Modern Hindi Grammar - Indian Institute of Language Studies (IILS)

(Brent) #1

3. MORPHOLOGY


In sentence (12), the particle hI hi: becomes part of the verb adding
the meaning ‘as soon as.’ In (13b), the particle hI hi: adds the
meaning of ‘just.’ In (14b), the particle hI hi: adds the meaning
‘certainly.’ In (15b), it adds the meaning ‘at all.’ In (16b) and (17b),
it makes the adjectives emphatic. By adding the particle hI hi: to kuC
AaOr kuch ør in sentence (19b), it gives the meaning ‘different kind


of.’ Thus, besides its use for emphasis, the particle hI hi: adds
different shades of meaning depending on its use.


3.6.3. The Particle tao to


The particle tao to is mostly used as an emphatic marker and also
denotes contrast.



  1. vah Aayaa tao hO.
    vah a:ya: to h ́.
    he came part is
    He has come indeed.

  2. ]sao AMdr Aanao tao dao.
    use andar a:ne to do.
    he-dat inside come-inf+obl part let
    Let him come inside.

  3. maaomabatI tao imalaI ̧ idyaasalaa[- nahIM.
    mombati: to mili:, diya:sala:yi: nahĩ:.
    candle part found match-box neg
    The candle was found, (but) not the matchbox.

  4. vah ]sako pasa tao gayaa ̧ pr baaolaa nahIM.
    vah uske pa:s to gaya:, par bola: nahĩ:.
    he he-gen+obl near part went but said neg
    He did go near him, but did not speak.


The particle to is also added to the negative marker nahIM nahĩ:. The
phrase nahIM tao nahĩ: to has several uses including as an emphatic
negative reply denoting ‘surprise’ or ‘disapproval.’

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