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Vocabulary
पूछना

A1 verb #250 most common 12 min read

पूछना

poochhna Top 250

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips पूछना in 30 Seconds

Explanation पूछना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'पूछना' (pūchnā) is introduced as a basic action verb. Learners focus on simple present and future tenses to ask for names, directions, and prices. The most important rule at this stage is learning to use the postposition 'से' (se) with the person being asked. For example, 'Mujhse pūcho' (Ask me). Learners are taught to distinguish it from 'māngnā' (to ask for an object). Simple imperative forms like 'pūcho' (ask) and 'pūchiye' (please ask) are common. The goal is to enable the student to navigate basic social interactions, such as asking for the time or the location of a bathroom. Vocabulary is limited to concrete nouns: 'rāstā' (way), 'nām' (name), 'waqt' (time). Sentence structures are short and direct. The focus is on the physical act of inquiry in immediate surroundings.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'पूछना' in the past tense, which introduces the 'ne' construction. This is a significant grammatical step. Students learn that 'I asked' is 'Maine pūchā'. They also start using 'pūchnā' to seek permission, such as 'Kyā main pūchh saktā hūn?' (Can I ask?). The vocabulary expands to include more abstract objects of inquiry like 'pata' (address), 'hāl' (well-being), and 'bhāv' (price/rate). Learners also begin to use the compound verb 'pūchh lenā' to indicate a sense of completion or personal benefit. They can now handle slightly more complex scenarios, such as asking a shopkeeper for a discount or asking a friend about their weekend plans. The use of 'ki' (that/if) to connect 'pūchnā' with a subordinate clause is also introduced at this stage.

By B1, students use 'पूछना' to report speech and thoughts. They can construct sentences like 'Usne pūchā ki main kab āūngā' (He asked when I would come). The distinction between 'pūchnā' and formal synonyms like 'sawāl karnā' becomes clearer. Learners use the verb in a wider variety of contexts, such as workplace inquiries or academic questions. They also start using idiomatic expressions like 'pūchh-tāchh' (inquiry/investigation). At this level, the focus shifts from just 'asking for facts' to 'asking for opinions' and 'asking for clarification'. The grammar becomes more fluid, with correct application of gender and number agreement in the perfective tense. Students are expected to understand the nuance of using 'pūchnā' in the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical inquiries.

At the B2 level, 'पूछना' is used in more sophisticated social and professional contexts. Learners can engage in 'pūchh-tāchh' (interrogation/detailed inquiry) and understand the cultural implications of 'asking' in Indian society (e.g., asking for permission as a sign of respect). They can use the verb to describe complex interactions, such as 'interrogating a theory' or 'questioning a motive'. The use of the verb in the passive voice ('Pūchā gayā' - It was asked) becomes more common. Students also learn to use the verb in its causal forms, though 'pūchvānā' (to cause someone to ask) is rare, it is grammatically possible. The focus is on the subtlety of tone—knowing when to use a direct 'pūchnā' versus a more polite 'jānnā chāhnā' (wanting to know).

At the C1 level, 'पूछना' is explored in its literary and philosophical dimensions. Students analyze how the verb is used in classical Hindi literature to signify a quest for truth or a challenge to authority. They understand the etymological roots (Sanskrit 'prach') and how it relates to words in other Indo-European languages. The use of 'pūchnā' in rhetorical questions and as a stylistic device in writing is mastered. Learners can discuss the nuances between 'pūchnā', 'istifsaar', and 'daryāft' in different literary registers. They are also comfortable with the metaphorical uses of the word, such as 'apne zamīr se pūchnā' (to ask one's conscience). The focus is on precision, elegance, and the ability to use the verb to express complex, abstract thoughts.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'पूछना' is absolute. The speaker can use the verb across all possible registers, from the most colloquial slang to the most elevated poetic forms. They understand the deep cultural history of 'asking' in the Indian subcontinent, including the tradition of 'shastrartha' (philosophical debate through questioning). They can detect subtle irony or sarcasm in the way someone 'asks' a question. The speaker can also manipulate the verb's placement and conjugation for maximum rhetorical effect in public speaking or creative writing. At this level, 'पूछना' is not just a verb; it is a tool for critical thinking, cultural navigation, and artistic expression. The speaker is also aware of regional variations in how the verb is used across the Hindi heartland.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

पूछना in 30 Seconds

Pūchnā means 'to ask' for information or permission.
Always use the postposition 'se' with the person being asked.
In the past tense, the subject takes 'ne' (e.g., Maine pūchā).
Do not confuse it with 'māngnā', which means to ask for an object.

