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कहना

A1 verb #300 most common 8 min read

कहना

kehna Top 300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips कहना in 30 Seconds

Explanation कहना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'कहना' (kahna) is introduced as a basic verb meaning 'to say.' Learners focus on the present tense forms: 'kehta hoon' (I say) and 'kehti hoon.' You use it to express simple needs or report what someone else is saying right now. It is essential for basic communication, such as asking 'How do you say [word] in Hindi?' (Hindi mein [word] ko kya kehte hain?). At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about the complex past tense rules, but you should recognize 'kaha' as the past form of 'say.'

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'कहना' in the past tense, which introduces the 'ne' (ने) particle. This is a major milestone. You learn that 'I said' is 'Maine kaha' and 'She said' is 'Usne kaha.' You also start using 'kahna' to follow simple instructions, like 'Mera kahna mano' (Follow my words/advice). You begin to distinguish 'kahna' from 'bolna' (to speak) and 'batana' (to tell/inform), using 'kahna' specifically for quoting or reporting specific utterances.

At the B1 level, 'कहना' becomes a tool for indirect speech. You learn to connect sentences using 'ki' (that), such as 'Usne kaha ki woh bimar hai' (He said that he is sick). You also explore the verbal noun aspect more deeply, using 'kahna' as 'advice' in more complex sentences. You start to use the polite imperative 'kahiye' (please say) in social situations to encourage others to speak. You also learn common phrases like 'Sahi kehna' (to say correctly/to be right).

At the B2 level, you use 'कहना' in idiomatic and nuanced ways. You understand the exclamation 'Kya kehna!' as a form of high praise. You can use 'kahna' in conditional sentences, such as 'Agar maine aisa kaha hota...' (If I had said so...). You also begin to recognize the difference between 'kahna' and more formal synonyms like 'kathan' or 'vachan' in literature and news. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'What the heart says' (Dil ka kehna) and use the verb in various compound forms.

At the C1 level, you master the subtle registers of 'कहना.' You use it to analyze literature, discuss philosophical statements, and navigate complex social hierarchies where 'kahna' implies authority. You are comfortable with the ergative past tense agreement even with multiple or feminine objects (e.g., 'Maine kai baatein kahin'). You can use 'kahna' to express sarcasm or irony and understand its use in classical poetry and high-level journalism where it might be replaced by 'stating' or 'asserting.'

At the C2 level, 'कहना' is used with total native-like fluidity. You understand its historical etymology from Sanskrit 'kath' and how it relates to 'katha' (story). You can use it in legal or highly formal contexts where specific declarations are made. You understand all regional variations and slang uses. You can play with the word in puns or complex wordplay, and you have a deep grasp of how 'kahna' functions as a cultural pillar in the concept of 'Log kya kahenge' (societal judgment).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कहना in 30 Seconds

Kahna is the primary Hindi verb for 'to say' or 'to tell,' used for specific statements.
It also means 'advice' or 'words' when used as a noun, often in the context of obedience.
In the past tense, it requires the 'ne' particle (e.g., Maine kaha - I said).
It is the root of many famous idioms like 'Kya kehna!' (Excellent!) and 'Log kya kahenge' (Social pressure).

The Hindi word कहना (Kahnā) is a cornerstone of the Hindi language, primarily functioning as a transitive verb meaning 'to say' or 'to tell.' However, its utility extends far beyond simple vocalization. In its infinitive form, it often acts as a verbal noun, representing the concept of 'advice,' 'words,' or 'instruction.' When you tell someone to 'follow my words,' you are essentially asking them to 'follow my kahna.' This dual nature makes it one of the first verbs a learner must master to navigate daily interactions in Hindi-speaking environments.

The Verbal Aspect: As a verb, it describes the act of expressing thoughts, facts, or feelings through speech. It is used in reporting speech, giving commands, and sharing information. For example, 'He said that he is coming' translates using this verb.
The Noun Aspect: As a noun, it refers to the weight of one's speech. If a child obeys their parents, it is said they 'maan-na' (accept/obey) their parents' 'kahna' (words/advice). It carries a connotation of authority or guidance.

मेरा कहना मानो और घर जाओ। (Follow my advice and go home.)

In social contexts, 'kahna' is used to bridge the gap between speaker and listener. Whether you are narrating a story, reporting a news event, or simply asking for a favor, 'kahna' is the vehicle for your intent. It is distinct from 'bolna' (to speak), which focuses more on the physical act of speaking or the ability to speak a language. 'Kahna' is about the content of the message. If 'bolna' is the sound, 'kahna' is the substance. This distinction is vital for A1 learners who often confuse the two.

