Understanding the various ways “but” is used in English is crucial for accurate Hindi translation. “But” can function as a conjunction, a preposition, and even an adverb, each with slightly different nuances. This article will explore the different Hindi meanings of “but” and provide examples to help you master its usage.
Different Hindi Translations of “But”
“But” primarily signifies contrast or exception. Depending on the context, several Hindi words can effectively translate “but.” Let’s examine the most common ones:
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लेकिन (lekin): This is the most common and versatile translation of “but.” It’s used to introduce a contrasting idea or statement. For example, “I want to go, but I have work” translates to “मैं जाना चाहता हूँ, लेकिन मुझे काम है (Main jaana chaahta hoon, lekin mujhe kaam hai).”
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परंतु (parantu): This is a more formal and literary synonym of लेकिन (lekin). It carries the same meaning of contrast. While less common in everyday conversation, it’s frequently used in written Hindi, especially in formal documents or literature.
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मगर (magar): Similar to लेकिन (lekin), मगर (magar) expresses contrast. It’s often perceived as slightly more emphatic. For instance, “He tried hard, but he couldn’t succeed” could be translated as “उसने बहुत कोशिश की, मगर वह सफल नहीं हो सका (Usne bahut koshish ki, magar vah safal nahin ho saka).”
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किन्तु (kintu): This is another formal synonym of लेकिन (lekin) and परंतु (parantu), often used in literary or scholarly contexts.
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बल्कि (balki): This word isn’t a direct translation of “but” but is used to introduce a stronger contrast, often correcting a previous statement. It means “but rather” or “on the contrary.” For example, “He’s not just intelligent, but rather a genius” translates to “वह सिर्फ़ बुद्धिमान नहीं है, बल्कि एक प्रतिभाशाली है (Vah sirf buddhimaan nahin hai, balki ek pratibhaashali hai).”
Using “But” as a Preposition
Besides being a conjunction, “but” can also function as a preposition, meaning “except” or “other than.” In these instances, the Hindi translation often uses words like सिवाय (sivaay) or के अलावा (ke alawa). For example, “Everyone but him agreed” translates to “उसके सिवाय सभी सहमत थे (Uske sivaay sabhi sahmat the).”
Choosing the Right Hindi Word for “But”
The appropriate Hindi word for “but” depends on the context and the desired level of formality. While लेकिन (lekin) is generally suitable for most situations, using परंतु (parantu) or किन्तु (kintu) can add a touch of formality to your writing. मगर (magar) might be preferred when a stronger emphasis is needed, and बल्कि (balki) is used for corrective contrasts.
Understanding Nuances and Avoiding Literal Translations
It’s important to understand the nuances of “but” in English and choose the Hindi word that best captures the intended meaning. Direct, literal translations can sometimes sound unnatural or even change the meaning of the sentence. Consider the context and choose the most appropriate translation.
Conclusion: Mastering the Hindi Meaning of But
Mastering the various Hindi translations of “but” will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Hindi. By understanding the nuances of each word like लेकिन (lekin), परंतु (parantu), मगर (magar), किन्तु (kintu), and बल्कि (balki), and recognizing when “but” functions as a preposition requiring words like सिवाय (sivaay), you can accurately convey contrast, exception, and emphasis in your Hindi conversations and writing. Remember to consider the context and formality of the situation when choosing the appropriate translation.
FAQs
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What is the most common Hindi word for “but”? The most common Hindi word for “but” is लेकिन (lekin).
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When should I use परंतु (parantu) or किन्तु (kintu)? These words are more formal synonyms of लेकिन (lekin) and are suitable for formal writing or literary contexts.
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What is the difference between मगर (magar) and लेकिन (lekin)? Both words express contrast, but मगर (magar) is often considered slightly more emphatic.
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How do I translate “but” when it means “except”? When “but” means “except,” you can use words like सिवाय (sivaay) or के अलावा (ke alawa).
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Is it always possible to directly translate “but” into Hindi? Not always. It’s essential to consider the context and choose the Hindi word that best captures the intended meaning.
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