This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 adverb #150 most common 12 min read

तब

tab Top 150

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips तब in 30 Seconds

Explanation तब in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'तब' is introduced as a simple word for 'then' or 'at that time'. Learners use it to refer to the past or future in a basic way. For example, 'I was a student then' (मैं तब छात्र था). It is also taught as the partner to 'जब' (when) in very simple sentences. The focus is on recognizing that 'तब' anchors a sentence to a specific time mentioned earlier. Learners should practice using it to answer 'When?' questions where the time is already known. It is one of the essential building blocks for basic storytelling and describing past states of being. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just think of it as a pointer to a time.

At A2, learners begin to use 'तब' in more structured ways, specifically in sequential sentences and simple 'when... then...' constructions. You will learn to use 'तब से' (since then) and 'तब तक' (until then). For example, 'तब तक इंतज़ार करो' (Wait until then). You start to distinguish 'तब' from 'फिर' (afterwards). A2 learners should be able to describe a simple routine or a past event using 'तब' to link two related times. You also begin to see 'तब' in simple conditional sentences, though 'तो' is still more frequent. The goal is to move from single-word references to linking two ideas temporally.

At the B1 level, you use 'तब' to handle more complex narratives and logical sequences. You understand the nuance of 'तभी' (right then/only then) and can use it to add emphasis. You are comfortable with the 'जब... तब...' structure in various tenses, including the future and the subjunctive. For example, 'जब वह आएगा, तब हम बात करेंगे' (When he comes, then we will talk). You also start using 'तब' to mean 'in that case' in conversation. B1 learners should be able to tell a coherent story where 'तब' acts as a transition between different phases of the plot. You also begin to recognize 'तब' in idiomatic expressions like 'जब जागो तब सवेरा'.

At B2, 'तब' is used with precision in both formal and informal contexts. You understand the subtle difference between 'तब' and 'तो' in conditional logic and can choose the one that fits the intended emphasis. You use 'तब' in complex postpositional phrases like 'तब की बात' (the matter of that time). You can follow and participate in discussions where 'तब' is used to contrast historical eras or different stages of a process. Your usage of 'तभी' becomes more natural, using it to mean 'that's why' in certain contexts (e.g., 'तभी तो मैं कह रहा हूँ' - That's exactly why I'm saying...). You are also able to use 'तब' in the 'तब कहीं जाकर' construction to describe hard-won results.

At the C1 level, 'तब' is used with stylistic flair. You can use it in literary or academic writing to create sophisticated temporal structures. You understand its use in classical poetry and can interpret the nuances of 'तब-तब' (every time then) in philosophical texts. You are aware of the register differences between 'तब', 'उस समय', and 'तदन्तर'. C1 learners can use 'तब' to manage complex discourse markers, using it to pivot between arguments or to anchor abstract concepts in a specific historical or hypothetical timeline. You also master the use of 'तब' in rhetorical questions to challenge an opponent's logic based on a previously established premise.

At the C2 level, your use of 'तब' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can navigate the most archaic or dialectal uses of the word in literature. You understand the deep etymological links to Sanskrit and how they influence modern usage. You can use 'तब' to create rhythmic and balanced sentences in formal oratory. You are sensitive to the tiniest shifts in meaning when 'तब' is replaced by its synonyms in high-level diplomatic or legal Hindi. At this level, 'तब' is not just a word for 'then'; it is a versatile instrument for manipulating the flow of time and logic in any possible communicative situation, from the most mundane to the most sublime.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

तब in 30 Seconds

'तब' is a temporal adverb meaning 'then' or 'at that time', essential for anchoring events in a specific past or future context.
It acts as the correlative partner to 'जब' (when), completing the logical and temporal loop in complex Hindi sentences.
Common variations include 'तभी' (right then), 'तब से' (since then), and 'तब तक' (until then), each adding specific temporal nuances.
While often translated as 'then', it should be distinguished from 'फिर' (afterwards) and 'तो' (logical result) for natural-sounding Hindi speech.

The Hindi word तब (tab) is a fundamental temporal adverb and conjunction that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'then' or 'at that time' in English. However, its utility in Hindi is far more expansive than its English counterpart, serving as a vital bridge in complex sentence structures, particularly when establishing chronological sequences or conditional relationships. In the landscape of Hindi grammar, 'तब' belongs to a set of 'T-words' (pro-forms) that correspond to 'J-words' (relative pronouns/adverbs). Just as 'जब' (jab) means 'when', 'तब' provides the resolution, meaning 'then'. This pairing is the backbone of temporal clauses in Hindi.

Temporal Anchor: In its simplest form, 'तब' refers to a specific moment in the past or future that has already been established in conversation. If someone says, 'I was in Delhi in 1990,' you might respond with, 'तब शहर कैसा था?' (How was the city then?). It anchors the listener to that specific temporal coordinate without needing to repeat the date or event.
The Correlative Function: Hindi relies heavily on correlative pairs. The 'जब... तब...' (When... then...) construction is ubiquitous. While English speakers often drop the 'then' (e.g., 'When it rains, [then] the grass gets wet'), Hindi speakers almost always retain 'तब' to complete the logical loop. It signals to the listener that the condition set by 'जब' has been met and the result is now being stated.
Logical Consequence: Beyond mere time, 'तब' can imply a logical 'in that case.' If a friend says they are finally free to talk, you might say, 'तब ठीक है, अब बात करते हैं' (Then it's fine, let's talk now). Here, 'तब' transitions from a clock-based 'then' to a situational 'then'.

