Connecting Verbs: Want to, Try to, Start to (Control & Raising)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Connect two verbs by using the oblique infinitive form (verb + -ne) followed by a helper verb.
- Use the oblique infinitive (-ne) before verbs like 'chahna' (want): Main 'ne' khana khana chahta hoon.
- Use 'koshish' (try) with the oblique infinitive: Main likhne ki koshish kar raha hoon.
- Use 'shuru' (start) with the oblique infinitive: Usne bolna shuru kiya.
Overview
Mastering advanced Hindi syntax necessitates a nuanced understanding of how verbs interact, particularly when expressing concepts like wanting, trying, or beginning an action. This grammar rule, often termed 'Control and Raising' in linguistics, describes situations where two verbs are present in a sentence but share a single logical subject or object. The primary challenge for learners lies in identifying which verb dictates the overall sentence structure, subject case marking, and most critically, verbal agreement.
This interaction is far from arbitrary; it reflects deeper grammatical principles that govern argument structure and thematic roles in Hindi.
At its core, this pattern manages sentences that embed an infinitive verb (e.g., करना _karnā_ - to do, जाना _jānā_ - to go) within a larger clause governed by a main verb (e.g., चाहना _cāhnā_ - to want, लगना _lagnā_ - to begin). The 'Control' phenomenon occurs when the implied subject of the embedded infinitive is co-referential with an argument (subject or object) of the main verb. For instance, in 'I want to go,' the 'I' is both the one wanting and the one going.
'Raising,' conversely, involves a situation where an argument moves syntactically from the embedded clause to become an argument of the main clause, without originating there thematically. While the linguistic distinction can be complex, for the Hindi learner at C1, the practical implication is understanding which infinitive form to use (-nā vs. -ne), how to mark the subject (ने _ne_ or nominative), and how the main verb's agreement is determined.
How This Grammar Works
चाहना _cāhnā_) and a Dependent Verb (an infinitive, e.g., जाना _jānā_). The Main Verb is the grammatical architect, influencing two critical aspects of the sentence:- 1Subject Case Marking: The Main Verb, based on its transitivity in the perfective aspect, determines whether the subject takes the ergative marker
ने_ne_ or remains in the nominative case. Crucially, it is the transitivity of the Main Verb, not the infinitive, that governsने_ne_ usage in relevant tenses. For example,चाहना_cāhnā_ (to want) is transitive, so its subject will takeने_ne_ in perfective tenses (e.g.,मैंने जाना चाहा_maine jānā cāhā_ - I wanted to go). Conversely,लगना_lagnā_ (to begin), being intransitive, never takesने_ne(e.g.,वह जाने लगा` _vah jāne lagā_ - He began to go).
- 1Verbal Agreement: This is often the most challenging aspect. Hindi's Long-Distance Agreement (LDA) is prominently displayed here. The Main Verb's agreement (gender and number) can 'reach' past the infinitive and agree with the object of that infinitive, even if the infinitive itself doesn't explicitly show agreement. However, this agreement can be 'blocked' by the postposition
को_ko_. If the object of the infinitive is marked withको_ko_, or if no overt object is present for a transitive infinitive in perfective tenses, the Main Verb typically defaults to masculine singular agreement.
- Control Verbs: These are main verbs where the implied subject of the infinitive is controlled by the main verb's own subject or object. Semantically, the subject of the main verb is also the agent of the action described by the infinitive. Examples include
चाहना_cāhnā_ (to want),कोशिश करना_kośiś karnā_ (to try),सकना_saknā_ (to be able to). Inमैं जाना चाहता हूँ_maiṁ jānā cāhtā hūṁ_ (I want to go), 'I' is both wanting and going.
- Raising Verbs: In these constructions, an argument (typically the subject) that semantically belongs to the embedded infinitive clause appears as the subject of the main verb. The main verb itself does not assign a thematic role to this 'raised' subject. Examples include
लगना_lagnā_ (to seem, to begin). Inबारिश होने लगी_bāriś hone lagī_ (It started to rain),बारिश_bāriś_ is the subject ofहोना_honā_ (to happen), but it appears as the subject ofलगना_lagnā_. The Main Verbलगना_lagnā_ takes on the gender/number of the 'raised' subject. Similarly,वह अच्छा लगने लगा_vah acchā lagne lagā_ (He started to seem good) whereवह_vah_ is semantically tied to 'good' butलगनाgoverns the sentence.
