Understanding the Infinitive in Hindi Grammar

The infinitive in Hindi grammar plays a crucial role in the formation of sentences and conveying the intended meaning. In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the concept of infinitives in Hindi, including their proper use, formation, and variety. Equip yourself with knowledge to unlock the potential of this fundamental linguistic element.

What is an Infinitive in Hindi?

An infinitive in Hindi refers to the base form of a verb, providing the general idea of its meaning without limiting it to a specific subject, tense, or aspect. This versatile linguistic component is used to express actions, desires, and intentions in various contexts. In Hindi, infinitives usually end with the suffix -ना (na).

Formation of Infinitives in Hindi

Creating an infinitive in Hindi is a straightforward process. The verb root is combined with the infinitive suffix -ना (na) to form the infinitive verb. Let’s explore some examples:

1. खाना (khānā) – to eat
2. सोना (sonā) – to sleep
3. चलना (chalnā) – to walk
4. पीना (pīnā) – to drink

Types of Infinitives in Hindi

There are two main types of infinitives in Hindi: simple infinitive and compound infinitive.

Simple Infinitive

A simple infinitive is the verb’s base form without any additional prefixes or suffixes. It indicates the general idea of an action without specific reference to a subject or tense. Simple infinitives are often used with various time expressions, such as ‘yesterday’, ‘today’, or ‘tomorrow’. For example:

1. मैं कल स्कूल जाना चाहता था। (maĩ kal skūl jānā chāhtā thā.) – I wanted to go to school yesterday.

Compound Infinitive

A compound infinitive incorporates additional language components, such as auxiliary verbs or specific tense markers. They are typically used to convey a sense of completion or intention. For example:

1. वह अभी खाना खा चुका है। (vah abhī khānā khā cukā hai.) – He has already eaten food.

Using the Infinitive in Hindi

Infinitives in Hindi can function in various sentence structures, such as expressing intentions, future actions, or conditions:

1. Expressing purpose or intention: With the help of the postposition के लिए (ke lie), infinitives convey the purpose or intention of an action. For example: मैं दवा लेने के लिए चलता हूँ। (maĩ davā lenē ke lie chaltā hū̃.) – I am going to take medicine.

2. Describing future actions: Infinitives are used with the modal verb होगा (hogā) to describe probable future actions. For example: वह कल अपने दोस्तों से मिलने होगा। (vah kal apnē dōstō̃ sē milnē hogā.) – He will meet his friends tomorrow.

3. Expressing conditions: Infinitives are employed to describe conditional situations, typically with the verb होना (honā). For example: अगर तुम नहीं चलना चाहते हो, तो मैं नहीं रुकना चाहता हूँ। (agar tum nahī̃ chalnā chāhte ho, to maĩ nahī̃ ruknā chāhtā hū̃.) – If you don’t want to go, then I don’t want to stop.

In conclusion, the infinitive in Hindi grammar is an essential and versatile linguistic component. It serves as the base form of verbs and can be used in various sentence structures. By understanding its formation, types, and application in different contexts, you can elevate your proficiency in Hindi and construct more complex and meaningful sentences.