जब सूरज उगेगा, तब हम अपनी यात्रा शुरू करेंगे।
Translation: When the sun rises, then we will begin our journey.

Understanding 'तब' also requires recognizing its variants. For instance, तभी (tabhi) is the emphatic form, meaning 'right then' or 'at that very moment.' Adding the particle '-ही' to 'तब' creates a sense of immediacy or exclusivity. Another common variation is तब से (tab se), meaning 'since then,' which tracks a duration starting from a specific past point. These nuances allow Hindi speakers to navigate time with surgical precision, making 'तब' a versatile tool in both poetic literature and mundane daily chores.

मैं तब छोटा बच्चा था।
Translation: I was a small child then (at that time).

In conversational Hindi, 'तब' is often shortened or softened in fast speech, but its grammatical necessity remains. It acts as a mental bookmark. When you are telling a story and you say 'तब क्या हुआ?' (Then what happened?), you are inviting the speaker to move the timeline forward from the last established point. It is the heartbeat of narrative progression in Hindi storytelling.

अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तब ही सफल होगे।
Translation: Only if you work hard, then will you be successful.

Historical Context: Etymologically, 'तब' descends from the Sanskrit 'तदा' (tadā). The transition from 'tadā' to 'tab' reflects the natural linguistic erosion in Indo-Aryan languages, simplifying the ending while retaining the core 'ta-' root that signifies 'that' (distal demonstrative).

तब से अब तक बहुत कुछ बदल गया है।
Translation: A lot has changed from then until now.

जब तुम घर पहुँचो, तब मुझे फोन करना।
Translation: When you reach home, then call me.

Mastering 'तब' involves understanding its placement and its relationship with other words in a sentence. Unlike English, where 'then' can sometimes float or be implied, Hindi grammar often demands 'तब' to maintain the structural integrity of complex thoughts. Let's break down the various ways you will construct sentences using this word.

The Jab-Tab Construction: This is the most common use case. The sentence begins with a relative clause starting with 'जब' (when) and concludes with a main clause starting with 'तब' (then). For example: 'जब मैं बच्चा था, तब मैं बहुत खेलता था' (When I was a child, [then] I used to play a lot). Notice that 'तब' usually appears at the very beginning of the second clause, acting as a pivot point.
Standing Alone as an Adverb: 'तब' can also function independently when the context of time has already been established. If you are talking about the 1947 independence of India, you might say: 'तब भारत बहुत गरीब था' (At that time, India was very poor). In this usage, 'तब' usually takes the first or second position in the sentence, similar to 'then' in English.
With Postpositions: 'तब' frequently combines with postpositions to create new meanings. 'तब से' (from then/since then), 'तब तक' (until then/by then), and 'तब का' (of that time). For example: 'वह तब से बीमार है' (He has been sick since then). Or, 'मैं तब तक इंतज़ार करूँगा' (I will wait until then).

जब तुम फ्री हो जाओ, तब बताना।
Translation: When you become free, then tell (me).

In conditional sentences, 'तब' can sometimes replace 'तो' (toh), though 'तो' is more common for pure 'if-then' logic. However, if the condition is specifically tied to a moment in time, 'तब' is preferred. For example: 'अगर तुम कल आओगे, तब हम फिल्म देखेंगे' (If you come tomorrow, then [at that time] we will watch a movie). Here, 'तब' emphasizes that the movie-watching is contingent on the specific time of your arrival.

मैं तब वहाँ नहीं था।
Translation: I was not there then (at that time).

Another advanced usage is 'तब कहीं जाकर' (tab kahin jaakar), which translates to 'only then' or 'after much effort.' It suggests that an action was completed after a long or difficult process. For example: 'उसने बहुत मेहनत की, तब कहीं जाकर उसे नौकरी मिली' (He worked very hard, only then did he get a job). This idiomatic use shows how 'तब' anchors the culmination of events.

तब तक तुम यहीं रुको।
Translation: Until then, you stay right here.

Finally, consider the use of 'तब' in questions. While 'कब' (kab) is the question word for 'when', 'तब' can be used in a follow-up question to confirm a time. If someone says 'I will come at 5 PM,' you might ask, 'तब क्या हम चाय पिएंगे?' (Will we drink tea then?). It acts as a confirmation of the temporal context provided by the other speaker.

जब काम खत्म होगा, तब हम घर जाएंगे।
Translation: When the work is finished, then we will go home.

'तब' is not just a textbook word; it is the fabric of daily communication in the Hindi-speaking world. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the quiet villages of Uttar Pradesh, you will hear this word used to organize thoughts, tell stories, and negotiate time. Understanding its real-world context helps you move beyond literal translation and into natural fluency.

