Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Among the many aspects of language that learners need to master, understanding the grammatical structures is crucial. One such important structure in Hindi is the concept of passive and active voice. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the differences between passive and active voice in Hindi, providing examples and explanations to help English speakers grasp these concepts effectively.
Understanding Active Voice
In both English and Hindi, the active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action. The structure is straightforward: the subject performs the action expressed by the verb, and the object receives the action.
Example in English:
– The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).
Example in Hindi:
– बिल्ली (subject) ने चूहे (object) को पकड़ा (verb)।
– Transliteration: Billi (subject) ne choohe (object) ko pakda (verb).
Here, the subject “बिल्ली” (billi) is performing the action of chasing the object “चूहा” (chooha). The active voice is direct and straightforward, making it clear who is doing what.
Understanding Passive Voice
The passive voice, on the other hand, shifts the focus from the subject to the object of the action. The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. In English, this is often achieved by using a form of the verb “to be” along with the past participle of the main verb.
Example in English:
– The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (agent).
In Hindi, the passive voice is formed differently but serves the same purpose of emphasizing the action or the recipient of the action rather than the doer.
Example in Hindi:
– चूहा (subject) बिल्ली (agent) द्वारा पकड़ा गया (verb)।
– Transliteration: Chooha (subject) billi (agent) dwaara pakda gaya (verb).
Here, the focus is on “चूहा” (chooha), the recipient of the action, rather than on “बिल्ली” (billi), the doer of the action.
Formation of Passive Voice in Hindi
The formation of passive voice in Hindi involves a few key steps:
1. **Identify the Subject, Verb, and Object**:
– Active: बिल्ली ने चूहे को पकड़ा।
– Subject: बिल्ली (billi)
– Verb: पकड़ा (pakda)
– Object: चूहा (chooha)
2. **Convert the Object of the Active Sentence to the Subject of the Passive Sentence**:
– Passive: चूहा (chooha)
3. **Use the Appropriate Form of the Verb “to be” (होना) Along with the Past Participle of the Main Verb**:
– चूहा पकड़ा गया (chooha pakda gaya)
4. **Include the Agent (Optional)**:
– चूहा बिल्ली द्वारा पकड़ा गया (chooha billi dwaara pakda gaya)
Verb Agreement in Passive Voice
In Hindi, verbs must agree with the subject in terms of gender and number. This is crucial for the correct formation of sentences in the passive voice.
Examples:
– The book was read by the student.
– Active: छात्र ने किताब पढ़ी।
– Passive: किताब छात्र द्वारा पढ़ी गई।
– Transliteration: Kitaab chhaatr dwaara padhi gayi.
– The books were read by the student.
– Active: छात्र ने किताबें पढ़ी।
– Passive: किताबें छात्र द्वारा पढ़ी गईं।
– Transliteration: Kitaaben chhaatr dwaara padhi gayin.
Notice how the verb changes to agree with the number and gender of the subject in the passive voice.
Common Uses of Passive Voice in Hindi
The passive voice is used in Hindi for various reasons, similar to its use in English:
1. **Emphasizing the Action or the Recipient**:
– The focus is often on what happened rather than who did it.
– Example: The letter was written.
– पत्र लिखा गया।
– Transliteration: Patra likha gaya.
2. **When the Doer is Unknown or Unimportant**:
– The emphasis is on the action itself, and the doer is either unknown or irrelevant.
– Example: The window was broken.
– खिड़की तोड़ी गई।
– Transliteration: Khidki todi gayi.
3. **To Sound Polite or Formal**:
– Passive constructions can sometimes be more polite or formal.
– Example: Your application has been approved.
– आपका आवेदन स्वीकृत किया गया है।
– Transliteration: Aapka aavedan sweekrit kiya gaya hai.
Active vs. Passive Voice: When to Use Which?
Choosing between active and passive voice depends on what you want to emphasize in your sentence.
– **Use Active Voice** when the doer of the action is important or when you want to make your sentence direct and clear.
– Example: The teacher teaches the students.
– शिक्षक छात्रों को पढ़ाते हैं।
– Transliteration: Shikshak chhatron ko padhate hain.
– **Use Passive Voice** when the action itself is more important than the doer, or when the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or implied.
– Example: The students are taught by the teacher.
– छात्र शिक्षक द्वारा पढ़ाए जाते हैं।
– Transliteration: Chhatra shikshak dwaara padhaye jate hain.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of passive and active voice in Hindi, try converting the following sentences from active to passive voice:
1. The chef cooked the meal.
– Active: रसोइये ने खाना पकाया।
– Passive: खाना रसोइये द्वारा पकाया गया।
– Transliteration: Khana rasoiye dwaara pakaya gaya.
2. The engineer designed the bridge.
– Active: इंजीनियर ने पुल को डिजाइन किया।
– Passive: पुल इंजीनियर द्वारा डिजाइन किया गया।
– Transliteration: Pul engineer dwaara design kiya gaya.
3. The children broke the vase.
– Active: बच्चों ने फूलदान तोड़ा।
– Passive: फूलदान बच्चों द्वारा तोड़ा गया।
– Transliteration: Phooldan bachon dwaara toda gaya.
Conclusion
Understanding the passive and active voice in Hindi is essential for mastering the language. While the active voice is straightforward and commonly used, the passive voice allows for flexibility in emphasizing different parts of a sentence. By practicing the formation and usage of both voices, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Hindi.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, regularly practicing sentence conversion and paying attention to verb agreement will help you become more proficient. Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and exposure to real-life usage. Happy learning!
