At the A1 level, you learn 'paas' as 'near'. 'Paas ka' is the next step. It is used to describe things that are close to you. Think of it as 'the nearby...'. For example, if you are looking for a shop, you say 'paas ki dukaan'. You only need to remember that 'ka' changes to 'ki' for feminine things and 'ke' for plural things. It is very useful for basic survival Hindi when you need to find food, water, or a bathroom in a new place. Keep your sentences short: 'Paas ka hospital kahan hai?' (Where is the nearby hospital?). This level is all about identifying objects in your immediate surroundings.
At A2, you start using 'paas ka' to describe your daily routine and environment. You can use it to talk about your neighborhood ('mere paas ka bazaar') or your commute ('paas ka rasta'). You should be careful with the 'oblique case'—when you add words like 'mein' (in) or 'se' (from), 'paas ka' must become 'paas ke'. For example, 'paas ke ghar mein' (in the nearby house). At this stage, you are expected to use the correct gender agreement consistently. It helps you give and receive simple directions and describe your town to others. You also start to see it in simple reading materials like signs or basic stories.
At B1, you use 'paas ka' in more complex ways, such as comparing two things. You might say, 'Yeh dukaan paas ki dukaan se behtar hai' (This shop is better than the nearby shop). You also start to understand the difference between 'paas ka' (physical) and 'nazdeeki' (which can be emotional). You can use the phrase to describe convenience and lifestyle choices, like choosing a 'paas ka school' for your children. Your fluency increases as you use it naturally in longer narratives about your life and experiences in a city. You also begin to recognize it in news headlines or social media posts describing local events.
At the B2 level, 'paas ka' is used to discuss broader topics like urban planning or social issues. You might talk about the 'paas ka mahaul' (nearby environment/atmosphere) or how 'paas ke ilake' (nearby areas) are developing. You understand the nuances of register—when to use 'paas ka' versus the more formal 'nikat'. You can argue for or against something based on its proximity, using the phrase in more abstract discussions about accessibility and community resources. Your grammar is flawless, and you can switch between 'paas ka', 'paas ke', and 'paas ki' without thinking, even in rapid conversation or debate.
At C1, 'paas ka' is integrated into a very high level of linguistic competence. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's 'paas ka drishya' (nearby view/perspective). You understand its use in specialized fields, such as 'paas ki nazar' in medicine. You can use it to create specific stylistic effects in writing, perhaps contrasting 'paas ka' with 'door ka' (distant) to show a character's isolation or focus. You are fully aware of regional variations and might even use 'paas ka' ironically or in idiomatic expressions that are less common. Your understanding of the phrase is deep, encompassing its historical development and its role in modern Hindi dialects.
At C2, you have a native-like grasp of 'paas ka'. You can use it in philosophical or highly abstract contexts, perhaps discussing the 'paas ka satya' (the immediate/nearby truth). You understand every possible connotation, including its use in archaic or highly poetic Hindi where the genitive 'ka' might be used in unique ways. You can effortlessly translate complex English concepts involving proximity into the most natural Hindi equivalent, whether that is 'paas ka' or a more obscure synonym. You can also critique others' usage of the term and provide detailed explanations of its grammatical and cultural significance, much like a linguist would.

पास का in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe things that are nearby.
  • Functions as an adjective in Hindi sentences.
  • Must agree with the noun's gender (ka, ke, ki).
  • Essential for directions and describing surroundings.

The Hindi phrase पास का (paas ka) is a versatile adjectival construction used to describe something that is located in close proximity or is 'nearby' in relation to a specific point of reference, usually the speaker or the subject of the sentence. Unlike the simple postposition 'पास' (near), adding the genitive marker 'का' (ka) transforms it into an adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental concept for A2 learners moving into descriptive Hindi. When you use this term, you are often identifying a specific entity out of many based on its location—for instance, 'the nearby shop' as opposed to a distant one.

Spatial Identification
It is primarily used to pinpoint locations. In a busy Indian city, you might ask for the 'paas ka hospital' (the nearby hospital) during an emergency. It implies convenience and accessibility.
Grammatical Agreement
Because it functions as an adjective, it changes: 'पास का' (masculine singular), 'पास के' (masculine plural/oblique), and 'पास की' (feminine). This is crucial for natural-sounding Hindi.

क्या यहाँ कोई पास का बाज़ार है? (Is there a nearby market here?)

A common question asked by travelers looking for local amenities.