उसने मुझसे कुछ नहीं कहा। (He didn't say anything to me.)

Social Hierarchy: In Indian culture, 'kahna' often implies a direction from an elder or superior. Ignoring someone's 'kahna' can be seen as a sign of disrespect in traditional settings.

बड़ों का कहना हमेशा सुनना चाहिए। (One should always listen to the words of elders.)

Furthermore, 'kahna' appears in many idiomatic expressions that describe the quality of something. For instance, 'Kya kahna!' is a common exclamation used to praise something extraordinary, literally meaning 'What is there to say!' or 'Beyond words!' This versatility ensures that you will encounter 'kahna' in literature, Bollywood dialogues, and everyday street conversations alike.

Using कहना (Kahnā) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's ergative structure in the past tense. Because 'kahna' is a transitive verb, when you use it in the perfective aspect (past tense), the subject takes the postposition 'ne' (ने), and the verb agrees with the object, not the subject. This is one of the most challenging hurdles for English speakers, but mastering it with 'kahna' provides a template for hundreds of other Hindi verbs.

Present Tense: In the present tense, it follows standard conjugation. 'Main kehta hoon' (I say - male), 'Main kehti hoon' (I say - female). It is used for habitual actions or general truths.

वह सच कहता है। (He tells the truth.)

When moving to the past tense, the sentence structure shifts significantly. If you want to say 'I said a word,' you must say 'Maine ek shabd kaha.' Here, 'Maine' is 'I + ne,' and 'kaha' is the masculine singular form of the verb agreeing with 'shabd' (word). If the object were feminine, like 'baat' (matter/talk), the verb would become 'kahi.' This agreement is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

उसने मुझसे एक बात कही। (He/She told me one thing.)

Imperative Mood: When giving orders or requests: 'Kaho' (Informal), 'Kahiye' (Formal). 'Kahiye' is a very polite way to ask someone to speak or tell their story.

आप अपनी बात कहिए। (Please say what you have to say.)

The future tense is more straightforward: 'Main kahunga' (I will say). It is often used when promising to convey a message to someone else. 'I will tell him' becomes 'Main usse kahunga.' Note the use of the postposition 'se' (with/to) with the person being spoken to. In Hindi, you say 'with' someone, not 'to' someone when using 'kahna.'

Indirect Speech: 'Kahna' is almost always followed by the conjunction 'ki' (that) when reporting speech. 'He said that...' becomes 'Usne kaha ki...'

माँ ने कहा कि खाना तैयार है। (Mother said that the food is ready.)

You will hear कहना (Kahnā) in virtually every corner of life in India. In the domestic sphere, it is the word of authority. Parents often tell their children, 'Mera kahna mano' (Listen to me/Obey me). In this context, it isn't just about hearing the words; it's about the cultural expectation of obedience and respect for elders. If you are visiting an Indian household, you might hear this being said to children or even younger siblings.

In Bollywood and Music: The word is a staple in romantic songs and dramatic dialogues. Phrases like 'Kuch na kaho' (Don't say anything) or 'Dil ka kehna' (What the heart says) are ubiquitous. It often represents the struggle to express deep emotions that words cannot fully capture.

फिल्म का डायलॉग: 'मैंने कहा था न कि मैं वापस आऊँगा?' (Movie dialogue: 'Didn't I say that I would come back?')

In professional and formal settings, 'kahna' is used to introduce opinions or reports. A news anchor might say, 'Sutron ka kehna hai...' (Sources say...). In a business meeting, someone might use the polite form 'Main yeh kehna chahta hoon...' (I want to say this...) to introduce a suggestion. It provides a structured way to voice thoughts in a group setting.

वाह! आपके खाने का क्या कहना! (Wow! Your food is beyond words/excellent!)

Marketplaces and Streets: In the bustling markets, you'll hear 'Bhaiya, sahi daam kahiye' (Brother, say the right price/Give me a fair price). Here, 'kahna' is used in the context of negotiation and establishing truth.

लोग क्या कहेंगे? (What will people say?)

The phrase 'Log kya kahenge?' is perhaps the most famous use of the word in a social context. It refers to the societal pressure and the fear of public judgment that is common in South Asian cultures. It shows how 'kahna' (what people say) can dictate social behavior and norms.

