-ना as an Instruction
Instructions with the Infinitive
The -ना form can be a gentle instruction: कल ज़रूर आना (Be sure to come tomorrow).
How It Works
Hindi has several ways to tell someone what to do. The plain -ना form is a soft one, used mainly with people you call तुम. It often sounds like a reminder or advice for later.
| Now | Later, or as advice |
|---|---|
| आओ (come) | कल ज़रूर आना (be sure to come tomorrow) |
| फ़ोन करो (call) | घर पहुँचकर फ़ोन करना (call when you get home) |
The form never changes. It is the same for a man, a woman or a group.
Common goodbyes and advice:
- अपना ध्यान रखना। (Take care of yourself.)
- पहुँचकर बताना। (Let me know when you arrive.)
- दवा समय पर लेना। (Take your medicine on time.)
Saying don't. Put मत before or after the verb: मत भूलना or भूलना मत (don't forget). यह बात किसी को मत बताना means don't tell anyone about this.
With आप, use the very polite -इएगा form instead: कल ज़रूर आइएगा.
Examples (5)
- कल ज़रूर आना।
Be sure to come tomorrow.
The -ना form gives a friendly instruction for later.
- अपना ध्यान रखना।
Take care of yourself.
A common way to say goodbye.
- घर पहुँचकर फ़ोन करना।
Call me when you get home.
The instruction is for later.
- यह बात किसी को मत बताना।
Don't tell anyone about this.
मत makes it negative.
- दवा समय पर लेना।
Take your medicine on time.
Advice to follow from now on.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The infinitive instruction is a softer alternative to regular commands.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice -ना as an Instruction in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Hindi lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
