Expressing Ability (Saknā): Saying 'Can' in Hindi
ना, add the stem to सकना, and match the gender to speak about ability like a pro.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To say 'can' in Hindi, use the infinitive form of your main verb followed by the conjugated form of 'saknā'.
- Use the infinitive verb (ending in -nā) + saknā: 'Main jā saktā hūn' (I can go).
- Saknā conjugates based on the subject's gender and number: 'Ve jā sakte hain' (They can go).
- For negatives, place 'nahīn' before 'saknā': 'Main nahīn jā saktā' (I cannot go).
Overview
Expressing capability or possibility in Hindi primarily relies on the auxiliary verb सकना (_saknā_), which functions similarly to 'can' or 'to be able to' in English. This verb is fundamental for A2 learners as it allows you to articulate personal abilities, general possibilities, and to politely request or grant permission. Understanding सकना is crucial because it transforms basic declarative sentences into statements about potential and capacity, forming a cornerstone of practical communication.
Unlike English 'can,' सकना is a conjugated verb, meaning its form changes to agree with the subject's gender, number, and the sentence's tense. This agreement is a core feature of Hindi grammar. सकना always accompanies a main verb, providing the nuance of ability to the action described by that main verb.
It is an intransitive verb, which has significant implications for its usage, particularly regarding the absence of the ergative particle ने (_ne_) in past tenses.
How This Grammar Works
सकना is a compound verb construction. In this setup, the main verb appears in its verb stem form, stripped of its infinitive ending ना (_nā_), and remains invariant. All the grammatical work—indicating tense, mood, and subject agreement (gender and number)—is handled exclusively by सकना.सकना.बोलना (_bolnā_, 'to speak'). Its stem is बोल (_bol_). If you want to say 'I can speak,' you attach a form of सकना to बोल.मैं बोल सकता हूँ (_main bol saktā hūn_, 'I can speak'). Here, बोल remains unchanged, while सकता हूँ signifies the ability in the present tense, agreeing with the masculine 'I'. This mechanism is consistent across all main verbs and tenses, making सकना a highly versatile auxiliary.सकना is its inherent intransitivity. In Hindi, intransitive verbs do not take the ergative marker ने (_ne_) when used in the perfective aspect (simple past, present perfect, past perfect). Since सकना governs the grammatical structure of the compound verb, this means the subject of a सकना construction never takes ने, even in past tenses where transitive verbs would.मैं नहीं जा सका (_main nahīn jā sakā_), not मैंने नहीं जा सका.Conjugation Table
| Pronoun | Gender | Number | Present Tense (है) |
Past Tense (था) |
Future Tense (गा) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :------ | :----- | :------- | :--------------------- | :---------------------- | :-------------------- | ||
| मैं (_main_) | Masc. | Singular | सकता हूँ (_saktā hūn_) |
सकता था (_saktā thā_) |
सकूँगा (_sakūngā_) |
||
| मैं (_main_) | Fem. | Singular | सकती हूँ (_saktī hūn_) |
सकती थी (_saktī thī_) |
सकूँगी (_sakūngī_) |
||
| तू (_tū_) | Masc. | Singular | सकता है (_saktā hai_) |
सकता था (_saktā thā_) |
सकेगा (_sakegā_) |
||
| तू (_tū_) | Fem. | Singular | सकती है (_saktī hai_) |
सकती थी (_saktī thī_) |
सकेगी (_sakegī_) |
||
| तुम (_tum_) | Both | Plural | सकते हो (_sakte ho_) |
सकते थे (_sakte the_) |
सकोगे (_sakoge_) |
||
| आप (_āp_) | Both | Plural | सकते हैं (_sakte hain_) |
सकते थे (_sakte the_) |
सकेंगे (_sakenge_) |
||
| वह (_vah_) | Masc. | Singular | सकता है (_saktā hai_) |
सकता था (_saktā thā_) |
सकेगा (_sakegā_) |
||
| वह (_vah_) | Fem. | Singular | सकती है (_saktī hai_) |
सकती थी (_saktī thī_) |
सकेगी (_sakī hai_) |
||
| यह (_yah_) | Masc. | Singular | सकता है (_saktā hai_) |
सकता था (_saktā thā_) |
सकेगा (_sakī hai_) |
||
| यह (_yah_) | Fem. | Singular | सकती है (_saktī hai_) |
सकती थी (_saktī thī_) |
सकेगी (_sakī hai_) |
||
| वे (_ve_) | Both | Plural | सकते हैं (_sakte hain_) |
सकते थे (_sakte the_) |
सकेंगे (_sakenge_) |
||
| ये (_ye_) | Both | Plural | सकते हैं (_sakte hain_) |
सकते थे (_sakte the_) |
सकेंगे (_sakenge_) |
||
| हम (_ham_) | Both | Plural | सकते हैं (_sakte hain_) |
सकते थे (_sakte the_) |
सकेंगे (_sakenge_) |
Formation Pattern
सकना follows a precise and predictable pattern, which simplifies its application across various verbs and tenses. This formula allows you to express ability with clarity and grammatical correctness.
