Understanding the nuances of translating “it took” into Hindi requires more than just a simple word-for-word conversion. “It took” often implies a duration of time or effort involved in completing an action. This article explores the various ways to express this concept in Hindi, considering the context, tense, and specific meaning you want to convey. We’ll delve into common Hindi equivalents, grammatical structures, and practical examples to help you accurately translate “it took” in different situations.
Different Ways to Say “It Took” in Hindi
Translating “it took” depends heavily on the context. Here are some common Hindi translations:
-
लगना (lagna): This is perhaps the most versatile and frequently used verb. It generally means “to take” in the sense of time, effort, or resources.
-
लेना (lena): This verb means “to take,” but when used with time expressions, it implies a deliberate action of utilizing or consuming time.
-
चलना (chalna): Meaning “to go” or “to walk,” this verb can also signify the duration of an event or activity.
-
होना (hona): While primarily meaning “to be” or “to happen,” this verb can be used to express the completion of an action after a certain duration.
Grammatical Structures and Examples
Let’s examine some examples to illustrate the usage of these Hindi verbs:
-
It took me two hours to finish the work. This could be translated as:
- मुझे काम खत्म करने में दो घंटे लगे। (Mujhe kaam khatam karne mein do ghante lage.) – Using लगना (lagna)
- मैंने काम खत्म करने में दो घंटे लिए। (Maine kaam khatam karne mein do ghante liye.) – Using लेना (lena), implying a conscious use of two hours.
-
It took a lot of effort to convince him. This translates to:
- उसे समझाने में बहुत मेहनत लगी। (Use samjhane mein bahut mehnat lagi.) – Using लगना (lagna)
-
The journey took three days. This can be expressed as:
- यात्रा में तीन दिन लगे। (Yatra mein teen din lage.) – Using लगना (lagna)
- यात्रा तीन दिन चली। (Yatra teen din chali.) – Using चलना (chalna), focusing on the duration of the journey.
Choosing the Right Hindi Verb
The best Hindi equivalent for “it took” depends on the specific nuance you want to express. लगना (lagna) is generally suitable for expressing the duration of an action. लेना (lena) emphasizes the conscious allocation of time or resources. चलना (chalna) highlights the continuous nature of an activity. होना (hona) is often used in a more passive sense, indicating the completion of an action.
Considering Tense and Context
The tense of the sentence also plays a role in choosing the correct Hindi translation. For example, “It will take two hours” can be translated as दो घंटे लगेंगे (do ghante lagenge).
How long did it take?
This question would be translated as कितना समय लगा? (Kitna samay laga?) or कितना समय लिया? (Kitna samay liya?), depending on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the conscious use of time.
It didn’t take long.
This can be translated as ज्यादा समय नहीं लगा (Zyada samay nahin laga).
Conclusion
Accurately translating “it took” into Hindi requires a good understanding of the context and the subtle differences between Hindi verbs. By considering the nuances discussed in this article, you can choose the most appropriate translation and effectively communicate your intended meaning. Mastering these nuances is crucial for anyone learning Hindi or working with Hindi translations. Remember to consider the specific action, the duration, and the overall context to choose the most accurate Hindi equivalent.
FAQ
-
What is the most common Hindi translation for “it took”? लगना (lagna) is the most frequently used verb for expressing the duration of an action.
-
How do I say “It will take three days” in Hindi? You can say तीन दिन लगेंगे (teen din lagenge).
-
Can I use lena (lena) to translate “it took”? Yes, but it emphasizes the conscious allocation of time or resources.
-
What is the difference between lagna and chalna when translating “it took”? Lagna focuses on the time taken, while chalna emphasizes the continuous nature of an activity.
-
How do I ask “How long did it take?” in Hindi? You can ask कितना समय लगा? (Kitna samay laga?) or कितना समय लिया? (Kitna samay liya?).
-
How do I say “It didn’t take long” in Hindi? You can say ज्यादा समय नहीं लगा (Zyada samay nahin laga).
-
Is there a single perfect translation for “it took” in Hindi? No, the best translation depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Meaning-Hindi.in is your trusted partner for accurate and culturally sensitive Hindi translations. We specialize in various translation services, including business and commercial documents, legal and certified translations, technical manuals, website localization, educational and academic materials, and express translation services. Our expert linguists ensure that your message is conveyed effectively while respecting cultural nuances. Contact us today for professional Hindi translation services. Email: [email protected], Phone: +91 11-4502-7584. Meaning-Hindi.in is your one-stop solution for all your Hindi translation needs.