Hindi Noun Changes: The Oblique Case (लड़का → लड़के)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When a noun is followed by a postposition (like 'ka', 'ko', 'se'), masculine singular nouns ending in 'aa' change to 'e'.
- Masculine nouns ending in 'aa' (लड़का) change to 'e' (लड़के) before a postposition.
- Other nouns (feminine or non-'aa' masculine) generally stay the same in the singular.
- Plural nouns ending in 'e' or 'aa' change to 'on' (लड़कों) before a postposition.
Overview
The oblique case (तिर्यक रूप tiryuk rūp) is a fundamental grammatical phenomenon in Hindi, governing how nouns, and by extension, pronouns and adjectives, modify their form when they are followed by a postposition. Unlike English prepositions, which precede the noun (e.g., "in the house"), Hindi postpositions follow the noun (घर में - ghar meṃ, "house in"). This structural difference necessitates a formal change in the noun to establish a proper grammatical relationship between the noun and its governing postposition.
Linguistically, this alteration is a marker of case, specifically the oblique case, indicating that the noun is not functioning as the direct subject of a verb but rather as an object or complement influenced by a relational word. Mastering the oblique case is not merely about correctness; it is essential for clarity, naturalness, and avoiding ambiguity in Hindi sentences. Ignoring this rule creates grammatically incomplete or awkward constructions that can impede comprehension.
It is a cornerstone of Hindi syntax, analogous to verb conjugation in its importance for forming coherent sentences.
How This Grammar Works
kārak - uninflected form) and the Oblique Case (तिर्यक रूप tiryuk rūp - inflected form). The direct case is the noun's default or dictionary form, used when it functions as the subject of a sentence without a governing postposition, or when it stands alone. For instance, लड़का (laṛkā) means 'boy' and is in the direct case.लड़के को (laṛke ko).को (ko - to) triggers the change from लड़का to लड़के. This alteration is a crucial grammatical signal. It signifies that लड़का is not merely 'boy' but 'the boy' in relation to को.में - meṃ, in; पर - par, on) or compound (e.g., के साथ - ke sāth, with; के लिए - ke lie, for). The oblique case serves to grammatically 'prepare' the noun for its relationship with the postposition, ensuring syntactical coherence. It is not an arbitrary change but a systematic inflection that integrates the noun into the sentence's deeper structure, indicating its role within the clause.Formation Pattern
-ā (आ): These nouns undergo a mandatory change. The final long vowel -ā transforms into -e (ए).
कमरा (kamrā, room) + में (meṃ, in) → कमरे में (kamre meṃ, in the room)
लड़का (laṛkā, boy) + को (ko, to) → लड़के को (laṛke ko, to the boy)
कुत्ता (kuttā, dog) + से (se, from) → कुत्ते से (kutte se, from the dog)
-ā (आ): These nouns remain unchanged in the singular oblique case, simplifying their application.
घर (ghar, house) + में (meṃ, in) → घर में (ghar meṃ, in the house)
पेड़ (peṛ, tree) + पर (par, on) → पेड़ पर (peṛ par, on the tree)
आदमी (ādmī, man) + के लिए (ke lie, for) → आदमी के लिए (ādmī ke lie, for the man)
लड़की (laṛkī, girl) + को (ko, to) → लड़की को (laṛkī ko, to the girl)
किताब (kitāb, book) + पर (par, on) → किताब पर (kitāb par, on the book)
माता (mātā, mother) + से (se, from) → माता से (mātā se, from the mother)
-oṃ (ओं).
-e (ए) (derived from singular -ā), it changes to -oṃ (ओं).
लड़के (laṛke, boys) + को (ko, to) → लड़कों को (laṛkoṃ ko, to the boys)
कमरे (kamre, rooms) + में (meṃ, in) → कमरों में (kamroṃ meṃ, in the rooms)
घर - ghar, houses) or a vowel other than -ā (e.g., आदमी - ādmī, men), it generally takes -oṃ (ओं). An intervening y may be inserted for vowel endings to facilitate pronunciation.
