Constructing the Simple Past in Marathi

In Marathi, the Simple Past tense is used to indicate an action that was completed in the past. To construct this tense, the verb root is combined with specific suffixes which denote the subject’s gender, plurality, and the verb type. Understanding these suffixes is crucial for proper conjugation.

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs in Marathi grammar follow a standard pattern for conjugation in the Simple Past tense. Below are the suffixes used to form the Simple Past of regular verbs:

• For masculine singular subjects: -ला (la)
• For masculine plural subjects: -ले (le)
• For feminine singular subjects: -ली (li)
• For feminine plural subjects: -ल्या (lya)

For example, consider the verb चालणे (chalane, “to walk”). To conjugate this verb in the Simple Past tense, combine the verb root चाल (chal) with the appropriate suffix:

मी चालला (me chalaLA) – I walked (masculine speaker)
मी चालली (me chalaLI) – I walked (feminine speaker)
ते चालले (te chalaLE) – They walked (masculine)
त्या चालल्या (tya chalaLYA) – They walked (feminine)

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs in Marathi grammar have unique conjugation patterns in the Simple Past tense. The most common irregular verbs are असणे (asane, “to be”) and करणे (karane, “to do”). Conjugating these verbs requires memorization, as they do not follow the same pattern as regular verbs:

असणे (to be): होता (hota, masculine singular), होती (hoti, feminine singular), होते (hote, masculine plural), होत्या (hotya, feminine plural)

करणे (to do): केला (kela, masculine singular), केली (keli, feminine singular), केले (kele, masculine plural), केल्या (kelya, feminine plural)

Usage of the Simple Past in Marathi with Examples

As with any grammar point, practice is key to mastering the Simple Past tense in Marathi. Below are some examples of this tense in various contexts:

Positive Statements

ते काम केले. (te kam kele) – He did the work.
त्यांनी घरापासून दूध आणला. (tyanni gharapasun dudh anla) – They brought milk from home.

Negative Statements

To form negative statements in the Simple Past, simply add नाही (nahi) after the verb:

मैत्री पार्टीला नाही गेली. (maitri partila nahi geli) – Maitri didn't go to the party.
ते चित्रपट बघण्यास नाही गेले. (te chitrapat baghanyas nahi gele) – They didn't go to watch the movie.

Mastering the Simple Past in Marathi Grammar

Understanding the Simple Past tense in Marathi is vital for successful communication, as it allows learners to recount past events and stories. By acquainting oneself with the nuances of conjugation presented in this guide, learners are well on their way to becoming skilled in Marathi grammar.