B2 Sentence Structure 11 min read Easy

Stop! Using 'Mat' for Negative Commands

To tell someone 'Don't do X', replace the standard negative 'nahin' with 'mat' and place it right before the command verb.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'mat' (मत) to give negative commands or prohibitions, placing it directly before the verb.

  • Use 'mat' for direct prohibitions: 'Wahan mat jao' (Don't go there).
  • Use 'mat' with the verb root for informal commands: 'Mat khao' (Don't eat).
  • Use 'mat' with the polite form for formal requests: 'Aap mat jaiye' (Please don't go).
Mat (मत) + Verb Root/Conjugated Verb

Overview

In Hindi, conveying a direct negative command—a prohibition—requires specific linguistic precision. While nahin (नहीं) serves as the general negation for statements and questions, it is fundamentally unsuitable for direct orders. Attempting to use nahin in an imperative context results in a factual declaration, akin to stating "you are not going" rather than commanding "don't go." To issue a clear, unambiguous prohibition, Hindi employs the particle mat (मत).

Mat functions exclusively within the imperative mood, signaling to the listener that an action is explicitly forbidden or advised against. Its presence transforms a simple negative statement into a potent directive, making it indispensable for any learner aiming for effective, direct communication in Hindi. Understanding the precise application of mat is crucial for navigating interactions ranging from casual warnings to formal instructions.

How This Grammar Works

The particle mat (मत) is Hindi's dedicated tool for expressing prohibition in the second person imperative. This means you use mat when you are directly addressing someone (tu तू, tum तुम, or aap आप) and instructing them not to perform an action. Its power lies in its directness and its unyielding function: it universally signifies "do not" or "stop." Linguistically, mat acts as a pre-verbal prohibitory particle, modifying the imperative form of the verb to convey a negative command.
It is invariant; mat itself does not change based on gender, number, or politeness level, simplifying its application once the core imperative verb conjugations are mastered. The consistent presence of mat immediately preceding the verb ensures the listener instantly recognizes the utterance as a command of cessation. For instance, mat jaao (मत जाओ) means "do not go," a clear order, whereas tum nahin jaa rahe ho (तुम नहीं जा रहे हो) simply means "you are not going," a statement of fact.
The essence of mat is its role in delineating a boundary, forbidding a potential or ongoing action. This is in stark contrast to nahin, which merely negates existence, occurrence, or truth. Consider the subtle yet profound difference: yeh mat karo (यह मत करो) demands an immediate halt to an action, while yeh nahin hai (यह नहीं है) simply states "this is not." The imperative mood itself implies a direct address and an expectation of compliance.
Mat reinforces this by adding the critical layer of negation. This linguistic mechanism ensures that commands to stop or refrain are distinct and unambiguous, preventing misinterpretation that could arise if a single negative particle were used for both declarative and imperative contexts.