घर (ghar, houses) + में (meṃ, in) → घरों में (gharoṃ meṃ, in the houses)
आदमी (ādmī, men) + से (se, from) → आदमियों से (ādmiyoṃ se, from the men) (Note the य /y/)
-eṃ (एँ) or -iyāṃ (इयाँ) in the direct case. For the oblique plural, they generally change to -oṃ (ओं) or -iyoṃ (इयों).
किताबें (kitābeṃ, books) + में (meṃ, in) → किताबों में (kitāboṃ meṃ, in the books)
लड़कियां (laṛkiyāṃ, girls) + से (se, from) → लड़कियों से (laṛkiyoṃ se, from the girls)
रातें (rāteṃ, nights) + में (meṃ, in) → रातों में (rātoṃ meṃ, in the nights)
-ā | -ā → -e | लड़का → लड़के को | -e → -oṃ | लड़के → लड़कों को |
घर → घर में | Add -oṃ (or -iyoṃ) | घर → घरों में (houses), आदमी → आदमियों से (men) |
लड़की → लड़की को | -eṃ / -iyāṃ → -oṃ / -iyoṃ | किताबें → किताबों में, लड़कियां → लड़कियों से |
ं) or chandrabindu (ँ), is critical for all plural oblique forms. It signals the plural number and is acoustically distinct, preventing confusion with singular forms (e.g., लड़के singular oblique vs. लड़कों plural oblique). Always ensure this nasal marker is present for all oblique plural nouns. Pronouncing it as a light 'm' sound through the nose is generally accurate.
Gender & Agreement
- 1Adjective Agreement:
- Masculine adjectives ending in
-ā(आ) will change to-e(ए) when they modify a masculine noun that is in the singular oblique case, or any plural noun (masculine or feminine) in the oblique case. - Direct:
बड़ा कमरा(baṛā kamrā, big room) - Singular Oblique:
बड़े कमरे में(baṛe kamre meṃ, in the big room) - Direct Plural:
बड़े कमरे(baṛe kamre, big rooms) - Plural Oblique:
बड़े कमरों में(baṛe kamroṃ meṃ, in the big rooms) - Adjectives not ending in
-ā, and all feminine adjectives, typically do not change their form in the oblique case. They remain constant regardless of the noun's case, mirroring the behavior of feminine nouns. - Direct:
सुंदर लड़की(sundar laṛkī, beautiful girl) - Oblique:
सुंदर लड़की को(sundar laṛkī ko, to the beautiful girl) - Direct:
लाल किताब(lāl kitāb, red book) - Oblique:
लाल किताब पर(lāl kitāb par, on the red book)
- 1Possessive Markers (
का/के/की):
- The possessive postposition
का(kā, of) itself inflects for the number and gender of the possessed item, not the possessor. However, the noun precedingका/के/कीis always placed in the oblique case, regardless of the gender or number of the item being possessed. - Possessor
लड़का(laṛkā, boy) +का(kā) →लड़के का(laṛke kā, of the boy / boy's) - Example:
लड़के का घर(laṛke kā ghar, the boy's house) -काagrees withघर(masculine singular) - Possessor
लड़की(laṛkī, girl) +के(ke) →लड़की के(laṛkī ke, of the girl / girl's) - Example:
लड़की के भाई(laṛkī ke bhāī, the girl's brother) -केagrees withभाई(masculine plural) - Possessor
छात्र(chātra, student) +की(kī) →छात्र की(chātra kī, of the student / student's) - Example:
छात्र की किताब(chātra kī kitāb, the student's book) -कीagrees withकिताब(feminine singular)
का/के/की agrees with the following possessed noun. Understanding this interaction is crucial for constructing accurate possessive phrases in Hindi.When To Use It
- Simple Postpositions: These are single-word postpositions that directly govern the noun.
