B1 · Intermediate Chapter 9

The Power of Influence: Causative Verbs

4 Total Rules
35 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of delegation and influence by transforming simple actions into causative powers.

  • Apply the 'ne' particle correctly with transitive causative verbs.
  • Construct First Causative verbs to show direct influence over others.
  • Utilize Second Causative verbs to describe delegating tasks to third parties.
Don't just do it—get it done!

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ready to sound like someone who truly gets things done? This chapter moves you beyond just doing tasks yourself, to "getting them done with others' help or even delegating completely." Think about it: you want a haircut. You don't cut it yourself; you say,

The barber cuts my hair.
Need a new dress?
The tailor sews it for me.
This is precisely where Hindi causative verbs become essential! You'll learn to transform simple verbs (like 'to eat', 'to read') into forms showing you *caused* an action. We'll explore two types: The First Causative is for when you directly make someone do something (e.g., using suffixes like «-ā» or «-ānā»). You'll be able to say,
I made him eat.
The Second Causative is for when you arrange for someone else to perform an action, often involving a third party (with suffixes like «-vā» or -vanā). For example,
Have this food delivered to so-and-so.
By chapter's end, your Hindi will be more natural and precise. You'll make smoother requests, delegate tasks, and narrate situations where you influence outcomes without being the direct doer. Let's boost your linguistic power!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to conjugate any standard verb into its first and second causative forms.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to correctly use the 'ne' particle in past tense sentences involving causative actions.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to explain the difference between doing a task yourself versus having it done by someone else.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey friend! Welcome to the "Power of Influence: Causative Verbs" chapter, a crucial step in mastering Hindi grammar B1. This section is all about transforming your ability to express actions from merely "doing" to "getting things done" or "making others do them." As you advance in B1 Hindi, you'll find that native speakers frequently use these structures to describe situations where they influence outcomes without directly performing the action themselves. Think about everyday scenarios: you don't cut your own hair; you get the barber to cut it. You don't always cook a meal; you might have someone else prepare it.
This chapter unlocks a new level of fluency, helping you sound more natural and precise. We'll delve into the fascinating world of Hindi causative verbs, which allow you to indicate that you *caused* an action to happen. This skill is vital for making requests, delegating tasks, and narrating events where your influence is key. By the end, you'll be confidently using these powerful verbs, making your Hindi conversations much richer and more authentic. Get ready to boost your linguistic power and truly get things done in Hindi!