सकना Form] + [Optional Auxiliary Verb (e.g., है (_hai_), था (_thā_))]
लिखना (_likhnā_) 'to write', देखना (_dekhnā_) 'to see').
ना (_nā_) from the main verb. For लिखना, the stem is लिख (_likh_); for देखना, it's देख (_dekh_).
सकना Form: Based on the subject's gender and number, and the desired tense (present, past, future), choose the appropriate form from the सकना conjugation table. For instance, for a masculine singular subject in the present tense, use सकता (_saktā_); for a feminine singular, सकती (_saktī_); for plural/formal, सकते (_sakte_).
है (_hai_), हूँ (_hūn_), हो (_ho_), हैं (_hain_) are typically added at the end. In the past tense, था (_thā_), थी (_thī_), थे (_the_), थीं (_thīn_) are used. Future tense forms of सकना already incorporate the tense marker, so no additional auxiliary is required.
मैं हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ। (_main hindī bol saktā hūn._) – 'I can speak Hindi.' (बोल stem + सकता हूँ)
वह कल नहीं आ सकी। (_vah kal nahīn ā sakī._) – 'She couldn't come yesterday.' (आ stem + सकी)
हम कल मिल सकेंगे। (_ham kal mil sakenge._) – 'We will be able to meet tomorrow.' (मिल stem + सकेंगे)
सकना construction, place नहीं (_nahīn_, 'not') directly before the conjugated form of सकना. It is generally placed after the main verb stem but before सकना itself.
सकना Form] + [Optional Auxiliary Verb]
तुम यह काम नहीं कर सकते हो। (_tum yah kām nahīn kar sakte ho._) – 'You cannot do this work.'
मैं आज रात देर तक पढ़ नहीं सकता। (_main āj rāt der tak paṛh nahīn saktā._) – 'I cannot study late tonight.'
नहीं clearly negates the ability to perform the action, emphasizing the inability rather than simply the non-performance of the action itself.
When To Use It
सकना is employed in various contexts to denote general ability, possibility, or to make polite requests and offers. Its versatility makes it indispensable for expressing a wide range of meanings in Hindi.- 1Physical or Mental Ability: Use
सकनाto describe someone's capacity to perform an action due to physical prowess, intellectual skill, or learned competence (distinct from the learned-skill nuance ofआना).
वह बहुत तेज़ दौड़ सकता है।(_vah bahut tez dauṛ saktā hai._) – 'He can run very fast.' (Physical ability)क्या आप यह समस्या हल कर सकते हैं?(_kyā āp yah samasyā hal kar sakte hain?_) – 'Can you solve this problem?' (Mental ability)
- 1Possibility/Feasibility:
सकनाindicates that an event or action is possible, either generally or under specific circumstances. This is often used for impersonal statements or predictions.
आज बारिश हो सकती है।(_āj bārish ho saktī hai._) – 'It can rain today.' (General possibility)यह काम आज ख़त्म हो सकता है।(_yah kām āj khaṭm ho saktā hai._) – 'This work can finish today.' (Feasibility)
- 1Permission (Informal to Semi-Formal):
सकनाis commonly used to ask for or grant permission, acting as the Hindi equivalent of 'can I/you' or 'may I/you' in many situations, especially in modern conversational contexts. While more formal alternatives exist (likeक्या मैं अंदर आ सकता हूँ?(_kyā main andar ā saktā hūn_) versusक्या मैं अंदर आ जाऊँ?(_kyā main andar ā jāūn_)),सकनाremains widely accepted.
