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Hindi Grammar for Beginners: What You Really Need to Know
Hindi Learning Guides, Grammar, Vocabulary & Pronunciation, Online Learning with IndoLingo

Hindi Grammar for Beginners: What You Really Need to Know


May 06, 2025

Let’s be honest—grammar can be intimidating in any language. But when you're starting to learn Hindi, the good news is this: Hindi grammar is actually logical, consistent, and beginner-friendly once you understand the basic rules.

At IndoLingo, we teach Hindi to students of all ages through live, one-on-one online classes. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the essential grammar topics every new learner needs to know—without overloading you with jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Whether you’re learning Hindi for family, travel, cultural connection, or curiosity, this is the place to start.

1. Hindi Uses Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) Word Order

In English, we follow a Subject-Verb-Object structure:

English: I eat apples.

In Hindi, the structure flips slightly to Subject-Object-Verb:

Hindi: मैं सेब खाता हूँ। (Main seb khaataa hoon.) → I apples eat.

This takes some getting used to, but it becomes natural with practice—especially when reinforced with live speaking exercises, like those in our IndoLingo Hindi lessons.

2. Gender Matters in Hindi

Hindi nouns are either masculine or feminine, and this affects how you use adjectives and verbs. For example:

  • Masculine: अच्छा लड़का (achchhaa ladkaa) → good boy
  • Feminine: अच्छी लड़की (achchhee ladkee) → good girl

Don’t worry—there are patterns you can learn, and your tutor can help you get used to them gradually. Many Hindi words that end in "-a” are masculine, and words that end in "-i” or "-ee” are often feminine, but there are exceptions.

3. Verbs Must Agree With Gender and Number

In English, verb conjugations are usually the same regardless of gender:

He eats. She eats.

In Hindi, the verb changes based on who is doing the action—and their gender. For example, the verb "to eat” (खाना – khaana) looks different depending on the speaker:

  • मैं खाता हूँ। (Main khaataa hoon.) – I eat (male speaker)
  • मैं खाती हूँ। (Main khaatee hoon.) – I eat (female speaker)

These changes can feel tricky at first, but with consistent use and tutor guidance, they become second nature.

4. Hindi Has Postpositions, Not Prepositions

In English, we say things like "on the table” or "under the bed.” These are prepositions—they come before the noun.

In Hindi, these are called postpositions because they come after the noun:

  • टेबल पर (ṭebal par) – on the table
  • बिस्तर के नीचे (bistar ke neeche) – under the bed

Some of the most common postpositions are:

  • पर (par) – on, at
  • में (mein) – in
  • से (se) – from, by
  • को (ko) – to

Learning these early will help you build more natural sentences faster.

5. Pronouns in Hindi

Here are the basic pronouns you’ll use all the time:

English Hindi
I मैं (main)
You (informal) तू (too)
You (casual) तुम (tum)
You (formal) आप (aap)
He/She/It (near) यह (yah)
He/She/It (far) वह (vah)

The form of "you” you use depends on context—age, formality, and familiarity. Tutors at IndoLingo help learners use these appropriately through real conversation practice.

6. Question Words You’ll Use All the Time

Here are the most common question words to remember:

  • क्या (kyaa) – What
  • कौन (kaun) – Who
  • कब (kab) – When
  • कहाँ (kahaan) – Where
  • क्यों (kyon) – Why
  • कैसे (kaise) – How

These make conversations more dynamic—and they’re often the first things kids learn in Hindi classes for kids.

7. Tenses: Past, Present, and Future

Hindi verbs change depending on when the action takes place. You’ll encounter three main tenses:

Present Tense

मैं पढ़ता हूँ। (Main padhta hoon.) – I read (male speaker)

Past Tense

मैंने पढ़ा। (Mainne padha.) – I read (past)

Future Tense

मैं पढ़ूँगा। (Main padhunga.) – I will read (male speaker)

These follow predictable patterns that become easier over time. IndoLingo tutors help break them down in bite-sized steps during live sessions.

8. Vocabulary Comes to Life Through Grammar

Grammar gives your vocabulary structure. Learning new words is important, but knowing how to use them in a sentence is what makes them useful. That’s why IndoLingo tutors emphasize:

  • Sentence building
  • Real conversations
  • Situational grammar (e.g., how to order food, greet someone, describe your family)

You’ll use grammar to say real things about your real life—not just memorize rules.

How IndoLingo Makes Hindi Grammar Easy to Learn

At IndoLingo, we meet you where you are. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who understands Hindi but wants to learn how to speak or read it properly, our tutors create a custom learning plan for you.

In your free trial lesson, you’ll get:

  • Personalized instruction based on your goals
  • Live speaking practice with grammar in context
  • Materials and explanations that match your learning style
  • Progress updates and clear milestones

We make grammar feel less like a textbook—and more like a tool for expression.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Speak Soon

Hindi grammar doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. By starting with these essential building blocks—and getting real-time support—you’ll begin forming sentences faster than you think.

Ready to take your first step? Browse our Hindi tutors and book your free trial class today. Whether you're learning for family, heritage, or future travels, we'll help you make Hindi grammar easy, practical, and enjoyable.