Module 02
Grammar Bridge
Start with Tamil patterns, then see where Hindi changes words to match, puts words such as “in” and “to” after nouns, changes some nouns before those words, or uses a special pattern for finished actions. Every Hindi example includes a Latin-script reading.
Start with a familiar sentence pattern
Tamil and Hindi are both SOV languages: in an ordinary sentence, they often put the action near the end. Use this as a helpful pattern, but remember that word order can change.
Tamil
நான் ஹிந்தி படிக்கிறேன்.
Naan Hindi padikkireen.
I → Hindi → study
Hindi · male speaker
I → Hindi → study
The Hindi verb changes to match who is speaking. A female speaker uses the corresponding feminine form shown later in the Verbs lesson.
Hindi usually says the ‘am/is/are’ word
In a simple sentence such as ‘I am Ravi’, Tamil can leave out the word meaning ‘am’. Beginner Hindi normally includes it at the end.
Tamil
நான் ரவி.
Naan Ravi.
I am Ravi.
Hindi
The ‘am’ word stays at the end.
| Who or what the sentence is about (subject) | ‘am/is/are’ word (copula) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
मैं main | हूँ hoon | I am |
तुम tum | हो ho | you are · familiar |
यह / वह yah / vah | है hai | this / that / singular is |
हम / आप / ये / वे ham / aap / ye / ve | हैं hain | we / respectful you / plural are |
Point, then ask
Use words for ‘this’ and ‘that’, then add question words to ask things such as ‘What is this?’
என்ன
enna
யார்
yaar
எங்கே
engae
எப்போது
eppoadhu
ஏன்
aen
எப்படி
eppadi