क्या मैं अंदर आ सकता हूँ?(_kyā main andar ā saktā hūn?_) – 'Can I come in?' (Asking permission)आप मेरा फ़ोन इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं।(_āp merā phon istemāl kar sakte hain._) – 'You can use my phone.' (Granting permission)
- 1Offers and Suggestions: It can also subtly convey an offer to help or a suggestion, framing it as something that can be done.
मैं आपकी मदद कर सकता हूँ।(_main āpkī madad kar saktā hūn._) – 'I can help you.' (Offer)हम बाद में बात कर सकते हैं।(_ham bād men bāt kar sakte hain._) – 'We can talk later.' (Suggestion)
सकना facilitates quick and direct expressions of availability or capability, essential for day-to-day interactions like, मैं आपको लोकेशन भेज सकता हूँ। (_main āpko lokśhan bhej saktā hūn._) – 'I can send you the location.'Common Mistakes
सकना. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying causes can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.- 1Failing to Drop
ना(_nā_) from the Main Verb: The most frequent mistake is attachingसकनाto the infinitive form of the main verb instead of its stem. The main verb must be in its stem form.
- Incorrect:
मैं खाना सकता हूँ।(_main khānā saktā hūn._) (Sounds like "I am an eating can.") - Correct:
मैं खा सकता हूँ।(_main khā saktā hūn._) – 'I can eat.' - Why it's wrong: The
नाsuffix denotes the infinitive 'to do' form. When forming a compound verb withसकना, the main verb acts as the core action, andसकनाmodifies this action directly, requiring the pure stem.
- 1Incorrect
ने(_ne_) Particle Usage: Many learners, accustomed to the ergativeनेwith transitive verbs in past tenses, incorrectly apply it to the subject ofसकनाconstructions.
- Incorrect:
मैंने नहीं जा सका।(_main ne nahīn jā sakā._) - Correct:
मैं नहीं जा सका।(_main nahīn jā sakā._) – 'I could not go.' - Why it's wrong:
सकनाis inherently an intransitive verb. In Hindi grammar, subjects of intransitive verbs (or subjects of compound verbs where the auxiliary is intransitive, as withसकना) never take theनेparticle in the perfective aspect. Always remember: noनेwithसकनाconstructions.
- 1Gender and Number Agreement Errors: Incorrectly conjugating
सकनाto match the subject's gender and number is a persistent challenge. Using a masculine form for a feminine subject, or a singular form for a plural subject, is grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect:
वह हिंदी पढ़ सकता है।(_vah hindī paṛh saktā hai._) (If 'वह' refers to a female) - Correct:
वह हिंदी पढ़ सकती है।(_vah hindī paṛh saktī hai._) – 'She can read Hindi.' - Why it's wrong: Hindi requires strict gender and number agreement for verbs and adjectives.
सकना, as the conjugated element, must reflect the actual subject. This is not just a matter of politeness but of fundamental grammatical structure.
- 1Misplacing
नहीं(_nahīn_): Placingनहींbefore the main verb stem rather than beforeसकनाcan alter emphasis or sound unnatural.
- Less common/unnatural:
मैं नहीं बोल सकता हूँ।(_main nahīn bol saktā hūn._) (While understandable, it can be seen as less idiomatic.) - More common/idiomatic:
मैं बोल नहीं सकता हूँ।(_main bol nahīn saktā hūn._) – 'I cannot speak.' - Why it matters: The standard placement of
नहींdirectly before the conjugated verb it negates makes the sentence clearer and more natural. Inसकनाconstructions,सकनाis the primary conjugated verb, soनहींprecedes it.
- 1Confusing
सकनाwithआना(_ānā_): While both can express 'can,'सकनाdenotes immediate ability or possibility, whereasआना(_ānā_) specifically refers to acquired skills or knowledge ('to know how to').