The most frequent mistake learners make with कहना (Kahnā) is confusing it with बोलना (Bolnā). While both involve speech, they are not interchangeable. 'Bolna' refers to the physical capacity to speak or the act of speaking a language (e.g., 'I speak Hindi'). 'Kahna' refers to the specific content or message being delivered. You 'say' (kahna) a sentence, but you 'speak' (bolna) a language.

The 'Se' vs 'Ko' Error: English speakers often want to use 'ko' (to) when saying 'tell to someone.' However, 'kahna' always takes 'se' (with/from). Saying 'Us-ko kaho' is technically incorrect in most contexts; it should be 'Us-se kaho' (Say with him/Tell him).

गलत: मैंने उसको कहा। (Wrong: I said to him.)
सही: मैंने उससे कहा। (Right: I said to him.)

Another major pitfall is the past tense agreement. As mentioned, 'kahna' is transitive. Learners often say 'Main kaha' (I said) instead of 'Maine kaha.' Without the 'ne,' the sentence is grammatically incomplete in standard Hindi. Furthermore, if you said multiple things, the verb must change to 'kahe' (masculine plural) or 'kahin' (feminine plural).

उसने बहुत बातें कहीं। (He/She said many things.)

Confusing with 'Batana': 'Batana' means 'to tell' in the sense of informing or explaining. 'Kahna' is just 'to say.' If you are giving someone directions, you are 'batana-ing' them. If you are just uttering a sentence, you are 'kahna-ing.'

मुझे अपना नाम बताओ। (Tell me your name - Inform me.)

Finally, avoid using 'kahna' for 'calling' someone a name unless you use the specific construction 'bulana.' While you can say 'Log use sher kehte hain' (People call him a lion/People say he is a lion), 'kahna' is more about the statement than the act of naming.

To truly master Hindi, you must understand the nuanced differences between कहना (Kahnā) and its synonyms. While 'kahna' is the most general term for saying something, other words provide more specific meanings that can elevate your speaking from basic to advanced.

कहना vs. बोलना (Bolnā): 'Kahna' focuses on the message; 'Bolna' focuses on the act of vocalizing. You 'say' (kahna) a secret, but you 'speak' (bolna) loudly.
कहना vs. बताना (Batānā): 'Kahna' is to utter; 'Batana' is to inform or explain. Use 'batana' when there is information to be transferred (like a story or a path).
कहना vs. सुनाना (Sunānā): 'Sunana' means 'to make someone hear,' usually used for telling stories, jokes, or poems. It implies a performance or a longer narrative.

मुझे एक कहानी सुनाओ। (Tell/Recite a story to me.)

In formal or literary Hindi, you might encounter 'Kathan' (statement) or 'Vachan' (promise/word). These are nouns derived from the same roots of communication but carry much more weight. 'Vachan' is often used in mythological contexts, like 'Pran jaye par vachan na jaye' (Life may go, but a promise must not be broken).

यह उनका प्रसिद्ध कथन है। (This is his famous statement/quote.)

For reporting or mentioning something briefly, 'Zikr karna' (to mention) is a beautiful Urdu-derived alternative often used in Hindi. It adds a touch of sophistication to your speech. If you want to say 'He mentioned you,' you would say 'Usne tumhara zikr kiya' instead of just 'Usne tumhare baare mein kaha.'

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'Katha' (a traditional Indian storytelling performance) comes from the same root as 'Kahna.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkəɦ.nɑː/

US /ˈkʌh.nɑː/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Kah'.

Rhymes With

रहना (Rehna - to stay) सहना (Sehna - to endure) बहना (Behna - to flow) गहना (Gehna - jewelry) ढहना (Dhahna - to collapse) टहना (Tahna - branch) चहना (Chahna - to chirp) पहना (Pahna - wore/to wear)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' too strongly like a 'kh' sound.
Making the first 'a' sound like 'aa' (Kaa-hna instead of Kah-na).
Dropping the 'h' entirely (Kana).
Pronouncing the 'n' as a retroflex 'N' (curling the tongue back).
Shortening the final 'aa' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a high-frequency word.