In daily life, 'paas ka' is used extensively in urban navigation. Whether you are looking for a 'paas ka ATM' or a 'paas ki dukaan' (nearby shop), the phrase helps narrow down choices to the most immediate options. It carries a sense of 'localness.' For example, 'paas ka rishtedaar' can even refer to a 'close relative,' though 'sagi' or 'nazdeeki' are more common for blood relations. However, in most contexts, it remains strictly spatial. People use it when they want to minimize travel time or effort.

हमें पास के गाँव जाना है। (We have to go to the nearby village.)

The phrase also appears in professional contexts. A 'paas ka rasta' (a nearby/short path) is often discussed when planning logistics or commutes. In literature, it might be used to ground a scene, describing the 'paas ki khidki' (nearby window) through which a character observes the world. It is one of the most high-frequency descriptive markers in the Hindi language because of its utility in establishing spatial relationships between the speaker and their environment. Understanding its inflection is the key to mastering its use.

Using पास का (paas ka) correctly requires a solid grasp of Hindi's gender-marking system. Since 'ka' is a postposition that acts like an adjective here, it must mirror the gender and number of the noun that follows it. This section breaks down the three primary forms and how they integrate into different sentence types, from simple declarations to complex inquiries.

Masculine Singular: पास का (Paas Ka)
Used with masculine singular nouns like 'school', 'hospital', 'park', or 'hotel'. Example: 'Paas ka park bahut sundar hai' (The nearby park is very beautiful).
Feminine (Singular & Plural): पास की (Paas Ki)
Used with feminine nouns like 'dukaan' (shop), 'nadi' (river), or 'sadak' (road). Example: 'Paas ki dukaan band hai' (The nearby shop is closed).
Masculine Plural & Oblique: पास के (Paas Ke)
Used with masculine plural nouns or when the noun is followed by another postposition. Example: 'Paas के ped' (Nearby trees) or 'Paas के ghar mein' (In the nearby house).

मैं पास के शहर में रहता हूँ। (I live in the nearby city.)

Note how 'ka' becomes 'ke' because of the postposition 'mein'.

In interrogative sentences, 'paas ka' often follows the word 'kaun sa' (which) or 'kahan' (where) to specify location. For instance, 'Kaun sa paas ka rasta hai?' (Which is the nearby route?). It is also frequently used with 'sabse' to create the superlative 'sabse paas ka' (the nearest). 'Sabse paas ka station kahan hai?' (Where is the nearest station?). This is perhaps the most practical application for anyone living in or visiting a Hindi-speaking region.

वह पास की खिड़की से देख रहा है। (He is looking through the nearby window.)

One subtle usage is when 'paas ka' refers to vision. In medical or optometry contexts, 'paas ka chashma' refers to reading glasses (glasses for nearby objects). Similarly, 'paas ki nazar' refers to near-sightedness or the ability to see things up close. This demonstrates how the phrase extends from purely geographic locations to functional proximity in physical health. Mastering these variations allows a learner to navigate both the physical world and specific technical conversations with ease.

In the vibrant daily life of India, पास का (paas ka) is a staple of conversation. You will hear it in bustling markets, during commutes, and within the walls of a family home. It is a word that grounds the speaker in their immediate environment, making it essential for local integration. From the rickshaw puller explaining a route to a mother sending her child on an errand, this phrase is everywhere.

In the Market (Bazaar)
Shopkeepers often refer to 'paas ki dukaan' when they don't have an item in stock, suggesting you check the neighboring shop. Customers ask, 'Sabse paas ka ATM kahan milega?' (Where will I find the nearest ATM?).
With Transport and Directions
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers use it constantly. 'Paas ka rasta lijiye' (Take the nearby/shorter route) or 'Paas ke choraha par utar dijiye' (Drop me at the nearby intersection).

चलो, पास के कैफे में बैठते हैं। (Come, let's sit in the nearby cafe.)

A common suggestion among friends in urban areas like Delhi or Mumbai.

In households, the phrase is used for chores. 'Paas ki dukaan se doodh le aao' (Bring milk from the nearby shop) is a classic instruction given to children. It defines the 'Mohalla' (neighborhood) culture where people rely on immediate resources. You'll also hear it in news reports when an incident occurs in a 'paas ka ilaaka' (nearby area), helping viewers understand the proximity of the event to a major landmark.

क्या पास की फार्मेसी खुली है? (Is the nearby pharmacy open?)

