The Hindi Infinitive: Verbs as Nouns and Obligations (-nā/-ne)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Hindi infinitives end in -nā, but change to -ne when followed by a postposition or used in oblique constructions.
- The base infinitive ends in -nā (e.g., khānā - to eat).
- Change -nā to -ne when a postposition like 'ke liye' (for) follows: khāne ke liye.
- Use -ne when the verb acts as the object of a prepositional phrase.
Overview
In Hindi, the infinitive is a dynamic grammatical element crucial for expressing actions, states, and obligations. At its most fundamental, the infinitive denotes the 'to [verb]' form, akin to English infinitives like 'to run' or 'to think'. However, its grammatical versatility extends significantly beyond this basic verbal function.
Primarily marked by the suffix -ना (-nā), the Hindi infinitive frequently operates as a verbal noun, allowing actions to assume the syntactic roles of subjects, objects, or complements within a sentence. This nominal behavior enables the articulation of abstract concepts related to actions, such as hobbies, desires, or general statements about activities.
For intermediate (B1 level) learners, mastering this duality is paramount. The infinitive's ability to transform into its oblique form (-ने, -ne) is equally critical, particularly when followed by postpositions or when expressing obligation, necessity, and purpose. Understanding the systematic inflection of the infinitive – both for nominal obliquity and for object agreement in obligation constructions – is indispensable for constructing grammatically precise and idiomatic Hindi sentences.
This article will provide a comprehensive framework for understanding, forming, and correctly applying the Hindi infinitive across its diverse functions.
How This Grammar Works
-nā form) functions purely as a noun – as the subject of a sentence, a direct object, or a complement – it is treated as masculine singular. This means it takes on agreements and oblique forms consistent with other masculine singular nouns. Consider पढ़ना (paṛhnā, 'to read').लड़का (laṛkā, 'boy'). Just as लड़का becomes लड़के (laṛke) when followed by a postposition (e.g., लड़के को, laṛke ko, 'to the boy'), पढ़ना becomes पढ़ने (paṛhne) under similar circumstances (e.g., पढ़ने के लिए, paṛhne ke lie, 'for reading').-ने) is a cornerstone of Hindi grammar, reflecting the language's case-marking system. The -ने form is not merely a different ending; it signals that the infinitive is being acted upon by a postposition or is part of a construction that requires an oblique nominal. For example, खाना बनाना मुश्किल है। (khānā banānā mushkil hai., 'Cooking food is difficult.') – here, खाना बनाना is the subject and is masculine singular.खाने बनाने में मुझे मज़ा आता है। (khāne banāne mẽ mujhe mazā ātā hai., 'I enjoy cooking food.'), खाने बनाने is oblique because of the postposition में (mẽ, 'in').को, ko, or implied, resulting in a dative pronoun like मुझे, mujhe, 'to me'). The core pattern is Subject (dative) + Infinitive + है/था/होगा ('Subject has/had/will have to do X').मुझे काम करना है। (mujhe kām karnā hai., 'I have to do work.'). Here, काम (kām, 'work') is masculine singular, so the infinitive करना (karnā, 'to do') remains masculine singular. However, मुझे रोटी खानी है। (mujhe roṭī khānī hai., 'I have to eat bread.').रोटी (roṭī, 'bread') is feminine singular, forcing खाना (khānā, 'to eat') to change to its feminine singular form खानी (khānī). Similarly, for masculine plural objects, the infinitive takes the masculine plural -ने form (e.g., मुझे कपड़े धोने हैं।, mujhe kapṛe dhone haĩ., 'I have to wash clothes.'), and for feminine plural objects, the feminine plural -नीं form (e.g., मुझे किताबें पढ़नीं हैं।, mujhe kitābẽ paṛhnī̃ haĩ., 'I have to read books.').-ना form (e.g., मुझे जाना है।, mujhe jānā hai., 'I have to go.').Formation Pattern
-ना (-nā) from the dictionary form. For example, the verb जाना (jānā, 'to go') has the root जा (jā). From this root, the various infinitive forms are derived based on their grammatical function and the elements that follow them.
