-नि / -न्हि
Old and New Spellings of Respect
-नि and -न्हि are two spellings of the same respectful ending.
How It Works
The respectful verb ending is spelled two ways. The shorter -नि is the standard in schoolbooks and modern writing. The longer -न्हि is common in older books, and some writers still use it.
| Today | Older | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कहलनि | कहलन्हि | said (respected) |
| देलनि | देलन्हि | gave (respected) |
| छनि | छन्हि | has (respected owner) |
| कहलथिन | कहलथिन्ह | said (both respected) |
- Both spellings have the same meaning.
- Modern writing mostly uses -नि.
- Older books and some poets use -न्हि.
There is no need to choose a side in speech. When you write, pick -नि and keep it throughout. When you read an older book and see -न्हि, read it as -नि. Use either ending only when someone in the sentence is respected.
Examples (4)
- बाबूजी हमरा कहलनि जे काल्हि आएब।
Father told me he will come tomorrow.
कहलनि is the modern spelling; older books print कहलन्हि.
- हुनका दूटा बेटी छनि।
She has two daughters.
छनि is the modern spelling of छन्हि.
- काकी हमरा चाह देलनि।
Aunt gave me tea.
देलनि is the modern spelling of देलन्हि.
- माय हमरा बजा कऽ कहलनि जे भात खा लिअ।
Mother called me and said, "Have your rice."
कहलनि follows the respectful subject माय.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Spotting the older spelling requires knowing today's -नि ending first.
Related Patterns
- Verb Endings Show Respect and Person
The idea behind the endings.
Foundations - हुनका ... छनिSaying a Respected Person Has Something
A pattern that uses the -नि ending.
Level 4 - कहलथिनRespect for Both People
The -थिन ending, also spelled -थिन्ह in older books.
Level 5 - Everyday and Written Maithili
Other spelling differences between styles.
Level 5 - कएलनि / कएलकThe Past of Verbs with an Object
The two basic third-person endings.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice -नि / -न्हि in Bubblegum
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