How This Grammar Works

Hindi causative verbs are formed by modifying a simple verb (like खाना - khānā, to eat) to show that someone is causing the action. There are generally two types, often distinguished by the degree of directness in the causation.
The First Causative: Making Someone Do
This form is used when you directly make someone perform an action. It's like saying "I make him eat." The rule topics "Hindi First Causative: Making Someone Do (-aa)" and "Hindi First Causative Verbs: Making Things Happen (-ānā)" refer to this.
Often, the root of the simple verb changes by adding an -ā sound, and then the infinitive suffix -nā is added.
* Simple Verb: पढ़ना (paṛhnā - to read)
* First Causative: पढ़ाना (paṛhānā - to teach, to make someone read).
* Example: मैं बच्चे को पढ़ाता हूँ। (Main bacche ko paṛhātā hū̃. - I make the child read/I teach the child.)
* Simple Verb: उठना (uṭhnā - to get up)
* First Causative: उठाना (uṭhānā - to make someone get up).
* Example: माँ बच्चे को उठाती है। (Mā̃ bacche ko uṭhātī hai. - Mother makes the child get up.)
The Second Causative: Getting Things Done
This form is used when you arrange for someone else to perform an action, often implying a third party or a more indirect cause. It's like saying "I get someone to make him eat" or "I get it done." The rule topics "Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)" and "The 'Get It Done' Verbs (Second Causative)" describe this. The prompt also highlights "Hindi Causative Verbs: Making Things Happen (karānā, karvānā)", with करवाना being a prime example of the second causative.
Here, the root of the First Causative verb often changes by adding a -vā sound, then the infinitive suffix -nā is added.
* Simple Verb: पढ़ना (paṛhnā - to read)
* First Causative: पढ़ाना (paṛhānā - to teach)
* Second Causative: पढ़वाना (paṛhvānā - to get someone to teach).
* Example: मैंने बच्चे को शिक्षक से पढ़वाया। (Maine bacche ko shikshak se paṛhvāyā. - I got the child taught by the teacher.)
* Simple Verb: करना (karnā - to do)
* First Causative: कराना (karānā - to make someone do)
* Second Causative: करवाना (karvānā - to get something done by someone else).
* Example: मैं अपना घर नौकर से साफ़ करवाता हूँ। (Main apnā ghar naukar se sāf karvātā hū̃. - I get my house cleaned by the servant.)
By understanding the suffixes -ānā (for First Causative) and -vanā (for Second Causative), you'll be able to transform simple verbs and express a broader range of actions, a key skill for B1 Hindi learners.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: मैं खाना खाता हूँ। (Main khānā khātā hū̃. - I eat food.)
✓ Correct: मैं बच्चे को खाना खिलाता हूँ। (Main bacche ko khānā khilātā hū̃. - I make the child eat food.)
*Explanation:* The first sentence implies *you* are eating. If you want to say you are *feeding* someone (making them eat), you need the First Causative form खिलाना (khilānā), not the simple verb खाना (khānā).
  1. 1✗ Wrong: मैंने अपना पत्र लिखा। (Maine apnā patra likhā. - I wrote my letter.)
✓ Correct: मैंने अपना पत्र उससे लिखवाया। (Maine apnā patra usse likhvāyā. - I got my letter written by him/her.)
*Explanation:* The wrong sentence implies you wrote the letter yourself. If you arranged for someone else to write it for you, the Second Causative लिखवाना (likhvānā - to get something written) is necessary. This shows indirect causation.

Real Conversations

A

A

तुम्हारी कार कब ठीक होगी? (Tumhārī kār kab ṭhīk hogī? - When will your car be fixed?)
B

B

मैं उसे आज मैकेनिक से ठीक करवा रहा हूँ। (Main use āj mechanic se ṭhīk karvā rahā hū̃. - I am getting it fixed by the mechanic today.)
A

A

तुमने बच्चों को यह कहानी क्यों पढ़ाई? (Tumne bachchoṅ ko yah kahānī kyoṅ paṛhāī? - Why did you teach the children this story?)
B

B

यह उनके पाठ्यक्रम में है। (Yah unke pāṭhyakram meṅ hai. - It's in their syllabus.)
A

A

क्या तुम यह काम खुद करोगे? (Kyā tum yah kām khud karoge? - Will you do this work yourself?)
B

B

नहीं, मैं अपने सहायक से करवाऊँगा। (Nahīṅ, main apne sahāyak se karvāūṅgā. - No, I will get it done by my assistant.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between First and Second Causative verbs in Hindi grammar for a B1 Hindi learner?

The First Causative (e.g., पढ़ाना - paṛhānā) means you directly make someone do an action. The Second Causative (e.g., पढ़वाना - paṛhvānā) means you arrange for someone else to perform the action, often involving a third party, implying more indirect involvement.

Q

Can all Hindi verbs be made causative?

While many verbs can be made causative, not all can. Intransitive verbs (verbs without a direct object, like सोना - sonā, to sleep) are often made causative. Transitive verbs (verbs with a direct object, like खाना - khānā, to eat) can also form causatives, but the resulting causative verb will have an additional object or agent.

Q

Are causative verbs common in everyday B1 Hindi conversations?

Absolutely! Causative verbs are very common and essential for expressing a wide range of actions, particularly when delegating tasks, giving instructions, or describing situations where you influence others. Mastering them will significantly improve your fluency and naturalness in Hindi conversations.

Cultural Context

In Hindi-speaking cultures, using causative verbs often reflects a polite way of delegating or requesting tasks, especially in formal or hierarchical settings. It's common to hear phrases like "मैंने अपना काम नौकर से करवाया" (I got my work done by the servant) rather than always stating one

Key Examples (6)

1

मैं बाल कटवा रहा हूँ।

I am getting my hair cut.

Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)
2

क्या तुम मेरी फोटो खिंचवा दोगे?

