Understanding the Hindi meaning of “then” can be tricky, as it doesn’t have a single, direct equivalent. The appropriate translation depends heavily on the context in which “then” is used in English. This article will explore the various Hindi words that can convey the meaning of “then” and provide clear examples to help you use them correctly.
Different Ways to Say “Then” in Hindi
“Then” can express several different concepts in English, requiring different Hindi translations. Let’s break down the most common uses:
“Then” Indicating Time Sequence
When “then” signifies a sequence of events, the most common Hindi translations are तब (tab), फिर (phir), उसके बाद (uske baad), and इसके बाद (iske baad).
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तब (tab): This is often used for a more immediate sequence, like “I went to the store, then I came home.” Example: मैं दुकान गया, तब मैं घर आया। (Main dukaan gaya, tab main ghar aaya.)
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फिर (phir): This implies a slightly later sequence or a repetition, as in “I’ll finish this work, and then I’ll call you.” Example: मैं यह काम खत्म करूँगा, फिर तुम्हें फोन करूँगा। (Main yeh kaam khatam karunga, phir tumhen phone karunga.)
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उसके बाद (uske baad): This translates to “after that” and is used when describing a sequence of events with a clear time gap. Example: उसने खाना खाया, उसके बाद वह सो गया। (Usne khana khaya, uske baad vah so gaya.) – He ate food, then he slept.
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इसके बाद (iske baad): Similar to “uske baad,” this also means “after this.” Example: यह काम करो, इसके बाद हम खेलेंगे। (Yeh kaam karo, iske baad ham khelenge.) – Do this work, then we will play.
“Then” Implying a Condition
When “then” is used in a conditional sentence (if…then), the Hindi word तो (to) is appropriate. Example: अगर तुम मेहनत करोगे, तो तुम सफल होगे। (Agar tum mehnat karoge, to tum safal hoge.) – If you work hard, then you will succeed.
“Then” for Emphasis or Conclusion
Sometimes, “then” adds emphasis or signals a conclusion. In such cases, तो (to) or इसलिए (isliye) can be used.
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तो (to): This can be used to draw a conclusion. Example: अगर वह नहीं आ रहा है, तो हम चले जाएँगे। (Agar vah nahin aa raha hai, to ham chale jayenge.) – If he’s not coming, then we’ll leave.
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इसलिए (isliye): This means “therefore” or “that’s why.” Example: बारिश हो रही है, इसलिए मैं घर पर रहूँगा। (Barish ho rahi hai, isliye main ghar par rahunga.) – It’s raining, then I’ll stay home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a direct translation for “then” in every situation. Context is crucial.
- Overusing “to,” which can sound unnatural in some cases.
Hindi Meaning of Then: Practical Examples
Let’s look at a few more examples to solidify your understanding:
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“First, we’ll go to the market, then we’ll visit the temple.” – पहले हम बाजार जाएँगे, फिर हम मंदिर जाएँगे। (Pehle ham bazaar jayenge, phir ham mandir jayenge.)
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“If you like spicy food, then you should try this dish.” – अगर आपको मसालेदार खाना पसंद है, तो आपको यह व्यंजन ज़रूर आज़माना चाहिए। (Agar aapko masaledar khana pasand hai, to aapko yeh vyanjan zaroor aazmana chahiye.)
Conclusion
Understanding the nuanced Hindi meaning of “then” requires recognizing its various contextual uses. By selecting the appropriate Hindi word – be it तब (tab), फिर (phir), उसके बाद (uske baad), इसके बाद (iske baad), तो (to), or इसलिए (isliye) – you can express yourself accurately and naturally. Remember to consider the specific meaning you want to convey to choose the best translation.
FAQ
- What is the most common Hindi word for “then”? While several options exist, तब (tab) and फिर (phir) are frequently used.
- Can I always use “to” for “then”? No, “to” is primarily used in conditional sentences and for conclusions.
- Is there a single word in Hindi that perfectly captures all meanings of “then”? No, the appropriate translation depends on the context.
- How can I improve my understanding of when to use each word? Practice and exposure to the Hindi language will help you develop an intuitive understanding.
- Where can I find more examples of “then” used in Hindi sentences? Hindi literature, movies, and conversations are excellent resources.
- What if I’m still confused about which word to use? Consulting a Hindi language expert or tutor can provide further clarification.
- Are there any online resources that can help me learn more about Hindi grammar? Yes, many websites and apps offer Hindi grammar lessons and exercises.
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