Hindi 'When' Clauses: Using Jab and Tab
jab-tab pair while avoiding the question word kab in statements.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'Jab' (when) to start a time clause and 'Tab' (then) to start the main clause for perfect timing.
- Jab always starts the dependent time clause: Jab main aaya (When I came).
- Tab always starts the main result clause: Tab tum so rahe the (Then you were sleeping).
- The order can be reversed, but the pairing remains: Tab tum so rahe the, jab main aaya.
Overview
In Hindi, expressing a temporal relationship—when one event occurs in relation to another—frequently employs a correlative conjunction system, specifically the pair jab (जब) and tab (तब). Unlike English, where a single subordinating conjunction like "when" often suffices (e.g., "When it rains, I stay home"), Hindi typically requires a balanced structure. jab introduces the dependent temporal clause, setting the condition or time, while tab introduces the main clause, detailing the consequence or action that follows.
This grammatical construction is fundamental for creating coherent, fluid narratives and complex sentences in Hindi, moving beyond simple, disconnected statements. It reflects a pervasive pattern in Indo-Aryan languages where relative pronouns or adverbs are mirrored by their correlative counterparts, creating a linguistic symmetry that enhances clarity and rhythm. Mastering jab-tab significantly elevates your spoken and written Hindi, allowing you to articulate intricate temporal dependencies with native-like precision.
It is a cornerstone of daily communication, from planning future events to recounting past experiences, and is ubiquitous in all forms of media.
How This Grammar Works
jab-tab construction functions as a temporal linking mechanism, establishing a clear cause-and-effect or sequence based on time. jab (जब) acts as a relative adverb meaning "when" or "whenever," introducing the subordinate clause that specifies the time or condition. Its correlative partner, tab (तब), then signifies "then," "at that time," or "consequently," introducing the main clause which describes the event or action directly linked to the jab clause.tab is crucial because it resolves the temporal dependency initiated by jab, providing the logical conclusion of the sentence. Without tab, the sentence often feels grammatically incomplete or structurally unbalanced, lacking the expected correlative resolution inherent in Hindi grammar.jab clause establishes the temporal frame, and the tab clause fills that frame with the resultant action. Consider the inherent dependency: the action in the tab clause is contingent upon or directly follows the time established by the jab clause.जब बारिश होती है, तब मैं घर रहता हूँ (jab baarish hotii hai, tab main ghar rehtaa huun – When it rains, then I stay home), जब बारिश होती है sets the specific time (when it rains), and तब मैं घर रहता हूँ describes the action that consistently happens at that time. This explicit pairing ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the temporal relationship, making your communication precise. While in very casual, fast-paced speech, tab might occasionally be omitted or replaced by to (तो), standard and clear Hindi communication strongly favors its inclusion to maintain grammatical integrity and natural flow.jab and tab:jab | जब | Introduces dependent temporal clause | When, whenever |tab | तब | Introduces main clause; correlative link | Then, at that time, consequently |Formation Pattern
jab and tab follows a consistent and predictable pattern, crucial for accurately expressing temporal relationships. The basic formula establishes the jab clause before the tab clause. This order provides a natural logical progression, first setting the temporal stage and then detailing the corresponding action.
jab + [Subject + Verb + Other Elements in Clause 1] + tab + [Subject + Verb + Other Elements in Clause 2]
jab (जब) clause: This clause initiates the temporal condition. It describes the "when" part of the sentence. The verb in this clause will be conjugated according to the tense relevant to the time being referred to (past, present, or future).
जब मैं काम खत्म करूँगा (jab main kaam khatm karuungaa – When I finish work)
tab (तब) clause: This clause provides the consequence or the main action that occurs at the time established by the jab clause. The verb here will also align with the overall tense of the statement, maintaining tense consistency across both clauses. Crucially, the tenses in both clauses are often identical or closely related, especially in future contexts, which differs significantly from English.
