Forming the Present Progressive
In Nepali, the Present Progressive is constructed by combining the root form of the verb with an auxiliary verb that indicates the ongoing nature of the action. The most commonly used auxiliary verb for this purpose is हुँदै (hundai) for all subjects.
Let’s examine how to create the Present Progressive using the verb गर्नु (garnu), which means “to do” in English. Following the aforementioned rule, we simply add the verb root गर (gar) to the auxiliary verb हुँदै (hundai):
- म गर्नुहुँदैछु (ma garnuhundai chu) – I am doing
- तिमी गर्नुहुँदैछौ (timi garnuhundai chau) – You are doing (informal)
- तपाईं गर्नुहुँदैछनुहुन्छ (tapai garnuhundai chanuhuncha) – You are doing (formal)
- उहा गर्नुहुँदैछ (uha garnuhundai cha) – He/she is doing
- हामी गर्नुहुँदैछौं (hami garnuhundai chau) – We are doing
- तिमीहरु गर्नुहुँदैछौ (timiharu garnuhundai chau) – You all are doing
- उहाँहरु गर्नुहुँदैछन (uhanharu garnuhundai chan) – They are doing
Usage and Examples
The Present Progressive in Nepali grammar is utilized to represent actions that are currently occurring or ongoing. This includes descriptions of temporary situations, habitual actions, or the state of affairs in the present. Here are some examples:
- बच्चा खेल्नुहुँदैछ (baccha khelnuhundai cha) – The child is playing
- श्रीमति खाना पकाउनुहुँदैछिन् (shrimati khana pakauhundai chin) – The wife is cooking food
- स्कुलमा अध्यापकहरु शिक्षा दिनुहुँदैछन् (skulma adhyapakharu siksha dinuhundai chan) – The teachers are teaching in the school
Negation in Present Progressive
To convey negation in the Present Progressive, one must use the negation particle न (na) before the auxiliary verb. Consider the following examples:
- म खेल्नुहुँदैनँ (ma khelnuhundaina) – I am not playing
- विद्यार्थीहरू अध्ययन गर्नुहुँदैनन् (vidyarthiharule adhyayan garnuhundainan) – The students are not studying
Conclusion
Mastering the Present Progressive in Nepali grammar is vital for effectively communicating ongoing actions. By forming the tense using the verb root and auxiliary verb, recognizing its usage and context, and employing proper negation, learners can enhance their understanding of this crucial aspect of the Nepali language.
