Formal Sanskritized Lexis and Passive
Mastering Sanskritized passive constructions signals C2 authority, transforming casual speech into professional, objective, and institutional communication.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use Sanskrit-derived (Tatsam) words for a professional, high-status tone.
- Form the passive using the object + verb + 'jaana' construction.
- Focus on the action or result rather than the person doing it.
- Reserved for news, legal documents, formal speeches, and professional writing.
Quick Reference
| Informal Verb | Formal Tatsam Noun/Verb | Passive Construction | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| rokna | pratibandhit | pratibandhit kiya jaana | to be prohibited |
| batana | soochit | soochit kiya jaana | to be informed |
| chun-na | chayanit | chayanit kiya jaana | to be selected |
| shuru karna | prarambh | prarambh kiya jaana | to be commenced |
| maangna | apekshitt | apekshitt hona | to be expected/requested |
| khatam karna | samapt | samapt kiya jaana | to be concluded |
| badalna | parivartit | parivartit kiya jaana | to be modified |
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 8Sabhapatit dwara sabha sthagit ki gayi.
The meeting was adjourned by the chairperson.
Naye niyam kal se laagoo kiye jayenge.
New rules will be implemented from tomorrow.
Aapki upasthiti ki pratiksha ki ja rahi hai.
Your presence is being awaited.
The 'Kiya Jaana' Shortcut
If you aren't sure of the exact verb, use a Tatsam noun + 'kiya jaana'. It works for 90% of formal situations.
Avoid Register Clashes
Don't mix 'Tatsam' words with English loanwords. 'Nirdesh follow karo' sounds awkward. Use 'Nirdeshon ka paalan karein'.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use Sanskrit-derived (Tatsam) words for a professional, high-status tone.
- Form the passive using the object + verb + 'jaana' construction.
- Focus on the action or result rather than the person doing it.
- Reserved for news, legal documents, formal speeches, and professional writing.
Overview
Welcome to the world of high-register Hindi. This is where language meets authority. You have likely mastered basic conversations. Now, you need to sound official. Formal Sanskritized Lexis combined with the Passive Voice is the gold standard for C2 proficiency. Think of it as the 'tuxedo' of Hindi grammar. It uses Tatsam words—terms directly borrowed from Sanskrit. These words carry weight and history. When you pair them with the passive voice, you remove the 'doer' from the sentence. This creates a sense of objectivity and distance. It is the language of laws, news, and high-level business. You aren't just saying something happened. You are declaring it with institutional authority. It is like moving from a casual chat to a royal proclamation.
How This Grammar Works
This pattern relies on two pillars. First, you swap common Tadbhav words for Tatsam words. Instead of kaam, you use kaarya. Instead of batana, you use soochit karna. Second, you shift the focus from the person to the action. You do this using the passive auxiliary jaana. In English, we say 'The decision was made.' In Hindi, we say Nirnay liya gaya. The 'who' doesn't matter as much as the 'what.' You are basically hiding the subject behind a curtain of formality. It makes your speech sound balanced and very professional. Yes, even native speakers find this register a bit intimidating sometimes! Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It tells everyone to slow down and pay attention to the importance of the message.
Formation Pattern
- 1Creating these sentences follows a specific sequence. Follow these steps to sound like a diplomat:
- 2Identify your object. This is what the action happens to (e.g.,
soochana- information). - 3Choose a high-register
Tatsamnoun or adjective (e.g.,prakashit- published). - 4Use the perfective form of the verb
karna(to do) ordena(to give). - 5Add the appropriate form of
jaana(to go) as the passive marker. - 6Ensure the verb matches the gender and number of the object.
- 7Example:
Aavedan(Application) +sveekaar(Acceptance) +kiya gaya(was done) =Aavedan sveekaar kiya gaya(The application was accepted).
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound like an expert. It is perfect for job interviews when discussing company policies. You will see it in every news broadcast in India. It is essential for writing formal emails to government officials. If you are giving a speech at a university, this is your best friend. Use it when the 'doer' is obvious or irrelevant. For example, in a legal notice, the law is the doer. You don't need to say 'The judge says.' You say Aadesh diya jaata hai (The order is given). It adds a layer of politeness by being indirect. It is also great for avoiding blame! Instead of 'I lost the file,' you might say 'The file was misplaced.'