- Locative:
में(meṃ, in),पर(par, on/at),तक(tak, up to/until),के बिना(ke binā, without) वह शहर में रहता है।(vah shahar meṃ rahtā hai., He lives in the city.)किताब टेबल पर है।(kitāb ṭebal par hai., The book is on the table.)हम दिल्ली तक गए।(ham dillī tak gae., We went up to Delhi.)- Dative/Accusative:
को(ko, to/for/object marker). This often marks the indirect object or animate direct object. मैंने टीचर को एक सवाल पूछा।(maiṃne ṭīchar ko ek savāl pūchā., I asked a question to the teacher.)वह राम को देखता है।(vah rām ko dekhtā hai., He sees Ram.)- Instrumental/Ablative:
से(se, by/with/from). Marks the instrument, agent, or origin. मैं गाड़ी से आया।(maiṃ gāṛī se āyā., I came by car.)वह जयपुर से है।(vah jaipur se hai., He is from Jaipur.)- Comparison:
से(se, than/from). Used in comparative constructions. राम श्याम से लंबा है।(rām shyām se lambā hai., Ram is taller than Shyam.)
- Compound Postpositions: These are multi-word expressions that function as postpositions, always containing a
केorकीcomponent. The noun preceding the entire compound postposition will be in the oblique case. Theseके/कीforms are themselves inflectional markers. - Association:
के साथ(ke sāth, with),के बिना(ke binā, without) मैं दोस्त के साथ हूँ।(maiṃ dost ke sāth hūṃ., I am with a friend.)- Location/Direction:
के पास(ke pās, near/at/have),के ऊपर(ke ūpar, above),के नीचे(ke nīche, below),के सामने(ke sāmne, in front of),के पीछे(ke pīche, behind),की तरफ(kī taraf, towards) किताब टेबल के ऊपर है।(kitāb ṭebal ke ūpar hai., The book is on top of the table.)वह मंदिर के सामने खड़ा है।(vah mandir ke sāmne khaṛā hai., He is standing in front of the temple.)हम घर की तरफ जा रहे हैं।(ham ghar kī taraf jā rahe haiṃ., We are going towards home.)- Time/Sequence:
के बाद(ke bād, after),के पहले(ke pahle, before) मीटिंग के बाद मिलेंगे।(mīṭiṅg ke bād mileṃge., We will meet after the meeting.)- Purpose/Benefactive:
के लिए(ke lie, for),के वास्ते(ke vāste, for the sake of) यह पिताजी के लिए है।(yah pitājī ke lie hai., This is for father.)- Possession:
का/के/की(equivalent to 'of' or apostrophe 's'). As detailed in the 'Gender & Agreement' section, the possessor noun is always in the oblique case. यह लड़के का स्कूल है।(yah laṛke kā skūl hai., This is the boy's school.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing Singular Oblique with Direct Plural: This is perhaps the most common error. For masculine nouns ending in
-ā, the singular oblique form (लड़के-laṛke) is identical to the direct plural form (लड़के-laṛke).
- Error: Using
लड़के को(laṛke ko) intending to mean "to the boys," when it actually means "to the boy." The context is crucial here. - Correction: "To the boys" requires the plural oblique:
लड़कों को(laṛkoṃ ko). Remember, ifलड़केis followed by a postposition, it refers to a single boy unless the nasalization (ṃ) is present. - Why it happens: The visual and phonetic similarity of
लड़केfor both singular oblique and direct plural masks the underlying grammatical distinction. Hindi's inflectional system relies heavily on subtle vowel changes and nasalization for number and case.
- 1Omitting Nasalization in Plural Oblique: The nasal sound (
ṃ) in the-oṃending is not merely an optional flourish; it is a critical phonological marker for the plural oblique, distinguishing it from vocative or other forms.
- Error: Saying/writing
लड़को(laṛko) instead ofलड़कों(laṛkoṃ) for "to the boys."लड़कोis the vocative form (calling out to boys, e.g., "Hey boys!"), not the oblique plural. - Correction: Always include the nasalization for plural oblique forms (
-oṃ,-iyoṃ). This is a non-negotiable feature for grammatical correctness. - Why it happens: Nasal sounds can be subtle for non-native speakers, and the distinction might not seem significant initially. However, native speakers immediately notice its absence.
- 1Incorrectly Inflecting Singular Feminine Nouns: Some learners, anticipating inflection, erroneously try to change singular feminine nouns, especially if they have just learned the masculine
-āto-erule.