Writing 3/5

Challenging due to the 'ne' particle and past tense agreement rules.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to use in present tense, but requires practice for 'se' vs 'ko' usage.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to hear and understand in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मैं (I) वह (He/She) सच (Truth) झूठ (Lie) बात (Matter)

Learn Next

बोलना (To speak) बताना (To tell) सुनना (To listen) पूछना (To ask) समझना (To understand)

Advanced

कथन (Statement) वचन (Promise) उल्लेख (Mention) घोषणा (Declaration) संवाद (Dialogue)

Grammar to Know

Ergative Alignment

In 'Maine kaha', the 'ne' marks the subject because 'kahna' is transitive and the tense is perfective.

Verb-Object Agreement

In 'Maine baatein kahin', the verb 'kahin' is feminine plural to match 'baatein'.

Indirect Speech Conjunction

Use 'ki' to link the reporting verb with the reported clause: 'Usne kaha ki...'

Postposition 'Se'

Always use 'se' with the person you are speaking to: 'Ram se kaho' (Tell Ram).

Infinitive as Noun

The infinitive 'kahna' can act as a masculine singular noun meaning 'advice'.

Examples by Level

आप क्या कहते हैं?

What do you say?

Present tense, masculine plural/formal 'you'.

मैं नमस्ते कहता हूँ।

I say Namaste.

Simple present tense with 'Main'.

वह क्या कहती है?

What does she say?

Present tense, feminine singular.

इसे हिंदी में क्या कहते हैं?

What is this called in Hindi?

Passive-like use of 'kahna' to ask for translations.

वे सच कहते हैं।

They tell the truth.

Present tense, third person plural.

बच्चा 'माँ' कहता है।

The child says 'Mom'.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

तुम क्या कह रहे हो?

What are you saying?

Present continuous tense.

मुझे कुछ कहना है।

I have to say something.

Infinitive used to express necessity/desire.

मैंने उससे कहा।

I told him.

Past tense with 'ne' particle.

उसने सच कहा।

He/She told the truth.

Transitive past tense agreement with 'sach' (masculine).

मेरा कहना मानो।

Follow my advice/words.

Infinitive used as a noun (advice).

माँ ने कहा कि घर आओ।

Mother said to come home.

Reported speech using 'ki'.

आपने क्या कहा?

What did you say?

Formal past tense question.

उसने मुझसे झूठ कहा।

He/She told me a lie.

Use of 'se' with the listener.

शिक्षक ने कहा, 'बैठ जाओ' ।

The teacher said, 'Sit down'.

Direct quote.

मैंने यह नहीं कहा।

I didn't say this.

Negative past tense.

उसने कहा कि वह कल आएगा।

He said that he will come tomorrow.

Indirect speech with future tense.

डॉक्टर का कहना है कि आराम करो।

The doctor's advice is to rest.

Noun form 'kahna' used as 'advice'.

क्या आपने उनसे कुछ कहा?

Did you say anything to them?

Past tense with plural object 'unse'.

मुझे आपसे कुछ कहना था।

I wanted to say something to you.

Past infinitive to show intent.

वह हमेशा सही कहता है।

He always says the right thing.

Adverbial use of 'sahi'.

कहने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

It goes without saying.

Idiomatic phrase.

आप जो कहेंगे, मैं वही करूँगा।

I will do whatever you say.

Relative clause with future tense.

उसने मुझसे अपनी कहानी कही।

He/She told me their story.

Past tense agreement with 'kahani' (feminine).

उसके गाने का क्या कहना!

His singing is beyond words!

Idiomatic exclamation of praise.

लोग क्या कहेंगे, इसकी चिंता मत करो।

Don't worry about what people will say.

Cultural reference to 'Log kya kahenge'.

कहने को तो वह मेरा दोस्त है।

So to speak, he is my friend.

Phrase 'kahne ko toh' (nominally/supposedly).

उसने अपनी बात साफ़-साफ़ कह दी।

He/She said what they had to say clearly.

Compound verb 'kah dena' for emphasis.

जैसा कि मैंने पहले कहा था...

As I said before...

Reference to past statement.

कहना आसान है, करना मुश्किल।

Easier said than done.

Proverbial usage.

उसने मुझसे बहुत कुछ कहा।

He/She said a lot to me.

Use of 'bahut kuch' as object.

आपका क्या कहना है इस बारे में?

What is your opinion on this?

Noun form 'kahna' used as 'opinion'.

उनका यह कथन इतिहास में अमर हो गया।

This statement of his became immortal in history.

Formal noun 'kathan' related to 'kahna'.

कहने की आवश्यकता नहीं कि शिक्षा महत्वपूर्ण है।

Needless to say, education is important.

Formal 'avashyakta' instead of 'zaroorat'.