मैं तैर सकता हूँ।(_main tair saktā hūn._) – 'I can swim.' (Implies I am physically able to swim now, perhaps after an injury healed.)मुझे तैरना आता है।(_mujhe tairnā ātā hai._) – 'I know how to swim.' (Implies I possess the skill of swimming.)- Why the distinction: Using
सकनाfor a learned skill implies a temporary or circumstantial ability, whereasआनाcorrectly conveys permanent, acquired competence. This distinction is subtle but important for native-like expression.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
सकना and other related verbs or structures is vital for precise communication.सकना (_saknā_) | आना (_ānā_) | पाना (_pānā_) | को ... -ना है (_ko ... -nā hai_) |मैं (_main_)) | Dative (e.g., मुझे (_mujhe_)) | Nominative (e.g., मैं (_main_)) | Dative (e.g., मुझे (_mujhe_)) |ने | Never used | Not applicable (dative construction) | Never used | Not applicable (dative construction) |मैं पढ़ सकता हूँ। (_main paṛh saktā hūn._) 'I can read.' | मुझे पढ़ना आता है। (_mujhe paṛhnā ātā hai._) 'I know how to read.' | मैं पढ़ पाया। (_main paṛh pāyā._) 'I managed to read (it).' | मुझे पढ़ना है। (_mujhe paṛhnā hai._) 'I have to read.' |सकना (_saknā_) vs. आना (_ānā_): As noted earlier, सकना conveys immediate, circumstantial ability (e.g., 'I am able to lift this because my back is better'). आना (_ānā_), in contrast, is used with a dative subject (को (_ko_)) and expresses a learned, enduring skill (e.g., मुझे गाड़ी चलाना आता है। (_mujhe gāṛī calānā ātā hai._) 'I know how to drive a car.').सकना (_saknā_) vs. पाना (_pānā_): Both relate to ability, but पाना (_pānā_) specifically highlights success in performing an action, often implying that there were obstacles or difficulties. It's about managing to do something.पाना is typically used in the perfective aspect, often with a sense of completion or achievement. For example, मैं उसे नहीं समझ सका। (_main use nahīn samajh sakā._) 'I couldn't understand him.' (simple inability) vs. मैं उसे नहीं समझ पाया। (_main use nahīn samajh pāyā._) 'I didn't manage to understand him.' (implies effort or struggle).सकना (_saknā_) vs. चाहिए (_cāhie_) / को ... -ना है (_ko ...चाहिए (_cāhie_) (should/want) and को ... -ना है (_ko ... -nā hai_) (have to/need to) express desire or necessity, not ability.चाहिए typically implies a recommendation or a desire, while को ... -ना है indicates an obligation. These are distinct from सकना's function of expressing capability.Real Conversations
In modern Hindi communication, सकना appears frequently across various registers, from casual texts to more formal requests. Its usage reflects the dynamic nature of everyday interactions.
1. Asking for/Granting Favors (Casual Messaging/Phone Call):
- A: क्या तुम आज शाम को आ सकते हो? (_kyā tum āj shām ko ā sakte ho?_) – 'Can you come this evening?'
- B: हाँ, मैं आ सकता हूँ। (_hān, main ā saktā hūn._) – 'Yes, I can come.'
- A: ठीक है, मैं तुम्हें पिक-अप कर सकता हूँ। (_ṭhīk hai, main tumhen pik-ap kar saktā hūn._) – 'Okay, I can pick you up.'
2. Professional Context (Email/Meeting):
- हम इस परियोजना को अगले महीने तक पूरा कर सकते हैं। (_ham is pariyojanā ko agle mahīne tak pūrā kar sakte hain._) – 'We can complete this project by next month.' (Expressing capability/commitment)
- क्या आप इस दस्तावेज़ की समीक्षा कर सकते हैं? (_kyā āp is dastāvez kī samīkṣhā kar sakte hain?_) – 'Can you review this document?' (Polite request)
3. Social Media/Online Forums (Discussing Possibilities):
- आप अपनी राय कमेंट्स में दे सकते हैं। (_āp apnī rāy kōmenṭs men de sakte hain._) – 'You can give your opinion in the comments.' (Granting permission/invitation)
- यह एक नया तरीका हो सकता है। (_yah ek nayā tarīkā ho saktā hai._) – 'This could be a new method.' (Discussing possibilities)
4. Everyday Scenarios (Shopping/Travel):
- क्या मैं क्रेडिट कार्ड से भुगतान कर सकता हूँ? (_kyā main kreḍiṭ kārḍ se bhugtān kar saktā hūn?_) – 'Can I pay by credit card?'