Daily Conversations: In everyday life, 'तब' is used to coordinate plans. You'll hear it in phrases like 'तब मिलते हैं' (See you then) or 'तब बात करेंगे' (We'll talk then). It's the standard way to agree on a time that has just been mentioned. If someone says, 'I'll be free at 6,' the response is almost always 'ठीक है, तब मिलते हैं.'
Bollywood and Storytelling: Hindi cinema is a great place to observe 'तब'. It's used in nostalgic dialogues to contrast the past with the present. 'तब की बात और थी' (That time was different) is a classic trope. It's also used in suspenseful storytelling: 'जब दरवाज़ा खुला, तब उसने देखा...' (When the door opened, then he saw...). It builds tension by delaying the revelation.
News and Formal Reports: In news broadcasting, 'तब' is used to establish timelines of events. 'जब पुलिस पहुँची, तब अपराधी भाग चुका था' (When the police arrived, then the criminal had already fled). It provides a clear, chronological structure that is essential for reporting facts accurately.

“जब तक सूरज चाँद रहेगा, तब तक आपका नाम रहेगा।”
A common slogan: As long as the sun and moon remain, [then] until then your name will remain.

You will also hear 'तब' in religious and philosophical discourses. Many ancient texts translated into modern Hindi use 'तब' to describe the sequence of creation or the results of spiritual practices. In the Bhagavad Gita's Hindi translations, the 'जब-जब... तब-तब...' (Whenever... then...) structure is famously used to describe the divine's intervention in the world: 'जब-जब धर्म की हानि होती है, तब-तब मैं अवतार लेता हूँ' (Whenever righteousness declines, then I manifest myself).

तब की यादें आज भी ताज़ा हैं।
Translation: The memories of that time are still fresh today.

In professional settings, 'तब' is used in project management and scheduling. 'जब बजट पास होगा, तब काम शुरू होगा' (When the budget is passed, then the work will start). It clarifies dependencies between tasks. Even in technical Hindi, 'तब' remains the standard logical operator for temporal sequences.

अगर बारिश हुई, तब मैच रद्द हो जाएगा।
Translation: If it rains, then the match will be cancelled.

Finally, 'तब' is a favorite in Hindi proverbs and idioms. It's used to convey wisdom about timing and consequences. For example, 'जब जागो, तब सवेरा' (When you wake up, then it's morning), which means it's never too late to start something good. The word 'तब' here provides the crucial turning point in the proverb's logic.

Even though 'तब' seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its nuances. Because 'then' in English is a 'catch-all' word, learners tend to over-apply 'तब' in places where other Hindi words would be more appropriate. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing 'तब' with 'फिर' (Phir): This is the #1 mistake. In English, 'then' often means 'after that' (e.g., 'I went to the store, then I went home'). In Hindi, if you are describing a sequence of actions, you should use 'फिर' (phir) or 'उसके बाद' (uske baad). Use 'तब' only if you are referring to a specific point in time or completing a 'when' clause. Saying 'मैं बाज़ार गया, तब मैं घर आया' sounds slightly unnatural; 'मैं बाज़ार गया, फिर मैं घर आया' is better.
Overusing 'तब' in Conditional Sentences: While 'तब' can mean 'then' in 'if... then' structures, 'तो' (toh) is much more common and natural for logical consequences. For example, 'अगर तुम आओगे, तो हम खाएंगे' (If you come, then we will eat). Using 'तब' here isn't grammatically wrong, but it shifts the focus heavily to the *time* of eating rather than the *result* of your coming.
Misusing 'तब' for 'So': In English, we sometimes use 'then' to mean 'so' or 'therefore' (e.g., 'You're tired? Then go to sleep!'). In Hindi, 'तो' is the correct word for this. 'तुम थके हो? तो सो जाओ!' Using 'तब' in this context sounds like you are telling them to sleep at a specific time, rather than as a result of being tired.

❌ मैं घर गया तब मैंने खाना खाया।
✅ मैं घर गया फिर मैंने खाना खाया।
Correction: Use 'phir' for sequential 'then' (afterwards).

Another mistake is forgetting the emphatic 'ही' (hi) when needed. If you want to say 'only then,' you must use 'तभी' (tabhi) or 'तब ही' (tab hi). Simply saying 'तब' might not convey the necessary level of exclusivity. For instance, 'जब वह आया, तब मैं गया' (When he came, then I left) vs. 'जब वह आया, तभी मैं गया' (Only when he came, did I leave).

❌ अगर तुम चाहो, तब जा सकते हो।
✅ अगर तुम चाहो, तो जा सकते हो।
Correction: 'Toh' is better for logical permission/consequence.

Finally, be careful with 'तब से' (tab se). Learners sometimes use 'से' (se) with 'अब' (ab) to mean 'from now,' but 'तब से' specifically refers to a point in the *past*. If you want to say 'from now on,' use 'अब से' (ab se). Mixing these up can cause significant confusion about whether you are talking about the past or the future.