उसने दबी ज़ुबान में कुछ कहा।

He said something in a hushed tone/muttered.

Idiomatic 'dabi zuban' (pressed tongue).

लेखक का कहना है कि समाज बदल रहा है।

The author asserts that society is changing.

Formal reporting in literature.

बिना कहे ही सब कुछ समझ लेना।

To understand everything without it being said.

Adverbial use of 'bina kahe'.

क्या ही कहना उस नज़ारे का!

How wonderful was that sight!

Poetic/Exclamatory structure.

उसने अपनी वसीयत में जो कहा, वह सबको मानना पड़ा।

Everyone had to accept what he said in his will.

Legal/Formal context.

कहने-सुनने में बहुत अंतर होता है।

There is a big difference between saying and hearing (rumor vs reality).

Paired verbal nouns.

उसकी बातों में 'कहना' कम और 'करना' ज़्यादा था।

In his words, there was less 'saying' and more 'doing'.

Philosophical contrast between speech and action.

शास्त्रों का कहना है कि सत्य की ही विजय होती है।

The scriptures say that only truth triumphs.

High formal/Religious authority.

कहने को तो दुनिया बहुत कुछ कहती है।

As for saying, the world says many things (dismissing gossip).

Complex emphatic structure.

उसने जो कुछ भी कहा, वह पत्थर की लकीर है।

Whatever he said is set in stone.

Idiom 'patthar ki lakeer' with 'kahna'.

कहने का तात्पर्य यह है कि हमें एकता की ज़रूरत है।

The implication of what is being said is that we need unity.

Academic/Formal 'tatparya' (implication).

अनकही बातों को कहना ही कला है।

To say the unsaid things is art.

Abstract/Poetic use.

वह अपने 'कहने' पर अडिग रहा।

He stood firm on his word/statement.

Noun form used as 'stand/position'.

कहने मात्र से काम नहीं चलेगा।

Just saying it won't work.

Use of 'matra' (only/merely).

Synonyms

कथन बोल वचन बात निर्देश

Antonyms

अनसुना मौन

Common Collocations

सच कहना

झूठ कहना

कहना मानना

साफ़-साफ़ कहना

कुछ नहीं कहना

बार-बार कहना

सोच-समझकर कहना

कहना मुश्किल है

कहना आसान है

ठीक कहना

Common Phrases

कहने का मतलब

— What I mean to say / My point is.

मेरे कहने का मतलब यह नहीं था।

कहने की बात

— Just a way of speaking / Not necessarily true.

यह तो बस कहने की बात है।

जैसा कि कहा गया है

— As it has been said / As the saying goes.

जैसा कि कहा गया है, मेहनत का फल मीठा होता है।

कहने को

— Nominally / In name only.

कहने को तो वह अमीर है, पर दिल का गरीब।

बिना कहे

— Without saying / Implicitly.

उसने बिना कहे सब समझ लिया।

कहने-सुनने को

— For the sake of talking / Rumors.

कहने-सुनने को तो बहुत कुछ है।

कहते हैं कि

— It is said that / People say that.

कहते हैं कि यहाँ भूत रहते हैं।

कहा-सुनी होना

— To have an argument or verbal spat.

कल उन दोनों में कहा-सुनी हो गई।

कहने का तात्पर्य

— The implication or essence of the statement.

मेरे कहने का तात्पर्य समझिए।

कहते-कहते

— While saying / In the middle of saying.

वह कहते-कहते रुक गया।

Often Confused With

कहना vs बोलना (Bolna)

Bolna is 'to speak' (action); Kahna is 'to say' (content).

कहना vs बताना (Batana)

Batana is 'to tell/inform' (providing info); Kahna is 'to utter' (making a statement).

कहना vs खाना (Khana)

New learners often confuse the sound of 'Khana' (to eat) with 'Kahna' (to say).

Idioms & Expressions

"क्या कहना!"

— An expression of great admiration or praise.

आपकी आवाज़ का क्या कहना!

Common

"कहने की ज़रूरत नहीं"

— It goes without saying / It is obvious.

कहने की ज़रूरत नहीं कि वह बहुत समझदार है।

Neutral

"पत्थर की लकीर कहना"

— To say something that is unchangeable or absolutely true.

मेरे पिताजी की बात पत्थर की लकीर है।

Formal

"मुँह पर कहना"

— To say something directly to someone's face.