Word Order Rules

The placement of mat (मत) within a sentence is rigid and critical for proper understanding. For a negative command, mat must always be positioned immediately before the imperative verb. Any deviation from this structure will either alter the meaning, render the sentence grammatically incorrect, or make it sound unnatural and archaic, akin to poetic license.
This strict pre-verbal placement is a defining characteristic of prohibitory particles in Hindi.
The standard word order for a negative command using mat follows this structure:
Subject (Optional) + Object/Adverbial Phrases + mat (मत) + Imperative Verb
Let's break down the components:
  • Subject (Optional): In Hindi commands, the explicit subject (tu तू, tum तुम, aap आप) is often omitted because the verb's imperative form already indicates the second person. However, you can include it for emphasis or clarity.
  • Object/Adverbial Phrases: Any direct objects, indirect objects, or adverbial phrases (e.g., location, manner, time) typically precede mat. These elements establish the context of the action being prohibited.
  • mat (मत): This is the prohibitory particle itself, signaling the negative command. Its position is fixed.
  • Imperative Verb: The verb, conjugated into its appropriate imperative form (for tu तू, tum तुम, or aap आप), follows mat. This verb is the action being forbidden.
Here are examples illustrating the correct word order:
  • Wahan mat jaao. (वहाँ मत जाओ)
  • Literally: "There not go."
  • Meaning: "Don't go there."
  • Here, wahan (वहाँ - there) is an adverbial phrase preceding mat jaao.
  • Meri photo mat khincho. (मेरी फोटो मत खींचो)
  • Literally: "My photo not pull." (In Hindi, kheenchana खींचना is used for taking photos)
  • Meaning: "Don't take my photo."
  • Meri photo (मेरी फोटो - my photo) is the object preceding mat khincho.
  • Mujhe mat chhoona. (मुझे मत छूना)
  • Literally: "Me not touch."
  • Meaning: "Don't touch me."
  • Mujhe (मुझे - me) is an object pronoun preceding mat chhoona.
Incorrect placement, such as placing mat at the beginning of the sentence (Mat wahan jaao मत वहाँ जाओ) or after the verb (Wahan jaao mat वहाँ जाओ मत), will sound highly unnatural, confusing, or simply ungrammatical to a native speaker. The pre-verbal position is non-negotiable for expressing a clear, standard negative command.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming negative commands with mat (मत) is straightforward once you are familiar with the various imperative conjugations. Mat itself is an uninflected particle; it does not change form. Your primary task is to correctly conjugate the main verb into its appropriate imperative form based on the politeness level and then insert mat directly before it.
2
Hindi offers three main levels of politeness for addressing the second person:
3
tu (तू): Highly intimate, familiar, or can be rude/disrespectful depending on context and tone. Used with close friends, children, or subordinates.
4
tum (तुम): Standard informal address, widely used in most casual settings.
5
aap (आप): Formal and respectful address, used with elders, superiors, strangers, or in formal situations.
6
The general pattern for forming a negative command is:
7
mat (मत) + Imperative Verb Form
8
Let's look at the conjugation patterns for a regular verb like jaana (जाना - to go):
9
| Subject Pronoun | Politeness Level | Imperative Stem | mat + Imperative | Example & Translation |
10
| :-------------- | :--------------- | :-------------- | :----------------- | :------------------------------ |
11
| tu (तू) | Intimate/Rude | jaa (जा) | mat jaa (मत जा) | Tu idhar mat jaa. (तू इधर मत जा।) "Don't come here (you, intimate)." |
12
| tum (तुम) | Informal/Standard| jaao (जाओ) | mat jaao (मत जाओ) | Tum wahan mat jaao. (तुम वहाँ मत जाओ।) "Don't go there (you, informal)." |
13
| aap (आप) | Formal/Respectful| jaaiye (जाइए) | mat jaaiye (मत जाइए) | Aap shor mat kijiye. (आप शोर मत कीजिए।) "Please don't make noise (you, formal)." |
14
Irregular Verbs:
15
Some common verbs have slightly irregular imperative forms, particularly karna (करना - to do) and dena (देना - to give). You must be aware of these.
16
karna (करना - to do):
17
tu (तू): mat kar (मत कर)
18
tum (तुम): mat karo (मत करो)
19
aap (आप): mat kijiye (मत कीजिए)
20
dena (देना - to give):
21
tu (तू): mat de (मत दे)
22
tum (तुम): mat do (मत दो)
23
aap (आप): mat dijiye (मत दीजिए)
24
The Infinitive Form for General Prohibitions (-na ना ending):
25
Beyond the direct imperative, mat can also be combined with the infinitive form of the verb (ending in -na ना). This construction is not a direct command to an individual in the present moment, but rather conveys a general prohibition, a warning, or advice that applies broadly or for the future. It often translates to "one should not..." or "it is forbidden to...".
26
Mat hansna. (मत हँसना)
27
Meaning: "Don't laugh (generally / for the future / as advice)."
28
This might be said to a child as a general rule, or as a gentle reminder to someone about to attend a serious event.
29
Phool mat todna. (फूल मत तोड़ना)
30
Meaning: "Don't pluck flowers." (A common sign found in gardens, indicating a general rule).
31
Usse paise mat dena. (उससे पैसे मत देना)
32
Meaning: "Don't give him money (as a general piece of advice for future interactions)."
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This infinitive construction is less forceful than the direct imperative. It softens the prohibition, making it suitable for signs, general guidelines, or advising someone against a future action without directly commanding them in the present. The context usually clarifies whether it's a gentle warning or a public rule.

