Understanding the Hindi meaning of “fewer” can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers. It’s often confused with “less,” but there’s a key distinction. “Fewer” refers to countable nouns, things you can individually count, like apples or people. You would say “fewer apples” or “fewer people.” This article will delve into the nuances of “fewer” in Hindi, providing practical examples and exploring its usage in various contexts.
Exploring “Kam” and Its Variations: The Hindi Equivalent of Fewer
The most common Hindi translation for “fewer” is “kam” (कम). However, simply using “kam” can sometimes be ambiguous, as it also means “less.” To clarify that you’re talking about a smaller number of countable items, you can use phrases like “kam sankhya” (कम संख्या – fewer number) or “kam log” (कम लोग – fewer people). The context often helps determine the intended meaning, but using more specific phrases ensures clarity. Think of it like this: if you can count it, use a phrase that emphasizes the countable aspect.
Fewer vs. Less: Clearing the Confusion in Hindi
The distinction between “fewer” and “less” is crucial for accurate Hindi translation. “Less” (in Hindi, also often “kam”) is used for uncountable nouns, things you can’t individually count, like water or sugar. You’d say “less water” or “less sugar.” In Hindi, you might say “kam paani” (कम पानी – less water) or “kam cheeni” (कम चीनी – less sugar). Mastering this difference will elevate your Hindi proficiency and prevent misunderstandings.
Practical Examples of “Fewer” in Hindi
Let’s look at some practical examples to solidify your understanding:
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English: There are fewer students in the class today.
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Hindi: Aaj kaksha mein kam vidyarthi hain (आज कक्षा में कम विद्यार्थी हैं). More accurately, you could say “Aaj kaksha mein vidyarthiyon ki sankhya kam hai” (आज कक्षा में विद्यार्थियों की संख्या कम है – Today, the number of students in the class is fewer).
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English: I bought fewer books this month.
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Hindi: Maine is mahine kam kitabein kharidi (मैंने इस महीने कम किताबें खरीदीं).
Imagine a shopkeeper selling mangoes. He might say, “Aaj kal kam log aam khareed rahe hain” (आज कल कम लोग आम खरीद रहे हैं – Fewer people are buying mangoes these days). This clearly indicates a decrease in the number of mango buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using “kam” indiscriminately for both “fewer” and “less.” While context often helps, being precise ensures clear communication. Another error is forgetting the plural form of the noun after “kam” when referring to countable nouns. For instance, saying “kam kitaab” (कम किताब) instead of “kam kitabein” (कम किताबें) when referring to fewer books would be incorrect.
Conclusion: Mastering “Fewer” in Hindi
Understanding the Hindi meaning of “fewer” enhances your ability to communicate accurately and effectively. Remember to use “kam” along with phrases like “sankhya” or contextually relevant words to clarify that you’re referring to a smaller number of countable items. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing with practical examples, you can confidently use “fewer” in your Hindi conversations.
FAQ:
- What is the primary Hindi translation for “fewer”? The primary Hindi translation for “fewer” is “kam” (कम).
- How do I distinguish between “fewer” and “less” in Hindi? Use “kam” with countable nouns for “fewer” and with uncountable nouns for “less.” Adding phrases like “sankhya” for countable nouns provides further clarity.
- Can I just use “kam” for both “fewer” and “less”? While context often helps, using more specific phrases ensures clear communication and avoids ambiguity.
- What’s a common mistake to avoid when using “kam” for “fewer”? Forgetting the plural form of the noun after “kam” is a common mistake.
- How can I practice using “fewer” correctly in Hindi? Try creating your own sentences using “kam” with countable nouns in various contexts.
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