Hindi Postposition को (ko): To, For, The
ko to mark the recipient of an action, specific people, or how you feel.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The postposition 'ko' (को) marks the recipient of an action or a specific direct object in Hindi.
- Use 'ko' for people/pets receiving an action: 'Main Ram ko dekhta hoon' (I see Ram).
- Use 'ko' for specific direct objects: 'Maine kitab ko padha' (I read the book).
- Use 'ko' to express needs/feelings: 'Mujhko bhook lagi hai' (I am hungry).
Overview
The Hindi postposition ko (को) is a fundamental grammatical element essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. Unlike English, which uses prepositions before nouns (e.g., "to the boy"), Hindi employs postpositions after nouns or pronouns. ko primarily functions to mark the direct object when it is animate and specific, and the indirect object in various constructions.
It also plays a crucial role in expressing feelings, states, and obligations, often translating to "to" or "for" in English, and sometimes implicitly marking "the" in specific contexts. Understanding ko is critical for comprehending the flow of action and information in Hindi sentences, as it clarifies relationships between subjects, verbs, and objects. Its absence or misuse can lead to ambiguity or ungrammatical phrasing, making your communication difficult to understand.
Mastery of ko provides a significant step toward A1-level fluency, enabling you to articulate who receives an action or who experiences a feeling.
How This Grammar Works
ko is intrinsically linked to the Hindi oblique case. In Hindi, nouns and pronouns change their form when they are followed by a postposition. This change is known as the oblique case, which is a grammatical case used to indicate that a noun or pronoun is not in the nominative (subject) case.ko is placed after a noun or pronoun, it triggers this oblique transformation.-ā (आ), the oblique case involves a change from -ā to -ē (ए). For instance, ladkā (लड़का, boy) becomes ladkē (लड़के) before ko. Thus, "to the boy" is ladkē ko (लड़के को).-ā, all feminine nouns, and plural nouns), the oblique case primarily manifests as a nasalization for plural forms or no change for singulars. Masculine plural nouns typically end in -ē (ए) in their direct form (e.g., ladkē लड़के, boys). In the oblique plural, this becomes -õ (ओं) before ko, resulting in ladkõ ko (लड़कों को, to the boys).ladkiyā̃ (लड़कियाँ, girls) becomes ladkiyõ ko (लड़कियों को, to the girls). Singular feminine nouns, like ladkī (लड़की, girl), generally do not change before ko; hence, ladkī ko (लड़की को, to the girl).ko to the nominative pronoun. For example, main (मैं, I) transforms into mujhe (मुझे) or mujhko (मुझको) when ko is applied.mujhe) and long forms (mujhko) often depends on formality and regional dialect, with short forms being more common in everyday spoken Hindi.ko serves as a marker for both direct objects and indirect objects. When marking a direct object, ko is typically used for specific, animate entities (people or animals). For example, in Maine kutte ko dekhā (मैंने कुत्ते को देखा, I saw the dog), kutte (dog) is an animate and specific direct object, hence ko is used.ko is usually omitted, as in Main kitāb paṛhtā hū̃ (मैं किताब पढ़ता हूँ, I read a book). When marking an indirect object, ko always denotes the recipient or beneficiary of an action, such as giving, telling, or showing. For example, Maine Rām ko ek uphār diyā (मैंने राम को एक उपहार दिया, I gave a gift to Ram).ko ensures clarity regarding who receives the action. This distinction between animate/specific direct objects and indirect objects is a fundamental aspect of Hindi sentence structure, highlighting the recipient-oriented nature of many Hindi expressions.Formation Pattern
ko requires careful attention to the noun or pronoun that precedes it, particularly regarding its oblique case form. The general rule is: Noun/Pronoun (Oblique Case) + ko (को). Below are precise rules and tables for various categories.