When To Use It

The use of mat (मत) is strictly reserved for instances where you intend to issue a negative command or prohibition to a second-person addressee. Its utility spans a wide spectrum of communicative needs, from urgent warnings to polite requests not to do something. Understanding the nuances of when and how to deploy mat is crucial for effective and appropriate Hindi communication.
You primarily use mat in the following scenarios:
  • Direct Prohibitions/Commands: This is the most common and fundamental use. When you want someone to stop an action or refrain from beginning one, mat is your particle.
  • Yahaan mat baitho. (यहाँ मत बैठो।) - "Don't sit here." (A direct instruction.)
  • Usey mat chhedo. (उसे मत छेड़ो।) - "Don't bother him/her." (A warning.)
  • Warnings: When an action could lead to undesirable consequences, mat serves as a clear warning.
  • Aag ke paas mat jaana. (आग के पास मत जाना।) - "Don't go near the fire." (General warning, often using the infinitive form.)
  • Us kutte ko mat chhoona. (उस कुत्ते को मत छूना।) - "Don't touch that dog." (Specific warning.)
  • Advice or Recommendations (Negative): While mat implies a command, it can be softened to sound like strong advice, especially when combined with polite imperative forms like aap आप.
  • Aap chinta mat kijiye. (आप चिंता मत कीजिए।) - "Please don't worry." (Polite reassurance with a negative instruction.)
  • Yeh dawa mat lena. (यह दवा मत लेना।) - "Don't take this medicine (advice)." (Often using the infinitive form or tum तुम imperative.)
  • Rules and Regulations (General Prohibitions): The mat + infinitive form (-na ना) is ideal for expressing general rules or prohibitions that apply universally or over an extended period. These are frequently seen on signs or in public announcements.
  • Yahaan thookna mat. (यहाँ थूकना मत।) - "Don't spit here." (A general public rule.)
  • Jhoot mat bolna. (झूठ मत बोलना।) - "Don't lie (general advice/moral instruction)."
  • Expressing Disapproval or Disagreement: You can use mat to express strong disapproval of an action someone is considering or doing.
  • Aisa mat socho. (ऐसा मत सोचो।) - "Don't think like that." (Expressing disagreement with someone's thoughts.)
  • Phir se mat karna. (फिर से मत करना।) - "Don't do it again." (Expressing disapproval of a repeated action.)
It's important to differentiate mat from other negative particles based on the mood of the verb. Mat is exclusively imperative. You would never use mat for negating past actions (Maine nahin khaaya मैंने नहीं खाया - I didn't eat) or future intentions (Main nahin khaaunga मैं नहीं खाऊँगा - I won't eat) or general statements (Yeh sahi nahin hai यह सही नहीं है - This is not correct).
Its strength lies in its singular focus on direct, second-person prohibition. The choice of tu तू, tum तुम, or aap आप imperative form accompanying mat will dictate the level of formality and politeness of the prohibition, allowing for precise control over your communicative intent.