वह जो भी कहता है, मुँह पर कहता है।

Informal

"कहना-सुनना"

— To persuade or try to convince someone.

बहुत कहने-सुनने के बाद वह माना।

Neutral

"दिल की बात कहना"

— To speak one's heart / To be honest about feelings.

आज उसने अपने दिल की बात कह दी।

Romantic/Personal

"कहने में आना"

— To be said or mentioned (often by chance).

बातों-बातों में यह बात कहने में आ गई।

Neutral

"कहने को तो..."

— Used to show a contrast between appearance and reality.

कहने को तो वह राजा है, पर अधिकार कुछ नहीं।

Literary

"कहा न जाना"

— To be beyond description / Unspeakable.

उसकी खुशी का हाल कहा नहीं जाता।

Poetic

"कहने भर की देरी"

— Just a matter of saying (it will happen instantly).

तुम्हारे कहने भर की देरी है, काम हो जाएगा।

Colloquial

Easily Confused

कहना vs खाना (Khāna)

Similar phonetic structure.

Khana starts with a 'Kh' (aspirated) and means to eat. Kahna starts with 'K' (unaspirated) and means to say.

मैं खाना खाता हूँ vs मैं सच कहता हूँ।

कहना vs गाना (Gāna)

Rhyming sound.

Gana means to sing or a song. Kahna means to say.

गाना गाओ vs बात कहो।

कहना vs रहना (Rehna)

Rhyming sound.

Rehna means to stay or live. Kahna means to say.

यहाँ रहो vs सच कहो।

कहना vs बहना (Behna)

Rhyming sound.

Behna means to flow or a sister (behen). Kahna means to say.

पानी बहता है vs वह कहता है।

कहना vs सहना (Sehna)

Rhyming sound.

Sehna means to endure or tolerate. Kahna means to say.

दुख सहना vs बात कहना।

Sentence Patterns

Subject + [Object] + kehta/kehti hoon.

मैं सच कहता हूँ।

Subject + ne + [Object] + kaha.

उसने मुझसे कहा।

Subject + ne + kaha + ki + [Clause].

माँ ने कहा कि खाना खाओ।

[Possessive] + kahna + mano.

मेरा कहना मानो।

Bina + kahe + [Verb].

उसने बिना कहे काम कर दिया।

Kahne + ka + tatparya + yeh + hai...

कहने का तात्पर्य यह है कि...

Mixed

Kya + [Noun] + ka + kahna!

क्या चाय का कहना!

Imperative

[Person] + se + kaho/kahiye.

उससे कहिए।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; among the top 50 verbs in Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Main kaha → Maine kaha
Transitive verbs in the past tense require the 'ne' particle with the subject.
Us-ko kaho → Us-se kaho
The verb 'kahna' takes the postposition 'se' for the listener, not 'ko'.
Main Hindi kehta hoon → Main Hindi bolta hoon
Use 'bolna' for speaking a language. 'Kahna' is for specific messages.
Maine ek baat kaha → Maine ek baat kahi
In the past tense, the verb must agree with the object. 'Baat' is feminine, so use 'kahi'.
Mujhe rasta kaho → मुझे रास्ता बताओ (Mujhe rasta batao)
Use 'batana' for giving directions or information. 'Kahna' is just for uttering words.

Tips

The 'Ne' Rule

Always remember 'Maine kaha' for 'I said'. Forgetting 'ne' is the most common beginner mistake.

Polite Requests

When asking someone to speak, use 'Kahiye'. It sounds much more respectful than 'Kaho'.

Content vs. Act

If you are quoting a sentence, use 'kahna'. If you are describing a conversation, use 'bolna'.

Praising Food

After a meal, say 'Khane ka kya kehna!' to impress your host. It's a high compliment.

The Soft 'H'

The 'h' in 'kahna' is soft. Don't skip it, but don't make it harsh like 'kh'.

Listening to Elders

In India, 'kahna manna' (obeying) is a key value. Use this phrase to show cultural awareness.

Reporting Speech

Use 'ki' after 'kaha' to introduce what someone said. It's the equivalent of 'that' in English.

Agreement

If you hear someone say 'Sahi kaha', they are agreeing with the previous statement.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'kahna' with 'rehna' (to stay). You 'say' (kahna) where you 'stay' (rehna).

Negotiation

In markets, use 'Sahi daam kahiye' to ask for a fair price. It sounds more natural than 'batana'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kahna' as 'CAN-I' say something? It sounds slightly like 'can-ah'. Or imagine a 'Con-man' who is always 'saying' (kahna) things to trick people.