- क्षमा करें, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता। (_kṣhamā karen, main āj nahīn ā saktā._) – 'Sorry, I can't come today.'
Notice how the context subtly shifts the nuance of सकना from simple ability to permission or potential. Its prevalence reflects its essential role in dynamic, interactive communication.
Progressive Practice
To truly internalize the usage of सकना, engage in structured practice that builds from basic recognition to active production. This progressive approach ensures mastery at an A2 level and prepares you for more complex constructions.
Verb Stem Isolation: Begin by identifying the verb stem for 20-30 common Hindi verbs. Practice doing this quickly and accurately. For example, खाना (_khānā_) -> खा (_khā_); जाना (_jānā_) -> जा (_jā_); करना (_karnā_) -> कर (_kar_).
Basic Sentence Construction (Present Tense): Take your identified verb stems and construct simple मैं (_main_) sentences in the present tense, focusing on correct gender agreement for सकना.
- If you are masculine: मैं पढ़ सकता हूँ।, मैं लिख सकता हूँ।
- If you are feminine: मैं पढ़ सकती हूँ।, मैं लिख सकती हूँ।
Expanding to Other Subjects & Tenses: Progress to using तुम (_tum_), आप (_āp_), वह (_vah_), हम (_ham_), and वे (_ve_) with सकना in both present and simple past tenses. Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement for सकना and the final auxiliary (है, था).
- आप क्या कर सकते हैं? (_āp kyā kar sakte hain?_) 'What can you do?'
- हम कल नहीं जा सके। (_ham kal nahīn jā sake._) 'We couldn't go yesterday.'
Negative Form Practice: Systematically convert positive सकना sentences into negative ones, ensuring नहीं is correctly placed before सकना.
- मैं यह खा सकता हूँ। (_main yah khā saktā hūn._) -> मैं यह खा नहीं सकता हूँ। (_main yah khā nahīn saktā hūn._)
Distinguishing सकना and आना: Create pairs of sentences where the distinction between general ability (सकना) and learned skill (आना) is highlighted. This helps solidify when to use each.
- मैं अब दौड़ सकता हूँ। (_main ab dauṛ saktā hūn._) 'I can run now (e.g., after injury).' vs. मुझे दौड़ना आता है। (_mujhe dauṛnā ātā hai._) 'I know how to run (skill).' (This might be better translated as 'I know running' or 'running comes to me', indicating the skill).
Contextual Application: Translate practical English sentences (e.g., 'Can I help you?', 'He can speak three languages', 'It might rain today') into Hindi, consciously choosing the appropriate सकना construction.
Listening and Imitation: Listen to native speakers using सकना in conversations, songs, or media. Try to mimic their intonation and natural sentence structures. Pay attention to when the final auxiliary है (_hai_) is omitted in speech.
Regular, varied practice across these stages will build both your grammatical accuracy and your intuitive understanding of सकना's usage.
Quick FAQ
सकना for Hindi learners.- Q: Can
सकनाbe used for very formal requests? - A: While
सकनाis generally polite, for extremely formal or deferential requests (e.g., addressing an elder or a superior), more indirect phrasing might be preferred. However, in most everyday formal interactions,सकनाis perfectly acceptable (e.g.,क्या मैं आपसे एक सवाल पूछ सकता हूँ?(_kyā main āp se ek savāl pūch saktā hūn?_) – 'May I ask you a question?').
- Q: Is the auxiliary verb (e.g.,
है(_hai_),हूँ(_hūn_)) always necessary at the end of aसकनाsentence? - A: In spoken Hindi, particularly in negative sentences or quick responses, the final auxiliary verb is often omitted for brevity. For example,
मैं नहीं जा सकता(_main nahīn jā saktā_) is very common and sounds natural. In written or more formal Hindi, it's generally included.
- Q: How do you say 'Could you please...?' very politely?
- A: You can use
सकनाin the plural/formal form:क्या आप... कर सकते हैं?(_kyā āp... kar sakte hain?_). To add more politeness, you might includeज़रा(_zarā_) orकृपया(_kripya_):क्या आप ज़रा मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?(_kyā āp zarā merī madad kar sakte hain?_) – 'Could you please help me a little?'