Common Mistakes

Learners of Hindi, especially those at the B2 level transitioning from basic negation, frequently encounter specific pitfalls when employing mat (मत). These errors typically stem from overgeneralizing nahin (नहीं), misunderstanding word order, or misjudging the appropriate context. Addressing these common mistakes is crucial for achieving natural and effective communication.
  1. 1The Nahin Trap: Using nahin for Commands Instead of mat
This is, by far, the most prevalent error. Beginners often default to nahin for all forms of negation, failing to distinguish between negating a statement and negating a command.
  • Incorrect: Tum wahan nahin jaao. (तुम वहाँ नहीं जाओ।)
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds like you're stating a fact or asking a question ("You aren't going there?"). It completely loses the prohibitory force. It might even imply "You (may) not go there" rather than "Don't go there."
  • Correct: Tum wahan mat jaao. (तुम वहाँ मत जाओ।)
  • Why it's correct: Mat clearly marks it as a direct negative command, signifying "Don't go."
  • Linguistic Explanation: Hindi's linguistic structure clearly separates declarative negation (nahin) from imperative prohibition (mat). Mixing them leads to grammatical dissonance and a loss of intended meaning.
  1. 1Incorrect Word Order: Misplacing mat
As discussed, mat has a fixed position immediately preceding the imperative verb. Shifting its place can create confusion or make the sentence sound ungrammatical or overtly poetic.
  • Incorrect: Mat tum yeh karo. (मत तुम यह करो।)
  • Why it's wrong: While understandable, this word order is highly unnatural in modern conversational Hindi. It sounds like a dramatic or archaic pronouncement.
  • Correct: Tum yeh mat karo. (तुम यह मत करो।)
  • Why it's correct: This adheres to the standard subject (optional) + object/adverbial + mat + verb structure.
  • Linguistic Explanation: Hindi's SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) structure often allows for some flexibility, but certain particles like mat have strict attachment rules to the verbal phrase. Breaking this rule disrupts the natural flow and emphasis.
  1. 1Using mat with Non-Imperative Moods/Tenses
Mat is exclusively for the imperative mood. Attempting to use it with past, future, or subjunctive verbs is grammatically incorrect.
  • Incorrect: Maine kal kaam mat kiya. (मैंने कल काम मत किया।)
  • Why it's wrong: Kiya (किया) is a past tense verb. Mat cannot negate past actions.
  • Correct: Maine kal kaam nahin kiya. (मैंने कल काम नहीं किया।) - "I didn't do work yesterday."
  • Linguistic Explanation: Mat is a modal particle signaling command. Tense and aspect markers (-iya for past, -unga for future) operate on a different grammatical layer, which mat cannot directly interact with for negation.
  1. 1Misjudging Politeness/Force with mat
While mat inherently carries a prohibitive force, the accompanying imperative verb form (tu तू, tum तुम, aap आप) significantly modulates its politeness.I will now proceed to generate the requested JSON output with the comprehensive explanation, ensuring it adheres to all specified formatting and content requirements, including the word count.
{

Mat + Verb Conjugation

Formality Pronoun Structure Example
Intimate
Tu
Mat + Root
Mat kha
Informal
Tum
Mat + Root + o
Mat khao
Formal
Aap
Mat + Verb + iye
Mat khaiye
Respectful
Aap
Mat + Verb + iye ga
Mat khaiyega
Negative
General
Mat + Verb
Mat jao
Polite
General
Kripya + Mat + Verb
Kripya mat jao

Meanings

The particle 'mat' is used to express a negative command, prohibition, or strong advice against an action.

1

Direct Prohibition

Stopping someone from performing an action immediately.

“यहाँ मत बैठो (Yahan mat baitho) - Don't sit here.”

“झूठ मत बोलो (Jhooth mat bolo) - Don't lie.”

2

Polite Negative Request

Softening a command using 'mat' with formal verb endings.

“कृपया ऐसा मत कीजिए (Kripya aisa mat kijiye) - Please don't do this.”

“आप यहाँ मत आइए (Aap yahan mat aaiye) - Please don't come here.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Stop! Using 'Mat' for Negative Commands
Form Structure Example
Informal Command
Mat + Verb(o)
Mat jao
Formal Request
Mat + Verb(iye)
Mat jaiye
Polite Prohibition
Kripya + Mat + Verb
Kripya mat bolo
Strong Warning
Bilkul + Mat + Verb
Bilkul mat chhoona
Future Prohibition
Mat + Verb(na)
Mat jana
Negative Advice
Mat + Verb(na) + chahiye
Mat jana chahiye

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Aisa mat kijiye.

