Using the Hindi Infinitive

Since the infinitive acts like a noun (specifically a masculine singular noun), it follows noun rules. The most important rule? It changes shape! Just like laṛkā (boy) becomes laṛke when you add a postposition (like ko, se, me), the infinitive karnā changes to karne. This is the "oblique case," and it's the secret sauce to sounding fluent. Think of it as the verb putting on formal clothes because a preposition walked into the room.

1. 1Take the verb root (e.g., bol for speak, jā for go).
2. 2Add -nā to make the default infinitive (Direct Case).
3. 3bol + nā = bolnā (to speak/speaking)
4. 4Change -nā to -ne if a postposition follows (Oblique Case).
5. 5bolnā + se = bolne se (by speaking)

• As a Subject: When the action is the main topic. hindī sīkhnā mazadār hai (Learning Hindi is fun).
• As an Object: When you want or like to do something. main jānā cāhtā hūn (I want to go).
• With Postpositions: To show purpose, time, or cause. main milne āyā (I came to meet - implied 'ke liye'). khāne ke bād (After eating).
• For Compulsion: When you *have* to do something. mujhe jānā hai (I have to go).

• Don't use it as the main verb in a sentence describing current action (that's continuous tense). main khānā is wrong for "I am eating."
• Don't confuse it with the root alone. Commands often use the root or o ending, not the infinitive (unless it's a polite future request).

• The 'Nā' Trap: Beginners often forget to change -nā to -ne with postpositions. Saying karnā ke liye is like wearing socks with sandals—technically functional, but everyone stares. It should be karne ke liye.
• Gender Confusion: Even though hindī is feminine, the activity hindī sīkhnā stays masculine singular. Don't change it to sīkhnī unless the grammar structure specifically demands agreement with an object in complex constructions (but keep it simple for now).

• Infinitive vs. Imperative: jānā means "to go," but can also be a polite future command "Please go (later)." Contrast this with jāo (go now).
• Infinitive vs. Continuous: wo gānā gā rahā hai (He is singing - continuous) vs. use gānā pasand hai (He likes singing - infinitive as noun).