Hindi 'But' & Contrast: Lekin, Par, Balki
lekin for most 'but' scenarios and balki when correcting a negative statement with a positive one.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'lekin' or 'par' for simple contrast, and 'balki' to correct a previous statement with a stronger alternative.
- Lekin/Par: Use to contrast two independent clauses (e.g., 'I tried, but I failed').
- Balki: Use to negate the first part and provide a better alternative (e.g., 'Not X, but rather Y').
- Placement: These words typically sit between the two clauses being contrasted.
Overview
As an upper-intermediate (B2) Hindi learner, you are moving beyond basic sentence construction and into expressing more complex, nuanced ideas. A critical aspect of this advanced communication is the ability to articulate contrast, contradiction, or unexpected outcomes. This is precisely the role of adversative conjunctions, often translated as 'but', 'however', 'instead', or 'although...still'.
These linguistic connectors are not mere replacements for a pause; they are semantic indicators that signal a shift in thought, a denial of expectation, or a direct correction of a previous statement. Mastering them allows your Hindi to evolve from a series of disconnected facts into coherent, sophisticated arguments and observations, reflecting the intricate realities of communication.
At the B2 level, your goal is not just to know that these words mean 'but', but to understand the subtle distinctions in their usage, their register (formality), and the specific logical relationship they establish between clauses. This understanding empowers you to choose the most appropriate conjunction, adding precision and authenticity to your expression. Hindi offers a rich palette of such conjunctions, each with its own specific context and nuance, reflecting varying degrees of opposition or concession.
This article will focus primarily on लेकिन (lekin), पर (par), and बल्कि (balki), while also thoroughly explaining मगर (magar), किंतु (kintu), परंतु (parantu), and the concessive pair हालाँकि... फिर भी (halanki... phir bhi).
How This Grammar Works
वह गरीब है, लेकिन ईमानदार है (vah garīb hai, lekin īmāndār hai – He is poor, but honest). Here, लेकिन introduces an attribute (ईमानदार है – is honest) that might be unexpected given the first attribute (गरीब है – is poor) due to common stereotypes, thus creating a contrast. In contrast, मैंने खाना नहीं खाया, बल्कि पानी पिया (mainne khānā nahīn khāyā, balki pānī piyā – I didn't eat food, but rather drank water), बल्कि serves a corrective function, replacing the negated action (खाना नहीं खाया – didn't eat food) with the actual action (पानी पिया – drank water).Formation Pattern
लेकिन, पर, मगर, किंतु, and परंतु, they typically occupy the medial position. For बल्कि and the हालाँकि... फिर भी pair, specific structural requirements exist.
लेकिन, पर, मगर, किंतु, परंतु)
[Conjunction] [Clause 2] |
लेकिन: मैंने उसे बुलाया, लेकिन वह नहीं आया। (mainne use bulāyā, lekin vah nahīn āyā. – I called him, but he didn't come.)
पर: मुझे देर हो गई थी, पर मैंने काम खत्म कर दिया। (mujhe der ho gaī thī, par mainne kām khatm kar diyā. – I was late, but I finished the work.)
मगर: उसने कोशिश तो की, मगर सफल नहीं हो पाया। (usne koshish to kī, magar safal nahīn ho pāyā. – He did try, but couldn't succeed.)
बल्कि)
बल्कि (balki) is distinct because it almost always requires the preceding clause to be negative. It functions to negate the first statement and introduce a contrasting, often corrective, positive truth or action.
बल्कि [Positive Corrective Clause 2] |
यह पेन लाल नहीं है, बल्कि नीला है। (yah pen lāl nahīn hai, balki nīlā hai. – This pen is not red, but rather blue.)
वह दिल्ली नहीं गया, बल्कि मुंबई गया। (vah dillī nahīn gayā, balki mumbaī gayā. – He didn't go to Delhi, but instead went to Mumbai.)
हालाँकि... फिर भी)
हालाँकि (halanki) introduces a concessive clause (meaning 'although' or 'even though'), and फिर भी (phir bhi) then introduces the main clause, signifying 'still', 'nevertheless', or 'even then'. The two parts frame the concession and its unexpected outcome.
हालाँकि [Concessive Clause], फिर भी [Main Clause] |
हालाँकि बारिश हो रही थी, फिर भी हम बाहर गए। (halanki bārish ho rahī thī, phir bhi ham bāhar gae. – Although it was raining, still we went out.)
