Relative-Correlative Quantity: J

This pattern uses two parts to create a balance. The first part starts with j. This is the relative part. It sets the condition. The second part starts with u. This is the correlative part. It provides the result or the matching amount. Think of it like a scale. Whatever you put on the jitnā side, the utnā side matches. If you eat jitnā (as much as) you want, you will be utnā (that much) full. It is a logical flow. You are basically saying "To the extent that X happens, Y happens." It is very common in daily Hindi conversations. You will hear it at home and at work.

1. 1Creating these sentences is like following a simple recipe.
2. 2Start with the j word. Pick jitnā, jitne, or jitnī.
3. 3Add the noun or the action you are talking about.
4. 4Add a verb if needed to finish the first thought.
5. 5Start the second part with the u word. Use utnā, utne, or utnī.
6. 6Make sure the endings match the noun's gender and number.
7. 7Masculine Singular: jitnā ... utnā (e.g., pānī - water)
8. 8Masculine Plural: jitne ... utne (e.g., log - people)
9. 9Feminine: jitnī ... utnī (e.g., chāy - tea)
10. 10Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so do not stress! Just focus on the noun you are describing.

You will use this in many real-world scenarios. Imagine you are at a dhaba ordering food. You can say, "Give me jitnā (as much) rice as he has." It is perfect for recipes too. "Add jitnā (as much) salt as you like." In a job interview, you might say, "I will work jitnā (as much as) is required." It is great for expressing effort and reward. "The more you study, the more you learn." It is also used for physical comparisons. "He is jitnā (as) tall as his brother." It helps you be descriptive without being overly technical. Use it when the exact amount does not matter as much as the relationship between two things.

Do not use this for simple comparisons of "more than" or "less than." For those, you just need se zyādā or se kam. For example, "I have more money than you" does not need jitnā. Do not use it when you have a specific number. If you have five apples, just say five. jitnā is for relative amounts. Also, avoid using it for time duration like "how long." For time, we usually use jab tak or kitnī der. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Only go when you are comparing two quantities that depend on each other. If there is no dependency, stop and use a simpler structure.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the second half. Many people say the jitnā part but forget the utnā. It is like leaving a high-five hanging in the air. It feels incomplete to a native ear. Another mistake is mixing up the gender. If you are talking about roṭī (feminine), do not use jitnā. Use jitnī. Also, do not confuse jitnā with kitnā. kitnā is a question (How much?). jitnā is a statement (As much as). If you ask a question with jitnā, people will look at you funny. Lastly, do not put the verb in the wrong place. Keep the quantity word near the noun it describes.

Let's compare jitnā with kitnā. kitnā is for asking. "How much sugar?" is kitnī chīnī?. jitnā is for relating. "As much sugar as you want" is jitnī chīnī chāhiye. Now, look at itnā. itnā means "this much." You use it when pointing at something. jitnā needs a partner; itnā can stand alone. Then there is zyādā. zyādā just means "more." It does not create a relationship between two clauses. jitnā creates a bridge between two ideas. It is the difference between saying "I want more" and "I want as much as you have."