तब मैं घर जाऊँगा (tab main ghar jaauungaa – then I will go home)
जब मैं काम खत्म करूँगा, तब मैं घर जाऊँगा। (jab main kaam khatm karuungaa, tab main ghar jaauungaa. – When I finish work, then I will go home.)
जब मैं पहुँचूँगा, तब तुम्हें फ़ोन करूँगा। (jab main pahunchuungaa, tab tumhe phone karuungaa. – When I will arrive, then I will call you.)
पहुँचूँगा (will arrive) and करूँगा (will do/call) are both in the future tense.
-taa/tii/te hai) is used in both clauses.
जब गर्मी होती है, तब लोग ठंडा पानी पीते हैं। (jab garmii hotii hai, tab log thandaa paanii piite hain. – When it is hot, then people drink cold water.)
होती है (it is/happens) and पीते हैं (they drink) are both in the present habitual tense.
जब वह आया, तब मैं सो रहा था। (jab vah aayaa, tab main so rahaa thaa. – When he came, then I was sleeping.)
आया (he came – simple past) and सो रहा था (I was sleeping – past continuous) show the sequence of past events.
tab replacement: In informal or highly colloquial speech, tab (तब) can occasionally be replaced by to (तो). While to also functions as a correlative, it carries a broader meaning (often closer to "then," "so," or "in that case") and might slightly diminish the specific temporal emphasis that tab provides. For learners aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, especially in formal contexts, consistently using tab is recommended. The usage of to requires more nuanced understanding of conversational context.
जब तुम फ्री हो, तो मुझे बताना। (jab tum free ho, to mujhe bataanaa. – When you are free, then tell me.)
तब मुझे बताना would be more grammatically complete and clear.
When To Use It
jab-tab construction is indispensable for expressing a wide range of temporal relationships and is deeply embedded in everyday Hindi communication. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, from planning future activities to narrating past events and outlining conditional dependencies.- 1Future Plans and Sequences: This is one of the most common applications. When you're discussing events that will happen one after another in the future,
jab-tabprovides the necessary structure.
जब बारिश रुकेगी, तब हम बाहर जाएँगे।(jab baarish rukegii, tab ham baahar jaaenge.– When the rain stops, then we will go outside.) – Essential for planning outings.जब तुम्हारा काम खत्म होगा, तब मुझे फ़ोन करना।(jab tumhaaraa kaam khatm hogaa, tab mujhe phone karnaa.– When your work finishes, then call me.) – A common instruction or request.
- 1Habitual Actions and General Truths: For describing recurring events or established patterns,
jab-tabwith the present habitual tense is used to convey "whenever...then..."
जब मैं सुबह उठता हूँ, तब मैं कॉफ़ी पीता हूँ।(jab main subah uṭhtaa huun, tab main coffee piitaa huun.– Whenever I wake up in the morning, then I drink coffee.) – Describing a daily routine.जब सूरज निकलता है, तब अँधेरा दूर होता है।(jab suuraj nikaltaa hai, tab andheraa duur hotaa hai.– Whenever the sun rises, then darkness goes away.) – Expressing a general truth.
- 1Narrating Past Events: When recounting stories or describing a sequence of past actions,
jab-tabhelps to maintain chronological order and causal links.
जब मैं छोटा था, तब मैं बहुत शरारती था।(jab main choṭaa thaa, tab main bahut sharaartii thaa.– When I was young, then I was very mischievous.) – Sharing a personal memory.जब उसने दरवाज़ा खोला, तब उसने एक अजीब आवाज़ सुनी।(jab usne darvaazaa kholaa, tab usne ek ajeeb aavaaz sunii.– When he opened the door, then he heard a strange sound.) – Detailing events in a story.
- 1Temporal Conditions: Unlike
agar(अगर) which implies a hypothetical "if,"jabis used for conditions that are certain to occur at some point in time. It's less about possibility and more about timing.