हालाँकि उसे नींद आ रही थी, फिर भी उसने पढ़ाई की। (halanki use nīnd ā rahī thī, phir bhi usne paṛhāī kī. – Even though he was sleepy, he still studied.)
When To Use It
लेकिन(lekin) - लेकिन: This is the most versatile and neutral 'but'. It is universally understood and appropriate in nearly all contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing.लेकिनintroduces a simple contrast or an exception to a previously stated idea without strong emotional overtones or specific structural demands (like negation). It is your default choice when in doubt.- Usage: General contrast, exception, mild contradiction.
- Formality: Neutral.
- Example:
खाना स्वादिष्ट था, लेकिन थोड़ा मसालेदार था।(khānā svādīṣṭ thā, lekin thoṛā masāledār thā. – The food was delicious, but a little spicy.)
पर(par) - पर:परfunctions very similarly toलेकिनbut carries a slightly more casual and less emphatic tone. It is often preferred in spoken Hindi and informal written communication, like text messages or social media posts. Due to its brevity, it can make sentences feel more fluid in rapid conversation. It is an excellent choice for a softer contrast.- Usage: Casual contrast, informal exception.
- Formality: Informal.
- Example:
मैं आ रहा हूँ, पर मुझे थोड़ी देर हो सकती है।(main ā rahā hūn, par mujhe thoṛī der ho saktī hai. – I am coming, but I might be a little late.)
मगर(magar) - मगर:मगरis semantically close toलेकिनbut often implies a slightly stronger or more emotional contrast. It frequently appears in literature, poetry, and songs, lending a touch of dramatic flair or a sense of lament. While not as formal asकिंतुorपरंतु, it is generally considered slightly more literary thanलेकिनfor everyday use.- Usage: Stronger or emotional contrast, literary contexts.
- Formality: Slightly literary/neutral.
- Example:
उसने वादा किया था, मगर निभाया नहीं।(usne vādā kiyā thā, magar nibhāyā nahīn. – He had promised, but didn't keep it.)
किंतु(kintu) - किंतु /परंतु(parantu) - परंतु: These are highly formal and Sanskritized conjunctions. They are rarely used in casual spoken Hindi and would sound out of place. Their domain is exclusively formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, official reports, or classical literature.परंतुoften implies a slightly more weighty or significant counter-point thanकिंतु.- Usage: Highly formal contrast, academic/legal writing.
- Formality: Very formal.
- Example (
किंतु):यह विचार सराहनीय है, किंतु इसकी व्यवहार्यता संदिग्ध है।(yah vichār sarāhanīya hai, kintu isakī vyavahāryatā sandigdh hai. – This idea is commendable, however its feasibility is doubtful.) - Example (
परंतु):सभी तथ्यों पर विचार किया गया, परंतु कोई ठोस निष्कर्ष नहीं निकला।(sabhī tathyō par vichār kiyā gayā, parantu koī ṭhos niṣkarṣ nahīn niklā. – All facts were considered, nevertheless no concrete conclusion emerged.)
बल्कि(balki) - बल्कि: This conjunction is used specifically for correction or substitution. It means 'but rather', 'instead', or 'on the contrary'. Crucially,बल्किalmost always follows a negative statement, clarifying or replacing the negated information with the actual truth. It indicates that the first statement is incorrect, and the second one is the correct alternative.- Usage: Correction, substitution, contradiction of a negative statement.
- Formality: Neutral.
- Example:
मैं चाय नहीं पीता, बल्कि कॉफ़ी पीता हूँ।(main chāy nahīn pītā, balki kōfī pītā hūn. – I don't drink tea, but rather coffee.)
हालाँकि... फिर भी(halanki... phir bhi) - हालाँकि... फिर भी: This two-part construction expresses concession: 'although... still/nevertheless'.हालाँकिintroduces a circumstance or fact that would normally prevent something, andफिर भीintroduces the main clause, indicating that the action or situation occurs despite that circumstance. It highlights an unexpected outcome.- Usage: Concession, unexpected result despite a condition.
- Formality: Neutral to slightly formal.
- Example:
हालाँकि वह बीमार था, फिर भी उसने परीक्षा दी।(halanki vah bīmār thā, phir bhi usne parīkṣā dī. – Although he was ill, he still took the exam.)