- Error: Changing
लड़की(laṛkī) toलड़के(laṛke) orलड़कियों(laṛkiyoṃ) in the singular oblique context (e.g.,लड़के कोfor "to the girl"). - Correction: Singular feminine nouns never change in the oblique case.
लड़की को(laṛkī ko, to the girl) remainsलड़की को. - Why it happens: Over-application of the masculine
-āto-erule, or confusion with the plural oblique feminine forms that do take-oṃ.
- 1Applying Oblique Case to Nouns Not Governed by Postpositions: The oblique case is only triggered by a following postposition. If a noun is a direct subject or stands alone without a postposition, it should be in the direct case.
- Error: Saying
मैं कमरे गया(maiṃ kamre gayā, I room went) instead ofमैं घर गया(maiṃ ghar gayā, I went home) orमैं कमरे में गया(maiṃ kamre meṃ gayā, I went into the room).कमराneedsमेंto becomeकमरेwhen signifying location. - Correction: Ensure a postposition is present before inflecting. If no postposition, use the direct case appropriate for the noun's gender and number.
- 1Handling Proper Nouns and Loanwords:
-ā: These follow the rule strictly. अमित (Amit)अमित को (Amit ko), but राजा (Rājā, Raja) → राजे को (Rāje ko).-ā ending foreign names (e.g., ओबामा (Obāmā)ओबामे (Obāme)), modern casual usage, especially in texting or informal speech, often leaves them uninflected to preserve their original form. However, for consistency and formal contexts, applying the rule to -ā ending loanwords is grammatically sound. For most other loanwords, the usual rules apply: कंप्यूटर (kampyūṭar, computer) → कंप्यूटर पर (kampyūṭar par, on the computer) (no change, not ending in -ā).Common Collocations
- Locative Expressions: These are pervasive in daily conversation.
घर में(ghar meṃ, in the house / at home)शहर में(shahar meṃ, in the city)दुकान पर(dukān par, at the shop)सड़क पर(saṛak par, on the road)टेबल पर(ṭebal par, on the table)कमरे में(kamre meṃ, in the room)- Temporal Expressions: Time-related phrases frequently use the oblique.
सुबह को(subah ko, in the morning / morning, object)रात में(rāt meṃ, at night)दो दिन से(do din se, for two days / since two days)शाम तक(shām tak, until evening)- Relational Expressions: Involving
के साथ,के लिए,के पास, etc. दोस्त के साथ(dost ke sāth, with a friend)माता-पिता के लिए(mātā-pitā ke lie, for parents)मेरे पास(mere pās, I have / near me) - Note:मैं(maiṃ) becomesमेरे(mere) in the oblique case, as pronouns also inflect.- Purpose/Direction:
बाज़ार की तरफ(bāzār kī taraf, towards the market)पानी के लिए(pānī ke lie, for water)- Possessive Constructions: As the
का/के/कीmarker always requires the preceding noun to be oblique. अध्यापक का(adhyāpak kā, of the teacher)बच्चों के(bachchoṃ ke, of the children)लड़की की(laṛkī kī, of the girl)
Real Conversations
The oblique case is omnipresent in all forms of Hindi communication, from formal speeches to informal WhatsApp chats. Observing its use in natural dialogue helps solidify understanding.
Scenario 1
- Rohan: क्या तुम शाम को फ्री हो? (kyā tum shām ko frī ho?, Are you free in the evening?)
- Here, शाम (shām, evening) is feminine, so it remains unchanged before को.
- Priya: हाँ! क्यों? (hāṃ! kyoṃ?, Yes! Why?)
- Rohan: चलो, फ़िल्म देखने चलते हैं। (chalo, film dekhne chalte haiṃ., Let's go watch a movie.)
- फ़िल्म (film, movie) is feminine and does not change before देखने (a verbal noun acting prepositionally).
- Priya: किस कमरे में? (kis kamre meṃ?, In which room [cinema hall]?)
- कमरा (kamrā, room) becomes कमरे (kamre) before में.
- Rohan: नहीं, घर पर ही देखते हैं। (nahīṃ, ghar par hī dekhte haiṃ., No, let's watch at home only.)