- Q: Can
सकनाbe used to express 'It might be...' or 'It could be...'? - A: Yes,
सकनाis frequently used to express possibility or probability. For instance,वह घर पर हो सकता है।(_vah ghar par ho saktā hai._) – 'He might be at home.' or 'He could be at home.' This demonstrates its versatility beyond just ability.
- Q: What is the difference between
मैं नहीं कर सकताandमुझसे नहीं हो सकता? - A:
मैं नहीं कर सकता(_main nahīn kar saktā_) means 'I cannot do it' (general inability).मुझसे नहीं हो सकता(_mujhse nahīn ho saktā_) literally means 'It cannot happen by me,' implying 'I am unable to do it' with a stronger sense of personal incapability or being overwhelmed, often used when one gives up or finds something too difficult. It uses theसेconstruction with a dative-like feel, emphasizing the task's difficulty for the subject.
Conjugation of Saknā
| Subject | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Plural/Formal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main (I)
|
saktā hūn
|
saktī hūn
|
-
|
|
Tum (You-inf)
|
sakte ho
|
saktī ho
|
-
|
|
Vah/Yeh (He/She/It)
|
saktā hai
|
saktī hai
|
-
|
|
Hum (We)
|
-
|
-
|
sakte hain
|
|
Āp (You-form)
|
-
|
-
|
sakte hain
|
|
Ve/Ye (They)
|
-
|
-
|
sakte hain
|
Meanings
The verb 'saknā' acts as a modal auxiliary to express physical ability, permission, or possibility.
Physical Ability
Possessing the skill or physical capacity to perform an action.
“Main tair saktā hūn.”
“Kya tum likh sakte ho?”
Possibility
Indicating that something is likely or possible.
“Aaj bārish ho saktī hai.”
“Yah galat ho saktā hai.”
Permission
Asking for or granting permission.
“Kya main andar ā saktā hūn?”
“Tum jā sakte ho.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Sub + Verb + Saknā
|
Main jā saktā hūn
|
|
Negative
|
Sub + nahīn + Verb + Saknā
|
Main nahīn jā saktā
|
|
Question
|
Kyā + Sub + Verb + Saknā?
|
Kyā tum jā sakte ho?
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Past Ability
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Sub + Verb + Saknā (past)
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Main jā saktā thā
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Polite Request
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Verb + Sakte hain
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Āp ā sakte hain
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Formality Spectrum
Kyā main andar ā saktā hūn? (Entering a room)
Kyā main andar ā saktā hūn? (Entering a room)
Andar āūn? (Entering a room)
Andar āyūn kya? (Entering a room)
Saknā Concept Map
Physical
- dauṛnā to run
Mental
- samajhnā to understand
Permission
- jānā to go
Examples by Level
Main khā saktā hūn.
I can eat.
Vah jā saktī hai.
She can go.
Hum khel sakte hain.
We can play.
Tum likh sakte ho.
You can write.
Main nahīn ā saktā.
I cannot come.
Kyā tum sun sakte ho?
Can you hear?
Vah hindī bol saktī hai.
She can speak Hindi.
Kya main yah le saktā hūn?
Can I take this?
Aaj bārish ho saktī hai.
It might rain today.
Vah shāyad ā saktā hai.
He might come.
Kya āp merī madad kar sakte hain?
Can you help me?
Yah kām kal ho saktā hai.
This work can be done tomorrow.
Mujhe nahīn lagtā ki vah ā saktā hai.
I don't think he can come.
Agar tum chāho, to tum jā sakte ho.
If you want, you can go.
Yah itnā āshcharya-janak ho saktā hai.
This can be so surprising.
Kya hamen yahan ruknā chāhiye?
Can we stay here?
Vah itnī der tak kaise ruk saktā hai?
How can he stay for so long?
Is sthiti mein, hum kuch nahīn kar sakte.
In this situation, we can do nothing.
Kya yah sambhav ho saktā hai?
Can this be possible?
Vah itnā bura kaise ho saktā hai?
How can he be so bad?
Yadi vah samay par ā saktā, to sthiti alag hotī.
If he could have come on time, the situation would be different.
Kya main yah man saktā hūn ki tum taiyār ho?
Can I assume that you are ready?
Vah isse behtar kar saktā thā.