To truly master 'तब', you need to know its neighbors. Hindi has several words that translate to 'then' or refer to 'that time,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one will make your Hindi sound more authentic and precise.

तब (Tab) vs. फिर (Phir): As discussed, 'तब' is about a specific point in time or a correlative to 'जब'. 'फिर' is about sequence (next, afterwards) or repetition (again). If you say 'फिर क्या हुआ?', you are asking 'What happened next?'. If you say 'तब क्या हुआ?', you are asking 'What happened at that specific moment?'.
तब (Tab) vs. तो (Toh): 'तो' is the logical 'then'. It's used in 'if-then' statements and as a discourse marker to mean 'so' or 'well'. 'तब' is the temporal 'then'. Use 'तो' for consequences and 'तब' for timing. Example: 'अगर तुम आओगे, तो (result) हम खाएंगे' vs 'जब तुम आओगे, तब (time) हम खाएंगे'.
तब (Tab) vs. उस समय (Us Samay): 'उस समय' literally means 'at that time'. It is more formal and descriptive than 'तब'. While 'तब' is a quick adverb, 'उस समय' is a noun phrase. You might use 'उस समय' in a history essay, while 'तब' is perfect for a casual chat.

तभी (Tabhi) = तब + ही
Meaning: At that very moment / Only then.

There is also तदन्तर (tadantar), a highly formal Sanskritized word meaning 'thereafter' or 'after that.' You will only encounter this in high literature or formal speeches. For the average learner, 'उसके बाद' (uske baad) is the much more useful alternative for 'after that'.

उस वक्त (Us waqt)
An Urdu-origin alternative to 'उस समय', very common in spoken Hindi.

In some dialects, you might hear तद (tad) or तबले (table), but these are regional and should be avoided in standard Hindi. Stick to 'तब' for universal understanding. Another interesting related word is तब-तब (tab-tab), used in the 'जब-जब... तब-तब...' construction to mean 'whenever... then every time...'. This repetition adds a sense of regularity or eternal law to the sentence.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"तत्कालीन परिस्थितियों में तब यह निर्णय अनिवार्य था।"

Neutral

"जब वह आया, तब मैं सो रहा था।"

Informal

"तब क्या करेगा भाई?"

Child friendly

"जब परी आएगी, तब जादू होगा!"

Slang

"तब तो तेरी वाट लग जाएगी!"

Fun Fact

The 't-' sound in 'तब' is a distal marker in Indo-European languages, similar to 'that' in English or 'tad' in Sanskrit, referring to something away from the speaker (in this case, away in time).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t̪əb/

US /t̪əb/

The stress is equal on both consonants as it is a short, two-letter word.

Rhymes With

सब (sab - all) कब (kab - when) जब (jab - when) अब (ab - now) रब (rab - God) लब (lab - lips) ढब (dhab - style) ग़ब (ghab - pride)

Common Errors

Aspirating the 'b' to sound like 'tabh'.
Using an English 't' (alveolar) instead of a Hindi 't' (dental).
Lengthening the vowel to sound like 'taab'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a short, frequent word.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of correlative structures to use correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce but requires practice to distinguish from 'phir' and 'toh'.

Listening 1/5

Very common in speech, usually clear and distinct.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

जब (jab) अब (ab) मैं (main) था (tha) है (hai)

Learn Next

तभी (tabhi) फिर (phir) तो (toh) जब तक (jab tak) तब से (tab se)

Advanced

तदन्तर (tadantar) तत्पश्चात (tatpashchat) यदा-तदा (yada-tada) कालक्रम (kaalkram)

Grammar to Know

Relative-Correlative Pairs

जब (Relative) ... तब (Correlative)

Temporal Postpositions

तब + से = Since then

Emphatic Particle '-hi'

तब + ही = तभी (Right then)

Conditional Apodosis

अगर (If) ... तब (Then - temporal focus)

Distal Adverbs

अब (Near) vs तब (Far/Distal)

Examples by Level

मैं तब घर पर था।

I was at home then.

Simple past tense usage of 'tab' as 'at that time'.

तब तुम कहाँ थे?

Where were you then?

Interrogative sentence using 'tab' to refer to a known time.

जब बारिश होगी, तब हम खेलेंगे।

When it rains, then we will play.

Basic correlative 'jab... tab' structure.

तब सब ठीक था।

Everything was fine then.

'Tab' used to describe a past state.

तब से मैं यहाँ हूँ।

I have been here since then.

'Tab se' indicates a duration starting from a past point.

तब तक रुको।

Wait until then.

'Tab tak' means 'until that time'.

वह तब छोटा था।

He was small then.

Using 'tab' to contrast past and present physical states.

तब क्या हुआ?

What happened then?

A common follow-up question in storytelling.

जब खाना तैयार होगा, तब मैं बुलाऊँगा।

When the food is ready, then I will call.

Future tense correlative construction.

तब तक तुम अपना काम करो।

Until then, you do your work.

Using 'tab tak' to define a period of time for an activity.

