A1 · Beginner Chapter 2

Questions, Negation, and Requests

5 Total Rules
54 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Transform your Hindi from simple statements into dynamic conversations and polite requests.

  • Negate sentences using the simple marker 'nahiṃ'.
  • Formulate essential questions to navigate daily life.
  • Give instructions and make polite requests using proper verb endings.
Unlock the power of 'No', 'What', and 'Please'!

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ready to take a huge leap in your Hindi learning journey? This chapter is like a magic toolkit that teaches you how to truly express yourself. First, you'll master saying 'no' by placing 'nahiṃ' (नहीं) right before the verb – super simple and practical for phrases like 'I don't want this.' Next, we dive into asking questions! Imagine being in a bustling Indian market, wanting to ask 'What is it?' (kyā), 'Who?' (kaun), 'Where?' (kahā̃), or 'When?' (kab). You'll learn to form these questions by simply replacing the information you seek with the right question word, just before the verb. This skill is key to navigating conversations and getting information. We'll also explore the dictionary form of Hindi verbs, ending in '-na' (nā), which acts like their basic identity. Then comes the exciting part: giving friendly instructions to peers (using 'tum' and adding '-o' to the verb stem), like 'Come here!' or 'Read!' You'll also learn to make very polite requests (with 'aap' and adding '-iye' or '-jiye' to the verb stem), such as 'Please come in' or 'Please help me.' Picture yourself at a party in India: you can ask names, decline food, or politely ask for water. After this chapter, you won't just be a listener! You'll express needs, ask questions, and confidently connect. Don't worry; this is easier than you think, and you'll be speaking Hindi in no time!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Negate basic identity and existence sentences correctly.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Ask information-seeking questions using the four core 'K' words.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Differentiate between friendly commands and formal requests.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey friend! Welcome to a truly transformative chapter in your Hindi language learning journey! This guide is designed to empower you with essential communication tools, making you an active participant rather than just a listener. For A1 Hindi learners, mastering questions, negation, and basic commands is absolutely fundamental. It's like unlocking the first level of a video game – suddenly, you can interact with the world around you!
In this chapter, we'll equip you with the skills to confidently say "no," ask crucial questions like "What?" "Who?" "Where?" and "When?", and even give simple instructions or make polite requests. Imagine navigating an Indian market, asking for directions, or politely declining an extra helping of food – these are the real-world scenarios you'll soon conquer. This Hindi grammar A1 guide focuses on practical, everyday usage, ensuring you can apply what you learn immediately.
By the end of this section, you won't just understand basic Hindi sentences; you’ll be able to construct your own, engage in simple exchanges, and feel much more comfortable in Hindi-speaking environments. We'll break down each concept, from the simple placement of nahīṃ (नहीं) for negation to the nuances of formal and informal requests. Get ready to boost your Hindi conversational skills and connect with people on a deeper level!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the core mechanics of expressing yourself in Hindi. We’ll start with the simplest way to say "no," then move on to asking questions, understanding verbs, and finally, giving commands and making requests.
Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'
Negation in Hindi is wonderfully straightforward. To make a sentence negative, you simply place the word nahīṃ (नहीं) – meaning "no" or "not" – directly before the verb. It's that easy!
* Maiṃ jātā hūm̐. (मैं जाता हूँ।) (I go.)
* Maiṃ nahīṃ jātā hūm̐. (मैं नहीं जाता हूँ।) (I do not go.)
* Yah kitāb hai. (यह किताब है।) (This is a book.)
* Yah kitāb nahīṃ hai. (यह किताब नहीं है।) (This is not a book.)
Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When
Asking questions is crucial for any conversation. You'll learn to use key interrogative words by replacing the information you seek with the appropriate question word. These typically come before the verb, similar to nahīṃ.
* Kyā (क्या) – What?
* Yah kyā hai? (यह क्या है?) (What is this?)
* Kaun (कौन) – Who?
* Vaha kaun hai? (वह कौन है?) (Who is that?)
* Kahā̃ (कहाँ) – Where?
* Aap kahā̃ se haiṃ? (आप कहाँ से हैं?) (Where are you from?)
* Kab (कब) – When?
* Aap kab āeṃge? (आप कब आएँगे?) (When will you come?)
Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)
Every Hindi verb has a basic, dictionary form that ends with -nā (ना). This is its infinitive form, like "to eat" or "to read" in English.
* Khānā (खाना) – To eat
* Paṛhnā (पढ़ना) – To read
* Ānā (आना) – To come
* Jānā (जाना) – To go
Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum'
When speaking to friends, family, or people your age (informal "you"), you use the pronoun tum (तुम). To give a friendly command, you take the verb stem (remove the -nā from the dictionary form) and add -o (ओ).
* From khānā (खाना) (to eat), stem is khā (खा).
* Khāo! (खाओ!) (Eat!)
* From paṛhnā (पढ़ना) (to read), stem is paṛh (पढ़).
* Paṛho! (पढ़ो!) (Read!)
Polite Requests in Hindi: The 'Aap' Form
For formal situations, elders, strangers, or anyone you wish to show respect, you use the pronoun aap (आप) (formal "you"). To make a polite request, take the verb stem and add -iye (इये) or -jīye (जिये). Verbs ending in a vowel stem usually take -jīye, while consonant stems usually take -iye.
* From ānā (आना) (to come), stem is ā (आ). (vowel stem)
* Āīye! (आइए!) (Please come!)
* From jānā (जाना) (to go), stem is jā (जा). (vowel stem)
* Jāīye! (जाइए!) (Please go!)
* From paṛhnā (पढ़ना) (to read), stem is paṛh (पढ़). (consonant stem)
* Paṛhiye! (पढ़िए!) (Please read!)
* From likhnā (लिखना) (to write), stem is likh (लिख). (consonant stem)
* Likhiye! (लिखिए!) (Please write!)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: Maiṃ nahīṃ hūm̐ jātā. (मैं नहीं हूँ जाता।)
✓ Correct: Maiṃ nahīṃ jātā hūm̐. (मैं नहीं जाता हूँ।)
*Explanation:* The negation word nahīṃ (नहीं) always comes directly before the verb it negates. In Hindi, the helping verb (like hūm̐ - हूँ) often comes at the very end.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: Aap jao! (आप जाओ!)
✓ Correct: Aap jāīye! (आप जाइए!)
*Explanation:* When addressing someone formally with aap (आप), you must use the polite imperative ending (-iye / -jīye) for commands and requests. Using the informal -o ending with aap is grammatically incorrect and can sound disrespectful.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: Vaha kyā hai? (वह क्या है?) (Meaning "Who is that?")
✓ Correct: Vaha kaun hai? (वह कौन है?)
*Explanation:* Kyā (क्या) is for "what" (things/concepts), while kaun (कौन) is for "who" (people). Using them interchangeably is a common beginner mistake.