- घर (ghar, house) is masculine, not ending in -ā, so it remains घर before पर.
Scenario 2
- Speaker A: हमारी टीम गाँव के पास काम कर रही है। (hamārī ṭīm gāṃv ke pās kām kar rahī hai., Our team is working near the village.)
- गाँव (gāṃv, village) is masculine, not ending in -ā, remaining गाँव before के पास.
- Speaker B: और शहरों में क्या प्रगति है? (aur shaharoṃ meṃ kyā pragati hai?, And what is the progress in the cities?)
- शहर (shahar, city) becomes plural oblique शहरों (shaharoṃ) before में.
- Speaker A: युवाओं के लिए रोज़गार के अवसर बढ़ाए जा रहे हैं। (yuvāoṃ ke lie rozgār ke avsar baṛhāe jā rahe haiṃ., Employment opportunities are being increased for the youth.)
- युवा (yuvā, youth) becomes plural oblique युवाओं (yuvāoṃ) before के लिए.
These examples illustrate how native speakers automatically apply the oblique case in varied contexts. Pay attention to -ā to -e changes for singular masculine nouns, and the ubiquitous -oṃ for plural nouns followed by postpositions. The consistent application of these rules is a hallmark of fluent Hindi.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Does every noun change in the oblique case?
- A: No. Only masculine nouns ending in
-āchange in the singular (to-e). All plural nouns (masculine and feminine) change to end in-oṃ(or-iyoṃ). Singular feminine nouns and masculine nouns not ending in-āremain unchanged in the singular oblique. - Q: What if there are two postpositions, or a series of them?
- A: The noun still only changes once. The very first postposition immediately following the noun is the trigger for its oblique form. Subsequent postpositions or compound postpositions then function with that already-inflected noun.
- Example:
राम ने बच्चों के लिए खिलौने खरीदे।(rām ne bachchoṃ ke lie khilaune kharīde., Ram bought toys for the children.) Here,बच्चोंis oblique because ofके लिए. - Q: Do adjectives change too?
- A: Yes, if an adjective modifies a noun that goes into the oblique case, and the adjective itself ends in
-ā, it will also shift to-e. Adjectives not ending in-ā(and all feminine adjectives) typically do not change. - Example:
बड़ा कमरा(baṛā kamrā, big room) →बड़े कमरे में(baṛe kamre meṃ, in the big room). - Q: Is it
लड़कोorलड़कों? What's the difference? - A: It is always
लड़कों(laṛkoṃ) with the nasalization for the plural oblique case (e.g.,लड़कों को- "to the boys"). The non-nasalizedलड़को(laṛko) is used for the vocative case, meaning you are calling out to them, like "Hey boys!" or "O boys!". The nasalization is phonologically significant. - Q: Does this happen in Urdu too?
- A: Yes, the rules for the oblique case are virtually identical in spoken Urdu and Hindi, as they share a common grammatical foundation. By learning this rule, you are effectively learning it for both languages.
- Q: Can I skip this in casual speech or texting?
- A: Not really. Even in the most casual WhatsApp slang or rapid conversation, these changes are standard and expected. Skipping them makes the sentence feel grammatically incomplete, similar to saying "I go to boy" instead of "I go to the boy." It significantly impacts comprehension and naturalness, making the speaker sound very basic or ungrammatical. For effective communication, consistent application of the oblique case is crucial.
Noun Oblique Inflection
| Noun Type | Direct (Subject) | Oblique (with postposition) |
|---|---|---|
|
Masculine -aa
|
लड़का (ladka)
|
लड़के (ladke)
|
|
Masculine Other
|
घर (ghar)
|
घर (ghar)
|
|
Feminine Singular
|
किताब (kitaab)
|
किताब (kitaab)
|
|
Plural -aa/-e
|
लड़के/लड़का
|
लड़कों (ladkon)
|
|
Plural Other
|
घर/किताबें
|
घरों/किताबों
|
Meanings
The oblique case is a grammatical form used when a noun is followed by a postposition, causing the noun to change its ending.
Singular Masculine Oblique
Changing -aa to -e for masculine singular nouns.