Formation Pattern
-nā) and the oblique infinitive (-ne) is primarily governed by the Main Verb. This decision often reflects whether the Main Verb treats the infinitive as a direct object (like a noun) or as a complement requiring a postposition-like oblique form.
-nā):
-nā form.
चाहना _cāhnā_ | to want | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ना + चाहना _cāhnā_ | मैं यह करना चाहता हूँ। _maiṁ yah karnā cāhtā hūṁ_ | I want to do this. |
सकना _saknā_ | to be able to | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ना + सकना _saknā_ | तुम जा सकते हो। _tum jā sakte ho_ | You can go. |
पाना _pānā_ | to manage to/be able to | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ना + पाना _pānā_ | वह उसे रोक नहीं पाया। _vah use rok nahīṁ pāyā_ | He couldn't stop him. |
चूकना _cūknā_ | to miss (doing), already done | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ना + चूकना _cūknā_ | मैं यह मौका चूक गया। _maiṁ yah maukā cūk gayā_ (idiomatic) | I missed this opportunity. |
-nā: For चाहना _cāhnā_ in perfective tenses (which uses ने _ne_ for its subject), the agreement is crucial. If the infinitive has a direct object without को _ko_, चाहना _cāhnā_ agrees with that object. If there is no object, or the object has को _ko_, it defaults to masculine singular. For example: मैंने यह किताब पढ़ना चाही। _maine yah kitāb paṛhnā cāhī_ (I wanted to read this book - किताब _kitāb_ is feminine). But: मैंने उसको देखना चाहा। _maine usko dekhnā cāhā_ (I wanted to see him/her - को _ko_ blocks agreement).
-ne):
-nā to -ne.
लगना _lagnā_ | to begin / to seem | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ने + लगना _lagnā_ | वह पढ़ने लगा। _vah paṛhne lagā_ | He began to read. |
देना _denā_ | to allow / to let | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ने + देना _denā_ | उसने मुझे जाने दिया। _usne mujhe jāne diyā_ | He allowed me to go. |
पड़ना _paṛnā_ | to have to / be compelled | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ने + पड़ना _paṛnā_ | मुझे जाना पड़ा। _mujhe jānā paṛā_ | I had to go. |
मिलना _milnā_ | to get to do / to find (opportunity) | Subject + [Object] + Verb-ने + मिलना _milnā_ | हमें उनसे मिलने को मिला। _hameṁ unse milne ko milā_ | We got to meet them. |
-ne: For verbs like लगना _lagnā_ and पड़ना _paṛnā_, the Main Verb typically agrees with the subject, as these are intransitive and do not take ने _ne_. For देना _denā_, being transitive, its subject takes ने _ne_ in perfective tenses, and the verb देना _denā_ will agree with the direct object of the infinitive (if present and not marked with को _ko), or default to masculine singular. For instance, मैंने उसे जाने दिया। _maine use jāne diyā_ (I let him/her go) - दिया _diyā_ is M.Sg because उसे _use_ is को` _ko_-marked.
-ne) where the main verb acts upon an object, and that object then becomes the semantic subject (or agent) of the infinitive's action. The structure typically involves Object-को.
कहना _kahnā_ | to tell (to do) | Subject + Object-को + Verb-ने + को + कहना _kahnā_ | उसने मुझसे रुकने को कहा। _usne mujhse rukne ko kahā_ | He told me to stop. |
सिखाना _sikhānā_ | to teach (to do) | Subject + Object-को + Verb-ने + को + सिखाना _sikhānā_ | मैंने उसे हिंदी बोलने को सिखाया। _maine use hindī bolne ko sikhāyā_ | I taught her to speak Hindi. |
मजबूर करना _majbūr karnā_ | to compel (to do) | Subject + Object-को + Verb-ने + को + मजबूर करना _majbūr karnā_ | उन्होंने उसे अपना घर बेचने को मजबूर किया। _unhoṁne use apnā ghar becne ko majbūr kiyā_ | They compelled him to sell his house. |
ने _ne_-marked. If the subject is ने _ne_-marked (as with कहना _kahnā_, सिखाना _sikhānā_, मजबूर करना _majbūr karnā), the main verb generally defaults to masculine singular because the object (Object-को) is marked with को` _ko_, blocking agreement.