The Hindi verb पूछना (pūchnā) is the primary way to express the act of asking or inquiring. Derived from the Sanskrit root prach, it encompasses a wide range of communicative actions, from seeking simple facts to deep philosophical inquiry. In the landscape of Hindi verbs, it is an essential A1-level building block that every learner must master early on. Unlike English, where 'ask' can mean both 'ask a question' and 'ask for an object,' Hindi makes a sharp distinction. Pūchnā is strictly for information, questions, or permission. If you want to ask for a physical item like a glass of water, you would use māngnā instead. This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers, but once understood, it clarifies the speaker's intent immediately.

Core Meaning: To inquire, to question, or to seek permission from another person.
Grammatical Requirement: It almost always requires the postposition से (se) after the person being asked. For example, 'Ask him' becomes 'Us-se pūcho'.

मुझसे रास्ता पूछो। (Ask me the way.)

The usage of pūchnā extends into various social registers. In a formal setting, such as a classroom or office, it is used to seek clarification. In a domestic setting, it is used to check on someone's well-being or to ask for consent before performing an action. For instance, a child might say, 'Mā se pūchh kar batāūngā' (I will tell you after asking mother). This highlights the verb's role in the hierarchical structure of Indian society, where 'asking' often implies 'seeking permission' from an elder or authority figure. Furthermore, the verb is often paired with other verbs to create compound meanings, such as pūchh-tāchh karnā, which means to conduct a formal investigation or detailed inquiry.

क्या मैं आपसे एक सवाल पूछ सकता हूँ? (Can I ask you a question?)

In literary contexts, pūchnā can take on a more poetic or existential tone. A poet might 'ask' the stars or the wind about the mysteries of life. In these instances, the verb transcends its mundane daily utility and becomes a tool for introspection. However, for a beginner, the most important thing is to remember the 'Person + se + pūchnā' structure. Whether you are asking for the time, the price of vegetables, or the location of the nearest metro station, this verb is your primary tool for navigation in a Hindi-speaking environment. It is the key that unlocks information and facilitates interaction in every sphere of life, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the quiet villages of Uttar Pradesh.

उसने मुझसे मेरा नाम पूछा। (He asked me my name.)

Social Context: Asking is often seen as a sign of respect or caution in Indian culture. 'Pūchh kar kām karnā' (doing work after asking) is a valued trait in employees and children.

बिना पूछे मत जाना। (Don't go without asking.)

शिक्षक ने छात्र से पूछा। (The teacher asked the student.)

Using पूछना (pūchnā) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's case system and verb conjugation. As a transitive verb, its behavior changes significantly between the present, future, and past tenses. In the present and future, the subject is in the direct case. However, in the perfective (past) tense, the subject must take the ergative marker ne, and the verb agrees with the object (the question or the thing being asked) rather than the subject. This is a fundamental aspect of Hindi grammar that often trips up learners. For example, 'I asked' is 'Maine pūchā,' where 'Maine' is 'Main + ne'.

The 'Se' Connection: The person you are asking is always followed by 'se'. Think of it as 'asking FROM someone'. This is consistent across all tenses and moods.

वह अपनी माँ से पूछ रही है। (She is asking her mother.)

When constructing complex sentences, pūchnā often introduces a subordinate clause starting with ki (that/if). For example, 'He asked if I would come' translates to 'Usne pūchā ki kyā main āūngā'. Note that in Hindi, the word 'kyā' (what) is used to signify a yes/no question within the subordinate clause. This structure is very common in reported speech. Another common pattern is using the oblique infinitive pūchne followed by ke liye (to ask/for asking), as in 'Main rāstā pūchne ke liye rukā' (I stopped to ask the way).

कृपया मुझसे दोबारा पूछिए। (Please ask me again.)

Conjugation examples: 1. Present Habitual: 'Main pūchtā hūn' (I ask). 2. Present Continuous: 'Main pūch rahā hūn' (I am asking). 3. Future: 'Main pūchūngā' (I will ask). 4. Simple Past: 'Maine pūchā' (I asked). 5. Subjunctive: 'Agar main pūchūn...' (If I were to ask...). Each of these forms maintains the 'se' postposition for the listener. If you are asking a specific question, the word sawāl (question) often precedes the verb: 'Sawāl pūchnā' (to ask a question). This is more formal than just using pūchnā alone.

कल हम उनसे पूछेंगे। (We will ask them tomorrow.)

Compound Verbs: Often you will hear 'pūch lenā' or 'pūch lenā'. The addition of 'lenā' (to take) suggests that the asking is for the speaker's own benefit or to confirm something.

तुमने उससे क्यों पूछा? (Why did you ask him?)

जाओ और समय पूछो। (Go and ask the time.)