“लड़के के पास (near the boy)”
“कमरे में (in the room)”
Plural Oblique
Changing plural nouns to end in -on.
“लड़कों के लिए (for the boys)”
“घरों में (in the houses)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun(e) + Postposition
|
लड़के के पास
|
|
Negative
|
Noun(e) + Postposition + nahi
|
लड़के के पास नहीं
|
|
Question
|
Kya Noun(e) + Postposition?
|
क्या लड़के के पास?
|
|
Plural
|
Noun(on) + Postposition
|
लड़कों के पास
|
Formality Spectrum
लड़के को दीजिए। (Giving something)
लड़के को दो। (Giving something)
लड़के को दे। (Giving something)
लड़के को दे दे भाई। (Giving something)
Oblique Case Map
Masculine -aa
- लड़का boy
Plural
- लड़कों boys
Examples by Level
लड़के को पानी दो।
Give water to the boy.
कमरे में आओ।
Come into the room.
किताब मेज़ पर है।
The book is on the table.
दोस्त के साथ जाओ।
Go with the friend.
लड़कों के लिए खाना है।
There is food for the boys.
घर के पास दुकान है।
There is a shop near the house.
रास्ते पर मत खेलो।
Don't play on the road.
किताबों में ज्ञान है।
There is knowledge in books.
मैंने लड़के से बात की।
I talked to the boy.
शहरों में प्रदूषण है।
There is pollution in cities.
पेड़ के नीचे बैठो।
Sit under the tree.
बच्चों के साथ खेलो।
Play with the children.
उस लड़के को बुलाओ।
Call that boy.
पुरानी यादों के बारे में सोचो।
Think about old memories.
सड़कों पर बहुत भीड़ है।
There is a lot of crowd on the roads.
अच्छे लोगों से मिलो।
Meet good people.
इन लड़कों के विचार अलग हैं।
These boys' thoughts are different.
सफलता के रास्तों पर चलो।
Walk on the paths of success.
विभिन्न देशों के लोगों से मिलो।
Meet people from different countries.
अपनी भावनाओं के प्रति सचेत रहो।
Be conscious of your emotions.
अतीत की यादों के साये में।
In the shadow of past memories.
विद्वानों के मतों के अनुसार।
According to the opinions of scholars.
इन कठिन रास्तों से गुजरना होगा।
One must pass through these difficult paths.
परिवर्तनों के दौर से गुजरते हुए।
Passing through a phase of changes.
Easily Confused
Learners use direct case when oblique is needed.
Learners use singular oblique for plural.
Learners change feminine nouns.
Common Mistakes
लड़का को
लड़के को
किताबे को
किताब को
लड़की को (incorrect change)
लड़की को
घर को
घर को
लड़का के लिए
लड़के के लिए
लड़काओं
लड़कों
कमरा में
कमरे में
पेड़ों के नीचे
पेड़ के नीचे
शहरों में
शहरों में
आदमियों को
आदमियों को
विद्वानों के मत के अनुसार
विद्वानों के मतों के अनुसार
रास्तों के
रास्तों के
भावनाओं के
भावनाओं के
देशों के
देशों के
Sentence Patterns
___ के पास जाओ।
___ में क्या है?
___ के लिए पानी लाओ।
___ पर मत बैठो।
Real World Usage
लड़के को बोल देना।
पिज़्ज़ा के लिए पैसे दो।
इस काम के बारे में बताएं।
स्टेशन के पास होटल है।
दोस्तों के साथ फोटो।
रास्ते पर सीधे जाओ।
Check the Postposition
Don't Change Feminine
Plural is Easy
Listen to Natives
Smart Tips
Pause and check the noun ending.
Check the verb for plural markers.
Be extra careful with oblique forms.
Focus on the 'e' sound.
Pronunciation
Nasalization
The 'on' in plural oblique is nasalized.
Statement
लड़के को दो। ↘
Falling intonation for commands.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
When the postposition knocks, the 'aa' turns into an 'e' to let it in.
Visual Association
Imagine a boy (ladka) wearing a hat (aa). When a postposition (like 'ko') walks up, the boy swaps his hat for an 'e' shaped bow tie.