लेकिन | but | General contrast | Neutral | None |पर | but | Casual contrast | Informal | None |मगर | but | Stronger/literary contrast | Literary | None |किंतु | however | Formal contrast | Very Formal | None |परंतु | nevertheless | Very formal contrast | Very Formal | None |बल्कि | but rather, instead | Correction/Substitution | Neutral | Negative clause |हालाँकि... फिर भी | although... still | Concession, unexpected outcome | Neutral | Concessive clause before main clause |Common Mistakes
- Confusing
लेकिन/परwithबल्कि: This is arguably the most frequent error. Many learners incorrectly useलेकिनorपरwhenबल्किis required, and vice-versa. Remember,बल्किis fundamentally a corrective conjunction that negates the first (negative) statement and offers the true alternative.लेकिनandपरsimply introduce a contrast or an exception. You cannot useबल्किif the first clause is positive. For instance: - Incorrect:
मुझे चाय पसंद है, बल्कि कॉफ़ी पसंद नहीं है।(mujhe chāy pasand hai, balki kōfī pasand nahīn hai. – I like tea, but rather don't like coffee.) – The first clause is positive, soबल्किis inappropriate. - Correct:
मुझे चाय पसंद है, लेकिन कॉफ़ी पसंद नहीं है।(mujhe chāy pasand hai, lekin kōfī pasand nahīn hai. – I like tea, but don't like coffee.) - Correct with
बल्कि:मुझे चाय पसंद नहीं है, बल्कि कॉफ़ी पसंद है।(mujhe chāy pasand nahīn hai, balki kōfī pasand hai. – I don't like tea, but rather like coffee.)
- Omitting
फिर भीwithहालाँकि: Theहालाँकि... फिर भीconstruction is a mandatory pair. Whileहालाँकिintroduces the concessive clause ('although'),फिर भी('still', 'nevertheless') is essential to complete the thought by introducing the unexpected consequence in the main clause. Omittingफिर भीleaves the sentence grammatically incomplete and semantically awkward, much like saying
Conjunction Usage Overview
| Conjunction | Meaning | Usage Type | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lekin
|
But
|
Contrast
|
Neutral
|
Achha hai, lekin...
|
|
Par
|
But
|
Contrast
|
Neutral
|
Achha hai, par...
|
|
Balki
|
Rather
|
Correction
|
Neutral
|
Nahi, balki...
|
|
Magar
|
But
|
Contrast
|
Literary
|
Magar main...
|
|
Kintu
|
But
|
Contrast
|
Formal
|
Kintu yeh...
|
|
Parantu
|
But
|
Contrast
|
Formal
|
Parantu main...
|
Meanings
These conjunctions connect two clauses where the second clause contrasts with or contradicts the first.
Simple Contrast
Standard 'but' used to introduce a conflicting fact.
“वह अमीर है, लेकिन खुश नहीं है।”
“मौसम अच्छा है, पर मुझे काम करना है।”
Correction/Emphasis
Used to reject the first clause in favor of the second.
“यह सस्ता नहीं है, बल्कि बहुत महंगा है।”
“वह मेरा दुश्मन नहीं, बल्कि दोस्त है।”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Contrast
|
A + lekin + B
|
Main gaya, lekin woh nahi tha.
|
|
Corrective
|
Negative A + balki + B
|
Main nahi gaya, balki soya.
|
|
Formal Contrast
|
A + kintu + B
|
Samay kam hai, kintu kaam zyada.
|
|
Literary Contrast
|
A + magar + B
|
Raat gehri hai, magar main jaag raha hoon.
|
|
Emphasis
|
A + balki + B
|
Yeh mehnga hai, balki bahut mehnga.
|
|
Simple Contrast
|
A + par + B
|
Main khush hoon, par thoda thaka.
|
Formality Spectrum
वह क्रोधित नहीं है, अपितु दुखी है। (Emotional state)
वह गुस्सा नहीं है, बल्कि दुखी है। (Emotional state)
वो गुस्सा नहीं है, बल्कि दुखी है। (Emotional state)
वो गुस्सा नहीं, बस दुखी है। (Emotional state)
Contrastive Conjunctions
Standard
- Lekin But
- Par But
Correction
- Balki Rather
Formal
- Kintu But
- Parantu But
Examples by Level
यह अच्छा है, लेकिन महंगा है।
This is good, but expensive.
मैं जाऊंगा, पर देर होगी।
I will go, but it will be late.
वह छोटा है, लेकिन तेज है।
He is small, but fast.
खाना गरम है, पर अच्छा है।
The food is hot, but good.
वह मेरा भाई नहीं, बल्कि दोस्त है।
He is not my brother, but rather my friend.