He could have done better than this.
Iska koi aur arth ho saktā hai?
Can this have any other meaning?
Easily Confused
Both mean 'to be able to'.
Both are auxiliary verbs.
Tense confusion.
Common Mistakes
Main khātā saktā hūn
Main khā saktā hūn
Main jā saktī hūn (male speaker)
Main jā saktā hūn
Main saktā hūn jā
Main jā saktā hūn
Main nahīn saktā jā
Main nahīn jā saktā
Tum jā saktā ho
Tum jā sakte ho
Hum jā saktā hai
Hum jā sakte hain
Vah jā saktā
Vah jā saktā hai
Mujhe jā saktā hūn
Main jā saktā hūn
Main kar pānā hūn
Main kar saktā hūn
Vah ā saktā thā
Vah ā saktā hai
Sentence Patterns
Main ___ saktā hūn.
Kyā tum ___ sakte ho?
Aaj ___ ho saktī hai.
Vah ___ saktā hai.
Real World Usage
Main ā saktā.
Main hindī bol saktā hūn.
Kyā āp madad kar sakte hain?
Kyā āp jaldi ā sakte hain?
Yah bahut achhā ho saktā hai!
Kyā main yah le saktā hūn?
Gender Matters
Don't Conjugate Main Verb
Politeness
Casual Speech
Smart Tips
Always check if the first verb is in the infinitive form.
Check your gender before choosing 'saktā' or 'saktī'.
Start with 'Kyā' to make it clear.
Use 'sakte hain' to show respect.
Pronunciation
Saknā
The 'k' is aspirated. Pronounce it like 'suck-na'.
Question
Kyā tum jā sakte ho? ↗
Rising intonation at the end indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Saknā sounds like 'suck-na' (like sucking a lemon) — if you can't suck a lemon, you don't have the ability!
Visual Association
Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy box. They say 'Main uthā saktā hūn' (I can lift it) while flexing their muscles.
Rhyme
Verb with 'na', then add 'saknā', to show what you can do, it's really fun-a!
Story
Rahul wants to climb a mountain. He looks at the peak and says 'Main chaṛh saktā hūn' (I can climb). His friend asks 'Kyā tum thakoge?' (Will you get tired?). Rahul replies 'Nahīn, main nahīn thak saktā' (No, I cannot get tired).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you can do today (e.g., I can cook, I can read).
Cultural Notes
In North India, 'saknā' is used very frequently in daily speech. It is polite to use 'sakte hain' even with friends to show respect.
In business settings, 'saknā' is used to frame requests as possibilities, which is considered very polite.
Younger speakers often drop the auxiliary 'hai' in very casual speech.
Derived from the Sanskrit root 'śak' (to be able).
Conversation Starters
Āp kyā kar sakte hain?
Kyā āp hindī bol sakte hain?
Kyā āp kal mil sakte hain?
Kyā yah sambhav hai?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Main hindī bol ___ hūn.
Vah jā ___ hai.
Find and fix the mistake:
Main khātā saktā hūn.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I can go.
Answer starts with: Mai...
Hum jā ___ hain.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Kyā tum ā sakte ho? B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesMain hindī bol ___ hūn.
Vah jā ___ hai.
Find and fix the mistake:
Main khātā saktā hūn.
saktā / main / hūn / jā
I can go.
Hum jā ___ hain.
Main (a), Vah (b), Hum (c)
A: Kyā tum ā sakte ho? B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesमदद / आप / क्या / सकते / हैं / कर / ?
I could not come.
हम अँग्रेज़ी ___ ।
Match the following:
Which is correct?
Maine nahi ja saka.
क्या आज बारिश ___ ?
सकता / वह / नहीं / दौड़ / है
You can see the video.
Choose the 'skill' sentence:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is the standard way to express ability.
No, it stays in the infinitive form.
Add 'nahīn' before 'saknā'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
It is used for plural or formal subjects.
Yes, add 'thā' after 'saktā'.
Use 'saktī'.
Yes, it functions similarly.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder
Spanish conjugates the modal; Hindi conjugates the modal too.
Pouvoir
French has more complex conjugation.
Können
German modals are irregular.
Potential form
Hindi uses a separate auxiliary verb.
Istata'a
Arabic is a root-based language.
Néng
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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