मैं 2015 में दिल्ली में था, तब बहुत गर्मी थी।

I was in Delhi in 2015, it was very hot then.

'Tab' referring back to a specific year mentioned in the first clause.

जब तुम आओगे, तभी हम जाएंगे।

Only when you come, will we go.

Emphatic 'tabhi' (tab + hi) used for exclusivity.

तब से उसने फोन नहीं किया।

He hasn't called since then.

'Tab se' with a negative verb to show an ongoing state.

अगर वह पूछे, तब बता देना।

If he asks, then tell (him).

Conditional 'agar... tab' usage.

तब की बात कुछ और थी।

That time was something else (different).

Idiomatic use of 'tab ki baat' to denote nostalgia.

जब तुम फ्री हो, तब आना।

When you are free, then come.

Informal invitation using 'jab... tab'.

जब तक तुम सच नहीं बोलोगे, तब तक मैं तुम्हारी मदद नहीं करूँगा।

As long as you don't tell the truth, [then] until then I won't help you.

Complex 'jab tak... tab tak' construction with negation.

उसने बहुत कोशिश की, तब जाकर उसे सफलता मिली।

He tried a lot, only then did he get success.

Using 'tab' to mark the culmination of an effort.

तभी तो मैं कह रहा हूँ कि हमें जाना चाहिए।

That's exactly why I'm saying that we should go.

'Tabhi toh' used as a discourse marker for justification.

जब-जब जुल्म बढ़ता है, तब-तब क्रांति होती है।

Whenever oppression increases, then every time a revolution happens.

Repetitive 'jab-jab... tab-tab' for universal truths.

तब की तुलना में आज सुविधाएँ ज़्यादा हैं।

Compared to then, there are more facilities today.

'Tab ki tulna mein' used for historical comparison.

अगर तुम मेरी बात मानते, तब यह समस्या नहीं होती।

If you had listened to me, then this problem wouldn't have happened.

Counterfactual conditional using 'tab' in the result clause.

जब वह स्टेज पर आया, तब सबने तालियाँ बजाईं।

When he came on stage, then everyone clapped.

Narrative use of 'tab' to describe a reaction.

तब तक के लिए अलविदा।

Goodbye for until then.

A common parting phrase 'tab tak ke liye'.

जब आर्थिक मंदी आई, तब कई लोगों की नौकरियाँ चली गईं।

When the economic recession came, then many people lost their jobs.

Formal usage in a socio-economic context.

तभी मुझे एहसास हुआ कि मैं गलत था।

It was then that I realized I was wrong.

Emphatic 'tabhi' used for a sudden realization.

जब तक हम लक्ष्य प्राप्त नहीं कर लेते, तब तक चैन से नहीं बैठेंगे।

Until we achieve the goal, we will not sit in peace.

Strong resolution using 'jab tak... tab tak'.

तब की और अब की परिस्थितियों में ज़मीन-आसमान का अंतर है।

There is a world of difference between the circumstances of then and now.

Idiomatic expression 'zamin-asman ka antar' with 'tab'.

अगर तुम समय पर पहुँचते, तब शायद हम उसे रोक पाते।

If you had arrived on time, then perhaps we could have stopped him.

Complex conditional with 'shayad' (perhaps).

जब-जब वह मुस्कुराती है, तब-तब मेरा दिन बन जाता है।

Whenever she smiles, then every time my day is made.

Poetic/Romantic use of repetitive correlatives.

तब कहीं जाकर उसे अपनी गलती का अहसास हुआ।

Only after much time/effort did he realize his mistake.

Advanced 'tab kahin jaakar' construction.

जब तक सूरज चाँद रहेगा, तब तक तुम्हारा नाम रहेगा।

As long as the sun and moon remain, your name will remain.

Classic hyperbolic expression of fame/legacy.

जब समाज में नैतिकता का पतन होता है, तब अराजकता फैलती है।

When there is a decline of morality in society, then chaos spreads.

Academic/Sociological register.

तभी तो दार्शनिकों ने कहा है कि समय ही सबसे बड़ा शिक्षक है।

That is exactly why philosophers have said that time is the greatest teacher.

Rhetorical use of 'tabhi toh' to cite authority.

जब तक हम अपनी कमियों को स्वीकार नहीं करते, तब तक सुधार संभव नहीं है।

Until we accept our shortcomings, improvement is not possible.

Philosophical/Self-help context.

तब के कवियों ने प्रकृति का बहुत सुंदर चित्रण किया है।

The poets of that time have portrayed nature very beautifully.

Literary analysis register.

अगर उस समय उचित निर्णय लिया गया होता, तब आज स्थिति भिन्न होती।

If a proper decision had been taken at that time, then the situation today would be different.

Formal counterfactual with 'uchit nirnay' (proper decision).

जब-जब सत्ता निरंकुश होती है, तब-तब जन-आक्रोश फूटता है।

Whenever power becomes absolute/autocratic, then public anger erupts.

Political science terminology.

तब कहीं जाकर विज्ञान ने इस रहस्य से पर्दा उठाया।

Only then did science finally lift the veil from this mystery.

