The phrase “had to” is commonly used in English to express a compulsion or necessity that existed in the past. In Hindi, it is translated as “करना पड़ा” or “होना पड़ा”, depending on the context of the sentence. Understanding its usage is essential for forming meaningful and grammatically correct sentences, especially when translating ideas between Hindi and English.
Basic Meaning and Structure
The phrase “had to” is used when we talk about something that was required or mandatory in the past. In Hindi, the structure aligns with the following format:
- Subject + को/ने + Verb (in infinitive form) + पड़ा/पड़े/पड़ी
For example:
- I had to go to the market.
मुझे बाजार जाना पड़ा। - She had to complete her homework.
उसे अपना होमवर्क पूरा करना पड़ा।
In the Hindi translation, the word “पड़ा” changes depending on the gender and number of the subject.
When to Use “Had To” in Hindi
“Had to” is used in various contexts like obligations, responsibilities, or unavoidable actions. Let’s explore some scenarios.
1. Expressing Past Obligations
When you want to express that something was obligatory in the past, “had to” fits perfectly. For example:
- They had to leave early.
उन्हें जल्दी जाना पड़ा। - We had to wait for the train.
हमें ट्रेन का इंतजार करना पड़ा।
2. Talking About Decisions Made Under Compulsion
Sometimes, circumstances force decisions. Here’s how “had to” works:
- I had to cancel the meeting due to rain.
मुझे बारिश के कारण मीटिंग रद्द करनी पड़ी। - He had to apologize for his mistake.
उसे अपनी गलती के लिए माफी मांगनी पड़ी।
3. Expressing Necessities Due to Situations
“Had to” also describes situations where something was necessary:
- She had to borrow money to pay the fees.
उसे फीस चुकाने के लिए पैसे उधार लेने पड़े। - We had to cook food ourselves.
हमें खुद खाना बनाना पड़ा।
Forms and Variations in Hindi
The choice of words changes slightly in Hindi based on gender, number, and subject. Let’s look at the variations:
| Subject | English Sentence | Hindi Translation |
|---|---|---|
| He | He had to leave early. | उसे जल्दी जाना पड़ा। |
| She | She had to finish the work. | उसे काम पूरा करना पड़ा। |
| They (Masculine) | They had to travel by train. | उन्हें ट्रेन से यात्रा करनी पड़ी। |
| They (Feminine) | They had to wait for the teacher. | उन्हें शिक्षक का इंतजार करना पड़ा। |
| We | We had to clean the house. | हमें घर साफ करना पड़ा। |
| I | I had to attend the function. | मुझे समारोह में जाना पड़ा। |
Common Mistakes in Using “Had To” in Hindi
- Direct Translation Errors:
Translating “had to” word-for-word often leads to mistakes. For example:- Incorrect: मैं किया पड़ा।
- Correct: मुझे करना पड़ा।
- Gender Agreement Issues:
In Hindi, verbs must agree with the subject’s gender. For example:- Incorrect: उसे काम पूरा करने पड़ा।
- Correct: उसे काम पूरा करना पड़ा।
Practical Examples for Daily Use
To master “had to,” practice with everyday scenarios:
- He had to attend school despite the fever.
उसे बुखार के बावजूद स्कूल जाना पड़ा। - They had to carry heavy luggage.
उन्हें भारी सामान उठाना पड़ा।
Using “Had To” in Questions
In Hindi, questions with “had to” are often framed as:
- Did you have to go to the hospital?
क्या आपको अस्पताल जाना पड़ा? - Why did she have to leave suddenly?
उसे अचानक क्यों जाना पड़ा?
“Had To” in Negative Sentences
Negative sentences with “had to” are formed with “नहीं”:
- I didn’t have to cook today.
मुझे आज खाना नहीं बनाना पड़ा। - They didn’t have to pay the fine.
उन्हें जुर्माना नहीं भरना पड़ा।
Exercises to Practice
Translate the following sentences into Hindi:
- He had to study all night.
- We had to cancel the trip.
- She didn’t have to wait long.
- Did you have to finish it in one day?
Why Learning “Had To” is Important
“Had to” is an essential phrase in both casual and formal communication. Whether you’re speaking English or Hindi, understanding its correct usage helps in expressing necessity or obligations clearly.
Practice frequently to build confidence and fluency in switching between the two languages seamlessly!