-ā.
ko) | Example with ko | Meaning |
-ā (आ) | ladkā (लड़का) | ladkē (लड़के) | ladkē ko (लड़के को) | to the boy |
dost (दोस्त) | dost (दोस्त) | dost ko (दोस्त को) | to the friend |
-ā (आ) | beta (बेटा) | bete (बेटे) | bete ko (बेटे को) | to the son |
ghar (घर) | ghar (घर) | ghar ko (घर को) | to the house |
ko) | Example with ko | Meaning |
-ē (ए) | ladkē (लड़के) | ladkõ (लड़कों) | ladkõ ko (लड़कों को) | to the boys |
dost (दोस्त) | dostõ (दोस्तों) | dostõ ko (दोस्तों को) | to the friends |
Mainē bacce ko khānā diyā. (मैंने बच्चे को खाना दिया।) - I gave food to the child. (Here baccā (बच्चा) changes to bacce (बच्चे) in oblique case).
Usnē apnē bhāī ko bulāyā. (उसने अपने भाई को बुलाया।) - He called his brother. (Here bhāī (भाई) does not change, but apnā (अपना) becomes apne (अपने) before the oblique noun).
-õ.
ko) | Example with ko | Meaning |
ladkī (लड़की) | ladkī (लड़की) | ladkī ko (लड़की को) | to the girl |
mā̃ (माँ) | mā̃ (माँ) | mā̃ ko (माँ को) | to the mother |
ko) | Oblique Plural (before ko) | Example with ko | Meaning |
-ī (ई) or -iyā̃ (ियाँ) | ladkiyā̃ (लड़कियाँ)| ladkiyõ (लड़कियों) | ladkiyõ (लड़कियों) | ladkiyõ ko (लड़कियों को) | to the girls |
-en (एं) | bahnen (बहनें) | bahnõ (बहनों) | bahnõ (बहनों) | bahnõ ko (बहनों को) | to the sisters |
Mainē apnī bahn ko chitṭhī likhī. (मैंने अपनी बहन को चिट्ठी लिखी।) - I wrote a letter to my sister.
Unhõnē mahilāõ ko samjhāyā. (उन्होंने महिलाओं को समझाया।) - They explained to the women.
ko Short Form | Meaning |
main (मैं) | mujhe (मुझे) | mujhko (मुझको) | mujhe (मुझे) | to me |
tū (तू) | tujhe (तुझे) | tujhko (तुझको) | tujhe (तुझे) | to you (intimate) |
tum (तुम) | tumhẽ (तुम्हें) | tumko (तुमको) | tumhẽ (तुम्हें) | to you (informal) |
āp (आप) | āpko (आपको) | āpko (आपको) | āpko (आपको) | to you (formal) |
yeh (यह) | ise (इसे) | isko (इसको) | ise (इसे) | to him/her/it (near) |
woh (वह) | use (उसे) | usko (उसको) | use (उसे) | to him/her/it (far) |
ham (हम) | hamẽ (हमें) | hamko (हमको) | hamẽ (हमें) | to us |
ve (वे) | unhẽ (उन्हें) | unko (उनको) | unhẽ (unhẽ) | to them (far) |
ye (ये) | inhẽ (इन्हें) | inko (इनको) | inhẽ (inhẽ) | to them (near) |
kaun (कौन)| kise (किसे) | kisko (किसको) | kise (किसे) | to whom |
Mujhe Hindī sīkhnī hai. (मुझे हिन्दी सीखनी है।) - I have to learn Hindi. (Literally: To me, Hindi is to be learned.)
Kyā āpko merī bāt samjh ātī hai? (क्या आपको मेरी बात समझ आती है?) - Do you understand what I'm saying?
When To Use It
ko is highly versatile and appears in several distinct grammatical contexts, marking recipients, specific direct objects, experiencers of states, and points in time. Understanding these uses is crucial for accurate Hindi.ko when the direct object of a transitive verb is both animate (a person or an animal) and specific (not general or indefinite). This is a core rule that differentiates Hindi from English word order.Main bacce ko dekh rahā hū̃.(मैं बच्चे को देख रहा हूँ।) - I am looking at the child. (The child is animate and specific.)Usne apne kutte ko khilāyā.(उसने अपने कुत्ते को खिलाया।) - He fed his dog. (The dog is animate and specific.)- Contrast this with an inanimate or non-specific direct object:
Main kitāb paṛhtā hū̃.(मैं किताब पढ़ता हूँ।) - I read a book. (The book is inanimate, noko.) - However, if an inanimate object is made specific,
kocan be used, though it's less common than with animate objects and implies a strong emphasis or personification:Mujhe vah kitāb ko paṛhnā hai.(मुझे वह किताब को पढ़ना है।) - I have to read that book. (This emphasizes that specific book). For A1 learners, focus primarily on animate, specific direct objects.
