Hindi 'But': Connecting Ideas (Lekin & Par)
लेकिन or पर to link contrasting ideas—लेकिन for formal clarity, पर for casual speed.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'lekin' (लेकिन) or 'par' (पर) to connect two opposite ideas in a single sentence.
- Use 'lekin' for general contrasts: 'I am hungry, but there is no food.'
- Use 'par' for slightly more formal or emphatic contrasts: 'He tried, but failed.'
- Place the conjunction between the two independent clauses, just like in English.
Overview
Mastering Hindi conjunctions is crucial for expressing complex ideas, and two of the most fundamental are लेकिन (lekin) and पर (par), both translating primarily to “but.” At the A1 level, understanding these words allows you to move beyond simple statements and articulate contrasting thoughts, exceptions, or unexpected outcomes. They are coordinating conjunctions, meaning they connect two grammatically independent clauses or sentences of equal importance. This grammatical function is essential for creating nuanced communication, enabling you to present an initial idea and then introduce a qualification or an opposing fact.
While both लेकिन and पर serve this core purpose, their usage often reflects differences in formality, register, and regional preference. Recognizing these distinctions empowers you to sound more natural and appropriate in various Hindi-speaking contexts.
The ability to use लेकिन and पर effectively marks a significant step in your linguistic development. It indicates a cognitive shift from merely stating facts to engaging in more intricate thought processes where you can present a perspective and immediately follow it with a counterpoint. For instance, you might say, यह महंगा है, लेकिन अच्छा है। (yah mehangaa hai, lekin achhaa hai.
- "It is expensive, but it is good.") or मुझे चाय पसंद है, पर कॉफ़ी नहीं। (mujhe chaay pasand hai, par coffee nahii.n. - "I like tea, but not coffee."). These conjunctions act as the linguistic pivot, guiding your listener from one idea to another while highlighting the contrast between them.
Their simplicity in form belies their power in enabling richer, more conversational Hindi.
How This Grammar Works
लेकिन and पर function as invariant particles. This means their form does not change based on gender, number, tense, or case. They are placed between two independent clauses to signal a relationship of contrast or opposition.[Clause 1] [Conjunction] [Clause 2]. Clause 1 presents an initial idea, and Clause 2 introduces a conflicting, qualifying, or contrary idea. The conjunction लेकिन or पर acts as the bridge that explicitly highlights this relationship.वह सुंदर है, लेकिन बुद्धिमान नहीं।(vah sundar hai, lekin buddhimaan nahii.n. - "She is beautiful, but not intelligent.")मैं पढ़ना चाहता हूँ, पर समय नहीं है।(mai.n paRhnaa chaahtaa huu.n, par samay nahii.n hai. - "I want to study, but there is no time.")
Formation Pattern
लेकिन or पर is straightforward due to their invariant nature. The basic structure involves combining two independent clauses with one of these conjunctions in between. Each clause expresses a complete thought and could, in theory, stand as its own sentence. The conjunction simply clarifies the relationship between them.
[Independent Clause 1] + लेकिन / पर + [Independent Clause 2]
,) before लेकिन or पर, similar to English usage of a comma before "but" when joining two independent clauses. In spoken Hindi, this comma is replaced by a brief, natural pause.
लेकिन:
मुझे शहर पसंद है (mujhe shahar pasand hai - "I like the city.") | लेकिन (lekin - "but") | मुझे गाँव ज़्यादा पसंद है (mujhe gaa.nv zyaadaa pasand hai - "I like the village more.") | मुझे शहर पसंद है, लेकिन मुझे गाँव ज़्यादा पसंद है। (mujhe shahar pasand hai, lekin mujhe gaa.nv zyaadaa pasand hai. - "I like the city, but I like the village more.") |
वह अमीर है (vah ameer hai - "He is rich.") | लेकिन (lekin - "but") | वह खुश नहीं है (vah khush nahii.n hai - "He is not happy.") | वह अमीर है, लेकिन वह खुश नहीं है। (vah ameer hai, lekin vah khush nahii.n hai. - "He is rich, but he is not happy.") |
पर:
यह खाना अच्छा है (yah khaanaa achhaa hai - "This food is good.") | पर (par - "but") | बहुत मसालेदार है (bahut masaaledaar hai - "it is very spicy.") | यह खाना अच्छा है, पर बहुत मसालेदार है। (yah khaanaa achhaa hai, par bahut masaaledaar hai. - "This food is good, but it is very spicy.") |
मैंने फ़ोन किया (mai.nne phone kiyaa - "I called.") | पर (par - "but") | उसने उठाया नहीं (usne uThaayaa nahii.n - "he did not pick up.") | मैंने फ़ोन किया, पर उसने उठाया नहीं। (mai.nne phone kiyaa, par usne uThaayaa nahii.n. - "I called, but he did not pick up.") |
लेकिन and पर often depends on the level of formality and the desired conversational flow, with लेकिन generally conveying a slightly more formal or emphatic tone and पर being more common in casual, everyday speech.
