Three Ways to Say 'But' in Hindi (Lekin, Par, Magar)
लेकिन for neutral clarity, पर for casual speed, and मगर for a slightly more descriptive contrast.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'lekin', 'par', or 'magar' to contrast two ideas, just like 'but' in English.
- Lekin: The most common, versatile 'but'. Example: 'I tried, lekin I failed.'
- Par: Often used for 'however' or 'on the other hand'. Example: 'It is cheap, par not good.'
- Magar: Slightly more emphatic or literary. Example: 'I want to go, magar I cannot.'
Overview
As you advance in Hindi, moving beyond foundational sentences to express more intricate ideas, the ability to connect contrasting thoughts becomes paramount. While English frequently relies on the singular 'but', Hindi offers a trio of versatile conjunctions: लेकिन (lekin), पर (par), and मगर (magar). All three translate to 'but', yet each subtly colors the discourse with implications of formality, emphasis, or underlying sentiment.
Mastering their specific applications enables you to articulate nuanced ideas with the precision and authentic flow characteristic of a proficient Hindi speaker.
This guide is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these essential adversative conjunctions, crucial for achieving B1-level proficiency. We will delve into their linguistic origins, identify the specific contexts where each is most appropriate, and highlight common pitfalls. By discerning the subtle distinctions among लेकिन, पर, and मगर, you will significantly elevate your communicative competence, allowing for more sophisticated expression and deeper engagement with the inherent social and linguistic rhythms of Hindi.
How This Grammar Works
विरोधसूचक समुच्चयबोधक – virodhsūchak samuchchyabodhak). Their primary grammatical role is to link two clauses or phrases where the second element introduces a contrast, contradiction, or exception to the first. Essentially, they signal a shift in thought, pivoting from an initial idea to an opposing or qualifying one.अव्यय – avyay). This means their form remains constant; they do not undergo changes based on the gender, number, or case of any nouns or pronouns within the connected clauses.वह होशियार है, लेकिन मेहनती नहीं है। (He is intelligent, but not hardworking.) Here, होशियार (intelligent) and मेहनती नहीं (not hardworking) present a contrasting observation about an individual's qualities. The conjunction लेकिन acts as the pivotal element.यह किताब अच्छी है, पर बहुत महंगी है। (This book is good, but very expensive.) Here, अच्छी है (is good) is contrasted with बहुत महंगी है (is very expensive), with पर articulating the direct opposition.मैंने कोशिश की, मगर सफल नहीं हुआ। (I tried, but didn't succeed.) This sentence uses मगर to highlight the outcome directly contradicting the effort.Formation Pattern
लेकिन, पर, and मगर is exceptionally consistent and simple. They invariably serve as a bridge between two complete thoughts, distinct clauses, or even phrases that convey contrasting information. Their placement is fixed and predictable: they are always positioned directly between the two linguistic units they connect.
अव्यय (avyay), you are relieved of any concern regarding their inflection. This inherent immutability renders their application highly predictable once you grasp their specific semantic nuances.
मैं शहर जाना चाहता था, लेकिन मेरी माँ ने मना कर दिया। (I wanted to go to the city, but my mother refused.)
मैं शहर जाना चाहता था (I wanted to go to the city) – expresses a personal desire.
लेकिन (but)
मेरी माँ ने मना कर दिया (my mother refused) – presents a conflicting external action.
वह बहुत तेज़ दौड़ता है, पर ज़्यादा देर तक नहीं। (He runs very fast, but not for very long.)
वह बहुत तेज़ दौड़ता है (He runs very fast) – states a capability.
पर (but)
ज़्यादा देर तक नहीं (not for very long) – introduces a limitation to that capability.
हमें फ़ोन करना था, मगर बैटरी ख़त्म हो गई थी। (We had to call, but the battery had died.)
हमें फ़ोन करना था (We had to call) – indicates an obligation/necessity.
मगर (but)
बैटरी ख़त्म हो गई थी (the battery had died) – describes an impeding circumstance.
मैं with चाहता था, वह with दौड़ता है, हमें with करना था) remain completely unaffected by the choice of conjunction. The conjunction functions purely as a semantic and logical connector, providing coherence to contrasting ideas.