ko, signifying the recipient of an action. It translates to "to" or sometimes "for" in English. This applies to verbs of giving, telling, showing, sending, etc.Main tumhẽ ek uphār dū̃gā.(मैं तुम्हें एक उपहार दूँगा।) - I will give a gift to you. (tumhẽis the oblique form oftum.)Ramne mujhe ek kahānī sunāī.(रामने मुझे एक कहानी सुनाई।) - Ram told a story to me. (mujheis the oblique form ofmain.)Teacher ne chatrõ ko pāth samjhāyā.(टीचर ने छात्रों को पाठ समझाया।) - The teacher explained the lesson to the students. (Herechatrõis the oblique plural ofchātr(छात्र, student)).
ko marking the experiencer (the person who feels or has something). The literal translation often places the experiencer in a "to me" role, making them a dative subject or indirect object.- Feelings/Sensations:
Mujhe bhūkh lagī hai.(मुझे भूख लगी है।) - I am hungry. (Literally: To me, hunger has struck.)Usko pyās lag rahī hai.(उसको प्यास लग रही है।) - He is feeling thirsty. (Literally: To him, thirst is striking.)Hamẽ ṭhanḍ lag rahī hai.(हमें ठंड लग रही है।) - We are feeling cold.- Preferences/Liking:
Mujhe Hindī pasand hai.(मुझे हिन्दी पसंद है।) - I like Hindi. (Literally: To me, Hindi is pleasing.)Āpko kyā pasand hai?(आपको क्या पसंद है?) - What do you like?- Understanding/Coming (to mind):
Mujhe samjh nahī̃ ātā.(मुझे समझ नहीं आता।) - I don't understand. (Literally: Understanding does not come to me.)Kyā tumhẽ sārī bāt samjh ā gaī?(क्या तुम्हें सारी बात समझ आ गई?) - Did you understand everything?- Obligation/Necessity (with infinitives +
honā): - When expressing "I have to do X" or "I must do X," the verb
honā(होना, to be) combines with an infinitive andkomarks the person. The infinitive verb agrees in gender/number with the implied action or object. Mujhe jānā hai.(मुझे जाना है।) - I have to go. (Literally: To me, is to go.)Usē ek kitāb paṛhnī hai.(उसे एक किताब पढ़नी है।) - He has to read a book. (Notepaṛhnīagrees withkitāb- feminine singular).Hamẽ do kitābē̃ kharīdnī haĩ.(हमें दो किताबें खरीदनी हैं।) - We have to buy two books. (Notekharīdnīagrees withkitābē̃- feminine plural).- Possession (less common for A1 but good to know for context):
- While
kā/kē/kī(का/के/की) is the primary possessive,kocan be used to indicate possession, especially of inherent qualities or parts of a whole, though it's often more about attributing a characteristic. This usage is less frequent but grammatically sound. Is mēn ko do sing haĩ.(इस मेँ को दो सींग हैं।) - This sheep has two horns. (Literally: To this sheep, are two horns).
ko is used to specify a particular point in time or a specific day/date.Main āth bajē ko āū̃gā.(मैं आठ बजे को आऊँगा।) - I will come at eight o'clock. (Note: In casual speech,kois often omitted after specific times, but its grammatical presence is understood, especially for clarity.)Ham ravivār ko milenge.(हम रविवार को मिलेंगे।) - We will meet on Sunday.Mītiñg pañch mārch ko hai.(मीटिंग पाँच मार्च को है।) - The meeting is on March fifth.- When specifying days or dates,
kois generally kept for precision.
ko to mark the destination or intended recipient of the movement.Main Ram ko milnā chāhtā hū̃.(मैं राम को मिलना चाहता हूँ।) - I want to meet Ram. (Heremilnā(to meet) takeskoto indicate the person being met.)Vah dost ko gayā.(वह दोस्त को गया।) - He went to the friend. (Whiledost ke pās gayā(दोस्त के पास गया, went to the friend's place) is more common for physical location,koemphasizes the person as the direct destination of the action.)