When To Use It
लेकिन and पर are remarkably versatile, allowing you to navigate the complexities of real-world communication by introducing contrasts, exceptions, and unexpected turns in your narrative. Their utility extends across various registers, from formal written communication to informal spoken interactions.मुझे यह रंग पसंद है, लेकिन मेरे दोस्त को नहीं।(mujhe yah ra.ng pasand hai, lekin mere dost ko nahii.n. - "I like this color, but my friend doesn't.")फिल्म अच्छी थी, पर थोड़ी लंबी थी।(film achhii thii, par thoRii la.mbii thii. - "The movie was good, but a bit long.")
लेकिन and पर allow you to acknowledge the situation positively before introducing the reason for your inability or reluctance.मैं आपकी मदद करना चाहता हूँ, लेकिन मेरे पास समय नहीं है।(mai.n aapkii madad karnaa chaahtaa huu.n, lekin mere paas samay nahii.n hai. - "I want to help you, but I don't have time.")मुझे देर हो गई, पर ट्रैफ़िक बहुत था।(mujhe der ho ga_ii, par traffic bahut thaa. - "I got late, but there was a lot of traffic.")
उसने बहुत मेहनत की, लेकिन परीक्षा में फेल हो गया।(usne bahut mehnat kii, lekin pareekshaa me.n fail ho gayaa. - "He worked very hard, but failed the exam.")मौसम अच्छा था, पर हम बाहर नहीं गए।(mausam achhaa thaa, par ham baahar nahii.n ga_e. - "The weather was good, but we didn't go out.")
लेकिन(lekin): Generally considered slightly more formal and emphatic. It is suitable for academic writing, official communication, formal speeches, or when you want to emphasize the contrast more strongly. It's a reliable choice in almost any situation, making it a good default for beginners.पर(par): More casual and frequently used in spoken, everyday Hindi, especially among friends, family, or in informal settings. It often lends a more natural, fluid feel to conversation. Whileपरcan also be used in writing,लेकिनis often preferred for a more polished tone.
लेकिन and पर often hinges on your relationship with the listener and the context. In a professional email, लेकिन would be appropriate. When texting a friend, पर might feel more natural.Common Mistakes
लेकिन and पर appear simple, learners often encounter specific pitfalls, especially at the A1 level. Understanding these common errors and their underlying reasons will help you avoid them and strengthen your command of Hindi conjunctions.पर (conjunction) with पर (postposition):पर is a homonym in Hindi, meaning it has identical spelling and pronunciation but different meanings and grammatical functions depending on context. This is also why पर is listed as a related rule as a postposition.- **
परas a conjunction (
Conjunction Usage
| Conjunction | Hindi Script | English Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lekin
|
लेकिन
|
But
|
Neutral
|
|
Par
|
पर
|
But/On
|
Neutral
|
|
Kintu
|
किंतु
|
But
|
Formal
|
|
Parantu
|
परंतु
|
But
|
Formal
|
Meanings
These conjunctions serve to introduce a clause or phrase that contrasts with what has already been mentioned.
Direct Contrast
Used to show a contradiction between two facts.
