand, is the objective form. A common mistake is using 'unko' when you mean 'their'. Remember: 'ko' is for the object/recipient, and 'ka/ke/ki' is for possession. If the person is receiving something, use 'unko'; if they own something, use 'unka'.

Then there are the other postpositional forms like उनसे (unse) and उनके लिए (unke liye). 'Unse' means 'from them' or 'with them'. For example, 'मैंने उनसे बात की' (I talked with them). 'Unke liye' means 'for them'. While 'unko' can sometimes mean 'for them' in certain contexts (like 'unko khana do' - give food for/to them), 'unke liye' is more specific and emphasizes the benefit to them. Understanding these variations helps you build a complete picture of how the third-person plural 'un' interacts with the Hindi postpositional system.

Finally, consider the singular versions: उसको (usko) and इसे (ise) / इसको (isko). 'Usko' is the singular equivalent of 'unko' and is used for one person who is distant. As we've discussed, you would only use 'usko' for someone of equal or lower status, like a younger sibling or a close friend. For anyone else, you 'upgrade' to 'unko'. This mental map of pronouns—singular vs. plural, near vs. far, and informal vs. formal—is the key to speaking Hindi fluently and appropriately. By seeing 'unko' as part of this larger system, you can more easily remember its specific role and avoid mixing it up with its neighbors.

In conclusion, while 'unko' is a simple word, its alternatives and similar-sounding counterparts provide the nuance needed for different social and grammatical situations. Whether you choose 'unhe' for a formal essay or 'unko' for a quick chat, knowing why you are making that choice is a sign of advanced language proficiency.