-ना (-nā) from the standard infinitive:
देखना (dekhnā, 'to see') → देख (dekh)
लिखना (likhnā, 'to write') → लिख (likh)
कहना (kahnā, 'to say') → कह (kah)
-ना (-nā). It acts as a masculine singular noun and does not inflect for gender or number when used purely as a verbal noun. It is the basic, uninflected form of the verbal noun.
-ना (-nā)
गाना (gānā, 'to sing'), पढ़ना (paṛhnā, 'to read')
-ने (-ne), is used when the infinitive is followed by a postposition (e.g., के लिए, se, में) or certain auxiliary verbs/structures that necessitate an oblique nominal. It is functionally equivalent to the oblique case for nouns.
-ने (-ne)
सीखने (sīkhne, 'for learning'), बोलने (bolne, 'in speaking')
-ना (-nā) (Default, or for M.S. objects)
-नी (-nī) (For F.S. objects)
-ने (-ne) (For M.P. objects)
-नीं (-nī̃) (For F.P. objects – note the nasalization, often simplified to -नी in informal speech)
करना (karnā, 'to do') and see how it inflects based on the direct object in an obligation sentence (मुझे ... है):
करना) | Example Sentence | Translation |
करना (karnā) | मुझे जाना है। (mujhe jānā hai.) | 'I have to go.' |
काम) | करना (karnā) | मुझे काम करना है। (mujhe kām karnā hai.) | 'I have to do work.' |
पढ़ाई) | करनी (karnī) | मुझे पढ़ाई करनी है। (mujhe paṛhāī karnī hai.) | 'I have to study.' |
कपड़े) | करने (karne) | मुझे कपड़े धोने हैं। (mujhe kapṛe dhone haĩ.) | 'I have to wash clothes.' |
बातें) | करनीं (karnī̃) | मुझे बहुत बातें करनीं हैं। (mujhe bahut bātẽ karnī̃ haĩ.) | 'I have many things to talk about.' |
होना (honā, 'to be') also takes these forms when indicating obligation, e.g., मुझे डॉक्टर होना है। (mujhe ḍōkṭar honā hai., 'I have to be a doctor.').
When To Use It
-ना Form-ना form is used. It generally functions as a masculine singular noun.- As the Subject of a Sentence: This is common when discussing activities, hobbies, or general truths.
अंग्रेजी सीखना आसान नहीं है।(aṅgrezī sīkhnā āsān nahī̃ hai., 'Learning English is not easy.')जल्दी उठना सेहत के लिए अच्छा है।(jaldī uṭhnā sehat ke lie acchā hai., 'Waking up early is good for health.')- As the Object of a Verb: Certain verbs take an infinitive as their direct object.
मैं पढ़ना चाहता हूँ।(maĩ paṛhnā cāhtā hū̃., 'I want to read.')मुझे खाना बनाना पसंद है।(mujhe khānā banānā pasand hai., 'I like cooking food.')- In General Statements/Proverbs: Infinitives often appear in aphorisms or generalized observations about life.
समय खोना मूर्खता है।(samay khonā mūrkhatā hai., 'Wasting time is foolishness.')
-ना/-ने/-नी/-नीं FormsSubject (dative) + Infinitive (object-agreeing) + है/था/होगा.- Present Obligation: The most frequent use.
आपको आज ऑफिस जाना है।(āpkō āj ōphis jānā hai., 'You have to go to the office today.')मुझे परीक्षा के लिए पढ़ना है।(mujhe parīkṣā ke lie paṛhnā hai., 'I have to study for the exam.')हमें यह किताब पढ़नी है।(hamẽ yah kitāb paṛhnī hai., 'We have to read this book.')- Past Obligation: Using
था/थी/थे/थींfor 'had to'. मुझे कल पार्टी में जाना था।(mujhe kal pārṭī mẽ jānā thā., 'I had to go to the party yesterday.')उसे सारे कागजात तैयार करने थे।(use sāre kāgajāt taiyār karne the., 'He had to prepare all the documents.')- Future Obligation: Using
होगा/होगी/होंगे/होंगीfor 'will have to'. आपको मीटिंग में भाग लेना होगा।(āpkō mīṭiṅg mẽ bhāg lenā hogā., 'You will have to attend the meeting.')हमें अपना काम जल्दी खत्म करना होगा।(hamẽ apnā kām jaldī khatm karnā hogā., 'We will have to finish our work quickly.')