Aisa mat kijiye. (General prohibition.)

Neutral
Aisa mat karo.

Aisa mat karo. (General prohibition.)

Informal
Aisa mat kar.

Aisa mat kar. (General prohibition.)

Slang
Mat kar bhai.

Mat kar bhai. (General prohibition.)

The Mat vs Nahi Divide

Negation in Hindi

Nahi (नहीं)

  • Declarative Facts
  • State Being
  • Past/Future Events

Mat (मत)

  • Imperative Commands
  • Prohibition Stopping
  • Advice Warnings
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Examples by Level

1

Mat jao.

Don't go.

2

Mat khao.

Don't eat.

3

Mat bolo.

Don't speak.

4

Mat dekho.

Don't look.

1

Yahan mat baitho.

Don't sit here.

2

Shor mat karo.

Don't make noise.

3

Use mat bulao.

Don't call him.

4

Jaldi mat jao.

Don't go early.

1

Mujhe pareshan mat karo.

Don't bother me.

2

Aisa mat socho.

Don't think like that.

3

Kripya yahan mat thookiye.

Please don't spit here.

4

Usse jhooth mat bolo.

Don't lie to him.

1

Aapko wahan jane ki zaroorat nahi hai, mat jaiye.

You don't need to go there, please don't.

2

Is vishay par charcha mat kijiye.

Please don't discuss this topic.

3

Mujhe bar-bar phone mat karo.

Don't call me repeatedly.

4

Galti se bhi use mat batana.

Don't tell him even by mistake.

1

Main chahta hoon ki aap is mamle mein dakhal mat dein.

I want you not to interfere in this matter.

2

Chahe kuch bhi ho jaye, haar mat mano.

No matter what happens, don't give up.

3

Aisi galti dobara mat dohraiye.

Don't repeat such a mistake again.

4

Usne kaha ki wahan mat jana.

He said not to go there.

1

Yadi aap safalta chahte hain, toh samay barbad mat kijiye.

If you want success, don't waste time.

2

Kripya is niyam ka ullanghan mat karein.

Please do not violate this rule.

3

Aise kathin samay mein himmat mat harna.

Don't lose courage in such difficult times.

4

Uski baaton par dhyan mat do.

Don't pay attention to his words.

Easily Confused

Stop! Using 'Mat' for Negative Commands vs Mat vs Nahi

Learners often use 'nahi' for all negatives.

Stop! Using 'Mat' for Negative Commands vs Mat vs Na

Both can mean 'don't'.

Stop! Using 'Mat' for Negative Commands vs Mat vs Mat Karo

Adding 'karo' unnecessarily.

Common Mistakes

✗

Nahi jao

✓

Mat jao

Nahi is for statements, mat is for commands.
✗

Jao mat

✓

Mat jao

Mat must come before the verb.
✗

Mat jana

✓

Mat jao

For simple commands, use the imperative form.
✗

Mat nahi jao

✓

Mat jao

Double negation is incorrect.
✗

Tum mat jaiye

✓

Tum mat jao

Mismatch between pronoun and verb form.
✗

Aap mat jao

✓

Aap mat jaiye

Mismatch between pronoun and verb form.
✗

Mat karo shor

✓

Shor mat karo

Word order is unnatural.
✗

Mujhe mat jao

✓

Mujhe mat jane do

Incorrect verb structure for 'don't let me'.
✗

Woh mat karo

✓

Mat karo

Redundant pronoun.
✗

Mat kar raha hai

✓

Mat karo

Incorrect tense usage.
✗

Mat kijiye ga

✓

Mat kijiye

Redundant honorific markers.
✗

Mat jana chahiye

✓

Mat jao

Mixing advice with command.
✗

Mat mat jao

✓

Mat jao

Repetition error.

