For skilled English speakers venturing into Hindi language learning, mastering imperative sentences opens up essential communication pathways. Imperative sentences in Hindi carry unique characteristics that reflect both cultural nuances and grammatical intricacies. This comprehensive guide explores how to form and use these essential sentence structures effectively.
Basic Structure of Imperative Sentences in Hindi
Imperative sentences in Hindi follow distinct patterns based on the level of formality and the relationship between speakers. For skilled English speakers understanding these variations is crucial for appropriate communication in different social contexts.
Components of Hindi Imperatives
The basic structure follows:
(Subject – optional) + Object + Verb (in imperative form)
Unlike English, Hindi imperatives change form based on:
- Level of formality
- Number of people being addressed
- Level of politeness required
- Urgency of the command
Levels of Formality
1. Informal Imperative (तू Form)
Used with very close friends, younger siblings, or children:
जल्दी खा
Jaldi kha
(Eat quickly)
यहाँ आ
Yahan aa
Come here
2. Semi-Formal Imperative (तुम Form)
Used with friends, colleagues, or people of similar age:
जल्दी खाओ
Jaldi khao
(Eat quickly)
यहाँ आओ
Yahan aao
Come here
3. Formal Imperative (आप Form)
Used with elders, teachers, or in professional settings:
जल्दी खाइए
Jaldi khaiye
(Please eat quickly)
यहाँ आइए
Yahan aaiye
Please come here
Types of Imperative Sentences in Hindi
1. Direct Commands
For Skilled English speakers direct commands in Hindi might seem more straightforward than in English because they follow a more consistent pattern and don’t require auxiliary verbs like “do” or “let.” Hindi direct commands are formed by simply using the root verb with appropriate endings based on formality, without needing to add extra words or change the verb structure significantly.
दरवाज़ा बंद करो
Darwaza band karo
(Close the door)
किताब पढ़ो
Kitab padho
Read the book
2. Requests
Requests use additional words to soften the command:
कृपया यहाँ बैठिए
Kripya yahan baithiye
(Please sit here)
ज़रा मदद कीजिए
Zara madad kijiye
Please help a bit
3. Suggestions
Hindi imperative sentences can also express suggestions:
थोड़ा आराम कर लो
Thoda aaram kar lo
(Take some rest)
जल्दी सो जाओ
Jaldi so jao
Go to sleep early
Common Patterns in Hindi Imperatives
1. Adding Urgency
To express urgency in imperative sentences in Hindi:
जल्दी करो
Jaldi karo
(Hurry up)
तुरंत आओ
Turant aao
Come immediately
2. Softening Commands
For skilled English speakers, learning to soften commands is crucial:
ज़रा देखना
Zara dekhna
(Just take a look)
थोड़ा इंतज़ार कीजिए
Thoda intezaar kijiye
Please wait a little
Negative Imperatives
1. Basic Prohibition
Adding मत (mat) before the verb:
मत जाओ
Mat jao
(Don’t go)
मत करो
Mat karo
Don’t do it
2. Formal Prohibition
Using न (na) or नहीं (nahin):
न जाइए
Na jaiye
(Please don’t go – formal)
ऐसा न करें
Aisa na karen
Please don’t do this – formal
Cultural Considerations
1. Respect and Authority
In Hindi culture, imperative sentences reflect social hierarchies:
बैठिए, नास्ता कीजिए
Baithiye, nashta kijiye
(Please sit, have breakfast – respectful)
आराम से बैठो
Aaram se baitho
Sit comfortably – casual
2. Age and Status
Commands change based on the speaker’s and listener’s status:
बेटा, यहाँ आओ
Beta, yahan aao
(Son, come here – elder to younger)
सर, कृपया यहाँ आइए
Sir, kripya yahan aaiye
(Sir, please come here – younger to elder)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Mixing Formality Levels
Skilled English speakers often struggle with maintaining consistent formality:
Incorrect:
आप यहाँ आओ
Aap yahan aao
Mixed formal and informal
Correct:
आप यहाँ आइए
Aap yahan aaiye
Consistently formal
2. Incorrect Verb Forms
Using wrong verb endings:
Incorrect:
तुम जाइए
Tum jaiye
Mixed informal subject with formal verb
Correct:
तुम जाओ
Tum jao
Consistent informal form
Practical Applications
1. Daily Communication
Common imperative sentences used in daily life:
खाना खा लो
Khana kha lo
(Have your food)
टाइम पर आना
Time par aana
(Come on time)
2. Workplace Communication
Professional settings require formal imperatives:
फ़ाइल जमा कर दीजिए
File jama kar dijiye
(Please submit the file)
मीटिंग में आइए
Meeting mein aaiye
Please come to the meeting
Advanced Usage
1. Compound Imperatives
Combining multiple commands:
जाकर देख आओ
Jakar dekh aao
(Go and see)
सोच-समझकर निर्णय लीजिए
Soch-samajhkar nirnay lijiye
(Please think carefully and make a decision)
2. Implied Subjects
Context-based commands where subjects are understood:
हाथ धो लो
Haath dho lo
(Wash your hands)
जूते उतार दो
Joote utaar do
(Take off your shoes
Special Constructions
1. Let’s Constructions
Using चलो (chalo) for suggestions:
चलो खेलें
Chalo khelen
(Let’s play)
चलो चलते हैं
Chalo chalte hain
(Let’s go)
2. Emphatic Imperatives
Adding emphasis to commands:
ज़रूर आना
Zaroor aana
(Do come)
बिल्कुल मत जाना
Bilkul mat jaana
(Don’t go at all)
Practice Exercises
1. Basic Commands
Convert these English commands to Hindi:
- Come here
- Sit down
- Listen carefully
- Write quickly
2. Formal Requests
Practice forming polite requests:
- Please help me
- Could you explain this
- Please wait a moment
- Would you show me the way
Conclusion
Mastering imperative sentences in Hindi requires understanding both grammatical structures and cultural contexts. For skilled English speakers, the key lies in recognizing the appropriate level of formality and using the correct verb forms. Regular practice with these patterns will help develop natural and culturally appropriate command of Hindi imperatives.
Remember that while English imperatives might seem more straightforward, Hindi imperatives offer rich possibilities for expressing commands, requests, and suggestions with varying degrees of politeness and urgency. This versatility makes them an essential tool for effective communication in Hindi.
The journey to mastering imperative sentences in Hindi involves understanding not just the grammar rules but also the cultural nuances that govern their usage. With consistent practice and attention to context, you’ll find yourself naturally using the appropriate forms in various situations.