Real Conversations

A

A

Kyā yah aapkī kitāb hai? (क्या यह आपकी किताब है?) (Is this your book?)
B

B

Nahīṃ, yah merī kitāb nahīṃ hai. (नहीं, यह मेरी किताब नहीं है।) (No, this is not my book.)
A

A

Aap kab āeṃge? (आप कब आएँगे?) (When will you come?)
B

B

Maiṃ śām ko āūm̐gā. (मैं शाम को आऊँगा।) (I will come in the evening.)
A

A

Kṛpā karke yaha baiṭhiye. (कृपा करके यहाँ बैठिए।) (Please sit here.)
B

B

Dhanyavād! (धन्यवाद!) (Thank you!)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do I know where to place question words like kyā (क्या) or kahā̃ (कहाँ) in a sentence?

Generally, Hindi question words are placed just before the verb or the element they are asking about, replacing the information you're seeking. For instance, if you're asking "What is this?", kyā (क्या) replaces "this thing" and goes near "is."

Q

Is there a simple rule for when to use -iye (इये) vs. -jīye (जिये) for polite requests?

Yes, it's quite simple for Hindi verb conjugations. If the verb stem ends in a vowel (like ā from ānā), you usually add -jīye. If the verb stem ends in a consonant (like paṛh from paṛhnā), you usually add -iye.

Q

What is the significance of the -nā (ना) ending in Hindi verbs?

The -nā (ना) ending signifies the infinitive or dictionary form of a verb, equivalent to "to [verb]" in English (e.g., khānā - to eat). It's the base form from which all other conjugations are derived.

Q

Can I use kyā (क्या) at the beginning of a sentence to turn any statement into a yes/no question?

Absolutely! Placing kyā (क्या) at the very beginning of a declarative sentence is a common way to form a simple yes/no question in Hindi, without needing to change the word order of the rest of the sentence. For example, "Kyā aap thīk haiṃ?" (क्या आप ठीक हैं?) (Are you okay?).