When To Use It
- Expressing Intentions and Desires (
चाहना_cāhnā_): When you wish to perform an action yourself.मैं कल दिल्ली जाना चाहता हूँ।_maiṁ kal dillī jānā cāhtā hūṁ_ (I want to go to Delhi tomorrow). This is more common and less formal thanमेरी दिल्ली जाने की इच्छा है।_merī dillī jāne kī icchā hai_.
- Indicating Ability or Capacity (
सकना_saknā_,पाना_pānā_): To state that someone is able to or manages to do something.क्या तुम यह सवाल हल कर सकते हो?_kyā tum yah savāl hal kar sakte ho?_ (Can you solve this question?).मैं उससे बात नहीं कर पाया।_maiṁ usse bāt nahīṁ kar pāyā_ (I couldn't talk to him/her/it).
- Marking the Commencement of an Action (
लगना_lagnā_): To signify that an action has begun.जैसे ही वे पहुँचे, बच्चे खेलने लगे।_jaise hī ve pahuṁce, bacce khelne lage_ (As soon as they arrived, the children started playing).
- Conveying Obligation or Compulsion (
पड़ना_paṛnā_): When an action is necessary or forced upon the subject.अचानक बारिश होने लगी तो मुझे घर वापस जाना पड़ा।_acānak bāriś hone lagī to mujhe ghar vāpas jānā paṛā_ (It suddenly started raining, so I had to go back home).
- Granting or Denying Permission (
देना_denā_ - to allow): When permitting or forbidding an action.शिक्षिका ने छात्रों को पुस्तकालय जाने दिया।_śikṣikā ne chātroṁ ko pustakālay jāne diyā_ (The teacher allowed the students to go to the library).
- Giving Instructions or Orders (
कहना_kahnā_): To indirectly command or instruct someone to do something.मैंने उससे दरवाज़ा बंद करने को कहा।_maine usse darvāzā band karne ko kahā_ (I told him/her to close the door).
Common Mistakes
- Misapplication of the Ergative Marker
ने_ne_: A frequent error is to assumeने_ne_ is used because the infinitive is transitive. However, the use ofने_ne_ with the subject depends solely on the transitivity of the Main Verb in perfective tenses. If the Main Verb is intransitive (e.g.,लगना_lagnā_,पड़ना_paṛnā), the subject never takesने` _ne_, regardless of the infinitive's transitivity. - Incorrect:
उसने पढ़ने लगा।_usne paṛhne lagā_ - Correct:
वह पढ़ने लगा।_vah paṛhne lagā_ (He began to read.) -लगना_lagnā_ is intransitive. - Correct:
मैंने खाना खाना चाहा।_maine khānā khānā cāhā_ (I wanted to eat food.) -चाहना_cāhnā_ is transitive.
- Incorrect Infinitive Form (
-nāvs.-ne): Confusing which main verb requires which infinitive suffix.लगना_lagnā_ andदेना_denā_ (allow) always take-ne, whileचाहना_cāhnā_ andसकना_saknā_ take-nā. This is a matter of lexical governance by the main verb. - Incorrect:
वह बोलना लगा।_vah bolnā lagā_ - Correct:
वह बोलने लगा।_vah bolne lagā_ (He started speaking.)
- Agreement Breakdown due to
को_ko_: Learners often forget that the presence of the postpositionको_ko_ with a direct object blocks verbal agreement. Whenको_ko_ is present, the Main Verb in perfective tenses will default to masculine singular, irrespective of the object's actual gender/number. - Scenario: I wanted to read a (feminine)
किताब_kitāb_. - Correct (no
को_ko_):मैंने किताब पढ़ना चाही।_maine kitāb paṛhnā cāhī_ (चाही_cāhī_ agrees withकिताब_kitāb_). - Scenario: I wanted to see (feminine) Sita (
सीता को_sītā ko_). - Correct (with
को_ko_):मैंने सीता को देखना चाहा।_maine sītā ko dekhnā cāhā_ (चाहा_cāhā_ defaults to M.Sg,सीता को_sītā ko_ blocks agreement).