In the daily life of a Hindi speaker, पूछना (pūchnā) is ubiquitous. You will hear it the moment you step out of your house. At a vegetable market (sabzī mandī), customers are constantly 'asking' for the price: 'Bhaiyā, tamātar kā bhāv pūchā kyā?' (Brother, did you ask the price of tomatoes?). In public transport, passengers 'ask' the conductor about the route or the next stop. The word is the fundamental unit of social navigation. It is not just about facts; it is about establishing a connection and verifying information in a world that often relies on verbal communication rather than written signs.

In the Classroom: Teachers frequently say, 'Koi sawāl pūchnā hai?' (Do you want to ask any question?). Students are encouraged to 'pūchnā' to clear their doubts.

डॉक्टर से अपनी सेहत के बारे में पूछो। (Ask the doctor about your health.)

In Bollywood movies and TV serials, pūchnā is central to the drama. A common trope involves a character saying, 'Mujhse mat pūcho ki kyā huā' (Don't ask me what happened), adding suspense to the plot. In romantic scenes, one might hear, 'Kyā main tumse ek bāt pūchh saktā hūn?' (Can I ask you one thing?), which usually precedes a confession of love or a serious question. The verb also appears in news broadcasts during 'pūchh-tāchh' (interrogation) segments, where journalists report on police questioning suspects. This shows the verb's versatility, moving from the tender whispers of a romance to the harsh reality of a crime report.

मेहमानों का हाल पूछना अच्छी बात है। (It is good to ask about the guests' well-being.)

Furthermore, the word is used in the context of hospitality. When a guest arrives, the host will 'ask' them for tea or water: 'Chāy ke liye pūchā?' (Did you ask them for tea?). Here, pūchnā functions as an offer. If you visit a government office, you might be told, 'Pūchh-tāchh khidkī par jāiye' (Go to the inquiry window). In the digital age, 'pūchnā' has migrated to Google and Alexa. Hindi speakers will say, 'Google se pūcho' (Ask Google). This demonstrates how the verb remains relevant even as the medium of 'asking' changes from human interaction to digital assistance.

पुलिस चोर से पूछताछ कर रही है। (The police are interrogating the thief.)

In Customer Service: You will often hear 'Hamse pūchiye' (Ask us) on help desks or websites, inviting customers to seek assistance.

रास्ते में किसी से पूछ लेना। (Ask someone on the way.)

क्या आपने उससे पता पूछा? (Did you ask him the address?)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with पूछना (pūchnā) is confusing it with māngnā. In English, 'ask' is a polysemous word. You can 'ask a question' and 'ask for a pen'. In Hindi, these are two completely different actions. If you say 'Maine us-se kalam pūchā,' a Hindi speaker will think you asked the pen a question or asked about the pen's existence, rather than requesting to borrow it. Always remember: Pūchnā = Information/Question; Māngnā = Object/Request. This is a classic 'false friend' of logic that requires conscious effort to overcome.

The 'Ko' vs 'Se' Error: Many learners translate 'Ask him' as 'Us-ko pūcho'. This is incorrect. The correct form is 'Us-se pūcho'. Using 'ko' sounds unnatural and is grammatically wrong because the information is coming 'from' the person.

गलत: राम को पूछो। (Wrong: Ask to Ram.)

Another common error involves the past tense and the 'ne' construction. Since pūchnā is transitive, the subject must take 'ne'. Beginners often forget this and say 'Main pūchā' instead of 'Maine pūchā'. Furthermore, if you are asking a feminine noun like 'baat' (a thing/matter), the verb in the past tense must agree with it: 'Maine ek baat pūchhī' (I asked one thing). If you say 'Maine ek baat pūchā,' it is a gender agreement error. Mastering the gender of the object being asked is crucial for perfect past tense usage.

सही: मैंने उससे रास्ता पूछा। (Correct: I asked him the way.)

Learners also struggle with the difference between pūchnā and batānā (to tell). Sometimes, in a rush to speak, a learner might say 'Mujhse pūcho' (Ask me) when they actually mean 'Mujhe batāo' (Tell me). While related in a conversation, they represent opposite ends of the information flow. Finally, avoid overusing the word 'sawāl' (question). While 'Sawāl pūchnā' is correct, simply saying 'Pūchnā' is often sufficient and more natural in casual conversation. For example, 'Maine pūchā' is more common than 'Maine sawāl pūchā' unless the context specifically demands the noun 'question'.

गलत: उसने मुझसे पानी पूछा। (Wrong if meaning 'He asked for water' - should be 'māngā'.)

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'ū' in pūchnā is long. Pronouncing it with a short 'u' can make it sound like 'puchnā' (which isn't a word, but sounds like 'puch-puch', an onomatopoeia for squelching).