Cultural Context

Understanding the nuances of tum (तुम) vs. aap (आप) is incredibly important in Hindi-speaking cultures. Using aap shows respect and politeness, especially towards elders, strangers, or people in positions of authority. Misusing tum in a formal context can be considered impolite or even rude. This distinction highlights the value placed on respect and hierarchy in many South Asian societies. Similarly, using polite requests with -iye/-jīye is a mark of good manners, making your interactions smoother and more pleasant.

Key Examples (8)

1

मैं चिकन नहीं खाता।

I do not eat chicken.

Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'
2

वह ऑफिस नहीं जा रही।

She is not going to the office.

Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'
3

Aapka naam kya hai?

What is your name?

Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)
4

Metro station kahaan hai?

Where is the metro station?

Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)
5

मुझे सोना पसंद है।

I like sleeping.

Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)
6

क्या तुम मेरे साथ चलना चाहते हो?

Do you want to come (walk) with me?

Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)
7

mera phone uthao

Pick up my phone.

Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum' (Verb + o)
8

link whatsapp pe bhejo

Send the link on WhatsApp.

Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum' (Verb + o)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Placement is Key

Always put 'nahin' right before the verb. It's the most important rule for A1 learners.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'
💡

Keep it simple

Don't overcomplicate. Just replace the missing info with the question word.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)
💡

Learn the root

Always identify the root before adding -na.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)
💡

Context is King

Always check who you are talking to before using 'tum'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum' (Verb + o)

Key Vocabulary (7)

नहीं(nahiṃ) no/not क्या(kyā) what कहाँ(kahā̃) where खाना(khānā) to eat पानी(pānī) water आना(ānā) to come बैठना(baiṭhnā) to sit

Real-World Preview

utensils

At a Friend's Dinner

Review Summary

  • [Subject] + [Object] + नहीं(nahiṃ) + [Verb]
  • [Subject] + [Question Word] + [Verb]?
  • Verb Root + इये(iye) / जिये(jiye)

Common Mistakes

In English, we say 'No, I am...'. In Hindi, 'nahiṃ' must come immediately before the verb 'hūṃ' to negate the sentence properly.

Wrong: नहीं मैं छात्र हूँ(nahiṃ maiṃ chātra hūṃ)
Correct: मैं छात्र नहीं हूँ(maiṃ chātra nahiṃ hūṃ)

Do not start every question with 'kyā'. If you use a specific word like 'kaun' (who), 'kyā' is unnecessary and redundant.

Wrong: क्या आप कौन हैं?(kyā āp kaun haiṃ?)
Correct: आप कौन हैं?(āp kaun haiṃ?)

The '-o' ending is for 'Tum' (friends). When using 'Aap' (respectful), you must use the '-iye' ending to avoid sounding rude.

Wrong: आप यहाँ आओ(āp yahā̃ āo)
Correct: आप यहाँ आइए(āp yahā̃ āiye)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked the ability to interact with the world in Hindi! Keep practicing those 'K' words—they are your best friends in India.

Practice negating 5 things you are not today.

Roleplay asking for directions using 'kahā̃ hai'.

Continue to: Daily Life and Abilities

Quick Practice (10)

Which is the polite form of 'aana'?

Choose the correct form.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Aaiye is the polite form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests in Hindi: The 'Aap' Form (-iye/-jiye)

Choose the correct formal negation.

How to say 'No, I don't know' formally?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ji nahin, main nahin janta.
Ji adds formality.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Main khana hoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main khata hoon
Drop -na for conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)

Which is the negative polite form?

Choose the correct form.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Mat + polite form is correct.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests in Hindi: The 'Aap' Form (-iye/-jiye)

Choose the correct question word.

___ घर जा रहा है?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कौन
Who is going home uses 'kaun'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)

Fill in the blank.

वह ___ काम करता है?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कहाँ
Where does he work.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)

Fill in the blank with the correct question word.

___ आपका नाम है?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: क्या
What is your name uses 'kya'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking Questions in Hindi: What, Who, Where, When (क्या, कौन, कहाँ, कब)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin jata.
Subject-Nahin-Verb order.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'

Fill in the blank with the correct infinitive.

मुझे पानी ___ है।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: पीना
Need the infinitive form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Verbs: The Dictionary Form (-na)

Fill in the blank with 'nahin'.

Main ___ jata hoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nahin
Nahin is the standard negation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, it is the standard word for 'no' and 'not' in Hindi.
No, that is grammatically incorrect in standard Hindi.
When 'kya' is at the start, it acts as a Yes/No question marker, not 'what'.
No, 'kaun' is strictly for people. Use 'kya' for objects.
All dictionary verbs end in -na. If you see one that doesn't, it's likely already conjugated.
No, only for infinitives and verbal nouns.
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