“वह अमीर है, लेकिन खुश नहीं है।”
“मौसम अच्छा है, पर मुझे बाहर नहीं जाना।”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Clause 1 + Lekin + Clause 2
|
Main gaya, lekin wo nahi tha.
|
|
Contrast
|
Clause 1 + Par + Clause 2
|
Wo thaka hai, par kaam kar raha hai.
|
|
Formal
|
Clause 1 + Kintu + Clause 2
|
Samay kam hai, kintu kaam zyada hai.
|
|
Negative
|
Clause 1 + Lekin + Negative Clause
|
Main khana chahta hoon, lekin bhookh nahi hai.
|
Formality Spectrum
मैं थका हुआ हूँ, किंतु मैं कार्य करूँगा। (Work/Daily life)
मैं थका हूँ, लेकिन मैं काम करूँगा। (Work/Daily life)
थका हूँ, पर काम तो करना पड़ेगा। (Work/Daily life)
थका हूँ, पर काम तो करना ही है। (Work/Daily life)
The 'But' Bridge
Usage
- Lekin Common
- Par Versatile
Examples by Level
मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, लेकिन मैं व्यस्त हूँ।
I want to go, but I am busy.
यह सस्ता है, पर अच्छा नहीं है।
This is cheap, but not good.
वह मेरा दोस्त है, लेकिन वह नहीं आया।
He is my friend, but he didn't come.
मुझे भूख है, पर खाना नहीं है।
I am hungry, but there is no food.
मैंने कोशिश की, लेकिन मैं सफल नहीं हुआ।
I tried, but I did not succeed.
मौसम बहुत अच्छा है, पर मुझे घर पर रहना है।
The weather is very nice, but I have to stay home.
उसने मुझे बुलाया, लेकिन मैं नहीं सुन पाया।
He called me, but I couldn't hear.
किताब बहुत लंबी है, पर बहुत दिलचस्प है।
The book is very long, but very interesting.
योजना अच्छी थी, लेकिन समय की कमी थी।
The plan was good, but there was a lack of time.
वह बहुत मेहनत करता है, पर उसे फल नहीं मिलता।
He works very hard, but he doesn't get the results.
मुझे आपकी बात समझ आई, लेकिन मैं सहमत नहीं हूँ।
I understood your point, but I don't agree.
शहर बदल गया है, पर लोग वही हैं।
The city has changed, but the people are the same.
परिणाम संतोषजनक थे, लेकिन प्रक्रिया में सुधार की आवश्यकता है।
The results were satisfactory, but the process needs improvement.
हालाँकि उसने वादा किया था, पर वह नहीं आया।
Although he promised, he didn't come.
यह एक कठिन निर्णय है, लेकिन हमें इसे लेना ही होगा।
This is a difficult decision, but we must take it.
तकनीक उन्नत है, पर उसका उपयोग सीमित है।
The technology is advanced, but its use is limited.
तथ्य स्पष्ट हैं, लेकिन व्याख्या में भिन्नता हो सकती है।
The facts are clear, but the interpretation may vary.
यद्यपि वह बहुत अनुभवी है, पर वह इस क्षेत्र में नया है।
Although he is very experienced, he is new in this field.
विचार क्रांतिकारी हैं, लेकिन कार्यान्वयन चुनौतीपूर्ण है।
The ideas are revolutionary, but implementation is challenging.
स्थिति गंभीर है, पर घबराने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।
The situation is serious, but there is no need to panic.
साहित्यिक दृष्टि से यह उत्कृष्ट है, लेकिन भाषाई जटिलता इसे कठिन बनाती है।
Literarily it is excellent, but the linguistic complexity makes it difficult.
ऐतिहासिक साक्ष्य मिलते हैं, पर उनकी प्रामाणिकता संदिग्ध है।
Historical evidence is found, but its authenticity is questionable.
सिद्धांत रूप में यह सही है, लेकिन व्यवहार में यह विफल रहता है।
In theory it is correct, but in practice it fails.
परिवर्तन अपरिहार्य है, पर उसकी गति अनिश्चित है।
Change is inevitable, but its pace is uncertain.
Easily Confused
They are the same word.
Both mean 'but'.
Both mean 'but'.
Common Mistakes
Lekin main gaya.
Main gaya, lekin...
Main khaya par main bhookha.
Maine khaya, par main bhookha hoon.
Lekin is only for negative.
Lekin can be used for any contrast.
Par means on.
Par means on OR but.
Lekin I am busy.
Main vyast hoon, lekin...
Par is formal.
Par is neutral.