Social media and apps also use this terminology. Delivery apps like Zomato or Swiggy might categorize restaurants as 'Paas ke' to emphasize quick delivery. In a digital-first India, the concept of 'paas ka' has translated from physical shouting across the street to GPS-enabled proximity. Whether digital or physical, the phrase remains the primary way to talk about what is within reach.

Learning पास का (paas ka) seems simple at first, but English speakers often trip over the grammatical nuances of the Hindi genitive marker. The most frequent errors involve gender agreement, confusing the adjective with the postposition, and misapplying the oblique case. Avoiding these mistakes will instantly make your Hindi sound more sophisticated and natural.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Gender Agreement
Many learners use 'paas ka' for everything. They might say 'paas ka dukaan' (incorrect) instead of 'paas ki dukaan' (correct). Remember: 'dukaan' is feminine.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Paas Ka' with 'Paas Mein'
'Paas mein' means 'nearby' as a standalone location (e.g., 'The shop is nearby'). 'Paas ka' is an adjective that must modify a noun (e.g., 'The nearby shop'). You cannot say 'Paas ka dukaan hai' to mean 'The shop is nearby'—that would mean 'It is the nearby shop.'

Incorrect: पास का स्कूल में (Paas ka school mein)

Correct: पास के स्कूल में (Paas ke school mein)

When 'mein' (in) follows 'school', 'ka' must change to the oblique 'ke'.

Another common error is redundancy. Learners sometimes say 'sabse nazdeeki paas ka', which is like saying 'the most nearest nearby'. Choose one: either 'sabse paas ka' or 'sabse nazdeeki'. Additionally, some learners forget that 'paas' can also mean 'to have' in Hindi (e.g., 'Mere paas...'). However, 'paas ka' specifically relates to location, so don't try to use it to describe possession.

Incorrect: यह पास की रास्ता है। (Yeh paas ki rasta hai.)

Correct: यह पास का रास्ता है। (Yeh paas ka rasta hai.)

Finally, avoid using 'paas ka' to describe emotional closeness in formal writing. While it might be understood, words like 'pyaara' (dear) or 'ghanishth' (intimate) are much better suited for relationships. 'Paas ka' is very much about physical meters and kilometers. Keeping this distinction clear will help you avoid sounding overly literal or childish in your descriptions.

While पास का (paas ka) is the most common way to say 'nearby' in Hindi, the language offers several synonyms that carry different shades of meaning, formality, and regional flavor. Knowing when to use 'nazdeeki' versus 'paas ka' can help you tailor your speech to the situation, whether you're in a formal business meeting or chatting with a neighbor.

नज़दीकी (Nazdeeki)
This is the most direct synonym. It sounds slightly more formal or 'Urdu-inflected' than 'paas ka'. It is often used for 'close relatives' (nazdeeki rishtedar) or 'immediate future' (nazdeeki bhavishya).
पड़ोस का (Pados Ka)
Meaning 'neighboring' or 'from the neighborhood'. Use this when you want to emphasize that the object belongs to the immediate vicinity of your home. 'Pados ki dukaan' implies the shop in your specific street.
समीप (Sameep) / निकट (Nikat)
These are highly formal, Sanskrit-derived words. You will see them in literature, formal news broadcasts, or on official signs (e.g., 'Nikatatama Railway Station' for 'Nearest Railway Station').

वह मेरा नज़दीकी दोस्त है। (He is my close friend.)

'Nazdeeki' is preferred over 'Paas ka' for emotional/social closeness.

Comparison Table:

WordRegisterBest For
पास काNeutral/DailyPhysical locations, shops, routes.
नज़दीकीSlightly FormalRelatives, friends, time.
निकटFormal/SanskritOfficial signs, literature.

In some dialects, you might hear 'bagal ka' (from the side/next door). For example, 'bagal ka ghar' means 'the house next door'. This is more specific than 'paas ka', which just means 'nearby' generally. Choosing 'paas ka' is always safe in any conversation, but using 'nikatatama' on a formal application or 'pados ka' when talking about your street will show a much deeper understanding of Hindi's rich vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'paas' is so common that it has over 10 different grammatical functions in Hindi, ranging from a postposition to a noun to an adjective!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɑːs kɑː/
US /pæs kɑː/
Stress is on the first syllable 'Paas'.
Rhymes With
खास का (Khaas ka) बास का (Baas ka) घास का (Ghaas ka) ताश का (Taash ka) नाच का (Naach ka) सांस का (Saans ka) फांस का (Phaans ka) प्यास का (Pyaas ka)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'paas' like 'pass' in English (short 'a'). It should be a long 'aa'.
  • Making the 'k' in 'ka' too aspirated. It should be a clean, unaspirated 'k'.
  • Confusing 'ka' with 'ga'.
  • Nasalizing the 'aa' in 'paas' (it is not nasal).
  • Dropping the final 'a' sound in 'ka'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know 'paas'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and case agreement (ka/ke/ki).

