Meaning
To inquire about the time or date of an event.
Cultural Background
In North Indian social circles, asking 'Yeh kab hua?' is often followed by 'Bataya nahi?' (You didn't tell me?), implying that friends should share news quickly. In Indian offices, this phrase is used to track 'scope creep' or sudden changes in project requirements, often with a tone of mild frustration. This is a classic 'dramatic reveal' line in soap operas (serials) when a character discovers a secret. The concept of 'Shubh Muhurat' (auspicious time) means that 'when' something happened is often as important as 'what' happened.
The 'Hui' Rule
If you are asking about a feminine word like 'Baat' (matter), always use 'Hui'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid saying 'Yeh kab ghatit hua?' in casual conversation; it sounds like a textbook or a robot.
Meaning
To inquire about the time or date of an event.
The 'Hui' Rule
If you are asking about a feminine word like 'Baat' (matter), always use 'Hui'. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid saying 'Yeh kab ghatit hua?' in casual conversation; it sounds like a textbook or a robot.
Intonation matters
A rising tone on 'Kab' expresses surprise. A flat tone is a simple request for information.
Shortening
In texting, you can just write 'Kab hua?' and everyone will understand.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'when'.
यह ___ हुआ? (Yeh ___ hua?)
'कब' (kab) means 'when'. 'कहाँ' is where, 'कैसे' is how, and 'कौन' is who.
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase if you are asking about 'शादी' (marriage).
शादी कब ___?
'शादी' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'हुई' (hui).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
राहुल: 'मैंने अपनी कार बेच दी।' आप: 'अरे! _______?'
Since Rahul already sold the car (past), you ask 'When did this happen?'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You see a new building that wasn't there last month.
You are asking about a past event (the construction of the building).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gender Agreement for 'Hua'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयह ___ हुआ? (Yeh ___ hua?)
'कब' (kab) means 'when'. 'कहाँ' is where, 'कैसे' is how, and 'कौन' is who.
शादी कब ___?
'शादी' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'हुई' (hui).
राहुल: 'मैंने अपनी कार बेच दी।' आप: 'अरे! _______?'
Since Rahul already sold the car (past), you ask 'When did this happen?'.
Situation: You see a new building that wasn't there last month.
You are asking about a past event (the construction of the building).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you use 'hona' for events. For people, you'd ask 'Who is this?' (Yeh kaun hai?).
Yes, it is neutral. To make it more formal, use 'Aap' in the sentence, e.g., 'Aapke saath yeh kab hua?'.
'Hua' is 'happened'. 'Ho gaya' is 'has happened/is completed'. They are often interchangeable in this question.
Answer with a time: 'Yeh do baje hua' (This happened at 2 o'clock) or 'Yeh kal hua' (This happened yesterday).
In Hindi, the question word usually goes before the verb. 'Kab yeh hua?' is understandable but sounds poetic or non-native.
Yes, 'hua' is the past participle. For present, use 'hota hai'.
Only if followed by a postposition. 'Is samay kab hua?' (No, that doesn't work). Stick to 'Yeh kab hua?'.
No, for a movie schedule, use 'Movie kab hai?' (When is the movie?).
Default to the masculine 'hua'. It is the safe 'neutral' in Hindi.
Yes, 'Kab hua be?' (very informal/rude among friends).
Related Phrases
कब से?
similarSince when?
कब तक?
similarUntil when?
कैसे हुआ?
builds onHow did it happen?
क्या हुआ?
similarWhat happened?
कहाँ हुआ?
similarWhere did it happen?
हो गया
builds onIt's done / It happened