When Not To Use It
Do not use this at the dinner table. If you ask your friend to 'provide the salt' using this register, they will think you are joking. Avoid it in casual street settings. If you are asking for directions to the metro, stick to simple Hindi. Using Tatsam passive forms while buying vegetables will make you sound like a lost poet from the 19th century. It is too heavy for daily chores. It can also sound cold or robotic if used in personal relationships. Keep it for the boardroom, not the bedroom.
Common Mistakes
One big mistake is 'double passives.' You don't need to overcomplicate the auxiliary. Another error is mixing registers. Don't use a slang word like bindaas in a sentence with pratibandhit. It sounds like wearing sneakers with a three-piece suit. Many people also forget gender agreement. Since the object is now the boss of the sentence, the verb must follow its gender. If the object is ghoshna (feminine), the verb must be kiya gaya? No! It must be ki ki gayi. Even native speakers mess this up when they are in a hurry. Don't let the 'Sanskrit-ness' of the word distract you from basic grammar rules.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Compare the active Maine kaam kiya (I did the work) with the passive Kaarya sampann kiya gaya (The task was completed). The first is personal and direct. The second is professional and result-oriented. Also, compare it with the simple passive. Khana ban gaya (The food is made) is simple. Bhojan nirmitt kiya gaya (The meal was prepared) is the high-register version. The meaning is the same, but the 'vibe' is totally different. One is for a kitchen; the other is for a five-star hotel menu.
Quick FAQ
Q. Does every verb have a Tatsam pair?
A. Almost every common action has a formal Sanskrit-derived equivalent.
Q. Is this only for writing?
A. No, it is used in formal speaking, like news reporting or public speeches.
Q. Is it harder to learn?
A. The grammar is the same as the regular passive; only the vocabulary is fancier.
Q. Why not just use English words?
A. Using Tatsam words shows a higher level of education and cultural respect in India.
Reference Table
| Informal Verb | Formal Tatsam Noun/Verb | Passive Construction | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| rokna | pratibandhit | pratibandhit kiya jaana | to be prohibited |
| batana | soochit | soochit kiya jaana | to be informed |
| chun-na | chayanit | chayanit kiya jaana | to be selected |
| shuru karna | prarambh | prarambh kiya jaana | to be commenced |
| maangna | apekshitt | apekshitt hona | to be expected/requested |
| khatam karna | samapt | samapt kiya jaana | to be concluded |
| badalna | parivartit | parivartit kiya jaana | to be modified |
The 'Kiya Jaana' Shortcut
If you aren't sure of the exact verb, use a Tatsam noun + 'kiya jaana'. It works for 90% of formal situations.
Avoid Register Clashes
Don't mix 'Tatsam' words with English loanwords. 'Nirdesh follow karo' sounds awkward. Use 'Nirdeshon ka paalan karein'.
Respect the Hierarchy
In Indian bureaucracy, using this register shows you respect the institution's gravity. It's not just grammar; it's etiquette.
Gender is King
Always identify the gender of the Sanskrit noun first. Since these are often abstract, they can be tricky. 'Sahayata' is feminine; 'Sahyog' is masculine.
مثالها
8Sabhapatit dwara sabha sthagit ki gayi.
Focus: sthagit ki gayi
The meeting was adjourned by the chairperson.
Uses 'sthagit' (adjourned) instead of 'rokna'.
Naye niyam kal se laagoo kiye jayenge.
Focus: laagoo kiye jayenge
New rules will be implemented from tomorrow.
Standard phrasing for public announcements.
Aapki upasthiti ki pratiksha ki ja rahi hai.
Focus: pratiksha ki ja rahi hai
Your presence is being awaited.
A very polite way to say 'we are waiting for you'.
Upyogkarta ko soochit kiya jaata hai ki...
Focus: soochit kiya jaata hai
The user is hereby informed that...
Common in Terms and Conditions documents.
Aavedan sweekaar kiya gaya.
Focus: sweekaar kiya gaya
The application was accepted.