Speaking 2/5

High frequency makes it easy to practice.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in daily conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

पास (Near) का (Of/Possessive) दुकान (Shop) घर (House) कहाँ (Where)

Learn Next

दूर का (Distant) सामने वाला (The one in front) नज़दीकी (Nearby - synonym) बगल वाला (The one next door)

Advanced

समीपवर्ती (Adjacent) निकटतम (Nearest) आस-पास (Surroundings)

Grammar to Know

Genitive Agreement

Paas ka (M), Paas ki (F), Paas ke (Plural/Oblique).

Oblique Case Transformation

Ghar (House) -> Ghar mein (In the house) -> Paas KE ghar mein.

Adjective Placement

Adjectives like 'paas ka' usually precede the noun.

Superlative Formation

Add 'Sabse' before 'paas ka' to mean 'the nearest'.

Postpositional Adjectives

Using 'ka' to turn a location into a descriptor.

Examples by Level

1

पास का स्कूल अच्छा है।

The nearby school is good.

School is masculine, so we use 'ka'.

2

पास की दुकान खुली है।

The nearby shop is open.

Dukaan is feminine, so we use 'ki'.

3

क्या यहाँ पास का पार्क है?

Is there a nearby park here?

Interrogative sentence structure.

4

पास के घर बड़े हैं।

The nearby houses are big.

Houses (ghar) are plural, so 'ka' becomes 'ke'.

5

पास का रास्ता छोटा है।

The nearby path is short.

Rasta is masculine singular.

6

मुझे पास की बस चाहिए।

I need the nearby bus.

Bus is feminine.

7

पास का होटल कहाँ है?

Where is the nearby hotel?

Asking for directions.

8

पास की नदी सुंदर है।

The nearby river is beautiful.

Nadi is feminine.

1

मैं पास के गाँव में रहता हूँ।

I live in the nearby village.

Oblique case: 'Village' + 'in' makes 'ka' change to 'ke'.

2

पास की दुकान से चीनी लाओ।

Bring sugar from the nearby shop.

Imperative sentence with feminine noun.

3

वह पास के स्कूल में पढ़ता है।

He studies in the nearby school.

Oblique case for masculine noun.

4

क्या पास की कोई दवा की दुकान है?

Is there any nearby pharmacy?

Using 'koi' (any) with the adjective.

5

पास के पेड़ बहुत ऊँचे हैं।

The nearby trees are very tall.

Plural masculine agreement.

6

हम पास के कैफे में मिलेंगे।

We will meet in the nearby cafe.

Future tense with oblique case.

7

पास की खिड़की बंद करो।

Close the nearby window.

Feminine singular agreement.

8

मेरे पास की मेज़ पर किताब है।

The book is on the table near me.

Using 'paas ki' to describe a specific table's location relative to 'me'.

1

पास के बाज़ार में बहुत भीड़ थी।

There was a lot of crowd in the nearby market.

Past tense with oblique case.

2

क्या आप पास के किसी अच्छे डॉक्टर को जानते हैं?

Do you know any good nearby doctor?

Complex question with multiple adjectives.

3

पास की नदी का पानी साफ़ नहीं है।

The water of the nearby river is not clean.

Feminine noun followed by another 'ka' possessive.

4

हमें पास के स्टेशन से ट्रेन पकड़नी होगी।

We will have to catch the train from the nearby station.

Future necessity (hoga) with oblique case.

5

पास की इमारतों की ऊँचाई बहुत ज़्यादा है।

The height of the nearby buildings is very high.

Feminine plural 'imarat' (buildings) changes 'ka' to 'ki'.

6

वह पास के एक छोटे से कमरे में रहता है।

He lives in a small nearby room.

Using 'ek chhote se' as an additional descriptor.

7

पास की गलियों में खो जाना आसान है।

It is easy to get lost in the nearby alleys.

Feminine plural 'galiyan' becomes 'galion' in oblique.