Narrative climax in a scientific context.

तब तक के लिए हम इस विषय को यहीं विराम देते हैं।

Until then, we pause this subject right here.

Formal concluding phrase.

जब तक आत्मा का परमात्मा से मिलन नहीं होता, तब तक जीव भटकता रहता है।

Until the soul merges with the Divine, the living being continues to wander.

Metaphysical/Spiritual register.

तभी तो यह कहावत चरितार्थ होती है कि 'साँच को आँच नहीं'।

That is why this proverb is proven true: 'Truth has nothing to fear'.

Using 'tabhi toh' to validate a proverb (charitarth hona).

जब-जब मानवता पर संकट आया है, तब-तब किसी महापुरुष ने जन्म लिया है।

Whenever a crisis has come upon humanity, then a great soul has taken birth.

Historical/Theological grand narrative.

तब की राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने देश के भविष्य को अंधकारमय बना दिया था।

The political instability of that time had made the country's future dark.

High-level political analysis.

अगर हम तब सचेत हो गए होते, तब शायद यह विनाश रोका जा सकता था।

If we had become alert then, then perhaps this destruction could have been prevented.

Complex passive voice counterfactual.

तब कहीं जाकर समाज की चेतना जागृत हुई।

Only then did the consciousness of society finally awaken.

Abstract sociological narrative.

जब तक न्याय नहीं मिलता, तब तक संघर्ष जारी रहेगा।

Until justice is received, the struggle will continue.

Formal activist rhetoric.

तब की स्मृतियाँ आज भी हृदय के किसी कोने में जीवित हैं।

The memories of that time are still alive in some corner of the heart today.

Poetic/Literary expression of nostalgia.

Synonyms

उस समय तदुपरांत तत्पश्चात फिर तदा

Antonyms

अब अभी

Common Collocations

तब से

तब तक

तब का

तब कहीं जाकर

जब-जब... तब-तब

तब भी

तभी तो

तब और अब

तब क्या

तब ही

Common Phrases

तब मिलते हैं

— See you then. Used to confirm a meeting time.

ठीक है, शाम को 5 बजे, तब मिलते हैं।

तब की बात

— The matter of that time. Used to refer to past circumstances.

तब की बात और थी, अब सब बदल गया है।

तब से अब तक

— From then until now. Used to describe a continuous state.

तब से अब तक उसने बहुत तरक्की की है।

तब तक के लिए

— For until then. Used as a temporary goodbye or pause.

तब तक के लिए अलविदा।

तब क्या होगा?

— What will happen then? Used to ask about future consequences.

अगर बारिश हुई, तब क्या होगा?

तभी के तभी

— Right then and there. Used for immediate action.

उसने तभी के तभी फैसला ले लिया।

तब भी नहीं

— Not even then. Used to show persistence or failure.

मैंने बहुत समझाया, पर वह तब भी नहीं माना।

तब जाकर

— Finally / After that. Used to show the result of a long process.

बहुत मेहनत की, तब जाकर इनाम मिला।

तब और क्या?

— Then what else? Used to imply something is obvious.

अगर वह नहीं आएगा, तब और क्या कर सकते हैं?

तब से ही

— Right from that time. Emphasizes the starting point.

वह तब से ही बीमार है।

Often Confused With

तब vs फिर (Phir)

English speakers use 'then' for both 'at that time' and 'next'. Hindi uses 'तब' for the former and 'फिर' for the latter.

तब vs तो (Toh)

Hindi uses 'तो' for logical results ('so') and 'तब' for temporal points ('then').

तब vs तभी (Tabhi)

Learners often use 'तब' when the more emphatic 'तभी' (at that very moment) is required.

Idioms & Expressions

"जब जागो तब सवेरा"

— It's never too late to start something good. Literally: When you wake up, then it's morning.

तुम अब पढ़ाई शुरू कर रहे हो? कोई बात नहीं, जब जागो तब सवेरा।

Common/Proverb

"तब कहीं जाकर"

— After a great deal of effort or time. Indicates a hard-won result.

दस साल मेहनत की, तब कहीं जाकर अपना घर बना पाया।

Narrative

"तब की तब देखी जाएगी"

— We'll deal with it when the time comes. Used to dismiss future worries.

कल क्या होगा, तब की तब देखी जाएगी।

Informal

"जब तक साँस तब तक आस"

— While there is life, there is hope. Literally: Until there is breath, then until then there is hope.

हिम्मत मत हारो, जब तक साँस तब तक आस।

Philosophical

"तब और अब का अंतर"

— A massive difference between past and present.

शहर में तब और अब का अंतर साफ़ दिखता है।

Analytical

"तभी तो"

— That is exactly why. Used to reinforce a logical point.

तभी तो मैं कह रहा हूँ कि संभल कर चलो।

Conversational

"जब-जब... तब-तब"

— Every single time a certain condition is met. Often used for karmic or natural laws.

जब-जब बुराई बढ़ती है, तब-तब विनाश होता है।

Literary/Religious

"तब से अब"

— A phrase used to encompass a whole period of change.