- Placement of Adverbs/Particles: While less of a grammatical error, misplaced adverbs or particles can sound unnatural. Generally, the infinitive and the main verb should remain a cohesive unit. Adverbs pertaining to the embedded action can precede the infinitive.
- Awkward:
मैं घर जाना कल चाहता हूँ।_maiṁ ghar jānā kal cāhtā hūṁ_ - Better:
मैं कल घर जाना चाहता हूँ।_maiṁ kal ghar jānā cāhtā hūṁ_ (I want to go home tomorrow.)
Real Conversations
These verb structures are not confined to textbooks; they are integral to natural, fluent Hindi across various registers, from casual chat to more formal discourse.
- Casual Exchange (Texting/Chat):
- A: क्या तुम आज शाम मूवी देखने चलोगे? _kyā tum āj śām mūvī dekhne caloge?_ (Will you go to watch a movie this evening?)
- B: हाँ, मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, पर मुझे पहले काम ख़त्म करना पड़ेगा। _hāṁ, maiṁ jānā cāhtā hūṁ, par mujhe pahle kām ḵẖatm karnā paṛegā_ (Yes, I want to go, but I'll have to finish work first.) - Here, जाना चाहता हूँ _jānā cāhtā hūṁ_ and ख़त्म करना पड़ेगा _ḵẖatm karnā paṛegā_ are standard for expressing desire and obligation.
- Work Context (Email/Meeting):
- हमें इस प्रोजेक्ट को अगले महीने तक पूरा करना पड़ेगा। _hameṁ is projeḵṭ ko agle mahīne tak pūrā karnā paṛegā_ (We will have to complete this project by next month.) - करना पड़ेगा _karnā paṛegā_ conveys a strong necessity.
- मैंने टीम से रिपोर्ट तैयार करने को कहा है। _maine ṭīm se riporṭ taiyār karne ko kahā hai_ (I have asked the team to prepare the report.) - करने को कहा है _karne ko kahā hai_ is a standard way to report an instruction.
- Describing Events/Experiences:
- बच्चे जैसे ही स्कूल पहुँचे, खेलने लगे। _bacce jaise hī skūl pahuṁce, khelne lage_ (As soon as the children reached school, they started playing.) - खेलने लगे _khelne lage_ is the idiomatic way to express the beginning of an action.
- पहाड़ों में रहकर मुझे शांति मिलने लगी है। _pahāṛoṁ meṁ rahkar mujhe śānti milne lagī hai_ (Living in the mountains, I've started to find peace.) - मिलने लगी है _milne lagī hai_ shows the onset of a feeling.
- Offers/Requests in Public:
- क्या मैं यहाँ बैठ सकता हूँ? _kyā maiṁ yahāṁ baiṭh saktā hūṁ?_ (Can I sit here?) - बैठ सकता हूँ _baiṭh saktā hūṁ_ is a polite way to ask for permission.
These examples demonstrate the versatility and natural integration of these structures, essential for advanced communication in Hindi.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Why do some verbs take
-nāand others-ne? Is there a rule?
The distinction isn't arbitrary but often reflects the grammatical function the main verb assigns to the embedded infinitive. Verbs taking -nā (like चाहना _cāhnā_, सकना _saknā_) generally treat the infinitive as a direct object, similar to a noun. For example, मैं खाना चाहता हूँ _maiṁ khānā cāhtā hūṁ_ (I want food). खाना _khānā_ (food) is a noun. Similarly, मैं जाना चाहता हूँ _maiṁ jānā cāhtā hūṁ_ (I want to go) treats जाना _jānā_ (the act of going) as a noun. Verbs taking -ne (like लगना _lagnā_, पड़ना _paṛnā_, देना _denā_) often view the infinitive as an oblique complement, sometimes requiring an implied को _ko_ or being governed by a postpositional force. Think of जाने लगा _jāne lagā_ as 'began towards going.' It's largely lexical; you must learn which main verb takes which form, but understanding the semantic nuance helps.
- Q: When does the main verb agree with the infinitive's object, and when does it default to masculine singular?
