Understanding the meaning and usage of “who” in Hindi is crucial for effective communication. Whether you’re translating a document, learning the language, or simply curious about Hindi grammar, this article will delve into the various ways “who” is expressed in Hindi, covering its different forms and nuances. This knowledge will empower you to accurately convey your message and comprehend Hindi conversations with greater clarity.
Decoding “Who” in Hindi: कौन (Kaun) and its Variations
The most common translation of “who” in Hindi is कौन (kaun). This versatile word forms the foundation for asking questions about a person’s identity or inquiring about someone specific. Let’s explore its various forms and applications.
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कौन (Kaun): This is the basic form of “who” in Hindi. It’s used in simple, direct questions. For example, “Who is that?” translates to “वह कौन है?” (Wah kaun hai?).
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कौन सा/सी/से (Kaun sa/si/se): These forms are used when asking “which” to specify a particular person or object within a group. For example, “Which book is yours?” would be “कौन सी किताब तुम्हारी है?” (Kaun si kitaab tumhari hai?). The gender and number agreement is crucial here. सा (sa) is used for masculine singular nouns, सी (si) for feminine singular nouns, and से (se) for plural nouns regardless of gender.
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किसका/की/के (Kiska/ki/ke): These forms translate to “whose”. They are used to inquire about possession. “Whose car is this?” becomes “यह किसकी गाड़ी है?” (Yah kiski gaadi hai?). Again, the ending changes based on the gender and number of the noun it modifies. किसका (kiska) is for masculine singular, किसकी (kiski) for feminine singular, and किसके (kiske) for plural.
“Who” in Complex Sentences and Formal Contexts
Beyond the basic uses, “who” takes on different forms in complex sentences and formal Hindi. Understanding these variations is key to grasping nuanced conversations and written text.
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जो (Jo): This relative pronoun translates to “who” or “that” and is used to introduce a relative clause. For instance, “The person who called me was my friend” becomes “जो व्यक्ति मुझे फोन किया, वह मेरा दोस्त था” (Jo vyakti mujhe phone kiya, wah mera dost tha).
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जिसने (Jisne): This form combines “jo” with the ergative marker “ne” and is used when the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb in the relative clause. For example, “The person who broke the vase apologized” becomes “जिसने फूलदान तोड़ा, उसने माफ़ी मांगी” (Jisne phooldaan toda, usne maafi maangi).
Common Questions Using “Who” in Hindi
Understanding how to ask questions is fundamental to language learning. Here are some common questions involving “who” in Hindi:
- Who are you? – आप कौन हैं? (Aap kaun hain?)
- Who is this? – यह कौन है? (Yah kaun hai?)
- Whose book is this? – यह किसकी किताब है? (Yah kiski kitaab hai?)
- Who told you? – किसने तुम्हें बताया? (Kisne tumhen bataya?)
Who’s it meaning in Hindi: Understanding Possessives
Sometimes, understanding “who’s” in English requires deciphering the possessive form. In Hindi, this is achieved using किसका/की/के (kiska/ki/ke). For example, “Who’s it?” becomes “यह किसका है?” (Yeh kiska hai?).
Conclusion
Mastering the various forms of “who” in Hindi is essential for effective communication. From the basic कौन (kaun) to the nuances of relative pronouns like जो (jo) and possessive forms like किसका (kiska), each variation plays a crucial role in conveying meaning accurately. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be better equipped to navigate conversations, understand written text, and express yourself clearly in Hindi.
FAQ
- What is the most basic translation of “who” in Hindi? – The most basic translation is कौन (kaun).
- How do you ask “whose” in Hindi? – You use किसका/की/के (kiska/ki/ke) depending on the gender and number of the noun.
- What is the difference between “kaun” and “kaun sa”? – “Kaun” means “who” while “kaun sa” means “which”.
- How is “who” used in relative clauses in Hindi? – The relative pronouns जो (jo) and जिसने (jisne) are used in relative clauses.
- How do I ask “who are you?” in formal Hindi? – You would ask “आप कौन हैं?” (Aap kaun hain?).
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