सही: क्या मैं अंदर आने के लिए पूछूँ? (Correct: Should I ask to come in?)

उसने मुझसे इजाज़त पूछी। (He asked me for permission.)

While पूछना (pūchnā) is the most common verb for asking, Hindi offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the inquiry. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. For instance, sawāl karnā is a direct synonym but sounds slightly more formal or structured. It is often used in debates, interviews, or academic settings. If you are conducting a formal investigation or a detailed inquiry, the term pūchh-tāchh karnā is used. This is a reduplicative compound where 'tāchh' has no independent meaning but adds emphasis to the act of questioning.

Pūchnā vs. Māngnā: Pūchnā is for questions/info. Māngnā is for objects/requests. 'Rāstā pūchnā' (ask the way) vs 'Paisa māngnā' (ask for money).
Pūchnā vs. Jānnā Chāhnā: Jānnā chāhnā means 'to want to know'. It is a softer, more indirect way of asking. 'Main āpkā nām jānnā chāhtā hūn' (I want to know your name).

पुलिस मामले की पूछताछ कर रही है। (The police are investigating the matter.)

In very formal or Urdu-influenced Hindi, you might encounter the word istifsaar karnā. This is highly literary and rarely used in daily speech, but you will see it in formal letters or classical literature. Another related term is dar-yāft karnā, which also means to inquire or find out. On the other hand, if the 'asking' is more of a 'demand' or 'interrogation,' the word pūchh-gachh or jerah karnā (cross-examine) might be used in legal contexts. For a casual 'check-in,' the phrase hāl-chāl lenā (taking well-being) is a common alternative to hāl-chāl pūchnā.

क्या आपने उससे सवाल किया? (Did you question him?)

Comparing pūchnā with tatolnā (to grope/feel out) is also interesting. Tatolnā is used when you are 'asking around' or trying to gauge someone's opinion indirectly. For example, 'Maine uske man ko tatolne kī koshish kī' (I tried to feel out his mind/opinion). This is a more metaphorical form of asking. In summary, while pūchnā is your 'go-to' verb, being aware of sawāl karnā for formality, māngnā for requests, and jānnā chāhnā for politeness will significantly enrich your Hindi vocabulary and communicative range.

मैं आपसे एक चीज़ दरयाफ़्त करना चाहता हूँ। (I want to inquire about one thing from you - Very Formal.)

Register Comparison: Pūchnā (Neutral) -> Sawāl karnā (Formal) -> Istifsaar karnā (Very Formal/Literary).

उसने मुझसे मदद मांगी। (He asked for help - Note: Māngnā is used here.)

वह मुझसे मेरा हाल पूछ रहा था। (He was asking me how I was.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"क्या मैं आपसे एक प्रश्न पूछ सकता हूँ?"

Neutral

"उससे रास्ता पूछो।"

Informal

"अरे, उससे पूछ न!"

Child friendly

"अपनी टीचर से पूछो।"

Slang

"ज़्यादा मत पूछ, बस कर ले।"

Fun Fact

The English word 'pray' and the Hindi word 'pūchnā' share a very distant common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *prek-, meaning to ask or entreat.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpuːtʃ.nɑː/

US /ˈputʃ.nɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'pūch'.

Rhymes With

सूझना (sūjhnā) बूझना (būjhnā) जूझना (jūjhnā) गूँजना (gūnjnā) खोजना (khojnā - near rhyme) सोचना (sochnā - near rhyme) नोचना (nochnā) लोचना (lochnā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ū' as a short 'u' (like in 'put').
Aspirating the 'p' too much (Hindi 'p' is soft).
Using a 'sh' sound instead of 'ch'.
Shortening the final 'ā' vowel.
Confusing the sound with 'pūjnā' (worship).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and uses basic characters. Easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Requires correct placement of the 'ū' matra and the 'ch' conjunct.

Speaking 3/5

Challenging due to the 'ne' construction in the past tense and the 'se' postposition.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'pūjnā' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मैं (I) से (from) सवाल (question) रास्ता (way) नाम (name)

Learn Next

बताना (to tell) माँगना (to ask for) कहना (to say) सुनना (to listen) जवाब (answer)

Advanced

इस्तिफ़सार (inquiry) जिज्ञासा (curiosity) जांच-पड़ताल (investigation) स्पष्टीकरण (clarification)

Grammar to Know

Ergative Alignment

In 'Maine pūchā', the 'ne' is used because pūchnā is transitive and in the perfective aspect.

Postposition 'Se'

The person addressed must be followed by 'se' (e.g., Ram se pūcho).