This hinges on the presence of the postposition को _ko_ with the semantic object of the infinitive. If the object of the infinitive is expressed and does not have को _ko_ (e.g., किताब _kitāb_ - book, feminine), and the main verb is transitive in the perfective (e.g., चाहना _cāhnā_), the main verb will agree with that object's gender and number. For instance, मैंने किताब पढ़ना चाही। _maine kitāb paṛhnā cāhī_ (I wanted to read the book). However, if the object of the infinitive is marked with को _ko_ (e.g., लड़की को _laṛkī ko_ - to the girl), or if there's no overt object of the infinitive, the main verb will default to the masculine singular form. For example, मैंने लड़की को देखना चाहा। _maine laṛkī ko dekhnā cāhā_ (I wanted to see the girl).
- Q: What's the difference between
सकना_saknā_ andपाना_pānā_ for 'to be able to'?
Both convey ability. सकना _saknā_ generally denotes inherent or general ability, potential, or permission. मैं हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ। _maiṁ hindī bol saktā hūṁ_ (I can speak Hindi). पाना _pānā_, while also meaning 'to be able to,' often carries a nuance of succeeding in doing something or managing to do it, particularly after some effort or difficulty, and is very common in negative constructions. मैं समय पर नहीं पहुँच पाया। _maiṁ samay par nahīṁ pahuṁc pāyā_ (I couldn't manage to arrive on time). In negative contexts, नहीं कर सका _nahīṁ kar sakā_ and नहीं कर पाया _nahīṁ kar pāyā_ are often interchangeable, but पाना _pānā_ can add that subtle emphasis on success or failure.
- Q: Can particles like
ही_hī_ orभी_bhī_ attach to the infinitive or the main verb?
Yes, these particles can attach to either, and their placement changes emphasis. Attaching them to the infinitive emphasizes the action itself. मैं सिर्फ पढ़ना ही चाहता हूँ। _maiṁ sirf paṛhnā hī cāhtā hūṁ_ (I only want to read). Attaching them to the main verb often emphasizes the desire/ability itself or the overall clause. वह मुझसे बात कर सकता भी है और नहीं भी। _vah mujhse bāt kar saktā bhī hai aur nahīṁ bhī_ (He can talk to me and he also can't/might not). Both are grammatically correct, but ही _hī_ most commonly attaches to the element it modifies directly.
- Q: Is there a distinction between
देना_denā_ (to allow) andदेना_denā_ (to give) in these structures?
Yes, context and the infinitive form clarify this. When देना _denā_ means 'to allow' (e.g., जाने देना _jāne denā_ - to let go), it is part of an oblique infinitive construction. When it means 'to give,' it acts as a standalone transitive verb taking direct and indirect objects, or as a compound verb intensifier (e.g., कर देना _kar denā_ - to do completely). In the context of connecting verbs, Verb-ने + देना _Verb-ne + denā_ unambiguously means 'to allow/let.'
- Q: How does
कोशिश करना_kośiś karnā_ (to try) fit into this?
कोशिश करना _kośiś karnā_ is a control verb that takes an oblique infinitive followed by की _kī_. The structure is Subject + Verb-ने + की + कोशिश करना _Subject + Verb-ne + kī + kośiś karnā_. For example, मैं जाने की कोशिश कर रहा हूँ। _maiṁ jāne kī kośiś kar rahā hūṁ_ (I am trying to go). कोशिश _kośiś_ is a feminine noun, so की _kī_ is used. This is distinct from a direct control verb like चाहना _cāhnā_, but conceptually similar in that the subject of कोशिश करना _kośiś karnā_ is also the subject of the embedded action.
Verb Chain Formation
| Infinitive | Oblique (-ne) | Helper Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Khana
|
Khane
|
Chahta hoon
|
Main khane chahta hoon
|
|
Padhna
|
Padhne
|
Ki koshish
|
Main padhne ki koshish
|
|
Jana
|
Jane
|
Laga
|
Woh jane laga
|
|
Bolna
|
Bolne
|
Shuru kiya
|
Usne bolne shuru kiya
|
|
Likhna
|
Likhne
|
Chahti hai
|
Woh likhne chahti hai
|
|
Khelna
|
Khelne
|
Ki koshish
|
Hum khelne ki koshish
|
Meanings
This grammar allows you to chain two verbs together, where the first verb acts as the object or purpose of the second.
