चाहे ... या
Whether ... or
चाहे ... या means whether ... or. Neither option changes the outcome.
How It Works
चाहे ... या sets out two options and then says something that holds for both: चाहे बारिश हो या धूप, हम जाएँगे। (Rain or shine, we'll go.)
The options are usually in the subjunctive, because neither is settled: चाहे वह आए या न आए (whether he comes or not). An option can also be just a noun or adjective with हो: चाहे अमीर हो या ग़रीब (rich or poor).
Keep the two options parallel: two people, two states or two ways of doing something. Words they share are said once: चाहे तुम बस से जाओ या ट्रेन से.
The main clause can be a fact, a plan or an instruction:
- Fact: चाहे गर्मी हो या सर्दी, रीना सुबह टहलती है.
- Plan: चाहे वह आए या न आए, हम समय पर शुरू करेंगे.
- Instruction: चाहे बस से जाओ या ट्रेन से, समय पर पहुँचना.
A plain या question asks someone to choose: चाय या कॉफ़ी? With चाहे, no choice is asked for; the point is that the choice does not matter.
For any number of options, use चाहे with भी: चाहे कोई भी आए.
Examples (4)
- चाहे वह आए या न आए, हम समय पर शुरू करेंगे।
Whether he comes or not, we'll start on time.
न आए gives the negative option.
- चाहे गर्मी हो या सर्दी, रीना सुबह टहलती है।
Whether it's hot or cold, Reena goes for a morning walk.
The weather doesn't change her habit.
- चाहे तुम बस से जाओ या ट्रेन से, समय पर पहुँचना।
Whether you go by bus or by train, get there on time.
The main clause is an instruction that holds either way.
- चाहे अमीर हो या ग़रीब, क़ानून सबके लिए बराबर है।
Rich or poor, the law is the same for everyone.
Each option is a single word with हो.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Whether ... or uses the subjunctive to say the outcome stays the same.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice चाहे ... या in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Hindi lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