जब तुम्हें भूख लगे, तब खाना खा लेना।(jab tumhe bhookh lage, tab khaanaa khaa lenaa.– When you feel hungry, then eat food.) – Implies hunger is expected to happen.
- 1Giving Instructions or Guidelines: In formal or instructional contexts,
jab-tabprovides clear temporal benchmarks for actions.
जब आप मीटिंग हॉल में प्रवेश करें, तब कृपया अपना फ़ोन साइलेंट कर दें।(jab aap meeting hall mein pravesh karen, tab kripayaa apnaa phone silent kar den.– When you enter the meeting hall, then please silence your phone.) – A polite instruction.
Common Mistakes
jab-tab. Recognizing and understanding the underlying reasons for these errors is vital for accurate and natural communication.- 1The
kab(कब) Trap: This is perhaps the most prevalent mistake. Learners sometimes mistakenly usekabinstead ofjabin a correlative temporal clause.kab(कब) is exclusively an interrogative adverb, meaning "when?" and is used solely for asking questions.
- Incorrect:
कब तुम आओगे, तब हम पार्टी करेंगे।(kab tum aaoge, tab ham party karenge.– When will you come?, then we will party.) – This sounds like a question embedded in a statement, leading to confusion. - Correct:
जब तुम आओगे, तब हम पार्टी करेंगे।(jab tum aaoge, tab ham party karenge.– When you come, then we will party.) - Reasoning: Hindi strictly differentiates between interrogative (
k-words likekab,kya,kaun) and relative (j-words likejab,jo,jahaan) series. Usingkabwherejabis required is a fundamental category error, disrupting the sentence's intended meaning from a temporal statement to a fragmented question.
- 1Omitting
tab(तब): Whiletabcan be subtly replaced byto(तो) in very casual speech, completely omitting the correlative particle makes the sentence feel incomplete or syntactically weak in standard Hindi. Thejabclause, being dependent, anticipates its resolution in the main clause, whichtabexplicitly provides.
- Incorrect:
जब मैं दिल्ली गया, मैं अपनी दादी से मिला।(jab main delhi gayaa, main apni daadii se milaa.– When I went to Delhi, I met my grandmother.) – Grammatically acceptable in English, but sounds abrupt in Hindi. - Correct:
जब मैं दिल्ली गया, तब मैं अपनी दादी से मिला।(jab main delhi gayaa, tab main apni daadii se milaa.– When I went to Delhi, then I met my grandmother.) - Reasoning: The correlative system demands balance.
jabsets up an expectation thattabfulfills. Its omission leaves a noticeable structural gap, indicating less proficiency.
- 1Tense Mismatch in Future Contexts: As discussed, Hindi typically uses the future tense in both
jabandtabclauses when both events are in the future. Attempting to apply the English pattern (present tense in the "when" clause, future in the "then" clause) leads to an unidiomatic construction.
- Incorrect:
जब मैं बाज़ार जाता हूँ, तब मैं फल खरीदूँगा।(jab main baazaar jaataa huun, tab main phal khariiduungaa.– When I go to the market, then I will buy fruits.) – Mixes habitual present with future. - Correct:
जब मैं बाज़ार जाऊँगा, तब मैं फल खरीदूँगा।(jab main baazaar jaauungaa, tab main phal khariiduungaa.– When I will go to the market, then I will buy fruits.) - Reasoning: Hindi's future-future agreement for dependent temporal clauses is a specific rule. The incorrect mixing of tenses indicates direct translation rather than understanding Hindi's internal logic.
- 1Incorrect Word Order within Clauses: While Hindi offers some flexibility, placing
jabortabanywhere but at the beginning of its respective clause can obscure meaning or sound unnatural, especially for learners.
