Using Oblique Infinitives

In Hindi, the basic form of a verb (the infinitive) always ends in -na. Think of words like बोलना (bolna) (to speak), खाना (khana) (to eat), or जाना (jana) (to go). This -na form acts like a noun sometimes. But here's the catch: Hindi hates leaving nouns or infinitives in their raw form when they are followed by a "grammar glue" word (postposition). So, the verb creates a bridge. It tweaks its ending to connect smoothly with the next word. Without this tweak, your sentence sounds clunky, like driving a car with square wheels.

1. 1Changing a verb to its oblique form is arguably the easiest math you'll do all day.
2. 2Take the infinitive verb (e.g., करना (karna) - to do).
3. 3Chop off the final -a.
4. 4Glue on an -e.
5. 5That’s it. करना (karna) becomes करने (karne). sochna (to think) becomes सोचने (sochne). It’s consistent, reliable, and honestly, a breath of fresh air compared to gender rules!

You need this oblique form in three main VIP scenarios:

• Before Postpositions: If you use words like का (ka) (of), से (se) (from/by), में (mein) (in), पर (par) (on), or ke liye (for) after a verb. Example: *Hindi bolne ke liye* (For speaking Hindi).
• Before 'Wala': When you want to say "the doer" or "about to do". Example: *Wo aane wala hai* (He is about to come).
• With Certain Verbs: Some verbs like देना (dena) (to let/allow), lagna (to begin), and pana (to manage) demand the oblique form from their neighbor. Example: *Mujhe जाने (jane) do* (Let me go).

Don't get trigger-happy! You don't always change the ending.

• Simple Subjects: If the verb is just the subject of the sentence. *Hindi बोलना (bolna) aasan hai* (Speaking Hindi is easy). Here, बोलना (bolna) is the boss, so it keeps its -na.
• Direct Objects of 'Want' or 'Like': Usually, with chahna (to want) or pasand karna (to like), you keep the -na. *Main जाना (jana) chahta hun* (I want to go). Although, colloquial speech sometimes blurs this, stick to the rule for now.

The classic rookie error is keeping the -na where it doesn't belong.

• The 'Stubborn Na': Saying *Main khelna ke liye aaya* (I came for playing). Ouch. It should be *Main खेलने (khelne) ke liye aaya*.
• The 'Double E': Sometimes learners panic and add extra vowels. *Khelnee*? No, just keep it short: खेलने (khelne).

You might confuse this with the polite imperative (requests).

• Oblique Infinitive: *Aapke जाने (jane) ke baad* (After you go). This is a noun-like usage.
• Polite Request: *Aap wahan jayiye* (Please go there). Totally different verb form!

Also, don't confuse it with the masculine plural adjective ending. Yes, achhe (good - plural/oblique) ends in 'e' too. It’s the same sound, different grammatical soul. Hindi loves recycling sounds—it’s eco-friendly like that.

Q: Does gender change this form?

Nope! Whether you're a guy, girl, or a group, the oblique infinitive is always -ne. Universal fit!

Q: What about 'sakna' (can)?

Sakna is chill. It uses the root stem (just ja, not जाने (jane)). *Main ja sakta hun*. Don't use oblique there.