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

4. SYNTAX

seek clarification of the previous speakers statement.

85. Aapnao iktaba pZ,I?
    a:pne kita:b parhi:?
    you-erg book read-fs-pst book
    Did you read the book?

85a. maOMMnao iktaba pZ,I?
m ́~ne kita:b parhi:?
Did I read the book?

85b. Aap pUC rho hOM ik maOMnao iktaba pZ,I?
a:p pu:ch rahe h ́~ (ki) m ́~ne kita:b parhi:?
You are asking if I read the book?

The focused constituent receives stress if the speaker chooses to
retain unfocused elements.

4.3.4.3.2. Question-Word Echo-Questions

A question-word may also be used in echo questions and elements
of the statement may be repeated depending on the clarification
sought.

86. vah p~ ilaK rha hO.
    vah patr likh raha: h ́.
    he letter write-pr is
    He is writing a letter.

86a. @yaa ilaK rha hO?
kya: likh raha: h ́?
What is he writing?

86b. @yaa?
kya:?
What (is he writing)?

86c. p~.
patr
(He is writing a) letter.