Meaning of Passive in Hindi: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the passive voice in Hindi is crucial for anyone seeking to master the nuances of the language. Whether you’re translating documents, engaging in conversations, or simply trying to grasp the subtleties of Hindi literature, knowing how to form and use the passive voice can greatly enhance your communication skills. This guide provides a detailed explanation of the passive voice in Hindi, covering its formation, usage, and common examples.

Forming the Passive Voice in Hindi

The passive voice in Hindi (कर्मवाच्य – Karmavachya) shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the action itself. The subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence, and the object of the active sentence becomes the subject. A key element in forming the passive voice is the use of the verb जाना (jaana – to go) along with the past participle of the main verb.

For example:

Active: राम ने किताब पढ़ी (Ram ne kitaab padhi – Ram read the book)
Passive: किताब राम के द्वारा पढ़ी गई (Kitaab Ram ke dwara padhi gayi – The book was read by Ram)

Notice how the verb पढ़ी (padhi – read) changes to पढ़ी गई (padhi gayi) and the agent marker “ne” is replaced by “ke dwara” (by).

When to Use the Passive Voice in Hindi

While the active voice is generally preferred in Hindi, the passive voice has its specific uses. It is often employed when:

The doer of the action is unknown or unimportant: घर बेचा गया (Ghar becha gaya – The house was sold)
The emphasis is on the action, not the doer: खाना पकाया जा रहा है (Khana pakaya ja raha hai – Food is being cooked)
To create a more formal or polite tone: आपको बुलाया गया है (Aapko bulaya gaya hai – You are invited/You have been called)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overuse of the passive voice. As it can sound unnatural in certain contexts, it’s crucial to use it judiciously. Another common error is incorrect conjugation of the verb जाना (jaana). Ensure the verb agrees with the gender and number of the subject.

Examples of Passive Voice in Hindi

Here are some more examples to illustrate the usage of the passive voice:

Active: पुलिस ने चोर को पकड़ा (Police ne chor ko pakda – The police caught the thief)
Passive: चोर पुलिस के द्वारा पकड़ा गया (Chor police ke dwara pakda gaya – The thief was caught by the police)
Active: माँ ने खाना बनाया (Maa ne khana banaya – Mother cooked the food)
Passive: खाना माँ के द्वारा बनाया गया (Khana maa ke dwara banaya gaya – The food was cooked by mother)

More Passive Voice Examples in Hindi

Conclusion

Mastering the meaning of passive in Hindi (कर्मवाच्य) is essential for effective communication. By understanding its formation and usage, you can significantly enhance your ability to express yourself accurately and fluently. While the active voice remains the preferred form in most cases, the passive voice plays a valuable role in specific situations. Remember to use it strategically to emphasize the action, maintain formality, or when the doer of the action is unknown.

FAQ

What is the Hindi word for passive voice? The Hindi word for passive voice is कर्मवाच्य (Karmavachya).
When should I use the passive voice in Hindi? Use the passive voice when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or when emphasizing the action itself.
Is the passive voice commonly used in Hindi? The active voice is generally preferred, but the passive voice has its specific uses.
What is the key verb used in forming the passive voice? The verb जाना (jaana – to go) is used along with the past participle of the main verb.
What is a common mistake to avoid with the passive voice? Overusing the passive voice can make your Hindi sound unnatural. Use it strategically.