8

मेरे घर के पास का दृश्य बहुत शांत है।

The view near my house is very peaceful.

Complex phrase: 'Ghar ke paas ka' (The view of 'near the house').

1

पास के गाँवों में बिजली की समस्या है।

There is an electricity problem in the nearby villages.

Plural oblique case for masculine noun.

2

सरकार पास की ज़मीन पर एक नया पार्क बना रही है।

The government is building a new park on the nearby land.

Feminine noun 'zamin' (land) in oblique case.

3

पास के पुस्तकालय में दुर्लभ पुस्तकें उपलब्ध हैं।

Rare books are available in the nearby library.

Masculine 'pustakalay' in oblique case.

4

उसने पास की पहाड़ी पर चढ़ने का फैसला किया।

He decided to climb the nearby hill.

Feminine 'pahadi' in oblique case.

5

पास के कारखाने से बहुत धुआँ निकलता है।

A lot of smoke comes out of the nearby factory.

Masculine 'karkhana' (factory) in oblique case.

6

शहर के पास के इलाकों में किराया कम है।

The rent is lower in the areas nearby the city.

Using 'ilakon' (areas) as masculine plural oblique.

7

पास की संस्कृति को समझना ज़रूरी है।

It is important to understand the nearby culture.

Abstract usage of 'paas ki'.

8

पास के अस्पताल में सुविधाओं की कमी है।

There is a lack of facilities in the nearby hospital.

Masculine oblique case.

1

पास के वातावरण का प्रभाव बच्चों पर पड़ता है।

The influence of the nearby environment affects children.

Masculine 'vatavaran' (environment) in oblique case.

2

उसने पास की घटनाओं का सूक्ष्म अवलोकन किया।

He made a subtle observation of the nearby events.

Feminine plural 'ghatnaon' (events) in oblique case.

3

पास की वस्तुओं पर ध्यान केंद्रित करना कठिन था।

It was difficult to focus on nearby objects.

Feminine plural 'vastuon' (objects) in oblique case.

4

लेखक ने पास के समाज की विडंबनाओं को दर्शाया है।

The author has depicted the ironies of the nearby society.

Masculine 'samaj' (society) in oblique case.

5

पास के इतिहास को जाने बिना भविष्य नहीं समझा जा सकता।

Without knowing the nearby history, the future cannot be understood.

Using 'paas ka' to refer to local history.

6

पास की परिस्थितियों ने उसे यह कदम उठाने पर मजबूर किया।

The nearby circumstances forced him to take this step.

Feminine plural 'paristhitiyon' (circumstances) in oblique case.

7

पास के जंगल में जैव विविधता का खज़ाना है।

The nearby forest is a treasure trove of biodiversity.

Masculine 'jangal' in oblique case.

8

उसने पास की आवाज़ों को अनसुना कर दिया।

He ignored the nearby sounds.

Feminine plural 'awazon' (sounds) in oblique case.

1

पास के सत्य की अवहेलना अक्सर दार्शनिक भूल होती है।

Ignoring the nearby truth is often a philosophical error.

Highly abstract masculine 'satya' (truth).

2

उनकी कविताओं में पास के यथार्थ का चित्रण मिलता है।

A depiction of nearby reality is found in his poems.

Masculine 'yatharth' (reality) in oblique case.

3

पास की संवेदनाओं को समझना ही सच्ची मानवता है।

Understanding nearby emotions/sensibilities is true humanity.

Feminine plural 'samvednaon' (emotions).

4

पास के भूगोल ने ही इस सभ्यता के स्वरूप को निर्धारित किया।

The nearby geography alone determined the form of this civilization.

Masculine 'bhugol' (geography) in oblique case.

5

वह पास के क्षितिज को निहारता रहा, जहाँ उम्मीदें दम तोड़ रही थीं।

He kept gazing at the nearby horizon, where hopes were dying.

Masculine 'kshitij' (horizon) in oblique case.

6

पास की विसंगतियों ने समाज के ताने-बाने को कमज़ोर कर दिया है।

Nearby anomalies have weakened the fabric of society.

Feminine plural 'visangatiyon' (anomalies).

7

पास के अस्तित्व को नकारना स्वयं को नकारने जैसा है।

Denying the nearby existence is like denying oneself.

Masculine 'astitva' (existence) in oblique case.

8

पास की स्मृतियों का बोझ उठाना कोई सरल कार्य नहीं।

Carrying the burden of nearby memories is no simple task.