तब से अब तक गंगा में बहुत पानी बह चुका है (A lot has changed).

Idiomatic

"तब क्या खाक करोगे?"

— What on earth will you do then? (Sarcastic/Slang).

अगर पैसे खत्म हो गए, तब क्या खाक करोगे?

Informal/Slang

"तब ही सही"

— Even if it's only then. Used to accept a delayed result.

अगर तुम कल आओगे, तब ही सही, पर आना ज़रूर।

Conversational

Easily Confused

तब vs अब (Ab)

Both are short, temporal adverbs ending in 'b'.

'Ab' means 'now' (present), while 'tab' means 'then' (past/future).

अब मैं यहाँ हूँ, तब मैं वहाँ था।

तब vs कब (Kab)

Both are short, temporal adverbs ending in 'b'.

'Kab' is a question word (When?), while 'tab' is a relative adverb (Then).

तुम कब आओगे? तब मैं जाऊँगा।

तब vs सब (Sab)

Rhyming words.

'Sab' means 'all/everything', while 'tab' means 'then'.

तब सब ठीक था।

तब vs जब (Jab)

They are correlative pairs and look similar.

'Jab' is the trigger (When...), 'tab' is the resolution (...then).

जब तुम पढ़ोगे, तब तुम सीखोगे।

तब vs तब भी (Tab bhi)

Learners forget the 'bhi'.

'Tab' is 'then', 'tab bhi' is 'even then' or 'still'.

बारिश हो रही थी, तब भी वह बाहर गया।

Sentence Patterns

मैं तब [Adjective] था।

मैं तब खुश था।

जब [Verb], तब [Verb]।

जब खाओ, तब बोलो।

तब से [Subject] [Verb] रहा है।

तब से वह रो रहा है।

तब तक [Subject] [Verb] करेगा।

तब तक मैं इंतज़ार करूँगा।

तभी तो [Clause]।

तभी तो मैं नहीं गया।

जब-जब [Clause], तब-तब [Clause]।

जब-जब तुम आते हो, तब-तब मैं खुश होता हूँ।

[Clause], तब कहीं जाकर [Clause]।

उसने माफ़ी माँगी, तब कहीं जाकर मैंने उसे छोड़ा।

अगर [Past Subjunctive], तब [Conditional]।

अगर तुमने मेहनत की होती, तब आज तुम सफल होते।

Word Family

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High (Top 100 Hindi words).

Common Mistakes

Using 'तब' for sequential actions. → मैं घर आया, फिर मैंने खाना खाया।
Learners often say 'तब' because English uses 'then' for sequences. In Hindi, 'फिर' is for 'next/afterwards'.
Using 'तब' for logical 'so'. → तुम थक गए हो? तो आराम करो।
Using 'तब' here makes it sound like 'Rest at that specific time' rather than 'Rest because you are tired'. Use 'तो'.
Forgetting 'तब' in a 'जब' sentence. → जब तुम आओगे, तब हम चलेंगे।
While understandable, omitting 'तब' makes the sentence sound 'broken' or overly simplified to native ears.
Confusing 'तब से' and 'अब से'. → अब से मैं रोज़ पढूँगा।
'तब से' is from a past point. 'अब से' is from now on. Mixing them up confuses the timeline of your habits.
Aspirating the 'b' in 'tab'. → तब (Tab)
Pronouncing it as 'tabh' is a common phonetic error that can make the word unrecognizable or sound like a different dialect.

Tips

The Correlative Rule

Always pair 'जब' with 'तब' in formal writing. While English often drops the 'then', Hindi feels more balanced and clear when 'तब' is included to mark the start of the main clause.

Tab vs Phir

If you can replace 'then' with 'after that' in English, use 'फिर' in Hindi. If you can replace it with 'at that time', use 'तब'. This simple check prevents 90% of mistakes.

Emphasize with Tabhi

To sound more like a native, use 'तभी' (tabhi) for sudden events. Instead of saying 'When the bell rang, then I ran', say 'When the bell rang, right then (तभी) I ran'.

Anticipate the T

When listening to Hindi, treat 'Jab' like an open bracket. Your brain should stay alert until it hears 'Tab' (the closing bracket) to understand the full temporal context.

Nostalgia Marker

When talking to elders, use 'तब' to ask about their past. 'तब स्कूल कैसा था?' (How was school then?) is a great way to show interest in their history and practice the word.

Punctuation with Tab

In modern Hindi writing, a comma is often placed before 'तब' in a 'जब... तब' sentence to help the reader navigate the transition between clauses.

Tab is a Tag

Think of 'तब' as a 'tag' you put on a specific moment in time. Once you tag it, you can refer back to it whenever you need to.

Tabhi Toh

Learn the phrase 'तभी तो' (tabhi toh) to mean 'That's why!'. It's a powerful way to agree with someone's logic or explain your own actions based on a reason just mentioned.

Avoid English 'Then' Logic

Don't use 'तब' to mean 'so' in sentences like 'You're hungry? Then eat.' Use 'तो' (toh) for that. 'तब' is almost always about the clock or a specific moment.