-ने Form-ने. This applies to single postpositions and compound postpositions.- Expressing Purpose (
के लिए,ke lie, 'for/in order to'): मैं पढ़ने के लिए लाइब्रेरी जा रहा हूँ।(maĩ paṛhne ke lie lāibrarī jā rahā hū̃., 'I am going to the library to read.')वह पैसे कमाने के लिए विदेश गया।(vah paise kamāne ke lie videsh gayā., 'He went abroad to earn money.')- With
से(se, 'from/by/with'): Often used to indicate prevention, fear, or cause. धूम्रपान करने से बचें।(dhūmrapān karne se bacẽ., 'Avoid smoking.')मुझे ऊँचाई से डर लगता है।(mujhe ū̃cāī se ḍar lagtā hai., 'I am afraid of heights.') (Literally: 'Fear is felt by me from height.')- With
में(mẽ, 'in'): To describe the state or process of doing something. खाने में देर नहीं लगती।(khāne mẽ der nahī̃ lagtī., 'It doesn't take long to eat.')अंग्रेजी बोलने में वह बहुत अच्छी है।(aṅgrezī bolne mẽ vah bahut acchī hai., 'She is very good at speaking English.')- With
वाला(vālā, 'one who/about to'): To indicate intention or imminent action. मैं जाने वाला हूँ।(maĩ jāne vālā hū̃., 'I am about to go.')यह ट्रेन दिल्ली जाने वाली है।(yah ṭren dillī jāne vālī hai., 'This train is about to go to Delhi.')
-ने) to form compound verbs or express nuanced meanings.लगना(lagnā, 'to begin/to seem'): When expressing the start of an action.वह हँसने लगा।(vah hãsne lagā., 'He started laughing.')चाहिए(cāhie, 'should/needed'): Expresses advice or mild necessity. The infinitive here is often the-नाform, but the dative subject indicates an indirect construction, andचाहिएacts as a modal.आपको आराम करना चाहिए।(āpkō ārām karnā cāhie., 'You should rest.')मुझे पानी चाहिए।(mujhe pānī cāhie., 'I need water.') (Here,पानीis a noun, not an infinitive.)
Common Mistakes
-ना and -ने Forms-ना form when the -ने form is grammatically required, particularly before postpositions.- Incorrect:
मैं सीखना के लिए यहाँ हूँ।(maĩ sīkhnā ke lie yahā̃ hū̃.) (Using-nābeforeके लिए) - Correct:
मैं सीखने के लिए यहाँ हूँ।(maĩ sīkhne ke lie yahā̃ hū̃., 'I am here to learn.')
-ने form.Subject (dative) + Infinitive + है constructions is a pervasive error. Learners frequently default to the masculine singular -ना form, even with feminine or plural objects.- Incorrect:
मुझे किताब पढ़ना है।(mujhe kitāb paṛhnā hai.) (Treatingकिताब(F.S.) as masculine singular) - Correct:
मुझे किताब पढ़नी है।(mujhe kitāb paṛhnī hai., 'I have to read the book.')
- Incorrect:
हमें कपड़े धोना हैं।(hamẽ kapṛe dhonā haĩ.) (Treatingकपड़े(M.P.) as masculine singular) - Correct:
हमें कपड़े धोने हैं।(hamẽ kapṛe dhone haĩ., 'We have to wash the clothes.')
