Modal verb: सकना (can, to be able)

In English, "can" stays the same regardless of who is speaking. In Hindi, सकना is a bit more social. It likes to change its clothes to match the subject. It behaves like a regular verb in the present tense. This means it cares about gender and number. If you are a man, you use सकता. If you are a woman, you use सकती. If you are talking about a group or being polite, you use सकते. It always follows the main action verb. Think of the main verb as the "boss" and सकना as the "assistant." The boss gives the meaning, and the assistant handles the grammar. You don't need to worry about complex case endings here. It is a straightforward addition to your sentence structure.

1. 1Building a sentence with सकना follows a simple 4-step recipe. Follow these steps and you will never get lost:
2. 2Identify your main action verb (e.g., बोलना - to speak).
3. 3Remove the ना ending to get the verb stem (e.g., बोल).
4. 4Add the correct form of सकना based on the subject (e.g., सकता, सकती, or सकते).
5. 5Finish with the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb होना (e.g., हूँ, है, हो, or हैं).
6. 6Example: मैं (I) + बोल (speak stem) + सकता (can - male) + हूँ (am) = मैं बोल सकता हूँ (I can speak). It is like building with Lego blocks. You just snap the pieces together in the right order.

You will find yourself reaching for सकना in three main scenarios. First, use it for Physical or Mental Ability. If you can swim or solve a math problem, this is your verb. For example, "I can run fast." Second, use it for Seeking or Giving Permission. It is perfect for the office or a friend's house. "Can I come in?" or "You can take my pen." Third, use it for Possibility. If something might happen, सकना does the job. "It can rain today." It is very common in job interviews. You might say, "I can work on weekends." In a restaurant, you might ask, "Can I get the bill?" It is the ultimate multi-tool for daily conversation.

Even though सकना is powerful, it shouldn't be used for everything. Do not use it for Learned Skills where you want to emphasize "knowing how." For skills like languages or swimming, Hindi speakers often prefer the verb आना (to come). Saying मुझे हिंदी आती है (Hindi comes to me) sounds more natural than मैं हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ. Also, do not use it for Habitual Actions. If you usually go to the gym, just use the simple present tense. सकना implies a specific capacity, not a routine. Finally, don't use it when you are forced to do something. That requires a different structure entirely. Think of सकना as a choice or a capability, not a requirement.

The most frequent trip-up is keeping the ना on the main verb. Beginners often say मैं बोलना सकता हूँ. This sounds like saying "I can to speak" in English. It is a bit clunky. Always remember to chop off that ना! Another mistake is forgetting to match the gender. If a girl says मैं कर सकता हूँ, it sounds a bit confusing to native ears. Yes, even native speakers might slip up in fast speech, but you should aim for accuracy. Also, watch your word order. सकना must come after the main verb stem. Don't let it wander to the start of the sentence. It is a loyal follower, not a leader.

You might encounter पाना (paana) and wonder if it is the same. While सकना is about general ability, पाना is often about "managing" to do something despite an obstacle. If you "couldn't" reach the phone because you were busy, पाना is your friend. सकना is more about the inherent power to do it. Then there is आना (aana), which we mentioned earlier. Use आना for skills you have studied or mastered over time. Use सकना for the immediate physical possibility. It is like the difference between "I know how to drive" and "I am physically able to drive right now." Understanding this distinction makes you sound like a pro.