Common Mistakes
ko. Being aware of these pitfalls and understanding their underlying grammatical reasons will significantly improve your accuracy.- 1. Overuse with Inanimate or Non-Specific Direct Objects:
- Error: Using
kofor every direct object, regardless of animacy or specificity. - Incorrect:
Main kitāb ko paṛhtā hū̃.(मैं किताब को पढ़ता हूँ।) - Correct:
Main kitāb paṛhtā hū̃.(मैं किताब पढ़ता हूँ।) - I read a book. - Explanation:
kois generally reserved for animate (people, animals) and specific direct objects. When the object is inanimate (likekitāb, book) and not uniquely identified,kois omitted. Usingkohere would imply an unusual emphasis or personification, which is not natural for simply stating "I read a book." For example, you wouldn't sayMain cāy ko pītā hū̃(मैं चाय को पीता हूँ।) but ratherMain cāy pītā hū̃(मैं चाय पीता हूँ, I drink tea).
- 2. Forgetting the Oblique Case Change for Masculine Nouns Ending in
-ā: - Error: Failing to change the
-āending of masculine singular nouns to-ēbeforeko. - Incorrect:
Main ladka ko jantā hū̃.(मैं लड़का को जानता हूँ।) - Correct:
Main ladke ko jantā hū̃.(मैं लड़के को जानता हूँ。) - I know the boy. - Explanation: This is a fundamental rule of the oblique case triggered by
ko. The postposition requires the preceding noun to take its oblique form. Omitting this change is a clear grammatical error, making the noun sound as if it were still in its nominative singular form. This applies to all masculine nouns ending in-ā(likebaccā,ghoṛā,kapṛā).
- 3. Incorrect Oblique Case for Plural Nouns:
- Error: Not applying the nasalized oblique plural forms (
-õ) beforeko. - Incorrect:
Usne log ko dekhā.(उसने लोग को देखा।) - Correct:
Usne logõ ko dekhā.(उसने लोगों को देखा।) - He saw the people. - Explanation: All plural nouns, regardless of gender, take a nasalized ending in the oblique case. For masculine nouns ending in
-ē(likeladkē), the oblique plural is-õ(e.g.,ladkõ). For feminine nouns (e.g.,kitābē̃), the oblique plural is-õ(e.g.,kitābõ). Failing to nasalize makes the noun sound like a singular direct form, creating confusion in number.
- 4. Confusing
kowithke liye(के लिए - for): - Error: Using
kowhen expressing purpose or benefit "for" someone, rather than indicating the recipient. ko(recipient):Mainē usko ek uphār diyā.(मैंने उसको एक उपहार दिया।) - I gave a gift to him. (He received the gift.)ke liye(beneficiary/purpose):Mainē uske liye uphār kharīdā.(मैंने उसके लिए उपहार खरीदा।) - I bought a gift for him. (He is the intended beneficiary or the gift was for his purpose.)- Explanation: While
kocan occasionally imply "for,"ke liyespecifically denotes purpose, benefit, or
Pronoun + Ko Forms
| Pronoun | With Ko | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
Main
|
Mujhko
|
To me
|
|
Tu
|
Tujhko
|
To you (inf)
|
|
Tum
|
Tumko
|
To you (fam)
|
|
Aap
|
Aapko
|
To you (form)
|
|
Woh
|
Usko
|
To him/her
|
|
Hum
|
Humko
|
To us
|
Common Contractions
| Full | Short |
|---|---|
|
Mujhko
|
Mujhe
|
|
Tujhko
|
Tujhe
|
|
Usko
|
Use
|
|
Humko
|
Hamein
|
Meanings
The postposition 'ko' marks the indirect object (to whom) or a specific direct object (the thing being acted upon).
Recipient
Indicates the person receiving an action.
“Maine usko bataya.”
“Ram ko bulao.”
Specific Object
Marks a definite, specific object in a sentence.
“Maine kitab ko rakha.”
“Darwaze ko band karo.”