आज बारिश होगी, लेकिन मुझे बाहर जाना है।
It will rain today, but I have to go out.
यह किताब पुरानी है, पर बहुत रोचक है।
This book is old, but very interesting.
उसने मुझे फोन नहीं किया, बल्कि मैसेज भेजा।
He didn't call me, but rather sent a message.
मैं थका हुआ था, लेकिन मैंने काम पूरा किया।
I was tired, but I finished the work.
वह केवल एक शिक्षक नहीं, बल्कि एक मार्गदर्शक भी है।
He is not just a teacher, but also a mentor.
रास्ता लंबा है, पर नज़ारा बहुत सुंदर है।
The path is long, but the view is beautiful.
यह समस्या कठिन नहीं, बल्कि चुनौतीपूर्ण है।
This problem is not difficult, but rather challenging.
उसने हार नहीं मानी, बल्कि और मेहनत की।
He didn't give up, but rather worked harder.
योजना अच्छी थी, लेकिन संसाधनों की कमी थी।
The plan was good, but there was a lack of resources.
वह चुप नहीं रहा, पर उसने कुछ खास नहीं कहा।
He didn't stay silent, but he didn't say anything special.
यह केवल एक संयोग नहीं, बल्कि एक सोची-समझी साजिश है।
This is not just a coincidence, but a calculated conspiracy.
वह केवल एक कलाकार नहीं, बल्कि एक दूरदर्शी है।
He is not just an artist, but a visionary.
परिस्थितियाँ कठिन थीं, लेकिन उसने अपना धैर्य नहीं खोया।
The circumstances were difficult, but he did not lose his patience.
उसका व्यवहार कठोर था, पर उसके इरादे नेक थे।
His behavior was harsh, but his intentions were noble.
यह बदलाव अचानक नहीं, बल्कि वर्षों की मेहनत का परिणाम है।
This change is not sudden, but the result of years of hard work.
वह केवल एक राजनेता नहीं, बल्कि एक युग-पुरुष है।
He is not just a politician, but a man of the era.
उसने अपनी बात नहीं रखी, बल्कि मौन रहकर विरोध जताया।
He didn't state his case, but rather expressed protest by remaining silent.
तर्क अकाट्य था, लेकिन श्रोताओं ने उसे स्वीकार नहीं किया।
The argument was irrefutable, but the audience did not accept it.
वह केवल एक लेखक नहीं, बल्कि एक दार्शनिक भी है।
He is not just a writer, but a philosopher as well.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'but'.
Both connect clauses.
Same word, different function.
Common Mistakes
Main khaya lekin main bhookha hoon.
Main khaya, lekin phir bhi bhookha hoon.
Balki main jaunga.
Main jaunga.
Lekin main nahi.
Par main nahi.
Woh achha balki hai.
Woh achha hai, balki...
Main nahi gaya balki main so gaya.
Main nahi gaya, balki so gaya.
Lekin woh bahut achha par hai.
Woh bahut achha hai, lekin...
Balki woh nahi aaya.
Woh nahi aaya, balki...
Woh mera dost hai balki woh mera bhai hai.
Woh mera dost nahi, balki mera bhai hai.
Lekin main nahi kar sakta par.
Main nahi kar sakta, lekin...
Balki woh bahut mehnga hai.
Yeh mehnga nahi, balki bahut mehnga hai.
Woh balki ek mahan vyakti hai.
Woh sirf ek vyakti nahi, balki ek mahan vyakti hai.
Lekin main nahi jaunga, par main aaunga.
Main nahi jaunga, lekin aaunga.
Balki yeh sahi hai.
Yeh galat nahi, balki sahi hai.
Woh par gaya.
Woh gaya, par...
Sentence Patterns
___ (Clause 1), lekin ___ (Clause 2).
___ (Negative Clause 1), balki ___ (Positive Clause 2).
___ (Clause 1), par ___ (Clause 2).
___ (Clause 1), balki ___ (Clause 2).
Real World Usage
Main aa raha hoon, lekin late ho gaya.
Yeh kaam kathin hai, par main ise kar sakta hoon.
Yeh sirf ek photo nahi, balki ek yaadein hain.
Order jaldi aaya, lekin thanda tha.
Hotel mehnga hai, par bahut achha hai.
Yeh sahi nahi, balki galat hai.
Interchangeable
Balki usage
Formal writing
Regional variation
Smart Tips
Use 'lekin' for a natural flow.