- Less Clear:
मैं जब दफ़्तर पहुँचूँगा, तब काम करूँगा।(main jab daftar pahunchuungaa, tab kaam karuungaa.– I when office will reach, then work will do.) - Clearer and more standard:
जब मैं दफ़्तर पहुँचूँगा, तब काम करूँगा।(jab main daftar pahunchuungaa, tab kaam karuungaa.– When I will reach office, then I will do work.) - Reasoning: Adhering to the
jab[clause]tab[clause] structure provides optimal clarity and aligns with the most common native usage. Deviating prematurely can impede comprehension.
Real Conversations
Understanding jab-tab is not merely about grammar rules; it is about recognizing its natural deployment in authentic Hindi conversations. This construction is a staple in daily interactions, making communication flow smoothly and precisely, whether in casual chats, formal discussions, or written exchanges.
1. Casual Planning and Coordination (Texting/Informal Chat):
jab-tab simplifies making plans and coordinating activities, reflecting a direct and clear approach.
- Situation: Friends making plans for the evening.
- Dialogue:
- A: कब मिलेंगे आज शाम को? (kab milenge aaj shaam ko? – When will we meet this evening?)
- B: जब मैं काम खत्म कर लूँगा, तब तुम्हें मैसेज करूँगा। उसके बाद मिलेंगे। (jab main kaam khatm kar luungaa, tab tumhe message karuungaa. uske baad milenge. – When I finish work, then I will message you. After that we will meet.)
- Insight: Here, the jab clause clearly sets the prerequisite for the tab clause, outlining the temporal sequence of actions.
2. Professional Instructions and Guidelines (Work Email/Meeting):
In a professional environment, jab-tab ensures clarity in instructions, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding timing.
- Situation: A manager giving instructions to a team member.
- Dialogue:
- जब आप रिपोर्ट पूरी कर लें, तब उसे सीधे मुझे भेज दें। (jab aap report puurii kar len, tab use siidhe mujhe bhej den. – When you complete the report, then send it directly to me.)
- Insight: The structure clearly communicates the required action (भेज दें – send) immediately following the completion of the condition (पूरी कर लें – complete).
3. Storytelling and Narration (Casual Conversation/Media):
When recounting past events or experiences, jab-tab helps to weave a coherent narrative, showing the progression of actions.
- Situation: Recounting a past travel experience.
- Dialogue:
- जब हम पहली बार गोवा गए थे, तब हमें होटल नहीं मिला। बहुत मुश्किल हुई। (jab ham pahlii baar goa gae the, tab hamen hotel nahiiN milaa. bahut mushkil huii. – When we went to Goa for the first time, then we didn't get a hotel. It was very difficult.)
- Insight: The jab clause establishes the setting of the story, and the tab clause describes the immediate, related event. This structure is common in both casual anecdotes and formal storytelling.
4. Expressing Habits or General Rules (Discussion/Explanation):
For describing habitual actions or general principles, jab-tab frames universal truths or consistent patterns.
- Situation: Explaining a common human tendency.
- Dialogue:
- जब इंसान खुश होता है, तब वह दुनिया को एक अलग नज़रिए से देखता है। (jab insaan khush hotaa hai, tab vah duniyaa ko ek alag nazariye se dekhtaa hai. – When a person is happy, then they see the world from a different perspective.)
- Insight: Both clauses employ the present habitual tense to articulate a general, recurring truth about human perception. This makes the statement sound authoritative and widely applicable.
These examples illustrate that jab-tab is not an isolated grammatical point but an integral part of how Hindi speakers connect ideas and structure their discourse. Its accurate use is a hallmark of fluency, enabling you to communicate with the precision and natural rhythm expected in authentic Hindi contexts.
