Understanding the active and passive voice is crucial for anyone learning Hindi. Whether you’re translating documents, having a casual conversation, or delving into Hindi literature, knowing the difference between kartrivak (active voice) and karmvak (passive voice) will significantly enhance your communication skills. This guide explores the active and passive meaning in Hindi, providing clear examples and practical tips to help you master this essential grammatical concept.
The core difference between active and passive voice in Hindi lies in the emphasis placed on the subject and the object. In the active voice, the subject performs the action, while in the passive voice, the action is performed upon the subject. This seemingly simple shift can drastically alter the nuance and focus of a sentence. For instance, “राम ने किताब पढ़ी” (Ram read the book) is active, whereas “किताब राम द्वारा पढ़ी गई” (The book was read by Ram) is passive. Notice how the emphasis shifts from Ram to the book.
Active Voice (Kartrivak) in Hindi
In kartrivak, the subject is the doer of the action. This is the most common voice used in everyday Hindi conversations and writing. It’s straightforward and clearly identifies who is performing the action. The sentence structure typically follows the subject-verb-object order.
- Example: लड़की गाना गाती है (The girl sings a song).
Here, “लड़की” (girl) is the subject, “गाना गाती है” (sings a song) is the verb, and “गाना” (song) is the object. The focus is on the girl’s action of singing.
Passive Voice (Karmvak) in Hindi
Karmvak emphasizes the action itself and what it is done to, rather than who is doing it. The subject becomes the recipient of the action. While less frequent than the active voice, the passive voice plays a vital role in specific contexts, such as formal writing, news reports, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant.
- Example: खाना पकाया गया (The food was cooked).
In this example, “खाना” (food) is the subject, and “पकाया गया” (was cooked) is the verb. The focus is on the action of cooking the food, and the person who cooked it is not mentioned.
When to Use Active and Passive Voice in Hindi
Choosing between active and passive voice depends on the context and your intended message. Here’s a handy guide:
- Use active voice for: Clear, direct communication; emphasis on the actor; most everyday conversations and writing.
- Use passive voice for: Formal writing; when the actor is unknown or unimportant; to emphasize the action or the receiver of the action; in news reports or scientific writing.
How to Transform Active Voice to Passive Voice in Hindi
Converting a sentence from active to passive involves a few key steps:
- The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
- The verb changes to its passive form, often using the auxiliary verb “जाना” (to go).
- The subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence, preceded by “द्वारा” (by) or “के द्वारा” (by).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A frequent error is overusing the passive voice, making the writing sound unnecessarily complex and indirect. Stick to the active voice unless a specific context calls for the passive.
Expert Insights
Dr. Anjali Sharma, a renowned Hindi linguist, advises, “Mastering the active and passive voice is crucial for expressing yourself effectively in Hindi. While the active voice is generally preferred for clarity, understanding when and how to use the passive voice adds depth and nuance to your language skills.”
Professor Vivek Anand, a Hindi literature expert, adds, “The passive voice plays a significant role in Hindi literature, particularly in poetry and formal writing. It allows authors to create a specific mood and emphasis, enriching the reader’s experience.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between active and passive meaning in Hindi is essential for effective communication. By grasping the nuances of kartrivak and karmvak, you can express yourself with precision and clarity, enhancing your overall command of the Hindi language. Practice converting sentences between the two voices to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.
FAQ
- What is the key difference between active and passive voice in Hindi? The active voice emphasizes the doer of the action, while the passive voice emphasizes the action itself or the receiver of the action.
- When should I use the passive voice in Hindi? Use the passive voice in formal writing, when the actor is unknown or unimportant, or to emphasize the action itself.
- How do I transform a sentence from active to passive voice in Hindi? Change the object to the subject, use the passive form of the verb, and add “द्वारा” (by) before the original subject.
- Is it okay to use the passive voice frequently in Hindi? Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound complex and indirect. Stick to the active voice unless the context requires the passive.
- Where can I find more resources on active and passive voice in Hindi? Many online resources and grammar books offer detailed explanations and exercises on this topic.
Meaning-Hindi.in is your trusted partner for professional Hindi translation services. We specialize in Business and Commercial Document Translation, Certified and Legal Document Translation, Technical and User Manual Translation, Website and Localization Translation, Educational and Academic Document Translation, Express Translation, and Specialized Translation. Our expertise in Hindi grammar ensures accurate and nuanced translations, catering to your specific needs. Contact us today for a free quote! Email: [email protected], Phone: +91 11-4502-7584. Meaning-Hindi.in is dedicated to bridging the language gap and facilitating seamless communication.