Desire/Intent
Expressing a wish to perform an action.
“Main padhna chahta hoon.”
“Kya tum khelna chahte ho?”
Attempt/Effort
Trying to perform an action.
“Main samajhne ki koshish kar raha hoon.”
“Usne rukne ki koshish ki.”
Inception
Starting an action.
“Barish hona shuru ho gayi.”
“Maine likhna shuru kiya.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Sub + Verb-ne + Helper
|
Main sone chahta hoon
|
|
Negative
|
Sub + Verb-ne + nahi + Helper
|
Main sone nahi chahta
|
|
Interrogative
|
Kya + Sub + Verb-ne + Helper?
|
Kya tum sone chahte ho?
|
|
Past
|
Sub + Verb-ne + Helper(Past)
|
Maine sone ki koshish ki
|
|
Continuous
|
Sub + Verb-ne + Helper(Cont)
|
Main sone ki koshish kar raha hoon
|
|
Future
|
Sub + Verb-ne + Helper(Fut)
|
Main sone ki koshish karunga
|
Formality Spectrum
Main jana chahta hoon. (General)
Main jana chahta hoon. (General)
Main jana chahta hoon. (General)
Jana hai. (General)
Verb Chaining Map
Intent
- Chahna To want
Effort
- Koshish To try
Start
- Shuru To start
Examples by Level
Main sona chahta hoon.
I want to sleep.
Kya tum khelna chahte ho?
Do you want to play?
Woh khana chahti hai.
She wants to eat.
Hum jana chahte hain.
We want to go.
Main likhne ki koshish kar raha hoon.
I am trying to write.
Usne bolna shuru kiya.
He started to speak.
Kya tum seekhne ki koshish karoge?
Will you try to learn?
Woh sone lagi.
She started to sleep.
Maine kaam khatam karne ki koshish ki.
I tried to finish the work.
Woh mujhse milne aana chahta hai.
He wants to come to meet me.
Barish hona shuru ho gayi.
It started to rain.
Humne samajhne ki koshish ki.
We tried to understand.
Usne mujhe samjhane ki koshish ki.
He tried to make me understand.
Main apni galti sudharne ki koshish kar raha hoon.
I am trying to correct my mistake.
Woh bina bole jane lagi.
She started to leave without speaking.
Kya tumne ise karne ki koshish ki?
Did you try to do this?
Main is vishay par charcha karna chahta hoon.
I want to discuss this topic.
Usne apni baat spasht karne ki koshish ki.
He tried to clarify his point.
Woh naye project par kaam shuru karna chahti hai.
She wants to start working on the new project.
Humne sthiti ko sudharne ki koshish ki.
We tried to improve the situation.
Vah apni kshamataon ko viksit karne ki koshish mein hai.
He is in the process of trying to develop his abilities.
Usne kathinaiyon ke bavjood aage badhne ki koshish ki.
He tried to move forward despite the difficulties.
Sarkar ne naye niyam lagoo karne ki koshish ki hai.
The government has tried to implement new rules.
Woh apni pehchan banane ki koshish kar rahi hai.
She is trying to build her identity.
Easily Confused
Both can express desire or start, but 'chahna' is active desire while 'lagna' is passive onset.
They mean the same, but 'prayas' is formal.
Learners use -na everywhere.
Common Mistakes
Main khana chahta hoon
Main khane chahta hoon
Main jana
Main jana chahta hoon
Main chahta hoon khana
Main khana chahta hoon
Main khane ki chahta hoon
Main khane chahta hoon
Main koshish kar raha hoon likhna
Main likhne ki koshish kar raha hoon
Usne shuru kiya bolna
Usne bolna shuru kiya
Main seekhne koshish ki
Main seekhne ki koshish ki
Woh jane lagi thi
Woh jane lagi
Maine koshish ki likhne
Maine likhne ki koshish ki
Woh bolne shuru kar rahi hai
Woh bolna shuru kar rahi hai
Main chahna hoon
Main chahta hoon
Usne koshish ki hai ki woh likhe
Usne likhne ki koshish ki hai
Main jana chahta
Main jana chahta hoon
Woh shuru kiya
Usne shuru kiya
Sentence Patterns
Main ___ chahta hoon.