Will you get my photo taken? (implied: Will you take/click my photo?)

Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)
3

Maa bachhe ko khaana khilaati hai.

The mother feeds the child.

Hindi First Causative: Making Someone Do (-aa)
4

Mujhe apni nayi photo dikhao.

Show me your new photo.

Hindi First Causative: Making Someone Do (-aa)
5

मैं हर महीने बाल कटवाता हूँ।

I get my hair cut every month.

Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)
6

मैंने मैकेनिक से कार ठीक करवायी।

I got the car fixed by the mechanic.

Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)

Tips & Tricks (3)

💡

Shorten the Vowel

When adding -ā or -vā, long vowels in the root usually shrink. 'Jīt' (win) becomes 'jitānā' (make win/defeat).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)
💡

Focus on the root

Always identify the base verb root first.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi First Causative: Making Someone Do (-aa)
💡

Use 'se'

Always use 'se' for the person doing the work.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)

Key Vocabulary (7)

करना (karna) to do कराना (karana) to cause to do / to make happen करवाना (karvana) to have (something) done by someone बनाना (banana) to make / to build बनवाना (banvana) to have (something) built सिखाना (sikhaana) to teach (causative of 'to learn') दर्जी (darzi) tailor

Real-World Preview

scissors

At the Tailor Shop

book-open

Teaching a Friend

Review Summary

  • [Subject] + ने + [Object] + [Verb agreeing with Object]
  • Root + आ (aa) / आना (aana)
  • Root + वा (vaa) / वाना (vaana)

Common Mistakes

Because 'khilana' is a causative (transitive) verb, the subject must take 'ne' in the past tense.

Wrong: मैं दोस्त को खाना खिलाया (main dost ko khana khilaya)
Correct: मैंने दोस्त को खाना खिलाया (maine dost ko khana khilaya)

Use the -vaa form when you are the instigator but someone else (like a cleaner) is the actual doer.

Wrong: मैंने घर साफ़ कराया (maine ghar saaf karaya) [when meaning a professional did it]
Correct: मैंने घर साफ़ करवाया (maine ghar saaf karvaya)

Pronouns change form when 'ne' is added (voh + ne = usne).

Wrong: वह मुझको सिखाया (vah mujhko sikhaya)
Correct: उसने मुझे सिखाया (usne mujhe sikhaya)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked a major level of Hindi fluency. Being able to delegate and influence is a key B1 skill. Keep practicing those suffixes!

Look at objects around your room and say who you 'had them made' by (tailor, carpenter, etc.)

Continue to: Focusing on the Action: Passive Voice

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct form.

Usne mujhe ____ (hansāyā/hansa).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hansāyā
Direct causative.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Usne kitaabein khayi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Usne kitaabein khayin
Plural feminine agreement.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Ergative ने in Depth: Agreement Rules in Perfective Tenses

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Maine ghar banāyā (I got it built).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Maine ghar banvāyā
Indirect causative.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Maine gaya.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main gaya
Gaya is intransitive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Ergative ने in Depth: Agreement Rules in Perfective Tenses

Fill in the blank.

Maine roti ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: khayi
Roti is feminine.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Ergative ने in Depth: Agreement Rules in Perfective Tenses

Complete the sentence.

Maine darzi se kapde ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: silvaye
Correct causative form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)

Fill in the blank.

Humne ____ dekhi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: film
Film is feminine.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Ergative ने in Depth: Agreement Rules in Perfective Tenses

Choose the correct causative.

Which is the second causative?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: karvana
Suffix -vana is for second causative.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)

Choose the correct form.

Maine gāḍī ____ (thīk karvāī/thīk karī).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: thīk karvāī
Service.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hindi Causatives: Getting Things Done (-ā & -vā)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Maine darzi kapde silvaye.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Add se after darzi
Agent needs 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Getting Things Done: Second Causative Verbs (-vana)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

It marks the subject of a transitive verb in the past.
It changes the subject pronoun (e.g., Main -> Maine).
-ā is direct, -vā is indirect.
Most transitive verbs can.
Most transitive verbs, yes.
-ana is direct causative; -vana is indirect causative.
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Focusing on the Action: Passive Voice
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