Feminine plural 'smritiyon' (memories).

Common Collocations

पास का गाँव
पास की दुकान
पास का रास्ता
पास का स्कूल
पास का अस्पताल
पास का बाज़ार
पास की खिड़की
पास का शहर
पास का पार्क
पास की नज़र

Common Phrases

सबसे पास का

— The very nearest/closest one.

सबसे पास का पेट्रोल पंप कहाँ है?

पास का मामला

— A local matter or an immediate concern.

यह हमारे पास का मामला है।

पास की बात

— Something that happened nearby or recently.

यह तो पास की ही बात है।

पास का आदमी

— A local person or someone close by.

कोई पास का आदमी बुलाओ।

पास का घर

— The nearby house/neighbor's house.

पास के घर में शादी है।

पास का स्टेशन

— The nearby railway or bus station.

पास का स्टेशन दो किलोमीटर दूर है।

पास की गली

— The nearby street or lane.

पास की गली में मुड़ जाओ।

पास का कमरा

— The nearby room/next room.

पास के कमरे में शोर हो रहा है।

पास का दृश्य

— The nearby view.

पास का दृश्य बहुत सुंदर है।

पास की चीज़

— A nearby thing/object.

पास की चीज़ें साफ़ नहीं दिखतीं।

Often Confused With

पास का vs पास में (Paas mein)

Means 'nearby' as an adverb. Example: 'Dukaan paas mein hai' (The shop is nearby). 'Paas ka' is an adjective: 'Paas ki dukaan' (The nearby shop).

पास का vs पक्का (Pakka)

Sounds slightly similar but means 'certain' or 'ripe'.

पास का vs पास (Paas)

Can mean 'near', 'to have', or 'to pass an exam'. 'Paas ka' is specifically the adjective form.

Idioms & Expressions

"पास का चश्मा"

— Reading glasses for near-sightedness.

मेरा पास का चश्मा टूट गया है।

Common
"पास की कौड़ी"

— Something very close or easily attainable (rarely used literally).

सफलता कोई पास की कौड़ी नहीं है।

Literary
"पास का सगा"

— A very close blood relative.

वह मेरा पास का सगा भाई है।

Colloquial
"पास की नज़र होना"

— To have the ability to see things clearly up close.

उसकी पास की नज़र बहुत तेज़ है।

Medical/Daily
"पास का ढोल सुहावना"

— A variation of 'distant drums sound sweet', implying things nearby are appreciated (though the original is 'door ke dhol...').

कभी-कभी पास का ढोल भी सुहावना लगता है।

Playful
"पास का रास्ता पकड़ना"

— To take a shortcut.

देर हो रही थी, इसलिए हमने पास का रास्ता पकड़ा।

Daily
"पास की मार"

— A blow or impact from a nearby source.

उसे पास की मार झेलनी पड़ी।

Colloquial
"पास का साथ"

— The company of someone nearby.

बुढ़ापे में पास का साथ ज़रूरी है।

Emotional
"पास का ठिकाना"

— A nearby place to stay or hide.

हमे कोई पास का ठिकाना ढूँढना होगा।

Daily
"पास की आग"

— Immediate danger or trouble.

पास की आग से बचो।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

पास का vs नज़दीकी

Both mean nearby.

'Nazdeeki' is slightly more formal and often used for relatives.

Paas ka bazaar vs Nazdeeki rishtedar.

पास का vs करीबी

Both imply closeness.

'Kareebi' is almost always used for emotional or personal closeness (friends/family).

Kareebi dost (Close friend).

पास का vs स्थानीय

Both relate to location.

'Sthaniya' means 'local' in a formal or administrative sense.

Sthaniya samachar (Local news).

पास का vs बगल का

Both mean close by.

'Bagal ka' specifically means 'next to' or 'adjacent'.

Bagal ka ghar (The house next door).

पास का vs आस-पास का

Very similar.

'Aas-paas ka' refers to the general surroundings rather than one specific nearby thing.

Aas-paas ka ilaka (The surrounding area).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Paas ka/ki] [Noun] [Adjective] hai.

Paas ka park bada hai.

A2

Kya [Paas ka/ki] [Noun] yahan hai?

Kya paas ki dukaan yahan hai?

B1

Main [Paas ke] [Noun] mein [Verb] hoon.

Main paas ke sheher mein rehta hoon.

B1

[Sabse paas ka] [Noun] kahan hai?