Experiencer
Used with verbs of feeling or necessity.
“Mujhko pyaas lagi hai.”
“Usko thand lag rahi hai.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + Object + ko + Verb
|
Maine Ram ko dekha
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + Object + ko + nahi + Verb
|
Maine Ram ko nahi dekha
|
|
Question
|
Kya + Subject + Object + ko + Verb?
|
Kya tumne Ram ko dekha?
|
|
Feeling
|
Experiencer + ko + State
|
Mujhko bhook lagi
|
|
Giving
|
Subject + Recipient + ko + Item + Verb
|
Maine maa ko phool diya
|
Formality Spectrum
Maine unko bataya. (Communication)
Maine use bataya. (Communication)
Maine usko bola. (Communication)
Maine usko bol diya. (Communication)
The Ko Connection
People
- Ram ko To Ram
Feelings
- Mujhko To me (I feel)
Examples by Level
Main Ram ko jaanta hoon.
I know Ram.
Usko bulao.
Call him.
Mujhko pani do.
Give me water.
Bachche ko dekho.
Look at the child.
Maine usko nahi dekha.
I did not see him.
Mujhko bhook lagi hai.
I am hungry.
Kya tumne Sita ko dekha?
Did you see Sita?
Woh mujhko pasand hai.
I like that.
Maine kitab ko wahi rakha.
I kept the book right there.
Usko der ho rahi hai.
He is getting late.
Maine dost ko gift diya.
I gave a gift to my friend.
Kya tumne gaadi ko lock kiya?
Did you lock the car?
Mujhko lagta hai ki woh sahi hai.
I think that he is right.
Usne mujhko kaam karne ko kaha.
He told me to do the work.
Maine usko samjhaya par woh nahi mana.
I explained to him but he didn't agree.
Bachche ko school bhejo.
Send the child to school.
Usne mujhko ek aisi baat kahi jo main bhool nahi sakta.
He told me something I cannot forget.
Maine usko wahan dekha jahan koi nahi jata.
I saw him where no one goes.
Kya tumne usko kabhi sach bataya?
Did you ever tell him the truth?
Mujhko yeh kaam aaj hi khatam karna hai.
I have to finish this work today.
Usko dekh kar mujhe purani yaadein taaza ho gayin.
Seeing him refreshed my old memories.
Maine usko samay par aane ko nirdesh diya tha.
I had instructed him to arrive on time.
Mujhko yeh samajhne mein waqt laga.
It took me time to understand this.
Usne mujhko ek anokha tohfa diya.
He gave me a unique gift.
Easily Confused
Learners mix them up because both can translate to 'to'.
Both involve a target.
Both appear in past tense sentences.
Common Mistakes
Main Ram dekhta hoon
Main Ram ko dekhta hoon
Mujhe bhook
Mujhko bhook lagi hai
Maine pani ko piya
Maine pani piya
Ram ko diya
Ram ko diya
Usko bola
Usse bola
Maine kitab ko padha
Maine kitab padhi
Aapko kya chahiye?
Aapko kya chahiye?
Maine usko kaam karne ke liye kaha
Maine usko kaam karne ko kaha
Mujhko lagta hai
Mujhe lagta hai
Usne mujhko dekha
Usne mujhe dekha
Maine usko wahan dekha
Maine use wahan dekha
Mujhko yeh pata hai
Mujhe yeh pata hai
Usne mujhko bulaya
Usne mujhe bulaya
Ram ko maine dekha
Maine Ram ko dekha
Sentence Patterns
Main ___ ko jaanta hoon.
Mujhe ___ lagi hai.
Maine ___ ko gift diya.
Kya tumne ___ ko dekha?
Real World Usage
Usko bolo ki main aa raha hoon.
Pizza ko jaldi lao.
Maine unko apna resume diya.
Driver ko station chalo.
Maine usko follow kiya.
Teacher ko question poocho.
Watch the Oblique Case
ko. Ladka -> Ladke ko.Use the Short Forms
mujhe, tujhe, and use instead of mujhko, tujhko, and usko. It sounds way more natural!Politeness Counts
aapko for elders and strangers, even if you see them as a 'direct object'.Don't Overdo It
ko for generic objects like 'eating food' or 'drinking water'. It's only for specific targets!Smart Tips
Always add 'ko' to the person.