Quick FAQ
jab and tab can clarify nuanced usage and reinforce understanding.- Can
tabbe omitted, or replaced byto(तो)?
tab (तब) is generally expected for grammatical completeness and clarity, especially in formal or written Hindi, it can occasionally be omitted or replaced by to (तो) in very casual, informal speech or texting. However, for learners, it is highly recommended to consistently use tab to internalize the correlative structure and ensure your Hindi sounds grammatically robust. to has a broader range of meanings and might not always convey the same precise temporal link as tab.- Do
jabandtabchange based on gender, number, or case?
jab (जब) and tab (तब) are invariant adverbs. They do not inflect for gender, number, or grammatical case.- Is
jab-tabformal or informal?
jab-tab construction is used across all registers—formal, informal, written, and spoken. It is a fundamental grammatical tool. What might change is the formality of the verbs or pronouns used within the jab and tab clauses (e.g., using आप (aap) with a formal verb vs.तुम (tum) with an informal verb), but the jab-tab structure itself remains consistently appropriate.- Can the
tabclause come before thejabclause?
jab clause typically precedes the tab clause for logical flow and easier comprehension, Hindi allows for the inversion of these clauses. For example: मैं तुम्हें फ़ोन करूँगा जब मैं पहुँचूँगा। (main tumhe phone karuungaa jab main pahunchuungaa. – I will call you when I arrive.) However, this inversion is slightly less common and may place less emphasis on the jab clause.jab...tab order first is advisable before experimenting with inversions, as it is clearer and more frequently encountered.- What is the difference between
jab(जब) andagar(अगर)?
jab (जब) refers to a temporal condition that is certain or highly likely to occur at some point in time. It means "when" or "whenever." agar (अगर), on the other hand, means "if" and introduces a hypothetical or conditional clause where the occurrence is uncertain or contingent.agar when there's a possibility the event might not happen. agar is often paired with to (तो).जब बारिश होगी, तब हम घर रहेंगे।(jab baarish hogii, tab ham ghar rahenge.– When it rains, then we will stay home.) – Implies rain is expected.अगर बारिश होगी, तो हम घर रहेंगे।(agar baarish hogii, to ham ghar rahenge.– If it rains, then we will stay home.) – Implies rain is uncertain.
- How does
jab-tabcompare tojab-jab(जब-जब) orjab tak(जब तक)? jab-jab(जब-जब): This doubling ofjabintensifies the meaning to "whenever" or "every time." It emphasizes a repeated or habitual occurrence.जब-जब मैं उसे देखता हूँ, तब-तब मुझे अपनी गलती याद आती है।(jab-jab main use dekhtaa huun, tab-tab mujhe apni galtii yaad aatii hai.– Whenever I see him/her, then I remember my mistake.)jab tak(जब तक): This phrase means "until" or "as long as." It indicates a duration or a limit in time.जब तक तुम नहीं आओगे, तब तक मैं इंतजार करूँगा।(jab tak tum nahiiN aaoge, tab tak main intazaar karuungaa.– Until you don't come, then I will wait.) Note thattab takis its correlative.
jab forms the basis for other complex temporal expressions, each with its distinct nuance.Jab-Tab Sentence Structure
| Clause Type | Connector | Subject | Verb | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Time Clause
|
Jab
|
Main
|
Aaya
|
,
|
|
Main Clause
|
Tab
|
Tum
|
Gaye
|
.
|
Common Variations
| Form | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Jab tak
|
Until / As long as
|
|
Jab se
|
Since
|
|
Jab bhi
|
Whenever
|
Meanings
These are correlative conjunctions used to establish a temporal relationship between two events. 'Jab' introduces the condition of time, while 'Tab' signals the corresponding action or state.
Simultaneous Time
Events happening at the same moment.
“Jab main padhta hoon, tab woh khelta hai.”