Sabse paas ka hospital kahan hai?

B2

[Paas ki] [Noun] se [Noun] laiye.

Paas ki dukaan se doodh laiye.

B2

Yeh [Paas ka] [Noun] us [Door ke] [Noun] se achha hai.

Yeh paas ka school us door ke school se achha hai.

C1

[Paas ke] [Abstract Noun] ka prabhav...

Paas ke vatavaran ka prabhav...

C2

[Paas ki] [Philosophical Noun] ko samajhna...

Paas ki samvednaon ko samajhna...

Word Family

Nouns

पास (Paas - Proximity/Nearness)
पड़ोस (Pados - Neighborhood)

Verbs

पास आना (Paas aana - To come near)
पास रखना (Paas rakhna - To keep near)

Adjectives

नज़दीकी (Nazdeeki - Nearby)
करीबी (Kareebi - Close)

Related

दूर (Door - Far)
सामने (Saamne - In front)
बगल (Bagal - Side)
बीच (Beech - Middle)
ऊपर (Oopar - Above)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily spoken Hindi.

Common Mistakes
  • Paas ka dukaan Paas ki dukaan

    Dukaan is feminine, so 'ka' must become 'ki'.

  • Paas ka ghar mein Paas ke ghar mein

    The postposition 'mein' forces the adjective into the oblique case 'ke'.

  • Sabse nazdeeki paas ka Sabse paas ka

    Using both 'nazdeeki' and 'paas ka' is redundant.

  • Paas ka dost Kareebi dost

    'Paas ka' is usually for physical distance; 'kareebi' is better for relationships.

  • Paas ka rasta hai Rasta paas mein hai

    Confusing the adjective 'paas ka' with the adverbial 'paas mein'.

Tips

Check the Noun

Always identify the gender of the noun first. If it's 'dukaan', use 'ki'. If it's 'hospital', use 'ka'.

Oblique Alert

Whenever you see 'mein', 'se', or 'ko' after your noun, change 'ka' to 'ke' immediately.

Superlatives

Add 'sabse' to find the 'closest' anything. It's a lifesaver in India.

The Kirana Store

When someone says 'paas ki dukaan', they almost always mean the small local grocery store.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'paas mein ka'. It's either 'paas mein' (adverb) or 'paas ka' (adjective).

Long 'AA'

Ensure the 'aa' in 'paas' is long, like in 'calm', not short like in 'pass'.

Agreement is Key

In exams, gender agreement for 'paas ka' is a high-scoring point for A2/B1 levels.

Context Clues

If you hear 'paas ke', expect a plural noun or a location with a preposition next.

Vision Talk

Use 'paas की' for vision-related terms like 'nazar'.

Shortcuts

'Paas ka rasta' is the universal Hindi term for a shortcut.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Pass' (like a mountain pass) that is very 'Paas' (near) to you. To make it an adjective, just add 'Ka' like a 'Cap' on top of the location.

Visual Association

Visualize a small circle around yourself. Everything inside that circle is 'Paas ka'. Picture a 'Paas ka Hospital' with a big 'H' right next to your house.

Word Web

Location Proximity Convenience Agreement Ka/Ke/Ki Nearby Local Immediate

Challenge

Try to describe five objects in your room right now using 'Paas ka', 'Paas ke', or 'Paas ki'. For example: 'Paas ki kursi' (Nearby chair).

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'पार्श्व' (pārśva), which means 'side' or 'flank'. Over centuries, it evolved through Prakrit into the modern Hindi 'paas'.

Original meaning: Side or flank of the body.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'paas ka' for people in a way that might sound objectifying; 'kareebi' is better for relationships.

English speakers often say 'the local shop'. In Hindi, 'paas ki dukaan' is the most natural equivalent.