Object-Verb Agreement

In 'Maine bāt pūchhī', the verb is feminine because 'bāt' is feminine.

Infinitive as Noun

'Pūchnā achhī ādat hai' (Asking is a good habit).

Conjunctive Participle

'Pūchkar batāo' (Ask and then tell) uses the 'kar' suffix.

Examples by Level

मुझसे पूछो।

Ask me.

Uses the imperative form 'pūcho' with 'mujhse' (me + se).

उससे नाम पूछो।

Ask him/her the name.

Direct object 'nām' follows the person 'us-se'.

माँ से पूछो।

Ask mother.

Common use for seeking permission.

रास्ता पूछो।

Ask the way.

Implicit 'someone' (kisi se) is often omitted in short commands.

क्या मैं पूछूँ?

Should I ask?

Subjunctive mood expressing a proposal or request for permission.

वक्त पूछो।

Ask the time.

Simple noun-verb combination.

उससे मत पूछो।

Don't ask him.

Negative imperative using 'mat'.

कीमत पूछो।

Ask the price.

Essential for shopping.

मैंने उससे पूछा।

I asked him.

Past tense with 'ne' and masculine singular agreement.

उसने मुझसे रास्ता पूछा।

He asked me the way.

Subject 'usne' (he + ne) with object 'rāstā'.

क्या आपने पूछा?

Did you ask?

Polite 'āpne' in the past tense.

वह अपनी बहन से पूछ रही है।

She is asking her sister.

Present continuous tense.

हम कल पूछेंगे।

We will ask tomorrow.

Future tense 'pūchेंगे'.

बिना पूछे मत जाओ।

Don't go without asking.

Use of the oblique infinitive 'pūche' with 'binā'.

उसने मुझसे मेरा हाल पूछा।

He asked me how I was.

Idiomatic use of 'hāl pūchnā'.

मैं आपसे कुछ पूछना चाहता हूँ।

I want to ask you something.

Infinitive 'pūchnā' with 'chāhtā hūn'.

उसने पूछा कि क्या मैं आ रहा हूँ।

He asked if I am coming.

Reported speech using 'ki kyā'.

शिक्षक ने छात्रों से सवाल पूछे।

The teacher asked the students questions.

Plural object 'sawāl' leads to plural verb 'pūche'.

मुझे उससे पूछना पड़ेगा।

I will have to ask him.

Compulsion construction with 'paṛegā'.

पूछने में कोई बुराई नहीं है।

There is no harm in asking.

Gerundive use of 'pūchne'.

उसने मुझसे मेरी राय पूछी।

He asked me for my opinion.

Feminine object 'rāy' leads to feminine verb 'pūchhī'.

क्या तुमने डॉक्टर से पूछा?

Did you ask the doctor?

Past tense inquiry.

मैं उससे पूछकर बताऊँगा।

I will ask him and then tell you.

Conjunctive participle 'pūchkar'.

वह बार-बार वही बात पूछता है।

He asks the same thing again and again.

Present habitual with frequency adverb.

पुलिस ने गवाह से पूछताछ की।

The police interrogated the witness.

Use of the compound noun 'pūchh-tāchh'.

उसने अपनी गलती के बारे में नहीं पूछा।

He didn't ask about his mistake.

Negative past tense.

जनता सरकार से जवाब पूछ रही है।

The public is asking the government for answers.

Metaphorical/Collective subject.

क्या आपने उससे अनुमति पूछी थी?

Had you asked him for permission?

Past perfect tense.

बिना पूछे किसी की चीज़ नहीं लेनी चाहिए।

One should not take someone's things without asking.

Moral/Advice construction with 'chāhiye'.

उसने दबी आवाज़ में पूछा।

He asked in a low voice.

Adverbial phrase describing the manner of asking.

मैं बस इतना पूछना चाहता हूँ कि क्यों?

I just want to ask why?

Complex sentence with 'ki'.

उसने मुझसे मेरी मंज़िल पूछी।

He asked me my destination.

Feminine object agreement.

दार्शनिक ने जीवन का अर्थ पूछा।

The philosopher asked the meaning of life.

Abstract object of inquiry.

उसने अपनी अंतरात्मा से पूछा।

He asked his conscience.

Introspective use of the verb.

क्या यह पूछना तर्कसंगत है?

Is it logical to ask this?

Formal academic inquiry.

उसने बिना किसी हिचकिचाहट के पूछा।

He asked without any hesitation.

Advanced adverbial phrase.

लेखक ने समाज की कुरीतियों पर सवाल पूछे हैं।

The author has asked questions about the evils of society.

Present perfect tense in a literary context.

उसने मुझसे बड़ी शालीनता से पूछा।

He asked me with great politeness.