“Jab tum aaye, tab main ja raha tha.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Jab + S + V, Tab + S + V
|
Jab tum aaye, tab main khush hua.
|
|
Negative
|
Jab + S + nahi + V, Tab + S + nahi + V
|
Jab main nahi gaya, tab tumne nahi dekha.
|
|
Question
|
Kya jab + S + V, tab + S + V?
|
Kya jab tum aaye, tab woh wahan tha?
|
|
Future
|
Jab + S + V(future), Tab + S + V(future)
|
Jab main jaunga, tab tum aana.
|
|
Continuous
|
Jab + S + V(cont), Tab + S + V(cont)
|
Jab main ro raha tha, tab woh hans raha tha.
|
|
Perfect
|
Jab + S + V(perf), Tab + S + V(perf)
|
Jab maine khaya, tab tumne dekha.
|
Formality Spectrum
Jab aap aayenge, tab mujhe call kijiyega. (Giving instructions)
Jab tum aaoge, tab mujhe call karna. (Giving instructions)
Jab aana, tab call karna. (Giving instructions)
Jab aao, tab call kar dena. (Giving instructions)
The Jab-Tab Bridge
Start
- Jab When
End
- Tab Then
Jab vs. Jabki
Examples by Level
Jab main aata hoon, tab woh jata hai.
When I come, then he goes.
Jab baarish hoti hai, tab main ghar par hoon.
When it rains, then I am at home.
Jab tum bolo, tab main sunta hoon.
When you speak, then I listen.
Jab raat hoti hai, tab hum sote hain.
When it is night, then we sleep.
Jab maine use dekha, tab woh ro raha tha.
When I saw him, then he was crying.
Jab tum aaoge, tab hum film dekhenge.
When you come, then we will watch a film.
Jab main kaam kar raha tha, tab phone baja.
When I was working, then the phone rang.
Jab tumne kaha, tab maine maan liya.
When you said, then I agreed.
Jab tak tum nahi aaoge, tab tak main yahin rukunga.
Until you come, I will stay here.
Jab se main yahan aaya hoon, tab se main khush hoon.
Since I came here, I have been happy.
Jab main thak jata hoon, tab main coffee peeta hoon.
When I get tired, then I drink coffee.
Jab woh ghar pahuncha, tab tak sab so chuke the.
By the time he reached home, everyone had slept.
Jab bhi main usse milta hoon, tab woh wahi purani baat karta hai.
Whenever I meet him, he talks about the same old thing.
Jab main padhai kar raha hota, tab tum shor machate ho.
When I am studying, you make noise.
Jab kabhi mauka mile, tab zaroor aana.
Whenever you get a chance, do come.
Jab main wahan gaya, tab mujhe pata chala ki woh chala gaya tha.
When I went there, I realized he had left.
Jab tak ki tum mehnat nahi karoge, tab tak safalta nahi milegi.
Unless you work hard, you won't get success.
Jab main sochna shuru karta hoon, tabhi mujhe asli jawab milte hain.
Jab se usne naukri chhodi, tab se woh ghar par hi hai.
Ever since he quit his job, he has been at home.
Jab tak main zinda hoon, tab tak main ladunga.
As long as I am alive, I will fight.
Jab-jab main use dekhta hoon, tab-tab mujhe bachpan ki yaad aati hai.
Every time I see him, I am reminded of childhood.
Jab tak main na kahoon, tab tak mat hilna.
Don't move until I say so.
Jab se woh gaya hai, tab se ghar sunsan lagta hai.
Since he left, the house feels empty.
Jab tak main wahan pahuncha, tab tak der ho chuki thi.
By the time I reached there, it was already late.
Easily Confused
Both start with 'Jab', leading learners to think they are interchangeable.
Both relate to time.
Both relate to 'then'.
Common Mistakes
Jab main aaya, woh gaya.
Jab main aaya, tab woh gaya.
Tab main aaya, jab woh gaya.
Jab main aaya, tab woh gaya.
Jab main aaya, tab main gaya.
Jab main aaya, tab woh gaya.
Jab ki main aaya...
Jab main aaya...
Sentence Patterns
Jab ___ , tab ___ .
Jab ___ , tab tak ___ .
Jab se ___ , tab se ___ .
Jab bhi ___ , tab ___ .
Real World Usage
Jab free ho, tab call karna.
Jab maine project shuru kiya, tab maine team lead ki.