Sentence Patterns

___ mat jao.

___ mat karo.

Kripya ___ mat kijiye.

___ mat bolo, ___ suno.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Mujhe call mat karo.

Social Media common

Aisi baatein mat likho.

Job Interview occasional

Kripya is vishay par charcha mat kijiye.

Travel common

Wahan mat jao, khatra hai.

Food Delivery common

Saman mat chhodo.

Classroom constant

Shor mat karo.

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💡

The 'Mat' Rule

Always keep 'mat' right before the verb. It's the most natural spot.
⚠️

Nahi vs Mat

Don't use 'nahi' to tell someone to stop. It sounds like you're saying 'it is not happening'.
🎯

Formalizing

Use 'kripya' before 'mat' to sound extra polite.
💬

Tone Matters

In Hindi, the tone of your voice when saying 'mat' changes the intensity of the command.

Smart Tips

Use 'mat' to sound firm but helpful.

Tum nahi jao. → Tum mat jao.

Always pair 'mat' with 'iye'.

Aap mat jao. → Aap mat jaiye.

Keep it short: 'Mat [Verb]'.

Yahan par mat baithna chahiye. → Yahan mat baitho.

Use 'bilkul mat' for emphasis.

Mat karo. → Bilkul mat karo.

Pronunciation

/mət/

Mat

The 't' in 'mat' is a dental 't', produced by touching the tongue to the back of the upper teeth.

Firm Command

Mat jao! (Falling intonation)

Serious, authoritative command.

Polite Request

Mat jaiye... (Rising-falling intonation)

Soft, pleading request.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Mat' is a 'Mat' (mat) that stops you from walking further. It's a stop sign for actions!

Visual Association

Imagine a big red stop sign with the word 'MAT' written on it in Hindi script (मत). Every time you want to say 'don't', visualize this sign blocking the verb.

Rhyme

When you want to say 'don't' and stop the flow, just put 'mat' before the verb you know!

Story

A little boy is about to touch a hot pan. His mother shouts, 'Mat chhoona!' (Don't touch!). He stops immediately. He learns that 'mat' is the magic word to stop any action.

Word Web

JaoKhaoBoloDekhoKaroSochoChhoona

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, try to think of 5 things you shouldn't do today and say them in Hindi using 'mat' (e.g., 'Phone mat dekho').

Cultural Notes

In North India, 'mat' is used very frequently in households. Elders use it to discipline children, and it is considered a standard way to set boundaries.

In professional settings, 'mat' is often softened with 'kripya' (please) to maintain professional decorum.

In Bollywood songs, 'na' is often used instead of 'mat' for a softer, more rhythmic effect.

The word 'mat' is derived from Sanskrit 'mā', which is the prohibitive particle.

Conversation Starters

“

What is one thing you tell your friends not to do?

“

How do you politely tell someone not to interrupt you?

“

What are some common 'don'ts' in your culture?

“

If you could tell your younger self one thing not to do, what would it be?

Journal Prompts

Write a list of 5 rules for your house using 'mat'.
Describe a time someone told you 'mat' and you listened.
Write a formal email to a colleague asking them not to change a project deadline.
Reflect on the difference between 'nahi' and 'mat' in your own words.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with 'mat' or 'nahi'.

Main ___ ja raha hoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
It's a statement, so use nahi.
Choose the correct command. Multiple Choice

___ jao!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Mat is for commands.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Nahi karo shor!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Mat must be before the verb.
Change to formal. Sentence Transformation

Tum mat jao.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Aap requires the iye ending.
Is this correct? True False Rule

'Mat' can be used for facts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Mat is for commands only.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Can I touch this? B: ___!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Prohibition requires mat.
Order the words. Sentence Building

karo / mat / shor

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Standard word order.
Match the English to Hindi. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with 'mat' or 'nahi'.