Past vs Future

Practice using 'तब' for both past and future. Say one sentence about 2010 and one about 2030 using 'तब' to see how it functions identically as a temporal anchor.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tab' as a 'Tab' in a browser. When you click a 'Tab', you go to *that* specific page/time. Tab = That time.

Visual Association

Imagine a timeline. 'Ab' (now) is where you are. 'Tab' (then) is a point further down or back on the line. Visualize a finger pointing to a specific spot on a clock.

Word Web

जब (Jab) अब (Ab) कब (Kab) तभी (Tabhi) तब तक (Tab tak) तब से (Tab se) तब का (Tab ka) तब भी (Tab bhi)

Challenge

Try to tell a story about your childhood using 'तब' at least five times to describe how things were different 'at that time'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'तदा' (tadā), which means 'at that time'. Over centuries of linguistic evolution through Prakrit and Apabhramsha, the final long vowel was dropped, resulting in the modern Hindi 'तब'.

Original meaning: At that time / Then.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; 'तब' is a neutral temporal word.

English speakers often omit 'then' in 'When... then' sentences, but in Hindi, omitting 'तब' can make the sentence feel incomplete or informal.

The Bhagavad Gita: 'यदा यदा ही...' (Yada yada hi...) translated in Hindi as 'जब-जब... तब-तब...' Bollywood Song: 'तब हम जवान थे' (Then we were young). Proverb: 'जब जागो तब सवेरा' (When you wake up, then it's morning).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Storytelling

तब एक शेर आया
तब उसने देखा
तब क्या हुआ?
तब की बात है

Scheduling

तब मिलते हैं
तब तक काम खत्म करो
तब मैं फ्री हूँ
तब फोन करना

History/Nostalgia

तब सब सस्ता था
तब की यादें
तब मैं छोटा था
तब का भारत

Logical Arguments

तब तो तुम गलत हो
तभी तो मैं कह रहा हूँ
अगर ऐसा है, तब...
तब क्या होगा?

Conditions

जब तुम चाहो, तब
जब बारिश रुके, तब
जब पैसे आएँ, तब
जब मौका मिले, तब

Conversation Starters

"तब आप कहाँ रहते थे?"

"जब आप बच्चे थे, तब आपका पसंदीदा खेल क्या था?"

"अगर कल छुट्टी हो, तब आप क्या करेंगे?"

"तब और अब में आपको क्या बदलाव दिखता है?"

"जब आप पहली बार भारत आए, तब आपको कैसा लगा?"

Journal Prompts

अपने बचपन के बारे में लिखें। तब आपका जीवन कैसा था? (Write about your childhood. How was your life then?)

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपको बहुत डर लगा हो। तब क्या हुआ था? (Write about an incident when you were very scared. What happened then?)

भविष्य के बारे में सोचें। जब आप रिटायर होंगे, तब आप कहाँ रहना चाहेंगे? (Think about the future. When you retire, where would you like to live then?)

एक पुरानी फोटो देखें और उसके बारे में लिखें। तब आप किसके साथ थे? (Look at an old photo and write about it. Who were you with then?)

जब आपने हिंदी सीखना शुरू किया, तब आपको सबसे मुश्किल क्या लगा? (When you started learning Hindi, what did you find most difficult then?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds more like 'at that time'. For a sequence of events like 'I ate and then I slept', 'फिर' (phir) or 'उसके बाद' (uske baad) is much more natural. Use 'तब' when you are completing a 'when' clause.

'तब' is temporal (time-based), while 'तो' is logical (result-based). If you say 'If you come, then we will eat', use 'तो' to emphasize the result of eating. Use 'तब' to emphasize that the eating happens at the time you arrive.

Yes, 'तभी' is a contraction of 'तब' and the emphatic particle 'ही'. It means 'at that very moment' or 'only then'. It is used much more frequently in speech than the separate words 'तब ही'.

Yes! 'तब' can refer to any time that is not 'now'. For example: 'I will graduate in 2026. I will look for a job then (तब)'. It works for both past and future established points.

No. You can use 'तब' alone if the time has already been mentioned. For example: 'In 1990, I was in London. At that time (तब), I was a student.' No 'जब' is needed here.

It means 'since then' or 'from that time onwards'. It is used to show that a state or action started at a point in the past and continues to the present or another reference point.

You use the phrase 'तब तक' (tab tak). For example: 'The movie starts at 8. Until then (तब तक), let's eat.' It defines the end point of a duration.

Rarely. In Hindi, adverbs usually come before the verb or at the beginning of the clause. Putting 'तब' at the end might happen in very informal or poetic speech, but it's not standard.

This is an advanced idiom meaning 'only then' or 'finally after a lot of trouble'. It's used when an outcome was difficult to achieve. 'He practiced for years, only then (तब कहीं जाकर) could he play the violin well.'

'तब' is neutral and used in all registers. However, in very formal writing, you might see 'उस समय' (at that time) or 'तत्पश्चात' (thereafter) instead.