Using kintu in speech.
Use lekin.
Lekin, I want to go.
Main jana chahta hoon, lekin...
Parantu in text messages.
Use lekin.
Ignoring context for par.
Check if it's a preposition.
Using kintu for everything.
Vary your conjunctions.
Ignoring flow.
Use conjunctions to manage rhythm.
Sentence Patterns
___ (Subject) ___ (Verb), lekin ___ (Contrast).
___ (Noun) ___ (Adjective), par ___ (Negative).
___ (Clause 1), lekin ___ (Clause 2).
___ (Formal Clause 1), kintu ___ (Formal Clause 2).
Real World Usage
Main aa raha hoon, lekin late ho jaunga.
Pizza chahiye, par extra cheese ke bina.
Mere paas anubhav kam hai, lekin main seekhne ke liye taiyar hoon.
Train achhi hai, lekin bahut bhid hai.
Photo achhi hai, par filter zyada hai.
Meeting ka samay badal gaya hai, kintu agenda wahi hai.
Keep it simple
Watch the 'par' trap
Listen to native speakers
Regional variation
Smart Tips
Swap 'lekin' for 'kintu'.
Look at the word following 'par'. If it's a noun, it's 'on'. If it's a clause, it's 'but'.
Use 'lekin' instead of 'par'.
Use 'parantu' instead of 'lekin'.
Pronunciation
Lekin
Pronounced leh-keen. Stress the second syllable.
Par
Pronounced pur. Short, sharp sound.
Contrastive
Clause 1 (rising) -> Lekin (pause) -> Clause 2 (falling)
Highlights the contrast.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Lekin is like a 'link-in' to a new, opposite thought.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge (the conjunction) connecting two islands (the clauses). One island is sunny, the other is rainy.
Rhyme
When ideas don't agree, use lekin or par to set them free.
Story
Rahul wanted to play cricket. He ran to the field. But, it started raining. He said, 'Main khelna chahta hoon, lekin barish ho rahi hai.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences today using 'lekin' to describe things you want but can't have.
Cultural Notes
Lekin is the standard. Very common in Delhi/UP.
Kintu and Parantu are used in news and books.
Often mixed with English 'but'.
Lekin comes from Persian/Arabic influence in Hindi.
Conversation Starters
आपको क्या पसंद है, लेकिन आप क्या नहीं कर सकते?
आज का मौसम कैसा है, लेकिन आप क्या करना चाहते थे?
क्या आपने कभी कोशिश की, लेकिन असफल रहे?
क्या आपको लगता है कि यह सही है, लेकिन लोग अलग सोचते हैं?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Main jana chahta hoon, ___ main busy hoon.
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
Main khaya par main bhookha.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I am tired, but I will work.
Answer starts with: Bot...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Kya tum chaloge? B: Main chalna chahta hoon, ___.
Main gaya, lekin wo nahi tha.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesMain jana chahta hoon, ___ main busy hoon.
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
Main khaya par main bhookha.
lekin / main / gaya / nahi / tha
I am tired, but I will work.
Match: Lekin, Kintu
A: Kya tum chaloge? B: Main chalna chahta hoon, ___.
Main gaya, lekin wo nahi tha.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesबाहर बारिश हो रही है ___ मुझे जाना है।
पसंद | मुझे | है | लेकिन | आम | महँगा | है | यह
She is intelligent but lazy.
I'm tired but happy.
वह अमीर है और वह दुखी है।
Match the clauses:
हमें आपकी फ़ाइल मिली ___ उसमें कुछ कमी है।
The shirt is nice but too small.
आना | था | चाहता | मैं | पर | सका | नहीं
I called him ___ he was busy.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
In casual speech, yes. In formal writing, it's better to connect two clauses.
No, it can also mean 'on'. Check the context.
Lekin is slightly more common in daily speech.
Yes, 'magar', 'kintu', and 'parantu'.
No, the tense remains the same as it would be in a separate sentence.
No, that would be redundant.
No, it's neutral and very common.
Use it in formal reports or literature.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero
None, they are functionally identical.
mais
None.
aber
German syntax is more rigid.
keredomo
Word order is different.
lakin
None, they are cognates.
danshi
Chinese often uses a pair (although... but).
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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