-ना.मुझे, आपको), it is functionally the subject of the obligation. Learners sometimes struggle to reconcile this indirect construction with direct subject-verb agreement patterns found in other tenses.- Contrast:
मैं खाता हूँ।(maĩ khātā hū̃., 'I eat.') (Direct agreement) - Obligation:
मुझे खाना है।(mujhe khānā hai., 'I have to eat.') (Dative subject, infinitive is object-agreeing or default masculine singular)
-ना form.- Error: Applying the
Infinitive Inflection Table
| Verb Root | Direct Infinitive (-nā) | Oblique Infinitive (-ne) | Example (Oblique) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
khā
|
khānā
|
khāne
|
khāne ke liye
|
|
jā
|
jānā
|
jāne
|
jāne wālā
|
|
so
|
sonā
|
sone
|
sone ka samay
|
|
padh
|
padhnā
|
padhne
|
padhne ke liye
|
|
dekh
|
dekhnā
|
dekhne
|
dekhne ke liye
|
|
kar
|
karnā
|
karne
|
karne mein
|
Meanings
The infinitive acts as a verbal noun. It represents the action itself rather than a conjugated event.
Verbal Noun
Using the verb as a noun subject or object.
“Sona zarūri hai.”
“Padhna achha hai.”
Purpose/Obligation
Using -ne with postpositions to show purpose or necessity.
“Pani pine ke liye lao.”
“Mujhe jane do.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Subject)
|
Verb-nā
|
Khānā achhā hai.
|
|
Affirmative (Oblique)
|
Verb-ne + Postposition
|
Khāne ke liye.
|
|
Negative (Subject)
|
Verb-nā
|
Na khānā behtar hai.
|
|
Negative (Oblique)
|
Na + Verb-ne + Postposition
|
Na khāne ke liye.
|
|
Permission
|
Verb-ne + do
|
Mujhe jāne do.
|
|
Future Intent
|
Verb-ne + wālā
|
Woh jāne wālā hai.
|
Formality Spectrum
Main bhojan karna chahta hoon. (Dining)
Mujhe khānā khānā hai. (Dining)
Khānā khānā hai. (Dining)
Khānā hai kya? (Dining)
Infinitive Flow
Direct
- -nā Subject/Object
Oblique
- -ne Postposition
Examples by Level
Mujhe khānā pasand hai.
I like eating.
Sona achhā hai.
Sleeping is good.
Padhna zarūri hai.
Reading is necessary.
Daudna sehat ke liye hai.
Running is for health.
Main khāne ke liye taiyār hoon.
I am ready to eat.
Mujhe jāne do.
Let me go.
Woh sone wālā hai.
He is about to sleep.
Pani pine ke liye lao.
Bring water to drink.
Usne mujhe aane ke liye kaha.
He told me to come.
Kya tum khelne ke liye aaoge?
Will you come to play?
Mujhe padhne ka shauk hai.
I have a hobby of reading.
Woh ghar jaane ki taiyari kar raha hai.
He is preparing to go home.
Uske aane se pehle main nikal gaya.
I left before he came.
Mujhe is kaam ko karne mein maza aata hai.
I enjoy doing this work.
Woh jaane ki koshish kar raha hai.
He is trying to go.
Iske alawa kuch aur karne ka irada hai?
Do you intend to do anything else besides this?
Uske aane par sab khush ho gaye.
Everyone became happy upon his arrival.
Mujhe uske jaane ka dukh hai.
I am sad about his departure.
Kaam karne ke bajaye woh so raha hai.
Instead of working, he is sleeping.
Usne mujhe rukne ke liye majboor kiya.
He forced me to stay.
Uske aane ke bawajood, humne shuru kiya.
Despite his coming, we started.
Sone ke liye waqt nikalna mushkil hai.
Finding time to sleep is difficult.
Woh jaane ki halat mein nahi tha.
He was not in a condition to go.
Is baat ko karne ka koi fayda nahi.
There is no benefit in doing this.
Easily Confused
Both use the word 'ne'.
When to use -nā vs -ne.
English uses -ing for both.