Rhyme
If the word ends in aa, change to e, or you'll lead your Hindi astray.
Story
Once there was a boy named Ladka. He loved his 'aa' hat. One day, a postposition named 'Ko' came to visit. Ladka quickly swapped his hat for an 'e' bow tie to be polite. Now they are best friends.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using postpositions like 'mein', 'se', 'ke liye' and change the nouns correctly.
Cultural Notes
The oblique case is strictly followed in formal and informal speech.
Similar oblique rules apply in Urdu.
Some dialects may vary, but standard Hindi follows this.
Derived from Sanskrit case markers.
Conversation Starters
आप किस कमरे में रहते हैं?
क्या आपने लड़के को देखा?
आप किन लोगों के साथ काम करते हैं?
सड़कों पर इतनी भीड़ क्यों है?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ (लड़का) को बुलाओ।
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
लड़का के लिए खाना है।
लड़के को दो → ___ को दो।
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Which word is in oblique case?
___ (किताब) में क्या है?
Find and fix the mistake:
सड़क पर मत चलो।
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ (लड़का) को बुलाओ।
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
लड़का के लिए खाना है।
लड़के को दो → ___ को दो।
लड़का -> ?
Which word is in oblique case?
___ (किताब) में क्या है?
Find and fix the mistake:
सड़क पर मत चलो।
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesघर ___ में।
बस्ता में फ़ोन है।
को / लड़कों
From the girls
Tables (मेज़) are feminine.
Match the pairs:
___ के साथ।
फ़ोने पर हूँ।
Rahul + का
In the tea
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It's a grammatical rule called the oblique case, triggered by postpositions.
No, only masculine -aa nouns change in the singular.
Feminine singular nouns do not change.
Look for the context or the verb.
Yes, it's standard in all registers.
No, that would be grammatically incorrect.
Very few, mostly loanwords.
Use postpositions in your daily sentences.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Prepositions
Hindi nouns change; Spanish nouns don't.
Prepositions
Hindi noun inflection vs French article inflection.
Cases
German changes articles/adjectives; Hindi changes noun endings.
Particles
Japanese nouns are invariant.
I'rab
Arabic cases are more extensive.
None
Chinese has no inflection.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Hindi Postposition 'Mein' (In/Inside)
Overview The Hindi postposition `में` (`mein`) is a fundamental component of the language, serving to express concepts o...
Hindi Oblique Case: Why 'Boy' Becomes 'to the Boy' (-ā to -e)
Overview The Hindi **Oblique Case** is a fundamental grammatical concept that dictates how certain nouns and their accom...
Continue With
Hindi Postpositions: The 'Reverse' Logic
Overview In Hindi grammar, the concept of **postpositions** (विभक्ति चिह्न - `vibhakti chihn`) represents a fundamental...
Adverbial Postpositions: Because, Instead & Despite (के अनुसार, की वजह से)
Overview Mastering adverbial postpositions in Hindi is crucial for C1-level fluency, enabling you to articulate complex...
Related Grammar Rules
Hindi Noun Genders: Boys vs Girls (ladkā/ladkī)
Overview In Hindi, every noun possesses an inherent grammatical gender: it is either **masculine** (`पुल्लिंग` - pulling...
Hindi Feminine Plurals: The 'ee' to 'yaan' Rule (-ियाँ)
Overview Mastering Hindi noun plurals is fundamental for basic communication, and among these, the transformation of fem...
Noun Gender: Is it a 'He' or a 'She'? (-aa vs -ii)
Overview In Hindi, every single noun, without exception, possesses a grammatical gender: it is either **masculine** (`pu...
Hindi Abstract Nouns & Gender (tā, pan, ī)
Overview In Hindi, abstract nouns, known as `bhāv-vāchak sangyā` (भाववाचक संज्ञा), are words that represent concepts, qu...
Hindi Agent Nouns: The Magic Suffix 'Wala' (-vālā)
Overview The suffix `वाला` (`-vālā`) is one of the most productive and versatile derivational morphemes in modern Hindi...