When To Use It
लेकिन, पर, and मगर is often a subtle choice, reflecting nuances of formality, the emphasis desired, and the speaker's underlying intent. While these conjunctions are frequently interchangeable in many contexts, understanding their preferred usage elevates your Hindi significantly. This section will elaborate on the specific connotations and typical applications of each.लेकिन (lekin): The Versatile Standard- Origin:
लेकिनoriginates from Persian (لیکن), having been thoroughly assimilated into Hindi vocabulary and usage. Its foreign origin is now irrelevant to its commonality. - Formality & Usage: Neutral to mildly formal.
लेकिनis the most versatile and universally accepted choice across nearly all registers. It serves as the default 'but' in both spoken and written Hindi, equally suitable for formal presentations, everyday conversations, and academic discourse. When in doubt,लेकिनis your safest and most common option. - Nuance: It primarily conveys a straightforward contrast or opposition without strong emotional overtones. It implies a logical, often mild, divergence of ideas. Use
लेकिनwhen you simply need to state a counter-point or an exception. - Usage Contexts:
- General Contrast: Expressing a simple, unembellished opposition.
मुझे चाय पसंद है, लेकिन कॉफ़ी ज़्यादा पसंद है।(I like tea, but I like coffee more.)वह लंबा है, लेकिन पतला है।(He is tall, but thin.)- Introducing a Qualification: Adding information that slightly modifies or restricts the first statement.
यह योजना अच्छी है, लेकिन इसे लागू करना मुश्किल होगा।(This plan is good, but it will be difficult to implement.)उसने सच बोला, लेकिन पूरा सच नहीं।(He told the truth, but not the whole truth.)- Polite Disagreement/Correction: Softening a contradiction or offering an alternative perspective.
आपका विचार सही है, लेकिन मुझे लगता है कि एक और दृष्टिकोण भी है।(Your idea is correct, but I think there's another perspective too.)यह मुश्किल लग रहा है, लेकिन असंभव नहीं है।(This seems difficult, but it's not impossible.)
पर (par): The Direct and Immediate- Origin:
परis often considered a shortened, more indigenous form derived from the Sanskrit-rootedपरंतु(parantu). Its conciseness gives it a sense of immediacy and directness. - Formality & Usage: Casual to neutral.
परis exceedingly common in spoken Hindi and informal written communication (such as texting, online chats, or social media). Its brevity makes it a preferred choice for quick, succinct expressions. - Nuance:
परcan feel more direct and sometimes slightly more emphatic thanलेकिन. It is frequently employed when the speaker wishes to make a swift, concise point of contrast or to pivot abruptly to an unexpected piece of information. It can carry a subtle sense of a gentle objection or a mild surprise, making the opposition feel more immediate or less expected. - Usage Contexts:
- Quick Contrast in Speech: Ideal for conversational flow where speed and directness are valued.
मैं आना चाहता था, पर समय नहीं मिला।(I wanted to come, but I didn't get time.)काम पूरा हो गया, पर अभी भी कुछ सुधार की ज़रूरत है।(The work is done, but still needs some improvement.)- Mild Objection/Disagreement: When expressing a counterpoint that isn't intensely confrontational.
यह ठीक है, पर क्या यह सबसे अच्छा तरीक़ा है?(This is fine, but is it the best way?)आपने अच्छा किया, पर थोड़ा और ध्यान दे सकते थे।(You did well, but you could have paid a little more attention.)- Unexpected Turn: Signalling a relatively mild or surprising turn of events.
बारिश होनी थी, पर मौसम साफ़ है।(It was supposed to rain, but the weather is clear.)वह थक गया था, पर उसने हार नहीं मानी।(He was tired, but he didn't give up.)
मगर (magar): The Stronger Contradiction- Origin: Like
लेकिन,मगरalso stems from Persian (مگر). While historically having similar origins, their modern usage has diverged slightly in nuance. - Formality & Usage: Neutral to slightly informal/colloquial.
मगरis generally less common thanलेकिनbut is more prevalent in speech and informal writing than in highly formal documents. It often appears in narratives or when expressing a more significant hurdle. - Nuance:
मगरfrequently carries a stronger sense of opposition, contradiction, or even a hint of frustration, disappointment, or resignation. It can emphasize an unresolved tension or a more substantial obstacle. It suggests a more profound 'but' or 'however' thanलेकिनmight imply, often highlighting a significant impediment or a more direct counter-argument. It brings more emotional weight to the contrast. - Usage Contexts:
- Stronger Contradiction/Obstacle: When the 'but' represents a considerable difficulty or a direct block.