Common Mistakes
Khānā ke liye
Khāne ke liye
Jānā wālā
Jāne wālā
Mujhe jānā do
Mujhe jāne do
Padhnā mein
Padhne mein
Sone ka samay
Sone ka samay
Woh khānā ke liye gaya
Woh khāne ke liye gaya
Main karne ke liye
Main karne ke liye
Uske aane ke baad
Uske aane ke baad
Daudna ke liye
Daudne ke liye
Rukne ke bajaye
Rukne ke bajaye
Uske jaane ka irada
Uske jaane ka irada
Kaam karne ke bajay
Kaam karne ke bajaye
Sone ke liye
Sone ke liye
Sentence Patterns
Mujhe ___ ke liye jana hai.
Woh ___ wālā hai.
Mujhe ___ do.
___ mein maza aata hai.
Real World Usage
Khāne ke liye kya hai?
Jāne wālā hoon.
Main kaam karne ke liye taiyār hoon.
Ghar jaane ka rasta.
Padhne mein maza aa raha hai.
Khāne ke liye order karein.
Check for Postpositions
Don't Over-apply
Listen for 'wālā'
Natural Flow
Smart Tips
Immediately think: 'Change -nā to -ne'.
The verb before 'wālā' must be in the oblique -ne form.
Use 'do' with the oblique -ne form.
Use 'mein' with the oblique -ne form.
Pronunciation
Nasalization
Ensure the -nā and -ne endings are clear, not nasalized unless the root is.
Question
Kya tum khāne ke liye aaoge? ↑
Rising intonation at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Nā is for Nouns, Ne is for Next-to-postpositions.
Visual Association
Imagine a 'Nā' sign on a door (the noun). When you add a postposition, the sign flips to 'Ne'.
Rhyme
When you see a postposition, don't be a fool, change nā to ne, that's the rule!
Story
Ravi wanted to eat (khānā). But he needed a spoon for eating (khāne ke liye). He looked for the spoon, and realized the ending changed!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using 'ke liye' with different verbs in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
The -ne oblique is standard in Delhi/UP Hindi.
Often used in poetic structures.
Some dialects might use different oblique markers.
The Hindi infinitive is derived from Sanskrit verbal nouns.
Conversation Starters
Aaj tum kya khāne ke liye bana rahe ho?
Kya tum kal jaane wāle ho?
Tumhe padhne mein maza aata hai?
Mujhe jaane do, kya tumne suna?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Main ___ (khānā) ke liye taiyār hoon.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Woh padhnā ke liye gaya.
ke liye / khāne / main / taiyār / hoon
What is the oblique form of 'sonā'?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The infinitive always ends in -nā.
A: Kya tum ___ (aānā) ke liye taiyār ho? B: Haan.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesMain ___ (khānā) ke liye taiyār hoon.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Woh padhnā ke liye gaya.
ke liye / khāne / main / taiyār / hoon
What is the oblique form of 'sonā'?
Match: 1. khānā, 2. jānā, 3. padhnā
The infinitive always ends in -nā.
A: Kya tum ___ (aānā) ke liye taiyār ho? B: Haan.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
7 exercisesI have to do work.
वो गाना ____ लगी।
Rearrange the words:
यहाँ नहीं बैठो (Make it a neutral/future polite command).
Match the following:
How do you ask someone to 'Please write' in a future context?
पढ़ने ___ किताबें ज़रूरी हैं।
Score: /7
FAQ (8)
It marks the verb as being governed by a postposition.
Yes, all Hindi infinitives end in -nā.
Keep the -nā form.
Yes, the infinitive form itself is constant.
No, they are different grammatical markers.
No, that is grammatically incorrect.
Use the sentence patterns provided.
Very few, it is a highly regular rule.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
para + infinitive
Hindi requires a morphological change to the verb (nā to ne).
pour + infinitive
French does not change the verb form.
zu + infinitive
German syntax is more rigid regarding placement.
tame ni + verb
Japanese particles follow the dictionary form.
li + masdar
Arabic uses a specific noun form (masdar).
verb + de + purpose
Chinese has no verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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