Always use 'balki' after a negative.
Swap 'lekin' for 'kintu'.
Stick to 'lekin'.
Pronunciation
Lekin
Pronounced 'leh-kin'. Stress the first syllable.
Balki
Pronounced 'bal-kee'. The 'l' is soft.
Contrastive Stress
वह अमीर है, ↗LEKIN खुश नहीं है।
Rising intonation on the conjunction emphasizes the contrast.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
L-P-B: Lekin, Par, Balki. Think 'L' for 'Lekin' (standard), 'P' for 'Par' (standard), 'B' for 'Balki' (Better/Correction).
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. 'Lekin' and 'Par' are the pivot points balancing two different weights. 'Balki' is a hand pushing one side down to correct the balance.
Rhyme
Lekin par jab baat badalni ho, Balki keh kar baat sudharni ho.
Story
Rahul wanted to eat pizza (Lekin) he had no money. He didn't cry (Balki) he went to work to earn it.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences today: one with 'lekin', one with 'par', and one with 'balki'.
Cultural Notes
In Delhi/UP, 'lekin' is used constantly. 'Par' is also very common.
In formal speeches, 'kintu' or 'parantu' are preferred over 'lekin'.
In Lucknow or Hyderabad, 'magar' is used more frequently in poetic contexts.
Lekin and Magar are Persian/Arabic loanwords. Balki is also Persian in origin.
Conversation Starters
क्या आप आज बाहर जाएंगे?
क्या यह फिल्म बहुत अच्छी है?
क्या आप थके हुए हैं?
क्या आपको हिंदी सीखना कठिन लगता है?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Woh thaka hai, ___ woh kaam kar raha hai.
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
Woh mera dost hai balki woh mera bhai hai.
Yeh sasta nahi, lekin mehnga hai.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Kya tum gussa ho? B: Nahi, ___ main thoda pareshan hoon.
Main, par, thaka, hoon.
Lekin and Par are interchangeable.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesWoh thaka hai, ___ woh kaam kar raha hai.
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
Woh mera dost hai balki woh mera bhai hai.
Yeh sasta nahi, lekin mehnga hai.
Match: 1. Lekin, 2. Balki
A: Kya tum gussa ho? B: Nahi, ___ main thoda pareshan hoon.
Main, par, thaka, hoon.
Lekin and Par are interchangeable.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesराहुल: क्या तुम कल आओगे? अमित: मैं आना चाहता हूँ, ___ मुझे ऑफिस जाना है।
I don't like summer, but rather winter.
पसंद / खाना / मुझे / पर / है / महँगा / है / यह / ।
Match the following:
The meeting was long but productive.
वह बीमार है बल्कि वह स्कूल गया।
वो आए तो सही, ___ देर से आए।
Translation:
I want to come but I'm busy.
यह लाल नहीं है, ___ गुलाबी है।
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, that is redundant. Use one or the other.
It is neutral and used in both speech and writing.
It's a stylistic choice, often found in literature.
No, conjunctions in Hindi are invariant.
Yes, it is common in spoken Hindi.
Kintu is formal, Lekin is neutral.
Use 'kintu' or 'parantu'.
Usually, yes, to create the contrast.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero / sino
Sino is used after a negative, just like balki.
mais / au contraire
Balki is a single word, while au contraire is a phrase.
aber / sondern
Sondern is strictly for corrective contrast.
demo / dakedo
Japanese particles often come at the end of the clause.
lakin / bal
The usage is almost identical.
danshi / er shi
Er shi is more formal than balki.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Hindi Conjunction: How to use 'And' (और)
Overview `और` (aur) is one of the most fundamental and frequently used words in Hindi, serving primarily as a **coordina...
Mastering Sequential Actions: 'Kar' and 'Te Hi'
Overview Mastering the nuanced expression of sequential actions is a hallmark of advanced Hindi proficiency. At the C1 l...
This or That? Using 'Ya' (Or)
Overview `ya` (या) is a fundamental Hindi coordinating conjunction meaning **"or"**. It is used to present two or more a...
Absolute Phrase Connectors (ke chalte, ke rehte)
Overview As you navigate the advanced intricacies of Hindi, you'll encounter grammatical structures designed to express...
Formal Hindi Connectors: Sound Like a Pro (`यद्यपि`, `तथापि`, `अतः`)
Overview Mastering the nuances of formal Hindi connectors marks a significant milestone in your linguistic journey, prop...