मैंने बहुत प्रयास किया, मगर कोई फ़ायदा नहीं हुआ।(I tried very hard, but it was no use/there was no benefit.)वह अमीर बनना चाहता था, मगर उसके पास साधन नहीं थे।(He wanted to become rich, but he didn't have the means.)- Expressing Frustration or Resignation: When the contrasting clause conveys a sense of defeat, struggle, or an unavoidable reality.
मैंने उसे समझाया, मगर वह नहीं समझा।(I explained it to him, but he didn't understand.)मुझे पता था कि यह मुश्किल होगा, मगर मैंने हार नहीं मानी।(I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't give up.)- More Emphatic Interjection: When a stronger 'however' or 'nevertheless' is intended.
योजना अच्छी है, मगर क्रियान्वयन में कई चुनौतियाँ हैं।(The plan is good, however, there are many challenges in its implementation.)
लेकिन (lekin) | पर (par) | मगर (magar) |परंतु) | Persian |लेकिन, more than परंतु/किंतु in informal writing |पर in casual, मगर in strong contrast | Often interchangeable with लेकिन in casual settings | Often interchangeable with लेकिन when strong emphasis is desired |Common Mistakes
- Over-reliance on
लेकिन: This is perhaps the most frequent mistake. Becauseलेकिनis the most versatile and safest option, learners often use it exclusively, even whenपरorमगरwould sound more natural or convey a more precise nuance. This results in otherwise fluent Hindi sounding somewhat monotonous or lacking in emotional depth. - Instead of:
मैं थक गया था, लेकिन मैंने काम किया।(I was tired, but I worked.) - Sounds a bit bland. - Consider:
मैं थक गया था, पर मैंने काम किया।(I was tired, but I worked.) - More direct, common in speech, implies a gentle push through tiredness. - Consider:
मैं थक गया था, मगर मैंने काम किया।(I was tired, but I worked.) - Stronger, implies overcoming a significant internal struggle or obligation.
- Confusing
पर(conjunction) withपर(postposition): The wordपरhas a dual function in Hindi. As a postposition, it means 'on', 'at', or 'upon' (e.g.,मेज़ पर- on the table). As a conjunction, it means 'but'. Context almost always clarifies whichपरis being used, but some learners might initially stumble. Remember that as a conjunction,परconnects two clauses, while as a postposition, it attaches to a noun/pronoun to indicate location. - Incorrect:
वह पेड़ पर, वह नहीं आया।(He was on the tree, but he didn't come.) - Grammatically awkward, two separate ideas wrongly joined. - Correct:
वह पेड़ पर था, पर वह नहीं आया।(He was on the tree, but he didn't come.) - The firstपरis a postposition, the second is a conjunction.
- Misjudging Formality: Using
परorमगरin very formal written contexts whereलेकिनor even more formal alternatives likeकिंतु(kintu) orपरंतु(parantu) would be expected. Conversely, usingलेकिनin very casual, rapid-fire conversations might sound slightly stiff compared toपर. - Formal writing (e.g., official report):
सरकार ने यह क़ानून पास किया है, लेकिन इसके कुछ नकारात्मक प्रभाव हो सकते हैं।(The government has passed this law, but it may have some negative effects.) -लेकिनis appropriate. - Less appropriate in such formal writing:
सरकार ने यह क़ानून पास किया है, मगर इसके कुछ नकारात्मक प्रभाव हो सकते हैं।(The government has passed this law, but it may have some negative effects.) -मगरimplies a slightly more personal or frustrated tone, less objective for a report.
- Redundant usage with other adversative expressions: Occasionally, learners might combine these conjunctions with other words that already convey opposition, creating redundancy. For example, using
लेकिन फिर भी(lekin phir bhī - but even then) whenफिर भी(phir bhī - even then/nevertheless) alone might suffice. - Less concise:
उसने मेहनत की, लेकिन फिर भी वह पास नहीं हुआ।(He worked hard, but even then he didn't pass.) - More concise:
उसने मेहनत की, फिर भी वह पास नहीं हुआ।(He worked hard, even then he didn't pass.) -फिर भीalready carries the adversative sense.
