Basic Postpositions in Hindi

Overview

Basic Postpositions (बुनियादी परसर्ग) is an essential topic in Hindi grammar that you will encounter early in your studies. Simple postpositions that follow nouns: में (in), पर (on), से (from/with), को (to/object marker), का/के/की (of/possessive).

Understanding basic postpositions is one of the first steps toward communicating effectively in Hindi. As a beginner concept, it provides the foundation for many other grammatical structures you will learn later.

Once you are comfortable with basic postpositions, you will be well prepared to explore related topics such as Oblique Case, Expressing Feelings (Dative Subjects).

How It Works

Key Rules

• Simple postpositions that follow nouns: में (in), पर (on), से (from/with), को (to/object marker), का/के/की (of/possessive).

Forms and Patterns

Hindi	English/Explanation
घर में (in the house)	में = in
मेज़ पर (on the table)	पर = on
दिल्ली से (from Delhi)	से = from

Examples in Context

Hindi	English	Note
घर में	in the house	में = in/inside
मेज़ पर	on the table	पर = on/at
दिल्ली से	from Delhi	से = from
स्कूल को जाना	to go to school	को = to (direction)
बच्चे को दो।	Give it to the child.	को = to (indirect object)
पानी से धोओ।	Wash with water.	से = with (instrument)
राम का घर	Ram's house	का = of/possessive (m.sg)
सीता की किताब	Sita's book	की = of/possessive (f.)
बस में बैठो।	Sit in the bus.	में with vehicle
छत पर जाओ।	Go on the roof.	पर with surface

Common Mistakes

Placing postposition before the noun

• Wrong: में घर instead of घर में
• Right: Hindi uses postpositions (after the noun), not prepositions
• Why: This is opposite to English word order

Forgetting oblique case before postposition

• Wrong: लड़का को instead of लड़के को
• Right: Nouns must take oblique form before most postpositions
• Why: Masculine -ा nouns change to -े before postpositions

Confusing को and से

• Wrong: मुझे से instead of मुझसे or मुझ से
• Right: से means from/with/by; को means to/at (object marker)
• Why: Learn which verbs take which postposition

Practice Tips

1. Practice basic postpositions by writing simple sentences every day. Start with patterns you know well and gradually add new vocabulary.
2. Use flashcards to memorize key forms and patterns. Test yourself regularly, and review any items you find difficult.
3. Listen to simple Hindi dialogues or children's content and try to identify examples of basic postpositions in use.

Related Concepts

• Oblique Case -- builds on this concept
• Expressing Feelings (Dative Subjects) -- builds on this concept