Understanding the Hindi meaning of “who” is crucial for effective communication. While seemingly simple, “who” can have several nuances depending on the context. This article explores the various ways to express “who” in Hindi, providing clear examples and explanations to help you confidently navigate conversations and understand written text.
Different Ways to Say “Who” in Hindi
Hindi offers a rich vocabulary with several words that translate to “who” in English. The choice of word depends on factors like formality, gender, and number of people being referred to. Let’s delve into the most common options:
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कौन (kaun): This is the most common and versatile translation of “who.” It’s gender-neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. For example: “Who is this?” translates to “यह कौन है? (yah kaun hai?)”
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किसने (kisne): This word is used when asking “who” in the context of an action already performed. It translates to “who by whom.” For example, “Who broke the vase?” translates to “किसने फूलदान तोड़ा? (kisne phooldaan toda?)”
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किसको (kisko): This word is used when asking “to whom” or “for whom.” For example: “Who did you give the book to?” translates to “तुमने किताब किसको दी? (tumne kitaab kisko di?)”
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किसका (kiska): This possessive pronoun translates to “whose.” For example, “Whose car is this?” translates to “यह किसकी गाड़ी है? (yah kiski gaadi hai?)”
Understanding the Nuances of “Who” in Hindi
While these are the most common translations, understanding the nuances is essential. For instance, the plural form of “who” can be conveyed by adding “log” (लोग – people) to “kaun,” forming “kaun log” (कौन लोग).
Furthermore, adding suffixes like “-se” (से – from) or “-ko” (को – to) can change the meaning slightly, similar to prepositions in English. Grasping these subtle changes will significantly improve your comprehension and communication.
Common Questions Using “Who” in Hindi
Here are some examples of commonly asked questions using “who” in Hindi:
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Who are you? (आप कौन हैं? – aap kaun hain?) This is a formal way of asking someone’s identity.
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Who is there? (कौन है वहाँ? – kaun hai vahan?) Used when you hear a noise or sense someone’s presence.
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Who told you? (किसने तुम्हें बताया? – kisne tumhein bataya?) Used to inquire about the source of information.
Conclusion
Understanding the various ways to express “who” in Hindi is fundamental for effective communication. By mastering these different words and their nuanced applications, you’ll be better equipped to navigate conversations, understand written text, and express yourself accurately. Remember to consider the context and choose the most appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.
FAQs
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What is the simplest way to say “who” in Hindi?
- The simplest way is “kaun” (कौन).
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How do I ask “whose” in Hindi?
- Use “kiska” (किसका).
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What is the difference between “kisne” and “kisko”?
- “kisne” (किसने) refers to “by whom” (agent of the action), while “kisko” (किसको) refers to “to whom” (recipient of the action).
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How do I ask “who” in a plural context?
- You can add “log” (लोग) to “kaun,” making it “kaun log” (कौन लोग).
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Is “kaun” formal or informal?
- “kaun” (कौन) can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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