- Neglecting the emotional nuance: The most advanced challenge is to consistently select the conjunction that best matches the emotional undertone or specific emphasis you wish to convey. This comes with extensive exposure and practice.
Real Conversations
Understanding these conjunctions in textbook examples is one thing; observing their natural ebb and flow in authentic Hindi conversations provides invaluable insight. In modern usage, the choice often reflects not just strict grammatical rules but also subtle social dynamics, speaker-listener relationships, and the desired emotional impact. Here's how they appear in various real-world scenarios:
1. Casual Chat/Texting (WhatsApp, Instagram DMs):
In informal, rapid-fire exchanges, पर is incredibly prevalent due to its brevity and directness. It keeps the conversation flowing quickly.
- Scenario: Friends planning a movie.
- A: आज फ़िल्म देखने चलते हैं? (Shall we go watch a movie today?)
- B: आज मन है, पर कल ज़्यादा अच्छा रहेगा। (I feel like it today, but tomorrow would be better.)
- Here, पर offers a quick, gentle counter-suggestion without sounding overly formal.
- Scenario: Discussing a purchase.
- A: ये जूते अच्छे हैं ना? (These shoes are good, right?)
- B: हाँ, अच्छे हैं, पर बहुत महँगे हैं। (Yes, they're good, but very expensive.)
- The पर highlights the immediate obstacle (price) with a direct, conversational tone.
2. Professional or Semi-Formal Discussion (Meeting, Work Email):
लेकिन is the go-to in most professional settings. It maintains a neutral, objective tone, suitable for presenting facts, qualifications, or disagreements respectfully.
- Scenario: Team meeting discussing project progress.
- Manager: यह रिपोर्ट अच्छी है, लेकिन इसमें कुछ आँकड़ों की कमी है। (This report is good, but it lacks some data.)
- लेकिन objectively points out a shortcoming without assigning blame or strong emotion.
- Scenario: Email to a colleague.
- आपका प्रस्ताव सराहनीय है, लेकिन हमें बजट सीमाओं पर विचार करना होगा। (Your proposal is commendable, but we need to consider budget limitations.)
- The use of लेकिन here is polite and professional, presenting a constraint without being dismissive.
3. Expressing Stronger Emotion or Obstacle (Narrative, Debate):
मगर often surfaces when the contrast involves a significant hurdle, a deeply felt contradiction, or a sense of frustration or resignation. It lends a slightly more dramatic or poignant tone.
- Scenario: Recounting a personal struggle.
- मैंने उसे बहुत समझाया, मगर वह मेरी बात समझा ही नहीं। (I explained a lot to him, but he just didn't understand my point.)
- मगर conveys the speaker's frustration with the lack of comprehension, indicating a significant emotional block.
- Scenario: In a debate or argument.
- आपकी बात सही हो सकती है, मगर ज़मीनी हक़ीक़त कुछ और है। (What you're saying might be correct, but the ground reality is something else.)
- मगर emphasizes a fundamental discrepancy between theory and practice, suggesting a strong counter-argument.
Cultural Insight
लेकिन to gently qualify a statement, rather than a blunt मगर, can be a sign of politeness, especially in formal or hierarchical contexts. For instance, in a meeting, you might hear यह अच्छा विचार है, लेकिन... (This is a good idea, but...) more often than यह अच्छा विचार है, मगर... if the intention is to suggest an improvement rather than dismiss the idea outright.As you immerse yourself in Hindi media—films, news, podcasts, social media—actively observe which conjunctions are used in which situations. This exposure will naturally tune your ear to the subtle differences that no amount of memorization can fully capture.
Quick FAQ
लेकिन, पर, and मगर.- **Is one of these conjunctions inherently
Conjunction Usage
| Conjunction | Nuance | Register | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lekin
|
Standard 'but'
|
Neutral
|
High
|
|
Par
|
However/Contrast
|
Neutral/Formal
|
Medium
|
|
Magar
|
Emphatic/Regret
|
Literary/Casual
|
Medium
|
Meanings
These conjunctions connect two clauses that express contrasting or conflicting information.
General Contrast
Standard opposition between two facts.