The song 'Mere Paas Aao' from Mr. India (uses 'paas' as a verb/adverb). Common phrase in Bollywood: 'Mere paas maa hai' (uses 'paas' for possession). Local news segments often titled 'Aapke Paas Ka Haal' (News from near you).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Asking for directions

  • पास का स्टेशन कहाँ है?
  • सबसे पास का रास्ता बताइए।
  • क्या यहाँ पास का कोई बैंक है?
  • पास के चौराहे पर रुकिए।

Shopping

  • पास की दुकान से ले लो।
  • क्या पास का बाज़ार महँगा है?
  • पास की फार्मेसी खुली है।
  • पास के मॉल में चलते हैं।

Describing home

  • मेरे पास का पार्क बड़ा है।
  • पास के घर में शोर है।
  • पास की सड़क साफ़ है।
  • पास के स्कूल में बच्चे हैं।

Medical emergencies

  • पास का अस्पताल कहाँ है?
  • पास की एम्बुलेंस बुलाओ।
  • पास का डॉक्टर अच्छा है।
  • पास की दवा की दुकान।

Travel

  • पास का शहर सुंदर है।
  • पास के होटल में कमरा है।
  • पास का बस स्टैंड।
  • पास के गाँव की सैर।

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप यहाँ के किसी पास के रेस्टोरेंट को जानते हैं?"

"यहाँ सबसे पास का मेट्रो स्टेशन कौन सा है?"

"क्या पास के पार्क में टहलना सुरक्षित है?"

"मुझे पास की किसी अच्छी लाइब्रेरी के बारे में बताइए।"

"क्या पास के बाज़ार में पार्किंग की जगह मिलेगी?"

Journal Prompts

अपने घर के पास के सबसे पसंदीदा स्थान के बारे में लिखिए।

क्या आप पास के बाज़ार से खरीदारी करना पसंद करते हैं या मॉल से? क्यों?

अपने बचपन के पास के स्कूल की एक याद साझा करें।

अगर आपको पास के किसी शहर में जाना हो, तो आप कहाँ जाएँगे?

आपके घर के पास का माहौल कैसा है? विस्तार से लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in standard Hindi, 'ka' must change to 'ki' for feminine nouns and 'ke' for masculine plural or oblique cases. This is a fundamental rule of Hindi adjectives derived from postpositions.

You can say 'paas ka banda' (nearby guy), but it sounds very informal. For personal relationships, use 'kareebi' or 'nazdeeki'.

They are often interchangeable in informal speech. 'Paas wala' is slightly more colloquial and emphasizes 'the one which is near'.

Use 'sabse paas ka'. For example, 'sabse paas ka bank'.

Usually no. For 'near future', use 'nazdeeki bhavishya' or 'aane wala waqt'.

Because 'ghar' is followed by 'mein' (a postposition), the whole phrase enters the oblique case, changing 'ka' to 'ke'.

Yes, in the context of 'paas ka chashma' (reading glasses) or 'paas ki nazar' (near vision).

It is always 'ka', 'ke', or 'ki'. Hindi does not abbreviate these.

Yes, 'paas ka rasta' means a short/nearby route.

In daily spoken Hindi, yes. 'Nazdeeki' sounds a bit more polished or formal.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'The nearby shop is open.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Where is the nearest hospital?'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'I live in the nearby village.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Bring water from the nearby house.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Take the nearby route.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'The nearby trees are green.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Is there a nearby park?'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'She is looking at the nearby window.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'The nearby market is crowded.'

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writing

Translate to Hindi: 'We will meet in the nearby cafe.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ki dukaan'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ke school mein'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Sabse paas ka station'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ka rasta'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ki khidki'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ke log'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ki nazar'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ke gaon se'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ka hospital'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Paas ki gali'.

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speaking

Pronounce: पास का (Paas ka)

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speaking

Pronounce: पास की दुकान (Paas ki dukaan)

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speaking

Pronounce: पास के घर में (Paas ke ghar mein)

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speaking

Pronounce: सबसे पास का रास्ता (Sabse paas ka rasta)

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speaking

Pronounce: पास का अस्पताल (Paas ka hospital)

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby park'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby school'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'In the nearby city'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'From the nearby shop'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby window'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby trees'

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Say in Hindi: 'Nearby river'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby station'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby pharmacy'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby village'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby buildings'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby road'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'In the nearby library'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby doctor'

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speaking

Say in Hindi: 'Nearby cafe'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की दुकान खुली है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'मैं पास के गाँव में रहता हूँ।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'सबसे पास का बैंक कहाँ है?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास के पेड़ों पर पक्षी हैं।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की खिड़की बंद करो।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास के बाज़ार से फल लाओ।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की नदी सुंदर है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'वह पास के स्कूल में पढ़ता है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की गली में मुड़ो।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास का अस्पताल बड़ा है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास के घर में शादी है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की मेज़ पर किताब है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास का रास्ता छोटा है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास की नज़र कमज़ोर है।'

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listening

Listen and write: 'पास के शहर में बहुत शोर है।'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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