کہیں ... نہ ہو

Expressing a Concern About a Possibility

Level 5

Take care → this unwanted event might happen.

How It Works

In this construction, کہیں warns of an unwelcome possibility. کہیں دیر نہ ہو جائے expresses concern that it might get late, not a desire for lateness.

The negative subjunctive often follows a precaution or request. The feared clause can have its own subject and agreement, including a verb other than ہونا.

کہیں has a separate place meaning, “somewhere.” In the apprehensive construction it need not identify any location. Use context to distinguish the two.

Examples (4)

  1. پتا دوبارہ دیکھ لیجیے، کہیں ہم غلط جگہ نہ پہنچ جائیں۔

    Please check the address again, in case we end up at the wrong place.

    The feared event is arriving at the wrong place.

  2. چابی سنبھال کر رکھو، کہیں گم نہ ہو جائے۔

    Keep the key safe so it does not get lost.

    The second clause explains the precaution.

  3. آواز آہستہ رکھو، کہیں بچہ جاگ نہ جائے۔

    Keep your voice down in case the child wakes up.

    The child is the subject of the feared event.

  4. مجھے فکر ہے، کہیں وقت کم نہ پڑ جائے۔

    I am worried that we may run short of time.

    کہیں introduces apprehension rather than a physical place.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

کہیں ... نہ ہوLevel 5Expressing a Concern About a Possibility

Learn This First

Use the subjunctive for a feared possible event. Recognize کہیں and a negative before interpreting their apprehensive combination.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

نہہونا