“वह बीमार है, लेकिन काम कर रहा है।”
“मौसम अच्छा है, पर मुझे बाहर नहीं जाना।”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Lekin
|
Clause 1 + lekin + Clause 2
|
मैं थका हूँ, लेकिन काम करूँगा।
|
|
Par
|
Clause 1 + par + Clause 2
|
वह अच्छा है, पर थोड़ा अजीब है।
|
|
Magar
|
Clause 1 + magar + Clause 2
|
मैं आना चाहता हूँ, मगर समय नहीं है।
|
Formality Spectrum
मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, लेकिन मुझे काम है। (Declining an invitation)
मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, पर मुझे काम है। (Declining an invitation)
जाना तो है, मगर काम है। (Declining an invitation)
जाना है, पर काम फंसा है। (Declining an invitation)
The 'But' Family
Standard
- Lekin But
Formal
- Par However
Emphatic
- Magar But (with emotion)
Usage Intensity
Examples by Level
मैं खुश हूँ, लेकिन वह दुखी है।
I am happy, but he is sad.
यह अच्छा है, पर महंगा है।
This is good, but expensive.
मैं आऊंगा, मगर देर होगी।
I will come, but it will be late.
वह छोटा है, लेकिन तेज़ है।
He is small, but fast.
मुझे पिज्जा पसंद है, पर आज नहीं खाना।
I like pizza, but I don't want to eat it today.
उसने बहुत पढ़ाई की, लेकिन फेल हो गया।
He studied a lot, but failed.
मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, मगर काम बहुत है।
I want to go, but there is a lot of work.
मौसम खराब है, लेकिन हम जाएंगे।
The weather is bad, but we will go.
उसने मुझे बुलाया, पर मैं नहीं जा सका।
He called me, but I couldn't go.
यह फिल्म लंबी है, लेकिन बहुत दिलचस्प है।
This movie is long, but very interesting.
मैं मदद करना चाहता था, मगर स्थिति ऐसी नहीं थी।
I wanted to help, but the situation wasn't like that.
वह बहुत अमीर है, पर फिर भी दुखी है।
He is very rich, but still sad.
योजना अच्छी थी, लेकिन क्रियान्वयन में कमी थी।
The plan was good, but there was a lack in execution.
वह बहुत बुद्धिमान है, मगर कभी-कभी गलतियाँ करता है।
He is very intelligent, but sometimes makes mistakes.
हमने सब कुछ किया, पर नतीजा नहीं निकला।
We did everything, but there was no result.
स्थिति गंभीर है, लेकिन हम आशावादी हैं।
The situation is serious, but we are optimistic.
उसने तर्क तो दिया, मगर वह तर्कसंगत नहीं था।
He gave an argument, but it wasn't logical.
यह एक कठिन निर्णय है, लेकिन आवश्यक है।
This is a difficult decision, but necessary.
वह विनम्र है, पर अपने सिद्धांतों पर अडिग है।
He is polite, but firm on his principles.
प्रयास सराहनीय है, लेकिन परिणाम संतोषजनक नहीं।
The effort is commendable, but the result is not satisfactory.
वह सत्य का मार्ग है, मगर कांटों से भरा हुआ।
It is the path of truth, but filled with thorns.
अतीत की यादें सुखद हैं, लेकिन वर्तमान की वास्तविकता कठोर है।
Memories of the past are pleasant, but the reality of the present is harsh.
उसने क्षमा मांगी, पर उसका अहंकार अभी भी कायम था।
He apologized, but his ego still remained.
तथ्य स्पष्ट हैं, लेकिन व्याख्या भिन्न हो सकती है।
The facts are clear, but the interpretation can be different.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'but' and 'and'.
Par can mean 'but' or 'on'.
Learners don't know when to use the more dramatic 'magar'.
Common Mistakes
Lekin I am tired.
Main thaka hoon, lekin...
Lekin, I go.
Main jaunga, lekin...
Lekin and par together.
Use one or the other.
Using 'lekin' for 'and'.
Use 'aur'.
Magar for everything.
Use lekin for simple facts.
Par as a verb.
Par is a conjunction.
Lekin in the wrong place.
Between clauses.
Using 'magar' in a formal report.
Use 'lekin' or 'par'.
Ignoring the contrast.
Ensure the second clause contradicts.
Misplacing the comma.
Comma before the conjunction.
Over-formalizing simple speech.
Use 'lekin'.
Using 'par' for 'on'.
Par can be a postposition.
