Expressing Purpose with Oblique

In Hindi, verbs usually end in -na, like khana (to eat) or bolna (to speak). But when a verb is followed by a postposition like ke liye (for), it has to change its clothes. This "change of clothes" is what we call the oblique case. The -na ending transforms into -ne. So, khana becomes khane. Once you have that -ne ending, you can add ke liye to show purpose. It’s like a grammar traffic light. The -ne tells the sentence, "Wait, there is a reason coming up!" It is a very consistent rule. Once you learn it for one verb, you know it for all of them. No weird exceptions to ruin your day here!

1. 1Creating this structure is a simple three-step process.
2. 2Start with your base infinitive verb (e.g., seekhna - to learn).
3. 3Drop the final -a and replace it with -e (e.g., seekhne).
4. 4Add the postposition ke liye (for) or sometimes just ko (to).
5. 5Example: Parhna (to read) -> Parhne + ke liye = Parhne ke liye (In order to read).
6. 6Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes by forgetting the -ne, but you won't! Just remember: if there is a postposition after a verb, that verb *must* end in -e.

Use this pattern whenever you want to express a goal or a reason for an action.

• Errands: "I went to the market to buy vegetables." (Sabzi khareedne ke liye).
• Professional Goals: "I am studying to become a doctor." (Doctor banne ke liye).
• Ordering Food: "I want water to drink." (Peene ke liye paani).
• Giving Directions: "Turn left to go to the station." (Station jaane ke liye).

Think of it as answering the question "Why?" (Kyun?). If your answer involves an action, you need the oblique -ne form. It is the most natural way to link two ideas where one is the goal of the other.

Don't use this when the "purpose" is just a simple noun. If you say "I am here for coffee," you just use coffee ke liye. You only need the -ne if there is a verb involved, like "to *drink* coffee." Also, don't use it for simple future plans where a different structure is better. For example, "I will eat" is just Main khaunga. You don't need to say "I am for eating." Keep it simple! If there is no "in order to" logic, you probably don't need this oblique form. It is specifically for intentions and reasons.

The biggest mistake is keeping the verb in its dictionary form. Saying Khana ke liye sounds very clunky to a native ear. It is like saying "For to eat" in English. Always, always change that -na to -ne. Another mistake is forgetting the ke liye entirely. While you can sometimes use just ko or even just the oblique form with verbs of motion, as a B1 learner, sticking to ke liye is your safest bet. It is clear, correct, and everyone will understand you. Don't let the -na stick around when a postposition is knocking at the door!

You might see people use ko instead of ke liye. For example, Main sone gaya (I went to sleep). This is a shorter, punchier way to say the same thing. It is very common with verbs like jaana (to go) and aana (to come). However, ke liye is more versatile. You can use it with almost any verb. There is also the vālā pattern, like Main khane vālā hoon (I am about to eat). This is about *timing*, not *purpose*. Don't confuse the two! One is about why you do it; the other is about when you do it.