Jab bus aayegi, tab hum nikalenge.
Jab order mile, tab mujhe update dena.
Jab main ghoomta hoon, tab main khush hota hoon.
Jab pariksha shuru hui, tab sab shant the.
Don't drop the Tab
Watch the Comma
Consistency is Key
Regional Nuance
Smart Tips
Use 'Jab' for the trigger and 'Tab' for the habit.
Use 'Jab' to set the scene.
Use 'Jab' to define the condition.
Use 'Jab' for the condition.
Pronunciation
Jab/Tab
The 'j' is soft like 'judge', 't' is dental (tongue behind teeth).
Rising-Falling
Jab [rise]... tab [fall].
Signals the end of the dependent clause.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Jab (Job) starts the clock, Tab (Table) sets the result.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock (Jab) ringing, and a dinner table (Tab) being set immediately after. The clock triggers the dinner.
Rhyme
Jab bole tab suno, tabhi toh tum kuch buno.
Story
Jab I woke up, I saw the sun. Tab I drank my tea. Jab I finished tea, I went to work. Tab I felt ready.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your morning routine using Jab and Tab.
Cultural Notes
Used heavily in storytelling and folk tales.
News anchors use this for sequence of events.
Often shortened in text messages.
Derived from Sanskrit 'yada' (when) and 'tada' (then).
Conversation Starters
Jab aap free hote hain, tab aap kya karte hain?
Jab aap bachpan mein the, tab aapka favourite khel kya tha?
Jab baarish hoti hai, tab aapka mood kaisa hota hai?
Jab aapne Hindi seekhna shuru kiya, tab aapko kya mushkil laga?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Jab main aaya, ___ tum gaye.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Jab main khata, main sota.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
When I work, I am happy.
Answer starts with: Jab...
A: Jab tum free ho? B: ___
Use Jab, Tab, and 'baarish'.
Which is for time?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesJab main aaya, ___ tum gaye.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Jab main khata, main sota.
tab / gaya / jab / main / aaya / woh
When I work, I am happy.
A: Jab tum free ho? B: ___
Use Jab, Tab, and 'baarish'.
Which is for time?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesजब तुम सो रहे थे, ___ मैं पढ़ रहा था।
बजे / जब / तब / हैं, / दस / क्लास / है। / शुरू / होती
When I reach the station, I will buy a ticket.
Match the following:
जब वह आती है, तब हम जाएंगे।
Whenever I am happy, I dance.
जब फोटो अच्छी आती है, ___ हम उसे पोस्ट करते हैं।
तब / टीचर / शांत / जब / रहो। / आएं,
When the meeting starts, I will inform you.
Select the question word:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
In very casual speech, sometimes, but it is grammatically incomplete. Always use 'tab' for standard Hindi.
You can flip the clauses, but 'jab' must stay with the time clause and 'tab' with the result.
No, 'kab' is used for questions (e.g., 'Kab aaoge?'). 'Jab' is for statements.
Yes, 'Jab tum aaoge, tab hum jayenge' is perfectly correct.
'Jab' is for time, 'jabki' is for contrast (whereas).
Yes, it is standard in both formal and informal Hindi.
Add 'nahi' before the verb in the clause you want to negate.
The comma helps the reader distinguish between the time clause and the result clause.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Cuando... entonces...
Spanish often drops 'entonces' more freely than Hindi drops 'tab'.
Wenn... dann...
German requires verb-second position in the main clause after 'dann'.
Quand... alors...
French 'alors' is more about sequence than strict temporal correlation.
Toki... sono toki...
Japanese relies on particles rather than correlative conjunctions.
Indama... thumma...
Arabic 'thumma' implies a time gap, whereas 'tab' implies immediate correlation.
Dang... de shihou...
Chinese does not use a correlative 'then' word; it relies on sentence structure.
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'
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This or That? Using 'Ya' (Or)
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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`)
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