Sentence Patterns
___ (Subject) ___ (Verb), lekin ___ (Clause 2).
___ (Object) ___ (Adjective), par ___ (Contrast).
___ (Attempt), magar ___ (Result).
___ (Fact), lekin ___ (Counter-fact).
Real World Usage
आ रहा हूँ, लेकिन देर होगी।
पिज्जा चाहिए, पर बिना प्याज के।
अनुभव कम है, लेकिन सीखने की इच्छा है।
ट्रेन तेज़ है, मगर टिकट महंगी है।
फोटो अच्छी है, पर फिल्टर ज्यादा है।
तर्क सही है, लेकिन साक्ष्य नहीं है।
Start with Lekin
Don't start sentences
Use Magar for drama
Par is versatile
Smart Tips
Use 'par' instead of 'lekin'.
Use 'magar' to emphasize the twist.
Use 'kintu' or 'parantu' for variety.
Stick to 'lekin'.
Pronunciation
Lekin
Pronounced 'leh-keen'. Stress the second syllable.
Par
Short 'a' sound, like 'par' in 'part'.
Magar
Pronounced 'muh-gur'.
Contrastive
Clause 1 (rising) -> Conjunction (pause) -> Clause 2 (falling)
Highlights the conflict.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
L-P-M: Like, Perhaps, Maybe (a loose way to remember the sounds).
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. 'Lekin' is the middle weight, 'Par' is a formal stone, 'Magar' is a heavy anchor.
Rhyme
Lekin, par, ya magar, contrast is the star!
Story
I wanted to eat cake (lekin) I was on a diet. I wanted to run (par) it was raining. I wanted to sleep (magar) I had to work.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using each of the three words.
Cultural Notes
Lekin is the default in Delhi/UP. It is used in all social strata.
Magar is often used in poetry and ghazals for emotional impact.
Par is preferred in formal emails and presentations.
Lekin and Magar are of Persian origin, while Par is of Sanskrit origin.
Conversation Starters
आपको क्या खाना पसंद है, लेकिन आप क्या नहीं खा सकते?
क्या आप कल बाहर जाना चाहते थे, पर नहीं जा पाए?
क्या आपने कभी कोई कठिन काम करने की कोशिश की, मगर असफल रहे?
क्या आपको लगता है कि यह फिल्म अच्छी है, लेकिन कहानी में कमी है?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
मैं जाना चाहता हूँ ___ समय नहीं है।
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
वह अमीर है aur वह दुखी है।
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I am tired, but I will work.
Answer starts with: Mai...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Build a sentence with 'magar'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesमैं जाना चाहता हूँ ___ समय नहीं है।
Choose the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
वह अमीर है aur वह दुखी है।
है / लेकिन / वह / दुखी / खुश / नहीं
I am tired, but I will work.
Match: Lekin, Par, Magar
Build a sentence with 'magar'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesचाय अच्छी है ___ चीनी कम है।
I called him but he was busy.
Working / I am / late / it's / but
Which is formal/literary?
मुझे मुंबई पसंद है और मैं दिल्ली में रहता हूँ।
Match these pairs:
बाहर बारिश हो रही है ___ मैं जाऊँगा।
Identify the conjunction:
He is smart but lazy.
Tasty / is / hot / coffee / but
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, in most casual conversations, they are interchangeable.
It's considered grammatically less standard in Hindi, though common in speech.
Use it when you want to add an emotional twist or a sense of regret.
No, it can also be a postposition meaning 'on'.
Yes, 'kintu' and 'parantu' are more formal/literary.
Yes, 'lekin' and 'par' are perfectly fine.
No, they are invariable.
Starting a sentence with the conjunction.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero
Spanish has 'sino' for 'but rather', which Hindi handles differently.
mais
French has 'pourtant' for 'however', similar to 'par'.
aber
German word order can change after 'aber' in some contexts.
demo
Japanese 'demo' is more commonly used at the start of a sentence than 'lekin'.
lakin
The usage is nearly identical in both languages.
danshi
Chinese often uses 'keshi' or 'buguo' for different shades of 'but'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Expressing Contrast: Although & Yet (यद्यपि... तथापि)
Overview The structure `यद्यपि... तथापि` (yadyapi... tathāpi), along with its modern variations, is a cornerstone of ex...
Hindi 'But' & Contrast: Lekin, Par, Balki
Overview As an upper-intermediate (B2) Hindi learner, you are moving beyond basic sentence construction and into express...
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