Describing the 'register' of the interaction.

पूछने की ज़रूरत ही नहीं थी।

There was no need to ask at all.

Emphatic construction with 'hī'.

उसने इतिहास के पन्नों से सवाल पूछा।

He asked a question of history.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

उसकी जिज्ञासा ने उसे हर चीज़ पूछने पर मजबूर कर दिया।

His curiosity compelled him to ask about everything.

Complex causal relationship.

सत्ता से सवाल पूछना ही लोकतंत्र की पहचान है।

Asking questions of power is the hallmark of democracy.

Political/Philosophical statement.

उसने अपनी आँखों से ही सब कुछ पूछ लिया।

He asked everything with just his eyes.

Highly metaphorical/Literary.

बिना पूछे ही उसने मेरी खामोशी को पढ़ लिया।

Without even asking, he read my silence.

Advanced use of 'binā pūche'.

वह इस कदर पूछ रहा था जैसे कोई जासूस हो।

He was asking in such a way as if he were a spy.

Simile construction with 'jaise'.

पूछने वाले और बताने वाले के बीच एक गहरा रिश्ता होता है।

There is a deep relationship between the asker and the teller.

Substantive use of the participle.

उसने अपनी नियति से सवाल पूछा।

He questioned his destiny.

Existential inquiry.

क्या हम कभी खुद से सही सवाल पूछते हैं?

Do we ever ask ourselves the right questions?

Reflexive use 'khud se'.

Synonyms

प्रश्न करना सवाल करना पूछताछ करना जिज्ञासा करना जांचना

Antonyms

बताना उत्तर देना जवाब देना

Common Collocations

रास्ता पूछना

वक्त पूछना

हाल पूछना

कीमत पूछना

इजाज़त पूछना

नाम पूछना

पता पूछना

सवाल पूछना

राय पूछना

खैरियत पूछना

Common Phrases

पूछो मत

— Don't even ask (used when something is too good or too bad to describe).

पार्टी कैसी थी? पूछो मत!

बिना पूछे

— Without asking.

बिना पूछे अंदर मत आओ।

पूछकर बताना

— To ask and then tell.

मैं घर पर पूछकर बताऊँगा।

पूछने की ज़रूरत नहीं

— No need to ask (it's obvious).

यह तो पूछने की ज़रूरत ही नहीं है।

एक बात पूछूँ?

— Can I ask one thing?

एक बात पूछूँ, तुम कहाँ थे?

पूछ-ताछ केंद्र

— Inquiry center/Information desk.

पूछ-ताछ केंद्र वहाँ है।

पूछने वाला कोई नहीं

— No one to care for or question (implies being alone or neglected).

उसका इस दुनिया में पूछने वाला कोई नहीं है।

पूछ-पाछ करना

— To make general inquiries.

बाज़ार में थोड़ी पूछ-पाछ कर लो।

हज़ार बार पूछना

— To ask a thousand times (exaggeration for persistence).

मैंने उससे हज़ार बार पूछा।

पूछते-पूछते

— While asking repeatedly.

मैं पूछते-पूछते यहाँ पहुँचा।

Often Confused With

पूछना vs माँगना (māngnā)

Māngnā is to ask for an object/favor; pūchnā is to ask for information.

पूछना vs पूजना (pūjnā)

Pūjnā means to worship. The sound is similar but the meaning is entirely different.

पूछना vs सोचना (sochnā)

Sochnā means to think. Sometimes confused by beginners due to the 'chnā' ending.

Idioms & Expressions

"पूछ-परख होना"

— To be in demand or highly valued.

आजकल ईमानदार लोगों की बड़ी पूछ-परख है।

Colloquial

"खैर-खबर पूछना"

— To inquire about someone's well-being and news.

रिश्तेदारों की खैर-खबर पूछनी चाहिए।

Neutral

"पूछना ही क्या"

— Needless to say / Beyond doubt.

उसकी बुद्धिमानी का तो पूछना ही क्या!

Literary

"बिन पूछे मेहमान"

— Uninvited guest.

वह तो बिन पूछे मेहमान की तरह आ गया।

Colloquial

"पूछ-ताछ की ज़द में आना"

— To come under investigation.

कई नेता पूछ-ताछ की ज़द में आ गए हैं।

Formal/News

"मुँह खोलकर पूछना"

— To ask openly or bluntly.

जो भी मन में हो, मुँह खोलकर पूछ लो।

Informal

"आसमान से पूछना"

— To ask the impossible or seek answers from the divine.

अब क्या आसमान से पूछने जाओगे?

Poetic

"दबे पाँव पूछना"

— To ask hesitantly or secretly.

