Obligation and Necessity with

In most Hindi sentences, the subject (the person doing the action) is the boss. But with obligation, the object or the duty takes charge. You start with the person who has the obligation. You must add the postposition को to that person. For example, मैं (I) becomes मुझे (to me). आप (you) becomes आपको (to you). This is the most important rule. If you forget को, the sentence will sound very strange to native speakers. It’s like trying to drive a car without wheels. After the subject, you add the verb in its infinitive form (ending in -na). Finally, you add the obligation word like चाहिए (should) or पड़ता है (have to).

1. 1Start with the Subject (the person).
2. 2Add the postposition को (ko) to the subject.
3. 3Add the Object (if there is one).
4. 4Use the Infinitive Verb (the form ending in -ना).
5. 5Finish with the Obligation Verb.
6. 6For "Should": [Subject + को] + [Infinitive Verb] + चाहिए.
7. 7Example: आपको पढ़ना चाहिए (You should study).
8. 8For "Have to" (General/Habitual): [Subject + को] + [Infinitive Verb] + होता है or पड़ता है.
9. 9Example: मुझे रोज़ काम करना पड़ता है (I have to work every day).
10. 10For "Must/Need to" (Specific instance): [Subject + को] + [Infinitive Verb] + है.
11. 11Example: मुझे अब जाना है (I have to go now).

You will use these patterns in almost every daily scenario. Use चाहिए when you are giving a friend advice. It’s perfect for saying "You should try this spicy chai!" Use पड़ता है for things you don't really want to do but have to. This is great for complaining about taxes or cleaning your room. Use the Infinitive + है for immediate plans. Imagine you are at a party and need to leave. You would say, मुझे घर जाना है (I have to go home). This structure is also vital for workplace settings. You’ll use it to discuss deadlines and required tasks. It’s the language of responsibility and social norms.

Don't use this structure for simple desires. If you just "want" an ice cream, use चाहना (chāhnā) without the को. Obligation is about "need" and "should," not just "want." Also, don't use the को structure with regular action verbs like "I eat" or "I run." If you say मुझे दौड़ता हूँ, people will look at you very confused. Only use the को subject when the main verb is an obligation verb like चाहिए or पड़ता. Think of it like a specialized tool. You wouldn't use a hammer to eat soup, right? Use this grammar only when duty or necessity is involved.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the को. Learners often say मैं जाना है instead of मुझे जाना है. This is a classic "newbie" error. Yes, even native speakers might understand you, but it sounds very broken. Another mistake is trying to change the ending of चाहिए. Good news: चाहिए never changes! It doesn't matter if it's "I," "you," or "they." It stays exactly the same. However, पड़ता है does change based on the gender of the object. If the thing you "have to do" is feminine, it becomes पड़ती है. Don't let that trip you up. Just remember: को is your best friend here.

It is easy to confuse चाहिए (should) with ज़रूरत है (need). चाहिए is usually for actions and advice. ज़रूरत है is usually for physical things. If you need a pen, say मुझे पेन की ज़रूरत है. If you should write, say आपको लिखना चाहिए. Also, distinguish between होना and पड़ना. मुझे जाना है (I have to go) sounds like a plan you made. मुझे जाना पड़ता है (I have to go) sounds like someone is forcing you. One is a choice or a schedule, the other is a burden. Understanding this subtle difference makes you sound much more fluent and natural.