Visual Association

Imagine a mouth with a speech bubble that has a large 'K' inside it. The bubble represents the 'content' of the speech.

Word Web

Speech Advice Truth Lie Story Quote Instruction Voice

Challenge

Try to use 'kahna' in three different tenses today: 'Main kehta hoon' (Present), 'Maine kaha' (Past), and 'Main kahunga' (Future).

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'कथ्' (kath), which means to tell, narrate, or report.

Original meaning: In Sanskrit, 'kathayati' meant 'he tells' or 'he narrates.' It was used for storytelling and oral traditions.

Indo-Aryan family, descending from Sanskrit through Prakrit and Apabhramsha to Modern Hindi.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'kahna' in the imperative (Kaho!) with elders; always use the polite 'Kahiye' to avoid sounding rude.

English speakers often use 'tell' and 'say' interchangeably, but in Hindi, 'kahna' is strictly for 'saying' a message, while 'batana' is for 'telling' information.

The song 'Kuch Na Kaho' from the movie 1942: A Love Story. The proverb 'Kahna aasaan hai, karna mushkil' (Easier said than done). The common societal trope 'Log kya kahenge'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

मम्मी ने क्या कहा?
मेरा कहना सुनो।
खाना खाने को कहो।
उससे मत कहना।

In the Office

बॉस ने क्या कहा?
मैं कुछ कहना चाहता हूँ।
रिपोर्ट के बारे में कहिए।
उन्होंने मना कर दिया।

In a Shop

सही दाम कहिए।
आपने क्या कहा?
कितने पैसे हुए, फिर से कहिए।
सस्ता कहो।

With Friends

सच कहूँ तो...
उसने ऐसा क्यों कहा?
कुछ तो कहो!
मज़ाक में कहा था।

Learning Hindi

इसे क्या कहते हैं?
फिर से कहिए।
धीरे कहिए।
सही कैसे कहते हैं?

Conversation Starters

"क्या मैं आपसे कुछ कह सकता हूँ? (Can I say something to you?)"

"आपके बारे में लोग बहुत अच्छा कहते हैं। (People say very good things about you.)"

"सच कहूँ तो मुझे आज बहुत खुशी है। (To tell the truth, I am very happy today.)"

"क्या आपने समाचार में सुना कि उन्होंने क्या कहा? (Did you hear in the news what they said?)"

"हिंदी में 'Thank you' को क्या कहते हैं? (What do you say for 'Thank you' in Hindi?)"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने किसी से क्या खास कहा? (What special thing did you say to someone today?)

क्या आपने कभी किसी का कहना नहीं माना? (Did you ever not follow someone's advice?)

अगर आपको दुनिया से एक बात कहनी हो, तो वह क्या होगी? (If you had to say one thing to the world, what would it be?)

आपके माता-पिता का कौन सा कहना आपको हमेशा याद रहता है? (Which advice of your parents do you always remember?)

क्या कहना आसान है और करना मुश्किल? (What is easy to say but hard to do?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use 'Bolna' for the physical act of speaking or for languages (e.g., 'I speak Hindi'). Use 'Kahna' for the specific words or message you are delivering (e.g., 'I said that I am hungry').

'Kahna' is a transitive verb. In Hindi, transitive verbs in the past tense (perfective aspect) require the subject to take the 'ne' particle. For example, 'Maine kaha' (I said).

Yes, in its noun form, 'kahna' refers to someone's words or advice. For example, 'Mera kahna mano' means 'Follow my advice'.

You should say 'Usse kaho' (literally: say with him). Do not use 'ko' with 'kahna' for the person being spoken to.

It is an idiomatic expression used to praise something. It means 'What is there to say!' or 'It is beyond words/excellent!'

Yes, but usually in the pattern 'X ko Y kehte hain' (X is called Y). For example, 'Use sab sher kehte hain' (Everyone calls him a lion).

The past tense forms are 'kaha' (masc. sing.), 'kahe' (masc. plur.), 'kahi' (fem. sing.), and 'kahin' (fem. plur.).

You say 'Mujhe kuch kahna hai.' This uses the infinitive form to express a need or desire.

It is neutral. However, the imperative 'Kaho' is informal, while 'Kahiye' is formal and polite.

It comes from the Sanskrit root 'Kath', which also gives us words like 'Katha' (story) and 'Kathan' (statement).