उसने दबे पाँव मुझसे सच पूछा।

Literary

"पूछते रह जाना"

— To be left wondering or asking without getting an answer.

वह चला गया और मैं पूछता ही रह गया।

Neutral

"बाल-बाल पूछना"

— To ask every minute detail (metaphorical).

उसने मुझसे घटना के बारे में बाल-बाल पूछा।

Colloquial

Easily Confused

पूछना vs कहना

Both involve speaking.

Kahnā is to say/tell (one-way), while pūchnā is to inquire (seeking a response).

उसने मुझसे कहा (He told me) vs उसने मुझसे पूछा (He asked me).

पूछना vs बताना

Opposite sides of the same coin.

Batānā is to inform/tell; pūchnā is to seek information.

मुझे बताओ (Tell me) vs मुझसे पूछो (Ask me).

पूछना vs माँगना

English uses 'ask' for both.

Use māngnā for physical things (money, water) and pūchnā for non-physical things (time, directions).

पैसे माँगो (Ask for money) vs समय पूछो (Ask the time).

पूछना vs पुकारना

Similar starting sound.

Pukārnā means to call out someone's name loudly.

उसने मुझे पुकारा (He called me).

पूछना vs पूछना vs पूछताछ

Root word is the same.

Pūchnā is the general verb; pūchh-tāchh is a noun/compound verb for a formal inquiry process.

सवाल पूछो (Ask a question) vs पूछताछ केंद्र (Inquiry center).

Sentence Patterns

[Person] + से + पूछो

भाई से पूछो।

मैंने + [Person] + से + पूछा

मैंने उससे पूछा।

[Subject] + [Object] + पूछना + चाहता हूँ

मैं आपसे समय पूछना चाहता हूँ।

[Subject] + ने + पूछा + कि + [Question]

उसने पूछा कि तुम कहाँ हो।

बिना + पूछे + [Verb]

बिना पूछे मत आना।

[Person] + से + पूछताछ + करना

पुलिस उससे पूछताछ कर रही है।

[Abstract Noun] + के बारे में + पूछना

उसने अस्तित्व के बारे में पूछा।

[Metaphor] + से + पूछना

अपनी रूह से पूछो।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Us-ko pūcho. → Us-se pūcho.
Hindi uses the postposition 'se' (from) with the verb pūchnā, not 'ko' (to).
Main pūchā. → Maine pūchā.
Pūchnā is transitive, so the subject must take the 'ne' marker in the past tense.
Maine pānī pūchā. → Maine pānī māngā.
If you want water, you 'māngnā' (request) it. 'Pūchnā' is only for questions.
Maine ek sawāl pūchī. → Maine ek sawāl pūchā.
The verb must agree with the object. 'Sawāl' is masculine, so 'pūchā' is correct.
Usne mujhse nām pūchhī. → Usne mujhse nām pūchā.
'Nām' (name) is masculine, so the past tense verb must be 'pūchā'.

Tips

The 'Se' Rule

Always remember: [Person] + से (se) + पूछना. This is the most important structural rule for this verb. Never use 'ko'.

Pūchnā vs Māngnā

Use 'pūchnā' for information (What is the time?) and 'māngnā' for objects (Can I have some water?). This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.

Politeness

In formal situations, use 'pūchiye' or 'jānnā chāhtā hūn' (I want to know) to sound more polite and less demanding.

Long Vowel

The 'ū' is long. Stretch the sound slightly to ensure clarity and correct meaning.

Pūcho Mat

Use 'Pūcho mat!' to add flavor to your conversation when describing something amazing or terrible.

Ergative 'Ne'

Don't forget 'ne' in the past tense. 'Maine pūchā' is correct; 'Main pūchā' is wrong.

Well-being

Asking 'Hāl-chāl pūchnā' is essential etiquette in India. Do it often to build good relationships.

Compound Verbs

Use 'pūch lenā' in writing to imply that the person asked for their own information or confirmation.

Context Clues

If you hear 'pūchh-tāchh', look for an information desk or a formal setting like a police station.

Subjunctive Mood

Use 'pūchhūn' to ask for permission to ask a question: 'Kyā main ek bāt pūchhūn?'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pūch' as 'Pushing' for information. When you 'Pūch', you are pushing a question out of your mouth to get an answer.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark (?) shaped like the Hindi letter 'प' (P). This links the sound 'P' to the act of asking.

Word Web

Question Inquiry Permission Information Conversation Doubt Curiosity Answer

Challenge

Try to use 'pūchnā' in three different tenses (Present, Past, Future) in your next Hindi conversation or practice session.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'प्रच्छ्' (pracch), which means to ask or inquire. This root is also the ancestor of the Latin 'precari' (to pray/ask) and the English 'pray'.