Main ___ ki koshish kar raha hoon.
Usne ___ shuru kiya.
Kya tum ___ chahte ho?
Real World Usage
Main aana chahta hoon.
Main is role mein kaam karna chahta hoon.
Main pizza order karna chahta hoon.
Main ticket book karna chahta hoon.
Main naya video shuru karna chahta hoon.
Humne vishay ko samajhne ka prayas kiya.
The -ne Rule
Koshish needs Ki
Helper Verb Agreement
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Always check if the first one needs to be in the oblique -ne form.
Think of 'ki' as a bridge. No bridge, no connection.
Remember it's a compound verb: 'shuru karna'.
Use 'prayas' to elevate your register.
Pronunciation
Oblique -ne
The 'e' sound is short and nasalized if followed by a nasal consonant.
Rising for questions
Kya tum jana chahte ho? ↑
Indicates a yes/no question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
The 'NE' is the KEY to the chain. If you want to link, use the NE.
Visual Association
Imagine a chain where every link has the letters 'N-E' engraved on it. You cannot connect the two metal rings (verbs) without this specific link.
Rhyme
When two verbs meet and want to be one, change the first to NE and the job is done.
Story
Rohan wanted to run. He looked at the verb 'daudna'. He chopped off the 'na' and added 'ne'. Now he could say 'Rohan daudne chahta hai'. He tried to jump, so he added 'ki koshish'. He started to fly, so he added 'shuru kiya'.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using 'want to', 'try to', and 'start to' in Hindi.
Cultural Notes
The usage of 'chahna' is very direct. In formal settings, people might use 'ichha' (desire) instead.
You will hear 'shuru' used very frequently in daily speech.
In academic writing, 'prayas' is preferred over 'koshish'.
The oblique infinitive is derived from the Sanskrit gerundive forms.
Conversation Starters
Tum kya karna chahte ho?
Kya tumne kabhi seekhne ki koshish ki hai?
Tumne kab shuru kiya?
Kya tum is project ko shuru karna chahte ho?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Main jana ___ hoon.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Main koshish kar raha hoon likhna.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I want to sleep.
Answer starts with: Mai...
Woh (jana) chahti hai.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Kya tum khelna chahte ho? B: Haan, main ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesMain jana ___ hoon.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Main koshish kar raha hoon likhna.
shuru / bolna / usne / kiya
I want to sleep.
Woh (jana) chahti hai.
Match: Khana, Padhna, Jana
A: Kya tum khelna chahte ho? B: Haan, main ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesRām ne gāṛī ___ cāhī. (Ram wanted to drive the car - Focus on agreement with 'gāṛī' which is feminine)
Mujhe ab ___ paṛegā. (I will have to go)
How do you say 'I can do this'?
Woh rone shuru huā.
Match the verb to the form it triggers
cāhtā / hū̃ / main / ghar / jānā
I allowed him to speak.
Rām ne khānā ___ cāhā.
Tum kyā ___ cāhte ho?
Usne jānā lagā.
Main nahī̃ ā ___.
I have to study.
Let me think.
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
In Hindi, when a verb acts as the object of another verb, it must be in the oblique case, which is marked by -ne.
Yes, 'koshish' is a noun that requires the possessive/linking particle 'ki' to connect to the infinitive verb.
Yes, just conjugate the helper verb (chahta/shuru kiya) into the past tense.
No, it is neutral and used in all registers.
The helper verb 'chahta' becomes 'chahti'.
Yes, just add 'nahi' before the helper verb.
'Shuru' is often used as part of a compound verb 'shuru karna'.
Some verbs don't follow this, but they are rare and usually involve specific idiomatic structures.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Querer + infinitive
Spanish doesn't change the infinitive form.
Vouloir + infinitive
French uses particles like 'de' for other verbs, unlike Hindi's consistent -ne.
Modal verbs + infinitive
German word order moves the infinitive to the end of the sentence.
Tai-form
Japanese is agglutinative; Hindi uses a separate helper verb.
Uridu an + subjunctive
Arabic requires a full conjugated clause, not an infinitive.
Xiang + verb
Chinese has no verb conjugation or oblique cases.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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