Much more professional than 'Form le liya'.
✗ Soochana diya gaya → ✓ Soochana di gayi.
Focus: di gayi
The information was given.
Verb must match the feminine gender of 'soochana'.
✗ Meeting cancel ho gayi → ✓ Sabhayein nirasth kar di gayin.
Focus: nirasth kar di gayin
The meetings were cancelled.
Avoids English loanwords in high-register speech.
Is vishay par vistrit charcha ki jaani anivarya hai.
Focus: charcha ki jaani anivarya hai
A detailed discussion on this subject is mandatory to be conducted.
Uses 'anivarya' (mandatory) to add weight.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct formal passive form to complete the official announcement.
Sabhi karmachariyon ko samay par ___ (informed).
'Soochit kiya jaata hai' is the formal Tatsam passive equivalent of 'to inform'.
Select the correct gender agreement for the passive verb.
Nayi niti (policy) sarkar dwara ___ (implemented).
'Niti' is feminine, so the passive verb 'laagoo ki gayi' must match its gender.
Complete the sentence with the appropriate formal term for 'cancelled'.
Kharab mausam ke karan udaan ___ (cancelled).
'Nirasth' is the high-register Tatsam word for 'cancelled' or 'annulled'.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Casual vs. Formal Register
Deciding to Use Formal Passive
Is the context official/legal?
Is the 'doer' unimportant?
Apply Tatsam word + 'kiya jaana'
Usage Domains for High Register
Bureaucracy
- • Government Gazettes
- • Official Notices
Media
- • News Bulletins
- • Editorials
Legal
- • Court Orders
- • Contracts
Academic
- • Research Papers
- • Formal Debates
سوالات متداول
21 سوالA Tatsam word is a word borrowed directly from Sanskrit without any change in spelling. Examples include kaarya, shakti, and prakash.
Passive voice sounds more objective and less personal. It is ideal for official rules where the authority of the institution is more important than the individual.
Not usually, unless it's a courtroom scene or a historical drama. Most movies use Hindustani (a mix of Hindi and Urdu) which is more colloquial.
Tatsam words often contain conjunct consonants or sounds like sh, ksh, tra, and gya. Words like parivartan or sthapit are classic examples.
Yes, dwara (by) is the formal way to mention the agent. For example, Sarkar dwara nirnay liya gaya (The decision was taken by the government).
No, you can use other auxiliaries like dena (e.g., nirdesh diye gaye). However, kiya jaana is the most versatile.
High-register Hindi tends to minimize Persian/Arabic (Urdu) influence in favor of Sanskrit. However, some legal terms from Urdu are still common.
Yes, it shows you have a sophisticated command of the language. Just don't overdo it to the point of sounding like a textbook.
The feminine singular is ki gayi and the plural is ki gayin. Remember to match the object's gender!
Instead of Mujhe bataya gaya, use Mujhe soochit kiya gaya. It sounds much more professional.
Absolutely. Just add nahi before the verb. Anumati nahi di gayi (Permission was not granted).
Yes, 'Shuddh Hindi' (Pure Hindi) relies heavily on this specific combination of Sanskrit vocabulary and formal structures.
It provides a sense of neutrality. By saying Aisa maana jaata hai (It is believed), the reporter avoids taking personal responsibility for the claim.
It is better to avoid it. Download kiya gaya is common, but in high-register Hindi, you would use Prati-lipi li gayi or similar.
The masculine plural is jaate hain and the feminine plural is jaati hain. This depends on the object.
Modern poetry often uses simpler language, but classical or 'Chhayavaad' poetry uses very high-register Sanskritized lexis.
No, in this context, jaana loses its literal meaning of movement and becomes a grammatical marker for the passive voice.
It's not rude, but it's very weird. It's like speaking to your friends in legal jargon; they might think you're being sarcastic.
Read Hindi newspapers like 'Dainik Jagran' or 'Navbharat Times' editorials. Watch Rajya Sabha TV or official government broadcasts.
Yes, this formal register is standardized across the Hindi-speaking belt for official and academic purposes.
If you forget the Tatsam word, you can use a common word, but keep the passive structure. It will still sound more formal than a simple active sentence.
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