Passive Voice in Hindi

Overview

Passive Voice (कर्मवाच्य) is an important topic in Hindi grammar at the intermediate level. Passive formed with verb stem + आ/ई/ए जाना. Agent marked with से/द्वारा/के द्वारा. Often used for impersonal statements.

At the B1 level, understanding passive voice helps you move beyond simple sentences and express yourself with greater nuance. This concept is key to sounding more like a natural Hindi speaker.

This concept builds on your knowledge of Simple Past Tense. Once you are comfortable with passive voice, you will be well prepared to explore related topics such as Impersonal Voice (Bhav Vachya).

How It Works

Key Rules

• Passive formed with verb stem + आ/ई/ए जाना.
• Agent marked with से/द्वारा/के द्वारा.
• Often used for impersonal statements.

Forms and Patterns

Hindi	English/Explanation
खाना खाया गया।	The food was eaten.
यह किताब राम द्वारा लिखी गई।	This book was written by Ram.
यहाँ हिंदी बोली जाती है।	Hindi is spoken here.

Examples in Context

Hindi	English	Note
खाना खाया गया।	The food was eaten.	Simple passive past
यह किताब राम द्वारा लिखी गई।	This book was written by Ram.	Agent with द्वारा
यहाँ हिंदी बोली जाती है।	Hindi is spoken here.	Habitual passive
दरवाज़ा खोला गया।	The door was opened.	Passive without agent
पत्र भेजा जाएगा।	The letter will be sent.	Future passive
काम किया जा रहा है।	The work is being done.	Continuous passive
यह नहीं किया जा सकता।	This cannot be done.	Passive + ability
मीटिंग रद्द की गई।	The meeting was cancelled.	Formal passive
उसे बुलाया गया।	He/She was called.	Person as object
नियम तोड़ा गया।	The rule was broken.	Abstract object passive

Common Mistakes

Applying English patterns to Passive Voice

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure
• Right: Follow Hindi-specific rules for passive voice
• Why: Hindi has its own system that often differs from English

Forgetting agreement rules

• Wrong: Not matching gender, number, or formality
• Right: Always check that all parts of the sentence agree
• Why: Agreement is central to Hindi grammar and affects multiple word classes

Overcomplicating the pattern

• Wrong: Using advanced structures when simpler ones work
• Right: Start with the basic pattern and add complexity gradually
• Why: Mastering the core pattern first makes advanced usage easier

Usage Notes

At the B1 level, you should aim to use passive voice naturally in conversation. Pay attention to how native speakers employ this structure in everyday speech, films, and songs.

Hindi media such as TV shows, news broadcasts, and podcasts are excellent sources for observing passive voice in authentic contexts. Notice how the same idea might be expressed differently in formal vs. informal settings.

When writing, take extra care with passive voice as written Hindi tends to be more precise than spoken Hindi. Double-check your constructions against the patterns you have learned.

Practice Tips

1. Watch Hindi films or TV shows and note how native speakers use passive voice in different situations. Pause and repeat phrases to build muscle memory.
2. Write short paragraphs or diary entries using passive voice deliberately. Have a native speaker or tutor review your writing for accuracy.
3. Practice with a language partner by creating scenarios where you must use passive voice naturally in conversation.

Related Concepts

• Simple Past Tense -- prerequisite concept
• Impersonal Voice (Bhav Vachya) -- builds on this concept