Original meaning: To seek, to inquire, or to question.

Indo-Aryan -> Prakrit -> Apabhramsha -> Hindi.

Cultural Context

Be mindful of the 'āp/tum/tū' distinction when using the imperative form 'pūchiye/pūcho/pūchh'. Using 'pūchh' with a stranger is offensive.

English speakers often use 'ask' for both questions and favors. In Hindi, remember to separate these into 'pūchnā' and 'māngnā'.

The TV show 'Satyamev Jayate' often used the phrase 'Sawāl pūchnā zarurī hai' (It is important to ask questions). Kabir's poetry often involves 'asking' the soul about its journey. Common Bollywood dialogue: 'Mujhse mat pūcho!' (Don't ask me!)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Shop

इसका दाम पूछो।
क्या आपने भाव पूछा?
मुझसे मत पूछो, दुकानदार से पूछो।
कीमत पूछना ज़रूरी है।

In School

सर से सवाल पूछो।
क्या मैं कुछ पूछ सकता हूँ?
उसने मुश्किल सवाल पूछा।
बिना पूछे मत बोलो।

On the Street

किसी से रास्ता पूछो।
स्टेशन कहाँ है, यह पूछो।
उसने मुझसे पता पूछा।
वहाँ पूछना ठीक रहेगा।

At Home

पापा से पूछकर जाना।
क्या तुमने माँ से पूछा?
मुझसे क्यों पूछ रहे हो?
खाने के लिए पूछो।

In an Interview

मुझसे अपने अनुभव के बारे में पूछिए।
उन्होंने मुझसे कठिन सवाल पूछे।
मैं आपसे एक चीज़ पूछना चाहता हूँ।
पूछने के लिए धन्यवाद।

Conversation Starters

"क्या मैं आपसे एक छोटा सा सवाल पूछ सकता हूँ?"

"अगर आपको बुरा न लगे, तो क्या मैं एक बात पूछूँ?"

"क्या आपने कभी खुद से यह पूछा है कि आप क्या चाहते हैं?"

"मैं आपसे रास्ते के बारे में पूछना चाहता था।"

"क्या मैं आपसे आपके परिवार के बारे में पूछ सकता हूँ?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किससे क्या पूछा? उस बातचीत के बारे में लिखिए।

एक ऐसा सवाल लिखिए जो आप हमेशा से किसी से पूछना चाहते थे लेकिन पूछ नहीं पाए।

क्या आपको सवाल पूछना पसंद है या जवाब देना? क्यों?

किसी ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखिए जब आपने बिना पूछे कुछ किया और उसका परिणाम क्या हुआ।

अगर आप भगवान से एक सवाल पूछ सकते, तो वह क्या होता?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. You should use 'māngnā' (to request/ask for an object). 'Pūchnā' is only for questions or information. If you say 'Pānī pūcho', it means 'Ask the water a question' or 'Ask someone about the water'.

In Hindi logic, you are seeking information 'from' (se) a person. Therefore, the person being asked is the source of information, requiring the 'se' postposition. Using 'ko' is grammatically incorrect for this verb.

The gender of the person you are asking doesn't change the verb 'pūchnā'. You say 'Maine us-se pūchā'. However, if the thing you asked (the object) is feminine, like 'bāt' (matter), then the verb changes: 'Maine ek bāt pūchhī'.

Yes, 'pūchh-tāchh' is more formal and implies a series of questions or a formal investigation. You'll see it at 'Inquiry' counters at train stations. 'Pūchnā' is the general verb for any kind of asking.

The simple past is 'pūchā' (masculine), 'pūchhī' (feminine), 'pūche' (masculine plural), and 'pūchhīn' (feminine plural). Remember to use 'ne' with the subject: 'Maine pūchā'.

In some idiomatic contexts, yes. 'Uska koi pūchne wālā nahīñ hai' means 'There is no one to care for him' or 'No one even asks about him'.

You can use the phrase 'इजाज़त पूछना' (ijāzat pūchnā) or simply use the verb in the subjunctive or with 'saktā' (can). For example: 'क्या मैं अंदर आने के लिए पूछूँ?'

'Pūchnā' is the general verb 'to ask'. 'Sawāl karnā' literally means 'to do a question' and is more formal. You would 'pūchnā' a friend for the time, but a journalist would 'sawāl karnā' to a politician.

It is a long 'ū' (ऊ). Pronouncing it short is a common mistake for beginners. It should sound like the 'oo' in 'moon'.

The common idiom is 'Pūcho mat!'. It's used when something is so intense, good, or bad that words aren't enough to describe it.