Understanding the Infinitive in Nepali Grammar

The Role of the Infinitive in Nepali

The infinitive form of a verb, known as अनिध्यातम् (Anidhyātam) in Nepali, plays a crucial role in the construction of sentences and the communication of ideas. This fundamental element serves as the base form of a verb, which can then be conjugated and transformed to fit different contexts and purposes. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the infinitive in Nepali grammar, with a focus on its usage, formation, and the various verb structures that accompany it.

Formation and Usage of the Infinitive in Nepali

Creating Infinitives from Verbs

In Nepali, the infinitive form of a verb is typically derived by adding the suffix -नु (-nu) to the verb’s root. However, certain verbs may take additional suffixes, such as -लागि (-lāgi), to address various grammatical needs. The following examples illustrate the formation of infinitives from common Nepali verbs:

1. खानु (khānu) – to eat
2. पीउनु (pīunu) – to drink
3. सुनुनु (sununu) – to listen
4. वाचा (vāchā) – to read

Using Infinitives in Sentences

The infinitive in Nepali grammar can serve several purposes depending on the context in which it appears. Here are some common ways in which infinitives are used:

1. To express purpose or intention: The infinitive can be used to convey the reason or goal behind an action. For example, म यहाँ बस्न आएँ (ma yahāṁ basna āeṁ) means “I came here to live.”

2. As the complement of certain verbs: Some Nepali verbs, such as चाहनु (chāhanu, to want) and सक्नु (saknu, to be able), require an infinitive to complete their meaning. For instance, मलाई पनि जान सक्दिन (malāī pani jān sakdina) means “I also can’t go.”

3. To form gerunds: Infinitives can be transformed into gerunds by adding the -दै (-dai) suffix. Gerunds function as nouns, often denoting ongoing or continuous actions. For example,खानुदै (khānudai) means “eating.”

Verb Structures Involving the Infinitive in Nepali Grammar

Infinitive in Negative Constructions

A negative infinitive in Nepali is created by adding the particle न (na) before the infinitive verb. This structure is used to express the negation of an action or intention. For example, म खान नगर्नेछु (ma khāna nagarnechu) means “I will not eat the food.”

Infinitive in Compound Verbs

In Nepali grammar, compound verbs consist of two or more verbs combined either by addition or by using an auxiliary verb. The infinitive often appears in such structures, conferring additional meaning or nuance to the base verb. For example, म जाँदैछु (ma jāṁdaichu) combines “जानुछु (jānuchu, going)” with “दैछु (daichu, giving)” to signify “I am going for.”

In summary, the infinitive is a powerful and versatile building block in Nepali grammar, serving to enrich meaning and convey nuances that are essential for clear and effective communication. Understanding its formation and usage – as well as the broader structures that involve it – will significantly enhance one’s mastery of the Nepali language.