Use the 'Experiencer + ko' structure.
Use 'mujhe' for better flow in speech.
Use full forms like 'mujhko'.
Pronunciation
Ko
Pronounced like 'koh' with a soft 'k'.
Statement
Maine Ram ko dekha ↓
Falling intonation for facts.
Question
Kya tumne Ram ko dekha? ↑
Rising intonation for yes/no questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Ko is the glue that sticks the action to the person.
Visual Association
Imagine a magnet (ko) pulling a person toward the action.
Rhyme
When you see a person, don't be slow, just add a little ko.
Story
Ram is hungry. He tells his mom. 'Mujhko bhook lagi hai.' Mom gives him food. 'Maine Ram ko khana diya.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about people you saw today using 'ko'.
Cultural Notes
In Delhi/UP, 'ko' is used very frequently in daily speech.
In formal writing, full forms like 'mujhko' are preferred over 'mujhe'.
Youth often use 'ko' in text speak to be very clear.
Derived from Apabhramsha case markers.
Conversation Starters
Kya aapne aaj kisi ko dekha?
Kya aapko bhook lagi hai?
Aapne usko kya bataya?
Kya aapko yeh kaam pasand hai?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Maine Ram ___ dekha.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Mujhe bhook.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Call him.
Answer starts with: Usk...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Formal form of 'mujhko'?
Maine ___ ko gift diya.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesMaine Ram ___ dekha.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Mujhe bhook.
ko / Maine / dekha / Ram
Call him.
Match I to me.
Formal form of 'mujhko'?
Maine ___ ko gift diya.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesक्या ___ प्यास लगी है? (Are you thirsty?)
Is 'लड़की को देखो' (Look at the girl) correct?
माँ / फ़ोन / को / करो
Give it to him.
___ (To the children) मिठाई दो।
___ (To whom) चाहिए?
You (Formal) + to
___ (To the teacher) बताओ।
We want water.
दरवाज़ा को बंद करो। (Close the door - specifically)
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Use it for people, pets, or specific objects.
No, only for specific targets.
Ko is target, Ke Liye is purpose.
Yes, if they are specific.
It is a short form, very common.
Yes, especially the full forms.
Overusing 'ko' for general objects.
Write sentences about people you interact with.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Personal 'a'
Spanish 'a' is only for people; Hindi 'ko' can be for specific objects too.
ni / o
Hindi combines these into one particle 'ko'.
Dative case
Hindi uses a separate postposition instead of changing the noun ending.
à
Hindi places it after the noun; French places it before.
li
Arabic is a prefix; Hindi is a postposition.
gei
Chinese word order is very strict; Hindi is more flexible.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Hindi Past Tense: The 'Ne' Rule (ने)
Overview In Hindi grammar, the particle `ne` (ने) marks a fascinating and often challenging construction known as the **...
Hindi Dative Subjects: Using 'ko' with Feelings & Duties
Overview In Hindi, the grammatical expression of internal states, obligations, and perceptions differs fundamentally fr...
Hindi Dative Subjects: Expressing Likes & Needs (ko)
Overview In Hindi, expressing internal states, sensations, and certain necessities often deviates from the typical subje...
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Complex Postpositions (Ke Saath, Ke Liye)
Overview Mastering Hindi at the B2 level requires moving beyond basic single-word postpositions like `mein` (में - in) o...
Expressing Direction: Towards (की तरफ)
Overview In Hindi, expressing movement or orientation **towards** a general direction or entity requires specific gramma...
Expressing Purpose: Using 'To' and 'For' with Verbs (-ne ke liye)
Overview When articulating the motivation or objective behind an action in Hindi, you utilize a specific grammatical con...
Hindi Postposition 'Mein' (In/Inside)
Overview The Hindi postposition `में` (`mein`) is a fundamental component of the language, serving to express concepts o...
Possessive Agreement (ka/ke/ki)
Overview In Hindi, expressing possession or relationship between two nouns relies heavily on the postpositions `का` (`ka...
