Conjunction लेकिन/पर (but)

These words sit right in the middle of two thoughts. You state one fact, drop the conjunction, and then state the contrasting fact. It is like a grammar traffic light. The first part of the sentence sets the direction. The लेकिन or पर signals a change. Then, the second part provides the new information. In English, we just have "but." In Hindi, we have a few choices. लेकिन is the standard, all-purpose word. पर is shorter and very common in daily speech. There is also मगर (magar), which feels a bit more poetic or old-school. For now, focus on लेकिन and पर. They are your best friends for daily survival.

1. 1Using these words is very straightforward. You do not need to change the verb endings or noun cases just because of the conjunction. Follow these steps:
2. 2State your first complete thought (Sentence A).
3. 3Add a comma (optional in speaking, but good for writing).
4. 4Place लेकिन or पर immediately after the first thought.
5. 5State your second complete thought (Sentence B).
6. 6Example: वह अमीर है (He is rich) + लेकिन (but) + वह खुश नहीं है (he is not happy). Together: वह अमीर है, लेकिन वह खुश नहीं है। It is like building with Lego blocks. You have two blocks and one connector piece in the middle.

Use these when the second part of your sentence surprises the listener.

• Ordering Food: "I want coffee, but no sugar." (मुझे कॉफ़ी चाहिए, लेकिन चीनी नहीं।)
• Asking Directions: "The station is near, but the road is closed." (स्टेशन पास है, पर रास्ता बंद है।)
• Job Interviews: "I have experience, but I want to learn more." (मेरे पास अनुभव है, लेकिन मैं और सीखना चाहता हूँ।)
• Shopping: "The shirt is nice, but the price is high." (यह शर्ट अच्छी है, पर दाम ज़्यादा है।)

Real-world scenarios often involve excuses. "I wanted to call you, but my phone died." We have all been there. These words help you navigate those social moments with ease. Even native speakers use पर constantly because it is faster to say than लेकिन.

Do not use these words to join items in a list. If you are choosing between tea or coffee, use या (ya/or). If you are adding things together, use और (aur/and).

Also, avoid using लेकिन at the very beginning of a conversation unless you are responding to something someone else just said. It sounds a bit abrupt. Think of it like jumping into a pool without checking the water. You need a context first.

Another trap is the word पर. In Hindi, पर also means "on" or "at." For example, मेज़ पर (on the table). Do not get confused! If पर is at the end of a noun, it means "on." If it is between two sentences, it means "but."

One big mistake is using लेकिन and पर together in the same breath. You only need one! It is like wearing two hats. Pick one and stick with it.

Another mistake is forgetting that the second part of the sentence needs a subject if it is a new action.

• ✗ Wrong: मैं गया लेकिन नहीं मिला। (I went but didn't meet.)
• ✓ Correct: मैं गया लेकिन वह नहीं मिला। (I went but he wasn't there/didn't meet.)

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes in fast speech. But as a learner, keeping your subjects clear will help people understand you better. Also, do not confuse पर (but) with फिर (then/again). They sound a bit similar to new ears, but their jobs are totally different.

How do you choose between लेकिन, पर, and मगर?

• लेकिन (Lekin): This is the "Goldilocks" word. It is perfect for any situation. It is formal enough for a meeting and casual enough for a cafe.
• पर (Par): This is the "Quick Fix." It is short. You will hear it in 80% of casual conversations. It is the "sneakers" of Hindi grammar.
• मगर (Magar): This is the "Fancy Choice." It sounds a bit more literary. You might hear it in Bollywood songs or poetry.
• किंतु (Kintu) / परंतु (Parantu): These are very formal. You will see them in textbooks or news broadcasts. Unless you are giving a speech at a university, you can skip these for now.