Understanding how to form negative sentences is a crucial part of learning any language. In Hindi, the present indefinite tense is one of the most commonly used tenses, and expressing negativity within this tense follows specific grammatical rules. This article will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of present indefinite negative sentences in Hindi how they are constructed, examples, common mistakes, and useful tips to master them quickly.
What Are Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi?
The present indefinite tense (वर्तमान काल, सामान्य वर्तमान काल) is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, or routines. When you want to express that something does not happen regularly or is not true in the present, you use the present indefinite negative sentence.
For example:
- वह किताब नहीं पढ़ता। (He does not read the book.)
- हम बाजार नहीं जाते। (We do not go to the market.)
This form helps in communicating negation clearly and accurately in everyday conversations and writing.
How to Form Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi?
Forming a present indefinite negative sentence in Hindi involves a few essential components:
- Subject (कर्ता): The doer of the action
- Object (कर्म): The receiver of the action (if any)
- Verb root (क्रिया धातु): The base form of the verb
- Negative particle ‘नहीं’: Placed before the verb to negate the sentence
- Present indefinite verb endings: Which agree with the subject in gender and number
Basic Sentence Structure:
Subject + नहीं + Verb (present indefinite form)
Examples by Person and Number
| Subject | Positive Sentence | Negative Sentence |
| मैं (I) | मैं पढ़ता हूँ। (I read.) | मैं नहीं पढ़ता हूँ। (I do not read.) |
| तुम (You informal) | तुम खेलते हो। (You play.) | तुम नहीं खेलते हो। (You do not play.) |
| वह (He) | वह आता है। (He comes.) | वह नहीं आता है। (He does not come.) |
| वह (She) | वह गाती है। (She sings.) | वह नहीं गाती है। (She does not sing.) |
| हम (We) | हम काम करते हैं। (We work.) | हम नहीं काम करते हैं। (We do not work.) |
| वे (They) | वे नाचते हैं। (They dance.) | वे नहीं नाचते हैं। (They do not dance.) |
Key Points to Remember in Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi
1. Placement of ‘नहीं’
- The word नहीं always comes before the main verb in the sentence.
- It negates the verb, indicating the absence or refusal of an action.
Example:
- वह खाना नहीं खाता। (He does not eat food.)
- वह नहीं खाना खाता। (Incorrect)
2. Verb Agreement
- The verb form changes according to the gender and number of the subject.
- For masculine singular subjects, verbs typically end with -ता है; for feminine singular, -ती है; and for plural subjects, -ते हैं or -ती हैं depending on gender.
3. Use of Auxiliary Verbs
- Auxiliary verbs like है, हैं, हूँ, हो are necessary in present indefinite tense and appear at the end of the sentence.
- Negation does not remove the auxiliary; it stays after the verb.
Example:
- मैं नहीं पढ़ता हूँ। (Correct)
- मैं नहीं पढ़ता। (Incorrect)
Step-by-Step Guide to Forming Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi
Identify the Subject
Determine the person (first, second, third), gender, and number (singular/plural).
Use the negative particle ‘नहीं’
Place it immediately after the subject.
Use the verb root with the appropriate ending
Match the verb ending with the subject in gender and number.
Add the auxiliary verb
Put हूँ, है, हैं, हो according to the subject.
Form the sentence
Combine all parts to make the final negative sentence.
Examples of Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi
First Person Singular
मैं खाना नहीं खाता हूँ।
(I do not eat food.)
Second Person Plural
तुम नहीं पढ़ते हो।
(You do not study.)
Third Person Feminine Singular
वह काम नहीं करती है।
(She does not work.)
First Person Plural
हम बाजार नहीं जाते हैं।
(We do not go to the market.)
Third Person Masculine Plural
वे नहीं खेलते हैं।
(They do not play.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Forming Negative Sentences in Hindi
- Misplacing ‘नहीं’ after the verb or auxiliary instead of before the main verb.
Incorrect: मैं पढ़ता नहीं हूँ।
Correct: मैं नहीं पढ़ता हूँ। - Omitting the auxiliary verb at the end.
Incorrect: वह नहीं आता।
Correct: वह नहीं आता है। - Wrong verb endings that don’t match subject gender or number.
Incorrect: वह नहीं आता हैं।
Correct: वह नहीं आता है। - Using ‘नहीं’ twice in the same sentence.
Incorrect: मैं नहीं नहीं जाता।
Correct: मैं नहीं जाता हूँ।
Why Is Mastering Present Indefinite Negative Sentences Important in Hindi?
- They help in expressing refusal, denial, or absence of actions, which are vital in daily communication.
- Mastering negatives improves overall sentence-building skills.
- They build a foundation for more complex tenses and grammatical structures.
- Proper usage boosts confidence in speaking and writing Hindi fluently.
Tips to Practice Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi
- Create your own sentences daily by taking simple positive sentences and turning them negative.
- Use flashcards with verbs and subjects to practice different combinations.
- Watch Hindi movies or shows and note negative sentence usage.
- Practice speaking with native speakers or tutors focusing on negative forms.
- Write short paragraphs or diary entries including negative present indefinite sentences.
Related Phrases and Synonyms in Hindi for Negation
Besides नहीं, sometimes words like कभी नहीं (never), कुछ नहीं (nothing), and किसी भी नहीं (none) are used to add emphasis in negative sentences. For example:
- मैं कभी नहीं आता। (I never come.)
- वह कुछ नहीं कहता। (He says nothing.)
These intensify the negation and are part of advanced usage.
Advanced Usage: Negative Sentences with Modal Verbs in Present Indefinite
In some cases, you might want to express negation with modal verbs like सकना (can) or चाहना (want) in the present indefinite tense.
Example:
- मैं नहीं सकता। (I cannot.)
- वह नहीं चाहता। (He does not want.)
Here, नहीं still precedes the main verb, maintaining the negative structure consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Present Indefinite Negative Sentences in Hindi
1. How do I form a negative sentence in present indefinite tense in Hindi?
Use subject + नहीं + verb (present indefinite form) + auxiliary verb.
2. Where is ‘नहीं’ placed in a present indefinite negative sentence?
It is placed directly before the main verb.
3. Does the verb ending change in negative sentences?
Yes, it agrees with the subject’s gender and number, same as in positive sentences.
4. Can I use ‘ना’ instead of ‘नहीं’ for negation?
‘ना’ is used in informal or conversational Hindi but is grammatically less formal than ‘नहीं’.
5. Is the auxiliary verb mandatory in present indefinite negative sentences?
Yes, auxiliary verbs like हूँ, है, हैं are necessary to complete the tense.
Mastering Hindi Present Indefinite Negative Sentences
Mastering the present indefinite negative sentences in Hindi is fundamental for anyone learning Hindi. It allows you to express refusal, denial, and absence of actions accurately in everyday situations. By understanding the structure subject + नहीं + verb + auxiliary and practicing regularly, you will gain confidence in your Hindi language skills and improve both your spoken and written Hindi.
Remember to pay close attention to verb endings, placement of ‘नहीं,’ and the use of auxiliaries to avoid common errors. With consistent practice, forming present indefinite negative sentences will become second nature, making your Hindi communication clearer and more effective.