Understanding the Hindi meaning of “drove” can be tricky, as it has multiple interpretations depending on the context. “Drove” is primarily used as the past tense of “drive,” meaning to operate a vehicle. However, it can also refer to a large group of animals or people moving together. This duality can create confusion for non-native speakers and even some native Hindi speakers. This article will delve into the different Hindi meanings of “drove” and provide clear examples to illustrate their usage.
Driving in the Past: “Drove” as the Past Tense of “Drive”
When “drove” refers to the act of driving a vehicle in the past, the common Hindi translations include चलाया (chalāya – masculine) or चलाई (chalāī – feminine). The gender of the verb changes based on the gender of the subject who performed the action. For instance, if a man drove a car, you would say उसने गाड़ी चलाई (usne gāṛī chalāī). If a woman drove, it would be उसने गाड़ी चलाई (usne gāṛī chalāī – note the same spelling but potentially a slightly different pronunciation).
Let’s take a look at some other examples:
- I drove to Mumbai yesterday: मैं कल मुंबई गया / गई (Main kal Mumbaī gayā/gaī – using the verb “to go” is common in Hindi)
- She drove the entire way: उसने सारा रास्ता गाड़ी चलाई (Usne sārā rāstā gāṛī chalāī)
- He drove a truck for years: वह सालों तक ट्रक चलाता था (Wah sāloṅ tak truck chalātā thā)
A Moving Multitude: “Drove” as a Collective Noun
The more nuanced meaning of “drove” pertains to a large group moving together, usually animals, but sometimes people. Several Hindi words can capture this sense, depending on the specific context and the type of group being described. Some common options include:
- झुंड (jhund): Generally used for a flock of birds or a herd of animals.
- रेवड़ (revaṛ): Typically used for a flock of sheep or goats.
- भीड़ (bhīṛ): Refers to a crowd or throng of people.
- टोली (ṭolī): Denotes a group, band, or gang, often implying a shared purpose.
Consider these illustrative examples:
- A drove of cattle blocked the road: गायों का एक झुंड सड़क को रोक रहा था (Gāyoṅ kā ek jhund saṛak ko rok rahā thā)
- We saw droves of tourists at the Taj Mahal: हमने ताजमहल पर पर्यटकों की भीड़ देखी (Hamne Tājmahal par paryatakoṅ kī bhīṛ dekhī)
“Droves” in Idiomatic Expressions
“Droves” often appears in idiomatic expressions, usually implying a large quantity or number. In such cases, translating the meaning rather than the literal word is crucial. For example, “in droves” can be translated as भारी संख्या में (bhārī saṅkhyā meṅ), meaning “in large numbers.”
- People are leaving the city in droves: लोग भारी संख्या में शहर छोड़ रहे हैं (Log bhārī saṅkhyā meṅ shahar chhoṛ rahe hain)
Conclusion
Understanding the Hindi meaning of “drove” requires considering the context. Whether it signifies the past action of driving or a moving collective, selecting the appropriate Hindi equivalent ensures accurate communication. This article has explored these various meanings, providing clear examples to solidify your understanding. By paying attention to the nuances of this word, you can navigate the richness of the Hindi language with greater confidence.
FAQ
- What is the most common Hindi meaning of drove? The most common meaning refers to the past tense of “drive,” translated as चलाया (chalāya) or चलाई (chalāī).
- How do I know which Hindi word to use for “drove” as a collective noun? The specific word depends on the type of group: झुंड (jhund) for animals, भीड़ (bhīṛ) for people, and so on.
- Can “drove” be used metaphorically? Yes, “in droves” is an idiom implying large numbers, translated as भारी संख्या में (bhārī saṅkhyā meṅ).
- Is the gender of the verb important when translating “drove” as the past tense of “drive”? Yes, the verb agrees with the subject’s gender: चलाया (chalāya) for masculine and चलाई (chalāī) for feminine.
- What if I’m still unsure about the correct translation? Context is key. If in doubt, consulting a Hindi dictionary or a language expert can help.
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