Main ___ ja raha hoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
It's a statement, so use nahi.
Choose the correct command. Multiple Choice

___ jao!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Mat is for commands.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Nahi karo shor!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Mat must be before the verb.
Change to formal. Sentence Transformation

Tum mat jao.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Aap requires the iye ending.
Is this correct? True False Rule

'Mat' can be used for facts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Mat is for commands only.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Can I touch this? B: ___!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Prohibition requires mat.
Order the words. Sentence Building

karo / mat / shor

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Standard word order.
Match the English to Hindi. Match Pairs

Don't eat / Don't go

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

14 exercises
Choose the correct particle for this command. Fill in the Blank

Zor se ___ chillao! (Don't shout loudly!)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mat
Arrange to say: 'Please don't come inside.' Sentence Reorder

Reorder the words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kripya andar mat aaiye
Fix the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Usse mat dekhta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Usse mat dekho.
Which sentence is a valid negative command? Multiple Choice

Identify the command:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Jhooth mat bolo.
Match the Hindi command to its politeness level. Match Pairs

Match sentences:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"Mat kar":"Tu (Rude\/Intimate)","Mat karo":"Tum (Informal)","Mat kijiye":"Aap (Formal)"}
Complete the advice: 'Don't forget.' Fill in the Blank

Bhool ___ jana.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mat
Order the words for: 'Don't eat my pizza.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mera pizza mat khao
The speaker is using the wrong negative word. Error Correction

Correct: 'Phone touch nahi karo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Phone touch mat karo.
You are talking to your boss. Which is appropriate? Multiple Choice

Select the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Meeting cancel mat kijiye.
Don't ___ silly. Fill in the Blank

Pagal ___ bano.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mat
Say: 'Don't talk to me.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mujhse baat mat karo
Fix the word order. Error Correction

Mat wahan dekho.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wahan mat dekho.
Don't ___ afraid. Fill in the Blank

Daro ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mat
Which implies a general rule for the future? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yahan kuda mat fekna.

Score: /14

FAQ (8)

No, 'mat' is for commands. Use 'kya' for questions.

No, 'mat' is invariable.

It's a stylistic choice, often found in songs.

Yes, 'Mat jana chahiye' (You shouldn't go).

It depends on the tone and verb ending.

It sounds grammatically wrong to native speakers.

No, it remains 'mat'.

Yes, but use formal verb endings.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish partial

No + imperative

Hindi has a dedicated word for commands (mat).

French low

Ne...pas

Hindi is more concise.

German low

Nicht

Hindi separates imperative negation.

Japanese high

~na

Positioning (prefix vs suffix).

Arabic moderate

La

Hindi is more specific to the imperative mood.

Chinese high

Bie

Both are very similar in usage and function.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Strong No's: Hindi Emphatic Negative Commands

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Saying No: Negation with 'Nahin'

Overview Expressing negation is fundamental in any language, allowing you to deny, refuse, and articulate absence. In Hi...
A1 Requires

Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum' (Verb + o)

Overview In Hindi, expressing commands or making requests is nuanced, reflecting the language's inherent politeness hier...

Related Grammar Rules

A2

Hindi Quantity: As much as... that much (jitnā/utnā)

Overview In Hindi grammar, expressing relationships of quantity and proportion is handled by a powerful set of correlat...
C1

Hindi Word Order: Moving Words After the Verb (Right-Dislocation)

Why do Hindi speakers sometimes put the subject or object *after* the verb, as if they just remembered it at the last se...
C1

Stylistic Inversion: Breaking the SOV Rules

Overview You have likely been taught that Hindi adheres to a rigid Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order. While this cano...
C1

Advanced Negation: Lest, Hardly & Don't You Dare

Overview Mastering negation in Hindi extends beyond the elementary `नहीं` (`nahin`). At the C1 CEFR level, you require a...
B2

Hindi Correlative Adverbs: Connecting Ideas (जब... तब)

Overview Correlative adverbs are foundational structures in Hindi, enabling the precise connection of ideas across claus...
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